Abstract: A system and method for identifying and substituting procedures in an OEM diagnostic tree with alternate procedures analyzed by highly experienced technicians to eliminate the use of potentially unavailable equipment and make the diagnostic tree more accessible to a greater number of technicians. The system includes a diagnostic tree editor and a library.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating and applying edits from one diagnostic tree to another matching or similar diagnostic tree is described. The system includes a diagnostic tree editor, a library, and a comparison engine. These elements work together to convert an OEM diagnostic tree to an optimized form for use in a repair shop environment by professional mechanics.

Abstract: A method and system for providing vehicle-service alerts to a vehicle technician is disclosed. A technician alert system receives from a vehicle technician information identifying a given type of vehicle scheduled for service. Based on the received information, the technician alarm system determines one or more vehicle-service alerts, if any, for the given type of vehicle. The system then provides the one or more vehicle service alerts to the vehicle technician.

Abstract: A display device can display a diagnostic procedure used in diagnosing a problem with a vehicle. One or more steps in the diagnostic process may be assigned a level, such as a skill level. A user of the display device, such as a vehicle repair technician, can specify one of the possible levels. The user's selected level can then be used as a basis for altering how the display device displays the diagnostic procedure. For example, in one embodiment, the display device can omit from the displayed diagnostic procedure those steps or sub-steps that have a level that is lower than the user's selected level.

Abstract: A diagnostic information portal can communicate with one or more diagnostic devices used to diagnose problems with vehicles. The diagnostic information portal can receive from the diagnostic devices indications of various problems that have been diagnosed with the vehicles. The information received by the diagnostic information portal can then be used to update one or more information sources (e.g., diagnostic procedures or other information) used to diagnose problems with the vehicles.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for implementing vehicle identification. Characteristic data is obtained from at least one sensing device, the characteristic data being reflective of at least one characteristic of a vehicle. The characteristic data is compared to a pattern in a pattern-recognition database, the pattern being associated with identification data corresponding to a combination of vehicle characteristics. When the characteristic data substantially matches the pattern, the identification data is received. Responsive to receiving the identification data, an identifier is created based at least in part on the identification data. The created identifier reflects that the vehicle has the combination of vehicle characteristics.

Abstract: A system for test procedures using pictures for a vehicle diagnostic system that includes a processor, a storage device in communication with the processor, a diagnostic routine that is executed by the processor, and a display device also coupled to the processor. The storage device may house a database that includes a library of vehicle information items. These vehicle information items include text items that may relate to several items, for example: 1) a fault that may be experienced by a vehicle under diagnosis; 2) a test that may be performed on the vehicle for the purpose of diagnosing the causes of the faults; or 3) a solution that may be used to correct the faults. Further, the vehicle information items may also include a library of picture items that correspond to the text items.

Abstract: A method for test procedures using pictures for a vehicle diagnostic system that includes providing text items, examining text items, accessing a database of picture items corresponding to text items, correlating picture items with at least a portion of the text items, replacing the at least a portion of the text items with the corresponding picture items, and displaying an image including at least one picture item.

Abstract: A method and system diagnosing vehicle faults using a diagnostic tool capable of communicating with a remote host. Diagnostic data, vehicle data, and a diagnostic routine are stored in data storage of a diagnostic tool. The diagnostic data defines vehicle fault descriptions, corresponding vehicle fault symptoms, and corresponding repair instructions, and the vehicle data defines vehicle operation information. The diagnostic tool is capable of communicating with a remote host that can diagnose vehicle faults using the vehicle data, and send diagnosis information, including a diagnosis and repair instructions to the diagnostic tool. In response to receiving diagnosis information from the remote host, the diagnostic tool displays the information to a user. Advantageously, the system and method can allow the diagnostic tool access to additional computing power and external databases for diagnosing vehicle faults.

Abstract: A diagnostic device receives a first set of search criteria related to a problem with a vehicle, and the diagnostic device stores the first set of search criteria. In response to receiving a second set of search criteria, the diagnostic device can compare it with the first set of search criteria in order to identify a pattern between the two sets of search criteria. The diagnostic device can then alter the second set of search criteria based on the pattern between the two sets of search criteria.

Abstract: An integrated diagnostic system includes interface connectors to connect to a plurality of instruments/instrument modules, including engine analyzers, gas analyzers, oscilloscopes, scanners, network connections, and/or other desired peripheral modules. These modules advantageously interface to the system through diverse parts, connections and with various protocols. The system may connect to a network, wired or wireless, for interfacing among processors and modules, and with an internet connection for interaction with remote resources including databases and expert systems.