Universal protocol for power tools

摘要

A system and method for communicating with power tools using a universal protocol. The universal protocol may be implemented using a universal core module that is installed across a variety of power tools and other devices to enable communications therewith. Communications to and from the power tools are translated to a universal protocol once received. The translated communications are handled by the universal core module of a particular tool according to a set of rules. In response, the universal core module outputs communications according to the universal protocol and the set of rules, which may be translated to another protocol for receipt by components of the tool or an external device. The communications may be used, for example, to obtain tool performance data from the tools and to provide firmware updates.

主权项

1. A method of implementing a universal protocol on a plurality of power tools, the plurality of power tools including a variety of power tool types, the method comprising:
generating an interfacing module including
universal core module for implementing the universal protocol, the universal core module being generic to the plurality of power tools and including a set of rules enabling interpretation and handling of communications that are in accordance with the universal protocol, and
an interface module particular to each of the power tool types, the interface module configured to translate communications on route to the universal core module to the universal protocol and to translate communications output by the universal core module from the universal protocol to another protocol; receiving, by a memory of each of the plurality of power tools, the interfacing module;
generating application software and parameters particular to each power tool; andusing the interfacing module of each power tool to install on each power tool the application software and parameters particular to that power tool.