Abstract: An aftermarket vehicle communication device engageable to a vehicle for providing location information associated with the vehicle to a V2X data stream. The device includes a housing configured to be detachably engageable to the vehicle. A GPS circuit is coupled to the housing and is disposable in communication with a GPS system to receive a GPS signal therefrom, with the received GPS signal being representative of a location of the vehicle when the housing is engaged to the vehicle. An antenna circuit is also coupled to the housing and is in communication with the GPS circuit. The antenna circuit is configured to receive the GPS signal from the GPS circuit and communicate the GPS signal to the V2X data stream.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle information to a user via audible signals. The system includes a data acquisition and transfer device disposable in communication with a vehicle computer on a vehicle to receive diagnostic data therefrom. A remote diagnostic server is disposable in communication with the data acquisition and transfer device to receive the diagnostic data. The remote diagnostic server includes a plurality of preset vehicle conditions stored thereon, and is operative to analyze the diagnostic data and generate an alert signal when the diagnostic data represents at least one of the preset vehicle conditions. The alert signal is receivable by a mobile communication device and is configured to allow the mobile communication device to generate an audible signal based on the alert signal. The audible signal includes diagnostic information associated with the diagnostic data received from the vehicle computer.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle information to a user via audible signals. The system includes a data acquisition and transfer device disposable in communication with a vehicle computer on a vehicle to receive diagnostic data therefrom. A remote diagnostic server is disposable in communication with the data acquisition and transfer device to receive the diagnostic data. The remote diagnostic server includes a plurality of preset vehicle conditions stored thereon, and is operative to analyze the diagnostic data and generate an alert signal when the diagnostic data represents at least one of the preset vehicle conditions. The alert signal is receivable by a mobile communication device and is configured to allow the mobile communication device to generate an audible signal based on the alert signal. The audible signal includes diagnostic information associated with the diagnostic data received from the vehicle computer.

Abstract: A method of processing vehicle diagnostic data is provided for identifying likely vehicle fix(s) associated with a diagnostic data, and identifying a repair procedure(s) for correcting the likely fix(s). The process receiving vehicle diagnostic data from a vehicle onboard computer at a remote diagnostic database, the database being arranged to map vehicle diagnostic data to possible vehicle fix(s). The possible vehicle fix(s) are prioritized in accordance with ranked matches of the received diagnostic data to combinations of diagnostic data stored in a prior experience database. The prior experience database having an identified fix associated with each stored combination of diagnostic data. The fix associated with the highest ranked combination of diagnostic data is identified as the most likely fix. The most likely fix is mapped to a vehicle repair database, the most likely fix being directly mapped to an associated repair procedure for repairing the most likely fix.

Abstract: A verification system for verifying the thoroughness of automotive repairs. The system is adapted to retrieve electronic data and information from an onboard automobile computer or electronic system after a purported repair has been completed. The presence of fault codes or other problem data is an indication that such repairs have not been completed, while the absence of such fault codes or problem data is an indication that the repairs have been completed thoroughly.

Abstract: An aftermarket vehicle communication device engageable to a vehicle for providing location information associated with the vehicle to a V2X data stream. The device includes a housing configured to be detachably engageable to the vehicle. A GPS circuit is coupled to the housing and is disposable in communication with a GPS system to receive a GPS signal therefrom, with the received GPS signal being representative of a location of the vehicle when the housing is engaged to the vehicle. An antenna circuit is also coupled to the housing and is in communication with the GPS circuit. The antenna circuit is configured to receive the GPS signal from the GPS circuit and communicate the GPS signal to the V2X data stream.

Abstract: A vehicle communication device that is engageable to a vehicle, e.g., by a vehicle license plate fastener and/or within an OBD communication device, for interfacing a vehicle electrical system to a V2X data stream. A micro computing unit (MCU) is disposed within the device, defining a processor and a memory. The MCU is configured to derive information from the V2X data stream. An antenna circuit is disposed within the housing, in communication with the MCU, and configured to receive and communicate the V2X data stream to the MCU. A vehicle electrical system connecting circuit is also provided for communicating the information derived from the V2X data stream to the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle information to a user via audible signals. The system includes a data acquisition and transfer device disposable in communication with a vehicle computer on a vehicle to receive diagnostic data therefrom. A remote diagnostic server is disposable in communication with the data acquisition and transfer device to receive the diagnostic data. The remote diagnostic server includes a plurality of preset vehicle conditions stored thereon, and is operative to analyze the diagnostic data and generate an alert signal when the diagnostic data represents at least one of the preset vehicle conditions. The alert signal is receivable by a mobile communication device and is configured to allow the mobile communication device to generate an audible signal based on the alert signal. The audible signal includes diagnostic information associated with the diagnostic data received from the vehicle computer.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle information to a user via audible signals. The system includes a data acquisition and transfer device disposable in communication with a vehicle computer on a vehicle to receive diagnostic data therefrom. A remote diagnostic server is disposable in communication with the data acquisition and transfer device to receive the diagnostic data. The remote diagnostic server includes a plurality of preset vehicle conditions stored thereon, and is operative to analyze the diagnostic data and generate an alert signal when the diagnostic data represents at least one of the preset vehicle conditions. The alert signal is receivable by a mobile communication device and is configured to allow the mobile communication device to generate an audible signal based on the alert signal. The audible signal includes diagnostic information associated with the diagnostic data received from the vehicle computer.

Abstract: A vehicle communication device that is engageable to a vehicle, e.g., by a vehicle license plate fastener and/or within an OBD communication device, for interfacing a vehicle electrical system to a V2X data stream. A micro computing unit (MCU) is disposed within the device, defining a processor and a memory. The MCU is configured to derive information from the V2X data stream. An antenna circuit is disposed within the housing, in communication with the MCU, and configured to receive and communicate the V2X data stream to the MCU. A vehicle electrical system connecting circuit is also provided for communicating the information derived from the V2X data stream to the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A method of processing vehicle diagnostic data is provided for identifying likely vehicle fix(s) associated with a diagnostic data, and identifying a repair procedure(s) for correcting the likely fix(s). The process receiving vehicle diagnostic data from a vehicle onboard computer at a remote diagnostic database, the database being arranged to map vehicle diagnostic data to possible vehicle fix(s). The possible vehicle fix(s) are prioritized in accordance with ranked matches of the received diagnostic data to combinations of diagnostic data stored in a prior experience database. The prior experience database having an identified fix associated with each stored combination of diagnostic data. The fix associated with the highest ranked combination of diagnostic data is identified as the most likely fix. The most likely fix is mapped to a vehicle repair database, the most likely fix being directly mapped to an associated repair procedure for repairing the most likely fix.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the cost of operating a vehicle over a defined period of time. The method proceeds by establishing, on a database, a schedule of anticipated future repairs for a plurality of vehicle types, the repair schedule including the cost of the repairs and the approximate mileage at which the anticipated future repair(s) are expected to become necessary. A processor, in communication with the database, receives information identifying a particular of vehicle, and the present mileage associated with that particular vehicle. Using the vehicle type information, the vehicle's present mileage information and the repair schedule, the processor then computes the approximate total future repair costs for maintaining the vehicle over a defined period of time.

Abstract: A vehicular diagnostic communications system, and components thereof, are provided for an apparatus and technique for communicating vehicular diagnostic information over a cellphone network. The system includes a code reader having a vehicle diagnostic port connector for receiving vehicle diagnostic information from the vehicle diagnostic port. The code reader also has a local connectivity network circuit for communicating vehicle diagnostic information between the vehicle diagnostic port connector and a local connectivity circuit. A cellphone is arranged in communication with the local connectivity network for communicating vehicle diagnostic information between the code reader and a cellular telephone network.

Abstract: A verification system for verifying the thoroughness of automotive repairs. The system is adapted to retrieve electronic data and information from an onboard automobile computer or electronic system after a purported repair has been completed. The presence of fault codes or other problem data is an indication that such repairs have not been completed, while the absence of such fault codes or problem data is an indication that the repairs have been completed thoroughly.

Abstract: A flexible camera device is provided including an elongate flexible member and at least one camera connected to and supported by the elongate flexible member. A recording device is also connected to and supported by the elongate flexible member. The recording device is in electrical communication with the camera(s) for electrically communicating camera recorded images to the recording device. The flexible member may be connected to a variety of different support member to allow hands free recording of different events, as seen from multiple views.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the urgency for repairing a diagnostic condition in a vehicle. Upon determining the repair urgency, a driver may decide to continue driving (in the case of a “low” urgency determination), or cease driving (in the case of a “high” urgency determination). The urgency status may also enable a driver to shop around for the repair (in the event of a “low” urgency status), or to seek immediate assistance (in the event of a “high” urgency status).

Abstract: A system for monitoring the status of a vehicle utilizing a monitoring unit and a receiver unit. The monitoring unit is operatively connectable to the vehicle via a diagnostic port and detects the voltage output by the vehicle's battery when the vehicle's engine is turned on and off, and voltage output by the alternator while the engine is running. From these voltage measurements, the monitoring unit determine the operational status of the vehicle's battery and alternator by comparison to predefined criteria, such as optimal voltage ranges or a threshold minimum voltage. When the monitoring unit detects that the vehicle's battery or alternator may be malfunctioning, a signal indicating a malfunction is transmitted to the receiver unit, for example the driver's cellular phone, which will generate a warning notification alerting the operator to the existence and component responsible for the malfunction.

Abstract: A system which utilizes the on-board capabilities of handheld communication devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers and the like, to detect the operational status of a vehicle, such as the engine being ON, the engine idling, the vehicle moving, etc. The detected operational state may be desirable for monitoring operation of the vehicle, such as fleet management systems, wherein the duration and location of idling are of particular interest. The detected operational state may also be useful for controlling functionality on the handheld communication device, such as disabling texting or other manually operated functions when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: Provided is a remote vehicle diagnostic system which utilizes a smart phone as a centralized communication hub between a vehicle and several remote resources. The system includes a program downloadable onto the smart phone to program the phone to perform desired functionality. The smart phone app may allow the smart phone to operate in several different modes, including a diagnostic mode and an emergency mode. In the diagnostic mode, the smart phone may relay vehicle data from the vehicle to a remote diagnostic center. The smart phone may also query the user to obtain symptomatic diagnostic information, which may also be uploaded to the remote diagnostic center. In the emergency mode, the smart phone may be configured to upload critical information to a remote diagnostic center, as well as an emergency response center. The emergency mode may be triggered automatically in response to the vehicle being in an accident, or alternatively, but user actuation.

Abstract: Provided is a method of receiving data from a vehicle having an onboard computer. The vehicle identification data location on the vehicle is optically scanned and matched to a second protocol database to identify the specific protocol useful for retrieving desired diagnostic data from the vehicle. A diagnostic device is connected to the vehicle onboard computer and polls the onboard computer to identify a protocol useful to establish a communication link between the diagnostic device and the onboard computer. Once the communication link is established, the diagnostic device is configured communicate an information request to the onboard computer in the specific protocol(s) associated with vehicle identification data. The diagnostic data received from the onboard computer may then be communicated to a remote diagnostic database, via a cellphone, to identify a possible vehicle fix(es) for defects associated with the received diagnostic data.