Abstract:
A method of displaying a vehicle&#39;s information, includes measuring a set values of the vehicle, comparing the set of measured values with a set of related normal values of a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle being measured, and operating within a preset normal range, and displaying on a video image a graphical depiction of the measured set of values in comparison to the normal set of values of the same type of vehicle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a display. More particularly, the present invention relates to a display related to vehicle diagnostics and vehicle health information. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Onboard control computers have become prevalent in motor vehicles, but as safety, economy, and emissions requirements have continued to tighten, friction braking systems, and traction control devices have not met the requirements set out in government regulations and the implicit demands of competitors&#39; achievements. Successive generations of onboard control computers have acquired increasing data sensing and retention capability as the electronics have advanced. 
   Present external diagnostic and display apparatus, known as diagnostic tools, are commonly limited to reporting the data acquired by the onboard control computer itself. Increasingly, subtle subsystem failures in vehicles overload the ability of maintenance technicians, not simply to read the faults detected and stored by the diagnostic tools themselves, but to combine those readings with peripheral measurements and deduce corrective actions with both speed and accuracy. 
   Currently in the automotive industry, there are both stand alone and hand-held diagnostic testers or tools used in connection with motor vehicle maintenance and repair. For example, hand-held diagnostic tools have been used to trouble-shoot faults associated with vehicular control units. Diagnostic tools detect faults based on Diagnostic Trouble Codes or DTCs that are set in the vehicle&#39;s onboard control computer. A DTC can be triggered and stored when there is a problem with the vehicle. A technician then retrieves the DTC using a diagnostic tool, repairs the associated problem and then deletes the DTC from the vehicle&#39;s computer. 
   Vehicle diagnostics have also been performed through personal computers. However, the display of such diagnostic information has always been difficult to read for technicians. Furthermore, technicians have also needed extensive learning in order to read such diagnostic information. 
   Further general vehicle health information have also be monitored through personal computers, or standalone computing modules that measure information related to emission testing. Certain sensors are attached to the vehicle to make certain measurements related to environmental emissions or safety related information of the vehicle. 
   The current diagnostic tools and personal computers used for vehicle diagnostics and vehicle health information are limited in the display output, thus limiting the usefulness of the diagnostic tool for a user. The limits on the current tools output capabilities include, for example, problems with the method of indicating the DTC, or vehicle health information such as the measurement of a certain sensors in the vehicle. The current diagnostic tools show the DTC on a basic display that displays the basic information and such information, then must be checked manually or through additional steps to ascertain whether the information is within the normal limits. The user must be in close proximity and in viewing distance from the diagnostic tool as the information is usually text based. For example, when a diagnostic tool detects a DTC or an emission testing result, a user must directly view the tool in order to see the DTC or emission testing readout. 
   The user of the diagnostic tool can be forced to use additional devices in order to supplement the limitations of output methods of today&#39;s diagnostic tools or personal computers used for diagnostic purposes. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus that will allow enhanced display capabilities to a user or technician to use a diagnostic tool or diagnostic personal computer to determine the output of the vehicle&#39;s health information in a manner that is easy and quick to ascertain whether it is within normal constraints. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in one aspect an apparatus is provided that in some embodiments enhanced display capabilities to a technician through a diagnostic tool or diagnostic personal computer to determine the output of the vehicle&#39;s health information in a manner that is easy and quick to ascertain whether it is within normal constraints. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method of displaying a vehicle&#39;s information, includes measuring a set values of the vehicle, comparing the set of measured values with a set of related normal values of a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle being measured, and operating within a preset normal range, and displaying on a video image a graphical depiction of the measured set of values in comparison to the normal set of values of the same type of vehicle. 
   The video image can also include icons with values indicating the measured set of values of a health of the vehicle. The video image can further include a video depiction of the values having a dependency on the location within a display screen to indicate the comparison to the normal set of values. The video image can be a plurality of concentric circles, with measured values of the vehicle being located closer to center as the measured values are closer to value of the related normal set of values. 
   The video image can be sectioned into a plurality of concentric circles with the measured values being located according to the comparison to the normal set of values, and the concentric circles being sectioned further into a plurality of pied subdivisions, with each pie representing an additional dependency on a predetermined variable. The video image can include coloring or shading the different regions of video image according to a deviation from the normal set of values. There can also be a dividing of different regions of the video image according to a set range of deviations from the normal set of values. 
