FIELD

The invention relates generally to automobiles and more specifically to automotive collision repair technology.

BACKGROUND

Automotive systems are increasingly based on computerized modules that utilize and generate diagnostic data. The proliferation of computerized vehicle systems has led to a situation where a collision repair may often require reset, replacement or reprogramming of computerized modules during the repair process. For example, airbag systems are tied to seat weight sensors, blind spot cameras are embedded in side view mirrors, and rear backup warning systems are embedded in bumpers. There are many more examples that impact collision repairs and the number is growing.

Due to the increasing use of computerized and automated vehicle systems, it is increasingly necessary to utilize diagnostic scan tools and equipment and to process and exchange diagnostic repair data, as well as repair procedure data, reliably and efficiently, often in real time, in order to correctly and safely return collision damaged vehicles to pre-accident function and appearance.

Further, the collision repair organization (repair shop) needs to reliably secure and provide diagnostic repair data regarding which of the vehicle systems were accessed and repaired during the repair process in order to prove that the vehicle was repaired properly and returned to pre-accident condition, and is thus safe to operate. In addition, the reliable diagnostic repair documentation can be used to support billing and collection for such reliably proven diagnostic repairs from the automotive insurer, fleet manager, third party administrator, or the vehicle owner.

Use of just a scan tool alone produces no proof that safety systems such as lane departure and blind spot monitoring systems were properly recalibrated (or recalibrated at all). To prove that safe and proper repairs were performed and to prevent or reduce errors and/or fraud, systems and processes that reliably and efficiently secure and provide diagnostic repair data regarding these critical procedures are needed.

The existing scan tools, systems and processes do not appear to be capable of solving the problems and/or meeting the needs outlined above, efficiently and reliably.

Therefore, a need exists for novel diagnostic tool, systems and methods that enable the collision repairer to correctly repair the vehicle and to document the systems accessed and the repairs completed in order to prove that the vehicle can be safely returned to use; and, in addition, to support related processes such as billing, insurance claims, fleet management, third party administration, and so on, for the reliably proven diagnostic repairs.

The aspects or the problems and the associated solutions presented in this section could be or could have been pursued; they are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches presented in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their presence in this section of the application.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In some aspects, system and data flow architectures are provided that are designed to provide enhanced data and enhanced data flow in the context of vehicle diagnosis and repair, particularly when repairs are necessary due to collisions. In some examples, the data flow through the network is streamlined, to avoid network congestion, to use fewer computer and network resources and/or to enable the utilization of smaller databases. In other examples, enhanced access to data in real-time and near real-time enabled by a Workflow Module supports more accurate and timely decisions on vehicle repair. An advantage of this new automotive collision repair technology is that it enables proper and proven repairs, which in turns increases vehicle and people safety. An additional advantage is that it enables improved repair facility billing processes, and streamlined claims processing.

In an aspect, new automotive collision repair technology, including a novel system and method for accessing, processing and managing of automotive diagnostic data in the automotive collision repair, is provided. In an example, the system may include three components: (1) an enhanced diagnostic scan tool to access and process vehicle data (“New Tool”); (2) a software system that captures diagnostic data, system status, and repair operations to enable correct real-time and near real-time repair decisions, and thus safe repairs (“Workflow Module”); and (3) an integration module (“New API”) that allows data exchange with other collision repair systems, to further increase the reliability of the repairs.

The disclosed automotive collision repair technology allows for seamless data transmission throughout the automotive claims and automotive collision repair process, including direct integration with the enhanced scan tool that connects to the vehicle. The result is faster and more importantly more accurate, thus safe and reliable vehicle repair, proven by improved repair documentation, including improved ability for the repairer to document repairs and diagnostic scanning procedures, while using fewer system resources.

As an example, the Workflow Module provides repair procedures in real time and produces a log that documents in real time critical diagnostic repair procedures. Thus, some of the benefits of the systems and associated processes disclosed herein are safe, reliable and proven repairs and the prevention or reduction of errors and/or fraud in automotive collision repairs.

The above aspects or examples and advantages, as well as other aspects or examples and advantages, will become apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

