Module for monitoring vehicle operation through onboard diagnostic port

Abstract

An onboard diagnostic memory module is configured to plug into the OBD II port and has a real-time clock and power supply, a microprocessor powered from a standard OBD II port, microprocessor operating firmware, and an attached memory (7 MB). In operation, the onboard diagnostic memory module is preprogrammed with data collection parameters through microprocessor firmware by connection to a PC having programming software for the module firmware. Thereafter, the onboard diagnostic memory module is moved into pin connection with the OBD II port of a vehicle. Data is recorded on a “trip” basis, preferably using starting of the engine to define the beginning of the trip and stopping of the engine to define the end of the trip. Intelligent interrogation occurs by interpretive software from an interrogating PC to retrieve a trip-based and organized data set including hard and extreme acceleration and deceleration, velocity (in discrete bands), distance traveled, as well as the required SAE-mandated operating parameters.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] NOT APPLICABLE STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] NOT APPLICABLE REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK. [0003] NOT APPLICABLE [0004] This invention relates to be on board recordation of operating data from a motor vehicle into a dedicated onboard diagnostic port memory module. More specifically, a “trip oriented” data recordation protocol is actuated during vehicle operation when the dedicated onboard diagnostic port memory module is connected to the onboard diagnostic port of the vehicle. The dedicated onboard diagnostic port memory module can be preprogrammed before placement to the vehicle as to certain critical data parameters to be monitored, placed in vehicle for monitoring over an extended period of time, and finally intelligently interrogated to discharge the recorded data. A detailed record o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The PC can be interactive with the onboard diagnostic memory module. For example, if the operating firmware in the onboard diagnostic memory module contains a bug, correction can occur. Upon connection to the Internet, the PC can download a discrete program operable on a PC connected to the onboard diagnostic memory module. When the program is downloaded to the PC, it then runs to replace the firmware data set in the onboard diagnostic memory module to either remedy the malfunction or install and upgrade. Further, where enhanced operation of the onboard diagnostic port memory module is required for new vehicles, Internet firmware replacement can rapidly provide the required enhanced operation.

Problems solved by technology

In the usual case the malfunction indicator lamps are generally uninformative.

For example, a typical display of such a malfunction indicator lamps is “Check Engine.” Unfortunately, many of these lights are programmed so that they can be turned off only by a dealer.

In short, these lights can be and often are a source of irritation.

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