   Additionally, there is an altering of the video image according to the display of the measured values as compared to the related normal set of values. The location of the measured values can be dependent on a third variable in addition to the comparison to the normal set of values. The video image can include a plurality of icons representing the particular measured variables of the vehicle and measured values being displayed adjacent to the respective icons, and the icons and measured values being moved around a concentric circle at a same distance from the center of the concentric circle in order to not overlap the displayed image of the icon and related measured value. The method can also be a set of computer executable instructions stored on a computer readable media. 
   In another aspect of the invention, there can be an apparatus for displaying a vehicle&#39;s measured information, including a communication interface connecting to the vehicle and accommodating the measuring of the vehicle&#39;s information through a plurality of sensors, a memory connected to the communication interface, storing a software for displaying of the vehicle&#39;s measured information, a processor connected to the memory and controlling the software, the software including instructions for measuring a set values of the vehicle, and comparing the set of measured values with a set of related normal values of a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle being measured, and operating within a preset normal range, and a display displaying on a video image a graphical depiction of the measured set of values in comparison to the normal set of values of the same type of vehicle. 
   In another aspect of the invention, a system for displaying a vehicle&#39;s information, includes a means for measuring a set values of the vehicle, a means for comparing the set of measured values with a set of related normal values of a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle being measured, and operating within a preset normal range, and a means for displaying on a video image a graphical depiction of the measured set of values in comparison to the normal set of values of the same type of vehicle. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   The rapidly increasing amount of data related to the health of a vehicle make the job of diagnosing problems by reviewing lists of real-time vehicle data more and more difficult for a human technician. 
   As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of a diagnostic tool with a display. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the diagnostic tool of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a diagnostic tool or personal computer connected to a vehicle for checking the health of a vehicle. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the schematics of an exemplary computer that is capable of displaying the vehicle health graphics. 
       FIGS. 5-8  show the vehicle health graphics on a display of a computing device such as personal computer or diagnostic tool depending on the selected options. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an efficient means of displaying and ascertaining from the display the relative health of a vehicle in relation to normal outputs. This invention proposes a visual health display which permits the technician to see at a glance the relative health of a vehicle system, and where the most serious problems are. 
   Manufacturers have programmed their vehicle onboard computers with complicated methods of detecting a variety of problems. Further, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has mandated that DTCs be set where there are emissions related problems with the vehicle using the Onboard Diagnostic II System, also known as the OBD II system. 
   However, there are still problems of using the diagnostic tool since there are limitations in the output methods of the diagnostic tool or personal computer or other computing device used to display the vehicle&#39;s health output. A user is forced to look at the display with the current vehicle health information and then go through addition steps such as looking through manuals or checking through another menu on the display to ascertain the normal outputs of the vehicle and then have to ascertain whether the current outputs are within the normal constraints. 
   Normal constraints can be defined for example with a range of acceptable operation of a vehicle under certain predetermined circumstances. The range of normal values can be a set of values, for example, for the same type vehicle when it is functioning under universally acceptable standards, or under a certain set of standards that are preset by, for example, by a board. For example, normal constraints for the values can be set by a vehicle&#39;s emission board or according to state law to what are acceptable measured values. 
   In an embodiment of the present invention, the diagnostic tool or computer will run an application that accommodates a display of images that will relay to the technician in an efficient manner the vehicles health information in relation to a base set of data that is considered the normal for a healthy vehicle. 
   An embodiment of the present inventive apparatus is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In particular,  FIG. 1  is a front view illustrating a diagnostic tool  10  according to an embodiment of the invention. The diagnostic tool  10  can be any computing device, for example, the NEMISYS diagnostic tool from SERVICE SOLUTIONS (part of the SPX Corporation). The diagnostic tool  10  includes a housing  12  to encase the various components of the diagnostic tool  10 , such as a display  14 , a user interface  16 , a power button  18 , a memory card reader  20  and a connector interface  22 . The display  14  can be any type display, including for example but not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED), field emission display (FED), electroluminescent display (ELD), etc. In addition, the LCD, for example, can be touch screen that both displays and performs the additional task of interfacing between the user and the diagnostic tool  10 . The user interface  16  allows the user to interact with the diagnostic tool  10 , in order to operate the diagnostic tool as the user prefers. The user interface  16  can include function keys, arrow keys or any other type of keys that can manipulate the diagnostic tool  10  in order to operate the diagnostic tool through the software. The user interface or input device  16  can also be a mouse or any other suitable input device for the user interface  16 , including a keypad, touchpad, etc. The user interface  16  can also include keys correlating to numbers or alphanumeric characters. Moreover, as mentioned above, when the display  14  is touch sensitive, the display  14  can supplement or even substitute for the user interface  16 . The power key or button  18  allows the user to turn the power to the diagnostic tool  10  on and off, as required. 
   A memory card reader  20  can be a single type card reader, such as, but not limited to, a compact flash card, floppy disk, memory stick, secure digital, flash memory or other type of memory. The memory card reader  20  can be a reader that reads more than one of the aforementioned memory such as a combination memory card reader. Additionally, the card reader  20  can also read any other computer readable medium, such as CD (compact disc), DVD (digital video or versatile disc), etc. 
   The connector interface  22  allows the diagnostic tool  10  to connect to an external device, such as, but not limited to, an ECU (electronic control unit) of a vehicle, a computing device, an external communication device (such as a modem), a network, etc. through a wired or wireless connection. Connector interface  22  can also include connections such as a USB (universal serial bus), FIREWIRE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394), modem, RS232, RS48J, and other connections to communicate with external devices, such as a hard drive, USB drive, CD player, DVD player, or other computer readable medium devices. 
     FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the components of a diagnostic tool  10 . In  FIG. 2 , the diagnostic tool  10 , according to an embodiment of the invention, includes a processor  24 , a field programmable gate array (FPGA)  26 , a first system bus  28 , the display  14 , a complex programmable logic device (CPLD)  30 , the user interface  16  in the form of a keypad, a memory subsystem  32 , an internal non-volatile memory (NVM)  34 , a card reader  36 , a second system bus  38 , the connector interface  22 , and a selectable signal translator  42 . A vehicle communication interface  40  is in communication with the diagnostic tool  10  through connector interface  22  via an external cable. The connection between the vehicle communication interface  40  and the connector interface  22  can also be a wireless connection such as BLUETOOTH, infrared device, wireless fidelity (WiFi, e.g. 802.11), etc. 
   The selectable signal translator  42  communicates with the vehicle communication interface  40  through the connector interface  22 . The signal translator  42  conditions signals received from a motor vehicle control unit through the vehicle communication interface  40  to a conditioned signal compatible with the diagnostic tool  10 . The translator  42  can communicate with, for example, the communication protocols of J1850 signal, ISO 9141-2 signal, communication collision detection (CCD) (e.g., Chrysler collision detection), data communication links (DCL), serial communication interface (SCI), S/F codes, a solenoid drive, J1708, RS232, controller area network (CAN), or other communication protocols that are implemented in a vehicle. 
   The circuitry to translate a particular communication protocol can be selected by the FPGA  26  (e.g., by tri-stating unused transceivers) or by providing a keying device that plugs into the connector interface  22  that is provided by diagnostic tool  10  to connect diagnostic tool  10  to vehicle communication interface  40 . Translator  42  is also coupled to FPGA  26  and the card reader  36  via the first system bus  28 . FPGA  26  transmits to and receives signals (i.e., messages) from the motor vehicle control unit through the translator  42 . 
   FPGA  26  is coupled to the processor  24  through various address, data and control lines by the second system bus  38 . FPGA  26  is also coupled to the card reader  36  through the first system bus  28 . Processor  24  is also coupled to the display  14  in order to output the desired information to the user. The processor  24  communicates with the CPLD  30  through the second system bus  38 . Additionally, the processor  24  is programmed to receive input from the user through the user interface  16  via the CPLD  30 . The CPLD  30  provides logic for decoding various inputs from the user of diagnostic tool  10  and also provides the glue-logic for various other interfacing tasks. 
   Memory subsystem  32  and internal non-volatile memory  34  are coupled to the second system bus  38 , which allows for communication with the processor  24  and FPGA  26 . Memory subsystem  32  can include an application dependent amount of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a hard drive, and/or read only memory (ROM). Software to run the diagnostic tool  10  can be stored in the memory subsystem  32 . The internal non-volatile memory  34  can be, but not limited to, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash ROM, or other similar memory. The internal non-volatile memory  34  can provide, for example, storage for boot code, self-diagnostics, various drivers and space for FPGA images, if desired. If less than all of the modules are implemented in FPGA  26 , the non-volatile memory  34  can contain downloadable images so that FPGA  26  can be reconfigured for a different group of communication protocols. 
   As seen in the block diagram of  FIG. 3 , diagnostic tool  10  can scan information of a vehicle  60 . Vehicle diagnostic and health information can be ascertained through not only a computing device such as a diagnostic tool  60 , but also a personal computer  52 . If the distance is not too great, the IEEE 802.11 protocol or BLUETOOTH can be used to transfer information directly to the PC in a point-to-point connection or through a local area network. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , an example of a computer, but not limited to this example of the computer  52 , that can read computer readable media that includes computer-executable instructions. The computer  52  includes a processor  802  that uses the system memory  804  and a computer readable memory device  806  that includes certain computer readable recording media. A system bus connects the processor  802  to a network interface  808 , modem  812  or other interface that accommodates a connection to another computer or network such as the Internet. The system bus may also include an input and output (I/O) interface  810  that accommodate connection to a variety of other devices. Furthermore, the computer  52  can output through, for example, the I/O  810 , data for display on a display device  820 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , for each vehicle there is a set of known good, or in-range, data values, such as engine coolant temperature, oxygen sensor, etc. In the present invention, a graphic image as seen in  FIG. 5 , such as a “bull&#39;s-eye” target  100 , would be displayed as a background, with an icon  102   a - 112   a  for each reading of interest  102   b - 112   b , respectively. The “bull&#39;s-eye” target  100  can also be described as a set of concentric circles. 
   The icons  102   a - 112   a  with the corresponding readings  102   b - 112   b  can be superimposed on the bulls-eye target  100  image. Further, the icons are located in a position that indicates the health of the vehicle  60 . 
   For, example, if an engine temperature was in normal range, an icon for it would be displayed near or at the center of the “bull&#39;s-eye” image  100 . As readings of these data approach the limits of failure, an icon representing the data will appear on a graphic display in a position to indicate that the value is sub-optimal. For example, a high engine temperature reading might show the temperature icon near the upper boundary of the “bull&#39;s-eye”. The location of the icon within the “bull&#39;s eye” therefore is indicative of the relative health of the vehicle  60 . 
   Additionally, the icons for sensors can themselves be replaced by icons for systems, groups of sensors, etc. The technician, or end-user can select items to track in this manner, or the selection can be done automatically. 
   The example in  FIG. 5  shows readings from a vehicle, as might be seen during an emissions test. The icons are seen for gasses NO ( 10   a ), O2 ( 108   a ), HC ( 104   a ), CO ( 106   a ) and CO2 ( 102   a ), and the vehicle&#39;s speed (MPH)  112   a  while running a test on a dynamometer. The actual values shown are not representative of actual values for a vehicle. The reading ( 102   b - 112   b ) is the measurement being displayed, such as O2 (Oxygen sensor) or MPH (Dynamometer velocity). 
   As seen in  FIG. 5 , there are different zones  120 - 150 . Zones are used to describe the circular bands, or ranges, of values related to the Ideal range for a given reading. There may be as many zones as needed, or only a single one. The Ideal zone is in the center or concentric circle  150 , while zone  120  at the periphery represent the opposite extreme, such as Worst Case, with surrounding zones  130 - 140  showing relationships to the central zone  150 . 
   A zone does not necessarily represent an exact linear proportion to the whole circle, but is for visual effect. That is to say, the Ideal zone may represent a single value, say 0, while the Safe Zone may represent values from 1 to 100, the Attention zone may represent values from 101 to 110, and the Fail zone may represent any value above 110. 
   Each reading can have its own set of ranges (minimum, maximum, ideal). In the case where the center range (e.g., Ideal) is not the minimum or maximum value possible, the meter would display the value drifting back into the outer zones. That is to say, if the Ideal range for a reading is 100, readings of 90 and 110 might both appear in the same outer zones or might even appear in quite different zones, depending on the qualitative assessment of the value related to the ideal. 
   Zones may have colors associated with them to differentiate one zone from another or to show significance relative to the normal output. For example, White can be used for Ideal, Green for Safe, Yellow for Attention and Red for Fail correspond to common color schemes that have a universal significance to a technician without having to use a user&#39;s manual to figure out the significance of each color. Alternatively, the zone&#39;s color might not be used to color the zone band, but instead used to color the pie for a reading. 
   A pie is used to describe the triangular shapes which emanate from the center of the Health Meter to show the extent of the reading, or the zone that the reading is in, or both. Pies also demarcate the portion of the visual area occupied by a particular reading. Pies can be colored with a separate color for each reading, or can be colored depending upon the zone that the reading is currently in. Pies can be transparent (as in the attached examples) or opaque. 
   There are certain displayed options that can be available. The options of the test program which demonstrate the “Health Meter” of the invention as shown in  FIG. 5 , are seen on the right-hand side, and should clarify the options seen in the example of  FIG. 5 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , the option  302  of the zone border  204  selects whether a zone has a bordering line or not. The zone border  204 , for example, depending on the user or the displayed icons will aid in the technician ascertaining on which specific border the specific icon is displayed on. 
