Methods and systems for displaying vehicle data parameters in different VDP graphical configurations

Abstract

Methods and systems for displaying Vehicle Data Parameters (VDPs) are described. A Vehicle Service Tool (VST) with a display can receive vehicle data messages or signals from the vehicle to receive VDPs. Some VDPs may be associated with a PID. The VST can display the VDP parameters as a VDP graph. When the received VDPs violate a VDP threshold, VDP thresholds and indicators can also be displayed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201580059134.3, entitled "Method and System for Displaying Vehicle Data Parameters Using Operation Status Indicators", filed on November 3, 2015.

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application 14 / 531,562, filed November 3, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0004] Most vehicles require servicing at least once during their lifespan. In many cases, vehicle servicing is performed at a facility staffed with a qualified technician. A technician can use any of a variety of hand tools to perform servicing (e.g., repair) on any of the wide range of mechanical components on a vehicle. A technician can also use electronic diagnostic equipment to perform servicing (e.g., diagnose) on any of the wide range of electrical components on a vehicle. A technician can also use hand tools to repair electrical components and use electronic diagnostic equipment to repair mechanical components on a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Several exemplary embodiments are described herein. In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a method for displaying vehicle data parameters in different vehicle data parameter graphical configurations, comprising: determining, by at least one processor, based on a first signal from an orientation detector including one or more accelerometers or multi-axis gyroscopes, that a display is operating in one of a lateral orientation and a longitudinal orientation, wherein: one of the lateral and longitudinal orientations is associated with the display using a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) graphical configuration to display a plurality of VDP graphics, the first VDP graphical configuration indicating a first set of a plurality of VDP graphic windows to be displayed simultaneously, and the first VDP graphical configuration including at least one large VDP graphic window and at least two small VDP graphic windows; while the display is positioned in one of the lateral and longitudinal orientations, the display uses the first VDP graphical configuration to simultaneously display the first set of a plurality of VDP graphic windows; and, by the at least one processor, determining, based on a second signal from the orientation detector, that the display changes from operating in one of the lateral and longitudinal orientations to operating in the other of the lateral and longitudinal orientations, wherein: the other of the lateral and longitudinal orientations is associated with displaying at least one VDP graphic using a second VDP graphical configuration different from the first VDP graphical configuration. The display associated with the P-graphics indicates that a second set of multiple VDP graphic windows are to be displayed simultaneously, the first set of multiple windows being different from the second set of multiple windows. The second VDP graphic configuration includes at least one large VDP graphic window and at least two small VDP graphic windows. In response to determining that the display changes from one of the horizontal and vertical orientations to the other, the display changes from displaying a first VDP graphic using a first large VDP graphic window from the at least one large VDP graphic window of the first VDP graphic configuration to displaying the first VDP graphic using a first small VDP graphic window from the at least two small VDP graphic windows of the second VDP graphic configuration. The display also changes from displaying a second VDP graphic using a first small VDP graphic window from the at least two small VDP graphic windows of the first VDP graphic configuration to displaying the second VDP graphic using a first large VDP graphic window from the at least one large VDP graphic window of the second VDP graphic configuration. Furthermore, when the display is in the other of the horizontal and vertical orientations, the display uses the second VDP graphic configuration to simultaneously display the second set of multiple VDP graphic windows.

[0006] On the other hand, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a system for displaying vehicle data parameters in different vehicle data parameter graphical configurations, comprising: at least one processor; a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program instructions executable by the processor; and a display, wherein the computer-readable program instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: (i) determine, based on a first signal from an orientation detector including one or more accelerometers or multi-axis gyroscopes, that the display is operating in one of a lateral orientation and a longitudinal orientation, wherein: one of the lateral orientation and the longitudinal orientation is consistent with the display of multiple VDP graphics using a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) graphical configuration. The display is associated with the first VDP graphics configuration indicating a first group of multiple VDP graphics windows to be displayed simultaneously, and the first VDP graphics configuration includes at least one large VDP graphics window and at least two small VDP graphics windows; (ii) when the display is positioned in one of the lateral and longitudinal orientations, the display uses the first VDP graphics configuration to simultaneously display the first group of multiple VDP graphics windows; (iii) based on a second signal from the orientation detector, it is determined that the display changes from operation in one of the lateral and longitudinal orientations to operation in the other of the lateral and longitudinal orientations, wherein: the other of the lateral and longitudinal orientations is associated with the first VDP graphics configuration indicating a first group of multiple VDP graphics windows to be displayed simultaneously. The display is associated with a second VDP graphics configuration, different from the first VDP graphics configuration, for displaying at least one VDP graphic. This second VDP graphics configuration indicates a second group of multiple VDP graphics windows to be displayed simultaneously, different from the first group. The second VDP graphics configuration includes at least one large VDP graphics window and at least two small VDP graphics windows. In response to determining that the display is changing from one of the horizontal and vertical orientations to the other, the display displays the first VDP graphic from a first large VDP graphics window within the at least one large VDP graphics window using the first VDP graphics configuration. The display changes from displaying the first VDP graphic using the first small VDP graphic window among the at least two small VDP graphic windows in the second VDP graphic configuration to displaying the second VDP graphic using the first large VDP graphic window among the at least two small VDP graphic windows in the second VDP graphic configuration; and (iv) when the display operates in another of the horizontal and vertical orientations, the display uses the second VDP graphic configuration to simultaneously display the second group of multiple VDP graphic windows.

[0007] On the other hand, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a computer-readable medium storing program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the execution of a set of functions, the set of functions including: determining, by at least one processor, based on a first signal from an orientation detector including one or more accelerometers or multi-axis gyroscopes, that a display is operating in one of a lateral orientation and a longitudinal orientation, wherein: one of the lateral and longitudinal orientations is associated with the display using a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) graphic configuration to display multiple VDP graphics, the first VDP graphic configuration indicating a first set of multiple VDP graphic windows to be displayed simultaneously, and the first VDP graphic configuration including at least one large VDP graphic window and at least two small VDP graphic windows; when the display is positioned in one of the lateral and longitudinal orientations, having the display use the first VDP graphic configuration to simultaneously display the first set of multiple VDP graphics; and determining, by the at least one processor, based on a second signal from the orientation detector, that the display changes from operating in one of the lateral and longitudinal orientations to operating in the other of the lateral and longitudinal orientations, wherein: the other of the lateral and longitudinal orientations is associated with displaying using a second VDP graphic configuration different from the first VDP graphic configuration. The display is associated with at least one VDP graphic, and the second VDP graphic configuration indicates a second group of multiple VDP graphic windows to be displayed simultaneously, the first group of multiple being different from the second group of multiple, the second VDP graphic configuration including at least one large VDP graphic window and at least two small VDP graphic windows, and in response to determining that the display changes from an operation in one of the horizontal and vertical orientations to the other of the horizontal and vertical orientations, the display changes from displaying a first VDP graphic using a first large VDP graphic window in the at least one large VDP graphic window of the first VDP graphic configuration to displaying the first VDP graphic using a first small VDP graphic window in the at least two small VDP graphic windows of the second VDP graphic configuration, and the display changes from displaying a second VDP graphic using a first small VDP graphic window in the at least two small VDP graphic windows of the first VDP graphic configuration to displaying the second VDP graphic using a first large VDP graphic window in the at least one large VDP graphic window of the second VDP graphic configuration; and while the display is operating in the other of the horizontal and vertical orientations, the display uses the second VDP graphic configuration to simultaneously display the second group of multiple VDP graphic windows.

[0008] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a method comprising: (i) receiving by a device a selection of a vehicle operating condition detectable by the device; (ii) receiving vehicle data parameters by the device; (iii) determining by the device, from the vehicle data parameters, a first instance of a specific vehicle data parameter indicating the occurrence of the vehicle operating condition; (iv) displaying by the device a graphical representation of at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters received by the device; and (v) displaying by the device a first indicator corresponding to the first instance of the specific vehicle data parameter indicating the occurrence of the vehicle operating condition.

[0009] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a system comprising: a processor, a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program instructions executable by the processor, a display, and a user interface input element, wherein execution of the program instructions causes the processor to (i) receive a selection of a detectable vehicle operating condition, (ii) receive vehicle data parameters, and (iii) determine from the vehicle data parameters a first instance of a specific vehicle data parameter indicating the occurrence of the vehicle operating condition, wherein the display shows a graphical representation of at least a portion of the received vehicle data parameters, and wherein the display shows a first indicator corresponding to the first instance of the specific vehicle data parameter indicating the occurrence of the vehicle operating condition.

[0010] In another aspect, exemplary embodiments may take the form of a computer-readable medium storing program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the execution of a set of functions, the set of functions including: (i) receiving by the processor a selection of a vehicle operating condition detectable by the processor; (ii) receiving by the processor vehicle data parameters; (iii) determining by the processor from the vehicle data parameters a first instance of a specific vehicle data parameter indicating the occurrence of a vehicle operating condition; (iv) displaying by a display a graphical representation of at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters received by the processor; and (v) displaying by the display a first indicator corresponding to the first instance of the specific vehicle data parameter indicating the occurrence of a vehicle operating condition.

[0011] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a method comprising: (i) receiving by a device a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) identifier and a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a second VDP identifier; (ii) displaying by a display of the device at a first display position of the display a first graphical representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier; (iii) displaying by a display of the device at a second display position of the display a second graphical representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the second VDP identifier; and (iv) receiving by the device a drag-and-drop input to at least a portion of the second display position showing the second graphical representation for the first graphical representation displayed at the first display position, and responsively changing the graphical representation displayed at the first and second display positions, wherein changing the graphical representation displayed at the first and second display positions includes switching the second display position to display the first graphical representation instead of the second graphical representation.

[0012] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a system comprising: a processor, a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program instructions executable by the processor, and a display, wherein execution of the program instructions causes (i) the processor to receive a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) identifier and a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a second VDP identifier, (ii) the display to display a first graphical representation at a first display position of the display, the first graphical representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier, (iii) the display to display a second graphical representation at a second display position of the display, the second graphical representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the second VDP identifier, and (iv) the processor to receive drag-and-drop input for the first graphical representation displayed at the first display position to at least a portion of the second display position displaying the second graphical representation, and to responsively change the graphical representation displayed at the first and second display positions, wherein changing the graphical representation displayed at the first and second display positions includes switching the second display position to display the first graphical representation instead of the second graphical representation.

[0013] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a computer-readable medium storing program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the execution of a set of functions, the set of functions including: (i) receiving by the processor a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) identifier and a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a second VDP identifier; (ii) displaying by a display at a first display position of the display, the first graphic representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier; (iii) displaying by the display at a second display position of the display a second graphic representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the second VDP identifier; and (iv) receiving by the processor: drag-and-drop input for the first graphic representation displayed at the first display position to at least a portion of the second display position displaying the second graphic representation, and responsively changing the graphic representation displayed at the first and second display positions, wherein changing the graphic representation displayed at the first and second display positions includes switching the second display position to display the first graphic representation instead of the second graphic representation.

[0014] In another aspect, exemplary embodiments may take the form of a method comprising: (i) receiving by a device a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) identifier and a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a second VDP identifier; (ii) displaying by a display of the device a first VDP graph showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier; (iii) displaying by a display of the device a second VDP graph showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the second VDP identifier; and (iv) receiving by the device a pinch and expand input of the first VDP graph and correspondingly increasing the size of the first VDP graph.

[0015] In another aspect, exemplary embodiments may take the form of a system comprising: (i) an apparatus for receiving a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) identifier and a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a second VDP identifier; (ii) a display for displaying a first VDP graph and a second VDP graph, the first VDP graph showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier and the second VDP graph showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the second VDP identifier; (iii) an input device for receiving pinch and expand inputs to the first VDP graph; (iv) a processor; and (v) a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program instructions executable by the processor to increase the size of the first VDP graph in response to receiving pinch and expand inputs to the first VDP graph.

[0016] In another aspect, exemplary embodiments may take the form of a computer-readable medium storing program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the execution of a set of functions, the set of functions including: (i) receiving by the device a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) identifier and a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a second VDP identifier; (ii) displaying by the device a first VDP graph showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier; (iii) displaying by the device a second VDP graph showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the second VDP identifier; and (iv) receiving by the device a pinch-and-expand input to the first VDP graph and correspondingly increasing the size of the first VDP graph.

[0017] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a method comprising: (i) displaying a plurality of vehicle data parameter (VDP) graphs within a display of a device, wherein each VDP graph includes at least one cursor; (ii) displaying a cursor locator within the display of the device, wherein the cursor locator is configured to move in response to a cursor locator that causes at least one cursor to move uniformly in each VDP graph; (iii) determining, by the device, that the cursor locator movement has occurred; and (iv) in response to determining that the cursor locator movement has occurred, uniformly moving at least one cursor in each VDP graph by the device.

[0018] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a system comprising: a display, a processor, and a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program instructions, wherein the display is configured to display a plurality of vehicle data parameter (VDP) graphs within the display, wherein each VDP graph includes at least one cursor, wherein the display is configured to display cursor locators configured to move cursor locators in response to a consistent movement of the cursor locator causing at least one cursor in each VDP graph, and wherein the program instructions are executable by the processor to determine the occurrence of the cursor locator movement and to move the at least one cursor consistently in each VDP graph in response to determining the occurrence of the cursor locator movement.

[0019] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment may take the form of a computer-readable medium storing program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the execution of a set of functions, the set of functions including: (i) displaying a plurality of vehicle data parameter (VDP) graphs within a display of the device, wherein each VDP graph includes at least one cursor; (ii) displaying a cursor locator within the display, wherein the cursor locator is configured to move in response to a cursor locator that causes at least one cursor to move consistently in each VDP graph; (iii) determining, by the device, that the cursor locator movement has occurred; and (iv) in response to determining that the cursor locator movement has occurred, moving at least one cursor in each VDP graph consistently by the device.

[0020] These and other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this overview and elsewhere are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a vehicle repair tool (VST) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram of an example VST with a display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is another diagram of an example VST with a display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5It is a flowchart depicting a set of functions that can be performed according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a flowchart depicting another set of functions that can be performed according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a flowchart depicting another set of functions that can be performed according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a flowchart depicting another set of functions that can be performed according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a flowchart depicting another set of functions that can be performed according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a diagram depicting an example display rendering of a VST monitor.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a diagram depicting another example of a display rendered through a VST monitor.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a diagram depicting another example of a display rendered through a VST monitor.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing multiple views of an example VST with a display according to an example embodiment.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing another view of an example VST with a display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figures 15 to 21 This is an additional example display diagram depicting the VST monitor. Detailed Implementation

[0037] I. Introduction

[0038] This specification describes several exemplary embodiments, including but not limited to exemplary embodiments involving at least one of displaying a graphical window for vehicle data parameters, displaying a graph of vehicle data parameters, and displaying vehicle data parameters. As an example, vehicle data parameters can be obtained from the vehicle in the form of vehicle data messages (e.g., serial data messages). As another example, vehicle data parameters can be obtained from the vehicle in the form of electrical signals using input elements. A VDP graphically or otherwise displayed by an exemplary vehicle repair tool may include a VDP obtained via vehicle data messages, input elements, or otherwise.

[0039] In this specification, the articles “a,” “an,” or “the” are used to introduce elements of the example embodiments. The intention of using these articles is to indicate that there are one or more of the stated elements. The use of the conjunction “or” in a list of at least two described items is intended to indicate any of the listed items or any combination of the listed items. Ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish individual elements rather than to indicate a specific order of these elements.

[0040] The diagrams, flowcharts, and other data shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as examples only and are not intended to be limiting. Many of the elements shown in the figures or described herein are functional elements that can be implemented as discrete or distributed components or combined with other components and implemented in any suitable combination and location. Those skilled in the art will understand that other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, commands, or functional groups) can be used. Furthermore, the various functions described as being performed by one or more elements can be performed by a processor executing computer-readable program instructions (CRPI) or by any combination of hardware, firmware, or software. Additionally, the same reference numerals used in the same or different figures denote the same elements as other elements referenced by the same reference numerals, but are not limited to these and other elements.

[0041] II. Example System

[0042] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of system 100 according to an example embodiment described herein. System 100 includes a vehicle 102 having an electronic control unit (ECU) 106 and a data link connector (DLC) 108. ECU 106 and DLC 108 are communicatively connected to each other via vehicle communication link 110.

[0043] Vehicles such as vehicle 102 may include automobiles, motorcycles, light trucks, medium trucks, heavy trucks, semi-tractors, agricultural machinery, or some other device that can be driven or otherwise guided along a path (e.g., paved or otherwise) on land, in water, in the air, or in outer space. Vehicles may include or use any suitable source of voltage or current, such as batteries, alternators, fuel cells, etc., providing any suitable current or voltage, such as about 12 volts, about 42 volts, etc. Vehicles may include or use any desired systems or engines. These systems or engines may include items using fossil fuels (e.g., gasoline, natural gas, propane, etc.), electricity (e.g., generated by batteries, magnetoes, fuel cells, solar cells, etc.), wind power, and mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0044] Vehicle communication link 110 may include one or more conductors (wired or otherwise) or may be wireless. As an example, vehicle communication link 110 may include one or two conductors carrying vehicle data messages according to the Vehicle Data Message (VDM) protocol. The VDM protocol may include, but is not limited to, the SAE J1850 (PWM or VPW) VDM protocol, the ISO 15764-4 Controller Area Network (CAN) VDM protocol, the ISO 9141-2 K-Line VDM protocol, or the ISO 14230-4 KWP2000 K-Line VDM protocol. As another example, vehicle communication link 110 may include a vehicle serial data bus.

[0045] DLC 108 may include an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II connector. The OBD II connector may include slots for accommodating up to 16 connector terminals, but DLC 108 is not limited to this. DLC 108 may include conductor terminals connected to conductors in vehicle 102. For example, DLC 108 may include connector terminals connected to conductors connected to the positive and negative terminals of the vehicle battery, respectively. DLC 108 may include one or more conductor terminals connected to conductors in vehicle communication link 110, enabling DLC ​​108 to communicatively connect to ECU 106.

[0046] ECU 106 can control various aspects of vehicle operation or components within vehicle 102. For example, ECU 106 may include a powertrain ECU, engine ECU, supplemental inflatable restraint system (i.e., airbag system) ECU, entertainment system ECU, or other ECUs. ECU 106 can receive inputs (e.g., sensor inputs), control output devices (e.g., solenoids), generate vehicle data messages (VDM) (e.g., VDM based on received inputs or controlled outputs), and set diagnostic fault codes (DTCs) to a history of active or detected errors or malfunctions within vehicle 102.

[0047] Two or more ECUs, such as ECU 106 and a second ECU in vehicle 102, can send VDM to each other and receive VDM from another ECU. VDM transmission can occur on vehicle communication link 110. In this way, VDM can be sent to DLC 108. VDM may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following: (i) ECU identifier, (ii) parameter identifier (PID), (iii) mode identifier identifying the current data mode, frozen frame data mode, vehicle information mode, DTC mode, or some other mode, and (iv) parameter value. As an example, VDM indicating the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine within vehicle 102 may include the hexadecimal data “41 0C 0F A0”, where “41” represents a response to a mode 01 request, “0C” is the PID indicating the engine RPM, and “0F A0” is the parameter value representing the RPM (each digit 1 / 4 RPM). In this case, the hexadecimal value “0F A0” equals 4,000. With each 1 / 4 RPM, the engine RPM represented by the example VDM is 1,000 RPM.

[0048] System 100 includes a Vehicle Maintenance Tool (VST) 104. VST 104 can be communicatively connected to vehicle 102 via a communication link 112 (e.g., to DLC 108 within vehicle 102). VST 104 can operate using power supplied to it from the vehicle's battery via DLC 108, but VST 104 is not limited to this. For example, VST 104 may include its own power source, such as a battery, or VST 104 may receive power for its operation from a power source other than vehicle 102 or from an internal battery (e.g., AC power available at a wall outlet).

[0049] Communication link 112 may include one or more conductors (wired or otherwise) or may be wireless. Communication link 112 may include a wire harness with one or more conductors and a mating connector connected to VST 104 and a connector for the wires within the wire harness, but communication link 112 is not limited thereto. The wire harness and mating connector may be configured like, but are not limited to, a DB-25 connector.

[0050] According to examples of wirelessly transmitting data via communication links such as communication link 112 or any other communication means described herein, such wireless communication of data can be implemented according to a wireless communication protocol (e.g., a wireless communication standard). As an example, the wireless communication protocol could be the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.1 standard for wireless personal area networks (PANs) or the Bluetooth version 4.1 standard developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) in Kirkland, Washington. As another example, the wireless communication protocol could be the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless LANs, sometimes referred to as the Wi-Fi standard. As yet another example, the wireless communication protocol could be a cellular phone standard such as the standard developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) for 3G or 4G cellular phone communications. Other examples of wireless communication protocols are also possible.

[0051] Next, Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a vehicle repair tool (VST) 200 according to an example embodiment described herein. VST 200 may operate within system 100 to replace or supplement, but is not limited to, VST 104. VST 104 may be arranged like VST 200. VST 104 may include VST 200 or any one or more components thereof. One or more components of VST 200 may be arranged as a device or system. A device or system may include one or more components of VST 200. VST 300 in Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. VST 200 may include, but is not limited to, any one or more components of VST 300.

[0052] VST 200 includes a processor 202, a data storage device 204, a DLC connector 206, a user interface 208, a communication link transceiver 210, an orientation detector 212, and an input section 214, two or more of which can be communicatively coupled or linked together via a system bus, network, or other connection mechanism 216.

[0053] A processor, such as processor 202 or any other processor discussed in this specification, may include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., Single-core microprocessor or A multi-core microprocessor or one or more dedicated processors (e.g., digital signal processors). Alternatively or additionally, the processor may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processor 202 may be configured to perform tasks such as... Figure 2 The computer-readable program instructions (CRPI) of CRPI 218 shown.

[0054] Data storage devices, such as data storage device 204 or any other data storage device discussed in this specification, may include computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable media that can be read by a processor. Computer-readable media may include volatile or non-volatile storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic, or other memory or disk storage, which may be integrated integrally or partially with the processor, or may be decoupled from the processor. Computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other device capable of providing data or executable instructions accessible by a processor (such as processor 202).

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, computer-readable media may include temporary computer-readable media. Temporary computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, communication media such as digital or analog communication media (e.g., fiber optic cables, waveguides, wired communication links, or wireless communication links).

[0056] Computer-readable media may be referred to by other terms, such as, but not limited to, “computer-readable storage medium,” “data storage device,” “storage device,” or “memory.” Data storage device 204 may be referred to as a “computer-readable data storage device” and a “computer-readable medium.”

[0057] DLC connector 206 can communicatively connect VST 200 to vehicle 102. This communication connection allows VST 200 to send messages (e.g., VDM requests) to vehicle 102 and receive messages (e.g., VDMs) from vehicle 102. In one aspect, the communication connection can be established using wired conductors of communication link 112. For example, DLC connector 206 may include a connector having terminals that can be connected to terminals within DLC 108 via one or more conductors. As an example, DLC connector 206 may include an OBDII connector conforming to SAE J1962 specifications, such as connector 16M, part number 12110252, available from DelphiAutomotive LLP of Tory, Michigan. In another aspect, a wireless connection can be used to implement the communication connection between VST 200 and vehicle 102. For example, DLC connector 206 may include a wireless transceiver to send VDMs to and receive VDMs from a version of DLC 108 configured for VDM wireless communication. DLC connector 206 can transmit the received VDM to one or more of processor 202, data storage device 204, user interface 208 and communication link transceiver 210 via connection mechanism 216.

[0058] User interface 208 may include user input elements configured to allow a user of VST 200 to input data for use by processor 202 or another component of VST 200. As an example, the user input element may include a touchscreen display. As another example, the user input element may include a user input portion having one or more input keys (e.g., ...). Figure 3 The user input section 304 shown is illustrated. As another example, user input elements may include pointing devices such as a computing device mouse, a keyboard (e.g., a QWERTY keyboard), and a display pointer (e.g., [missing information]). Figure 3 The indicator shown is 322) or a microphone used to receive verbal input.

[0059] User interface 208 may include user output elements configured to output (e.g., present) data to a user of VST 200. As an example, the user output element may include, but is not limited to, a display device (or more simply, a “display”) for the visual presentation of data, such as a VDP graphics window or any element of display presentation as described herein. As another example, the user output element may include an audio speaker to audibly present data to a user of VST 200. For example, audible data may include sound (e.g., sound waves of a constant frequency) to alert the user to various warnings and prompts associated with using VST 200. As yet another example, audible data may include text-to-speech content of at least a portion of the data displayed on the display.

[0060] The communication link transceiver 210 may include one or more transceivers. In one aspect, the one or more transceivers may include a wireless transceiver and one or more antennas to perform wireless communication according to a wireless communication protocol. In another aspect, the one or more transceivers may include a wired transceiver to perform communication via a wired communication link according to a communication protocol such as, but not limited to, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) or IEEE 802.3 Ethernet communication protocol for LAN or other means. The communication link transceiver 210 may establish communication connections with devices detached (e.g., remote) from VST 200 and vehicle 102, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] Orientation detector 212 can detect changes in orientation that VST 200 or its components can take or be positioned. As an example, display 302 ( Figure 3 The orientation (as shown) can be referred to as lateral orientation (e.g., the image displayed by display 302 is wider than it is high) or longitudinal orientation (e.g., the image displayed by display 302 is higher than it is wide). Orientation detector 212 may include one or more accelerometers or multi-axis gyroscopes, but is not limited thereto. Processor 202 may execute program instructions of CRPI 218 to determine the current orientation of the VST component or a change in the orientation of the VST component. Processor 202 may execute additional program instructions in response to determining a change in the orientation of the VST component, thereby causing one or more changes in VST operation. Examples of these changes are discussed elsewhere herein.

[0062] Input section 214 may include input leads and input signal processing elements that convert input signals obtained from the input leads into input data. The input leads may include one or more input leads, each of which can receive an input signal from an Input Signal Acquisition Point (ISAP). An input signal acquisition point may include any of a variety of locations capable of acquiring input signals. In vehicle 102, the ISAP may include a location on the vehicle where voltage signals, current signals, air pressure signals, air temperature signals, oil pressure signals, oil temperature signals, or some other input signal can be acquired.

[0063] As an example, the input lead may include, but is not limited to, conductors and one or more conductor ends selected from: (i) alligator clips (such as the MTA85 alligator clip sold by Snap-on Incorporated in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA), (ii) spring hooks, such as the MTA80 spring hook sold by Snap-on Incorporated, (iii) test probes, such as the MTA20 test probe sold by Snap-on Incorporated, or (iv) reverse probes, such as the MTTL7005 reverse probe sold by Snap-on Incorporated.

[0064] Input section 214 may include input signal processing elements, such as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts input signals received via one or more input leads into input data that can be displayed on display 302. Each of those input signals may include, but is not limited to, analog electrical signals. The digital output of the ADC may be transmitted via connection mechanism 216 to another element of VST 200 (e.g., processor 202, data storage device 204, or user interface 208).

[0065] Data storage device 204 can store various types of data. For example, data storage device 204 can store CRPI 218, display orientation 220, graphics configuration 222, vehicle data parameters 224, and vehicle operation status 226, but data storage device 204 is not limited to this.

[0066] Display orientation 220 may include a display with respect to VST 200 (e.g., Figure 3 The display 302 shown can be positioned or located in various orientations, according to data. Display orientation 220 can track changes in the orientation of the display 302. Display orientation 220 may include data indicating the current orientation of the display 302. As an example, the orientation of the display may be referred to as lateral orientation (e.g., the width of the displayed image is greater than its height) or portrait orientation (e.g., the height of the displayed image is greater than its width).

[0067] Display orientation 220 may also include data regarding the characteristics or settings of display 302. These display characteristics or settings may include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the screen display resolution, pixel density, and physical dimensions (e.g., width and length) of display 302. Processor 202 may determine how many VDP graphics windows will be displayed for a given display characteristic or setting. For example, processor 202 may determine that the width of display 302 embodied in a smartphone is below a threshold width, such that only one VDP graphics window is displayed when the smartphone is switched to landscape orientation. The width threshold may be set such that the width of a typical tablet device is greater than the width threshold. In this case, processor 202 may determine to switch a typical tablet device to landscape orientation and display multiple VDP graphics windows within display 302.

[0068] Graphics configuration 222 may include data about multiple VDP graphics configurations that can be displayed by display 302. Each VDP graphics configuration may indicate how many VDP graphics windows will be displayed simultaneously by display 302, the size of each VDP graphics window to be displayed by display 302, and the position of each VDP graphics window to be displayed on display 302. VDP graphics configuration may include metadata indicating the display orientation associated with the VDP graphics configuration and a corresponding alternative VDP graphics configuration associated with the alternative display orientation, or the VDP graphics configuration may otherwise indicate the display orientation associated with the VDP graphics configuration and a corresponding alternative VDP graphics configuration associated with the alternative display orientation.

[0069] VDP 224 may include the value of the VDP (i.e., the VDP value) and metadata about the VDP value. As an example, the metadata about the VDP value may include a vehicle parameter identifier (i.e., the vehicle PID), a maximum VDP value for the associated VDP value, and a minimum VDP value for the associated VDP value. As another example, the metadata about the VDP may include a time or sequence identifier for each corresponding VDP value, allowing the user interface 208 to display a VDP graph of the VDP values ​​in the order in which the VDP values ​​occur (e.g., are generated or received). The time or sequence identifier of one or more VDP values ​​may be implied based on the order in which the VDP values ​​are stored in the data storage device 204. For example, VDP values ​​stored as consecutive data bits or bytes may indicate the order in which the VDP values ​​occur. As another example, the metadata about the VDP may include data indicating the unit (e.g., volts, percentage, or count) associated with the VDP value. As yet another example, the VDP may include voltage measurements, ampere measurements, capacitance measurements, inductance measurements, and resistance measurements. One or more of these measurements may be performed by the ECU 106 or the input section 214, but are not limited thereto.

[0070] Vehicle operating condition (VOC) 226 may include data that can be displayed by a display such as display 302. Each vehicle operating condition represented by the data of VOC 226 may include VOCs that can be detected by VST or processor 202. As an example, the data for detecting VOCs may include a PID and one or more thresholds for data parameter values ​​associated with the PID. For example, PID “0A” may represent fuel pressure, and VOCs may include the PID and a low threshold, such as 120 kPa gauge pressure, and a high threshold, such as 510 kPa gauge pressure. Processor 202 may receive a VDM that includes PID “0A” and a parameter value indicating a fuel pressure value for the operating condition related to the fuel pressure provided by the fuel pump in vehicle 102. Processor 202 may compare the received parameter value with one or both thresholds associated with PID “0A” to determine whether vehicle 102 has exhibited a low fuel pressure or high fuel pressure operating condition (e.g., a violation of the VDP threshold associated with low or high fuel pressure).

[0071] Typically, CRPI 218 or any other CRPI described herein includes program instructions executable by a processor. Furthermore, CRPIs can typically include, but are not limited to, various structures, modules, or routines. Additionally, CRPIs can typically be written in computer programming languages ​​such as C++, but are not limited to.

[0072] Specifically, CRPI 218 may include program instructions executable by processor 202 to implement any one or more functions described herein or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, at least in part by VST or its components. CRPI 218 may be executed to perform any function described herein or shown or represented in any figure, just as it would be performed by VST or its components.

[0073] As an example, CRPI 218 may include program instructions executable to store VDPs (e.g., PID and VDP data values) received by VST 200. In a first aspect, VDP storage may include storing VDPs using a first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The FIFO method can be used to store VDPs within VDP 224 provided there is no violation of a VDP threshold associated with the VDP. In a second aspect, VDP storage may include storing: the number of VDPs received before a detected vehicle operating condition (VOC) occurs, the VDPs received for detecting the occurrence of the VOC, and the number of VDPs received after the VOC is detected. Combined, these VDPs may be referred to as a set of VOC-violating VDPs. The number of VDPs received after the VOC is detected may include at least one of: (i) VDPs received while the VOC still exists, and (ii) VDPs received when the VOC no longer exists. VDP 224 may store the set of VOC-violating VDPs even after those VDPs are deleted or overwritten using the FIFO method if they are not part of a set of VOC-violating VDPs.

[0074] As an example, VDP 224 may have the capacity to store VDPs associated with eight different PIDs received within one hour at a given VDP receive rate. If the stored VDPs are associated with a different number of PIDs or received at different VDP receive rates, the time capacity may not be one hour. The capacity used to store VDPs may depend on the storage size of data storage device 204. The capacity used to store VDPs may be specified in units other than time. As an example, a set of VOC-violating VDPs may use ten percent of the capacity of VDP 224. This percentage can be set to different percentage values ​​using user interface 208.

[0075] As another example, CRPI 218 may include program instructions executable to display the VDP stored within VDP 224. The VDP may be displayed according to one of the display presentations described herein, but it is not necessary to display it in this manner.

[0076] Next, Figure 3 This is a diagram of an exemplary vehicle repair tool 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. VST 104 and VST 200 may include any one or more of the described or depicted features of VST 300, but VST 104 and VST 200 are not limited thereto. VST 300 may operate within system 100 in place of VST 104 or VST 200, or supplement VST 104 or VST 200, but VST 300 is not limited thereto.

[0077] VST 300 includes a display 302, a user input section 304, and a housing 306. The display 302 and user input section 304 may be part of a user interface such as user interface 208. As an example, the display 302 may include a touchscreen display, such as a MODIS available from Snap-on Incorporated in Kenosha, Wisconsin. TM A color touchscreen used on an ultra-integrated diagnostic system (reference number EEMS328W). As another example, display 302 may include a backlit color liquid crystal display (LCD) with a resistive touchscreen or panel. As another example, display 302 may include a plasma display or a light-emitting diode (LED) display. As another example, display 302 may include displays similar to those used in tablet computers (e.g., from Apple Inc.). This refers to displays used as part of tablet devices or, for example, the SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB tablet device from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. As another example, display 302 may include displays similar to those used in smartphones (e.g., Apple Inc. from Cupertino, California). Smartphones or Galaxy from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Maetan-Dong, Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea Those used on smartphones. Other examples of display 302 are also possible.

[0078] The display 302 may have a rectangular shape, such as a rectangle with square corners or a roughly rectangular shape with rounded corners, but the display 302 is not limited to this. Figure 3 As shown, the display has dimensions 308 and 310. Dimensions 308 and 310 are perpendicular to each other. When VST 300 is as... Figure 3 When the positioning is shown, dimension 308 can be referred to as the “display width” (or more simply, “width”), and dimension 310 can be referred to as the “display height” (or more simply, “height”).

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, dimension 308 is larger (e.g., longer) than dimension 310. This is especially true when display 302 is positioned such that dimension 308 is horizontal and dimension 310 is vertical (e.g., ...). Figure 3As shown, display 302 can be considered in a landscape mode (which can be called "landscape orientation"). When display 302 is positioned such that dimension 308 is vertical and dimension 310 is horizontal, display 302 can be considered in a portrait mode (which can be called "portrait orientation").

[0080] User input section 304 may include one or more input selectors. For example, user input section 304 may include input keys 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320. These user input keys may be arranged in any of a variety of configurations. For example, input key 312 may indicate up selection, input key 314 may indicate right selection, input key 316 may indicate down selection, input key 318 may indicate left selection, and input key 320 may indicate input selection. Pressing one of input keys 312, 314, 316, and 318 causes the display pointer 322 to move in the direction indicated by the pressed input key. Pressing input key 320 selects the displayed data element pointed to by the display pointer 322.

[0081] User input section 304 can be used to select vehicle operating conditions from VOC 226. User input section 304 can also be used to select a default threshold associated with the PID of the selected VOC. User input section 304 can further be used to set a user-selected threshold, different from the default threshold, associated with the PID of the selected VOC. In this respect, the threshold associated with the PID of the selected VOC is user-configurable.

[0082] The processor 202 can execute the program instructions of CRPI 218 to cause the display 302 to display one or more vehicle data parameter graphical windows. Figure 3 VDP graphics windows 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, and 334 are shown. Monitor 302 can display VDP graphics windows of different sizes. About Figure 3 The VDP graphics windows shown, VDP graphics windows 324, 326, 328, and 330, can be referred to as small VDP graphics windows, and VDP graphics windows 332 and 334 can be referred to as large VDP graphics windows. The VDP graphics windows shown in the figure have a roughly rectangular shape. The area of ​​display 302 covered by the large VDP graphics window is larger than the area of ​​display 302 covered by the small VDP graphics window. VDP graphics windows are not limited to graphical display of VDP. For example, a VDP graphics window can display VDP values ​​as numeric values. Other examples are also possible.

[0083] The VDP graphics window may include various elements. As shown in VDP graphics window 334, the VDP graphics window may include a VDP line graph 348 and VDP graphics text 350. The VDP graphics text 350 may include the name of the VDP represented by the VDP line graph 348, a unit identifier (e.g., volts, percentage, or count) identifying the units of the VDP line graph 348, minimum values, and maximum values. The minimum and maximum values ​​may be limited to, but are not limited to, the minimum and maximum values ​​of the VDP line graph 348 currently displayed within the VDP graphics window. For example, when the display 302 displays VDPs associated with minimum and maximum values, the data storage device 204 may store the minimum and maximum values ​​of one or more VDPs and use those stored minimum and maximum values ​​to populate the VDP graphics text 350.

[0084] Processor 202 can execute program instructions of CRPI 218 to cause display 302 to display one or more scroll bars. For example... Figure 3 As shown, display 302 displays scroll bars 336 and 338. Scroll bar 336 can be used to scroll a set of VDP graphics windows across a first side of display 302, and scroll bar 338 can be used to scroll a set of VDP graphics windows across a second side of display 302. As an example, the set of VDP graphics windows on the first side of the display may include small VDP graphics windows 324, 326, 328, 330 and at least one other small VDP graphics window. As an example, the set of VDP graphics windows on the second side of display 302 may include large VDP graphics windows 332, 334 and at least one other large VDP graphics window.

[0085] Housing 306 may provide support or protection for at least a portion of any component of VST 300, and may include any one or more components of any other VST discussed herein (e.g., VST 200). Housing 306 may include, but is not limited to, handles 340, 342, 344, and 346. Housing 306 may include one or more port openings (not shown) for connecting a communication link (e.g., communication link 112) to VST 300.

[0086] VST 300 may include a front, a rear opposite the front, a top, a bottom opposite the top, a left side, and a right side opposite the left side. For illustrative purposes, data visible to be displayed by monitor 302 is presented in front of VST 300. Therefore, handle 340 is located on the left side of VST 300, handle 342 on the right side, handle 344 on the top, and handle 346 on the bottom. VST 300 can be reoriented (e.g., by rotating VST 300) so that the top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear are in different positions, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0087] One or more of the top, bottom, left, or right sides of the VST 300 may be straight or straight between the corners forming the top, bottom, left, or right sides. Input keys 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320 are shown as being located on the front of the VST 300. One or more input keys of the user input section 304 may be located on the top, bottom, left, right, or rear of the VST 300, but are not limited thereto. One or more input keys of the input section 304 may be part of the touchscreen display of the display 304.

[0088] Next, Figure 4 This is a diagram showing example axes that can be defined for VST 300. (Example...) Figure 4 As shown, the example axes include an "X-axis" 350, a "Y-axis" 360, and a "Z-axis" 370. Orientation detector 214 can determine signals or provide signals to processor 202 to determine motion around one or more axes. As an example, the motion could be motion 355 around axis 350, motion 365 around axis 360, and motion 375 around axis 370.

[0089] Movement 355 may include tilting VST 300 forward or backward. Movement 355 may be referred to as "pitch". Movement 365 may include twisting VST 300 from side to side (e.g., left to right or right to left). Movement 365 may be referred to as "roll". Movement 375 may include rotating the top of VST 300 toward the bottom of VST 300. Movement 375 may be referred to as "yaw". Movement 375 may change the display orientation of VST 300 from a lateral orientation to a longitudinal orientation, or from a longitudinal orientation to a lateral orientation.

[0090] Next, Figure 13This is a diagram illustrating multiple views of a VST 300 having a display 302 according to an example embodiment. As described above, the display 302 may include a touchscreen display. Various inputs can be entered using the touchscreen of the display 302. For example, touchscreen input may include a “selection input” for elements such as a VDP graphics window displayed by the display 302. As another example, touchscreen input may include a “squeeze input” or a “pinch and zoom” input.

[0091] Figure 13 A top view of the display 300 shows an example of squeeze input 380. Squeeze input 380 may include, or occur by, placing a first finger (e.g., a finger or thumb) at position 381 on the display 302 and a second finger at position 382 on the display 302, moving the first and second fingers toward each other (e.g., in opposite directions 385 and 386), stopping the movement of the first and second fingers at positions 383 and 384 on the display 302, respectively, and removing the fingers from the display 302. Squeeze input 380 may occur in a single VDP window graphics, but is not limited to this. Positions 381, 382, ​​383, and 384 are not limited to... Figure 13 The positions shown are not limited to those indicated. Therefore, directions 385 and 386 are not limited to those shown. Figure 13 direction shown.

[0092] Figure 13 A bottom view of the display 300 shows an example of pinch-and-expand input 390. Pinch-and-expand input 390 may include, or be performed by, placing a first finger at position 393 on the display 302 and a second finger at position 394 on the display 302, moving the first and second fingers away from each other (e.g., in opposite directions 395 and 396), stopping the movement of the first and second fingers at positions 391 and 392 respectively, and removing the fingers from the touchscreen display 302. Pinch-and-expand input can occur within a single VDP window graphics window, but is not limited to this. Positions 391, 392, 393, and 394 are not limited to... Figure 13 The positions shown are not limited to those indicated. Therefore, directions 395 and 396 are not limited to those shown. Figure 13 direction shown.

[0093] Processor 202 may receive selection input, squeeze input, and pinch and zoom input from display 302 or user interface 208. Processor 202 may execute program instructions of CRPI 218 in response to receiving any of these inputs to perform several functions described herein.

[0094] Next, Figure 14 This is a diagram showing another view of a VST 300 having a display 302 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 14 The description describes the execution of drag-and-drop input using display pointer 322. Drag-and-drop input can be executed on any element of a variety of elements. Figure 14 This illustrates drag-and-drop input performed on a VDP graphics window 324. A display pointer 322 can be used to select the VDP graphics window 324. Moving the display pointer 322 with the VDP graphics window 324 can cause the VDP graphics window 324 to move to another location on the display 302. This other location may include at least one other VDP graphics window.

[0095] If a dragged VDP graphics window is placed onto multiple VDP graphics windows, the processor 202 can use any of a number of rules to determine which VDP graphics window to place the dragged VDP graphics window on. A first example rule is to place the dragged VDP graphics window on the last VDP graphics window on which the dragged VDP graphics window is placed. A second example rule is to place the dragged VDP graphics window on the VDP graphics window whose largest portion is covered by the dragged VDP graphics window. For example, if 51% of the dragged VDP graphics window covers VDP graphics window 334, then the dragged VDP graphics window is placed on VDP graphics window 334.

[0096] Processor 202 can receive drag-and-drop input from display 302 or user interface 208. In response to receiving drag-and-drop input, processor 202 can execute program instructions of CRPI 218. Drag-and-drop input can occur using selection input displayed on a touchscreen.

[0097] Next, Figure 21 The execution of another drag-and-drop input that can be performed by VST 200 or 300 is described. Figure 21 Displays 101, 103, 105, and 107, which can be provided by a display such as display 302, before, during, or after drag-and-drop input, are shown. For Figure 21 The drag-and-drop input shown is performed with the display 302 positioned in a horizontal orientation, but drag-and-drop input can also be performed in a similar manner when the display 302 is positioned in a vertical orientation.

[0098] Before drag-and-drop input, the DP 101 displayed by monitor 302 includes large VDP graphics windows 113, 115A, small VDP graphics windows 117, 119, 121, and 123, as well as scroll bars 109 for the small VDP graphics windows and 111 for the large VDP graphics windows. Scroll bar 109 can be used to scroll through a set of small VDP graphics windows (some of which are not displayed in DP 101 and 103). Scroll bar 111 can be used to scroll through a set of large VDP graphics windows (...). Figure 21 (Not shown in the text).

[0099] Drag-and-drop input can be initiated by long-pressing a VDP graphics window. As an example, a long press can be performed using a finger positioned on the VDP graphics window to be selected, the display pointer 322, the input keys on the input section 304, or by otherwise touching the touchscreen of the display 302. A long press allows the selected VDP graphics window to be repositioned relative to the display 302. DP103 illustrates VDP graphics window 115A being selected for drag-and-drop input and subsequently moved up and to the left from its previous position.

[0100] The size of the selected VDP graphics window can be changed before drag-and-drop input is completed (in other words, the size of the VDP graphics window can be adjusted). DP 105 shows a large VDP graphics window 115A reduced to a small VDP graphics window 115B. The graphic content within VDP graphics windows 115A and 115B can be the same, but does not have to be. For example, the amount of time represented by the graphics in the small VDP graphics window can be less than the amount of time represented by the graphics in the large VDP graphics window. The PID for the graphics in VDP graphics windows 115A and 115B is preferably the same, but not required.

[0101] As an example, the size of the large VDP graphics window 115A can change after the large VDP graphics window 115A enters an area covered by another VDP graphics window or covers a predetermined portion of another VDP graphics window. As the size of the large VDP graphics window 115A changes to that of the small VDP graphics window 115B, one or more displayed VDP graphics windows of the resized VDP graphics window can be repositioned. Repositioning one of these VDP graphics windows can include removing the VDP graphics window from the display 302. DPs 105 and 107 show that the small VDP graphics windows 117, 119, and 121 have been moved down, and the small VDP graphics window is repositioned by removing the small VDP graphics window 123 from the display. The selector 127 of the scroll bar 109 can be moved to move the small VDP graphics window, so that the display 302 can re-display the small VDP graphics window 123 (i.e., change from a virtual graphics window to a displayed graphics window) or move further away from being re-displayed by the display 302.

[0102] As another example, the selected VDP graphics window could be a small VDP graphics window that has been resized to a large VDP graphics window and repositioned in the display position specified for the large VDP graphics window. According to this example, another large VDP graphics window can be repositioned up or down from the VDP graphics window displayed by monitor 302.

[0103] Figure 21 The diagram shows the position 125 of the large VDP graph window 115A displayed before drag-and-drop input. After drag-and-drop input removes the VDP graph window from this position, the window graph position (e.g., large VDP graph window position 125) may still not have any VDP graph window. Alternatively, the user can manually select another PID, causing the display 302 to display the VDP graph of that PID at the VDP graph window position 125 after drag-and-drop input. Alternatively, the processor 202 can automatically select the VDP graph of another PID after drag-and-drop input to display at the graph window position 125.

[0104] III. Example Operation

[0105] Next, Figure 5This is a flowchart depicting a set 500 (or more simply "set 500") of functions that can be performed according to one or more exemplary embodiments described herein. Set 500 includes functions indicated by boxes labeled even numbers 502 to 508 (inclusive). The following description of set 500 includes references to elements shown in other figures of this application, but the functions of set 500 are not limited to those performed by the referenced elements. Various methods can be performed using one or more functions shown in set 500. Any of these methods can be performed using other functions, such as one or more other functions described herein.

[0106] Box 502 includes determining that display 302 is operating in a first display orientation. Processor 202 may execute program instructions of CRPI 218 to determine box 502, and may execute the same or other program instructions to determine box 506 discussed below, or to cause a display such as display 302 to perform the display functions of boxes 504 and 508 discussed below. The first display orientation is associated with a display that uses a first VDP graphic configuration to display a VDP graphic.

[0107] Each of frames 502, 504, 506, and 508 relates to at least one of a first display orientation and a second display orientation. As an example, the first display orientation may include or be a portrait orientation of the display 302, and the second display orientation may include or be a lateral orientation of the display 302. As another example, the first display orientation may include or be a lateral orientation of the display 302, and the second display orientation may include or be a portrait orientation of the display 302.

[0108] Next, box 504 includes displaying a first group of multiple VDP graphics using a first VDP graphics configuration, while display 302 is positioned in a first display orientation. The display on display 302 or user interface 208 can perform the display of box 504 and the display of box 508 discussed below. Figure 11 and Figure 12 Examples of multiple sets of multiple VDP graphs are shown. A first set of multiple VDP graphs can be configured, like one of those example sets of multiple VDP graphs, but is not limited to this.

[0109] Next, block 506 includes determining that the display changes from operating in a first display orientation to operating in a second display orientation different from the first display orientation. The processor 202 can determine the display orientation change by receiving one or more signals from the orientation detector 212. The one or more signals may include a message indicating that the display 302 is operating in the second display orientation. In this way, the orientation detector 212 determines the display orientation change and notifies the processor 202 of the display orientation change. The second display orientation may be associated with the display 302 using a second VDP graphics configuration to display at least one VDP graphics, which differs from the manner in which at least one VDP graphics is displayed using the first VDP graphics configuration.

[0110] As an example, determining that the display 302 changes orientation from a first display orientation to a second display orientation may include determining the yaw motion of the VST 200 from the time when the top and bottom of the display 302 are in a horizontal or vertical position. The multiple degrees of yaw motion may be on the order of degrees, for example, but not limited to 40 to 50 degrees, 40 to 90 degrees, 40 to 140 degrees, or 40 to 130 degrees.

[0111] Processor 202 or display 302 may perform or cause the performance of various functions in response to the determination of block 506. For example, in response to determining that display 302 changes from operating in a first display orientation to operating in a second display orientation, display 302 may change from displaying a first VDP graphic in a first large VDP graphic window using at least one large VDP graphic window configured with a first VDP graphic to displaying the first VDP graphic in a first small VDP graphic window using at least two small VDP graphic windows configured with a second VDP graphic, and display 302 may change from displaying a second VDP graphic in the first small VDP graphic window using at least two small VDP graphic windows configured with a first VDP graphic to displaying the second VDP graphic in a first large VDP graphic window using at least one large VDP graphic window configured with a second VDP graphic. As another example, in response to the determination of block 506, display 302 may become a VDP graphic window displaying either the first or second display orientation according to any display presentation described herein.

[0112] Next, block 508 includes displaying at least one VDP graphic using a second VDP graphic configuration when the display is operating in a second display orientation. In one aspect, displaying at least one VDP graphic using a second VDP graphic configuration may include displaying a second group of multiple VDP graphics. In another aspect, displaying at least one VDP graphic using a second VDP graphic configuration when the display 302 is operating in a second display orientation may include displaying a single VDP graphic covering a display area covered by a first group of multiple VDP graphics using a first VDP graphic configuration when the display 302 is in a first display orientation. Each of the multiple VDP graphics may be located within a separate and corresponding VDP graphic window, such that displaying at least one graphic using a second VDP graphic configuration includes displaying multiple VDP graphic windows. A second group of multiple VDP graphics may be configured, such as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is one of a set of examples of multiple VDP graphs shown, but is not limited to any particular type.

[0113] Various examples relate to vehicle data parameters discussed in set 500. For instance, vehicle data parameters represented by a first set of multiple VDP graphs may be the same as vehicle data parameters represented by a second set of multiple VDP graphs. As another example, at least one vehicle data parameter represented by the first set of multiple VDP graphs is not among the vehicle data parameters represented by the second set of multiple VDP graphs. As yet another example, each VDP graph in the first set of multiple VDP graphs is associated with a different PID with respect to the PID associated with the other VDP graphs in the first set of multiple VDP graphs.

[0114] Various examples relate to the graphics configurations discussed in set 500. For example, a first VDP graphics configuration may include at least one large VDP graphics window and at least two small VDP graphics windows. As another example, a first VDP graphics configuration may include at least one large VDP graphics window of a first VDP graphics configuration located to the left or right of at least two small VDP graphics windows of the first VDP graphics configuration. As another example, a second VDP graphics configuration may include at least one large VDP graphics window and at least two small VDP graphics windows. As yet another example, a second VDP graphics configuration may include at least one large VDP graphics window of a second VDP graphics configuration located above or below at least two small VDP graphics windows of the second VDP graphics configuration.

[0115] Additional functions that can be performed alone or in conjunction with one or more other functions of the set of functions described herein are now described. The description of these additional functions includes references to elements shown in the accompanying drawings, but the additional functions are not limited to those performed by the referenced elements. Some of these additional functions include multiple additional functions.

[0116] Additional functionality includes receiving an input from processor 202 to scroll (i.e., scroll input) a portion of display 302 displaying at least two small VDP graphics windows of a VDP graphics configuration, and scrolling the portion of display showing the at least two small VDP graphics windows of the VDP graphics configuration via display 302 in response to the processor 202 receiving the scroll input. As an example, the scroll input may be input via or to scroll bar 338. As another example, the at least two small VDP graphics windows may include, but are not limited to, VDP graphics windows 324, 326, 328, and 330.

[0117] According to the aforementioned additional functions, the portion of the scrolling display 302 displaying at least two small VDP graphic windows of the VDP graphic configuration may include: displaying at least one small VDP graphic that was not displayed in either of the at least two small VDP graphic windows of the first VDP graphic configuration at the start of scrolling, and removing at least one small VDP graphic that was displayed in one of the at least two small VDP graphic windows of the VDP graphic configuration at the start of scrolling. A VDP graphic that is not displayed but can be displayed in response to scroll input may be referred to as a virtual VDP graphic or a VDP graphic at a virtual display position.

[0118] Another additional function includes the processor 202 receiving input for scrolling a portion of at least one large VDP graphics window displaying the VDP graphics configuration on the display 302, and in response to the processor 202 receiving the scrolling input, the display 302 scrolling a portion of the at least one large VDP graphics window displaying the VDP graphics configuration. As an example, the scrolling input may be input via or to scroll bar 336. As another example, the at least one large VDP graphics window may include, but is not limited to, one of VDP graphics windows 332 and 334.

[0119] According to the above functions, the portion of the scrolling display 302 in which at least one large VDP graphics window of the VDP graphics configuration is displayed may include displaying at least one large VDP graphic that was not displayed in any of the at least one large VDP graphics window of the first VDP graphics configuration at the start of scrolling, and removing at least one large VDP graphic that was displayed in one of the at least one large VDP graphics window of the VDP graphics configuration at the start of scrolling. In other words, a large VDP graphics window at a virtual display position can be displayed in response to scroll input, and the large VDP graphics window at the display position can be removed from the display and repositioned at the virtual display position.

[0120] Next, Figure 6This is a flowchart depicting a set 600 (or more simply "set 600") of functions that can be performed according to one or more exemplary embodiments described herein. Set 600 includes functions shown in boxes labeled with even numbers 602 to 610 (inclusive). The following description of set 600 includes references to elements shown in other figures of this application, but the functions of set 600 are not limited to those performed by the referenced elements. Various methods can be performed using one or more of the functions shown in set 600. Any of these methods can be performed using other functions such as one or more of the other functions described herein.

[0121] Box 602 includes the option to receive vehicle operating conditions detectable by the device. The receiving function of box 602 can be performed by a VST such as VST 200, VST 300 or other devices. In particular, the receiving function of box 602 can be performed by user interface 208 or processor 202.

[0122] As an example, selecting a vehicle operating condition may include selecting a PID from a displayed list of PIDs that can be requested from ECU 106. Processor 202 may refer to VOC 226 to determine which PID can be requested from vehicle 102 or ECU 106. Receiving a VOC may include processor 202 selecting at least one default threshold (e.g., an upper limit default threshold or a lower limit default threshold) associated with the selected PID. Receiving a VOC may include processor 202 receiving user configuration input from user interface 208 for the threshold associated with the selected PID.

[0123] As another example, selecting vehicle operating conditions may include selecting a DTC that can be set to be valid by vehicle 102 from a displayed list of DTCs, or by reading a DTC set to be valid by ECU 106. Processor 202 may refer to VOC 226 to determine one or more vehicle PIDs associated with the selected PID or DTC, and in response request from vehicle 102 a VDP identified by the determined vehicle PID.

[0124] As another example, selecting vehicle operating conditions may include selecting the VDP to be measured or otherwise captured by input section 214. Other examples of receiving VOC are also possible.

[0125] Next, block 604 includes the receipt of vehicle data parameters by the device. As an example, one or more VDPs may be received by the DLC connector 206 and provided to the processor 202 or data storage device 204 for storage in VDP 224. These one or more VDPs may be sent by the ECU 106 to the DLC 110 via vehicle communication link 110 and to the DLC connector 106 via communication link 112 in response to a request from the ECU 106 regarding a VDP identified by the vehicle PID as determined in block 602. The VDP received at the DLC connector 206 may include the PID associated with the VDP. As another example, one or more VDPs may be received by the input portion 214 and provided to the processor 202 or data storage device 204 for storage within VDP 224.

[0126] Next, box 606 includes determining a first instance of a specific vehicle data parameter indicating a vehicle operating condition. The determination function of box 606 can be performed by a VST such as VST 200, VST 300, or some other device. Specifically, the determination function of box 606 can be performed by processor 202. Processor 202 can determine the first instance of a VDP from the VDPs received in box 604. As an example, determining the first instance of a specific VDP or any other VDP indicating a VOC may include processor 202 determining that the VDP has violated a threshold associated with the VDP. For example, processor 202 may determine that the VDP has a parameter greater than an upper threshold, a parameter less than a lower threshold, or a value between the upper and lower thresholds following one or more instances of a previous VDP value greater than the upper threshold or less than the lower threshold.

[0127] Next, box 608 includes a graphical representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters received by the device. Display 302 can display the graphical representation. The graphical representation may include VDP graphics within a VDP graphics window, such as, but not limited to, any VDP graphics window described herein. The graphical representation can be displayed in response to selecting a graphics view option from display 302.

[0128] Next, box 610 includes displaying a first indicator corresponding to a first instance of a specific vehicle data parameter indicating the occurrence of a vehicle operating condition. Display 302 may display the first indicator and one or more other indicators corresponding to one or more other instances of a VDP indicating the occurrence of VOC. For example, display 302 may also display a second indicator corresponding to a second instance of a specific VDP indicating the occurrence of VOC. Displaying the second indicator may include displaying the second indicator near the time-based indicator 921 (in...). Figure 9 (as shown in other figures) to indicate the second time from each time point corresponding to the second instance of the receiving device or VST of a particular VDP.

[0129] Another additional feature includes a time-based indicator 921 displayed by the device (e.g., VST 200 or 300) corresponding to the various times when the device received the vehicle data parameters. For example... Figure 10 As shown, display 302 can display a time-based indicator 921. The display of the first indicator discussed with respect to box 610 may include displaying a VOC indicator (e.g., Figure 9 The VOC indicator 926, 927, 928, 929, 930 and 931 shown in the figure are close to the time-based indicator 921 to indicate from each moment the moment corresponds to the moment when the device receiving the first instance of the specific vehicle data parameters is receiving the VDP and the moment when the device 300 is receiving the VDP.

[0130] Another additional function includes receiving a selection of a first indicator (e.g., a first VOC indicator) by a device (e.g., VST 200 or 300) and displaying a graphical representation of at least a portion of the received VDP, including a first instance of the VDP referenced in block 610, by a device (e.g., display 302) in response to receiving the selection of the first indicator.

[0131] Another additional feature includes a representation of a first indicator, displayed by the device or VST 200 or 300, showing at least one of the upper limit threshold indicator 935 and the lower limit threshold indicator 936. Exemplary indicator representations 938 and 940 are shown in... Figure 10 middle.

[0132] Next, Figure 7 This is a flowchart depicting a set of functions 700 (or more simply "set 700") that can be performed according to one or more example embodiments described herein. Set 700 includes the functions shown in the boxes labeled even numbers 702 to 708 (inclusive). The following description of set 700 includes references to elements shown in other figures in this application, but the functions of set 700 are not limited to the functions performed by the referenced elements. Various methods can be performed using one or more of the functions shown in set 700. Any of these methods can be performed using other functions such as one or more of the other functions described herein.

[0133] Block 702 includes receiving a plurality of VDPs associated with a first VDP identifier and a plurality of VDPs associated with a second VDP identifier. Receiving the plurality of VDPs can be performed by one or more of the processor 202, the DLC connector 206, and the input section 214.

[0134] Next, box 704 includes displaying a first graphical representation at a first display portion of the display 302, showing at least a portion of the VDP associated with the first VDP identifier. As an example, the first graphical representation can be configured for a dynamic graphical configuration, wherein the first graphical representation shows which portion of a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP is changed. In one aspect, the first graphical representation can be configured for a dynamic graphical representation while the device is receiving drag-and-drop input. In another aspect, the first graphical representation can be configured for a static graphical configuration, wherein portions of the plurality of vehicle data parameters displayed by the first graphical representation do not change.

[0135] Next, frame 706 includes displaying a second graphical representation of at least a portion of the VDP associated with the second VDP identifier at a second display portion of display 302. In one aspect, a portion of one of the first display position and the second display position overlaps with a portion of the other. In another aspect, no portion of the first display position or the second display position overlaps with the other. The area of ​​the first display position may be equal to the area of ​​the second display position, and the first display position and the second display position may have the same shape. Alternatively, the areas of the first display position and the second display position may be different, or the first position and the second position may have different shapes.

[0136] Next, box 708 includes receiving drag-and-drop input to at least a portion of the second display portion for the first graphical representation, and correspondingly changing the graphical representation displayed at the first and second display portions. An example of drag-and-drop input is shown in... Figure 14 and Figure 21 The description is shown and referenced in the text.

[0137] As an example, changing the graphical representation could include switching the first display position to display a second graphical representation instead of the first graphical representation.

[0138] As another example, changing the graphic representation may include: reducing the size of the first graphic representation to place it within the second display position, and increasing the size of the second graphic representation to fill the first display position with the second graphic representation. This change may occur in cases where the area of ​​the first display position is larger than the area of ​​the second display position.

[0139] As another example, changing the graphic representation may include decreasing the size of the second graphic representation to place it within the first display position, and increasing the size of the first graphic representation to fill the second display position with it. This change may occur in cases where the area of ​​the second display position is larger than the area of ​​the first display position.

[0140] Another additional feature includes storing multiple VDP display groups by data storage device 204, wherein each VDP display group indicates the VDP identifier associated with the vehicle data parameter to be displayed at the corresponding display position on display 302 when a VDP including another VDP identifier is displayed at a specific display position on display 302.

[0141] Another additional function includes: when vehicle data parameters including a first VDP identifier are displayed in the second display position, the processor 202 refers to one of the VDP display groups to determine the VDP identifier associated with the VDP to be displayed in the first display position. When vehicle data parameters including a first VDP identifier are displayed in the second display position, the VDP identifier associated with the VDP to be displayed in the first display position includes either a second VDP identifier or a third VDP identifier.

[0142] Another additional function includes receiving multiple vehicle data parameters associated with a third VDP identifier by the VST 200 or its components. Changing the graphical representation displayed at a first display position and a second display position may include switching the first display position to display a third graphical representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the third VDP identifier, instead of the first graphical representation. The vehicle data parameters associated with the third VDP identifier may not be displayed when the VST 200 or its components are receiving drag-and-drop input.

[0143] Next, Figure 8 This is a flowchart depicting a set of functions 800 (or more simply "set 800") that can be performed according to one or more example embodiments described herein. Set 800 includes functions indicated by boxes labeled even numbers 802 to 808 (inclusive). The following description of set 800 includes references to elements shown in other figures in this application, but the functions of set 800 are not limited to those referenced elements. Various methods can be performed using one or more of the functions shown in set 800. Any of these methods can be performed using other functions such as one or more of the other functions described herein.

[0144] Box 802 includes receiving multiple vehicle data parameters associated with a first VDP identifier and multiple vehicle data parameters associated with a second VDP identifier. The VDP received at box 802 can be received by VST 200 or VST 300. Specifically, the VDP received at box 802 can be received by DLC connector 206 or input section 214. The VDP received at box 802 can be stored in VDP 224. One or more of the first and second VDP identifiers can include a PID from the vehicle data message. As an example, the first VDP identifier can include a PID indicating a parameter of engine RPM, and the second VDP identifier can include a PID indicating a parameter of engine oil pressure measurement. Other examples of the first and second VDP identifiers are also possible.

[0145] Next, box 804 includes a first VDP graph displaying at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier. Displaying the first VDP graph may include displaying a VDP graph window and any content displayed or described therein, such as displayed within or as part of the VDP graph window. The first VDP graph may include a line graph. The area under the line graph may be shaded or unshaded. Displaying the first VDP graph may include displaying the VDP graph as part of any display presentation described herein, wherein at least two VDP graphs are displayed.

[0146] Next, box 806 includes a second VDP graph displaying at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the second VDP identifier. Displaying the second VDP graph may include displaying a VDP graph window and any content displayed or described herein, such as being displayed within or as part of the VDP graph window. The second VDP graph may include a line graph. Displaying the second VDP graph may include displaying the VDP graph as part of any display presentation described herein, wherein at least two VDP graphs are displayed.

[0147] Next, block 808 includes receiving pinch and expand input to the first VDP graphic and correspondingly increasing the size of the first VDP graphic. As an example, receiving pinch and expand input may include processor 202 determining that two fingers are placed at corresponding positions within the first VDP graphic on display 302, and moving from those positions to two other positions. As another example, receiving pinch and expand input may include processor 202 determining a first finger placed at a position within the first VDP graphic on display 302 and a second finger placed at any other position on display 302, with both fingers moving from those positions to two other positions. About Figure 13 The bottom view illustrates another example of pinching and expanding input.

[0148] Processor 202 and display 302 can perform various actions as part of increasing the size of the first VDP graphic. Examples of these various actions are now described. For example, increasing the size of the first VDP graphic may include displaying the same VDP amount as the first VDP graphic displayed before receiving the pinch and expand input.

[0149] As another example, increasing the size of the first VDP graphic may include repositioning the first VDP graphic in response to receiving a pinch and expand input. For example, the first VDP graphic (before receiving the pinch and expand input) may include a line graph within a small VDP graphic window displayed on the left side of display 302. Repositioning the first VDP graphic may include positioning it on the right side of the display as a VDP graphic within a large VDP graphic window. Repositioning the first VDP graphic in this way may include repositioning and resizing a VDP graphic within another large VDP graphic window to the position where the first VDP graphic is displayed within a small VDP graphic window.

[0150] As another example, increasing the size of the first VDP graphic may include displaying the first VDP graphic using the entire display area of ​​the display 302. Displaying the first VDP graphic may include displaying a VDP graphic window containing the VDP graphic. Figure 10 An example is shown of using the entire display area of ​​display 302 (dedicated to displaying the VDP graphics window) to display the VDP line graph 933 and the VDP graphics window 944.

[0151] As another example, increasing the size of the first VDP graphic may include displaying different amounts of vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier, and using different time scales to display these different amounts of vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier. The different amounts may be less than or greater than the amounts of vehicle data parameters displayed by the first VDP graphic before receiving the pinch and expand input. The different time scales may be shorter or longer than the time scales of the vehicle data parameters used to display the first VDP graphic before receiving the pinch and expand input.

[0152] As another example, another action performed in response to receiving pinch and expand input may include changing the second VDP graphic. As an example, changing the second VDP graphic may include reducing the size of the second VDP graphic. Reducing the size of the second VDP graphic may include removing the second VDP graphic from the display area of ​​the monitor (e.g., positioning the second VDP graphic in a virtual VDP graphic location). In this regard, a third VDP graphic may be displayed in a VDP graphic window that displays the first VDP graphic window before and simultaneously with receiving at least a portion of the pinch and expand input.

[0153] As another example, altering the second VDP graphic may include repositioning the second VDP graphic. Repositioning the second VDP graphic may include repositioning the second VDP graphic to another visible portion of the display 302. Alternatively, repositioning the second VDP graphic may include repositioning the second VDP graphic to a virtual location on the display 302. A VDP graphic positioned at a virtual location on the display can be repositioned within the visible portion of the display 302 by using a scroll bar or by selecting it from a list view of VDPs. Figure 21 Displays 105 and 107 show examples of VDP graphics 123 located at a virtual position on display 302.

[0154] Next, Figure 9 This is a flowchart depicting a set of functions 900 (or more simply "set 900") that can be performed according to one or more example embodiments described herein. Set 900 includes functions indicated by boxes labeled with even numbers 902 to 908 (inclusive). The following description of set 900 includes references to elements shown in other figures of this application, but the functions of set 900 are not limited to the functions performed by the referenced elements. Various methods can be performed using one or more functions shown in set 900. Any of these methods can be performed using other functions such as one or more other functions described in this specification.

[0155] Box 902 includes displaying a plurality of VDP graphics within a display (e.g., display 302). Each VDP graphic may include at least one cursor 940. Figure 11 An example display presentation 450 is shown, featuring multiple VDP graphics windows 961, 963, 965, 967, 969, and 971 displayed on monitor 302. These VDP graphics windows display VDP line graphs 962, 964, 996, 968, 970, and 972, respectively.

[0156] Next, box 904 includes displaying a cursor locator within display 302. The cursor locator can be configured for cursor locator movement, which results in a consistent movement of a cursor 933 in each VDP line graph. Figure 11 The cursor locator 925 is shown in other diagrams.

[0157] Next, box 906 includes determining that cursor locator movement has occurred. Processor 202 can determine that cursor locator 925 has moved in a first direction (e.g., when cursor locator 925 moves as shown in the image). Figure 11 or Figure 12 (Move to the right when positioned as shown) or move in the second direction (for example, to the cursor position symbol 925 as shown). Figure 11 or Figure 12 (Move to the left when positioning as shown). Figure 20 This shows that the cursor locator has been moved to the first end 595 of time period 923 and each VDP graph window displays a VDP line graph from one side to the other. Moving the cursor locator 925 to the second end of time period 923 will move the cursor to the second end of each line graph. Figure 20 The left side of each VDP graphics window is shown.

[0158] Next, box 908 includes moving at least one cursor consistently in each VDP drawing in response to determining that cursor locator movement has occurred. For example, Figure 20 In each VDP graphics window shown, cursor 933 can move consistently to the left or right. From Figure 20 The time represented by the left side of each VDP graphics window to the cursor in each VDP graphics window can be an equal amount of time and a common time period. In this way, the display 302 can display VDP graphics windows for comparison with other VDP values ​​that occur simultaneously or are most closely related in time to other values ​​of the same VDP.

[0159] IV. Example Display and Rendering

[0160] Next, Figure 10This is a diagram depicting an exemplary display presentation (DP) 920 that can be provided by a display such as display 302. DP 920 is arranged in a landscape orientation and includes a VDP graphics window 944. The VDP graphics window 944 includes a VDP line graph 932, VDP graphic text 937, VDP threshold indicators 935, 936, vehicle operation indicators 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, and 931, and a time-based indicator 921. DP 920 includes a view selector 943 for selecting different views for a set of VDPs, at least one of which may include the currently displayed VDP. In addition to the graphic view, other views may include, but are not limited to, a numeric view and a list view. The VDP line graph 932 is an example of a line graph where the area below the line graph is not shaded.

[0161] VDP graphic text 937 indicates that the selected VOC threshold belongs to the throttle position sensor (TPS) position, and the unit is expressed as a percentage. Alternatively, VDP graphic text 937 may include graphic text of any other VDP associated with or available from vehicle 102.

[0162] VDP threshold indicator 935 can indicate an upper limit VDP threshold associated with the TPS location percentage. VDP threshold indicator 936 can indicate a lower limit VDP threshold associated with the TPS location percentage. VDP threshold indicators 935 and 936 may include indicators such as a horizontal line extending across at least a portion of the VDP graphics window 944. VDP threshold indicators 935 and 936 may include VOC indicators with unique characteristics to distinguish them from each other. Figure 10 As shown, the VOC indicator of VDP threshold indicator 935 includes a dark icon 940, while the VOC indicator of VDP threshold indicator 936 includes a light icon 938. The VDP graphics window 944 includes an upper threshold indicator 942, representing the value of the upper threshold of VDP displayed in the VDP graphics window 944. The VDP graphics window 944 includes a lower threshold indicator 939, representing the value of the lower threshold of VDP displayed in the VDP graphics window 944.

[0163] The time-based indicator 921 may include a cursor locator 925 and time periods 922, 923, and 924. The cursor locator 925 may correspond to the cursor 933 in the VDP graphics window 944. Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figures 15-20 Other examples of time-based indicators 921, cursor locators 925, and cursors 933 are shown. The VDP graphics window 944 includes a numeric VDP value 941 indicating the value of the VDP at cursor 933.

[0164] Time period 922 provides an indication of the amount of time or percentage of the frame or data value of the VDP captured relative to time periods 923 and 924 before the frame or data value of the VDP currently displayed in the VDP graphics window 944. Time period 923 provides an indication of the amount of time or percentage of the VDP value represented by the VDP value displayed in the VDP graphics window 944 relative to time periods 922 and 924. Time period 924 provides an indication of the amount of time or percentage of the VST that can receive additional frames or data values ​​of the VDP before the previous instance of the received VDP is overwritten or otherwise deleted for storage of additional frames or data values ​​of the VDP relative to time periods 922 and 923.

[0165] The VDP line graph 932 can be zoomed in or out within the VDP graphics window 944. As an example, the cursor locator 925 can move in a first direction (e.g., to the right) to zoom in on the VDP line graph 932 and in a second direction (e.g., to the left) to zoom out on the VDP line graph 932. As another example, the cursor 933 or cursor bar 934 can move in the first and second directions to zoom in and out on the VDP line graph 932, respectively. As an example, zooming in on the VDP line graph may include reducing the time spent horizontally represented within the VDP graphics window 944, and zooming out on the VDP line graph may include increasing the time spent horizontally represented within the VDP graphics window 944. Alternatively, repositioning the cursor 933 or cursor bar 934 may include displaying the current value of the VDP at another location within the VDP graphics window 944.

[0166] Next, Figure 11This is a diagram depicting an example display 960 that can be provided by a display such as display 302. DP 960 is in portrait orientation. DP 960 includes VDP graphic windows 961, 963, 965, 967, 969, and 971. These VDP graphic windows are examples of a set of multiple VDP graphic windows and include VDP graphic text 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, and 980, respectively. These same VDP graphic windows also include VDP graphics 962, 964, 966, 968, 970, and 972, respectively. The VDP graphics of these VDP graphic windows are examples of a set of multiple VDP graphics. The VDP graphic text 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, and 980 may include text identifying different PIDs for each VDP graphic window. The VDP graphic text associated with the PID may include a unit indicator for the data values ​​of the VDP and at least one of a minimum data value and a maximum data value. The minimum and maximum data values ​​can represent the low VDP threshold and the high VDP threshold, respectively, but are not limited to this. For example, the minimum and maximum data values ​​can indicate the minimum and maximum data values ​​of the VDP currently displayed in a VDP graphics window that includes VDP graphic text or is associated with VDP graphic text.

[0167] DP 960 includes a text view selector 973 and a graphics view selector 974. When the display 302 is in the position of... Figure 11 When a VDP graphics window is displayed in the graphical view shown, the text view selector 973 can be selected by the display pointer 322, or otherwise cause the display 302 to begin displaying one or more of the VDP graphics windows 961, 963, 965, 967, 969, and 971 shown, or data therein represented in text format (e.g., such as...). Figure 16 (as shown in the list view). When the monitor 302 is displaying the VDP in text format, the graphics view selector 974 can be selected by the display pointer 322, or otherwise cause the monitor to start displaying the VDP graphics windows 961, 963, 965, 967, 969 and 971.

[0168] DP 960 includes a time-based indicator 921, time periods 922, 923, and 924, a cursor locator 925, and a cursor 933 in each VDP graphics window 961, 963, 965, 967, 969, and 971. The cursor locator 925 can be moved in any direction along the time-based indicator 921 so that the cursor 933 moves consistently within each VDP graphics window 961, 963, 965, 967, 969, and 971.

[0169] under, Figure 12This is a diagram depicting an example display 980 that can be provided by a display such as display 302. DP 980 is landscape-oriented. DP 980 includes VDP graphics windows 961, 963, 965, 967, 969, and 971. These VDP graphics windows include VDP graphic text 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, and 980, respectively. These same VDP graphics windows also include VDP graphics 962, 964, 966, 968, 970, and 972, respectively. DP 980 also includes a VDP graphics window 981 that is only partially displayed.

[0170] DP 980 includes a text view selector 973 and a graphics view selector 974. When the display 302 is in the position of... Figure 12 When a VDP graphics window is displayed in the graphical view shown, the text view selector 973 can be selected by the display pointer 322; otherwise, the display 302 begins to display the VDP displayed in one or more of the VDP graphics windows 961, 963, 965, 967, 969, 971 and 981 in text format.

[0171] DP 980 may include one or more scroll bars, such as scroll bars 336 or 338, to allow the user to scroll DP980 so that another VDP graphics window, such as VDP graphics window 981, which is not currently displayed or is only partially displayed by DP 980, is fully brought into DP 980. As another VDP graphics window is brought into DP 980, the currently displayed VDP graphics window can leave DP 980. Figure 11 The DP 960 shown may also include one or more scrollbars to provide scrolling functionality similar to that available in the DP980. For clarity of these figures, Figure 11 and Figure 12 The scroll bar is not shown.

[0172] Orientation detector 212 can detect a change in VST 200 from horizontal to vertical orientation while display 302 is displaying DP 980, and accordingly cause display 302 to start displaying the VDP graphic based on DP 960. Similarly, orientation detector 212 can detect a change in VST 200 from horizontal to vertical orientation while display 302 is displaying DP 960, and accordingly cause display 302 to start displaying the VDP graphic based on DP 980.

[0173] Next, Figure 15These are diagrams depicting exemplary display presentations 160 and 161 that can be provided by a display such as display 302. Display 302, which displays display presentations 160 and 161, may include, but is not limited to, a display within a smartphone. For example, VST 300 may include or be configured as a smartphone. Display 302 is landscape-oriented with respect to DP 160 and portrait-oriented with respect to DP 161. DP 160 includes a line graph 162 of data values ​​received for VDP, identified by VDP graphic text 165. DP 161 includes a line graph 162 of data values ​​received for VDP, identified by VDP graphic text 165, and a line graph 163 of data values ​​received for VDP, identified by VDP graphic text 166.

[0174] Orientation detector 212 can detect a change in orientation of VST 300 from lateral to longitudinal orientation as DP 160 is presented by display 302, and accordingly cause display 302 to display DP 161. Processor 202 can determine one or more VDP diagrams displayed in longitudinal orientation and VDP diagram 162 displayed in longitudinal orientation.

[0175] Orientation detector 212 can detect the change in orientation of VST 300 from vertical to horizontal as DP 161 is presented by display 302, and accordingly cause display 302 to display DP 161. Processor 202 can determine that VDP graphic 162 is the only VDP graphic displayed in response to the change to horizontal orientation.

[0176] DP 160 and DP 161 each include a time-based indicator 921 and a cursor locator 925 for selecting the VDP value of the received VDP on which a cursor 933 is positioned. Movement of the cursor locator 925 for display rendering with multiple VDP graphic cursors 933 and multiple VDP graphic windows can result in a consistent movement of at least one cursor 933 within each of the multiple VDP graphic windows.

[0177] DP 160 includes a VDP selector 167. DP 161 includes a VDP selector 168. The VDP selector can be used to select different VDPs displayed within the display 302.

[0178] Next, Figure 16 These are diagrams depicting exemplary display presentations 750 and 760 that can be provided by a display such as display 302. Display 302, which shows display presentations 750 and 760, may include, but is not limited to, a display within a smartphone. Display 302 is landscape-oriented with respect to DP 750 and portrait-oriented with respect to DP 760. DP 750 includes two columns 751 and 752 of VDP in a list view. DP 760 includes a single column 761 of VDP in a list view.

[0179] Orientation detector 212 can detect a change in the lateral orientation of VST 300 from its orientation to its vertical orientation as it is presented on display 302 from DP 750, and respond accordingly cause display 302 to display DP 760. Processor 202 can determine which VDP displayed on DP 750 will be displayed on DP 760 and which VDP will not be displayed on DP 760.

[0180] Orientation detector 212 can detect a change in orientation of VST 300 from vertical to horizontal as it is presented by display 302 from DP 760, and accordingly cause display 302 to display DP 750. Processor 202 can determine which VDP not displayed in DP 760 will be displayed in DP 750.

[0181] DP 750 and DP 760 include a DP selector 753 to select different VDP display renderings. By selecting a list view from among other view types using the DP selector 753, either the DP 750 or DP 760 can be entered from another type of view (such as a graphical or numerical view). Within the list view of the DP 750 and DP 760, another type of view can be selected to change the display from the list view to another type of view.

[0182] Each of DP 750 and DP 760 includes a time-based indicator 921 and a frame or data value indicator 757. As an example, the frame or data value indicator 757 indicates 3,834 out of 5,000 frames or data values. In some cases, VST 300 may have received the same number of data values ​​for each VDP identified in the list view of VDPs. Depending on these cases, cursor locator 925 can be moved to select a different frame or data value from the 5,000 frames or data values. In other cases, VST 300 may receive different numbers of data values ​​for two or more VDPs identified in the list view of VDPs. Depending on these other cases, cursor locator 925 can be moved to select a different frame or different value for a specific VDP's received frame or data value. The data values ​​for other VDPs may change to other data values ​​relative to the time when the selected different frame or data value was received.

[0183] like Figure 16As shown, the list view of VDPs may include multiple VDP text identifiers (e.g., VDP text identifier 754) and multiple VDP values ​​(e.g., VDP value 755). In column 752, VDPs whose data values ​​violate VDP thresholds (e.g., greater than the upper threshold or lower than the lower threshold) display a VOC indicator 756. Processor 202 may detect drag-and-drop input of VDPs displayed in the list view and move the VDP from its initial position when the drag-and-drop input is initiated to a position including the position where the VDP was dragged and dropped via the drag-and-drop input.

[0184] DP 750 and DP 760 may include at least one scroll bar for inputting scroll input, which causes a virtual VDP value not currently displayed by DP 750 or DP 760 to be displayed and causes one or more currently displayed VDP values ​​to be repositioned to virtual VDP values ​​not currently displayed by DP 750 or DP 760.

[0185] Processor 202 can execute program instructions of CRPI 216 to provide a VDP threshold selection display on display 302. The selection display may include a selection of a VDP. The selection display may include a selection of at least one VDP threshold associated with the selected VDP, or a VDP threshold may be selected by default when a VDP is selected. The selection display may include a selection of a VOC indicator for a VDP or a VDP threshold, or a VOC indicator selection may be selected by default when a VDP or a VDP threshold is selected.

[0186] Figure 16 Examples of VOC indicators 780, 781, 782, and 782 are shown as VOC indicators that can be displayed on display 302. Figure 16 As shown in other figures, each VOC indicator may include a sign and a flagpole icon, but the VOC indicator is not limited to these. Furthermore, the display 302 may display VOC indicators with different colors or shades to indicate various characteristics related to the VDP threshold or VOC.

[0187] In one aspect, VOC indicator 780 includes a bordered flag (e.g., a white flag with a red border), and VOC indicator 781 includes a solid flag (e.g., a red flag). A bordered flag may be displayed to indicate that the VDP threshold is armed, but the VDP value received for VDP has not yet violated the VDP threshold. A solid flag may be displayed to indicate that the VDP value received for VDP has violated the associated armed VDP threshold.

[0188] Additionally, display 302 may display text associated with VDP (e.g., PID) near the VOC indicator. Display 302 may display the associated text in various ways to further indicate whether a VDP threshold has been violated. For example, when a VDP threshold is held but not yet violated, the text associated with the VDP may be blue, and when the held VDP threshold has been violated, the associated text may be red. In response to detecting that a VDP threshold is being violated, processor 202 may change the color of the associated text.

[0189] On the other hand, VOC indicator 783 (e.g., a white marker) can indicate that a high VDP threshold has been violated, while VOC indicator 782 (e.g., a gray shading marker) can indicate that a low VDP threshold has been violated. In yet another aspect, if VDP thresholds are set and multiple VDPs are targeted, then the VOC indicator for each VDP can be associated with a corresponding color or a corresponding shading to distinguish the VOC indicator for each of the multiple VDPs.

[0190] Next, Figure 17 This is a diagram depicting an example display 520 that can be provided by a display such as display 302. DP 520 includes a VDP graphics window 530, which includes a VDP line graph 521 of VDP identified by VDP graphic text 522. The VDP graphics window 530 includes a time-based indicator 921, a cursor locator 925, and a cursor 933. The VDP graphics window 530 includes a numeric VDP value 525 indicating the value of the VDP at cursor 933. The VDP graphics window includes a minimum and maximum value 523 of VDP that can indicate the minimum and maximum values ​​of VDP displayed in the VDP line graph 521 or the minimum and maximum values ​​of VDP identified by VDP graphic text 522 stored in VDP 224.

[0191] VDP graphical window 530 includes a threshold armed status icon 524. The threshold armed status icon 524 may include an empty flag icon (e.g., VOC indicator 780) when the VDP threshold, as indicated by the VDP graphical text 522, is not armed. When the threshold is not armed, the processor 202 may not compare the received VDP data value with the VDP threshold. VDP graphical window 530 includes a lower threshold indicator 528, which indicates the value of the lower threshold of the VDP displayed in VDP graphical window 530. VDP graphical window 530 includes an upper threshold indicator 526, which indicates the value of the upper threshold of the VDP displayed in VDP graphical window 530. VDP graphical window 530 includes a VOC indicator 527 associated with the upper threshold of the VDP and a VOC indicator 529 associated with the lower threshold of the VDP. Any other VDP graphical window described herein may include one or more elements contained within DP 520.

[0192] Next, Figure 18 This is a diagram depicting an example display presentation 550 that can be provided by a display such as display 302. DP 550 includes VDP graph windows 530, 551, 552, 553, 554, and 555. VDP graph windows 530, 551, 553, 554, and 555 include a VDP line graph for the VDP identified by VDP graphic text in each of those VDP graph windows. VDP graph window 530 includes a VDP line graph 521, an upper threshold indicator 559, and a lower threshold indicator 560, VDP graphic text 558 identifying the PID of the VDP data value displayed by VDP line graph 521, and a threshold armed status icon 524. In DP 550, the threshold armed status icon 557 may include a solid (i.e., non-empty) mark of a first icon color (e.g., blue) to indicate that the VDP threshold associated with the VDP represented by VDP line graph 521 is armed but not violated.

[0193] VDP graphics window 552 includes a numeric value 556 of the VDP value identified by the VDP graphic text in VDP graphics window 552. The numeric value 556 may be the same color as the text of the VDP graphic text 558 when the VDP threshold associated with the VDP represented by the VDP line graph 521 is armed but not violated. DP 550 includes a time-based indicator 921 and a cursor locator 925. Any one or more other VDP graphics windows described herein may include one or more elements contained within DP 550.

[0194] Next, Figure 19This is a diagram depicting an example display presentation 570 that can be provided by a display such as display 302. DP 570 includes VDP graphics windows 530, 551, 552, 553, 554, and 555. Similarly... Figure 18 VDP graphical windows 530, 551, 553, 554, and 555 include VDP line graphs for VDP identified by VDP graphical text in each of these VDP graphical windows. VDP graphical window 530 includes VDP line graph 521, upper threshold indicator 559 and lower threshold indicator 560, VDP graphical text 558, and threshold armed status icon 557. In DP 570, threshold armed status icon 557 may include a solid (i.e., non-empty) mark of a second icon color (e.g., red) to indicate that the VDP threshold associated with the VDP represented by VDP line graph 521 is armed and has been violated with VDP value 572 of VDP line graph 521.

[0195] The value and color of the numeric value 556 within the VDP graphics window 552 can change as the cursor locator 925 is repositioned. For example, when the VDP threshold associated with the icon is not violated, the color of the numeric value 556 can be the same as the first color of the threshold armed state icon 557, and when the VDP threshold associated with the icon is violated, it can be the same as the second color of the threshold armed state icon 557. On one hand, if the cursor locator 925 is located at a position indicating the time when the VDP threshold was initially violated, the color of the numeric value 556 can be the second color. On the other hand, if the cursor locator 925 is located at a position indicating any moment when the VDP threshold is still violated, the color of the numeric value can be the second color. The VDP graphic text in the VDP graphics window can be the same as the color of the numeric value 556. DP 570 includes a time-based indicator 921 and a cursor locator 925.

[0196] When the VDP threshold is violated, the VOC indicator 573 may be displayed near the time-based indicator 921. When the VOC indicator 573 is displayed near the time period 923, the VDP value 572 and the VOC indicator bar 571 are displayed within the VDP graphics window 530. The VOC indicator bar 571 is also displayed within VDP graphics windows 551, 553, 554, and 555 to indicate the positions of those VDP graphics windows that correspond to the time at which the VDP threshold was violated at the VDP value 572. Any one or more other VDP graphics windows described herein may include one or more elements included within DP 570.

[0197] Next, Figure 20It is a diagram depicting an example display 585 that can be provided by a display such as display 302. DP 585 includes VDP graphics windows 586, 587, 588, 589, 590 and 591, a time-based indicator 921, time periods 922, 923 and 924, and a cursor locator 925. Figure 20 This indicates that the cursor locator 925 is located at the first end 595 of time period 923. With the cursor locator at the first end 595, the line graph within the VDP graphics window 586 extends completely from the first end 592 to the second end 593 of the VDP graphics window 586. As the cursor locator 925 moves from the first end 595 of time period 923 to the second end 594 of time period 923, the amount of the VDP graphics window covered by the line graph decreases. The movement of the cursor locator 925 can cause... Figure 20 The other VDP line graphs shown are moved in a consistent manner. Any one or more other VDP graphics windows described herein may include one or more elements contained within the DP 585.

[0198] V. Examples of computer-readable media

[0199] As described above, data storage device 204 includes CRPI 218. Therefore, a computer-readable medium can store program instructions that, when executed by a computing device (e.g., processor 202), cause multiple sets of functions to be performed. For the purposes of this specification, these sets of functions are referred to herein as “X sets of example functions,” where X denotes an ordinal number such as first, second, etc.

[0200] As an example, the first set of example functions may include: (i) the processor determining that the display is operating in a first display orientation, wherein the first display orientation is associated with a display that displays vehicle data parameter (VDP) graphics using a first VDP graphics configuration; (ii) while the display is in the first display orientation, the display using the first VDP graphics configuration displays a first group of multiple VDP graphics; (iii) the processor determining that the display changes from operating in the first display orientation to operating in a second display orientation different from the first display orientation, wherein the second display orientation is associated with a display that displays at least one VDP graphic using a second VDP graphics configuration different from the first VDP graphics configuration; and (iv) while the display is operating in the second display orientation, the display using the second VDP graphics configuration displays at least one VDP graphic.

[0201] As another example, the second set of example functions may include: (i) receiving by the device a selection of vehicle operating conditions detectable by the device, (ii) receiving vehicle data parameters by the device, (iii) determining by the device a first instance of a specific vehicle data parameter indicating the occurrence of the vehicle operating condition from the vehicle data parameters, (iv) displaying by the device a graphical representation of at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters received by the device, and (v) displaying by the device a first indicator corresponding to the first instance of the specific vehicle data parameter indicating the occurrence of the vehicle operating condition.

[0202] As another example, a third set of example functions may include: (i) receiving by the device a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) identifier and a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a second VDP identifier; (ii) displaying by the device's display at a first display position of the display, the first graphic representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier; (iii) displaying by the device's display at a second display position of the display, the second graphic representation showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the second VDP identifier; and (iv) receiving by the device a drag-and-drop input to at least a portion of the second display position displaying the second graphic representation for the first graphic representation displayed at the first display position, and responsively changing the graphic representation displayed at the first and second display positions, wherein changing the graphic representation displayed at the first and second display positions includes switching the second display position to display the first graphic representation instead of the second graphic representation.

[0203] As another example, the fourth set of example functions may include: (i) receiving by the device a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a first vehicle data parameter (VDP) identifier and a plurality of vehicle data parameters associated with a second VDP identifier; (ii) displaying by the device's display a first VDP graphic showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the first VDP identifier; (iii) displaying by the device's display a second VDP graphic showing at least a portion of the vehicle data parameters associated with the second VDP identifier; and (iv) receiving by the device a pinch and expand input to the first VDP graphic and correspondingly increasing the size of the first VDP graphic.

[0204] As another example, the fifth set of example functions may include: (i) displaying multiple vehicle data parameter (VDP) graphs within the display of the device, wherein each VDP graph includes at least one cursor; (ii) displaying a cursor locator within the display, wherein the cursor locator is configured to cause a consistent movement of the cursor locator in each VDP graph; (iii) determining by the device that the cursor locator movement has occurred; and (iv) in response to determining that the cursor locator movement has occurred, the device consistently moves at least one cursor in each VDP graph.

[0205] As another example, the set of example functions may include one or more functions of any one of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth set of example functions listed above, as well as any other functions described in this specification as being performed by VST or any component of VST.

[0206] VI. Conclusion

[0207] Example embodiments have been described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, while many exemplary embodiments have been described with respect to vehicles and vehicle repair tools, those skilled in the art will understand that the vehicle mentioned herein can be replaced by certain other repairable devices, such as, but not limited to, medical devices, electrical appliances (such as refrigerators or washing machines), or televisions. In such cases, the vehicle repair tools described herein may be more simply referred to as "repair tools."

Claims

1. A method of displaying vehicle data parameters in different vehicle data parameter graphical configurations, comprising: determining, by at least one processor, based on a first signal from an orientation detector comprising one or more accelerometers or multi-axis gyroscopes, that a display is operating in one of a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation, wherein: the one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation is associated with the display displaying a plurality of vehicle data parameter graphs using a first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration, the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration indicates a first plurality of vehicle data parameter graph windows to be displayed simultaneously, and the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration includes at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window and at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows; simultaneously displaying, by the display, the first plurality of vehicle data parameter graph windows using the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration while the display is positioned in the one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation; determining, by the at least one processor, based on a second signal from the orientation detector, that the display changed from operating in the one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation to operating in the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation, wherein: the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation is associated with the display displaying at least one vehicle data parameter graph using a second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration that is different from the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration, the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration indicates a second plurality of vehicle data parameter graph windows to be displayed simultaneously, the first plurality is different from the second plurality, the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration includes at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window and at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows, and in response to determining that the display changed from operating in the one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation to operating in the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation, the display changed from displaying a first vehicle data parameter graph using a first large vehicle data parameter graph window of the at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window of the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration to displaying the first vehicle data parameter graph using a first small vehicle data parameter graph window of the at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows of the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration, and the display changed from displaying a second vehicle data parameter graph using a first small vehicle data parameter graph window of the at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows of the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration to displaying the second vehicle data parameter graph using a first large vehicle data parameter graph window of the at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window of the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration; and simultaneously displaying, by the display, the second plurality of vehicle data parameter graph windows using the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration while the display is operating in the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the second plurality of vehicle data parameter graphs using the second vehicle data parameter graph configuration comprises displaying a plurality of vehicle data parameter graphs.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a first dimension of the display is longer than a second dimension of the display, wherein the first dimension is perpendicular to the second dimension, wherein one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation comprises the first dimension being horizontal, wherein the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation comprises the second dimension being horizontal, wherein the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration comprises the at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window of the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration positioned to the left or right of the at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows of the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration, and wherein the second vehicle data parameter graph configuration comprises the at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window of the second vehicle data parameter graph configuration positioned above or below the at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows of the second vehicle data parameter graph configuration.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the at least one processor, input to scroll a portion of the display on which the at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows of the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration are displayed; and in response to the at least one processor receiving the scroll input, scrolling, by the display, the portion of the display on which the at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows of the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration are displayed.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein scrolling the portion of the display on which the at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows of the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration are displayed comprises displaying, at initiation of the scrolling, at least one small vehicle data parameter graph that is not displayed in any of the at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows of the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration, and removing, at initiation of the scrolling, at least one small vehicle data parameter graph that is displayed in one of the at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows of the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the at least one processor, input to scroll a portion of the display on which the at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window of the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration is displayed; and in response to the at least one processor receiving the scroll input, scrolling, by the display, the portion of the display on which the at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window of the first vehicle data parameter graph configuration is displayed.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein scrolling the portion of the display of the display that displays the at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic window of the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration includes displaying at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic that was not displayed in any of the at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic window of the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration when the scrolling is initiated, and removing at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic that was displayed in one of the at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic window of the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration when the scrolling is initiated.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein using the second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration to display the second plurality of vehicle data parameter graphics when the display is operating in the other one of the landscape orientation and portrait orientation includes using the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration to display a single vehicle data parameter graphic that covers an area of the display covered by the first plurality of vehicle data parameter graphics when the display is positioned in one of the landscape orientation and portrait orientation.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying, by the display, a vehicle data parameter selector while the display is displaying the first plurality of vehicle data parameter graphics using the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration, and selecting a different vehicle data parameter by using the vehicle data parameter selector; and displaying, by the display, the different vehicle data parameter selected by using the vehicle data parameter selector.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the display comprises a touch screen display.

11. A system for displaying vehicle data parameters in different vehicle data parameter graphic configurations, comprising: at least one processor; a non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer readable program instructions executable by the processor; and a display, wherein the computer readable program instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: (i) determine, based on a first signal from an orientation detector comprising one or more accelerometers or multi-axis gyroscopes, that the display is operating in one of a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation, wherein: the one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation is associated with the display displaying a plurality of vehicle data parameter graphics using a first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration, the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration indicates a first plurality of vehicle data parameter graphic windows to be displayed simultaneously, and the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration includes at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic window and at least two small vehicle data parameter graphic windows; (ii) display, by the display, the first plurality of vehicle data parameter graphic windows simultaneously using the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration when the display is positioned in the one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation. ​ (iii) based on a second signal from the orientation detector, determining that the display changed from operating in one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation to the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation, wherein: the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation is associated with the display displaying at least one vehicle data parameter graphic using a second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration that is different from the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration, the second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration indicates a second plurality of vehicle data parameter graphic windows to be displayed simultaneously, the first plurality is different from the second plurality, the second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration includes at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic window and at least two small vehicle data parameter graphic windows, in response to determining that the display changed from operating in one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation to the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation, the display changed from displaying a first vehicle data parameter graphic using a first large vehicle data parameter graphic window of the at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic window of the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration to displaying the first vehicle data parameter graphic using a first small vehicle data parameter graphic window of the at least two small vehicle data parameter graphic windows of the second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration, and the display changed from displaying a second vehicle data parameter graphic using a first small vehicle data parameter graphic window of the at least two small vehicle data parameter graphic windows of the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration to displaying the second vehicle data parameter graphic using a first large vehicle data parameter graphic window of the at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic window of the second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration; and (iv) while the display is operating in the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation, the second plurality of vehicle data parameter graphic windows are displayed simultaneously by the display using the second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a data link connector communicably connectable to a data link connector in a vehicle to receive the plurality of vehicle data parameters.

13. The system of claim 11, further comprising: an orientation detector to provide a signal to the at least one processor, the at least one processor using the signal to determine that the display changed from operating in one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation to the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the orientation detector includes at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the computer readable medium stores display orientation data indicating at least one of a screen display resolution, a pixel density, or a physical dimension of the display, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine that the display changed from operating in one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation to the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation based on the display orientation data. wherein the at least one processor uses the display orientation data to select the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration for display when the display is operating in the other one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the display comprises a display of a smartphone, wherein the display displaying the second plurality of vehicle data parameter graphs using the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration comprises the display displaying a single vehicle data parameter graph in the landscape orientation.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a set of functions to be performed, the set of functions comprising: determining, by at least one processor, based on a first signal from an orientation detector comprising one or more accelerometers or multi-axis gyroscopes, that a display is operating in one of a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation, wherein: the one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation is associated with the display displaying a plurality of vehicle data parameter graphs using a first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration, the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration indicates a first plurality of vehicle data parameter graph windows to be displayed simultaneously, and the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration comprises at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window and at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows; simultaneously displaying, by the display, the first plurality of vehicle data parameter graph windows using the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration when the display is positioned in the one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation; determining, by the at least one processor, based on a second signal from the orientation detector, that the display changed from operating in the one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation to operating in the other one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation, wherein: the other one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation is associated with the display displaying at least one vehicle data parameter graph using a second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration that is different from the first vehicle data parameter graphical configuration, the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration indicates a second plurality of vehicle data parameter graph windows to be displayed simultaneously, the first plurality is different from the second plurality, the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration comprises at least one large vehicle data parameter graph window and at least two small vehicle data parameter graph windows, and simultaneously displaying, by the display, the second plurality of vehicle data parameter graph windows using the second vehicle data parameter graphical configuration when the display is positioned in the other one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation. In response to determining that the display is changing from operating in one of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation to the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation, the display changes from displaying a first large vehicle data parameter graphic in a first large vehicle data parameter graphic window of the at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic window using the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration to displaying the first vehicle data parameter graphic in a first small vehicle data parameter graphic window of the at least two small vehicle data parameter graphic windows using the second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration, and the display changes from displaying a second vehicle data parameter graphic in a first small vehicle data parameter graphic window of the at least two small vehicle data parameter graphic windows using the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration to displaying the second vehicle data parameter graphic in a first large vehicle data parameter graphic window of the at least one large vehicle data parameter graphic window using the second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration; and While the display is operating in the other of the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation, the second plurality of vehicle data parameter graphic windows are concurrently displayed by the display using the second vehicle data parameter graphic configuration.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the set of functions further comprises: receiving, by the at least one processor, an input to scroll a portion of the display in which the at least two small vehicle data parameter graphic windows of the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration are displayed; and in response to the at least one processor receiving the scroll input, scrolling, by the display, the portion of the display in which the at least two small vehicle data parameter graphic windows of the first vehicle data parameter graphic configuration are displayed.

Images