Vehicle diagnostic tool with copy protection and automatic identification of vehicle ECUs and fault display

US8589018B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• IDSC Holdings LLC · US

Inventors

• James G. Sarnacke · Waldenburg, US
• Paul Garibay · Pontiac, US
• Michael D. LaFerle · Shelby Charter Township, US
• Dan Morris · Troy, US
• David F. Skladanowski · Big Rapids, US
• Venkateshwar Sinha · Rochester Hills, US
• David P. Shock · Clinton Township, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 9, 2010
• Grant date: Nov 19, 2013
• Expiry date: Mar 20, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R25/00
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A diagnostic tool for a vehicle configured to automatically identify different communication protocols used by Electronic Control Units (ECUs) on-board the vehicle. The diagnostic tool includes a connector connectable to a data port of the vehicle; a data processor and a data storage device configured to store a list of different communication protocols. The data processor automatically initiates communications with the ECUs on-board the vehicle using a first communication protocol and if the data processor receives a response comporting to the first communication protocol, the data processor determines that at least one ECU on-board the vehicle is using the first communication protocol. Additionally, the data processor automatically initiates communications with the ECUs on-board the vehicle using a second communication protocol and if the data processor receives a response comporting to the second communication protocol, the data processor determines that at least one ECU on-board the vehicle is using the second communication protocol.