Dynamic software configuration

• US 20080104583A1
• Filed: 09/25/2007
• Published: 05/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC (SPX Corporation)
• Original Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Inventors: Maniyullavalappil, Jayadeven, Wempen, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 8,694,982 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided that allow the user to quickly load new versions of applications on a scan tool. The latest versions of the applications that a scan tool can operate are loaded onto a memory device. The scan tool verifies which versions of the applications are authorized and allows the scan tool to only access information related to the authorized versions.

Claims

1. A method of updating software on a vehicle diagnostic tool, comprising:

loading available versions of applications that the diagnostic tool can operate onto a portable flash memory device;

transferring the available versions of the applications onto a diagnostic tool memory;

authorizing versions of the applications that have been purchased by a user;

verifying which versions of the applications are authorized for the diagnostic tool; and

allowing access to only the authorized versions of the applications on the diagnostic tool.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

displaying on a display of the diagnostic tool only authorized versions of the applications.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

displaying on a display of the diagnostic tool unauthorized versions of the applications.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the unauthorized versions of the applications are grey out or include a lock icon.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

purchasing an available version of the applications that has been loaded on to the diagnostic tool.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the available versions of the applications include all previous versions and the latest versions.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring to the diagnostic tool the available versions of the applications via a wired or wireless connection with a remote computing device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory is a compact flash card and the diagnostic tool is a vehicle scan tool.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the versions are authorized via a security card system or internet.

10. A method of updating diagnostic applications on a vehicle scan tool, comprising:

providing a diagnostic software having previous and current versions of the diagnostic applications that are configured to operate on the scan tool;

loading the software onto a memory of the scan tool;

updating a previous diagnostic software on the scan tool;

purchasing at least one version of the diagnostic application contained in the software;

unlocking the at least one version of the diagnostic application in order to be used on the scan tool; and

allowing access to the at least one version of the diagnostic application that has been unlocked.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

displaying on a display of the scan tool only unlocked versions of the applications.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

displaying on a display of the scan tool unlocked versions of the applications.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the unlocked versions of the applications are grey out or include a lock icon.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein loading onto the memory is done via a wired or wireless connection with a remote computing device.

15. A vehicle diagnostic tool, comprising:

a processor that can be operably coupled to a vehicle diagnostic connector to diagnose a vehicle;

at least one vehicle communication protocol interface operatively coupled to the processor and allows the processor to communicate with the vehicle;

a memory operably coupled to the processor;

a diagnostic software having previous and current versions of diagnostic applications and operable by the processor, wherein the diagnostic tool can only access authorized versions of the diagnostic applications and the software is stored in the memory;

a display that displays icons of authorized applications;

a user interface that can be used by a user and operably coupled to the processor; and

a housing surrounding the processor, the at least one vehicle communication protocol interface, the memory, the display and the user interface, wherein the housing has a port configured to couple to a computing device.

16. The diagnostic tool claim 15, wherein the display displays unauthorized versions of the applications.

17. The diagnostic tool of claim 16, wherein the unauthorized versions of the applications are grey out or include a lock icon.

18. The diagnostic tool of claim 15, wherein the versions are authorized via a security card system or internet.

19. The diagnostic tool of claim 15, wherein the software was transferred to the memory via a wired or wireless connection with a remote computer.

20. The diagnostic tool of claim 15, wherein the software was transferred to the memory of the diagnostic tool via a flash memory device.