Abstract: A user interface for a computing device is provided. The user interface includes a plurality of display elements. A display element includes an active region, a graphical representation, and a textual description. The active region is sized for enabling human finger tip selection of the display element on a touch sensitive display screen. A display module receives coordinate information from the display screen and determines whether the coordinate information corresponds to the active region. When a user touches the active region, an instrument interface module sends a command to a diagnostic instrument. Further features, such as language localization of the textual description, are also provided.

Abstract: A wireless interface for a diagnostic instrument is provided. The diagnostic instrument includes a communications interface having an external data port. A wireless adapter coupled to the external data port communicates diagnostic data with one or more computing devices. In a single user mode, a computing device can control several diagnostic instruments wirelessly. In broadcast mode, a diagnostic instrument can send a data stream wirelessly to many listening computing devices. Further features, such as safety warning messages, are provided.

Abstract: A vehicle exhaust analyzer module including a housing enclosure having symmetrical portions secured together, a support shelf supported within the housing enclosure, a gas inlet for directing gaseous vehicle exhaust into the housing enclosure, a sensor assembly positioned on the support shelf for receiving the gaseous vehicle exhaust and providing an analysis of the gaseous vehicle exhaust, circuitry for controlling the sensor assembly, and a signal output connector coupled to the control circuitry for outputting a signal representing an analysis result of the sensor assembly.

Abstract: Automotive vehicle test equipment includes a controller which controls power supplied to a test circuit. The controller monitors a sleep mode switch which determines whether the controller enters a sleep mode. In sleep mode, the controller disconnects the test circuit from a power source. The controller also monitors a telephone line. Upon detection of a ring signal on the telephone line, the controller connects the test circuit to the power supply.

Abstract: An anti-tamper device in an automotive vehicle test system monitors an access panel to the automotive vehicle test system. An alarm is actuated if the access panel is opened. The automotive vehicle test system tests automotive vehicles and prints certificates which verify test results. The access panel is unlocked following the completion of an automotive vehicle test so that an operator can gain access to a printer to retrieve a printed certificate. The test system monitors the condition of the access panel even if power is removed from the automotive vehicle test system. A large capacitor provides power to monitoring circuitry. A data latch, powered by the capacitor, latches the condition of the access panel. The alarm is sounded when power is returned to the automotive vehicle test system and the condition of the latch indicates that an access panel has been opened.