AUTOMATED DROP-OFF ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A system for automating the drop-off and pick-up steps for service of an item comprising:
- a goods exchange area for receiving an item to be serviced;
a user interface located near the goods exchange area comprising display means for presenting information to a user and input means for inputting information about the user and the item into the user interface;
a server that communicates with the user interface, the server including memory for storing data associated with the item and software that directs communication between the user and the server through the user interface; and
an automated notification interface that notifies the user and the server of receipt, progress, completion of service to the item and notification of future appointments.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automated system for drop-off and pick-up for repair, return or exchange of tangible items including a secure drop-off/pick-up area for the items, a computer and software to manage the data for the system, and a user interface to facilitate automated notification for responsive communication between the user and the service provider to describe service or repair required, provide quotations, request and receive additional information and notify the customer on completion of the service and scheduled maintenance using automated voicemail recording, and/or text messaging through a cellular telephone, email, PDA or iPhone using a web based applet.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A system for automating the drop-off and pick-up steps for service of an item comprising:
-
a goods exchange area for receiving an item to be serviced; a user interface located near the goods exchange area comprising display means for presenting information to a user and input means for inputting information about the user and the item into the user interface; a server that communicates with the user interface, the server including memory for storing data associated with the item and software that directs communication between the user and the server through the user interface; and an automated notification interface that notifies the user and the server of receipt, progress, completion of service to the item and notification of future appointments. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A system for automated drop-off of a user'"'"'s motor vehicle for service at a motor vehicle service station, comprising:
-
a touch screen display for presenting information to the user and receiving information from the user; a computer in communication with the touch screen display; software running on the computer for interacting with the user, the software including instructions for identifying the user, identifying the motor vehicle, identifying the service, preparing a work order for the user and specifying a method for the service station to contact the user regarding the service; means for the service station to notify the user regarding the service; and means for receiving a key to the motor vehicle from the user. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A method of automated drop-off by a user of a service item at a service provider comprising the steps of:
-
receiving the service item; providing a user interface having one of a direct user input and a remote user input platform including a visual display and an input device; presenting instructions on the visual display to the user and receiving identification and service item information from the user; presenting via the visual display a service selection menu and receiving instructions from the user regarding the service and a preferred notification platform for contacting the user; identifying the service required on the service item; preparing a work order and presenting the work order to the user via the visual display; receiving from the user an authorization notification of the work order and providing to the user at least one of a key or code to permit access to the service item; and notifying the service provider of receipt of the authorization of the work order and service item. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification