Configurable functions for vehicle parameters

• US 8,423,237 B2
• Filed: 06/10/2010
• Issued: 04/16/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GeoTab Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Webtech Wireless Incorporated (GeoTab Incorporated)
• Inventors: Higgins, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Trammell, James
• Assistant Examiner(s): Edwards, Jerrah
• Application Number:
  US12/813,353
• Publication Number:
  US 20110307140A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,041 Days
• Field of Search: 701/33.4, 701/29.1, 701/29.6, 701/32.7, 701/32.9
• US Class Current: 701/33.4
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0816 Indicating performance data, e.g. occurrence of a malfunction

Abstract

The user configures to process at least two data sources without depending on preprogrammed functions or resorting to reprogramming the basic software of the device.

Claims

1. A method of processing and communicating user defined vehicle diagnostic information, said method comprising the computer implemented steps of:

recognizing vehicle engine parameter identifiers (PIDs);

requesting a first raw electronic engine control unit data string using a first user selected PID;

extracting from said first data string one or more data points to result in primary data; and

processing, by a processor, said primary data using a mathematical function dependent upon a user preferred engineering unit of measure and a mathematical function from one of a user'"'"'s choice of;

an internal hard coded function;

a scaling factor and offset; and

a user defined external function;

thereby resulting in user defined derived data which can be communicated to the user through a vehicle diagnostic device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said PIDs are selected from a choice of manufacturer defined PIDs or user defined PIDs.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein extracted said one or more data points are processed, stored and later retrieved to result in said primary data.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein secondary data is selected by a user for inclusion in said user chosen mathematical function.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said secondary data is derived from either a user selected second PID or a user configured PID and is processed depending on a user preferred engineering unit of measure before being further processed with said primary data using said user chosen mathematical function.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein any of:

said user defined derived data;

said primary data, after processing; and

said secondary data, after processing;

is stored within said vehicle diagnostic device and identified by a user defined PID.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said internal hard coded function and said external function are mathematical functions.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said user defined external function is configured without requiring the user to use a computer programming language.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said vehicle diagnostic device is a stand alone unit located within the vehicle.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said vehicle diagnostic device is located within or in communication with a vehicle'"'"'s telematics locator unit.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said vehicle diagnostic device is configured for receiving data including any defined external functions from a central intelligence device, the data being communicated between said vehicle diagnostic device and said central intelligence device being communicated wirelessly and/or through wired connection.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said vehicle diagnostic device is configured for sending data to a central intelligence device, the data being communicated between said diagnostic device and said central intelligence device being communicated wirelessly and/or through wired connection.

13. A user configurable vehicle diagnostic device comprising:

a computer having computer executable instructions, said computer coupled to a vehicle'"'"'s electronic control unit;

an input for inputting commands to said computer; and

an output for communicating user defined derived data relating to the vehicle;

wherein said diagnostic device is configured for;

recognizing vehicle engine parameter identifiers (PIDs);

requesting a first raw electronic engine control unit data string using a first user selected PID;

extracting from said first data string one or more data points to result in primary data; and

processing said primary data using a mathematical function dependent upon a user preferred engineering unit of measure and a mathematical function from one of a user'"'"'s inputted choice of;

an internal hard coded function;

a scaling factor and offset; and

a user defined external function;

thereby resulting in user defined derived data that is communicated to a vehicle operator and/or a remote central intelligence.

14. The diagnostic device of claim 13, wherein said PIDs are selected from a choice of manufacturer defined PIDs or user defined PIDs.

15. The diagnostic device of claim 13, wherein extracted said one or more data points are processed, stored and later retrieved to result in said primary data.

16. The diagnostic device of claim 13, wherein secondary data is selected by a user for inclusion in said user chosen mathematical function.

17. The diagnostic device of claim 16, wherein said secondary data is derived from either a user selected second PID or a user configured PID, and is processed depending on a user preferred engineering unit of measure before being further processed with said primary data using said user chosen mathematical function.

18. The diagnostic device of claim 13, wherein user may define the external function without requiring the user to use a computer programming language.

19. The diagnostic device of claim 13, wherein said diagnostic device is located within or in communication with a vehicle'"'"'s telematics locator unit.

20. A method of processing and communicating user defined vehicle diagnostic information, said method comprising the hardware implemented steps of:

recognizing vehicle engine parameter identifiers (PIDs);

receiving a mathematical function defined by a user without requiring the user to use a computer programming language;

requesting a raw electronic engine control unit data string using a user selected PID;

extracting from said data string one or more data points to result in primary data; and

processing, by a processor, said primary data using said mathematical function dependent upon a user preferred engineering unit of measure and a mathematical function from one of a user'"'"'s inputted choice of;

an internal hard coded function;

a scaling factor and offset; and

a user defined external function;

thereby resulting in user defined derived data which can be communicated to the user through a vehicle diagnostic device.