Wireless automotive data link connector

• US 7,584,030 B1
• Filed: 05/09/2008
• Issued: 09/01/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Neil John Graham
• Original Assignee: Neil John Graham
• Inventors: Graham, Neil John
• Primary Examiner(s): Hellner; Mark
• Assistant Examiner(s): Algahaim; Helal A
• Application Number:
  US12/151,608
• Time in Patent Office: 480 Days
• Field of Search: 701/29
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/665 with built-in electronic circuit H01R13/70, H01R13/719 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/26 for vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates generally to releasable connectors with a wireless connection between automotive test equipment and an automobile On-Board Diagnostic computer wherein the data link connection (DLC) cable is replaced, using two connectors which have been pre-programmed to communicate with each other.

Claims

1. A wireless automotive data link connector for communicating information between a motor vehicle data bus and an automotive code reader/scanner comprising:

a first OBD2 connector housing readout conductors, a processor and memory that mates releasably to the vehicle data bus connector, the vehicle data bus connector with a plurality of readout conductors which communicate with corresponding readout conductors in the first connector unit;

a program in the first connector unit which links wireless information with the appropriate readout conductors;

a second connector unit housing readout conductors, a processor and memory that mates releasably to the automotive code reader/scanner with a plurality of readout conductors which communicate with corresponding readout conductors in the second connector unit;

a program in the second connector unit which links wireless information with the appropriate readout conductor; and

wireless connections in the first and second connector units programmed to directly connected between the first connector unit and the second connector unit.

2. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 1 wherein the second connector unit is a multiple pin connector, a 16 pin found in smog check stations or 25 pin as found in OBD2 code reader/scan tools.

3. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 1 wherein the connector units are externally powered, the first connector unit is powered by the vehicle and the second connector unit is powered by the OBD2 code reader/scanner.

4. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 1 wherein the connector units each have an indicator light indicating a power connection.

5. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 1 wherein the connector units each have an indicator light indicating a wireless connection between the connector units.

6. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 1 wherein the wireless communication link comprises a wireless Ethernet network link.

7. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 1 wherein the wireless communication link comprises an RF transmitter and receiver.

8. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 1 wherein the wireless communication link comprises a Bluetooth connection.

9. A wireless automotive data link connector as in claim 1 wherein the first and second connectors have internal rechargeable batteries.

10. A wireless automotive data link connector for communicating information between a motor vehicle data bus and an automotive code reader/scanner comprising:

a first an OBD2 connector housing readout conductors, a processor and memory that mates releasably to the vehicle data bus connector, the vehicle data bus connector with a plurality of readout conductors which communicate with corresponding readout conductors in the first connector unit;

a program in the first connector unit which links wireless information with the appropriate readout conductors;

a second connector unit housing readout conductors, processor and memory that mates to an automotive code reader/scanner with a plurality of readout conductors which communicate with corresponding readout conductors in the second connector unit;

a program in the second connector unit which links wireless information with the appropriate readout conductor; and

a multiple wireless connection program in the first and second connector units wherein a selected program in the first connector unit connects to second connector unit with the same selected program.

11. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 10 wherein the second connector unit is a multiple pin connector, a 16 pin or 25 pin as found in OBD2 code reader/scan tools.

12. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 10 wherein the connector units are externally powered, the first connector unit is powered by the vehicle and the second connector unit is powered by the OBD2 code reader/scanner.

13. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 10 wherein the connector units each have an indicator light indicating a power connection.

14. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 10 wherein the connector units each have an indicator light indicating a wireless connection between the connector units.

15. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 10 wherein the wireless communication link comprises a wireless Ethernet network link.

16. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 10 wherein the wireless communication link comprises an RF transmitter and receiver.

17. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 10 wherein the wireless communication link comprises a Bluetooth connection.

18. The wireless automotive data link connector in claim 10 wherein the first and second connector units have a display screen with a method for choosing a program.

19. A wireless automotive data link connector as in claim 10 wherein the first and second connectors have internal rechargeable batteries.