Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
701032000 | Vehicle or device ID | 23 |
20090055044 | MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH AUTOMATIC DATA RETRIEVAL AND LOOKUP OF FLUID REQUIREMENTS - A system for electronically determining vehicle data, such as a vehicle identification number (VIN), of a serviced vehicle, correlating the data with vehicle refrigerant requirements, and controlling servicing equipment according to the requirements, includes an OBD II interface and a module configured to automatically determine the vehicle data from the ECU through the OBD II port. The module may, for example, determine a year, make and model from a VIN and correlate that information with charging requirement data for the vehicle. The charging requirement data is supplied to the microcontroller of a recharging station. | 02-26-2009 |
20090276115 | Handheld Automotive Diagnostic Tool with VIN Decoder and Communication System - Provided is a method of receiving data from a vehicle onboard computer. The onboard computer is configured to transmit vehicle identification data in response to receipt of an identification request, which is transmitted in a basic communication protocol. The onboard computer is further configured to transmit private operational data in response to receipt of a private data request. The private data request is transmitted in a diagnostic protocol. The method includes connecting a scan tool to the onboard computer, and polling the onboard computer to identify the basic communication protocol. The identification request is then transmitted to the onboard computer. Vehicle identification data is subsequently received from the onboard computer. A protocol database having a plurality of diagnostic protocols is then accessed. Each diagnostic protocol is associated with respective vehicle identification data. The diagnostic protocol is then determined based on the received vehicle identification data. | 11-05-2009 |
20090326757 | SCAN TOOL USER INTERFACE - A scan tool is provided which comprises a housing which houses a display and six mode buttons. The scan tool is communicable with an OBD of an automobile and provides information retrieved therefrom to a user of the scan tool in an efficient and effective manner. In particular, the display displays a plurality of information on one screen. For example, the display may display information related to I/M Monitor Status simultaneously with MIL status, stored, pending or historical codes. Further, the scan tool allows the user to switch between modes by depressing the mode button of the mode without having to manually exit the current mode and manually enter the mode. | 12-31-2009 |
20100010703 | Machine guidance system - A guidance system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The guidance system may have a scanning device configured to generate a signal indicative of a lateral distance from the machine to a roadway marker, a locating device configured to determine a geographical location of the machine, and a controller in communication with the scanning device and the locating device. The controller may be configured to receive a desired lateral distance from the machine to the roadway marker, and to compare the desired lateral distance to the actual lateral distance. The controller may further be configured to implement a response to the comparison based on the geographical location. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010704 | DEGRADATION DETERMINING APPARATUS FOR POWER STORAGE DEVICE AND DEGRADATION DETERMINING METHOD FOR POWER STORAGE DEVICE - A vehicle identifying unit obtains an identification number of a vehicle from the vehicle. A first evaluation unit evaluates a degradation state of a power storage device based on the use history of the power storage device obtained from the vehicle, using data analyzed beforehand concerning the relation between the use history and the degradation state of the power storage device. A second evaluation unit evaluates a degradation state of the power storage device using data collected when the power storage device of the vehicle is charged from a power station or when power is fed from the vehicle to the power station. A degradation determining unit determines the degradation state of the power storage device based on the degradation states evaluated by the first and second evaluation units. | 01-14-2010 |
20100063669 | METHOD AND MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR LOCALIZING AT LEAST ONE WHEEL ON A MOTOR VEHICLE - 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. | 03-11-2010 |
20100145568 | CHARGE MONITORING APPARATUS - A charge monitoring apparatus is mountable on or connectable to a vehicle which uses electrical power supplied from a battery on the vehicle for traveling. The charge monitoring apparatus includes a vehicle ID holding portion that holds vehicle-side identification information which is uniquely allocated to each specific vehicle, a power-line communicating portion that performs a power line communication with an extravehicular apparatus through a power supply line which supplies the electric power from the external power supply equipment to the battery, a vehicle-side information storing portion that stores information produced in the vehicle, and a communication controlling portion that, in the power line communication, transmits the vehicle-side identification information held in the vehicle ID holding portion to the extravehicular apparatus, and if predetermined condition is satisfied, the communication controlling portion transmits the information stored in the vehicle-side information storing portion to the extravehicular apparatus. | 06-10-2010 |
20100191409 | SELF-LEARNING AUTOLOCATION OF ALL TIRE ID'S ON A MULTI-AXLE VEHICLE - Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for identifying tire locations associated with a vehicle ( | 07-29-2010 |
20100204876 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING VEHICLE EMISSIONS AND ENGINE CONTROLS USING A SELF-SERVICE ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS KIOSK - A system and method for testing vehicle emissions and engine control components using a standalone self-service kiosk. The self-service kiosk includes a computer capable of gathering Vehicle Information (VIN) and OBD information from a vehicle being tested using a barcode reader and an OBD reader, respectively. The self-service kiosk generates a readable display or printed report to the user indicating any detected diagnostic trouble codes found during the vehicle emissions testing. By networking a plurality of self-service kiosks together in a secure network and accessible through the Internet, the self-service kiosk network maintains a centrally located vehicle information database for storing and retrieving pertinent vehicle-related information during vehicle emissions testing. If the vehicle being tested passes the vehicle emissions testing, then the self-service kiosk prints out a registration renewal sticker, registration renewal document and/or receipt for the user. | 08-12-2010 |
20100262332 | SUPPORT FOR PREEMPTIVE SYMPTOMS - A system and method for determining work procedures through correlated symptoms are provided. The system made up of a diagnostic authoring apparatus for constructing and managing a diagnostic database. Information is stored in the diagnostic database that identifies vehicles that have the tendency to display certain symptoms in correlation with particular problems. These problems in the vehicles generally have a common solution for that type of vehicle. The problem may be common enough to check for a symptom preemptively, possibly before the vehicle owner is aware of it, or even prior to the manifestation of the symptom. The problem may warrant action taken to fix or avoid the problem. The system and method may associate and mark a problem with a preemptive symptom so a vehicle service/repair professional may be presented with the proper way to handle the associated problem for a particular vehicle. | 10-14-2010 |
20100332073 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INITIATING SERVICE SESSIONS BETWEEN VEHICLES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS - A method for initiating a service session with a vehicle includes the steps of receiving a first wireless signal transmitted by the vehicle, establishing an identity of the vehicle from the first wireless signal, associating a privilege with the vehicle based at least in part on the identity, transmitting a second wireless signal to the vehicle with a request for service data of the vehicle if the privilege includes an ability to request the service data from the vehicle, and receiving the service data of the vehicle. | 12-30-2010 |
20110029187 | Promotional correlation with selective vehicle modes - Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a possible consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode. | 02-03-2011 |
20110087399 | Promotional correlation with selective vehicle modes - Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a possible consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode. | 04-14-2011 |
20110093159 | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING DATA ACQUIRED FROM VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC INTERFACE FOR VEHICLE INVENTORY MONITORING - A system for keeping an inventory of vehicles that serve as collateral for loans provided by a lending entity includes a vehicle monitoring device, a database, and a central vehicle data server. The vehicle monitoring device includes a wireless modem, a processor, a GPS receiver, a vehicle diagnostics interface connector, and memory. These components are preferably enclosed in a small housing which may be installed beneath the dashboard of a vehicle. The vehicle diagnostics interface connector connects to the vehicle's OBD interface which is electrically connected to the vehicle's on-board diagnostics processor. The device retrieves vehicle diagnostic data through the vehicle's OBD interface based on the occurrence of certain events during the operation of the vehicle, such as ignition events, voltage change events, and location-based events, such as crossing a geofence boundary or exceeding a mileage or speed threshold. The device transmits the retrieved vehicle diagnostic data to the central vehicle data server via a wireless communication network. Vehicle inventories are managed in the database based on the information transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device. | 04-21-2011 |
20110130915 | HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION - A health monitoring system is provided for a vehicle with an identity configured to travel on a surface. The system includes a body positioned on the surface and configured to stimulate a dynamic response from the vehicle as the vehicle travels over the body; a response sensor associated with the body and configured to measure the dynamic response from the vehicle; and an identification sensor associated with the body and configured to collect data corresponding to the identity of the vehicle. | 06-02-2011 |
20110153149 | COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE USING IPv6 NETWORK - A communication apparatus for a vehicle using an Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) network is disclosed. The communication apparatus may include at least one Electronic Control Unit (ECU) having an IPv6 network communication function, and a vehicle gateway to support vehicle internal communication network to communicate with the at least one ECU and to support vehicle external communication network for a communication with a terminal of a service provider. | 06-23-2011 |
20110224865 | HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH VEHICLE VELOCITY - A health monitoring system is provided for a vehicle configured to travel over a surface with a velocity. The system includes a body configured to stimulate a dynamic response from the vehicle as the vehicle travels over the body; a response sensor associated with the body and configured to measure the dynamic response from the vehicle; an identification sensor associated with the body and configured to collect data corresponding to the identity of the vehicle; a velocity sensor associated with the body and configured to determine the velocity of the vehicle; and a processing unit associated with the body and configured to evaluate the health of the vehicle based on the dynamic response, the identity, and the velocity. | 09-15-2011 |
20110246018 | Code Connect Information Access - A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein an indicator is indicated on a display if additional information is available for the retrieved DTC for a specific vehicle. The indicator can be shown on a screen showing a DTC in a freeze frame menu and freeze frame data list modes. With a press of a key or automatically, the diagnostic tool can access its database or a remote database to retrieve the additional information. | 10-06-2011 |
20110251750 | VEHICLE EMISSION MANAGER AND CREDITS BANK - Embodiments of the present invention provide for systems, apparatuses, and methods for use in determining greenhouse gas emissions from a particular vehicle and managing associated emission reduction credits. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 10-13-2011 |
20110276219 | EMBEDDED VEHICLE DATA RECORDING TOOLS FOR VEHICLE SERVICING - Various embodiments include tools for vehicle data recording for vehicle servicing. A methods, a computer for installation in a vehicle, and a computer program product may be provided for recording diagnostic vehicle data. An input may be received from memory including a plurality of vehicle data recording parameters which comprise a vehicle data recording configuration. A data recording trigger signal may also be received. Upon receipt of the trigger signal, diagnostic data may be received from one or more vehicle modules over a vehicle network communicating with the computer. The diagnostic data may be based on the vehicle data recording configuration. The diagnostic data may be stored in memory for diagnosing one or more vehicle concerns. | 11-10-2011 |
20110320089 | Over-the-Air Vehicle Systems Updating and Associate Security Protocols - A method of updating a vehicle ECU includes establishing communication between a data communications module of a vehicle and an update server via a cellular network; validating the vehicle using a key exchange protocol between the data communications module and the update server; and sending update information from the update server to the data communications module of the vehicle via the cellular network, the update information configured to be used to update the vehicle ECU. | 12-29-2011 |
20120029762 | APPARATUS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR TESTING CONNECTED SERVICES IN A VEHICLE - Various embodiments include tools and methods for diagnosing connected services in a vehicle. Communication with a vehicle computing system in a vehicle may be established. A diagnostic connection to a diagnostics server may also be established. Vehicle information and diagnostic data from one or more connected services may be received from the vehicle computing system and transmitted via a diagnostic connection to the diagnostics server. A connected services diagnostic status for the vehicle may be determined based on the vehicle information and the diagnostic data. The connected services diagnostic status may be received from the server and output to a user. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029763 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALERTING A DRIVER TO A CONDITION OF A VEHICLE - A system for alerting a driver to a condition of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, a telematics unit that is mounted to the vehicle and that is configured to receive a fault notification from a subsystem on board the vehicle when a fault in the subsystem is detected. A call center is remotely located from the vehicle and is communicatively connected to the telematics unit. The telematics unit is configured to provide the fault notification to the call center. The call center is configured to initiate communication with the driver if the fault falls within a first category of faults and to set a trigger in the telematics unit to initiate contact with the call center upon a next ignition actuation of the vehicle if the fault falls within a second category of faults. | 02-02-2012 |