Identification and calibration of vehicle safety functions

Abstract

This provides various technical solutions to the technical challenges faced by sensor-based vehicle safety technology. [Solution] To address the problem of identifying the safety features (e.g., safety sensors) of a designated vehicle, a vehicle safety feature identification system may be used to identify the vehicle and the safety features installed in that vehicle. To address the problem of identifying which safety sensors require maintenance, a vehicle safety feature maintenance system may be used to identify vehicle safety sensors based on information received about one or more vehicle repairs, such as structural repairs following a vehicle collision. The vehicle safety feature maintenance system may identify not only the vehicle repair area using image data or other inputs, but also other vehicle components that must be removed or adjusted to complete the vehicle repair, as well as all vehicle safety sensors and other safety features that require repair, replacement, or recalibration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein generally relate to vehicle safety functions.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicle safety technology is used to improve the safety of vehicles. Vehicle safety technology may include passive safety measures (safety countermeasures) such as seat belts and disc brakes. Vehicle safety technology may also include active safety measures such as airbags and anti-lock brakes that are triggered in response to specific inputs. Sensor-based vehicle safety technology can provide modified vehicle control, such as an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS, automated driving vehicle assistance system), by receiving video images and other sensor inputs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Improvements in vehicle safety technology improve the level of safety, but further technical complexity is required for its implementation and maintenance. What is needed, therefore, is an improved solution for the implementation and maintenance of vehicle safety technology.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Vehicle safety technologies may utilize various sensors, such as lane-assist cameras and emergency braking cameras. After these sensors are installed during vehicle manufacturing, sensor-based vehicle safety technologies undergo rigorous calibration to ensure that the sensors and vehicle safety systems function as intended. However, sensor performance can degrade over the vehicle's lifespan. For example, vehicle safety sensors may become misaligned during vehicle maintenance. This tendency is particularly pronounced when safety sensors are repaired or replaced after a vehicle collision. Even if the safety sensors themselves are not repaired or replaced, it is necessary to identify and recalibrate each safety sensor affected by vehicle maintenance or repairs. Furthermore, since different combinations of safety sensors may be used in each vehicle, the complexity and cost associated with identifying and recalibrating each sensor are further increased.

[0006] This subject provides various technical solutions to the technical problems faced by sensor-based vehicle safety technologies. To address the problem of identifying the safety features (e.g., safety sensors) of a particular vehicle, a vehicle safety sensor identification system can be used to identify the vehicle and the safety features, safety systems, and safety sensors installed in that vehicle. This vehicle sensor identification system may use a combination of sensor data obtained from the vehicle itself, general information (e.g., vehicle manufacturer, year, model), and vehicle-specific information from the manufacturer or original seller of that individual vehicle (e.g., sensors listed on the vehicle's build sheet). To address the problem of identifying which sensors require maintenance, a vehicle sensor maintenance system may be used to identify vehicle safety features based on information received about one or more vehicle repairs, such as structural repairs after a vehicle collision. A vehicle sensor maintenance system may use image data or other inputs to identify not only the vehicle repair area, but also other vehicle components that must be removed or adjusted to complete the vehicle repair, as well as all vehicle safety functions that require repair, replacement, or recalibration. The list of vehicle safety functions may consist of a combination of safety functions that are general to all vehicles of a given make and model, and safety functions that are specific to individual vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram of a vehicle safety system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating a vehicle safety system repair workflow according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram of a vehicle calibration center according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the workflow of a vehicle safety system electronic device according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 5]A diagram of vehicle onboarding according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the decoding of a vehicle identification number (VIN) according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating a vehicle inspection according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram of a vehicle safety system report according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram of a workstream and processing flow according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating a vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration method according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing a vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration system in an exemplary form of an electronic device 1100, in which, according to the exemplary embodiment, a set or sequence of instructions is executed to cause the machine to perform any one of the methodologies discussed herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following description and drawings are intended to adequately illustrate the specific embodiments for those skilled in the art. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, processing, and other modifications. Parts and features of various embodiments may not only be included in those of other embodiments, but may also be replaced by those of other embodiments. The embodiments described in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

[0009] Figure 1 shows a vehicle safety system 100 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle safety system 100 comprises several vehicle safety subsystems, which may include one or more sensors for an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system and an automated driver assistance system (ADAS). The automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may include a collision warning system and a collision intervention system. The collision warning system may include blind spot warning (blind spot alert), forward collision warning, lane departure warning, parking collision warning, or rear cross-traffic alert. The collision intervention system may include automatic emergency braking, automatic emergency steering, or automatic reverse braking. The automated driver assistance system (ADAS) may include driving control assistance and parking assistance. Driving control assistance may include adaptive cruise control (constant speed driving / distance control), lane keeping assist, or active driving assistance (driving assistance). Parking assistance may include backup cameras, surround view cameras, active parking assist cameras, remote parking assist, or trailer assist. Additional driver assistance systems may include automatic high beams, driver monitoring, head-up displays, or night vision. These vehicle safety subsystems may require recalibration whenever body panels or other vehicle components are repaired or removed to facilitate repair of other vehicle components. Recalibration is particularly important for safety systems and their components, such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems and automated driver assistance systems (ADAS).

[0010] Figure 2 shows a vehicle safety system repair workflow 200 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle safety system repair workflow 200 may include identification 210 of an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), automatic emergency braking (AEB), or other safety system, for example, by using user input on a smartphone 215 or other mobile electronic device. In one example, safety system identification may include a step of receiving a vehicle identification number (VIN). The vehicle identification number VIN may be used to identify safety systems and safety functions (e.g., safety sensors) based on general information about the vehicle's manufacturer, year, and model, as well as specific information from the manufacturer or original seller of the particular vehicle. Identification of these safety systems and safety sensors may be based on retrieving (searching for, reading) a list of safety systems and safety sensors associated with the vehicle identification number VIN from a safety system datastore. The safety system datastore may be stored and accessed locally, or it may be retrieved remotely in batches or on demand from a third-party safety system datastore provider. Identifying these safety systems and sensors may involve a step of receiving sensor data available from the vehicle itself, such as sensor data provided by the onboard diagnostic (OBD) system. In some cases, the identification of these safety systems and sensors from the onboard diagnostic OBD system may not identify all safety systems and sensors in the vehicle, so a step of retrieving information from a safety system data store may provide an improved identification of these safety systems and sensors.

[0011] The vehicle safety system repair workflow 200 may include a safety system calibration 220 which involves repairing, replacing, or recalibrating vehicle safety sensors. The safety system calibration 220 may be performed in a collision or calibration center 225. The vehicle safety system repair workflow 200 may also include the generation of a safety system calibration document 230. The safety system calibration document 230 may include a list of all vehicle safety sensors that have been repaired, replaced, or recalibrated. The safety system calibration document 230 may also include images, videos, sensor data, or other data showing the process or results of the repair, replacement, or recalibration of the vehicle safety sensors. The safety system calibration document 230 may also include a compliance report for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) requirements or specifications. For example, the OEM compliance report may include a list of which vehicle sensors or other vehicle components are recommended to be replaced with OEM replacement parts, or a list of which of those vehicle sensors or other vehicle components have been replaced using OEM parts.

[0012] Insurance company 240 can be involved in various stages within the vehicle safety system repair workflow 200. For example, insurance company 240 may receive a collision report from customer 250. Insurance company 240 can estimate repair costs, such as determining which safety systems to pay for replacement, using information from identification 210 of an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), automatic emergency braking (AEB), or other safety system. Insurance company 240 may communicate with a collision or calibration center 225, for example, to confirm which repairs have been approved (authorized). Insurance company 240 may also receive a safety system calibration document 230 to confirm that the authorized systems have been repaired and may provide a reimbursement for it to the collision or calibration center 225 or customer 250.

[0013] Figure 3 shows a vehicle calibration center 300 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle calibration center 300 may be used to calibrate one or more safety sensors on a vehicle. The safety sensors calibrated in the vehicle calibration center 300 may be general-purpose for all vehicles of a given manufacturer and model, or they may be specific to individual vehicles.

