DE102021125705A1 - System and method for managing networked devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and a method for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, which includes an IT infrastructure, in particular a cloud-like computer-aided system, and one or more devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels. These devices can generate data related to the maintenance operations and transmit them to the IT infrastructure. These devices can also receive from the IT infrastructure instructions for controlling the device and/or optimized data related to the maintenance process, the instructions for controlling the device and/or the optimized data related to the maintenance process from at least one application program or jointly are generated by at least one application program and at least one database that the IT infrastructure has at its disposal. The instructions for controlling the maintenance device and/or the optimized data related to the maintenance operation are based at least in part on the data related to the maintenance operation performed by the device.

Description

On behalf of: Snap-on Equipment S.r.l., Italian company based in Correggio (RE).

field of invention

The present invention relates to a system and a method for managing devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, these devices for the maintenance of vehicles being networked. The present invention finds particular application for managing networked devices such as tire changers, wheel balancers, brake and chassis dynamometers, wheel aligners, lifting platforms and similar devices.

State of the art

Various devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, are known which can be networked.

The patent publication CN109060243A describes a balancing machine that, using an appropriate loT (Internet of Things) module, can connect to a cloud platform that allows real-time monitoring and remote control and operation of the machine.

CN109115406A describes a balancing machine that can be operated via a user's smartphone.

CN109238565A Figure 12 illustrates a method of calibrating a wheel balancer equipped with a system to alert a user, or cloud system, that it needs to be calibrated. If communication takes place with the cloud system, it can evaluate the data coming from the balancing machine and decide whether to send a notification to the user.

CN109272210A describes the use of a cloud platform connected to a balancing machine to monitor the consumption of balancing weights and manage their stocks.

RU2224229C2 describes a balancing machine equipped with a wireless communication system capable of sending and receiving information about the operation of the balancing machine, for example to aid in calibration, to perform diagnostic services in the event of malfunctions, data relating to the operability or inoperability of the Maintaining the machine, updating the machine's control software and generally enabling its proper management by the workshop manager.

US2015/0178663A1 describes a method of recording data relating to the use of a wheel balancer by an operator or group of operators. This data can be used to generate a variety of metrics, and it can also be stored on remote computing systems, such as the workshop management system, using an internet connection or the like.

WO2016/070069A1 Figure 1 illustrates a computerized system for managing a warehouse for accessories, such as vehicle wheel balancing weights, that can be interfaced with a user's portable device.

EP1300665A2 describes devices for the maintenance of vehicles or wheels, such as wheel balancers or wheel alignment systems, which can establish a network connection in order to transmit data both within local networks and over the Internet, for example to communicate with databases or peripherals such as printers, CD/DVD drives, etc. to interact.

US2014/0025251A1 Figure 12 illustrates a wheel balancer that can collect data about the progress of servicing the wheel and send it to a remote database over a network connection.

EP3434500A1 discloses a tire changer that includes a database relating to the mechanical stresses that may be applied to a wheel by the tooling of the tire changer during mounting and demounting operations. This database may reside on the tire changer, but it may also reside on a remote computing system that the tire changer (or a plurality of tire changers) can access via a connection such as cable, Wi-Fi, Internet, etc .

RU2239570C2 describes a tire changer that can interface wirelessly with an external device that can collect data on the progress of wheel maintenance and remotely control the maintenance operations performed by the tire changer.

Various patents ( US9073394B1 , US8613303B1 , US8783326B1 , US8387675B1 ) describe tire changers equipped with means for collecting information about the progress of wheel maintenance and for exchanging this information with remote computer systems, for example via LAN networks or Internet connections.

US2005/0085964A1 describes a system for remotely managing a plurality of vehicle servicing devices, such as wheel alignment systems. In particular, the system provides that the devices communicate via the Internet with a remote computer, which can carry out a diagnostic evaluation of the data transmitted by the devices. The remote computer uses a database.

US2002/0029101A1 discloses a lane alignment maintenance system that can collect data from the vehicle and send it to a remote computing system for further processing. The data thus processed is sent again to the tracking device. An Internet connection and, preferably, Microsoft .NET or Sun ONE architecture are used.

US6556904B1 and US6370455B1 describe a vehicle servicing system in which various vehicle servicing devices, such as wheel alignment systems, communicate with a remote computing system to access and process data about the particular vehicle being serviced.

US2015/0020583A1 discloses a system for checking and adjusting the chassis geometry of trailers or semi-trailers, in which the data received from the sensors can be evaluated locally or sent to a remote EDP system via a network connection.

CN204731031U describes a system for checking the axle geometry of a vehicle that includes four CCD detectors, one per wheel. The CCD detectors can connect to an operator's smartphone using Bluetooth technology. The smartphone can connect to a cloud-type computing system.

US2002/0177930A1 describes a system comprising a plurality of devices for checking the axle geometry of a vehicle, capable of sending to a central computer system the axle geometry data obtained from the vehicles undergoing the maintenance procedure.

US2017/0097229A1 discloses an apparatus for checking the axle geometry of a vehicle, comprising a plurality of digital cameras capable of storing the data collected during the course of maintenance of the vehicle, as well as being able to communicate wirelessly with each other. The digital cameras can also connect to an external network, also wirelessly.

EP3228976A1 discloses an apparatus for determining the orientation of the wheels of a vehicle that can interact with an external computing system via a network connection, the external computing system containing information about the wheels of the vehicle.

US10068389B1 describes a test lane for vehicles, in particular for collecting data about the alignment of the wheels of the vehicles, which can transmit the information determined during the measurement process to a remote EDP system.

WO98/51991 discloses a system for controlling a vehicle's axle geometry in which various components can access remote computer systems to exchange information and receive instructions.

US2018/0293817A1 describes a traversable test lane for vehicles in which data about the vehicle's wheel is collected using a variety of sensors. This data is sent to a cloud-type remote computing system and then evaluated and used to create reports of various kinds.

US2018/0046989A1 describes a test lane for vehicles, which includes a plurality of sensors and which can exchange the determined data with a cloud-type remote computer system in order to check the correspondence of the determined data with the data available in a special database with information about the vehicles.

US6263322B1 discloses a method for managing workshops for the maintenance of the vehicles, in which the various devices and equipment are networked and communicate with various computer systems both locally and remotely.

US2013/0158777A1 discloses a test lane for vehicles that includes a communication interface, such as a wire loose connection or an internet connection through which the various diagnostic sensors can transmit the data obtained to a computer system containing information about the vehicles, about the warehouse and about the customers.

US2002/0138185A1 describes a diagnostic system comprising a control unit for controlling a vehicle. The diagnostic system also includes a user interface and local storage. The diagnosis system can establish a connection to a remote EDP system, for example via the Internet. The diagnostic system can be used to check the vehicle's engine or other subsystems such as the vehicle's air conditioning system, emissions, wheel balance, etc.

US2003/009721 1A1 describes a diagnostic system for a vehicle's engine, brakes, suspension or wheel alignment. The diagnosis system can establish a network connection to a remote EDP system, for example via the Internet.

EP3040949A1 discloses a diagnostic system that can connect to a remote computing system to update its database.

US2005/0272478A1 illustrates a diagnostic system capable of interfacing with a remote computer system during the vehicle identification phases.

EP1659731A1 describes a system for networking various devices for servicing vehicles in a workshop, which also uses the power supply lines for data transmission. The various devices can be, for example, wheel balancers, wheel aligners, test lanes, etc.

WO2019/224641A2 describes a system for managing data related to a service on the wheel, comprising a database of information related to the identification and a measurement parameter of the tire and capable of processing this information to obtain derived data. The database may reside on a cloud-type remote system.

In addition to the patent literature cited above, various systems for managing networked devices for the maintenance of vehicles or vehicle parts are also known.

For example, in the field of periodic technical inspections of motor vehicles and motorcycles in Italy, the MCTCNet2 system is known, an IT standard for the measuring devices used in workshops authorized to carry out these periodic technical inspections. It stems from the need to use a communication protocol that allows the data collected during the technical test to be merged into a single database, thus guaranteeing the interchangeability of the measuring devices and compliance with the procedures foreseen by the relevant specifications. Similar systems do of course exist in other European countries and efforts are being made to try to establish common communication standards between the different protocols used in different European countries in order to accommodate the various measuring devices involved in the periodic technical testing, but also, more broadly, to interface all the various devices and devices located in the workshop in order to allow data exchange between them and the DMS (Data Management System) of the workshop. Thus, the various devices could access European databases containing information on the vehicles, as well as collect and exchange data resulting from the outcome of the technical verification procedures or from the use of the maintenance devices, even if these are not directly related to the technical process exam are involved.

Other systems for managing networked devices for the maintenance of vehicles and vehicle parts are also known, such as the asanetwork system: This is a standard interface for the workshop devices, the test software applications and the information systems (repair data) via which the in existing equipment in the workshop, even if marketed by different manufacturers.

