Automotive scan tool with enhanced audio, video and voice recognition functionality

• US 20080208403A1
• Filed: 02/23/2007
• Published: 08/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Original Assignee: SPX Corporation
• Inventors: Bertosa, Thomas, Namaky, Hamid, Somos, Neil
• Granted Patent: US 7,860,619 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 17/00 Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions information retrieval, database structures or file system structures therefor G06F16/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2205/02 using a vehicle scan tool
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005

Abstract

A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input unit for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input unit and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, an input and output unit receiving and transmitting audio and video signals controlled by the processor, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing audio and video information, and transferring the audio and video information through the input and output unit; and a display unit displaying information according to the received and processed audio and video signals stored in the memory.

Claims

1. A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, comprising:

a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol;

an input device for inputting information;

a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input device and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator;

an input and output unit receiving and transmitting audio and video signals controlled by the processor;

a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing audio and video information, and transferring the audio and video information through the input and output unit; and

a display unit displaying information according to the received and processed audio and video signals stored in the memory and data received from the vehicle.

2. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein the memory further comprising of a volatile memory unit and a non-volatile memory unit, the non-volatile memory unit storing the recorded and received audio and video signals.

3. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, further comprised of the processor recognizing input audio signals and translating into data for view on the display and instructions for the software accommodating diagnosing of the vehicle.

4. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, further comprising an image recording unit providing video signals to the diagnostic tool through a port in the input and output unit.

5. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, further comprising a connector interface connecting the signal translator with a vehicle interface through one of a wired and wireless link to allow for recording of the diagnostic data between the diagnostic tool and the vehicle, and a link connecting a computer for remote display of the output of the diagnostic tool.

6. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, further comprising of a housing encasing the signal translator, input device, input and output unit, processor, memory, and display unit.

7. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic tool interfaces with a remote computer for processing of the audio and video signals outputted through the input and output unit.

8. The diagnostic tool of claim 1, further comprising a transducer for recording and outputting audio signals processed through the processor.

9. The diagnostic tool of claim 8, wherein diagnostic trouble codes detected are displayed through the display or outputted through the transducer.

10. A method of operating a diagnostic tool for a vehicle, comprising:

linking the diagnostic tool with a diagnostic computer of the vehicle through the data link connector of the vehicle;

communicating with the diagnostic computer of the vehicle in a communication protocol;

selecting from among a plurality of parameters for input or output of audio and video signals;

recording, outputting and inputting diagnostic data of the vehicle by the diagnostic tool according to the selected parameters; and

remotely indicating diagnostic trouble codes of the vehicle through a transducer or display using software stored in memory.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

transferring the recorded diagnostic data to a personal computer coupled through a network to the diagnostic tool.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising of inputting video signals recorded through an image device.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising of automatically initiating the recording of diagnostic information through voice-recognition and input of information according to the recognized voice commands.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising of displaying video information and outputting of audio information from data stored in memory.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising of remotely instructing and receiving information from the diagnostic tool.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising of remotely displaying data generated and received by the diagnostic tool through a computer connected via a network.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising of recording and playing audio and video files stored in the diagnostic tool.

18. The method of claim 10, further comprising of receiving image information recorded remotely from the an image capturing device in communication with the diagnostic tool through a personal computer.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising of wirelessly transmitting audio and video information from external recording devices to the diagnostic tool.

20. A system for a diagnostic tool of a vehicle, comprising:

a means for communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol;

a means for manually inputting information;

a means for controlling a software according to the input information from the input unit and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the controlling means controlling reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the communicating means;

a means for receiving and transmitting audio and video signals;

a means for storing a software processed by the controlling means, the storing means including audio and video information and transferring the audio and video information through the means for receiving and transmitting audio and video signals; and

a means for displaying information according to the received and processed audio and video signals and data received from the vehicle.

21. The diagnostic tool of claim 20, wherein the means for storing further comprising of a volatile memory unit and a non-volatile memory unit, the non-volatile memory unit storing the recorded and received audio and video signals.

22. The diagnostic tool of claim 20, wherein the means for controlling further recognizes input audio signals and translating into data for view on the display means and instructions for the software accommodating diagnosing of the vehicle.

23. The diagnostic tool of claim 20, further comprising a means for providing audio and video signals through the means for inputting and transmitting audio and video signals.

24. The diagnostic tool of claim 20, further comprising of a means for recognizing voice through the controlling means from the information received through the receiving and transmitting means.