OBD II readiness monitor tool apparatus and method
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for determining emissions testing readiness of a motor vehicle, comprising:
- a processor that can be operably coupled to a vehicle diagnostic connector to determine a status of at least one readiness monitor;
at least one vehicle communication protocol interface operatively coupled to the processor and allows the processor to communicate with the vehicle;
a multiplexer operably coupled to the processor;
a computing device interface operably coupled to the multiplexer;
a housing surrounding the processor, the at least one vehicle communication protocol interface, the multiplexer, and the computing device interface, wherein the housing has a port configured to couple to a computing device;
an indicator disposed on the housing for indicating the readiness of the vehicle for emission testing; and
a voltage detection device configured to manage power to the apparatus, and having a power threshold for comparing with the power of a power source, wherein when the power of the power source exceeds the threshold, the voltage detection device allows the apparatus to be powered, and when the power of the power source is below the threshold, the voltage detection device restricts power to the apparatus.
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Abstract
An OBDII device method and system includes an inexpensive, user friendly way to determine a vehicle'"'"'s readiness for emissions testing and if repairs were successful. An audible and/or visual indicator is provided to alert the repair shop technician or driver that the vehicle has completed its drive cycle and may now be tested for compliance with state and federal emissions laws or indicate that the emissions related repairs were successful.
60 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for determining emissions testing readiness of a motor vehicle, comprising:
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a processor that can be operably coupled to a vehicle diagnostic connector to determine a status of at least one readiness monitor; at least one vehicle communication protocol interface operatively coupled to the processor and allows the processor to communicate with the vehicle; a multiplexer operably coupled to the processor; a computing device interface operably coupled to the multiplexer; a housing surrounding the processor, the at least one vehicle communication protocol interface, the multiplexer, and the computing device interface, wherein the housing has a port configured to couple to a computing device; an indicator disposed on the housing for indicating the readiness of the vehicle for emission testing; and a voltage detection device configured to manage power to the apparatus, and having a power threshold for comparing with the power of a power source, wherein when the power of the power source exceeds the threshold, the voltage detection device allows the apparatus to be powered, and when the power of the power source is below the threshold, the voltage detection device restricts power to the apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for determining a readiness of a motor vehicle for emissions testing, comprising:
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means for processing in communication with means for coupling to a vehicle'"'"'s computer, wherein the means for processing determines a status of at least one readiness monitor; means for communicating in at least one vehicle communication protocol, wherein the means for communicating is in communication with the means for processing; means for multiplexing operably coupled to the means for processing; means for interfacing with a computing device operably coupled to the means for multiplexing; means for housing that surrounds the means for processing, the means for communicating, the means for multiplexing, and the means for interfacing; means for indicating when the motor vehicle is ready for emissions testing; and mean for detecting voltage that manages power to the system, and having a power threshold for comparing with the power of a power source, wherein when the power of the power source exceeds the threshold, the mean for detecting voltage allows the system to be powered, and when the power of the power source is below the threshold, the mean for detecting voltage restricts power to the system. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification