SAN DIEGO — Networkcar, a Reynolds and Reynolds company, announced on May 16 that it has been awarded its eighth patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent, U.S. 6,879,894, is entitled "Internet-Based Emissions Test for Vehicles" and pertains to Networkcar's online smog check technology. The patent describes a process and device for collecting diagnostic data through an in-vehicle connector and transmitting the data to a Web site. From there, the host computer system processes the diagnostic information to perform an emissions test according to an EPA-mandated algorithm. The result of this process is a "remote smog check" which enables a vehicle with the Networkfleet or Networkcar system to be remotely monitored for emissions compliance. This patent adds to Networkcar's growing patent portfolio, which currently features eight issued and 14 pending U.S. patents. Networkcar's patents protect new technology being developed in the field of wireless, remote diagnostics for cars and trucks. Networkcar's recent patents include:

• U.S. Patent 6,594,579, collection and processing of fuel information to determine fuel efficiency.
  

• U.S. Patent 6,295,492, collection and transmission of diagnostics data.
  

• U.S. Patent 6,636,790, an in-vehicle device that collects and transmits diagnostic/location data.

  Networkcar's wireless fleet management system, Networkfleet, collects and organizes detailed performance and location-based information directly from a vehicle's engine computer and a global positioning system (GPS). This information is then transmitted wirelessly from the vehicle and made available to fleet managers via a personalized Web site accessible 24/7. Vehicle location and diagnostics information enable fleet managers to reduce operating costs, improve driver productivity and more efficiently manage their assets.