Abstract:
The present invention discloses vehicle diagnostic systems and, more particularly, methods and systems for remotely retrieving vehicle data from a vehicle with a computer-based diagnostic application. A method of retrieving vehicle data from a vehicle includes establishing a first connection between a host computer and a computer network, establishing a second connection between an onboard computer of a vehicle and the computer network, and transferring vehicle data over the computer network. Systems and apparatuses for performing the methods of the present invention are also described.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to vehicle diagnostic systems and, more particularly, to methods and systems for remotely retrieving vehicle data from a vehicle by using a computer-based diagnostic technique.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The use of a diagnostic application periodically to gather information from a vehicle engine or other system of the vehicle is known. For instance, to perform a diagnostic examination of a truck, the truck is brought to a service bay where a truck mechanic performs the diagnostic examination. This examination is performed by directly connecting an in-bay service computer to a microprocessor or similar component associated with a truck, such as an on-board engine control module. The connection is accomplished by running a hard wire from the service computer to the microprocessor of the truck&#39;s engine control module.  
         [0003]     The service technician uses a software application of the in-bay service computer to communicate with each microprocessor of a control module aboard the truck. The component&#39;s microprocessor is configured to control or gather information from various sensors of the component control module, and to store various messages generated by the components or sensors of the truck. The various on-board components of the truck generate and store messages, such as fault codes, during operation of the truck. A representative example of how an onboard computer communicates with sensors is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,854, the contents of the entirety of which is incorporated herein by this reference. In this manner, if a component of the truck is not performing properly, such as if the engine of the truck is running too warm, the microprocessor of the engine control module can store data related to the under performance of the truck. When the truck is brought to the service bay and a hardwire is used to connect the in-bay service computer to the engine module microprocessor, the service technician is able to access the messages or fault codes stored in the engine module microprocessor with the diagnostic application of the service computer, thus, allowing the service technician to read the messages or fault codes and thereby diagnose any problems of the various systems of the truck.  
         [0004]     Although performing the diagnostic examination in this manner allows the service technician to quickly access the data stored on the component module microprocessor, it requires that the truck physically be located proximate the service computer. Further, in order to perform such a diagnostic examination, the service technician needs to establish an individual connection with each truck to be diagnosed. To diagnose another truck, the service technician needs to disconnect the physical connection between the truck&#39;s computer system and the service computer before physically establishing a connection to another truck. This results in wasted time for the service technician.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The instant invention generally involves a method of remotely performing a diagnostic session on a vehicle having an onboard computer. As used herein, the tem “diagnostic session” will be used to refer acts used by a diagnostic application on a computer to diagnose an on-board computer of vehicle. Thus, a “diagnostic session” includes acts of the diagnostic application sending and receiving data to and from the on-board computer. Generally, the method includes establishing a first connection between a host computer and a computer network such as, for example, the Internet, establishing a second connection between an onboard computer of a vehicle and the computer network, and transferring the vehicle data from the onboard computer of the vehicle to the host computer over the computer network. As used herein, the term “host computer” will be used to refer to a computer configured with a diagnostic application software program (hereinafter “diagnostic application”), wherein the computer configured with the diagnostic application “hosts” the diagnostic session. The onboard computer has the capability to retrieve and store vehicle data such as, for example, operational information about the vehicle that may be obtained from various component control modules associated with the vehicle. Thus, the remotely performed diagnostic session retrieves and diagnoses the same data and achieves the same results which occurred when the truck was sitting in a diagnostic computer equipped bay.  
         [0006]     In one embodiment, a system for enabling a vehicle to remotely communicate with a host computer over a computer network is described. The system includes a protocol adapter for translating vehicle data generated by a vehicle component control module of the vehicle and a memory device operatively configured with a computer network driver for enabling an onboard computer of the vehicle to communicate over the computer network.  
         [0007]     In an additional embodiment, a system for remotely performing a diagnostic session is described. The system includes a host computer operatively configured with a diagnostic application, a first computer network adapter driver for connecting the host computer to a computer network, and a first dynamic link library interface for enabling the host computer to communicate with an onboard computer of a vehicle. The system also includes the onboard computer associated with a vehicle component control module of a vehicle, wherein the onboard computer has memory operatively configured with a second computer network adapter driver for connecting the onboard computer to the computer network and a protocol adapter driver for communicating with a protocol adapter. The system further includes a protocol adapter for interconnecting the onboard computer and the host computer.  
         [0008]     In yet a further embodiment, a system for remotely performing a diagnostic session includes a host computer operatively configured with a diagnostic application. The system further includes means for enabling the diagnostic application to retrieve vehicle data from an onboard computer associated with a vehicle over a computer network.  
         [0009]     In another embodiment, a vehicle having a microprocessor capable of sensing and storing vehicle data is described, wherein a computer network adapter driver and a protocol adapter driver capable of interacting with the microprocessor are stored in memory of an onboard computer. A protocol adapter for interconnecting the onboard computer with a host computer and a means for connecting the onboard computer to the host computer over a computer network are further described in association with the vehicle.  
         [0010]     In an additional embodiment, a method of performing a diagnostic session on a vehicle remotely located from a host computer configured with a diagnostic application is described. The method includes activating a connection between an onboard computer of the vehicle and a computer network capable of connecting to the host computer and accessing the computer network to establish communication between the onboard computer and the host computer. The method further includes performing the diagnostic session on the remotely located vehicle over the computer network by running the diagnostic application.  
         [0011]     In each of the various embodiments described herein, means and systems are provided which enable an onboard computer system of a vehicle to connect with a computer network such as, for example, the Internet, when the vehicle is located at an Internet cafe at, for example, a truck stop. By connecting the onboard computer system of the vehicle with the computer network, a host computer is enabled to remotely retrieve vehicle data from the vehicle. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a communication system of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic diagram of an additional embodiment of a communication system of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a communication system of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a communication system of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a vehicle data communication system of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a method of providing a vehicle with an opportunity to purchase a diagnostic session.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of remotely performing a diagnostic session of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0019]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a communication system  10  of the present invention. The communication system  10  includes a host computer  12 , a protocol adapter  20 , and a vehicle  30 . The host computer  12  is configured with a diagnostic application  14  such as, for example, a vehicle component diagnostic software program that enables a user of the host computer  12  to acquire vehicle data from a microprocessor such as, for example, a microprocessor associated with a component control module of the vehicle  30 . The vehicle data may be diagnostic data that includes, for example, operating information, diagnostic information, programmable parameters, engine control signals, transmission control signals, or braking system signals. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the diagnostic application  14  is PC-based and written to use a RP1210A interface, but in other embodiments, the diagnostic application  14  may be supported by other computer operating systems and written to use other interfaces.  
         [0020]     The term “vehicle data” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, operating information, diagnostic information, programmable parameters, engine control signals, transmission control signals, braking system signals, fault codes, engine rpm, idle speeds, fluid temperature, engine oil pressure, battery voltage, fuel rate, data generated by a sensor, vehicle tests, vehicle log and trip information, emissions information (i.e., such as NOx output) or any other input information, or electronic data accessible, gathered by or generated by an offboard or onboard microprocessor associated with the component control module of the vehicle  30 .  
         [0021]     The microprocessor may be operatively connected to sensors that are themselves operatively connected to various components of the engine, transmission, or other system of the vehicle  30 . The sensors generate electric signals that correspond to the component that the sensors are connected to. The microprocessor may periodically retrieve the electric signals from the sensors and store the electric signals, thus generating vehicle data. In addition to receiving vehicle data, the microprocessor may also send electric signals to various components of the vehicle, wherein the sent electric signals are also stored, thus, generating vehicle data. For example, in one embodiment, an oil temperature sensor senses the oil temperature and generates electric signals corresponding to the oil temperature, wherein the oil temperature signals are sent to the microprocessor and stored as vehicle data.  
         [0022]     The diagnostic application  14  obtains the vehicle data from the vehicle  30  through the use of a dynamic link library (DLL) interface  16 , such as a RP1210A DLL interface or a RP1210 interface. The diagnostic application  14  enables a technician operating the diagnostic application  14  to retrieve the vehicle data from the vehicle  30 . The DLL interface  16  enables the diagnostic application  14  to communicate with the protocol adapter  20  in a standardized manner. A protocol adapter driver  18  enables the function of allowing the DLL interface  16  to communicate with the protocol adapter  20 . As used herein, the term “driver” will be used to refer to a software program or code that enables a component associated with a computer to perform a function.  
         [0023]     In another embodiment, the host computer  12  is configured with software that enables the technician to send data to an onboard computer of the vehicle. In this manner, the technician is enabled to control or set parameters of a component control module of the vehicle or send data to the onboard computer of the vehicle. As used herein, the term “diagnostic session” will be used to refer to acts of the host computer sending or receiving data, such as vehicle data, to and from the onboard computer of the vehicle.  
         [0024]     A connection  22  such as, for example, a serial or USB cable, physically connects the host computer  12  to the protocol adapter  20 . The protocol adapter  20  may include, for example, an RS-232 interface, an ISA card, a PC/104 card, a TCP/IP interface, a RF interface, a USB interface, or any other protocol adapter  20  which performs functions the same as or similar to the protocol adapter  20  described herein. The protocol adapter  20  receives and arranges vehicle data from the microprocessor of the vehicle  30  through a vehicle network  24  (i.e., data bus) such as, for example, J1708, J1850, CAN, J1587, J1939, GMLAN, J1979, J2284, J2411, J1587, RP1210 or J1922. The protocol adapter  20  enables the function of allowing the vehicle network  24  to interconnect and communicate with the host computer  12  such as, for example, by arranging and delivering the vehicle data to the host computer  12  in a format that is readable by software, i.e., the diagnostic application  14 , of the host computer  12 .  
         [0025]     In another embodiment, the vehicle  30  may be further configured with an onboard computer  31  such as, for example, a laptop computer or an embedded PC, such as an embedded PC or Truck-PC available from DriverTech, of Salt Lake City, Utah, that is operatively connected to each vehicle component control module  32  as shown in  FIG. 2  through a vehicle network. In the exemplary embodiment, the onboard computer  31  is operatively connected to a plurality of vehicle component control modules include a HVAC control module  32   a , a brake control module  32   b , a transmission control module  32   c , an engine control module  32   d , and a miscellaneous control module  32   e  which may comprise any other type of control module known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be associated with a vehicle  30 .  
         [0026]     The vehicle network  24  may be, for example, a J1708, a J1939 or a J1850. The vehicle network  24  is connected to a protocol adapter  20  which is operatively connected to the onboard computer  31 , which may also be referred to as a vehicle PC. The onboard computer  31  is associated with a DLL interface  16  such as, for example, a RP1210A adapter, and communicates with a host computer  12  through a computer network  36  such as, for example, the Internet.  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a communication system  40  of the present invention. The communication system  40  includes a host computer  50 , an onboard computer  60  and a vehicle component control module  70 . The onboard computer  60  and the vehicle component control module  70  may be located on, or associated with, a vehicle which may be, for example, a truck, an automobile, a piece of heavy equipment, a piece of construction equipment, a farm machine, a military vehicle, an airplane, a hovercraft, a motorcycle, a boat, or any other piece of mobile equipment or mode of transportation. In other embodiments, the vehicle may be configured with a plurality of various component control modules  70  as previously described herein.  
         [0028]     The host computer  50  may be, for example, a personal computer (such as a desktop or laptop computer), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a computer work station or any other conventional computer system that may be operatively configured with software and capable of running a diagnostic application  52 , a first DLL interface  54  and a first computer network adapter driver  56 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the diagnostic application  52  is a vehicle component diagnostic software program that enables a user of the host computer  50  to acquire the vehicle data from a microprocessor associated with the vehicle component control module  70  through of the onboard computer  60  associated with the vehicle.  
         [0029]     In one embodiment, the diagnostic application  52  is PC-based and written to communicate with a conventional RP1210A interface. In other embodiments, the diagnostic application  52  may be written for other computer operating systems including, but not limited to, LINUX, WINDOWS, DOS or a MACINTOSH operating system. In this manner, the first computer network adapter driver  56  enables the function of allowing the technician to operate the diagnostic application  52  and perform a diagnostic session or retrieve vehicle data over a computer network  58  such as, for example, the Internet. The host computer  50  is connected to the computer network  58  with a means for connecting the host computer  50  to the computer network  58  such as, for example, a Wi-Fi computer network connection, a 1xRTT connection, a modem, an Ethernet connection, a wireless modem, a satellite based computer network connection, employing an internet service provider, a telephone line, a cable modem or any conventional method of connecting a computer to the computer network  58 . In other embodiments, the computer network  58  may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).  
         [0030]     In one embodiment, the first DLL interface  54  and the first computer network adapter driver  56  are configured on a memory device such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), a floppy disk or any other conventional external storage device, and are downloaded from the external memory device into a memory device such as, for example, a hard disk of the host computer  50 . The first DLL interface  54  and the first computer network adapter driver  56  are capable of communicating with the diagnostic application  52  of the host computer  50  such that the diagnostic application  52  does not need to be re-written or augmented.  
         [0031]     The first DLL interface  54  may be, for example, a RP1210A DLL interface. Other DLL interfaces include, but are not limited to RP 1210, RP 12, RS 232 or other conventional interfaces. The first DLL interface  54  enables the function of allowing the diagnostic application  52  to communicate with a protocol adapter  68  associated with the onboard computer  60  of the vehicle in a standardized manner. In one embodiment, the first computer network adapter driver  56  comprises a software program that enables the function of allowing the first DLL interface  54  to send and receive signals via the computer network  58  or that extends the first DLL interface  54  over the computer network  58 , such that the host computer  50  is capable of communicating with the onboard computer  60  of the vehicle over the computer network  58 .  
         [0032]     The onboard computer  60  comprises a memory device such as, for example, a hard drive configured with a second computer network adapter driver  62 , a second DLL interface  64 , and a protocol adapter driver  66 . The onboard computer  60  is also associated with protocol adapter hardware  68  which enables the onboard computer  60  to interconnect and communicate with the host computer  50 .  
         [0033]     In one embodiment, the second internet adapter driver  62  comprises a software program that enables the function of allowing the second DLL interface  64  to send and receive signals via the computer network  58 , such that the onboard computer  60  of the vehicle is enabled to communicate with the host computer  50  over the computer network  58 . The second DLL interface  64  may be, for example, a RP1210A DLL interface which is an industry standard.  
         [0034]     In one embodiment, the protocol adapter driver  66  is a software program that enables the function of arranging and delivering the vehicle data to the conventional DLL interface  64 . The second computer network driver  62 , the second DLL interface  64 , the protocol adapter driver  66 , or any combinations thereof may be provided on an external memory device and downloaded into memory of the onboard computer  60 . The external memory device may comprise a CD, a floppy disk, or other external storage device. By downloading the second computer network driver  62 , the second DLL interface  64  or the protocol adapter driver  66  into memory of the onboard computer  60 , an existing onboard computer  60  of a vehicle may be adapted to communicate with the host computer  50 .  
         [0035]     The protocol adapter hardware  68  enables the onboard computer  60  of the vehicle to communicate with the host computer  50 . The vehicle component control module  70  communicates with the protocol adapter hardware  68  with a vehicle network  72  such as, for example, J1708, J1850, CAN, J1587, J1939 or J1922. By providing the technician with the ability to perform the diagnostic session over the computer network  58  or retrieve vehicle data over the computer network  58 , the technician is enabled to access multiple vehicles without the need to configure the onboard computer of each vehicle with the diagnostic application  52  or physically connect the host computer  50  to the onboard computer  60  of each vehicle.  
         [0036]     Another embodiment of a communication system  80  of the present invention is illustrated in the schematic diagram of  FIG. 4 . A host computer  50  of the communication system  80  of  FIG. 4  is configured in substantially the same manner as the host computer  50  of  FIG. 3  and includes a diagnostic application  52 , a first DLL interface  54 , and a first computer network adapter driver  56 . The first DLL interface  54  and the first computer network adapter driver  56  may be provided on an external memory device and downloaded to memory of the host computer  50  such that the host computer  50  of  FIG. 4  may be configured to communicate with an onboard computer  60 ′ of a vehicle.  
         [0037]     Memory of the onboard computer  60 ′ is configured with a second internet adapter driver  62  and a protocol adapter driver  66 , and is associated with protocol adapter hardware  68 . The second internet adapter driver  62  or the protocol adapter driver  66  may be provided on an external memory device and downloaded to memory of the onboard computer  60 ′ of the vehicle, or in another embodiment, the memory of the onboard computer  60 ′ may be configured with the second internet adapter driver  62  or the protocol adapter driver  66  such that the onboard computer  60 ′ enables the function of communicating with the host computer  50 .  
         [0038]     A vehicle component control module  70  communicates with the protocol adapter hardware  68  with a vehicle network  72  (i.e., data bus) such as, for example, J1708, J1850, CAN, J1587, J1939 or J1922. In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the protocol adapter driver  66  comprises a software program that enables the function of arranging and formatting vehicle data received from the vehicle component control module  70 , such that the second computer network adapter driver  62  may be enabled with the function of transmitting the vehicle data over the computer network  58  such as, for example, the Internet.  
         [0039]     In order for the onboard computer  60  of the communication system  40  of  FIG. 2  and the onboard computer  60 ′ of the communication system  80  of  FIG. 3  to communicate with the host computer  50 , the onboard computers  60  and  60 ′ are operatively connected to the computer network  58 , i.e., the Internet, with a means for connecting the onboard computer  60  or  60 ′ to the computer network  58 . The connection may be made using any conventional method of connecting a computer to a computer network including, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi computer network connection, a 1xRTT connection, a wireless modern, a satellite based computer network computer, a telephone line, an Ethernet connection, a cable modem or any conventional device or method of establishing a connection to the computer network, i.e., such as the Internet.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention using the communication system  40  or  80  of  FIG. 3  or  4 . As illustrated, a computer  100 , such as the host computer  50  of  FIG. 3  or  FIG. 4 , is connected to the Internet  58  with a first internet connection  102 . The computer  100  may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a computer workstation. The computer  100  is configured with a diagnostic application, such as the diagnostic application  52  of  FIG. 3  or  FIG. 4 , the first DLL interface  54 , and the first computer network adapter driver  56  as described herein.  
         [0041]     A truck  104  is connected to the Internet  58  with a second internet connection  106  as described herein. Using the components of  FIG. 5 , a technician (not shown) may obtain vehicle data from the truck  104  over the Internet  58 . For instance, the technician and the computer  100  may be located at a first location, such as a fleet management complex or building, and the truck  104  may be located at a second location, such as a truck stop. Since many truck stops are configured with local area networks (LANs) and possess the ability for an onboard computer associated with the truck  104  to connect to the Internet, the technician may obtain vehicle data from the truck  104  over the Internet without having to be in close proximity to or establish a physical connection to the truck  104 . Thus, the technician may obtain the vehicle data from the truck  104  that is located at a different or remote location. With the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the technician is enabled to download vehicle data such as, for example, an error code stored on a microprocessor of a vehicle component control module associated with the onboard computer of the truck  104 , perform a diagnostic session, or retrieve vehicle data from the truck  104 .  
