Abstract:
RFID tags are used to track motor vehicles on and around a vehicle dealer&#39;s facility. The information may extend to customer contacts, pending deals and detailed vehicle information. The dealer&#39;s salesmen and service writers can access the information using handheld RFID tag readers with which to scan vehicles and integrated PDAs on which data are displayed.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PRIOR PROVISIONAL APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/578,231, filed 9 Jun. 2004. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and incorporation of the tags into a system for managing a automobile dealer&#39;s vehicle sales, for vehicle tracking, for keeping service records and for facilitating good customer relations. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Problem 
         [0005]    RFID tags are a key element of what has been called ubiquitous computing. RFID tags, particularly passive RFID tags, provide an inexpensive tag which can be: (1) applied to an object; (2) powered from the impinging interrogatory signal, thus requiring no internal power source; and (3) sensed remotely up to several meters distance without the necessity of locating the tag. Each RFID tag carries a permanent, unique identifying numeral, which may be associated with the object to which the tag is attached. The advantages of RFID tags over bar codes and other electronic tagging devices are widely recognized for various asset and inventory management and tracking systems. Generally, the tags have been seen as a way of tracking inventory, particularly as it moves through a distribution system, and adding additional value through electronically readable freshness dates in the case of perishable commodities. 
         [0006]    More elaborate RFID tags include writeable, persistent memory and may be considered to be a type of peripheral memory device in a distributed data storage system. The tags are written to and interrogated by a computing system through an associated reader, using a radio frequency interrogation signal. Such an RFID tag incorporates sufficient logic circuitry to write data blocks passed with the interrogation signal to memory and to fetch the contents of blocks of memory. The RFID tag logic usually returns data by load modulation of the radio frequency interrogation signal which originates with the reader or by electromagnetic backscatter at its antenna which is done by varying the reflectance characteristics of the antenna. In either case a modulated return signal is received and read by the computing system. A given RFID tag may be encountered by a computer system once, or a number of times, depending upon the application. Such tags are not however, permanent parts of the computer system, though the tags can function as secondary storage for database records. 
         [0007]    RFID tags may be active (battery powered) or passive (deriving energization power from impinging radio frequency signals) devices consisting of an antenna, an AC/DC filter (if passive), a capacitor (if passive), logic and addressable memory. The memory comprises both writable and permanent sections where the permanent section includes an identifier unique to the specific tag. Typically all of the components are bonded onto a acrylic substrate and sealed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to the invention there is provided a system for the management of a group of vehicles. The vehicles can be part of a dealer&#39;s inventory or vehicles which the dealer services. The system comprises at least a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to a member vehicle of the group. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a wide area network (WAN) provides a coverage area over an area frequented by member vehicles of the group of vehicles, for example, a new vehicle showroom, a lot and a service area. Alternatively, portable units may be periodically synchronized with a central database through a two way batch update process by connection of the unit to a network docking port. Employees of the dealership are provided with RFID tag readers for interrogating the RFID tags. A portable WAN client or portable computer associated with the RFID tag reader provides for the exchange of data between an employee&#39;s handheld device and a central database. The WAN host or portable computer comprises a data processing facility for accessing and updating a database relating to the member vehicles of the group. A database may include time related information as to the location of the vehicle if within the coverage area, vehicle features information and ownership status. The WAN client/portable computer includes a user input/output interface allowing a user to access the database to determine vehicle location, vehicle features and ownership status. 
