Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a virtual bank of repair facility credits are disclosed. Various operations for adding and subtracting credits from a repair facility virtual bank account are disclosed. Adjustments to credit totals can be based on repair facility performance with regard to an individual vehicle repair or a plurality of vehicle repairs.

Abstract: A system includes a database that stores an expert knowledgebase, and one or more servers configured to implement an expert system. The one or more servers receive sensor data associated with sensors from automobile maintenance systems associated with respective ones of multiple automobiles, and analyze the sensor data, using the expert system and the expert knowledgebase, to diagnose whether the multiple automobiles require maintenance and/or repair. The one or more servers send, via a network, results of the analysis of the sensor data to service stations for scheduling maintenance and/or repair of the multiple automobiles.

Abstract: An elevator inspection system to provide real-time access to workflow processing information for the elevator inspection industry is described.

Abstract: A vehicle repair system facilitates communication between multiple parties involved in the repair of a vehicle. A status engine monitors the status of a vehicle repair and provides status information to a customer so the customer can stay up-to-date on the current status. A store engine provides a marketplace where vehicle repair products can be sold. A jobs engine provides a jobs board where job openings can be posted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer based method for enabling or disabling an appointment feature which allows the scheduling of a vehicle service appointment from a vehicle. An embodiment of the method comprises monitoring for the ability to communicate with a remote appointment server to schedule a vehicle service appointment. In response to determining that it is possible to communicate with the appointment server to schedule a vehicle service appointment, the appointment feature is enabled. In response to determining that it is not possible to communicate with the appointment server to schedule a vehicle service appointment, the appointment feature is disabled.

Abstract: Faults in technical facilities are oftentimes unanticipatable and unplannable. For the operator of a facility, it is therefore always uncertain when and at what level costs will be incurred for fault rectification. A method is therefore proposed for rectifying faults in technical facilities by which for a defined period of time, and for a number of facility components which are defined before the period starts, the rectification of faults is undertaken by a technical service organization, for which purpose an operator of a facility pays the service organization a defined sum of money for the defined period of time, whereby the costs of fault rectification during the defined period of time are then met by the service organization, up to level of the sum of money, and costs over and above this are met by an insurance company. The facility operator then has from the outset costs which can be estimated and planned, and need not establish separate reserves.

Abstract: An approach that provides product repair assistance using a virtual universe is described. In one embodiment, there is a method for providing repair assistance for a real-world product in a virtual universe. The method includes receiving diagnostic information relating to the real-world product, ascertaining repair assistance information for the real-world product from the received diagnostic information, and generating a rendition of the real-world product along with the repair assistance information for display to a resident on-line in the virtual universe.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying an interval for performing a maintenance task. The process retrieves scheduled maintenance data and un-scheduled in-service maintenance data for a given apparatus type. The process maps the un-scheduled in-service maintenance data to the scheduled maintenance data for the given apparatus type to form mapped maintenance data. The process performs a statistical analysis on the mapped maintenance data. The process identifies an optimal interval for performing the maintenance task based on a result of the statistical analysis to form a recommended maintenance interval.

Abstract: An assisted service terminal is described. The terminal comprises a currency dispenser; and an operator computer coupled to the currency dispenser. The operator computer includes: (i) an agent arranged to communicate status information to a remote management system, and (ii) a dashboard application. The dashboard application is arranged to (a) receive status messages from the currency dispenser indicative of a fault in the currency dispenser, (b) present the received status messages to an operator, and (c) notify the agent to issue a request to create an incident on the remote management system in response to the operator indicating that the fault cannot be resolved without a visit from a service engineer.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for assisting a contractor to efficiently service an equipment. The method and system enable contractors, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors, dealers, and technicians, to improve efficiency in providing services to their customers. The method and system formalize the repair planning execution tasks, and provide data in useful formats immediately available at a work site to contractors, thus reducing avoidable errors and improving efficiency in repairing or replacing equipment.

Abstract: A method is provided for extracting data from service repair verbatims in a vehicle service reporting system. Each service repair verbatim includes a technician's comments concerning a part, a symptom associated with the part, and a repair action associated with the symptom. Each service repair verbatim includes information relating to an identified problem with at least one vehicle part. A diagnostic and prognostic ontology database is provided that is structured by vehicle part classification, a vehicle part sub-class classification, and a relationship classification, wherein the relationship classification includes symptom relationships and action relationships. Each of the service repair verbatims are reconstructed utilizing the diagnostic and prognostic ontology database. Combinations of information are extracted from the reconstructed service repair verbatims as a function of user input criteria. A frequency is determined of each combination extracted in the reconstructed service repair verbatims.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the comprehensive provision of maintenance related information and products to a client. By one approach, item information is received from a client regarding at least one of a plurality of disparate items. The method also includes receiving manufacturer information regarding the plurality of disparate items from information from manufacturers of the items. A selectively accessible database is created that includes at least in part the item information, the manufacturer information, and maintenance information derived at least in part from the manufacturer information relating to servicing at least one of the disparate items and/or to a product relating to at least one of the disparate items. The client is provided with access to the maintenance information stored on the selectively accessible database. The maintenance information can be accessed from brick and mortar hardware stores as well.

