Interaction system for realizing vehicle evaluation and sales

Abstract

A system capable of evaluating selling, renting, and renting vehicles includes at least one sensor that identifies that a user is proximate to the vehicle. The window display is activated to present features of the vehicle for viewing by a user. A user gesture recognition system receives a request from a user through interaction of the user with a display. The user identity proof file confirmation is used for verifying the user identity. And when confirmation of the user identity certificate file is received, the user is authorized to test driving of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to presenting vehicle data to a user. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle data, including vehicle pricing and features, is typically presented through printed documents pasted or stuck on the vehicle window. This existing sales system provides limited information to potential buyers or lessees and requires the support of vehicle sales and financing personnel to facilitate vehicle use, collect buyer information for credit checks, and complete the sale or lease of the vehicle.

[0003] Thus, while current systems and methods for providing information to vehicle users and potential buyers and completing sales or leases achieve their intended purposes, there is still a need for a new and improved system and method for presenting vehicle data. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to several aspects, a method capable of evaluating vehicles for sale, lease, and rental includes: identifying a user when the user approaches the vehicle; activating a display to present vehicle features on the window for the user to view; receiving a request from the user input by the user's interaction with the display; and verifying user data input by the user.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes: reading a user identification document defining user data using an on-vehicle camera; and submitting data of the identification document to a credit institution to obtain user credit authorization.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes authorizing a test drive of the vehicle after receiving an affirmative response to the data submission.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes: generating a digital key for operating the vehicle after receiving an affirmative response; and identifying the availability of the digital key to the user through the display.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes: using vehicle sensors to monitor the test drive; and saving summary data of the test drive to a logging device.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes commanding a stop of the test drive once a user violation of a predetermined standard is identified.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes monitoring an interior camera to identify user activities during the test drive and generating an interior view of the vehicle for the display.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes employing user gesture recognition defining user interaction.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes reading a user's driver's license as a user identification document, which is presented by the user to a camera of the vehicle.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes: initiating a purchase request or a lease request for the vehicle, including submitting user input data to a credit verification system to obtain a user's credit authorization; and reporting a response of the credit verification system to a vehicle administrator and / or the user.

[0014] According to multiple aspects, a system capable of evaluating vehicles for sale, lease, and rental includes at least one sensor that identifies a user approaching the vehicle. A window display is activated to present features of the vehicle for the user to view. A user gesture recognition system receives requests from the user through the user's interaction with the window display. A user identification document confirmation is used to verify the user's identity. When the user identification document confirmation is received, the user is authorized to test drive the vehicle.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an interior camera provides user image data present in the vehicle, and the image data identifies interior features of the vehicle presented on the window display; an exterior camera applies gesture recognition of the user to activate the window display and / or modify the content of the window display.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, after receiving the user identification document confirmation, a digital key for operating the vehicle is generated.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a confirmation based on a phone code is generated as the user identification document confirmation.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an audio system describes the features of the vehicle to the user in an audio manner.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a remote system interacts via a reservation and tracking interface, the remote system provides a communication path with the vehicle, including transmitting remote vehicle enable / disable commands, and the remote system also receives a vehicle tracking data set from the vehicle to locate the vehicle.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the features of the vehicle include projection content, which includes vehicle brand and model information, vehicle pricing information, vehicle structure information, vehicle feature information, and special sales information.

[0021] According to various aspects, a system capable of evaluating vehicles for sale, lease, and rental includes at least one sensor that identifies a user when the user approaches the vehicle. A window display is activated to present vehicle characteristics for the user to view. A user gesture recognition system receives requests from the user through the user's interaction with the window display. A user identification document confirmation is used to verify the user's identity. When the user identification document confirmation is received, the authorized user is allowed to test drive the vehicle. When the user identification document confirmation is received, the authorized user is allowed to sell, lease, or rent the vehicle.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer having vehicle on-board inputs includes computer vision inputs, eye tracker inputs, vehicle acceleration inputs, external camera inputs, autonomous driving system inputs, and external sensor inputs.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the computer further includes vehicle off-board inputs, including vehicle-to-everything (V2X) inputs, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) inputs, Internet and cellular inputs, road database inputs, global positioning system inputs, and directional audio inputs.