   As seen in  FIG. 6 , a pie border  210  option  304  selects whether a pie has a bordering line or not. A significance can be attached to the pie border. For example, the pie border can have the significance of a measurement being taken, or a region having secondary characteristics beyond the numerical value shown, such as a reading of 3.0, but that such a reading showed a large change over a space of time. For example, the radius of the pie can be time dependent with readings taken at time=0, can be shown at the top of the pie or readings taken at time=6 can be taken at the bottom of the pie. Other significance can be attached to the pie borders  210 , and these were only shown as examples. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , the showing of the color the pies as seen in reference  210  being selected through the “Show Zone Colored Pies”  306  different than the color of the other pies, show to the color of the zone that the reading is in. Each color can have certain significance, such as certain colors for certain time dependent readings or other definitions can be attached to the color of the pie. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , “show icon caption”  308  illustrates the display of the value for the reading in a caption adjacent to the icon, as seen for example by  104   a  for HC as 25.0. The units for the measurements can also be displayed if requested or pre-programmed. The caption is moved for visibility purposes when it might be obscured or beyond the viewing area. Such a movement of the caption can be automatically obtained with the display. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , the stretch option  310 , illustrates the display area being distorted horizontally or vertically with no loss of content or visual features. This maybe necessary for a plurality of reasons, including having to display more than one image on a screen, and therefore, being able to stretch the view in any direction in order to accommodate the second screen, or to compensate for the screen size in order to maximize the displayed fonts, while allowing for the entire view. 
   The line to icon option  312  as illustrated by line  214 , displays a single line is drawn from the center of the display area to the reading&#39;s position, such as  106   a . The line to icon can, for example, help in the reading or following the different readings for a technician. 
   The show pies option  314  as shown by the pie  216   FIG. 6 , has the pies for the readings. The showing of the pies  216  accommodates for a technician, for example, a greater differentiation between different pie areas, or pie zones, where each pie may have different significances. 
   The gradient fill option  316  is where the display is shown with ‘shading’ from light to dark as seen for example in  FIG. 6 . This again, allows for an easier reading of the information, especially if a technician is located a certain distance from the display screen. 
   The black and white zones option  318 , as seen in  FIG. 8 , has the zones being shown as black and white, as an example of an alternative color scheme for the zones. Therefore, as seen from zones  120  to  150 , the zones alternate from white to black to white and back to black. The black portion can be a certain gray scale accommodating for an optimal viewing by the technician. This scheme can accommodate for certain technicians a better reading from a distance as they can better differentiate the changes in zones. 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , the “show zone names” option  320  indicates if names are given to the zones, then they are displayed in the appropriate zone. 
   A full size pie option  322  is shown in  FIG. 8 . The pie is drawn to the edge of the display area instead of only to the reach of the value. This is done as a preference of the technician on seeing the whole pie or only to where the reach of the value is shown. Showing the whole pie, for example, can give a better perspective to the technician of the value depicted on the chart in relation to the norm. However, for certain reasons, the technician may not want to see the whole pie, and only up to the value shown. This can be necessary, for example, if the display is limited, or the values shown need to be shown with a greater magnification for the technician to see. 
   The animation option  324  permits the sample shown, for example,  FIGS. 5-8 , to be animated with random values or the animation can show other changes in the chart in real-time or delayed time. 
   The invention can be realized as computer-executable instructions in computer-readable media as shown in  FIG. 4 . The computer-readable media includes all possible kinds of media in which computer-readable data is stored or included or can include any type of data that can be read by a computer or a processing unit. The computer-readable media include for example and not limited to storing media, such as magnetic storing media (e.g., ROMs, floppy disks, hard disk, and the like), optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROMs (compact disc-read-only memory), DVDs (digital versatile discs), re-writable versions of the optical discs, and the like), hybrid magnetic optical disks, organic disks, system memory (read-only memory, random access memory), non-volatile memory such as flash memory or any other volatile or non-volatile memory, other semiconductor media, electronic media, electromagnetic media, infrared, and other communication media such as carrier waves (e.g., transmission via the Internet or another computer). Communication media generally embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated signal such as the carrier waves or other transportable mechanism including any information delivery media. Computer-readable media such as communication media may include wireless media such as radio frequency, infrared microwaves, and wired media such as a wired network. Also, the computer-readable media can store and execute computer-readable codes that are distributed in computers connected via a network. The computer readable medium also includes cooperating or interconnected computer readable media that are in the processing system or are distributed among multiple processing systems that may be local or remote to the processing system. The invention can include the computer-readable medium having stored thereon a data structure including a plurality of fields containing data representing the techniques of the invention. 
   The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.