U.S. patent application number 10/065606 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-06 for automobile identification labeling and tracking system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ward-Kraft, Inc.. Invention is credited to Harman, James P. JR., Harman, Loyce W., Mercer, Merlin F., Sisseck, Mary Lillian, Triplett, Lance J., Zimmer, Duane L..
Application Number | 20040088228 10/065606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32174082 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040088228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mercer, Merlin F. ; et
al. |
May 6, 2004 |
Automobile identification labeling and tracking system
Abstract
A system, method, computer program, and business form that may
be used to more quickly, accurately, and efficiently label,
identify, track, and inventory new and previously-owned vehicles on
an auto dealer's lot. Many aspects may also be used to track other
objects such as hotel keys. The computer program and method include
the steps of: receiving vehicle information for at least one
vehicle to be delivered to the auto dealer; storing the vehicle
information in a vehicle database accessible by the computer;
receiving data obtained from the vehicle when the vehicle is
delivered to the auto dealer; comparing the data to the vehicle
database to determine if vehicle information has been received for
the vehicle; and directing a printer to print at least a portion of
the vehicle information on an identifier to be applied to the
vehicle if the data corresponds to the vehicle information in the
vehicle database.
Inventors: |
Mercer, Merlin F.;
(Gallatin, TN) ; Harman, Loyce W.; (Greenville,
GA) ; Harman, James P. JR.; (Greenville, GA) ;
Sisseck, Mary Lillian; (Deerfield, MO) ; Triplett,
Lance J.; (Deerfield, MO) ; Zimmer, Duane L.;
(Swartz Creek, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOVEY WILLIAMS LLP
2405 GRAND BLVD., SUITE 400
KANSAS CITY
MO
64108
US
|
Assignee: |
Ward-Kraft, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32174082 |
Appl. No.: |
10/065606 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/1476 20150115;
Y10T 428/14 20150115; Y10T 428/149 20150115; Y10T 428/15 20150115;
G06Q 10/08 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/028 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
1. A computer program stored on a computer-readable medium for
directing operation of a computer to assist an auto dealer in
identifying and labeling vehicles, the computer program comprising:
a code segment operable to receive vehicle information for at least
one vehicle to be delivered to the auto dealer and to store the
vehicle information in a vehicle database accessible by the
computer; a code segment operable to receive data obtained from the
vehicle when the vehicle is delivered to the auto dealer; a code
segment operable to compare the data to the vehicle database to
determine if the vehicle information has been received for the
vehicle; and a code segment for directing a printer to print at
least a portion of the vehicle information on an identifier to be
applied to the vehicle if the data corresponds to the vehicle
information in the vehicle database.
2. The computer program as set forth in claim 1, the vehicle
information including a vehicle identification number (VIN) for the
vehicle.
3. The computer program as set forth in claim 2, the vehicle
information further including a cost for the vehicle, a list of all
options installed on the vehicle, and a description of all
warranties for the vehicle.
4. The computer program as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
vehicle is a new vehicle and the vehicle information is received
electronically from a manufacturer of the vehicle.
5. The computer program as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
vehicle is a previously-owned vehicle and the vehicle information
is obtained from a source of used vehicle information stored on the
computer.
6 The computer program as set forth in claim 1, wherein the data is
obtained from a bar code label on the vehicle which is scanned by a
handheld scanning device.
7. The computer program as set forth in claim 1, wherein the data
obtained from the vehicle includes a VIN for the vehicle.
8. The computer program as set forth in claim 7, wherein the VIN is
read from the vehicle with a handheld scanner and wirelessly
transmitted to the computer by the handheld scanner.
9. The computer program as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
identifier includes a window sticker to be applied to a window of
the vehicle and a key tag to be attached to a key of the
vehicle.
10. A method for inventorying and tracking vehicles offered for
sale by an auto dealer, the method comprising the steps of:
maintaining in a computer a vehicle database containing vehicle
information for at least one vehicle offered for sale by the auto
dealer; printing at least a portion of the vehicle information on a
sticker; adhering the sticker to the vehicle; periodically reading
data from the sticker with a handheld scanning device; transmitting
the data from the handheld scanning device to the computer; and
comparing the data to the vehicle database to inventory the
vehicle.
11. The method as set forth in claim 10, the vehicle information
including a vehicle identification number (VIN) for the
vehicle.
12. The method as set forth in claim 11, the vehicle information
further including a cost for the vehicle, a list of all options
installed on the vehicle, and a description of all warranties for
the vehicle.
13. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the vehicle is a
new vehicle and the vehicle information is received electronically
from a manufacturer of the vehicle.
14. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the vehicle is a
previously-owned vehicle and the vehicle information is obtained
from a source of used vehicle information stored on the
computer.
15. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the data is
obtained from a bar code label on the vehicle which is scanned by
the handheld scanning device.
16. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the sticker
includes an RFID tag having a portion of the vehicle information
stored therein.
17. The method as set forth in claim 16, wherein the data is read
from the RFID tag by the handheld scanning device.
18. A method of identifying vehicles offered by sale by an auto
dealer, the method comprising the steps of: receiving vehicle
information for at least one vehicle to be delivered to the auto
dealer; storing the vehicle information in a vehicle database
accessible by the computer; receiving data obtained from the
vehicle when the vehicle is delivered to the auto dealer; comparing
the data to the vehicle database to determine if the vehicle
information has been received for the vehicle; and directing a
printer to print at least a portion of the vehicle information on
an identifier to be applied to the vehicle if the data corresponds
to the vehicle information in the vehicle database.
19. The method as set forth in claim 18, the vehicle information
including a vehicle identification number (VIN) for the
vehicle.
20. The method as set forth in claim 19, the vehicle information
further including a cost for the vehicle, a list of all options
installed on the vehicle, and a description of all warranties for
the vehicle.
21. The method as set forth in claim 18, wherein the vehicle is a
new vehicle and the vehicle information is received electronically
from a manufacturer of the vehicle.
22. The method as set forth in claim 18, wherein the vehicle is a
previously-owned vehicle and the vehicle information is obtained
from a source of used vehicle information.
23. The method as set forth in claim 18, wherein the data is
obtained from a bar code label on the vehicle which is scanned by a
handheld scanning device.
24. The method as set forth in claim 18, wherein the data obtained
from the vehicle includes a VIN read from the vehicle.
25. The method as set forth in claim 24, wherein the VIN is read
from the vehicle with a handheld scanner and electronically
transmitted to the computer by the handheld scanner.
26. The method as set forth in claim 18, wherein the identifier
includes a window sticker to be applied to a window of the vehicle
and a key tag to be attached to a key of the vehicle.
27. A self-sealing business form comprising: a backing layer formed
of water-resistant material and having a front surface and a rear
surface; a layer of adhesive deposited on the front surface of the
backing layer; and a label having a front surface on which
information may be printed and a rear surface adhered to a portion
of the front surface of the backing layer by the adhesive, the
label being sized so that a portion of the front surface of the
backing layer not covered by the rear surface of the label may be
folded over the front surface of the label to substantially seal
the label within the backing layer.
28. The business form as set forth in claim 27, further including a
removable waste layer adhered to the portion of the front surface
of the backing layer not covered by the label, wherein the waste
layer may be removed to expose the layer of adhesive on the portion
of the front surface of the backing layer not covered by the label
so that the backing layer may be folded over and adhered to the
front surface of the label.
29. The business form as set forth in claim 27, wherein the label
is formed of paper material.
30. The business form as set forth in claim 27, wherein the backing
layer is formed of poly film material.
31. The business form as set forth in claim 27, further including a
hole formed in the label and a pair of holes formed in the backing
layer that are aligned with the hole formed in the label when the
backing layer is folded over the label, the aligned holes operable
to receive a key ring.
32. A business form for use by an auto dealer to identify a
vehicle, the business form comprising: a first web portion
including a removable window sticker on which vehicle information
relating to the vehicle may be printed and that may be adhered to a
window of the vehicle; and a second web portion merged with the
first web portion and including a removable key tag label on which
vehicle information relating to the vehicle may be printed and that
may be attached to a key of the vehicle.
33. The business form as set forth in claim 32, the first web
portion further including a removable stock label sticker on which
information relating to the vehicle may be printed and that may be
placed on a windshield of the vehicle.
34. The business form as set forth in claim 33, the business form
further including an RFID tag coupled with the window sticker, an
RFID tag coupled with the key tag label, and an RFID tag coupled
with the stock label sticker.
35. The business form as set forth in claim 32, wherein the second
web portion includes a plurality of key tag labels.
36. The business form as set forth in claim 33, wherein the first
web portion includes a plurality of stock label stickers.
37. The business form as set forth in claim 32, the vehicle
information including a vehicle identification number (VIN) for the
vehicle.
38. The business form as set forth in claim 37, the vehicle
information further including a cost for the vehicle, a list of all
options installed on the vehicle, and a description of all
warranties for the vehicle.
39. The business form as set forth in claim 32, wherein the vehicle
is a new vehicle and the vehicle information is received
electronically from a manufacturer of the vehicle.
