Vehicle Scanner Interface Using 3D Spatial Perspectives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle diagnosis methods require users to manually sort through lists of information from electronic control units, making it time-consuming and confusing to identify which parameters relate to specific vehicle functions or components.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where a scanning device interacts with a vehicle using stored vehicle models to present information in a structured manner, allowing users to select a functional part and display associated information in a visually clear format, with options for different presentation modes and perspectives to enhance clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a scanner presents information in traditional list format, then all vehicle data can be displayed, but the user experience becomes confusing and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation clarityVSAvoiddiagnosis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the information display by dividing it into multiple perspectives (engine bay perspective, undercarriage perspective, top perspective) corresponding to different vehicle regions. Each perspective shows only the components and parameters relevant to that specific area, rather than presenting all vehicle data in a single comprehensive list. This segmentation reduces information overload and helps users quickly locate relevant diagnostic data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the information display by mapping diagnostic parameters to their physical locations on the vehicle. Instead of a flat list format, the system presents information in three-dimensional perspectives (engine bay, undercarriage, top views) that correspond to the actual spatial arrangement of vehicle components. This dimensional transformation makes it intuitive for users to understand which parameter belongs to which physical location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If a scanner displays all parameters in a comprehensive list, then complete information is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidinformation sorting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the comprehensive parameter list into multiple organized perspectives based on vehicle regions. Each perspective (engine bay, undercarriage, top) contains a subset of parameters relevant to that area, maintaining information completeness while improving organization. Users can navigate between perspectives to access different parameter groups without being overwhelmed by a single large list.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different information presentations for different vehicle regions. Each perspective is customized to show parameters and components specific to that area (e.g., engine parameters in engine bay view, suspension parameters in undercarriage view). This localized information presentation makes it easier for users to find and understand region-specific diagnostic data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If traditional scanner interfaces are used, then device complexity remains simple, but the user interface effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanner structureVSAvoidinformation presentation clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances information presentation clarity by introducing three-dimensional perspectives (engine bay, undercarriage, top views) to the scanner interface. These perspectives visually represent the spatial arrangement of vehicle components and map diagnostic parameters to their corresponding physical locations. This dimensional enhancement improves information clarity without requiring complex hardware modifications to the scanner device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates visual copies of the vehicle's physical structure through graphical representations of different perspectives. The scanner displays digital models or graphical interfaces that replicate the spatial arrangement of vehicle components from various viewpoints. These visual copies help users understand the relationship between diagnostic parameters and their physical locations without adding physical complexity to the scanner device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8706316B1Method and system for enhanced scanner user interface
Publication Date: 2014.04.22 SNAP ON INC
  • US8706316B1 patent drawing
  • US8706316B1 patent drawing
  • US8706316B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for presenting vehicle information. A functional part of a vehicle is selected to be examined and information related to the selected function part is received. A vehicle model corresponding to the vehicle is retrieved. Based on the selected functional part and the vehicle model, a mode of operation is determined and used in presenting the vehicle model and the information so that a portion of the model corresponding to the functional part is visible and the information is presented with respect to the visible functional part of the presented model.