Abstract:
The introduction of head mounted displays (HMDs), heads up displays (HUDs), and near eye displays (NEDs) in conjunction with special methods and networked systems can bridge the gap for repair technicians to provide assessments, inspections, quotes, billing information, and execute repairs while recording their work and maintaining a log of their activities in a hands-free manner in real-time. Furthermore, HMDs can be used to collaborate with other repair technicians and to access instructional diagrams, images, step-by-step instructions, schematics, and videos.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to methods and systems to assist technicians to execute and record repairs via head mounted displays. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods and systems for technicians to access historical data via head mounted displays located on head mounted displays and on networked systems. 
         [0002]    Unless otherwise indicated herein, materials described in this application are not prior art to the claims in this application. Current day personal computing devices including laptops, smartphones, tablets and countless Internet enabled devices have become increasingly prevalent. However, most repair technicians do not fully leverage available computing technologies and devices that can be operated in a hands-free manner. With the introduction of head mounted displays (HMD), heads up displays (HUD), and near eye displays (NED) in conjunction with special methods and networked systems, this gap can be bridged. The present invention will empower repair technicians to record their work and assist them to execute repairs, leverage computers, access archives, submit billing, communicate with headquarters and other parties, and benefit from network services via a hands-free and convenient manner. HMDs may be used for recording work, inventory lookup, step-by-step repair instructions, work order lookup &amp; history lookup, running diagnostics, training certifications, general training, billing applications, communications with offices, other businesses and customers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The features, methods and systems of the present invention may be practiced alone or in combination. Furthermore, the foregoing summary of features, methods and systems are described as examples. They are only illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Repair technicians can use HMDs to record their work and maintain a log of inspections and/or repairs. Repair technicians can use HMDs to provide repair assessments, inspections, quotes, and billing information. Repair technicians can use HMDs to execute repairs to assist them by collaborating in real-time with other repair technicians and by utilizing text, images, audio, and/or video. Repair technicians with network connected HMDs may access network systems offering historical repair information including audio commands, diagrams, images, step-by-step instructions, schematics, and/or videos. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    In order that the present invention may be more clearly ascertained, some embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a head mounted display in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0006]      FIGS. 2 through 4  illustrate several embodiments of head mounted displays and how humans may wear the head mounted display in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  illustrates several embodiments of head mount displays connecting to other devices via a multiplicity of networking options in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 6  illustrates the ability to use HMDs to identify a multiplicity of vehicles of transportation, process unique identification information and record videos during the repair of the vehicles; 
           [0009]      FIG. 7  illustrates the main build-in hardware modules of a head mounted display used for processing, memory storage, memory logic, networking, and display; 
           [0010]      FIG. 8  illustrates the main built-in input, output and orientation modules in the head mounted display in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 9  illustrates the main built-in application modules in the head mounted display in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 10  illustrates methods to help repair technicians execute and record repairs using head mounted displays and access centralized storage of repair history using networks; 
           [0013]      FIG. 11  illustrates methods to identify vehicles using head mounted displays; 
           [0014]      FIG. 12  illustrates methods to generate repair estimates and process repair estimates via networks; 
           [0015]      FIG. 13  illustrates methods to record repairs, communicate status with headquarters, and keep customers updated using head mounted displays and networks; 
           [0016]      FIG. 14  illustrates methods to generate additional repair estimates and process additional repair estimates via networks, communicate status with headquarters, and keep customers updated using head mounted displays and networks; 
           [0017]      FIG. 15  illustrates methods to assist technicians collaborate, run repair diagnostics, and activate emergency alarms; 
           [0018]      FIG. 16  illustrates methods to help repair technicians communicate status with headquarters using head mounted displays, keep customers and 3rd parties updated via networks, and process invoices using networks; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 17  illustrates methods to process invoices, notify customers, provide customers with recorded repair videos, and accept feedback via networks. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The present invention relates to methods and systems to help repair technicians execute and record repairs and centralized storage of repair history using a head mounted display (HMD) and networks. With the introduction of head mounted displays (HMDs), heads up displays (HUDs), near eye displays (NEDs), and eye displays (EDs) in conjunction with special methods and systems, these technologies may be used to help streamline the check-in of a vehicle for servicing. Furthermore, the methods of leveraging hands-free recording of vehicle repair work using a HMD may be used to help improve quality of service for customers and vehicle dealerships. 
