Abstract:
A vehicle computer interface and software upgrade tool is in the form of a module. A base module contains basic vehicle interface, information and software. Additional modules can be connected to the base module or similar modules to provide a user or technician with the latest interface and software upgrades for vehicles, new vehicle data and new reprogramming features for existing vehicles. This is an expandable system which enables a user of technician to only purchase a relatively small module or component that contains the new interface or information rather than having to repurchase an entire new scan tool or vehicle analyzer. The modules are readily connectable to a vehicle&#39;s data port, commonly known as an OBD II connector or port. The modules also include additional connection ports for power in, power out, USB and/or pin connectors which provide for the export of data and other connectors. These modules can also be used in conjunction with an intelligent cable. The intelligent cable has a small computer embedded within the cable to enable sensitive electronic components to be used without cable transmission losses or electrical disturbances.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an electronic diagnostic device for use in a motor vehicle, and more particularly to an electronic diagnostic device which can be used in conjunction with a vehicle&#39;s computer to test and program vehicles. This device can be physically and electronically connected to a similar device which contains updated information regarding vehicles and vehicle performance so that updated information and performance standards can be set to a vehicle&#39;s computer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Modern vehicles are generally equipped with numerous sensors, such as, for example, oil pressure, coolant temperature, transmission temperature, engine temperature, steering position, air/fuel ratio, etc. Typically, the sensors are connected to an on-board computer control module that continually monitors the sensors and regulates the vehicles functions accordingly. Generally the information generated by the sensor is continually passed along the vehicle data link as part of the vehicle diagnostic system. The vehicle diagnostic system cooperates with the factory installed gauge cluster to provide failure fault indications to the driver in the form of a “service engine” light. The vehicle diagnostic system typically includes one or more separate computer control modules. Examples of such computer control modules (also known as just “modules”) are: a power train control module (PCM), an engine control module (ECM), a transmission control module (TCM), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module, and an air bag control module. Typically the computer control modules are connected together by a data link, forming the vehicle diagnostic system. The data link typically has a connection point, or data link connector (DLC) that is normally located under the dash of the vehicle. The vehicle diagnostic system is generally used to provide relevant information to repair technicians. The DLC provides repair technicians with a place to connect off-board vehicle diagnostic devices, such as scan tools and code readers for communication with the vehicle diagnostic system. 
     Typically, scan tools are capable of performing at least some of the following major functions: “View Data,” also known as “Live Data,” “Data,” and “Data Test, DTC” (viewing and displaying in real-time live changing data from a plurality of module sensors), display of textual diagnosis descriptions corresponding to the various diagnostic codes, recording and playback of data, device control (manually controlling modules for diagnostic purposes), and reading and displaying vehicle information from the vehicle&#39;s computer (e.g., VIN information, controller calibration identification number, etc.). 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     “Off-board devices,” such as scan tools and code readers are known in the art. Scan tool and code reader testing devices interface with vehicle diagnostic systems to access, display, and/or print vehicle diagnostic information. On-Board Diagnostics Version II (OBD II) Scan Tools are one commonly known type of scan tool and are governed by a number of standards, e.g., SAE J1978 Rev. 1998-02, SAE J1979 Rev. 1997-09, ISO9141/KWP2000, CAN/IS015765, SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW or the like. 
     A “Manufacturer-Specific Scan Tool” is a scan tool that accesses and displays proprietary manufacturer-specific data (and possibly also additionally accesses and displays OBD II data). Examples of proprietary manufacturer-specific data include Device Controls on General Motors, On-Demand Tests in Ford, Actuator Tests, Sensor Tests, Interrogator, and Read Temporary Codes in Chrysler. In general, air bag data, ABS data, cruise control data, and climate control data are also considered to be proprietary manufacturer-specific data and are typically included only in Manufacturer-Specific Scan Tools. 
     Technicians at automobile dealerships and repair shops now days need the ability to reprogram the software contained in the vehicle&#39;s onboard computer. These reprogramming requirements normally reflect changes recommended by the automobile manufacturer. Software changes can also be utilized to improve a vehicle&#39;s performance. Reprogramming was initially adopted by the aftermarket in 2002 when the Society of Automotive Engineers SAE standard J2534 was published. In 2004 this standard was modified to J2534-1 thus technicians and customers had to purchase new hardware to use this new standard. 
     In 2005 a new standard J2534-2 was published permitting technicians and customers to communicate with, diagnose and reprogram vehicle computers. The J2534-2 standard has been changed several times since its inception in 2005. With each change the technician and customer had to purchase new hardware to utilize the new updated standard. These changes were driven by new automobiles that require new technology and adding support for older vehicles. The J2534-2 standard is designed to be a “living” standard, which implies that it will be constantly changing and evolving over time. New hardware may be required with each new change or upgrade of the standard. This is very costly to the technician and customer. 
     These scan tools can be upgraded to diagnose new vehicles by the use of cartridges. In the case where a vehicle requires a new hardware interface these scan tools can not be upgraded. These cartridges are connectable to the scan tool and provide the technician with the latest data for the new vehicles. However, these cartridges do not permit the scan tools to be used where there are different interfaces. The present invention comprises modules which contain hardware and software that is upgradeable over the Internet and does not required the purchase of new cartridges. The present invention can add on modules which can provide new features such as fiber-optic connections which would operate with fiber optic networks in vehicles. The new modules permit the hardware interfaces to be updated. All of these new features are combined with the ability to utilize the existing modules to connect to older vehicles without the need for special cables of data cartridges. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, the present invention is a vehicle computer interface and upgrade tool in the form of a module. A base module contains basic vehicle interface and software. Additional modules can be connected to the base module or similar modules to provide a user or technician with the latest software updates for vehicles, new vehicle interfaces and new reprogramming features for existing vehicles. The present invention is an expandable system which enables a user of technician to only purchase a relatively small module or component that contains the new interface and information rather than having to repurchase an entire new scan tool or vehicle analyzer. The present invention comprises modules which contain hardware and software that is upgradeable over the Internet and does not require the purchase of new cartridges. The present invention can add on modules which can provide new features such as fiber-optic connections which would operate with fiber optic networks in vehicles. The modules are readily connectable to a vehicle&#39;s data port, commonly known as an OBD II connector or port. The modules also include additional connection ports for power in, power out, USB and/or pin connectors which provide for the export of data and other connectors. These modules can also be used in conjunction with an intelligent cable. The intelligent cable has a small computer embedded within the cable to enable sensitive electronic components to be used without cable transmission losses or electrical disturbances. While the add-on modules permit connections to newer vehicles, the older modules retain their connections for older vehicles. As a result no new or special connections are required with the present invention. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a vehicle diagnostic tool which is readily upgradeable. 
     It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a vehicle diagnostic tool, such as a J2543 device, which comprises a plurality of modules or components which that are readily connectable to each other to provide a user or technician with the latest vehicle upgrades, vehicle interfaces, or software updates including information. 
     It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a vehicle diagnostic tool which comprises a plurality of modules or components which enable a user or technician to reprogram vehicles. 
     It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a vehicle diagnostic tool which comprises a plurality of modules or components that enable a new module to modify a previous module to enable the combinations of modules to operate on or communicate with vehicles that the previous modules were not capable of operating on or communication with. 
     It is still yet a further objective of the invention to provide an intelligent cable to be used in conjunction with the modules. The intelligent cable has a small computer embedded within the cable to enable sensitive electronic components to be used without cable transmission losses or electrical disturbances. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a module of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a right side view of the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of two modules, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , of the present invention connected to each other; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of two modules of a second embodiment of the present invention connected together; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a single module of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of a single module of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a single module of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of two modules of a second embodiment of the present invention connected together; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of two modules of a second embodiment of the present invention connected together; 
         FIG. 10  is a view of an intelligent cable; 
         FIG. 11  is an end view of a connector on one end of the intelligent cable in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the computer wired into the intelligent cable illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the plastic overmold of the computer illustrated in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an end view of another connector on another end of the intelligent cable; 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of two modules of a third embodiment of the present invention connected together; 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a single module of a third embodiment of the present invention illustrating one end with multiple connectors; and 
         FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of a single module of a third embodiment of the present invention illustrating the opposite end of the module in  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-17  the present invention will now be described. A first embodiment of a module, diagnostic or re-flashing tool  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . In  FIG. 1  a front portion of the tool includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED)  12  which can indicate the status of specific conditions of the module or of a vehicle. A USB connector  14  is also positioned on the front of the tool  10 . The USB connector enables the tool to communicate with other devices such as lap top computers and other diagnostic tools or modules. This data can be utilized to analyze one or more problems with the vehicle. Data can also be uploaded into the vehicle utilizing the laptop computer. The LEDs can be used to indicate the condition of the upload of data or the module. These modules  10  are provided with a multi-pin connector  16  ( FIG. 2 ) which is electrically connected to a multi-pin receptacle  18  ( FIG. 1 ). The connection of  16  and  18  enable the tools or modules which are connected to each other to communicate with each other. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates two tools or modules connected to each other. A port, such as a 16 pin connector, (not shown) enables these modules to be connected to a data port of a vehicle, such as an OBD II port. Other connectors can be provided which would enable these modules to be connected to various other data output ports of vehicles. The right side of each module  10  is shaped as a projection  20 . The left side of each module  10  is shaped as a receptacle  22 . When the modules are assembled the projection  20  is placed into the receptacle  22 . This provides a positive physical connection between adjacent modules  10 . The projection  20  and receptacle  22  can be reversed to opposite sides of the modules  10  is desired. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3  the projection  20  includes a multi-pin connector  16  and the receptacle  22  includes a multi-pin receptacle  18 . The connector  16  and receptacle  18  can also be reversed to opposite sides. 
     In  FIG. 3  an example of plural modules  10  connected together to form the present invention is illustrated. The module  24  on the left can be a base module which contains basic interface and information for vehicles. The module  26  on the right can be the new add-on or expandable module. This module will contain new interfaces, updated data for vehicles and/or software to enable modifications of the performance of vehicles. Another module (not shown) could be connected to the right side of module  26 . This module would contain further interfaces and updates of data for vehicles. This data can then be entered into a vehicle&#39;s computer to update the software in the computer. This is known as “flashing” the computer in the automotive art. As certain software update become available from a vehicle manufacturer, they can communicate thru these modules so that the latest vehicle information and the latest software updates are installed into a vehicle&#39;s computer via the present invention. Each module includes a hardware added so that each module can differentiate itself from other modules. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. A module  30  is connected to a module  32  in a manner similar to how modules  24  and  26  are connected to each other. Module  30  can be a basic module and module  32  can be an add-on module. Pin connector  34  enables the individual modules to be connected to each other. A port  36  in the form of a 16 pin connector provides a connection for a cable to connect the modules to a vehicle. For example, a cable can be connected to port  36  and the OBD output port on a vehicle. The modules can include an input/out board. The input/outboard being constructed and arranged to be connected to devices such as thermocouples, analogue inputs, digital inputs/outputs. 
     Connection  38  is an input for power. This input can be connected to a low voltage source and provides power to the modules and/or the vehicle. Some diagnostic tests and software upgrades require power to be supplied to the vehicle. Connection  40  is an output for power. This can be connected to a vehicle or another device which could be used in conjunction with the modules for diagnostic tests or to provide software upgrades to a vehicle. Connection  42  is a USB port. This can be used to connect the modules to other devices such as computers. For example a wire can be connected to USB port  42  and a personal computer such as a laptop computer. This enables information to be transferred between the modules and a personal computer. For example, a software upgrade for a vehicle could be downloaded from a vehicle manufacture&#39;s Website to the laptop computer over the Internet. This upgrade could then be transferred from the laptop to the vehicle via a connection wire and the modules  30 ,  32 . This information is based on the J2534-1 and J2534-2 SAE standard referred to above. In addition, a compact disk (CD) or other types of media could be supplied to a vehicle owner or service repair facility from a vehicle manufacturer with updated information and software for vehicles. These media can then be connected to the laptop computer and the updated information transferred to the vehicle via the modules of the present invention. 
