Methods, systems and tools for programming tire pressure monitoring sensors

The present invention relates to methods, systems and tools for programming tire pressure monitoring sensors based upon ascertained vehicle identification numbers. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of programming a tire pressure monitoring sensor of a vehicle wheel unit. The method includes obtaining identification information of a vehicle with a programming tool for a tire pressure monitoring sensor. The method further includes comparing the identification information with a database of identification information to determine a program software that is compatible with the vehicle. The method further includes programming the tire pressure monitoring sensor with the program software.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods, systems and tools for programming tire pressure monitoring sensors based upon ascertained vehicle identification numbers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercial and non-commercial vehicles now include tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) which include a central module, integrated or in communication with an electronic control unit of the vehicle, and tire pressure monitoring sensors for each of the vehicle wheel units. In general, the TPMS sensors monitor tire pressure within a respective tire and transmits a wireless signal to the central module which is indicative of tire pressure. Should the sensed pressure be outside of an acceptable range or a substantial change in tire pressure occur, an alarm is generated and transmitted to the user of the vehicle.

Over time, TPMS sensors may require replacement by service technicians due to damage, depleted battery or otherwise. In today's TPMS market, particularly the aftermarket, certain manufacturers offer TPMS sensors that can be flash programmed by a service technician with suitable operating software for a particular make, model and year of a vehicle. Unfortunately, this requires the technician to accurately determine the make, model and year of the vehicle and also laboriously scroll through a programming tool, or device, to select the determined make, model and year of the vehicle. Should the technician incorrectly identify the vehicle or unintentionally select the wrong program software, one or more, or even all, of the sensors may be incorrectly programmed and rendered unusable. Once the technician realized their mistake, they must again scroll through the programming tool to select the correct vehicle make, model and year, and once again program all of the sensors. Whether the technician accurately identifies the vehicle, or not, time is wasted through this laborious process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved methods, systems and devices for the programming of programmable TPMS sensors. The features of the present invention are predicated, in part, through the utilization of vehicle identification codes for positively identifying vehicles and programming replacement TPMS sensors with suitable program software. Through positive determination of vehicles and reduction in programming steps, the duration of programming time and user error is dramatically reduced.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of programming a tire pressure monitoring sensor of a vehicle wheel unit. The method includes obtaining identification information of a vehicle with a programming tool for a tire pressure monitoring sensor. The method further includes comparing the identification information with a database of identification information to determine a program software that is compatible with the vehicle. The method further includes programming the tire pressure monitoring sensor with the program software.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a programming system for a tire pressure monitoring sensor. The system includes a database of program software stored on a digital memory device, each of the program software includes operation commands and transmission protocols for a tire pressure monitoring sensor. The system further includes a vehicle identification code reader for obtaining an identification code of a particular vehicle. The method further includes software instructions that utilizes the identification code to determine a suitable program software for the particular vehicle. The method further includes a programming tool for programming a tire pressure monitoring sensor with the suitable program software.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a hand-held programming tool for programming tire pressure monitoring sensors. The programming tool includes a vehicle identification code reader for obtaining a vehicle identification code of a particular vehicle. The programming tool further includes a database of program software for tire pressure monitoring sensors stored on a digital memory device. The programming tool further includes a control unit including operating instructions for utilizing the identification code to determine a suitable program software for the particular vehicle. The programming tool further includes a programming device for programming a tire pressure monitoring sensor with the suitable program software.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable memory device storing computer program instructions which when executed by a computer comprising at least one processor results in: i) obtaining identification information of a particular vehicle; ii) comparing the identification information with a database of vehicle identification information to determine a program software that is compatible with the particular vehicle; and iii) programming a programmable tire pressure monitoring sensor with the program software.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS. 1-4, several exemplary embodiments of a programming system10, for programming one or more tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensors12of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)14, is shown. In general, the programming system10includes a programming tool16that includes a recorder18for obtaining, recording, receiving and/or imputing identification information of a vehicle such as an identification code20, more commonly referred to as a vehicle identification number or VIN, of a vehicle22. A control unit24of the programming tool16compares the identification information of the vehicle22to a database of identification vehicle identification information, such as a database of identification codes26, to determine a specific make, model and year of the vehicle22. With this specific vehicle information determined, the control unit24selects a program software from a database of TPM sensor program software28that is suitable for use with the TPMS14. The control unit24then programs a memory unit of a TPM sensor12with the suitable program software, through a programming device30.