         [0021]    The following detailed description describes features, functions, methods, and systems of the present invention with references to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components. The illustrations in the figures, methods, and systems can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a variety of different configurations without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. They are not meant to be limiting and aspects of the figures, methods, and systems can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations. In certain instances, well known processes and steps have not been described in detail in order to maintain focus on the aspects, features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description in connection with the accompanying drawing(s). It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the present invention provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. All features disclosed in this description may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined herein and equivalents thereto. Hence, use of absolute and/or sequential terms, such as, for example, “will,” “will not,” “shall,” “shall not,” “must,” “must not,” “first,” “initially,” “next,” “subsequently,” “before,” “after,” “lastly,” and “finally,” are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention as the embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates one exemplary HMD device  100  which may be used to display text, images and video in the exemplary projection  170  of the HMD. This example of one embodiment of a HMD includes a speaker module  110 , WIFI (aka wireless) networking module  120 , a touchpad module  130 , a microphone module  140 , a still and video camera module  150 , and a light module  160 . The aforementioned modules may be included in any order and in any number in the example HMD. 
         [0023]      FIGS. 2 through 4  illustrate examples of how a human  200  may wear HMD devices  210 ,  215 ,  220 ,  225 ,  230 ,  235 ,  240 ,  245 ,  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265 ,  270 ,  310 ,  315 ,  320 ,  325 ,  330 ,  335 ,  340 ,  345 ,  350 ,  355 ,  360 ,  365 ,  370 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 ,  430 ,  435 ,  440 ,  445 ,  450 ,  455 ,  460 ,  465 , and  470 . HMDs may be operated by a human  200 , mounted on the head with HMD display capabilities and other modules on both the left and right sides in stereo as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , on the right side as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , or on the left side as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  illustrates the ability to use a HMD  100  to connect to external compute devices, storage devices, smart devices and networks. Examples include connections via Bluetooth, WIFI, LAN, WAN, and Radio to devices including a smartwatch  500 , smartglass(es) or HMDs  510 , smartphone  520 , smart tablet or tablet  530 , smart monitor or all-in-one computer  540 , laptop  550 , personal computer  560 , and server  570 . HMDs may connect to the aforementioned devices in local locations within Intranets and remote locations within Internets using networks/Clouds  580 . HMDs connected to these external devices may leverage additional resources for computing, storage, user identification, and increased network throughput. 
         [0025]      FIG. 6  illustrates the ability to use a HMD  100  to identify a multiplicity of vehicles of transportation, process unique identification information and record videos during the repair of the vehicles. Examples include; a train  600 , boat  610 , bus  620 , automobile or car  630 , airplane  640 , commercial building  650 , and residential building  660 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 7  illustrates the main built-in hardware modules or components in a HMD  100  including a processor  700  for program execution, memory data  710  for data storage, memory logic  720  for application loading and execution, network radio  730  for communications, network wireless  740  for communications, and display optics  750  to display, project and reflect text and images. These modules will be leveraged by the present invention allowing users to communicate, view, edit, record, replay, sign, and manage recordings. 
         [0027]      FIG. 8  illustrates the main input, output and orientation modules or components inherent in a HMD  100  including a camera  800 , display  805 , microphone  810 , scanner  815 , speaker  820 , touch pad  825 , location sensor  830 , motion sensor  835 , magnetometer  840 , orientation sensor  845 , gyroscope  850 , light  855 , and WIFI (aka wireless) network communication module  860 . These modules will be leveraged by the present invention allowing users to communicate, listen, view, edit, record, replay, sign, and manage repair recordings. 
         [0028]      FIG. 9  illustrates the main built-in application modules or components provided by a HMD  100  including an audio player  900 , audio recorder  905 , biometric scanner  910 , camera application  915 , document editor  920 , document viewer  925 , email application  930 , file system  935 , GPS system  940 , image display  945 , speech to text  950 , text to display  955 , text to speech  960 , touch pad application  965 , video application  970 , and video display  975 . These modules will be leveraged by the present invention allowing users to communicate, listen, view, edit, record, replay, sign, and manage repair recordings. 
