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Reynolds and Reynolds' Networkcar(TM) Granted Patent for Internet-based Smog Test
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19 -- Networkcar, a Reynolds and
Reynolds company (NYSE: REY), announced today that it has been awarded a
patent titled, "Wireless Diagnostic System for Characterizing a Vehicle's
Exhaust Emissions" by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
United States patent number 6,604,033 describes a general method for
extracting automotive emissions data, sending it over an airlink to the
Internet, and then analyzing it to perform an online emissions or "smog test."
This patent adds to Networkcar's growing patent portfolio, which currently
features 19 pending and issued U.S patents.
Networkcar's system collects and organizes detailed automotive information
directly from a vehicle's engine computer and location-based information from
a global positioning system (GPS) device. Information is transmitted
wirelessly to an information center where it is made available to car owners,
automotive dealerships and fleets in the form of immediate e-mail alerts,
summary e-mail reports or easy-to-read Web pages. Networkcar's technology is
compatible with virtually all light and medium-duty vehicles manufactured
since 1996.
"Continuous emissions monitoring can eliminate many of the costs
associated with managing physical inspection programs, as well as ease the
burden on the driving public and potentially make a significant, positive
impact on air quality," said Networkcar president Dave Dutch. "Our Internet-
based smog test technology is currently being used in remote smog test
programs in California and consumers have embraced it."
In California, car owners with Networkcar-equipped vehicles can enroll in
the Continuous Testing Pilot (CTP) program. By enrolling in the nation's first
remote smog check program, car owners receive a convenient no-cost remote smog
check and do not have to visit a physical inspection facility if their vehicle
is running cleanly. If Networkcar detects an emissions problem, the car owner
is notified immediately and they have 45 days to repair the problem. If a car
owner does not have their car repaired during that time period, they are
removed from the CTP program and placed back into the traditional inspection
program.
Most often, drivers continue to operate vehicles even when a diagnostic
trouble code relating to the emission control system is generated; causing
excess environmental pollution until the vehicle's next regularly scheduled
Smog Check. In nearly all cases, high pollution levels persist even though the
vehicle appears to function properly. Vehicles equipped with Networkcar
systems are dynamically monitored and trouble codes are immediately reported
to the motorist. This real-time reporting notifies motorists potentially years
sooner than the next scheduled emissions inspection. Vehicles not performing
repairs in a timely manner are removed from the program.
Networkcar ( http://www.networkcar.com ) is the leading provider of around-the-
clock services for monitoring the performance, location and security of
consumer and fleet vehicles. The company features advanced performance
monitoring technology and satellite-location systems that enable it to provide
the most advanced solution for car maintenance and operation on the market
today.
Networkcar includes real-time car performance updates, Smart Roadside
Assistance, stolen vehicle recovery services and Car Guardian(TM), a feature
that allows a car owner to find their car by accessing a secure Web page. With
Networkcar, car owners and fleets increase safety and security, save time and
reduce costs with advanced preventive maintenance and early problem detection.
Reynolds and Reynolds ( http://www.reyrey.com ) is the leading provider of
integrated solutions that help automotive retailers manage change and improve
their profitability. With 75 years of experience serving automotive retailing,
Reynolds enables car companies and retailers to work together to build the
lifetime value of their customers. The company's award-winning product,
service and training solutions include a full range of retail and enterprise
management systems, networking and support, e-business applications, Web
services, learning and consulting services, customer relationship management
(CRM) solutions, data management and integration, and leasing services.
Reynolds serves more than 20,000 customers. They comprise 90 percent of the
automotive retailers and virtually all car companies doing business in North
America. Its CRM consulting practices span approximately 15 countries around
the world.
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