Vehicle Telematics Remote Control for Unassisted Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Certain vehicle repairs, such as brake pad replacement and engine diagnostics, can be difficult for an unaided individual to perform without an assistant, as they require simultaneous operation of vehicle controls and diagnostic tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a mobile device paired with a vehicle's telematics control unit, allowing remote authorization and command of vehicle electronic control units to perform repairs and diagnostics, enabling unaided individuals to execute helper operations externally, such as commanding brake presses or engine throttle adjustments, while receiving diagnostic data for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an individual performs vehicle repairs alone without an assistant, then the ease of operation is improved for simple tasks, but the ability to perform complex repairs requiring simultaneous control operations and diagnostics is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a remote assistant application as an intermediary between the vehicle controls and the unaided individual. This intermediary enables complex repair operations by allowing the individual to remotely control vehicle systems (brakes, throttle, lights) through a mobile device, effectively providing assistant functionality without requiring a physical helper present in the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical presence of a human assistant with an electronic/digital system. Instead of requiring another person to physically operate vehicle controls, the system uses a mobile device application to send electronic commands to vehicle control units, substituting human physical action with automated electronic control
2Ease of operation
If remote service mode is enabled to allow external control commands, then the ease of operation for complex repairs is improved, but the vehicle security and control authorization is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization checks before enabling remote service mode. The remote assistant application must be authorized with the vehicle's telematics control unit to enter remote service mode, and the system confirms the vehicle is in an appropriate state (parked, neutral) before allowing control commands. This preliminary validation ensures security is maintained while enabling remote operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on vehicle conditions. Remote service mode is only enabled when the vehicle is in appropriate states (parked, neutral), and the system can transition between different service levels (diagnostic-only mode vs. full remote control). This dynamic behavior allows the system to balance security requirements with operational flexibility
3Reliability
If the system performs comprehensive authorization and state verification, then the vehicle security is improved, but the time required to initiate remote service is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authorization verification and state checks as preliminary actions before enabling remote service mode. By confirming authorization and vehicle state upfront, the system ensures security is maintained while allowing the actual repair operations to proceed without repeated verification delays
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device may authorize with a paired telematics control unit of a vehicle to ensure the vehicle is in a remote service mode; send a command request to the telematics control unit requesting an operation to be automatically performed by a vehicle electronic control unit in place of manual input by an assistant; and receive diagnostic data from the vehicle electronic control unit via the telematics control unit. The telematics control unit may query electronic control units of the vehicle to identify whether the vehicle is in a mode in which commands from a remote service application of a mobile device can be processed; indicate the mode to the application; and receive the command request requesting a service operation to be automatically performed by one of the electronic control units.