Distributed automotive diagnostic system with a single diagnostic protocol server and multiple data source modules for internal combustion engines

• US 7,751,956 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2007
• Issued: 07/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Original Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Groer, Frank Steffen, Golub, Tomislav Ivo
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Kim T
• Application Number:
  US11/939,676
• Publication Number:
  US 20080161993A1
• Time in Patent Office: 965 Days
• Field of Search: 701/29, 701 33- 35, 700 21- 31
• US Class Current: 701/33
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/22 Safety or indicating devices for abnormal conditions in air/fuel ratio feedback systems F02D41/1495, in electric control linkage F02D11/107, in purge control systems F02M25/0809
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/266 the computer being backed-up or assisted by another circuit, e.g. analogue

Abstract

A diagnostic system with a single diagnostic protocol server and multiple data source modules for an electronically controlled internal combustion engine.

Claims

1. A diagnostic system with a single diagnostic protocol server and multiple data source modules for an electronically controlled internal combustion engine having an electronic controller with memory, comprising:

a first programmable module, said first module wherein memory and at least one table of engine operation parameters resident therein;

at least a second module in electronic communication with said first module;

said second module having memory and at least one table of engine operation parameters resident therein;

each said module programmed with a minimum version of software with engine operation parameters and fault codes;

said first module providing access to a service toll for accessing information at least said second module in electronic communication with various system sensors for receipt of data signals form said sensor indicators of operating conditions;

at least a said second module communicating faults to said first module said first module logs said faults and communicates said faults to a service tool for diagnosis and service.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said system recalibrates said modules to compatible software version to synchronize automated code memory between said modules each ignition cycle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said first module is a common powertrain controller and said second module is a motor control module, both of which comprise an electronic control unit for said engine.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said first module receives fault information from said second module over a CAN based network.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said first module reports at least one fault from said second module over a JAE J1587 data link and an SAE J1939 data link.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said data in said tables are diagnostic trouble codes.