SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ALLOW A USER TO RETROFIT A VEHICLE WITH AT LEAST ONE VEHICLE PRODUCT

Abstract

A vehicle controller programming system is provided to enable a user to program a vehicle controller for a vehicle being retrofitted with the vehicle controller. The system comprises a data storage unit for storing a database of multiple configurators and a corresponding database of multiple vehicle product portfolios. Each configurator and its corresponding portfolio are associated with a specific vehicle specification.The system also comprises a user interface unit to (i) receive a set of vehicle characteristics that is associated with the vehicle, (ii) select one of the configurators and its corresponding portfolio based on the vehicle characteristic set, and (iii) create a job based on the selected configurator and its corresponding portfolio to allow a user to run the job to program the vehicle controller.

Description

[1] The present application relates to the retrofitting of a vehicle with a vehicle product that has not been factory fitted to the vehicle, and is particularly directed to a system and method for enabling a user to retrofit a vehicle with at least one vehicle product, such as a brake-related product for a heavy vehicle (e.g., a truck). [2] Retrofitting a truck with a brake-related product is the installation of the brake-related product in the truck after the truck has left the factory, without the brake-related product having been installed during the truck's manufacture. In known brake-related retrofit jobs for trucks, new software is required for each new retrofit installation. For example, when retrofitting a truck with a brake-related product, new software needs to be created so that a vehicle brake controller in the truck can be programmed to support the functionalities of the desired brake-related product on that particular truck. The need to create new software for each new Retrofit installation work is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Consequently, technical experts continue their research and development efforts in the field of programming brake controllers for trucks being retrofitted with brake-related products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [3] According to one embodiment, a vehicle controller programming system is provided to enable a user to program a vehicle controller for a vehicle being retrofitted with the vehicle controller. The system comprises a data storage unit for storing a database of a plurality of configurators and a corresponding database of a plurality of vehicle product portfolios. Each configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio are associated with a specific vehicle specification.The system also comprises a user interface unit to (i) receive a set of vehicle characteristics that is associated with the vehicle being retrofitted, (ii) select one of the plurality of configurators and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio based on the vehicle characteristic set, and (iii) create a job based on the configurator. Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi selected from the plurality of configurators and their corresponding vehicle product portfolio to enable a user to perform the job of programming the vehicle controller for the vehicle being retrofitted with the vehicle controller. [4] In accordance with another embodiment, a vehicle controller programming system is provided to enable a user to program a vehicle controller for a vehicle being retrofitted with the vehicle controller. The system comprises means for receiving a set of vehicle characteristics that is associated with the vehicle being retrofitted. The system also comprises means for enabling a user to execute a job that has been created based on the vehicle characteristic set to program the vehicle controller for the vehicle being retrofitted. [5] Pursuant to yet another embodiment, a method is provided to enable a user to retrofit a vehicle with at least one vehicle product. The method comprises receiving from a user a set of vehicle characteristics associated with the vehicle being retrofitted. The method also comprises electronically, via a user interface, selecting a configurator and a corresponding vehicle product portfolio from a database of a plurality of configurators and a corresponding database of a Qenfrnn / cznz / B / YiAi plurality of vehicle product portfolios based on the vehicle's feature set. Each configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio are associated with a specific vehicle specification. The method further comprises electronically, through a user interface, creating an executable job based on the selected configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio to allow a user to run the job to retrofit the vehicle with at least one vehicle product contained in the selected corresponding vehicle product portfolio. [6] Pursuant to yet another embodiment, a method is provided to enable a user to retrofit a vehicle with at least one vehicle product. The method electronically comprises, by means of a user interface, presenting a user with a plurality of executable jobs to enable the user to simultaneously execute the jobs for a corresponding plurality of vehicle controllers and thereby simultaneously retrofit a corresponding plurality of vehicles with at least one vehicle product for each vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [7] FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of an example vehicle brake controller programming system built in accordance with a modality. Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi [8] FIGURE 2 is a flowchart depicting an example method for enabling a user to retrofit a vehicle brake controller for a vehicle with at least one vehicle product in accordance with a modality. [9] FIGURE 3 is a flowchart depicting an example method for enabling a user to retrofit a vehicle controller for a vehicle with at least one vehicle product in accordance with a modality.

[10] FIGURE 4 is a flowchart depicting an example method for enabling a user to retrofit a vehicle controller for a vehicle with at least one vehicle product conforming to another modality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[11] This application pertains to a vehicle controller programming system and its method of operation. The specific construction of the vehicle controller programming system and the industry in which the system is implemented may vary. It should be understood that the following disclosure provides a number of modalities or examples for implementing different features of various modalities. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described to simplify this disclosure. These are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[12] With reference to FIGURE 1, a diagram is illustrated Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi of blocks of an example vehicle controller programming system 100 built in accordance with a modality. An existing vehicle controller programming system can be modified to provide the vehicle controller programming system 100 shown in FIGURE 1. The vehicle controller programming system 100 comprises a retrofit portal 110. The retrofit portal 110 can be a specially designed web portal that allows specific users to access resources using a login ID and password.

[13] Data storage unit 112 stores resources for the retrofit portal 110. The resources stored in data storage unit 112 include a database of a plurality of configurators 120 and a corresponding database of a plurality of vehicle product portfolios 130. As shown in FIGURE 1, there are N configurators 120 and a corresponding N vehicle product portfolios 130. Data storage unit 112 also stores a rule set database 135, a job database 140, a work instruction database 142, and a human instruction database 144.

[14] A user interface unit 150 that has associated software 151 is internal to (i.e., it is Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi within the retrofit portal 110, and an application programming interface (API) 152 is external to the retrofit portal 110. A computer 154 connects via API 152 to the retrofit portal 110. A utility 156 is stored in the memory of computer 154. Computer 154 connects via a communication network 158 to a controller, a vehicle brake controller 160 in this example, which is being programmed.

[15] Each of the configurators 120 and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio 130 is associated with a specific vehicle specification (i.e., the selected configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio are specific to the vehicle being retrofitted). For example, the specific vehicle specification can be based on any combination of model, year, and make of the vehicle being retrofitted. Each vehicle product portfolio 130 includes a combination of attributes associated with a specific vehicle. The attributes specify the vehicle and show vehicle products that can be retrofitted to the specific vehicle. The following is a sample list of attributes that can be included in a product portfolio. Vehicle Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi: 16] User input: Brand Year CMT objective LDW target Telematics connection Front bumper style SA brake type Enable speed sign recognition. Intermediate calculations: Power harness FLR radar available CMT target higher Braking system SD subscriber customer IUD insertion CMT board function LDW switch location Calculated output: Software update ID Utility application Vehicle kit Tools supplied by the installer Group 1 of PAR files Group 3 of files from PAIR Model CMT installed LDW installed SafetyDirect internal Blindspotter service Passenger side view of the vehicle. Following distance alert. Engine ESP OE Variant Minimum Camera mounting parameters CMT-LDW FLR Support Blindspotter Support IUD volume adjustment Hardware Grade ID Installer documentation Spare parts kit Exclusive Bendix tools Group 2 of PAR files Group 4 of PAR files Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi Acronyms: CMT - Collision Mitigation Technology IUD - Driver Interface Unit ESP - Electronic Stability Program; FLR - Forward-Looking Radar ID - Identification LDW - Lane Departure Warning OE - Original Equipment PAR - Parameter SA - Steering axis SD - SafetyDirect Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi

[17] The attributes above have dependencies on each other based on rules contained in the rule set database 135, and are processed by a configurator. The configurator processes the attributes based on many rules contained in the rule set database 135 to calculate a combination of PAR file groups (for example, PAR file group 1 to PAR file group 4 shown in the attribute list above). Each PAR file group contains a number of pre-made PAR files. For example, 90 to 100 PAR files can be divided into the four PAR file groups. Each PAR file group contains common parameters in each PAR file, with the defined value of the individual parameters being the differentiator.

[18] After the PAR file group configuration is calculated, the configurator determines which prefabricated PAR files fit together based on those calculations. The configurator identifies which PAR files (if any) are required from each PAR file group to provide the exact combination of PAR files needed.

[19] All PAR file groups, including the newly calculated PAR file group, are then unpacked and combined by computer utility 156 of computer 154 to provide a PAR file to be programmed for the vehicle brake controller being programmed for the vehicle being retrofitted. The calculation and processing of the PAR file groups in a retrofit portal comprising only one configurator and only one vehicle product portfolio are disclosed in the EC-80™ model controller of the example vehicle brake controller programming system manufactured by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC located in Avon, Ohio.Consequently, the details of PAR files, calculations, and the processing of PAR file groups based on a set of rules that includes PAR file rules, attribute dependencies, and configurator calculations will not be described further here.

[20] Although the above description describes a vehicle brake controller, other controllers capable of being retrofitted are contemplated, such as an electronic parking brake controller, a steering controller, etc.

[21] Pursuant to one aspect of this disclosure, the retrofit portal 110 of FIGURE 1 comprises multiple configurators in the form of the configurator database 120 and multiple vehicle product portfolios in the form of the database of the Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi vehicle product portfolios 130. The user interface unit 150 initially receives from the user a set of vehicle characteristics that is associated with the vehicle being retrofitted. The software 151 associated with the user interface unit 150 selects one of the plurality of configurators 120 and its corresponding one from the plurality of vehicle product portfolios 130 based on the received vehicle characteristic set.

[22] Notably, a job is created and presented to the user to enable the user to run the job and subsequently program the vehicle brake controller 160 for the vehicle being retrofitted. The selection of one of the configurators 120 and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio 130, and the creation and presentation of the job to the user are further described with reference to the flowchart in FIGURE 2.

[23] With reference to FIGURE 2, a flowchart 200 represents an example method for enabling a user to retrofit a vehicle brake controller for a vehicle with at least one vehicle product in accordance with a modality. In block 205, a user request is received from a user to program the controller Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi 160 of the vehicle brakes shown in FIGURE 1. Next, the user is prompted in block 210 to enter a set of vehicle characteristics associated with the vehicle being retrofitted. In block 215, a set of vehicle characteristics is received from the user. The process then proceeds to block 220.

[24] In block 220, one of the plurality of configurators 120 and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio 130 are selected based on the vehicle feature set received from the user. More specifically, the software 151 associated with the user interface unit 150 selects a configurator with its corresponding vehicle product portfolio based on the vehicle feature set. The process then proceeds to block 225.

[25] In block 225, unique PAR file groups are identified to create a combination of PAR file groups based on the vehicle's feature set. In block 227, a single programmable PAR file is created based on the combination of the PAR file groups. Then, in block 230, a configuration set (i.e., a new PAR file group) that includes associated PAR files is generated based on the identified unique PAR file groups and the vehicle's feature set. Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi vehicle. The process then proceeds to block 235.

[26] In block 235, work instructions are calculated based on the vehicle's feature set. The calculated work instructions are stored in the work instruction database 142 (FIGURE 1). The process then proceeds to block 240, in which a job is created and assigned to the current retrofit installation. The process then proceeds to block 245.

[27] In block 245, all identified PAR file groups (i.e., from block 225) are pulled into the job. Also, as shown in block 250, the computed job instructions (i.e., from block 235) are pulled into the job. Additionally, as shown in block 255, the generated configuration set, which includes associated PAR files (i.e., from block 230), is pulled into the job. The process then proceeds to block 260.

[28] In block 260, the job is presented to the user to allow the user to execute all the PAR files contained in the job. By executing all the PAR files contained in the job, the user is programming the vehicle brake controller 160 for the specific vehicle being retrofitted. The process then terminates.

[29] With reference to FIGURE 3, a 300 flowchart represents an example method to allow a user to retrofit a vehicle controller for a vehicle with a Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi minus a vehicle product in accordance with a modality. In block 310, a set of vehicle characteristics associated with the vehicle being retrofitted is received from a user. Then, in block 320, a configurator and a corresponding vehicle product portfolio are selected from a database of a plurality of configurators and a corresponding database of a plurality of vehicle product portfolios based on the vehicle characteristic set. Each configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio are associated with a specific vehicle specification. The process then proceeds to block 330.

[30] In block 330, an executable job based on the selected configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio is created to allow a user to run the job to retrofit the vehicle with at least one vehicle product contained in the selected corresponding vehicle product portfolio. The process then terminates.

[31] In some embodiments, the method further comprises identifying unique PAR file groups to create a combination of the PAR file groups based on the vehicle's feature set so that a single programmable PAR file can be created.

[32] In some modalities, the method comprises Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi additionally generate a configuration set that includes associated PAR files based on the identified unique PAR file groups and vehicle feature set.

[33] In some forms, the method additionally involves calculating work instructions based on the vehicle's set of characteristics.

[34] In some modalities, the method additionally involves pulling all identified unique PAR file groups into the job to be executed by a user.

[35] In some forms, the method additionally involves pulling the calculated work instructions into the job to be executed by a user.

[36] In some modalities, the method further comprises presenting the job to a user to enable the user to run all PAR files contained in the job and retrofit the vehicle accordingly with at least one vehicle product contained in the corresponding selected vehicle product portfolio.

[37] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving from a user a set of vehicle characteristics associated with another vehicle being retrofitted, and presenting another job to a user to enable the user to run all the PAR files Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi contents in all works and retroadapt accordingly 6 each vehicle with at least one vehicle product.

[38] With reference to FIGURE 4, a flowchart 400 represents an example method for enabling a user to retrofit a vehicle controller for a vehicle with at least one vehicle product in accordance with another modality. In block 410, a plurality of executable jobs are presented to a user to enable the user to simultaneously execute the jobs for a corresponding plurality of vehicle controllers and consequently simultaneously retrofit a corresponding plurality of vehicles with at least one vehicle product for each vehicle.

[39] In some modalities, the method additionally comprises receiving from a user a plurality of sets of vehicle characteristics corresponding to the plurality of executable jobs presented to the user.

[40] In some modalities, the method is carried out by means of software associated with a user interface unit that is internal to a retrofit portal.

[41] A number of advantages are provided by the vehicle brake controller programming system 100 and the retrofit portal 112 disclosed in FIGURE 1. One advantage is that a user needs to provide only one set of vehicle characteristics to automatically (i.e., without any human intervention) select one from a multiple number of configurators and its corresponding from a Qenfrnn / cznz / B / YiAi multiple vehicle product portfolios when retrofitting a specific vehicle. Providing multiple configurators and a corresponding multiple vehicle product portfolios is particularly advantageous because it provides a complete retrofit process, including vehicle controller programming, across multiple product line platforms.

[42] Another advantage is that the use of defined processes and attributes increases the integrity of the retrofitting process. This provides repeatable and consistent results for the final retrofitting technologies, even when given multiple different inputs. Furthermore, the use of rules reduces errors in the processing of PAR files and improves the speed at which a retrofitting solution is provided.

[43] Another advantage is that multiple jobs can be presented to a user to allow the user to simultaneously schedule jobs and therefore simultaneously schedule multiple vehicle brake controllers for associated specific vehicles.

[44] Yet another advantage is that the retrofit portal 110 acts as a portal server, and the user interface unit 150 software 151 acts as Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi portal software for the portal server to facilitate one or more retrofit installation jobs. As such, the Retrofit Portal 110 provides a single, convenient access point to everything a user needs to retrofit one or more specific vehicles with one or more desired vehicle products for each vehicle.

[45] Aspects of the disclosed modalities can be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The various elements of the system, either individually or in combination, can be implemented as a computer program product tangibly materialized on a machine-readable storage device for execution by a processor. Several stages of the modalities can be performed by a computer processor executing a program tangibly materialized on a computer-readable medium to perform functions by operating on input and generating output. The computer-readable medium can be, for example, memory, a portable medium such as a compact disc or a flash drive, such that a computer program incorporating aspects of the disclosed modalities can be loaded onto a computer.

[46] Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of example system processes and components, and although the various processes and components have been described in detail, the applicant does not intend to restrict or limit in any way the scope of the claims Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi attached to such detail. Further modifications will also readily appear to those skilled in the art. Consequently, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, implementations, or illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, deviations from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's overall inventive concept.

Claims

1. A vehicle controller programming system to enable a user to program a vehicle controller for a vehicle being retrofitted with the vehicle controller, the system comprising: a data storage unit for storing a database of a plurality of configurators and a corresponding database of a plurality of vehicle product portfolios, wherein each configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio are associated with a specific vehicle specification;and a user interface unit to (i) receive a set of vehicle characteristics that is associated with the vehicle being retrofitted, (ii) select one of the plurality of configurators and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio based on the vehicle characteristic set, and (iii) create a job based on the selected configurator from the plurality of configurators and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio to enable a user to run the job to program the vehicle controller for the vehicle being retrofitted with the vehicle controller.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein (i) a retrofit portal comprises the database of the plurality of configurators and the corresponding Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi database of the plurality of vehicle product portfolios, and (ii) the user interface unit is internal to the retrofit portal.

3. The system according to claim 2 further comprising: a computer that is external to the retrofit portal.

4. The system according to claim 3 further comprising: a utility stored on the computer; and user interface software stored on the user interface unit.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the selected configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio are specific to the vehicle being retrofitted.

6. A vehicle controller programming system to enable a user to program a vehicle controller for a vehicle being retrofitted with the vehicle controller, the system comprising: means for receiving a vehicle feature set that is associated with the vehicle being retrofitted; and means for enabling a user to execute a job that has been created based on the vehicle feature set to program the vehicle controller for the vehicle being retrofitted.

7. The system according to claim 6, further comprising: a retrofit portal including a database of a plurality of configurators and a corresponding database of a plurality of vehicle product portfolios.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the receiving means is internal to the retrofitting portal and external to the database of the plurality of configurators and the corresponding database of the plurality of vehicle product portfolios.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of configurators and their corresponding vehicle product portfolio are specific to the vehicle being retrofitted.

10. A method for enabling a user to retrofit a vehicle with at least one vehicle product, the method comprising: receiving from a user a set of vehicle characteristics associated with the vehicle being retrofitted; electronically, by means of a user interface, selecting a configurator and a corresponding vehicle product portfolio from a database of a plurality of configurators and a corresponding database of a plurality of vehicle product portfolios based on the set of vehicle characteristics, wherein each configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio are associated with a specific vehicle specification;and electronically through a user interface, create an executable job based on the selected configurator and its corresponding vehicle product portfolio to allow a user to run the job to retrofit the vehicle with at least one vehicle product contained in the selected corresponding vehicle product portfolio.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: electronically, by means of a user interface, identifying unique PAR file groups to create a combination of the PAR file groups based on the vehicle's feature set so that a single programmable PAR file can be created.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: electronically, by means of a user interface, generating Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi a set of configurations that includes associated PAR files based on the identified unique PAR file groups and the vehicle feature set.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: electronically, by means of a user interface, calculating work instructions based on the vehicle's set of characteristics.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: electronically, by means of a user interface, pulling all identified unique PAR file groups into the job to be executed by a user.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: electronically, by means of a user interface, pulling the calculated work instructions to the work to be executed by the user.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: electronically, via a user interface, presenting the job to a user to enable the user to execute all PAR files contained in the job and retrofit the vehicle accordingly with at least one vehicle product contained in the selected corresponding vehicle product portfolio. Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: receiving from a user a set of vehicle characteristics associated with another vehicle being retrofitted; and electronically, through a user interface, presenting another job to a user to enable the user to run all PAR files contained in all jobs and retrofit each vehicle with at least one vehicle product.

18. A method for enabling a user to retrofit a vehicle with at least one vehicle product, the method comprising: electronically, by means of a user interface, presenting a user with a plurality of executable jobs to enable the user to simultaneously execute the jobs for a corresponding plurality of vehicle controllers and thereby simultaneously retrofit a corresponding plurality of vehicles with at least one vehicle product for each vehicle.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: receiving from a user a plurality of sets of vehicle characteristics corresponding to the plurality of executable jobs presented to the user. Qenfrnn / eznz / B / YiAi 2 6 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the method is performed by means of software associated with a user interface unit that is internal to a retrofit portal.

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