Abstract: A method and system of diagnosing and/or programming a vehicle with a vehicle interface device that is configured to operate on a predetermined use basis. The vehicle interface device is operatively connected with one or more electronic control units of a vehicle via a diagnostic port of the vehicle. The interface device is enabled to be operable to diagnose and/or program a vehicle for a predetermined use, such as by receiving an activation signal. The vehicle interface device is subsequently disabled from operating to diagnose and/or program a vehicle upon the vehicle interface device operating for the predetermined use.

Abstract: A vehicle diagnostic system and method of performing vehicle diagnostics includes a local system that is adapted to connect with a vehicle and a remote system that is adapted to connect with the local system via an Internet. The local system has a vehicle interface and a local computer system operatively connected with the vehicle interface. The local computer system operates a diagnostic program specific to the vehicle under test. The remote system has a remote diagnostic control program. The remote diagnostic control program interfaces with the local computer system for performing a diagnostic evaluation of a vehicle under test. The remote system controls the local system to perform the diagnostic evaluation of the vehicle under test exclusive of the local system operator.

Abstract: A vehicle computer service device for programming and/or diagnosing a vehicle computer system includes a case defining an internal compartment, with a battery charger and a control retained within the compartment. The control includes a controller and a computer having a display with the computer being operably connected with the controller and the controller configured to be operatively connected with the OBD port of a vehicle to reprogram computer control modules of the vehicle. The control may detect when the battery charger is connected to a vehicle battery and be configured to be inoperable to reprogram a computer control module of a vehicle when the control is unconnected to a vehicle battery. A pair of posts extend from the case, where cables may be attached to the posts and the terminals of a battery of a vehicle that is being reprogrammed to ensure the vehicle is powered during a reprogramming operation.

Abstract: A vehicle battery charger includes a charger housing that contains electrical circuitry that is configured to couple with a power source for charging a vehicle battery. The battery charger also includes two projecting members that are coupled with the electrical circuitry and that extend through spaced apart apertures in the charger housing. An exterior portion of each of the two projecting members comprises an exposed conductive surface that is configured to be engaged by a clamp of a jumper cable that extends to the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A device for sending and receiving messages between an electronic control unit of a vehicle and an external device includes a processor, a memory, a first port, and a second port. The memory, first port, and second port are each in communication with the processor. The first port is configures to communicate with the electronic control unit of a vehicle, while the second port is configured to communicate with the external device. The processor is configured to receive a request message from the external device via the second port, transmit the request message to the electronic control unit of the vehicle; receive requested information from the electronic control unit of the vehicle based on the request message, and determine an information subset in the requested information that should be transmitted to the external device; and transmitting the information subset to the external device.

Abstract: The device for transmitting signals from a vehicle may include a controller, a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, and a fourth connector. The controller is in communication each of the connectors. The first connector includes a first connector type, which may be a male J1962 connector type, and is configured of transmitting more of a plurality of signals there through. The second connector includes a second connector type, which may be a female J1962 connector type, and is configured to transmit one of the plurality of signals there through. The third connector includes a third connector type, which may be an RJ45 jack, and is configured to transmit one of the plurality of signals there through. The fourth connector includes a fourth connector type, which may be a universal serial bus connector type, and is configured to send and receive the commands to/from the controller.

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'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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that includes a GPS receiver and connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector. The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module includes a display computer including a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions for display on a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer. The display module collects information from the GPS receiver via direct electrical communication and/or vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format.