     A plurality of LEDs  44  and  46  are located on the top of modules  30  and  32  respectively. These LEDs are used in conjunction with diagnostic tests and software upgrades. In place of the LEDs, a display screen could be utilized. This screen would display information regarding the diagnostic tests and software upgrades. The screen can also be a touch screen which enables input to the modules from the screen. 
       FIGS. 5-7  illustrate a single module,  32  for example.  FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of the module including LEDs  46 . Securing members  48 ,  50  are illustrated on either side of the module. When two modules are placed adjacent each other securing members  48  and  50  cooperate with fasteners,  51  ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ) to help secure the modules to one another. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the bottom of a module  32 . The bottom includes securing members  52 ,  54 ,  56  and  58 . These securing members are similar to the securing members  48 ,  50  on the top of the module. They function in the same manner to help secure modules to each other. Elements  60  are secured to the bottom of module  32 . These elements function as feet to both support the module  32  in a spaced relationship from a surface and to provide an element which prevents the modules from slipping or moving along a surface. 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of two modules secured to each other. Fastener  51  is placed in securing members  48  and  50  to secure the top surfaces of the modules together. 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom view of two modules secured to each other. Fasteners  51  are placed in securing members  52 ,  56  and  54 ,  58  to secure the bottom surfaces of the modules together. 
       FIG. 10  is a view of an intelligent cable  62  which may be utilized in conjunction with the modules. The intelligent cable  62  includes a connector  64  at one end and a connector  66  at another end. A computer  68  is connected or wired into the cable  62 . Connector  66  is preferably a J1962 cable end. This connector can be readily connected to an output of a vehicle such as an OBD II connection. The opposite end of cable  62  has a connector  64  which can be secured to one of the modules of the present invention. 
     The computer  68  is preferably secured to the cable with heat shrink tubing  70 . Other methods and means to secure the computer to the cable can also be employed. The computer  68  can be controlled by the modules  30 ,  32  and enables sensitive electronic instruments to be placed at the end  64  of the cable without being subject to cable transmission losses and/or electrical disturbances. These electronic instruments are normally utilized in conjunction with the modules  30 ,  32 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. A module  80  is connected to a module  82  in a manner similar to how modules  24  and  26  are connected to each other. Module  80  can be a basic module and module  82  can be an add-on module. Pin connector  84  enables the individual modules to be connected to each other. A port  86  in the form of a 16 pin connector provides a connection for a cable to connect the modules to a vehicle. For example, a cable can be connected to port  86  and the OBD output port on a vehicle. 
     Connection  88  is an input for power. This input can be connected to a low voltage source and provides power to the modules and/or the vehicle. Some diagnostic tests and software upgrades for the vehicle require power to be supplied to the vehicle. Connection  90  is an output for power. This can be connected to a vehicle or another device which could be used in conjunction with the modules for diagnostic tests or to provide software upgrades to a vehicle. Connection  92  is a USB port. This can be used to connect the modules to other devices such as computers. For example a wire can be connected to USB port  92  and a personal computer such as a laptop computer. This enables information to be transferred between the modules and a personal computer. For example, a software upgrade could be downloaded from a vehicle manufacture&#39;s Website to the laptop computer over the Internet. This upgrade could then be transferred from the laptop to the vehicle via a connection wire and the modules  80 ,  82 . This information is based on the J2534-1 and J2534-2 SAE standard referred to above. In addition, a compact disk (CD) or other types of media could be supplied to a vehicle owner or service repair facility from a vehicle manufacturer with updated information and software for vehicles. These media can then be connected to the laptop computer and the updated information transferred to the vehicle via the modules of the present invention. 