         [0009]    Additional effects, features and advantages will be apparent in the written description that follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating coverage area of a wide area network (WAN) into and out of which vehicles move. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a high level block diagram of a representative RFID tag; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a high level block diagram of a reader for use with the RFID tags of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a high level block diagram of a WAN host data processing system for the reader of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a hand held combination WAN client, RFID reader and user input/output interface; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a process executed for collecting vehicle data on initiation of a vehicle to membership in a group; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart of a process executed for assisting a salesman in the process of proposing contracting ownership of a vehicle; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a series of screen shots of prompts provided salesman and vehicle check in operatives. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    Referring now to the figures and in particular to  FIG. 1  there is illustrated a system  10  for motor vehicle data management incorporating RFID tags  102 . RFID tags  102  are used for distributed data storage and motor vehicle  16  location tracking. The major components of system  10  include a plurality of related motor vehicles  16 , an RFID tag  102  associated with and mounted to each motor vehicle  16  (although depicted as being identical, RFID tags  102  may be of various types), an RFID tag reader or interrogator  100 , an associated wide area network (WAN) client  308  for communication with a WAN host and database manager  18 , a user I/O unit (typically a personal digital assistant or PDA  307 ) and the WAN host and database manager  18 . Vehicles  16  may move into and out of the coverage area  11  of the wide area network. Although depicted as contiguous, WAN coverage area  11  may be broken into a plurality of segments. Reader  100  is typically used within the coverage area  11  (although this is not strictly necessary for some features of the invention) and has its own coverage area  13 . Reader  100  passes into and out of contact with RFID tags  102  mounted on the motor vehicles  16  as vehicles  16  are moved or as the coverage area moves with the moving reader. The WAN coverage area  11  is normally understood to cover a motor vehicle dealer&#39;s facility including storage lots/garages, showrooms and maintenance areas. A WAN is only one method, although the preferred one, for practicing the invention. A WAN provides access to real time updated database relating to the motor vehicle group and the associated customer and deal databases. However, batch updating may be used where a WAN is not provided. In addition, although it is preferred that most readers be portable, it is permissible that some be stationary. Stationary readers are advantageously located over service bay entrance and exit doors and other strategic check points on the lot to provide updates on vehicle location. In addition, readers at certain locations can be used to trigger other operations as well as generate near real time vehicle information. For example, a reader over a service bay door may detect entry of a customer&#39;s car. If the car is scheduled for service the appropriate work order and customer information may be pushed to a terminal in front of the service writer for use in greeting the customer. 
         [0020]    Typically, although not necessarily, RFID tag reader  100  and its associated components are portable and can be moved relative to the plurality of RFID tags  102  installed on vehicles  16 . Motor vehicles  16  are movable within, and in and out of coverage area. As a consequence of the portability of the readers  100  and the mobility of the vehicles  16 , changing subsets of the RFID tags  102  will fall within a coverage area  13  in which reader  102  can read data stored on the RFID tags  102 . Contention access of RFID tags  102  to reader  100  is handled by the reader using techniques already known to the art. Reader  100  which may be simultaneously in communication with an RFID tag  102  and WAN host and database manager (host)  18  may be used as a conduit for information between the host and a given tag and may locally use information derived from either source to effect management functions relating to a member vehicle of the vehicle group. An RFID tag reader  100  thus may be used to report the approximate position of a motor vehicle  16  for incorporation in a database maintained on host  18 . If reader  100  is stationary the reported position can simply be the same as that for the reader. Host  18  may be programmed to accept position reports as a matter of course only from stationary readers scattered about a dealers lot and repair facilities. Of course, more complex systems may be imagined incorporating global positioning system monitors associated with readers which could report positions correlated through a look up table with identifiable locations on the lot. The object is to be able to quickly locate a vehicle matching a customer&#39;s desires or to locate a customer&#39;s vehicle, if returned to the facility for repairs. A vehicle may also be marked as out of the facility if checked out for a test drive. If all data is located on the RFID tags  102 , the WAN may be dispensed with. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a representative RFID data tag  102  provides an input/output interface based on wireless communications, non-volatile memory and addressing logic allowing the memory to be accessed and written to. Power supply circuitry, operating off impinging radio energy is not illustrated for the sake of simplicity. RFID tag  102  includes an antenna  202  and an RF section  203  corresponding to the input/output interface, a logic section  204  providing address generation, and a memory  206 . The RF section  203  includes an RF receiver and an RF transmitter or antenna modulator both coupled to the antenna  202 . The RF section  203  may include an antenna modulator or RF oscillator depending on the type of RF communications link. Alternatively, the RF receiver and the transmitter can employ separate antennas (not shown). Any of various known types of antennas may be employed, and preferably an antenna matched for the distance, directionality, interference and other requirements of use for the tag. 
         [0022]    The logic section  204  includes analog circuits which function as an interface between the RF receiver/transmitter and the digital circuit for reading and writing to the memory  206 . The RF receiver portion of the RF section  203  converts an RF signal from the antenna  202  to a DC voltage, which powers RFID tag  102 . The digital circuit portion of the logic section  204  generally executes all of the functions of the RFID data tag  102 , such as retrieving stored data from the memory  206  and providing a modulating signal to the RF sections to transmit the retrieved data. While the data tag  102  shown is a passive device, a self-powered active device (powered by a battery) can be employed. 
         [0023]    Importantly, the memory  206  of the data tag  102  includes at least one of the following fields: a tag ID number field  208 , a tag type field  210  and data field  212 . The tag ID number field  204  provides a serial number or other identifying number for the data tag  102 , which is usually unique to the tag. The data fields  212  may include data stored in the tag  102 , such as date, time, and information regarding an object or objects to which the tag may be affixed. Various data related to a motor vehicle  16  will be written to a particular RFID tag  102  upon association of the tag to the vehicle. 
         [0024]    Unless described otherwise below, the construction and operation of the various blocks shown in  FIG. 2  and the other Figures are of conventional design. As a result, such blocks need not be described in great detail herein, as they will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art. Such description is omitted for purposes of brevity and so as not to obscure understanding of the invention. Any modifications necessary to the blocks of  FIG. 2  or the other Figures can be readily made by one skilled in the relevant art based on the detailed description provided herein. The term “field” as used herein can be any select number of byte or bytes or other set of data at a predetermined location in the memory or in a serial string of data, with or without delimiters, headers/trailers or other overhead data to distinguish such bytes from adjacent data. Thus, a field may be recognizable by position, offset, delimiter field identifier or any other method of identifying the appropriate bit, byte or bytes of data within the memory. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a portable reader  100  with associated WAN client  308  (i.e. a communication interface between the reader and a WAN host  18 ) and I/O interface  307  implemented using a PDA is illustrated. Reader  100  includes an antenna  114  and a transceiver  302  for communicating with the RFID tag  102  and a link  305  to WAN client  308  and PDA  307 . Alternatively, PDA  307  and WAN client  308  may communicate directly. While discussed in terms of radio frequency, the reader  100  can operate in other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example, microwave radiation. Typically however, the system is a 900 Mhz system to provide a coverage area  13 . A microprocessor or processor  304 , coupled to the antenna  114  through the transceiver  302 , controls the operation of the reader  100 . 
         [0026]    Reader  100  includes a memory  310  coupled to the processor  304 . The term “processor” as generally used herein refers to any logic processing unit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), etc. While the RF section  203 , logic section  204  and memory  206  (for the tags), and processor  304 , memory  310  and other components are shown as separate blocks, with some or all of these blocks can be monolithically integrated onto a single chip. 
         [0027]    The memory  310  includes random access memory (“RAM”)  316  and read-only memory (“ROM”)  312  to provide storage for instructions, parameters and data for the processor  304 . As explained below, the memory  310  includes an instructions memory  314  (RAM or ROM) to allow the processor  304  to be programmed to receive, write, and/or manipulate data in an RFID tag  102 . Readers for acquiring data from machine-readable symbols, and for acquiring and writing data to RFID tags, and resolving collisions for access are generally known in the relevant art. 
         [0028]    ROM  312  is a non-volatile memory having sufficient space to store at least an operating system kernel. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the memory  310  also includes flash memory  138  and electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)  320 . The ROM  312  may take the form of an “EPROM,” “EEPROM,” or a flash memory to permit the kernel and other instructions to be upgraded. The kernel includes basic input-output instructions and a basic operating system that contains machine-level and system-level commands, functions typically hidden from the user, including device drivers, memory management routines, and system calls. The kernel may be a minimum set of system-level commands required to initiate, or “boot-up,” and control the reader  100 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 4  a host  18  for system  10  is described. Host  18  is general purpose computer  19  with a WAN communication interface  406 . Computer  18  has a conventional memory structure including ROM  408  which includes a computer BIOS, volatile RAM  412  and persistent long term storage  410  which is typically a disk drive. Long term storage provides space for the storage of database tables used in practicing the invention including a customer table (C.T.)  402  and a inventory table (I.T.)  404 . The computer  19  has a conventional processor  400  for a CPU. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 5  a portable unit  500  for use by a vehicle dealer salesman is illustrated. Portable unit  500  comprises a PDA  502  having a touch sensitive screen  508 , a reader  504  and a WAN client  506  integrated as a handheld device. Again, the WAN client is used for realtime updates of the PDA. Should a dealer not have a WAN, the PDA may be periodically attached for hardwire communication with the central database manager and the database segment stored on the PDA and the central database mutually synchronized. 
         [0031]    The vehicle management program includes at least 12 modules which are termed: (1) Vehicle Check In; (2) Inventory; (3) Lot security; (4) Sales; (5) Service Bay identification; (6) Loyalty programs; (7) car wash; (8) oil change; (9) body shop; (10) wrecker service; (11) trade-in/appraisal; and (12) asset tracking (part inventory, office furnishings, etc.). To some extent, modules may be separated from one another depending upon the requirements of a particular dealer. 
         [0032]    Vehicle Input includes capturing a vehicle VIN for association with an RFID tag applied to a vehicle. Typically a vehicle barcode is scanned to reduce the chance of error associated with manual entry. A series of screens, termed the VIN explosion system, are used to guide the operator to entering all of the data desired for a vehicle. This may include, by way of example, make, model, year, etc., which, for a new car will be entered into an inventory table instance in the database. The RFID tag to be associated with a vehicle is scanned as part of this initiation process to assure accuracy. Once data is acquired linking fields and data are pushed to a standard inventory table and the entry is available for queries. 
         [0033]    The sales module is initiated by an operator scanning an RFID tag to construct a database inquiry to obtain vehicle information. A deal initiation icon is generated and the sales process begins with the operator (here a salesman) entering his personal code. Customer fields are generated and filled in, and upon being fully populated, pushed to a customer table forming a record instance. 
         [0034]    Loyalty programs, akin to frequent flyer programs, may be incorporated into the system. In one embodiment, customers may be provided with short range, memory writable RFID tags embedded in a key ring fob. The fob may loaded with codes indicating a customer has prepurchased routine service and car washes at reduces prices. Points may be added to the TAG for future discounts or for use at car washes which participate in dealer&#39;s program. Salesman may access a customer&#39;s information. 
         [0035]    Some of the other aspects of the program are more conventional. Lot security for example is analogous to other inventory security programs based on RFID tags. The wrecker module may be made more elaborate. Here the target vehicle may not yet be initiated into the system, as a result, use of the vehicle VIN explosion system may be indicated to the operator. In addition, where a vehicle has been initiated, the operator may take a portable device out of the normal coverage area to scan vehicles for help in locating and verifying the identity of the vehicle to be towed. Screens are provided to indicate locations where vehicles are picked up. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates the process initiating a motor vehicle into a vehicle group. Upon receipt of a vehicle a bar code scanner, or equivalent device, is used to scan a vehicle bar code to generate a copy of the vehicle identification number (VIN) in system  10  (step  600 ). It is conceivable that future vehicles will arrive from manufacturers with RFID facilities built into the auto which will include the VIN and that this step of “scanning” will instead involve reading the RFID facility. It is also possible for the VIN to be entered by hand. Next, at step  602 , vehicle data is retrieved. A series of screens are displayed on a PDA to assist in this task to assure that all, or at least the essential fields of a database table are populated with the correct data. Step  604  provides for prompting the user to confirm data entries. Next, at step  606  an RFID tag is associated with a vehicle for permanent placement on the vehicle. Data written to the RFID tag will include at a minimum the VIN. Last, at step  608 , the inventory table fields for a new vehicle are populated. Copies of the entries for a particular vehicle may be stored both on the host  18  and on an RFID tag  102  for a particular vehicle  16 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  is a simplified flow chart illustrating operation of system  10  in assisting a salesman or service writer in performing his duties. Step  700  provides for scanning/interrogating an RFID tag to obtain vehicle data. Next, at step  702 , data relating to vehicle make, model and model year are retrieved and displayed. Next, step  704  a deal icon for a particular vehicle is generated. Upon selection of the icon, a salesman is prompted to enter his personal identification number (step  706 ). Step  708  indicates that a series of tables are displayed for the salesman to use prompting obtaining and entering customer data in order to populate the fields for a customer table. 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  illustrates various screens, some of which relate to the customer and inventory tables  402  and  404 . Screen  800  relates to initiation of a vehicle into a dealer&#39;s inventory. Four prompts, some of which, when selected, provide a display context switch to another screen, are illustrated. The first prompt ( 802 ) reminds the user to scan the Vehicle VIN barcode. Selection of a second prompt  804  opens screen  810  which displays a series of fields relating to a vehicle to be populated and placed in a database table. The fields are the VIN number ( 812 ), the country where the vehicle was built (field  814 ), the manufacturer of the vehicle (field  816 ), the vehicle make (type/division field  818 ), the vehicle model (model field  820 ), the engine type (field  822 ), the model year of the vehicle (field  824 ) and a sequence number field ( 826 ). Additional screens may be used to itemize color, sound system package, transmission type (e.g. 4 speed automatic, 5 speed standard, etc.). An exit icon may be used to return context to screen  800 . Icon  806  relates to associating a tag  102  to a vehicle, in other words, the data table, or at least the VIN, of screen  810  is written to the tag and also to permanent storage on host  18 . 
         [0039]    Further referring to  FIG. 8 , an additional set of screens for display on a PDA are illustrated, this set relating to activities of a salesman. Screen  830  is a base screen which directs the user to screens for viewing vehicle information (icon  832 ), starting a deal process instance (icon  836 ) and recalling a deal process instance (icon  834 ). Another icon  838  provides for interrogating a vehicle RFID tag  102  for vehicle data. A vehicle information screen  840  greatly resembles the VIN explosion information screen  810 , adding a few reference lines and changing the order of display slightly. The fields displayed include a Dealer Tag ID field  842 , the VIN  844 , the vehicle model  846 , the make field  848 , the model year field  850 , the vehicle&#39;s fuel economy rating (city/highway)  852 , the engine&#39;s displacement field  854 , and the transmission type  856 . Icons also provide for context shifts to screens with additional information, if any (icon  858 ), and an exit icon  860 . 
         [0040]    Representative of the “Key Features” accessed by selection of icon  858  is illustrated by screen  862 , which opens to a color identification. Tabs  865  across the top of screen  862  allow viewing detailed information about the vehicle&#39;s driving features, power features, sound system, safety features and any customization done by the dealer. 
         [0041]    Screen  864  is opened upon selection of either the recall or start icons ( 834  or  836 ) of screen  830 . Here a customer data field table is displayed, which allows entry of new or updated information. This field is recalled from host  18 . The fields include the Salesman ID field  866 , the customer&#39;s first name field  867 , a customer last name field  868 , a customer street address field  870 , a customer resident city field  872 , a customer state/province field  874 , a customer postal code field  876 , a customer phone number field  878 , and a last quote field  880 . A submit deal field icon  882  provides a commit to memory operation, which may be executed to host  18  or to the vehicle RFID tag  102 . An exit icon  884  operates to return the display context to screen  830 . 
         [0042]    The invention integrates a distributed, database driven vehicle management tool utilizing RFID tags, portable, wireless readers and database management programs operating over a dealer wide WAN. Where no WAN is used, batch updating may be used. 
         [0043]    While the invention is shown in only one of its forms, it is not thus limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.