Diagnostic Tool GUI With Dynamic Icon Display And Hierarchical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic systems with complex computer architectures have cumbersome menus that require extensive navigation, making it difficult for technicians to efficiently perform additional functions.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) for diagnostic tools that includes searching capabilities, visually indicates when a vehicle was last scanned, displays available on-board and off-board tools, and allows for dynamic icon display characteristics, such as location on the screen, to enhance navigation and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex computer architectures are used in diagnostic systems to provide advanced functions, then the diagnostic capabilities and available tools are improved, but the menu structure becomes burdensome and navigation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The GUI is segmented into multiple pages, each dedicated to specific diagnostic functions or vehicle systems. This allows complex diagnostic capabilities to be organized into manageable sections, reducing navigation complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical navigation structure with multiple levels (main menu, sub-menus, and contextual menus) that allows users to access functions through different pathways. This multi-dimensional navigation approach accommodates both simple and complex diagnostic tasks without requiring users to navigate through a single linear menu structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive diagnostic functions are provided through multiple menus, then the diagnostic versatility is improved, but the time required to navigate and return to locations is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Frequently accessed diagnostic functions and vehicle information are merged into the main screen display through icons and widgets. This allows users to access multiple functions simultaneously without navigating through separate menus, significantly reducing navigation time while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads and displays commonly accessed diagnostic functions and vehicle data on the main screen. This preliminary arrangement of information allows users to immediately access frequently used functions without requiring navigation, reducing the time lost to menu traversal
3Device complexity
If a simple code reader is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the diagnostic capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic tool incorporates multiple communication protocols and interfaces (OBD-II, CAN bus, ISO 9141, KWP2000) within a single device, allowing it to function as both a simple code reader and a comprehensive diagnostic system. The GUI adapts to display appropriate functions based on the connected vehicle type, providing universal diagnostic capabilities across different vehicle platforms
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface is provided that can be used on a diagnostic tool. The graphical user interface allows a technician to operate various functions of the diagnostic tool including searching for additional information on the Internet, receiving weather information that is relevant to certain diagnostic tests, and displaying in certain formats the retrieved vehicle data and when certain vehicles were last scanned or diagnosed.