Patent Publication Number: US-2022227004-A1

Title: Systems and methods for assembling patterns and cutting and applying window films and paint protection films

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the window film (WF) and paint protection film (PPF) fields. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for assembling patterns and cutting and applying WFs and PPFs. The present disclosure provides a software application including a mobile component that aides an installer in selecting, cutting, and properly applying WFs and PPFs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is becoming increasingly common for consumers to cover the window and paint surfaces of their vehicles, especially high-end and specialty vehicles, with WFs and PPFs. Such WFs and PPFs are typically cut from a film sheet using a pattern and then applied to the desired vehicle surfaces, enhancing or customizing their appearance and protecting them. Conventionally, the generation of such patterns has been manual and the number of and variety of patterns has been limited accordingly. Likewise, the cutting process has been manual or aided by only rudimentary software, providing limited user-friendliness, customizability, and subsequent application guidance. The patterning, cutting, and application processes are made more difficult by the sheer number of vehicles available to cover, the number of exterior components associated with each vehicle, and the difficulty in aligning each cover piece with the appropriate exterior component. Window and paint covering services are typically provided by dealerships and after-market shops and represent a large and growing market. Thus, it is imperative to expand pattern inventories and enhance accuracy and efficiency, primarily through the provision of a robust integrated software platform for use by installers. 
     The present background related to WFs and PPFs is provided as exemplary context only and it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the concepts of the present disclosure may be applied equally in other contexts, without limitation. 
     SUMMARY 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides a system, method, and software application including a mobile component that provide an installer, or more generally a user, with access to numerous WF and PPF cutting patterns, allow these cutting patterns to be viewed, manipulated, and customized as desired, and provide guidance, including via a mobile device, as to where and how the resulting cover pieces should be applied to the components of a vehicle. 
     The software application, embodied as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and including the mobile component, optionally incorporates a mapping tool that allows WF and PPF cutting patterns to be obtained and stored and then cross-referenced between vehicles utilizing common components to create full patterns for more vehicles than is conventionally possible. The patterns and/or part data used to generate and associate the patterns are obtained from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and third-party databases, as well as conventional and novel 3-D imaging and 2-D pattern generation techniques. This mapping tool is described in greater detail herein below. 
     The software application also optionally incorporates a cutting tool that allows for a given pattern to be selected, optimized with respect to a given area of film, customized to account for desired edge overlap and the like, and then cut. This cutting tool is described in greater detail herein below. 
     The software application further optionally incorporates automated decision-making algorithms and business logic that provide various selected information categories to be made visible to an installer/user, such as sensor locations, badge locations, tack order, etc. A conventional or exoskeleton view is optionally utilized that presents the various cover pieces and vehicle components in a logical relativistic configuration, making the proper alignment of each cover piece readily ascertainable, for example. This automated decision-making tool is described in greater detail herein below. 
     In general, the software application makes use of enhanced user interfaces, mobile device accessibility and display, and artificial intelligence (AI), by which the various processes are streamlined and tailored on an installer/user/vehicle basis. Thus, the software application provides superior database generation, operational efficiency, and installer/user experience. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for assembling a pattern and cutting and applying a film to a vehicle, the method including: receiving a vehicle identification and obtaining the pattern associated with the received vehicle identification using pattern assembly instructions stored in a memory and executed by a processor; modifying the pattern using pattern modification instructions stored in the memory and executed by the processor; transmitting the pattern to a cutting machine, wherein the cutting machine is operable for cutting the film according to the pattern; and transmitting installation instructions associated with the pattern to a mobile device that is adapted to be utilized by an installer/user and display the installation instructions proximate the vehicle. Receiving the vehicle identification includes one of selecting the vehicle from a vehicle database and scanning a vehicle identification number of the vehicle using the mobile device. When executed by the processor, the pattern assembly instructions are operable for correlating common pattern parts between vehicles predetermined to be in a common vehicle family. When executed by the processor, the pattern modification instructions are operable for one or more of: reconfiguring a relative position of a part of the pattern; modifying a size of a part of the pattern based on a predetermined dimensional change in film associated with the part of the pattern during installation; adding one or more predetermined sensor cutouts to a part of the pattern; adding one or more predetermined badge cutouts to a part of the pattern; and adding one or more edge wrap extensions to a part of the pattern based on an indication of installer/user preferences. The installation instructions displayed on the mobile device include one or more tack points to be used by the installer/user when installing parts cut from the film according to the pattern are installed on the vehicle. The installation instructions displayed on the mobile device also include notes associated with one or more prior installations associated with the pattern. The installation instructions displayed on the mobile device further include one or more videos associated with the pattern. Optionally, the mobile device is operable for capturing an image of the vehicle over which the pattern is displayed in an augmented reality space. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium stored as instructions in a memory and executed by a processor to perform steps for assembling a pattern and cutting and applying a film to a vehicle, the steps including: receiving a vehicle identification and obtaining the pattern associated with the received vehicle identification using pattern assembly instructions stored in the memory and executed by the processor; modifying the pattern using pattern modification instructions stored in the memory and executed by the processor; transmitting the pattern to a cutting machine, wherein the cutting machine is operable for cutting the film according to the pattern; and transmitting installation instructions associated with the pattern to a mobile device that is adapted to be utilized by an installer/user and display the installation instructions proximate the vehicle. Receiving the vehicle identification includes one of selecting the vehicle from a vehicle database and scanning a vehicle identification number of the vehicle using the mobile device. When executed by the processor, the pattern assembly instructions are operable for correlating common pattern parts between vehicles predetermined to be in a common vehicle family. When executed by the processor, the pattern modification instructions are operable for one or more of: reconfiguring a relative position of a part of the pattern; modifying a size of a part of the pattern based on a predetermined dimensional change in film associated with the part of the pattern during installation; adding one or more predetermined sensor cutouts to a part of the pattern; adding one or more predetermined badge cutouts to a part of the pattern; and adding one or more edge wrap extensions to a part of the pattern based on an indication of installer/user preferences. The installation instructions displayed on the mobile device include one or more tack points to be used by the installer/user when installing parts cut from the film according to the pattern are installed on the vehicle. The installation instructions displayed on the mobile device also include notes associated with one or more prior installations associated with the pattern. The installation instructions displayed on the mobile device further include one or more videos associated with the pattern. Optionally, the mobile device is operable for capturing an image of the vehicle over which the pattern is displayed in an augmented reality space. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system for assembling a pattern and cutting and applying a film to a vehicle, the system including: a memory storing pattern assembly instructions executed by a processor to receive a vehicle identification and obtain the pattern associated with the received vehicle identification; the memory storing pattern modification instructions executed by the processor to modify the pattern; the memory storing pattern cutting instructions executed by the processor to transmit the pattern to a cutting machine, wherein the cutting machine is operable for cutting the film according to the pattern; and the memory storing installation instructions executed by the processor to transmit installer/user instructions associated with the pattern to a mobile device that is adapted to be utilized by an installer/user and display the installer/user instructions proximate the vehicle. When executed by the processor, the pattern modification instructions are operable for one or more of: reconfiguring a relative position of a part of the pattern; modifying a size of a part of the pattern based on a predetermined dimensional change in film associated with the part of the pattern during installation; adding one or more predetermined sensor cutouts to a part of the pattern; adding one or more predetermined badge cutouts to a part of the pattern; and adding one or more edge wrap extensions to a part of the pattern based on an indication of installer/user preferences. The installer/user instructions displayed on the mobile device include one or more tack points to be used by the installer/user when installing parts cut from the film according to the pattern are installed on the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a flowchart illustrating the functional process flow of the software application of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a WF or PPF pattern generation selection screen utilized in accordance with the process of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a vehicle selection screen utilized in accordance with the process of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a kit selection screen utilized in accordance with the process of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the mapping functionality and module of the software application of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a part display screen utilized in accordance with the process of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cutboard display screen utilized in accordance with the process of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exoskeleton display screen utilized in accordance with the process of  FIG. 1 , the exoskeleton view is generated from a multitude of individual part views; 
         FIG. 9  is a cutting machine settings screen utilized in accordance with the process of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the sensor view functionality of the software application of the present disclosure, highlighting the selection of sensor locations on a vehicle component via the software application and/or a mobile device for cutting/installation purposes; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the badge view functionality of the software application of the present disclosure, highlighting the selection of badge locations on a vehicle component via the software application and/or a mobile device for cutting/installation purposes; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the tack point view functionality of the software application of the present disclosure, highlighting the selection of tack point locations on a vehicle component via the software application and/or a mobile device for installation purposes; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the edge wrap view functionality of the software application of the present disclosure, highlighting the selection of edge wrap on a vehicle component via the software application and/or a mobile device for cutting/installation purposes; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the mobile device verification of the software application of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the and networked status tracking functionality and the crowd-sourced help functionality of the software application of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a network diagram of a cloud-based system for implementing various cloud-based services of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram of a server which may be used in the cloud-based system of  FIG. 16  or the like; and 
         FIG. 18  is a block diagram of a user device which may be used in the cloud-based system of  FIG. 16  or the like. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Again, the present disclosure provides a system, method, and software application including a mobile component that provide an installer, or more generally a user, with access to numerous WF and PPF cutting patterns, allow these cutting patterns to be viewed, manipulated, and customized as desired, and provide guidance, including via a mobile device, as to where and how the resulting cover pieces should be applied to the components of a vehicle. 
     The software application, embodied as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and including the mobile component, optionally incorporates a mapping tool that allows WF and PPF cutting patterns to be obtained and stored and then cross-referenced between vehicles utilizing common components to create full patterns for more vehicles than is conventionally possible. The patterns are obtained from part data obtained from OEM and third-party databases, as well as conventional and novel 3-D imaging and 2-D pattern generation techniques. This mapping tool is described in greater detail herein below. 
     The software application also optionally incorporates a cutting tool that allows for a given pattern to be selected, optimized with respect to a given area of film, customized to account for desired edge overlap and the like, resized according to installer preference, and then cut. This cutting tool is described in greater detail herein below. 
     The software application further optionally incorporates automated decision-making algorithms and business logic that provide various selected information categories to be made visible to an installer/user, such as sensor locations, badge locations, tack order, etc. An exoskeleton view is optionally utilized that presents the various cover pieces and vehicle components in a logical relativistic configuration, making the proper alignment of each cover piece readily ascertainable, for example. This automated decision-making tool is described in greater detail herein below. 
     In general, the software application makes use of enhanced user interfaces, mobile device accessibility and display, and AI, by which the various processes are streamlined and tailored on an installer/user/vehicle basis. Thus, the software application provides superior database generation, operational efficiency, and installer/user experience. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, in general, the software application of the present disclosure includes a mapping tool, a cutting tool, and an automated decision-making tool. These tools, realized as interoperative software modules, are operable for accomplishing functional tasks including, but not limited to, for example: registering a new dealership, editing a dealership profile, authorizing a new installer/user, managing passwords and permissions, selecting a new vehicle, vehicle identification number (VIN) entry, pattern/kit access and assembly, pattern feedback, notes generation, dealership job workflow, pattern/kit customization, film roll selection and layout, component selection, cutting alignment and layout, group/ungroup functionality, manual and automatic nesting, edge wrapping, sensor location, tack point location and order indication, reset and warning functionality, save and favorite functionalities, virtual instruction functionality, warranty issuance, physical film lot identification (ID) tied to installed vehicle, mobile functionality, performance metrics and data analytics, administrative setup, installer/user setup, cloud functionality, container management, encryption, security logging, language, system and application logs, data replication and storage, system security, etc. The present disclosure first provides details of some tools that may be used across embodiments thereof, then provides software operability and installer/user interaction examples, and finally provides software architecture and environment examples. 
       FIG. 1  is a flowchart illustrating the functional process flow  10  of the software application of the present disclosure. The process  10  begins with authenticating a dealership and/or installer/user and, optionally, receiving a workorder indication  12 . This authentication process can be via stored password, biometric authentication, or the like. Next, WF or PPF pattern generation is selected  14 . The related WF or PPF pattern generation selection screen  14   a  is shown in  FIG. 2 . It will be readily apparent to those or ordinary skill in the art that other types of films could also be patterned, cut, and applied using this process  10 . Next, the vehicle (or other substrate) for which a WF or PPF pattern is to be generated/obtained is identified by the selection of year, make, and model or the entry of a VIN  16 . The related vehicle selection screen  16   a  is shown in  FIG. 3 . Subsequently, available trim packages can also be displayed and selected, if not already specified by the VIN, for example. Then, the installer/user has the option of selecting a full vehicle pattern, an extended vehicle pattern, a partial vehicle pattern, etc., and adding or subtracting individual parts to cover  18 . The related kit selection screen  18   a  is shown in  FIG. 4 . An indication is provided as to how many parts are associated with each kit and whether or not the associated patterns are “verified.” 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the basic mapping functionality and module of the software application of the present disclosure. The mapping functionality allows for the identification of common components across multiple vehicles (e.g., across multiple years, models, or trims for a single manufacturer or related manufacturers). Thus, even if a given pattern is not available for a specific vehicle, the mapping may be in place to obtain the requested pattern(s) from another vehicle sharing predetermined commonalities, either in advance or on demand. This cross-correlation allows complete patterns to be more rapidly developed for more vehicles. Each vehicle is not viewed on an individual basis, but rather families sharing common parts are the focus. As illustrated, two vehicles  20   a  and  20   b  are provided, which are of the same make, model, and year, but with different basic trim packages. As a result, all exterior components are the same, except for the mirrors  22   a  and  22   b , front fender packages  24   a  and  24   b , and rear fender packages  26   a  and  26   b . Thus, different PPF patterns are required for the mirrors  22   a  and  22   b , front fender packages  24   a  and  24   b , and rear fender packages  26   a  and  26   b , with all other PPF patterns being the same. The mapping tool or module is integrated with the appropriate part repositories accordingly and partial or complete PPF patterns may be rapidly generated for the two similar vehicles  20   a  and  20   b  utilizing one or more stored maps. In the pattern cataloging process, any missing PPF patterns for a vehicle family  20  are prioritized by a pattern generation prioritization algorithm, such that all possible PPF patterns may be rapidly acquired when requested. When a given part on a vehicle  20   a  or  20   b  is changed, an impact analysis may be performed and new generation priorities developed, with the change instantaneously mapped to all related vehicles  20   a  or  20   b . Ultimately, maps and PPF patterns are selected by the installer/user and delivered to and utilized by the cutting tool. Thus, for each vehicle  20   a  and  20   b , component lists can be maintained along with repositories of common and different parts, essentially allowing for the rapid configuration of a pattern for almost any vehicle  20   a  or  20   b  of a vehicle family  20 . Thus, genealogies are developed for different vehicles  20   a  and  20   b  and families of vehicles  20 . This mapping functionality is based in part on vehicle recognition, and finding year-over-year changes for the same make/model of a vehicle utilizing deep learning (DL), for example. Importantly, the mapping functionality allows user pattern modifications to be mapped to other and future associated patterns when desired, so that an installer does not have to repeat necessary edits. 
     An AI functionality and module may be used to provide the ML-based prioritization of pattern alerting and generation based on vehicle inventory analysis. It should be noted, as discussed in greater detail herein below, that the present disclosure contemplates the use of a conventional or novel 3-D scanning technologies for the generation of PPF patterns. When used, these next-generation enhancements transform the process of pattern development, realizing previously unattainable levels of speed and accuracy. Without ever having to touch the surface of a vehicle, these innovative 3-D scanning technologies employ lasers to capture the shape of any vehicle as flexible data that is quickly converted into a 2-D template. In one exemplary embodiment, the equipment is accurate within 7-8 microns in 3-D space. The data science process behind pattern generation includes mapping, pattern accuracy analysis, vehicle prioritization, vehicle comparison, 3-D data cleaning, 3-D to 2-D pattern validation, and current vehicle location end-pointing. 
       FIG. 6  is a part display screen  30   a  utilized in accordance with the process  10  of  FIG. 1 . Here, a list of the various parts of a pattern are provided, and a representation of each part of the pattern are shown. If the contents of the pattern are acceptable to the installer/user, then a cutboard may be generated.  FIG. 7  is a cutboard display screen  32   a  utilized in accordance with the process  10  of  FIG. 1 . Here, the various parts  34  are laid out on a representation of the film  36  from which they will ultimately be cut. On this cutboard display screen  32   a , the parts  34  may be selected, moved, snapped to a grid, rotated, modified, nested manually or automatically to conserve film material during the cutting process, etc. Further, as is described in greater detail herein below, customized edge wrap may be added to the patterns, badge and sensor locations may be specified on the patterns, etc.  FIG. 8  is an exoskeleton display screen  38  utilized in accordance with the process  10  of  FIG. 1 , the exoskeleton view is generated from a multitude of individual part views. This exoskeleton view  38  presents the various cover pieces in a commonsensical vehicle-corresponding layout, showing the relative position of each as laid out over the vehicle. Again, each cover piece is individually selectable, allowing further functionality subsequently. The exoskeleton view  38  allows for pattern selection, preferential arrangement, advanced visualization, pattern wrapping, pattern manipulation, pattern plotting and queuing, cutting diagnostics and dashboarding, profile settings and saving preferences, and links to help screens and videos, among other things, as do the other available views. The exoskeleton view  38  is dynamically generated for any given vehicle by identifying and placing, rotating, and/or spacing the pattern images associated with the vehicle, for example, as are the other available views. 
       FIG. 9  is a cutting machine settings screen  40   a  utilized in accordance with the process  10  of  FIG. 1 . Here, the work order identification may be provided, the cutting machine to which the cutting pattern on the cutboard may be selected, a film roll size may be specified, a padding after cut may be specified, and a cutting blade force may be specified. Once instructed, the cutting pattern on the cutboard is sent to the selected cutting machine and the component covers are cut from the film. Again, as is described in greater detail herein below, cutouts for sensors and badges and customized edge wrap may be turned on or off. Tack points may also be turned on or off, although this is primarily for display purposes and likely does not affect the actual cuts made. At various points in the process, the software application may provide helpful installer/user assistance, revert to work order information, and accept installer/user notes that may be stored for later reference. The cutting machine may also require password or other authorization through the software application. 
     Further, as a general matter, it should be noted that selection made on one screen are typically implemented across all screens. Thus, a part may be selected on one screen and then highlighted in other available views, for example. The cutting algorithm of the present disclosure may implement any conventional or novel cutting techniques. For example, the pattern generated via the software application of the present disclosure may include selected edge wrap, sensor cutouts, badge cutouts, and the like, and may account for areas where significant film stretching is expected upon installation. In certain thin pattern areas, based on past experience, significant installer force may be applied and it may be common for a film to stretch during application. In such areas, less pattern material may be provided to compensate for such stretching. Conversely, where extra stretching is expected to be needed, an appropriate amount of film may be provided. Thus, the pattern generated may be dynamic and adaptive and account for actual installer feedback, addressing needs and solving problems in advance. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , after cutting, the software application or mobile device communicatively coupled to the software application is used to provide installer/user installation instructions, pattern notes source from past/other installations, instructional videos, and the like to aide the installer/user in installing the WF or PPF on a vehicle  50 . For example, the various preferred tack points may be displayed and indicate a preferred tacking order, with preferred stretching areas noted, again with links to relevant notes, videos, etc. In another exemplary extension, the installer/user may be able to take a photo of the vehicle or a part thereof using the mobile device and then, in augmented reality (AR) space, the various parts of the pattern can be overlaid on the photo (or a representation) of the vehicle or part thereof, in the proper orientation, and again indicating sensor locations, badge locations, tack points, edge wrap positioning, etc. In this manner, the installer/user has a point-of-installation resource at his or her fingertips. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the sensor view  60  functionality of the software application of the present disclosure, highlighting the selection of sensor locations  64  on a vehicle component  62  via the software application and/or a mobile device for cutting/installation purposes. In general, cutout data is stored in such a way that the user interface knows which cutout corresponds to a particular part and cover piece and can easily toggle between cutouts or groupings of cutouts. The list of cutouts is built automatically based on the stored metadata and made available to the user interface. Such cutouts include sensors, badges, etc. For all such cutouts, line path naming conventions denote these items in the pattern SVGs so that the software application can recognize and interact with these paths. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the badge view  70  functionality of the software application of the present disclosure, highlighting the selection of badge locations  74  on a vehicle component  72  via the software application and/or a mobile device for cutting/installation purposes. Again, in general, cutout data is stored in such a way that the user interface knows which cutout corresponds to a particular part and cover piece and can easily toggle between cutouts or groupings of cutouts. The list of cutouts is built automatically based on the stored metadata and made available to the user interface. Such cutouts include sensors, badges, etc. 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the tack point view  80  functionality of the software application of the present disclosure, highlighting the selection of tack point locations  84  on a vehicle component  82  via the software application and/or a mobile device for installation purposes. In general, tack point data is stored in such a way that the user interface knows which tack point corresponds to a particular part and cover piece and can easily toggle between tack points or groupings of tack points. The list of tack points is built automatically based on the stored metadata and made available to the user interface. Such tack points are preferably ordered. In general, tack points help guide the installer as to where to start applying a film to a component, e.g., to optimize fit and handling requirements, as the film must be tacked and stretched to fit them film. The tack points are thus displayed for easy reference and use by the installer, and numbered sequentially. 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational principles of one exemplary embodiment of the edge wrap view  90  functionality of the software application of the present disclosure, highlighting the selection of edge wrap  94  on a vehicle component  92  via the software application and/or a mobile device for cutting/installation purposes. Pattern edges that are typically wrapped are stored in pattern metadata and made available to the user interface. The user can thus select an edge and extend the pattern along that edge, automatically creating a desired edge wrap that, when installed, looks and performs as if it was custom created by hand. Further, the user can switch on and off the ability to make and save handmade wraps. 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the mobile device verification of the software application of the present disclosure. Specifically, the scanning of a VIN  96  is illustrated using the mobile device  95  that is operable linked to or itself executes the software application. 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the and networked status tracking functionality and the crowd-sourced help functionality of the software application of the present disclosure. 
     In general, the mobile device  95  ( FIG. 14 ) is linked to the software application functionality via the scanning of the VIN  96 , for example. This allows the various exoskeleton views and installation guides from the software application to be viewed by the user-installer proximate the vehicle. This same VIN enablement can allow the status of a given cutting/installation job to be tracked and posted to a centralized display  97  ( FIG. 15 ) or monitored by another mobile device, such that workflow can be tracked and customers can stay informed of job progress. Progress logging via mobile device can be used to gather and analyze job performance metrics and the like. Importantly, the mobile application includes a dealer dashboard  98  ( FIG. 15 ) and allows for VIN scanning, photo check-in, workflow management, and feedback input. The mobile application also includes a pattern check, a present cut view, the exoskeleton view, a tack point view, virtual tech services, and access to tutorials. Standard features includes a user profile, chat support, and social media posting. The pattern check checks the availability of a given pattern and provides any tagged user comments intended for future reference. Real-time progress snapshots can also be taken for shared display and progress tracking. 
     It should be noted that the software architecture of the present disclosure enables many conventional functionalities, such as real-time virtual support and feedback and the like, as well as marketing via social media and the like. Further, real-time and scheduled updates can be pushed. The software architecture distances the software application from a dependence on a conventional computer-aided drawing (CAD) platform and allows for more robust server and cloud-based operation. Part-specific helps tips and videos may be provided that are available upon rollover of the individual pattern piece within the exoskeleton view, as received from various stored and Internet-based sources. 
     It is to be recognized that, depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the techniques described herein can be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the techniques). Moreover, in certain examples, acts or events may be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially. 
       FIG. 16  is a network diagram of a cloud-based system  100  for implementing various cloud-based services of the present disclosure. The cloud-based system  100  includes one or more cloud nodes (CNs)  102  communicatively coupled to the Internet  104  or the like. The cloud nodes  102  may be implemented as a server  200  (as illustrated in  FIG. 17 ) or the like and can be geographically diverse from one another, such as located at various data centers around the country or globe. Further, the cloud-based system  100  can include one or more central authority (CA) nodes  106 , which similarly can be implemented as the server  200  and be connected to the CNs  102 . For illustration purposes, the cloud-based system  100  can connect to a regional office  110 , headquarters  120 , various employee&#39;s homes  130 , laptops/desktops  140 , and mobile devices  150 , each of which can be communicatively coupled to one of the CNs  102 . These locations  110 ,  120 , and  130 , and devices  140  and  150  are shown for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will recognize there are various access scenarios to the cloud-based system  100 , all of which are contemplated herein. The devices  140  and  150  can be so-called road warriors, i.e., users off-site, on-the-road, etc. The cloud-based system  100  can be a private cloud, a public cloud, a combination of a private cloud and a public cloud (hybrid cloud), or the like. 
     Again, the cloud-based system  100  can provide any functionality through services such as software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service, infrastructure-as-a-service, security-as-a-service, Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) in a Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) Infrastructure (NFVI), etc. to the locations  110 ,  120 , and  130  and devices  140  and  150 . Previously, the Information Technology (IT) deployment model included enterprise resources and applications stored within an enterprise network (i.e., physical devices), behind a firewall, accessible by employees on site or remote via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), etc. The cloud-based system  100  is replacing the conventional deployment model. The cloud-based system  100  can be used to implement these services in the cloud without requiring the physical devices and management thereof by enterprise IT administrators. 
     Cloud computing systems and methods abstract away physical servers, storage, networking, etc., and instead offer these as on-demand and elastic resources. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a concise and specific definition which states cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. Cloud computing differs from the classic client-server model by providing applications from a server that are executed and managed by a client&#39;s web browser or the like, with no installed client version of an application necessarily required. Centralization gives cloud service providers complete control over the versions of the browser-based and other applications provided to clients, which removes the need for version upgrades or license management on individual client computing devices. The phrase “software as a service” (SaaS) is sometimes used to describe application programs offered through cloud computing. A common shorthand for a provided cloud computing service (or even an aggregation of all existing cloud services) is “the cloud.” The cloud-based system  100  is illustrated herein as one example embodiment of a cloud-based system, and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the systems and methods described herein are not necessarily limited thereby. 
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram of a server  200 , which may be used in the cloud-based system  100  ( FIG. 16 ), in other systems, or standalone. For example, the CNs  102  ( FIG. 16 ) and the central authority nodes  106  ( FIG. 16 ) may be formed as one or more of the servers  200 . The server  200  may be a digital computer that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor  202 , input/output (I/O) interfaces  204 , a network interface  206 , a data store  208 , and memory  210 . It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that  FIG. 17  depicts the server  200  in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components ( 202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 , and  210 ) are communicatively coupled via a local interface  212 . The local interface  212  may be, for example, but is not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface  212  may have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface  212  may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components. 
     The processor  202  is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor  202  may be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the server  200 , a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the server  200  is in operation, the processor  202  is configured to execute software stored within the memory  210 , to communicate data to and from the memory  210 , and to generally control operations of the server  200  pursuant to the software instructions. The I/O interfaces  204  may be used to receive user input from and/or for providing system output to one or more devices or components. 
     The network interface  206  may be used to enable the server  200  to communicate on a network, such as the Internet  104  ( FIG. 16 ). The network interface  206  may include, for example, an Ethernet card or adapter (e.g., 10BaseT, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, or 10 GbE) or a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) card or adapter (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n/ac). The network interface  206  may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications on the network. A data store  208  may be used to store data. The data store  208  may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store  208  may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. In one example, the data store  208  may be located internal to the server  200 , such as, for example, an internal hard drive connected to the local interface  212  in the server  200 . Additionally, in another embodiment, the data store  208  may be located external to the server  200  such as, for example, an external hard drive connected to the I/O interfaces  204  (e.g., a SCSI or USB connection). In a further embodiment, the data store  208  may be connected to the server  200  through a network, such as, for example, a network-attached file server. 
     The memory  210  may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory  210  may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory  210  may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another but can be accessed by the processor  202 . The software in memory  210  may include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in the memory  210  includes a suitable operating system (O/S)  514  and one or more programs  216 . The operating system  214  essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, such as the one or more programs  216 , and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The one or more programs  216  may be configured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc. described herein. 
     It will be appreciated that some embodiments described herein may include one or more generic or specialized processors (“one or more processors”) such as microprocessors; central processing units (CPUs); digital signal processors (DSPs); customized processors such as network processors (NPs) or network processing units (NPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), or the like; field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); and the like along with unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) for control thereof to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and/or systems described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions may be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic or circuitry. Of course, a combination of the aforementioned approaches may be used. For some of the embodiments described herein, a corresponding device in hardware and optionally with software, firmware, and a combination thereof can be referred to as “circuitry configured or adapted to,” “logic configured or adapted to,” etc. perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. on digital and/or analog signals as described herein for the various embodiments. 
     Moreover, some embodiments may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable code stored thereon for programming a computer, server, appliance, device, processor, circuit, etc. each of which may include a processor to perform functions as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), flash memory, and the like. When stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium, software can include instructions executable by a processor or device (e.g., any type of programmable circuitry or logic) that, in response to such execution, cause a processor or the device to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. as described herein for the various embodiments. 
       FIG. 18  is a block diagram of a user device  300 , which may be used in the cloud-based system  100  ( FIG. 16 ) or the like. Again, the user device  300  can be a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a laptop, a virtual reality (VR) headset, etc. The user device  300  can be a digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor  302 , I/O interfaces  304 , a radio  306 , a data store  308 , and memory  310 . It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that  FIG. 18  depicts the user device  300  in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components ( 302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 , and  310 ) are communicatively coupled via a local interface  312 . The local interface  312  can be, for example, but is not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface  312  can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface  312  may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components. 
     The processor  302  is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor  302  can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a CPU, an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the user device  300 , a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the user device  300  is in operation, the processor  302  is configured to execute software stored within the memory  310 , to communicate data to and from the memory  310 , and to generally control operations of the user device  300  pursuant to the software instructions. In an embodiment, the processor  302  may include a mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications. The I/O interfaces  304  can be used to receive user input from and/or for providing system output. User input can be provided via, for example, a keypad, a touch screen, a scroll ball, a scroll bar, buttons, a barcode scanner, and the like. System output can be provided via a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), touch screen, and the like. 
     The radio  306  enables wireless communication to an external access device or network. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by the radio  306 , including any protocols for wireless communication. The data store  308  may be used to store data. The data store  308  may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store  308  may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. 
     Again, the memory  310  may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory  310  may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory  310  may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor  302 . The software in memory  310  can include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example of  FIG. 18 , the software in the memory  310  includes a suitable operating system  314  and programs  316 . The operating system  314  essentially controls the execution of other computer programs and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The programs  316  may include various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with the user device  300 . For example, example programs  316  may include, but not limited to, a web browser, social networking applications, streaming media applications, games, mapping and location applications, electronic mail applications, financial applications, and the like. In a typical example, the end-user typically uses one or more of the programs  316  along with a network such as the cloud-based system  100  ( FIG. 16 ). 
     Although the present disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following non-limiting claims for all purposes.