Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Vehicle diagnosis or maintenance indication
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-27
2001-09-25
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Vehicle diagnosis or maintenance indication
C701S024000, C701S035000, C701S036000, C340S425500, C340S438000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295492
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
A method of presenting multiple, mobile wireless communications network service information.
2. Description of the Related Art
On-board computers coupled to a wireless communications network service are now available that enable manufacturers of motor vehicles to obtain useful information regarding the motor vehicle. Typically, these on-board computers are electrically connected to sensors located in various systems in the motor vehicle that instantaneously report the status or condition of the system. Manufacturers of motor vehicles can connect to the on-board computer via the mobile, wireless communication network to obtain information from the motor vehicle anywhere within the region covered by the wireless communication network.
Recently, it has been reported that on-board computers can now be used by motor vehicle operators to download and upload information from a central server connected to a wide area network such as the World Wide Web via the mobile, wireless communications network. Using the on-board computer, an operator can now obtain e-mail messages or other important information from any other servers connected to the wide area network.
Many motor vehicle drivers own motor vehicles manufactured by different manufacturers. Unfortunately, no standard computer program has been developed which can interact with all on-board computers used in every motor vehicle. This creates a large burden for the operator of multiple motor vehicles to understand and learn to operate every computer and program.
On-board diagnostic systems are used today in most cars and light trucks. To meet federal EPA emission standards implemented in the 1970's, motor vehicle manufacturers started using electronic devices to control engine functions such as fuel feed, ignition, and to diagnose engine problems.
Initially, motor vehicle manufacturers had their own systems which were not compatible. In 1988, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) set standards which included a standard connector plug and a set of diagnostic test signals that dealer's used when adjusting or repairing the motor vehicle. Although motor vehicle manufacturers may have used a uniform set of test signals, the meaning of these test signals is proprietary. The standard connector plug and set of test signals, today, is known collectively as OBD-II which applies to all cars and light trucks built after Jan. 1, 1996. It is anticipated that new on-board diagnostic connectors (i.e. OBD-III) will be developed in the future.
Translator devices, also known as diagnostic scanners, are available that connect to the OBD-II connector plug and translate the diagnostic test signals into ASCII files capable of being used by a personal computer. One translator device, known as AUTOTAP, is available from B&B Electronics Manufacturing Company, of Ottawa, Ill. Using this device, independent mechanics are able to connect to the OBD-II connector plug and obtain factory diagnostic service code information.
What is needed is a system for operators of motor vehicles to easily obtain motor vehicle diagnostic and operating information and store this information in a location for later retrieval.
What is also needed is such a system that enables operators to obtain information remotely for a plurality of motor vehicles and then present this information in a concise manner on a single interface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for collecting and transmitting diagnostic and operation motor vehicle information to a central computer for real time or later retrieval.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system that collects and transmits motor vehicle information from a plurality of motor vehicles in remote locations and collects the information on a central server.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system that enables the information to be presented in a single interface.
These objects and other objects are met by a system designed to be used with motor vehicles that use sensors and an on-board diagnostic system, such as OBD-II, that enables users to review real time and historical diagnostic and performance information data for one motor vehicle or a plurality of motor vehicles. The system includes the use of a translating means that connects to the motor vehicle's on-board diagnostic system. In one embodiment, the translating means is a separate translator device designed specifically to connect to a commonly used OBD-II connector plug. The translator device includes a translator program capable of translating the proprietary diagnostic test signals into diagnostic service codes presented in a standard computer language, such as ASCII files, to be used by an electronic device, hereinafter called an on-board computer.
The on-board computer is connected to a wireless communication means that continuously or intermittently transmits the ASCII files to a central network server connected to a wide area network, such as the INTERNET. The central network server collects the ASCII text files in a user database file. Authorized users, such as the owner of the motor vehicle or representatives of the motor vehicle manufacturer may connect to the central network server and receive real time data or historical information from the user's database file.
An important aspect of the system is that information from multiple motor vehicles may be collected and transmitted to the central server for retrieval by authorized users. A second important aspect is that the system may be used with all motor vehicles that use EPA-mandated diagnostic codes, translating manufacturer's proprietary diagnostic service codes, and provides real time performance data. A third important aspect is that operators can obtain this information anywhere they have access to the wide area network and have it presented in a single interface.
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Lang Brook W.
Tyerman Mark H.
Craine Dean A.
Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
Hernandez Olga
InfoMove.com, Inc.
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