Method of flash programming scan tools and pass thru devices over wireless communications
First Claim
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1. A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, comprising:
- a processor;
a memory that stores a first diagnostic software that operates the processor to perform a diagnostic function;
a connector interface that connects the diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle;
a signal translator that allows the diagnostic tool to communicate with the vehicle in at least one communication protocol;
a wireless communication circuit that communicates with a remote computing device to retrieve a second diagnostic software that is different from the first diagnostic software;
a housing surrounding the processor, the memory, the connector interface, the signal translator, and the wireless communication circuita global positioning system receiver coupled to the processor and housed within the housing; and
an altimeter coupled to the processor, wherein the altimeter provides an altitude information of the diagnostic tool.
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Abstract
A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein the diagnostic tool includes a wireless communication circuit to retrieve diagnostic software from a remote computing device. When operated, the scan tool can determine if the loaded diagnostic software is appropriate for the vehicle under test. If not, the diagnostic tool can retrieve the appropriate diagnostic software from the remote computing device. The retrieved or second diagnostic software is then operated to reprogram the diagnostic tool to remove the previously loaded software and allow a user to service a vehicle.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, comprising:
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a processor; a memory that stores a first diagnostic software that operates the processor to perform a diagnostic function; a connector interface that connects the diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle; a signal translator that allows the diagnostic tool to communicate with the vehicle in at least one communication protocol; a wireless communication circuit that communicates with a remote computing device to retrieve a second diagnostic software that is different from the first diagnostic software; a housing surrounding the processor, the memory, the connector interface, the signal translator, and the wireless communication circuit a global positioning system receiver coupled to the processor and housed within the housing; and an altimeter coupled to the processor, wherein the altimeter provides an altitude information of the diagnostic tool. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of operating a diagnostic tool for a vehicle, comprising:
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connecting the diagnostic tool to the vehicle; determining whether a first diagnostic software operating on the diagnostic tool is appropriate for the vehicle; communicating wirelessly with a remote computing device to obtain a second diagnostic software if the first diagnostic software is determined to be inappropriate; retrieving the second diagnostic software from the remote computing device; storing the second diagnostic software in the diagnostic tool; operating the second diagnostic software to diagnose the vehicle; and providing location information via a global positioning system and an altimeter. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, comprising:
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means for processing that is operated by a software program; means for storing that stores a first software that operates the means for processing to perform a diagnostic function; means for connecting that connects the diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle; means for translating that allows the diagnostic tool to communicate with the vehicle in at least one communication protocol; means for wirelessly communicating that communicates with a remote computing device to retrieve a second diagnostic software that is different from the first diagnostic software; means for housing surrounding the means for processing, the means for storing, the means for connecting, the means for translating, and the means for wirelessly communicating; means for determining a global position coupled to the means for processing and housed within the means for housing; and an altimeter coupled to the means for processing, wherein the altimeter provides an altitude information of the diagnostic tool. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification