Method and apparatus for modifying an automobile engine control unit
US9989005B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/40
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A secondary controller for controlling the performance of an automobile is described. The secondary controller can be configured to temporarily reprogram one or more vehicle controllers, such as the engine control unit, after the automobile has been powered on. The secondary controller can substitute command sets with different command sets by rewriting the corresponding portion of RAM. The secondary controller can receive vehicle information from the engine control unit to determine the particular type of vehicle to locate the particular command in RAM in order to rewrite the command set. In one embodiment, the secondary controller communicates with the vehicle controller via the vehicle's diagnostic port, such as an OBD-II port. In another embodiment, the secondary controller can be configured to control a variable displacement engine in a vehicle to command the vehicle to operate using all available cylinders.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.