Abstract:
Methods and systems are disclosed for communicating a diagnostic message from a vehicle. One embodiment detects the diagnostic message and initiates a wireless communication in response to the diagnostic message. The wireless communication is initiated by electronic equipment installed in the vehicle. The wireless communication represents the diagnostic message. Another embodiment detects the diagnostic message and requests to initiate a wireless communication in response to the diagnostic message. If the request is approved, electronic equipment installed in the vehicle initiates the wireless communication.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/455,145, filed Dec. 06, 1999, and this application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/182,624, filed Feb. 15, 2000. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention generally relates to vehicles and, more particularly, to methods and systems for acquiring and communicating vehicular data.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Vehicle manufacturers use computers to control and to detect errors in vehicle components. Each computer may receive data from several sensors, and the computer then uses this data to control fans, valves, relays, and other components. When a computer receives data that is unfamiliar or that is outside programmed limits, the computer is usually programmed to send an error message. This error message is commonly displayed on the vehicle&#39;s instrument panel as a flashing light or other indication. The driver is then alerted to return the vehicle to a service center for repair.  
         [0006]     Any error message or other data from the computer must currently be requested or downloaded by service personnel. A service technician or engineer uses a specially programmed device to interface with the computer. This specially programmed device is connected to the computer to read sensor data, computer data, and error codes. These specially programmed devices are expensive to purchase, and these specially programmed devices can differ between manufacturers and even between model years. Furthermore, expensive labor costs are unnecessarily required to interface with the computer and read any data or error codes. This human interaction is also prone to error. One example of these specially programmed service diagnostic tool devices is the SNAP-ON® MT2500 Scanner for on-board diagnostic evaluation (SNAP-ON® is a registered trademark of Snap-On Technologies, P.O. Box 1430, Kenosha, Wis. in 53141-1430, www.snapon.com).  
         [0007]     There is, accordingly, a need in the art for a method of acquiring vehicle data which is less costly, which reduces human error, and which is always cost effective to implement.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     A vehicular data acquisition and transmission device reduces the aforementioned problems. The vehicular data acquisition and transmission device includes a communication device installed within a vehicle. The vehicular data acquisition and transmission device receives vehicular data and initiates a wireless communication. This initiated wireless communication includes a representation of the vehicular data. The vehicular data may represent engine management information, power train management information, chassis management information, and electrical management information. The vehicular data may also include maintenance information, diagnostic error code information, odometer, fuel, or vehicle identification number (VIN) information.  
         [0009]     Methods and systems are disclosed for communicating diagnostic messages from a vehicle. One embodiment detects the diagnostic message and initiates a wireless communication in response to the diagnostic message. The wireless communication is initiated by electronic equipment installed in the vehicle. The wireless communication represents the diagnostic message. The wireless communication could also represent a vehicle identification number or the vehicle&#39;s location. The wireless communication is initiated to a manufacturer, a customer service center, or a dealership. Another embodiment detects the diagnostic message and requests to initiate a wireless communication in response to the diagnostic message. If the request is approved, electronic equipment installed in the vehicle initiates the wireless communication.  
         [0010]     Methods are also disclosed for returning a rental vehicle to a rental agency facility. One method detects the location of the rental vehicle and initiates a wireless communication representing rental agency information. The wireless communication is initiated by electronic equipment installed in the rental vehicle. The wireless communication represents at least one of mileage, fuel, and a number identifying the rental vehicle. Another method detects the location of the rental vehicle and wirelessly communicates a request to electronic equipment installed in the rental vehicle. The request represents a request for rental agency information. If the request is approved, electronic equipment installed in the rental vehicle initiate a wireless communication representing the requested rental agency information.  
         [0011]     A vehicle is also disclosed. The vehicle has a powertrain system driving at least one wheel and tire assembly. At least one powertrain sensor monitors the powertrain system, with the at least one powertrain sensor producing a powertrain sensor signal. A processor receives the powertrain sensor signal, and the processor generates a powertrain system diagnostic message at predetermined values of the powertrain sensor signal. A wireless communication device installed in the vehicle initiates a wireless communication in response to the powertrain system diagnostic message, with the wireless communication representing the powertrain system diagnostic message. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the following Detailed Description of the Invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic of a vehicle incorporating a vehicular data acquisition and transmission device;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a schematic of the vehicular data acquisition and transmission device;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a schematic of a system for wireless acquiring vehicular data;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is an alternative schematic of the vehicular data acquisition and transmission device;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is also an alternative schematic of the vehicular data acquisition and transmission device;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing a method of communicating diagnostic messages from a vehicle; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing a method of returning a rental vehicle to a rental agency facility. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a schematic of a vehicle  20  incorporating a vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 . The vehicle includes at least one wheel and tire assembly  24 , and at least one powertrain system  26  driving the at least one wheel and tire assembly  24 . The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  includes a communication device  28 . The communication device  28  communicates vehicular data. The communication device  28  receives vehicular data and initiates a communication representing or including the vehicular data. The vehicular data may include engine or powertrain management system information  30  from an engine, electric motor, or transmission system of the vehicle. The vehicular data may also include electrical management system information  32  from an electrical system of the vehicle or chassis management system information  34  from a chassis system of the vehicle.  
         [0021]     The engine or powertrain management system information  30  includes information used to control engine and transmission performance. Many automotive manufacturers use one or more computers to control performance of an automobile&#39;s engine, transmission, and other powertrain components. (An Electronic Control Module, or “ECM,” is one example of an on-board computer used to control vehicular powertrains.) Sensors, switches, and actuators provide data to these computers, and these computers use this data to control emissions devices, cooling fans, ignition, air/fuel ratios, and many other performance variables. The communication device  28  can be used to communicate the information detected by these sensors, switches, and actuators.  
         [0022]     The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  initiates a communication. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  automatically communicates engine or powertrain management system information  30 . The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  need not be prompted or commanded to communicate the engine or powertrain management system information  30 . The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  automatically communicates the engine or powertrain management system information  30 , independently of a service diagnostic tool or human intervention. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  can initiate a communication whenever a predetermined event occurs. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 , for example, can initiate a communication any time a diagnostic error code is detected. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could also initiate a communication at certain time intervals, mileage intervals, or any other interval or combination of intervals.  
         [0023]     “Vehicular data,” as used herein, can be any signals or information used by the engine or powertrain management system. Vehicular data may include any of the sensor, switch, or actuator data collected by the engine or powertrain management system. Those skilled in the art recognize there are many sensors, switches, and actuators used in automobiles, and the number of sensors, switches, and actuators grows each model year. The vehicular data may include, for example, air intake temperature sensors, engine coolant sensors, throttle position sensors, manifold air pressure sensors, oxygen sensors, mass air flow sensors, ignition sensors, knock sensor, EGR sensors, and many other sensors.  
         [0024]     “Vehicular data” may also include any diagnostic error codes flagged by the engine or powertrain management system. Sensors, switches, and actuators, as mentioned above, provide data to one or more on-board computers. These computers use this data to control emissions devices, cooling fans, ignition, air/fuel ratios, and many other components and performance variables. When these computers detect sensor inputs, or other inputs, that are outside of programmed limits, the computer often sets a diagnostic error code. The communication device  28  can be used to initiate a communication representing or containing this diagnostic error code.  
         [0025]     The communication device  28  could initiate a wireless communication. Wirelessly transmitting engine or powertrain management system information  30  is greatly advantageous for vehicular service efforts. The vehicle&#39;s engine or powertrain management system information  30  could be automatically communicated to a dealership or manufacturer service center. The dealership or manufacturer service center would immediately be informed of any diagnostic error codes set by the engine or powertrain management system. Because the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could also transmit a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the dealership or manufacturer service center would also know the customer name and any customer profile. The dealership or manufacturer service center could immediately determine the repair procedure for the diagnostic error code, and the dealership could immediately determine the availability of repair parts. If a repair part(s) is available, the dealership could contact the customer and make a service appointment. If a repair part(s) are not available, the dealership could automatically order the repair part and still contact the customer and make a service appointment.  
         [0026]     Because the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  informs the dealership of engine or powertrain management system information  30 , the dealership could even send a mobile repair team to the customer&#39;s home or work. If the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  also communicates the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the customer profile could inform the dealership of the customer&#39;s home address or work address. Thus, the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could allow the dealership to repair the vehicle without the customer traveling to the dealership. The customer profile could be configured to show the customer&#39;s desired service hours, special needs, or any other information.  
         [0027]     Wirelessly transmitting engine or powertrain management system information  30  is greatly advantageous for engineering development efforts. Because the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  initiates a communication representing engine or powertrain management system information  30 , the vehicle manufacturer&#39;s engineering and warranty teams could be immediately informed of component or system quality issues. Wirelessly transmitting engine or powertrain management system information  30 , for example, allows the engineering and warranty teams to quickly determine the root cause(s) of any errors detected by the engine or powertrain management system. The engineering and warranty teams can immediately begin formulating warranty and quality plans to eliminate the error. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  allows manufacturers to very quickly respond to warranty and quality issues. Because vehicle manufacturers are quickly alerted to warranty and quality issues, the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could greatly reduce the number of defective vehicles manufactured and the number of defective vehicles shipped to dealers.  
         [0028]     As  FIG. 1  shows, the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could also communicate electrical management system information  32 . The electrical management system information  32  includes information used to control the vehicle&#39;s electrical system. Many automotive manufacturers use one or more computers to control the vehicle&#39;s electrical system. Sensors, switches, and actuators provide data to these computers, and these computers use this data to detect under and over voltage or current conditions, open circuit conditions, circuit failures, power failures, battery failures, and many other electrical system concerns. The communication device  28  can be used to initiate a communication representing the condition of the vehicle electrical system.  
         [0029]     As  FIG. 1  also shows, the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could also communicate chassis management system information  34 . Today&#39;s vehicles are increasingly using one or more computers to control advanced chassis/suspension components. Hydraulic and/or pneumatic leveling systems, adaptive/active suspension systems, magneto-rheological suspension components, electric steering systems, and four wheel steering systems are just a few of the technological advances in chassis design. These chassis advances use one or more computers to control these systems. Steering wheel angle sensors, yaw, pitch, and roll accelerometer sensors, height sensors, shock absorber valving sensors, and many other chassis sensors, switches, and actuators are used to detect the state of the chassis system. The communication device  28  can be used to communicate the condition of the vehicle chassis system.  
         [0030]     “Vehicular data,” as used herein, may also include any information used by the electrical management system and the chassis management system. Vehicular data may include any of the sensor, switch, or actuator data collected by the electrical management system and the chassis management system. Sensor data, switch data, actuator data, and even error codes can be wirelessly communicated by the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 . Even maintenance schedules could be communicated so that dealers could automatically schedule and perform maintenance procedures.  
         [0031]     There are many advantages of wirelessly communicating electrical management system information  32  and the chassis management system information  34 . Dealership service groups, like a vehicle manufacturer&#39;s warranty and engineering teams, can quickly learn of vehicle quality or maintenance concerns. Dealers and manufacturers can quickly respond and formulate action plans. Because vehicle manufacturers and dealers are quickly alerted to warranty and quality issues, the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could greatly reduce the number of defective vehicles manufactured and the number of defective vehicles shipped to dealers.  
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a schematic of the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 . The communication device  28  receives engine or powertrain management system information  30 , electrical management system information  32 , and chassis management system information  34 .  FIG. 2  shows the communication device may have power inputs  36  and  38 , and the communication device may include an antenna  40 . The communication device  28  can be any means for communicating the vehicular data. As those skilled in the art recognize, the communication device  28  may be a cellular phone device, a paging device, or a satellite communication device. The communication device  28  may operate on any frequency or any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., RF, infrared). The communication device  28  may also be analog or digital.  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a schematic of a system  42  for wirelessly acquiring vehicular data. The system  42  includes the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 . The communication device  28  receives the vehicular data and wirelessly transmits the vehicular data. At least one other communication device  44  wirelessly receives the vehicular data from the communication device  28 . The at least one other communication device  44  may also have an antenna  46 , and the vehicular data is communicated from the at least one other communication device  44  to one or more data acquisition devices  48 . Those skilled in the art recognize the one or more data acquisition devices  48  can be a personal computer, laptop computer, or any other data storage device.  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  also shows a method of communicating the vehicular data. The method includes initiating a communication representing the vehicular data. The method could include initiating a wireless communication of the vehicular data from the vehicle to a dealership. The method may include initiating a communication of the vehicular data from the dealership to a manufacturer. The method could include initiating a communication of the vehicular data over the Internet from the dealership to the manufacturer. The method additionally could include initiating a wireless communication of the vehicular data from the dealership to a manufacturer or from the vehicle to a manufacturer. The method alternatively could include initiating a wireless communication of the vehicular data from the vehicle to a rental agency.  
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is an alternative schematic of the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 .  FIG. 4  shows the communication device  28  receiving vehicle management system information  50 .  FIG. 4  acknowledges that the separate computers shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and used to control the engine or powertrain management system, the electrical management system, and the chassis management system, may be combined into one vehicle management system. This vehicle management system would reduce vehicle component costs by having a single computer or controller control all subsystems of the vehicle. Thus, the communication device  28  would receive vehicle management system information  50  from a single vehicle computer.  
         [0036]     Those skilled in the art also recognize the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could receive direct inputs from any management system. As  FIG. 4  suggests, any engine, powertrain, electrical, or chassis management system used in a vehicle could send direct inputs to the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 . A wiring harness or cable could plug from any computer or controller in the vehicle to the communication device  28 . This type of connectivity would eliminate translators or other software measures between each computer and the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is also an alternative schematic of the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 .  FIG. 5  shows the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  specially configured for rental operations. The communication device  28  could receive vehicular data such as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)  52 , fuel level  54 , and odometer  56 . The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  shown in  FIG. 5  would allow all rental customers to simply park the vehicle at the rental agency and immediately proceed to an airline gate or other destination. The rental agency would immediately know the VIN, the fuel level, and the odometer. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  greatly speeds the return of rental vehicles and promotes further rental customer satisfaction. Because the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  communicates VIN, fuel, and mileage, the rental agency can also reduce labor costs from the rental return procedure.  
         [0038]     Rental agencies could still provide the customer with a receipt of the rental transaction. Although the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  eliminates the customer from having to log and/or report fuel and mileage, the customer may still need a receipt of the rental transaction. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 , for example, would allow the rental agency to print a receipt on a bus or other rental agency ground transportation. The customer could simply return the vehicle, immediately walk to the rental agency bus, and a printed receipt would be available from the driver or from a terminal in the bus. The agency could, of course, email a receipt to the rental customer.  
         [0039]     Other features of the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  are security and convenience. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could be designed to only transmit vehicular data when prompted. This feature would save power and would also prevent personal data from unnecessary transmission. A rental agency or dealer, for example, could “ping” or prompt the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  when the vehicle is within range. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  would then communicate the vehicular data. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could also be prompted for vehicular data (such as VIN) when the vehicle has been stolen. Triangulation, GPS, or other methods could be used to pinpoint the location of a stolen vehicle communicating vehicular data. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could also be used to facilitate electronic commerce. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could transmit credit card information to a local gas station or other vendor. When the gas station or vendor prompts the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22 , an e-commerce payment would be electronically made. Likewise, the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could initiate an emergency communication (such as dialing 911) at a predetermined sensor value. For example, an accelerometer value representing a collision could cause the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  to initiate a communication to police, to emergency crews, to family or friends, or any other entity. Triangulation, GPS, or other methods could be used to pinpoint the location of the vehicle initiating the communication. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could also contact a fuel delivery company when fuel is low. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  could be instructed to initiate a wireless communication to a fuel delivery company. Fuel could be delivered to a requested location or a preferred location (such as work) at a certain time.  
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing a method of communicating diagnostic messages from a vehicle. The diagnostic message is detected (Block  58 ) and stored (Block  60 ). A request is made to initiate a wireless communication in response to the diagnostic message (Block  62 ). If the request is not approved, then the request is delayed (Block  64 ). If the request is approved, electronic equipment installed in the vehicle initiate the wireless communication (Block  66 ). The wireless communication may represent the diagnostic message, the vehicle&#39;s identification number, and/or the vehicle&#39;s location (Block  68 ). The wireless communication may be received at a dealership, vehicle manufacturer, vehicle service center, customer service center, or rental agency (Block  70 ). A service appointment could then be scheduled (Block  72 ). An occupant of the vehicle could be notified that the diagnostic message has been communicated (Block  74 ). The occupant could be notified by a lighted indication on an instrument panel, by recorded or programmed voice, by email, by page, by telephone, or any other means. If the diagnostic message is simple to resolve, instructions could be communicated to the occupant to resolve the diagnostic message.  
         [0041]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing a method of returning a rental vehicle to a rental agency facility. The location of the rental vehicle is detected by triangulation or by GPS (Block  76 ). Once the rental vehicle is known to be proximate to the rental agency facility, or within the rental agency facility, the rental agency wirelessly communicates a request for electronic equipment to communicate rental agency information (Block  78 ). Electronic equipment installed within the rental vehicle, alternatively, could initiate the wireless communication representing rental agency information (Block  80 ). The rental agency information represents VIN, fuel, mileage, and any other desired information (Block  82 ).  
         [0042]     Although  FIG. 1  shows an automobile, those skilled in the art recognize the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  is certainly applicable to other vehicular transportation platforms. Light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks, for example, may also utilize the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  to communicate vehicular data. Boats, ships, and aircraft may also utilize the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  to communicate vehicular data. The vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  is also applicable to hybrid-electric vehicles and electric vehicles. Even generators, lawn equipment, electric golf carts, and any other platform using a combustion engine(s) or electric motor(s) can utilize the vehicular data acquisition and communication device  22  to communicate the vehicular data.  
         [0043]     While the present invention has been described with respect to various features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in the art will recognize the invention is not so limited. Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.