Virtually every car manufactured since 1996 supports OBD-II standard. Today, OBD-II is a universal standard followed by all transport on the roads of the USA and Europe. OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics – a standardized system that allows external hardware and software tools to communicate with a car’s computer system. In its modern implementation, OBD-II offers a standard electronic access port that transmits data over one of the standard OBD-II communications protocols.
The data that is available through the car’s OBD-II port is typically accessed via a special OBD scanner or laptop computer. To turn a computer or mobile into an automotive scanner, specialists use some dedicated OBD2 software able to communicate with a vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic system.
As a rule, car diagnostics are performed at a repair shop or dealer using advanced professional scan tools and software. Therefore, if something is amiss, a driver usually needs to take an immediate trip to a mechanic. However, it’s not always convenient or possible. The ability to run car diagnostics remotely would significantly simplify the task not only for car owners but also for service center specialists.
Electronic Team has designed a dedicated Port Virtualization Technology (EPVT) that allows redirecting serial data over the network protocols. This technology is a simple solution for remote access to car maintenance and diagnostic information by service centers and consumers. With EPVT, a specialist can monitor every switch, button, and sensor in a remote car or truck from any part of the world.
The connection to a standardized OBD port is recognized by a computer interface as a serial connection. To establish a remote communication between a car’s OBD-2 port and a specialist’s PC, it is required to convert port’s signals into the network protocol. That’s where Electronic Team Port Virtualization Technology comes into play.
A car owner just connects a car diagnostic scanner (supporting EPVT) to the car’s OBD port. The technology converts data received by the scanner to the network protocol and sends it a remote specialist’s computer. On the other end, the remote specialist reads the information on their PC with the help of a dedicated OBD software. Thanks to EPVT integrated into the program, the specialist will be able to access the remote port’s data as if the port were connected directly to the expert’s PC.
Vehicle service stations. The advanced port virtualization functionality makes it possible to provide remote diagnostics services regardless of the physical location of a car. This widens the possibilities and clients base of vehicle service specialists.
Moreover, motor transport companies can apply EPVT to provide remote diagnostics of trucks used for cargo transportation.
Electronic Team Port Virtualization Technology can be easily integrated into both hardware OBD2 diagnostic scan tools and data processing software. The main advantages of embedding the technology into OBD equipment include:
This way the remote diagnostics functionality offered by Electronic Team Port Virtualization Technology will bring benefits to all: end users, service specialists, and manufacturers of OBD equipment and software.
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