Read/Scroll Actuator for Off-Board Diagnostic Tool Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-board testing devices, such as scan tools and code readers, often have cumbersome and confusing user interfaces with numerous buttons that perform many sparsely used functions, making them difficult to navigate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A single input with multiple functions, such as a read/scroll actuator, is introduced, which can perform either a read function or a scroll function depending on the mode or duration of actuation, and a programmable key that allows users to define and execute a series of functions with a single action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If numerous buttons are provided to perform numerous functions, then the device can perform more functions, but the user interface becomes cumbersome, confusing, and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single actuator that can perform multiple functions including reading diagnostic information, scrolling through data, and erasing codes. The actuator's functionality changes based on the current display context and mode, allowing one physical component to replace numerous buttons while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator operates in different modes (read mode, scroll mode, erase mode) that are dynamically switched based on the current display state and user interaction patterns. The system adapts the actuator's function based on contextual information, such as whether diagnostic codes are being displayed, scrolled, or need to be erased.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous buttons are provided to perform numerous functions, then more operations can be performed, but the interface becomes crowded and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator is designed to perform multiple diagnostic operations including reading trouble codes, scrolling through diagnostic data, and erasing codes. The system uses contextual modes to differentiate between functions, reducing the number of physical buttons while preserving comprehensive operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple previously separate functions (read, scroll, erase) into a single actuator. The differentiation between functions is achieved through contextual awareness of the current display state and mode, merging multiple control elements into one unified interface component.
3Ease of operation
If a single input performs multiple functions, then the interface is simplified, but the actuator must be context-dependent to differentiate functions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator's function is dynamically determined by the current mode and display state. The system transitions between read mode, scroll mode, and erase mode based on user interaction patterns and current diagnostic information state, allowing the same physical input to perform different functions contextually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the current display state and mode information to determine the appropriate function when the actuator is pressed. The controller monitors whether diagnostic codes are being displayed, scrolled, or need erasing, and uses this feedback to interpret the actuator's intended function.
Data Source
AI summary
A single input having multiple functions is provided. The single input having multiple functions may be used on off-board tools. In accordance with one embodiment, an off-board tool having a read/scroll actuator is provided. The read/scroll actuator, upon being actuated, performs either a read function or a scroll function. Another embodiment of an off-board tool having a display and capable of receiving information is provided. The off-board tool includes a contextual actuator having a first and a second mode. Actuation of the actuator in the first mode effectuates retrieval of information. Actuation of the actuator in the second mode effectuates display of at least a portion of the retrieved information. In accordance with another embodiment, an off-board device is provided. The off-board tool includes a display, read logic, scroll logic and a read/scroll actuator. Another embodiment of an off-board tool includes a display, a read means, a scroll means and a read/scroll means.