Abstract:
A customer driven process of diagnosing and repairing a vehicle. The process involves temporarily providing a customer with a diagnostic tool that can receive vehicle diagnostic signals from a vehicle on-board computer. The customer then uses the tool to upload diagnostic signals from the car, and returns the tool to the automotive parts/service facility. The vehicle diagnostic signals are communicated to a console, which then accesses a database(s). The database(s) includes information relating to the vehicle malfunction, the repairs needed, and the parts required to complete those repairs. The process also allows automatic scheduling of repairs and purchasing of parts from the automotive parts/service facility. Upon payment of any prescribed fees, the process outputs report information to the customer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/961,223, filed Sep. 21, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,941,203, which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     (Not Applicable) 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to processes used to diagnose and repair a vehicle, and more particularly to a process of quickly diagnosing a vehicle and obtaining information to ultimately repair the vehicle based on the diagnosis. 
     It is widely understood that vehicle care and repair can be costly. In order to mitigate the cost of vehicle care and repair, drivers often choose to fix their vehicle by themselves, performing as much maintenance as possible. However, more serious vehicle problems often must be fixed by a professional mechanic, leaving the vehicle owner to the mercy of the mechanic&#39;s repair schedule. Also, the vehicle owner is further inconvenienced because they are left without a vehicle during the repair. Thus, it is understood that there is a need to mitigate the cost and inconvenience involved in vehicle care and repair. 
     In addition, operation of an automotive care facility providing automotive parts and/or services (parts/services facility) can be challenging. For instance, customers desire to have their repairs completed as soon as possible; however, limited labor resources and repair space cause repair schedules to be tight. Also, since these facilities are in a competitive market, significant advertising is generated to ensure the success of the facility, but some types of advertising can be deceptively ineffective. Finally, instead of working at what they do best—repairing vehicles—mechanics often are required to spend time record keeping and helping customers with simple transactions, and since repair labor costs are not realized during this time, significant economic losses can result. Thus, it is understood that there is an ongoing need for a more effective method of operating an automotive repair facility. 
     One avenue of decreasing these costs and inefficiencies for both the driver and mechanic involves the computerized systems currently included on most newer vehicles. A vehicle&#39;s computer control system consists of the on-board computer and several related electronic control devices (e.g., sensors, switches, actuators, etc.). The control devices may control various systems and/or subsystems within the vehicle. These electronic control devices send information to the on-board computer related to such parameters as the temperature and density of the outside air, the speed of the engine, the amount of fuel delivered, etc. At the same time, the on-board computer scans for any problems from its sensors. If a problem is detected, the on-board computer stores the problem as a numeric code, referred to as a vehicle trouble signal or fault code, in its memory for later retrieval. In this regard, vehicle trouble signals are codes that identify a particular problem area and are intended as a guide to the proper corrective servicing of the vehicle. 
     Hand-held or portable code readers or scan tools, also referred to as diagnostic tools, have been utilized to trouble-shoot faults or problems associated with these electronic control units. Such code readers are configured to electronically communicate with the vehicle&#39;s on-board computer for accessing stored vehicle trouble signals. When the diagnostic tool receives trouble signals from the on-board computer the trouble signals can be translated to thereby discern the vehicle malfunction. 
     Thus, with a hand-held diagnostic tool, a vehicle owner can diagnose their vehicle and hopefully effectuate repairs on their own. Such self-reliance can help mitigate the cost and inconvenience of vehicle repair for the vehicle owner. Also, allowing the customer to complete the minor repair tasks leaves the professional mechanic free to complete more involved (and more lucrative) tasks. 
     Although the use of hand-held diagnostic tools can help both the vehicle owner and the professional mechanic, the tools have not been used to do more than complete the vehicle diagnosis. Thus, it is understood that there is an ongoing need for an process by which these tools are more effectively used. Such a process would reduce the cost and inconvenience of vehicle repair for the vehicle owner, and operation of an automotive care facility would become more efficient. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In response to the above noted needs there is disclosed a process of diagnosing a repairing a vehicle. The process may begin by receiving customer information. Such information could include credit card information, addresses and phone numbers in one embodiment. A diagnostic tool is then obtained from an automotive care business, along with instructions as to how to connect the diagnostic tool to an on-board computer of a vehicle. The diagnostic tool is connected to the on-board computer. Vehicle signals are then uploaded from the vehicle to the diagnostic tool and the diagnostic tool stores the vehicle signals. The process continues by connecting the diagnostic tool to a console and uploading the vehicle signals from the diagnostic tool to the console. A database, either local or remote, is accessed via the console and the vehicle signals are correlated with vehicle defect information in the database. The vehicle defect information is data relating to possible vehicle conditions. A vehicle defect report based on the correlation between the vehicle signals and the vehicle defect information is generated. The vehicle defect report may also be correlated with service information in the database. A service report based on the correlation between the vehicle defect report may then be generated. The service report may also be correlated with parts information in the database. Then, the vehicle defect report, the parts report, and the service report are downloaded to the console. An approval may be obtained from a customer via the console, and payment is accepted based on the approval. Finally, the vehicle defect reports, the parts reports, and/or the service reports are output. 
     In one embodiment, the parts report includes information relating to parts needed to complete a vehicle repair, pricing of parts, availability of parts, the location for obtaining parts, and discounts for purchasing parts. Also, in one embodiment, the service report includes information relating to needed services for completing a repair, location for obtaining services, the availability of services, the scheduling of services, the pricing for services, detailed information about the service procedure, time estimates for services, and discounts on services. 
     As such, this process and apparatus provide a less costly and more convenient way to complete vehicle repair because it allows a customer to obtain cheaper parts from more convenient locations, and it allows for more convenient repair scheduling. Also, automotive care businesses can be run more efficiently when this process is used because inventory and scheduling records can be updated automatically and because customers can complete transactions independently, with less need for worker intervention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a process of using a hand-held diagnostic tool and a console to diagnose and obtain automotive care information; and 
         FIG. 2  is a symbolic relational diagram of the process depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a process  100  by which a vehicle owner can diagnose vehicle malfunctions and obtain repair information regarding the malfunction. As shown, the process  100  involves four major elements: a diagnostic tool  152 , a vehicle  156  with an on-board computer  158 , a console  160 , and a database  162 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, when the vehicle  156  has a malfunction (e.g., sparkplug misfiring, low fluid level, etc.), the on-board computer  158  outputs pre-programmed vehicle trouble signals  166 , which uniquely correspond to that particular malfunction. Also, the diagnostic tool  152  is able to receive and store those trouble signals from the on-board computer  158 . The console  160  is able to communicate with the diagnostic tool  152  to receive the vehicle trouble signals  166 , and the console  160  is also able to communicate with the database  162 , which contains various information related to repairing the vehicle malfunction. For instance, the database  162  contains information relating to various vehicle malfunctions, repair services, and automotive parts in one embodiment. 
     In general, the process  100  involves connecting the diagnostic tool  152  to the on-board computer  158  of the vehicle  156  in order to transfer the vehicle trouble signals  166  to the diagnostic tool  152 . Then, the diagnostic tool  152  is connected to the console  160  in order to transfer the trouble signals to the console  160 . After this transfer, the console  160  communicates with the database  162  to obtain information relating to the vehicle malfunction, repair services, and parts needed to complete the repair. The console  160  also allows the information from the database  162  to be outputted to the customer for their approval. It is envisioned that such a process could be employed by an automotive care business (e.g., an automotive parts store, an automotive repair center, etc.) to decrease costs and inefficiencies for both the customer and the business. However, this process could be implemented by any other similar party skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     Beginning at a first step  102  ( FIG. 1 ), after a customer enters the automotive care business, the customer divulges information  150  ( FIG. 2 ). The information  150  can include a credit card number, an address, a phone number, and information about the customer&#39;s vehicle. This information  150  is orally communicated in one embodiment, and in another embodiment, the information  150  is manually inputted into a computer, either by the customer or a worker at the automotive care business. As will be discussed in greater detail below, this information will be used later in the process to facilitate repair of the customer&#39;s vehicle. 
