Abstract: A method for controlling a communication system of a vehicle includes selecting, by a main controller, a specific sub-controller to wake-up during an ignition-off state of the vehicle from among a plurality of sub-controllers. The main controller transmits a message including information about a time when the wake-up is scheduled and a specific task to be performed after the wake-up to the selected specific sub-controller if the ignition-off state of the vehicle is maintained. The selected sub-controller is caused to wake up at the wake-up time transmitted from the main controller and to perform the specific task during the ignition-off state of the vehicle. A corresponding communication system of the vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A working vehicle includes an acquisition device that acquires operating state data, a client screen data generation unit that generates client screen data that a client display device of a client apparatus can display based on the operating state data, and a wireless communication device that transmits the client screen data to the client apparatus.

Abstract: A failure diagnosis device for an ignition circuit, comprising: an ignition plug; an ignition coil; a capacitor series connection including a high side capacitor and a low side capacitor; a switching-element series connection including a high side switching element and a low side switching element; an inter-terminal voltage detection unit for detecting an inter-terminal voltage of the capacitor series connection; an intermediate voltage detection unit for detecting an intermediate voltage at the connection point of the high side capacitor and the low side capacitor; and a determination unit for determining a failure location of the ignition circuit based on at least one of the inter-terminal voltage and the intermediate voltage.

Abstract: A drive circuit that operates stably and has a small circuit size. Provided is a switch apparatus including a power semiconductor element connected between a first terminal on a high potential side and a second terminal on a low potential side; a capacitor; a charging section that charges the capacitor for at least a portion of an interval during which the power semiconductor element is OFF; a discharging section that causes the capacitor to gradually discharge, in response to the power semiconductor element becoming ON; and a cutoff section that sets the power semiconductor element to an OFF state, in response to a voltage of the capacitor becoming lower than a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine that includes sensing a characteristic of combustion in a cylinder of the engine, generating a combustion characteristic signal from the sensed characteristic, performing a principal component analysis on the combustion characteristic signal and a predetermined combustion characteristic trace to determine first mode coefficients for the combustion characteristic signal and the predetermined combustion characteristic trace, determining a difference between the first mode coefficient of the combustion characteristic signal and the first mode coefficient of the predetermined combustion characteristic trace, and controlling the internal combustion engine based upon the difference.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detection and analysis of abnormalities in a power line communication network of a vehicle. The vehicle includes various vehicle modules. The power line communication network includes power lines designed to carry electric power to the vehicle modules. Each vehicle module includes a power line communication module that is communicatively coupled to at least one of the power lines. The power line communication modules enable the power lines to communicate communication information to and from the vehicle modules. The power line communication modules can communicate pilot signals over the power line communication network. One or more of the power line communication modules includes a reflectometer module configured to perform reflectometry processing on the pilot signals to determine properties of the power line communication network.

Abstract: A device and corresponding operational method for storing frequency values to a memory of the device, comprising an internal memory and an external memory, are provided. A frequency value in a memory cell of the internal memory is actualized by an increment or a decrement. After a specific number of increments and decrements in the memory cells of the internal memory, a maximum frequency value of the frequency values stored in the memory cells of the internal memory is determined, and the maximum frequency value is transferred to a corresponding memory cell of the external memory. The memory cell of the internal memory that contains the transferred maximum frequency value is reset. After a period, content of each memory cell of the internal and external memory is read, and each memory cell of the internal and external memory is reset.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining an abnormal condition in an electrical system of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a memory for storing data relating to normal voltage transients. The apparatus also includes a computer electrically connectable to the electrical system and in communication with the memory. The computer is configured to sense voltage transients that occur in the electrical system of the vehicle, compare the sensed voltage transients to the stored normal voltage transients, and determine if the sensed voltage transient indicates an abnormal condition in the electrical system of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for identifying a cable path may be provided. The system may include a cable set operable to transmit data, the cable set comprising power delivery wires designed to transmit electrical power. The cable set may also comprise two adapters proximate respective ends of the cable set, the first adapter operable to be coupled to a signal generator operable to transmit electrical power across the power delivery wires. In some embodiments, the cable set may further comprise a circuit coupled to the power delivery wires of the cable set, the circuit operable to receive electrical power from the signal generator and allow at least a portion of the electrical power to continue across the power delivery wires. The cable set may further comprise an indicator coupled to the circuit and operable to emit light when electrical power from the circuit is received at the indicator.