         [0042]     Still referring to  FIG. 5 , a method of one embodiment of the present invention includes transferring the vehicle data from the truck  104  to the computer  100 , a first connection is established between the computer  100  and a computer network, such as the Internet. A second connection is established between an onboard computer of the truck  104  and the Internet. A diagnostic application of the computer  100  sends and receives signals to the onboard computer or microprocessor of the vehicle component control module of the truck  104  utilizing the components and capabilities of the communication system  40  or  80  as described herein with reference to  FIG. 3  or  4 .  
         [0043]     In another embodiment, the truck  104  or other vehicle may gain access to the computer network at a remote location by purchasing an opportunity to connect to the computer network via a hard wire or wireless connection at the remote location such as, for example, a truck stop. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a business, such as the truck stop, offers the vehicle an opportunity to connect to a computer network, have a diagnostic session performed, or both at box  92 . In this manner, if the vehicle is traveling and experiences difficulties or if an error message or warning is reported by one of the vehicle control component modules associated with the vehicle, an operator of the vehicle may stop at the remote location and establish a connection to the computer network, e.g., the Internet, by paying a fee to a provider of the Internet connection, i.e., the truck stop. In one embodiment, the truck stop charges a fee for activating the service of establishing the connection to the computer network, charges a fee for the diagnostic session, or both as illustrated at box  94 . Once the Internet connection is established, a technician or group of technicians are enabled to perform a remote diagnostic session as shown at box  96  on the vehicle over the Internet using the communication systems described herein.  
         [0044]     In another embodiment, the Internet connection or diagnostic session may be activated by a pre-purchased “credit” card which may be swiped in a credit card payment device. Alternatively, the card payment device may be programmed to accept any major credit card. The fee may be a pre-set fee or a fee charged on a per minute on-line basis. The fee charged may be a fee to the technicians for performing the diagnostic session, a fee charged by the provider of the Internet connection, or both. In a further embodiment, the operator of the vehicle may establish a line of credit with the technicians for performing the diagnostic session or the provider of the Internet connection, wherein the operator accesses the line of credit by entering a code or recognizing an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the onboard computer of the vehicle.  
         [0045]     The provider of the Internet connection may provide the connection for a monetary fee received by a credit card, cash, check, or the provider of the Internet connection may offer a subscription service wherein the vehicle may pay a set fee and gain access to the Internet connection. For example, an oil company may charge a periodic usage fee, such as annually, for an Internet connection at any of its gas stations. In another embodiment, the technician or group of technicians that perform the diagnostic session may charge a monetary fee to the vehicle for each system of the vehicle diagnosed or charge an hourly fee. In a further embodiment, a fee charged to the vehicle operator for the diagnostic session may include the fee for the Internet connection and the diagnostic session, wherein the fee may be charged by the provider of the Internet connection, or the technician or group of technicians.  
         [0046]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of performing a diagnostic session generally at  110 . The method includes configuring the host computer with a diagnostic application at box  112 , configuring the host computer with a DLL interface at box  114 , and configuring the host computer with a computer network driver at box  116 . A connection is established between the host computer and a computer network at box  118 . The method further includes configuring memory of an onboard computer with a protocol adapter driver at box  120 , configuring the onboard computer with a DLL interface at box  122 , and configuring the onboard computer with a computer network driver at box  124 . A connection is established between the onboard computer and the computer network at box  126 . Once the connections are made on the computer network, vehicle data is transferred from the onboard computer to the host computer at box  128  and data is transferred from the host computer to the onboard computer at box  130 . The method of performing the diagnostic session may be performed using any of the communication systems and various components described herein.  
         [0047]     Having thus described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit or scope thereof as hereinafter claimed.