Abstract:
A system for vehicle title reassignment for vehicles has first and second tables of qualification. The first table defines a definable set of rules for selecting a state to retitle a vehicle responsive to a plurality of input parameters. The second table defines a second definable set of rules for selecting a title brand to retitle the vehicle responsive to the plurality of input parameters. A processor includes an instruction set for configuring the processor to perform a variety of actions. The set of instructions further define an application program interface and automated title system processing logic. The application program interface receives a plurality of input parameters related to at least one vehicle. The plurality of input parameters include at least a total loss decision parameter and a severity of damage rating parameter. The automated title system processing logic controls the processor to select a state in which to retitle a vehicle and a title brand in which to retitle the vehicle responsive to the plurality of input parameters, the first definable set of rules of the first table of qualifications and the second definable set of rules of the second table of qualifications. The automated title processing logic further controls the processor to generated a title change request responsive to the selected state and title brand and transmit the title change request to a governmental entity.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/289,639, entitled AUTOMATED TITLE DECISION MAKER, filed on Feb. 1, 2016 (Atty. Dkt. No. CPRT-33438), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the reassignment of title of an assigned vehicle, this could be, but is not limited to a claim by an insurance company, and more particularly, for automatically generating and confirming title reassignment decisions and confirming title reassignment paperwork. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    When a vehicle is assigned, there may be a need to have the title reassigned. The retitling process is a complex and labor intensive process that requires a large number of man-hours in order to properly retitle the vehicle. A further problem arises in the subjective aspect of the retitling process. In the instance of an insurance company total loss, one individual when reviewing factors may reach a first conclusion with respect to the vehicle retitling process while a second individual reviewing the same factors may come to a different conclusion. This can result in inconsistencies between similarly total loss vehicles and cause questioning of results when similar factors are resulting in differing decisions. Thus, a means for more efficiently and accurately retitling of a vehicle after it is deemed a total loss by the insurance company would be of great benefit. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present invention, as disclosed and described herein, in one aspect thereof comprises a system for vehicle title reassignment vehicles has a first and second tables of qualification. The first table defines a definable set of rules for selecting a state to retitle a vehicle responsive to a plurality of input parameters. The second table defines a second definable set of rules for selecting a title brand to retitle the vehicle responsive to the plurality of input parameters. A processor operates according to an instruction set for configuring the processor to perform a variety of actions. The set of instructions further define an application program interface and automated title system processing logic. The application program interface receives a plurality of input parameters related to at least one vehicle. The plurality of input parameters include at least a total loss decision parameter and a severity of damage rating parameter. The automated title system processing logic controls the processor to select a state in which to retitle a vehicle and a title brand in which to retitle the vehicle responsive to the plurality of input parameters, the first definable set of rules of the first table of qualifications and the second definable set of rules of the second table of qualifications. The automated title processing logic further controls the processor to generated a title change request responsive to the selected state and title brand and transmit the title change request to a governmental entity. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates various factors processed by the automated title processing system to generate assignment of state and brand of a title; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram illustrating the main portions of the automated title processing system; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a more detailed block diagram of the automated title processing system; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a branding review screen associated with the automated title processing system; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a title transmittal screen associated with an automated title processing system; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate one embodiment of an exception review screen associated with an automated title processing system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flow diagram of the process for generating state title and title brand designations; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram of the process for confirming generated DMV paperwork matches requested title transfer information; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  illustrates a rule table of the system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various views and embodiments of an automated title processing system are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments. 
         [0016]    When a vehicle has been assigned, title for the vehicle may pass from the owner to the insurance company or salvage company that is processing the vehicle. In order for this transfer of title to happen, the vehicle must be retitled. Retitling of the vehicle is controlled by a number of rules and laws that require a great deal of time and user input in order to accurately retitled the vehicle to the appropriate party. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is generally illustrated an automated title system  102 . The automated title system  102  includes a processor  103  configured by a set of instructions within a memory  105  for receiving a number of input parameters enabling the selection of a state of title for a vehicle and a title brand for the title of the vehicle. Examples of input parameters for determining a title state and brand for a title include, but are not limited to, a total loss decision  104 , a severity of damage rating  106 , and usable parts ratings  108 . The total loss decision  104  provides an indication that a vehicle has been deemed a total loss by the assigning company. An indication of a total loss decision  104  is required in order for the title reassignment process to be initiated. The severity of damage rating  106  is used as an indication of the degree of damage to different parts of the vehicle and the vehicle as a whole that is being retitled. Based upon the severity of damage ratings decisions as to the type of title allowed by the state may be determined. Usable parts rating  108  provides an indication of the ability to use parts off of the vehicle as used replacement parts for other vehicles or for sale as replacement parts. Utilizing each of these input parameters, the automated title system  102  processor is able to make a state title decision  110  relating to the state the vehicle is to be retitled and a brand of title decision  110 . 
         [0017]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a block diagram generally illustrating major components of an automated title decision processing system  202  implemented using the processor  103  and associated memory  105  that may be used for properly reassigning the title of a vehicle. A variety of information controlling the retitling process is input through application program interface  204  from various input sources. The input data  206  may come from a number of different sources such as the assigning company, salvage company, state regulations, etc. This input data  206  comprises various categories for example, vehicle details such as age of vehicle, vehicle type, make of vehicle, model of vehicle; vehicle condition such as damage type, severity of damage, ACV (actual cash valve), damage estimate; location details of vehicle such as title state of vehicle, policy state of vehicle, location state of vehicle; and market trends such as the scrap price of vehicle. This list of input details  206  is only illustrative and it will be appreciated that other factors and parameters may be used in determinations of the assignment retitling process. 
         [0018]    The input data  206  is provided from the API  204  to state/brand logic  208 . The state/brand logic  208  makes determinations on the state the vehicle is to be retitled to and the title brand in which the vehicle is to be retitled. This process will be more fully described herein below. Once the decisions have been made relating to the state in which a vehicle should be titled and the title brand for the title, this information is used to generate a title change request that is provided to official governmental agencies for processing through the API  204 . 
         [0019]    The automated decision title processing system  202  additionally includes OCR matching circuitry  210 . The OCR matching circuitry  210  receives generated title documents  212  from state titling agencies such as the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) through the API  204 . The OCR matching circuitry  210  compares the received official documents with the title transfer request provided to the state agencies through the API  204  to confirm the accuracy of the received official documentation. 
         [0020]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is provided a more detailed block diagram of the automated title decision processing system  202 . The automated title decision processing system  202  interacts with the external world through an application program interface (API)  302 . The API  302  receives all input parameters that are used in the titling decision process and transmits and receives title change request documents and generated title paperwork. The title state logic  304  is responsible for determining a state in which a vehicle is to be retitled. The state retitling decision is controlled by a table of qualifications  306  stored within a memory  308 . Particular vehicles associated with the claim are identified within the logic  304  by a reference number that has been provided by the assigning company representative. The title state logic  304  uses a definable rule system to determine the correct title state. The rule system is defined by the table of qualifications  306  and is responsive to information such as the current title state, the loss date, the sale state, etc. that is defined and maintained by the assigning company within the table of qualifications state  306  through the API  302 . The title state logic  304  additionally relies upon vehicle rating information and part information provided by the salvage company through the API  302 . 
         [0021]    After the title state is determined, title brand logic  312  determines the brand of the title that is to be applied for in the newly generated title transfer. The title brand logic  312  controls the title brand selection based upon a table of qualifications brand  314  stored within the memory  308 . The title brand logic  312  utilizes a rule system defined by the table of qualifications brand  314  title brand. Examples of title brands include clean, parts only, salvage, etc. The rule set  314  will rely upon information such as current ACV thresholds, the certificate state, primary damage to the vehicle, damage severity, etc. This information within the rule set  314  may be set and maintained by the assigning company through the API  302 . The information relating to damage severity may be provided through a damage image recognition system  310 . The damage image recognition system  310  uses image recognition processing to determine the severity of damage to a vehicle. By utilizing image processing technology and previously stored database images of vehicle damage the severity of damage may be determined and provided to the brand logic  312 . 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is illustrated an example of the qualifications table  314  that may be stored within a memory  308 . While  FIG. 9  illustrates title branding rules, state title selection rules would be in a similar format. A number of rules are illustrated that each have a title description  902  to identify them. The particular state, in this case Wisconsin, associated with the rule is illustrated in column  904 . Columns  906  and  908  illustrate the “model year to” and “model year from” that is associated with the model year range to which the rule applies. Columns  910  and  912  provide an indication of the range of repair estimates associated with the rule. Based upon the indicated rules conditions the recommended title brand  914  may be given examples of these brands include clean, junked vehicle bill of sale, salvage, etc. By using rule sets for the table of qualifications  306 ,  314  more consistency may be achieved in the titling decisions. 
         [0023]    Once a title state has been selected by the title state logic  304  and a title brand has been selected for the title, transmittal logic  316  is utilized for approving the selected state and title brand, generating a title change request and transmitting the title change request to governmental entities such as the DMV. The transmittal logic  316  includes an override option that enables an individual to review the state title selection and brand title selection and change them to a different selection. The ability to override selections of the title state and title brand are established by a user access level designation within the transmittal logic  316 . Thus, all individuals may not have the ability to override a selection on their own authority. 
         [0024]    One example of a branding review screen is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this case, the branding review screen  402  relates to a 1991 Acura Integra having a claim number 11-519Q-541. The screen includes the VIN number  404  of the vehicle and the selected title state  406  of Illinois. With respect to this particular vehicle, a branding recommendation  408  of salvage certificate has been made. By clicking on the edit button  410 , the recommended title state  406  and/or branding title  408  may be re-selected by the individual reviewing the recommendations. Alternatively, by clicking on the submit button  412  the recommended or edited title state  406  and title brand  408  are forwarded for the generation of a title request for transmission to a governmental entity. 
         [0025]    Referring now also to  FIG. 5 , once the transmittal logic  316  has generated the title transfer request the information associated with the title transfer request is provided for review by an individual via a transmittal screen  502 . The transmittal screen includes all of the relevant information concerning the title transfer that will be provided to the DMV. The individual may then transmit the title transmittal request by clicking on a send button  504 . Transmission of the title request also causes the transmitted title information that has been generated to be stored with other generated title transfer requests  318  within memory  308 . The generated title transfer requests  318  are saved for comparison with the information received back from the DMV in the future. 
         [0026]    Based upon the title transfer request information the DMV will generate a new title and associated documentation that is transmitted back and may be entered into the automated title transfer system  202  through the application user interface  202 . Using OCR system  320 , the received new title documentation may be scanned/entered and have optical character recognition performed thereon. Additionally, the previously transmitted title information stored within the generated title transfer requests  318  may be OCR processed. The received title transfer documentation and OCR processed data are stored within a received title transmittal database  322  within the memory  318 . Matching logic  324  compares the OCR received title information within the received title transmittals  322  with the generated title transfer requests stored within database  318 . The matching logic  324  generates an indication of the level of match between the received and transmitted information. A 100% match of the information causes approval of the new title and enables sale of the associated vehicle. When the percentage match falls below a predetermined level, for example 80%, the received title information is automatically rejected and a new title transfer request or correction request is generated by the transmittal logic  316  for transmission back to the DMV through the API to correct the title. When the percentage match falls between 100% and the predetermined percentage, the received title information is provided for review to an individual by the system  202 . This review may take the form of exception report  602  such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The exception report would indicate the discrepancies between the received information in the transmitted information and enable an individual to make a determination of whether or not to accept the provided title. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is illustrated a flow diagram describing the process for generating a title transfer request for transmission to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other appropriate governmental entity. Initially, the claim and vehicle information are received at step  702  via the API  302  of the automated title decision processing system  202 . Additionally, vehicle rating information may be received at step  704  through the API  302  providing damage and other information with respect to the vehicle. Based upon this information, the title state logic  304  will generate a state title designation at step  706  utilizing the table of qualifications  306 . Next, a title brand designation is generated at step  708  using the title brand logic  312  in conjunction with the table of qualifications  314 . 
         [0028]    Once the state title designation and title brand designation have been determined, they are provided to an individual to determine whether to accept the generated designations. Inquiry step  710  determines if there is a title override of either of the state title or title brand designations using the transmittal logic  360 . If so, a new state or brand designation is entered at step  712 . If a title override is not to generated, control passes on to step  714  and a selection of the assigning company for the vehicle is made. The user is prompted to select the assigning company name from a pre-populated drop-down list maintained within the system. Selected assigning company name indicates the party to whom the title is to be transferred. The transmittal logic  316  uses this information to generate a title transfer request at step  716 , and the generated title transfer request is transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles at step  718  via the API  302 . 
         [0029]    Based upon the title transfer request, the Department of Motor Vehicles will generate a title transfer and associated documentation. Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is illustrated the process for confirming the documentation and information included within the title transfer is consistent with the title transfer request. The DMV paperwork including the title transfer is received by the system  202  over the API  302  at step  802 . The received paperwork is OCR processed at step  804  using the OCR system  320 . The OCRed information from the received paperwork is compared at step  806  with the originally transmitted title transfer request stored in database  322  using match logic  324 . The match logic  324  will determine a match rate at step  808  between the received title transfer documentation from database  322  and the generated title transfer request in database  318 . 
         [0030]    Inquiry step  810  determines if the match rate between the received and transmitted documents is 100%. If so, the title transfer documents are approved at step  812  and the vehicle may be scheduled for auction at step  814 . If inquiry step  810  determines that the match rate is not 100%, inquiry step  816  determines if the match rate is greater than 80% (or other predetermined percentage). If so, the information is sent for an exception review at step  818  that provides for a display of the information and a determination by an individual to accept or not accept the title documentation with errors. Inquiry step  820  determines whether the user accepted or rejected the incorrect title information. If accepted, control passes to step  812  for approval of the title. If the incorrect title information is rejected, the paperwork is returned through the API for correction at step  822  using a subsequent title transfer request. If inquiry step  816  determines that the match rate is not greater than 80%, the title paperwork is returned for correction at step  822  to the DMV via the API  302 . 
         [0031]    Thus, using the described system, the generation of requests for title transfers of assigned vehicles may be more efficiently and quickly generated. Additionally, received title transfer paperwork may be quickly checked for accuracy when received back from governmental entities and compared to the originally transmitted title transfer request. This can greatly speed up the retitling of a vehicle and better manage its retitling. 
         [0032]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this an automated title processing system provides an unimproved manner for reassigning vehicle title. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.