         [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates the overall end-to-end process how the HMD  100  may be used including the steps where the CUST (Customer) brings the vehicle to the HQ (Headquarters/Repair Facility)  1000 , a RE (Repair Estimate) is created via the HMD  1010 , the RE is converted to an RO (Repair Order) via the NET (Network)  1010 , the vehicle status is provided after the RO is generated  1020 , a RB (Repair Bay) is allocated  1040 , a RP (Repair Person) is allocated  1050 , the RP reviews the RO  1060 , the RP starts working on the RO  1070 . Examples of the RP work may include inspections, general maintenance, specific service and repairs. The RP completes working on the RO  1080 , and the CUST picks up the vehicle  1090 . The overall end-to-end process may be applied to the HQ&#39;s existing and new inventory control system and accounting system. 
         [0030]      FIG. 11  illustrates the steps where the CUST bringing a vehicle to the HQ. Upon arrival of the vehicle, the SP (Service Person) will scan the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or LP (License Plate) via HMD  1110 . Thereafter, the VIN or LP will be processed to bring up the CUST repairs, warranties and recalls as outlined in step  1120 . The SP will discuss with the CUST if there are any additional repairs and if so, the SP will add them to the RO. 
         [0031]      FIG. 12  illustrates the steps where the vehicle RE is generated  1210  and reviewed by the CUST. The CUST may decide to fully accept the RE  1220 , partially accept the RE  1230  or fully decline the RE  1240 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 13  illustrates the steps where the RP notifies HQ via the HMD the repair has started  1310 , after which, the CUST is notified via the NET the repair has started  1320 . The RP may record the repair work for live and/or on-demand video via the HMD  1330 . The CUST may receive repair work notifications via the NET  1340 . The CUST may view the live and/or on-demand video via the NET  1350 . During the repair work, the RP may discover additional vehicle repair and/or parts are required  1360 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 14  illustrates the steps where the RP discovers additional vehicle repair and/or parts are required  1400 , after which the RP notifies HQ via the HMD additional repairs and/or parts are required  1405 . HQ generates an additional RE via the NET  1410  and HQ notifies CUST about additional RE via the NET and requests a response  1415 . If requested by CUST, HQ allocates an SP to contact CUST  1420 . SP contacts CUST  1425 . CUST fully accepts additional RE  1430 , CUST partially additional accept RE  1445 , CUST fully declines additional RE  1455 , or CUST fully declines additional RE and original RE  1460 . If the CUST fully accepts RE, an additional RE is added to the RO  1435 . If the CUST partially accepts the RE, an additional RE is added to the RO  1450 . During these steps the RO may discover collaboration is required for the RO  1490  with the CUST. 
         [0034]      FIG. 15  illustrates the steps during the process of the RP working on the additional RE, the RP discovers collaboration is required for the RO. RP notifies other party via HMD  1510 . Examples of the RP work may include inspections, general maintenance, specific service and repairs. RP collaborates via the HMD  1520  and the collaboration is recorded for training and other purposes  1530 . The RP may discover diagnostics are required  1540 . The RP my run diagnostic tests via the HMD  1550 . RP may discover an emergency  1560 . RP may activate an emergency alarm via the HMD  1570 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 16  illustrates the steps where the RP notifies HQ via the HMD about the RO being completed  1605 . HQ closes the completed RO via the NET  1610 . HQ notifies CUST via the NET the RO is completed  1615 . HQ processes video feeds via NET  1620 . HQ sends completed RO and video feed links via NET  1625 . HQ sends RO and video feeds to HQ records department via NET  1630 . HQ sends RO to vehicle manufacturer via NET  1635 . HQ sends RO to insurance company via NET  1640 . HQ sends RO and video feeds to OptoRepair Company  1645 . HQ calculates CUST invoice via NET  1650 . HQ sends CUST invoice to the CUST via NET  1655 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 17  illustrates the steps where HQ sends CUST invoice to the CUST via NET. HQ sends notification via NET to CUST and requests a response  1710 . If requested by CUST, HQ will allocate a SP to contact the CUST  1720  and the SP will contact the CUST  1730 . HQ receives invoice payment via NET or CUST  1740 . HQ sends video feed link to CUST  1750 . CUST will review the video feed and may leave feedback  1760 . 
         [0037]    While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed in the present invention, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. The true scope and spirit are indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. 
         [0038]    While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.