Snap-on Inc.

Snap-on Technologies, Inc.

Snap-on Tools Company

Paul J Rother

A diagnostic platform includes a processor, storage media and user interfaces, including a display screen, the processor being coupled to engine analyzer hardware and adapted to be coupled to a scanner for downloading data from vehicle on-board computers. The system stores libraries of information regarding vehicle identifications, drivability symptoms exhibited by vehicles, vehicle system and component tests and service codes which can be registered by the vehicle on-board computer. System software permits the user to input an identification of the vehicle under test and, in one mode of operation, displays a library of faults, such as symptoms or service codes, from which the user can select those exhibited by the vehicle, whereupon the system selects from the test library those tests pertinent to diagnosis of the causes of the selected faults and displays them in a hierarchically ranked order based on likelihood of successful diagnosis of the faults. The user can then select and initiate any displayed test. In other modes, the system initially displays one of the libraries of system or component tests, from which the user selects those deemed appropriate, whereupon the system highlights icons which can be selected for initiating pertinent test procedures. Selected test procedures may include links to the engine analyzer or scanner hardware or other appropriate test modules.

System for dynamic diagnosis of apparatus operating conditions

A diagnostic platform adapted for coupling to a scanner to download data from vehicle computers. The system stores information regarding vehicle identifications, drivability symptoms, vehicle system and component tests and service codes which can be registered by the vehicle on-board computer. System software permits user input of vehicle identification and, in one mode, displays a fault library from which the user can select, whereupon the system selects from the library tests pertinent to diagnosing causes of selected faults and displays them in a hierarchically ranked order based on likelihood of success. The user can then initiate any displayed test. In other modes, the system initially displays one of the libraries of system or component tests, from which the user selects, whereupon the system highlights icons which can be selected for initiating pertinent test procedures. Selected test procedures include links to engine analyzer or scanner hardware or other appropriate test modules.

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Grayslake, IL, United States of America

Paul J Rother