Abstract: A fault detection method is provided for detecting faults in an injector arrangement. The injector arrangement includes one or more piezoelectric fuel injectors connected in an injector drive circuit, and the injector drive circuit is arranged to control operation of the one or more piezoelectric fuel injectors. The fault detection method includes determining a sample voltage at a sample point in the injector drive circuit at a first sample time. The sample voltage is the voltage on an injector or is related to the voltage on an injector. The method further includes calculating a range of predicted voltages expected at the sample point at a second sample time following the first sample time, and determining the sample voltage at the sample point at the second sample time. The presence of a fault is detected if the sample voltage determined at the sample point at the second sample time is not within the range of predicted voltages.

Abstract: The present invention is a Universal Automotive Ignition Pickup Assembly that produces an ignition secondary voltage waveform that can be monitored by an oscilloscope or microprocessor. This is accomplished with a sensing probe that can be capacitive coupled; inductively coupled; or capacitive and inductively coupled at the same time. Due to the ability of a pickup to be capacitive and inductive at the same time, the ignition voltage waveforms are clear and concise from secondary ignition wires to a multitude of different ignition coil types.

Abstract: A realtime display compression for a waveform image uses a priority basis for combining groups of pixels when producing a compressed waveform image in order to preserve intensity information. As an example successive lines of data for the waveform image are demultiplexed into line buffers in a circulating manner, the number of line buffers being a function of the maximum desired integer compression ratio. The outputs from the line buffers are aligned and the corresponding pixels are combined according to a desired compression ratio, one output line for each integer compression ratio. The appropriate compressed line is selected as the output line according to the desired compression ratio, with the totality of the output lines forming the compressed waveform image.

Abstract: Engine measuring equipment for obtaining engine torque regarded as necessary for engine performance assessments for a short time period during a period when engine revolution is under a transient state is disclosed. The engine measuring equipment includes a central control unit for controlling throttle opening degrees due to revolution of the engine and load torque of the dynamometer; a detector connected to an output shaft of the engine, for detecting measurement data including at least revolution and shaft torque of the engine driven by controlling the central control unit; and a signal processing unit for measuring engine torque based on measurement data from the detector. The signal processing unit operates so as to calculate the engine torque based on time series data of the revolution and the shaft torque detected with the detector to measure engine torque from transient state data.

Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis apparatus for determining whether abnormality relating to execution of automatic activation has occurred in a timer circuit. An electronic control unit includes a microcomputer for storing a history of execution of automatic activation of a device by a soak timer circuit. The microcomputer determines that an abnormality relating to execution of automatic activation has occurred in the soak timer circuit if an elapsed time measurement and the history stored by the microcomputer do not correspond with each other when a switch is operated to activate the device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring and calculating various kinds of parameters of a running engine are disclosed. A camera may be positioned to capture a plurality of images of a moving component that is being driven by the an engine. From the plurality of images, a velocity of the moving component may be measured, and an acceleration then derived. From the derived acceleration, various parameters of the running engine may be calculated, including but not limited to, number of firing cylinders, rotational rate, and relative cylinder balance. These and other parameters may then be reported, such as through a display screen, to a user. The methods and devices disclosed herein may also generate recommendations for specific kinds of maintenance to an engine based on the results of parameter measurements and calculations, then report those recommendations to a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that can accurately display the data from an ignition event. Data from a secondary waveform of the ignition event is collected and stored. The same data can be averaged and sent to a display buffer. A portion of the previously stored data can be retrieved and replace the peak portion of the waveform that has been averaged, thereby displaying a more accurate peak data.

Abstract: An inspection object constructed of an ignition plug and an ignition coil is inserted in an inspection housing that does not have a ground electrode. A voltage generated in the ignition coil is measured while the inspection object is housed in the inspection housing. Electrical discharge does not occur because the ground electrode is not provided. Therefore, the voltage generated in the ignition coil is properly measured for quality inspection of the ignition coil.

