U.S. patent application number 10/436791 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for methods and apparatus for engine diagnostics.
Invention is credited to Bylsma, Phillip J., Koerner, Scott A., Quinnett, Wilbur V., Szukala, Lester M..
Application Number | 20030182085 10/436791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27767809 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030182085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Quinnett, Wilbur V. ; et
al. |
September 25, 2003 |
Methods and apparatus for engine diagnostics
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for testing operation and diagnosing
faults in an engine including an electronic control unit. A
diagnostic computer is coupled to the electronic control unit and
displays engine testing and diagnostic text messages in any one of
a plurality of selectable languages, energize ignition circuits on
demand, display menu screen displays associated with engine
testing, diagnostics and service, and generate summary screen
displays and reports for later use.
Inventors: |
Quinnett, Wilbur V.; (Fond
du Lac, WI) ; Koerner, Scott A.; (Kenosha, WI)
; Szukala, Lester M.; (Ingleside, IL) ; Bylsma,
Phillip J.; (Brookfield, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ziolkowski Patent Solutions Group, LLC
14135 North Cedarburg Road
Mequon
WI
53097
US
|
Family ID: |
27767809 |
Appl. No.: |
10/436791 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10436791 |
May 13, 2003 |
|
|
|
09430228 |
Oct 29, 1999 |
|
|
|
60134326 |
May 14, 1999 |
|
|
|
60109716 |
Nov 24, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
702/185 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02D 2400/18 20130101;
H05K 5/0026 20130101; F02D 41/22 20130101; F02D 41/00 20130101;
F01P 3/12 20130101; F01P 2050/30 20130101; F02D 41/266
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/185 |
International
Class: |
G06F 011/30; G06F
015/00; G21C 017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for diagnosing a fault in an engine including an
electronic control unit, said apparatus comprising: a processor
configured to be coupled to the engine electronic control unit; a
first memory coupled to said processor, at least one text file
stored in said first memory, said text file comprising text in a
first language; and a second memory coupled to said processor, at
least one text file stored in said second memory, said text file
comprising text in a second language different than the first
language.
2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein a plurality of text
files comprising text in at least two languages are stored in said
second memory.
3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said processor is
programmed to display text messages stored in said first
memory.
4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said processor is
programmed to: upon receipt of a first command, copy text messages
in the second language from said second memory to said first
memory; and display text messages in said second language.
5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first memory
comprises a random access memory.
6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second memory
comprises a non-volatile memory.
7. Apparatus for testing operation of an ignition in an outboard
engine including an electronic control unit and plurality of
cylinders, said apparatus comprising: a processor configured to be
coupled to the outboard engine electronic control unit, and
programmed to energize said ignition, upon receipt of a
predetermined command from an operator.
8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein the engine includes
at least two cylinders, and said processor is programmed to prompt
an operator to select an ignition circuit associated with one of
the cylinders.
9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein said processor is
programmed to warn an operator to not test ignition operation when
the engine is running.
10. A computer programmed to display text messages, said computer
comprising a processor, a first memory, and a second memory, said
first and second memories coupled to said processor, said computer
programmed to: store text messages in a first language in said
first memory and display text messages in a first language; and
copy text messages in a second language from said second language
from said second memory to said first memory, and display text
messages in said second language.
11. A computer in accordance with claim 10 wherein said first
memory comprises a random access memory.
12. A computer in accordance with claim 10 wherein said second
memory comprises a read only memory.
13. A computer in accordance with claim 10 wherein upon receipt of
a first command, said processor copies said text messages in said
second languages into said first memory.
14. A method for operating a computer to display text messages, the
computer comprising a processor, a first memory, and a second
memory, the first and second memories coupled to the processor,
said method comprising the steps of: storing text messages in a
first language in the first memory; displaying text messages in a
first language; and if messages are to be displayed in a second
language, then: copying the messages in the second language from
the second memory to said first memory; and displaying text
messages in the second language.
15. A computer comprising: a processor; a first memory coupled to
said processor, at least one text file stored in said first memory,
said text file comprising text in a first language; and a second
memory coupled to said processor, at least one text file stored in
said second memory, said text file comprising text in a second
language.
16. A computer in accordance with claim 15 wherein a plurality of
text files comprising text in at least two languages are stored in
said second memory.
17. A computer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said processor
is programmed to display text messages stored in said first
memory.
18. A computer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said processor
is programmed to: upon receipt of a first command, copy text
messages in the second language from said second memory to said
first memory; and display text messages in said second
language.
19. A computer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said first
memory comprises a random access memory.
20. A computer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said second
memory comprises a read only memory.
21. Apparatus for testing operation of an ignition in an engine
including an electronic control unit, said apparatus comprising a
processor configured to be coupled to the engine electronic control
unit and programmed to energize said ignition upon receipt of a
predetermined command from an operator.
22. Apparatus in accordance with claim 21 wherein the engine
includes at least two cylinders, and said processor is programmed
to prompt an operator to select an ignition circuit associated with
one of the cylinders.
23. Apparatus in accordance with claim 21 wherein said processor is
programmed to warn an operator to not test ignition operation when
the engine is running.
24. A method for testing operation of an ignition in an engine
including an electronic control unit and plurality of cylinders,
said method comprising the steps of: receiving an input identifying
an ignition circuit associated with one of the cylinders for
testing; and energizing the identified ignition circuit.
25. A method in accordance with claim 24 wherein the engine
includes at least two cylinders, and said method comprising the
step of prompting an operator to select an ignition circuit
associated with one of the cylinders.
26. A method in accordance with claim 24 comprising the step of
warning an operator to not test ignition operation when the engine
is running.
27. Apparatus for diagnosing a fault in an outboard engine
including an ECU, said apparatus comprising: a processor configured
to be coupled to the outboard engine electronic control unit; a
monitor screen coupled to said processor; said processor adapted to
cause a single display on said monitor screen, said display having
a sensor section, a switch section, a voltage section and an engine
results section.
28. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the sensor
section comprises an electronic control unit temperature
display.
29. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the sensor
section comprises an air temperature display.
30. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the sensor
section comprises a water temperature display.
31. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the sensor
section comprises a calculated TPS display.
32. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the sensor
section comprises an actual TPS display.
33. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the switch
section includes a yes-no display of engine operation being in an
automatic reduced speed mode.
34. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the switch
section includes a yes-no display of whether or not a water
temperature switch or water temperature sensor is indicating the
engine is overheating.
35. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the switch
section includes a yes-no display whether or not oil pressure is
being sensed by an oil pressure switch.
36. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the switch
section includes a yes-no display of whether a shift interrupter
switch is in an interrupted condition.
37. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the switch
section includes a yes-no display of whether or not the ECU
indicates detection of water in an engine-mounted fuel
canister.
38. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the voltage
section includes a display of alternator voltage output.
39. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the results
section includes a display of engine speed in RPM.
40. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the results
section includes a display of ignition timing.
41. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the results
section includes a display of spark duration.
42. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the results
section includes a display of fuel timing.
43. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the results
section includes a display of fuel pulse width.
44. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein the results
section includes a display of barometric pressure.
45. Apparatus for servicing an engine including an ECU, said
apparatus comprising: a processor configured to be coupled to the
engine ECU; a monitor screen coupled to said processor; said
processor is programmed to cause a display on said monitor screen
to require selection between (a) provision of service reports, (b)
provision of an item of engine component information, and (c)
return to a prior display.
46. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
further programmed to cause, in response to a selection of
provision of service reports, a display allowing selection between
a saved service report and a current service report.
47. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
further programmed to cause, in response to a selection of
provision of service reports, a display allowing selection between
printing a saved service report, viewing a saved service report,
viewing a current service report, printing a current service report
and saving a current service report.
48. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
programmed to cause, in response to selection of provision of
service reports from said display to provide one or more displays
allowing printing of a service report that includes a print of a
name of an owner of the engine.
49. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
programmed to cause, in response to selection of provision of
service reports from said display to provide one or more displays
allowing printing of a service report that includes a print of a
model number of the engine.
50. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
programmed to cause, in response to selection of provision of
service reports from said display to provide one or more displays
allowing printing of a service report that includes a print of a
serial number of the engine.
51. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
programmed to cause, in response to selection of provision of
service reports from said display to provide one or more displays
allowing printing of a service report that includes a print of an
ECU program number of the engine.
52. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
programmed to cause, in response to selection of provision of
service reports from said display to provide one or more displays
allowing printing of a service report that includes a print of ECU
version number of the engine.
53. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
programmed to cause, in response to selection of provision of
service reports from said display to provide one or more displays
allowing printing of a service report that includes a printed
record of a plurality of switch positions of the engine.
54. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing switch positions and said plurality of switch
positions in said service report includes at least one switch
positions from said display screen.
55. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing switch positions and said plurality of switch
positions in said service report includes all switch positions from
said display screen.
56. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
programmed to cause, in response to selection of provision of
service reports from said display to provide one or more displays
allowing printing of a service report that includes a printed
record of a plurality of sensor values.
57. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing sensor positions and said plurality of sensor
positions in said service report includes at least one sensor
position from said display screen.
58. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing sensor positions and said plurality of sensor
positions in said service report includes all sensor positions from
said display screen.
59. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing an engine speed profile and said service report
includes said engine speed profile.
60. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing an engine speed and said service report includes a
profile which includes said engine speed.
61. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing an engine speed and said service report includes
said engine speed profile showing various engine speed ranges in
RPM and the percentage of time during the test that the engine
speed was in each engine speed range.
62. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing an service fault code and said service report
includes said service fault code.
63. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing a plurality of service fault codes and said service
report includes said all of said plurality of service fault
codes.
64. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to allow saving the service report to a memory unit
operatively connected to said processor.
65. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said processor is
also programmed to conduct a diagnostic test and provide a display
screen showing a plurality of service fault codes and said service
report includes said all of said plurality of service fault
codes.
66. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said engine is a
marine engine.
67. Apparatus in accordance with claim 66 wherein said engine is an
outboard engine.
68. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said first item
of engine component information includes fuel injector serial
numbers and said processor is programmed to cause a display of said
injector serial numbers on said monitor in response to selection of
provision of engine information.
69. Apparatus in accordance with claim 68 wherein said processor is
programmed to cause storage of nominal service replacement injector
settings in said ECU in response to operator entry of data
indicative of replacement of an injector.
70. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said item of
engine component information includes assistance with replacement
of a current ECU with a replacement ECU and said processor is
programmed to extract at least one engine specific piece of
information from a memory of the current ECU, to store such
extracted piece of information in memory associated with said
processor and to subsequently transfer such stored piece of
information to a memory of a replacement ECU.
71. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said engine
assistance includes assistance with replacement of a current ECU
with a replacement ECU and said processor is programmed to extract
multiple engine specific pieces of information from a memory of the
current ECU, to store such extracted pieces of information in
memory associated with said processor and to subsequently transfer
such stored pieces of information to a memory of a replacement
ECU.
72. Apparatus in accordance with claim 45 wherein said engine
assistance includes assistance with replacement of a current ECU
with a replacement ECU and said processor is programmed to extract
all engine specific information from a memory of the current ECU,
to store all such extracted engine specific information in memory
associated with said processor and to subsequently transfer all
such stored engine specific information to a memory of a
replacement ECU.
73. A method of servicing an engine including an ECU, said method
comprising the steps of: coupling a processor to the engine ECU;
coupling a monitor screen to said processor; operating said
processor so as to cause a display on said monitor screen requiring
selection between (a) provision of service reports and (b)
provision of an item of engine component information, or (c) return
to a prior display.
74. A method in accordance with claim 73 further comprising the
step of: causing, responsive to selection of provision of service
reports in response to said display requiring selection, a second
display allowing selection between one or more saved service
reports and a current service report.
75. Apparatus in accordance with claim 46 wherein said processor is
further programmed to cause a display allowing selection between
printing a saved service report, viewing a saved service report,
viewing a current service report, printing a current service report
and saving a current service report.
76. A method in accordance with claim 73 further comprising
causing, in response to selection of provision of service reports
from said display, the processor to provide one or more displays on
the monitor allowing printing of a service report including a print
of a name of an owner of the engine.
77. A method in accordance with claim 73 further comprising
causing, in response to selection of provision of service reports
from said display, the processor to provide one or more displays on
the monitor allowing printing of a service report including a print
of a model number of the engine.
78. A method in accordance with claim 73 further comprising
causing, in response to selection of provision of service reports
from said display, the processor to provide one or more displays on
the monitor allowing printing of a service report including a print
of a serial number of the engine.
79. A method in accordance with claim 73 further comprising
causing, in response to selection of provision of service reports
from said display, the processor to provide one or more displays on
the monitor allowing printing of a service report including a print
of an ECU program number of the engine.
80. A method in accordance with claim 73 further comprising
causing, in response to selection of provision of service reports
from said display, the processor to provide one or more displays on
the monitor allowing printing of a service report including a print
of ECU version number of the engine.
81. A method in accordance with claim 73 further comprising
causing, in response to selection of provision of service reports
from said display, the processor to provide one or more displays on
the monitor allowing printing of a service report including a
printed record of a plurality of switch positions of the
engine.
82. A method in accordance with claim 81 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test producing a display
screen showing a plurality of switch positions, and said plurality
of switch positions in said service report includes at least one
switch position from said display screen.
83. A method in accordance with claim 81 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test producing a display
screen showing switch positions and said plurality of switch
positions in said service report all switch positions from said
display screen.
84. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test producing a display
screen showing a plurality of sensor positions and said service
report includes a plurality of sensor positions from said display
screen.
85. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test producing a display
screen showing sensor positions and said service report includes at
least one sensor position from said display screen.
86. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test producing a display
screen showing sensor positions and said plurality of sensor
positions in said service report includes all sensor positions from
said display screen.
87. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test producing a display
screen showing an engine speed profile and said service report
includes said engine speed profile.
88. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test producing a display
screen showing an engine speed and said service report includes a
profile which includes said engine speed.
89. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test involving various
engine speeds producing a display screen showing an engine speed
and said service report includes an engine speed profile showing
various engine speed ranges in RPM and the percentage of time
during the test that the engine speed was in each engine speed
range.
90. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test producing a display
screen showing a service fault code and said service report
includes said service fault code.
91. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said method
further comprises conducting a diagnostic test producing a display
screen showing a plurality of service fault codes and said service
report includes said all of said plurality of service fault
codes.
92. A method in accordance with claim 73 further comprising saving
the service report to a memory unit operatively connected to said
processor.
93. A method in accordance with claim further comprising conducting
a diagnostic test and providing a display screen showing a
plurality of service fault codes and including all of said
plurality of service fault codes in said service report.
94. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said engine is a
marine engine.
95. A method in accordance with claim 93 wherein said engine is an
outboard engine.
96. A method in accordance with claim 93 wherein said item of
engine component information includes fuel injector serial numbers
and said processor is programmed to cause a display of said
injector serial numbers on said monitor in response to selection of
provision of an item of engine component information.
97. A method in accordance with claim 96 wherein said processor is
programmed to cause a display of said injector serial numbers on
said monitor in response to selection of provision of engine
information.
98. A method in accordance with claim 73 further comprising
providing, in response to selection of engine assistance in
response to said display, assistance with replacement of a current
ECU.
99. A method in accordance with claim 98 wherein such assistance
includes extracting at least one engine specific piece of
information from a memory of the current ECU, storing such
extracted piece of information in memory associated with said
processor and subsequently transferring such stored piece of
information to a memory of a replacement ECU.
100. A method in accordance with claim 98 wherein such assistance
includes extracting multiple engine specific pieces of information
from a memory of the current ECU, storing all extracted pieces of
information in memory associated with said processor and
subsequently transferring all stored pieces of information to a
memory of a replacement ECU.
101. A method in accordance with claim 98 wherein such assistance
includes extracting all engine specific pieces of information from
a memory of the current ECU, storing all extracted pieces of
information in memory associated with said processor and
subsequently transferring all stored pieces of information to a
memory of a replacement ECU.
102. The method of claim 73 further comprising the step of causing,
responsive to selection of provision of engine component
information in response to said display requiring selection, a
second display method of injector serial number display.
103. The method of claim 73 further comprising the step of
providing, responsive to selection of engine component information
in response to said display requiring selection, assistance with
replacement of a current ECU with a replacement ECU.
104. Apparatus in accordance with claim 103 wherein said assistance
includes extracting multiple engine specific pieces of information
from a memory of the current ECU, storing such extracted pieces of
information in memory associated with said processor and
subsequently transferring such stored pieces of information to a
memory of a replacement ECU.
105. Apparatus in accordance with claim 103 wherein said engine
assistance includes extracting all engine specific information from
a memory of the current ECU, storing all such extracted engine
specific information in memory associated with said processor and
subsequently transferring all such stored engine specific
information to a memory of a replacement ECU.
106. A method of servicing an engine including an ECU, said method
comprising the steps of: coupling a processor to the engine ECU;
coupling a monitor screen to said processor; operating said
processor so as to cause a display on said monitor screen requiring
selection between (a) provision of service report, (b) provision of
a first item of engine component information, (c) provision of a
second item of engine component information, and (d) return to a
prior display
107. The method of claim 106 wherein said first item is information
relating to a fuel injector and said second item of information is
information relating to an ECU.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/430,228, filed Oct. 29, 1999, which claims
the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/134,326 filed
May 14, 1999 and provisional patent application No. 60/109,716
filed Nov. 24, 1998.
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to engines and, more
particularly, to performing engine diagnostics using a
computer.
[0004] Many known internal combustion engines for use with
watercraft include an electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling
at least some operations of the engine. In a typical
implementation, an ECU is electrically connected to engine
components such as the engine ignition, lubrication pumps, water
circulation system (if any) and fuel injectors. The ECU controls
timing of the engine ignition and fuel injection in accordance with
a pre-programmed control program.
