Patent ID: 8472942
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: G07C,H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for facilitating diagnosis and maintenance of a vehicle system and recording component malfunctions, comprising: displaying a list of testable components on a display of a portable, wireless handheld diagnostic device; receiving, via a user interface of the portable, wireless handheld diagnostic device, a selection from the list of testable components; obtaining diagnostic or test information using the portable, wireless handheld diagnostic device, said portable, wireless handheld diagnostic device being configured to wirelessly detect electronic signals from radio-frequency (RF) electronics durably affixed to a ground vehicle as an operator of the portable, wireless handheld device moves in and about the ground vehicle; durably storing the diagnostic or test information, including information derived from or based on the wirelessly detected electronic signals from the RF electronics durably affixed to the ground vehicle, the identity of the selected testable component, and an indication of component malfunction if any, in a memory of the portable, wireless handheld diagnostic device; wirelessly transmitting the diagnostic or test information from the portable, wireless handheld diagnostic device to a remote vehicle database of a local area computer network, where the diagnostic or test information is associated with the specific ground vehicle; and in response to a user request, accessing the diagnostic or test information stored in the vehicle database from a user computer.