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Audible and visual feedback for user stimulated self-test diagnostics

  • US 5,365,438 A
  • Filed: 01/08/1993
  • Issued: 11/15/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/08/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A self-diagnostic method for determining operating faults in an automotive electrical system of the type having,a plurality of state sensors each for generating a corresponding sensing signal when changed between two or more states,a master controller for receiving the sensing signals from the sensors and responsive thereto generating at least one corresponding controller signal,a plurality of loads comprising either indicators or actuators, with each load for being actuated responsive to the stimulation of a corresponding one or more of the sensors, with at least one of the indicators also being designated as a first confirming indicator and at least another one of the indicators also being designated as a second confirming indicator,a plurality of power drivers each operatively coupled to the master controller and between a source of electrical energy and a corresponding one of the loads for coupling power thereto responsive to receiving a corresponding one of the controller signals,wherein the self-diagnostic method includes the preliminary step of mechanically actuating a selected one of the sensors for placing the master controller out of an operating mode and into a test mode in which the first and second confirming indicators are actuated responsive to the first and second controller signals, but not in the operating mode, and further including the steps of:

  • a. mechanically actuating a selected one of the sensors and responsive thereto generating a corresponding sensing signal,b. electrically actuating the first confirming indicator responsive to the master controller receiving and processing the corresponding sensing signal from the actuated sensor, andc. electrically actuating the second confirming indicator responsive to the master controller confirming that the power driver has coupled power to its corresponding load,whereby the first confirming indicator will confirm that the corresponding sensing signal from the mechanically actuated sensor has been received and processed by the master controller, and the second confirming indicator will confirm that the master controller has actuated the corresponding power driver.

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