Dynamic information method and system

A system and a machine-implemented method for receiving at least one data string from a remote device. A data string is selected from the at least one data string received, and technical/diagnostic information related to the selected data string is retrieved.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to vehicular diagnostic information presentation systems and methodologies and, more particularly, to dynamic vehicular diagnostic information presentation systems and methodologies.

BACKGROUND

When diagnosing motor vehicle problems, scan tools (i.e., devices that interface with a vehicle's onboard computer system) are often used by technicians to retrieve one or more trouble codes concerning the vehicle being serviced, such that each trouble code received is indicative of a problem, symptom, or condition of the motor vehicle.

When addressing the individual problems associated with the retrieved trouble codes, technicians often rely upon printed technical manuals that show the various subsystems of the motor vehicle they are troubleshooting. These subsystems may include e.g., electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and/or mechanical subsystems, and the technical manuals often include schematic diagrams of these various subsystems.

Unfortunately, these printed schematic diagrams are typically difficult to follow, as one or more complete subsystems are often included within a single schematic diagram. Additionally, while these printed schematic diagrams commonly contain considerable high-level information (e.g., wiring harness information and generalized component symbols), they are often lacking with respect to low-level information (e.g., component-specific information, photographs, and location information), as this additional low-level information typically makes the schematic diagrams appear overly crowded.

Alternatively or additionally, computer-based data systems may be used to retrieve computer-based trouble shooting information (i.e., electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and/or mechanical schematic diagrams). However, these computer-based data systems tend to be stand-alone systems that are not integrated with e.g., the scan tool used to diagnose the motor vehicle, thus requiring the technician to maintain multiple systems and manually enter (into the computer-based data system) the data that was retrieved by the scan tool.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one implementation, a machine-implemented method includes receiving at least one data string from a remote device. A data string is selected from the at least one data string received, and technical/diagnostic information related to the selected data string is retrieved.

One or more of the following features may also be included. The selected data string may be associated with a make and model of vehicle. Retrieving technical/diagnostic information related to the selected data string may include retrieving technical/diagnostic information related to the make and model of vehicle. Selecting a data string may include clicking on or highlighting the selected data string with a pointing device. The remote device may be an electronic control unit within a motor vehicle. The technical/diagnostic information may be stored on a local or a remote data store.

A make and model of vehicle may be selected, and technical/diagnostic information related to the make and model of vehicle selected may be rendered on a display device. The technical/diagnostic information may include a schematic diagram associated with the make and model of vehicle selected. The schematic diagram may be selected from the group consisting of: an electrical schematic diagram; a vacuum schematic diagram; a pneumatic schematic diagram; and a hydraulic schematic diagram.

The schematic diagram rendered may include a plurality of discrete portions. A user may be allowed to graphically select one or more of the discrete portions of the schematic diagram, resulting in one or more selected discrete portions and one or more unselected discrete portions.

The technical/diagnostic information may include portion-specific technical/diagnostic information related to the one or more selected discrete portions. The portion-specific technical/diagnostic information may be rendered on the display device. The portion-specific technical/diagnostic information may be selected from the group consisting of: a part number for the one or more selected discrete portions; an image of the one or more selected discrete portions; a description of the normal operation of the one or more selected discrete portions; one or more condition-dependent variables concerning the one or more selected discrete portions; location information concerning the one or more selected discrete portions; one or more instructional videos concerning the one or more selected discrete portions; service bulletin information concerning the one or more selected discrete portions; and remedial information concerning the one or more selected discrete portions. The condition-dependent variables may be selected from the group consisting of a voltage, an amperage, a resistance, an impedance, and a waveform. The one or more selected discrete portions may be selected from the group consisting of: an electrical component; an electromechanical component; and a wiring harness.

The technical/diagnostic information may be selected from the group consisting of: a part number; an image; an operational description; one or more condition-dependent variables; location information; one or more instructional videos; service bulletin information; and remedial information.

In another implementation, a computer program product resides on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored on it. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause that processor to: receive at least one data string from a remote device; select a data string from the at least one data string received; and retrieve technical/diagnostic information related to the selected data string.

One or more of the following features may also be included. The computer program product may include instructions for: associating the selected data string with a make and model of vehicle, such that retrieving technical/diagnostic information related to the selected data string may include retrieving technical/diagnostic information related to the make and model of vehicle. The instructions for selecting a data string may include instructions for clicking on the selected data string with a pointing device. The instructions for selecting a data string may include instructions for highlighting the selected data string with a pointing device. The remote device may be an electronic control unit within a motor vehicle. The technical/diagnostic information may be stored on a local or remote data store.

The computer program product may include instructions for: selecting a make and model of vehicle, and rendering the technical/diagnostic information, on a display device, related to the make and model of vehicle selected. The technical/diagnostic information may include a schematic diagram associated with the make and model of vehicle selected. The schematic diagram may be selected from the group consisting of: an electrical schematic diagram; a vacuum schematic diagram; a pneumatic schematic diagram; and a hydraulic schematic diagram.

The schematic diagram rendered may include a plurality of discrete portions. The computer program product may include instructions for: allowing a user to graphically select one or more of the discrete portions of the schematic diagram, resulting in one or more selected discrete portions and one or more unselected discrete portions.

The technical/diagnostic information may include portion-specific technical/diagnostic information related to the one or more selected discrete portions. The computer program product may include instructions for: rendering the portion-specific technical/diagnostic information on the display device. The portion-specific technical/diagnostic information may be selected from the group consisting of: a part number for the one or more selected discrete portions; an image of the one or more selected discrete portions; a description of the normal operation of the one or more selected discrete portions; one or more condition-dependent variables concerning the one or more selected discrete portions; location information concerning the one or more selected discrete portions; one or more instructional videos concerning the one or more selected discrete portions; service bulletin information concerning the one or more selected discrete portions; and remedial information concerning the one or more selected discrete portions. The condition-dependent variables may be selected from the group consisting of a voltage, an amperage, a resistance, an impedance, and a waveform. The one or more selected discrete portions may be selected from the group consisting of: an electrical component; an electromechanical component; and a wiring harness.

The technical/diagnostic information may be selected from the group consisting of: a part number; an image; an operational description; one or more condition-dependent variables; location information; one or more instructional videos; service bulletin information; and remedial information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown a dynamic information system10that provides a technician12with dynamic technical/diagnostic information concerning the various subsystems of the vehicle14that technician12is troubleshooting. As will be discussed below in greater detail, dynamic information system10monitors data strings (e.g., trouble codes) received from the vehicle14that technician12is working on, and tailors the technical/diagnostic information provided to technician12in accordance with these data strings.

Dynamic information system10typically resides on and is executed by a diagnostic system (e.g., a Sun Diagnostics SMP-4000 Modular Platform™16or a Snap-On MODIS Modular Diagnostic Information System™18).

Diagnostic system16(or system18) may be a stand-alone system (i.e., a system that locally stores all required technical/diagnostic information) or a network-based system (i.e., a system that remotely stores at least a portion of the required technical/diagnostic information). If a networked system, diagnostic system16(or system18) may use network20to access remote server22that remotely stores at least a portion of the technical/diagnostic information (which will be discussed below in greater detail) on storage device24(e.g., a hard disk drive, a tape drive, an optical drive, a RAID array, a random access memory (RAM), or a read-only memory (ROM), for example).

Remote server22may be a web server running a network operating system, such as Microsoft Window 2000. Server™, Novell Netware™, or Redhat Linux™. Typically, remote server22also executes a web server application, such as Microsoft IIS™, Novell Webserver™, or Apache Webserver™, that allows for HTTP (i.e., HyperText Transfer Protocol) access to remote server22via network20. Further, if diagnostic system16(or system18) is networked, additional systems26,28,30may also be connected to remote server22(via network20), thus allowing multiple system16,18,26,28,30to share the technical/diagnostic information stored on remote server22.

The instruction sets and subroutines of dynamic information system10, which are typically stored on a storage device32coupled to diagnostic system16(or system18), are executed by one or more processors (not shown) and one or more memory architectures (not shown) incorporated into diagnostic system16(or system18). Storage device32may be a hard disk drive, a tape drive, an optical drive, a RAID array, a random access memory (RAM), or a read-only memory (ROM), for example.

Referring also toFIG. 2, when using dynamic information system10, technician12interfaces100system16(or system18) with the control system of the vehicle being diagnosed (e.g., motor vehicle14) so that data strings (i.e., trouble codes) may be received102from the vehicle.

Referring also toFIG. 3, there is shown a schematic-representation150of the electrical system of motor vehicle14, illustrating the interconnection of various components, such as: throttle position sensor (TPS)152; crank trigger154; engine temperature sensor156; manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor158; electronic control unit (ECU)160; fuel pump162; fuel pump control system164; fuel injectors166; injection control system168; ignition system170; ignition control system172; emission gas recirculation (EGR) valve174; EGR control system176; air conditioning (AC) controller178; AC relay180; low pressure (LP) cutoff182; and AC compressor184, for example. Accordingly, the components shown in schematic diagram150may be electrical components (e.g., temp sensor156), electrical-mechanical components (e.g., AC relay180), or a portion of a wiring harness (e.g., wiring harness186).

As discussed above, the control system (e.g., ECU160) of motor vehicle14is interfaced with system16(or system18) so that data stored on ECU160may be retrieved by system16(or system18). Typically, system16(or system18) is interfaced to ECU160using a multi-conductor cable188that is temporarily coupled to a service port (not shown) on the wiring harness of motor vehicle14. However, other interface techniques (e.g., 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and infrared coupling, for example) are foreseeable and considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. The data stored within ECU160may include sensor readings (e.g., engine RPM, engine coolant temperature, engine oil pressure, engine oil temperature, and transmission fluid temperature, for example). Additionally, if events occurred during operation of the motor vehicle that are outside the range of normal operation, trouble codes are stored within ECU160so that they can be retrieved and analyzed at a later date. For example, engine overheating events, transmission overheating events, low engine oil pressure events, and out-of-range sensor events would typically all result in the generation of a trouble code that is stored within ECU160for later analysis. Examples of such trouble codes include: DTC P0705 (i.e., a faulty signal received from the gear selector position sensor); DTC 33 (i.e., a high voltage signal received from the mass air flow sensor); DTC P1250 (i.e., a malfunctioning solenoid circuit); DTC B2380 (i.e., a heater coolant temperature sensor circuit shorted to ground); DTC C1750 (i.e., an out-of-range signal received from accelerator position sensor(APS)); and DTC 71 (i.e., an EGR valve malfunction).

Since multiple makes and models of vehicles utilize common trouble codes, when using dynamic information system10, technician12typically identifies104the vehicle14being analyzed, thus associating106the trouble code(s) received102with a specific vehicle, and allowing dynamic information system10to retrieve108technical/diagnostic information that is tailored not only to the trouble code received but also to the vehicle being analyzed.

For example, a Ford™ pickup truck and a Chevrolet™ passenger car may each utilize trouble code DTC C1750 to denote an out-of-range signal received from an APS. As the wiring harnesses, schematic diagrams, and the APS location/appearance/part number vary depending on which of these two vehicles the technician is working on, by identifying102the vehicle and associating104the trouble codes received with the identified vehicle, accurate and pertinent technical/diagnostic information (e.g., schematic diagrams, component part numbers; component images and illustrations; descriptions of normal component operation, component condition-dependent variables; component location information; instructional videos; service bulletin information; and/or remedial information) may be retrieved108and provided to the technician.

The identification of the vehicle may be made in various ways. For example, the make, model, and year of the vehicle may be selected (e.g., via drop down menus). Alternatively, the vehicle identification number (VIN) may be entered into dynamic information system10, such that dynamic information system10accesses a look-up table (or a similar data structure; not shown), which correlates the VIN to a particular make, model, and year of vehicle.

Often, when servicing a vehicle, multiple trouble codes are received from ECU160. For example, assume that when analyzing vehicle14, trouble codes: DTC P0705; DTC 33; DTC P1250; DTC B2380; DTC C1750; and DTC 71 are received. As problems are typically analyzed and resolved one at a time, technician12typically selects110one or more of the trouble codes received, such that the pertinent technical/diagnostic information (relating to the selected trouble codes) can be retrieved108. Accordingly, by allowing technician12to select110only the trouble code(s) in which they are interested (when a large number of trouble codes are retrieved), system10is prevented from having to retrieve an overwhelming amount of technical/diagnostic information.