Abstract: In a method and system, the condition of a valve drive, particularly of valve clearance, and the position of at least one valve opening cam of a cam shaft of an internal combustion engine are recorded from processing signals which are generated by at least one impact sound sensor such as an electronic spark sensor. Preferably, at least one characteristic signal sequence is identified from signals generated by the impact sound sensor. The sequence occurs at a particular time during a cycle of the internal combustion engine, and is compared to a stored reference signal. As a result, the condition of a valve drive, e.g. the valve clearance, and/or the position of at least one valve opening cam of the cam shaft can be deduced.

Abstract: An inspection object constructed of an ignition plug and an ignition coil is inserted in an inspection housing that does not have a ground electrode. A voltage generated in the ignition coil is measured while the inspection object is housed in the inspection housing. Electrical discharge does not occur because the ground electrode is not provided. Therefore, the voltage generated in the ignition coil is properly measured for quality inspection of the ignition coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that can accurately display the data from an ignition event. Data from a secondary waveform of the ignition event is collected and stored. The same data can be averaged and sent to a display buffer. A portion of the previously stored data can be retrieved and replace the peak portion of the waveform that has been averaged, thereby displaying a more accurate peak data.

Abstract: An engine analyzer senses and displays secondary ignition signals from a DIS engine using a two sets of test leads. The engine analyzer receives the secondary signals from both sets of leads and produces positive and negative peak values for each set of leads during each cylinder firing. Based upon the positive and negative peak values for both sets of leads, during each of the cylinder firings, the engine analyzer selects which lead set and which polarity will be used to supply the secondary voltage signal for each cylinder to be digitized and displayed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for diagnosing the Ignition-Off Timer of an internal combustion engine. This invention monitors the initial operation of the Ignition-Off Timer each time it is enabled in order to detect a variety of malfunctions. The malfunctions are detected by comparing the operation of the Ignition-Off Timer to various reference values. Upon diagnosis of the Ignition-Off Timer, its condition is reported to the diagnostic management system, which determines whether and when a malfunction indicator is energized.

Abstract: A circuit for monitoring and diagnosing an oxygen probe provided with a sensitive cell connected between a first and a second signal terminal, and a heating member connected between a battery and a heating terminal; the circuit includes an interface stage and a control unit. The interface stage includes a first resistor connected between a switch which is normally open and a supply line at a known potential and the first signal terminal, a second resistor connected between the first signal terminal and a second signal terminal and a third resistor connected between the second signal terminal and reference potential line. The control unit further includes a first analog-digital converter connected to the first signal terminal and a second analog-digital converter connected to the second signal terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing spark plugs and ignition coils. An apparatus includes a power supply for supplying power to an ignition coil to generate a spark across a spark plug. A capture circuit captures an energy signal reflected from the ignition coil in response to the spark. A comparator circuit compares the captured energy signal to a predetermined signal. A method includes the steps of supplying power to an ignition coil to generate a spark across a spark plug, capturing an energy signal reflected from the ignition coil in response to the spark and comparing the captured energy signal to a predetermined signal. The predetermined signal represents one of a distinct group of reflected energy signals which indicate various defects in the coil or plug. Preferably, a match between the captured energy signal and the predetermined signal is used to indicate to the user a defective coil or plug.

Abstract: An engine analyzer stores acquired cylinder waveform data in circular buffers respectively associated with the cylinders in accordance with cylinder selection by the user, with each buffer including a plurality of storage cells respectively storing data for individual firing cycles of the associated cylinder, and simultaneously displays the waveform for a, single selected cylinder on one trace of a display screen and waveforms for all cylinders for which data is stored on a second trace, so that data can be acquired and displayed from direct ignition engines with the use of a single pickup lead connected to selected cylinders one cylinder at a time. Various display modes are possible, including a frozen mode in which all stored waveform data may be reviewed and displayed.

Abstract: A hand-held ignition voltage tester for detecting voltage on a spark plug wire in an ignition system, such as a distributorless ignition system. The tester includes a housing, positive and negative power cables and a capacitive probe for capacitively coupling to the spark plug wire. The capacitive probe generates a voltage signal which is representative of the voltage on the spark plug wire. A plurality of voltage level indicators are mounted to the housing to form a bar graph, with each indicator corresponding to a selected voltage level. A measurement circuit is coupled to the power cables and the capacitive probe for activating the voltage level indicators in response to the voltage signal.

Abstract: An ignition coil with an isolated internal lead in proximity to the secondary side can be used in a capacitive discharge ignition system with a microprocessor-based signal-processing module to monitor system performance. The diagnostic lead is fed into a diagnostic signal interface circuit that provides a logic edge to the microprocessor when the spark plug fires. By measuring the time from the firing signal provided by the microprocessor to the logic edge provided by the diagnostic signal interface circuit, the precise energy necessary to fire the plug can be determined. An ignition system that includes an ignition coil with a diagnostic lead can extend spark plug life by automatically adjusting spark energy to minimize wear on the spark plug.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved portable on-board mass emissions measuring system for internal combustion engines. In the preferred embodiment, the system is comprised of an exhaust analyzer (16), at least one sensor (18, 22 or 29) which may be temporarily attached to the engine for sensing parameters of the engine, and a processor (19) programmed to collect and manipulate data from the analyzer and the sensor, whereby the mass emissions of the engine may be calculated. The system may further comprise a display (20) for displaying the mass emissions of the engine and an engine-control interface (21). The sensor may be capable of sensing engine RPM, engine oil temperature, or intake manifold pressure. The exhaust analyzer may be capable of measuring concentrations of the engine exhaust constituents, particulates, aerosols, and gases in the engine emissions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and displaying automotive fuel injector voltage signal pulse width which includes signal detection circuits for capturing the rising and falling edges of an input signal having positive and negative voltage swings is disclosed. Upon detecting a rising edge or a falling edge of a positive or negative voltage of the input signal, a corresponding software routine is executed to carry out the process of measuring the pulse width of a pulse of the input signal. The measured pulse width is then displayed in numerical and/or histogramic formats.

Abstract: An engine analyzer has an oscilloscope screen display operable with a fixed-time sweep. The analyzer includes a data acquisition system for digitizing analog input waveforms and a memory for storing the digitized waveform data, the analyzer including sensors for detecting each cylinder firing and the firing of the no. 1 cylinder for identification of the cylinders. A processor includes trigger means for controlling the triggering of the oscilloscope display at a trigger point which corresponds to the firing of a trigger cylinder which is selectable by the user, so that the displayed waveform data begins with the stored data for the selected trigger cylinder. The user can also selectively vary the location of the trigger point on the screen display.

Abstract: An engine analyzing device for an internal combustion engine including a spark generator and means for testing the voltage of the sparks generated for a diagnosis of engine performance, the testing of the sparks generated relating to analysis of the spark voltage wave form from the breakdown voltage, the collapsing field voltage and the duration of the spark pulse or some combination of these.

Abstract: A measuring device displays waveforms representative of electrical signals and includes a selector, at least one input terminal, and a graphical display. The graphical display is suitable to view a waveform thereon. The measuring device receives an electrical signal from the input terminal and displays a first waveform on the graphical display representative of the electrical signal. The selector is selectable to one of a plurality of positions and the measuring device selects a set of waveform data in response to each of the positions. The measuring device displays a second waveform on the graphical display representative of the waveform data.

Abstract: An engine analyzer having a dual-trace digital oscilloscope display provides a discrete waveform plot area for each trace and displays in each plot area a cursor array which may selectively include one or two vertical-line cursors which can be selectively moved one at a time horizontally along the plot area. The movements of the two cursor arrays can selectively be either synchronized or unsynchronized. The scope provides alphanumeric indications of the position of each cursor, the waveform value at the point where each cursor intersects the waveform. When two cursors are displayed on a trace the scope provides alphanumeric indications of the distance between the cursors and the difference between the waveform values at the points where the cursors intersect the waveform.

Abstract: An engine analyzer having a dual-trace digital oscilloscope includes a memory for storing a library of digitized waveform patterns, the patterns being stored together with identifying data for each pattern and lists of groups of patterns respectively corresponding to different vehicles and/or engines. The analyzer includes a user interface for inputting identifying information relating to the vehicle under test, a waveform acquisition module and a central processor for cooperation with the memory and the oscilloscope for acquiring, digitizing and storing an analog input waveform from the vehicle engine and displaying it on a first trace of the scope in accordance with selected display parameters.

Abstract: A hand-held ignition voltage tester for detecting voltage on a spark plug wire in an ignition system, such as a distributorless ignition system. The tester includes a housing, positive and negative power cables and a capacitive probe for capacitively coupling to the spark plug wire. The capacitive probe generates a voltage signal which is representative of the voltage on the spark plug wire. A plurality of voltage level indicators are mounted to the housing to form a bar graph, with each indicator corresponding to a selected voltage level. A measurement circuit is coupled to the power cables and the capacitive probe for activating the voltage level indicators in response to the voltage signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and displaying automotive fuel injector voltage signal pulse width which includes signal detection circuits for capturing the rising and falling edges of an input signal having positive and negative voltage swings is disclosed. Upon detecting a rising edge or a falling edge of a positive or negative voltage of the input signal, a corresponding software routine is executed to carry out the process of measuring the pulse width of a pulse of the input signal. The measured pulse width is then displayed in numerical and/or histogramic formats.

Abstract: A data acquisition device permits plotting of cylinder firing cycles, of varying-frequency, on a fixed-plot area of a CRT screen. Each cylinder firing cycle is sampled, at a constant sample rate, and consecutive sets of sample points, each containing a fixed number of sample points, is generated. On the basis of a unique data reduction technique triggered after the collection of each consecutive sample-point set, certain of the sample points considered superfluous are deleted from the set and the remaining appended to a temporary buffer. The sample-points in the temporary buffer further undergo reduction of the sample points when certain conditions occur, such as buffer full, at which time certain ones are discarded and others are kept. At the end of a cylinder firing cycle, the remaining points are further reduced and a final-set is generated, representative of a full cylinder firing waveform, consisting of sample points equal in number to the plot-width of the CRT screen.

Abstract: An engine analyzer with a digital oscilloscope display includes a processor for controlling the acquisition and display of a high-voltage secondary ignition signal waveform with the use of only a single high-voltage reactive pickup probe, the waveform being displayed with a fixed-time sweep and either auto or signal triggering. The system provides for user selection of the sweep and trigger modes.

Abstract: An engine analyzer has a dual-trace display screen, a waveform acquisition means for obtaining analog waveforms from an associated engine and digitizing them, a memory for storing digitized waveform data and a processor for controlling the operation of the memory and the display. The display is operable in live and freeze modes. The displays on the two traces of the display screen are normally synchronized but, in freeze display mode, the user may selectively deactivate the synchronization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a horizontally-magnified, scrolling drive-trace line on a graphical display screen of an engine analyzer aids a technician in controlling a vehicle's speed over a fixed driving period of successive driving time intervals. Toward this end, an initial drive-trace line is displayed on the screen representing the ideal vehicle speed at which the technician should maintain the vehicle during a first set of successive driving time intervals. A movable iconic marker is displayed on the screen disposed along the displayed initial drive-trace line. The iconic marker is moved horizontally on the screen after each elapsed time interval until the marker reaches a predetermined position along the drive-trace line, after which time the drive trace line is scrolled.

Abstract: An ignition voltage analysis is performed to provide a combustion diagnosis. A first set of characteristic parameters are provided relating a plurality of spark plug voltage, current or gap impedance waveform signals to a plurality of combustion quality measures. A spark plug voltage, current or gap impedance waveform signal is sampled in real time during a first combustion process. A second set of characteristic parameters are then generated based upon the sampled first spark plug voltage waveform signal. The combustion process is classified as a one of a knocking combustion event, a normal combustion event, a slow burn event, a partial burn event, and a misfire event. The spark plug voltage, current or gap impedance waveform signals are classified according to a statistical closeness to parameters generated by a testing engine operated in each of the above operating modes.

Abstract: An engine analyzer for plotting engine cylinder firing or spark voltage information, corresponding to distinct points of a cylinder firing waveform, in histograph form to assist in identifying a cylinder-misfire condition. In an illustrative embodiment, two traces are provided. The lower trace depicts a histograph, representative of the firing or spark voltage and engine speed of each cylinder over successive engine cycles. The histograph consists of successive pairs of adjacent, vertical histo-bars, each pair representing voltage and engine speed for a single cylinder. The first histo-bar in each pair represents the spark or firing voltage for a given cylinder and the second histo-bar represents the instantaneous engine speed measured over the duration of the given cylinder. The vertical histo-bar pairs are plotted sequentially from left to right, representing successive cylinder firings.

Abstract: To correctly sense combusting conditions of an internal combustion engine, an ion current caused by combustion is detected.

Abstract: A compression detection apparatus for determining which one of a pair of phase-opposed cylinders is under compression has a capacitive probe coupled to both ends of the secondary winding of an ignition coil servicing both spark plugs of the pair of cylinders. Phase and magnitude of the voltage signal appearing on the capacitive probe line are processed by a single comparator for determining which on of the pair of cylinders is under compression.

Abstract: A portable apparatus is provided for testing an engine control system of a reciprocating engine. The apparatus includes a processor for generating a simulated waveform of an at least one engine position sensor and a connector for operably coupling the selected waveform to the engine control system.

Abstract: A method for testing a spark-ignited internal combustion engine is proposed, wherein a pulse-shaped signal derived from the ignition system is made available which signal allocates a pulse (34, 34a, 34b) to each switching process occurring in the ignition system. A first pulse (34) of a pulse group (32, 33) of the signal respectively starts a retriggerable timer (16) which, during its active phase (T.sub.A, T'.sub.A), suppresses the pulses (34a, 34b) of the pulse group (32, 33) following the first pulse (34). The time to be predetermined for the retriggerable timer (16) must be predetermined such that it is longer than the maximum interval (T.sub.1, T.sub.2) between the pulses (34, 34a, 34b) of a pulse group (32, 33). The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for testing a spark-ignited internal combustion engine which is provided with an ignition system comprising a spark band ignition.

Abstract: An engine monitor includes, in a self-contained preferably sealed unit, a spark sensor, inductively and capacitively coupled through the case to a spark pick up wire, a timer, and a running time detector, responsive to inputs from the spark pick up to provide total running time, job time, and service time metering. Preferably, storage means are included for storing maximum RPM and spark mode data, that is, data indicating the number of firings per RPM for the particular engine, as well as a preset service interval and one or more auxiliary timers.

Abstract: An automotive electronic circuit analyzer that plugs into an automobile's electronic control module is disclosed. The disclosed analyzer includes positive and negative load sensing cells each having a series resistor coupled to an ECM load via the ECM connector and having an LED transistor for conducting current when the ratio between the load and the series resistor exceeds a predetermined value. A regulated power circuit for sinking current from the positive load sensing cells and for supplying current to the negative load sensing cells includes a timing circuit for controlling the active power pulse width so that the LEDs are illuminated with high frequency, short duration power pulses to indicate a shorted load.

Abstract: In a capacitive discharge ignition system there being a first circuit detecting the voltage across the storage capacitor marking the onset of discharge of the storage capacitor, a second circuit detecting the voltage across the storage capacitor marking the substantially complete discharge of the storage capacitor, a third circuit for measuring the time between the events marked by the first and second circuits, and a fourth circuit for analyzing the measured time to determine conditions in the ignition system.

Abstract: A process and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine in which a control unit is temporarily connected to an external tester via an interface. At least one storage device of the control unit is configured as first and second storage elements. The first storage element is supplied with data corresponding to a signal transmitted from the tester. The second storage element is supplied with data from the control unit. Either the contents of the first storage element or the contents of the second storage element are selected, with the contents of the second storage element being selected when the contents of the first storage element have an unallowable value.