Smart Power Management System and Method Thereof
AssigneeBosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
InventorsThomas Bertosa, Michael Gessner, Alfred L. Lancki
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A diagnostic tool that can communicate with a computing device such as smart phone is provided. The diagnostic tool can include a power management system that allows the dynastic tool to enter lower power state in order to prevent the power drain of vehicle battery. The diagnostic tool can also AutoID a vehicle or use a “fingerprinting” process to identify the vehicle. A crediting system is provided that can be used to credit a 3rd party for software purchased for use by the diagnostic tool or smart phone.
Claims20
A diagnostic tool, comprising:
- a processor that controls a function of the diagnostic tool;
- a memory that stores software for diagnosing an issue of a vehicle and to operate the function of the diagnostic tool;
- a power manager configured to switch the diagnostic tool from a normal power state to a lower power state and vice versa;
- a vehicle connector interface configured to connect the diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle;
- and
- a wireless interface configured to communicate with a remote device, wherein when a command from the remote device is received by the wireless interface within a first predetermined period of time, the diagnostic tool will remain in the normal power state.
A method of power management in a diagnostic tool comprising the steps of:
- establishing a communication session between the diagnostic tool and a smart phone;
- receiving, at the diagnostic tool, a power status request from the smart phone;
- sending battery voltage information from the diagnostic tool to the smart phone in response to the request;
- starting a timer for a predetermined period of time if the battery voltage is below a predetermined amount;
- sending, from the diagnostic tool to the smart phone, a message that the connection between the diagnostic tool and the smart phone is terminating and a remaining amount of time remaining on the timer;
- and
- powering the diagnostic tool from a normal power state to a lower power state.
A vehicle diagnostic tool, comprising:
- a processor that controls a plurality of functions of the vehicle diagnostic tool;
- a memory that stores vehicle diagnostic software and software to operate the plurality of functions of the vehicle diagnostic tool;
- an indicator configured to indicate a status of the vehicle diagnostic tool;
- a power management device configured to switch the vehicle diagnostic tool from a normal power state to a lower power state and vice versa;
- a vehicle connector interface configured to connect the vehicle diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle;
- a wireless interface configured to communicate with a smart phone;
- and
- a housing configured to house the processor, the memory, the indicator, the power management device, the vehicle connector interface, and the wireless interface, wherein when a command is not received from the smart phone by the wireless interface within a first predetermined period of time, the vehicle diagnostic tool will switch from the normal power state to the lower power state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.