Configurable functions for vehicle parameters

1. A method of processing and communicating user defined vehicle diagnostic information, said method comprising the computer implemented steps of:

recognizing vehicle engine parameter identifiers (PIDs);

requesting a first raw electronic engine control unit data string using a first user selected PID;

extracting from said first data string one or more data points to result in primary data; and

processing, by a processor, said primary data using a mathematical function dependent upon a user preferred engineering unit of measure and a mathematical function from one of a user's choice of: an internal hard coded function; a scaling factor and offset; and a user defined external function;

thereby resulting in user defined derived data which can be communicated to the user through a vehicle diagnostic device.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said PIDs are selected from a choice of manufacturer defined PIDs or user defined PIDs.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein extracted said one or more data points are processed, stored and later retrieved to result in said primary data.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein secondary data is selected by a user for inclusion in said user chosen mathematical function.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein said secondary data is derived from either a user selected second PID or a user configured PID and is processed depending on a user preferred engineering unit of measure before being further processed with said primary data using said user chosen mathematical function.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein any of:

said user defined derived data;

said primary data, after processing; and

said secondary data, after processing;

is stored within said vehicle diagnostic device and identified by a user defined PID.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said internal hard coded function and said external function are mathematical functions.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said user defined external function is configured without requiring the user to use a computer programming language.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said vehicle diagnostic device is a stand alone unit located within the vehicle.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said vehicle diagnostic device is located within or in communication with a vehicle's telematics locator unit.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein said vehicle diagnostic device is configured for receiving data including any defined external functions from a central intelligence device, the data being communicated between said vehicle diagnostic device and said central intelligence device being communicated wirelessly and/or through wired connection.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein said vehicle diagnostic device is configured for sending data to a central intelligence device, the data being communicated between said diagnostic device and said central intelligence device being communicated wirelessly and/or through wired connection.

13. A user configurable vehicle diagnostic device comprising:

a computer having computer executable instructions, said computer coupled to a vehicle's electronic control unit;

an input for inputting commands to said computer; and

an output for communicating user defined derived data relating to the vehicle;

wherein said diagnostic device is configured for:

recognizing vehicle engine parameter identifiers (PIDs);

requesting a first raw electronic engine control unit data string using a first user selected PID;

extracting from said first data string one or more data points to result in primary data; and

processing said primary data using a mathematical function dependent upon a user preferred engineering unit of measure and a mathematical function from one of a user's inputted choice of: an internal hard coded function; a scaling factor and offset; and a user defined external function;

thereby resulting in user defined derived data that is communicated to a vehicle operator and/or a remote central intelligence.

14. The diagnostic device of claim 13 , wherein said PIDs are selected from a choice of manufacturer defined PIDs or user defined PIDs.

15. The diagnostic device of claim 13 , wherein extracted said one or more data points are processed, stored and later retrieved to result in said primary data.

16. The diagnostic device of claim 13 , wherein secondary data is selected by a user for inclusion in said user chosen mathematical function.

17. The diagnostic device of claim 16 , wherein said secondary data is derived from either a user selected second PID or a user configured PID, and is processed depending on a user preferred engineering unit of measure before being further processed with said primary data using said user chosen mathematical function.

18. The diagnostic device of claim 13 , wherein user may define the external function without requiring the user to use a computer programming language.

19. The diagnostic device of claim 13 , wherein said diagnostic device is located within or in communication with a vehicle's telematics locator unit.

20. A method of processing and communicating user defined vehicle diagnostic information, said method comprising the hardware implemented steps of:

recognizing vehicle engine parameter identifiers (PIDs);

receiving a mathematical function defined by a user without requiring the user to use a computer programming language;

requesting a raw electronic engine control unit data string using a user selected PID;

extracting from said data string one or more data points to result in primary data; and

processing, by a processor, said primary data using said mathematical function dependent upon a user preferred engineering unit of measure and a mathematical function from one of a user's inputted choice of: an internal hard coded function; a scaling factor and offset; and a user defined external function;

thereby resulting in user defined derived data which can be communicated to the user through a vehicle diagnostic device.