Patent Publication Number: US-9418490-B2

Title: Data display with continuous buffer

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to a vehicle diagnostic tool having a diagnostic hub and continuous data buffer. Particularly, the diagnostic hub is a graphical user interface that allows a user to navigate through the various functions of the diagnostic tool. The data buffer allows data to be automatically recorded in a memory buffer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Onboard control computers (electronic control units) have become prevalent in motor vehicles. Successive generations of onboard control computers have acquired increasing data sensing and retention capability as the electronics have advanced. 
     Vehicle diagnostic tools report the data acquired by the onboard control computers. Diagnostic tools can detect faults based on Diagnostic Trouble Codes or DTCs that are set in the vehicle&#39;s onboard control computers. A DTC can be triggered and stored when there is a problem with the vehicle. A technician then retrieves the DTCs using a diagnostic tool, repairs the associated problem and then deletes the DTCs from the vehicle&#39;s computer. 
     The menus on the diagnostic tools can be burdensome and require a lot of navigation to return to a central location so that additional functions can be performed by the diagnostic tool. Thus, there is a need for a diagnostic hub in the form of a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides easier navigations for the user. 
     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 include a diagnostic tool having a diagnostic hub that can assist a user through the various functionality of the tool. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a graphical user interface for a vehicle diagnostic tool having a plurality of diagnostic functionality is provided and can include a data stream window that displays diagnostic data received from a vehicle, a zoom window that displays a zoomed part of the data stream window, a time line having increments of time, and a frame indicator that translates along the time line to indicate the increments of time being viewed on the data stream window, wherein the frame indicator is capable of being moved along the time line by a user. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing processor executable instructions that include a graphical user interface on a computing device having a plurality of diagnostic functionality is provided, and can include a data stream window that displays diagnostic data received from a vehicle, a zoom window that displays a zoomed portion of the data stream window, a time line having increments of time, and a frame indicator that translates along the time line to indicate the increments of time being viewed on the data stream window, wherein the frame indicator is capable of being moved along the time line by a user. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with program instructions that, when executed by a processor in a vehicle diagnostic tool having a touch screen display, cause the processor to execute a method is provided, and can include the following: displaying on the display a recorded data stream window that contains vehicle diagnostic data, the data stream window corresponds to a time line of a recording time of the data stream window, zooming in a portion of the data stream window with a zoom window controlled by a processor of the vehicle diagnostic tool, and controlling the display of the data stream window corresponding to the time line by moving a frame indicator that translates along the time line. 
     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. 
     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  illustrates a front view of a diagnostic tool according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the diagnostic tool of  FIG. 1  showing various connectors. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the components of the diagnostic tool of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the diagnostic hub according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the user selecting start new button according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a user selecting read DTC button according to embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a sample screen of retrieved DTC according to embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates additional information about the selected DTC according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a window that may appear when the special tests button is selected according to embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a screen having various data parameters that can be measured during a special test according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a data stream window according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a data stream window having a timeline  1200  according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     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 a diagnostic tool that includes a touch screen display and a diagnostic hub in the form of a GUI (Graphical User Interface). The diagnostic hub allows the user to utilize the various functionality of the diagnostic tool such as read DTCs, view and record data stream, obtain diagnostic information, run special tests, run OBD generic tests, emissions tests, search the internet or obtain additional diagnostic information and the like. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a diagnostic tool  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. An example of the diagnostic tool is the Genisys® Touch from Service Solutions U.S. LLC (Owatonna, Minn.). The diagnostic tool  100  may include a housing  102 , a display  104 , a function button  106 , a power button  108 , gripping portions  110  having a finger (thumb) receiving portion  112  and a camera  114 . The power button  108  can also be used to put the diagnostic tool  100  into a standby mode in order to save battery power when not in use. 
     The gripping portions  110  may be made of a polymer including hydrogels for easy gripping. The finger receiving portion  112  may be configured to receive a finger, such as a thumb of the user, to assist in better gripping of the diagnostic tool. The function button  106  may be configured for any function desired by the user including enter, back, forward, left, right, up, down, transmit, receive, return, start over, and the like. The function can also include multiple functions of any combination of functions, such as enter and then back, etc. 
     The display can be any type of display including a touch screen display, LCD, LED, VGA, OLED, SVGA and other types of displays. The display may be a colored, non-colored (e.g. gray scale) or a combination of both. The display can display information such as the make, model, year of vehicle that the diagnostic tool can diagnose, the various diagnostic tests the diagnostic tool can run, diagnostic data the diagnostic tool has received, the baseline data of the various components in a vehicle, part images, parts information, and information from remote servers (internet, database information, etc.). Additionally, the display can show videos for the user to view and the accompanying audio can be heard via the built in speakers (not shown). The speakers can be a single speaker or multiple speakers for stereo sound. A microphone (not shown) may be included and allows the technician to record information such as the noise being made by the vehicle for later analysis or for comparison with stored data. Further, the technician can also record comments or notes during the testing for later retrieval and analysis. 
     In one embodiment, the display allows the user to input selection through the touch screen for interactive navigation and selection, wherein the technician can select a menu item, such as the diagnostic hub  400  (further discussed below) by touching the selection on the diagnostic hub/screen. Additionally, the touch screen, when tapped, can also be used to wake up the diagnostic tool if it&#39;s in a sleep mode. 
     The camera  114  may be positioned to face the user so that user may conduct a video chat with another person at a remote location. The camera may also be positioned on any surface of the diagnostic tool  100  including on the opposite side of display  104  so that images of parts of an engine or any components desired by the user can be taken. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the diagnostic tool  100  of  FIG. 1  showing various connectors. Turning to the connections available on the diagnostic tool  100 , the diagnostic tool can be connected to an A/C power source via an A/C power connector  202 . The A/C power source powers the diagnostic tool  100  and recharges the diagnostic tool&#39;s internal battery (not shown). A VGA video connector  204  may be included and allows the information on the diagnostic tool  100  to be displayed on an external display, such as a display on a personal computer. Other display connector types can include HDMI for better graphics and sound. 
     A series of host USB (universal serial bus) connectors  206  may be included to couple additional devices to the diagnostic tool  100 . In one embodiment, there are two connectors, but more or less connectors are contemplated by the invention. Additional devices can add functionality to the diagnostic tool or allow the diagnostic tool  100  to add functionality to another device. The functionality can include communications, printing, memory storage, video, two-channel scope and other functionality. 
     A stereo headphone connection  208  may be included and allows the technician to add a headphone to the diagnostic tool  100 . A card reader  210  may be provided to add components for increased functionality, such as a wireless modem, memory, TV tuner, networking, mouse, remote control, transmitters, receivers, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapters, modems, Ethernet adapters, barcode readers, IrDA adapters, FM radio tuners, RFID readers, and mass storage media, such as hard drives and flash drives and other functionalities to the diagnostic tool  100 . An Ethernet connector  212  may be included and allows for network connection with the diagnostic tool  100  in order to transfer data to and from the diagnostic tool to a remote device such as a server or personal computer (not shown). The connections are not limited to what are shown in  FIG. 2 , but additional connectors are contemplated such as Firewire, HDMI, and serial connections. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the components of the diagnostic tool  100  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 3 , the diagnostic tool  100  according to an embodiment of the invention may include a camera  114 , a processor  302 , a field programmable gate array (FPGA)  314 , a first system bus  324 , the display  104 , a complex programmable logic device (CPLD)  306 , the input device  106  or function button, a memory  308 , an internal non-volatile memory (NVM)  318  having a database  312  and software program, a card reader  210 , a second system bus  322 , a connector interface  311 , a selectable signal translator  310 , a GPS antenna  332 , a GPS receiver  334 , an optional altimeter  336  and a wireless communication circuit  338 . 
     The wireless communication circuit  338  can be configured to communicate wirelessly with a vehicle communication interface that is coupled to the vehicle&#39;s data link connector (both now shown). The vehicle communication interface sends signals received from the various electronic control units (ECUs) in the vehicle. Wireless communication circuit  338  communicates with the processor  302  via the second system bus  322 , The wireless communication circuit  338  can be configured to communicate via RF (radio frequency), satellites, cellular phones (analog or digital), Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, Infrared, Zigby, Local Area Networks (LAN), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), other wireless communication configurations and standards or a combination thereof. The wireless communication circuit  338  allows the diagnostic tool to communicate with other devices wirelessly such as with a remote computing device (not shown) having remote databases. The wireless communication circuit  338  includes an antenna built therein (not shown) and being housed within the housing  102  or can be externally located on the housing  102 . 
     Signal translator  310  conditions signals received from an ECU unit through the wireless communication circuit  338  to a conditioned signal compatible with diagnostic tool  100 . Signal translator  310  can communicate with, for example, the following communication protocols: J1850 (VPM and PWM), ISO 9141-2 signal, communication collision detection (CCD) (e.g., Chrysler collision detection), data communication links (DCL), serial communication interface (SCI), Controller Area Network (CAN), Keyword 2000 (ISO 14230-4), OBD II or other communication protocols that are implemented in a vehicle. 
     The circuitry to translate and send in a particular communication protocol can be selected by FPGA  314  (e.g., by tri-stating unused transceivers). Signal translator  310  may be also coupled to FPGA  314  and the card reader  210  via the first system bus  324 . FPGA  314  transmits to and receives signals (i.e., messages) from the ECU unit through signal translator  310  and the wireless communication circuit  338 . 
     The FPGA  314  may be coupled to the processor  302  through various address, data and control lines by the second system bus  322 . FPGA  314  is also coupled to the card reader  210  through the first system bus  324 . The processor  302  may also be coupled to the display  104  in order to output the desired information to the user. The processor  302  communicates with the CPLD  306  through the second system bus  322 . Additionally, the processor  302  may be programmed to receive input from the user through the input device  106  via the CPLD  306  or via the touchscreen display  104 . The CPLD  306  may provide logic for decoding various inputs from the user of the diagnostic tool  100  and also provides glue-logic for various other interfacing tasks. 
     Memory  308  and internal non-volatile memory  318  may be coupled to the second system bus  322 , which allows for communication with the processor  302  and FPGA  314 . Memory  308  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  100  can be stored in the memory  308  or  318 , including any other database. The database  312  can include diagnostic information and other information related to vehicles. 
     Internal non-volatile memory  318  can be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash ROM, or other similar memory. Internal non-volatile memory  318  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  314 , memory  318  can contain downloadable images so that FPGA  314  can be reconfigured for a different group of communication protocols. 
     A GPS antenna  332  and GPS receiver  334  can be included and may be mounted in or on the housing  102  or any combination thereof. The GPS antenna  332  electronically couples to the GPS receiver  334  and allows the GPS receiver to communicate (detects and decodes signals) with various satellites that orbit the Earth. In one embodiment, the GPS antenna  332  and GPS receiver  334  are one device instead of two. The GPS receiver  334  and GPS antenna  332  may electronically couple to the processor  302 , which may be coupled to memory  308 ,  318  or a memory card in the card reader  210 . The memories can be used to store cartographic data, such as electronic maps. The diagnostic tool can include all the maps for the U.S. (or country of use), North America or can have the region or state where the diagnostic tool is located. In alternative embodiments, the diagnostic tool can have all the maps of the world or any portion of the world desired by the user. This allows the diagnostic tool to be a GPS device so that a driver can drive from one location to another. The maps may be over lay or may incorporate traffic, local events, and location of other GPS devices (smart phones) and other information that can be useful to the technician. By being able to locate other diagnostic tools with GPS, then the technicians may be able to use the diagnostic tools to locate each other in order to conduct a meeting or have a social event. 
     The GPS receiver communicates with and “locks on” to a certain number of satellites in order to have a “fix” on its global location. Once the location is fixed, the GPS receiver, with the help of the processor, can determine the exact location including longitude, latitude, altitude, velocity of movement and other navigational data of the diagnostic tool  100 . 
     Should the GPS receiver be unable to lock onto the minimum number of satellites to determine the altitude or unable to determine the altitude for any reason, the altimeter  336  can be used to determine the altitude of the diagnostic tool  100 . The altimeter  336  is electronically coupled to the processor  302  and can provide the altitude or elevation of the diagnostic tool  100 . The altimeter  336  can be coupled to a barometric pressure sensor (not shown) in order to calibrate the elevation measurements determined by the altimeter. The sensor can be positioned interior or exterior to the housing  102  of the diagnostic tool  100 . Minor atmospheric pressure changes can affect the accuracy of the altimeter, thus, diagnostic tool can correct for these changes by using the sensor in conjunction with the altimeter along with a correction factor known in the art. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a vehicle communication interface  330  of the vehicle under test is in communication with the diagnostic tool  100  through connector interface  311  via an external cable (not shown). Selectable signal translator communicates with the vehicle communication interface  330  through the connector interface  311 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the diagnostic hub  400  according to an embodiment of the invention. The diagnostic hub  400  can be a GUI displayed on display  104  and includes various components. The diagnostic hub components may be selected by using a finger to select the component. Alternatively, the component may be selected through the use of stylus or other similar means. 
     The components of the diagnostic hub  400  may include a start new button  402 , an OBD generic test button  404 , a read DTC button  406 , a data stream button  410 , a diagnostic information button  412 , a special tests button  414 , a scope button  416 , a web browser button  418  and others. Once selected by pressing or actuating the respective button, the diagnostic tool will begin the functionality assigned to that button and as explained below. The various buttons may include information indicator  408  that indicates that additional information is available related to the functionality associated with that button. The information indicator  408  may also indicate the number of additional information that is available and can update the number dynamically and automatically. The information indicator  408  may blink or flash or change colors to indicate that additional information is available. The information indicator&#39;s number can increase or decrease as additional information becomes available while the user uses the diagnostic tool  100 . 
     At the lower portion of the diagnostic hub there are other indicators regarding the status of a connection such as Wi-Fi indicator  420  and Bluetooth indicator  422 . These indicators indicate whether there is Wi-Fi connection or a Bluetooth connection or both. Window  424  provides information about the vehicle under test. The vehicle under test information may be provided through the vehicle communication interface, entered by the user through the start new button  402  or through automatic detection via the vehicle communication interface. Window  426  may indicate particular information about the vehicle, such as engine type. The type of information shown in window  426  may be changed by selector dial  428 , which when accessed provides additional information to be selected via a menu. Settings  430  may be selected to access various menus for personalizing the diagnostic tool such as brightness, sensitivity of the display, etc. A help button  432  may be provided to allow user to access help information, such as help topics for the diagnostic tool. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the user selecting start new button  402  according to an embodiment of the invention. The user may use his finger or a stylus to press the start new button  402  or can move a virtual hand  502  in order to depress start new button  402 . Once the start new button  402  is selected, then a window  504  opens for additional selection by the user. Window  504  includes a cancel button  506 , and recent vehicles list  512 . The recent vehicles list  512  illustrates vehicles recently worked on by the diagnostic tool  100 . The cancel button  506  if depressed will return display screen to diagnostic hub  400 . Additionally, the diagnostic hub can automatically search  510  for the vehicle under test based on its various connections. If this automatic search  510  does not identify the vehicle under test, the user may select enter new vehicle button  508 , and select the vehicle by make, model, and year or alternatively entering the vehicle identification number. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a user selecting read DTC button  406  according to embodiment of the invention. The user can use his finger to select read DTC button  406  or can move a virtual hand  502  in order to select the read DTC button  406 . Once the read DTC button  406  is selected,  FIG. 7  illustrates a sample screen of retrieved DTC according to embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , various retrieved DTCs are displayed along with information indicators  408 . Window  702  shows the user that diagnostic tool  100  is displaying diagnostic trouble codes. Window  704  shows the DTC number along with the definition associated with the DTC number. Information indicator  408  shown on a corner of the window  704  indicates the number of additional information that is available for a particular DTC. The additional information may include top fixes, wiring diagrams, components, bulletins, cost of repair, cost and availability of components, tools needed, time for repair, level of skill needed, and other information. Window  704  also shows information about the DTC such as failed since last clear or is a current code. 
       FIG. 7  also illustrates additional selectable buttons such as clear codes  706 , all system DTC scan  708 , automated system test  710 , print  712 , and done  714 . The user can use his finger or a stylus to select the various buttons or can move a virtual hand  502  in order to select the various buttons. If clear codes button  706  is selected, then the DTCs are cleared from the various ECUs of the vehicle by the diagnostic tool. If all system DTC scan button  708  is selected, then the DTCs from the various ECUs are retrieved and displayed as shown in  FIG. 7 . If the automated system test button  710  is selected, then the diagnostic tool  100  runs automatically a series of predetermined system test for the user. If the print button  712  is selected, then the screen shown in  FIG. 7  can be printed to a remote printer. If the done button  714  selected, then the diagnostic tool will return to the screen shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The user can use his finger, a stylus, or can move a virtual hand  502  in order to select a DTC shown in window  704  for additional information about the DTC as shown in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  illustrates additional information  804  about the selected DTC according to an embodiment of the invention. The screen shown in  FIG. 8  can be made to appear floating above the screen shown in  FIG. 7  or is a new window. A window  802  indicates to the user that he is viewing diagnostic information. The additional information  804  can include a description of the DTC, the code criteria (as shown), PCM pin, scan tests, location, code assist, and diagram. These additional information  804  are mainly stored on the diagnostic tool  100  but could alternatively be retrieved from a remote database. 
     At the bottom of  FIG. 8 , window  812  illustrates that available external resources for the selected DTC include direct hit  814  (database of top fixes), all data  816  (database of original equipment data) and idea fix  818  (suggested fix database). These are but examples of additional external resources that are available to user including information indicator  408  that indicates the number of additional information that is available. The user may select the print button  806  to print the information shown on the screen. Once the user is done he can select close button  810  to return to the screen shown in  FIG. 7  and then to select the done button  714  in order to return to the diagnostic hub. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a window  902  that may appear when the special tests button  414  is selected according to embodiment of the invention. The window  902  indicates the special test requested by the user relates to pressure control solenoid valve. Additionally to proceed certain parameters  904  must exist, such as ignition key on, engine off, and “P” range. At this point, the user can cancel using cancel button  906  or select continue button  910  with virtual hand  908  (after parameters exist as required) to proceed to the window shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     In another embodiment, the certain parameters may be updated dynamically as the user sets the conditions. For example, the diagnostic tool can detect when the engine has been turned off and can automatically update the parameters in window  902  accordingly. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a screen having various data parameters that can be measured during a special test according to an embodiment of the invention. Window  1002  indicates that the diagnostic tool  100  is conducting a special test, namely an engine speed control. Using dial button  1004 , the user can change the type of special test to be conducted by the diagnostic tool  100 . The various data parameters that is measured can be sorted by selecting sort options button  1006  to sort by descending or ascending order or the like. Clear data button  1008  maybe selected to clear all data collected during the special test. Load recording button  1010  can be selected to load previous data recordings or current data recordings stored in the diagnostic tool  100  or remotely. 
     The various data parameters that can be recorded during a special test include vehicle speed sensor, intake air temperature sensor, countershaft speed, injector pulse width modulated, trim cell, engine speed, ambient air temperature degrees, engine load, and the like. The data parameters may be measured in mph, Fahrenheit, Celsius, milliseconds, percentage, voltage, current, pressure and the like. The user can select start test button  1018  to start the special test and when done, select the done button  1020 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a data stream window  1102  according to an embodiment of the invention. Dial button  1104  may be selected to further refine the type of data stream the user would like to view on diagnostic tool  100 . In this embodiment, data related to vehicle speed sensor, intake air temperature sensor, countershaft speed, injector pulse width modulated, trim cell, engine speed, intake manifold pressure, and the like may be shown to the user. A data window  1114  displays a current data reading, for example, of the vehicle speed sensor and a zoom window  1116  displays a zoomed portion of the data window  1114  for easy viewing of the data window. The zoom window  1116  is generated and controlled by the processor. Data in data window  1114  may be viewed in various formats by selecting dial button  1122  by the user. Once selected, user can view data in bar graph form, waveform and the like. Additionally, the user can select to move the data window  1114  up to the top or to the bottom or to the middle or to various locations on the screen. The user can also select to only view that particular data window or to view that particular data window  1114  on a full screen. Further, if additional information is needed about the component, the user can select to receive more information about the component such as cost, replacement time, level of skill needed, availability and the like. 
     The actual numerical reading  1120  of the data is also displayed, The numerical reading may also change in color or flash to indicate the data be collected is beyond predetermined thresholds. 
     The zoom window  1116  enlarges a portion of the data stream in the data window  1114  and may be movable along the data window  1114  as needed by the user. The zoom window  1116  may also alert the user via, for example, flashing or changing color in order to alert the user that the data in the data stream shown in the zoom window has gone beyond predetermined thresholds. In another embodiment, the user may be alerted via vibration of the diagnostic tool or noise, such as a beep from the speaker. That is, the user is alerted because the data in the data stream is above or below predetermined thresholds for that particular component or parameter being tested. 
     Examples of predetermined thresholds include whether a DTC has been set, temperature of the component is too high or too low, rotations per minute of the engine is too high or too low, and the like. 
     In another embodiment, as the zoom window  1116  is moved along the data window  1114  by the user, if the portion of the data stream in the zoom window is beyond the predetermined thresholds, then the user is alerted so that he can further review the data. This allows the user to quickly determine where the data that he is interested in may be located. In still another embodiment, the zoom window  1116  may “pop up” when the data in the data stream is beyond the predetermined thresholds and thereby alerting the user to view the data window closely. 
     Using sort options button  1106 , the user can sort the various parameters being collected to his preferences. Once the test is completed, user can clear data by selecting clear data button  1108 . The user may also view previous data recordings  1112  by selecting load recording button  1110 , which can also show the previous data recordings available to user for selection. In one embodiment, the previous data recordings  1112  may alert the user via, for example, flashing or changing color that a particular previous data recording contains data that is beyond the predetermined thresholds. This allows the user to more efficiently view the previous data recording that would be of interest to the user. Once the previous data recording is selected, the user may view the data stream associated with that particular previous data recording. 
     As the data in the data stream is be recorded and the diagnostic tool is able to determine that the data is beyond the predetermined thresholds, the diagnostic tool continues to determine that additional information may be available and updates the number shown on the information indicator  408  as appropriate. The update to the number shown on information indicator  408  can be done in the background and automatically. The user may select done button  1118  in order to return to the diagnostic hub. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a data stream window  1102  having a timeline  1200  according to an embodiment of the invention. Timeline  1200  allows the user to view the data stream at various points in time as desired. A frame window  1202  is provided with increments thereon to provide reference points on the timeline. Increments may be in seconds, milliseconds, 2 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 8 seconds, 10 seconds and the like. A frame indicator  1204  is provided to indicate to the user which portion of time along the timeline is being displayed. The frame indicator, in one embodiment, can indicate when it reaches data that is beyond predetermined parameters in order to alert the user to view the data stream closely. The frame indicator can indicate by flashing, changing colors, glowing or the like. Record button  1206  is provided to allow user to record the data stream as desired. 
     In one embodiment, the data stream may be recorded automatically once the data stream button  410  is first selected or automatically recorded at any time desired by the user. The data stream may recorded in a buffer for a certain time increments such as 3 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes and the like. The buffer is continuous and records for the set amount as the diagnostic tool  100  is used. By having the data stream recorded in a buffer, the user may use the timeline to view any data that has gone beyond the predetermined parameters. The buffer may be stored in any of the memory described herein such as memories  308  and  318 . 
     Once the data stream is recorded, the user can select the play button  1208  to start the display of the data stream and the frame indicator will move along the timeline accordingly. Alternatively, the user may select load recording button  1110  and load the desired previous data recordings  1112 . In another embodiment, the user may manually move the frame indicator  1204  to any point along the timeline or time frame and then press the play button  1208 . A back button  1210  moves the frame indicator back in time (in one direction) for a predetermined increment period of time and a forward button  1212  moves the frame indicator forward in time (in a second direction) for a predetermined increment period of time. A pause (not shown) button may also be used to provide a stationary view of the data window. 
     In another embodiment, the zoom window  1116  may also be moved manually by the user with his finger or a stylus, which will also move the frame indicator correspondingly along the time line. In still another embodiment, there may be more than one zoom window and can function as described herein. 
     The embodiments described herein are implemented on a graphical user interface that can be stored on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes the memories described herein, CD, DVD, flash memory and the like. The computer readable medium can be external or internal to the diagnostic tool and executed by the processor. 
     Although the embodiments herein are described the use with a diagnostic tool, they may also be used in any computing device such as a tablet, a PC, notebook, PDA, smart phone and the like. The diagnostic tool and the graphical user interface can be used to diagnose vehicles, appliances, medical devices and the like. 
     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.