Updating diagnostic device software and enabling features

a diagnostic device and software technology, applied in the field of diagnostic devices, can solve the problems of not generally equipped with internet access, transmitting, receiving, and verifying software keys to verify authorization, and can be somewhat difficult to implement with stand-alone devices

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-06-08
SNAP ON INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Even though automotive diagnostic devices have entered the realm of high technology, they are still highly specialized tools, rather than general-purpose computers.
In addition, they are not generally equipped with Internet access, although they could be.
Verifying a user's authorization to access new or updated software or installed features is an important function that allows value-enhancing updates, but transmitting, receiving, and verifying software keys to verify authorization can be somewhat difficult to implement with stand-alone devices.

Method used

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  • Updating diagnostic device software and enabling features
  • Updating diagnostic device software and enabling features
  • Updating diagnostic device software and enabling features

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0013] The present method and system allows users of software-based, stand-alone equipment to obtain and enter software keys that enable or unlock the equipment's features without a conventional Internet connection. If a user registers a stand-alone device, such as an automotive tester, with the tester's manufacturer, the serial number for the device can be stored in a database maintained by the manufacturer. Corresponding to a serial number, one or more software keys can be generated to unlock features or install new software. Since the software keys are associated with a particular device (by serial number and features to be enabled), they can only be used to enable or unlock a unique device's features. For example, an automotive tester may have an extensive set of features installed even though not all of them are enabled when the tester is first purchased. By allowing users to purchase features (or use them on a limited-time free trial basis), the tester's manufacturer has flexi...

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PUM

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Abstract

A method of unlocking at least one feature of a diagnostic device. The method includes receiving, from a user, product-indentifying information (such as serial number) for the diagnostic device. A server can then generate a software key that corresponds to the product-identifying information and transmit the software key to the user via a text-to-speech server to cause the software key to be spoken to the user. The user can enter the software key into the diagnostic device to unlock the at least on feature. The transaction can be initiated at the user's telephone, where the software key is also received, eliminating the need for a network-connected diagnostic device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 392,322, entitled “Use Of XML Protocols For Updating Repair Equipment, Diagnostic Equipment, Tools,” filed on Jun. 27, 2002. The entirety of this patent application is expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] A method and system relating to the field of diagnostic devices, and, more particularly, a method for updating software or enabling diagnostic device features for use in automotive maintenance and repair, is disclosed. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Recent advances in computer technology have made software-enhanced equipment nearly ubiquitous in developed countries. This applies especially to equipment that, as recently as a decade or two in the past, no one would foresee as using software and processors for improved functionality, such as automotive diagnostic equipment. The use of relatively inexpensive memory, processors, an...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): H04L9/00G06F15/16G10L11/00H04L29/06H04L29/08
CPCG06F21/10G06F2221/0742G06F2221/2115G10H2240/115H04L29/06H04L63/061H04L63/083H04L67/1095H04L67/34H04L67/1002H04L69/329H04L67/1001G06F21/1063H04L9/40
InventorLEWIS, BRAD R.MELHEM, NINA
OwnerSNAP ON INC