Abstract: A method and system for optimizing vehicle diagnostic trees using similar templates is provided. Diagnostic trees may be modified to include diagnostic code tips or further suggestions or instructions indicating what tool to use or how to use the tool. The diagnostic tree cab be modified or customized by comparing the diagnostic tree to previously modified diagnostic trees corresponding to similar vehicles, and suggestions within the previously modified tree that are referenced within a library can be linked to the diagnostic trees.

Abstract: A method and system for adaptively modifying diagnostic vehicle information is provided. A system can automatically optimize default OEM diagnostic vehicle information by recognizing when to make text and non-text modifications within the information. Manual changes that are made once can be learned and used over and over again. Modifications may be made based on a desired use of the diagnostic vehicle information.

Abstract: Stationary power equipment including a sensing device configured to collect data associated with an operation of the equipment, and a data storage device configured for storing the collected data. Information derived from the collected data may be transmitted to a remote system via a data transmission network, or be downloaded to a data storage medium or a diagnostic device. An operation condition of the stationary power equipment is determined based on the information. Responsive to the operation condition, the power equipment receives data that is selected based on the operation condition, and modifies an operation of the power equipment based on the received data.

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 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 and system for optimizing vehicle diagnostic trees using similar templates is provided. Diagnostic trees may be modified to include diagnostic code tips or further suggestions or instructions indicating what tool to use or how to use the tool. The diagnostic tree cab be modified or customized by comparing the diagnostic tree to previously modified diagnostic trees corresponding to similar vehicles, and suggestions within the previously modified tree that are referenced within a library can be linked to the diagnostic trees.

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 optimizing vehicle diagnostic trees using similar templates is provided. Diagnostic trees may be modified to include diagnostic code tips or further suggestions or instructions indicating what tool to use or how to use the tool. The diagnostic tree cab be modified or customized by comparing the diagnostic tree to previously modified diagnostic trees corresponding to similar vehicles, and suggestions within the previously modified tree that are referenced within a library can be linked to the diagnostic trees.

Abstract: Configurable methods and systems allowing a user remote to a vehicle to designate the types of faults or information that an on-board diagnostic system of the vehicle should monitor and report.

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 for adaptively modifying diagnostic vehicle information is provided. A system can automatically optimize default OEM diagnostic vehicle information by recognizing when to make text and non-text modifications within the information. Manual changes that are made once can be learned and used over and over again. Modifications may be made based on a desired use of the diagnostic vehicle information.

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 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 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 system and method for diagnosing an assembly is provided. The system and method facilitates assembly diagnosis by (i) sensing sensory-inputs coming from the assembly, (ii) capturing data representative of the sensory-inputs and responsively producing sensor patterns indicative of the sensory-inputs, (iii) searching a data base of historical patterns that are related to the sensor patterns, and (iv) presenting the sensor patterns and related historical patterns at a user interface. An assembly diagnosis can be made based on sensor patterns, related historical patterns, and other diagnostic information presented at the user interface.

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 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 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 system and method for improving diagnostic aids such as fault trees and repair manuals uses feedback in the form of repair data from a distributed base of data collection devices used by technicians. The data is processed by a data analysis computing unit. The computing unit determines proposed modifications to the diagnostic aid based on the data. A diagnostic tool editor is used by a subject matter expert to review the proposed modifications and either accept, reject, or modify the diagnostic aid. The modified aids are then made available to the service technicians in the field, improving their efficiency and ability to more quickly diagnose machine conditions. The disclosure is applicable to machines generally, including for example automobiles or components thereof, such as engines and transmissions.