Referring also toFIG. 4, a list200of the trouble codes received for the vehicle being analyzed (e.g., vehicle14) is rendered on a display device (e.g., a CRT screen, an LCD screen, an LED display, or an LCD display, for example) of system16(or system18). Once displayed, technician12may then select110the appropriate trouble code (e.g., code DTC71) by using pointer202, which is controlled by a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, trackball, or touch screen device, not shown). Alternatively, using directional arrow keys (not shown) incorporated into system16(or system18), technician12may highlight and select the appropriate code.

Once a code is selected, system10retrieves the appropriate technical/diagnostic information pertaining to the selected code as applied to the selected vehicle. In this particular example, the technical/diagnostic information will be retrieved for code DTC71 as applied to an 2003 Acura™ TL Type S.

Referring also toFIG. 5and continuing with the above stated example, once a trouble code is selected, dynamic information system10retrieves102and renders112the appropriate technical/diagnostic information on the display device of diagnostic system16(or system18). An example of such technical/diagnostic information is schematic diagram250, which may be retrieved from local storage device32or from remote storage device24(if system16/system18is networked). Schematic diagram250may be an electrical schematic diagram, a vacuum schematic diagram, a pneumatic schematic diagram, and/or a hydraulic schematic diagram, for example.

When retrieving the appropriate technical/diagnostic information, a look-up table (or database) is typically employed to determine which specific items (e.g., schematic diagrams, technical bulletins, videos, still images, and illustrations, for example) should be retrieved. For example, a table (or database record) may be defined for each year/make/model of vehicle, such that this table (or record) itemizes all of the potential trouble codes for that year/make/model of vehicle. Therefore, when a trouble code is selected110, the appropriate look-up table (or record) is accessed, and the appropriate trouble code is located within the table (or record), such that the table (or record) specifies the appropriate e.g., schematic diagrams, technical bulletins, videos, still images, and illustrations, to be retrieved in response to the trouble code being selected.

Continuing with the above-stated example, schematic diagram250illustrates the interconnection of various components within vehicle14, such as: such as: throttle position sensor (TPS)152; crank trigger154; engine temperature sensor156; manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor158; electronic control unit (ECU)160; fuel pump162; fuel pump control system164; fuel injectors166; injection control system168; ignition system170; ignition control system172; emission gas recirculation (EGR) valve174; EGR control system176; air conditioning (AC) controller178; AC relay180; low pressure (LP) cutoff182; and AC compressor184, for example.

Depending on the complexity of the schematic diagram, the above-listed components may be grouped into the various portions, such as: a sensor circuit252(i.e., TPS152, crank trigger154, engine temperature sensor156, and MAP sensor158); an air conditioning circuit254(i.e., AC controller178, AC relay180, LP cutoff182, and AC compressor184); a fuel delivery circuit256(i.e., fuel pump162, fuel pump control system164, fuel injectors166, and injection control system168); an ignition circuit258(i.e., ignition system170, and ignition control system172); and an emission circuit260(i.e., EGR valve174, and EGR control system176). By dividing the schematic into portions, technician12is allowed to select114the particular systems/subsystems (within schematic diagram250) that the technician is interested in. Further, while schematic diagram250(in this example) is divided into five logical portions, the number and size of the portions may be increased or decreased as needed when designing/programming the schematic diagrams.

As trouble code DTC71 (i.e., EGR valve malfunction) was selected by technician12, technician12would typically select emission circuit260(which includes EGR valve174and EGR control system176) using pointer202, which is controlled by a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, trackball, or touch screen device, not shown). Once a particular portion of schematic diagram250is selected, a more detailed illustration (not shown) of the selected discrete portion may be rendered, or the selected discrete portion may be highlighted and/or the unselected discrete portion(s) “greyed-out” (i.e., shaded so that the unselected portions are contrasted from the selected portion).

Referring also toFIG. 6, once emission circuit260is selected, the unselected circuit portions are (in this example) “greyed-out” with respect to the selected circuit portion (e.g., emission circuit260). In this example, circuits252,254,256,258are shown as dashed lines (e.g., see circuit line262and sensor box264).

Referring also toFIG. 7, technician12may retrieve additional information related to the selected trouble code. As stated above, trouble code DTC71 (i.e., EGR valve malfunction) was selected. After using schematic diagram250to review the interfacing of EGR valve174, EGR control system176, and ECU160, technician12may wish to recieve additional information concerning circuit260. For example, via drop-down menu300rendered116by dynamic information system10, technician12may select the type of operation to be performed, such as retrieving108and rendering112e.g., part numbers of components within the selected discrete portion, images of components within the selected discrete portion, a description of the normal operation of components within the selected discrete portion, one or more condition-dependent variables (e.g., voltage, current, resistance, etc.), component location information, one or more instructional videos, service bulletin information concerning the selected discrete portion, and/or remedial information concerning the selected discrete portion).

Referring also toFIG. 8and continuing with the above-stated example, assume that technician12selects “test points/values” from drop-down menu300. Schematic diagram250is then populated with one or more callouts302,304that locate the circuit test points and define the related values that should-be read at those test points. For example, callout300defines that for the wiring harness306between ECU160and EGR control system176, a low signal value should be in the range of 0.60-1.20 vdc and a high signal value should be in the range of 4.20-5.20 vdc. Additionally, callouts300,302may provide other types of information, such as line amperage, a resistance, an impedance, or a waveform (e.g., sine wave, or square wave, for example).

Referring also toFIG. 9and continuing with the above-stated example, assume that technician12, upon inspecting the EGR control system176and finding it operational, suspects that the EGR valve174is malfunctioning, resulting in trouble code DTC71 (i.e., EGR valve malfunction). However, technician12does not know where EGR valve174is located. Technician12may select “location information” from drop-down menu300. Schematic diagram250is then populated with one or more callouts320,322that provide location information concerning the various components included in emission circuit160. For example, callout322locates EGR valve174on the firewall side of the intake manifold.

Alternatively, the location information may be graphically presented to technician12in the form of an illustration of vehicle14(e.g., a top view illustration, a side view illustration, a front view illustration, a back view illustration or an isometric view illustration, not shown) in which the various components of, e.g., emission circuit160are superimposed onto the illustration in the appropriate location, thus allowing technician12to graphically locate a particular component within the vehicle.

Referring also toFIG. 10and continuing with the above-stated example, assume that technician12determines (upon physical examination) that EGR valve174is malfunctioning. Technician12may select “part numbers” from drop-down menu300. Schematic diagram250would then be populated with one or more callouts340,342that define the part number (OEM or aftermarket) associated with each component within the circuit. For example, callout342informs technician12that the part number for EGR valve174is H367-79231.

In addition to the drop-down menu selections described above, technician12may select “images” from menu300and be provided with photographs and/or illustrations (not shown) of the component(s) in question.

By selecting “operation description” from menu300, technician12is provided with a detailed description of the operation of the component in question. This may be a text-based description, an audio-based description, or a video-based description.

By selecting “instruction videos” from menu300, technician12is provided with videos that provide enhanced technical information (e.g., the manner in which to replace a particular type of master cylinder).

Further, if technician12selects “service bulletins” from menu300, technician12is provided with one or more service bulletins related to the circuit (or device/system) in question (e.g., all service bulletins related to the vehicle on which the technician is currently working).

Additionally, if technician12selects “remedial action” from menu300, technician12is presented with a list of known problems, their respective causes, and their respective solutions. For example, when selecting “remedial action”, technician12may be informed that in heavy winter driving, salt-laden slush is often packed around the base of AC relay180, resulting in the external relay contacts corroding and the relay prematurely failing. The technician may be informed to silicone seal the base of the relay to the relay socket to prevent corrosion of the terminals.

The embodiments described herein may include or be utilized with any appropriate voltage or current source, such as a battery, an alternator, a fuel cell, and the like, providing any appropriate current and/or voltage, such as about 12 Volts, about 42 Volts and the like.

The embodiments described herein may be used with any desired system or engine. Those systems or engines may comprise items utilizing fossil fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, propane and the like, electricity, such as that generated by battery, magneto, fuel cell, solar cell and the like, wind and hybrids or combinations thereof. Those systems or engines may be incorporated into other systems, such as an automobile, a truck, a boat or ship, a motorcycle, a generator, an airplane and the like.