Abstract: Computer-based methods and systems for facilitating the inspection of a vehicle to detect the presence of damage and problems with previous repair and to guide the inspection, estimation, and repair of direct and indirect damage are provided. Exemplary embodiments provide an inspection facilitator, which includes an inspection engine and an inspection interface. The inspection engine and inspection interface can be implemented as an expert system, which directs a technician or apparatus to perform a uniform inspection process. When used to detect prior damage and problems with previous repair, the inspection facilitator, after receiving vehicle specific information, first directs and guides an inspection of the underbody of the vehicle to detect gross-level or relevant damage and repair. The inspection facilitator then dynamically directs and guides an inspection of the outerbody of the vehicle based upon the nonconformities indicated in response to each directed inspection task.

Abstract: Computer-based methods and systems for facilitating the inspection of a vehicle to detect the presence of prior damage and problems with previous repair are provided. Exemplary embodiments provide an inspection facilitator, which includes an inspection engine and an inspection interface. The inspection engine and inspection interface are implemented as an expert system, which directs a technician or apparatus to perform a uniform inspection process. The inspection facilitator, after receiving vehicle specific information, first directs and guides an inspection of the underbody of the vehicle to detect gross level damage or repair. The inspection facilitator then dynamically directs and guides an inspection of the outerbody of the vehicle based upon the nonconformities indicated in response to each directed inspection task.