US6603394B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-protocol wireless communication module
Assignee: SPX Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 2000-12-08
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Granted: 2003-08-05
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Expires: 2020-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A wireless communication module communicates with a remote station and a plurality of motor vehicle control units that implement at least two different communication protocols within a single motor vehicle. The wireless communication module includes an RF interface, a processor and a selectable multiple protocol interface. The processor communicates with the RF interface and thereby communicates with the remote station. The processor executes diagnostic routines and thereby provides commands to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units. The selectable multiple protocol interface is coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor. The selectable multiple protocol interface converts processor commands into a format that is readable by the selected motor vehicle control unit and converts received diagnostic information into a format that is readable by the processor. If desired, both the selectable multiple protocol interface and the processor functionality can be incorporated within the field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Inventors
- 👤 Kurt R. Raichle
- 👤 David A. Reul
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 10:27
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A wireless communication module for communicating with a remote station and a plurality of motor vehicle control units within a single motor vehicle, the plurality of motor vehicle control units implementing at least two different communication protocols, the wireless communication module comprising: an RF interface including an RF transceiver for communicating with the remote station; a processor for communicating with the RF interface, the processor further executing a plurality of diagnostic routines and thereby providing commands to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units in response to an input received from the RF interface, wherein each of the plurality of diagnostic routines corresponds to a selected motor vehicle control unit; and a selectable multiple protocol interface coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor, the selectable multiple protocol interface converting the commands from the processor into a format readable by the selected motor vehicle control unit and converting received diagnostic information into a format readable by the processor, wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is implemented solely within a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
A wireless communication module for communicating with a remote station and a plurality of motor vehicle control units within a single motor vehicle, the plurality of motor vehicle control units implementing at least two different communication protocols, the wireless communication module comprising: an RF interface including an RF transceiver for communicating with the remote station; a processor for communicating with the RF interface, the processor further executing a plurality of diagnostic routines and thereby providing commands to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units in response to an input received from the RF interface, wherein each of the plurality of diagnostic routines corresponds to a selected motor vehicle control unit; and a selectable multiple protocol interface coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor, the selectable multiple protocol interface converting the commands from the processor into a format readable by the selected motor vehicle control unit and converting received diagnostic information into a format readable by the processor, wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is implemented solely within a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the processor is integrated within the FPGA.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is a J1850 channel module that includes conversion circuitry for J1850 variable pulse width modulation (VPWM) and J1850 pulse width moudlation (PWM) communication protocols.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is a pulse code decorder (PCD) channel module that includes conversion circuitry for GM slow baud pulse width modulation (PWM), Ford fast and slow pulse codes and Import pulse code communication protocols.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is a serial communication interface (SCI) channel module that includes conversion circuitry for generic GM, Chrysler and Import SCI communication protocols.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface includes conversion circuitry for Chrysler collision detection (CCD), Ford data communication links (DCL), heavy duty J1708 and RS232 communication protocols.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is a serial communication interface (SCI) channel module that includes conversion circuitry for ISO 9141, Ford 9141, Keyword 2000 and Harley-Davidson SCI communication protocols.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface includes a serial communication interface (SCI) channel module that includes conversion circuitry for an analog-to-digital converter, a controller area network (CAN) and an Import serial peripheral interface (SPI) communication protocol.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the RF transceiver operates in a frequency range from about 800 MHZ to about 2.5 GHZ.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the RF interface further includes a modem for radio packet communication.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , wherein the RF transceiver operates in a frequency range from about 800 MHZ to about 2.5 GHZ and the RF interface further includes a modem for radio packet communication.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
74 words
The wireless communication module of claim 9 , 10 or 11 , further comprising: a selectable signal translator coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the selectable multiple protocol interface, the selectable signal translator changing a voltage level of the commands from the processor or the diagnostic information from the selected motor vehicle control unit to a voltage level compatible with the selected motor vehicle control unit or the processor, respectively.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
60 words
The wireless communication module of claim 1 , 9 , 10 or 11 , further comprising: a non-volatile memory coupled to the processor, the non-volatile memory storing the diagnostic routines for the selected motor vehicle control unit which responds to receive the commands from the processor and to transmit the diagnostic information to the processor in response to the commands.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The wireless communication module of claim 13 , wherein the non-volatile memory is a flash ROM.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The wireless communication module of claim 13 , wherein the non-volatile memory is an EEPROM.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The wireless communication module of claim 13 , wherein the non-volatile memory is provided external to the wireless communication module as a plug-in module.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
197 words
