AU2010201567A1

AU2010201567A1 - Vehicle repair system, apparatus and software

Info

Publication number: AU2010201567A1
Application number: AU2010201567A
Authority: AU
Inventors: James Vais
Original assignee: CAPITAL S M A R T REPAIRS AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Capital Smart Repairs Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-04-13
Filing date: 2010-04-13
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Also published as: AU2016210656A1; WO2011127535A8; AU2011241475A1; AU2019204386A1; WO2011127535A1

Abstract

-16 Abstract A vehicle collision repair process which is carried out in a body shop which has bays (57, 78, 59, 61) arranged in lanes(54, 56). Tasks are performed on vehicles in work bays. The time of commencing a task, and the time of finishing a task, are recorded by the scanning of a bar code which is allocated to the vehicle. Tasks performed and workers performing a task are also identified by scanning bar codes. A listing of tasks which the worker is to perform on a vehicle which is within a bay is displayed to the worker. . i SaH F. -E - ! *t tz~,E~ l ~ 5a ro E E E E E E E E E a L L L L - L - - a r.j 5. U L, Li . L. u, t U ui ~'Am's

Description

P/00/0Il Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Vehicle repair system, apparatus and software The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:

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VEHICLE REPAIR SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND SOFTWARE Field of the invention The present invention relates to the repair of motor vehicles and the like. 5 Background of the invention Collisions between motor vehicles, and collisions between motor vehicles and other objects, usually cause damage to vehicle body panels and often cause more substantial damage. In general, once a damaged motor vehicle has been delivered to a body shop for 10 repair, the vehicle undergoes a repair process which is essentially unstructured. For example, if replacement parts which are necessary to do the repairs are not available in the body shop, then it will be necessary for the parts to be ordered in and the vehicle may stand in a location for temporary parking or storage until the parts are available. It may also be that, on delivery of a vehicle to a body shop, the necessary workers or specialized 15 tools or plant are engaged in work on other tasks and are not available for work on the recently-delivered vehicle. Such delays contribute to the costs of carrying out repairs and to delays in returning the vehicle to the owner for use. Summary of the invention 20 In contrast, in one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle collision repair process which is carried out in a body shop, the body shop comprising at least one work lane, each work lane being divided into a plurality of work bays, the process comprising: moving a vehicle into a work bay; 25 recording the time at which a repair task commences on the vehicle in the work bay; recording the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle in the work bay; and moving the vehicle out of the work bay. 30 It is preferred that a listing of tasks which the worker is to perform on the vehicle is visible to a worker within the work bay.

-2 It is preferred that the recording of the time at which a repair task commences on the vehicle comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the vehicle. It is preferred that the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle 5 comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the vehicle. It is preferred that the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle further comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the worker who has performed the repair task. 10 It is preferred that the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle further comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the task which is to be performed. 15 It is preferred that at least two portions of at least two work lanes are substantially parallel to each other. It is preferred that the body shop further comprises a trolley system for moving vehicles between work lanes. 20 It is preferred that a quotation for the costs of repairs is prepared before the repairs are performed. It is preferred that the quotation for the costs of repairs is prepared with the aid a computer 25 software implemented estimating system. It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system specifies a date and time at which the vehicle is to be delivered to the body shop for the preparation of the quotation for the costs of repairs. 30 It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system specifies a date and time at which the vehicle is to be delivered to the body shop for repairs.

-3 It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator photographs illustrating at least one of: the registration plate of the vehicle; the damage to the vehicle; and 5 the odometer reading of the vehicle. It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator at least one of: a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as 10 "remove and replace"; a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as "repair and align"; a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as "refinish"; and 15 a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as ''miscellaneous" It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator a parts lists, which can be used for identifying parts which will be needed to 20 perform repairs. It is preferred that the computer software generates the quotation for the costs of repairs. It is preferred that the computer software generates a "work in progress" report which 25 shows jobs arranged by their scheduled date of completion, together with their current status. It is preferred that the computer software generates a "jobs completed" report which identifies the vehicles currently in the body shop for which jobs have been completed. 30 It is preferred that the computer software generates a "lane and bay usage report" which tabulates the percentage utilization of lanes and bays from jobs which are currently scheduled.

