Automotive picture and data acquisition center and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the automatic or semi-automatic acquisition of multiple photographs and VIN-coded information about an automobile. In one embodiment, four height-adjustable, digital cameras are positioned on four corner posts defining a work center. A vehicle is pulled into the center until a stop indicator light is triggered, at which time an attendant scans the bar coded VIN number and reviews the proposed photographs of the vehicle at a work center computer. Once the photographs and data are acceptable, the attendant triggers a download of the information to local and industry databases. Alternate embodiments include Alternate embodiments include work centers with different post configurations, manual entry systems, and completely automated centers.

1 . A system for obtaining, processing, and transferring vehicle identification information, the system comprising: 
 a first computer which is used to decode a VIN number to obtain vehicle data;    at least one digital camera, such that the digital camera may provide at least one digital image of the vehicle to the first computer;    a monitor in communication with the first computer, the monitor permitting review of the vehicle data, and permitting review of the digital image of the vehicle; and    a communications link between the first computer and a second computer such that the digital image and the vehicle data can be collected, processed, and transferred from the first computer to the second computer substantially in real time.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein 
 a bar scanner is in communication with the computer, and the bar scanner is used to provide a VIN number to the first computer.    
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein 
 there is a bar scanner; and    there is a data collection device which can capture a signal from the bar scanner, thereby reading the VIN number, such that the VIN number can be transferred to the first computer.    
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein 
 the digital camera can be operated by an attendant.    
   
   
       5 . A method for updating a vehicle database, the method comprising: 
 capturing at least one image of a vehicle;    reading the vehicle VIN number;    decoding the VIN number to obtain vehicle data;    combining the image and the vehicle data, such that image is captured and the VIN is read and decoded substantially in real time; and    storing the combined image and the vehicle data on at least one database.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein 
 the capturing of the image of the vehicle is accomplished in an automatic processing center.    
   
   
       7 . A method for updating a vehicle database, the method comprising: 
 positioning a vehicle in a processing center, the center comprising a plurality of mounted digital cameras;    inputting a VIN number from the vehicle into a computer database;    positioning the cameras at appropriate heights for the vehicle;    capturing at least one image of the vehicle into at least one data file;    decoding the VIN number to obtain vehicle data; and    storing the picture data file and the vehicle data on at least one database.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein 
 the database is an automotive dealer database.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising: 
 accessing the database via the Internet.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein positioning the cameras at appropriate heights for the vehicle is performed by 
 determining an appropriate height from the VIN number; and    automatically adjusting the height.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the step of capturing at least one image of the vehicle into at least one data file is comprised of: 
 capturing a first image;    examining the first image;    determining if the first image is satisfactory;    if necessary, repeating the following steps until a satisfactory image is obtained:    obtaining a new image if the first image is not satisfactory;    examining the new image; and    determining if the new image is satisfactory; and    accepting the satisfactory image.    
   
   
       12 . An improved method for updating a vehicle database with at least one digital image of the vehicle and information derived from the vehicle's VIN number, the improvement comprising: 
 obtaining the digital image with at least one digital camera at the time of processing of the vehicle;    reviewing the quality of the digital image at the time of processing of the vehicle;    acquiring an improved digital image if necessary;    obtaining the VIN number at the time of processing of the vehicle;    decoding the VIN number to obtain vehicle data at the time of processing of the vehicle;    reviewing the vehicle data derived from the VIN number at the time of processing of the vehicle;    preparing at least one data file, the file including the digital image and vehicle data, at a dealer location at the time of processing of the vehicle; and    storing the data file on at least one database at the time of processing of the vehicle.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the VIN number is obtained with a bar scanner.