U.S. patent application number 09/941108 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for controller area network diagnostic instrument.
Invention is credited to Gumbel, Matthew J..
Application Number | 20020029131 09/941108 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22862601 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020029131 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gumbel, Matthew J. |
March 7, 2002 |
CONTROLLER AREA NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT
Abstract
A controller area network diagnosis instrument for diagnosis and
evaluation of electronic components on a vehicle control system 10.
The controlled area network diagnostic instrument (CANDI) includes
a computer processor 119 with a graphics display 121. The processor
119 has a cable 132 to plug into the diagnostic connector 36
engaged to a common data bus 18 of the vehicle 101. The processor
119 is programmed to graphically show a mock gauge cluster or
vehicle instrument panel 120 on the display 121 in that has the
same appearance as a real vehicle gauge cluster or vehicle
instrument panel 102. When connected to the diagnostic connector,
the processor 119 mines data off of the data bus 18 and converts it
into human readable form on the display 121. This may take the form
of mock conventional gauges 124, mock warning lights 105, mock
switch status 123, or mock LCD displays 126 shown via computer
graphics on the processor's display 121.
Inventors: |
Gumbel, Matthew J.; (Fort
Wayne, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINE CORPORATION
4201 WINFIELD ROAD
P.O. BOX 1488
WARRENVILLE
IL
60555
US
|
Family ID: |
22862601 |
Appl. No.: |
09/941108 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60229770 |
Sep 1, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 23/0267
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/183 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A controlled area network diagnostic instrument for diagnosis
and evaluation of electronic components on a vehicle control system
on a mobile vehicle, the vehicle control system including an
electrical system controller and other controllers on the vehicle,
the electrical system controller and the other controllers
communicating over a serial data bus, the serial data bus having a
communication port, the controllers including a gauge cluster that
may include indications of vehicle status, comprising: a processor
including a graphics display; a communications port for
communicating with the vehicle data bus communication port; said
processor programmed to graphically provide a visual image of a
mock gauge cluster on said display, said mock gauge cluster having
the appearance of the actual vehicle gauge cluster; said processor
programmed to mine data off said data bus when said processor in
communication with said communication port of the vehicle serial
data bus; and said processor programmed to convert data from said
vehicle serial data bus into human readable form on said graphics
display; providing said mock gauge cluster with indications and
switch positions of the vehicle gauge cluster and making said mock
display a moving picture of the vehicle gauge cluster when the
indications of the vehicle gauge cluster change.
2. The controlled area network diagnostic instrument of claim 1,
wherein: said processor programmed to accept user input to said
processor to change said indications displayed on said mock cluster
and to transmit messages over the serial bus to direct a controller
to change actual vehicle gauge cluster indications to change with
said mock cluster.
3. The controlled area network diagnostic instrument of claim 2,
wherein: said processor accepts user input from a pointer to change
indications on said mock cluster.
4. A controlled area network diagnostic instrument for diagnosis
and evaluation of electronic components on a vehicle control system
on a mobile vehicle, the vehicle control system including an
electrical system controller and other controllers on the vehicle,
the electrical system controller and the other controllers
communicating over a serial data bus, the serial data bus having a
communication port, the controllers including a gauge cluster that
may include gauges, switches, warning lights, or numeric displays,
comprising: a processor including a graphics display; a
communications port for communicating with the vehicle data bus
communication port; said processor programmed to graphically
provide a visual image of a mock gauge cluster on said display,
said mock gauge cluster having the appearance of the actual vehicle
gauge cluster; said processor programmed to mine data off said data
bus when said processor in communication with said communication
port of the vehicle serial data bus; said processor programmed to
convert data from said vehicle serial data bus into human readable
form on said graphics display; providing said mock gauge cluster
with indications and switch positions of the vehicle gauge cluster
and making said mock display a moving picture of the vehicle gauge
cluster when the gauges, switches, warning lights, or numeric
displays change; and said processor programmed to accept user input
to said processor to change said indications displayed on said mock
cluster and to transmit messages to direct the actual vehicle gauge
cluster gauges, warning lights, or numeric displays to change with
said mock cluster on the processor display.
5. The controlled area network diagnostic instrument of claim 4,
wherein: said processor programmed to accept user input to change
said mock cluster from a pointer and a keyboard of the
processor.
