Vehicle Diagnostic Interface Segmentation for Menu Navigation Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle scan tools rely on cumbersome menu-based user interfaces, leading to user errors, increased time spent navigating menus, and user frustration when performing diagnostic tasks.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a computing device receives a functional task setup with vehicle and task identifiers, determines availability, initiates tasks upon user input, and communicates with vehicles to perform diagnostic functions, simplifying the process by reducing the need for extensive menu navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a menu-based user interface is used for vehicle diagnostic tools, then comprehensive diagnostic functions can be provided, but user operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic function comprehensivenessVSAvoidmenu navigation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the diagnostic interface into two distinct modes: a graphical user interface (GUI) mode for comprehensive diagnostic functions and a text-mode interface for quick, simple operations. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate interface complexity based on their needs, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive functionality and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between GUI mode and text-mode based on user input, device capabilities, and operational context. The interface adapts its complexity in real-time, providing simple text commands for routine tasks and full graphical functionality when needed, thereby resolving the static contradiction between comprehensive features and simple operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If extensive menu navigation is required for diagnostic tasks, then comprehensive control options are available, but time efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol option comprehensivenessVSAvoiddiagnostic task efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-configured text commands that execute common diagnostic tasks in a single step. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple menu levels, the system offers ready-to-use commands that perform complete diagnostic functions immediately, significantly improving productivity while maintaining access to comprehensive control options through the full GUI when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a simplified text-mode copy of the comprehensive GUI functionality. This text interface replicates essential diagnostic capabilities using simple commands, allowing users to access comprehensive control options without the time-consuming navigation of extensive menus, thus resolving the contradiction between control comprehensiveness and task efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional scan tool interface is used, then full diagnostic capability is maintained, but user errors increase due to interface complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic capabilityVSAvoiduser operation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by providing intelligent defaults and automated guidance in the text-mode interface. The system automatically selects appropriate diagnostic parameters and commands based on the vehicle type and detected issues, reducing the need for user decisions that could lead to errors. Full diagnostic capability remains available through the GUI, but the simplified text interface with automated assistance significantly improves operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that confirm command execution and provide real-time status information. The text interface gives clear, unambiguous feedback about each diagnostic step and result, reducing user confusion and errors. The feedback loop helps users verify correct operation while maintaining access to full diagnostic capabilities, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive capability and operational accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250182533A1Method and System for Outputting Diagnostic Content Based on Capability of Diagnostic Device Selected to Receive Content

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 SNAP ON INC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing vehicles. A particular vehicle can be repaired during a repair session using a computing device. The repair session can include the computing device: receiving a functional task setup with first and second identifiers, the first identifier identifying the particular vehicle, and the second identifier identifying a particular functional task for the computing device to perform on the particular vehicle; determining whether the computing device is available to perform the particular functional task; after determining the computing device is available to perform the particular functional task, receiving an input to initiate performance of the particular functional task on the particular vehicle; after receiving the input, sending a message to the particular vehicle to initiate performance of the particular functional task on the particular vehicle; and after sending the message, displaying a notification indicative of performing the particular functional task.