Abstract:
An electronic system for the customization, visualization, integration, purchase, and acquisition of a vehicle from a vehicle manufacturer. The system is implemented on a computer server or equivalent device, where the server, operated by the manufacturer, is accessible over the internet via a suitable end-user operated computing device, the server generating a menu driven visual interface viewable on the computing device. The system allows for all aspects of a customized vehicle purchase to be performed by the user, substantially streamlining the selection and acquisition process. The system can be interfaced with third party parts databases, allowing for incorporation of parts from a variety of manufacturers.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to electronic commerce. More specifically, it relates to a system for performing virtual customized vehicle design including component allocation and pricing; as well as financing, purchase, negotiation, and final acquisition using an internet capable computing device. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    With the development of electronic commerce in recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the availability and sophistication of commercial websites specializing in the sale and distribution of various products and services. These websites typically have software interfaces which allow consumers, or potential consumers, to browse products and services prior to selecting and finalizing a sale for a particular product, service, or combination of products. For certain products, specifically those which are customizable by the addition or subtraction of various components or subcomponents, it is desirable to provide an interface which allows the user to select the various components to be assembled, and/or added or subtracted to an underlying base product. The more sophisticated of such interfaces also allow the user to visualize a completed version of the product, while also providing information on the pricing of the product. 
         [0005]    Still other interfaces associated with commercial sites allow for performing various actions relating to the completion of a transaction for the sale of customized goods and services including various methods for payment. However, these interfaces have limited capability for allowing a user to perform all of the necessary steps for customizing a product such as a vehicle, as there are many issues which arise from the acquisition and integration of disparate components from a plurality of manufacturers and/or dealers, primarily issues involving the price, availability, and even compatibility of components selected for inclusion with the final product, as well as the price and availability of the completed product. A single interface which allows a user to resolve all of these issues is the primary object of the invention. 
         [0006]    The following known prior art has been directed to providing a summary of the various systems of the prior art. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,353,192 issued to Ellis et al., discloses a system which allows for customizing a vehicle and viewing a virtual image of the vehicle prior to purchase. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,542,925 issued to Tung discloses a system for customizing a plurality of domestic environments, complete with visualization of completed environments, which allows a user to select and have shipped a desired combination of furniture and interior decor items. 
         [0009]    None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Briefly, the invention comprises an electronic system for the customization, visualization, integration, purchase, and acquisition of a vehicle; the system implemented on a computer server or equivalent device, where the server is accessible over the interne via a suitable end-user operated computing device, the server generating a menu driven visual interface viewable on the computing device. The system allows for all aspects of a customized vehicle purchase to be performed by the user, substantially streamlining the selection and acquisition process. Once a vehicle is selected using the system interface, a three dimensional simulation is presented on the user device, along with an additional menu for selecting various components to be added to the vehicle. Selected components are displayed positioned at the appropriate position on or within the vehicle, the system automatically configuring the view most suitable for providing a realistic virtual image of the component in situ. In addition, the system will show the manufacturer&#39;s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the vehicle as currently configured, with the price updated in real time as components are added/deleted. The system can be configured for direct access by the user or for access through a dealer website, where, in the latter case, an adjusted price based on a particular dealer&#39;s pricing schedule will be displayed. Once all components are selected, the system will interface with the vehicle manufacturer&#39;s inventory database to search the inventory to ensure chosen component parts/options are in stock and if not, expected date of receipt, and reserve the chosen component parts/options and schedule the vehicle in the manufacturer&#39;s production schedule. If the system is accessed through a dealer website, the interface will then offer an opportunity to negotiate a final sales price with the dealer, offer financing and payment options either through the manufacture&#39;s or dealer&#39;s financing options, and at the end of the process provide an electronic and/or print out of a sales agreement. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a comprehensive system for performing virtual customized vehicle design including component allocation and pricing; as well as financing, purchase, negotiation, and final acquisition using an interne capable computing device. 
         [0012]    It is a major object of this invention to provide a comprehensive system for performing virtual customized vehicle design which can be used to design any motor vehicle including, but not limited to, automobiles, motorcycles, and RVs. 
         [0013]    It is another object to provide a comprehensive system for performing virtual customized vehicle design which can be implemented through a dealer website. 
         [0014]    It is another object to provide a comprehensive system for performing virtual customized vehicle design which allows for the inclusion of both components available from the manufacturer of a particular vehicle and compatible components from other manufacturers. 
         [0015]    It is another object to provide a comprehensive system for performing virtual customized vehicle design which allows the user to access price and availability of selected components. 
         [0016]    It is another object to provide a comprehensive system for performing virtual customized vehicle design which allows for display of a realistic three dimensional virtual image of a selected vehicle including real time depiction of the vehicle as various components are added/deleted. 
         [0017]    It is another object to provide a comprehensive system for performing virtual customized vehicle design which allows for negotiating a final sales price for a customized vehicle. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the invention to provide a comprehensive system for performing virtual customized vehicle design where a manufacturer builds custom vehicles exclusively in accordance with the method of the invention to substantially reduce parts inventory. 
         [0019]    Finally, it is a general goal of the invention to provide improved elements and components thereof in a system for the purposes described which is fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
         [0020]    Thus it can be seen that the potential fields of use for this invention are myriad and the particular preferred embodiment described herein is in no way meant to limit the use of the invention to the particular field chosen for exposition of the details of the invention. 
         [0021]    A comprehensive listing of all the possible fields to which this invention may be applied is limited only by the imagination and is therefore not provided herein. Some of the more obvious applications are mentioned herein in the interest of providing a full and complete disclosure of the unique properties of this previously unknown general purpose article of manufacture. It is to be understood from the outset that the scope of this invention is not limited to these fields or to the specific examples of potential uses presented hereinafter. 
         [0022]    These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
         [0023]    The present invention meets or exceeds all the above objects and goals. Upon further study of the specification and appended claims, further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an image of a vehicle shown on a product display screen to be customized in accordance with the inventive system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a graphical representation of the overall system of the invention illustrating the interconnection of the various computing resources necessary to perform the several functions of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart of the system of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a representation of a webpage associated with the system of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a representation of a webpage associated with the system of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a representation of a webpage associated with the system of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a representative vehicle displayed on a simulated webpage, generally designated by the numeral  10 , is shown, the vehicle  10  to be customized and, if desired, purchased using the system of the present invention. The vehicle  10  can be modified both cosmetically and mechanically to enhance either aesthetics or performance or both. A key aspect of the invention is that a vehicle may be customized by the addition or removal of external and internal components using the system of the invention, with the resulting change in appearance, if any, being viewable on a product display screen transmitted to a user operated computing device or terminal  12 . In accordance with the method of the invention, the customized vehicle  10  would be available directly from a vehicle manufacturer (Ford, GM), where the manufacturer includes the selected components prior to shipping to a dealer selected by the user as described below. It can be appreciated that the vehicle manufacturer is in the best position to determine the compatibility of customizing components, and is therefore best able to choose the components from a wide variety of available components which can be most effectively integrated with a given vehicle. 
         [0032]    With particular reference to  FIG. 2 , the system  14  may be provided as software for use with a host data processing or computing facility  18 . Single user operated computing devices such as a PC  12  may be selectively connected by one or more electronic networks  19  to various remote computing resources  16 , including the host computing facility  18  of the present invention, either by wire or wirelessly via, e.g., the internet or world wide web  19 . The computing devices  12  are operated by users authorized by the e.g., automobile manufacturer or dealer, to access system  14 , the level of access granted being variable. Typically, a user will not have full access to the system  14  until registering with the system and providing at least some identification, the details of the registration process being outside of the scope of this application. However, prior to accessing the system, the user will have to enter at least some data, including at least first and last name, e-mail address, phone number, street address including zip code, with the system  14  including a log in screen (not shown) displayable on the user terminal  12  to allow for the entry of the data. This minimal entry of data will limit casual price shopping to preserve system  14  computing resources, and can also be used by the system to determine delivery times and dealer locations as will be described in more detail later. 
         [0033]    The host computing facility  18 , which is of course typically operated by an entity engaged in the business of providing computing services and associated software to commercial entities (manufacturers of vehicles in the present example) engaged in interstate commerce as noted above, may include one or more servers  21  for volume data and program storage, including the software application necessary to implement the system  14 , and allows for inputting, accessing, (i.e. data capture), and editing all data necessary to allow the user of, e.g., a PC  12  to select, customize, and finally purchase an automobile. At least one intelligent client associated with the servers  21  allows for limited and secure access to the servers  21 . The host computing facility  18  allows for selectively accessing the remote computing resources  16  (e.g., manufacturer&#39;s servers for aftermarket manufacturers of the various components) for performing the various tasks associated with the system  14 , the resources  16  providing data relating to price, availability, compatibility, as well as other information necessary for the implementation of the system  14  as will be explained in more detail later. System administrators associated with computing facility  18  serve as a human interface to the system  10  and perform various tasks such as upgrading software, hardware maintenance, and communicating various reports and messages to users, including those associated with the manufacturer and or dealer of automobiles, or aftermarket manufacturers, as is known in the art. 
         [0034]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the vehicle  10  is represented as a three dimensional image which may be from an actual photograph. In any event, the image of the vehicle  10  would be made as realistic as possible using CAD/CAM techniques as is known in the art. The vehicle  10  to be customized includes many interior and exterior components. By way of an example, two such components, the grill  30  and rims  32  are to be selected for customization by the user of PC  12 . The display screen or webpage  33  displaying the selected vehicle includes various icons/textboxes to allow the user to navigate the selection and customization process. A column of textboxes  34 ,  36  includes identifying indicia appropriate to the component to be considered by the user. In the present example two textboxes  34 ,  36  are shown, but in practice many will be displayed corresponding to a complete list of components which can be added to the particular vehicle selected. The list of components available for any particular vehicle will of course vary, as will the textboxes  34 ,  36  and the underlying links. The user can request to view a selected component by clicking (with a computer mouse or equivalent webpage navigating device available for the end user device  12 ) on a particular textbox, for example textbox  34  labeled grills, which allows the user to navigate to another webpage displaying actual images, e.g. JPEG photos, of an array of grills  30  available for the particular vehicle  10  selected. The navigation process will be a function of underlying “links”, i.e. URLs associated with data processing resources  18 ,  16  of the manufacturer of the particular component selected. Clicking on the textbox  34  will thus cause the user to navigate to a webpage hosted by data processing resource  18 , the webpage having a plurality of components displayed thereon. The user can then double click on the photo of a particular one of the components whereupon a link to a complete virtual or actual image of the component is made. The image is accompanied by text data indicating price, availability, manufacturer, and model no. of the selected grill  30  and is displayed in block  35 , after the user is automatically navigated back to the webpage  33 . If, for example the user selects grills  30 , then all grills  30  available for the selected vehicle are shown, including those available from the manufacturer of the selected vehicle  10 . If the grill  30  selected is available from an aftermarket manufacturer, then the user will be navigated to a resource  16  corresponding to the aftermarket manufacturer so that the selected grill image is displayed in block  35 , though this process can be transparent to the user as is known in the art. If the user decides to add a particular grill  30 , the image of the grill  30  may be double clicked which, after returning to webpage  33  and displaying the image of the component in block  35 , also causes a display of a virtual image of the vehicle  10  with the selected grill  30 . This action is repeated for every component to be selected until the user completes the customization process. It should be noted that all aspects of the vehicle configuration will be customizable using the web interface  33  as shown in  FIG. 1  including, but not limited to, vehicle color, engine size, interior treatments, rims, tires, grills, hood ornaments, spoilers etc. Also, in the case of interior treatments, which includes dashboard and console configurations, materials, trim, and seat and floor mat colors, a simulation of the vehicle interior will be shown, the display being facilitated by way of a suitable CAD/CAM program configured in accordance with the specific requirements of the system of the invention. For example, if the user chooses a full complement of oval gauges, with walnut trim, black leather seats, and gold floor mats, the display in  FIG. 1  will display, with sufficient resolution and detail, the selected vehicle interior with the layout as modified by the components chosen. The particular component under consideration (i.e., the most recent component selected) will be displayed in box  35 , with the text data as described above. 
         [0035]    The image displayed in box  35  will include the estimated delivery time to the manufacturer of the vehicle  10  of the selected component. It can be appreciated that the system  14  of the invention would require some cooperation of the vehicle manufacturer with manufacturers of various aftermarket components, including compatibility of image data associated with the aftermarket components as displayed on the computing resources  16  associated with the aftermarket manufacturers, as well as compensation agreements and any other arrangements to ensure the efficient delivery of a selected component as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. The delivery time of a selected component is viewable by the user of device  12 . Also, the user can click on a particular part of the vehicle  10  as displayed in  FIG. 1  to display a particular component in box  35 . For example, the user can position the navigating device on wheels  32  to display a selected component for wheels  32  in box  35 . Thus, the user can view image and availability data of each component selected in box  35 , with the default image in box  35  being the last component added. If the user is not satisfied with the delivery date or the appearance of a selected component, she can choose another component. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  a flowchart illustrating the method of the invention is shown. It should be noted that while the invention is implemented as software on a computer server  18  in communication with an end user device  12 , the final result, in the event of a purchase, is a customized vehicle which may be an automobile, motorcycle, RV, SUV, or boat. Thus the invention is equally applicable to virtually any commodity which is modifiable by the addition or removal of components having an impact on the overall aesthetic or functional qualities of the commodity. The term block or step are used interchangeably and are considered equivalent. The first step of the invention after the initialization of a web browser on the user device  12  is the display of the web page provided by the, e.g., manufacturer of a vehicle to be purchased, which web page prompts the user for the type and model of the vehicle to be customized as shown in block  102 . Once the user (the term user hereinafter referring to the user of the end user device  12  unless otherwise indicated) enters the identifying information as described above, the interface or webpage  33  is shown allowing for the display of the vehicle, along with the components and options such as rims  32 , wheels, grills  30 , fabric options, vehicle color options, etc. as indicated in block  104 , and described in more detail above. Also, the MSRP of the vehicle is displayed, as well as the possible delivery date in text box  39  as will be discussed in more detail later. The image of the vehicle  10  is displayed, modified in accordance with the user&#39;s selection, updated in real time also as discussed above. 
         [0037]    Decision block  106  indicates the recurring steps of selecting and viewing (step  104 ) a component on or in a virtual image of the vehicle  10  ( FIG. 1 ) until all desired corrections or changes are made. Once the user is satisfied with the vehicle  10  and the selected components as displayed in  FIG. 1 , he can click the seek icon  37  which causes server  21  to initialize a final search of all relevant databases, including those databases associated with server  21  and resources  16 , and advances the system to block  108 . The server  21  database will include all components available directly from the vehicle manufacturer. The resources  16  searched by the server  21  include, but are not limited to, databases of the vehicle manufacturer subsidiaries and manufacturers of aftermarket products as shown in block  108 , to ascertain that the selected components are available as indicated during step  104 . The updated, customized vehicle displayed at step  104  ( FIG. 1 ) includes a display of the price data (MSRP), which data includes the price for individual components available as discussed above. In block  110 , the system  18  will determine, and display in  FIG. 1  ( 39 ), an approximate delivery date of the customized vehicle  10 . The determination of the delivery date will be based upon a number of factors including the shipping time and delivery of selected components, and the backlog of existing orders for vehicles  10  if any. If the delivery date shown in block  110  ( FIG. 1 ) is not acceptable, then the user may navigate back to the step shown in block  104 , to determine, inter alia, which components are delaying the delivery date and perhaps choosing other components using the method as described above, before progressing again to step  106  as shown in block  112 . A key aspect of the invention is that the vehicle  10  delivery date can be advanced by selecting more readily available aftermarket components if the user so desires, with the system allowing some transparency regarding which components are delaying the delivery date as discussed above. Otherwise, if the delivery date is acceptable, the customization process is complete and the user proceeds to step  114  by clicking on the next icon  41  ( FIG. 1 ) to view participating dealers and select the most convenient dealer location  43 ,  45  as seen in  FIG. 4 . The dealer location will be based upon the user&#39;s geographical location which may be determined by the user entering the log in/registration data as described above, the user selecting a maximum radius to limit the display of dealers to those within a reasonable distance if desired. The user may then proceed to the financing/documentation step as shown in block  116 , by clicking on next icon  51  as seen in  FIG. 4 . During this step, displayed in  FIG. 5 , the user is shown a number of financing options, along with the appropriate forms for proceeding with the application for financing process, which forms are accessed by clicking on a desired option  53 ,  55 . The forms presented to the user at this point will be those prepared by the selected dealer, and the vehicle price (MSRP) will be adjusted in accordance with the dealer pricing schedule. Of course, the financing documentation will include all data relevant to the dealer, already filled in the appropriate boxes/columns, such as make, model, options, price, etc. The user of course fills in the necessary finance data, such as income, desired monthly payment, etc. After selecting a desired financing option and filling out the appropriate forms, the user may then either complete the transaction by printing out (block  117 ) and physically presenting the accumulated documentation to the dealer, which documentation will include information regarding the vehicle make and model, the components and relevant part numbers selected by the user, and the financing documentation as shown in block  116 , or the user can proceed with the fully online option as shown in block  118 , if available. It can be appreciated that not all manufacturers would desire such a complex transaction to be carried out online with the possibility of interne fraud so this option may only be available to a certain class of users as determined during the log-in and registration process, with the type of verification and documentation required being solely at the discretion of the manufacturer and/or dealer. If the end user device  12  is at the dealer&#39;s store location, then the user will be limited to the physical presentation option of step  116 . If the user proceeds with the online option of step  118  by clicking on next icon  61 , then an additional interface may be presented as shown in  FIG. 6  at the option of the dealer selected, which interface will allow for some degree of negotiation of the price, and all allow for the secure entry of data necessary to complete the transaction. At this point, a representative of the selected dealer may be notified by the server  18  of an ongoing negotiation, and intervene to conduct an online or telephonic negotiation to both expedite and refine the process. Methods of notification may include an internet message (IM) directed to personnel designated for continuous monitoring of online negotiations. The system  14  thus allows the dealer to expedite and streamline sales initiated by an internet user, but only after the user  12  has indicated a high level of interest in purchasing the vehicle, to avoid burdening the dealer personnel with users that are merely price shopping. Of course, the system  14  can be used to alert the dealer as soon as the dealer has been selected by the user. 
         [0038]    Once the user has completed the customization, financing, and price negotiation, if any, a final date for delivery of the vehicle  10  is established, and the user then acquires the vehicle. 
         [0039]    It is to be understood that the provided illustrative examples are by no means exhaustive of the many possible uses for my invention. 
         [0040]    From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.