| 摘要 |
Provided is a remote vehicle diagnostic system which utilizes a smart phone as a centralized communication hub between a vehicle and several remote resources. The system includes a program downloadable onto the smart phone to program the phone to perform desired functionality. The smart phone app may allow the smart phone to operate in a diagnostic mode and an emergency mode. In the diagnostic mode, the smart phone may relay vehicle data from the vehicle to a remote diagnostic center. The smart phone may also query the user to obtain symptomatic diagnostic information, which may be uploaded to the remote diagnostic center. In the emergency mode, the smart phone may be configured to upload critical information to a remote diagnostic center, or an emergency response center. The emergency mode may be triggered automatically in response to the vehicle being in an accident, or by user actuation. |
| 主权项 |
1. An automotive diagnostic system for use with a remote diagnostic center, a smart phone, and a vehicle, wherein the smart phone is capable of operating independent of the vehicle, the vehicle having an onboard vehicle computer which generates and stores vehicle data including at least one diagnostic trouble code (DTC) generated in response to a problematic operating condition and an accident indicator generated in response to a vehicle accident event, the automotive diagnostic system comprising:
a data storage unit plug connectable with the vehicle to communicate with the onboard vehicle computer for retrieving vehicle data from the onboard vehicle computer and storing the vehicle data, the data storage unit being configured to analyze the retrieved vehicle data on the data storage unit and generate a first emergency initiation signal in response to receipt of the accident indicator; and computer readable instructions downloadable onto the smart phone for configuring the smart phone to:
communicate with the data storage unit;receive a second emergency initiation signal from the user;operate in a diagnostic mode and an emergency mode;
in the diagnostic mode, the smart phone uploads vehicle data to the remote diagnostic center in response to the vehicle data including at least one DTC, and initiates a symptomatic question sequence for the user in response to the vehicle data not including at least one DTC;in the emergency mode, the smart phone uploads vehicle data to the remote diagnostic center automatically in response to receipt of one of the first and second emergency initiation signals;assign a diagnostic mode button and an emergency mode button, such that when the diagnostic mode button is activated by the user, the smart phone enters the diagnostic mode, and when the emergency mode button is activated by the user, the second initiation signal is generated; andwherein the symptomatic question sequence for the user in the diagnostic mode comprises a plurality of closed-ended questions presented in a multiple choice format, and wherein the multiple choice answers further include follow up questions, and wherein the questions are selected from at least three questions to formulate a diagnostic of the group consisting of:
1. what appears to be the nature of the problem?
a) mechanical; orb) electrical2. what type of symptom(s) are you experiencing?
a) irregular smell;b) irregular sound;c) irregular sight, smoke; ord) irregular feel, vibration3. where is the irregular sound coming from?
a) front-driver's side;b) front-passenger's side;c) rear-driver's side ord) rear-passenger's side4. When do you hear the sound?
a) when the car is parked; orb) when the car is moving and5. Does the sound occur when you press the brake?
a) yes; orb) no. |
