Method and apparatus for translating vehicle diagnostic trouble codes
First Claim
1. A method for translating diagnostic trouble codes from a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of(a) detecting a diagnostic trouble code which is generated by a computer connected with the vehicle corresponding to and in response to a fault in the performance of the motor vehicle;
- (b) automatically transmitting the detected diagnostic trouble code and vehicle identification information to a remote central server which identifies the vehicle and associates it with the detected diagnostic trouble code;
(c) translating the detected diagnostic trouble code in a diagnostic code translator connected with the remote central server to produce a message which indicates the severity of the fault and includes at least one of the vehicle system in which the fault occurred, the level of urgency for seeking further diagnostics or repair, and recommendations regarding continued operation of the vehicle; and
(d) automatically transmitting the message to the operator of the vehicle.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for translating diagnostic trouble codes which are generated in response to faults in the performance of motor vehicles are characterized by the use of a diagnostic code translator which receives diagnostic trouble codes and other information relating to the operating parameters of the vehicle at the time of a fault and analyzes the information to generate messages relating to the fault. The messages are transmitted to the vehicle driver so that corrective action may be taken.
22 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for translating diagnostic trouble codes from a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of
(a) detecting a diagnostic trouble code which is generated by a computer connected with the vehicle corresponding to and in response to a fault in the performance of the motor vehicle; -
(b) automatically transmitting the detected diagnostic trouble code and vehicle identification information to a remote central server which identifies the vehicle and associates it with the detected diagnostic trouble code; (c) translating the detected diagnostic trouble code in a diagnostic code translator connected with the remote central server to produce a message which indicates the severity of the fault and includes at least one of the vehicle system in which the fault occurred, the level of urgency for seeking further diagnostics or repair, and recommendations regarding continued operation of the vehicle; and (d) automatically transmitting the message to the operator of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. Apparatus for translating diagnostic trouble codes from motor vehicles, comprising
(a) a telematics device connected with a motor vehicle for detecting a diagnostic trouble code which is generated by a computer connected with the vehicle in response to a fault in the performance of the vehicle and automatically transmitting the diagnostic trouble code and vehicle information; -
(b) a remote data server for receiving said diagnostic trouble code and vehicle information from said telematics device and generating a query containing said diagnostic trouble code and vehicle information; (c) a remote diagnostic code translator connected with said remote data server and which receives said query and translates the diagnostic trouble code to produce a message to the data server which indicates the severity of the fault and includes at least one of the vehicle system in which the fault occurred, the level of urgency for seeking further diagnostics or repair, and recommendations regarding continued operation of the vehicle; (d) a communication device connected with said data server for automatically transmitting the message to the operator of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification