Vehicle Preconditioning via Camera Detection and Telematics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telematics systems lack the ability to autonomously precondition vehicles based on environmental conditions, such as condensation on windshields, without manual intervention, which can lead to inefficient or ineffective clearing of obstructions.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle preconditioning system that utilizes a camera to detect environmental conditions, sends notifications to a remote device, and receives commands to activate vehicle systems like windshield wipers and defrosters through a telematics system, allowing for automated or remote preconditioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual intervention is used to activate vehicle systems for clearing condensation and ice, then the system can be activated, but it requires user awareness and manual action which may not be timely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated detection and activation of vehicle systemsVSAvoidsystem complexity with camera and telematics integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of environmental conditions (condensation, ice, snow) using a camera before the vehicle is needed. When adverse conditions are detected, the system automatically activates appropriate vehicle systems (defroster, wipers, heated mirrors) in advance, so the vehicle is ready for use without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle system serves itself by automatically detecting environmental conditions and activating necessary systems without human intervention. The camera monitors conditions, the processor determines what action is needed, and the vehicle systems self-activate to clear condensation, ice, or snow from windows and mirrors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the system continuously monitors environmental conditions, then it can detect condensation and ice formation, but it consumes energy and requires processing power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of environmental conditionsVSAvoidenergy consumption of camera and processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the camera and environmental sensors take periodic snapshots or measurements at predetermined time intervals. This reduces energy consumption while still providing reliable detection of environmental conditions. The system activates vehicle systems based on these periodic assessments rather than constant monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If the vehicle system automatically activates without user confirmation, then preconditioning is timely, but the user has no control over system activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of vehicle preparationVSAvoiduser control over system activation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to the user through notifications when environmental conditions are detected and when vehicle systems are activated. Users receive information about what conditions triggered the activation and what systems are running, allowing them to monitor and control the automated process while maintaining timely response to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9994175B2System for preconditioning a vehicle and method thereof

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An environmental condition outside of a vehicle can be detected via a camera or sensor. A notification of the environmental condition can be sent to a remote device via a telematics system. A command can be received from the remote device in response to the notification via the telematics system, wherein the command is related to a vehicle system of the vehicle. The command can be communicated to the vehicle system to cause a preconditioning of the vehicle.