Vehicle Unit Remote Configuration via Network Entity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle unit configurations, such as tachographs, are inefficient and time-consuming to update, especially when it comes to keeping devices compliant with changing legislation, as they require manual updates at workshops and do not allow for simultaneous configuration of multiple vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Enabling vehicle units to communicate with a network entity for sharing and updating configuration information, allowing remote reconfiguration of vehicle units, including tachographs, which can transmit and receive configuration settings, recording frequencies, and user preferences, thereby facilitating centralized management and simultaneous updates across a fleet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If vehicle units are configured manually at workshops, then configuration accuracy is ensured, but configuration time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements configuration templates that store standardized vehicle unit settings. These templates can be copied and applied to multiple vehicle units simultaneously, ensuring configuration accuracy through template validation while dramatically reducing configuration time. The system maintains configuration integrity by using pre-validated templates that can be reused across the fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures vehicle unit settings in templates before actual deployment. Configuration parameters, validation rules, and compliance settings are prepared in advance, allowing rapid deployment to multiple vehicles without manual configuration at the time of vehicle commissioning or updates.
2Reliability
If vehicle units are updated individually at workshops, then update reliability is maintained, but fleet management efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vehicle unit configurations into a single centralized management system. Configuration templates and update packages are created once and can be deployed to multiple vehicle units simultaneously through the network, maintaining reliability through centralized validation while dramatically improving fleet management productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal configuration templates that can be applied across different vehicle units in the fleet. A single template can serve multiple vehicles, and the system provides both individual vehicle configuration capabilities and fleet-wide bulk configuration capabilities, making the system adaptable to various management needs.
3Device complexity
If configuration updates require physical workshop visits, then configuration control is maintained, but operational flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary between fleet managers and vehicle units. This intermediary maintains configuration control through centralized authentication and validation while enabling flexible remote updates. The server acts as a gatekeeper that ensures configuration integrity while allowing adaptable deployment across the fleet without physical workshop visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical workshop visits with electronic communication through networks. Configuration updates are transmitted digitally to vehicle units, eliminating the need for physical presence at workshops while maintaining security and control through encrypted communication and authenticated access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicle units require separate configuration, then individual vehicle requirements are met, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration management into two levels: fleet-wide common parameters defined in templates, and vehicle-specific parameters that can be customized. This segmentation allows bulk configuration of common settings to meet individual requirements efficiently, while still permitting vehicle-specific customizations when needed, significantly reducing overall configuration time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is among other things a method performed by a vehicle unit (10), the vehicle unit (10) is communicatively connected to a network entity (20), the method comprises transmitting (202) configuration information of the vehicle unit (10) to the network entity (20).