     Moving to a second step  104 , the customer obtains a diagnostic tool  152 . It is envisioned that the diagnostic tool  152  is owned by the automotive care business, and the tool  152  is temporarily loaned to the customer. In one embodiment, the customer pays a rental fee in order to obtain the tool  152 . This rental fee can be transferred using the information received in the initial step  102  of the process  100 . In another embodiment, the customer puts a deposit of money down in order to temporarily obtain the diagnostic tool  152 . 
     Preferably, the diagnostic tool  152  is a portable device that is able to communicate with an on-board computer  158  of a vehicle  156  and receive vehicle signals therefrom. As stated above, these signals are pre-programmed to correspond to vehicle malfunctions (e.g., spark plug misfiring, etc.). Also, the diagnostic tool  152  includes a memory bank  164  such that any trouble signals received by the diagnostic tool  152  can be stored for later use. 
     Moving then to a third step  106  of the process  100 , the customer receives attachment instructions  154 , which reveal how to connect the diagnostic tool  152  to the on-board computer  158 . It is envisioned that the connection method will vary depending on the type of vehicle  156  that the customer owns. In one embodiment, the attachment instructions are orally communicated to the customer by a worker at the automotive care business. In another embodiment, attachment instructions for virtually all vehicle-types are in printed form for the customer&#39;s use. In still another embodiment (not shown), the customer approaches the console  160  and the console  160  displays the attachment instructions  154  based on the customer&#39;s vehicle information obtained in the first step  102 . 
     Once the customer has obtained attachment instructions  154 , the diagnostic tool  152  is connected to the on-board computer  158  in step  108 . In one embodiment, the diagnostic tool  152  electrically connects to the on-board computer  158  using a wire; however, in another embodiment, the diagnostic tool  152  wirelessly connects to the on-board computer  158 . 
     Subsequently, in step  110 , vehicle trouble signals  166  are uploaded from the on-board computer  158  to the diagnostic tool  152 . Next, in step  112 , the vehicle trouble signals  166  are stored in the memory bank  164  of the diagnostic tool  152 . 
     As shown, the next step  114  commences by attaching the diagnostic tool  152  to the console  160 . In one embodiment, the console  160  is owned by and located in the automotive care business. As such, the console  160  is more likely to have access to a more expansive database  162 , and the customer does not have to incur the cost of purchasing the console  160 . 
     The diagnostic tool  152  can be connected to the console  160  via a wire, or the diagnostic tool  152  can be wirelessly connected to the console  160 . Once connected, step  116  commences in which the vehicle trouble signals  166  are uploaded from the diagnostic tool  152  to the console  160 . 
     Then, in step  118 , the console  160  communicates with the database  162 . The database  162  contains various vehicle information, such as types of vehicle malfunctions, repair services, automotive part information, and the like, as will be discussed in greater detail below. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the database  162  can be local to the console  160 , can be remote from the console  160 , or can be a combination of a local and remote database  162 . 
     The console  160  communicates with the remote database  162  via a computer network embodied in what is currently understood as the Internet, and the database  162  is embodied as a website with a particular web address. However, any other computer communication and/or network arrangements may also be utilized, such as local area networks (LANs), intranets, extranets, wide area networks (WANs), private networks, virtual private networks, dedicated circuits, integrated services digital networks (ISDNs), frame relay, etc. Communication between the console  160  and the remote database  162  occurs in a manner which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art including, but not limited to, via telephone lines, cable lines (e.g., Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) and variations thereof, wire, optical, etc.), optical communications (e.g., infrared communications), and wireless forms of communications (e.g., cellular, satellite, radio frequency (RF) transmission, and other forms of electromagnetic wave based mediums). 
     Preferably, the database  162  includes a wide variety of information including defect records  170 , service records  172 , parts records  174 , inventory records  176 , and an auction  178 , each of which will be described in greater detail below. Such information may be contained locally to the console  160 , or more preferably, the information is contained in a plurality of locations, such as parts shop web sites, repair shop web sites, automotive manufacturer web sites, and the like. Thus, in order to complete step  118 , the console  160  communicates with this information. 
     As stated, the database  162  shown in  FIG. 2 , includes the defect record  170 . In one embodiment, the defect record  170  includes a look-up table of various possible diagnostic trouble codes and the associated problem descriptions for each such diagnostic trouble code. As such, step  120  of the process  100  involves correlating the vehicle trouble signals  166  with the appropriate problem description in the defect information  170 . In one specific embodiment of step  120 , the console  160  “looks up” the vehicle trouble code  166  received from the on-board computer  158  to find a description of what that particular signal  166  means. 
     Once the vehicle trouble signal  166  has been correlated with the appropriate problem description, step  122  of the process  100  commences, and a vehicle defect report is generated. In one embodiment, the vehicle defect report is a saved translation of the vehicle trouble code  166 , which explains what is actually wrong with the vehicle  156 . 
     Furthermore, as is shown in  FIG. 2 , the database  162  includes a service record  172 . The service record  172  is a compilation of information relating to types of automotive repair procedures. In one embodiment, the service record  172  includes a look-up table listing repair procedures that will fix certain vehicle malfunctions, and detailed descriptions about the repair procedures. In another more expansive embodiment, the service record  172  further includes a communications link to several automotive repair centers, and the service record  172  includes information about the types of repairs performed at each repair center, their respective locations, repair schedules, and price guides, advertising materials, and discount coupons, if available. 
     As such, the process  100  continues in step  124 , in which the vehicle defect report (i.e., the description of the vehicle  156  malfunction) is correlated with the service record  172 . In other words, step  124  associates the particular malfunction with appropriate repairs that will fix the malfunction. Also, with the expansive embodiment of the service record  172  described above, step  124  reveals how to complete the repair, where such repairs can be professionally completed, the price for such repairs, the repair schedule, and any discounts on obtaining such services. 
     Next, in step  126  of the process  100 , a service report is generated. In one embodiment, the service report is a saved compilation of the bulk of information revealed during step  124 . As will be described in greater detail below, the service report allows a customer to conveniently realize repair options, save money, and the like. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the database  162  includes a parts record  174 . The parts record  174  is a compilation of information relating to automotive parts. In one embodiment, the parts record  174  includes a look-up table of parts needed to complete certain repairs and detailed descriptions about the automotive parts. In another more expansive embodiment, the parts record  174  further includes a communications link to several of automotive parts suppliers, and the parts record  174  includes competing prices for parts, availability of parts, the locations of the automotive suppliers, advertising materials, and discount coupons, if available. 
     Also, in the embodiment shown, the parts record  174  is in communication with an inventory record  176 , which is a part supplier&#39;s updated and accurate record of the number of parts available in stock. Since the parts record  174  is in communication with the inventory record  176 , the inventory figures can be reduced if the customer wishes to purchase a part, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the parts record  174  is in communication with an auction  178 . The auction  178  is well known for facilitating competitive buying and selling. Several electronic auctions have been developed, and when linked to the parts record  174 , the auction can be used via the console  160  to make competitive bids for needed automotive parts. Alternatively, if the customer is replacing automotive parts and wishes to sell the old parts, the auction can be used to make such a sale to the highest bidder. 
     As such, the process  100  continues in step  128 , in which the defect report is correlated with the parts record  174 . In other words, step  128  associates the particular defect with the appropriate parts that will be needed to correct that particular defect repair. It is also envisioned that the service report could be correlated with the parts record  174  in step  128 . In either case, it is noted that the correlation of step  128  occurs directly or indirectly through the vehicle defect report. Also, with a more expansive embodiment of the parts record  174  described above, step  128  reveals where the needed parts can be obtained, how much they will cost, and if any discounts are available. 
     Next, in step  130  of the process  100 , a parts report is generated. In one embodiment, the parts report is a saved compilation of the bulk of information revealed during step  128 . In the embodiment in which the parts record  174  communicates with the auction  178 , the parts report includes information about competitive bidding or selling in relation to the needed parts. As will be described in greater detail below, the parts report can save the customer money, and can inform the customer of a more convenient location for picking up the part. 
     Additionally, the process  100  continues in step  132 , wherein the vehicle defect report, the service report, and the parts report are downloaded to the console  160 . Preferably, the console  160  includes memory for electronically saving the downloaded information for later access. Moreover, in this embodiment, the console  160  assigns the saved information a unique identifier, such as a password, such that a user can access the previously downloaded information at a later time without having to repeat the full process  100 . 
     Once downloaded, step  134  commences, wherein the console  160  prompts the customer for approval. In general, the console  160  gives options to the customer, such as whether to purchase a needed part or schedule a repair appointment. If an auction  178  is utilized, step  134  can involve approving the entry of a bid for a needed part (in the case of a purchase) or the step  134  can involve approving the acceptance of a competitive offer (in the case of a sale). In one embodiment, the console  160  also gives the customer the option of whether they would like an output of the defect report, service report, or parts report. At this point, the customer has the option of approving or disproving the output of the information. 
     If the customer approves of the transaction, step  136  commences, whereby money is tendered to the automotive care business. Money can be tendered before any of the information is outputted to the customer, and an individual price can be assigned for separately outputting the defect report, service report, and parts report. Costs might also include parts fees, scheduling fees, and the like. Also, payment for a part in step  136  causes the inventory figures to be reduced by the number of parts purchased. 
     Step  136  of the process can be completed by using credit card information obtained in step  102 . As such, the customer simply approves that their credit card will be charged. In another embodiment, a payment mechanism  199 , such as a magnetic data reader, an optical data reader, buttons used to input a credit card number, or cash machine, is included on the console  160  itself, and the user utilizes the payment mechanism  199  in a well known manner to complete step  136 . 
     Finally, in step  138  of the process  100 , the defect report, the service report, and the parts report is outputted by the console  160 . As shown, an outputter  182  is connected to the console  160 , the console  160  communicates output commands to the outputter  182 , and the information is displayed to the customer for their review. In one embodiment, the outputter  182  comprises a widely-known printer, and the printer prints a hard copy for the customer. 
     Thus, the process  100  allows a vehicle owner to diagnose a vehicle and effectuate repairs on the same. The process  100  can reduce costs because the customer can choose the lowest priced parts and services from the list of available parts and services. Also, coupons and other advertising materials can be obtained through the process  100  to lower costs further. Additionally, the process allows the customer to diagnose the vehicle without having to pay the normally high costs of a professional diagnosis. 
     The process  100  also makes vehicle repair more convenient because the customer can choose when to diagnose the vehicle, as opposed to working around a professional&#39;s schedule to get a diagnosis. Furthermore, the customer can choose the closest and most convenient location to pick up parts or obtain repair services. 
     Moreover, an automotive care business can operate more efficiently by employing this process  100 . For instance, if the business supplies parts, the console can be linked to its inventory system to automatically update those records. Also, the console can be linked to its scheduling records for automatically updating the same. Furthermore, parts can be sold electronically using the process  100 , and thus workers can attend to other needs instead of spending time, completing these transactions. Finally, advertising materials transferred during the process  100  are likely to be effective because particular advertisements and coupons can be focused to customers with those particular automotive malfunctions. 
     Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only one embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example,  FIG. 2  is a general illustration of one embodiment of the process  100  and database  162 .  FIG. 2  is not meant to limit the process  100  or database  162 .