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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for capturing and storing visual images and information
pertaining to the identity and the location of motor vehicle emission
control systems within the underhood engine compartment of a subject motor
vehicle, comprising:
a. a computer system;
b. means for creating a first computer database, including data
corresponding to the visual image of the engine compartment of the subject
vehicle;
c. means for creating a second computer database, including data
corresponding to a visual overlay for said visual image of the engine
compartment, said visual overlay having the identity and the location of
at least one emission control system for the subject vehicle;
d. means for creating a third computer database, including vehicle
identification data and the identity of said emission control system
pertaining to the subject vehicle;
e. means for relationally storing said first, second, and third databases
in said computer system, so that by entering the vehicle identification
data into an input of said computer system, said computer system will
retrieve and output a composite visual image of said visual image of the
engine compartment and said visual overlay.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said visual image is a video image
and in which said means for creating said first database includes a video
camera, a video recorder having an input connected to said video camera,
and interface means between an output of said recorder and a video data
input of said computer system.
3. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which said means for creating said second
database includes computer software means for generating both a
description of the emission control system and a pointer, corresponding,
respectively to the identity and the location of the emission control
system within said visual image of the engine compartment for the subject
vehicle.
4. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which said computer system includes a
video display monitor responsive to said output, said computer system
further selectively retrieving and displaying either said composite visual
image or the identity of said emission control system for the subject
vehicle.
5. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which said second database includes a
plurality of visual overlays, each overlay corresponding to a respective
emission control system for the subject vehicle, said plurality of visual
overlays showing the identity and location of a plurality of respective
emission control systems in said composite visual image.
6. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which said first, second, and third
databases, respectively, include a plurality of visual images of vehicle
engine compartments, a plurality of visual overlays, and a plurality of
vehicle identification data and identities of emission control systems,
each for a respective one of a plurality of subject vehicles.
7. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which said relational storage means
includes a plurality of vehicle identification data records, each one
corresponding to a different engine configuration for a plurality of
subject vehicles, and in which said computer system retrieves a single
visual image of an engine compartment for common use with respective
visual overlays of at least two subject vehicles, when outputting the
respective composite visual images.
8. An apparatus as in claim 1 in which said relational storage means
includes a plurality of vehicle identification data records, each one
corresponding to a different engine configuration for a plurality of
subject vehicles, and in which said computer system retrieves at least one
visual overlay for common use with the visual images of engine
compartments of at least two subject vehicles, when displaying the
respective composite visual images.
9. A method for capturing and storing visual images and information
pertaining to the identity and the location of motor vehicle emission
control systems within the underhood engine compartment of a subject
vehicle, comprising:
a. providing a computer system;
b. creating a first computer database, including data corresponding to the
visual image of the engine compartment of the subject vehicle;
c. creating a second computer database, including data corresponding to a
visual overlay for said visual image of the engine compartment, said
visual overlay having the identity and the location of at least one
emission control system for the subject vehicle;
d. creating a third computer database, including vehicle identification
data and the identity of said emission control system pertaining to the
subject vehicle;
e. relationally storing said first, second, and third databases in said
computer system, so that by entering the vehicle identification data into
an input of said computer system, said computer system will retrieve and
output a composite visual image of said visual image of the engine
compartment and said visual overlay.
10. A method as in claim 9 wherein said visual image is a video image and
in which said step of creating said first database is carried out using a
video camera, a video recorder having an input connected to said video
camera, and interface means between an output of said recorder and a video
data input of said computer system.
11. A method as in claim 9 in which said step of creating said second
database is carried out using computer software means for generating both
a description of the emission control system and a pointer, corresponding,
respectively, to the identity and the location of the emission control
system within said visual image of the engine compartment for the subject
vehicle.
12. A method as in claim 9 in which said computer system includes a video
display monitor responsive to said output, further including the step of
selectively retrieving and displaying either said composite visual image
or the identity of said emission control system, for the subject vehicle.
13. A method as in claim 9 in which said second database includes a
plurality of visual overlays, each overlay corresponding to a respective
emission control system for the subject vehicle, said plurality of visual
overlays showing the identity and location of a plurality of respective
emission control systems in said composite visual image.
14. A method as in claim 9 in which said first, second, and third
databases, respectively, include a plurality of visual images of vehicle
engine compartments, a plurality of visual overlays, and a plurality of
vehicle identification data and identities of emission control systems,
each for a respective one of a plurality of subject vehicles.
15. A method as in claim 9 in which said step of relationally storing said
databases includes storing a plurality of vehicle identification data
records, each one corresponding to a different engine configuration for a
plurality of subject vehicles, and in which said computer system retrieves
a single visual image of an engine compartment for common use with
respective visual overlays of at least two subject vehicles, when
outputting the respective composite visual images.
16. A method as in claim 9 in which said step of relationally storing said
first, second, and third databases includes storing a plurality of vehicle
identification data, each one corresponding to a different engine
configuration for a plurality of subject vehicles, and in which said
computer system retrieves at least one visual overlay for common use with
the visual images of engine compartments of at least two subject vehicles,
when displaying the respective composite visual images.
17. An apparatus for capturing, storing, retrieving, and displaying the
identification and the location of motor vehicle emission control systems,
for a plurality of subject motor vehicles, each having an engine
compartment, comprising:
a. an image/overlay/data capture subsystem, said subsystem including:
i. means for creating and storing a plurality of video images in a vehicle
underhood image database, each said image showing the engine compartment
of a subject motor vehicle and the respective emission control systems
located therein;
ii. means for creating and storing a plurality of video graphic overlays in
a component overlay database, each said overlay showing the identity and
the location of each emission control system associated with each said
subject motor vehicle;
iii. means for creating and storing a plurality of records in a component
list database, each record including respective vehicle identification
characteristics and a list of respective emission control system
components, required for each subject motor vehicle;
b. a computerized image/data presentation subsystem, said subsystem having
access to said vehicle underhood image database, said component overlay
database, and said component list database, said subsystem including:
i. input means for entering the vehicle identification characteristics of a
motor vehicle under test;
ii. microprocessor means responsive to said input means, for retrieving all
data contained in said vehicle underhood image database, said component
overlay database, and said component list database, related to the vehicle
identification characteristics of the motor vehicle under test; and,
iii. video display means responsive to said microprocessor means and said
input means, for selectively displaying either a composite of said video
image and said graphic overlays, or a list of the identities of said
required emission control systems, for the motor vehicle under test.
18. A method using a microprocessor controlled computer for capturing,
storing, retrieving, and displaying the identification and the location of
motor vehicle emission control systems, for a plurality of subject motor
vehicles, each having an engine compartment, comprising:
a. creating and storing a plurality of video images in a vehicle underhood
image database, each said image showing the engine compartment of a
subject motor vehicle and the respective emission control systems located
therein;
b. creating and storing a plurality of video graphic overlays in a
component overlay database, each said overlay showing the identity and the
location of each emission control system associated with each said subject
motor vehicle;
c. creating and storing a plurality of records in a component list
database, each record including respective vehicle identification
characteristics and a list of respective emission control system
components, required for each subject motor vehicle;
d. entering the vehicle identification characteristics of a motor vehicle
under test;
e. retrieving all data contained in said vehicle underhood image database,
said component overlay database, and said component list database, related
to the vehicle identification characteristics of the motor vehicle under
test; and,
f. selectively displaying either a composite of said video image and said
graphic overlays, or a list of the identities of said required emission
control systems, for the motor vehicle under test. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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Field Of The Invention
The invention relates generally to computer systems and methods, adapted to
facilitate visual inspections of motor vehicle Emission Control Systems
(ECS). More specifically, the invention contemplates a computer-based
system for creating and using data bases containing visual and factual
information pertaining to a motor vehicle's ECS.
The system generates a video screen representation, including an ECS
component overlay, of the underhood engine configuration of a vehicle
under test. The ECS overlay identifies and locates the particular ECS
elements required by law to be present on the vehicle under test. The
visual composite of the engine representation and the overlay assists an
inspector in confirming the presence and condition of the ECS components
for the vehicle in question.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modern motor vehicles include a number of Emission Control Systems (ECS)
components, designed to control and minimize the type and quantity of
pollutants allowed to be exhausted by their engines. Typical ECS
components include, for example, a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
unit, an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) unit, and a Fuel Filler
Restrictor (FFR) unit. Periodically, either the state or the federal
government requires that such motor vehicles be inspected and tested at an
authorized Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) facility, to pass or fail the
vehicle in accordance with established standards.
The inspection procedure requires the inspector to confirm presence of
certain ECS units, which must be present for the particular vehicle under
test. The prior art teaches a manual, time-consuming process for
determining the presence and location of legally required ECS components
for each test. First, an inspector must search a reference manual, or
other printed or computer displayed information, for a list of the
specific ECS components for the test vehicle. Then, using this list, the
inspector makes a visual search of the underhood compartment and the
remainder of the vehicle, in an effort to confirm that each component is
present.
While some printed reference manuals do have underhood representations, the
information is often incomplete as to many of the manufacturer's models,
and may be so generic that it is misleading or simply inaccurate for the
particular vehicle under test. Thus, the inspector is usually posed with
the problem of locating these components on his own, without the aid of a
visual reference or key which identifies each component and its underhood
location.
Some components are readily apparent to the trained eye, whereas others may
be hidden underneath other engine components, or mounted in a remote
location, such as under the body or beneath the rear of the vehicle. Still
other components may assume a non-conventional appearance, and not be
recognized for what they actually are. As a consequence, valuable time is
sometimes lost in the process of confirming the location and
identification of the required components, or in determining that they
have been removed by the vehicle's owner.
The prior art generally shows the use of computers and computer aided
displays to test, illustrate, and record data pertaining to motor vehicle
performance. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,359, issued to Ezoe, a
Method And Apparatus For Inspecting Vehicles is disclosed. The design
contemplates the use of ROM memory to store particular information
regarding the performance characteristics of each "car type". Upper and
lower reference values are established for various vehicle inspection
items such as wheel alignment, engine characteristics, and exhaust gas.
Vehicle age and mileage are also taken into consideration, before a
comparison is made between the measured values of vehicle performance and
the reference values.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,479, granted to Kobayashi et al., teaches a Diagnosis
System For A Motor Vehicle, in which a plurality of data representing
abbreviations of test check items and corresponding units of measure, are
stored in ROM, for specific types of vehicles. The stated object of the
invention is to provide a diagnosis system in which diagnosis data is
shown directly in a display, rather than having to resort to looking in a
manual for interpreting the source and unit of measure for the data.
In Fisher, U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,893, a Graphical Display Of Timing Advance
Data is disclosed. By displaying vehicle performance data graphically
instead of numerically, the invention is claimed to reduce data
interpretation time by reducing the number of fields of view. The use of
gray scale, colors, or patterned lines is generally discussed as a means
to distinguish between the displayed data.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,206, granted to Boscove et al., shows a Computer
Assisted Vehicle Service Device, Featuring Signature Analysis And
Artificial Intelligence. The device includes a master data base, accessed
by each service support system, in which the data provided for fault
analysis and diagnosis would constantly be updated in accordance with
field results. As part of the main menu procedure, various service and
maintenance manuals are shown as available for the vehicle under test;
however, no specific reference to graphic displays for particular engine
components is indicated.
However, none of the prior art known to the applicants discloses or
suggests the apparatus and method for facilitating the inspection of motor
vehicle Emission Control Systems taught herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method, for determining
the identification and the location of motor vehicle Emission Control
Systems components, for a vehicle under test and inspection at a Motor
Vehicle Inspection facility. The general system disclosed herein, includes
two subsystems: (1) an Image/Overlay/Data Capture (IODC) subsystem, for
capturing and storing visual images and information pertaining to the
identity and location of ECS components; and, (2) an Image/Data
Presentation (IDP) subsystem, for selectively retrieving and displaying a
composite video image of the vehicle underhood image and the ECS
component/overlay and certain informational data, stored in the IODC
subsystem.
The IODC subsystem typically includes a microprocessor controlled Personal
Computer ("PC"), a video camera, hardware to interface the video camera
with the PC, and software to facilitate the capture and relational storage
of visual images and certain textual/numerical information.
The video images, captured by the video camera and stored in digital form
in the computer, represent a collection of pictures showing the vehicle
engine compartments, or underhood views, of a plurality of motor vehicle
types. The stored computer database is generally referred to as the
Vehicle Underhood Image Data Library.
The ECS component overlays, created by and stored in the computer system,
include ECS component information, arranged and adapted to be visually
superimposed over the vehicle underhood images. These ECS component
overlays have location director lines and associated acronyms for ECS
components, for a plurality of motor vehicle types. The resultant computer
database is known as the ECS Component Overlay Data Library.
The informational data, entered into and stored by the computer system,
include ECS component lists, each uniquely associated with vehicle
identification characteristics, such as manufacturer, model year, number
of engine cylinders, engine displacement, fuel type, and vehicle type.
This computer database is generally referred to herein as the ECS
Component List Data Library.
Owing to the high detail and resolution necessary to depict a vehicle
underhood image, a significant amount of storage space is required to
represent all of the possible engine configurations. However, it has been
determined that one vehicle underhood image and one ECS component overlay
can each represent a plurality of different engine configurations.
Therefore, in the present invention, the vehicle Underhood Image and ECS
component Overlay Libraries, or tables, are consolidated and relationally
grouped by engine configuration, and then separately stored, along with
the ECS Component List Library, within an ECS Relational Database.
This database structure includes the feature of storing of the ECS
component overlays as discrete elements, separate and apart from the
vehicle underhood image. The ability to store and later access for
display, separate vehicle underhood images and separate ECS component
overlays in different permutations to represent multiple engine
configurations, provides significant advantages. For example, relational
consolidation of the vehicle underhood images and ECS component overlays
minimizes database maintenance and the computer resources necessary to
store all the information. Also, reduction in the database size also
contributes to faster and more efficient database user access.
The Image/Data Presentation, or IDP subsystem includes a PC-based computer
system, the ECS Relational Database composed of the three Libraries, and
video image and data presentation software. Typically, the IDP subsystem
is located at the Motor Vehicle Inspection facility, and is used and
accessed by the inspector, or operator reviewing a vehicle for the
presence and the condition of ECS components in test vehicles.
Initially, using the computer keyboard, the inspector enters vehicle
identification data based upon apparent vehicle characteristics, such as
manufacturer, vehicle year, vehicle type, and engine particulars.
Alternatively, this data may be retrieved from an off-site, government
maintained vehicle identification database, by typing in the vehicle
license plate or the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The microprocessor of the IDP subsystem then uses the entered vehicle
identification data to locate and access, all the ECS vehicle
configuration records in the ECS relational database which generally match
the vehicle identification characteristics. Typically, the IDP subsystem
will develop a list or array of possible ECS vehicle configurations, and
display them on the video monitor. The inspector then compares the ECS
vehicle configurations, with the apparent characteristics of the vehicle
under test, before selecting a particular configuration record for further
processing.
It is also possible that the IDP subsystem will locate a single, direct
match for the vehicle identification characteristics. In this case, only a
single corresponding ECS vehicle configuration will be displayed, along
with the indication that a direct match has been located.
Once a single vehicle configuration has been selected, either manually by
the inspector or automatically by the computer, the IDP subsystem may be
called upon to access the ECS Component List Library, and display the ECS
component data for the vehicle under test. This provides the inspector
with a Results List, calling for an entry for each ECS component listed as
a required item for the subject vehicle. If the inspector is readily able
to locate and identify each ECS component without further assistance, then
an entry is made, the results are stored, and the inspection is completed.
However, the IDP subsystem may also be called upon to provide visual
information regarding both the identification and the location of the
appropriate ECS components, making reference to a video display of the
vehicle underhood image of the selected vehicle configuration.
For this purpose, the IDP subsystem accesses the appropriate records from
the Vehicle Underhood Image Library and the ECS Component Overlay Library,
and provides a composite video image on the video monitor. The composite
video image display shows an vehicle underhood image of the selected
vehicle in a high definition black and white picture, overlaid by a
colored array of ECS component identifiers. Each of the component
identifiers has a respective lead line, which identifies the precise
location of the associated ECS component within the vehicle underhood
image.
Having the composite vehicle underhood/ECS component overlay video image
before him, the inspector can more readily identify and locate the ECS
components, and confirm that his inspection and conclusions are accurate.
Once the entries are made in the Results List for the required ECS
components, the results are stored, and a hard copy with the results of
the completed inspection may be printed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of the Image/Overlay/Data Capture
subsystem, generally showing how the ECS relational database is created;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting the technician steps performed during the
process of creating the Vehicle Underhood Image Data Library;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting the technician steps performed during the
process of creating the ECS Component Overlay Data Library and the ECS
Component List Data Library;
FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the Image/Data Presentation
subsystem, including an alternative connection to a separate vehicle
identification database;
FIGS. 5(a) through 5(e) together represent a flowchart depicting the
operator, or inspector steps performed using the IDP subsystem;
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram, representing the organization and the
relationships among the specific elements of the ECS Relational Database;
FIG. 7 shows the vehicle identification data display for a representative
vehicle;
FIG. 8 shows an exact vehicle match, automatically determined by the IDP
subsystem from the vehicle identification data;
FIG. 9 shows a list of candidate vehicles developed by the IDP subsystem,
from the vehicle identification data;
FIG. 10 is an ECS Results Display, showing an ECS component list of items
required and the inspection results for each such item, for a
representative vehicle under test;
FIG. 11 shows a representative vehicle underhood image;
FIG. 12 shows a representative ECS component overlay; and,
FIG. 13 shows a composite video image, resulting from the combination of
FIGS. 11 and 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The invention disclosed herein provides a computerized apparatus and
method, for capturing, storing, retrieving, and displaying visual images
and information which disclose the identification and the location of
motor vehicle Emission Control Systems (ECS). Making particular reference
to FIG. 1, the invention includes an Image/Overlay/Data Capture (IODC)
subsystem 1, which results in the generation of an ECS Relational Database
2. The IODC subsystem 1 is effective for capturing and storing, visual
images and information relating to the identity and the location of
required ECS components, for a plurality of different motor vehicles.
The IDOC subsystem 1 includes at least one PC-based computer system 3,
which has conventional RAM (not shown), hard disc drive (not shown) ,
keyboard 4, mouse 5, and VGA color monitor 6 components. The computer also
includes readily available, video image/data capture hardware and
software. In FIG. 1, this basic computer system is represented three
times, by the Vehicle Underhood Image Personal Computer (PC) 7. the ECS
Component Overlay PC 8, and the ECS Component List PC 9. It should be
understood that a single computer may be employed to perform the required
functions at each workstation, or independent computers may be used in
some situations for greater convenience or speed. A printer may also be
available at each workstation, to provide hard copy of the stored vehicle
underhood images and data, as explained more fully below.
The IODC subsystem 1 also usually includes a high resolution video camera
10 and an associated video tape recorder 11. As a matter of convenience, a
camcorder (not shown), having a video camera and a video recorder in a
single compact housing, may be used in lieu of the separate components.
Ultimately, the electrical signal or video output of the
recorder/camcorder is hard wired to the input circuit of the video image
capture interface hardware, contained in the Vehicle Underhood Image PC 7.
However, this wired connection is usually made indoors, after all vehicle
underhood images have been video tape recorded, rather than in the field.
A. Creation Of Vehicle Underhood Image Library
FIG. 2 provides a flowchart representation of the sequential and
repetitive, capture and storage process preferably used to create the
Vehicle Underhood Image Data Library 12. The video camera 10 is located
adjacent a subject vehicle 13, having its hood up to expose the engine
compartment, including the engine and most of the associated underhood
components. The height and direction of the camera are such that a full
frame, elevated perspective view of the engine compartment is captured.
Using the video recorder, a technician records (see block 56) several
short segments of the underhood image, at variable aperture settings of
the camera. This ensures that at least one segment will be recorded,
having the optimum image detail and an acceptable greyscale balance,
between bright and dark areas.
At the same time, a visual or textual record is made (see block 57) of
certain vehicle identification data. This may be done by writing such
information on a card, and recording it directly on the video tape at the
beginning of each series of recordings, or by making a separate
handwritten record of such data, which corresponds sequentially to the
recording of each vehicle underhood image. This identification data
includes such information as vehicle manufacturer, model year, number of
engine cylinders, engine cylinder displacement, fuel type, vehicle type,
and the noted ECS components.
A plurality of these image records are usually recorded in a session (see
block 58), each one corresponding to a particular significant engine
configuration. However, as will be explained more fully below, the present
invention allows one vehicle underhood image to be used for representing
multiple engine configurations, so that a separate image does not
necessarily have to be recorded for each configuration. The image records
may be recorded over a period of time, and, of course, are updated and
corrected as necessary.
When convenient, these video tape records are further processed and
transformed into digital computer records for storage and later
utilization. To that end, either the video tape recorder, or the
camcorder, is connected (see block 59) to the Vehicle Underhood Image PC
7, and vehicle underhood images are selectively displayed (see block 60)
on the computer's video monitor 6. Viewing the recorded segments for each,
the technician selects a single video frame having the best viewable image
characteristics, primarily taking into consideration detail and tonal
range (see block 61). Then, using the editing features of the computer
software, the displayed image is enhanced for optimum color, brightness,
contrast, and size, for example (see block 62). A representative
underhood, or engine compartment image, after final editing, is shown in
FIG. 11.
Finally, the edited visual image is saved and stored as greyscale
information in bit-map form (see block 63), as part of the Vehicle
Underhood Image Library 12, or Automobile Image Bit-map Record (ABR). See
FIGS. 1 and 6. When stored, each underhood image is assigned an image
name, which preferably includes abbreviated references to certain vehicle
identification characteristics, such as model, year, manufacturer, and
engine displacement. The image name is evident in the lower left hand
corner of FIG. 11, immediately beneath the stored underhood image. This
displaying, selecting, editing, and saving process is repeated for each
recorded underhood image, until the Vehicle Underhood Image Library, or
ABR, is complete (see block 64).
It should be noted that the underhood image could be captured and stored in
a more direct fashion, without the intermediate step of making a video
tape recording. For example, the video camera may be directly connected to
the computer interface, whereupon a video image could be preliminarily
stored, edited, and then finally stored in the ABR.
It should also be noted that alternate means could be used to generate the
vehicle underhood image, or a useful equivalent thereof. For example, a
electronic, digital still camera and an associated record/playback system
(not shown), may be substituted for the described video system. Pictorial
vehicle underhood images from a book or other literature could be captured
by an optical reader, edited, and then stored as digital information for
later display. Also, pictorial vehicle underhood images could be created
by the technician on the video monitor, using the mouse or a light pen,
providing an appropriate vehicle underhood reference were available.
Editing, storage, and display of these created images would proceed in
like manner, as for the video images.
B. Creation Of ECS Component Overlay Data Library
The second step toward completing the ECS Relational Database 2, is the
creation of the ECS Component Overlay Data Library 14 (see FIG. 3). Each
component overlay identifies and locates the particular ECS components
required by law to be present for a specific vehicle engine configuration.
A representative example of a component overlay is shown in FIG. 12.
Generally, the graphical overlay includes a plurality of component
identifying symbols, preferably rectangular boxes 21, each surrounding a
three letter acronym, or item overlay description, for an ECS component. A
lead line 22 extends from each box 21, and has a trailing end terminating
in a small square 23, or pointer. ECS item description records, previously
stored in the Relational Database 2, attribute a particular color to each
ECS component. Thus, when the overlay is created, the box, lead line, and
square for each ECS component assume the color assigned for that
component.
The component overlay is created at the ECS Component Overlay Workstation 8
by first displaying an underhood image, retrieved from the Underhood Image
Data Library 12, or ABR. Using the associated vehicle identification data
and relying upon available reference literature 31, the technician is able
to develop a list of the necessary ECS components for the overlay.
Reliance may also be made upon notes and other information gathered when
the underhood image was captured. These notes and information give the
technician a cross-reference and check, as to the presence and location of
ECS components identified on the subject vehicle 13 .
By manipulating a mouse or the keyboard, the technician creates and
superimposes over the underhood image, the boxes, lead lines, pointers and
ECS acronyms required for the overlay (see FIG. 3, block 65). The boxes 21
are located and arranged for maximum clarity with respect to the
background image, an appropriate distance from the associated ECS
component. The squares, or pointers 23 are located directly over a
respective ECS component, and lead lines are generated to connect each box
with the appropriate square.
Each ECS component has previously been assigned an item number, an item
overlay description, an item description, and a particular color. All of
this data is stored within the Automobile Emissions Control Systems Item
Description Record 15 (ADR), as bit-map information (see FIG. 6). The item
overlay description (e.g., "PCV") is the three letter acronym that is
automatically entered into the box 21 when the technician enters the item
number in creating the overlay. The item description (e.g., "Positive
Crankcase Ventilation" device) is the complete, industry recognized
designation for an ECS component. The following is a list, showing the ECS
component items and the corresponding acronyms, which are currently valid
for use in connection with the present invention:
1) FFR--Fuel Filler Restrictor
2) PCV--Positive Crankcase Ventilation
3) TAC--Thermostatic Air Cleaner
4) EVP--Fuel Evaporative System
5) EGR--Exhaust Gas Recirculation
6) TWC--Three Way Catalytic Converter
7) AIS--Air Injection System
8) CAP--Fuel Cap
9) LEAD--Plumbtesmo Paper Test (lead in tailpipe)
10) OC--Oxidation Catalytic Converter
It should be noted that only ECS components 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7, listed
above, are located in the engine compartment. Therefore, these are the
only ECS components which can appear in the ECS overlay, as the software
is currently configured. However, as additional ECS underhood components
become required, the system can be updated and expanded to accommodate
more components. Furthermore, ECS component items 1, 6, and 8-10, while
not appearing on the overlay, are shown in the video display for the more
encompassing ECS Component List, discussed in detail below.
As depicted generally in FIG. 3 and more specifically in FIG. 6, once an
overlay for an individual ECS component has been created, it is assigned
an overlay name and saved (see block 66) within the ECS Component Overlay
Data Library 14, as an Automobile Overlay Item Record 16 (AOIR). Making
particular reference to the lower left hand corner of the composite image
shown in FIG. 13, it will be noted that the overlay name typically
includes a vehicle model and a sequentially assigned numerical
designation. In addition to the overlay name and the item number, the AOIR
16 includes X and Y graphical coordinates for the location of the ECS
item, and the X and Y graphical coordinates for the location of the ECS
item description.
At the same time an AOIR is saved, an Automobile Overlay Image Record 17
(AOR) is automatically created and saved within the ECS Component Overlay
Library, by the software (see FIG. 6). The AOR 17 includes data pertaining
to the overlay name and the image name. The purpose of the AOR 17 is to
connect or relate a particular ABR 12 underhood image with particular AOIR
16 overlay images.
The AOIRs are "child" records to an AOR "parent" record. By this it is
meant that for every individual ECS component to be displayed in an
overlay, a separate AOIR is created. Thus, for a particular AOR there will
be as many associated AOIRs as there are ECS components in the overlay.
Once all of the AOIRs have been created and saved, separate and apart from
the associated underhood image, the technician may proceed with the next
step. Alternatively, the technician may elect at this time to create,
edit, and save additional overlays, for use with the same underhood image.
C. Creation Of The ECS Component List Data Library
The ECS Component List Data Library 18 (see FIG. 3, block 67) includes ECS
configuration data for each unique vehicle engine type, incorporated into
the Relational Database. The Component List Data Library includes two
classes of related records: Automobile Emissions Configuration Records 19
(AER); and Automobile Emissions Control Systems Item Records 20 (AIR). See
FIG. 6. The AER 19 record is a "parent" record to the AIR 20 "child"
record in the sense that each AER may have one or more AIR records
associated with it. There is an AER/AIR pointer, or numerical designation
saved with each AER and AIR record which connects or associates them as
parent and child records.
For every unique configuration of vehicle engine, there is an AER 1 | | |
