# US 2014/0195098 A1 · Method and apparatus for translating vehicle diagnostic trouble codes > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0195098 A1 - Document ID: US20140195098A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/737,301 - Filed: 2013-01-09 - Published: 2014-07-10 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-09 - Assignees: American Automobile Association, Inc. - Applicants: American Automobile Association, Inc. - Inventors: Frederick Lorenz; John Nielsen; Dwayne Shumate - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140195098A1 ## CPC - G06F 17/00: Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions (information retrieval, database structures or file system structures therefor G06F16/00) - G07C 5/008: {communicating information to a remotely located station (transmission systems for measured values G08C)} - G07C 5/0808: {Diagnosing performance data (testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005)} - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) - G07C: TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE ## Abstract A method and apparatus for translating diagnostic trouble codes which are generated in response to faults in the performance of motor vehicles are characterized by the use of a diagnostic code translator which receives diagnostic trouble codes and other information relating to the operating parameters of the vehicle at the time of a fault and analyzes the information to generate messages relating to the fault. The messages are transmitted to the vehicle driver so that corrective action may be taken. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for translating diagnostic trouble codes from motor vehicles, comprising the steps of (a) detecting a diagnostic code corresponding to a fault in the operation of the motor vehicle; (b) transmitting the detected code to a central server which identifies the vehicle and associates it with the detected code; (c) translating the detected code to produce a message which indicates the severity of the fault and provides information to remedy the fault; and (d) communicating the message to the operator of the vehicle. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said message includes at least one of an indication of the drivability of the vehicle, the level of urgency for seeking further diagnostics or repair, and basic descriptions of the code and vehicle condition. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) A method as defined in claim 2, wherein operating parameters of the vehicle at the time the diagnostic code is detected are transmitted with the code to the central server. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A method as defined in claim 3, wherein the operating parameters include at least one of vehicle speed, engine temperature, battery condition, and odometer mileage. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the message is communicated to the operator via one of e-mail, text messaging, and a telephone call. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) A method as defined in claim 3, and further comprising the step of storing the fault and vehicle condition and repair information associated with the vehicle in a database. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A method as defined in claim 6, and further comprising the step of updating the stored fault and vehicle information every time a fault is detected. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) A method as defined in claim 7, and further comprising the step of analyzing detected diagnostic codes and vehicle operating parameter information within the database to generate service intervals and predict repair costs by year, make, model, and engine type for a variety of motor vehicles. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) A method as defined in claim 6, wherein the operator of the vehicle can access the database to obtain the history of vehicle faults and conditions. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A method as defined in claim 1, and further comprising the step of requesting the dispatch of a repair technician to the vehicle in response to the code translation. ### Claim 11 Apparatus for translating diagnostic trouble codes from motor vehicles, comprising (a) a telematics device connected with a motor vehicle for detecting a diagnostic code in response to a fault in the performance of the vehicle and transmitting the diagnostic code and vehicle information; (b) a data server for receiving said diagnostic code and vehicle information from said telematics device and generating a query containing said diagnostic code and vehicle information; (c) a data code translator which receives said query and translates the diagnostic code to produce a message which indicates the severity of the fault and provides information to remedy the fault; (d) a communication device for transmitting the message to the operator of the vehicle. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) Apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said telematics device transmits information which identifies the vehicle and information relating to operating parameters of the vehicle. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) Apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein said operating parameters include at least one of vehicle speed, engine temperature, battery condition, and odometer mileage. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) Apparatus as defined in claim 11, where said communication device comprises a wireless device which is capable of transmitting e-mail, text message, and telephone calls to the driver. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) Apparatus as defined in claim 13, and further comprising a database connected with said server which stores fault and vehicle condition and repair information associated with the vehicle. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) Apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said data server receives diagnostic codes from a plurality of telematics devices, each connected with a different motor vehicle, and further wherein said database stores diagnostic code and vehicle operating parameter information for a plurality of vehicles and analyzes the stored diagnostic code and vehicle operating parameter information to generate service interval and predict repair costs by year, make, model and engine type for a variety of motor vehicles.