Vehicle communications network adapter

• US 20030163587A1
• Filed: 02/25/2002
• Published: 08/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cummins Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Cummins Incorporated
• Inventors: Phillips, Michael W., Pajakowski, Andrew J., Knight, Alexander N., Wolf, Daniel P., Beitzinger, Joseph T., Shipman, Lee G., Krutulis, Jon E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,778,750 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/249
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0315 using multiplexing techniques multiplexing for transmission of signals G08C15/00; multiplexing for electrical communication in general H04J
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/40013 Details regarding a bus controller
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/403 with centralised control, e.g. polling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/4604 LAN interconnection over a backbone network, e.g. Internet, Frame Relay
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/66 Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/40215 Controller Area Network CAN
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/40273 the transportation system being a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/303 Terminal profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

An adapter is disclosed for allowing communications between a vehicle control computer coupled to one or more vehicle communications networks and a remote computer. The one or more vehicle communications networks may be configured for data communications in accordance with, for example, an SAE J1939 or an SAE J1587 communications protocol, or the like. The adapter includes a first interface for operatively coupling to the one or more communications networks and a second interface including a universal serial bus (USB) controller configured for operatively coupling to the remote computer. The USB controller may be coupled to the remote computer via a device port and a host port, and/or a USB on-the-go port. In any case, the vehicle control computer and remote computer communicate through the adapter via the vehicle communications network and the first and second interfaces.

Claims

1. An adapter for allowing communications between a vehicle control computer coupled to a vehicle communications network and a remote computer, the adapter comprising:

a first interface configured for operatively coupling to the vehicle communications network; and

a second interface including a universal serial bus (USB) controller having a USB device port and a USB host port, the second interface configured for operatively coupling to the remote computer via the USB device port and the USB host port;

wherein the vehicle control computer and the remote computer communicate via the vehicle communications network and the first and second interfaces.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller.

3. The adapter of claim 2, wherein the remote computer comprises service tool software.

4. The adapter of claim 2, wherein the remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB device port of the universal serial bus controller.

6. The adapter of claim 5, wherein the remote computer comprises service tool software.

7. The adapter of claim 5, wherein the remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

8. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller is configured for coupling with a plurality of remote computers, each of the plurality of remote computers having a USB device port.

9. The adapter of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of remote computers comprises vehicle diagnostic or service tool software.

10. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the vehicle communications network comprises a J1939 network segment, and wherein the first interface of the adapter is operatively coupled to the J1939 network segment.

11. The adapter of claim 10, wherein messages communicated via the J1939 network segment are made available via the second interface.

12. The adapter of claim 11, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller, and messages communicated via the J1939 network segment are further communicated to the personal digital assistant.

13. The adapter of claim 11, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB device port of the universal serial bus controller, and messages communicated via the J1939 network segment are further communicated to the personal computer.

14. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the vehicle communications network comprises a J1587 network segment, and wherein the first interface of the adapter is operatively coupled to the J1587 network segment.

15. The adapter of claim 14, wherein messages communicated via the J1587 network segment are made available via the second interface.

16. The adapter of claim 15, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller, and messages communicated via the J 1587 network segment are further communicated to the personal digital assistant.

17. The adapter of claim 15, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB device port of the universal serial bus controller, and messages communicated via the J1587 network segment are further communicated to the personal computer.

18. The adapter of claim 1, the adapter further comprising a third interface configured for operatively coupling to a second remote computer, wherein the third interface comprises an RS-232 serial port.

19. The adapter of claim 18, wherein the second remote computer is a personal digital assistant having an RS-232 serial port, and wherein the RS-232 serial port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the RS-232 serial port of the adapter.

20. The adapter of claim 19, wherein the second remote computer comprises service tool software.

21. The adapter of claim 19, wherein the second remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

22. The adapter of claim 18, wherein the second remote computer is a personal computer having an RS-232 serial port, and wherein the RS-232 serial port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the RS-232 serial port of the adapter.

23. The adapter of claim 22, wherein the second remote computer comprises service tool software.

24. The adapter of claim 22, wherein the second remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

25. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the universal serial bus controller further comprises a USB On-The-Go port.

26. The adapter of claim 25, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the universal serial bus controller.

27. The adapter of claim 25, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the universal serial bus controller.

28. An adapter for allowing communications between a vehicle control computer coupled to a J1939 network of a vehicle and a remote computer, the adapter comprising:

a first interface configured for operatively coupling to the J1939 network; and

a second interface including a universal serial bus (USB) controller having a USB device port and a USB host port, the second interface configured for operatively coupling to the remote computer via the USB device port and the USB host port;

wherein the vehicle control computer and the remote computer communicate via the J1939 network and the first and second interfaces.

29. The adapter of claim 28, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller.

30. The adapter of claim 28, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB device port of the universal serial bus controller.

31. The adapter of claim 28, wherein the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller is configured for coupling with a plurality of remote computers, each of the plurality of remote computers having a USB device port.

32. The adapter of claim 28, the adapter further comprising a third interface configured for operatively coupling to a second remote computer, wherein the third interface comprises an RS-232 serial port.

33. The adapter of claim 28, wherein the universal serial bus controller further comprises a USB On-The-Go port.

34. The adapter of claim 33, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the universal serial bus controller.

35. The adapter of claim 33, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the universal serial bus controller.

36. An adapter for allowing communications between a vehicle control computer coupled to a J1587 network of a vehicle and a remote computer, the adapter comprising:

a first interface configured for operatively coupling to the J1587 network; and

a second interface including a universal serial bus (USB) controller having a USB device port and a USB host port, the second interface configured for operatively coupling to the remote computer via the USB device port and the USB host port;

wherein the vehicle control computer and the remote computer communicate via the J1587 network and the first and second interfaces.

37. The adapter of claim 36, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller.

38. The adapter of claim 36, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB device port of the universal serial bus controller.

39. The adapter of claim 36, wherein the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller is configured for coupling with a plurality of remote computers, each of the plurality of remote computers having a USB device port.

40. The adapter of claim 36, the adapter further comprising a third interface configured for operatively coupling to a second remote computer, wherein the third interface comprises an RS-232 serial port.

41. The adapter of claim 36, wherein the universal serial bus controller further comprises a USB On-The-Go port.

42. The adapter of claim 41, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the universal serial bus controller.

43. The adapter of claim 41, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the universal serial bus controller.

44. An adapter for allowing communications between control computers of a vehicle and a remote computer, the adapter comprising:

a first interface configured for operatively coupling to a J1939 network segment of the vehicle;

a second interface configured for operatively coupling to a J1587 network segment of the vehicle; and

a third interface including a universal serial bus (USB) controller having a USB device port and a USB host port, the third interface configured for operatively coupling to the remote computer via the USB device port and the USB host port;

wherein each control computer of the vehicle and the remote computer communicate via one of the J1939 network and the first and third interfaces, and the J1587 network and the second and third interfaces.

45. The adapter of claim 44, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller.

46. The adapter of claim 44, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB device port of the universal serial bus controller.

47. The adapter of claim 44, wherein the USB host port of the universal serial bus controller is configured for coupling with a plurality of remote computers, each of the plurality of remote computers having a USB device port.

48. The adapter of claim 44, wherein the universal serial bus controller further comprises a USB On-The-Go port.

49. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the universal serial bus controller.

50. The adapter of claim 48, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the universal serial bus controller.

51. A method for allowing communications between a vehicle control computer operatively coupled to a communication network of a vehicle and a remote computer, the method comprising:

receiving a datum via a first interface, the first interface operatively coupled to the communication network of the vehicle;

transmitting the datum via a second interface, the second interface including a universal serial bus controller having a USB device port and a USB host port, the second interface configured for operatively coupling to a computer via the USB device port and the USB host port;

wherein the first datum is transmitted by the vehicle control computer, and wherein the first datum is received by the remote computer.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the datum is a network message, the network message comprising a destination address.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the transmitting step comprises determining whether the network message is bound for the second interface, and transmitting the network message via a second interface only if the network message is bound for the second interface.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein determining whether the network message is bound for the second interface comprises reading the address and comparing it to an existing address.

55. The method of claim 52 wherein the transmitting step comprises transmitting the network message via a second interface irrespective of the destination address of the network message.

56. An adapter for allowing communications between a vehicle control computer operatively coupled to a vehicle communications network and a remote computer, the adapter comprising:

a first interface configured for operatively coupling to the vehicle communications network; and

a second interface including a USB On-The-Go port, the second interface configured for operatively coupling to the remote computer via the USB On-The-Go port;

wherein the vehicle control computer and the remote computer communicate via the vehicle communications network and the first and second interfaces.

57. The adapter of claim 56, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the adapter.

58. The adapter of claim 57, wherein the remote computer comprises service tool software.

59. The adapter of claim 57, wherein the remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

60. The adapter of claim 56, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the adapter.

61. The adapter of claim 60, wherein the remote computer comprises service tool software.

62. The adapter of claim 60, wherein the remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

63. The adapter of claim 56, wherein the vehicle communications network comprises a J1939 network segment, and wherein the first interface of the adapter is operatively coupled to the J1939 network segment.

64. The adapter of claim 63, wherein messages communicated via the J1939 network segment are made available via the second interface.

65. The adapter of claim 64, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the adapter, and messages communicated via the J1939 network segment are further communicated to the personal digital assistant.

66. The adapter of claim 64, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the adapter, and messages communicated via the J1939 network segment are further communicated to the personal computer.

67. The adapter of claim 56, wherein the vehicle communications network comprises a J1587 network segment, and wherein the first interface of the adapter is operatively coupled to the J1587 network segment.

68. The adapter of claim 67, wherein messages communicated via the J1587 network segment are made available via the second interface.

69. The adapter of claim 68, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the adapter, and messages communicated via the J1587 network segment are further communicated to the personal digital assistant.

70. The adapter of claim 68, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the adapter, and messages communicated via the J1587 network segment are further communicated to the personal computer.

71. The adapter of claim 56, the adapter further comprising a third interface configured for operatively coupling to a second remote computer, wherein the third interface comprises an RS-232 serial port.

72. The adapter of claim 71, wherein the second remote computer is a personal digital assistant having an RS-232 serial port, and wherein the RS-232 serial port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the RS-232 serial port of the adapter.

73. The adapter of claim 72, wherein the second remote computer comprises service tool software.

74. The adapter of claim 72, wherein the second remote computer vehicle comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

75. The adapter of claim 71, wherein the second remote computer is a personal computer having an RS-232 serial port, and wherein the RS-232 serial port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the RS-232 serial port of the adapter.

76. The adapter of claim 75, wherein the second remote computer comprises service tool software.

77. The adapter of claim 75, wherein the second remote computer vehicle comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

78. An adapter for allowing communications between control computers of a vehicle and a remote computer, the adapter comprising:

a first interface configured for operatively coupling to a J1939 network segment of the vehicle;

a second interface configured for operatively coupling to a J1587 network segment of the vehicle; and

a third interface including a USB On-The-Go port, the third interface configured for operatively coupling to the remote computer via the USB On-The-Go port;

wherein each control computer of the vehicle and the remote computer communicate via one of the J1939 network and the first and third interfaces, and the J1587 network and the second and third interfaces.

79. The adapter of claim 78, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant or personal computer having a USB On-The-Go port, and wherein the USB On-The-Go port of the remote computer is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the adapter.

80. The adapter of claim 79, wherein the remote computer comprises service tool software.

81. The adapter of claim 79, wherein the remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

82. The adapter of claim 78, wherein the remote computer is a personal digital assistant having a USB device port, and wherein the USB device port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the adapter.

83. The adapter of claim 82, wherein the remote computer comprises service tool software.

84. The adapter of claim 82, wherein the remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

85. The adapter of claim 78, wherein the remote computer is a personal computer having a USB host port, and wherein the USB host port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the USB On-The-Go port of the adapter.

86. The adapter of claim 85, wherein the remote computer comprises service tool software.

87. The adapter of claim 85, wherein the remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

88. The adapter of claim 78, the adapter further comprising a fourth interface configured for operatively coupling to a second remote computer, wherein the fourth interface comprises an RS-232 serial port.

89. The adapter of claim 88, wherein the second remote computer is a personal digital assistant having an RS-232 serial port, and wherein the RS-232 serial port of the personal digital assistant is operatively coupled to the RS-232 serial port of the adapter.

90. The adapter of claim 89, wherein the second remote computer comprises service tool software.

91. The adapter of claim 89, wherein the second remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

92. The adapter of claim 88, wherein the second remote computer is a personal computer having an RS-232 serial port, and wherein the RS-232 serial port of the personal computer is operatively coupled to the RS-232 serial port of the adapter.

93. The adapter of claim 92, wherein the second remote computer comprises service tool software.

94. The adapter of claim 92, wherein the second remote computer comprises vehicle diagnostic software.

95. The adapter of claim 88, wherein the remote computer is the second remote computer.