Having Internal Vehicle Network To Distribute Diagnosis Or Maintenance Data Therein Patents (Class 701/32.7)
  • Patent number: 8977423
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing. In an example, the computing device may be configured to receive vehicle information including identification information of a vehicle and/or information describing condition of the vehicle. The computing device also may be configured to match the vehicle information to content of a vehicle repair database so as to identify repair information relating to the vehicle. The computing device further may be configured to receive geographic information identifying a geographic location relating to the vehicle. The computing device also may be configured to provide, to a communication network, a subset of the identified repair information based on the geographic information. The service advisor may be able to access the subset of the identified repair information on a display device coupled to the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, R. Steven Brozovich
  • Patent number: 8935020
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a distributed control system for a locomotive. The distributed system may include a network, a plurality of electronic modules and a plurality of control elements distributed within the locomotive. Each of the electronic modules is communicatively coupled to the network in a standardized scalable architecture. Each of the electronic modules may be programmatically reconfigurable to implement distributed control of the locomotive. A first electronic module and a second electronic module of the plurality of electronic modules may be communicatively connected to one of the plurality of control elements via separate communication paths. The first electronic module may be configured to control the control element, and the second electronic module may be configured to control the control element when the first electronic module enters into a failure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: James Fredrick Wiemeyer, Michael Patrick Deitz, Dale Alexander Brown, Lawrence Stanley Przybylski, Wayne Allen Rudolph
  • Patent number: 8930068
    Abstract: A system and method according to which data associated with a damage log is received, the damage log being associated with an instance of damage to a portion of a vehicle such as, for example, a portion of an aircraft. A graphical representation of the portion of the vehicle is outputted, and a graphical damage indicator is outputted. The graphical damage indicator is located, relative to the graphical representation of the portion of the vehicle, to indicate a location of the instance of damage on the portion of the vehicle. The graphical damage indicator visually represents a type of damage to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: American Airlines, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew Douglas Helder, Cesar Ongaro Silva
  • Patent number: 8914187
    Abstract: A wireless source and an automobile dashboard configured to function as a wireless sink device are configured to communicate with one another including authenticating the source device for communications with the dashboard sink, transmitting user inputs received at the dashboard sink back to the wireless source device to enable a user to control the source device and interact with and control the content that is being transmitted from the source device to the dashboard sink, controlling the operational state of the source device based on the operational state of the automobile in which the dashboard sink is arranged, and transmitting data generated by the automobile from the dashboard sink to the source device so as to enable the source device to process at least some of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Xiaodong Wang, Vijayalakshmi R. Raveendran, Xiaolong Huang, Jeff S. Froelicher
  • Publication number: 20140365069
    Abstract: A tread wear indicator is affixed to a respective tire tread element. The indicator is constructed as a plurality of radially stacked sensor elements operatively configured and located to sequentially sacrificially abrade and change in electrical resistance responsive to a progressive tread wear of the respective tread element. The sensor elements are connected by circuitry that communicates a data signal from the sensor elements to a data processor indicative of a change in cumulative resistivity of the sensor elements. The data processor receives the data signal from the sensor elements and determines a radial wear level of the tread element based on the data signal. Multiple tread wear indicators may be mounted to respective tread lugs across the tread to derive a tread wear status based upon the tread wear profiles of the respective lugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Piotr Orlewski
  • Patent number: 8909414
    Abstract: For a three-dimensional corporal figure for communicating with a passenger in a motor vehicle, wherein the three-dimensional corporal figure may be locked in place in the motor vehicle, it is in particular provided that a communication from a passenger and a driver of the motor vehicle, respectively, to the three-dimensional corporal figure is carried out acoustically and/or haptic, and that a communication from the three-dimensional corporal figure to a driver or a passenger of the motor vehicle is carried out optically and/or acoustically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Audi AG
    Inventors: Cameron Christie, Yuval Appelboum, Gantimur Meissner
  • Publication number: 20140358356
    Abstract: Embodiments of techniques or systems for customization of, diagnostic assistance, and driving analytics related to snapshot data of a vehicle are provided herein. For example, a snapshot can be taken. The snapshot can be based on a snapshot package customized according to symptoms experienced by a driver of a vehicle, and analyzed individually or in conjunction with other snapshots to determine a trend. Additionally, the snapshot can be based on a configuration of a vehicle. In this scenario, the snapshot and the configuration of the vehicle can be used to provide an enhanced troubleshooting guide by removing non-suspect areas from consideration, thereby mitigating troubleshooting time. The snapshot can be setup to record parameters related to wear and tear on components of the vehicle. Suggestions can be made to a driver of the vehicle to reduce or mitigate actions that negatively impact wear and tear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tim R. Jones, Rich Shannon
  • Publication number: 20140358357
    Abstract: Embodiments of techniques or systems for customization of, diagnostic assistance, and driving analytics related to snapshot data of a vehicle are provided herein. For example, a snapshot can be taken. The snapshot can be based on a snapshot package customized according to symptoms experienced by a driver of a vehicle, and analyzed individually or in conjunction with other snapshots to determine a trend. Additionally, the snapshot can be based on a configuration of a vehicle. In this scenario, the snapshot and the configuration of the vehicle can be used to provide an enhanced troubleshooting guide by removing non-suspect areas from consideration, thereby mitigating troubleshooting time. The snapshot can be setup to record parameters related to wear and tear on components of the vehicle. Suggestions can be made to a driver of the vehicle to reduce or mitigate actions that negatively impact wear and tear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tim R. Jones, Rich Shannon
  • Publication number: 20140358363
    Abstract: A ball bearing assembly can include an outer race that includes an inner surface; an inner race that comprises an outer surface that includes an imperfection and a shoulder disposed at a shoulder angle where the imperfection is disposed at an angle in a range from about 50% of the shoulder angle to about 100% of the shoulder angle; and balls disposed between the inner surface of the outer race and the outer surface of the inner race. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Mavrosakis, Voytek Kanigowski
  • Patent number: 8892341
    Abstract: A system and method for mentoring a driver of a vehicle can include a monitoring device in communication with an onboard diagnostics unit coupled to an engine, the monitoring device monitoring at least one of a plurality of vehicle parameters received from the onboard diagnostics unit including vehicle speed, fuel level, engine speed, load, mass air flow, manifold air pressure, and odometer reading, and using the at least one of a plurality of vehicle parameters to calculate a fuel efficiency and/or emissions of the engine; and an output coupled to the monitoring device, wherein the output notifies the driver when the fuel efficiency changes. The output can notify the driver when the fuel efficiency and/or emissions increases or decreases. The notification can be visual, audible, or a combination of the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott McClellan
  • Patent number: 8880278
    Abstract: A method and device for accessing maintenance functions of an aircraft from a mobile maintenance terminal. First, the situation of the aircraft is determined. Then, if this situation allows a mobile maintenance terminal to access a maintenance information system on the ground and the information system of the aircraft, a connection is established between the mobile maintenance terminal and the maintenance information system on the ground and at least one maintenance command intended for the information system of the aircraft is transmitted to the maintenance information system on the ground. If this situation allows the mobile maintenance terminal to access only the information system of the aircraft, a connection is established between the mobile maintenance terminal and the information system of the aircraft and at least one maintenance command is transmitted to the information system of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Airbus S.A.S., AIRBUS Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Georges Ric, Francois Beltrand, Pierre-Marie Julaud, Philippe Moreau, Michel Bovet, Jean-Luc Marty
  • Patent number: 8874311
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a programmable control panel for a vehicle. A number of first level control functions is assigned to the programmable control panel for the vehicle. A number of second level control functions is assigned to the programmable control panel based on a health of programmable control panels in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ty Aaby Larsen, Emma Romig
  • Patent number: 8868290
    Abstract: The present disclosure relate to an indirect tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). In some embodiments, the indirect TPMS has magnetic field sensor that detects a modulated magnetic field indicative of one or more resonance parameters of an automobile tire. The magnetic field sensor generates a modulated sensor signal based upon the modulated magnetic field. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts the modulated sensor signal to a digital sensor signal, which is provided to a digital signal processing unit that perform analysis of the digital sensor signal to determine the one or more resonance parameters. A communication interface transmit data corresponding to the one or more resonance parameters to an electronic control unit (ECU).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Publication number: 20140257624
    Abstract: An electrical power generation and distribution health monitoring system includes a network of a plurality of nodes included in an electrical system of a vehicle. Each node of the plurality of nodes is synchronized with other nodes of the plurality of nodes. The network is configured to communicate electrical system health data associated with the electrical system to at least one vehicle health reporting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: The Boeing Company
  • Patent number: 8818612
    Abstract: A diagnostic connector module for a vehicle includes an electronic communication module and a housing enclosing the electronic communication module. The housing has integrated connectors electrically connected to the electronic communication module. The integrated connectors include a diagnostic service connector for connection with an external diagnostic scan tool and a vehicle bus connector connectable to a vehicle bus. The diagnostic service connector has a plurality of female pin-receptors electrically connected to the electronic communication module, and the vehicle bus connector has a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the electronic communication module. A vehicle diagnostic system including the diagnostic connector module is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Rajesh Das
  • Patent number: 8798832
    Abstract: An electric storage device including a state detection unit managing and controlling the state of a battery unit, wherein the state detection unit captures an inter-terminal voltage of each of a plurality of batteries measured by a battery management unit in a no-load state where the battery unit is separated from a load, and calculates variation information about the states of charge of the batteries. In addition, the state detection unit, taking into consideration the variation information about the states of charge of the batteries, calculates allowable charge and discharge information required for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery unit in a loaded state where the battery unit is connected to a load and charged or discharged, and outputs the allowable charge and discharge information to a charge and discharge device in the battery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Vehicle Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Youhei Kawahara, Kei Sakabe, Akihiko Emori
  • Patent number: 8798850
    Abstract: A method and a measurement system are specified for localizing at least one wheel on a motor vehicle. In this case the operating situation of the motor vehicle and the wheel load of the at least one wheel and/or a variable dependent on this is determined. Then the at least one measured value of the wheel load is compared with a value assigned to the operating situation. As an alternative or in addition, the comparison of at least one parameter dependent on at least two measured values can be undertaken with at least one of the parameters assigned to this operating situation. Finally the point on the motor vehicle at which the wheel is mounted is determined on the basis of the comparison results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Fink, Thomas Haas, Gregor Kuchler
  • Patent number: 8798852
    Abstract: Manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers provide vehicles that include various components and systems that operate to provide safe, environmentally conscious transportation compliant with local, state, and federal requirements. Each of the components or systems may include a nontransitory storage media containing data indicative of an authentication code specific to the respective component or system. Authentication data may be communicated from each of the nontransitory storage media on a vehicle to a control system where the authentication data is compared to one or more defined criteria. If the one or more criteria confirm the validity of the authentication data supplied by the components or systems, full operation of one or more vehicular systems is permitted. If the one or more criteria fail to confirm the validity of the authentication data supplied by the components or systems, the operation of at least one vehicular system is at least partially inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Gogoro, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching Chen, Matthew Whiting Taylor, Jui Sheng Huang, Hok-Sum Horace Luke
  • Publication number: 20140207329
    Abstract: A tire condition sensing apparatus includes a tire-based sensor for sensing two relative rotational positions of its associated tire relative to the earth's horizon as the tire rotates and provides first and second signals indicative thereof. A transmitter for transmits tire condition information and a signal processing time delay value in response to the first and second signals. A vehicle-based sensor monitors tire rotation relative to the vehicle's chassis and provides a signal indicative thereof. A controller for monitors the transmitted tire condition information signal, the signal processing time delay value, and the signal from the vehicle-based sensor and associates tire location in response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: TRW AUTOMOTIVE U.S. LLC
    Inventor: David L. Juzswik
  • Publication number: 20140195104
    Abstract: The present disclosure relate to an indirect tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). In some embodiments, the indirect TPMS has magnetic field sensor that detects a modulated magnetic field indicative of one or more resonance parameters of an automobile tire. The magnetic field sensor generates a modulated sensor signal based upon the modulated magnetic field. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts the modulated sensor signal to a digital sensor signal, which is provided to a digital signal processing unit that perform analysis of the digital sensor signal to determine the one or more resonance parameters. A communication interface transmit data corresponding to the one or more resonance parameters to an electronic control unit (ECU).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Patent number: 8768565
