Patent ID: 6181992
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B60T,G01M,G01R,G07C

Abstract:
A service tool for monitoring operation of a vehicle and for diagnosing problems with the operation of the vehicle, the vehicle having at least one on-board controller for controlling the operation of the vehicle, said on-board controller having a communication bus for communicating with external devices and with other on-board vehicle systems, said service tool comprising:an off-board master controller, said master controller including a processor and memory means;a hand held tool having:a portable housing;memory contained in said portable housing;processing means for executing software routines;a display screen;a first communication port for facilitating receipt and transmission of communication signals between said hand held tool and said vehicle communication bus; anda second communication port for facilitating receipt and transmission of communication signals between said hand held tool and said off-board master controller; andsignal communication means for updating the memory of said hand held tool from said master controller through said second communication port.