     A plurality of LEDs  94  and  96  are located on the top of modules  80  and  82  respectively. These LEDs are used in conjunction with diagnostic tests and software upgrades. In place of the LEDs, a display screen could be utilized. This screen would display information regarding the diagnostic tests and software upgrades. The screen can also be a touch screen which enables input to the modules from the screen. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate a single module of the third embodiment,  82  for example.  FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of the module including LEDs  96 . Securing members  98 ,  100  are illustrated on either side of the module. When two modules are placed adjacent each other securing members  98  and  100  cooperate with fasteners, not shown, to help secure the modules to one another. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a base J2534-1 module. This module has an interface which contains one controller area network (CAN) controller only able to connect to pins  6  and  14 ; one J1859PWM network controller; one J1850VPW network controller; one ISO K-Line controller connected only to pin  7 ; one ISO L-Line controller connected only to pin  15 ; Chrysler SCI controller; programmable power supply for pins  6 ,  9 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14  and a short to GND on pin  15 . 
     Some vehicle manufactures have multiple CAN networks on a vehicle. These networks can not be reached using a J2534-1 module due to the fact that they are on pins other than  6  and  14  on the J1962/DLC connector. A J2534-2 module permits a CAN network to be on any pins except  4 ,  5  and  16  (ground and power). Building one device which supports all the needs of all of the vehicle manufactures is very expensive and impractical as the vehicle requirements keep changing. It should also be noted that not all service technicians service all makes of vehicles and therefore would not need a device that could service all possible makes of vehicles. For example, if a GM vehicle needs four CAN networks today, a Ford technician, who only needs two CAN networks today would have to carry the cost of two additional CAN controllers that they may never use. Also if a diagnostic tool were built today with four CAN channels, what would the technician do if GM added a fifth CAN channel? 
     Another module of the present invention is referred to as the Mega K-Line module. In Europe many original equipment manufactures have the K-Line on pins other than pin  7 . The J2534-1 module only allows K-Line on pin  7 . To reach the other pins other pins, the Mega K-Line module and another independent K-Line controller allows access to a K-Line on any pin except  4 ,  5  and  16 . A technician in Europe may find the a base J2534-1 module and a Mega K-Line module are all that are currently required to service the vehicles that they specialize in servicing. At a later date, if additional CAN channels are required they can add one or more Mega-Can modules. Likewise if they need more K-Line controllers they can add additional mega K-Line modules. 
     The present invention allows the technician to buy the base J2534-1 module and then add as many Mega-CAN modules as they need to service the vehicles they wish to service. If at a latter time they want to service other makes of vehicles, for example a Ford technician wanting to service a GM vehicle, they simply buy and attach two more Mega-CAN modules. This allows the technician to buy only what they need and also gives them the flexibility to expand in the future. Other diagnostic tool manufactures have built expandable systems but they required that the system housing be opened and a new card be installed. In the past the number of cards available to the technician was limited and they may have had to send the diagnostic unit back to the manufacturer to have the unit expanded. 
     The present invention J2534-2 module adds the most frequently used of the currently defined J2534-2 options. It allows the technician to work on older Honda and GM vehicles as well as allowing access to systems like ABS and other body control modules not accessible from the J2534-1 module. The present invention is unique in that it allows the technician to add or subtract modules any time they want without doing anything more than attaching the new module to the existing modules in the same manner that Legos® are attached to each other. There is no user configuration, no jumpers to set and the housing does not need to be opened. It is just “plug and play”. 
     The J2534-1 module is capable of being both a master controller (head of the chain) and a slave. This is important because it leaves the door open for more powerful “master” modules with different PC interfaces. While the preferred J2534-1 module connects to a PC via a USB connection other connections are also possible such as wired Ethernet, wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth and cellular modem. These can also be used in combination with each other. 
     While the preferred embodiment of the J2534-1 master module needs to be connected to a PC to be useful, other embodiments can function without connection to a PC. These may include intelligent master modules with removable storage in the form of SD cards, CF cards, USB flash drives and other options. Master modules may also include color touch screens and the like to allow the user to interact with the device without having a PC present. 
     The present invention includes architecture which includes dual high speed communication buses and an automatic module numbering and identification system that allows for the “plug and play” operation. Each module is assigned a unique when powered up. The order in which the modules are connected does not matter. The present invention configures itself without user intervention. The order of module connection can be changed without affecting the functionality of the modules. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.