Abstract: A method comprises storing maintenance data associated with a particular maintenance task for a particular type of equipment, where the maintenance data includes calendar maintenance data and usage maintenance data. The method further comprises storing calendar tracking data and usage tracking data. The method further comprises determining if the calendar tracking data equals or exceeds a first predetermined threshold associated with the calendar maintenance data, determining if the usage tracking data equals or exceeds a second predetermined threshold associated with the usage maintenance data, and in response to either the first or the second predetermined thresholds being met, generating an alert associated with the maintenance task for the instance of the particular type of equipment that has been deployed.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing an intermediary to preserve user privacy and anonymity in electronic transactions. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method for facilitating a transaction between a subscriber and a vendor through an intermediary is provided. In this embodiment, the method comprises the step of receiving at the intermediary personal information from the subscriber to establish a user account. The method also comprises the step of storing the personal information for subsequent access. The method further comprises the step of receiving a request from the subscriber to access the user account, upon which the subscriber's identity is verified by the intermediary against the personal information. The method also comprises the step of the intermediary entering into a transaction with the vendor on behalf of the subscriber based on the subscriber's instruction once the subscriber's identity is successfully verified.

Abstract: A control unit on a vehicle requests a vehicle service appointment when service is required. Scheduling is performed first with reference to the user's calendar and then by confirmation with the user.

Abstract: A system for estimating cost or time to repair a damaged vehicle includes an electronic measuring system that can measure control points of the vehicle and determine whether those control points are out of tolerance (i.e., damaged) even though the damage is not perceptible by the human eye. The system further takes into account various efficiencies and inefficiencies due to extent of damage, type of material, etc. by adding to or subtracting from estimated cost or time.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are for processing damage survey information associated with a disaster event. According to one aspect, a method for processing damage survey information associated with a disaster event includes in response to the disaster event, receiving, at a disaster recovery system (DRS), the damage survey information. In some embodiments, the damage survey information includes an area of impact that defines an area in which at least one physical plant was damaged in the disaster event and a physical plant type identifier (PPTI) for each physical plant damaged in the disaster event. Each PPTI identifies a physical plant type of a plurality of physical plant types. The method also includes analyzing the damage survey information to determine to which of a plurality of disaster recovery dispatch units (DRDUs) the DRS should route the damage survey information and routing the damage survey information to the appropriate DRDUs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a home maintenance recommendation tool that is incorporated into a user's online financial account. The home maintenance recommendation tool, generally provides a user the ability to review, edit, submit, and track home maintenance repairs needed on the one or more properties owned by the user. The home maintenance recommendation tool receives information related to repairs that the property might need through information that is captured when the mortgage is originated, purchased, or serviced, or through purchases made by the user at a business using certain financial accounts. The home maintenance recommendation tool also provides the user the ability to search, identify, receive, and purchase products and services needed to make the suggested repairs through businesses that are strategic partners with the financial institution using the user's online financial account.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method of leasing a vehicle comprises the steps of providing by a lessor a vehicle that incurs ongoing operating costs and leasing the vehicle to a lessee, wherein the ongoing operating costs are included in a recurring lease payment paid by the lessee to the lessor.

Abstract: A system and method for providing diagnostic feedback based on vehicle diagnostic data is disclosed. According to one embodiment, vehicle data is received from a communication device connected to a motor vehicle. The vehicle data comprises a vehicle identifier and diagnostic data. The diagnostic data is analyzed based on the vehicle identifier. A list of diagnoses is generated based on the analysis. Diagnostic feedback corresponding to the list of diagnoses is transmitted to the communication device. According to one embodiment, the diagnostic feedback is service pricing comprising a list of parts and estimated labor corresponding to the list of diagnoses.

Abstract: Drawing conversion assignment and management systems are provided that typically include receiving logic, a database, assignment logic, and completion logic. The receiving logic typically receives notification of completion of a land base drawing file. The database creates a drawing conversion job record associated with the land base drawing file. The assignment logic assigns the drawing conversion job record to a draftsman and instructs the database to record the assignment. The completion logic typically receives a request to close the drawing conversion job record, and instructs the database to mark the drawing conversion job record as closed. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: A shopping register creating part (111) creates shopping information including a purchase planned quantity of materials by each term based on an inventory standard master (110) in which inventory standard information at least including a lower limit amount of the material in the inventory is set and a maintenance calendar including a planned date of a maintenance work. A material order management part (112) accepts an order of a desired material from the shopping information in accordance with an operation of a user, then inputs a purchase result of the desired material. An inventory management purchase actual performance management part (113) updates an inventory management table managing a material quantity in the inventory based on the purchase result. An equipment master updating part (101) updates the inventory standard master (110) based on an updated result of the inventory management table.

Abstract: An automated system for drop-off and pick-up for repair, return or exchange of tangible items including a secure drop-off/pick-up area for the items, a computer and software to manage the data for the system, and a user interface to facilitate automated notification for responsive communication between the user and the service provider to describe service or repair required, provide quotations, request and receive additional information and notify the customer on completion of the service and scheduled maintenance using automated voicemail recording, and/or text messaging through a cellular telephone, email, PDA or iPhone using a web based applet.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for managing a plurality of tires from their procurement through their disposal. An embodiment may include a method for determining all the costs of a tire over its total service life including procurement costs, repair costs, retread costs and disposal costs. An embodiment may include managing an inventory by automatically replenishing the inventory by following a set of stored inventory management rules. An embodiment may include helping to ensure that an impermissible tire is not mounted on a vehicle. A stored set of tire mounting rules automatically check the tire being mounted against requirements for the tire set by the rules, the requirements set as to by vehicle type and wheel position.

Abstract: A method of detecting anomalies in the service repairs data of equipment. A failure mode-symptom correlation matrix correlates failure modes to symptoms. Diagnostic trouble codes are collected for an actual repair for the equipment. The diagnostic trouble codes are provided to a diagnostic reasoner for identifying failure modes. Diagnostic assessment is applied by the diagnostic reasoner for determining the recommended repairs to perform on the equipment in response to identifying the failure modes. Each of the recommended repairs is compared with the actual repair used to repair the equipment. A mismatch is identified in response to any recommended repair not matching the actual repair. Reports are generated for displaying all of the identified mismatches. The reports are analyzed for determining repair codes having an increase in a number of anomalies. Service centers are alerted of a correct repair for the identified failure mode.

Abstract: Provided is a method of diagnosing a vehicle having diagnostic data. The method includes providing an automotive diagnostic tool sold to a user by a selling retailer. The automotive diagnostic tool is configured to download diagnostic data from the vehicle and upload the diagnostic data to a computer. The computer is configured to communicate the diagnostic data to a diagnostic database associated with the selling retailer (such as a private label website) upon establishing a communication link between the automotive diagnostic tool and the computer. A communication link is then established between the automotive diagnostic tool and the computer. In response thereto, a communication link is then established between the computer and the diagnostic database. The diagnostic data is thereafter communicated from the automotive diagnostic tool to the diagnostic database via the computer. The diagnostic database is arranged to map vehicle diagnostic data to a most likely vehicle fix.

Abstract: A method includes providing a technical place object to a Customer Resource Management (CRM) system wherein the technical place object includes information from an Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) system about a technical place including information associated with servicing the technical place. A service object may be provided to the ERP system wherein the service object includes information from the CRM system including information based on the technical place object and a service request associated with the servicing of the technical place. The CRM system may be provided an update of the service object wherein the update is based on a response to the service object by the ERP system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for assigning multiple tasks to a technician. One method allows a user to interface with an Integrated Dispatch System and assign multiple tasks to at least one technician. Each task describes a repair of a telecommunications network. The method displays a graphical user interface on a computer, and the graphical user interface indicates the assignment of the multiple tasks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for recording real estate transactions including, at least one buyer and at least one seller and/or at least one real estate agent, at least one property for sale, at least one real estate transaction between said buyer and seller/real estate agent and a recording means for capturing at least one footage of said transaction whereby the system for recording real estate transactions provides a means of enabling a person to have a visual and/or audio record of all aspects of a real estate transaction.

Abstract: The system provides a method an apparatus for enabling a buyer or seller to easily obtain a mechanical inspection of a vehicle for sale. A seller may obtain an inspection and offer to make the inspection report available to all prospective purchasers prior to completion of the sale. In other instances, the inspection report may be offered to a potential buyer for a fee. In another embodiment, a sponsor may offer a free inspection in exchange for promotional messages associated with the vehicle. In another embodiment, a buyer may have the option to order an inspection on a vehicle for sale, either for a fee or in return for promotional or marketing efforts. In yet another embodiment, an inspection report of a vehicle for sale on the system may be distributed to mechanics and repair centers in the geographical areas of the buyer and/or the seller of a vehicle.

Abstract: A user evaluation apparatus includes a parameter determination module which determines parameters of a user evaluation model required to calculate a degree of usage influence so as to maximize a target function. The target function may be defined using weight values, measurement data, and a failure information counting result. The apparatus also includes a user evaluation module which calculates and displays the degree of usage influence using the measurement data and the parameters of the user evaluation model.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system includes an operating data receiving device, a failure report transmitting section, a new failure determining section, a repair progress data generating section and a repair progress updating section. The operating data receiving device receives failure data from a facility device or a management device. The failure report transmitting section transmits a failure report to a concerned party. The new failure determining section determines whether or not the failure data are new. The repair progress data generating section generates repair progress data using repair progress of the failure as a first state when the failure data are new. The repair progress updating section is capable of updating the repair progress of the repair progress data from the first state to a second state. The failure report transmitting section stops transmission of the failure report when the repair progress is the second state.

Abstract: A computer system (10) for logistics, maintenance, and operations data visualization and method thereof are disclosed. The computer system is configured to receive maintenance and repair data from multiple sources on a platform, and uses maintenance codes and their respective narrative descriptions, part numbers, and other maintenance coding information as a basis for finding inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the received data. The system is also configured to correct these mismatches (refining of data) and perform multiple analysis functions of the refined data (most common occurrences, most frequently removed parts, repairs requiring most maintenance labor hours, highest-cost replacements, etc.). In addition, the system is also configured to calculate cost per operating hour/mile/day/etc., tracks removal of warranted components, and contains a predictive capability that becomes more accurate as additional data is acquired and continuously updated (data minding).

Abstract: A service plan product providing a tangible representation of a service plan includes a support backer and a tag removably coupled with the backer. The tag includes service plan account identification means corresponding to a service plan account stored in a database and plan administrator contact indicia. The tag is configured to be removed from the backer and applied to a primary product for which the service plan is provided, and wherein only the service plan account identification means is required for the service plan administrator to access the database to identify details regarding the service plan account. Related systems and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a virtual network operations center are described. In one embodiment, a data processing module receives data from an initial user regarding an incident or outage. A collaboration module enables collaboration between the initial user and at least one additional user in resolving the incident or outage during a collaborative session. A paging module pages at least one additional user to the collaborative session. An incident reporting module provides an incident report. A problem ticket module provides a problem ticket. An action item module provides one or more action items. Additional methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration system and method for carrying out a process for the filtration of fluids, comprising at least one filtration device with at least one filtration element comprising readable data and a check and/or test apparatus to which the filtration device may be connected, by means of data and testing means lines. The check and/or testing device is connected to a process controller, by data exchange means, for regulation and control of the filtration process and the process controller is connected to a filtration databank, by means of data exchange means, which comprises data sets for at least one filter element and/or for each filtration device and/or for the filtration process. The invention further relates to a computer program product for carrying out a filtration process on fluids whereby program components may be called up from a program memory which support the carrying out of the filtration process.

Abstract: A method for managing a commercial process comprising the steps of capturing and understanding current as-is processes; comparing before and after performance; developing a transition strategy; evaluating performance using flow charts; redesigning using creative thinking; obtaining real-time data about the process; performing predictive performance actions based on remaining useful life; and performing aggregation, analysis and information fusion to enable process and users to optimize the commercial process.

Abstract: A method of renting a rental article is provided including delivering the rental article by a delivery service provider between rentees without returning the rental article to a renter of the rental article; and delivering the rental article to an article service provider, between deliveries of the rental article, to two of the rentees, based upon a predetermined event.

Abstract: A historical vehicle replacement part database system is disclosed.

Abstract: A speedometer, a fuel gauge, an odometer, left and right turn indicators, and an ignition indicator are arranged in a meter panel of a meter unit. An IC tag into which an ID code in standardized data form is registered is installed on the back surface of the meter panel. The IC tag is resin molded and is installed on the back surface of the meter panel made of resin. The mold resin and the meter panel are both made of a resin material having transmissivity to electromagnetic waves. Information is wirelessly transferred to and from the IC tag, and may be managed using a data management system.

Abstract: A method identifies whether a component in an appliance is original with the manufacture of the appliance or replaced after manufacture of the appliance. The component will have one or more indicators. The method includes setting the indicator of each component when the components are made to indicate that the components are replacements, and setting the indicator of each component installed in the appliance when the appliance is made to indicate that the component is original. Thus, any component installed in the appliance after the appliance is made will have an indicator indicating it as a replacement.

Abstract: Augmenting service oriented architecture (‘SOA’) governance maturity including receiving an evaluation of the maturity of the governance of the SOA; identifying, for each governance capability in dependence upon the evaluation of the maturity of the governance capability, one or more predefined risks to the SOA; establishing, for each governance capability in dependence upon the predefined risks to the SOA, a risk value representing the severity of the predefined risks; selecting, for each governance capability in dependence upon the evaluation of the maturity of the governance of the SOA and the predefined risk value, one or more governance work products; and communicating to predetermined stakeholders in the SOA the one or more predefined risks to the SOA identified for each governance capability, the risk value established for each governance capability, and the governance work products selected for each governance capability.

Abstract: A system and method of obtaining diagnostic data from a device at a remote location in one embodiment includes establishing a communications link between a service location and a customer location remote from the service location, transmitting first diagnostic data from a device at the customer location over the communications link, receiving the first diagnostic data at the service location, generating an action request at the service location in response to the received first diagnostic data, transmitting the action request to the customer location, receiving the action request at the customer location, authorizing the received action request, obtaining second diagnostic data associated with the action request from the device, and transmitting the second diagnostic data to the service location.

Abstract: Various disclosed help center features provide help to a user without a staffed help center, provide help to a user before the user recognizes the need, or create targeted commerce opportunities for a provider of goods or services. One help center feature provides a user with help that is specifically related to a component in the user's computer system and that is supplied to the help center feature by the component manufacturer. Another help center feature detects a condition that degrades performance, and hence user satisfaction, and alerts the user. Another help center feature detects an attempt by a computer system to inform the user of degraded performance and offers the user a solution. Another help center feature provides a user with a commerce opportunity specifically related to a component in the user's computer system and/or to the user's geographic location.

Abstract: A computer terminal 110 connected to a manufacturing apparatus 120 as an object of the maintenance management is connected to a server machine 210 providing a maintenance management service by a network 500, enabling bi-directional communication. The computer terminal transmits status information on an apparatus as an object of the maintenance management to the server machine in response to a status information transmission request received from a server at every predetermined interval. The server machine includes a status point information management database for storing status points generated according to status information and determines whether status information has been received at every predetermined interval. Each time it is determined that status information is received, a predetermined point is added so as to update the status points of the status point information management database. This can encourage a customer to perform maintenance by him/herself and reduce workload of a serviceman.

Abstract: A computer terminal 110 connected to a manufacturing apparatus 120 as an object of the maintenance management is connected to a server machine 210 providing a maintenance management service by a network 500, enabling bi-directional communication. The computer terminal transmits status information on an apparatus as an object of the maintenance management to the server machine in response to a status information transmission request received from a server at every predetermined interval. The server machine includes a status point information management database for storing status points generated according to status information and determines whether status information has been received at every predetermined interval. Each time it is determined that status information is received, a predetermined point is added so as to update the status points of the status point information management database. This can encourage a customer to perform maintenance by him/herself and reduce workload of a serviceman.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium for facilitating customer service feedback utilizing embedded feedback links are provided. A consumer generates an inquiry to a service provider. The service provider generates a responsive communication that includes at least one feedback link embedded within the response communication. The consumer can manipulate the feedback link to instantiate a variety of actions, including the escalation of the consumer inquiry.

Abstract: Electronic aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) tools that improve an organizations ability to manage nearly every phase of an aircraft maintenance visit. MRO management may be implemented at the single aircraft level all the way up to the organization level including several facilities each of which include several aircrafts. The disclosed MRO management solutions assist with mapping out short term and long term planning; including manpower and material and tooling requirements. Additionally, current and future workloads may be identified and considered in advance of maintenance execution to significantly improve stakeholder satisfaction. The methods and systems disclosed generate an electronic contract based on a bill of work to control maintenance task execution, report progress of executing the tasks, and process scope changes to the bill of work and the associated contract.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for managing assets and asset support contracts for assets of a given entity.

Abstract: Telephone test sets include a telephone test set housing and at least one lead that extends away from the telephone test set housing. The lead is configured to be coupled to a telephone line. A light source, a data port and/or a display are integrated with the telephone test set housing. The light source is configured to project light away from the telephone test set to illuminate an area adjacent the telephone test set. The data port is configured to receive a data jack operatively associated with a communications device. The display is configured to display identification information associated with the telephone line. Related methods and systems are also provided.