A wireless diagnostic system for communicating with a plurality of motor vehicle control units within a single motor vehicle, the plurality of motor vehicle control units implementing at least two different communication protocols, the wireless diagnostic system comprising: a wireless communication module, including: a first RF interface including an RF transceiver providing for communication; a processor for communicating with the first RF interface, the processor further executing a plurality of diagnostic routines and thereby providing commands to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units in response to an input received from the first RF interface, wherein each of the plurality of diagnostic routines corresponds to a selected motor vehicle control unit; and a selectable multiple protocol interface coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor, the selectable multiple protocol interface converting the commands from the processor into a format readable by the selected motor vehicle control unit and converting received diagnostic information into a format readable by the processor, wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is implemented solely within a field programmable gate array (FPGA); and a remote station for communicating with the first RF interface and providing a user interface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
197 words
A wireless diagnostic system for communicating with a plurality of motor vehicle control units within a single motor vehicle, the plurality of motor vehicle control units implementing at least two different communication protocols, the wireless diagnostic system comprising: a wireless communication module, including: a first RF interface including an RF transceiver providing for communication; a processor for communicating with the first RF interface, the processor further executing a plurality of diagnostic routines and thereby providing commands to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units in response to an input received from the first RF interface, wherein each of the plurality of diagnostic routines corresponds to a selected motor vehicle control unit; and a selectable multiple protocol interface coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor, the selectable multiple protocol interface converting the commands from the processor into a format readable by the selected motor vehicle control unit and converting received diagnostic information into a format readable by the processor, wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is implemented solely within a field programmable gate array (FPGA); and a remote station for communicating with the first RF interface and providing a user interface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
70 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , further comprising: a selectable signal translator coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the selectable multiple protocol interface, the selectable signal translator changing a voltage level of the requests from the processor or the diagnostic information from the selected motor vehicle control unit to a voltage level compatible with the selected motor vehicle control unit or the processor, respectively.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
54 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , further comprising: a non-volatile memory coupled to the processor, the non-volatile memory storing the translation routines for the selected motor vehicle control unit which responds to receive the requests from the processor and to transmit the diagnostic information to the processor in response to the requests.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 19 , wherein the non-volatile memory is a flash ROM.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 19 , wherein the non-volatile memory is an EEPROM.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 19 , wherein the non-volatile memory is provided external to the wireless communication module as a plug-in module.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the processor is integrated within the FPGA.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The wireless diagnostic systems of claim 17 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is a J1850 channel module that includes conversion circuitry for J1850 variable pulse width modulation (VPWM) and J1850 pulse width modulation (PWM) communication protocols.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
46 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is a pulse code decorder (PCD) channel module that includes conversion circuitry for GM slow baud pulse width modulation (PWM), Ford fast and slow pulse codes and Import pulse code communication protocols.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is a serial communication interface (SCI) channel module that includes conversion circuitry for generic GM, Chrysler and Import SCI communication protocols.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The wireless disagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface includes conversion circuitry for Chrysler collisi8on detection (CCD), Ford data communication links (DCL), heavy duty J1708 and RS232 communication protocols.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is a serial communication interface(SCI) channel module that includes conversion circuitry for ISO 9141, Ford 9141, Keyword 2000 and Harely-Davidson SCI communication protocols.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface includes a serial communication interface (SCI) channel module that includes conversion circuitry for an analog-to-digital converter, a controller area network (CAN) and an Import serial peripheral interface (SPI) communication protocol.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
55 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the remote station further includes: an antenna; a second RF interface coupled to the antenna; a workstation, the workstation receiving an input from a user and displaying an output to the user; and a local area network (LAN) coupling the workstation to the second RF interface.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
72 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the remote station further includes: an antenna; a second RF interface coupled to the antenna; a processor coupled to the second RF interface, the processor further receiving an input from a user and displaying an output to the user; a keypad providing the processor with the input from the user; and a display for displaying the output from the processor to the user.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the RF transceiver operates in a frequency range from about 800 MHZ to about 2.5 GHZ.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the first RF interface further includes a modem for radio packet communication.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
The wireless diagnostic system of claim 17 , wherein the RF transceiver operates in a frequency range from about 800 MHZ to about 2.5 GHZ and the first RF interface further includes a modem for radio packet communication.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
188 words
A method for providing a wireless communication module for communicating with a remote station and a plurality of motor vehicle control units within a single motor vehicle, the plurality of motor vehicle control units implementing at least two different communication protocols, the method comprising the steps of: providing an RF interface including an RF transceiver for communicating with the remote station; providing a processor for communicating with the RF interface, the processor further executing a plurality of diagnostic routines and thereby providing commands to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units in response to an input received from the RF interface, wherein each of the plurality of diagnostic routines corresponds to a selected motor vehicle control unit; and providing a selectable multiple protocol interface coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor, the selectable multiple protocol interface converting the commands from the processor into a format readable by the selected motor vehicle control unit and converting received diagnostic information into a format readable by the processor, wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is implemented solely within the field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Claim 38
Independent Claim
188 words
A method for providing a wireless communication module for communicating with a remote station and a plurality of motor vehicle control units within a single motor vehicle, the plurality of motor vehicle control units implementing at least two different communication protocols, the method comprising the steps of: providing an RF interface including an RF transceiver for communicating with the remote station; providing a processor for communicating with the RF interface, the processor further executing a plurality of diagnostic routines and thereby providing commands to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units in response to an input received from the RF interface, wherein each of the plurality of diagnostic routines corresponds to a selected motor vehicle control unit; and providing a selectable multiple protocol interface coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the processor, the selectable multiple protocol interface converting the commands from the processor into a format readable by the selected motor vehicle control unit and converting received diagnostic information into a format readable by the processor, wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface is implemented solely within the field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 35 , wherein the RF transceiver operates in a frequency range from about 800 MHZ to about 2.5 GHZ.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 35 , wherein the RF interface further includes a modem for radio packet communication.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
35 words
The method of claims 35 , wherein the RF transceiver operates in a frequency range from about 800 MHZ to about 2.5 GHZ and the RF interface further includes a modem for radio packet communication.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
190 words
A wireless communication module for communicating with a remote station and a plurality of motor vehicle control units within a single motor vehicle, the plurality of motor vehicle control units implementing at least two different communication protocols, the wireless communication module comprising: an RF communications means including an RF transceiver means for interfacing with the remote station; processing means for communicating with RF communications means, executing a plurality of translation routines, and providing requests to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units in response to an input received form the RF communications means, wherein each of the plurality of translation routines corresponds to a selected motor vehicle control unit; and selectable multiple protocol interface means coupled between coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control unites and the processing means, wherein the selectable multiple protocol converting means is for converting the requests from the processing means into a format readable b the selected motor vehicle control unit, and for converting received diagnostic information into a format readable by the processing means, wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface means is implemented solely within a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
190 words
A wireless communication module for communicating with a remote station and a plurality of motor vehicle control units within a single motor vehicle, the plurality of motor vehicle control units implementing at least two different communication protocols, the wireless communication module comprising: an RF communications means including an RF transceiver means for interfacing with the remote station; processing means for communicating with RF communications means, executing a plurality of translation routines, and providing requests to one of the plurality of motor vehicle control units in response to an input received form the RF communications means, wherein each of the plurality of translation routines corresponds to a selected motor vehicle control unit; and selectable multiple protocol interface means coupled between coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control unites and the processing means, wherein the selectable multiple protocol converting means is for converting the requests from the processing means into a format readable b the selected motor vehicle control unit, and for converting received diagnostic information into a format readable by the processing means, wherein the selectable multiple protocol interface means is implemented solely within a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The wireless communication module of claim 39 , wherein the RF transceiver means operates in a frequency range from about 800 MHZ to about 2.5 GHZ.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The wireless communication module of claim 39 , wherein the RF communications means further includes a modem means for radio packet communication.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
40 words
The wireless communication module of claim 39 , wherein the RF transceiver means operates in a frequency range from about 800 MHZ to about 2.5 GHZ and the RF communication means further includes a modem means for radio packet communications.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
81 words
The wireless communication module of claim 39 , 40 , 41 or 42 , further comprising: selectable voltage level changing means coupled between the plurality of motor vehicle control units and the selectable multiple protocol interface means, wherein the selectable voltage level changing means changes a voltage level of the requests from the processor or the diagnostic information from the selected motor vehicle control unit to a voltage level compatible with the selected motor vehicle control unit or the processor, respectively.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
62 words
The wireless communication of claims, 39 , 40 , 41 or 42 , further comprising: storage means coupled to the processing means for storing the translation routines for the selected motor vehicle control unit that response to receipt of the requests from the processing means, and for storing the diagnostic information for transmission to the processing means in response to the requests.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-08-04 | 2007-02-03 | 2007-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-08-04 | 2011-02-03 | 2011-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-08-04 | 2015-02-03 | 2015-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |