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  Vehicle diagnostic deviceUSPTO Application #: 20060041349Title: Vehicle diagnostic device Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that allows a user to record events in a vehicle via a vehicle data recorder in the latest communication protocols, such as Controller Area Network. The vehicle data recorder can record data from the event when a trigger button is actuated by the user and the CAN communication can be controlled by the CAN controller. The data can transferred to a host workstation, where the user can analyze the data from the event and diagnose the problem causing the event. (end of abstract) Agent: Baker & Hostetler LLP Washington Square - Washington, DC, US Inventors: Manokar Chinnadurai, Michael F. Banar USPTO Applicaton #: 20060041349 - Class: 701035000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, And Relative Location, Vehicle Control, Guidance, Operation, Or Indication, Vehicle Diagnosis Or Maintenance Indication, With Data Recording Device The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060041349. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application entitled, Vehicle Diagnostic Device, filed, Aug. 19, 2004, having a Ser. No. 10/921,190, pending the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for diagnosing events in a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus, such a Vehicle Data Recorder (VDR) and method that record events in a vehicle that can communicate with a Controller Area Network (CAN). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] When a problem arises in a vehicle, such as an automobile, the owner takes the automobile to a service station or a garage for a mechanic to diagnose the problem. If the problem occurs frequently or occurs at the service station, then the mechanic can diagnose the problem with the diagnostic tools on site. However, the problem can be intermittent and may not occur when the vehicle is at the service station, thus the mechanic may not be able to diagnose the problem. If the mechanic cannot diagnose the problem while the vehicle is at the service station, the owner can become frustrated because the problem still exists and he has taken time off from work in order to bring the vehicle for service. Further, the owner will have to take additional time off to bring the vehicle back for servicing when the intermittent problem occurs again. This scenario can be repeated many times before the problem is properly diagnosed. [0004] An intermittent problem or event may be a spark plug in one of the vehicle's cylinder that does not fire properly when the vehicle hits a bump in the road at certain speeds causing the vehicle to lose power. The event does not occur every time the vehicle hits a bump, but does occur enough that the owner is frustrated. Further, should the intermittent problem occur when the vehicle is in the middle of an intersection, the driver may cause an accident due to loss of power during acceleration across a crowded intersection. However, since the event may not be recreated at the service station or when the mechanic takes the vehicle for a test drive, it will be difficult for the mechanic to diagnose the problem. [0005] A vehicle data recorder (VDR) has been available to record such events when they occur. The VDR is a self-contained modular unit that easily connected to a vehicle. It will monitor and record diagnostic data from the vehicle's computer (Electronic Control Unit or ECU) so that when the event occurs, the data from the event can be recorded and later viewed by the user. Once the data from the event is recorded by the VDR, the mechanic can download the data into a host workstation and diagnose the problem. [0006] The current VDR, however, has not kept up with new communication protocols that exist in new vehicles, such as CAN. Thus, a mechanic could not use a standard VDR in a vehicle that communicates via CAN. [0007] In some instances, it may be useful to be able to view the data recorded by the VDR while the VDR is obtaining the data. For example, while the vehicle is taken for a test drive. [0008] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an apparatus and method that can diagnose events in a vehicle, such as VDR that can communicate with all communication protocols including CAN. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein one aspect of an apparatus is provided that in some embodiments includes a VDR that communicates in CAN communication protocol with a vehicle's computer. [0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle data recorder to record data from a vehicle's computer is provided and can include a first connector that can communicate with the vehicle's computer and relay data to and from a vehicle, a processor that may control the vehicle data recorder functions, a memory in communication with the processor to store data, at least one communication protocol controller, wherein at least one communication protocol controller can include a CAN controller for CAN protocol communication with the vehicle's computer, and a second connector that can communicate with a host workstation to transfer the data from the vehicle data recorder to the host workstation. The VDR can further include a trigger button to initiate and/or terminate data recording by the vehicle data recorder, the trigger button can communicate with the processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can simulate circuits and communicate with the processor and memory, a power source connector for receiving an external power to power the vehicle data recorder, and a vehicle I/O that can communicate in different communication protocols. Additionally, the VDR can include a first board having a vehicle I/O, a real time clock and at least one interface connector, and a second board having the processor, the FPGA, the memory and the at least one communication protocol controller, wherein the first and second boards communicate with each other via a board to board connector. The first connector can be the J1962 male connector and the processor may control the vehicle data recorder function to at least one of recording data for a predetermined period of time, recording data when a trigger button is actuated by a user, recording data for a period of time before and after the trigger is actuated by the user and any other time period. Further, at least one communication controller may control communication hardware such as J1850, UART, ISO 9141, GMLAN, Vehicle SCI and other communication protocol hardware and the second connector may be a RJ-45 jack. The VDR can also include a trigger button having a LED incorporated therein and the host workstation can be a computing device that is one of personal computer, a personal digital assistant and a scan tool. [0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of communicating data from a vehicle is provided and can include connecting a first connector of a vehicle data recorder to a vehicle's computer, controlling CAN communication protocol with a CAN controller, communicating data via CAN protocol, recording the data of an event, and storing data of the event on a memory. The method can also include connecting a second connector to a host workstation and transferring the data from the event to the host workstation for analysis by a user. The method can further include actuating a trigger button a first time to start recording data from the event and/or actuating the trigger button a second time to stop recording data from the event. Controlling CAN communication is further done via GMLAN, the vehicle I/O, and a processor. Additionally, the method can include illuminating the trigger button with a LED and analyzing the data from the event to diagnose the problem in the vehicle. [0012] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle data recorder system is provided and can include means for connecting to a vehicle's computer and relaying data to and from a vehicle, means for processing that controls the vehicle data recorder functions, means for storing data that communicates with the means for processing and stores data, means for controlling communication protocol, wherein the means for controlling controls CAN communication protocol with the vehicle's computer, and means for connecting to a computing means that transfer data from the vehicle data recorder to a computing means. The vehicle data recorder system can further include means for actuating that initiates and terminates data recording by the vehicle data recorder, the means for actuating communicates with the means for processing, programmable logic means that simulate circuits and communicates with the means for processing and means for storing, means for power for receiving an external power to power the vehicle data recorder, and means for interfacing that communicates in different communication protocols. Additionally, the vehicle data recorder system can include a first means for connecting components having means for interfacing, a real time clock and at least one interface connector, and a second means for connecting having the means for processing, a programmable logic means, the means for storing data, and the means for controlling communication protocol, wherein the first and second means for connecting communicate with each other via a board to board connector. The means for connecting to a vehicle's computer can be a J1962 male connector and the means for processing can control the vehicle data recorder function to at least one of recording data for a predetermined period of time, recording data when a trigger button is actuated by a user, recording data for a period of time before and after the trigger is actuated by the user and any other time period. The means for controlling communication protocol can control communication hardware that includes J1850, UART, ISO 9141, GMLAN, Vehicle SCI and other communication protocol hardware. The means for connecting to the computing means can be a RJ-45 jack and the computing means can be one of a personal computer, a personal digital assistant and a scan tool. Additionally, the VDR can further include means for actuating having a LED incorporated therein. [0013] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle performance monitoring system is provided. The system provides: a vehicle data recorder configured to connect to a vehicle data outlet and configured to selectively record vehicle data, and pass vehicle data to a host workstation. [0014] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle performance monitoring system is provided. The system includes: means for recording vehicle data configured to connect to a vehicle data outlet and configured to selectively record vehicle data, and pass vehicle data to a host workstation; and a host workstation operatively connected to the recording means. [0015] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of monitoring vehicle performance is provided. The method includes: plugging in a vehicle data recorder into a vehicle data port; passing data through the vehicle data recorder to a host workstation; and wherein the data is passed through to the host workstation in real time. [0016] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. [0017] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. [0018] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a VDR capable of CAN communication according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Continue reading... Full patent description for Vehicle diagnostic device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Vehicle diagnostic device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Vehicle diagnostic device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Vehicle diagnostic device Next Patent Application: In-vehicle equipment system Industry Class: Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Vehicle diagnostic device patent info. 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