6. A controlled area network diagnostic instrument for diagnosis
and evaluation of electronic components on a vehicle control system
on a mobile vehicle, the vehicle control system including an
electrical system controller and other controllers on the vehicle,
the electrical system controller and the other controllers
communicating over a serial data bus, the serial data bus having a
communication port, the controllers including a gauge cluster that
may include indications of vehicle status, comprising: a processor
including a graphics display; a communications port for
communicating with the vehicle data bus communication port; said
processor programmed to graphically provide a visual image of a
mock gauge cluster on said display, said mock gauge cluster having
the appearance of the actual vehicle gauge cluster; and said
processor programmed to accept user input to said processor to
change said indications displayed on said mock cluster and to
transmit messages over the serial bus to direct a vehicle
controller to change actual vehicle gauge cluster indications to
change with said mock cluster.
7. A controlled area network diagnostic instrument for diagnosis
and evaluation of electronic components on a vehicle control system
on a mobile vehicle, the vehicle control system including an
electrical system controller and other controllers on the vehicle,
the electrical system controller and the other controllers
communicating over a serial data bus, the serial data bus having a
communication port, the controllers including a gauge cluster that
may include indications of vehicle status, comprising: a processor
including a graphics display; a communications port for
communicating with the vehicle data bus communication port; said
processor programmed to graphically provide a visual image of a
mock gauge cluster on said display, said mock gauge cluster having
the appearance of the actual vehicle gauge cluster; and said
processor programmed for the steps of: mining data off the vehicle
data bus; placing data in a queue of messages; processing the queue
of message with a message handler within said processor; dissecting
the messages apart with said message handler; extracting indicator
values from the indicator of the gauge cluster of the vehicle; and
sending the message to the display for display on the mock gauge
cluster to mock the real cluster and making said mock cluster a
moving picture of the vehicle gauge cluster when the indications of
the vehicle cluster change.
8. The controlled area network diagnostic instrument of claim 7,
wherein: said processor programmed for the steps of: accepting user
input to said processor to change indications displayed on said
mock cluster display; querying a display controller for indications
on said mock cluster; manipulating values of indications on said
mock cluster into message format for transmission over the vehicle
data bus; and sending a message to change indications on the
vehicle cluster to the vehicle data bus where a controller directs
actual change on the vehicle cluster.
9. A controlled area network diagnostic instrument for diagnosis
and evaluation of electronic components on a vehicle control system
on a mobile vehicle, the vehicle control system including an
electrical system controller and other controllers on the vehicle,
the electrical system controller and the other controllers
communicating over a serial data bus, the serial data bus having a
communication port, the controllers including a gauge cluster that
may include gauges, switches, warning lights, or numeric displays,
comprising: a processor including a graphics display; a
communications port for communicating with the vehicle data bus
communication port; said processor programmed to graphically
provide a visual image of a mock gauge cluster on said display,
said mock gauge cluster having the appearance of the actual vehicle
gauge cluster; said processor programmed to mine data off said data
bus when said processor in communication with said communication
port of the vehicle serial data bus; said processor programmed for
the steps of: mining data off the vehicle data bus; placing data in
a queue of messages; processing the queue of message with a message
handler within said processor; dissecting the messages apart with
said message handler; extracting values related to conditions of
vehicle gauge cluster gauges, switches, warning lights, or numeric
displays of the gauge cluster of the vehicle; and sending the
message to the display for display on the mock gauge cluster to
mock the real cluster and making said mock cluster a moving picture
of the vehicle gauge cluster when the conditions of vehicle gauge
cluster gauges, switches, warning lights, or numeric displays of
the vehicle cluster change; and said processor programmed for the
steps of: accepting user input to said processor to change
conditions of vehicle gauge cluster gauges, warning lights, or
numeric displays displayed on said mock cluster display; querying a
display controller for conditions of vehicle gauge cluster gauges,
warning lights, or numeric displays on said mock cluster;
manipulating values of of vehicle gauge cluster gauges, warning
lights, or numeric displays on said mock cluster into message
format for transmission over the vehicle data bus; and sending a
message to change conditions of vehicle gauge cluster gauges,
warning lights, or numeric displays on the vehicle cluster to the
vehicle data bus to a controller to direct actual change on the
vehicle cluster.
10. A controlled area network diagnostic instrument for diagnosis
and evaluation of electronic components on a vehicle control system
on a mobile vehicle, the vehicle control system including
electrical controllers on the vehicle, the electrical controllers
communicating over a serial data bus, the serial data bus having a
communication port, and the controllers including a gauge cluster
that may include indications of vehicle status, comprising: a
processor including a graphics display; a communications port for
communicating with the vehicle data bus communication port; said
processor programmed to graphically provide a visual image of a
mock gauge cluster on said display, said mock gauge cluster having
the appearance of the actual vehicle gauge cluster; and said
processor programmed for the steps of: upon making communication
with said vehicle data bus initiating separate import ports, each
filtered to accept only certain messages; initializing variables
and then monitoring the vehicle data bus for incoming messages;
evaluating each message and should there be an older message,
continuing to monitor; should a message be a new message,
evaluating if the new message is for gauge display, and if the
message is for gauge display performing the steps of: decoding the
message by comparing ID, masking off data bytes to retrieve needed
values of a gauge for display; and sending the value to a mock
gauge on said mock cluster for adjustment of said mock gauge to
correct readout along the data bus; should a message be a new
message and the new message is not for gauge display, evaluating if
the new message is for numeric display, and if the message is for
numeric display performing the steps of: decoding the message by
comparing ID, masking off data bytes to retrieve needed values of a
numeric display for display; and sending the value to a mock
numeric display on said mock cluster for adjustment of the mock
numeric display to correct numeric readout along the data bus;
should a message be a new message and the new message is not for
gauge display or for numeric display, evaluating if the new message
is for warning light display, and if the message is for warning
light performing the steps of: decoding the message by the
accompanying ID and masking off the data bytes to retrieve the
warning light conditions; and adjusting the mock warning lights to
display the conditions of the message along the data bus; should a
message be a new message and the new message is not for gauge
display, numeric display, or for warning light display, evaluating
if the new message is for switch display, and if the message is for
switch performing the steps of: decoding the message by comparing
the ID and masking off the data bytes to retrieve switch
conditions; and adjusting mock switch positions to display the
conditions of the message along the data bus; and should a new
message not meet any of the filter requirements, continuing to
monitor the data bus.
11. A controlled area network diagnostic instrument for diagnosis
and evaluation of electronic components on a vehicle control system
on a mobile vehicle, the vehicle control system including
electrical system controllers on the vehicle, the electrical
controllers communicating over a serial data bus, the serial data
bus having a communication port, and the controllers including a
gauge cluster that may include indications of vehicle status,
comprising: a processor including a graphics display; a
communications port for communicating with the vehicle data bus
communication port; said processor programmed to graphically
provide a visual image of a mock gauge cluster on said display,
said mock gauge cluster having the appearance of the actual vehicle
gauge cluster; and said processor programmed for the steps of: upon
installation on the data bus, initiating a data bus channel;
initiating variables; querying along said common data bus to
determine current conditions; accepting user adjustments of mock
gauge cluster conditions; and constructing a data bus message with
correct ID and message data and sending the message along said data
bus to a controller that controls the particular condition to be
changed; continuing to monitor said data bus for changes of current
conditions.
Description
[0001] This is a non-provisional patent application claiming
priority of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/229,770,
filed Sep. 1, 2000.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to a diagnostic instrument for
communicating with and providing diagnostic information on
instruments such as gauges, indicating lights, numeric displays,
and switches in the cab or driver area of a mobile vehicle and the
algorithm for assisting in the communication and display of the
diagnostic information. The instrument makes use of existing
industry standard or proprietary communication protocols and a
vehicle mounted controlled area network to communicate with and
provide diagnostic information on the vehicle instruments. This
application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,269 that is assigned
to inventor's assignee.
PRIOR ART
[0003] At a simple level, communication between two agents may be
kept physically separated from communications occurring among other
agents. Where two or more signals do not use the same physical
space, there is no need to separate the signals in time or in
carrier wave frequency. Such a communications regime is sometimes
termed physical division multiplexing although the term
multiplexing is usually reserved to techniques for applying
multiple signals to a single medium or physical space. So-called
physical division multiplexing describes how motor vehicles have
been traditionally wired. The use of separate dedicated wires to
connect each switch and lamp is a type of physical division
multiplexing. Obviously, physical division multiplexing, while
simple in concept, results in the use of many wires (the classical
motor vehicle electrical harness), which are difficult to install
during manufacturing and problematic to maintain in the field.
[0004] Arrangements allowing a number of agents to communicate over
a common physical layer or medium offer much greater physical
simplicity. Intelligible communication between two or more devices
among a greater plurality of devices, all over a common medium,
depends upon the communicating devices being able to distinguish,
and understand, messages directed to them from other messages which
they receive, but which are not intended for them. The process of
distinguishing messages depends upon the transmitter of the message
applying some attribute to the message that identifies it to the
intended recipient. In human conversation, most people readily
distinguish speech directed to them from interfering cross-talk in
a crowd by the distinctive aspects of the voice of the person
addressing them. Where the members of the group are electrical
components, the problem still involves identification of a
distinguishing attribute of the signal. Appropriate attributes for
signals take a number of forms.
[0005] A line communicating a signal from a remote switch to a lamp
to turn on or off (by having a second switch, local to the lamp,
change states to control connection of the lamp between a power bus
and ground) cycles only rarely. In a typical trip such a change in
state occurs only once or twice, if at all. Where such a line is
not intended to provide power to the lamp, and simply indicates
changes in state for the local switch controlling the lamp, the
line will have the capacity to handle far more data than the
occasional indications to turn a lamp on and off. The objective of
maintaining simplicity in manufacturing and maintenance are
preferably met by allowing communication among a number of
components to occur in a single medium, or at least as few
communication lines as possible. The line used to connect switch
and lamp could interconnect a number of components, carrying
messages between any grouping of elements connected to the line
when not required to carry an instruction to a lamp to turn on. One
way of achieving this objective is a communications regime that
divides time into slots during which particular combinations of
components have use of a signaling line. Such methods are well
known in the art and are examples of time division multiplexing
(TDM). In motor vehicles, time division and related multiplexing
techniques offer substantial simplification in physical layer
required to support the control of vehicle vocations.
[0006] Rigid time division multiplexed communications appear to
interleave data signals into a single serial signal over a single
physical medium. Multiplexed communication systems also provide the
reverse function (de-multiplexing) of dividing the single signal
into multiple, non-synchronous digital signals. Where demands on
the capacity of the data transmission medium are not especially
heavy, any unit may be allowed to claim the medium provided
collision detection is provided for and other indicia, such as
address headers, indicate the signal's destination.
[0007] As applied to motor vehicles, multiplexed communications
over serial data paths are an effective technique for reducing the
number of dedicated communication paths between the numerous
switches, sensors, devices and gauges installed on the vehicles.
With each increase in the number and variety of accessories and
functions installed on each vehicle, the benefits of using a
single, multiplexed communication serial link for passing
instructions to and receiving information from vehicle devices as
diverse as running lights and rear axle temperature sensors becomes
greater. Multiplexing the signals to and from local controllers and
switches for vehicle systems promises greater physical simplicity
through displacing much of the vehicle wiring harness, reducing
manufacturing costs, facilitating vehicle electrical load
management, and enhancing system reliability.
[0008] The specific manner of implementing multiplexed
communications is outside the scope of the present invention, which
applies a defined protocol, the SAE J1939 protocol. Additionally,
proprietary protocols may be used although over a network similar
to as described here. The development by the Society of Automotive
Engineers of the J1939 series of standards for multiplexed
communications testifies to the progress in the application of
multiplexed communications to vehicles. Standards have been or are
being developed relating the communication path, transmission
collision detection, diagnostic ports and data protocols, among
other topics. The J1939 protocol provides an open protocol and
definition of the performance requirements of the medium of the
physical layer, but also allows for development of proprietary
protocols. The SAE J1939 protocol is a specialized application of a
controlled area network (CAN) and may be readily implemented
utilizing commercial integrated circuits such as the C167
Integrated Circuit from Siemens of Germany.
[0009] A serial communications system utilizing a multiplexing
regime can link several remote digital controllers positioned
around a vehicle with an electrical system controller (ESC) for two
way communication. Remote digital controllers are addressable,
allowing them to respond to signals intended for them initialize
particular functions. As described above the controllers for the
vehicle instruments may be remote digital controllers. They may
also include programming that allows the device to react to local
conditions as well as condition indicating signals provided the
controller. The ESC may pass requests and instructions received for
operations of certain devices, addressed to the correct remote
controller, in a fashion to condition the timing and duration of
the responses to requests to better manage overall vehicle
electrical load.
[0010] Electronic modules and components that communicate under
protocols such as J1939 may require diagnosis or troubleshooting.
In the prior art, such modules and components were diagnosed and
electrically examined using an instrument that translated data to
hexadecimal numbers that were then interpreted by an engineer using
a calculator. Messages were constructed in the same time consuming
manner. Diagnosis of components that communicate under J1939 or
other similar protocols was not user friendly and in no case
included a mock simulated gauge cluster or vehicle instrument panel
for easy relation of actual gauge cluster and vehicle instrument
panel diagnosis.
[0011] What is needed and does not exist in the prior art is a
user-friendly vehicle controlled area network diagnostic instrument
for diagnosing electronic modules and components that communicate
under J1939 or similar communication protocols and includes a mock
simulated gauge cluster or vehicle instrument panel for easy
relation of actual gauge cluster and vehicle instrument panel
diagnosis.
SUMMARY
[0012] An object of the invention is to provide is a user-friendly
vehicle controlled area network diagnostic instrument for
diagnosing electronic modules and components that communicate under
J1939 or similar communication protocols. A second object of the
invention is to provide for a diagnostic tool for mobile vehicle
applications that includes a mock simulated gauge cluster or
vehicle instrument panel for easy relation of actual gauge cluster
and vehicle instrument panel diagnosis.
[0013] The controlled area network diagnostic instrument (CANDI)
and computer algorithm for programming computers to allow vehicle
instrument diagnosis of this invention satisfies all the objects of
the invention and others not mentioned. The diagnostic tool of this
invention may be a computer processor either portable or fixed with
graphics display such as a monitor. The processor has a cable and
adapter to plug or hook into diagnostic connector engaged to a
common data bus of the vehicle, which may be a serial data bus or
link. The serial data bus or link is made in accordance with J1939,
other industry electronic communication standards, or proprietary
standards. The processor has a display that is programmed to
graphically show a mock or simulated gauge cluster or vehicle
instrument panel in that has the same appearance as a real vehicle
gauge cluster or vehicle instrument panel. A vehicle subject to the
diagnostics of CANDI will have a real vehicle gauge cluster of the
vehicle electrically engaged to the common data bus, as will be an
Electrical System Controller (ESC). The ESC controls the flow of
communication over the data bus. When connected to the diagnostic
connector, the CANDI takes or mines data off of the data bus and
converts it into human readable form. This may take the form of
conventional gauges, warning lights, switch status, or LCD displays
shown via computer graphics on the processor's monitor. This may
take the form of a mock or simulated gauge cluster or vehicle
instrument panel. Where there are no changes in data, the mock
display appears like a picture of the real gauge cluster or vehicle
instrument panel. Where the mined data changes, the CANDI converted
human readable form will make the mock display appear like a moving
picture of the real display. Likewise, CANDI may take the human
readable data and put it on the data bus. This may result in the
ESC or other remote interface modules driving or directing the
movement of actual gauges, switches, warning lights, or LCD
displays to vary their display. This human readable data may be
input into the CANDI processor by use of a computer mouse or other
pointer to change the position of switches and gauge needles shown
on the mock display or use of the key pad to input numeric into
selected numeric indicators on the mock display.
