Decoding an alternator output signal
AssigneeSnap-on Incorporated
InventorsRobert DeCarlo, Dennis Mutzabaugh, Nicolaas Stoffels
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An engine diagnostic system is provided that enables a service technician to evaluate engine cylinder contribution to output power. The service technician couples one or more signal leads to the vehicle's battery, alternator, or accessory receptacle (e.g., cigarette lighter receptacle) to provide an alternator output signal to a signal analyzer. The signal analyzer processes the alternator output signal to generate an engine signature, which represents engine cylinder contribution to engine output power.
Claims22
1-42. (canceled)
A signal processing system for generating indexed engine data, the system comprising:
- a computing device including a communications interface and a processor;
- wherein the communications interface is configured to receive an alternator output signal and the processor is configured to decode the alternator output signal to generate the indexed engine data.
44-48. (canceled)
A method for generating indexed engine data, the method comprising:
- receiving an alternator output signal;
- and
- decoding the alternator output signal to generate the indexed engine data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.