Patent ID: 7437227
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: G07C

Abstract:
1. A method for assisting a user in retrieving relevant data on operating conditions of a vehicle from a vehicle's computer using a handheld scan tool with a hierarchical menu structure, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a menu structure in the scan tool comprising: b. entering the start up mode by connecting the scan tool to the vehicle's computer; c. depressing only the first button on the scan tool to enter the first mode and retrieve data from the display data within the third level on the scan tool without any further user intervention, the data of the third level being vehicle operating conditions from the vehicle's computer associated with the first mode; d. depressing only the second button on the scan tool to enter the second mode and retrieve data from the and display data within the third level on the scan tool without any further user intervention, the data of the third level being vehicle operating conditions from the vehicle's computer associated with the second mode; e. wherein switching between displaying data within the third level associated with the first and second modes does not require the user to navigate a menu or a submenu; and f. wherein the method proceeds independently of resources external to the scan tool.