    Abstract: A rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle access and management system and method, in some embodiments, utilizes barcodes, QR codes (or NFC/RFID), GPS, and a mobile app coupled with a wireless network to enable customers to bypass the reservation desk and pickup and drop off reserved RCS vehicles using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. The QR code, RFID, or NFC communication with the mobile application allows for identification of the vehicle by a mobile application, which, if authorized, can access the vehicle via a temporary access code issued by remote servers. The remote servers and/or mobile application communicates with a control module that plugs into the on-board diagnostics module of the rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle and includes a host processing unit with a processor, an accelerometer, data storage, a GPS with internal GPS antenna; a wireless modem with internal antenna, and CAN bus transceivers connected with the processor, and a USB programmable interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Jefferies, Rod W. DeMay, Gurgen L. Lachinyan
  • Patent number: 8761995
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle motion control system that comprises a plurality of vehicle behavior control units that are controlled in a mutually coordinated manner, and is configured to operate as designed even when one of the vehicle motion control units should fail. If a RTC-ECU (61) has ceased a control action thereof owing to a failure thereof, a VSA-ECU (31) retains the last received coordination control signal from the RTC-ECU in EEPROM (37) so that the VSA-ECU (31) is enabled to continue the coordinated control according to the retained coordination control signal. At the same time, the VSA-ECU (31) transmits the coordination control signal retained in the EEPROM onto a CAN so that the transmitted coordination control signal may be used by other ECUS of other vehicle behavior control units such as an ATTS-ECU (41) and a STG-ECU (51). In this manner, the behavior of the vehicle may be optimized by the coordination control of the VSA unit and other vehicle behavior control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yanagi, Kiyoshi Wakamatsu, Takayuki Seki
  • Publication number: 20140163810
    Abstract: A method for accelerated data transmission among electronic control units (ECUs) and/or measuring devices in the context of motor vehicles is provided. In order to enable an accelerated data transmission, in particular fast (low) event cycle times, a low jitter and a high data throughput, the architecture of the data transmission is split up into (i) a control plane implemented in software operating on configuration, calibration and/or diagnostics data (“CD” data), and (ii) a data plane implemented in hardware transporting measurement data (“M” data) and/or prototyping data (“RP” data).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Kai ROETTGER, Herbert LEUWER, Thomas WOLLENHAUPT, Thomas BAYER, Andreas BRUNE
  • Patent number: 8749346
    Abstract: A remote control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending therein, and a plurality of vehicle devices communicating over the data communications bus. The system may include a cellular transceiver within the vehicle, and a multi-vehicle controller within the vehicle and coupled to the data communications bus for communication with at least one of the plurality of vehicle devices to perform a remote vehicle function based upon a received remote control signal. The multi-vehicle controller may be enabled to communicate via the data communications bus using a desired set of signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles based upon learning from at least one of the plurality of vehicle devices on the data communications bus and downloading via the cellular transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 8751098
    Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a method and system of monitoring CANbus information across an integrated wireless equipment management system and a mobile wireless communications system. The CANbus, mounted in a vehicle, provides communication and diagnostic information among vehicle components that, because the CANbus also is operatively connectable to the integrated wireless equipment management system, may be transmitted across that system. The CANbus includes one or more original parameters associated with sensors that are converted into virtual sensors to provide selective vehicle information to a terminal of the integrated wireless equipment management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Omnitracs, LLC
    Inventors: Juan Faus, Satish Ram
  • Patent number: 8738221
    Abstract: A method for securing vehicle data that includes a plurality of data messages includes the steps of determining a sequence for the plurality of data messages, selecting a plurality of identifier values for the plurality of data messages such that each of the plurality of identifier values are at least two bit errors removed from another, and assigning one of the plurality of identifier values to each of the plurality of data messages, based at least in part on the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Kerfegar K. Katrak
  • Publication number: 20140142801
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing failsafe conditions. One method includes receiving, at a processor, a message transmitted over a vehicle bus, wherein the message includes a data field. The method further includes accessing at least one data attribute included in a database file associated with the vehicle bus. The at least one data attribute includes at least one of (a) a safety critical attribute, (b) an automotive safety integrity level attribute, (c) a maturation time attribute, (d) a warning indicator attribute, and (e) a diagnostic trouble code attribute. The method also includes converting the data field based on the at least one data attribute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Ankit Shah
  • Patent number: 8731766
    Abstract: A process for updating the scheduling of a service stop for a machine includes determining, for at least one service operation, a service occurrence specification, monitoring the machine's usage severity, and setting an earliest occurrence point and a latest occurrence point for the service occurrence specification which are determined according to the machine usage severity monitored during a monitoring interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Renault Trucks
    Inventor: Samuel Artus
  • Patent number: 8731773
    Abstract: Power management within a vehicle is achieved by maintaining individual and/or power island power saving options for each of a plurality of devices coupled to a vehicular communication network of the vehicle. Upon determining that power savings should be enabled for a device, at least one of the power saving options for the device is selected and applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Nariman Yousefi, Yongbum Kim, John Walley, Sherman (Xuemin) Chen, Wael W. Diab, Nicholas Ilyadis
  • Patent number: 8731768
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed herein to determine an insurance premium discount based on telematics data. The system includes a computer memory and a processor in communication with the computer memory. The computer memory stores data indicative telematics data received from a sensor within a vehicle, including at least one of geo-position information of the vehicle and vehicle kinematics data. The processor is configured to identify safety events and associated safety event locations based on the telematics data. The processor is further configured to display to the driver indications of the safety events on a map display along with indications of safety events associated with other drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Fernandes, Steven R. Feero
  • Patent number: 8725347
    Abstract: A method is provided for performing an evaporative leak diagnostic for a vehicle. A valve in a diagnostic module is commanded to a vent position. The valve connects a fuel system to atmosphere. A pump in the diagnostic module is operated to measure a reference pressure across an orifice in the diagnostic module to provide a threshold. The valve is commanded to a test position. The pump is operated to place the fuel system in a low pressure state. A series of pressures in the fuel system is measured. A diagnostic code is provided after comparing the series of pressures to the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Roy Jentz, David Allen Clemens, Ann Irene Sipes, Aed M. Dudar, Michael Igor Kluzner
  • Patent number: 8712631
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the system of the invention automatically replicates a user's personal computing environment and provides associated remote server access using authentication credentials and data files supplied by a local handheld device as coordinated by session level software common to the handheld device, the replicated system, the system on which the replication occurs, and the remote servers. The application enables a handheld computing device to transfer a user's various online account credentials to a user's other computing devices securely and automatically. Thereafter the other computing device accesses a user's cloud-based storage and various on-line accounts and also pulls selected documents, bookmarks and related information directly from a user's handheld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nordic Capital Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Byron Tietjen, Greg Gardella
  • Patent number: 8706348
    Abstract: A vehicular telemetry apparatus, operable to initiate a telemetry processing operation in response to an aperiodic, nonrandom trigger signal cued by a sensed, operationally-variable vehicular condition. A trigger unit provides the trigger signal which in turn switches the telemetry apparatus from a resource-conserving idle state to a state in which a session is initiated, so that operationally salient variations in information on changes in vehicle sensor data are detected and processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Geotab
    Inventors: Darren Beams, Neil Cawse
  • Patent number: 8705525
    Abstract: When data is transmitted from a first communication terminal to a second communication terminal, a communication relay device converts car identification information of a communication source of communication-source identification information included in a communication packet into a car number of a vehicle, and transmits the data to an inter-vehicle communication path. When data is transmitted from the second communication terminal to the first communication terminal, the communication relay device converts car identification information of a communication destination of communication-destination identification information included in a communication packet into a “0”-th car indicating own car, and transmits the data to an in-vehicle communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shigeeda, Hideharu Inoue
  • Patent number: 8700254
    Abstract: A telematic system interfaces with a vehicle diagnostic interface to provide access to vehicle health and performance related information. The telematic system includes a primary gateway connector and various subsystem modules that connect to the primary gateway connector to provide functions in addition to those provided by the primary gateway connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Otman A. Basir, William Ben Miners, Sergey M. Krivtsov
  • Patent number: 8688319
    Abstract: The invention involves a procedure for adaptive configuration recognition after the run-up of a control device with or without configuration storage, which performs an automatic and operator-assisted, optimal configuration of the operating software of a motor vehicle. In a first variant, a central control device, after its run-up, receives at the earliest possible time, as a rule after activation of the ignition, identifying information from other components connected directly or indirectly to the central control device by data link. Upon receipt of the identifying information of a component, the central control device assumes that this component is present. Otherwise it assumes that it is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Jager, Mario Kaller
  • Patent number: 8676466
    Abstract: A method for controlling speed of a vehicle based upon control messages received through a communications device within the vehicle includes monitoring communication of control messages to a propulsion controller wherein control messages includes a speed profile including a current speed command representing instantaneous desired speed of the vehicle and future speed commands representing a predetermined controlled vehicle stop through a speed profile period, detecting anomalous communications of the control messages, and controlling the speed of the vehicle during anomalous communications using the future speed commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Upali Priyantha Mudalige
  • Publication number: 20140070153
    Abstract: Health and usage monitoring systems for aircraft hoist systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a health and usage monitoring system comprises a capacitive load cell and a processing unit for communication with the capacitive load cell, the capacitive load cell comprising a load receiving surface and a capacitive assembly coupled to the load receiving surface, the capacitive assembly comprising parallel electrically conductive plates separated by a reversibly deformable spacer construction wherein the parallel plates comprise aligned apertures providing a passageway through the capacitive assembly for the hoist system cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Chuang-Chia Lin, Alan Leingang, Dave Lopes, Dennis Robertson, Christopher M. Sanden, Odd Harald Steep Eriksen, Brian Snyder
  • Publication number: 20140058620
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for analyzing a fault in a communication system. The system includes a diagnostic module. The diagnostic module has first through fifth control logics. The first control logic is configured to determine a topology of the communication system. The second control logic is configured to request a response from at least one module that is in electronic communication with the communication system. The third control logic is configured to receive the response. The fourth control logic is configured to analyze a characteristic of the response. The fifth control logic is configured to determine a characteristic of the fault based on the characteristic of the response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: TIMOTHY D. JULSON, ROBERT F. KIRCHHOFF, GARY W. TARASKI, JOHN J. FLOOD, IV
  • Patent number: 8660735
    Abstract: A method of providing information to a vehicle involves selecting content, and a source from which the information is retrievable. The information pertains to the content and the content is associated with an entity. The vehicle is tracked in real time. Via a telematics unit of the vehicle, vehicle data obtained from the tracking (including at least a then-current vehicle location and speed) is uploaded to an offboard server. The data is utilized, by a processor associated with the offboard server, to identify the entity that is within proximity of the vehicle. Information from the selected content source is obtained via the offboard server. The information is associated with the entity. The information is transmitted to the telematics unit. The information that is displayed to the vehicle is associated with an object representing the entity that is within the field of view of a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Tengler, Mark S. Frye
  • Patent number: 8655563
    Abstract: In a braking/driving force control apparatus, a vehicle target braking/driving force and a vehicle target yaw moment through the control of braking/driving forces of wheels are calculated, and when the target braking/driving force and the target yaw moment cannot be achieved through the control of the braking/driving forces of the wheels, the vehicle target braking/driving force after the modification and the vehicle target yaw moment after the modification are calculated such that, within the range where the ratio of the vehicle target braking/driving force after the modification and the vehicle target yaw moment after the modification coincides with the ratio of the target braking/driving force and the target yaw moment, the vehicle braking/driving force and the vehicle yaw moment by the target braking/driving forces of the wheels take the greatest values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Maeda, Kazuya Okumura, Michitaka Tsuchida, Yoshio Uragami, Kensuke Yoshizue, Satoshi Ando, Koji Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8645452
    Abstract: A control section of a distribution apparatus decides whether data included in message has been stored by own DB or not, when distributing the message to an onboard apparatus based on transmitted information registered by second transmitted information table. From own DB, the control section of the distribution apparatus reads out data having been stored by the DB. For data that has not been stored by own DB, the control section of the distribution apparatus identifies another distribution apparatus having stored this data, and obtains this data from the identified another distribution apparatus. The control section of the distribution apparatus creates message including the data read out from own DB and the obtained data, and transmits the created message to an onboard apparatus which is a destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ako Takashima
  • Patent number: 8645017
    Abstract: A communications system that includes a vehicular diagnostic tool and a vehicle communication interface (VCI) configured to be connected to a vehicular computing system. In operation, the vehicular diagnostic tool automatically detects the presence of the VCI when the VCI is proximate thereto. Thereafter, the VCI and vehicular diagnostic tool communicate through a wireless connection. Also, a method of communicating using the aforementioned vehicular diagnostic tool and VCI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Dennis P. Keane
  • Patent number: 8638207
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Publication number: 20140025253
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer programs are provided wherein vehicle operation data is extracted from an internal automotive network. In an embodiment, a method comprises: i) obtaining data available on the internal automotive network via iterative interrogation; ii) analyzing the obtained data to identify a set of candidate data values having at least one common feature within a suitable proximity margin; and iii) heuristically selecting a candidate data value best matching one or more selection criteria to identify a true value. These systems and methods allow data to be extracted from proprietary and non-proprietary busses in the internal automotive network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ihor Bohdan Rybak, Daniel Wood, Judson Murray, Andy Janes, Matthew Pichette
  • Patent number: 8630765
    Abstract: An OBD II-compliant diagnostic PC tablet and method are provided. The tablet enables the simultaneous display of diagnostic data from multiple systems. Further, the tablet enables retrieval of potential solutions in response to the diagnostic data. The tablet may be used to retrieve the diagnostic data from a given vehicle system. The tablet features a display screen, an input node, and a processor. The tablet may communicate with one or more remote databases obtaining diagnostic summaries therefrom. Thus, the computer receives the diagnostic data vehicle system, derives diagnostic information therefrom, and can use external databases to derive potential diagnostic solutions therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Innova Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ieon Chen
  • Patent number: 8630766
    Abstract: A vehicular diagnostic tool configured to interface with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. The tool includes a transceiver that itself includes a voltage threshold controller and a current threshold controller. Also, a method of using a single vehicular diagnostic tool to communicate with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Raichle, Marco Le Brun, Manokar Chinnadurai, Phillip McGee
  • Patent number: 8626395
    Abstract: A method is provided for processing data in an influencing device, whereby the influencing device is connectable to a vehicle control unit and to a data processing unit. If the influencing device receives a first trigger or a second trigger, the first trigger is checked for a valid assignment to a function implemented in the hardware or software. If there is a valid assignment, the assigned function is started. A first address and/or a second address and/or the value are checked for a valid assignment to a first sub-function or a second sub-function. Depending on the called sub-function, the value is checked and/or manipulated and depending on the result of the check, the checked value and/or the manipulated value are sent by the influencing device to the vehicle control unit and/or to the data processing unit and/or stored in the memory of the influencing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: dSPACE GmbH
    Inventor: Marc Dressler
  • Patent number: 8612069
    Abstract: A method is provided for dynamically consolidating items of an aeronautical procedure in order to present to the operator the best action to perform according to the context of all the systems, in order to reduce his cognitive workload faced with an action to be carried out. The method consists, for each item of a procedure, in determining the text of the requested action, in choosing the text of the corresponding response that the crew must perform according to the general state and the configuration of the aircraft, in incorporating in the corresponding item the texts of the requested action and of the corresponding response, in displaying this duly enriched item, in detecting whether the requested action has indeed been accomplished and in displaying the result of this detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Fabien Guilley, Gabrielle De Brito, Gilles Francois
  • Patent number: 8594882
    Abstract: A damage detection system for a vehicle, a machine, and/or another type of structure may comprise a processor, and a plurality of connected transmitters communicatively connected to the processor. The plurality of connected transmitters may be adapted to be attached directly to a vehicle, a machine, and/or another type of structure. Each of the plurality of connected transmitters may be independently configured to only send a coded damage signal to the processor when at least one neighboring transmitter is damaged, and not to send a damage signal to the processor if no neighboring transmitter is damaged. The processor may be programmed to identify a vehicle location of any transmitter which sends a damage signal indicating that at least one neighboring transmitter is damaged. The damage detection system may analyze the damaged area and report potentially affected sub-systems to users of a vehicle, machine, or other structure equipped with the damage detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel D. Wilke