Virtual VCI for Wireless Vehicle Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote diagnostics for vehicles require physical connections and specific communication modes, leading to spatial constraints, dependence on diagnostic tools, and the need for system reconstruction, limiting flexibility and independence from communication modes.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system using a virtual Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) with wireless communication modules and a software module that encapsulates and decapsulates diagnostic requests and responses between a diagnostic tool and a vehicle, allowing communication via different protocols (e.g., TCP/IP and CAN) over wireless networks, eliminating the need for a physical VCI interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical VCI interface is used for vehicle diagnostics, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but spatial constraints and physical manipulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical VCI interface (mechanical connection via USB/OBD sockets) with a wireless communication system. The diagnostic tool communicates with the vehicle through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining data transmission functionality. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing spatial constraints and physical manipulation requirements while preserving communication reliability through protocol encapsulation and error handling mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a diagnostic tool-specific physical link is used, then direct communication is achieved, but dependence on specific diagnostic tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal wireless communication interface that can work with multiple diagnostic tools and vehicle types. The software module implements protocol encapsulation that translates between different communication protocols, allowing a single wireless interface to serve multiple diagnostic tools without requiring tool-specific physical links. This enables any diagnostic tool supporting the wireless protocol to communicate with the vehicle, achieving tool independence while maintaining direct communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote wireless communication is implemented using mobile telephony, then remote diagnostics are enabled, but system complexity and communication mode dependence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software module as an intermediary that handles protocol translation and data encapsulation between the diagnostic tool and the vehicle communication system. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of different communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) from the diagnostic tool, allowing remote wireless communication without requiring reconstruction of the entire diagnostic system. The software module manages the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the user.
4Reliability
If protocol-specific remote diagnostic solutions are used, then remote communication is achieved, but adaptability to different communication modes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a software module that dynamically adapts communication parameters and protocols based on the specific diagnostic tool and vehicle being accessed. The module can switch between different communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, wireless standards) and adjust data formats, baud rates, and encapsulation methods as needed. This parameter adaptability allows reliable remote communication across multiple communication modes without requiring separate solutions for each protocol.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (5) diagnosis system provided with a first wireless communication module (6), said diagnosis system comprising: a diagnosis tool (2) configured to send a diagnosis request to the motor vehicle (5); a second wireless communication module (3) configured to transmit the diagnosis request sent by the diagnosis tool (2) to the first module (6); and a software module (8) acting as an interface between the diagnosis tool (2) and the second wireless communication module (3), said software module (8) being configured to: intercept the diagnosis request sent by the diagnosis tool (2), encapsulate the intercepted diagnosis request in a frame, and transfer the frame encapsulating the diagnosis request to the second wireless communication module (3).