Diagnostic Tool With Segmented Scan And Inspection Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small independent garages face high costs due to the need for separate diagnostic tools for vehicle repairs and emissions inspection testing, as existing tools cannot perform both functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic tool with a processor, memory, connector interface, signal translator, input device, and display that can operate shared software including both scan tool and inspection tool codes, allowing it to function as either a scan tool or inspection tool, with a method to determine authorization and set up interrupt vector relay tables for specific modes, ensuring non-shared codes minimize compatibility issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate diagnostic tools are used for vehicle repairs and emissions inspection testing, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the cost for garages increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic tool is designed to perform multiple functions including both vehicle diagnostic scanning and emissions inspection testing through a single device. The tool contains separate code modules for scan tool operations and inspection tool operations, allowing it to function as either a scan tool or inspection tool depending on the selected mode, thereby eliminating the need for garages to purchase separate tools for each function.
2Quantity of substance
If a single tool performs both diagnostic and inspection functions, then tool cost decreases, but code sharing may cause interference between different tool modes
Solution Approach 1:
The software codebase is segmented into distinct separate modules: a shared code portion that contains common functions, an inspection tool code portion, and a scan tool code portion. The inspection tool code and scan tool code are not shared, allowing each mode to operate independently without interference. This segmentation enables the single tool to perform both functions while preventing code conflicts.
3Quantity of substance
If inspection tool code and scan tool code are shared, then memory usage decreases, but update compatibility issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The codebase is divided into separate non-shared portions for inspection tool operations and scan tool operations. This segmentation allows each code portion to be updated independently without affecting the other, improving compatibility during updates. While this increases total memory usage compared to full code sharing, the trade-off is achieved in terms of update compatibility and system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein the diagnostic tool can function as an inspection tool and a scan tool. The diagnostic tool determines if it is authorized for an inspection and then functions as an inspection tool and does not allow the scan tool function until the inspection is completed or voided. A software of the diagnostic tool includes a shared code, an inspection tool mode and a scan tool mode. The scan tool code and the inspection code are not shared so that updating of one code does not affect the code of the other.