Abstract: A software framework and method for generating a vehicle information system includes a communications manager that manages data inputs and outputs between the framework and vehicle devices, a data warehouse that registers abstract versions of vehicle device data, and a display manager that controls data display on a user interface. The data in the data warehouse is stored in an abstract format, without reference to the specific protocol or platform used to obtain the data, to make the data accessible to modular applications and devices for generating a vehicle information system display.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a contribution of a cylinder to an engine includes measuring a first revolutions per minute of the engine during an enabled state; determining a dwell period of the cylinder; applying a direct current voltage signal into a negative terminal of an ignition coil of the engine during the dwell period to disable the cylinder and create a disabled state; and measuring a second revolutions per minute of the engine during the disabled state. A system for evaluating a contribution of a cylinder to an engine includes a first measure module, a determine module, an apply module, and a second measure module. The first measure module measures a first revolutions per minute of the engine during an enabled state. The determine module determines a dwell period of the cylinder. The apply module applies a direct current voltage signal into a negative terminal of an ignition coil of the engine during the dwell period to disable the cylinder and create a disabled state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for balancing vehicle driveshafts. One embodiment of a method according to the present invention comprises analyzing a driveshaft and determining a balancing vector to counter any imbalance in the driveshaft. A determination is then made of the appropriate location on the driveshaft for mounting a weight to counter said imbalance and the weight is mounted to the driveshaft. An apparatus for balancing a driveshaft according to the present invention comprises one or more primary balancing weights capable of being mounted to pinion flange holes in a vehicle driveshaft. One or more secondary balancing weights are also included, each of which is capable of being mounted to, or held by, one of the primary weights. The primary weights and secondary weights are mounted to the pinion flange to provide a weight to counter any imbalance in the driveshaft.

Abstract: A vehicle noise, vibration and harshness analysis tool according to the present invention comprises at least one sensor, each sensing a vibration or noise and generating a signal at a frequency related to the vibration or noise. A communication link with a vehicle is included to transmit data regarding the vehicle. A microprocessor system receives the signals generated by said at least one sensor and receives the vehicle data over said communication link. The microprocessor system conducts an analysis of the received sensor signals and vehicle data and identifies a vehicle component that is likely causing a vibration or noise. The microprocessor system also identifies the possible problems with the identified vehicle component. A user interface is also included with a display. The microprocessor system causes the display to list the likely vehicle components causing the vibration or noise and the possible problems with the components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for balancing vehicle driveshafts. One embodiment of a method according to the present invention comprises analyzing a driveshaft and determining a balancing vector to counter any imbalance in the driveshaft. A determination is then made of the appropriate location on the driveshaft for mounting a weight to counter said imbalance and the weight is mounted to the driveshaft. An apparatus for balancing a driveshaft according to the present invention comprises one or more primary balancing weights capable of being mounted to pinion flange holes in a vehicle driveshaft. One or more secondary balancing weights are also included, each of which is capable of being mounted to, or held by, one of the primary weights. The primary weights and secondary weights are mounted to the pinion flange to provide a weight to counter any imbalance in the driveshaft.

Abstract: A vehicle noise, vibration and harshness analysis tool according to the present invention comprises at least one sensor, each sensing a vibration or noise and generating a signal at a frequency related to the vibration or noise. A communication link with a vehicle is included to transmit data regarding the vehicle. A microprocessor system receives the signals generated by said at least one sensor and receives the vehicle data over said communication link. The microprocessor system conducts an analysis of the received sensor signals and vehicle data and identifies a vehicle component that is likely causing a vibration or noise. The microprocessor system also identifies the possible problems with the identified vehicle component. A user interface is also included with a display. The microprocessor system causes the display to list the likely vehicle components causing the vibration or noise and the possible problems with the components.