Patent ID: 7869908
Filing Date: 2011-01-11
Classification: B61L,G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of testing through a common user interface a respective system on-board each of a plurality of mobile assets undergoing maintenance services, the method comprising: arranging in the common user interface a diagnostics processor to control and command testing and diagnostics for the plurality of mobile assets undergoing the maintenance services; communicatively coupling the diagnostics processor to at least one of the plurality of mobile assets by way of a connector cable when the plurality of mobile assets is undergoing the maintenance services; establishing electrical communication between the mobile assets for communicating electronic signals during the testing; operatively controlling during the testing at least one of the respective systems on-board the plurality of mobile assets to simulate at least one operational condition in response to command instructions programmed in the processor, wherein the command instructions are configured to acquire operating parameter data indicative of an ability of said at least one of the respective systems to perform the simulated operational condition; communicating an electronic signal from the common user interface to the plurality of mobile assets instructing a respective on-board computer of each mobile asset to engage a loading sequence; communicating an electronic signal from the common user interface to the plurality of mobile assets instructing a respective engine of each mobile asset to execute a testing sequence; and communicating through the common user interface operating parameter data associated with the respective systems from each of the plurality of mobile assets to a database engine, wherein said common user interface enables a user to contemporaneously test the plurality of mobile assets undergoing the maintenance services without the user having to separately access each of said mobile assets to perform the testing in connection with the maintenance services one mobile asset at a time.