[0005] In order to determine whether an engine is operating
properly, and to assist in diagnosing an engine failure, an
external computer can be coupled to a communications port of the
ECU. A diagnostic program implemented in computer software, such as
the BMCA FFI engine diagnostic software available from Bombardier
Motor Corporation of America, Waukegan, Ill., is loaded in the
external computer. Fault codes stored in the ECU memory are read by
the external computer, and the fault codes are indicative of
certain messages that are then displayed to the operator. In
addition, an operator may input commands via a keyboard of the
computer and/or touch screen, and based on the operator inputs, the
external computer instructs the ECU to run diagnostic tests on the
engine.
[0006] Outboard engines are sold in many different countries, and
the diagnostic software interface should be capable of displaying
text messages in at least one of many different languages.
Generating many different software versions that display text
messages in different respective languages can be costly. For
example, tracking and delivering diagnostic software to many
different customers worldwide in accordance with the language needs
of each specific customer is burdensome and error prone.
[0007] In addition to fault codes, other information such as engine
speed, battery voltage and alternator voltage can be displayed on
various separate screens. Use of these separate screens, however,
can be cumbersome.
[0008] Current diagnostic software requires the throttle to be
reduced to idle in order to run the diagnostic software package.
Current diagnostic software also does not provide a service report
which can be printed immediately or saved in a computer. This
leaves both the customer and repairmen with less than full
information.
[0009] Replacement of the ECU is complicated due to the need to
customize the ECU to the particular engine. The need to customize
the ECU makes it a time consuming repair operation and thus
increases the cost to the customer of repairs involving replacement
of the ECU.
[0010] If the diagnostic software is used on engines having fuel
injectors, there has previously been no way to verify that the ECU
is customized to the proper fuel injectors except for running
operational tests and determining if the fuel injectors are working
properly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention, in one aspect, is a method for
operating a computer to display text messages in any one of a
plurality of selectable languages. Text files for each selectable
language are stored in the non-volatile memory of the computer, and
based on an operator selection, text files corresponding to the
selected language are copied from non-volatile memory to the
computer random access memory (RAM). The text files in RAM are
utilized by the computer processor to generate screen displays.
[0012] More specifically, a typical computer includes a processor,
a random access memory (RAM), and a non-volatile memory such as a
read only memory (ROM). The RAM and the ROM are coupled to the
processor. Text files corresponding to various selectable languages
are stored in ROM, and a default language is copied from ROM into
RAM. The processor, after start-up of the computer and
initialization of the program, generates screen displays using the
text file stored in RAM.
[0013] If an operator desires to have the screen displays in one of
the other selectable languages, then upon receipt of the
appropriate command, the text file or files corresponding to the
desired language are copied from ROM into RAM, and the processor
then uses newly copied text files in RAM to generate the screen
displays. As a result, the screen displays are in the user selected
language.
[0014] In addition to the language improvements, the diagnostic
software, in one embodiment, improves the display of air
temperature, water temperature, ECU temperature, ignition duration
and TPS actual values when connected to a water cooled ECU.
[0015] In one embodiment, the diagnostic software allows starting
of software with the engine at running speed, provides a
full-service report, permits copying of engine-specific information
from an original ECU into a service replacement ECU, and enables
fuel injector serial numbers to be identified.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an engine and an external
computer coupled to the engine.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an initial screen display for permitting
an operator to select between a diagnostic program and a service
utilities program.
[0018] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate screen displays for enabling an
operator to select operation of an engine diagnostic program in a
desired language.
[0019] FIGS. 6-10 illustrate screen displays associated with
performing an ignition coil test.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates an engine operation screen display.
[0021] FIGS. 12 and 13 are engine service utility screen
displays.
[0022] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate ECU printouts.
[0023] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate injector information screen
displays.
[0024] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate ECU service screen displays.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Although the present invention is sometimes described herein
in the context of performing diagnostic tests on an outboard
engine, the present invention can be utilized in connection with
diagnostic tests for many different types of engines, including
automobile engines. For example, and although the present invention
is described herein in connection with an engine that includes fuel
injection, the invention can be utilized in connection with engines
that include any one of a wide variety of fuel injection
mechanisms, electrically powered engines and in engines that
include other fuel or energy supply systems. In addition, the
methods and apparatus for enabling operator selection of a language
as described herein can be utilized in many different applications
in addition to diagnostic testing. The present invention is not
limited to use in connection with only outboard engine diagnostic
test operations.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an engine 10 and an external
computer 12 coupled to engine 10. Engine 10 is, in one embodiment,
an internal combustion engine including fuel injection, such as an
Evinrude outboard engine commercially available from Bombardier
Motor Corporation of America, Waukegan, Ill. As explained above,
engine 10 may be an automobile engine, or any other type of engine
which can benefit from the use of diagnostic software.
[0027] Engine 10 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 14
coupled to engine components such as engine ignition 16 and fuel
injectors 18, which can be conventional or non-conventional.
Generally, ECU 14 controls operation of engine 10 and provides
information to the operator by controlling various indicator lights
in gauges. ECU 14 controls operation of engine 10 by, for example,
controlling firing of spark plugs via ignition 16 and controlling
supply of fuel to the engine cylinders via injectors 18.
[0028] Computer 12 is a diagnostic computer that is coupled by a
command/data link 27 to ECU 14 for use by a diagnostic operator or
repairman for servicing engine 10. Computer 12 includes a
microprocessor 20 coupled to a random access memory (RAM) 22 and a
read only memory (ROM) 24. Computer 12 also has a monitor 21 with a
display screen 23. In one embodiment, computer 12 is a
battery-powered laptop computer, and processor 20 is a 286 MHz
MSDOS processor. Of course, other operating systems such as MacOS,
Linux or Windows NT could be used. Likewise, higher speed
processors such as 386 MHz, 486 MHz, Pentium, PentiumII, Cyrix,
AMD, Celeron or other more modern processor may be used. Also, ROM
24 includes, in one embodiment, at least 400 kilobytes of available
memory. However, the required amount of memory depends upon the
program in which the present invention is associated. Computer 12
also includes, for example, a monochromatic or color display 23 and
a keyboard 25 for entry of user commands and data. Many other types
and models of computers can be used, and the present invention is
not limited to practice in connection with any one particular type
of computer.
[0029] Commands, programs and data are transmitted from
microprocessor 20 to ECU 14 via link 27. Commands, programs and
data are transmitted from ECU 14 to processor 20 via link 27. For
some operations, only commands will be sent and for other
operations only data will be sent. Programs may be sent only on
start-up or may be sent periodically as various functions all are
selected and activated.
[0030] As described hereinafter in more detail, ROM 24 includes
text files 26 and database files 28. Files 26 and 28 are loaded
into ROM from a CD, a high-capacity disk such as a "ZIP disk",
"JAZZ disk" or "Super Disk", or just a standard floppy disk, e.g.,
a 1.44 Meg 31/2 inch floppy disk, depending primarily upon the size
and complexity of the files 26 and 28. Text files 26 contain the
text for various screen displays to be shown on the display of
computer 12. Although the term "text files" is used, it will be
understood that this term means any file containing data which can
be read by computer 12 to cause the display of textual material, or
screen displays, on display screen 23. Database files 28 contain
the fault codes and other information to be utilized in connection
with diagnostic operations.
[0031] By having text files 26 external separate from the program,
no display text internal to the program is required, and there is
no need to recompile the program just for a language change. That
is, if an operator wants the screens displayed in a different
language from the current language (e.g., the operator wants the
screen displays in French rather than English), the operator simply
follows the steps described below and the program then utilizes the
text files corresponding to the selected language to generate
screen displays.
[0032] Prior to operation, the diagnostic software program is
loaded into computer 12 from, for example, a floppy disk. An
install program is run to cause the diagnostic program, including
text files and data bases, to be loaded into ROM 24. In one
specific exemplary embodiment, sixteen text files are used for
storing text associated with eight different languages such as, for
example, English, Francais (French), Espanol (Spanish), Portuguese,
Deutsch (German), Italiano (Italian), Swedish, and Finnish. Any
multiple number of languages could be used.
[0033] Upon initialization of the diagnostic program now stored in
computer 12, microprocessor 20 uploads from ROM 24 and into RAM 22
text files 26 having the screen display information in English, and
causes a screen display 30 (shown in FIG. 2) to be shown on the
display screen 23. Although the default language in the embodiment
described herein is English, the default language could be any one
of the languages for which text files exist. Screen display 30
provides three options 1) (FFI DIAGONOSTICS), 2) (SERVICE
UTILITIES) OR X (EXIT PROGRAM).
[0034] Upon receiving an input indicating that an operator has
pressed a 1 key on keyboard 25 in response to the display 30,
processor 20 causes a screen display 50 as shown in FIG. 3 to be
shown on the computer display. If the operator desires at this
stage to configure the computer for a non-English language, the
operator may enter a setup program by pushing the F3 key on
keyboard 25. Upon receiving an input indicating that an operator
has pressed the F3 key on keyboard 25, processor 20 then causes a
screen display 52 as shown in FIG. 4 to be shown on the computer
display. An operator can then select 1 (SELECT LANGUAGE), 2 (CHANGE
COMM PORT), or x (EXIT SETUP) on keyboard 25. If the operator
selects a 1, then processor 20 causes a language selection screen
display 54 as shown in FIG. 5 to be shown on display screen 23.
[0035] When screen display 54 is being displayed on-screen 23, an
operator can then select 1 (ENGLISH), 2 (FRANCAIS), 3 (ESPANOL), 4
(PORTUGUESE), 5 (GERMAN), 6 (ITALIAN), 7 (SWEDISH), 8 (FINNISH) or
x (EXIT) on keyboard 25. For example, if the operator selects 2,
i.e., French, then microprocessor 20 uploads from ROM 24 the text
file(s) corresponding to French text into RAM 22. That is, the text
files from the selected language are copied over the text files
currently stored in RAM 22. Processor 20 when generating screen
displays then subsequently uses the most recently uploaded text
files and returns the operator to screen display 50 (shown in FIG.
3). Upon pressing any key on keyboard 25 while screen 50 is
displaying, computer 12 displays the main menu screen display 56
(shown in FIG. 6).
[0036] Generally, and in some diagnostic testing operations,
microprocessor 20, in response to operator commands, instructs ECU
14 to energize certain selected components to verify operation,
e.g., to verify operation of ignition 16 and fuel injectors 18. In
verifying operation of ignition 16, for example, a command from
processor 20 causes ECU 14 to fire a respective ignition circuit,
and the operator can observe whether the circuit does, in fact,
fire. In one embodiment the portion of the ignition preceding the
ignition coil is all in ECU 14, so that ECU 14 may electrically
determine if the ignition coil, is working properly. This allows
the ECU to determine whether it is spark plugs or ignition coil
that is causing any observed failure to fire. In other diagnostic
testing operations, microprocessor 20 instructs ECU 14 to display
various operating conditions of engine 10.
[0037] FIGS. 6-10 illustrate screen displays associated with
performing an ignition coil test. After performing the program
set-up operations as described above, processor 20 causes main menu
screen display 56 as shown in FIG. 6 to be displayed on the
computer display. If, for example, the operator desires to perform
a static test, the operator presses the 2 key on keyboard 25. Upon
receipt of data indicating the user selection, processor 20
executes the routine associated with the selected test.
[0038] Particularly, upon receiving an input corresponding to the
user selection of 2, processor 20 causes a static testing menu
screen display 58 as shown in FIG. 7 to be displayed. The operator
can then select one of four tests by selecting 1-4, or can exit by
selecting x. If the operator desires to test ignition firing, the
operator selects 2. It will be understood that any number of static
tests could be performed, and that the four tests shown in FIG. 7
are only exemplary.
[0039] Upon receipt of the user selection of 2, processor 20 causes
a warning screen display 60 as shown in FIG. 8 to be displayed. The
operator can then continue by either canceling the test by
selecting <ESC>, or proceeding with the test by selecting any
other key of keyboard 25.
[0040] If processor 20 receives an input indicating that the
operator desires to continue with testing, then processor 20 causes
a message screen display 62 as shown in FIG. 9 to be displayed. The
message instructs the operator to remove all spark plug leads and
to connect the leads to a spark tester and to set the air gap. Once
the operator has carried out the instructions, the operator
continues by pressing any key of keyboard 25.
[0041] Upon receipt of an input indicating that the operator has
performed the instructed tasks, processor 20 then causes an
ignition selection screen display 64 as shown in FIG. 10 to be
displayed. The operator can then cause any of the ignition circuits
to fire by selecting 1-6, or can exit by selecting x. The numbers
1-6 correspond to respective cylinders of a six cylinder engine.
For example, if the operator selects 2, processor 20 communicates
to ECU 14 that the ignition circuit, or coil, corresponding to
cylinder #2 should fire. The operator can then observe whether a
spark is generated by such ignition circuit by observing the spark
tester after making the selection.
[0042] In addition to static tests, tests of the engine under
operating conditions can be performed. In prior versions of
diagnostic software for such applications, it was necessary to
reduce the engine speed to idle before running the diagnostic
software test for the engine under operating conditions.
Accordingly, in those versions a screen warning was presented
warning the operator to reduce the speed to title before proceeding
with the remaining diagnostic tests. However, the software has now
been upgraded to allow the running of the diagnostic tests at full
speed, so that warnings no longer appear.
[0043] The diagnostic software in one embodiment also provides a
screen display 66 (shown in FIG. 11) of the operation the engine 10
divided into a sensor section 68, a switches section 70, a voltage
section 72 and the results section 74. Sensor section 68 displays
air temperature, water temperature, ECU temperature, ignition
duration, and TPS (throttle position sensor) actual and calculated
values when connected to a water cooled ECU. With a water-cooled
ECU, such indications are very important to determine whether or
not the ECU is being properly cooled by the water coolant system.
ECU malfunctions caused by coolant system malfunctions can now be
identified and corrected without destroying a replacement ECU in
order to determine that the ECU is not the problem. In one
embodiment, section 68 displays not only the temperature in degrees
Fahrenheit, but also the temperature in degrees Centigrade and the
voltage output of the temperature sensor involved. This allows the
diagnostic operator to determine if the sensor is working properly
by checking to see if proper voltage signals are being provided by
the sensors. This section 68 also allows the diagnostic operator to
determine if the temperature of air, water and ECU are high or low.
Section 70 provides indication of various switch conditions such as
overheat, oil pressure within limits, shift interrupt or activated,
water found in fuel, and whether or not the engine is in S.L.O.W.
Section 72 provides the current voltage is for the alternator, both
in the 12 volt and the 26/46 volt portions. Section 74 includes
engine speed, ignition timing, spark duration, fuel injection
timing, fuel pulse width and barometric pressure. The presence of
all these conditions in a single screen display is of particular
value to the diagnostic operator or service repairman.
[0044] If, instead of selecting key 1 in response to screen display
30 (shown in FIG. 2), the operator selects key 2 to select service
utilities programs, screen 74 (shown in FIG. 12) appears. This
screen display 74 is the service utilities menu and allows the
operator to select from four subprograms 1) SERVICE REPORTS, 2)
INJECTOR INFORMATION, 3) SERVICE ECU, and 4) RETURN TO PROGRAM
SELECTION MENU.
[0045] If the operator presses key 1 of keyboard 25 to call up the
service reports sub program, the service report menu screen display
76 (shown in FIG. 13) will be displayed. This menu gives the
operator six choices 1) VIEW CURRENT ECU REPORT, 2) SAVE CURRENT
ECU REPORT, 3) PRINT CURRENT ECU REPORT, 4) VIEW SAVED REPORT, 5)
PRINT SAVED REPORT, 6) RETURN TO SERVICE UTILITIES MENU. If the
operator then presses key 1 of keyboard 25, a very complete
two-page ECU printout, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, is
provided.
[0046] If the operator presses key 2 of keyboard 25 in response to
screen 74 (shown in FIG. 12), injectors information screen display
82 (shown in FIG. 16) is displayed on screen 23. Screen display 82
provides the serial number of each injector for each cylinder of
engine 10. This allows the operator to verify that the proper type
of injector is installed in engine 10. If an incorrect injector,
for example injector 1, is detected, a replacement can be installed
and the screen 82 will automatically indicate by a second screen
display 84 (shown in FIG. 17) that such injector 1 has been
replaced.
[0047] If the operator determines that replacement of the ECU 14 is
required, the operator obtains screen display 74 (shown in FIG. 12)
as described above, and presses key 3 on keyboard 25 to call screen
display 86 (shown in FIG. 19) on display screen 23. Screen display
86 is a warning screen that advises the operator of the operations
that must be performed before the ECU can be replaced using the
diagnostic software properly. The operator now confirms that the
required operations have been performed and ECU 14 is ready to be
replaced. Upon such confirmation, the operator presses any key of
keyboard 25 to cause microprocessor 20 to transfer all of the
specific ECU information from the replaced ECU into microprocessor
20 and, upon completion of such information transfer, to call up
screen display 88 (shown in FIG. 20) indicating successful
transfer. Screen display 88 further instructs the operator to now
turn the ignition key off, replace the existing ECU with the
replacement ECU, and turn the ignition key back on and then press
any key the keyboard 25. Upon sensing that a key has been pressed
on keyboard 25, microprocessor 20 now transfers the stored
information from microprocessor 20 relative to the existing ECU
into the replacement ECU and calls up screen display 90 (shown in
FIG. 21) to indicate the successful completion of the information
transfer from the existing ECU into the new replacement ECU.
[0048] From the preceding description of various embodiments of the
present invention, it is evident that the objects of the invention
are attained. Although the invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same
is intended by way of illustration and example only and is not to
be taken by way of limitation. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of
the invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended
claims.
* * * * *