[0024] Further application areas will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that these descriptions and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1 is a system diagram of the components and features of a system capable of evaluating vehicles for sale, lease, and rental according to an exemplary aspect;

[0027] Figure 2 is a side view of a vehicle of a system employing Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the interior of a vehicle of a system employing Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method of a system using Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 5 is a front view of a portable computer and a monitor used in the operation of a system in Figure 1 ; and

[0031] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a system diagram of the computer inputs of a system of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0033] When a component, element, or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to the other component, element, or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers may be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner, such as "between" relative to "directly between," "adjacent" relative to "directly adjacent," etc. As used herein, the terms "and / or" and "one or two" include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 , a system (hereinafter referred to as system 10) capable of evaluating vehicles for sale, lease, and rental includes a vehicle sales system 12 that collects, stores, and presents data on a vehicle 14 and receives requests from a user 16 and allows the user 16 to enter the vehicle 14 to perform operations such as a test drive. According to several aspects, the vehicle sales system 12 can project a display defined as a transparent display as a window display 18 that provides data on the vehicle 14, which includes but is not limited to the sales price, vehicle features (including vehicle construction information, vehicle feature information, and feature pricing information), which are displayed as projection content on one or more window surfaces, etc., including one or more windows of the vehicle 14, such as the driver-side window 20, passenger window, windshield, and / or rear window as shown. To minimize vehicle energy consumption, system 10 is intelligently activated based on the proximity of the user 16 to the vehicle 14 and uses user gesture sensing for interaction.

[0035] First, a vehicle administrator 22 inputs data on the vehicle 14 into, for example, a computer portable display or unit 24 that is remote from the vehicle 14. A handheld device 26 such as a smart phone can also be used to perform or modify the data input. A data packet 28 is uploaded to the vehicle sales system 12 via wireless or hardwired means. The data packet 28 can include, for example, the digital manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the vehicle 14 and a command to use the transparent display as the window display 18 to display the information contained in the data packet 28.

[0036] Access to and tracking of the vehicle 14 are provided in part by a remote system 30 such as a cloud network. The remote system 30 interacts with the vehicle sales system 12 through a reservation and tracking interface 32 that can define a wireless interface protocol. The remote system 30 provides a communication path 34 to the vehicle 14 for transmitting remote vehicle enable / disable commands. For example, the remote system 30 also receives a vehicle tracking data set 36 from the vehicle 14 during a vehicle test drive and locates the vehicle 14 at any time, including when parked. User requests 38, including data browsing requests, test drive requests, and request confirmations, are input by the user 16 and transmitted to and from the vehicle sales system 12 via an audio / video data feed 40 from the vehicle 14. These include, but are not limited to, credential verification requests 42, data uploads from an external gesture camera 44, window glass display 46 interactions for the user 16 to input requests or view request responses, and / or vehicle access control requests 48. User return signals 50, including, but not limited to, customer relationship management (CRM) signals and participation confirmation signals, can be returned to the user 16 from the vehicle sales system 12 via a transparent display that serves as the window display 18 in response to requests input by the user 16.

[0037] Continuing reference Figure 1 , upon receipt of a vehicle test drive request, the vehicle sales system 12 initiates a credential confirmation communication path 52 with an external motor vehicle department (DMV) verification system 54. A response from the DMV verification system 54 is returned to the vehicle sales system 12 via the credential confirmation communication path 52, and the vehicle sales system 12 can initiate and confirm a test drive reservation for the vehicle 14 or deny the user 16 access to the vehicle 14 for a test drive. A data report 56, including reservation requests and notifications, audio / video (AV) data feed notifications, and vehicle condition and operation reports, is forwarded by the vehicle sales system 12 to the vehicle administrator 22 for reference and storage as needed.

[0038] The user 16 can also initiate a purchase, lease request, or rental request for the vehicle 14 through the vehicle sales system 12. To manage a purchase or lease request, the vehicle sales system 12 remotely interacts with a credit verification system 58, such as a credit institution, using a user credit verification system link 60 to identify the user's credit rating and provide confirmation or authorization of the user's credit. The user credit verification system link 60 returns a response from the credit verification system 58, which can be reported to the vehicle administrator 22 and / or the user 16 as a positive or negative response. A positive response indicating an acceptable credit rating or credit history can be used for authorization or as a credit authorization for a test drive and / or a purchase credit authorization for the sale or lease of the vehicle 14.

[0039] The vehicle sales system 12 can also transmit data of the vehicle 14 to a third party 62, such as a vehicle maintenance status provider, a new or used vehicle value provider, vehicle promotion data, etc. A promotion link 64 is provided between the vehicle sales system 12 and the third party 62 for communication of vehicle data.

