Patent ID: 6650977
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
Apparatus for implementing an inspection system on a vehicle, comprising:a controller area network installed on the vehicle; a general purpose computer installed on the vehicle coupled for communication with the controller area network; a plurality of sensors installed on the vehicle transmitting data over the controller area network; means for routing the transmitted data to the general purpose computer; programs executable on the general purpose computer far implementing an inspection protocol including the collection of data from the sensors and directing activities of a driver moving through and around the vehicle; the inspection protocol providing preset triggering conditions particular to the vehicle for an operator to select initiating inspection of the vehicle, the operator can select one or more of the following triggering conditions: (1) request by the driver; (2) movement of an ignition key from an off to an on position; (3) movement of the ignition key from an off to an on position after a minimum time interval from a previous occurrence of movement of the ignition key from the off to the on position; (4) movement of the ignition key from off to on when an engine coolant temperature reading is below a minimum; (5) occasion of a change of driver of the vehicle: (6) a specific time day; and (7) a minimum time interval since the previous inspection; and a user interface for displaying results and instructions to the driver.