Vehicle diagnostic system

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle diagnostic system comprising an electronic control unit for controlling and monitoring vehicle equipment, a radio communication means for transmitting a vehicle diagnostic information to a telecommunication equipment located outside the vehicle or for communicating between the vehicle and the telecommunication equipment located outside the vehicle and for transmitting a communication diagnostic signal to the electronic control unit and receiving a response signal to the communication diagnostic signal, and a communication line for connecting the electronic control unit and the radio communication means wherein the response signal is utilized to determine if the communication line is properly functional.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is:  
     
         1 . A vehicle diagnostic system comprising: 
 an electronic control unit for controlling and monitoring vehicle equipment;    a radio communication means for communicating between said vehicle and a telecommunication equipment and for transmitting a diagnostic signal to said electronic control unit and receiving a response signal to said diagnostic signal;    a communication line for connecting said electronic control unit and said radio communication means wherein said response signal is utilized to determine if said communication line is properly functional; and    wherein said radio communication means transmits information other than said diagnostic signal.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein if said communication line is determined not to be properly functional a notification signal is transmitted to said telecommunication equipment by said radio communication means.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said notification signal is returned back to said radio communication means by said telecommunication equipment and compared to said transmitted notification signal to determine if said communication means is properly functional.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein if said communication line is determined not to be properly functional a notification signal is transmitted to a vehicle operator by said radio communication means.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein if said communication line is determined not to be properly functional for a predetermined period of time said system disables said vehicle from operation.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said communication line is a serial communication circuit.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said radio communication means is included in an on-vehicle information equipment.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said radio communication means is included in a cellular phone.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said radio communication means is included in a vehicle anti-theft system.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein said vehicle anti-theft system utilizes an ignition key as said radio communication means.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said radio communication means is included in a keyless engine starting system.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said keyless engine starting system utilizes an ignition key as said radio communication means.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said radio communication means is included in a radar device.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said radio communication means is capable of connecting to an external scan-tool connector.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said radio communication means is provided in an engine compartment of a vehicle.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said system utilizes a harness which connects said electronic control unit to said vehicle equipment as an antenna for transmitting a notification signal.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said telecommunication equipment is located on a road.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said system complies with an On Board Diagnosis III system.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said communication is transmitted through the internet.