-4 It is preferred that the computer software generates a "cycle duration report" which tabulates data concerning the cycle time duration for each job, including the cycle start date and time, the cycle end date and time and the cycle duration. 5 It is preferred that the computer software generates a "completed jobs not invoiced" report which shows jobs which have been completed but not invoiced. Brief description of the drawings 10 For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, embodiments of it are shown, by way of non-limiting example only, in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: figures I to 12 and 14 to 20 illustrate aspects of computer software according to preferred embodiments of the invention; and 15 figure 13 is a plan view of a layout of the operational area of a body shop which is adapted to implement a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Description of preferred embodiments of the invention Overall supervision of the estimating, repair and invoicing processes is facilitated by use 20 of a customized software package as is described below. Costs estimation and ordering of parts Preparatory to the process of repairing a vehicle, it is necessary for the customer to bring it to a body shop for the preparation of a quotation (by an estimator) of a price for the repair 25 job. Customers contact the body shop where an operator uses an interactive data input screen I which is illustrated in figure 1. The software package generates input screen I which includes details for a number of time slots 2. A checkbox 3 in each time slot is used to indicate whether that timeslot is available for booking in a customer or whether a customer is already booked in for that time slot. The screen 4 of figure 2 is a listing of 30 pending requests for quotations. Requests for quotations are subsequently assigned to an estimator by using the software generated interactive screen 6 of figure 3. An identifier for the estimator is entered in the -5 text box 7 and that identifier is recorded by clicking on the "Assign" button 8. Customers who need repairs to their vehicle present at the body shop at the assigned time. with the vehicle which needs repairs. To initiate the estimation process, the assigned 5 estimator clicks on the "Create New Estimate" button 9 of screen 6. The estimate is then prepared with the assistance of the interactive screens which are illustrated in figures 4 to 10. The screen 11 of figure 4 is a compilation of information which is used to generate a header sheet to the quotation. 10 Figures 5 to 10 illustrate interactive screens which the software package generates and which are used by the estimator in performing the estimation. In those figures: figure 5 shows screen 12 which relates to tasks which are classified as "remove and replace"; figure 6 shows screen 13 which relates to tasks which are classified as "repair and 15 align"; figure 7 shows screen 14 which relates to tasks which are classified as "refinish"; figure 8 shows a screen 16 which relates to items which are classified as ''miscellaneous"; figure 9 shows a screen 17 which relates to a parts lists, which is used for 20 identifying parts which will be needed to perform the repairs; and figure 10 shows a screen 18 which relates to adding parts to the estimate. As is illustrated in figure 5, the screen 12 includes a table 19 which lists "repair and replace" tasks. A region 21 near the bottom edge of the screen 12 displays images of the 25 vehicle which is the subject of the costs estimate. Images which may be displayed in this area may show the vehicle number plate, the damage which has been done to the vehicle, a notation on the windshield or window of the date and time by which the repairs are to be completed for pick-up by the customer, and the odometer of the vehicle showing the current reading. 30 The screens 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 of figures 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 respectively are similar to the screen 12 of figure 5 in that they include the region 21 for display of images. However: -6 figure 6 includes table 22 of "repair and align" tasks; figure 7 includes a table 23 of "refinish" tasks; figure 8 includes a table 24 of "miscellaneous" items; figure 9 includes a listing 26 of spare parts; and 5 figure 10 includes a listing 27 of parts which have been added to the estimate. The estimator works through the screens of figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, identifying the tasks which need to be performed and entering those tasks and their estimated times or costs into the relevant table. The estimator can use the listing of spare parts of figure 9 to add the details of parts to the quotation. The interactive screen 17 of figure 9 includes a "make 10 and model" drop-down box 28 and a scroll list 29 which lists vehicle components. The estimator chooses the relevant make and model of vehicle from the drop-down box 28 and the vehicle component from the scroll list 29 and is then presented with a scroll list of the sub-components of the chosen component for the chosen make and model of vehicle. Figure 10 illustrates at 27 that a "rear bumper cover" has been added to the estimate. 15 The computer software then generates the costs estimate, including performing all necessary calculations. Figure 11 illustrates an interactive screen 32 which the estimator uses for the computer software to send the costs estimate to an insurer. 20 Repair of vehicles Screen 33 of figure 12 tasks allocated to locations in a body shop and times which are allocated to the tasks. The body shop is physically organized as lanes which are numbered "1" to "10" and each lane is organized into a set of bays which are numbered "A" to "C". The bays in the body shop are listed in numerical order from "IA" to "I0C" in column 34 25 of screen 33. A time axis extends horizontally, so that, for example, region 36 of the screen 33 relates to the time utilization of bay IA. The bar 37 in the region 36 indicates a task which has been allocated to bay IA, and the horizontal length of bar 37 indicates the time during which that task will be performed. In general, some bays are used for specialized tasks (such as drying of paint by using paint-drying machinery which is 30 installed in that bay.) It is preferred that the nature of the task which is allocated to a particular location is colour coded, to indicate tasks such as (for example) "strip and repair", "prep and paint" and "refit".

-7 Figure 13 illustrates a layout of a portion of a body shop which is adapted for use according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. The specific dimensions and descriptive text which appear in the drawing do not limit the generality of what is otherwise disclosed in figure 13. In figure 13, the arrow 54 indicates a lane which 5 comprises bays 57 and 58. The arrow 56 indicates a lane which comprised bays 59 and 61. Although the lanes and bays which are illustrated in figure 12 are in a substantially rectilinear configuration, it will be appreciated that this rectilinear configuration is not essential. It is also preferred that at least some bays be re-configurable, so that, for example, their width can be changed, or so that adjacent bays may be combined to form a 10 larger bay. It is also preferred that at least one bay is equipped with rapid paint drying technology, such as the "Drytron" technology of Symach srl (Bologna, Italy) which is capable of drying a coat of paint in about 5 minutes. The use of Drytron drying technology allows 15 both: rapid paint/dry work cycles; and the painting and drying of a vehicle to take place in the same bay, without the necessity of moving the vehicle to a drying booth or bay after painting. 20 Mechanisms which are not illustrated in figure 13 also allow the movement of vehicles sideways from lane to lane, such as from the lane 54 to the lane 56. Suitable mechanisms for achieving such sideways movement of vehicles from lane to lane include wheeled trolleys, trolleys mounted on rails, or the like which are placed under the vehicle and which support the vehicle off the floor as it is being moved. 25 A video display unit and a bar-code scanner are located near each bay and are controlled by the computer software. The display 38 which is illustrated in figure 14 illustrates details for a task which has been allocated to bay IA and which is currently to be performed. As is illustrated in figure 14, the display shows: 30 at 39, the bay number; details 41 of the current task for the bay; an identifier 42 of the worker who is to perform the task; instructions 43 to the worker; -8 a listing 44 of parts which are to be used on the job; and an identifier 46 of what task (if any) is scheduled to be performed in the current bay when the current task is finished. 5 Bar-coded identifiers (which are not illustrated in the drawings( are allocated to: vehicles which are under repair; each worker; and to each category of task. The bar-coded identifier for each vehicle is detachably attached to that vehicle and travels 10 with it through the body shop. As a vehicle is moved from bay to bay in the body shop, the bar-coded identifier for it is scanned, identifying precisely where that vehicle is in the body shop. When a worker is about to start work on a task 41 which is allocated to a bay, the worker scans the bar code for the vehicle, their own bar code, and the bar code for the task. The worker similarly scans bar codes on the completion of each task. The scanned 15 data is used by the computer software to maintain a up-to-date record of the state of all jobs. The scanning at the start and completion of each task gives a record of the time taken on that task, and gives a record of the physical location of each vehicle. One of the reports which is available from the centrally-recorded data is the "work in 20 progress" report which is illustrated by screen 47 of figure 15. This report shows jobs arranged by their scheduled date of completion, together with their current status. A related report is the "jobs completed" report which is illustrated by screen 48 of figure 16. This report identifies the vehicles currently in the body shop for which jobs have been completed. 25 The screen 49 of figure 17 illustrates a "lane and bay usage report". This report tabulates the percentage utilization of lanes and bays from jobs which are currently scheduled. This report assists in scheduling jobs to lanes and bays. 30 The screen 51 of figure 18 is a "cycle duration report". This report tabulates data concerning the cycle time duration for each report, including the cycle start date and time, the cycle end date and time and the cycle duration.

-9 The screen 52 of figure 19 is a "completed jobs not invoiced" screen. The information shown on this screen is used in the course of invoicing out jobs which have been completed. It preferably includes data concerning the profitability of each job which can be used, among other things, for monitoring the accuracy of cost estimating. 5 The screen 53 of figure 20 is a "jobs which have been invoiced" screen. The information shown on this screen is a historical record of jobs which have been invoiced out. Reports which are not illustrated in the drawings facilitate tracking of the performance of 10 spare-parts suppliers, in particular, the timeliness of supply of spare parts which have been ordered and the awarding of price incentives to suppliers for timely supply of ordered parts. Various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms, 15 including computer program logic for use with a processor (eg., a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or general purpose computer), programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device (eg., a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other PLD), discrete components, integrated circuitry (eg., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), or any other means including any combination thereof. 20 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, predominantly all of the communication between users and the server is implemented as a set of computer program instructions that is converted into a computer executable form, stored as such in a computer readable medium, and executed by a microprocessor under the control of an operating system. 25 Computer program logic implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be embodied in various forms, including a source code form, a computer executable form, and various intermediate forms (e.g., forms generated by an assembler, compiler, linker, or locater). Source code may include a series of computer program 30 instructions implemented in any of various programming languages (e.g., an object code, an assembly language, or a high-level language such as Fortran, C, C++, JAVA, Ruby, or HTML) for use with various operating systems or operating environments. The source code may define and use various data structures and communication messages. The - 10 source code may be in a computer executable form (e.g., via an interpreter), or the source code may be converted (e.g., via a translator, assembler, or compiler) into a computer executable form. 5 The computer program may be fixed in any form (e.g., source code form, computer executable form, or an intermediate form) either permanently or transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash-Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM), a PC card (e.g., 10 PCMCIA card), or other memory device. The computer program may be fixed in any form in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth), networking technologies, and inter-networking technologies. The computer program may be 15 distributed in any form as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g., the internet or world wide web). 20 Hardware logic (including programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device) implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be designed using traditional manual methods, or may be designed, captured, simulated, or documented electronically using various tools, such as computer aided design (CAD), a hardware description language (e.g., VHDL or AHDL), or a PLD programming language 25 (e.g., PALASM, ABEL, or CUPL). Programmable logic may be fixed either permanently or transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash-Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), 30 an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM), or other memory device. The programmable logic may be fixed in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g., - 11 Bluetooth), networking technologies, and internetworking technologies. The programmable logic may be distributed as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed 5 from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g., the internet or world wide web). While the present invention has been described with reference to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as 10 limiting the invention. Various modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Throughout this specification, the words "comprise", "comprising", and corresponding 15 parts of speech are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. In the claims, each dependent claim is to be read as being within the scope of its parent 20 claim or claims, in the sense that a dependent claim is not to be interpreted as infringed unless its parent claims are also infringed.

Claims

1. A vehicle collision repair process which is carried out in a body shop, the body shop comprising at least one work lane, each work lane being divided into a plurality of work bays, the process comprising: 5 moving a vehicle into a work bay; recording the time at which a repair task commences on the vehicle in the work bay; recording the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle in the work bay; and 10 moving the vehicle out of the work bay.

2. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the display, where it is visible to a worker within the work bay, of a listing of tasks which the worker is to perform on the vehicle. 15

3. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the recording of the time at which a repair task commences on the vehicle comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the vehicle. 20

4. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the vehicle.

5. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in 25 which the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle further comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the worker who has performed the repair task.

6. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in 30 which the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle further comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the task which is to be performed. - 13

7. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least two portions of at least two work lanes are substantially parallel to each other. 5

8. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 7, in which the body shop further comprises a trolley system for moving vehicles between work lanes.

9. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a quotation for the costs of repairs is prepared before the repairs are 10 performed.

10. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 9, the quotation for the costs of repairs is prepared with the aid a computer software implemented estimating system. 15

11. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 10, in which the computer software implemented estimating system specifies a date and time at which the vehicle is to be delivered to the body shop for the preparation of the quotation for the costs of repairs. 20

12. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 10, in which the computer software implemented estimating system specifies a date and time at which the vehicle is to be delivered to the body shop for repairs. 25

13 . A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator photographs illustrating at least one of: the registration plate of the vehicle; the damage to the vehicle; and 30 the odometer reading of the vehicle.

14. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, in which the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an - 14 estimator at least one of: a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as "remove and replace"; a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are 5 classified as "repair and align"; a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as "refinish"; and a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as "miscellaneous" 10

15. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 14, in which the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator a parts lists, which can be used for identifying parts which will be needed to perform repairs. 15

16. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, in which the computer software generates the quotation for the costs of repairs.

17. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, in which the computer software generates a "work in progress" report which shows 20 jobs arranged by their scheduled date of completion, together with their current status.

18. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, in which the computer software generates a "jobs completed" report which identifies 25 the vehicles currently in the body shop for which jobs have been completed.

19. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, in which the computer software generates a "lane and bay usage report" which tabulates the percentage utilization of lanes and bays from jobs which are currently 30 scheduled.

20. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 19, in which the computer software generates a "cycle duration report" which tabulates - 15 data concerning the cycle time duration for each job, including the cycle start date and time, the cycle end date and time and the cycle duration.

21. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 20, in 5 which the computer software generates a "completed jobs not invoiced" report which shows jobs which have been completed but not invoiced.

22. A machine-readable substrate carrying computer executable code for the implementation of a vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of 10 claims I to 22.