40. The business form as set forth in claim 32, wherein the vehicle
is a previously-owned vehicle and the vehicle information is
obtained from a source of used vehicle information.
41. A computer program stored on a computer-readable medium for
directing operation of a computer to assist in identifying and
labeling objects, the computer program comprising: a code segment
operable to receive object information for at least one object and
to store the object information in a object database accessible by
the computer; a code segment operable to receive data obtained from
the object when the object is delivered; a code segment operable to
compare the data to the object database to determine if the object
information has been received for the object; and a code segment
for directing a printer to print at least a portion of the object
information on an identifier to be applied to the object if the
data corresponds to the object information in the object database.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to vehicle identification
methods. More particularly, the invention relates to a system,
method, computer program, and business form that may be used to
more quickly, accurately and efficiently label, identify, and track
vehicles and other objects.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Auto dealers spend a considerable amount of time and money
receiving, preparing, and inventorying new and used vehicles.
Although these efforts are necessary, they distract dealers from
focusing on revenue-generating activities such as selling the
vehicles and servicing them after their sale.
[0005] Many auto dealers manage their inventory of vehicles using
mostly manual methods. When a vehicle arrives on a dealer's lot,
the dealer extracts information, such as the vehicle's
identification number (VIN), from a manufacturer-provided window
sticker adhered to the vehicle. The extracted information is then
added to one or more lists containing vehicle information for all
vehicles on the dealer's lot. The dealer then periodically
inventories the vehicles on its lots by comparing the VINs on the
window stickers to the vehicle lists to ensure that all vehicles on
the lists are accounted for. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that these steps are time-consuming, costly, and not
entirely accurate because employees sometimes read and/or write
down the wrong VIN when adding a vehicle to inventory or while
verifying the existence of vehicles already in inventory. Moreover,
vehicles are often being test driven, serviced, or driven by
employees and therefore absent or located in the wrong place during
an inventorying procedure, resulting in incomplete or inaccurate
inventory results.
[0006] The above-described problems are even more pronounced for
previously-owned vehicles because such vehicles typically do not
arrive on the dealer's lot with a window sticker containing
information about the vehicle such as the VIN, make, model, price,
etc. Because such information is needed to track and sell the
vehicles, most dealers print and apply their own window stickers to
previously-owned vehicles. To do so, the dealers must first obtain
all necessary information to be printed on the window stickers,
some of which, such as factory-installed options, dealer-installed
options, price, warranties, etc., are not readily apparent from a
quick inspection of the vehicle. Obtaining much of this information
therefore currently requires both a thorough inspection of the
vehicle and reference to a source of used vehicle prices and
features, such as a Kelly Blue Book. The gathered information must
then be manually entered into a computer so that it may be printed
on a window sticker or hand-written directly on the window sticker.
Because these steps require one or more persons to transfer several
pieces of information from several difference sources, they are
time-consuming, costly and prone to human error.
[0007] Another limitation of existing vehicle inventorying methods
is the difficulty in identifying and tracking vehicle keys. Because
auto dealers sometimes have hundreds of new and used vehicles on
their lots, each having at least one set of keys, the
identification, marking, and tracking of keys is critical to their
operations. Most auto dealers attach keys to key tags on which
identifying information is printed. For example, a key tag may list
a vehicle's VIN, make, and model so that the keys may be easily
associated with the proper vehicle. This information is typically
obtained by a visual inspection of the vehicle when it arrives at
the dealer's lot and is then printed on the key tags by hand. As
with creating window stickers for used vehicles, these steps are
time-consuming, costly and prone to human error. Moreover, the
information hand-written on the key tags often becomes smudged and
difficult to read as the keys are repeatedly handled by dealers and
potential customers.
[0008] Another limitation of existing vehicle inventorying methods
is that sales people often have difficulty locating a particular
vehicle on a dealer's lot when they desire to show the vehicle to a
prospective customer. As mentioned above, vehicles are frequently
test driven, serviced, or driven by employees and therefore moved
from place to place on a dealer's lot and elsewhere. Currently, no
cost-effective method exists to track the current location of all
vehicles on a dealer's lot.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] The present invention solves the above-described limitations
and provides a distinct advance in the art of vehicle
identification methods. Particularly, the invention provides a
system, method, computer program, and business form that may be
used to more quickly, accurately, and efficiently label, identify,
track, and inventory new and previously-owned vehicles on an auto
dealer's lot. Many aspects of the present invention may also be
used to track other objects such as hotel keys.
