Expanded protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks

• US 9,158,723 B2
• Filed: 07/30/2012
• Issued: 10/13/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: David M. Such, Robert E. Mcclure
• Original Assignee: David M. Such, Robert E. Mcclure
• Inventors: McClure, Robert E., Such, David M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Vo, Tim T
• Assistant Examiner(s): Huynh, Kim T
• Application Number:
  US13/561,963
• Publication Number:
  US 20130024587A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,170 Days
• Field of Search: 710305-306, 710315-317, 710/104, 701 1- 31
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/385 for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices

Abstract

A protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks that provides diagnostics, analysis and monitoring. The protocol adapter has a pass-through feature (voltage translator)/smart mode that allows the protocol adapter to emulate older boxes. Visual indicators (LEDs) indicate the pass through feature is in operation. LEDs also indicate activity on the RS232 bus between the adapter and a PC. Single color and multiple color emitting LEDs indicate a program is being executed and identify the program that is being executed. The protocol adapter supports RP1202 and RP1210, J1708 and J1939 and J1939 Transport Layer. The protocol adapter has a Real Time Clock, Standard COMM port connection, 7-32 Volt Supply and is CE compliant. The adapter can be used wirelessly.

Claims

1. A protocol adapter for wirelessly transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer, said protocol adapter comprising:

said protocol adapter is for transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer that is a lap-top or bench top computer where said protocol adapter is used as a diagnostic tool to bridge the computer to a vehicle network wherein said protocol adapter wirelessly performs ECU fault code interrogation, communication with a remote network, vehicle maintenance status checks or trip performance data downloads, and improved asset control, logistics and inventory management, diagnostic support and maintenance scheduling;

a plurality of electrical circuits and an RS232 bus, said circuits being capable of operating in more than one protocol, said circuits including a voltage translator for translating a voltage so that the protocol adapter operates in a pass-through mode;

a processor contained in the protocol adapter;

a processor memory map of the processor of said protocol adapter having a bank switching feature that is used to increase the amount of usable memory beyond the amount directly addressable by the processor, wherein memory is swapped in and out of the processor memory map to provide for multiple programs to be run on said protocol adapter, wherein said bank switching feature provides for field upgrade capability wherein non-volatile memory is programmed in the field such that new software features are added in the field.

2. The protocol adapter according to claim 1 wherein the protocol adapter transfers signals in a protocol selected from the group consisting of SAEJ1850 protocol, GM class 2 protocol, SAEJ1850 protocol, Chrysler protocol, GM Class 1 UART protocol, IS09141-2 protocol, 1S09141-1989 protocol, ISO 9141-special protocol, SAEJ2284, dual-wire CAN protocol, SAEJ2411 protocol and single wire CAN protocol.

3. The protocol adapter according to claim 1 wherein the circuits include a static RAM module and a flash memory module for providing reflashing that allows the protocol adapter to be adapted with new firmware.

4. The protocol adapter according to claim 1 wherein the circuits include a J1708 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1708 protocol.

5. The protocol adapter according to claim 1 wherein the circuits include a J1850 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1850 protocol.

6. The protocol adapter according to claim 1 wherein the circuits include a controller area network (CAN) transceiver circuit for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1939 protocol.

7. The protocol adapter according to claim 1 wherein the circuits include an RS-232 transceiver circuit for providing an interface to an RS-232 port on the computer.

8. The protocol adapter according to claim 1 wherein the circuits include an universal asynchronous receive and transmit (UART) circuit for providing communication of asynchronous data to and from the computer.

9. The protocol adapter according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of LEDs, said plurality of LEDs providing a visual indication of the protocol being used by the protocol adapter.

10. The protocol adapter according to claim 9 wherein the plurality of LEDs includes a plurality of dual colored LEDs.

11. The protocol adapter according to claim 10 wherein the plurality of dual colored LEDs are four dual colored LEDs, wherein three of the dual colored LEDs indicate which one of six user selected protocols is being used, and the fourth dual color LED indicates a mode of operation, including the pass-through mode.

12. The protocol adapter according to claim 1 wherein the protocol adapter communicates with the vehicle network and the computer wirelessly.

13. A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer, said protocol adapter comprising:

said protocol adapter is for transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer that is a lap-top or bench top computer where said protocol adapter is used as a diagnostic tool to bridge the computer to a vehicle network wherein said protocol adapter wirelessly performs ECU fault code interrogation, communication with a remote network, vehicle maintenance status checks or trip performance data downloads, and improved asset control, logistics and inventory management, diagnostic support and maintenance scheduling;

a static RAM module and a flash memory module for providing reflashing that allows the protocol adapter to be adapted with new firmware;

a J1708 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1708 protocol;

a J1850 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1850 protocol;

a controller area network (CAN) transceiver circuit for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operated in a J1939 protocol;

an RS-232 transceiver circuit for providing an interface to an RS-232 port on the computer;

a processor contained in the protocol adapter;

a processor memory map of the processor of said protocol adapter having a bank switching feature that is used to increase the amount of usable memory beyond the amount directly addressable by the processor, wherein memory is swapped in and out of the processor memory map to provide for multiple programs to be run on said protocol adapter, wherein said bank switching feature provides for field upgrade capability wherein non-volatile memory is programmed in the field such that new software features are added in the field; and

a universal asynchronous receive and transmit (UART) circuit for providing communication of asynchronous data to and from the computer.

14. The protocol adapter according to claim 13 wherein the protocol adapter includes a pass-through mode where the protocol adapter voltage translates signals between the vehicle network and the computer.

15. The protocol adapter according to claim 13 further comprising a plurality of LEDs, said plurality of LEDs providing a visual indication of the protocol being used by the protocol adapter.

16. The protocol adapter according to claim 15 wherein the plurality of LEDs includes a plurality of dual colored LEDs.

17. The protocol adapter according to claim 16 wherein the plurality of dual colored LEDs are four dual colored LEDs, where three of the dual colored LEDs indicate which one of six user selected protocols is being used, and the fourth dual color LED indicates a mode of operation, including a pass-through mode.

18. A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer, said protocol adapter comprising:

said protocol adapter is for transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer that is a lap-top or bench top computer where said protocol adapter is used as a diagnostic tool to bridge the computer to a vehicle network wherein said protocol adapter wirelessly performs ECU fault code interrogation, communication with a remote network, vehicle maintenance status checks or trip performance data downloads, and improved asset control, logistics and inventory management, diagnostic support and maintenance scheduling;

a J1708 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1708 protocol;

a J1850 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1850 protocol;

a controller area network (CAN) transceiver circuit for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operated in a J1939 protocol;

a processor contained in the protocol adapter;

a processor memory map of the processor of said protocol adapter having a bank switching feature that is used to increase the amount of usable memory beyond the amount directly addressable by the processor, wherein memory is swapped in and out of the processor memory map to provide for multiple programs to be run on said protocol adapter, wherein said bank switching feature provides for field upgrade capability wherein non-volatile memory is programmed in the field such that new software features are added in the field; and

a plurality of LEDs, said plurality of LEDs providing a visual indication of the protocol being used by the protocol adapter, wherein the plurality of LEDs includes a plurality of dual colored LEDs.

19. The protocol adapter according to claim 18 further comprising a static RAM module and a flash memory module for providing reflashing that allows the protocol adapter to be adapted with new firmware.

20. The protocol adapter according to claim 18 further comprising an RS-232 transceiver circuit for providing an interface to an RS-232 port on the computer.

21. The protocol adapter according to claim 18 further comprising a universal asynchronous receive and transmit (UART) circuit for providing communication of asynchronous data to and from the computer.

22. The protocol adapter according to claim 18 wherein the plurality of dual colored LEDs are four dual colored LEDs, wherein three of the dual colored LEDs indicate which one of six user selected protocols is being used, and the fourth dual color LED indicates a mode of operation, including a pass-through mode.

23. The protocol adapter according to claim 18 wherein the protocol adapter includes a pass-through mode where the protocol adapter voltage translates signals between the vehicle network and the computer.

24. The protocol adapter according to claim 18 wherein the protocol adapter communicates with the vehicle network and the computer wirelessly.