Abstract: Provided is a data projection device including a device body and a first projector connected to the device body. The first projector is configured to project a display image onto an adjacent surface separate from the device body. An input detection sensor is connected to the device body and is configured to detect motions of a user within a field of view proximate the device body, and to generate an input signal responsive to the detected motions. A diagnostic processing unit is disposed within the device body and is connected to the first projector and the input detection sensor for receiving the input signal therefrom. The diagnostic processing unit is configured to be operatively connectable with a data source to receive vehicle data therefrom and to process the data and modify the display image according to the received data and the input signal.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a hand held electronic device, such as a smart phone to retrieve and display information related to the vehicle history of a vehicle. In particular, the smart phone may be used to take a picture of the vehicle's vehicle identification number (VIN) and upload the VIN to a remote vehicle history database which matches the VIN with stored vehicle history information. The matched vehicle history information is then analyzed to determine a vehicle history status and a corresponding status indicator is illuminated on the smart phone. The indicator may be red, yellow, green to indicate undesirable, cautionary, and clean vehicle history, respectively.

Abstract: A cellphone controllable car intrusion system is provided. This system includes a vehicle OEM system, including an electronic control unit (ECU), a diagnostic port, a plurality of OEM cameras, a plurality of OEM sensors, an OEM satellite communication system, and an OEM local communication system. The diagnostic port, OEM cameras, OEM sensors, OEM satellite communication system, and the OEM local communication system being in electric communication with the ECU. A cellphone is provided having a local communication system disposed therein. The cellphone is in wireless communication with the ECU. The cellphone is adapted to configure the ECU to enable operation of the OEM cameras in response to receipt by the cellphone of an alert signal from the OEM sensors, indicating that an intrusion is in process. The alert signals are representative of detection of a monitor event by one or more of the OEM sensors.

Abstract: Provided is an automotive diagnostic tool including a tool body and a first projector connected to the tool body. The first projector is configured to project a diagnostic display image onto an adjacent surface separate from the tool body. An input detection sensor is connected to the tool body and is configured to detect motions of a user within a field of view proximate the tool body, and to generate an input signal responsive to the detected motions. A diagnostic processing unit is disposed within the tool body and is connected to the first projector and the input detection sensor for receiving the input signal therefrom. The diagnostic processing unit is configured to be operatively connectable with the onboard vehicle computer to receive vehicle data therefrom and to process the data and modify the diagnostic display image according to the received vehicle data and the input signal.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnosing a vehicle using a smart phone to collect symptomatic data from the user/driver. The symptomatic data is received by the user in response to symptomatic questions displayed on the user's smart phone. The symptomatic questions are generated in response to deriving vehicle characteristic information (i.e., year, make, model, engine) from vehicle identification information (i.e., the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate information). In this regard, vehicle-specific symptomatic questions may be presented to the user so as to ask pertinent questions based on a history of diagnoses of vehicles sharing similar vehicle characteristics.

Abstract: A multi-stage diagnostic system and related method which seeks diagnostic information from a secondary information source when a first information source does not yield sufficient data for producing a diagnostic result. In particular, diagnostic process includes a first stage of communicating with an onboard vehicle computer to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes therefrom. If diagnostic trouble codes are received from the onboard computer, the diagnostic trouble codes are used to produce a diagnostic result. On the other hand, if no diagnostic trouble codes are retrieved from the onboard computer, the diagnostic process proceeds to a second stage wherein symptomatic diagnostic information is solicited from the user. A series of symptomatic questions may be presented to the user on a smartphone.

Abstract: A system and method of diagnosing a vehicle using a smart phone to collect symptomatic data from the user/driver. The symptomatic data is received by the user in response to symptomatic questions displayed on the user's smart phone. The symptomatic questions are generated in response to deriving vehicle characteristic information (i.e., year, make, model, engine) from vehicle identification information (i.e., the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate information). In this regard, vehicle-specific symptomatic questions may be presented to the user so as to ask pertinent questions based on a history of diagnoses of vehicles sharing similar vehicle characteristics.

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: Provided is a system for verifying a vehicle for sale on a smart phone. The system includes a VIN decoder capable of decoding a VIN to determine the vehicle year, make, and model of the vehicle for sale. The system further includes a defect predictor and defect database configured to identify defects in vehicles having similar characteristic data to the vehicle associated with the VIN. A computer readable medium is downloadable onto the smart phone to configure the phone to communicate information corresponding to a captured image of the VIN from the vehicle to the VIN decoder. The computer readable medium further configures the smart phone to receive a signal including the characteristic data of the vehicle associated with the VIN, and defects identified by the defect predictor. The computer readable medium further configures the phone to display the received characteristic data and defects.

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 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 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, or an emergency response center. The emergency mode may be triggered automatically in response to the vehicle being in an accident, or by user actuation.

Abstract: A cellphone controllable car intrusion system is provided. This system includes a vehicle OEM system, including an electronic control unit (ECU), a diagnostic port, a plurality of OEM cameras, a plurality of OEM sensors, an OEM satellite communication system, and an OEM local communication system. The diagnostic port, OEM cameras, OEM sensors, OEM satellite communication system, and the OEM local communication system being in electric communication with the ECU. A cellphone is provided having a local communication system disposed therein. The cellphone is in wireless communication with the ECU. The cellphone is adapted to configure the ECU to enable operation of the OEM cameras in response to receipt by the cellphone of an alert signal from the OEM sensors, indicating that an intrusion is in process. The alert signals are representative of detection of a monitor event by one or more of the OEM sensors.

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: Provided is an automotive diagnostic tool including a tool body and a first projector connected to the tool body. The first projector is configured to project a diagnostic display image onto an adjacent surface separate from the tool body. An input detection sensor is connected to the tool body and is configured to detect motions of a user within a field of view proximate the tool body, and to generate an input signal responsive to the detected motions. A diagnostic processing unit is disposed within the tool body and is connected to the first projector and the input detection sensor for receiving the input signal therefrom. The diagnostic processing unit is configured to be operatively connectable with the onboard vehicle computer to receive vehicle data therefrom and to process the data and modify the diagnostic display image according to the received vehicle data and the input signal.

Abstract: Provided is an automotive diagnostic tool including a tool body and a first projector connected to the tool body. The first projector is configured to project a diagnostic display image onto an adjacent surface separate from the tool body. An input detection sensor is connected to the tool body and is configured to detect motions of a user within a field of view proximate the tool body, and to generate an input signal responsive to the detected motions. A diagnostic processing unit is disposed within the tool body and is connected to the first projector and the input detection sensor for receiving the input signal therefrom. The diagnostic processing unit is configured to be operatively connectable with the onboard vehicle computer to receive vehicle data therefrom and to process the data and modify the diagnostic display image according to the received vehicle data and the input signal.

Abstract: A diagnostic scan tool is provided including a connect/configure module for establishing a communication link between the scan tool and a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU). A vehicle specification module operates to identify a vehicle under test in response to receipt of a vehicle identification number (VIN). A trouble code module receives digital trouble codes (DTCs) from the ECU. A freeze frame data module retrieves freeze frame data from the ECU, the retrieved freeze frame data being functionally associated with a highest priority DTC. A database lists possible vehicle defect solutions, indexed to the VIN and the DTCs. A digital signal processor is operative to derive the highest priority DTC from analysis of the retrieved freeze frame data. The digital signal processor further being operative to regulate selection of a most likely vehicle defect solution associated with the VIN and the highest priority DTC.

Abstract: A method of processing system diagnostic data is provided for identifying likely device fix(s) associated with a diagnostic data, and identifying a repair procedure(s) for correcting the likely fix(s). The process receiving diagnostic data from a system onboard computer at a remote diagnostic database, the database being arranged to map system diagnostic data to possible vehicle fix(s). The possible device 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 system repair database, the most likely fix being directly mapped to an associated repair procedure for repairing the most likely fix.

Abstract: There is provided a method of providing vehicle support. The method includes receiving diagnostic data from the onboard vehicle computer. The diagnostic data is received by an automotive diagnostic tool and is then communicated to a prior experience database having information related to diagnostic solutions associated with combinations of diagnostic data. The prior experience database is arranged to match the received diagnostic data to possible diagnostic solutions. The diagnostic solutions are then prioritized in accordance with ranked matches of the received diagnostic data to the previous combinations of diagnostic data stored in the prior experience database. The possible diagnostic solution associated with the highest ranked combination of diagnostic data is identified as the most likely solution. Vehicle components associated with the most likely solution are then identified.

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

Abstract: The invention generally relates to vehicle diagnostic systems and their methods of use, and more particularly, to a hand-held automotive diagnostic code-reader/scan tool with data link connector (DTC) which straps to the user's arm and is comprised of a touch screen, a VIN bar code/number scanner, a credit card reader, a printer, and internet and cell phone connections to a variety of servers for credit card approval, billing and vehicle diagnostics. The credit card is scanned and billed followed by scanning the vehicle VIN number or bar code and sending the information to the vehicle OBD2 server who identifies the vehicle, orders the handheld tool to perform certain tests upon the vehicle and in turn performs a diagnosis. A live wireless cell phone connection may be made, if necessary, with a technician at the OBD2 server for tech support. Test results are returned to the hand tool which prints out the results, prints a credit card receipt and sends a record of the transaction to the operators server Corp.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to vehicle diagnostic systems and their methods of use, and more particularly, to a hand-held automotive diagnostic code-reader/scan tool with data link connector (DTC) which straps to the user's arm and is comprised of a touch screen, a VIN bar code/number scanner, a credit card reader, a printer, and internet and cell phone connections to a variety of servers for credit card approval, billing and vehicle diagnostics. The credit card is scanned and billed followed by scanning the vehicle VIN number or bar code and sending the information to the vehicle OBD2 server who identifies the vehicle, orders the handheld tool to perform certain tests upon the vehicle and in turn performs a diagnosis. A live wireless cell phone connection may be made, if necessary, with a technician at the OBD2 server for tech support. Test results are returned to the hand tool which prints out the results, prints a credit card receipt and sends a record of the transaction to the operators server Corp.