[0014] Additional effects, features and advantages will be apparent
in the written description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however,
as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages
thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle upon
which a controlled area network diagnostic instrument made in
accordance with this invention may be engaged and used to evaluate
the vehicle;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control network for the
vehicle of FIG. 1 shown with a controlled area network diagnostic
instrument made in accordance with this invention installed for
diagnosis;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a high level block diagram showing the logic that
may be programmed into the controlled area network diagnostic
instrument of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a block level diagram showing an embodiment of the
controlled area network diagnostic instrument process for display
of messages; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a block level diagram showing the controlled area
network diagnostic instrument process for sending messages on the
instrument.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The controller area network diagnosis instrument of this
invention may be used for diagnosis and evaluation of electronic
components on a vehicle control system 10 installed on a mobile
vehicle 101. See FIGS. 1 and 2. The vehicle control system 10
comprises an electrical system controller (ESC) 30, which is the
primary component of a vehicle electronic control system 10. The
ESC 30 manages a number of controllers 40 disposed on vehicle 101
and executes a load management program which oversees the total
load imposed on the vehicle electrical system and power train by
various accessories installed on the vehicle. Most active vehicle
components are directly controlled by one of a group of controllers
40, which includes a gauge cluster or display 102, all of which are
connected to ESC 30 over the common data bus which may be a serial
data bus or link 18. The controllers 40 include local data
processing and programming and are typically supplied by the
manufacturer of the controlled component. The gauge cluster 102 may
include gauges 104, indicators or warning lights 105, and LCD or
other numeric displays 106 and mechanically engaged to a switch
bank 103. Serial data link 18 may be a twisted pair cable
constructed in accordance with SAE standard J1939 or other industry
or proprietary standard and is externally accessible via a
diagnostic port 36. In the alternative to the diagnostic port, the
serial data link 18 may include a transceiver for external
communication such as by microwave, radio, ultra-sound, or infrared
waves. In any case there will be a communication port for the
serial data link 18 for external communication. Although the
controllers 40 may handle many functions locally and are
functionally difficult without reference to ESC 30, they report
data to ESC 30 and can receive operational requests from ESC 30.
The alternative common data bus 18 may operate using proprietary
communication protocol other than an industry standard.
[0022] The controlled area network diagnostic instrument (CANDI)
includes a computer processor 119. See FIG. 2. The processor 119
includes a graphics display 121 such as a monitor. The processor
119 may have a cable and adapter 132 to plug or hook into the
diagnostic connector 36 engaged to the common data bus 18 of the
vehicle 101. In the alternative, the processor 119 will have a
transceiver for communication with a transceiver engaged to the
data bus 18. The serial data bus or link 18 is made in accordance
with J1939, other industry electronic communication standards, or
proprietary standards. The processor 119 has a display 121. The
processor 119 is programmed to graphically show a mock or simulated
gauge cluster or vehicle instrument panel 120 on the display 121 in
that has the same appearance as a real vehicle gauge cluster or
vehicle instrument panel. When connected to the diagnostic
connector, the CANDI processor 119 takes or mines data off of the
data bus 18 and converts it into human readable form on the display
121. This may take the form of mock conventional gauges 124, mock
warning lights 105, mock switch status 123, or mock LCD displays
126 shown via computer graphics on the processor's display 121.
This may take the form of a mock or simulated gauge cluster or
vehicle instrument panel 120. Where there are no changes in data,
the mock display 120 appears like a picture of the real gauge
cluster or vehicle instrument panel 102. Where the mined data
changes, the CANDI processor converted human readable form will
make the mock display 120 appear like a moving picture of the real
display 102. Likewise, CANDI may take the human readable data and
put it on the data bus 18. This may result in the ESC 30 or other
remote interface modules or controllers 40 driving or directing the
movement of actual gauges 104, switches 103, warning lights 105, or
LCD or numeric displays 106 to vary their display. This human
readable data may be input into the CANDI processor by use of a
computer mouse, track ball or other pointer 131. The pointer 131 to
change the position of mock switches 123 and needles of the mock
gauges 124 shown on the mock display 120 or use of the key pad 127
to input numerals into selected numeric indicators 126 on the mock
display.
[0023] In the alternative, the display 121 may a touch sensitive
screen and the user may change the position of mock switches 123
and needles of the mock gauges 124 shown on the mock display 120 by
touching the screen.
[0024] FIGS. 3 to 5 provide embodiments of the programming
algorithms for the CANDI processor 119 or other processors that may
be used to provide the diagnostic information and evaluation of
gauges and displays of a vehicle. FIG. 3A demonstrates a simplified
embodiment of the process of converting information that the
processor 119 receives or mines from the data bus 18 in regards to
changes of the displayed output of the vehicle's gauge cluster or
display 102. The message or data is taken off the data bus and
placed in a cue of messages. An appropriate message handler within
the processor 119 processes the queues. The message handler
dissects or pulls the message apart, extracting the gauge value for
example on a gauge 104 of the vehicle and sends the message to the
display controller for the mock gauge 124. The graphic display
controller directs the gauge to move the needle for the mock gauge
124 to show the needle moving to the appropriate location to mock
the real gauge 104. FIG. 3B demonstrates a simplified embodiment of
the process of changing the displayed output of the mock gauge
cluster or display 120 and having that change correspondingly
displayed on the real gauge cluster or display 102. The user of the
processor 119 makes a change to the display gauge, instrument or
switch. The change is made using the keypad 127 or mouse or pointer
131. The display controller for the mock gauges 104 other mock
instruments or switch is queried for changes by the processor 119.
The value sensed is manipulated into a proper message format for
transmission over the vehicle data bus 18. The message directing a
change to the vehicle gauge cluster or display 102 is sent to the
data bus 18 where the applicable ESC 30 or controller 40 directs
the actual change on the real instrument or switch. The changes
applied to either the mock or real displays are compared to
determine communication continuity as well as electrical continuity
and control.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a more detailed embodiment of the process for
display of messages on the CANDI processor 119. The processor 119
upon installation on the CAN bus at the diagnostic port 36
initiates separate import ports, each filtered to accept only
certain messages. The variables are initialized and then the CAN
bus is monitored for incoming messages. The processor 119 evaluates
each message and should there be an older message, the processor
119 continues to monitor. Should a message be a new message then
the processor 119 evaluates if the message is for gauge display. If
the message is for gauge display, then the processor 119 decodes
the message by comparing ID, masking off data bytes to retrieve
needed values of gauge 104 for display. The processor then sends
the value to the mock gauge 124 for adjustment of the mock gauge
124 to correct the readout. Then the processor continues to monitor
the CAN bus. If the new message is not for gauge display, then the
processor evaluates if the message is for numeric display. If the
new message is for numeric display, then the processor decodes the
message by comparing ID, masking off data bytes to retrieve needed
values of the numeric display 106 for display. The processor 119
then sends the value to the mock numeric display 126 for adjustment
of the mock numeric display 126 to correct the numeric readout.
Should the new message not be for gauge display or for numeric
display, then the processor 119 evaluates if the message is for a
warning light display. If the new message is for warning light
display, then the processor decodes the message by the accompanying
ID and masks off the data bytes to retrieve the warning light 105
conditions. The processor 119 adjusts the mock warning lights 125
to display the conditions of the message. If the new message is not
for gauge display, numeric display, or warning light display, the
processor 119 evaluates if the message is for switch display. If
the message is for switch display, the processor decodes the
message by comparing the ID and masking off the data bytes to
retrieve switch 103 conditions. The processor 119 adjusts mock
switch 123 positions. If the new message, does not meet any of the
filter requirements, the processor 119 continues to monitor the CAN
bus.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a more detailed embodiment of the process of
sending messages on CANDI that start as changes to the processor
display 121 and end as changes to gauges, displays, and switches on
the vehicle 101. The example shown is for adjusting gauges 104,
however a similar process can be used for numeric indicators 106
and warning lights 105. Upon installation on the CAN bus, the
processor 119 initiates a CAN bus channel. Variables are initiated.
The processor 119 queries along the common data bus 18 to determine
current gauge 104 positions. The processor 119 is adjusted by the
user to adjust mock gauge 124 position. The processor constructs a
CAN message with correct ID and message data and sends the message
along the data link 18 where the ESC 30 or controller 40 that
controls the particular gauge 104 or condition to be changed. The
processor 119 continues to monitor the CAN bus for current values
of gauges 104.
[0027] The controllers 40 are general-purpose control interfaces
allowing the attachment of various accessories to vehicle 101. The
controllers 40 provide a plurality of ports providing for each of
the following: analog inputs; analog outputs; digital inputs; and
digital outputs. Characterization of a particular port as, for
example, an output port does not necessarily mean that it functions
exclusively as an output port. For example, an output port may
include voltage drop sensing elements, current flow sensing
elements, or both, allowing determination by ESC 30 of whether, for
example, a bulb in a lamp connected to the output port is
operative, or whether a short circuit condition exists in an
attached device.
[0028] As described above, the controller area network diagnosis
instrument provides a number of advantages, some of which have been
described above and others of which are inherent in the invention.
Also modifications may be proposed to the controller area network
diagnosis instrument without departing from the teachings
herein.
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