After programming, the TPM sensor12communicates with a control module32of the TPMS14to provide continuous information, particularly air pressure, of a wheel unit34. The suitable program software installed onto the memory device of the TPM sensor12includes operation commands for indicating how the TPM sensor functions and communications protocols for indicating how the TPM sensor communicates with the TPMS14. The operation commands and/or communication protocols are often dictated by the original equipment manufacturer of the vehicle, TPMS or both. For example, such operation commands may include when the sensor records data, if or how the data is analyzed, calibrated or adjusted, when the sensor transmits signals or otherwise. Examples of such communication protocols includes number of frames per transmission, order of frames or data within the transmission, frequency of the transmission or otherwise.

The programming tool16includes various electrical components for operation of the tool, according to the teachings of the present invention. For example, referring to the exemplary embodiments shown inFIGS. 2-4, the programming tool16includes a central processing unit36and software disposed on one or more computer-readable memory devices38. In one exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the central processing unit36and one or more computer readable memory devices38are integrated into the control unit24within the programming tool16. It is contemplated, as described herein or otherwise, that additional electrical components, or otherwise, may be included with the control unit24or the programming tool16to achieve the specific functions, as described herein or otherwise.

In one exemplary embodiment, programming tool16further includes a user interface to initiate commands of the programming tool operation software stored on the computer-readable memory device38. In several configurations, referring toFIGS. 5-7, the user interface comprises display screen54, buttons48,50,52,56and/or keypad62. It is further contemplated that operation commands may be automatically initiated, such as when the programming tool16is connected to another electrical device, as described herein or otherwise. Exemplary commends include, without limitation: i) forming connections with other electrical devices including TPM sensors, vehicles, computers or otherwise, ii) downloading vehicle or sensor information from a vehicle, iii) uploading vehicle sensor information to a vehicle, iv) recording vehicle identification information, v) selecting suitable program software from a database of TPM sensor program software28, vi) programming a TPM sensor with selected program software, or vii) for performing other method or operational steps as described herein.

As previously mentioned, the programming tool16further includes a vehicle identification code recorder18for obtaining, analyzing, deciphering and/or recording information pertaining to an identification code of a vehicle22. It should be appreciated that identification codes of a vehicle22, as used herein, includes codes, symbols, graphical or digital representations or otherwise that can be used to uniquely identify a make, model and/or year of a vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle identification code recorder18is in communication with a digital memory device, such as memory device38or otherwise, for storing the recorded identification code. As such, it is contemplated that the control unit24is in communication with a memory device having the recorded vehicle identification code.

In one exemplary embodiment, referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the vehicle identification code recorder18is integrated with the programming tool16. In this configuration, the vehicle identification code recorder18is integrated with or within a housing40, or fixedly attached to the programming tool through a suitable attachment, such as through mechanical fasteners, or otherwise. In another exemplary embodiment, referring toFIG. 4, the vehicle identification code recorder18is formed separately from, but in communication with, the programming tool16. In one configuration, the programming tool16includes a suitable electrical connector42for forming a communication link with the vehicle identification code recorder18. However, in another configuration, the vehicle identification code recorder18is in wireless communication with the programming tool16, through suitable software and hardware, which may be combined with the control unit24, or otherwise. In any regard, in one exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the control unit24of the programming tool16controls all or a portion of the operation of the vehicle identification code recorder18.

In greater detail, referring toFIGS. 1 and 5, a first exemplary configuration of a programming tool16having an integrated vehicle identification code recorder18is shown. In this configuration, the identification code recorder18includes an on-board diagnostic connector44, e.g., OBD, OBD-II, EOBD, EOBD-2, JOBD, ADR or otherwise. The control unit24of the programming tool16communicates with an on-board diagnostic system46of the vehicle22to obtain information pertaining to the health of the vehicle. This information includes a vehicle identification number, i.e. identification code20, which is used to determine the specific make, model and year of the vehicle22. The vehicle identification code recorder18analyzes, via control unit24, the signal received from the on-board diagnostic system46to selectively obtain and store the identification code20. The vehicle identification number or code is then compared with a database of vehicle identification code, again via control unit24, to determine the specific make, model and year of the vehicle. The process of obtaining information from the on-board diagnostic system46, selecting the vehicle identification number or code, saving the vehicle identification code and comparing the code to the database of vehicle identification codes is achieved through the central processing unit24and operating software stored on the computer-readable memory device38of the programming tool16.

