Patent ID: 8301329
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: G07C

Abstract:
1. A method for retrieving and displaying relevant data on operating conditions of a vehicle from a vehicle's computer using a scan tool, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a data structure having a first level and a second level, the first level including a plurality of category headings and the second level including separately accessible underlying vehicle information segregated by categories of vehicle information associated with the respective category heading; b) selecting a first category heading from the first level on the scan tool from the plurality of category headings by selecting a first button corresponding to the first category heading; c) retrieving and displaying second level vehicle information associated with the first category heading from the vehicle's computer on the scan tool, the retrieving and displaying second level vehicle information associated with the first category heading step being implemented in response to selection of the first button; d) selecting a second category heading from the first level on the scan tool from the plurality of category headings by selecting a second button corresponding to the second category heading; e) retrieving and displaying second level vehicle information associated with the second category heading from the vehicle's computer on the scan tool, the retrieving and displaying second level vehicle information associated with the second category heading step being implemented in response to selection of the second button; and f) switching from displaying on the scan tool second level information associated with the first category heading to displaying on the scan tool second level information associated with the second category heading by selecting the second button independent of a need for any further user intervention.