[0014] The vehicle calibration center 300 may include an initial area 310 that provides a combination of drive-through wheel alignment, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) verification, and image acquisition of license plates or vehicle identification number VINs. In one example, the vehicle may be positioned in a fixed location for wheel alignment, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) verification may be performed via a nearby TPMS radio frequency (RF) monitoring system, and an image acquisition device may be positioned to capture and recognize the vehicle identification number VIN or license plates. The vehicle calibration center 300 may also include a training or quick-fix area 320, which may include an area where minor repairs to the vehicle safety system may be performed. The vehicle calibration center 300 may also include an open area 330 and an office 340, such as for sensor calibration training or vehicle sensor safety management.

[0015] The vehicle calibration center 300 may include areas 350 for drive-through tread depth verification, Freon level verification, and emergency repairs. In one example, tread depth verification may include an optical tread depth scanning device. The vehicle calibration center 300 may also include a dedicated wheel alignment track 360. The wheel alignment track 360 may not only provide wheel misalignment detection and measurement, but may also provide access to the vehicle suspension system to correct (change) alignment camber, caster, and toe. The vehicle calibration center 300 may also include one or more general-purpose or vehicle-specific sensor calibration areas 370, such as for calibrating camera sensors or other safety sensors.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a vehicle safety system electronic device workflow 400 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle safety system electronic device workflow 400 may generally include vehicle identification 410, such as via a captured image of a vehicle identification number VIN or license plate. The vehicle safety system electronic device workflow 400 may generally include identification 420 of one or more damage areas (damage regions) of the vehicle to be repaired, which may be provided, for example, by user input. The vehicle safety system electronic device workflow 400 may generally include identification 430 of one or more areas of the vehicle to be repaired or removed during vehicle repair, which may be provided, for example, by user input. As an example, damage to the front quarter panel of a vehicle may require removal of the front bumper, hood, door panel, or other components.

[0017] The vehicle safety system electronic device workflow 400 may generally include a step 440 of receiving additional information regarding the vehicle. The information may be received, for example, in the form of one or more user question prompts. The information may include safety sensor information, such as identifying dashboard indicator lights or other information from within the vehicle. The vehicle safety system electronic device workflow 400 may generally include a step 450 of documenting additional vehicle information, such as capturing an image for documenting the vehicle damage area. The vehicle safety system electronic device workflow 400 may generally include identification 460 of one or more vehicle safety sensors that require repair, replacement, or recalibration. These sensors may be part of a vehicle automatic emergency braking AEB system, an advanced driver assistance system ADAS, or other safety systems. More specific details of the vehicle safety system electronic device workflow 400 are described with respect to FIGS. 5-8.

[0018] Figure 5 is a diagram of a vehicle onboarding 500 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle onboarding 500 may include an installation 510 of an application on an electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device), and may provide various information regarding the state or recent changes of the application. The vehicle onboarding 500 may include a step of displaying initial welcome information 520 or contact information 530. The vehicle onboarding 500 may include a step 540 of verifying or decrypting a vehicle identification number VIN as shown in FIG. 6.

[0019] Figure 6 is a diagram of a vehicle identification number VIN decoding 600 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle identification number VIN decoding 600 may include a step of capturing a vehicle identification number VIN, such as using an on-board diagnostic OBD dongle that provides OEM specifications and other vehicle information when plugged into an on-board diagnostic OBDII port of a vehicle. An electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a desktop computer) may present a vehicle identification number VIN download prompt 610 that may include a button 615 for the user to start downloading the vehicle identification number VIN from the dongle. The electronic device may present a download screen 620 to show the progress 625 of downloading the vehicle identification number VIN from the dongle, and may present a decoding / analysis screen 630 to show the progress 635 of decoding and analyzing the vehicle identification number VIN. The vehicle identification number VIN decoding 600 may also include a step of scanning a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) to identify the vehicle identification number VIN, a step of capturing an image of the vehicle identification number VIN number and applying optical character recognition, or a manual input of the vehicle identification number VIN.

[0020] The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) may be used to identify the safety systems, safety sensors, and other vehicle information associated with the VIN from the safety system datastore. The safety system datastore may be stored and accessed locally, or it may be retrieved remotely in batches or on demand from a third-party safety system datastore provider. As an example, the safety system datastore may have a database of vehicles that associate each Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with vehicle build sheet information that includes the vehicle safety systems and safety sensors. In addition to the information retrieved from the safety system datastore based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), additional information about safety systems and safety sensors may be based on data received from the vehicle itself, such as sensor data provided by the on-board diagnostic OBD system. Each Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the corresponding retrieved vehicle information may be stored locally on an electronic device or accessed via a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) archive.

[0021] The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Decoder 600 may provide a basic information screen 640, which may provide generalized information about the vehicle's year, manufacturer, model, trim, and type. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Decoder 600 may also provide a detailed information screen 650, which may provide additional details about the vehicle. For example, the detailed information may be based on the corresponding vehicle build sheet and may also show paint codes, trim codes, paint names, safety sensor lists, or other information not provided on the basic information screen 640. The basic and detailed information may be displayed to allow the user to confirm that the correct vehicle has been identified. For example, the user may confirm that the vehicle model does not match the vehicle, which may prompt the user to check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or use another method of entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Each of the basic information screen 640 and the detailed information screen 650 may include a vehicle inspection prompt 645 or 655 for the user to begin the vehicle inspection.

[0022] Figure 7 shows a vehicle inspection 700 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle inspection 700 may include a damage area identification screen 710 through which a user can identify one or more damaged vehicle areas via a user damage indication 715 received on an electronic device. In one example, a stock image of a general vehicle type (e.g., car, truck, van, SUV), or a general or specific image corresponding to a vehicle identified by a vehicle identification number (VIN), may be presented on the display screen of the electronic device, and the user can indicate one or more damaged areas by tapping one or more areas of the image. In another example, a list of general or vehicle-specific areas may be presented on the display screen, and the user can select one or more damaged areas from the list. In some examples, a combination of an image and a list of damaged areas may be presented to the user. Each vehicle type may have identified relevant damaged areas that include agnostic areas common to all vehicles (e.g., vehicle hood, vehicle doors) and vehicle-specific areas that are not common to all vehicles (e.g., truck bed, car trunk).

[0023] The damage area identification screen 710 may be used to determine potential work and sensors that need to be calibrated or replaced, for example, by comparing the identified damage area with the OEM specifications of the vehicle safety sensors in the identified area. This determination may be performed on a portable electronic device or on a remote device. In one example, input received by the damage area identification screen 710 may be sent to a remote server, and the determination of potential work and sensors that may need to be calibrated or replaced may be performed on either the portable electronic device or the remote server, or both.

[0024] The vehicle inspection 700 may include a repair area identification screen 720. The repair area identification screen 720 may be used to identify one or more areas of the vehicle that need repair, such as through a user repair instruction 725 received on an electronic device. The repair area identification screen 720 may be displayed following the completion of the damage area identification screen 710. In one example, the repair area identification screen 720 may be displayed without requiring input on the damage area identification screen 710, for example, if the mechanic has already determined which areas need repair. The determination of potential work and sensors that may need calibration or replacement may be based solely on the information received on the damage area identification screen 710, solely on the information received on the repair area identification screen 720, or a combination of the information received on the damage area identification screen 710 and the repair area identification screen 720.

[0025] In one example, a stock image of a general vehicle type (e.g., car, truck, van, SUV), or a general or specific image corresponding to a vehicle identified by a vehicle identification number (VIN), may be presented on the display screen of an electronic device, and the user may indicate one or more repair areas by tapping one or more areas of the image. In another example, a general or vehicle-specific list of areas may be presented on the display screen, and the user may select one or more repair areas from the list. In some examples, a combination of an image and a list of damaged areas may be presented to the user. Each vehicle type may have associated repair areas that can be identified, comprising vehicle agnostic areas (e.g., vehicle hood, vehicle doors) and vehicle-specific areas (e.g., truck bed, car trunk).

[0026] In some examples, one or more repair areas may be automatically identified based on the damage area(s) identified in 710. The automatically identified areas may be based on a mapping of generalized damage areas, such as the damage area identified by the user damage instruction 715. In one example, information from the damage area identification screen 710 may be sent to a remote server that provides initial identification of the damage areas. In another example, a mapping of safety systems affected by the vehicle damage area may be downloaded from a remote server, for example, during vehicle identification number (VIN) decoding 600.

[0027] In some cases, one or more repair areas may be automatically identified based on the damage area(s) identified in 710, or modified based on user input. In some cases, the area to be repaired may comprise more areas than those shown on the damage area identification screen 710. For example, damage to the front quarter panel of a vehicle may require the removal of the front bumper, hood, door panel, or other components. Repair area identification (720) may include a step of prompting the user to identify the repair areas, or a step of confirming or modifying the repair areas automatically identified based on the damage area identification screen 710.

[0028] The vehicle inspection 700 may include a vehicle inspection survey (e.g., a questionnaire) 730. The vehicle inspection survey 730 may include prompting the user for one or more questions about the vehicle. The information received may include safety sensor information such as identifying dashboard indicator lights or other information from inside the vehicle. In some examples, dashboard indicator lights or vehicle system displays (e.g., a central console display) may indicate the deployment and position of one or more airbags. This information may be used to identify additional vehicle safety sensors that require repair, replacement, recalibration, or further investigation. The information may also indicate calibration status, calibration settings, or requirements for calibrating the vehicle. For example, an airbag deployment indication may provide instructions to replace the airbag and one or more vehicle collision sensors associated with the deployment of that airbag. This information may be used to verify that certification and the environment are properly set up, and to understand the damage to the vehicle and other considerations that may affect how the vehicle is calibrated.

[0029] In embodiments, the vehicle safety system may be determined automatically based on safety system identification through data analysis or artificial intelligence (AI) (e.g., machine learning). Automatic identification may include the step of mapping a vehicle safety system dataset to one or more locations on the vehicle, such as those identified in 710 or 720. In one example, damage and repair information identified in 710 or 720 is sent to a remote server, and automatic identification is performed on the remote server to map the areas identified in 710 or 720 to the corresponding safety systems on that vehicle. In another example, information from a vehicle identification number (VIN) decoded 600 is sent to a remote server, and the remote server provides the step of mapping the areas on the vehicle to the corresponding safety systems requiring repair and calibration. The remote server may perform this automatic identification based on general or specific information about the vehicle. In one example, general automatic identification includes the vehicle's make, model, and year, and the step of identifying one or more safety systems in a general dataset. In another example, dedicated automatic identification may include a step of identifying a data set specific to that vehicle, such as information provided by the manufacturer or original seller of that vehicle. Automatic identification may include the identification of one or more vehicle safety sensor groups. In one example, the sensor groups may be identified by the vehicle's trim level, such as advanced technology package sensors located on the front bumper, comfort and convenience sensors located on the front quarter panel, safety and driver assistance sensors located in the side mirrors, and other vehicle safety sensors. Automatic identification may include the identification of one or more vehicle safety sensors on the vehicle. In one example, the identification of vehicle safety sensors may be based on information specific to that individual vehicle, such as a step of obtaining a list of safety sensors identified on the vehicle manufacturing sheet. Automatic identification may include the identification of areas of vehicle damage, repair, or calibration based on received repair documentation.For example, a damage estimate document or repair order may be generated by a vehicle repair shop or insurance quoter, and automatic identification may identify damaged areas, repair areas, or calibration areas based on the received document. Often, a damage estimate document or repair order may identify damaged areas but fail to identify safety systems that also need to be recalibrated based on those damaged areas. Identifying calibration areas can improve vehicle safety as well as the reliability of cost estimates for repairs and calibrations. In a machine learning example, a machine learning (ML) model may be trained on one or more of the damaged areas, repair areas, repair documents, or other inputs, and the trained machine learning model may be used to identify safety systems that need to be repaired.

[0030] The vehicle inspection 700 may include the generation of a vehicle inspection results screen 740. The vehicle inspection results screen 740 may include a list of safety systems to be repaired and calibrated, such as one or more safety system names and safety system subgroup names 745. The safety system information may be general to the vehicle's manufacturer, model, and year, as well as specific to information provided by the manufacturer or original seller of that particular vehicle. The inspection results may be based on information received in the damage area (part) identification screen 710, the repair area (part) identification screen 720, the vehicle inspection survey 730, or the automatic identification described above. The vehicle inspection results screen 740 may be used to generate a vehicle safety system report as shown in Figure 8.