[0010] One aspect of the present invention includes a computer
program and method operable to assist an auto dealer in identifying
and labeling vehicles on its lot. The computer program and method
broadly include the steps of: receiving vehicle information for at
least one vehicle to be sold by the auto dealer; storing the
vehicle information in a vehicle database accessible by the
computer; receiving data obtained from the vehicle when the vehicle
is delivered to the auto dealer; comparing the data to the vehicle
database to determine if vehicle information has been received for
the vehicle; and directing a printer to print at least a portion of
the vehicle information on an identifier to be applied to the
vehicle if the data corresponds to the vehicle information in the
vehicle database.
[0011] In preferred forms, the identifier is created by the dealer
from a merged-web business form. The business form includes a first
web portion including a removable window sticker on which vehicle
information relating to the vehicle may be printed and that may be
adhered to a window of the vehicle; and a second web portion merged
with the first web portion and including a removable key tag label
on which vehicle information relating to the vehicle may be printed
and that may be attached to a key of the vehicle. An RFID tag
encoded with vehicle-specific information may be attached to or
embedded in both the window sticker and key tag label for
identification and tracking purposes.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method
for inventorying and tracking vehicles offered for sale by an auto
dealer. The method broadly includes the steps of: maintaining in a
computer a vehicle database containing vehicle information for at
least one vehicle offered for sale by the auto dealer; printing at
least a portion of the vehicle information on a sticker; adhering
the sticker to the vehicle; periodically reading data from the
sticker with a handheld scanning device; transmitting the data from
the handheld scanning device to the computer; and comparing the
data to the vehicle database to inventory and track the location of
the vehicle. The data read from the sticker is preferably encoded
in an RFID tag attached to or embedded in the sticker or read from
a bar code printed on the sticker.
[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides a
self-sealing business form that may be used to quickly and easily
create a water-resistant key tag label that may be attached to a
set of vehicle keys. The key tag label resists smudging so that
information printed thereon is completely readable, regardless of
the number of times the keys and key tag label are handled by
dealers and potential customers. The self-sealing business form
broadly comprises: a backing layer formed of water-resistant
material and having a front surface and a rear surface; a layer of
adhesive deposited on the front surface of the backing layer; and a
label having a front surface on which information may be printed
and a rear surface adhered to a portion of the front surface of the
backing layer by the adhesive. The label is sized so that a portion
of the front surface of the backing layer may be folded over the
front surface of the label to substantially seal the label within
the backing layer.
[0014] These and other important aspects of the present invention
are described more fully in the detailed description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described
in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures,
wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a business form that
may be used to implement certain aspects of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the business form of
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the business form taken along
lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a key tag portion of the
business form shown attached to a key of a vehicle.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of a vehicle showing several
labels or stickers taken from the business form of FIG. 1 and
adhered to the vehicle.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting several computer
equipment components that may be used to implement a vehicle
labeling, identifying, tracking and inventorying method of the
present invention.
[0022] The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to
the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present invention is preferably implemented with a
business form 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and a computer program
that operates computer equipment broadly referred to by the numeral
12 in FIG. 6. The present invention is particularly adapted to
label, identify, track, and inventory vehicles on an auto dealer's
lot, but may also be used to label and track other objects such as
hotel keys maintained by a hotel or keys maintained by a security
company. For purposes of describing a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, however, the business form 10 and computer
equipment 12 will be described herein as being specifically adapted
for use with vehicles on an auto dealer's lot.
[0024] The business form 10 is provided to assist an auto
dealership in labeling and identifying a vehicle on its lot. The
dealership is preferably provided with a plurality of blank
business forms 10 on which vehicle-specific information may be
printed for all the vehicles on its lot as described in more detail
below.
[0025] The business form 10 may be colored to more readily identify
a particular type or brand of vehicle. For example, a dealer may
have a stock of blank blue business forms to identify vehicles
manufactured by Chevrolet and a stock of blank green business forms
to identify vehicles manufactured by Ford. Similarly, business
forms of one color may be used to identify trucks whereas business
forms of another color may be used to identify automobiles.
[0026] The size and shape of the business forms 10 may be selected
as a matter of design choice. In one embodiment, each business form
10 is generally rectangular in shape as illustrated in FIG. 1 and
is approximately 81/2 inches wide and 11 inches long. The
particular size and format of the business form 10, as well as the
information printed thereon, may vary depending on whether the
vehicle to be identified is new or previously-owned. For example,
the business form illustrated in FIG. 1 is preferably configured
for a previously-owned vehicle and includes a relatively large
window sticker (approx. 5".times.71/2") on which all of the
manufacturer and dealer-supplied options for the vehicle may be
printed. A similar business form (not illustrated) may be used for
new vehicles, but may include a smaller window sticker, because
much of the vehicle information will be supplied on the
manufacturer-provided window sticker.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, each business form 10 is preferably
a merged web consisting of a first web portion 14 and a second web
portion 16 merged or attached to the first web portion 14. By
merging the first and second web portions together, a dealer may
label and identify each vehicle on its lot with a single business
form 10 containing multiple labels or stickers made of dissimilar
material.
[0028] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the first web portion 14
includes a backing layer 18 having a layer of adhesive 20 formed on
its upper surface. A printable layer 22 is then adhered to the
upper surface of the backing layer 18 by the adhesive 20. A coating
of release agent 24 such as a silicone material is preferably
applied to the lower surface of the printable layer 22 so that the
printable layer 22 can be easily removed from the backing layer
18.
[0029] The backing layer 18 may be formed from any suitable
material on which adhesive may be deposited. For example, the
backing layer 18 may be formed from a roll of pressure-sensitive
adhesive label stock cut to a desired shape and size of the
business form 10. The printable layer 22 may be formed from any
conventional material capable of receiving print from a standard
printer. For example, the printable layer 22 may be formed from
paper label stock cut to the desired shape and size.
[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1, the upper surface of the
printable layer 22 is preferably die cut to form a perforation or
line of weakness 26 that defines a removable window sticker 28 on
which vehicle specific information may be printed. The printable
layer 22 is similarly die cut to form two perforations or lines of
weakness 30, 32 that each define a removable stock label 34, 36 on
which vehicle information may be printed. The information printed
on the window sticker 28 and stock labels 34, 36 is described in
more detail below.
[0031] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower surface of the
backing layer 18 is also die cut to form a perforation or line of
weakness 38 that defines a removable sticker backing 40 slightly
larger than and substantially covered by the window sticker 28. The
perforation 38 permits the sticker backing 40 and the window
sticker 28 carried on the backing 40 to be removed from the rear of
the business form 10. When so removed, the periphery of the removed
sticker backing 40 extends beyond the periphery of the window
sticker 28 so that a border of the adhesive 20 on the upper surface
of the backing layer 18 is exposed as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.
This permits the window sticker 28 and sticker backing 40 to be
adhered to the inside surface of a windshield and/or windows of a
vehicle 42 and read from the exterior of the vehicle as depicted in
FIG. 5.
[0032] Similarly, the lower surface of the backing layer 18 is die
cut to form two perforations or lines of weakness 44, 46 that each
define a removable label backing 48, 50 slightly larger than and
substantially covered by one of the stock labels 34, 36. The
perforations 44, 46 permit the label backings 48, 50 and the stock
labels 34, 36 to be removed from the rear of the business form 10.
When so removed, the periphery of the label backings 48, 50 extend
beyond the periphery of the stock labels 34, 36 so that a border of
the adhesive on the upper surface of the backing layer is exposed.
This permits the stock labels and label backings to be adhered to
the inside of a vehicle while being readable from the exterior of
the vehicle as depicted in FIG. 5.
[0033] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first web portion
14 also includes three RFID tags 52, 54, 56: one 52 positioned
between the window sticker 28 and its sticker backing 40; one 54
positioned between the stock label 34 and its label backing 48; and
one 56 positioned between the stock label 36 and its label backing
50. The RFID tags 52, 54, 56 are preferably integrated circuits
with a memory storage of at least one byte and read-only or
read/write capabilities. Each integrated circuit includes an RF
transmitter and a receiver (in the case of read/write capabilities)
and memory. Data stored within the memory of the integrated circuit
can be interrogated by a reader. Alternatively, the reader may
provide for reading and/or storing information into a read/write
transponder memory. The RFID tags 52, 54, 56 may also be of a
chip-less type and contain a series of resonant circuits operating
at different frequencies with each resonant circuit enabled or
disabled corresponding to a unique binary number. The RFID tags 52,
54, 56 may be powered by batteries or may be passive devices
without batteries. The purpose of the RFID tags 52, 54, 56 is
described in more detail below.
[0034] Returning to FIG. 3, the second web portion 16 includes a
backing layer 58 having a layer of adhesive 60 on its upper
surface. The upper surface of the leftmost end of the backing layer
58 (as viewed in FIG. 3) is merged with or attached to the lower
surface of the rightmost end of the backing layer 18 of the first
web portion 14 to form a merged web. The second web portion 16 also
includes a printable layer 62 adhered to the upper surface of the
backing layer 58 by the adhesive 60. As with the first web portion
14, the printable layer 62 preferably includes a release agent 64
sprayed on its lower surface so that it may be more easily removed
from the backing layer 58.
