Product tracking and alert system
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- (a) automatically detecting a presence of a vehicle at a repair facility;
(b) calculating at least a first parameter in accordance with a cumulative time spent by the vehicle at least one repair facility;
(c) comparing said first parameter to a stored value; and
(d) if said first parameter exceeds said stored value, automatically generating a message indicating at least one of;
(i) said cumulative time;
(ii) that said cumulative time is approaching a first predetermined value;
(iii) that said cumulative time has exceeded a second predetermined value; and
(iv) a difference between said cumulative time and a third predetermined value.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A radio transponder encoded with a serial number that is linked to a vehicle'"'"'s vehicle identification number (VIN) is installed on a vehicle at time of manufacturer. When the vehicle is tendered for repairs, an electronic interrogator detects the presence of the vehicle, reads its VIN, and checks a database of safety recalls applicable to that VIN, recall repairs completed, state consumer protection Lemon Laws applicable to that vehicle, and the vehicle'"'"'s service history. This information is all stored within a relational database that can be viewed via the Internet with user friendly computer interfaces. In addition, electronic alerts are automatically generated and sent indicating which safety recall repairs have yet to be performed for that vehicle, and whether any Lemon Law repair limits are being approached or have been exceeded. The system helps to ensure that all applicable safety recall repairs are completed for each vehicle, and that the manufacturer can get involved before expensive consumer remedies such as buy-back requirements are triggered. The system also allows lenders to conduct inventory remote, electronic inventory audits and it allows dealers to more easily locate and manage inventory, conduct warranty repairs, and seek warranty reimbursements.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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(a) automatically detecting a presence of a vehicle at a repair facility; (b) calculating at least a first parameter in accordance with a cumulative time spent by the vehicle at least one repair facility; (c) comparing said first parameter to a stored value; and (d) if said first parameter exceeds said stored value, automatically generating a message indicating at least one of; (i) said cumulative time; (ii) that said cumulative time is approaching a first predetermined value; (iii) that said cumulative time has exceeded a second predetermined value; and (iv) a difference between said cumulative time and a third predetermined value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method comprising:
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(a) sensing a presence of a vehicle at a repair facility; (b) generating an electronic message indicating that at least one of the following conditions is met; (i) a cumulative repair time limit specified by a law is being approached; and (ii) a maximum number of repair attempts specified by a law is being approached. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method comprising:
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(a) automatically detecting a presence of a vehicle at a repair facility; (b) reading a first memory and determining whether a safety recall has been issued for said vehicle; and (c) sending an electronic message to said repair facility indicating that said safety recall has been issued pertaining to said vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method comprising:
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using an automated identification system to sense a presence of a vehicle and an identification number associated therewith; receiving an input regarding service performed on said vehicle; generating and sending an electronic reimbursement request to a manufacturer of said vehicle for performing said service. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification