Vehicle Communication Interface for VIN-Based Diagnostic Protocol Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

As automotive systems become increasingly complex, existing diagnostic devices face challenges in efficiently and accurately diagnosing vehicle faults, leading to a need for improved diagnostic methods and apparatuses that can rapidly acquire and process vehicle information.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle communication interface method and apparatus that acquires a vehicle identification number using a first communication protocol, determines a diagnostic protocol based on the VIN, and sends to-be-diagnosed information to a diagnostic host, simplifying the diagnostic process by scanning pins and detecting voltage signals to select appropriate communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a comprehensive diagnostic device with complete functions is used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic system is divided into multiple independent modules: protocol detection module, VIN acquisition module, diagnostic information acquisition module, and data transmission module. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex diagnostic task to be broken down into manageable segments that can be executed sequentially, thereby maintaining high diagnostic accuracy while managing device complexity through functional decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various communication protocols (CAN, LIN, KWP2000, ISO9141) and different vehicle systems through a single integrated platform. The device can automatically adapt to different protocol types and perform multiple diagnostic functions including fault code reading, live data monitoring, and system identification, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication protocols are supported, then adaptability is improved, but diagnostic time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoiddiagnostic time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary protocol detection and identification before executing the main diagnostic tasks. The protocol detection module automatically identifies the communication protocol type in advance, and the VIN acquisition module pre-loads vehicle-specific diagnostic parameters based on the identified protocol. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to trial multiple protocols during actual diagnosis, significantly reducing diagnostic time while maintaining broad protocol compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic device employs dynamic protocol selection and adaptation mechanisms that adjust communication parameters in real-time based on the detected protocol type and vehicle response. The system can dynamically switch between different communication strategies and optimize data acquisition rates according to the specific protocol being used, thereby maintaining high adaptability across multiple protocols while minimizing the time required for each diagnostic operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual information acquisition is used, then device complexity is reduced, but diagnostic efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic efficiencyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic device incorporates self-service capabilities including automatic protocol detection, automated VIN acquisition, and self-configuring diagnostic parameter loading. The system automatically identifies the vehicle's communication protocol, retrieves the VIN to determine appropriate diagnostic parameters, and configures itself without requiring manual technician intervention. This automation significantly improves diagnostic efficiency while the modular architecture keeps device complexity manageable through standardized self-service routines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the diagnostic device continuously monitors vehicle system responses and automatically adjusts its information acquisition strategy based on real-time feedback. The device receives feedback from the vehicle's control units about data availability, communication status, and system health, and uses this feedback to optimize subsequent data acquisition operations. This automated feedback-driven approach eliminates manual trial-and-error information gathering, improving diagnostic efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through algorithmic decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11810404B2Automobile diagnostic method, apparatus and vehicle communication interface
Publication Date: 2023.11.07 AUTEL INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CORP LTD
  • US11810404B2 patent drawing
  • US11810404B2 patent drawing
  • US11810404B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention discloses an automobile diagnostic method, apparatus and a vehicle communication interface. The automobile diagnostic method is applied to a vehicle communication interface, the method including: acquiring a vehicle identification number of a vehicle based on a first communication protocol; determining a first diagnostic protocol according to the vehicle identification number; acquiring and storing to-be-diagnosed information of the vehicle based on the first diagnostic protocol; and after a connection is established to a diagnostic host, sending the to-be-diagnosed information to the diagnostic host. In the foregoing way, according to the embodiment of the present invention, efficiency of automobile diagnosis may be improved.