Method and apparatus for identifying related fix information and parts number
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, comprising:
- a processor to control functions of the diagnostic tool and retrieves diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from the vehicle, wherein the processor identifies a faulty part and a faulty part number based on the retrieved DTC;
a memory that stores a software to operate the diagnostic tool and a database of diagnostic data, 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; and
a wireless communication port that communicates with a remote device, wherein the processor communicates with the remote device to search for the part at a parts supplier.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein a faulty part and its part number is determined based on a retrieved DTC for a specific vehicle. The part number may include the original manufacturer'"'"'s number and a generic equivalent manufacturer'"'"'s number (if available). The diagnostic tool can search a parts database of various parts suppliers for their pricing and location. The diagnostic tool can also provide suggested fixes to the user based on the retrieved DTC.
45 Citations
26 Claims
-
1. A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, comprising:
-
a processor to control functions of the diagnostic tool and retrieves diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from the vehicle, wherein the processor identifies a faulty part and a faulty part number based on the retrieved DTC; a memory that stores a software to operate the diagnostic tool and a database of diagnostic data, 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; and a wireless communication port that communicates with a remote device, wherein the processor communicates with the remote device to search for the part at a parts supplier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A diagnostic tool for diagnosing a vehicle, comprising:
-
means for processing to process functions of the diagnostic tool and retrieves diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from the vehicle, wherein the means for processing identifies a faulty part and a faulty part number based on the retrieved DTC; means for storing a software to operate the diagnostic tool and a database of diagnostic data, the means for storing communicates with the means for processing; means for interfacing the diagnostic tool to a data link connector in the vehicle, the means for interfacing communicates with the means for processing; means for communicating with the vehicle in at least one communication protocol, the means for communicating communicates with the means for processing; and means for communicating wirelessly with a remote device, wherein the means for processing communicates with the remote device to search for the part at a parts supplier. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. A method of identifying a part of a vehicle using a diagnostic tool, comprising the steps of:
-
retrieving a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) from the vehicle with the diagnostic tool; inputting the vehicle'"'"'s information into the diagnostic tool with an input device of the diagnostic tool; searching a parts database with a processor of the diagnostic tool to determine a faulty part and faulty part number based on the retrieved DTC; and displaying the faulty part number on a display of the diagnostic tool. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
-
Specification