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`(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`2 August 2001 (02.08.2001)
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 01/55690 A1
`
`(51) International Patent Classification’:
`
`G01M 15/00
`
`(21) InternationalApplication Number:
`
`PCT/US01/02546
`
`(74) Agent: CRAINE, Dean, A.; 400-112th Avenue NE, Suite
`140, Bellevue, WA 98004-5542 (US).
`
`(22) International Filing Date: 25 January 2001 (25.01.2001)
`(25) Filing Language:
`English
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`
`(81) Designated States (national): AT, AU, BR, CA, CN, DE,
`DK ES FI GB JP KP MX NO NZ PT SE‘
`
`(84) Designated States (regional): European patent (AT, BE,
`CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB. GR, IE, IT, LU, MC,
`NL, PT, SE, TR).
`
`09/492,264
`
`27 January 2000 (27.01.2000) US
`
`Published.
`
`(71) Applicant: INFOMOVE, INC. [US/US]; 10635 NE 38th ’ WW‘ ””’"”"”"”"” ’9‘’’“’‘ “P0”
`Placc, Suite A, Kirkland, WA 98033 (US).
`
`(72) Inventor: LANG, Brook, W.; 40 lake Bellevue, Ste 100,
`Bellevue, WA 98005 (US).
`
`For mo-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
`arzce Notes on Codes andAbbreviations" appearing at the begin-
`ning ofeach regular issue ofthe PCT Gazette.
`
`(54) Title: SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING AND DISPLAYING MULTIPLE, MOTOR VEPHCLE INFORMATION
`
`40 WIRELESS COMMUNICA T/ON NETWORK
`—— WIRELESS MODEM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`USER
`INFURMA T/ON
`DA TABASE
`
`
`
`REMOTE COMPUTER
`
`g_7
`
`103’
`
`55690A1
`
`(57) Abstract: A system (10) for transmitfing, collecting and displaying diagnostic and operationa information from one or more
`motor vehicles to a central server (60) connected to a wide area network (45). The system (10) is designed to be used with an
`existing on—boa.rd diagnostic system found in most motor vehicles manufactured today. The system (10) includes a translator device
`R (14) capable of translating the codes from an on—board diagnostic connector (8) into computer readable file such as ASCII filcs. The
`translator device (14) may be connected to an on—board computer (20) that includes a wireless modem (35) capable of connecting
`to a wireless communication network (40) and eventually to a wide area network (45). A central server (60) is connected to the
`wide area network (45) which receives and stores information from the on—board computer (20). Authorized users may connect to
`g central server (60) via the wide area network (60) and request information therefrom regarding selected motor vehicles. All of the
`information may be presented in a single interface.
`
`Page 002565
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`
`WO 01/55690
`
`PCT/US01/02546
`
`5
`
`TITLE: SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING AND DISPLAYING
`
`A
`
`MULTIPLE, MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION
`
`l
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This invention relates to methods of presenting multiple, mobile wireless
`
`10
`
`communications network service information, and more particularly, to systems for
`
`transmitting and displaying multiple motor vehicle information.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`On-board computers coupled to a wireless communications network service
`
`15
`
`are now available that enable manufacturers of motor vehicles to obtain useful
`
`information regarding the motor vehicle. Typically, these on-board computers are
`
`electrically connected to sensors located in various systems in the motor vehicle that
`
`instantaneously report the status or condition of the system. Manufacturers of motor
`
`vehicles can connect to the on-board computer via the mobile, wireless
`
`20
`
`communication network to obtain information from the motor vehicle anywhere
`
`within the region covered by the wireless communication network.
`
`Recently, it has been reported that on-board computers can now be used by
`
`motor vehicle operators to download and upload information from a central server
`
`connected to a wide area network such as the World Wide Web via the mobile,
`
`25
`
`wireless communications network. Using the on-board computer, an operator can
`
`now obtain e-mail messages or other important information from any other servers
`
`connected to the wide area network.
`
`‘Many motor vehicle drivers own motor vehicles manufactured by different
`
`manufactures. Unfortunately, no standard computer program has been developed
`
`30
`
`which can interact with all on-board computers used in every motor vehicle. This
`
`creates a large burden for the operator of multiple motor vehicles to understand and
`
`learn to operate every computer and program.
`
`On-board diagnostic systems are used today in most cars and light trucks. To
`
`meet federal EPA emission standards implemented in the l970’s, motor vehicle
`
`35
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`manufacturers started using electronic devices to control engine functions such as fuel
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`feed, ignition, and to diagnose engine problems.
`
`Initially, motor vehicle manufacturers had their own systems which were not
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`compatible. In 1988, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) set standards which
`
`included a standard connector plug and a set of diagnostic test signals that dealer’s
`
`used when adjusting or repairing the motor vehicle. Although motor vehicle
`
`manufacturers may used a uniform set of test signals, the meaning of these test signals
`
`is proprietary. The standard connector plug and set of test signals, today, is known
`
`collectively as OBD-II which applies to all cars and light trucks built after January 1,
`
`1996. It is anticipated that new on—board diagnostic connectors (i.e. OBD-III) will be
`
`developed in the future.
`
`Translator devices, also known as diagnostic scanners, are available that
`
`connect to the OBD-II connector plug and translate the diagnostic test signals into
`
`ASCII files capable of being used by a personal computer. One translator device,
`
`known as AUTOTAP, is available from B&B Electronics Manufacturing Company,
`
`of Ottawa, IL. Using this device, independent mechanics are able to connect to the
`
`OBD-II connector plug and obtain factory diagnostic service code information.
`
`What is needed is a system for operators of motor vehicles to easily obtaining motor
`
`vehicle diagnostic and operating information and store this infonnation in a location
`
`for later retrieval.
`
`What is also needed is such a system that enables operators to obtain
`
`information remotely for a plurality of motor vehicles and then present this
`
`information in a concise manner on a single interface.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is an object of‘the present invention to provide a system for collecting and
`
`transmitting diagnostic and operation motor vehicle information to a central computer
`for real time or later retrieval.
`
`It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system that
`
`collects and transmits motor vehicle information from a plurality of motor vehicles in
`
`remote locations and collects the information on a central server.
`
`It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system that
`
`enables the information to be presented in a single interface.
`
`These objects and other objects are met by a system designed to be used with
`
`motor vehicles that use sensors and an on—board diagnostic system , Such as OBD-II,
`
`that enables users to review real time and historical diagnostic and performance
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`information data for one motor vehicle or a plurality of motor vehicles. The system
`
`includes the use of a translating means that connects to the motor vehicle’s on-board
`
`diagnostic system. In one embodiment, the translating means is a separate translator
`
`device designed specifically to connect to a commonly used OBD-II connector plug.
`
`The translator device includes a translator program capable of translating the
`
`proprietary diagnostic test signals into diagnostic service codes presented in a
`
`standard computer language, such as ASCII files, to be used by an electronic device,
`
`hereinafier called an on-board computer.
`
`The on-board computer is connected to a wireless communication means that
`
`continuously or intermittently transmits the ASCII files to a central network server
`
`connected to a wide area network, such as the INTERNET. The central network
`
`server collects the ASCII text files in a user database file. Authorized users, such as
`
`the owner of the motor vehicle or representatives of the motor vehicle manufacturer
`
`may connect to the central network server and receive real time data or historical
`
`information from the user’s database file.
`
`An important aspect of the system is that information from multiple motor
`
`vehicles may be collected and transmitted to the central server for retrieval by
`
`authorized users. A second important aspect is that the system may be used with all
`
`motor vehicles that use EPA-mandated diagnostic codes, translating manufacturer’s
`
`proprietary diagnostic service codes, and provides real time performance data. A
`
`third important aspect is that operators can obtain this information anywhere they
`
`have access to the wide area network and have it presented in a single interface.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Fig. l is a schematic of the system showing the relationship between the
`
`different motor vehicle manufacturers, the central server, the wide area network, a
`
`plurality of different motor vehicles owned by one operator with a motor vehicle
`
`computer coupled to various motor vehicle systems, a translator device, an add—on
`
`computer with an display interface, and a remote computer with a display interface.
`
`.1
`Fig. 2 is a front plan view of a monitor presenting information collected for a
`
`plurality of motor vehicles
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`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
`
`Disclosed herein is a system 10 of transmitting and displaying real time and
`
`historical multiple motor vehicle information over a central server 60 connected to a
`
`wide area network 45. Authorized users may then connect to the central server 60 to
`
`connect the real time or historical information on selected motor vehicles. The system
`
`10 is especially beneficial to operators of multiple motor vehicles, each having
`
`factory-installed sensors or computer module which enables the operators to
`
`conveniently connect to the wide area network 45 and receive the stored uploaded
`
`information for each motor vehicle. The information for all of the motor vehicles
`
`controlled by the operation may be conveniently present on one monitor interface as
`
`shown in Fig. 2.
`
`The system 10 uses a translator device 14, also known as diagnostic scanners,
`
`capable of connected to an existing OBD—II connector plug 8 and translate the
`
`diagnostic test signals into ASCII files capable of being used by a personal computer.
`
`One translator device 14, known as AUTOTAP, is available from B&B Electronics
`
`Manufacturing Company, of Ottawa, IL. Each motor vehicle that uses the system 10
`
`must have a translator device 14 that connects to the OBD-II plug connector 8.
`
`The translator device 14 includes an output cable 6 and plug 7 that connects to a RS
`
`232 (COM) port 22 on the on-board computer 20. The translator device 14 includes a
`
`microprocessor and custom circuitry (not shown) that translate the signals from the
`
`motor vehicle’s sensors 3-5 or computer module 7 to ASCII text file capable to being
`
`used by the on-board computer 20.
`
`The on-board computer 20 may be a hand-held device, a lap—top computer, or
`
`a PDA. Each on-board computer 20 is coupled to a wireless communication means,
`
`such as a wireless modem 35, which transmits the diagnostic and performance
`
`information and other useful information over a wireless communication network 40
`
`to the central server 60 connected to a wide area network 45. The central server 60
`
`collects the uploaded information from an on-board computer 20 located in one motor
`
`vehicle or in a plurality of motor vehicles located in the region.
`
`The on-board computer 20 may also be coupled to an optional physical
`
`location detection means capable of instantaneously determining the physical
`
`location, heading, and elevation of the on-board computer 20, and hence, the motor
`
`vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the physical location detecting means is a
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`global positioning system (GPS) receiver 30. The GPS receiver 30 is able to
`
`immediately establish the monitoring electronic device’s global position, (i.e. latitude,
`
`longitude, elevation), heading, and velocity.
`
`The GPS is a location system based on a constellation of twenty—four satellites
`
`orbiting the Earth at altitudes of approximately 11,000 miles. The GPS satellites
`
`provide accurate positioning information twenty—four hours per day, anywhere in the
`
`world. The GPS uses a receiver that stores orbit information for all GPS satellites.
`
`During use, the receiver detemiines the time and the positions of the overhead
`
`satellites and then calculates the amount of time it takes a GPS radio signal to travel
`
`from the satellites to the receiver. By measuring the amount of time it takes for a
`
`radio signal to travel from the satellites, the exact location of the GPS receiver can be
`
`determined. GPS receivers 30 are available from Corvallis Microtechnology, Inc., in
`
`Corvallis, Oregon. It should be understood however, that other means for
`
`automatically determining the user’s physical location could be used.
`
`In the preferred embodiment, the system 10 uses GPS receivers 30 that are 3-
`
`D coordinate receivers that require a minimum of four visible satellites.
`
`It should be
`
`understood, however, that the system 10 could be used with 2-D coordinate receivers,
`
`which require a minimum of three satellites. The 3-D coordinate receivers are
`
`preferred, since they will continue to provide 2-D coordinate information when their
`
`views are obstructed by trees, mountains, buildings, etc.
`
`A critical component of the system is the client-side software program 28
`
`loaded on each on-board computer 20. The software program 28 collects the
`
`information from the translator device 14 and the GPS receiver 30 and transmits it via
`
`the wireless modem 35 to the wireless communication network 40. The client-side
`
`software program 28 must be able to communicate with the server software program
`
`54 located in the central computer 60. When the user initially logs into the system 10,
`
`the client-side software program 28 also transmits the user identification information
`
`such as the user’s name and password.
`
`Another important function of the client-side software program 28 is also used
`
`to display a standard interface is then created which displays the translated
`
`information to the operator. The interface can then be used to review all of the data
`
`stored in the central server 60 thereby providing a complete review of all of the
`
`sensors 3-5 used in the motor vehicles under the operator’s control. The client-side
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`software program 28 can also be loaded into remote computers to enable the operator
`
`to obtain information regarding the motor vehicles. .
`
`As discussed above, the central server 60 is connected to the wide area
`
`network 45 and is able to communicate with a plurality of on-board computers 20 also
`
`connected to the wide area network 45. It should be understood that the central server
`
`60 may be one server or a group of servers all connected to the wide area network 45.
`
`Loaded into the memory of the central computer 60 or in the memory of each server is
`
`the server-side software program 56 capable of uploading and processing data from
`
`the client side software program 28 used with each on-board computer 20 and remote
`
`computer 27 as shown in Fig. 2. During use, the central server 60 creates a user
`
`information database 63 containing all of the user ID information collected motor
`
`vehicle information.
`
`In order to download information from the central server 60, the user must
`
`submit a request using the client-side software program 28. In order to use the system
`
`10, the user’s or on-board computer’s network address must be known to the central
`
`server 60 so that infonnation may be downloaded thereto. If the central server 60 is
`
`also the authorized user’s network service provider to the wide area network 45 and a
`
`previously established account has been set up on the central server 60, the numerical
`
`or temporary address would be known to the central computer 60 when the user signs
`
`onto the central server 60. If the user does not have a previously established account
`
`on the central server 60, then the client side software program 28 must be used to
`
`collect and transfer the account information to the central server 60 each time the user
`
`logs onto the central computer 60.
`
`During use, the user’s personal information is entered into the client side
`
`software program 28. When initial contact is made with the central server 60, the
`
`personal information is automatically downloaded to the central server 60. The client
`
`side software program 28 may be a proprietary software program, or may be included
`
`as an add-on to an existing INTERNET browser software program. After the account
`
`infonnation has been confirmed or set up on the central server 60, the users may begin
`
`to download and/or upload information from the central server 60.
`
`In compliance with the statute, the invention, described herein, has been
`
`described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It should be
`
`understood, however, the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since
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`the means and construction shown comprised only the preferred embodiments for
`
`putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its
`
`forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims,
`
`appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
`
`INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
`
`This invention has application in the wireless communications industry. More
`
`specifically, this invention has application in the communications industry that deal
`
`with systems for transmitting and displaying multiple motor vehicle information.
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`CLAIMS
`
`We claim:
`
`1.
`
`A system (10) for transmitting and displaying diagnostic and performance
`
`information for motor vehicles having an on-board diagnostic system, said diagnostic
`
`system (10) including a plurality of sensors (3 — 5) capable of transmitting codes
`
`indicating the status of component on said motor vehicle, said system (10)
`
`comprising:
`
`b. a translating means capable of translating said codes from said sensors (3 —
`
`5) to a computer readable file;
`
`c. a wireless communication means coupled to said translating means capable
`
`of communicating with a wireless communication network (40) located around a
`
`region;
`
`d. a wireless communication network (40) located around a region;
`
`e.
`
`a computer wide area network (45); and,
`
`f. a central computer (60) connected to said wide area network (45), said
`
`central computer (60) capable of receiving said translating information from said on-
`
`board computers (20) in a region and connected to said wide area network (45) by
`
`said wireless communication means (40).
`
`2.
`
`The system (10) as recited in Claim 1, further including an on-board computer
`
`(20) connected between said translating means and said wireless communication
`
`means (40).
`
`3.
`
`The system (10) as recited in Claim 1, wherein said translating means is a
`
`translator device (14) capable of connecting to said on-board diagnostic system (10)
`
`in said motor vehicle.
`
`4.
`
`The system (10) as recited in Claim 3, wherein said translating means
`
`translates said codes into ASCII files.
`
`5.
`
`'
`
`The system (10) as recited in Claim 2, further including a physical location
`
`detecting means (30) coupled to each said on-board computer (20), said physical
`
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`location detecting means (30) capable of determining the physical location of said on-
`
`board computer (20);
`
`9
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`6.
`
`The system (10), as recited in Claim 6, wherein said physical location
`
`detecting means (30) is a GPS receiver used in a GPS network.
`
`7.
`
`The system (10), as recited in Claim 6, wherein said wireless communication
`
`means is a wireless modem (35) capable of communicating with said wireless
`
`communication network (40).
`
`8.
