Vehicle Diagnostic Scanner UI for Direct Job Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tools for vehicles require technicians to navigate multiple user interface screens to perform scan tool functions across different vehicle systems, leading to inefficiencies in accessing and executing scanner jobs, as they need to identify various systems and components, which can be time-consuming and complex.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic tool system that includes processors, displays, and computer-readable mediums with program instructions to transmit Vehicle Data Messages (VDMs) to identified vehicle systems, displaying user-selectable controls for scanner jobs, and providing guidance for procedures, allowing for direct access and execution of scan tool functions without needing to navigate through multiple screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If technicians navigate multiple user interface screens to access scan tool functions for different vehicle systems, then they can perform comprehensive diagnostics, but the time required to complete diagnostic tasks increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scan tool functions for different vehicle systems into a single integrated user interface screen. Instead of requiring technicians to navigate through separate screens for engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and other systems, the invention presents all available scan functions in one consolidated view, allowing technicians to access any function directly without screen transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is designed as a universal access point that provides functionality for multiple vehicle systems simultaneously. A single screen serves as the entry point for all diagnostic operations across different vehicle subsystems, making the interface multi-functional and eliminating the need for system-specific navigation paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diagnostic tool provides comprehensive menus for multiple vehicle systems, then it can perform all necessary diagnostic functions, but the complexity of the user interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
While presenting all functions in a single screen, the interface organizes scan tool functions into distinct categories or groups corresponding to different vehicle systems. Each function is clearly labeled and separated, allowing technicians to quickly locate the desired system without being overwhelmed by the comprehensive nature of the tool. The segmentation provides visual structure to the otherwise dense information.
Solution Approach 2:
The single user interface screen serves as a universal access point for all vehicle systems, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate interfaces. This multi-functional design maintains comprehensive system coverage while simplifying the overall interface structure by eliminating redundant navigation elements and providing a unified entry point for all diagnostic operations.
3Reliability
If technicians must identify multiple systems before accessing scan functions, then they can ensure proper system selection, but the number of steps required to perform a scan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the system identification step beforehand by detecting the vehicle's onboard systems and pre-organizing available scan functions according to the identified systems. When the technician accesses the single user interface screen, the appropriate systems are already identified and configured, eliminating the need for manual system selection while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic tool automatically identifies and configures the vehicle systems without requiring manual intervention from the technician. The system service itself performs the identification task by communicating with vehicle onboard systems to detect what systems are present, then automatically structures the user interface to reflect the actual vehicle configuration, making the process self-serve and eliminating manual system identification steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic tool includes a processor, display, and memory storing instructions to perform scan tool functions (STF) including transmitting a message to a vehicle. The STF include first STF for a first system of the vehicle. Additional stored instructions are executable to display a first user-interface screen (UIS) including a first user-selectable control (USC) including an indicator of a first scanner job performable on the vehicle, and to display a second UIS instead of the first UIS in response to a selection of the first USC. The second UIS incudes: a second USC including an indicator of the first STF for the first system of the vehicle, and guidance for performing a procedure of the first scanner job. The stored instructions are executable to transmit a first vehicle data message to a component of the first system in response to a selection of the second USC.