Open-ended vehicle diagnostic device interface
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A vehicle data recorder, comprising:
- a first connector that releasably connects and communicates with a vehicle'"'"'s computer;
a processor that controls the vehicle data recorder functions;
a memory that stores data from an event and communicates with the processor;
at least one communication protocol controller for controlling a communication protocol of the vehicle'"'"'s computer;
an option card connector that releasably connects and communicates with an option card, wherein the option card comprises a board having at least one component thereon to increase functionality of the vehicle data recorder;
a second connector that communicates with a host workstation to transfer the data from the vehicle data recorder to the host workstation; and
a housing having a first portion and a second portion each with a periphery greater than a periphery of a third portion disposed in between the first portion and the second portion composing a channel, wherein the channel accommodates a cable connected to the first connector when the cable is wrapped around the housing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided that allow a user to increase the functionality of a vehicle data recorder. An option card can be connected to the option card connector on the vehicle data recorder. The option card includes at least one component thereon, such as a software, a processor, a FPGA, a memory, a power supply, a data port, a communication protocol controller, pins, a multiplexer, a hardware and a combination thereof. The components can allow the vehicle data recorder to communicate with new communication protocols that are developed, with current ones that may not have been included in the vehicle data recorder or additional functions required by the user.
42 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A vehicle data recorder, comprising:
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a first connector that releasably connects and communicates with a vehicle'"'"'s computer; a processor that controls the vehicle data recorder functions; a memory that stores data from an event and communicates with the processor; at least one communication protocol controller for controlling a communication protocol of the vehicle'"'"'s computer; an option card connector that releasably connects and communicates with an option card, wherein the option card comprises a board having at least one component thereon to increase functionality of the vehicle data recorder; a second connector that communicates with a host workstation to transfer the data from the vehicle data recorder to the host workstation; and a housing having a first portion and a second portion each with a periphery greater than a periphery of a third portion disposed in between the first portion and the second portion composing a channel, wherein the channel accommodates a cable connected to the first connector when the cable is wrapped around the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of increasing functionality of a vehicle data recorder, comprising:
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providing a portable vehicle data recorder with a card connector, the vehicle data recorder surrounding a housing having a first portion and a second portion each with a periphery greater than a periphery of a third portion disposed in between the first portion and the second portion composing a channel, wherein the channel accommodates a cable connected to the first connector when the cable is wrapped around the housing; connecting an option card to the card connector; increasing the functionality of the vehicle data recorder by having at least one component on a board on the option card; and actuating a button to control the recording functions of the vehicle data recorder. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A vehicle data recorder system, comprising:
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first means for connecting configured to releasably connect to a vehicle'"'"'s computer and relays data from a vehicle; means for processing configured to control the vehicle data recorder functions; means for storing data configured to store event data and communicates with the means for processing; means for controlling communication protocol for controlling the communication protocol of the vehicle'"'"'s computer; second means for connecting configured to releasably connect and communicate with an option card means, wherein the option card means comprises a board having at least one component thereon to increase functionality of the vehicle data recorder; third connecting means configured to communicate with a host workstation and for transferring the data from the vehicle data recorder to the host workstation; and means for enclosing internal components and accommodating a cable connected to the first means for connecting when wrapped around the means for enclosing. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification