Vehicle Diagnostic Testing System with Cloud Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OBD devices lack the ability to communicate externally with computing devices, requiring users to manually search for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and do not provide recommendations for repair personnel, leading to resource inefficiencies and user confusion.
Innovation Solution
A self-service vehicle diagnostic testing system that interfaces with onboard diagnostic systems via a test cable, utilizing a processor to retrieve and display diagnostic data on a computing device, including features like a payment port, audio instructions, and a motion sensing module to automate the testing process, and provides recommendations for repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If current OBD devices are used, then basic diagnostic capability is provided, but external communication with computing devices is not enabled and manual search for DTC is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based intermediary system that bridges the gap between basic OBD devices and computing devices. The OBD device communicates diagnostic data to a cloud server, which then provides interpreted results and repair recommendations back to the user's computing device, enabling external communication without requiring complex direct integration between the OBD device and various computing platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based system serves multiple functions: it stores diagnostic data, interprets DTC codes, provides repair recommendations, and communicates with various types of computing devices. This universal platform eliminates the need for device-specific integration solutions and enables seamless communication between OBD devices and different user computing environments.
2Loss of time
If manual DTC search is required, then device simplicity is maintained, but user confusion and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary interpretation of diagnostic codes in the cloud before the user needs to understand them. The cloud server automatically decodes DTCs, cross-references them with repair databases, and prepares summarized results and recommendations in advance, so that when the user views the data on their computing device, the information is already processed and ready for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback loops where diagnostic data is automatically interpreted, repair recommendations are generated, and results are transmitted back to the user's computing device. This feedback mechanism eliminates the manual search process by automatically delivering both the diagnostic information and actionable repair guidance directly to the user.
3Productivity
If OBD devices do not provide repair recommendations, then device simplicity is maintained, but resource waste and confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based system performs preliminary analysis of diagnostic data and generates repair recommendations before the user needs to take action. The system proactively identifies the most likely causes of diagnostic issues and prepares suggested repairs, parts, and service procedures in advance, so that when the user receives the results, the path to resolution is already outlined.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically interpreting diagnostic codes, determining likely causes, and providing repair recommendations without requiring user intervention in the analysis process. The cloud server autonomously processes the diagnostic data, cross-references it with repair databases, and delivers actionable recommendations, freeing the user from manual research and reducing resource waste.
4Ease of operation
If diagnostic testing is performed at accessible public locations, then user accessibility is improved, but system infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server acts as an intermediary that handles all complex processing tasks remotely. The simple kiosk hardware at public locations only needs to facilitate basic user interaction and communicate with the cloud, while the complex diagnostic interpretation, data storage, and recommendation generation are performed by the cloud-based intermediary system, reducing on-site infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based platform provides universal functionality that can be accessed from any location. The same cloud server handles diagnostic processing for users at different public locations (gas stations, convenience stores, repair shops), eliminating the need for duplicate infrastructure at each site while maintaining consistent service quality and user accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A testing system for interfacing with a vehicle diagnostic system and performing a diagnostic test on a vehicle. The testing system includes a housing configured to at least partially retain a processor in circuit communication with test circuitry configured to selectively communicate with vehicle's onboard diagnostic system via a test cable. The test cable retrieves diagnostic data from the onboard diagnostic system, and the processor performs a diagnostic test which is sent to an output device for displaying the test results. Results are transmitted to a computing device comprising an application system having an interpreter for displaying diagnostic data on a display of the computing device.