Diagnostic Tool With Smart Camera
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, comprising:
- a processor to control functions of the diagnostic tool;
a memory that stores a software to operate the diagnostic tool and a database of parts information, the memory communicates with the processor;
a connector interface that connects the diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle, the connector interface communicates with the processor;
a signal translator that allows the diagnostic tool to communicate with the vehicle in at least one communication protocol, the signal translator communicates with the processor;
a display that displays information including the part information, the display communicates with the processor;
a camera that takes an image of the part and communicates with the processor; and
a housing surrounding the processor, the memory, the connector interface, the signal translator, and the display.
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Abstract
A diagnostic tool that includes a smart camera. The smart camera can be used to capture an image of the part that needs to be replaced. The image can also include the bar code that may be attached to the part. The image can be used to search a parts information database for additional parts information such as part number, manuals, pictures, etc. A further search of a parts supplier'"'"'s database can be conducted using a location of the diagnostic tool to determine the nearest parts supplier that has the part available and the best price.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, comprising:
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a processor to control functions of the diagnostic tool; a memory that stores a software to operate the diagnostic tool and a database of parts information, the memory communicates with the processor; a connector interface that connects the diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle, the connector interface communicates with the processor; a signal translator that allows the diagnostic tool to communicate with the vehicle in at least one communication protocol, the signal translator communicates with the processor; a display that displays information including the part information, the display communicates with the processor; a camera that takes an image of the part and communicates with the processor; and a housing surrounding the processor, the memory, the connector interface, the signal translator, and the display. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, comprising:
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a means for controlling the functions of the diagnostic tool; a means for storing a software to operate the diagnostic tool and a database of parts information, the means for storing communicates with the means for controlling; a means for interfacing with the diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle, the means for interfacing communicates with the means for controlling; a means for translating that allows the diagnostic tool to communicate with the vehicle in at least one communication protocol, the means for translating communicates with the means for controlling; a means for displaying information including the part information, the display communicates with the means for controlling; a means for imaging the part and communicates with the means for controlling; and a means for housing surrounding the means for controlling, the means for storing, the means for interfacing, the means for translating, and the means for displaying. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of identifying a part, comprising the steps of:
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obtaining an image of a part that needs to be replaced from a camera; searching a part information database using the image for a part'"'"'s information, the part information database located on a computing device that communicates with the camera; and identifying the part'"'"'s information from the part information database based on the image. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification