Vehicle Functional Testing with PID-Guided Diagnostic Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians face challenges in efficiently diagnosing and repairing vehicles due to the lack of interoperability among computerized tools, making it difficult to discern precise timing and applicable parameter identifiers (PIDs) for vehicle diagnostics, leading to inefficient service processes.
Innovation Solution
A computing system that determines a test set based on a vehicle identifier, configures a test device, and outputs graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to perform component tests, transmit vehicle data messages, and display representations of test performances, enabling simultaneous access to multiple tool functionalities and providing relevant PID values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If technicians use multiple separate computerized tools with dedicated functionality, then specific diagnostic functions can be performed, but the tools operate in silos without inter-operability, increasing device complexity and reducing service efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate computerized diagnostic tools into a single integrated tool that can perform electronic meter functionality, scan tool functionality, and functional test functionality simultaneously through a unified graphical user interface, eliminating the need for technicians to switch between separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated computerized tool is designed to perform multiple diagnostic functions including electronic meter measurements, scan tool data retrieval, and functional test execution, allowing a single tool to replace multiple specialized tools while maintaining all required capabilities
2Measurement precision
If technicians perform functional tests and use their senses to directly perceive changes in vehicle performance, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but it is difficult or impossible to discern precise timing between initiating the test and target signal characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated feedback by monitoring target signal characteristics during functional tests and comparing them against expected values, automatically informing the technician whether a component is functioning correctly without requiring the technician to manually time and interpret signal characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the technician's sensory perception and manual timing with automated electronic measurement and analysis systems that precisely capture and interpret target signal characteristics, substituting human sensory limitations with electronic measurement capabilities
3Loss of information
If technicians use vehicle information systems with hundreds of parameter identifiers (PIDs), then comprehensive diagnostic data can be retrieved, but technicians do not know which PIDs are applicable, leading to guessing and increased loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis by automatically determining which parameter identifiers (PIDs) are relevant to the specific diagnostic situation before the technician needs to retrieve data, pre-filtering the hundreds of available PIDs down to only those applicable to the current vehicle and symptom
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle information system performs self-service by automatically selecting and presenting the appropriate PIDs based on the vehicle identifier and diagnostic context, eliminating the need for the technician to manually search through or guess which PIDs to request
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising determining a functional test and one or more parameter identifiers (PIDs) corresponding to the functional test. The method also includes transmitting first and second sets of vehicle data messages to a vehicle. The first set of vehicle data messages includes a first vehicle data message to request performance of the functional test and the second set of vehicle data messages includes vehicle data messages including the one or more PIDs. Additionally, the method includes receiving, from the vehicle, a third set of vehicle data message including parameter values corresponding to the one or more PIDs. Furthermore, the method includes outputting, by the processor on a display, a first graphical user interface including a user-selectable control corresponding to performance of the functional test, a textual description corresponding to each of the one or more PIDs and parameter values corresponding to the one or more PIDs.