Computer-based technology for aiding the repair of motor vehicles

US9189960B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Manheim Investments, Inc. · US

Inventors

• William H. Couch · Fernandina Beach, US
• Julie Elizabeth Warpool · Seattle, US
• Mark William Humble · Nashville, US
• Marc Haegelin · Nashville, US
• Stephen Krise · Nashville, US
• Michael Chastain · Nashville, US
• Ronald St. Denis · Nashville, US
• Terry Mitchell · Grand Rapids, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 2012
• Grant date: Nov 17, 2015
• Expiry date: Aug 18, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G08G1/168
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A computer-assisted inspection system provides computer architectures and software controlled algorithms to automatically provide vehicle inspections and repair recommendations including estimated repair time and cost of depression type damage such as dents. Features provided by a handheld wireless touchscreen based inspection device include flat car part picking, auto grading including seller grading, and automatic calculation of body and bumper dent repair parameters and directions.