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.