Abstract: A method of supporting secure access to an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle may comprise receiving, from a diagnostic tool connected to the vehicle, encrypted data including an ECU address corresponding to the ECU, vehicle identification information of the vehicle, and a security seed, decrypting the encrypted data, retrieving, from a database, an initialization vector based on the ECU address and the vehicle identification information, calculating a security key based on the initialization vector and the security seed using an application programming interface (API) associated with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the ECU, encrypting the security key, and sending the encrypted security key to the diagnostic tool to be decrypted and used by the diagnostic tool to gain secure access to the ECU.

Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) vehicle diagnostic and repair system integrates onboard diagnostic (OBD) data with cloud computing to assist users in identifying and resolving vehicle issues. The system includes vehicle sensors, an OBD scanner, and a mobile device that serves as a user interface. Using AR, overlays provide real-time guidance onto the physical environment for diagnosing and repairing vehicle components. The system identifies vehicles via data from the Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) port, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A cloud server stores detailed vehicle-specific information, including 3D models, wiring diagrams, and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) with associated repair instructions. The system supports remote diagnostics and real-time interaction with professional mechanics. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enhance the database, ensuring accurate AR guidance tailored to each vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive diagnostic digital training system comprising a virtual vehicle including a data simulating processor and a database in communication with the data simulating processor and having simulated, vehicle-specific vehicle data stored thereon. The data simulating processor is configured to access simulated vehicle data stored on the database and generate a signal including a desired set of simulated vehicle data. A student workstation is disposable in communication with the virtual vehicle. The student workstation includes a handheld diagnostic device configured to communicate with the virtual vehicle to receive the simulated, vehicle-specific vehicle data therefrom and generate a student input signal representative of a student diagnostic decision.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for detecting odometer tampering by retrieving and comparing vehicle operation data, such as mileage-related data from multiple electronic control units (ECUs) through a vehicle's diagnostic link connector (DLC). The system accesses both standardized and non-standardized parameter identifiers (PIDs), including manufacturer-specific data from modules such as the engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and gateway module. By comparing the displayed odometer reading against internally stored or alternative mileage values, the system identifies inconsistencies indicative of tampering. Cloud-based historical data may be included to further enhance verification accuracy. The invention enables reliable odometer validation using data already embedded within the vehicle's electronic architecture.

Abstract: A method of supporting secure access to an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle may comprise receiving, from a diagnostic tool connected to the vehicle, encrypted data including an ECU address corresponding to the ECU, vehicle identification information of the vehicle, and a security seed, decrypting the encrypted data, retrieving, from a database, an initialization vector based on the ECU address and the vehicle identification information, calculating a security key based on the initialization vector and the security seed using an application programming interface (API) associated with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the ECU, encrypting the security key, and sending the encrypted security key to the diagnostic tool to be decrypted and used by the diagnostic tool to gain secure access to the ECU.

Abstract: An automotive diagnostic method aimed at focusing diagnostic data retrieval and analysis on a possible fault condition includes receiving vehicle data from a vehicle at a data acquisition and transfer device (DAT) and analyzing the vehicle data to identify a possible fault condition. A drive cycle associated with the identified possible fault condition is identified, and driving conditions are monitored to identify completion of the identified drive cycle. Upon completion of the identified drive cycle, vehicle data is analyzed to identify an abnormal monitor. Vehicle data is also analyzed to identify an abnormal value of In-Use Monitor Performance Ratio (IUMPR) associated with the abnormal monitor. When an abnormal value of IUMPR is identified, a likely diagnostic condition associated with the identified abnormal IUMPR is further identified.

Abstract: A leak detection system is configured to provide vehicle-specific leak detection for a vehicle. The leak detection system includes a memory circuit having a plurality of leak detection instructions matched with vehicle identification information. The system additionally includes an ultraviolet light source and a camera configured to capture an image of an area illuminated by the ultraviolet light source. A processor is in operative communication with the memory circuit and the camera. The processor is configured to facilitate identification of at least one of the plurality of leak detection instructions in response to receipt of vehicle identification information associated with the vehicle, and compare the image captured by the camera to a known image of the vehicle to determine presence and location of a leak.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for identifying and resolving vehicle Controller Area Network (CAN) bus faults is disclosed. The system connects to a vehicle's data link connector (DLC) and automatically retrieves diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from multiple electronic control units (ECUs). It filters the DTCs to identify those related to CAN communication errors, groups repeated DTCs across ECUs to highlight systemic faults, and assigns repair priority based on status, scope, and criticality. A user interface displays prioritized DTCs with definitions, affected systems, possible causes, and repair guidance. Upon technician input, the system re-scans the network to confirm resolution and updates the display accordingly. The invention supports semantic and conceptual recognition of communication faults, enabling robust, language-agnostic analysis.

Abstract: A method of determining a vehicle health score for a vehicle includes receiving location information associated with a location of the vehicle and identifying at least one location-specific health factor based on the received location information. The method further includes receiving diagnostic data from the vehicle, with the diagnostic data including data points associated with several different heath factors including the at least one location-specific health factor, each health factor being associated with an acceptable condition. The received diagnostic data is compared with the acceptable conditions for each health factor and a preliminary score for each health factor is assigned based on the comparison. A weight is assigned to each of the preliminary scores and a comprehensive vehicle health score is calculated based on each of the weighted preliminary scores. The comprehensive vehicle health score is then displayed on a display.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a vehicle includes receiving a signal identifying a selected test from several available tests. Prescribed operational conditions associated with the test are identified and a first data set from the vehicle indicative of vehicle operating conditions is received. The vehicle operating conditions are compared with the prescribed operational conditions to evaluate compliance therebetween. When the vehicle operating conditions comply with the prescribed operational conditions, multiple operating parameters associated with the selected test are identified. A second data set is received from the vehicle including data indicative of multiple operating parameters associated with the selected test. The received second data set is compared with an optimal data set to identify a portion that does not comply with the optimal data set. A most likely solution is identified based on the portion of the received second data set that does not comply with the optimal data set.

Abstract: A method of determining an identity of an electric vehicle includes sending an initialization command from a data acquisition and transfer device (DAT) to a vehicle computer via a diagnostic port on the vehicle, and receiving, at the DAT, an initial response signal from the vehicle computer via the diagnostic port. The initial response signal includes a list of response addresses associated with respective systems on the vehicle. The list of response addresses included in the initial response signal is compared to a response address database having lists of response addresses matched with vehicle identification information to determine vehicle identification information of the vehicle. A configuration database having configuration instructions matched with vehicle identification information is accessed, with the configuration instructions being associated with a vehicle-specific tool functionality.

Abstract: A method of determining a state of health of a vehicle battery on a hybrid or electric vehicle includes receiving diagnostic data including a trouble code status, an internal resistance and temperature of the battery cells. The vehicle battery charging and discharging are monitored and cell voltage for each of the battery cells is requested when the battery charging meets a charging threshold and the battery discharging meets a discharging threshold. The cell voltage is received from each of the battery cells and a determination of a voltage balance is made by comparing received voltages to a known average voltage range. A battery state of health is calculated based on a combined assessment of the diagnostic trouble code status, the internal resistance and temperature of the battery cells, and the voltage balance.

Abstract: A diagnostic process includes analyzing vehicle data received from a vehicle to identify diagnostic data, and to determine an identity of the vehicle. A most likely fix is determined based on a combined assessment of the diagnostic data and the vehicle identity. A determination of a special function test to run on the vehicle is made based on the determined most likely fix. A signal is generated to run the special function test, and a determination of a pass or fail status is made based on the special function test. If no special function test is associated with the most likely fix, more targeted testing can be implemented through the use of a test box configured to monitor communications along communication pathways on the vehicle, and also to selectively activate/deactivate components on the vehicle.

Abstract: A leak detection system is configured to provide vehicle-specific leak detection for a vehicle. The leak detection system includes a memory circuit having a plurality of leak detection instructions matched with vehicle identification information. The system additionally includes an ultraviolet light source and a camera configured to capture an image of an area illuminated by the ultraviolet light source. A processor is in operative communication with the memory circuit and the camera. The processor is configured to facilitate identification of at least one of the plurality of leak detection instructions in response to receipt of vehicle identification information associated with the vehicle, and compare the image captured by the camera to a known image of the vehicle to determine presence and location of a leak.

Abstract: A method of determining a vehicle health score for a vehicle includes receiving location information associated with a location of the vehicle and identifying at least one location-specific health factor based on the received location information. The method further includes receiving diagnostic data from the vehicle, with the diagnostic data including data points associated with several different heath factors including the at least one location-specific health factor, each health factor being associated with an acceptable condition. The received diagnostic data is compared with the acceptable conditions for each health factor and a preliminary score for each health factor is assigned based on the comparison. A weight is assigned to each of the preliminary scores and a comprehensive vehicle health score is calculated based on each of the weighted preliminary scores. The comprehensive vehicle health score is then displayed on a display.

Abstract: A leak detection system is configured to provide vehicle-specific leak detection for a vehicle. The leak detection system includes a memory circuit having a plurality of leak detection instructions matched with vehicle identification information. The system additionally includes an ultraviolet light source and a camera configured to capture an image of an area illuminated by the ultraviolet light source. A processor is in operative communication with the memory circuit and the camera. The processor is configured to facilitate identification of at least one of the plurality of leak detection instructions in response to receipt of vehicle identification information associated with the vehicle, and compare the image captured by the camera to a known image of the vehicle to determine presence and location of a leak.

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: There is provided a method of predicting defects likely to occur in a vehicle over a predetermined period. The method includes receiving vehicle characteristic data regarding a vehicle under consideration, and comparing the received vehicle characteristic data with a defect database. The defect database includes information related to defects that have occurred in different vehicles and the mileage at which such defects occurred. The method additionally includes identifying defects that occurred in vehicles corresponding to the vehicle under consideration, and the mileage at which such defects occurred. Defects which fail to satisfy minimum count requirements are then filtered out, and the defects are then sorted in order of the highest defect count.

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.