Modular vehicular diagnostic tool

• US 8,638,207 B2
• Filed: 02/11/2010
• Issued: 01/28/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OPUS IVS Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Drew Technologies Incorporated (Opus Group AB)
• Inventors: Drew, Michael, Herron, Brian
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel
• Assistant Examiner(s): Terrell, Emily C
• Application Number:
  US12/703,943
• Publication Number:
  US 20100204878A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,447 Days
• Field of Search: 340438-456, 701 29- 36
• US Class Current: 340/438
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0232 for measuring vehicle parameters and indicating critical, abnormal or dangerous conditions
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2205/02 using a vehicle scan tool

Abstract

A vehicle computer interface and software upgrade tool is in the form of a module. A base module contains basic vehicle interface, information and software. Additional modules can be connected to the base module or similar modules to provide a user or technician with the latest interface and software upgrades for vehicles, new vehicle data and new reprogramming features for existing vehicles. This is an expandable system which enables a user of technician to only purchase a relatively small module or component that contains the new interface or information rather than having to repurchase an entire new scan tool or vehicle analyzer. The modules are readily connectable to a vehicle'"'"'s data port, commonly known as an OBD II connector or port. The modules also include additional connection ports for power in, power out, USB and/or pin connectors which provide for the export of data and other connectors. These modules can also be used in conjunction with an intelligent cable. The intelligent cable has a small computer embedded within the cable to enable sensitive electronic components to be used without cable transmission losses or electrical disturbances.

Claims

1. A data acquisition, diagnostic and programming system for displaying operator configurable information relating to a vehicle comprising:

at least two structurally similar modules constructed and arranged to be in communication with a vehicle, at least one of the two structurally similar modules including a device constructed and arranged to obtain information relating to the operation of said vehicle;

a data link extending between said vehicle and said at least one module, said data link providing bi-directional communication between said at least one module and said vehicle, said at least one module containing software constructed and arranged to evaluate the operating parameters of said vehicle, communicate with said vehicle and update the operating parameters of said vehicle; and

wherein the two structurally similar modules further comprise a first side and a second side of each module, the first side and second side being generally opposite to each other, the first side is shaped as a receptacle, the second side is shaped as a projection, wherein the projection of one module is configured to mate with the receptacle of the other module.

2. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 1 including another said module, said modules being in communication with each other and with said vehicle.

3. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 2 wherein said another module containing new interfaces and the most recent software updates and vehicle parameters communicates with said vehicle through said at least one module.

4. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 2 wherein a plurality of said modules are in communication with each other in series, said another module containing new interfaces and the most recent software updates and most recent vehicle parameters is in communication with said vehicle through said least one module.

5. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 1 wherein said at least one module includes an input for a direct current power source.

6. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 1 wherein said at least one module includes an output constructed and arranged to provide power to said vehicle.

7. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 1 including a data port enabling bi-directional communication between said at least one module and a personal computer.

8. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 1 wherein said at least one module includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) which indicate the operating parameters of said vehicle.

9. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 1 wherein said at least one module includes a video display screen.

10. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 9 wherein said video display screen is a touch screen enabling input form an operator.

11. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 2 including a data link connector connected to said vehicle and said at least one module, said data link enables bi-directional communication between said vehicle and said at least one module.

12. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 2 including connectors n each of said modules, said connectors providing communication between said modules and said vehicle.

13. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 11 wherein said data link includes a computer, said data link computer constructed and arranged to enable enhanced communication between said at least one module and said vehicle, said data link computer constructed and arranged to prevent data link cable transmission losses and electrical disturbances between said vehicle and a vehicle parameter sensing device.

14. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 7 wherein said personal computer is in communication with a web site of a vehicle manufacturer, updated vehicle information is downloaded form said vehicle manufacturer website to said personal computer, said updated information is transmitted to said at least one module, said updated information is then transmitted from said at least one module to said vehicle.

15. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 2 wherein each of said modules include a forward end and a rearward end, said modules being connected to each other such that said forward end of one of said modules is connected to said rearward end of another of said modules.

16. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 2 wherein each of said modules include support feet positioned on a top surface and on a bottom surface of each of said modules, said feet being removable and replaceable with securing devices, said securing devices constructed and arranged to secure said modules to each other.

17. The data acquisition and programming system of claim 2 including an input/out board, said input/outboard constructed and arranged to be connected to at least one of thermocouples, analogue inputs, and digital inputs/outputs.

18. A method of data acquisition and programming for displaying operator configurable information relating to a vehicle comprising the steps of:

providing at least two structurally similar modules, wherein at least one of the two structurally similar modules is constructed and arranged to be in communication with a vehicle, said modules including a device constructed and arranged to display information relating to the operation of said vehicle;

providing a data link extending between said vehicle and said at least one module, said data link providing bi-directional communication between said at least one module and said vehicle, said at least one module containing software constructed and arranged to evaluate the operating parameters of said vehicle, communicate with said vehicle and update the operating parameters of said vehicle and

wherein the at least two structurally similar modules further comprise a first side and a second side of each module, the first side and second side being generally opposite to each other, the first side is shaped as a receptacle, the second side is shaped as a projection, wherein the projection of one module is configured to mate with the receptacle of the other module.

19. The method of data acquisition and programming for displaying operator configurable information of claim 18 including providing a plurality of said modules in communication with each other in series, said module containing the most recent software updates and most recent vehicle parameters being in communication with said vehicle through said other modules.

20. The method of data acquisition and programming for displaying operator configurable information of claim 18 including providing a data link connector connected to said vehicle and said at least one module, said data link enabling b-directional communication between said vehicle and said at least one module.

21. The method of data acquisition and programming for displaying operator configurable information of claim 20 wherein said data link includes a computer, said data link computer enabling enhanced communication between said at least one module and said vehicle, said data link computer preventing data link cable transmission losses and electrical disturbances between said vehicle and a vehicle parameter sensing device.

22. The method of data acquisition and programming for displaying operator configurable information of claim 21 including providing connectors on each of said modules, said connectors providing communication between said modules and said vehicle.