초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for the maintenance of mechanized equipment such as an automobile is disclosed. Various sensors located within the automobile provide information to an on-board computing device, a personal digital assistant, or a local computing device which are networkable to a network such

A method and apparatus for the maintenance of mechanized equipment such as an automobile is disclosed. Various sensors located within the automobile provide information to an on-board computing device, a personal digital assistant, or a local computing device which are networkable to a network such as the Internet. The information may be transferred across the network, and service obtained appropriately. Information located in various remote servers relating to the performance and service of the vehicle may be downloaded across the network and easily used in servicing and maintaining the vehicle. Optionally, the apparatus includes a notification system, such as an email system, for notifying of, scheduling, and/or paying for services.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for the monitoring and maintenance of mechanized equipment, comprising:providing at least one sensor for determining a characteristic state of the equipment, the at least one sensor being connectable through an intranet in said equipment to a computing device having a memory, a display,

1. A method for the monitoring and maintenance of mechanized equipment, comprising:providing at least one sensor for determining a characteristic state of the equipment, the at least one sensor being connectable through an intranet in said equipment to a computing device having a memory, a display, a user input device, and containing programming, said sensor sending data relating to said characteristic state, said computing device receiving said data in said memory, said computing device accessing a database relating to said data, said computing device processing said data into status information and displaying said information on the display, said computing device offering a user a menu of choices for acting upon said status information, said menu including offering scheduling for service, providing a reminder, providing cost information relating to appropriate services, providing a parts list, obtaining instructions for service or repair, or any combination thereof, said computing device receiving input from a user in response to said menu, storing said input as instructions or information, and carrying out said instructions or storing said information in memory, whereby said user is informed of the characteristic state or status of the equipment and may cause said computing device to act upon said instructions or store said information in memory.