Vehicle Diagnostic Configuration via VIN-Based Topology Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle diagnostic methods are time-consuming and error-prone due to the large variation in vehicle configurations, requiring technicians to follow a service diagnostic tree to retrieve fault codes, which can be inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A system generates a vehicle-specific configuration file based on the vehicle identification number, bus topology, module information, message identification numbers, and message lengths, allowing for automatic configuration of diagnostic tools to quickly and accurately diagnose faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a service diagnostic tree is used to retrieve fault codes, then technicians can diagnose vehicle faults, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving vehicle configuration data, determining bus topology, and identifying communication protocols before the diagnostic process begins. This pre-configuration eliminates the need for technicians to manually follow service diagnostic trees, reducing both time and errors in the actual diagnosis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system performs self-service by automatically configuring itself based on vehicle identification. The system retrieves its own configuration parameters, determines its own bus topology, and sets its own communication protocols without requiring manual technician intervention, thereby eliminating human error and reducing diagnosis time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is used for diagnostic tools, then technicians can adapt to different vehicle configurations, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system implements a universal configuration approach that automatically adapts to different vehicle types. By using vehicle identification numbers to retrieve pre-stored configuration data, the system provides multi-functionality across various vehicle models without requiring complex manual configuration for each specific vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by retrieving pre-configured vehicle-specific parameter sets from a database based on the vehicle identification number. Instead of manually configuring each parameter, the system copies the appropriate configuration set for the specific vehicle model, thereby simplifying the configuration process while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If automatic configuration is implemented, then diagnosis time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves the complexity issue by performing configuration actions preliminarily - all vehicle-specific parameters, bus topology information, and communication protocol settings are retrieved and configured before the actual diagnostic process begins. This preliminary automatic configuration enables high diagnosis speed without requiring complex real-time configuration during diagnosis.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a vehicle specific configuration file. The method includes: determining a vehicle identification number; retrieving, based on the vehicle identification number, from at least one data storage device a bus topology, module information, at least one message identification number, and at least one message length; and generating a configuration file based on the vehicle identification number, the bus topology, the module information, the at least one message identification number, and the at least one message length.