`
`The system (10), as recited in Claim 2, further including a client-side software
`
`program (28) loaded into each said on-board computer (20) and a server side software
`
`program (56) loaded into said central server to enable said on-board computer to
`
`communicate with said central server (60).
`
`9.
`
`A system (10) for transmitting and displaying diagnostic and performance
`
`information for motor vehicles having an on-board diagnostic system, said on-board
`
`diagnostic system including a plurality of sensors capable of transmitting codes
`
`indicating the status of components on said motor vehicle, said system (10)
`
`comprising:
`
`a. a translating device located in each motor vehicle capable of being coupled
`
`to said sensors and capable of translating said codes from said sensors to a computer
`
`readable file;
`b. an on-board computer (20) connected to said translating device;
`
`c. a wireless communication means coupled to said translating means capable
`
`of communicating with a wireless communication network (40) located around a
`
`region;
`
`d. a wireless communication network (40) located around a region;
`
`e. a computer wide area network (45); and,
`
`f. a central computer (60) connected to said wide area network (45), said
`
`central computer (60) capable of receiving said translating information from said on-
`
`board computers (20) in a region and connected to said wide area network (45) by
`
`said wireless communication means.
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`5
`
`10
`
`10.
`
`The system (10) as recited in Claim 9, wherein said translating means
`
`translates said codes into ASCII files.
`
`1 1.
`
`The system (10) as recited in Claim 9, further including a physical location
`
`10
`
`detecting means (30) coupled to each said on-board computer (20), said physical
`
`location detecting means (30) capable of determining the physical location of said on-
`
`board computer (20);
`
`12.
`
`The system (10), as recited in Claim 11, wherein said physical location
`
`15
`
`detecting means (30) is a GPS receiver used in a GPS network.
`
`13.
`
`The system (10), as recited in Claim 9, wherein said wireless communication
`
`means is a wireless modem (35) capable of communicating with said wireless
`
`communication network (40).
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`1/2
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`Page 002576
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`
`

`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`International application No.
`PCT/US0l /02546
`
`CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
`A.
`IPC(7)
`:
`GOIM 15/00
`USCL
`:
`701/33
`Accordin to International Patent Classification IPC or to both national classification and [PC
`B.
`FIELDS SEARCHED
`
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`U.S. : 701/33, 36, 200, 213, 24, 35, 1; 340/438,425.5,459,286.02,28601
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched
`
`Electronic data base consulted during theinternational search (name of data base and. where practicable, Search terms used)
`
`C. D CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`Citation of document, with indication, where a roriate, of the relevant assa es
`US 5,884,202 A (Arjomand) 16 March 1999 (16.03.1999). see entire document.
`
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`US 6.141,6ll A (Mackey et al.) 31 Octuber 2000 (31.10.2000), see complete document
`
`Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C.
`Special categories of cited docinnents:
`document defining the general state of the art which is not considered to be
`oi particular relevance
`
`earlier application or patent published on or after the ‘international filing date
`document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is cited to
`establish the publication date or another citation or other special reason (as
`specified)
`document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other means
`document published prior to the international filing date but later than the
`priority date chimed
`
`See patent family annex.
`later document published after the international tiling date or priority
`date and not in conflict with the application but cited It) understand the
`principle or theory underlying the invention
`doctnnent of particular relevance: the claimed invention cannot be
`when the doctunenl is taken alone
`considered novel or cannot be considered to involve Ill inventive step
`
`“
`
`"
`
`>
`
`"
`
`"
`
`document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be
`considered to involve an inventive step when the docuini.-nt is
`combined with one or iriore other such documents, such combination
`being obvious to a person skilled in the art
`document member or the same patent family
`
`Date of the actual completion of the international search
`3,15/01
`Name and mailing address of the ISA/US
`Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks
`gm pc-r
`Washington, DC. 20231
`Facsimile No. (703)305-3230
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (July 1998)
`
`Date of mailing of the international search report
`11.04.01
`Authorized officer
`‘
`,
`.
`_
`William A. Cuchlinski
`Telephone No.
`(703) 308-1113
`
`9
`
`Page 002578
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`

`
`(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`15 November 2001 (15.11.2001)
`
`
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`
`(51)
`
`International Patent Classification’:
`G06G 7/70
`
`G06