[0040] Refer to Figure 2 And refer again to Figure 1 , according to several aspects, Figure 1 As shown, the user 16 can view projection content such as vehicle model and model information displayed on a transparent display or a window display 18 at the driver's side window 20, and can also view vehicle pricing information 66 by viewing the projection content projected on a transparent display on the rear driver's side window 68. The projection content can also include vehicle construction information, vehicle feature information, and special sales information. The projection content can also be projected on the vehicle windshield 70 or any desired window.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , according to several aspects, multiple users can approach the vehicle 14 and view the projection content of other window displays of the window display 18 projected on other windows. More than one test drive can be authorized, and subsequent users are verified and allowed to take the test drive in sequence, which requires subsequent users to accept or reject.

[0042] Refer to Figure 3 And refer again to Figure 1 And Figure 2, the system 10 is intelligently activated based on the proximity or a predetermined distance D between the user 16 and the vehicle 14, and interaction is achieved using user gesture sensing. The user proximity and user gaze can be determined using the in-vehicle and exterior cameras 72 or similar externally mounted exterior cameras 74 mounted on the surface of the vehicle 14, which can present a front view or a side view of the vehicle. Sensors such as sensors 76 located at multiple positions on the vehicle 14 and inputs from one or more cameras such as the in-vehicle and exterior cameras 72 and / or the externally mounted exterior cameras 74 identify specific predetermined gestures made by the user 16, and these gestures can also be used to intelligently activate the transparent display or the window display 18 of the system 10 and / or modify the content of the transparent display or the window display 18. The vehicle external projection view 78 and the internal features of the vehicle 14 can be projected to the user 16. The user 16 can also interact with the external projection system / display. A directional audio system 80 is provided for verbal explanation of vehicle features, and the directional audio system 80 can include one or more speakers for providing the user 16 with sound information about the vehicle 14 and providing a sound response to the user 16, such as authorizing a test drive, responding to questions input by the user 16, etc. The interior camera 82 provides the system 10 with user activity input of the user 16 in the vehicle 14 and identifies the features inside the vehicle.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 And referring again to Figure 1 , the operation flow chart 84 identifies the functional features of the system 10. According to an exemplary aspect, the user 16 is presented as a vehicle buyer, and the vehicle administrator 22 is presented as the seller of the vehicle 14. In an initial step 86, the user 16 approaches the vehicle 14 as a buyer and is sensed in an external sensing step 88. In the external sensing step 88, the user 16 is detected, the user 16 and any other persons are located to identify the nearest window, and a command is generated to activate the window display, such as the transparent display or the window display 18. Using the gesture recognition system 90, the gestures made by the user 16 are sensed and classified. In a display response step 92, the user 16 browses the transparent display and can interact with the transparent display, such as by a swipe action in contact with or close to the transparent display. One of the interactions made by the user 16 in the display response step 92 is to select a drive request 94, allowing the user 16 to take a test drive of the vehicle 14. Selecting the drive request 94 initiates a credential check 96 to identify the credentials of the user 16. The credential check 96 is forwarded to a verification server 98, which can be located on a remote system 30, such as the cloud-based system discussed in Figure 1 .

[0044] In addition to triggering the voucher check 96, the user selection of the driving request 94 is also forwarded to the vehicle broker 99, which may include an intermediate sales agent. The vehicle broker 99 forwards the user's driving request 94 to the vehicle administrator 22, and the driving request 94 is saved as a request receipt 100. The vehicle administrator 22 may choose to approve the user's driving request 94 and return an approval message 102 to the remote system 30, and the approval message 102 is recorded as the received approval 104. After generating the received approval 104, the vehicle 14 is notified and a confirmation 106 is generated, thereby triggering the input step 90 to project the approval 104 onto the transparent display or window display 18 of the vehicle 14 for the user 16 through the external sensing step 88. While recording the received approval 104, if the key generation 108 is executed, a digital key that allows the user 16 to enter and operate the vehicle 14 may be generated.

[0045] The digital key created by the key generation 108 is forwarded to one or more vehicle control application programming interfaces (APIs) 110, which consist of a collection of resources that provide access to a series of automotive data sets directly related to the vehicle 14. The API 110 may generate a vehicle access code 112 that enables the function for the user 16 to take a test drive 114. Conversely, if the operation of the vehicle 14 during the test drive 114 meets the predetermined criteria, the API 110 may generate a vehicle disable code 116 as a stop command to stop or end the test drive 114. After generating the vehicle disable code 116, the vehicle 14 generates a plurality of messages 118, which may include audio messages and / or a driver pull-over command.

[0046] After allowing and conducting a test drive 114, the data interpreter 120 on the remote system 30 is activated to identify the situations sensed during the vehicle test drive 114. The data interpreter 120 is assisted by using an information database retrieved through the Controller Area Network (CAN) 122, which is a vehicle standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other's applications without a host. The data from the data interpreter 120 is forwarded to the streaming device 124, which prepares a video stream and a data stream that jointly define the aggregated data, and this aggregated data is forwarded to the stream panel 126 of the vehicle administrator 22. The output of the data interpreter 120 is also forwarded to the decision tree 128, where a decision is made if the logging of the aggregated data (such as the data aggregation of the test drive) is active 130, and then the aggregated data of the data interpreter 120 is forwarded to the logging device 132. The viewing device 134 of the vehicle administrator 22 that communicates with the logging device 132 allows the vehicle administrator 22 to view the recorded data of the data interpreter 120. In the decision tree 128, if a decision is made that the logging is not active 136, the data of the data interpreter 120 is forwarded for further analysis by the misbehavior decision tree 138. The misbehavior decision tree 138 identifies predefined criteria such as whether the vehicle is speeding, the on-vehicle camera that blocks data is blocked, and / or the geofence blocks the reception of information. If the response from the misbehavior decision tree 138 is affirmative 140, the misbehavior signal is forwarded to the API 110 to determine whether the vehicle test drive 114 can continue, and at the same time, the signal is also forwarded to the alarm device 144 of the viewing interface 146 of the vehicle administrator 22. The login device 148 allows the vehicle administrator 22 to access the outputs of the stream panel 126, the viewing device 134, and / or the alarm device 144. The login device 148 also provides administrative access to the account setting device 150, and the account setting device 150 provides access to add, delete, or modify account settings.

[0047] A digital signature is required to accept the proposed contract for purchasing, leasing, or renting the vehicle 14. The features of the vehicle 14 can also be customized, and if the vehicle features are modified, a real-time quote will be generated. If the vehicle 14 is to be leased, the vehicle features can also be modified. For example, if an autonomous vehicle is required, the rental price may change.

[0048] A portable display system can also be provided, which is used to replace the window display 18 or as a supplement to the window display 18 for presenting vehicle pricing and features. The portable display can also be used for vehicle sales and vehicle rental demonstrations. The portable display can also be used to save vehicle battery power.

[0049] Reference Figure 5 And refer again to Figure 1 And Figure 4 as a reference Figure 1The computer portable display or unit 24 of the portable display can be connected to the vehicle electronic control unit 151 and used to display vehicle information. The vehicle information can include a view of the vehicle 14 observed by the interior camera 82 and show, for example, the activities of the user 16 who defines the driver during the test drive 114. The vehicle information can also include a global positioning system (GPS) tracker equipped on the vehicle 14, and the global positioning system (GPS) tracker generates a map 154 of the vehicle route 156 taken during the test drive 114. Reference Figure 3 The view captured by the exterior camera 74 shown and described can present a front view of the road 158 in front of the vehicle 14 during the test drive 114. A vehicle data image 160 can also be presented, and the vehicle data image 160 provides vehicle information 162 that can be viewed and / or modified by the vehicle administrator 22 or the broker. A computer 164 having a memory 166 can be used to generate and / or modify the view presented on the computer portable display or unit 24.

[0050] The computer 164 of the system 10 of the present disclosure can include separate devices, such as a processor, software components, an in-vehicle computer, or a remote computer, collectively referred to as the computer 164. The computer 164 can be deployed in the host vehicle 14 with sensing capabilities, or can be remotely located, such as in the cloud. The computer 164 is a non-general-purpose electronic control device that has a pre-programmed digital controller or processor, a memory or non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing data such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, data, lookup tables, etc., and has a transceiver or input / output port. The computer-readable medium includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. The non-transitory computer-readable medium does not include wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit temporary electrical signals or other signals. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes media that can permanently store data and media that can store data and then rewrite it, such as rewritable compact discs or erasable storage devices. The computer code includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code.

[0051] Reference Figure 6, System diagram 168 presents the in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle inputs used by the system 10 of the present disclosure. The computer 164 of the in-vehicle computer can receive multiple inputs, including in-vehicle inputs 170 of the vehicle with computer vision 172 inputs, user eye tracker 174 inputs, vehicle acceleration 176 inputs, one or more external camera 178 inputs, autonomous driving system 180 inputs, and multiple external sensor 182 inputs. The computer 164 communicates with and receives data from a dealer management system (DMS) 184, which collects input data from multiple external sensors of the vehicle for monitoring the behavior of the vehicle driver or user 16.

[0052] The computer 164 receives inputs from a data and communication network 186. The data and communication network 186 receives multiple inputs, which include out-of-vehicle inputs 188 of the vehicle with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) 190 inputs, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) 192 inputs, Internet and / or cellular 194 inputs, road database 196 inputs, GPS 198 inputs, and / or directional audio 200 inputs. Multiple data servers 202 also communicate with the data and communication network 186. A consistency trust check 204 is run by the computer 164. A report 206 is generated using the consistency trust check 204 to identify any abnormal behavior of the user 16 during the vehicle test drive 114. The report 206 can also include a recommendation to issue a stop command to stop the vehicle 14 if an unacceptable vehicle operation occurs during the vehicle test drive 114.

[0053] In addition, a foldable / portable display can be added as a package for dealers and manufacturers, such as during auto shows. These foldable / portable displays can be used by vehicle dealers to provide vehicle evaluation information and sales information. This may improve the performance of the vehicle battery.

[0054] The system 10 of the present disclosure provides a method for presenting vehicle specification and feature information using a directional audio system and a projection system on the vehicle glass. If the user 16 presents a valid document, such as showing a driver's license to an external vision camera 74 coordinated with and enabled by the vehicle system 10 to scan the user information, make an appointment, and send a code to the user 16 (e.g., send it to the user's mobile phone), then the vehicle test drive can be authorized. The external vision camera 74 takes a photo of the user 16, and the system 10 uses this photo to match the driver's license photo with the user 16.

[0055] The method of the present disclosure uses an exterior window glass transparent display and a directional audio system to facilitate vehicle sales. The method of the present disclosure uses the exterior window glass and a gesture recognition system 90 to implement content marketing for interactions with users / customers. The method of the present disclosure also uses the exterior window glass and a gesture recognition system 90 to enable vehicle access, provide vehicle evaluations, and facilitate vehicle sales. Before allowing a user to enter the vehicle 14 for a user inspection or a user test drive, the method of the present disclosure uses an external camera to capture a photo of the user and the user's driver's license. The method of the present disclosure can be used at dealerships, car rental services, and / or private sales locations.

[0056] The system 10 and method of the present disclosure have several advantages. These advantages include systems and methods for authenticating a user 16 to allow a test drive, monitoring the user / driver and the vehicle route, and stopping the vehicle 14 when any violation of predetermined rules and regulations is detected. The system 10 activates the window display and external sensors to present demonstrations such as videos of vehicle features and vehicle interior features. If requested and permitted, the system 10 provides the user with vehicle access for a test drive. The system 10 includes: external and internal vehicle sensors and an eye / gaze tracker, an external display, directional audio, and a gesture recognition system. The system also provides cloud services and algorithms to verify test drive requests; verify user credit and authorize vehicle sales. The method identifies users / people interested in viewing a vehicle. The method authenticates the user 16 using details including a driver's license and a confirmation based on a phone code. The method monitors the test drive and immediately stops and blocks further operation of the vehicle if any predetermined rules are violated.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating vehicles for sale, lease and rental, comprising: identifying a user as the user approaches the vehicle; activating a display to present features of the vehicle on a vehicle window for viewing by the user; receiving a request from the user input by interaction of the user with the display; as well as The user data entered by the user is validated.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Read the user identification document that defines the user data for using the vehicle camera; as well as Submit the data of the identity document to a credit institution to obtain credit authorization for the user. 3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising authorizing a test drive of the vehicle upon receiving an affirmative response to the data submission.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: upon receiving the affirmative response, generating a digital key for operating the vehicle; as well as The availability of the digital key to the user is identified via the display.

5. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: using vehicle sensors to monitor the test drive; as well as The summary data of the test drive is saved to a logging device. The method of claim 3 , further comprising commanding a halt to the test drive upon identifying a violation of a predetermined criterion.

7. The method of claim 3 further comprising monitoring an interior view camera to identify user activity during the test drive and generate a view of the vehicle interior for the display.

8. The method of claim 2, further comprising employing user gesture recognition to define the user interaction.

9. The method of claim 2, further comprising reading a user's driver's license as the user identification document, the user identification document being presented by the user to the camera of the vehicle.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Initiating a purchase request or a lease request for the vehicle, including submitting the data input by the user to a credit verification system to obtain credit authorization from the user; as well as A response of the credit verification system is reported to a vehicle operator and / or the user.

Images