[0035] The backing layer 58 is preferably formed of water-resistant
poly film material cut to the desired shape and size. The printable
layer 62 is preferably formed of conventional paper label stock
material cut to the desired shape and size.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the upper surface of the printable
layer 62 is die cut to form a continuous perforation or line of
weakness 66 that defines two removable key tag labels 68, 70 on
which vehicle specific information may be printed. An additional
perforation or line of weakness 72 formed in the approximate center
of each key tag label 68, 70 defines a waste portion 78, 80 that
may be removed and discarded as described in more detail below.
[0037] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower surface of the
backing layer 58 is also die cut to form a continuous perforation
or line of weakness 82 and a perforation or line of weakness 84
that together define two label backings 86, 88 slightly larger than
and substantially covered by the key tag labels 68, 70. The
perforations 82, 84 permit the label backings 86, 88 and the labels
68, 70 to be removed from the rear of the business form 10. When so
removed, the peripheries of the removed label backings 86, 88
extend beyond the peripheries of the key tag labels 68, 70 so that
a border of the adhesive of the upper surface of the backing layer
58 portions is exposed.
[0038] An RFID tag 90, 92 is preferably positioned between each of
the key tag labels 68, 70 and their respective label backings 86,
88. The RFID tags 90, 92 are identical to the RFID tags 52, 54, 56
described above.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, the computer equipment 12 used to
implement the methods of the present invention broadly includes a
computer 94 programmed as described herein, memory 96 accessible by
the computer 94, a printer 98, a radio frequency
transmitter/receiver 100, and a handheld computing device 102. The
computer program and equipment 12 illustrated and described herein
are merely examples of a program and equipment that may be used to
implement the present invention and may be replaced with other
software and computer equipment without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0040] The computer 94 is operated by the auto dealer and executes
the computer program described herein. The computer 94 may be any
computing device such as a personal computer or network server. The
computer 94 may be connected to other computing devices such as a
firewall to prevent tampering with information stored on or
accessible by the computer 94. The computer 94 may include
conventional web hosting operating software, an Internet connection
such as a modem, DSL converter or ISDN converter, and may be
assigned a URL and corresponding domain name so that it can
communicate and be accessed via the Internet in a conventional
manner.
[0041] The memory 96 is either resident in or accessible by the
computer 94 and serves as a repository for data and programs used
to implement certain aspects of the present invention as described
in more detail below.
[0042] The computer 94 preferably receives vehicle information from
the computing system 104 of at least car manufacturers and
therefore is capable of communicating with the computing system 104
via a communications network 106. Similarly, the computer 94 may
communicate with a computer system 108 of a security company via
the communications network 106 so that the computer 94 may send
security alerts to the security company. The communications network
106 is preferably the Internet but may be any other conventional
communications network such as a local area network, a wide area
network, a wireless network, or an intranet.
[0043] The computer program of the present invention is stored in
or on computer-readable medium residing on or accessible by the
computer 94 such as the memory 96. The computer program preferably
comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for
implementing logical functions in the computer 94 or the equipment
coupled with the computer 94. The computer program can be embodied
in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an
instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a
computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system
that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution
system, apparatus, or device, and execute the instructions. In the
context of this application, a "computer-readable medium" can be
any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or
transport the program for use by or in connection with the
instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The
computer-readable medium can be, for example, but not limited to,
an electronic, magnetic, optical, electro-magnetic, infrared, or
semi-conductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium.
More specific, although not inclusive, examples of the
computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical
connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an
erasable, programmable, read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory),
an optical fiber, and a portable compact disk read-only memory
(CDROM). The computer-readable medium could even be paper or
another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the
program can be electronically captured, via for instance, optical
scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted,
or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then
stored in a computer memory.
[0044] The printer 98 is coupled with the computer 94 and is
provided for printing vehicle information on the business forms 10
as described in more detail below. The printer 98 may be any
conventional printer such as a laser printer or ink jet
printer.
[0045] The transmitter/receiver 100 is coupled with the computer 94
and is operable for wirelessly communicating with the handheld
computing device 102. The transmitter/receiver 100 is preferably a
radio frequency transmitter/receiver that can read data from the
RFID tags 52, 54, 56, 90, 92 described above. The
transmitter/receiver 100 may do so by interrogating the RFID tags
52, 54, 56, 90, 92 if the tags are passive devices (without a
battery) or may receive information actively transmitted by the
RFID tags 52, 54, 56, 90, 92 if the tags are battery powered. In
preferred forms, a number of transmitters/receivers are positioned
at strategic locations of an auto dealer's lot so that the RFID
tags 52, 54, 56, 90, 92 on all of the vehicles can be read,
regardless of where the vehicles are located on the lot.
[0046] The handheld computing device 102 is preferably a pocket PC
containing a bar code scanner/reader and an RFID tag reader. The
handheld computer 102 is also preferably equipped with a radio
frequency transmitter/receiver so that it may wirelessly
communicate with the transmitter/receiver 100 coupled with the
computer 94. In preferred forms, a number of handheld computers 102
are provided so that they may be used by various personnel of an
auto dealer, including sales people, stock managers, etc.
[0047] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the
business form 10 and computer equipment 12 described above can be
used to assist an auto dealer in labeling, identifying, tracking
and inventorying vehicles offered for sale on the auto dealer's
lot. To begin this process, the computer 94 first receives vehicle
information for a vehicle. For a new vehicle, the vehicle
information is preferably sent electronically to the computer 94
from the vehicle manufacturer 104 via the communications network
106 before the vehicle is delivered. The vehicle information
preferably includes all the information typically provided on the
auto manufacturer's factory invoice, including the vehicle's VIN,
factory-installed options, stock number, make, model, color, gas
mileage rating, and estimated date of arrival.
[0048] For a previously-owned vehicle, the vehicle information may
be obtained from a combination of sources. Much of the vehicle
information is preferably obtained from a source of used vehicle
information such as the Kar Power software package available from
Kelly Automotive. This software includes a database containing
information relating to all years, models, and makes of vehicles
cross-referenced to the vehicles" VINs. When a previously-owned
vehicle is received at the dealer's lot, the vehicle's VIN number
is scanned from a bar code on the vehicle with the handheld
computing device 102 and then transmitted to the computer 94. If
the vehicle does not have a VIN bar code, the VIN may be manually
read and typed into the handheld computing device 102. The computer
94 then accesses the used vehicle database and obtains all
information cross-referenced to the scanned VIN. Information not
contained in the used vehicle database, such as dealer-provided
options and the mileage on the vehicle may be obtained by a quick
inspection of the vehicle and entered by hand into the handheld
computing device 102 and transmitted to the computer 94.
[0049] The computer 94 then stores the vehicle information received
from the car manufacturer (for a new vehicle) or obtained from the
used vehicle database and inspection (for a previously-owned
vehicle) in a vehicle database residing on the memory 96. Once
populated, the vehicle database contains vehicle information for
all vehicles received or soon to be received on the dealer's
lot.
[0050] The next step in the process is to identify and label
vehicles so that they may be easily tracked and inventoried. For a
new vehicle, the bar code printed on the manufacturer-provided
window sticker is scanned with the handheld computer 102 when the
vehicle actually arrives at the dealership. Identifying data for
the vehicle, such as the vehicle's VIN, is transmitted wirelessly
from the handheld computer 102 to the transmitter/receiver 100 and
then transferred to the computer 94. The computer 94 compares the
scanned data to the vehicle database in the memory 96 to determine
if vehicle information has been received from the vehicle
manufacturer. If it has, the computer 94 extracts information from
the vehicle information database and prints the information on one
or more indicators to be adhered to the vehicle. In preferred
forms, the indicators include the window sticker 28, stock labels
34, 36, and key ring tags 68, 70 described above. For a new
vehicle, the vehicle information printed on the window sticker
preferably includes a stock number, the vehicle's VIN, the make and
model of the vehicle, and a list of all dealer-added options. The
dealer's name, address, phone number, and gas mileage information
may also be printed on the window sticker.
[0051] For a previously-owned vehicle, the vehicle's VIN is scanned
from a bar code on the vehicle or manually read if no VIN bar code
exists. The scanned or manually-read data is then transmitted
wirelessly from the handheld computer 102 to the
transmitter/receiver 100 and then transferred to the computer 94.
The computer 94 then accesses the used vehicle database in memory
96 and obtains information cross-referenced to the vehicle's VIN
and transmits this vehicle information to the handheld computing
device 102 so that the operator may verify the information. The
operator may also manually enter information not contained in the
used vehicle database such as after-market options, the mileage on
the vehicle, and the general condition of the vehicle. This
information is added to the information obtained from the used
vehicle database and transmitted back to the computer 94 so that it
may be added to the vehicle database. The computer 94 then extracts
some of the vehicle information from the vehicle database and
prints the information on a window sticker 28, stock labels 34, 36,
and key ring labels 68, 70 as described above. The information
printed on the window sticker 28 is the same as the information
described above with reference to a new vehicle but also includes
additional information such as a list of after-market options, the
vehicle's Kelly Blue Book value, sale price, and mileage because
such information is not provided in a manufacturer-provided window
sticker.
[0052] The vehicle information printed on the stock labels is the
same for both new and used vehicles. Such information preferably
includes a stock number, the year, make, model and color of the
vehicle, the vehicle's VIN, and a bar code label representative of
the vehicle's VIN and possibly other information. The vehicle
information printed on the key tag labels 68, 70 is also the same
for both new and used vehicles. Such information preferably
includes a stock number, the year, make, model, VIN, and color of
the vehicle, and an indication of whether the vehicle is new or
previously-owned.
[0053] The blank business forms 10 may also include preprinted
information generic to all vehicles such as headings introducing
vehicle-specific information. The headings may include, for
example, "STOCK", "YEAR", "MAKE", "MODEL", "COLOR", and "VIN".
[0054] Some of the vehicle information may also be encoded and
stored into the RFID tags 52, 54, 56, 90, 92 embedded in the window
sticker, stock labels, and key tag labels. For example, the
vehicle's VIN and stock number may be encoded in the RFID tags 52,
54, 56, 90, 92 so that such information may be wirelessly
transmitted to the transmitter/receiver during an inventorying
process as described below.
[0055] The window sticker 28 and stock labels 34, 36 as well as
their backings are then removed from the business form 10 and
adhered to the windshield and/or windows of the vehicle as depicted
in FIG. 5. The key tag labels 68, 70 and their backings are removed
from the business form 10 and then assembled into water-resistant
key ring labels for attachment to the vehicle's keys as depicted in
FIG. 4. Specifically, the key ring labels 68, 70 and their backings
are removed from the business form 10 and the waste portions 78, 80
are removed and discarded. The lower portion of each backing is
then folded over its key ring label so as to substantially seal the
key ring label in the water-resistant film of the backing. This
seals the printing on the key ring labels from moisture and
prevents smudging so that the key ring labels can be read,
regardless of how many times they are handled by dealers, potential
customers, and others.
[0056] Once the above-described identifiers have been printed and
adhered to all of the vehicles on a dealer's lot and the vehicles"
keys, they may be used to assist the dealer in inventorying the
vehicles. For example, the vehicle database, which lists all
vehicles on the dealer's lot, may be copied from the memory 96 to
the computer 94 and then downloaded to the handheld computing
device 102. An operator may then scan the bar code on the stock
label adhered to each vehicle so that the scanned data may be
compared to the vehicle database. When the operator has scanned the
bar code on every vehicle, the handheld computer 102 determines
whether every vehicle in the vehicle database is accounted for on
the dealer's lot.
[0057] Alternatively, the handheld computing device 102 may
wirelessly transmit the scanned information from the bar codes to
the computer 04 so that it may compare the scanned information to
the information in the vehicle database. Or, the data encoded in
the RFID tags 52, 54, 56, 90, 92 may be interrogated and/or
actively transmitted to the transmitter receiver so that the
compute may compare the data to the vehicle database. The computer
94 then generates and prints a report showing all the discrepancies
between the vehicle database and the actual inventory on the
dealer's lot. This permits the dealer to determine which cars are
missing, if any, and to either locate these vehicles or alter the
records in the vehicle database to indicate that a vehicle has been
sold or otherwise transferred off the dealer's lot.
[0058] The RFID tags 52, 54, 56, 90, 92 in the window stickers 28,
stock labels 34, 36, and key ring labels 68, 70 may also be used to
track the approximate location of vehicles and keys on the dealer's
lot. Specifically, the RFID tags 52, 54, 56, 90, 92 may be
periodically interrogated (if passive) by the nearest
transmitter/receiver 100 or may periodically actively transmit
their encoded information (if active) to the nearest
transmitter/receiver 100 so that the computer 94 knows which
transmitter/receiver 100 the vehicle and/or the keys is closest to.
Alternatively, each vehicle, and possibly even the vehicle keys,
could be equipped with a GPS receiver that communicates with the
RFID tags 52, 54, 56, 90, 92 to provide more exact location
information to the computer 94.
[0059] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing
figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and
substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the
invention as recited in the claims. For example, although the
methods of the present invention are particularly useful for
labeling, identifying, tracking, and inventorying vehicles on an
auto dealer's lot, they may also be used to perform the same
functions for other objects such as hotel keys.
[0060] Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the
invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by
Letters Patent includes the following:
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