Modular wireless diagnostic test and information system
First Claim
1. An automobile diagnosis apparatus, comprising:
- a control mechanism that accepts user input and provides information for use in diagnosis of an automobile engine;
a first instrumentation module detachably connected to a first position of the automobile engine and receiving a first set of data from the automobile engine, includinga first wireless communication mechanism that receives instructions from the control mechanism and that transmits information for use in diagnosis of the automobile engine to the control mechanism; and
a second instrumentation module detachably connected to a second position of the automobile engine and receiving a second set of data from the automobile engine, including;
a second wireless communication mechanism that receives instructions from the control mechanism and that transmits information for use in diagnosis of the automobile engine to the control mechanism;
the control mechanism including a third wireless communication mechanism that enables the control mechanism to communicate directly with each instrumentation module, the control mechanism transmitting instructions in response to the user input to at least one of the instrumentation modules and receiving from the instrumentation module, information in response to the instructions for use in the diagnosis of the automobile engine;
wherein the first set of data and the second set of data differ.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer-based apparatus provides access to complex technical information needed, for example, to maintain and repair complicated equipment, such as a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a combined user interface and main control module to communicate with at least one remotely operated instrumentation module to control and obtain data by wireless communication. The combined user interface and main control module has an interactive display which enables the user to command the functions of the remotely deployed instrumentation module(s) and enter data through interaction with the display, as well as executes diagnostic application programs and displays information to the user. Alternatively, a separate user interface module and main control module connected by wireless communication can be provided, in which the user interface module not only commands the functions of the instrumentation module(s), but also commands remote execution of diagnostic application programs by the main control module.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. An automobile diagnosis apparatus, comprising:
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a control mechanism that accepts user input and provides information for use in diagnosis of an automobile engine; a first instrumentation module detachably connected to a first position of the automobile engine and receiving a first set of data from the automobile engine, including a first wireless communication mechanism that receives instructions from the control mechanism and that transmits information for use in diagnosis of the automobile engine to the control mechanism; and a second instrumentation module detachably connected to a second position of the automobile engine and receiving a second set of data from the automobile engine, including; a second wireless communication mechanism that receives instructions from the control mechanism and that transmits information for use in diagnosis of the automobile engine to the control mechanism; the control mechanism including a third wireless communication mechanism that enables the control mechanism to communicate directly with each instrumentation module, the control mechanism transmitting instructions in response to the user input to at least one of the instrumentation modules and receiving from the instrumentation module, information in response to the instructions for use in the diagnosis of the automobile engine; wherein the first set of data and the second set of data differ. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A computer readable storage medium for use in an automotive diagnosis computer system, comprising:
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a first executable module including instructions that enable the computer system to accept user input and to display information; a second executable module that enables wireless communication to a plurality of instrumentation modules, each instrumentation module coupled to a select position of the automobile engine and for obtaining a distinct set of data from the automobile engine, the second executable module including instructions that transmit directives to at least one of the instrumentation modules and that receives a distinct set of data from the instrumentation module in response to the transmitted directives; and a third executable module including instructions that generate the directives in response to the user input and which selects at least one instrumentation module to provide information in response to the directives. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for automotive diagnosis, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a first wireless communication link to a first instrumentation module detachable coupled to a first position of the automobile engine; providing a second wireless communication link to a second instrumentation module detachable coupled to a second position of the automobile engine; retrieving a first set of data from the first instrumentation module; and obtaining a second set of data from the second instrumentation, the second set of data differing from the first set of data. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification