Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080244312 | Formula server for diagnostic systems - An apparatus and method are provided and include a formula server having formulas and conversion modules that are separate from a diagnostic application of a diagnostic tool. The diagnostic tool receives the diagnostic data and transmits it to a remote computer, where the data is converted using a formula. The resulting data is then transmitted back to the diagnostic tool for display. | 10-02-2008 |
20090265057 | USB Isolation for Vehicle Communication Interface - The present invention relates generally to an automotive diagnostic tool which facilitates data communications between an automobile and diagnostic device, such as a personal computer. More particularly, the present invention relates to electrically isolating the data communications using a Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) device situated between an automobile's communication diagnostic port and the personal computer. The VCI contains logic circuitry to translate the automobile's On Board Diagnostic (OBD II) signals to an embedded Ethernet controller. Ethernet signals are then non-galvanicly exchanged with an Ethernet to USB controller with an Ethernet transformer. A personal computer is attached via a USB cable to the VCI's Ethernet to USB Controller, permitting information exchange between the automobile and the personal computer. | 10-22-2009 |
20090292414 | UNIVERSAL VEHICLE INPUT/OUTPUT TRANSCEIVER AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A vehicular diagnostic tool configured to interface with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. The tool includes a transceiver that itself includes a voltage threshold controller and a current threshold controller. Also, a method of using a single vehicular diagnostic tool to communicate with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. | 11-26-2009 |
20090299539 | Power Balancing for Vehicle Diagnostic Tools - A power balancing system includes a vehicle communication device connected to a data link connector of a vehicle, and a scan tool connected to the vehicle communication device, the scan tool including a handset and a vehicle connector interface (VCI), wherein power can be received from one or more of an external power source being external from the VCI, the vehicle, and an internal power supply of the scan tool, and wherein the system balances the received power. | 12-03-2009 |
20100042288 | Docked/Undocked Vehicle Communication Interface Module - A diagnostic system that includes a vehicle communication interface (VCI) and a diagnostic tool is provided. When the VCI and the diagnostic tool are coupled together through a wired connection, the VCI and the diagnostic tool can communicate with each other and provide power, as needed, to each other. The VCI and the diagnostic tool can also communicate with each other wirelessly when the are not directly coupled to each other. The VCI and the diagnostic tool are configured so that communication is uninterrupted when going from the wired connection to the wireless connection and vice versa. | 02-18-2010 |
20100318259 | VEHICLE COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A vehicle communication interface (VCI) that allows for a single communications protocol to be used between a software application and a plurality of software drivers that are connected to physical interfaces of the VCI. Also, a method of communicating with a vehicle using a host system such as a personal computer. The method also makes use of a single communications protocol between a software application that processes information received from a vehicle and a plurality of software drivers. | 12-16-2010 |
20100324376 | Diagnostics Data Collection and Analysis Method and Apparatus - A medical diagnostic data collector/analyzer compiles historical vehicle diagnostic data, including measured vital signs from a number of different people from a variety of population types, and performs statistical analyses on various vital sign combinations to establish ranges corresponding to healthy individuals and various disease conditions. | 12-23-2010 |
20110015822 | Vehicle Diagnostic Device - An apparatus and method is provided that allows a user to record events in a vehicle via a vehicle data recorder in the latest communication protocols, such as Controller Area Network. The vehicle data recorder can record data from the event when a trigger button is actuated by the user and the CAN communication can be controlled by the CAN controller. After the data is recorded, it can transferred to a host workstation, where the user can analyze the data from the event and diagnose the problem causing the event. | 01-20-2011 |
20110035095 | Vehicular Diagnostic Tool with Detachable Memory and Method of Operation Thereof - A vehicle diagnostic tool configured to interface with a removable memory device. The removable memory device is configured to store information about the vehicle such as, for example, the maintenance history of the vehicle and notes or special instructions from one or more mechanics having performed the maintenance. The memory device, once disengaged from the diagnostic tool, is given to the vehicle's owner for safekeeping and may be incorporated in a key, fob or other device that the owner would often have available when operating the vehicle. Also, a method of collecting and storing vehicle data is also provided. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035096 | Scan Tool with Mobile Broadband Capability and Method of Operation Thereof - A vehicle diagnostic tool that is configured to perform one or more diagnostic tests on one or more systems of a vehicle. Once the test has been performed and data collected, the data may be forwarded to a location outside of the diagnostic tool through a mobile broadband connection device that is inserted into the diagnostic tool through a designated port. Also, a method of performing a vehicle diagnostic test utilizing such a diagnostic tool. | 02-10-2011 |
20110167301 | FORMULA SERVER FOR DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS - An apparatus and method are provided and include a formula server having formulas and conversion modules that are separate from a diagnostic application of a diagnostic tool. The diagnostic tool receives the diagnostic data and transmits it to a remote computer, where the data is converted using a formula. The resulting data is then transmitted back to the diagnostic tool for display. | 07-07-2011 |
20130018542 | POWER BALANCING FOR VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS - A power balancing system includes a vehicle communication device connected to a data link connector of a vehicle, and a scan tool connected to the vehicle communication device, the scan tool including a handset and a vehicle connector interface (VCI), wherein power can be received from one or more of an external power source being external from the VCI, the vehicle, and an internal power supply of the scan tool, and wherein the system balances the received power. | 01-17-2013 |
20130019043 | Vehicle Communications Interface and Method of Operations Thereof - A vehicle communication interface (VCI) that allows for a single communications protocol to be used between a software application and a plurality of software drivers that are connected to physical interfaces of the VCI. Also, a method of communicating with a vehicle using a host system such as a personal computer. The method also makes use of a single communications protocol between a software application that processes information received from a vehicle and a plurality of software drivers. | 01-17-2013 |
20130107408 | VEHICLE COMMUNICATION COMPONENT AND PROCESS HAVING ACTIVE OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION | 05-02-2013 |
20130166139 | Universal Serial Bus Memory Device for Use in a Vehicle Diagnostic Device - A method and apparatus are provided that allow an off-the-shelf USB flash memory device to be used with a scan tool. The USB flash memory device can have a different operating system then the proprietary operating system of the scan tool. The method and apparatus allows the scan tool to read from and write on the USB flash memory device regardless of the formatted operating system on the device. | 06-27-2013 |
20130304306 | Automotive Diagnostic Server - A system and method for an automotive diagnostic server can provide a portable vehicle diagnostic tool to identify a failed vehicle component. It may also provide a remote information device to serve as a connecting intermediary between devices, and to allow remote control of the devices and to provide information to a user. A remote diagnostic device to analyze data and interpret information to aid the user in making, using, maintaining, and fixing a piece of equipment or product may also be included. Web server functionality may be incorporated into the portable vehicle diagnostic tool to allow dissemination of the diagnostic information resulting from the diagnostic testing, and the web server may be accessed by a web browser of the remote information device. | 11-14-2013 |
20140129079 | UNIVERSAL VEHICLE INPUT/OUTPUT TRANSCEIVER AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A vehicular diagnostic tool configured to interface with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. The tool includes a transceiver that itself includes a voltage threshold controller and a current threshold controller. Also, a method of using a single vehicular diagnostic tool to communicate with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. | 05-08-2014 |
20140180531 | DOCKED/UNDOCKED VEHICLE COMMUNICATION INTERFACE MODULE - A diagnostic system that includes a vehicle communication interface (VCI) and a diagnostic tool is provided. When the VCI and the diagnostic tool are coupled together through a wired connection, the VCI and the diagnostic tool can communicate with each other and provide power, as needed, to each other. The VCI and the diagnostic tool can also communicate with each other wirelessly when they are not directly coupled to each other. The VCI and the diagnostic tool are configured so that communication is uninterrupted when going from the wired connection to the wireless connection and vice versa. | 06-26-2014 |
20140259719 | Combination Gauge Tool - A combination gauge tool and a method of measuring are provided. The combination gauge tool includes a processing module having a sensor. The combination gauge tool includes at least two of a brake pad thickness gauge, a tire treads depth gauge, and a rotor thickness gauge each coupled to the processing module at one or more inputs of the sensor and configured to provide measurement data to the sensor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260577 | Alternator and Starter Tester with Active Load Control - A diagnostic system configured to testing a performance of a vehicle component may include a processor configured to process test information from the vehicle component and control the vehicle component to be tested. The diagnostic system may also include a memory configured to store the test information of the vehicle component and software that operates the vehicle component. The diagnostic system may further include a monitoring module configured to monitor a power supply provided to perform the testing of the vehicle component and cuts off the power supply when the power exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266024 | Method and System for Wirelessly Charge a Diagnostic Tool - An electrical charging system including a storing vessel for storing a diagnostic tool and a wireless charging system integrated with the storing vessel for wirelessly charging the diagnostic tool when the diagnostic tool is placed within the storing vessel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277827 | VEHICLE MEASUREMENT APPARATUS HAVING A SYSTEM-ON-A-CHIP DEVICE AND A SENSOR - A vehicle measurement apparatus and a method for measuring vehicle data are provided. For example, the vehicle measurement apparatus includes a system-on-a-chip (SoC) device configured to integrate a programmable module with a microcontroller unit to receive vehicle data, process the vehicle data, and communicate the processed vehicle data to a remote computer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277907 | ALTERNATOR AND STARTER TESTER WITH CAPACITIVE ELEMENT - A diagnostic system configured to test the performance of a vehicle component may include a processor configured to process test information from the vehicle component and control the vehicle component to be tested. The system may also include a memory configured to store the test information of the vehicle component and software that operates the vehicle component and a capacitive element configured to supply power to perform the testing of the vehicle component, wherein the memory and the capacitive element are in communication with the processor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277911 | Vibration Analyzer for Vehicle Diagnostics - A vibration analyzer with an integrated sensor and method are provided to sense a vibration in a component of a vehicle. The vibration analyzer includes a three-axis accelerometer, a controller, a connector, a wireless interface and a battery. The vibration analyzer receives vibration data and vehicle data and packages them together and transmits the packaged data to a remove device such as a scan tool. The vibration analyzer can be networked with the remote device or with another vibration analyzer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277922 | Diagnostic Tool with a Plurality of Operating Systems - A diagnostic tool may include a user interface operating system comprising a computer processor that operates in a first operating environment. The diagnostic tool may also include a vehicle diagnostic operating system comprising a computer processor that operates in a second operating environment, wherein the second operating environment is different from the first operating environment. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278159 | Alternator Tester Having Belt Slip Detection - A diagnostic tool for testing the performance of a component of a vehicle includes a processor configured to process test information from an alternator component of the vehicle and control and activate the alternator component. The diagnostic tool further includes a memory configured to store the test information of the alternator component and software that operates the alternator component of the vehicle, and a sensor configured to sense the output voltage of the alternator and ensure that the diagnostic tool is properly operating the alternator component. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281063 | WIRELESS ADAPTER FOR A MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A wireless adapter for a measurement device is provided. The wireless adapter includes a first universal serial bus (USB) port to couplably receive data from the measurement device. The wireless adapter includes a battery to power the measurement device via the first USB port. the wireless adapter includes a wireless module to wirelessly transmit the received data to an external computing device after processing by the wireless adapter. | 09-18-2014 |