Remote updating method and apparatus

• US 6,874,680 B1
• Filed: 11/01/2000
• Issued: 04/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Inventors: Klaus, Robert, Chinnadurai, Manohar, Liebl, Troy
• Primary Examiner(s): ST CYR, DANIEL
• Application Number:
  US09/702,751
• Time in Patent Office: 1,616 Days
• Field of Search: 235/375, 235/376, 235/438, 235/441, 235/462.01, 235/462.46, 235/472, 235/472.02
• US Class Current: 235/375
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57

Abstract

A hand-held diagnostic tool designed to operate and easily upgrade software applications developed for automotive diagnostics, is disclosed. The diagnostic tool, which communicates with a plurality of motor vehicle control units, provides application upgrades and/or modifications and/or new algorithms that are developed/adapted via remote updating. Remote updating is accomplished through a number of external ports on the tool that facilitate modem, Ethernet and wireless communications, including point-to-point protocol connection to the Internet.

Claims

1. A diagnostic tool for communicating with a vehicular electronic control unit, said diagnostic comprising:

a microprocessor for executing an operating system and one or more diagnostic application programs;

a non-volatile storage device, in a form of at least one internal and external memory, coupled to said microprocessor; and

a user interface having at least one integrally connected computer media port for receiving a portable media device, wherein the media port is configured to serve as a basis for updating of at least one of a diagnostic application program and memory of said tool, wherein said user interface includes a smart card for controlling authorized access of diagnostics application programs, wherein said microprocessor, non-volatile storage device, and user interface are integrally connected to said diagnostic tool.

2. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said user interface of said tool is equipped with external ports usable for connecting communication and peripheral devices.

3. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said user interface includes a flash card port for supplying at least one of new application programs and upgrades to be loaded into said non-volatile storage device of said tool.

4. The diagnostic tool according to claim 3, wherein said tool memory and one or more resident diagnostic application programs are updated using a flash card.

5. The diagnostic tool according to claim 4, wherein said tool is capable of establishing a point to point link to the Internet.

6. The diagnostic tool according to claim 5, wherein at least one of diagnostic program upgrades and modifications to said tool is performed using a bulletin board system through a point-to-point protocol connection.

7. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said user interface includes a PCMCIA card port for supplying modem, Ethernet and wireless communications.

8. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said user interface includes one or more serial communication port usable to communicate with a personal computer.

9. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said user interface includes an infrared communication area used for infrared communication with a desired peripheral device.

10. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said user interface includes a universal serial bus port for communicating with at least one of a keyboard, printer and memory hard drive.

11. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said user interface includes a hardware interface module port for enabling implementation of cartridge-contained software application programs.

12. The diagnostic tool of claim 11, wherein said user interface includes a hardware interface module port for enabling implementation of emission upgrades.

13. The diagnostic tool of claim 11, wherein said user interface includes a hardware interface module port for enabling implementation of lab scope upgrades.

14. The diagnostic tool of claim 11, wherein said user interface includes a hardware interface module port for enabling implementation of ignition upgrades.

15. The diagnostic tool of claim 11, wherein said user interface includes a hardware interface module port for enabling implementation of re-flash upgrades.

16. The diagnostic tool of claim 11, wherein said user interface includes a hardware interface module port for enabling implementation of multi-meter upgrades.

17. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said user interface includes an external power port for recharging an internal battery.

18. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein said user interface includes a 25-pin port used to connect a cable to a vehicle data link connector.

19. A method of remotely updating diagnostic application programs residing in at least one of internal and external memory of a portable diagnostic tool, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a diagnostic tool for communicating with a vehicular electronic control unit, the diagnostic tool having a user interface having at least one integrally connected computer media port for receiving a portable media device wherein the media port is configured to serve as a basis for updating of at least one of a diagnostic application program and memory of the diagnostic tool;

displaying upgrade procedures after electronic access by a user;

determining whether said diagnostic tool is valid for an update;

determining whether a valid smart card is present; and

providing user notification of the requested upgrade.

20. A diagnostic tool for communicating with a vehicular electronic control unit, said diagnostic tool comprising:

means for executing an operating system and one or more diagnostic application programs;

means for storing diagnostic application programs, said storing means comprising at least one internal and external memory coupled to said means for executing; and

means for interfacing with the diagnostic tool having at least one integrally connected computer media port for receiving a portable media device, wherein the media port is configured to serve as a basis for updating at least one of a diagnostic application program and a memory of said tool, wherein said executing means, storing means, and interfacing means are integrally connected to said diagnostic tool; and

means for determining whether a valid smart card is present.

21. The diagnostic tool of claim 20, further comprising:

means for displaying upgrade procedures after electronic access by a user.

22. The diagnostic tool of claim 20, further comprising:

means for determining whether said diagnostic tool is valid for an update.

23. The diagnostic tool of claim 20, further comprising:

means for providing user notification of the requested upgrade.