Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus for diagnosing an automotive diagnostic computer readable program operable on an automotive diagnostic tool in which the program includes a database of vehicle data. The method comprises providing a first computer system for collecting and storing vehicle data to populate the database. The method also includes establishing communication between the first computer system and a diagnostic tool configured for communication with a vehicle diagnostic system, the diagnostic tool having stored thereon vehicle diagnostic data including a debug file. The debug file can be a log of communication between the automotive diagnostic tool and a vehicle diagnostic system of a vehicle. The debug file preferably includes vehicle data specific to the vehicle. The method further comprises uploading the debug file to the first computer system for including the specific vehicle data in the database to diagnose the program.

Abstract: An automotive diagnostic tool and method for accessing user configuration data and retrieving vehicle diagnostic data for read/write mode and storage. The diagnostic tool comprises a processor and a non-volatile memory coupled with the processor for storing data as continuously arranged data. The tool further comprises a main memory coupled with the processor for access and transfer of the data between the main memory and the non-volatile memory. The main memory is configured such that the continuously arranged data can be accessed from the non-volatile memory and stored in the main memory as the read/write data in a file system format. The main memory is further configured such that the read/write data can be transferred from the main memory to the non-volatile memory for storage as continuously arranged data.

Abstract: A computerized method and product for generating a print out of vehicle data collected by and displayed in an automotive diagnostic tool. The method comprises communicating with the diagnostic tool to receive a first print instruction containing the vehicle data and generating a second print instruction in response. The second print instruction also contains the vehicle data. The method further includes communicating the second print instruction to a printing device to generate a printout of the vehicle data.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of an improved scanning tool are disclosed. In various embodiments, the improved scanning tool uses at least one input capable of providing an indication of a desired operating mode of use; and an electronic control system configured to sense the desired operating mode indication, then select one of a plurality of operating system modes based on the desired operating mode indication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accommodating and retaining a communications cable of a vehicle diagnostic recorder device is provided. The apparatus is designed to house internal components of the vehicle diagnostic recorder device which communicate with an onboard control computer of a vehicle comprising. The apparatus may include an access hole for receiving a communications cable from an interior of the apparatus into a recessed cable channel which leads to a recessed channel portion. The communications cable may be further wrapped along an outer periphery of the recessed channel portion and retained via a clamp mechanism along an exterior thereof.

Abstract: An integrated circuit vehicle diagnostics interface adapter includes a semiconductor substrate with two integral gateway conductors. A set of paired switches on the substrate link any two of a first set of contacts to the gateway conductors, and another set of paired switches on the substrate link the two gateway conductors to any pair of a second set of contacts corresponding to a particular vehicle network communications protocol circuit in a vehicle diagnostics device. Both sets of switches are controlled by an integrated switch control module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a vehicle diagnostic recorder device within a vehicle cup holder in order to communicate with an onboard control computer of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus is designed to house internal components of the vehicle diagnostic recorder device which communicate with an onboard control computer of a vehicle comprising. The apparatus may include an access hole for receiving a communications cable from an interior of the apparatus into a recessed cable channel which leads to a recessed channel portion. The communications cable may be further wrapped along an outer periphery of the recessed channel portion and retained via a clamp mechanism along an exterior thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that allows a host workstation to communicate with all types of VDR available to a user to record events in a vehicle type selected by the user. The host workstation can also alert the user when the incorrect VDR is connected based upon the vehicle selection by the user. Once connected, the host workstation can configure the VDR for the desired recording parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle diagnostic system couples a vehicle diagnostic tool, a remote processor, and a remote display device and provides the necessary functionality for compression, transmission, decompression and display of vehicle diagnostic data. Vehicle diagnostic data is received from a vehicle onboard computer and converted into display data, which is compressed and transmitted to the remote processor. The remote processor decompresses the vehicle diagnostic display data and displays it on the remote display device.

Abstract: A hand-held diagnostic tool is designed to operate and easily upgrade software applications developed for automotive diagnostics. The diagnostic tool, which communicates with a plurality of motor vehicle control units, provides application upgrades and/or modifications and/or new algorithms that are developed/adapted via remote updating. The tool comprises full diagnostic capability capable of receiving diagnostic data from a motor vehicle for storage, analysis and/or further data transfer to a remote device. The tool may further comprise wireless capability to perform data transfer operations. Remote updating is accomplished through a number of external ports on the tool that facilitate modem, Ethernet and wireless communications, including point-to-point protocol connection to the Internet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that allows a user to record events in a vehicle via a vehicle data recorder in the latest communication protocols, such as Controller Area Network. The vehicle data recorder can record data from the event when a trigger button is actuated by the user and the CAN communication can be controlled by the CAN controller. The data can transferred to a host workstation, where the user can analyze the data from the event and diagnose the problem causing the event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that allow a user to increase the functionality of a vehicle data recorder. An option card can be connected to the option card connector on the vehicle data recorder. The option card includes at least one component thereon, such as a software, a processor, a FPGA, a memory, a power supply, a data port, a communication protocol controller, pins, a multiplexer, a hardware and a combination thereof. The components can allow the vehicle data recorder to communicate with new communication protocols that are developed, with current ones that may not have been included in the vehicle data recorder or additional functions required by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that allows a user to record events in a vehicle via a vehicle data recorder in the latest communication protocols, such as Controller Area Network. The vehicle data recorder can record data from the event when a trigger button is actuated by the user and the CAN communication can be controlled by the CAN controller. After the data is recorded, it can transferred to a host workstation, where the user can analyze the data from the event and diagnose the problem causing the event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a vehicle diagnostic recorder device within a vehicle cup holder in order to communicate with an onboard control computer of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus is designed to house internal components of the vehicle diagnostic recorder device which communicate with an onboard control computer of a vehicle comprising. The apparatus may include an access hole for receiving a communications cable from an interior of the apparatus into a recessed cable channel which leads to a recessed channel portion. The communications cable may be further wrapped along an outer periphery of the recessed channel portion and retained via a clamp mechanism along an exterior thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accommodating and retaining a communications cable of a vehicle diagnostic recorder device is provided. The apparatus is designed to house internal components of the vehicle diagnostic recorder device which communicate with an onboard control computer of a vehicle comprising. The apparatus may include an access hole for receiving a communications cable from an interior of the apparatus into a recessed cable channel which leads to a recessed channel portion. The communications cable may be further wrapped along an outer periphery of the recessed channel portion and retained via a clamp mechanism along an exterior thereof.

Abstract: A data display firmware improvement for a scan tool adds the capability to view in a single presentation data uploaded from a motor vehicle's onboard diagnostic (OBD) computer synchronized with data from external test apparatus. The data display algorithms permit viewing of OBD data, including certain real-time oscilloscope-like waveforms, and allow viewing test results from compatible instruments, such as exhaust gas analyzers, including capturing realtime OBD signals, holding them until delayed events such as gas analyzer test results become available, then displaying the events on a common display as though available simultaneously in real time. The present invention further permits acquisition of communication links with external test equipment for which exact protocols and port configurations may not be uniquely specified. The firmware upgrade is downloadable to existing products.