In an exemplary operational sequence of the exemplary configuration shown inFIG. 5, a user first presses an ‘On/Off’ button48to turn on the programming tool16. To obtain the identification code20the user then presses the ‘Record’ button50which sends a signal through on-board diagnostic connector44to the on-board diagnostic system46to generate a return signal including the identification code. The identification code20is then compared to the database of vehicle identification codes26and the identification code20, as well as the vehicle make, model and year52, are displayed on a display screen54of the programming tool16. A user then selects or approves of the information displayed by the programming tool16by pressing the ‘Select’ button56. The user then places a TPM sensor12in communication with the programming tool16, via wired or wireless connection59, and presses the ‘Program’ button58to beginning programming the TPM sensor12. It should be appreciated that multiple TPM sensors12can be programmed simultaneously.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 6A, a second exemplary configuration of a programming tool16having an integrated vehicle identification code recorder18is shown. In this configuration, the identification code recorder18includes a scanner60configured for reading scanable identification codes, such as bar codes, 2-D matrix bar codes or otherwise. The scanner60may comprise any suitable code scanner including bar code wands, laser scanners, CCD readers and camera-based readers, or otherwise. In one preferred configuration, the type of scanner60is compatible with the type of code displayed on the vehicle22.

In the configuration shown inFIGS. 6 and 6A, the scanner60is integrated with the programming tool16to form a single unitary body. In an alternate configuration, such as inFIG. 4, the scanner60comprises a separate unit that is in communication with the programming tool16. In this alternate configuration, the scanner60is connected through a wired or wireless communication link. In either configuration, the control unit24of the programming tool16causes the scanner60to scan or read the scannable code and transmit a return signal to the control unit pertaining to the scan results. In most current vehicle configurations, the scannable identification code20of a vehicle22comprises a bar code that is displayed on a dashboard or door of the vehicle.

In an exemplary operational sequence of the exemplary configuration shown inFIG. 6, a user first presses an ‘On/Off’ button48to turn on the programming tool16. To obtain the identification code20the user then presses the ‘Record’ button50which sends a signal to the scanner60to read or capture the image of the vehicle identification code20. The captured identification code20is then transferred back to the control unit24of the programming tool16and is then compared to the database of vehicle identification codes26and the identification code20, as well as the vehicle make, model and year52, are displayed on a display screen54of the programming tool16. A user then selects or approves of the information displayed by the programming tool16by pressing the ‘Select’ button56. The user then places a TPM sensor12in communication with the programming tool16, via wired or wireless connection59, and presses the ‘Program’ button58to beginning programming the TPM sensor12. It should be appreciated that multiple TPM sensors12can be programmed simultaneously.

Referring toFIG. 7, a third exemplary configuration of a programming tool16having an integrated vehicle identification code recorder18is shown. In this configuration, the identification code recorder18includes a keypad62for manually entering into the programming tool16an identification code20of a vehicle22. The keypad62is in communication with the control unit24of the programming tool16. In this particular configuration, the keypad62is integrated with the programming tool16. However, in an alternate configuration, such as shown inFIG. 4, the keypad62may comprise a separate component that is in communication with the programming tool16through a wired or wireless connection59.

In an exemplary operational sequence of the exemplary configuration shown inFIG. 7, a user first presses an ‘On/Off’ button48to turn on the programming tool16. To obtain the identification code20the user enters the vehicle code into the programming tool16using the keypad62, which is immediately displayed on a display screen54. The user then presses the ‘Record’ button50which compares the entered vehicle code to the database of vehicle identification codes26. The vehicle make, model and year are then displayed on a display screen54of the programming tool16. A user then selects or approves of the information displayed by the programming tool16by pressing the ‘Select’ button56. The user then places a TPM sensor12in communication with the programming tool16, via wired or wireless connection59, and presses the ‘Program’ button58to beginning programming the TPM sensor12. It should be appreciated that multiple TPM sensors12can be programmed simultaneously.

As mentioned, the programming tool includes a TPMS sensor programming device30for programming TPMS sensors12with the selected program software. The programming device30is configured to transfer operating software to the TPMS sensor through suitable means such as flash programming or otherwise. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the programming device30is integrally formed with the programming tool16. In another exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, the programming device30is separately formed from the programming tool16and is connected through a communication link, such as a data transfer cable or otherwise. It should be appreciated that computer-readable memory device includes instructions for causing the transfer of program software to one or more TPMS sensors12according to the type and configuration of data transfer. It should be further appreciated that the programming tool16includes suitable electronic components, such as wireless transmission devices, antennas, electoral connectors or otherwise for facilitating transfer of the data.

As mentioned, the programming system10includes a database of identification codes26and a database of program software28. The databases are in communication with the control unit24of the programming tool16for facilitating in selection and transfer of a suitable program software. In one exemplary embodiment, the database of identification codes26is stored on a first memory device64and the database of program software28is stored on a second memory device66. In another exemplary embodiment, the database of the identification codes26and database of program software28are integrated and/or stored on a single memory device. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the database of identification codes26are stored on a first memory device and the database of program software is stored on a plurality of memory device. In this configuration, it is contemplated that the programming tool connects to original equipment manufacturers of the TPMS sensors or system and download the most recent version of suitable software. Accordingly, each manufacture may have a separate memory device including one or more program software. In any regard, it is contemplated that the database of identification codes26and the database of program software28are periodically updated. According, as shown inFIGS. 4-6, it is contemplated that the first memory device, second memory device, single or plurality of memory devices are connected to data transfer port68for connection to another memory storage device, Internet, network or otherwise.

In greater detail, referring toFIG. 8, exemplary configuration of a database of identification codes26and database of program software28is shown, which is accessed through, in part, suitable software stored on the computer-readable memory device. The database of identification codes26includes a listing of all vehicle identification codes70used in recent history, particularly since the utilization of TPMS sensors. Each vehicle identification code includes or refers to a corresponding vehicle make, model and year72, which further includes a reference to a suitable TPM sensor program software74. The software stored on the computer-readable memory device compares the vehicle identification code determined by the vehicle identification code recorder18with the database of identification codes26to identify the specific make, model and year of the vehicle72and suitable TPM sensor program software74. With this information, a suitable program software for a TPMS sensor is selected and downloaded from the database of program software28to a memory storage device of the programming tool16. The software is then disposed on a memory storage device of one or more TPMS sensors through the programming tool16.

Referring toFIG. 9, an exemplary method of programming a TPMS sensor is shown. The method includes obtaining and/or recording an identification code, or identification information, of a vehicle76. In a first exemplary embodiment, this includes the utilization of a scanner60, as described herein or otherwise, for capturing a bar or two-dimensional vehicle identification code20. In second exemplary embodiment, this includes forming a communication link between an on-board diagnostic system46of a vehicle22, such as through a programming tool16, to obtain a vehicle identification code20. In a third exemplary embodiment, this includes keying in an identification code20of a vehicle22into a programming tool16for a TPMS sensor12using a keypad62of the programming tool16. Other means of determining an identification code are possible. In any regard, it is contemplated that the vehicle identification code20is stored in a memory device, at least temporarily, of the programming tool16or otherwise. In one exemplary embodiment, upon determination of the identification code20of a vehicle12, the identification code is displaced on the display screen54of the programming tool.

In one exemplary embodiment, the step of determining an identification code20includes pressing a button, such as ‘Record’ button50, of a programming tool16. In this embodiment, upon pressing of the ‘Record’ button: i) the scanner60begin uploading the bar code, ii) a signal is sent to the on-board diagnostic system46, or iii) inputted identification code typed in the programming tool16is analyzed.

The method further includes accessing or obtaining a database of vehicle identification codes78. In one exemplary embodiment, this includes forming a communication link between a programming tool16and the database of vehicle identification codes26. In another exemplary embodiment, this includes downloading, placing or otherwise storing the database of vehicle identification codes26onto the programming tool16. Other means of accessing or obtaining a database of vehicle identification codes may be possible.

The method further includes the step of comparing the vehicle identification code with the database of vehicle identification codes80. This step includes comparing the determined identification code20with the database of vehicle identifications codes26to further determine the make, model and year of the vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, the operating software of the programming tool16compares the stored identification code20obtained from the vehicle22with the database of vehicle identification codes26to determine a suitable TPMS sensor operating software. In one exemplary embodiment, the particular make, model and year of the vehicle is displayed on a display screen54of the programming tool16.

The method further includes the step of accessing or obtaining a database of TPMS sensor program software82. In one exemplary embodiment, this includes forming a communication link between a programming tool16and the database of TPMS sensor program software28. In another exemplary embodiment, this includes downloading, placing or otherwise storing the database of TPMS sensor program software28onto the programming tool16. Other means of accessing or obtaining a database of vehicle identification codes may be possible.

The method further includes the step of selecting a suitable TPMS sensor operating software84. The operating software of the programming tool16selects and/or downloads the suitable operating software, which may optimally be stored on a memory device of the programming tool. In one exemplary embodiment, selecting of the suitable TPMS sensor program software includes pressing a button, such as a ‘Select’ button56of the programming tool. Upon reviewing the vehicle identification number20on the display screen54of the programming tool16, the user selects the vehicle identification number.

The method further includes the step of programming a programmable TPMS sensor22with the program software86. In one exemplary embodiment, this includes the step of forming a wired or wireless connection59with a TPMS sensor12. In one exemplary embodiment, programming of the suitable TPMS sensor includes pressing a button, such as a ‘Program’ button58of the programming tool16. Upon pressing the program command, suitable software of the programming tool16transmits the selected program software to the TPMS sensor12.

It should appreciated that additional steps, as shown and described herein, may also be included in the exemplary methods of the present invention. Further, the order of steps shown inFIG. 9and described herein may be altered.