The interface, the data format and the transmission protocols are standardized and oriented towards the Internet.

The interface connects the computer-aided workshop equipment such as brake testers, emission testers, wheel aligners, balancing machines, etc. with the software programs used, including the concessionaire's management software, such as DMS software (Data Management Software), and the testing applications of the testing workshops.

Essentially, with asanetwork, all important information is available at every workplace in the workshop because all machines are connected.

However, all of the systems described above are in need of improvement.

object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a system and a method for managing devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, the devices for vehicle maintenance being networked, which are more closely integrated into the workflow of a modern workshop .

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for managing devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, the devices for vehicle maintenance being networked, which use modern digital technologies more efficiently.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system and a method for managing devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, with the devices for vehicle maintenance being networked, which can be used by all actors in the system (customers, workshop operators, technicians, etc.) are easy to use, cost-effective, scalable and efficient.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for increasing the reliability of the devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, when the devices are networked.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for increasing the productivity of a workshop in which devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, are installed when the devices are networked.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing the consumables inventory in the workshop directly involved in the use of the networked devices.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and method for managing the warranty replacement parts of networked devices.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for the remote control of the devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for carrying out an operation for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, which device can generate data relating to the maintenance operation and establish a network connection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide applications for a smartphone, a tablet and/or similar portable devices, which applications are intended for the user of the vehicle.

These and other objects will appear from the following description of some specific, non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first embodiment, the system for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, of the present invention comprises an IT infrastructure that generally has at least one web server, an application server that comprises one or more application programs, and a database server, comprising one or more databases.

According to a preferred embodiment, the IT infrastructure includes a cloud-like computer-aided system.

The system for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts of the present invention further comprises at least one device for performing a process for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, the device being able to generate data relating to the maintenance process. The system which is the subject of the present invention can of course comprise only one device or a plurality of devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, such as tire changers, wheel balancers, brake testers, Suspension dynamometers, wheel aligners, hydraulic lifts, ADAS recalibration systems, emissions analyzers, headlight adjustment devices, stations for refilling and/or sanitizing the vehicle's air conditioning system and other similar equipment.

If the system according to the invention for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts comprises a plurality of maintenance devices, these devices can be located in a single workshop or in several workshops, i.e. they can be geographically distributed.

In any case, each device according to the invention for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts comprises a memory unit for at least temporarily storing the data relating to the maintenance process.

Each device according to the invention for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts further comprises a control unit which is suitable for issuing instructions for controlling the device and which is operatively connected to the memory unit and is set up to store the data relating to the maintenance operation via a Send network connection to the IT infrastructure. The control unit can also receive instructions for controlling the maintenance device and/or optimized data relating to the maintenance process from the IT infrastructure. These instructions for controlling the device and/or these optimized data relating to the maintenance process are generated by at least one application program or jointly by at least one application program and at least one database that the IT infrastructure has at its disposal. Furthermore, these instructions for controlling the maintenance device and/or these optimized data relating to the maintenance process are based at least in part on the data relating to the maintenance process sent by the control unit of the maintenance device to the IT infrastructure.

According to one aspect of the invention, the instructions received from the IT infrastructure to control the device may include switching the device on or off, repeating the maintenance operation just performed or executing a new and different maintenance operation, an alarm signal for the operator, the display of the optimized effect data on the screen of the device, etc.

According to one aspect of the invention, the optimized data received from the IT infrastructure related to the maintenance process can be displayed on the screen of the device, on the screen of a remote terminal and/or on the screen of a portable device, printed out, to carry out a calibration of the device are used, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the network connection between the control unit of the maintenance device and the IT infrastructure is wireless.

According to an alternative embodiment to the previous embodiment, the network connection between the control unit of the maintenance device and the IT infrastructure is at least partially wired, for example using Ethernet network cables or something else. For example, the wired connection can be provided between the maintenance device and a router located in the workshop, while the connection between the router and the cloud-type computerized system can be wireless. Or one can have a wireless connection between the maintenance device and the workshop router and a wired connection between the router and the cloud system. As a further alternative, one can provide a cable connection both between the maintenance device and the router and between the router and the cloud-type computerized system.

According to a further embodiment, the network connection between the control unit of the maintenance device and the IT infrastructure takes place via a mobile radio network.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit of the maintenance device and/or the IT infrastructure are set up to be operatively connected to a portable device of the smartphone or tablet type.

According to one aspect, the connection between the control unit of the maintenance device and/or the IT infrastructure and the portable device can take place via a wireless (wireless) network, a cellular network or a cable connection, for example using USB cables or other.

Regardless of the nature of the connection used (e.g. wireless, wired, etc.), the portable device can communicate only with the maintenance device control unit, only with the IT infrastructure, or simultaneously with the maintenance device control unit (or that of multiple devices) and the IT infrastructure to be connected.

According to one embodiment, all or just a part of the connections between maintenance devices, hub or router of the workshop, IT infrastructure and users (both when the latter use portable devices and when they use fixed terminals) protected by encryption, preferably but not necessarily of the asymmetric type, ie with key pair.

According to one embodiment, all or only a part of the applications and/or the data present on the IT infrastructure are protected by encryption, preferably but not necessarily of the symmetric type, i.e. with a single private key.

According to a preferred embodiment of the system for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, object of the present invention, the maintenance device is adapted to be identified by an operator using the portable device. This identification allows the operator to access various functions and information related to the device. In addition, this identification can optionally allow the device to be geolocated.

According to one aspect of the invention, the method for managing at least one device for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, comprises the steps of using the at least one device for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts to carry out a maintenance process and to generate of data related to that maintenance operation.

The method further comprises the step of sending the data relating to the maintenance process from the at least one maintenance device to the IT infrastructure and the step of using the IT infrastructure to generate at least one instruction for controlling the at least one maintenance device and/or from optimized data related to the maintenance process.

The method of the present invention further includes the step of sending the at least one instruction for controlling the device and/or the optimized data related to the maintenance process from the IT infrastructure to the maintenance device.

According to one aspect, the at least one instruction for controlling the at least one maintenance device and/or the optimized data relating to the maintenance process are based at least in part on the data relating to the maintenance process sent by the maintenance device to the IT infrastructure.

According to one aspect of the invention, the optimized data relating to the maintenance operation and/or the at least one instruction for controlling the device may relate to a previously completed maintenance operation, or they may be updated in real time as the maintenance operation progresses, i.e. that the two steps the generation of optimized data and/or the at least one instruction by the IT infrastructure and the step of sending this optimized data and/or the at least one instruction from the IT infrastructure to the maintenance device successively or at least partially (i.e. at least for a part of these optimized data and/or instructions) can occur simultaneously.

The present invention also relates to an application software (app), i.e. a computer program, for a portable device of the smartphone or tablet type, the instructions for operatively connecting the portable device to an apparatus and/or a system for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts as described above, in order to carry out a method for managing at least one device for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts as described above.

character list

• 1 einige Vorrichtungen für die Wartung von Fahrzeugrädern zeigt, die mit den in einem Cloud-System residierenden Ferndiensten interagieren;
• 2 veranschaulicht, wie verschiedene Werkstätten, Vorrichtungen für die Wartung von Fahrzeugrädern und Benutzer dieser Vorrichtungen mit einem zentralen Managementsystem interagieren können, das sich auf die Cloud stützt;
• die 3 und 4 beispielhaft eine Reihe von Funktionen des Systems veranschaulichen, die einem Benutzer auf Administratorebene mithilfe eines Mobilgeräts (z.B. Smartphone oder Tablet) zur Verfügung gestellt werden könnten;
• 5 eine mögliche grafische Darstellung eines Algorithmus vom Typ „Fehlermesser“ in Bezug auf eine bestimmte Vorrichtung zeigt.

This description is set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for indicative purposes only and not for the purpose of limitation, in which:

• 1 shows some devices for servicing vehicle wheels interacting with remote services residing in a cloud system;
• 2 illustrates how different workshops, vehicle wheel maintenance devices and users of these devices can interact with a central management system based on the cloud;
• the 3 and 4 exemplify a range of functionality of the system that could be made available to an administrator-level user using a mobile device (e.g. smartphone or tablet);
• 5 shows a possible graphical representation of an "error meter" type algorithm in relation to a specific device.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

In the following description, the terms "device", "device", "equipment", "auto repair shop equipment", "machine" and the like are used indiscriminately to denote a device for the maintenance of vehicles or vehicle parts, such as tire changers, wheel balancers, brake and chassis dynamometers, wheel aligners, lifting platforms, headlamp alignment systems, ADAS calibration and recalibration equipment, emission diagnostic systems, air conditioning refill stations and similar comparable equipment commonly found in a vehicle servicing workshop.

Regarding 1 All the equipment 1 present in a workshop, such as wheel maintenance devices (tire changers, wheel balancers) and motor vehicle test lanes (not shown in the figure), can be connected directly to an Internet access point, such as one located in the workshop router or hub 2, interact. The devices 1 mentioned above can establish a connection via the router 2 to a cloud system 3 which contains a web server 4 together with the associated applications 5 and databases 6 . The connection between the devices and the router of the workshop can be a wired connection or, preferably, a wireless connection, for example by means of known technological standards (Wi-Fi, BT, NB, etc.).

The electronics of the maintenance devices have a memory unit 100 (not shown in the figure) for storing at least temporarily the data relating to the maintenance operation, coming for example from the sensors with which the device is equipped, and a control unit 200 (not shown in of the figure) that can issue instructions for controlling the device and for storing and/or retrieving data in and/or from the storage unit 100. The control unit 200 is generally also set up to interact with the remote IT infrastructure, i.e. with the cloud system 3. Normally, the device electronics are sufficiently developed to allow the devices to connect to the cloud system 3 via the workshop router 2 . If, on the other hand, these electronics should not be sufficiently developed, the possibility is provided of equipping the devices with a suitable additional loT (Internet of Things) module 7, which is based, for example, on Raspberry technology, so that they the workshop router can establish a connection to the cloud system 3. In many cases, the balancing machines and the test lanes for motor vehicles already have sufficiently developed device electronics and therefore do not need this IoT module 7 . In the majority of existing tire mounting machines, on the other hand, it could be necessary to equip them with a suitable IoT module 7 .

Another way to connect the devices present in the workshop to the cloud system would be to establish a direct communication link (bypassing the workshop router) via a standard mobile network (e.g. LTE/3G/4G/5G). This type of direct connection via a cellular network could be implemented, for example, using device electronics of the device for vehicle maintenance that are sufficiently developed, i.e. offer the possibility of providing the device with a SIM card 8 (solution not shown in the figure ). Or one could also, in the event that this device electronics should not be set up to accommodate a SIM card, equip the maintenance device with a suitable loT connection module, which is set up to accommodate a SIM card 8 (in the figure in the solution shown in the area framed by a dashed line, in which a SIM card 8, which is connected to an IoT module 7, can establish a connection to a mobile network).

Optionally, the device electronics (or loT module), if provided with a SIM card, could also be used for purposes of geolocation of the device.

If the device is networked, it can not only send data and/or commands, but also receive them from the cloud system. For example, the device can receive software updates, requests for scheduled maintenance, etc., to a command to shut down or "lock the machine" if necessary.

This remote control generally speeds up the detection of device malfunctions and allows easy control of their calibration and any recalibration.

In any case, when in use, the connected device is constantly sending data to the cloud system. The operational data are thus collected and archived and can be used to provide reports, statistics, etc., and/or serve as a basis for carrying out more sophisticated evaluations, for example to study user behavior or market developments (e.g. with regard to Art and the manner in which the tires are serviced and/or replaced, or the type of tires that are most frequently serviced or replaced, etc.), as well as to improve the resolution of problems and the efficiency of maintenance operations of the equipment itself, as well as improving all aspects of workshop management.

The reliability of any maintenance device is essential to the profitable management of the workshop and can be ensured by constantly monitoring the operational status of the device, understanding the critical events that have occurred, evaluating these events and performing the required scheduled maintenance. For the same reasons, the service and spare parts costs are minimized if the data related to the monitoring of the operation of the devices are systematically collected and evaluated using the system that is the subject of the present invention.

The system that is the subject of the present invention also makes it possible to improve the productivity of a workshop. The installed and networked devices can be monitored in order to alert the operator to opportunities to improve workflow and staff deployment.

Also, the management of the consumables warehouse in the workshop, which is directly linked to the use of the networked devices, can be automated by automatically placing orders for consumables that result from forecasting algorithms linked to the use of the devices.

Likewise, the management of the devices' spare parts covered by the warranty would prove easier through the automatic or semi-automatic detection of the defective component, for example by using predictive algorithms, and the subsequent transmission of the spare part request to the manufacturer.

Another possible feature of the system could be that the usage of the devices is recorded to allow the implementation of any pay-per-use business model. For example, the “lock machine” command mentioned above could be used to prevent the operation of a machine if there are insufficient funds to authorize the use of a particular device, or possibly only certain functions among all the functions allowed by the Device can be provided to obtain.

Regarding 2 there is the possibility of accessing the computing system based on the cloud 3 in different ways and both by different types of users 9 and by different types of devices 1. On the left of the 2 the devices present in the different workshops (e.g. workshop #1, #2 and #3), even if they are physically in different locations and/or distant from each other, are connected to the cloud system in different ways. For example, various pieces of equipment (e.g. tire changers, wheel balancers, etc.) located in a workshop connect to the cloud system directly or through the hub installed in the workshop (as already referred to in relation to 1 described). In any case, the workshop servers (middleware) are bypassed in order to increase the security level of the entire system.

The system that is the subject of the present invention thus allows the management of single devices or a plurality of devices installed in one or more workshops.

The various types of users, such as (by way of example and not exhaustive) workshop managers (operators), workshop technicians, technicians in charge of maintaining the equipment, dealers, concessionaires and/or distributors and end users ( e.g. the owners of the bikes and/or vehicles) can, on the other hand, access the Cloud Services via a website or portal specifically designed and developed by the applicant, or via an app specially developed by the applicant and on mobile devices 10 (e.g. smartphone, tablet, etc.) is installed. These apps can allow access to the cloud 3 both when the user 9 is inside a workshop, possibly close to a specific device, and when he is in remote locations away from the workshop.

In this latter case, these apps can be used, for example, by the user of the vehicle to find garages or service centers that are available for a specific maintenance service and to pre-order a maintenance action.

The users can therefore use a mobile device 10, which is provided with the app provided for this purpose, in particular, data relating to to detect a vehicle 11 and/or the wheels 12 (rims, tires or both) of the vehicle 11 and to connect to the cloud system 3 . For this purpose, a mobile device can be used to take a photo of the vehicle's license plate number and/or the sidewall of a tire (which may include identification codes such as a QR code provided in the form of a sticker or embossed directly on the tyre ) record; the identification of the vehicle and/or the wheel can be done automatically thanks to the functionality of the app. Following the respective identification, the possibility is provided of linking the data assigned to tires, rims and/or wheels (or units made up of tires and rims) with the data assigned to the vehicle. Of course, any procedure for identifying vehicles and/or tires can also be carried out manually, that is by entering numbers and character strings on the mobile device 10. All the information thus collected can be archived and processed by the cloud system, which in turn gives instructions to the Send devices 1 workshop and / or various types of data, information, analysis, alarms, reports, etc. can pass on.

Different types of users 9 are granted different types of access to the cloud system, both in terms of data and functions. These access hierarchies can be simple or highly diversified, and they may also be modified at a later time by the administrator of the system in response to changing needs.

What has been described above can also be applied to collect data related to the equipment present in the workshops and, if necessary, to connect to the cloud system. In this case, the lowest level of access is the one assigned to unauthorized users (i.e. practically everyone without the need to register in the system). This type of basic access allows retrieval (via the website or mobile app) of information about specific devices, such as manuals or spare parts and accessory lists. An unauthorized user who connects his mobile device 10 to a device 1 via cable or wirelessly using BT or by scanning a specific QR code assigned to the device or by manually entering the serial number of the device can at least directly access the device connected to this device access basic documentation. In addition to the basic level of access, if authorized, the user may then be able to also access the exploded views of that particular device and its fault codes. In any case, the system includes an authorization matrix, which only the system administrators have access to and which offers the possibility to change access rights easily and quickly if necessary. The connection between a mobile device 10 of the user 9 and a device 1 can take place in various ways, regardless of whether this device is already networked or not.

As said, each device is preferably provided with a QR code, affixed for example by means of a sticker or label, which can be read by the smartphone's camera. This is how the app detects the device type and displays the product type, make, model and serial number.

Of course, identification can be done in different ways (e.g. by manually entering the serial number) or by using a sticker affixed to the device (which may contain a QR code or another type of code) or by using any data used for identification purposes (other as QR codes).

The connection between the smartphone and the device is made using BT technology, for example.

Once the connection between smartphone and device is established, the geographic location of the latter (if desired) is determined based on the geographic location of the user's smartphone.

Alternatively, the geographic location of the device could be determined using its device electronics (or the loT module) if those electronics are provided with a SIM card. The device could also be geolocated by determining the location of the workshop router, but this latter solution is less accurate.

• • Betriebsanleitung
• • Zubehörliste
• • Ersatzteilliste
• • Informationen zur Problemlösung
• • Konfiguration des Netzwerks
• • Diagnoseinformationen
• • Verwaltungsfunktionen „Pay-per-Use“
• • usw.

After the user has identified the device, if the system grants him the appropriate permissions, he can access various information and functions, such as:

• • Operating manual
• • List of accessories
• • Spare part list
• • Troubleshooting information
• • Configuration of the network
• • Diagnostic information
• • "Pay-per-use" management functions
• • etc.

As already explained, some of these functions (e.g. user manuals and other basic information) are available to all users 9 , while other functions are only available to certain users 9 following a user login and also depending on whether the device 1 is already connected to connected to Cloud 3 or not.

For example, it could be possible that the workshop owners/operators have access to more functions than the generic user and/or the workshop technician. At the same time, a technician after-sales service for the equipment, duly authorized by the manufacturer (or distributor) of the equipment, can access more advanced functions than the simple workshop technician (eg maintenance manual, problem solving, problem reporting, etc.). On the other hand, at the top of the user hierarchy, administrators and/or users with advanced rights can access all functions, including those related to evaluations and more advanced reporting. For example shows 3 a set of functions of the system that could be made available to an administrator-level user using a mobile device (e.g. smartphone or tablet). These functions will be in 3 represented by a series of keys 13 which are displayed on the screen of the mobile device 10 by a dedicated application.

Regarding 3 the first five keys 13 (“Quick access”, “User manual”, “List of accessories”, “Maintenance manual”, “List of spare parts”) are used to access the specific technical documentation of the device just identified. The "Troubleshoot" button, on the other hand, allows the user to enter an error code and prompt the display of the appropriate recommended actions to solve the problem. The recommended actions may differ depending on whether the access person is a simple user or a customer service technician. Regarding 4 the "Diagnostics" button is used to get information about the errors that occurred during the operation of the device and stored in its memory; for each error, the corresponding corrective action is displayed, much like what is explained in relation to the "Troubleshooting" button. Also with reference to 4 The Network Configuration button returns information about the network and allows users to configure the Wi-Fi device. The "Report Problems" button is used to send photos, videos and comments from the portable device 10 to the cloud and from the cloud to the web application. The PPU Management button is used to prompt the display of PPU (Pay-per-Use) data such as remaining balance, etc. and to enter actions related to PPU management, if necessary. The software update button is used to control and update the software of the device.

The administrators and/or other types of "superusers" can also access the system remotely through a website or portal that gives them the ability to get an overview of all connected devices and, if necessary, control them geolocate. All Usage Data for a group of Devices (e.g. attributable to a single workshop or a group of workshops) or for each individual Device may be accessed directly through this Website or Portal, including any data and information that any Pay- per-use system, if any.

As said, the system object of the present invention makes it possible to improve the ability to carry out predictive maintenance of the equipment.

Regarding 5 the system preferably includes a special algorithm called "error meter". The algorithm records all errors generated by a given device during its operation. Depending on the number and type of errors, the algorithm displays a graphical representation of a "thermometer" 14 labeled "Error Meter" via the website or mobile app: the higher the thermometer's "temperature", the more problems it has device before. The lower the “Temperature” is, the more stable and reliable the device is. This representation is extremely simple and understandable for the user. The algorithms that determine the appearance of the "Thermometer" can be continuously updated and automatically improved when the device is connected to the cloud. This update can be accomplished, for example, using self-learning functions of the system, for example by using historical operating data of the device and/or artificial intelligence algorithms. The maintenance checks can thus be planned accordingly in order to reduce downtimes.

The website or portal linked to the system allows many different ways of evaluating the data both related to the maintenance equipment and to the wheels (rims, tires or units from rim and tire) and the associated vehicles that have undergone a maintenance operation with the devices connected to the cloud. The site also provides detailed information about the operators using the equipment: the productivity of individual operators, entire workshops, workshop chains and other business areas can be assessed.

In addition, the evaluation of the data enables more efficient and predictive maintenance of the wheels and vehicles serviced with these devices.

Full control and monitoring of PPU enabled devices is done through the website.

In other words, all the functions described above can be initialized and controlled through the website of the system accessible in the cloud.

Reference List

1

device

2

routers

3

cloud

4

web server

5

Applications (Application Server)

6

Databases (database server)

7

loT module

8th

SIM card

9

user

10

mobile device

11

vehicle

12

wheels

13

Keys (graphic representation)

14

Thermometer (graphical representation)

100

storage unit

200

control unit

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

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Claims (15)

System for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, comprising an IT infrastructure (3), in particular a cloud-like computer-aided system, comprising at least one web server (4), one or more application programs (5) and one or more databases (6); at least one device (1) for carrying out a process for the maintenance of vehicles (11) and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels (12), the device (1) being able to generate data relating to the maintenance process and comprising the following: a storage unit (100) for at least temporarily storing the data related to the maintenance operation; a control unit (200) suitable for issuing instructions for controlling the maintenance device (1) and which is operatively connected to the storage unit (100) and arranged to transmit the data relating to the maintenance operation to the IT Infrastructure (3) to send, wherein the control unit (200) can also receive instructions from the IT infrastructure (3) for controlling the maintenance device (1) and / or optimized data in relation to the maintenance process, the instructions for controlling the device and/or the optimized data relating to the maintenance process are generated by at least one application program (5) or jointly by at least one application program (5) and at least one database (6) which the IT infrastructure (3) has at its disposal, and wherein the instructions for controlling the maintenance device (1) and/or the optimized data relating to the maintenance process are at least partially based on that of the control unit (200). Maintenance device based on the IT infrastructure data sent in relation to the maintenance process. System for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts claim 1 , wherein the network connection between the control unit (200) of the maintenance device (1) and the IT infrastructure (3) is wireless. System for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts claim 1 or 2 , wherein the network connection between the control unit (200) of the maintenance device (1) and the IT infrastructure (3) via a mobile network. System for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts claim 1 , wherein the network connection between the control unit (200) of the maintenance device (1) and the IT infrastructure (3) is at least partially wired. System for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts claim 4 , wherein the network connection between the control unit (200) of the maintenance device (1) and the IT infrastructure (3) comprises a cable connection between the control unit (200) of the maintenance device (1) and a router (2) located in a workshop. System for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts claim 4 , wherein the network connection between the control unit (200) of the maintenance device (1) and the IT infrastructure (3) comprises a cable connection between a router (2) located in a workshop and the IT infrastructure (3). System for the maintenance of vehicles and / or vehicle parts according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (200) of the maintenance device (1) and / or the IT infrastructure (3) are set up via a wireless or wired connection with a portable Device (10) of the smartphone or tablet type to be operably connected. System for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts claim 7 , wherein the maintenance device (1) is set up to be identified by an operator (9) using the portable device (10). System for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts claim 8 , wherein the maintenance device (1) is adapted to be geolocated by an operator (9) using the portable device (10). Device (1) for carrying out a process for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels, the device (1) being able to generate data relating to the maintenance process and a memory unit (100) and a control unit (200). claim 1 includes. Method for managing at least one device (1) for the maintenance of vehicles (11) and/or vehicle parts, in particular vehicle wheels (12), the maintenance device (1) being networked with an IT infrastructure (3), in particular with a cloud-like computer-aided System comprising at least one web server (4), one or more application programs (5) and one or more databases (6), wherein the method for managing devices for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts comprises the following steps: using at least a device (1) for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts to perform a maintenance operation and to generate data related to the maintenance operation; Sending the data relating to the maintenance process from the at least one maintenance device (1) to the IT infrastructure (3); Using the IT infrastructure (3) to generate at least one instruction for controlling the at least one maintenance device and/or optimized data relating to the maintenance process; Sending the at least one instruction for controlling the device and/or the optimized data relating to the maintenance process from the IT infrastructure (3) to the maintenance device (1); wherein the at least one instruction for controlling the at least one maintenance device and/or the optimized data relating to the maintenance process are based at least in part on the data relating to the maintenance process sent by the maintenance device (1) to the IT infrastructure (3). Method for managing at least one device (1) for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts claim 11 wherein the method is applied to a plurality of maintenance devices and wherein the plurality of maintenance devices are located in a single workshop or in multiple workshops. Method for managing at least one device (1) for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts according to one of Claims 11 or 12 , wherein the step of using the IT infrastructure (3) to generate at least one instruction for controlling the at least one maintenance device and/or optimized data relating to the maintenance process corresponds to the step of sending the at least one instruction for controlling the device and/or of the optimized data relating to the maintenance process from the IT infrastructure (3) to the maintenance device (1). Method for managing at least one device (1) for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts according to one of Claims 11 or 12 , wherein the step of using the IT infrastructure (3) to generate at least one instruction for controlling the at least one maintenance device and/or optimized data relating to the maintenance process occurs at least partially simultaneously with the step of sending the at least one instruction for controlling the device and/or the optimized data relating to the maintenance process from the IT infrastructure (3) to the maintenance device (1). Computer program for a smartphone or tablet type portable device (10) comprising instructions for operatively connecting the portable device (10) to a system for the maintenance of vehicles and/or vehicle parts claim 1 to a method for managing at least one device (1) for the maintenance of vehicles and / or vehicle parts claim 11 to execute.

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