Abstract: A method is provided for updating a fault tree used in diagnosis of a condition of a machine. The fault tree is a sequence of test modules. Each of the test modules is assigned a confidence score indicating the likelihood that the test module will lead to a diagnosis. The method comprising the steps of obtaining service data from a plurality of service occasions for like machines, revising the confidence score for at least one test module in the fault tree based on the service data; and revising the sequence of the test modules in the fault tree based on the revised confidence score(s). The sequence is revised such that the most likely modules to result in a diagnosis are listed first, and the least likely ones are listed last. The re-ordering is based on feedback from actual service instances in the field, and thus is more likely to reflect real-world conditions. The result is that service technicians using the revised fault trees work more efficiently, at least on a statistical basis.

Abstract: Measurement data storage is triggered in response to occurrence of a user set condition with respect to one or more user-selected measured parameters, to thereby capture real-time monitored test data. In an application for a vehicle diagnostic tool, such as an engine analyzer, the measurements and attendant display may be provided during engine operation or actual vehicle operation. The tool software allows a user to specify any one or more of the measured parameters; and for any selected parameter, the user can identify an event with regard to the selected parameter. During the test, the processor executing the software captures measured parameter data, and the processor analyses the appropriate measured parameter data with respect to any and/or all user specified conditions. Triggering may be based on occurrence of an event or combinations of events.

Abstract: Measurement data storage is triggered in response to occurrence of a user set condition with respect to one or more user-selected measured parameters, to thereby capture real-time monitored test data. In an application for a vehicle diagnostic tool, such as an engine analyzer, the measurements and attendant display may be provided during engine operation or actual vehicle operation. The tool software allows a user to specify any one or more of the measured parameters; and for any selected parameter, the user can identify an event with regard to the selected parameter. During the test, the processor executing the software captures measured parameter data, and the processor analyses the appropriate measured parameter data with respect to any and/or all user specified conditions. Triggering may be based on occurrence of an event or combinations of events.

Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a host system having a processor, storage media and a user interface including a display screen, and a plurality of support data sources, which may be resident at or remote from the host system. The storage media stores service or maintenance test designations and descriptions. System software responds to user selection of displayed vehicle systems or symptoms to be diagnosed by displaying test designations. Upon user selection of a test designation, the system displays the first page of the test description and simultaneously links to appropriate support data sources and displays pertinent support data on a portion of the display screen. A method includes selecting and displaying test descriptions and, in response to each such display, automatically retrieving and displaying related data from a support data source.

Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a host system having a processor, storage media and a user interface including a display screen, and a plurality of support data sources, which may be resident at or remote from the host system. The system stores libraries of information regarding vehicle identifications, driveability symptoms exhibited by vehicles, vehicle systems and components, service or maintenance procedures and service or fault codes which can be registered by the vehicle on-board computer. System software permits the user to input an identification of the vehicle being serviced and make selections from the displayed libraries to describe the condition to be serviced, the system responding by display a list of tests designations pertinent to the condition, which list may be hierarchically arranged.