Interactive symptomatic recording system and methods

Abstract

An interactive computerized system and process for querying a customer regarding identification for both customer and equipment, such as an automobile, information, as well as problems related to such equipment and desired repairs and maintenance for the equipment, then compiling and processing the acquired information and thereafter preparing and printing work orders for the customer, the service advisor and the mechanics.

Now, having described our invention, what we claim is:  
     
         1 . An interactive system for obtaining equipment information, symptoms and service requests from a customer and developing mechanics' work orders for equipment, comprising: 
 interactive input, display and storage means for querying said customer, receiving inputs and storing the provided information;    central processing unit means for ordering the successive presentation of appropriate queries on said display means;    compiling means programmed to utilize Boolean logic compilation steps to summarize inputs received from said customer and to develop said work orders; and printing means to print work orders for both said customer and said mechanics.    
     
     
         2 . An interactive system for obtaining vehicle information, symptoms and service requests from a customer and developing mechanics' work orders for equipment, comprising: 
 interactive input, display and storage means for querying said customer, receiving inputs and storing the provided information;    central processing unit means for ordering the successive presentation of appropriate queries on said display means;    compiling means to summarize inputs received from said customer and to develop said work orders; and printing means to print work orders for both said customer and said mechanics.    
     
     
         3 . An interactive system for obtaining automobile information, symptoms and service requests from a customer and developing mechanics' work orders for said automobile, comprising: 
 interactive input, display and storage means for querying said customer, receiving inputs and storing the provided information;    central processing unit means for ordering the successive presentation of appropriate queries on said display means;    compiling means programmed to utilize Boolean logic compilation steps to summarize inputs received from said customer and to develop said work orders; and printing means to print work orders for both said customer and said mechanics.    
     
     
         4 . An interactive system for obtaining automobile information, symptoms and service requests from a customer and developing mechanics' work orders for equipment, comprising: 
 interactive input, display and storage means for querying said customer, receiving inputs and storing the provided information;    central processing unit means for ordering the successive presentation of appropriate queries on said display means;    compiling means to summarize inputs received from said customer and to develop said work orders; and printing means to print work orders for both said customer and said mechanics.    
     
     
         5 . The systems of claims  1 ,  2 ,  3  or  4  which further comprise input and display means for said mechanic to check and input the status of service or repair work on said equipment, vehicles, or automobiles.  
     
     
         6 . The systems of claims  1 ,  2 ,  3  or  4  which further comprise means for transmitting work order data and completion data to an accounting subsystem for calculation of a bill.  
     
     
         7 . The systems of claims  1 ,  2 ,  3  or  4  which further comprise a data bank of customers, equipment, vehicles or cars to be serviced and to receive and maintain the status of service jobs.  
     
     
         8 . The systems of claims  1 ,  2 ,  3  or  4  which further comprise interactive communications means to originate and receive calls to and from said customers regarding the status of service or repair jobs.  
     
     
         9 . The system of claims  1 ,  2 ,  3  or  4  which further comprise interactive communications means to order repair parts from internal or external sources.  
     
     
         10 . The system of claims  1 ,  2 ,  3  or  4  wherein interactive computer monitor screens identify relevant portions of the equipment, vehicles, or automobiles, their locations therein, and the location and nature of problems relating to the service and repair of the equipment, vehicles or automobiles.  
     
     
         11 . The system of    claim 9    wherein said portions of vehicles comprise engines, transmissions, and two or more drives, heating and air conditioning, brakes, steering and suspension, power accessories and electrical systems.  
     
     
         12 . The system of claims  1 ,  2 ,  3  or  4  wherein said input means comprise touch-active computer monitor screens and keyboards.  
     
     
         13 . The system of claims  1 ,  2 ,  3  or  4  which further comprise a database of scheduled and unscheduled periodic maintenance tasks linked to pertinent query screens by hypertext.  
     
     
         14 . An interactive process of receiving automobile repair and maintenance customer inputs and developing work orders therefrom, comprising the steps of 
 querying the customer and receiving inputs regarding the customer and the automobile ID via preprogrammed computer input/output means;    querying said customer regarding maintenance and/or repairs needed via said computer input/output means and programmed sets of questions regarding specified automobile systems;    utilizing Boolean logic steps to compile the requested services and communicating, printing work orders, apprising the customer and automobile mechanics of the needed services and/or repairs.    
     
     
         14 . An interactive process of receiving equipment repair and maintenance customer inputs and developing work orders, comprising the steps of 
 querying the customer and receiving inputs regarding the customer and the equipment ID via preprogrammed computer input/output means;    querying said customer regarding maintenance and/or repairs needed Via said computer input/output means and programmed sets of questions regarding the specified equipment systems;    utilizing Boolean logic steps to compile the requested services and communicating, printing work orders, apprising the customer and equipment mechanics of the needed services and/or repairs.    
     
     
         15 . An interactive process of receiving vehicle repair and maintenance customer inputs and developing work orders, comprising the steps of 
 querying the customer and receiving inputs regarding the customer and the vehicle ID via preprogrammed computer input/output means;    querying said customer regarding maintenance and/or repairs needed via said computer input/output means and programmed sets of questions regarding specified vehicle systems; and    compiling the requested services and repairs and printing work orders, apprising the customer and vehicle mechanics of the needed services and/or repairs.    
     
     
         16 . All inventions taught herein.