USRE40798E1 - Method and system for computer network implemented vehicle diagnostics - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of diagnosing a status of a vehicle. The vehicle has an on-board computer for generating a diagnostic trouble code signal related to a passed or problem status of the vehicle. A portable code reader is connected to the on-board computer. Diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated from the on-board computer to the code reader. The code reader communicates to a personal computer respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals related to a problem status of the vehicle. The personal computer communicates the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals from the personal computer to a remote computer. The remote computer is configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle. Problem description data correlated to the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated from the remote computer to the personal computer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

(Not Applicable)This application is a reissue application for U.S. Pat. No.6,941,203 issued on Sep.6,2005 which issued from U.S. application Ser. No.09/961,223 filed on Sep.21,2001.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

(Not Applicable)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to methods and systems of diagnosing a vehicle, and more particularly to a method and system which contemplates establishing an electronic communications link with a remote computer for correlation of diagnostic fault codes.

Modern motor vehicles include a computer control system. The main purpose of the vehicle's computer control system is to provide maximum engine performance with the least amount of air pollution and the best fuel efficiency possible. The computer control system consists of the on-board computer and several related electronic control devices (sensors, switches, and actuators). The control devices may control various systems and/or subsystems within the vehicle. These electronic control devices send information to the on-board computer about such parameters as the temperature and density of the outside air, the speed of the engine, the amount of fuel delivered, etc. At the same time, the on-board computer scans for any problems from its sensors. If a problem is detected, the on-board computer stores the problem as a numeric code, referred to as a diagnostic trouble code or fault code, in its memory for later retrieval. In this regard, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are codes that identify a particular problem area and are intended as a guide to the proper corrective servicing of the vehicle.

In response to governmental regulations and industry practices, vehicle manufactures have begun to standardize diagnostic trouble codes. For example, the current generation standard or communications protocol is referred to as OBD II. Beginning in 1996, all vehicles built for sale in the U.S. were required to be OBD II-compliant.

Hand-held or portable code reader, also referred to as a diagnostic code readers or scan tools, have been utilized to trouble shoot faults or problems associated with these electronic control units. Such code readers are configured to electronically communicate with a vehicle's on-board computer for accessing stored diagnostic trouble codes. The more sophisticated code readers may be configured to determine a particular standard or communications protocol being implemented by the subject vehicle. The code reader interfaces with the vehicle's on-board computer via a connection point which is usually located under the instrument panel (dash), on the drivers side of most vehicles. OBD II-compliant vehicles are configured to have a on-board computer equipped to receive a sixteen-pin data link connector cable from the code reader.

The code reader typically has a display for indicating received diagnostic trouble codes. Some code readers include problem description data correlated to the diagnostic trouble codes stored in memory. Other code readers are used in connection with a booklet containing problem description data correlated to the diagnostic trouble codes. Over time, due to newer model vehicles and availability of additional diagnostic trouble codes, it is contemplated that the problem description data (either as stored in the code reader memory or related booklet) would require updating.

From the perspective of vehicle owners, personal use of code readers may be advantageous. Vehicle owners may choose to effect a repair themselves, possibly at a substantial cost savings in comparison to having service providers or technicians perform the same repairs. Alternatively, even if the services of a service technician are utilized, with the advance knowledge as to the nature and scope of vehicle problem, a vehicle owner may be able to mitigate unwarranted services and costs. Moreover, a vehicle owner may avoid a service fee to the service technician for performing the very same task of retrieving the diagnostic trouble codes and correlating them to the problem description data.

From the perspectives of a manufacturer of replacement automobile parts, a manufacturer of tools used in connection with replacement or repair of automobile parts, and a retailer of such parts or tools, the use and availability of code readers to vehicle owners is encouraged. In this respect, vehicle owners may be able to diagnose vehicle problems which may lead to such vehicle owners who are weekend mechanics effecting repairs themselves, or purchasing replacement parts and/or related tools for a service technician to effect the related repair.

The network of computers that is what is currently understood as the Internet has allowed for the proliferation and easy access to vast amounts of data and information. In addition, the “electronic shopping” offered by businesses having an Internet presence is increasingly being viewed as a desirable alternative to the more traditional forms of shopping which typically necessitates a trip to a retail outlet or service provider. Those who shop online are often referred to as engaging in “e-commerce”. In this regard, an online retailer would typically maintain an e-commerce enabled web site on what is currently understood as the Internet. Such a web site would typically include an online catalog of goods or services advertised for sale. It is contemplated that such a web site would be configured to facilitate online transactions for such goods or services (e.g., able to receive orders, process payments by processing credit card debits, etc.).

From the perspective of a vehicle owner desiring to utilize a code reader to perform vehicle diagnostics, and from the perspective of a manufacturer of replacement automobile parts, a manufacturer of tools used in connection with replacement or repair of automobile parts, and a retailer of such parts or tools, it is therefore evident that there exists a need in the art for a more efficient use of code readers for diagnosing a vehicle in comparison to the prior art methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of diagnosing a vehicle via a remote computer. The vehicle has an on-board computer for generating a diagnostic trouble code signal. The diagnostic trouble code signal is related to a passed status of the vehicle or a problem status of the vehicle. The method begins with the initial step of connecting a portable code reader to the on-board computer. Diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated from the on-board computer to the code reader. Respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals related to a problem status of the vehicle are communicated from the code reader to a personal computer. The respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals are communicated to a remote computer from the personal computer. The remote computer is configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle. Problem description data correlated to the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals is communicated from the remote computer to the personal computer.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the method further provides for product/service provider information related to the problem description data being communicated from the remote computer to the personal computer. In addition, a cable connection may be utilized for connecting the on-board computer to the code reader. A computer network may be used to communicate between the personal computer and the remote computer. The computer network may be the Internet and the remote computer may be associated with a web site.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of diagnosing a status of a vehicle. The vehicle has an on-board computer for generating diagnostic trouble code signals. The diagnostic trouble code signals are related to a problem status of the vehicle. The personal computer has diagnostic trouble codes stored therein retrieved from the on-board computer of the vehicle. The diagnostic trouble code signal is received by a remote computer from the personal computer. The diagnostic trouble code signal is correlated to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle. The problem description data communicated to the personal computer.

The personal computer may be provided with access to product/service provider information related to the problem description data. A vehicle owner/provider electronic communications link may be facilitated between the personal computer and a product/service provider computer. In addition, the electronic communications link may be established via the Internet and the product/service provider computer may be associated with a web page. A number of times the vehicle owner/provider electronic communications link is established may be tracked. A database may be hosted having problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle indexed to diagnostic trouble codes.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle diagnosis system for diagnosing a status of a vehicle. The vehicle has an on-board computer for generating diagnostic trouble code signals. The diagnostic trouble code signals are related to a passed status of the vehicle or a problem status of the vehicle. The vehicle diagnosis system includes a portable code reader configured to electronically communicate with the on-board computer for receiving diagnostic trouble code signals from the on-board computer. The code reader has an output device for indicating a status of the vehicle in response to receipt of the diagnostic trouble code signals from the on-board computer. The vehicle diagnosis system includes a personal computer configured to electronically communicate with the code reader for receiving from the code reader diagnostic trouble code signals related to a problem status of the vehicle. The personal computer has a remote electronic communications interface. The remote electronic communications interface is configured to establish an electronic communications link between the personal computer and a remote computer for transmitting the diagnostic trouble code signals to the remote computer.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the output device is preferably configured to visually indicate a status of the vehicle in response to receipt of the diagnostic trouble code signals from the on-board computer. The output device may be configured to visually indicate a status of the vehicle with a color indicator. The code reader is configured to indicate a failure to receive a diagnostic trouble code signal. The output device is configured to indicate an inconclusive status of the vehicle in response to a failure to receive diagnostic trouble code signals from the on-board computer. The code reader further comprises a cable connector interface for electronically communicating with the on-board computer using the code reader. The electronic communications link is establishable via a computer network. The computer network is the Internet and the remote computer is associated with a web site. The code reader and the personal computer may be the same device.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable code reader for diagnosing a status of a vehicle. The vehicle has an on-board computer for generating diagnostic trouble code signals. The diagnostic trouble code signals are related to a passed status of the vehicle or a problem status of the vehicle. The code reader includes an on-board computer connection interface configured to electronically communicate with the on-board computer for receiving diagnostic trouble code signals from the on-board computer. The code reader further includes an output device configured to indicate a passed or a problem status of the vehicle in response to receipt of the diagnostic trouble code signal from the on-board computer and an inconclusive status of the vehicle in response to a failure to receive diagnostic trouble code signals from the on-board computer. The code reader further includes a code reader memory configured to store diagnostic trouble code signals received from the on-board computer connection interface related to a problem status of the vehicle. The code reader further includes a personal computer connection interface configured to electronically communicate with a personal computer for transmitting diagnostic trouble code signals indicative of a problem status stored in the code reader memory for diagnosing the vehicle. Preferably, the output device is configured to visually indicate a status of the vehicle. The output device may be configured to visually indicate a status of the vehicle with a color indicator. The on-board computer connection interface may be a cable connector interface.

Accordingly, the present invention represents a significant advance in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a symbolic relational diagram depicting a code reader for use in diagnosing a vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a symbolic relational diagram depicting the code reader as used in connection with a personal computer and a remote computer according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of diagnosing a vehicle from a perspective of a vehicle owner according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a symbolic relational diagram depicting the interactions between a personal computer of vehicle owner, remote computer of a host, and a product/service provider computer of a product/service provider according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is flow chart of a method of diagnosing a vehicle from a perspective of the host of the remote computer of FIG.4.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary screen display used by a remote computer for communication with the vehicle owner for receiving diagnostic trouble codes; and

FIG. 7 is an exemplary screen display used by a remote computer for communications with the vehicle owner for providing the vehicle owner with product/service provider information related to the diagnostic trouble codes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,FIGS. 1-7 illustrate methods and systems of diagnosing avehicle10 according to aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 1 there is depicted thevehicle10. The vehicle has an on-board computer12. As will be discussed in detail below, the on-board computer12 is configured to generate diagnostic trouble code signals for access by acode reader14.

The on-board computer12 includes amemory16. The on-board computer12 is contemplated to be a portion of a computer control system of thevehicle10. In this regard, the computer control system further includes several related electronic control devices (sensors, switches, and actuators). The control devices may control various systems and/or subsystems within thevehicle10. These electronic control devices send information to the on-board computer12 about such parameters as the temperature and density of the outside air, the speed of the engine, the amount of fuel delivered, etc. At the same time, the on-board computer12 scans for any problems from its sensors. If a problem is detected, the on-board computer12 stores the problem as a numeric code, referred to as a diagnostic trouble code or fault code, in itsmemory16 or later retrieval by thecode reader14. In this context, the on-board computer12 generates diagnostic trouble code signals which are representative of the stored diagnostic trouble codes with respect to thecode reader14.

The diagnostic trouble code signals are related to a passed status of thevehicle10 or a problem status of thevehicle10. In this regard, the specific value or sequences of values of a given diagnostic trouble code signal may indicate that no diagnostic trouble codes were received and recorded in thememory16 of the on-board computer12 thereby being representative of a passed status of the vehicle. Alternatively, the specific value or sequences of values of a given diagnostic trouble code signal may indicate one or more specific faults such as indicated by sensors in thevehicle10 thereby representative of a problem status of thevehicle10.

Thecode reader14 includes an on-boardcomputer connection interface18 configured to electronically communicate with the on-board computer12 for receiving diagnostic trouble code signals from the on-board computer12. In the embodiment shown, the on-boardcomputer connection interface18 is configured to connect with acable20 via acable connector22. It is contemplated that the on-boardcomputer connection interface18 may take others forms or configurations, such as a wireless connection. As shown, thecable20 further includes anothercable connector24 and thecode reader14 includes a codereader connection interface26 sized and configured to receive thecable connector24.

It is contemplated that thecode reader14 includes a microprocessor for determining whether the received diagnostic trouble code signals are indicative of either a passed or problem status of thevehicle10. Further, the microprocessor may further determine whether any diagnostic trouble codes have be properly received from the on-board computer12. As such, the microprocessor is configured to detect the failure of receipt of a diagnostic trouble code signal from thevehicle10. It is contemplated that the failure to receive a diagnostic trouble code signal from the on-board computer12 is indicative of an inconclusive status of thevehicle10. Such inconclusive status of thevehicle10 represents that a particular usage of thecode reader14 failed to affirmatively determine either a passed or problem status of thevehicle10.

Thecode reader14 further includes anoutput device28 configured to indicate a passed or a problem status of the vehicle in response to receipt of the diagnostic trouble code signal from the on-board computer12. Theoutput device28 is further configured to indicate an inconclusive status of the vehicle in response to a failure to receive a diagnostic trouble code signal from the on-board computer12. Theoutput device28 may take various forms, such as a panel display as shown. The panel display may visually indicate the status of thevehicle10. In addition, in another form, thecode reader14 may include indicator lights30,32,34 to visually indicate the status of the vehicle. Such indicator lights20,32,34 may be color coded with indicator light30 being green to correspond to a passed status of thevehicle10, indicator light32 being red to correspond to a problem status of thevehicle10, and indicator light34 being yellow to correspond to an inconclusive status of thevehicle10. In addition, the indicator lights30,32,34 may be configured to flash. Thecode reader14 may further includes aspeaker40 for audible indications of the status of thevehicle10 are further contemplated.

Thecode reader14 further includes acode reader memory36 configured to store diagnostic trouble code signals received from the on-boardcomputer connection interface18 related to a problem status of thevehicle10.

Referring additionally toFIG. 2, thecode reader14 further includes a personalcomputer connection interface38 configured to electronically communicate with apersonal computer42. Thepersonal computer42 is configured to electronically communicate with thecode reader14 for receiving from the code reader14 a respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals which are related to a problem status of thevehicle10. It is understood the diagnostic trouble code signals passed from thecode reader14 to thepersonal computer42 may be representative or derivative of the diagnostic trouble code signals received by thecode reader14 itself. Further, as used herein, the terms personal computer and computer are used interchangeably, and include any of those computing devices which are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art, including any device used to automatically apply logic. For example, such computing devices may include computers of all kinds such as personal computer, desktop computers, laptop computers, terminals, hand-held palm devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), servers, portable telephones, etc. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that thecode reader14 and thepersonal computer42 are the same device.

The personal computer has a remoteelectronic communications interface44 which for transmitting the received diagnostic trouble code signals to aremote computer46. In this regard, the remoteelectronic communications interface44 is configured to establish an electronic communications link48 between thepersonal computer42 and aremote computer46 for transmitting the diagnostic trouble code signals in theremote computer46. It is understood the diagnostic trouble code signals passed from thepersonal computer42 to theremote computer46 may be representative or derivative of the diagnostic trouble code signals received by thepersonal computer42 fromcode reader14.

The electronic communications link48 may be established acomputer network50. The electronic communications link48 may be effectuated via any of those methods which are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art which may utilize telephone, cable (Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) and variations thereof, wire, optical, etc.), optical communications (including infrared), and wireless forms of communications, such as those based upon cellular, satellite, and radio frequency (RF), and other forms of electromagnetic wave based mediums. While thecomputer network50 may be what is currently understood as the Internet, any other computer communication and/or network arrangements may also be utilized, such as local area networks (LANs), intranets, extranets, wide area networks (WANs), private networks, virtual private networks, dedicated circuits, integrated services digital networks (ISDNs), frame relay, etc. Thus, in the case where thecomputer network50 is the Internet, theremote computer46 may be hosted at a web address. As such theremote computer46 may be associated with aweb site52.

Importantly, theremote computer46 facilitates access to problem description data which may be correlated to the diagnostic trouble code signals received from thepersonal computer42. In this regard, theremote computer46 may include or at least is configured to access aproblem description database54. Theproblem description database54 includes problem description data correlated to the diagnostic trouble code signal. In this regard, theproblem description database54 may include a look-up table of various possible diagnostic trouble codes and the associated problem descriptions for each such diagnostic trouble code. Upon receipt of the diagnostic trouble code signal, theremote computer42 is configured to correlate the related diagnostic trouble code to the appropriate problem description data and transmit back to thepersonal computer42 such problem description data. In addition, as described in further detail below, theproblem description database54 may include cross-references to product/service provider information related to the problem description data, theremote computer46 may includeelectronic links56 related to the problem description data and the product/service provider information.

Referring now additionally toFIGS. 3 and 4, there is provided a method of diagnosing thevehicle10 according to an aspect of the present invention.FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of steps included in the present method. Referring toFIG. 4, it is contemplated that thevehicle10 may have avehicle owner58. In this regard, theterm vehicle owner58 broadly refers to a person or entity associated with thevehicle10, and is not limited to application of ownership principles. In this context, thevehicle owner10 may further have access to thepersonal computer42. From the perspective view of avehicle owner58, for example, there is provided the present method of diagnosing thevehicle10.

The method begins withblock100 which includes connecting aportable code reader14 to the on-board computer12. As such, theportable code reader14 is enabled to electronically communicate with the on-board computer. The on-board computer12 andcode reader14 are as described above.Block100 may include utilizing a cable connection for electronically communicating with the on-board computer12 using thecode reader14. In this regard, thevehicle owner58 may be provided with thecode reader14 which thevehicle owner58 connects to the on-board computer12 via thecable20. The method continues withblock102 which includes communicating diagnostic trouble code signals from the on-board computer12 to thecode reader14. The method continues withblock104 which includes communicating from thecode reader14 to thepersonal computer42 respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals which are related to a problem status of thevehicle10. The method continues withblock106 which includes communicating from thepersonal computer42 to aremote computer46 respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals which are related to a problem status of thevehicle10. Theremote computer46 is configured to correlate the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signal to problem description data for diagnosing thevehicle10. The method continues withblock108 which includes communicating problem description data correlated to the respective ones of the diagnostic trouble code signals from the remote computer to thepersonal computer42.Block108 may further include communicating product/service provider information related to the problem description data.

As shown inFIG. 4, theremote computer46 has associated with it ahost60. In this regard, thehost60 may be an entity which is responsible for or otherwise associated with maintaining theremote computer46. From the perspective of thehost60, for example, there is provided the another method of diagnosing thevehicle10 according to another aspect of the present invention.

The method begins withblock110 which includes receiving the diagnostic trouble code signals from thepersonal computer42 by aremote computer46. In this regard, thevehicle owner58 may be presented with a graphic user interface such as shown inFIG. 6 which may be used to initiate transmission from thepersonal computer42 and subsequent receipt by theremote computer46 of the diagnostic trouble code signals.

The method continues withblock112 which includes correlating the diagnostic trouble code signal to problem description data for diagnosing thevehicle10.Block112 may include hosting a database, such asproblem description data54, having problem description data for diagnosing thevehicle10 indexed to diagnostic trouble codes. The method continue withblock114 which includes communicating to thepersonal computer42 from theremote computer46 the problem description data correlated to the diagnostic trouble code signal.Block114 may further include communicating to thepersonal computer42 product/service provider information related to the problem description data.Block114 may further continue with facilitating a vehicle owner/provider electronic communications link68 between thepersonal computer42 and a product/service provider computer62. For example, referring toFIG. 7, there is depicted an exemplary depict of a graphical user interface that may be presented to thevehicle owner58 by theremote computer46. By “clicking” on the displayed error messages, a hypertext link may be initiated for link to the product/service information which may be hosted by theremote computer46 or by the product/service provider computer62 as accessed via theremote computer46.

It is contemplated that a product/service provider64 may have associated with it the product/service provider computer62. Thehost60, via theremote computer46, may establish a host/provider electronic communications link66 with the product/service provider computer62 of the product/service provider64. As used herein, the term product/service provider64 refers to an entity having associated with it a product or service (generically referred to herein as product/service) for offering to avehicle owner58. For example, a product/service may be a particular replacement part, such as a muffler or brake pads, which may be associated with the problem description data. In this regard, theterm vehicle owner58 further includes not only those entitles that transact business with the product/service provider64 concerning the product/service, but also those that may potentially transact business with the product/service provider64 or are targeted as such by the product/service provider64.

As such the product/service provider information related to the problem description data, may take the form of information related to products/services (e.g., specific replacement parts or tools associated with affecting repairs to diagnostic trouble codes, such as part numbers, availability, and pricing) and/or information regarding the product/service providers64 offering for sale such products/services. Such product/service provider information may take the form ofelectronic links56 which may allow access toprovider computers62. As such, from the perspective of the product/service provider64, thehost60 serves the purpose of driving online “traffic” to the product/service provider computer62, such as a web site of the product/service provider64.

As used herein, theterms vehicle owner58,personal computer42, product/service provider64 and product/service provider computer62 include both the singular and the plural. In this regard, it is contemplated that thehost60 would routinely establishelectronic communications links48 with manypersonal computers42 ofdifferent vehicle owners58. Likewise, thehost60 could establishlinks66 with a variety of product/service provider computers62 of a variety of product/service providers64.

It is contemplated that the product/service provider64 may functionally be thehost60. It is contemplated that thehost60 and the product/service provider64 may be the same entity, and theremote computer46 and the product/service provider computer62 may be the same device. In this regard, the host/provider electronic communications link66 may be an internal process.

In addition, the method may further include establishing a financial relationship between ahost60 and the product/service provider64. The relationship may provide that the product/service provider64 owes consideration to thehost60 based upon the a number of times the vehicle owner/provider electronic communications link68 is established (i.e., a “click through” count). Such click through count may be calculated and monitored by theremote computer46. As such, block120 may further include tracking a number of times the vehicle owner/provider electronic communications link68 is established. Further, in an alternate or hybrid arrangement, the product/service provider64 may owe consideration to thehost60 based upon sales transactions of the product/service to thevehicle owner58 by the product/service provider64.

In practice, once the electronic communications link48 is established, vehicle owner/provider electronic communications link68 between thepersonal computer42 and a product/service provider computer62 may be facilitated by theremote computer46. In this regard, theremote computer46 effectively redirects the contact with thepersonal computer42 from itself to the product/service provider computer52. Once thepersonal computer42 is electronically linked with the product/service provider computer52, the product/service provider64 may then expose the vehicle owner58 (e.g., a potential online customer) to its product/service information. As shown inFIG. 4, the vehicle owner/provider electronic communications link68 is symbolic in nature, in that the vehicle owner/provider electronic communications link68 may be effectuated indirectly through a combination of the electronic communications link48 and the host/provider electronic communications link66. For example, the vehicle owner/provider electronic communications link68 may be established through a “framing” technique as, implemented by theremote computer46 which allows access by thepersonal computer42 to the product/service provider computer62 via host/provider electronic communications link66 without having thepersonal computer42 directly link to the product/service provider computer62.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only one embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (70)

1. A method of diagnosing a vehicle having an onboard computer for generating diagnostic trouble code signals, the diagnostic trouble code signals being related to a passed or problem status of the vehicle, the method comprising:

(a) connecting a handheld code reader to the onboard computer;

(b) downloading diagnostic trouble code signals from the onboard computer to the code reader;

(c) generating an visual output signal in the handheld code reader, the visual output signal being representative of passed/failed/inconclusive status of the vehicle as determined from the diagnostic trouble code signals by the code reader, independent of re sources external to the handheld code reader;

(d) disconnecting the code reader from the on-board computer and uploading the diagnostic trouble code signals from the code reader to a personal computer configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle;

(e) uploading the diagnostic trouble code signals from the personal computer to a remote computer, the remote computer being configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle;

(f) wherein the steps of connecting, downloading and generating an visual output signal proceed independent of user interaction with a code reader visual interface.

2. The method as recited inclaim 1 further comprising the steps of downloading the problem description data from the remote computer.

3. The method as recited inclaim 2 wherein the steps of downloading the problem description data comprises downloading from the remote computer to the personal computer, problem description data correlating the diagnostic trouble code signals to a problem status of the vehicle.

4. The method as recited inclaim 2 further comprising the step of downloading from the remote computer part/service provider information for effecting repairs associated with the problem description data.

5. The method as recited inclaim 4 wherein the part/service provider information is generated based on subscript on participation of part/service providers.

6. The method as recited inclaim 4 further comprising indexing the problem description data to the diagnostic trouble code signals.

7. The method as recited inclaim 6 further comprising indexing the part/service provider information to the diagnostic trouble code signals.

8. The method as recited inclaim 7 wherein the part/service provider information facilitates a communications link between a part/service provider and the personal computer.

9. The method as recited inclaim 8 wherein the communications link is a direct communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer.

10. The method as recited inclaim 8 wherein the communications link is an indirect communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer, via the remote computer.

11. The method as recited inclaim 8 further comprising charging a fee to the part/service provider based on implementation of the communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer.

12. The method as recited inclaim 8 further comprising the step of charging a fee to the part/service provider based on sales transactions resulting from the communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer.

13. The method as recited inclaim 8 further comprising the step of charging a fee to the part/service provider to be listed in the part/service provider information.

14. The method as recited inclaim 7 wherein the part/service provider information facilitates communications links between a plurality of part/service providers and the personal computer.

15. The method as recited inclaim 4 wherein the part/service provider information includes information representative of the cost of parts and labor to effect repairs indicated by the diagnostic trouble code signals.

16. The method as recited inclaim 1 wherein the step of generating a visual an output signal in the code reader comprises selectively illuminating one of a plurality of visual indicia, each visual indicia being representative of a different status of the vehicle.

17. The method as recited inclaim 1 wherein the steps of connecting, downloading and generating a visual an output signal in the code reader proceed independent of any vehicle specific identification by a user.

18. The method as recited inclaim 1 wherein the steps of connecting, downloading diagnostic trouble codes and generating a visual an output signal in the code reader proceed independent of any user selection of code reader controls.

19. The method as recited inclaim 1 wherein the passed/failed/inconclusive status of the vehicle is determined from the downloaded diagnostic trouble code signals.

20. The method as recited inclaim 19 wherein the passed/failed/inconclusive status represents a summary/vehicle status.

21. A method of diagnosing a vehicle having an onboard computer for generating diagnostic trouble code signals, the diagnostic trouble code signals being related to a passed or problem status of the vehicle, the method comprising:

(a) connecting a handheld code reader to the onboard computer;

(b) downloading diagnostic trouble code signals from the on-board computer to the code reader;

(c) generating a visual output signal in the handheld code reader, the visual output signal being representative of passed/failed/inconclusive status of the vehicle as determined from the diagnostic trouble code signals by the code reader, independent of resources external to the handheld code reader;

(d) uploading the diagnostic trouble code signals from the code reader to a computer configured to index the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle;

(e) indexing part/service provider information to the diagnostic trouble code signals, the part/service provider information being representative of the cost of product and labor to effect repairs indicated by the diagnostic trouble code signals; and

(f) downloading the problem description data and part/service provider information indexed to the diagnostic trouble codes;

(g) wherein the steps of connecting the code reader, downloading diagnostic trouble code signals and generating a visual output signal proceed independent of user interaction with a code reader visual interface.

22. The method as recited inclaim 21 wherein the part/service provider information facilitates a communications link between the computer and a part/service provider.

23. The method as recited inclaim 22 wherein the communications link is a direct link between the computer and the part/service provider.

24. The method as recited inclaim 22 wherein the communications link is an indirect link between the computer and the part/service provider, via a host computer.

25. The method as recited inclaim 21 further comprising the step of charging the part/service provider for facilitating the communications link between the part/service provider and the computer.

26. The method as recited inclaim 22 further comprising the step of charging the part/service provider a fee based upon products/services sold as a result of the communications link between the part/service provider and the computer.

27. The method as recited inclaim 21 wherein the part/service provider information facilitates a communications link between the computer and a plurality part/service providers.

28. The method as recited inclaim 21 wherein the steps of connecting the code reader, downloading diagnostic trouble code signals and generating a visual output signal proceed in response to pressing a connect button disposed upon the scan tool.

29. A method of diagnosing a vehicle having an onboard computer for generating diagnostic trouble code signals, the diagnostic trouble code signals being related to a passed or problem status of the vehicle, the method comprising:

(a) connecting a handheld code reader to the onboard computer;

(b) downloading diagnostic trouble code signals from the onboard computer to the code reader; and

(c) generating a visual output signal in the handheld code reader, the visual output signal being representative of passed/failed/inconclusive status of the vehicle as determined from the diagnostic trouble code signals by the code reader, independent of resources external to the handheld code reader;

(d) wherein the steps of connecting, downloading and generating a visual output signal proceed independent of user interaction with a code reader visual interface; and

(e) wherein the step of generating a visual output signal in the code reader comprises selectively illuminating one of a plurality of visual indicia, each visual indicia being representative of a different status of the vehicle.

30. The method as recited inclaim 29 further comprising the steps of disconnecting the code reader from the on-board computer and uploading the diagnostic trouble code signals from the code reader to a computer configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle.

31. The method as recited inclaim 30 further comprising the steps of downloading the problem description data from the computer.

32. The method as recited inclaim 30 wherein the step of uploading the trouble code signals comprises uploading the diagnostic trouble code signals from the code reader to a personal computer, and uploading the diagnostic trouble code signals from the personal computer to the remote computer, the remote computer being configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data or diagnosing the vehicle.

33. The method as recited inclaim 32 wherein the step of downloading the problem description data comprises downloading from the remote computer to the personal computer, problem description data correlating the diagnostic trouble code signals to a problem status of the vehicle.

34. The method as recited inclaim 33 further comprising the step of downloading from the remote computer part/service provider information for effecting repairs associated with the problem description data.

35. The method as recited inclaim 34 wherein the part/service provider information is generated based on subscription participation of part/service providers.

36. The method as recited inclaim 34 further comprising indexing the problem description data to the diagnostic trouble code signals.

37. The method as recited inclaim 34 further comprising indexing the part/service provider information to the diagnostic trouble code signals.

38. The method as recited inclaim 34 wherein the part/service provider information facilitates a communications link between a part/service provider and the personal computer.

39. The method as recited inclaim 38 wherein the communications link is a direct communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer.

40. The method as recited inclaim 38 wherein the communications link is an indirect communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer, via the remote computer.

41. The method as recited inclaim 38 further comprising charging a fee to the part/service provider based on implementation of the communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer.

42. The method as recited inclaim 38 further comprising the step of charging a fee to the part/service provider based on sales transactions resulting from the communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer.

43. The method as recited inclaim 38 further comprising the step of charging a fee to the part/service provider to be listed in the part/service provider information.

44. The method as recited inclaim 34 wherein the part/service provider information facilitates communications links between a plurality of part/service providers and the personal computer.

45. The method as recited inclaim 34 wherein the part/service provider information includes information representative of the cost of parts and labor to effect repairs indicated by the diagnostic trouble code signals.

46. The method as recited inclaim 29 wherein the step of connecting, downloading and generating a visual output signal in the code reader proceed independent of any vehicle specific identification by a user.

47. The method as recited inclaim 29 wherein the steps of connecting, downloading and generating a visual output signal in the code reader proceed independent of any user selection of code reader controls.

48. The method as recited inclaim 29 wherein the passed/failed/inconclusive status of the vehicle is determined from the downloaded diagnostic trouble code signals.

49. The method as recited inclaim 48 wherein the passed/failed/inconclusive status represents a summary/vehicle status.

50. A method of diagnosing a vehicle having an onboard computer for generating diagnostic trouble code signals, the diagnostic trouble code signals being related to a passed or problem status of the vehicle, the method comprising:

(a) connecting a handheld code reader to the onboard computer;

(b) downloading diagnostic trouble code signals from the onboard computer to the code reader; and

(c) generating a visual output signal in the handheld code reader, the visual output signal being representative of passed/failed/inconclusive status of the vehicle as determined from the diagnostic trouble code signals by the code reader, independent of resources external to the handheld code reader;

(d) wherein the steps of connecting, downloading and generating a visual output signal proceed independent of user interaction with a code reader visual interface; and

(e) wherein the steps of connecting, downloading and generating a visual output signal in the code reader proceed independent of any vehicle specific identification by a user.

51. The method as recited inclaim 50 further comprising the steps of disconnecting the code reader data from the on-board computer and uploading the diagnostic trouble code signals from the code reader to a computer configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle.

52. The method as recited inclaim 51 further comprising the steps of downloading the problem description data from the computer.

53. The method as recited inclaim 51 wherein the step of uploading the trouble code signals comprises uploading the diagnostic trouble code signals from the code reader to a personal computer, and uploading the diagnostic trouble code signals from the personal computer to a remote computer, the remote computer being configured to correlate the diagnostic trouble code signals to problem description data for diagnosing the vehicle.

54. The method as recited inclaim 53 wherein the step of downloading the problem description data comprises downloading from the remote computer to the personal computer, problem description data correlating the diagnostic trouble code signals to a problem status of the vehicle.

55. The method as recited inclaim 54 further comprising the step of downloading from the remote computer part/service provider information for effecting repairs associated with the problem description data.

56. The method as recited inclaim 55 wherein the part/service provider information is generated based on subscription participation of part/service providers.

57. The method as recited inclaim 55 further comprising indexing the problem description data to the diagnostic trouble code signals.

58. The method as recited inclaim 55 further comprising indexing the part/service provider information to the diagnostic trouble code signals.

59. The method as recited inclaim 55 wherein the part/service provider information facilitates a communications link between a part/service provider and the personal computer.

60. The method as recited inclaim 59 wherein the communications link is a direct communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer.

61. The method as recited inclaim 59 wherein the communications link is an indirect communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer, via the remote computer.

62. The method as recited inclaim 59 further comprising charging a fee to the part/service provider based on implementation of the communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer.

63. The method as recited inclaim 59 further comprising the step of charging a fee to the part/service provider based on sales transaction resulting from the communications link between the part/service provider and the personal computer.

64. The method as recited inclaim 59 further comprising the step of charging a fee to the part/service provider to be listed in the part/service provider information.

65. The method as recited inclaim 55 the part/service provider information facilitates communications links between a plurality of part/service providers and the personal computer.

66. The method as recited inclaim 58 wherein the part/service provider information includes information representative of the cost of parts and labor to effect repairs indicated by the diagnostic trouble code signals.

67. The method as recited inclaim 50 wherein the steps of connecting, downloading and generating a visual output signal in the code reader proceed independent of any user selection of code reader controls.

68. The method as recited inclaim 50 wherein the passed/failed/inconclusive status of the vehicle is determined from the downloaded diagnostic trouble code signals.

69. The method as recited inclaim 68 wherein the passed/failed/inconclusive status represents a summary/vehicle status.

70. The method as recited inclaim 1 wherein the step of downloading diagnostic trouble code signals from the onboard computer to the code reader comprises providing a wireless connection between the onboard computer and the code reader.

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