Including Portable Or Handheld Element (e.g., Linked To An On Board Diagnostic System, Etc.) Patents (Class 701/33.2)
  • Patent number: 12139153
    Abstract: A failure symptom sensing system may comprise an acquisition unit configured to acquire, while a driving function of a vehicle is in operation, a plurality of data from a plurality of sensors configured to sense a state of the vehicle. The failure symptom sensing system may comprise a generation unit configured to generate, from the plurality of data, feature quantity data indicating a feature quantity of each of the plurality of data in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. The failure symptom sensing system may comprise a sensing unit configured to sense, when the sensing unit senses an instruction to stop the driving function of the vehicle, whether an indication of failure of the vehicle exists based on the feature quantity data and a predetermined reference feature quantity data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Kamiyamaguchi
  • Patent number: 12118834
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for a device. The device can include a connector to electrically couple with a component of a vehicle via a first electrical connection of the connector and a second electrical connection of the connector. The connector can provide power to the component of the vehicle via the first electrical connection of the connector. The device can include a communication component to transfer a data packet between the device and the component of the vehicle via the second electrical connection of the connector. The component of the vehicle can be disconnected from a power source of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Tyler Sizemore
  • Patent number: 12118829
    Abstract: An example operation includes one or more of receiving, by a transport, first data from a first device, wherein the first device is affixed to the transport, receiving, by the transport, second data from a second device, wherein the second device is detachably attached to the transport and wherein the first data and the second data constitute a same unit of measure, and displaying, by the transport, a value based on the first data and the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Paul McFarland, Jr., Satyajit P. Patne, Edward Allen Cain, Jr., Brian D. McFarland
  • Patent number: 12112589
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a vehicle scan tool, a request for automated vehicle scan tool initialization, the request comprising a function identifier for a vehicle scan tool function and a vehicle identifier for a vehicle, where the vehicle scan tool is configured to display at least one navigable menu. The method additionally includes determining a current operating state of the vehicle scan tool. Based on the current operating state of the vehicle scan tool, the method further includes making a determination to initialize the vehicle scan tool according to the request for automated vehicle scan tool initialization. In response to making the determination, the method also includes using the function identifier and the vehicle identifier to initialize the vehicle scan tool to perform the vehicle scan tool function on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Roy S. Brozovich, Jacob G. Foreman, Brett A. Kelley
  • Patent number: 12067818
    Abstract: To identify sources of data resulting from an execution flow in a robotic device such as an autonomous vehicle, an operating system receives sensor data from various sensors of the robotic device. For each sensor, the system generates a data log comprising an identifier of a first checkpoint associated with that sensor, as well as a first timestamp. The system performs an execution flow on the sensor data from that sensor. The system updates the data log to include an identifier and timestamp for one or more additional checkpoints during the execution flow. The system then fuses results, uses the fused data as an input for a decision process, and causes a component of the robotic device to take an action in response to an output of the decision process. The system may record the action, an action timestamp and the data logs for each sensor in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Guillaume Binet, Nicholas J. Meyer, Randall Nortman
  • Patent number: 11958421
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first electrical component, a second electrical component, and a brake line. At least part of an electrical connection between the first electrical component and the second electrical component is defined by the brake line. The electrical connection may be a secondary electrical connection for rerouting an electrical path. The brake line may include first and second tubular conductive structures for defining first and second electrical connections. A repeater may be used to retransmit a data signal along the brake line. A nonconductive layer may be disposed on a tubular conductive structure of the brake line. A controller may switch operation of the brake line between an electrical power transmission mode and a data signal transmission mode. A controller may be operable determine a connected state or a disconnected state of the brake using the electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Mario Tippelhofer
  • Patent number: 11922511
    Abstract: A method for identifying a primary vehicle associated with a user of a mobile device includes receiving an indication of a vehicle entry event from a mobile device and retrieving sensor data from the mobile device. The method further includes receiving an indication of a vehicle exit event from the mobile device, generating a trip log including portions of the sensor data, and storing the trip log in a trip database. A server, or other suitable computing device, then analyzes the trip log and a plurality of previously stored trip logs in the trip database to determine a primary vehicle corresponding to the user of the mobile device. The method may allow a computing device to assign gathered mobile device data to a specific household vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholas U. Christopulos, Nicholas R. Baker, Eric Bellas, Benjamin F. Bowne
  • Patent number: 11893839
    Abstract: A performance system can enable an untrained end user to analyze the performance of a vehicle based on performance data that the vehicle's ECU generates. The performance system can include a performance tool that is configured to request performance data from one or more ECUs of a vehicle. The performance system can also include a performance engine that interfaces with the performance tool to create a log of the performance data. The performance engine can be configured to process the performance data log to generate a number of performance values which correspond to performance parameters. The performance engine can then use the performance values to generate performance representations which can then be presented to the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Integrated Engineering LLC
    Inventors: Peter Blais, David Blais
  • Patent number: 11845451
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to automobile diagnostic methods, apparatuses, devices and systems, and a diagnostic connection devices. Embodiments include: a first interface connector module configured to read an operation performed by a user on an interface, and convert the operation into a corresponding diagnostic instruction; a first protocol converting module configured to convert the diagnostic instruction into standard transmission data corresponding to the diagnostic instruction; and a first software interface module configured to send the standard transmission data corresponding to the diagnostic instruction through the first communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: AUTEL INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Huigiang Lai, Songsong Qu
  • Patent number: 11830298
    Abstract: A diagnostic data transfer system includes: a diagnostic tool which includes a plurality of user dialogues displaying diagnostic data values, a diagnostic data transfer device configured to extract the diagnostic data values from an image of the diagnostic tool, and a diagnostic data transfer server configured to author and store authored rules, such that the diagnostic data values can be transformed into an actual measurement data representation using the authored rules. Also disclosed is a method for diagnostic data transfer, including: capturing an image, identifying selected user dialogue, retrieving authored rule, optically scanning, and storing measurement field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: FIELDPULSE LLC
    Inventor: Indermohan S. Sethi
  • Patent number: 11790707
    Abstract: A method of assembling a recreational vehicle includes providing a structural panel for installation in the recreational vehicle, which has a surface and a readable image in or internal to the structural panel, with the readable image being located at or near a location on the surface of the structural panel for installing a component at the location. The readable image has to-be-installed component information about the component to be installed at the location and is readable at the surface of the structural panel. The method further includes reading the readable image to determine the to-be-installed component information about the component that is to be installed at the location on the surface of the structural panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Thor Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd B. Lozier, Steven J. Romanowski
  • Patent number: 11741762
    Abstract: A method performed by a first computing system includes receiving, from a second computing system, a message identifying a symptom of a first vehicle; and sending a repair tip to the second computing system. The repair tip includes a first phrase describing a first procedure performed on a second vehicle that exhibited the symptom, wherein the first procedure performed on the second vehicle yielded a result insufficient to determine that a component of the second vehicle associated with the symptom is defective. The repair tip also includes a second phrase describing a second procedure performed on a given vehicle, wherein the given vehicle is either (i) the second vehicle or (ii) a third vehicle that also exhibited the symptom, wherein the second procedure performed on the given vehicle yielded a result sufficient to determine that a component of the given vehicle associated with the symptom is defective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman
  • Patent number: 11687260
    Abstract: A vehicle memory sub-system can be switched from a normal mode to a pre-shutdown mode and initiate a media management operation before shutting down. The mode switch and/or media management operation can be performed in response to receiving a shutdown or pre-shutdown command for the vehicle. After completion of the memory management operation the vehicle and/or memory sub-system can be shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Minjian Wu
  • Patent number: 11479230
    Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of handheld devices including a plurality of transceivers. A control unit may be coupled to a handheld device of the plurality of handheld devices. The system may further include a plurality of end-of-train air devices coupled to a plurality of air brakes. An air manifold may be coupled to the plurality of air brakes. The system may include a controller coupled to the control unit and to the air manifold. A processor may be coupled to the controller and the control unit, and a non-transitory computer readable medium may be coupled to the processor. The non-transitory computer readable medium may include instructions executable to receive information from the control unit corresponding to an air brake test performed on the plurality of end-of-train air devices, determine a status of the air brake test, and generate an inspection form based on the received information and the determined status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventors: Klaus Buchberger, Steven Novak
  • Patent number: 11370490
    Abstract: A trailer reversing assist system for controlling reversing operations of a vehicle and trailer connected to the vehicle includes a module that detects an angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and outputs a trailer angle signal corresponding to the detected angle. The system also includes a human machine interface (HMI) device that provides an output signal based upon an input of the user, where the generated output signal includes information regarding magnitude and direction of a desired change to the angle. The system calculates a trailer trajectory that positions the trailer at a target location or calculates a trailer trajectory correction, wherein the calculation is performed using the output signal as corresponding to a change relative to the detected angle, and the detected angle corresponds to the trailer angle signal generated at the time of operation of the HMI device by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Greg Sypitkowski, James Stephen Miller, Gary Ward
  • Patent number: 11189116
    Abstract: A method of assembling a recreational vehicle includes providing a structural panel for installation in the recreational vehicle, which has a surface and a readable image in or internal to the structural panel, with the readable image being located at or near a location on the surface of the structural panel for installing a component at the location. The readable image has to-be-installed component information about the component to be installed at the location and is readable at the surface of the structural panel. The method further includes reading the readable image to determine the to-be-installed component information about the component that is to be installed at the location on the surface of the structural panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Thor Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd B. Lozier, Steven J. Romanowski
  • Patent number: 10994625
    Abstract: An electric vehicle charging and discharging system according to the present invention includes: a charge and discharge unit capable of charging a battery mounted on an electric vehicle and discharging the battery; a first communication unit that acquires a vehicle identification number of the electric vehicle and a dischargeable capacity value indicating a dischargeable amount of power of the battery from the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is connected with the charge and discharge unit; and a display unit that displays the vehicle identification number and the dischargeable capacity value acquired by the first communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Okumura
  • Patent number: 10855039
    Abstract: An illustrative electrical harness for bypassing a vehicular security module includes first, second, and third connectors, and electrical conductors. The electrical conductors electrically couple a first pin of the first connector to a third pin of the third connector, a second pin of the first connector to an eleventh pin of the third connector, a first pin of the second connector to a fourteenth pin of the third connector, and a second pin of the second connector to a sixth pin of the third connector. When the first connector is mated with a connector of a first communication bus of a vehicle and the second connector is mated with a connector of a second communication bus of the vehicle, the third connector is configured to bypass the vehicular security module by providing access to a diagnostic port of electrical modules coupled to the first or second communication buses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph P. Zizzadoro
  • Patent number: 10822114
    Abstract: An aircraft monitoring system includes a sensor operatively connected to at least a portion of an aircraft, a memory configured to store instructions, and a processor disposed in communication with the memory and the sensor. The processor, upon execution of the instructions, is configured to display a graphical representation of the portion of the aircraft reflecting real-time monitoring activity, and display a monitoring controller. A method of providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for an aircraft monitoring system includes displaying a graphical representation of at least a portion of an aircraft's geometry reflecting real-time monitoring activity. The method includes displaying one or more monitoring controllers. Each monitoring controller is associated with at least a portion of an aircraft monitoring system and a location on the aircraft's geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur M. Berenbaum
  • Patent number: 10810567
    Abstract: Techniques for related to retail transaction are disclosed. The techniques involve various uses of a mobile device, such as a cell phone, in authorizing payment for a retail transaction and/or receiving and/or transmitting data to/from the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Eytan Daniyalzade, Berk Atikoglu, David Martin Nelms
  • Patent number: 10698577
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method of interacting with a vehicle or a home control system. A context associated with a user input is obtained in relation to the vehicle or the home control system. An instruction based on the user input and the context is generated. The instruction is transmitted to the vehicle or the home control system to generate control or indication in connection with one of a component and a function of the vehicle or the home control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Dennis Bushmitch
  • Patent number: 10692307
    Abstract: An example method for outputting a PID filter list (PFL) includes: receiving RO data from one or more ROs that indicate particular vehicle identifying information (PVII), at least one symptom identifier, and a particular vehicle component; determining, symptom-to-parameter-identifier (PID) mapping data (MD) based on the received RO data and component-to-PID MD; determining, based on the set of available PIDs for the SOV and the symptom-to-PID MD, a PFL, wherein the PFL is associated with the PVII and the at least one symptom identifier, and wherein the PFL indicates a symptom-based subset of PIDs from the set of available PIDs for the SOV; receiving, a request sent over a communication network from a display device, wherein the request comprises the PVII and the at least one symptom identifier; and transmitting, over the communication network to the display device, a response to the request, the response comprising the PFL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Bradley R. Lewis, Patrick S. Merg, Roy S. Brozovich, Jacob G. Foreman, Joshua C. Covington, Brett A. Kelley
  • Patent number: 10614637
    Abstract: An example method for outputting a PID filter list (PFL) includes: receiving RO data from one or more ROs that indicate particular vehicle identifying information (PVII), at least one symptom identifier, and a particular vehicle component; determining, symptom-to-parameter-identifier (PID) mapping data (MD) based on the received RO data and component-to-PID MD; determining, based on the set of available PIDs for the SOV and the symptom-to-PID MD, a PFL, wherein the PFL is associated with the PVII and the at least one symptom identifier, and wherein the PFL indicates a symptom-based subset of PIDs from the set of available PIDs for the SOV; receiving, a request sent over a communication network from a display device, wherein the request comprises the PVII and the at least one symptom identifier; and transmitting, over the communication network to the display device, a response to the request, the response comprising the PFL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Bradley R. Lewis, Patrick S. Merg, Roy S. Brozovich, Jacob G. Foreman, Joshua C. Covington, Brett A. Kelley
  • Patent number: 10574071
    Abstract: A backpack for convenient charging, the backpack comprising: a backpack body with a battery storage space to accommodate a storage battery unit; at least one strap connected to the backpack body, where at least one strap has a fixture for fixing a product to be charged and a power cable output port proximal to the fixture; wherein the backpack body further includes at least one cable passage leading from the battery storage space to the power cable output port to accommodate at least one power cable each with a first end and a second end, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the at least one power cable is connected to the storage battery unit to be charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Li Zhijian
  • Patent number: 10504308
    Abstract: A method for collecting operational data from an aircraft having a display screen for operational data. The method includes using a mobile terminal equipped with at least one optical sensor, images of the display screen are acquired in such a way that at least some of the acquired images represent operational data displayed on the display screen; using an optical character recognition (OCR) module associated with said mobile terminal, character strings each representative of one piece of said operational data displayed on the display screen are identified in the acquired images; and using a report generation module and said identified character strings, an electronic report is generated containing at least some of said operational data of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignees: SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES, SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventors: Emmanuel Couturier, Nicolas Fanton, Nicolas Lipari, Fabien Lamazere, François Thermy, Emmanuel Gaschignard
  • Patent number: 10431946
    Abstract: An illustrative electrical harness for bypassing a vehicular security module includes first, second, and third connectors, and electrical conductors. The electrical conductors electrically couple a first pin of the first connector to a third pin of the third connector, a second pin of the first connector to an eleventh pin of the third connector, a first pin of the second connector to a fourteenth pin of the third connector, and a second pin of the second connector to a sixth pin of the third connector. When the first connector is mated with a connector of a first communication bus of a vehicle and the second connector is mated with a connector of a second communication bus of the vehicle, the third connector is configured to bypass the vehicular security module by providing access to a diagnostic port of electrical modules coupled to the first or second communication buses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph P. Zizzadoro
  • Patent number: 10412094
    Abstract: A system for providing privileged access to an internal vehicle communication network is provided. The system includes a presentation network bus configured to provide listen-only access to a subset of in-vehicle networks, a security system configured to enable access to the presentation network bus by verifying access credentials, and a diagnostic service system configured to control access to the presentation network bus. The diagnostic service system is configured to receive a diagnostic service request after the access credentials have been verified to enable the presentation network busses for listen-only access to the subset of the in-vehicle networks. The presentation network busses may be enabled for the listen-only access after credential verification by the security system and in response to receipt of a diagnostic service request from the diagnostic service system requesting that the presentation network busses be enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Anderson, Joseph E. Ploucha, Kenneth M. Hromada, Michael A. Sowa, Natalie Ann Wienckowski
  • Patent number: 10377190
    Abstract: A wheel unit including an environmental pressure sensor, a non-volatile memory for storing a first program and a second program and configuration code, a processing unit for executing the programs, a communication module comprising a wireless transmitter for transmitting at least one parameter indicative of conditions within a tire and a wireless or wired receiver for loading the second program into the non-volatile memory and a battery for powering the wheel unit. The second program may be loaded to the memory by the first program and configured by the configuration code to operate within a specific TPM system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: WEGMANN AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Bartlomiej Wicher, Andreas Riemann
  • Patent number: 10202206
    Abstract: A method implemented using at least one of the processor includes disposing a power source on a vehicle, wherein the power source is configured to power auxiliary loads of the aircraft. The method also includes connecting a power source disposed on a vehicle configured to engage an aircraft for ground operation, to auxiliary loads of the aircraft via an on-board power system. The method also includes performing energy management of the aircraft during the period of ground operation. The method further includes disconnecting the power source when an alternate electrical power is available to the on-board power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhi Zhou, Narendra Digamber Joshi, Rui Zhou, Hongwei Liao
  • Patent number: 10163281
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively accessing information in a vehicle under test, in a manner to avoid malfunctions associated with accessing the information. A data acquisition device is provided for accessing and retrieving diagnostic data from the vehicle. A memory unit is provided including listing of malfunctioning vehicles, as well as information associated with each of vehicle. At least one service mode request is communicated to the vehicle to identify characteristic information and characteristic features of the vehicle, which information is compared to stored vehicle characteristic information, to determine if the vehicle conforms to any of the listed vehicles, subject to malfunction. If not, additional service requests are communicated to the vehicle. If the vehicle conforms to one or more of the listed vehicles additional service request(s) are modified to remove service requests, or portions thereof, that are associated with the malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tan Minh Le, Hung Phan, Si Tan Truong
  • Patent number: 9767626
    Abstract: A mobile device may authorize with a paired telematics control unit of a vehicle to ensure the vehicle is in a remote service mode; send a command request to the telematics control unit requesting an operation to be automatically performed by a vehicle electronic control unit in place of manual input by an assistant; and receive diagnostic data from the vehicle electronic control unit via the telematics control unit. The telematics control unit may query electronic control units of the vehicle to identify whether the vehicle is in a mode in which commands from a remote service application of a mobile device can be processed; indicate the mode to the application; and receive the command request requesting a service operation to be automatically performed by one of the electronic control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Omar Makke, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin
  • Patent number: 9734537
    Abstract: A method and computer system provides vehicle insurance underwriting and ratings to a policy holder. The method and system receives captured sensor data associated with a vehicle from the policy holder. For example, the captured sensor data may include vehicle image and sound data. The method and system may compare the received data to baseline data to determine an operating condition of the vehicle. Based at least in part on the determined operating condition of the vehicle, the method and system may identify a risk of loss for the vehicle. The method and system may then determine an insurance premium for the vehicle based at least in part on the identified risk of loss, and provide the determined insurance premium to the policy holder. In some embodiments, the sensor data is image and sound data captured by a user's mobile phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott T. Christensen, Gregory Hayward, Christopher E. Gay, Steven Cielocha, Todd Binion
  • Patent number: 9469417
    Abstract: An aircraft failure diagnostic method and system includes a group of at least one smart mobile device, mobile in relation to the on-board equipment of an aircraft. The smart mobile device transmits a request for measurement data to an on-board equipment, following a tree structure of measurement data to be acquired. A piece of measurement data received from the on-board equipment by a smart mobile device causes passage to a later step in the tree structure of measurement data requests or interactive maintenance document. The interactive maintenance document is generated by automatically extracting inferences, data to be measured, measurements achievable on the on-board equipment, and measurements requiring a tool not included in the on-board equipment from an aircraft technical documentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: FLIGHTWATCHING
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Beaujard, Olivier Ho Dac
  • Patent number: 9336244
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating baselines based on vehicle service request (VSR) data are described. Additional VSR data accumulated after generating a baseline can be compared to the baselines, by a processor executing program logic, to detect a deviation in the additional VSR data. Responsive to detecting the deviation, a notification regarding the deviation can be provided. The notification can prompt receivers of the notification to analyze the baseline and VSR data and responsively prepare a service bulletin regarding the VSR data. The service bulleting can be provided to repair shop equipment (RSE) or to users of the RSE. VSR data pertaining to different vehicle models built on a common vehicle platform can be aggregated to increase an amount of VSR data used to generate a baseline. Multiple baselines can be generated for each of one or more vehicle models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: Patrick S. Merg
  • Patent number: 9288665
    Abstract: An information terminal includes: an operation assignment information storage unit that stores operation assignment information; an actuation information reception unit that receives from an in-car device actuation information; an assignment unit that, on the basis of the operation assignment information and the actuation information, assigns some among a plurality of operations in the information terminal to each of one or more actuations among a plurality of types of actuation that can be inputted with an actuation unit provided to the in-car device respectively, according to priority levels; an actuation signal reception unit that receives an actuation signal outputted from the in-car device; and a conversion unit that, on the basis of the result of assignment by the assignment unit, converts the actuation signal into an operating command that corresponds to one among the plurality of operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryohei Kato, Noriyuki Abe, Norikazu Nara, Hidetaka Suzuki, Kimio Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9246288
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an extension connector. The extension connector may include a first connector communicatively coupled to an in-vehicle connector associated with an automobile. The extension connector may further include a second connector that may be communicatively coupled to the first connector. The extension connector may further include a third connector that may be communicatively coupled to the first connector and the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: CABILITY, INC.
    Inventor: Allan Bailey Jones
  • Patent number: 9240080
    Abstract: A system for triggered request for downloaded information from a vehicle-based monitor comprises a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The processor is configured to determine whether it is desired to receive one or more data from a vehicle-based monitor. In the event that it is desired to receive one or more data from the vehicle-based monitor, the processor is configured to provide an indication that it is desired to receive the one or more data from the vehicle-based monitor. The processor is configured to receive the one or more data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Lytx, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lambert, Larry Richardson
  • Patent number: 9179311
    Abstract: A system and method of securely communicating information between a vehicle and a central facility includes receiving at a vehicle diagnostic tool a challenge query from the vehicle; establishing a wireless connection between the vehicle diagnostic tool and a central facility; transmitting the challenge query from the vehicle diagnostic tool to the central facility via the wireless connection; receiving at the vehicle diagnostic tool a response to the challenge query via the wireless connection; and accessing one or more vehicle modules on the vehicle using the received response to the challenge query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Peirce, Ervin Hoxha, Joseph E. Ploucha
  • Patent number: 9094493
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus allow for capturing the results of drug tests using mobile devices. One or more implementations include apparatus that interface a mobile computing device with a drug test, while ensuring that an imaging device of the mobile computing device is optically aligned with a test display areas of the drug test. One or more additional implementations include a method for analyzing drug testing results. The method includes receiving and analyzing drug testing data, which includes an identification of a type drug testing apparatus being used at a remote testing device, and an image that visually represents a portion of a drug test. The method also includes analyzing the test results of the drug test based on the identification of the type drug testing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Compliance Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Quilter, James Steven Buckmiller, Scott M. Clark
  • Publication number: 20150134194
    Abstract: An aircraft failure diagnostic method and system includes a group of at least one smart mobile device, mobile in relation to the on-board equipment of an aircraft. The smart mobile device transmits a request for measurement data to an on-board equipment, following a tree structure of measurement data to be acquired. A piece of measurement data received from the on-board equipment by a smart mobile device causes passage to a later step in the tree structure of measurement data requests or interactive maintenance document. The interactive maintenance document is generated by automatically extracting inferences, data to be measured, measurements achievable on the on-board equipment, and measurements requiring a tool not included in the on-board equipment from an aircraft technical documentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe BEAUJARD, Olivier HO DAC
  • Patent number: 9031737
    Abstract: A power balancing system includes a vehicle communication device connected to a data link connector of a vehicle, and a scan tool connected to the vehicle communication device, the scan tool including a handset and a vehicle connector interface (VCI), wherein power can be received from one or more of an external power source being external from the VCI, the vehicle, and an internal power supply of the scan tool, and wherein the system balances the received power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Manokar Chinnadurai, Troy Liebl, Phillip McGee
  • Patent number: 9026306
    Abstract: A data acquisition device for a vehicle includes a first body and a second body. A first body includes a first casing, an antenna member, and two cushion pads. A terminal of the first casing forms a recession and two lateral walls of the recession have two pivot members. The antenna member is disposed in the first casing. The two cushion pads are respectively located on the two lateral walls of the recession and circumferentially disposed around the two pivot members. Each of the cushion pads has a core hole and the pivot members are respectively passing through the core holes. The second body includes a second casing and a process device. A terminal of the second casing has a plug part, and the second casing respectively have two pivot holes pivoted on the two pivot members. The processing device is disposed in the second casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Neweb Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Cheng Wu, San-Yi Kuo, Chao-Chun Lin, Chih-Fen Yang
  • Publication number: 20150112544
    Abstract: A shovel management apparatus includes a temporary storing part and an abnormality information storing part. The temporary storing part temporarily stores detection information containing an operation input amount detected by an input amount detecting part of a shovel and physical amounts detected by a plurality of sensors in the shovel. The abnormality information storing part stores abnormality information. A controller performs an abnormality determination based on the detection information. The controller transfers, when an occurrence of an abnormality is determined at a first time, the detection information as the abnormality information, which is stored in a time period from a second time earlier than the first time to at least the first time, from the temporary storing part to the abnormality information storing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Hiroyuki TSUKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 9014907
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that allow an off-the-shelf USB flash memory device to be used with a scan tool. The USB flash memory device can have a different operating system then the proprietary operating system of the scan tool. The method and apparatus allows the scan tool to read from and write on the USB flash memory device regardless of the formatted operating system on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Lipscomb, Manokar Chinnadurai, Corneliu Boac
  • Publication number: 20150105971
    Abstract: A method of automatically establishing a data connection between a wireless automotive interface component and a mobile communication device, comprising: providing a wireless automotive interface component connected to a vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port, the interface component comprising: a short range communication module; and a vehicle network protocol interface; providing a mobile communication device running a gateway module; representing an automatically recognizable Bluetooth profile and a Serial Port Profile (SPP) by the wireless interface component; detecting the automatically recognizable profile by the mobile communication device; searching for the SPP profile by the mobile communication device; and automatically establishing a data connection between the wireless interface component and the mobile communication device via the SPP profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Ehud NAAMANI, Issac ZLOTER, Dan SHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20150105972
    Abstract: A diagnostic scan tool is provided including a connect/configure module for establishing a communication link between the scan tool and a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU). A vehicle specification module operates to identify a vehicle under test in response to receipt of a vehicle identification number (VIN). A trouble code module retrieves digital trouble codes (DTCs) from the ECU. A freeze frame data module retrieves freeze frame data from the ECU, the retrieved freeze frame data being functionally associated with a highest priority DTC. A database lists possible vehicle defect solutions, indexed to the VIN and the DTCs. A digital signal processor is operative to derive the highest priority DTC from analysis of the retrieved freeze frame data. The digital signal processor further being operative to regulate selection of a most likely vehicle defect solution associated with the VIN and the highest priority DTC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Madison, Ieon Chen, Keith Andreasen
  • Patent number: 9008897
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that allows a technician to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and remove any duplicates. The diagnostic tool can retrieve DTCs from the various diagnostic systems in the vehicle, remove any duplicates and display a unique list of DTCs. The diagnostic tool can also erase all DTCs including any duplicates from the vehicle after repairs have been completed. The tool can retrieve the DTCs without the user selecting the system to retrieve from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bertosa, Michael Gessner, Hamid Namaky
  • Patent number: 9008898
    Abstract: An in-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU), stores behavior information, when a specific vehicle behavior (i.e. a vehicle behavior that does not correspond to the driver's driving operation) is detected. The in-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) stores, as the behavior information, vehicle travel information, a storage time of the vehicle travel information, and storage execution information that indicates that the vehicle travel information is stored. When the engine of the vehicle stops, the ECU first executes an abnormality check of a CPU operation, when, based on the storage execution information of the behavior information, the vehicle travel information is stored. The ECU stores, as abnormality check information, an abnormality check result, an execution time of the abnormality check, and check execution information indicating that the abnormality check has been executed, and after the storage of the abnormality check information, the ECU stops power supply to the CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Umesaka, Mikio Teramura
  • Publication number: 20150100201
    Abstract: A preferred method of the invention is executed by code stored on a non-transient medium to control a portable computing device with a touchscreen. The code generates graphical interfaces includes an application that allows a user to capture necessary data for reporting data to permit quick and efficient diagnoses of repairs by a repair service to a part or sub-assembly of an aircraft. The data acquisition is controlled and guided with reference to actual aircraft specifications that are updated by an aircraft part supplier, such as an aircraft manufacturer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Mudler Alexandre, Barizza Laurent
  • Patent number: 9002571
    Abstract: A system for completing a walk around inspection of an aircraft is provided. The system may include a processor, a memory, and a user interface. The user interface also includes a user input system and a user output system. The user interface is configured for presenting a graphical checklist for a walk around inspection of an aircraft. The system also includes a communications device. The communications device is configured for communicating with an Onboard Maintenance System for the aircraft. The system, including the processor, memory, user interface and communications device, can be used to perform the inspection of the aircraft and provide a compliance record for the inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Gribble, Steven R. Miller