[0031] Figure 8 shows a vehicle safety system report 800 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle safety system report 800 may include the step of generating or transmitting one or more vehicle safety sensor reports. In one example, an initial report may be generated to identify all vehicle safety systems that may be installed in the vehicle. The initial report may include identification of driver assistance systems, fault codes, and recommended scans to verify the functionality of the systems. In one example, a detailed electronic report 810 may be generated to identify which of the vehicle safety systems are currently installed in the vehicle. The detailed electronic report 810 may be displayed on a portable electronic device and may provide a list of one or more safety system entries 815 that can be expanded to obtain more detailed information. The detailed electronic report 810 may include estimates for repair, replacement, and recalibration of the identified vehicle safety systems, fault code identification, and recommended scans to verify the functionality of the systems. The detailed electronic report 810 may include replacement specifications or recommendations for OEM parts that may not be part of the safety systems. For example, an OEM bumper may be required to ensure the proper repair and calibration of the bumper safety camera, and detailed reporting may demonstrate compliance with safety-related OEM requirements.

[0032] The vehicle safety system report 800 may include a step of capturing vehicle damage images 820 to document the vehicle damage area. The image capture device may be used to capture (take, import) images of the vehicle from various viewpoints. An electronic device may guide the user through the capture of a series of images of the vehicle. For example, to assist in capturing a preferred viewpoint of the vehicle (e.g., a perspective view of the right and left quarter panels 825), a portable electronic device may display the outline of the part of the vehicle being captured. The captured images of the vehicle damage area may be used to confirm or identify the vehicle damage area. For example, the captured images may be compared with images of an undamaged vehicle of the same body style to identify damaged areas that are deformed, missing, or otherwise damaged. For example, machine learning may be used to identify the vehicle damage area based on the captured images of the vehicle damage area. Display of the vehicle outline or other vehicle structure on the device screen may be used to improve the comparison between the captured images and images of the undamaged vehicle.

[0033] The vehicle safety system report 800 may include the generation of an electronic report 830 that identifies vehicle damage, repairs, and calibrations. The electronic report 830 may include information from the detailed electronic report 810, information from captured vehicle damage images 820, or other information. The vehicle safety system report 800 may include a step of prompting the user 840 to send the electronic report 830 to a third party, such as an insurance company. The electronic report 830 may be sent as an electronic document 835, such as a PDF or Word document. The data in the electronic report 830 may be sent in a computer-readable format (e.g., comma-separated values), which can be used by the calibration center system 845 to take in information without extracting information from the electronic document. For example, the data in the electronic report 830 may be encoded within the electronic document, such as encoding the data as metadata within the electronic document.

[0034] Figure 9 shows a workstream and processing flow 900 according to at least one embodiment. The workstream and processing flow 900 may be used by a calibration center to process a damaged vehicle from vehicle entry to insurance reimbursement 955. The workstream may also include identification and repair order (RO) creation 910, which may include associated processing flows of crash shop estimaters, estimater applications, repair order RO creation from applications, and transit. The estimater application 915 may correspond to the aforementioned vehicle damage and repair processes, such as vehicle onboarding 500, vehicle identification number (VIN) decoding 600, vehicle inspection 700, and vehicle safety system report 800. In one example, the vehicle safety system report 800 may be used to generate a repair order indicating which vehicle systems and sensors require repair or calibration.

[0035] The workstream may include OEM compliance 920, which may include associated process flows for fuel filling, quick checks, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) checks, tread depth checks, brake checks, and refrigerant checks. The workstream may include sensor inspection and repair 930, which may include associated process flows for vehicle scanning, sensor inspection, sensor adjustment, and alignment. The workstream may include vehicle calibration 940, which may include associated process flows for windshield calibration, seat calibration, static vehicle calibration (e.g., the vehicle is calibrated while stationary), and dynamic vehicle calibration (e.g., the vehicle is calibrated while being driven). The workstream may include certification and documentation 950, which may include associated process flows for vehicle safety system calibration space certification, acceptance of transport or delivery, calibration reporting, and collision shop rebursement.

[0036] Figure 10 shows a vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration method 1000 according to at least one embodiment. The vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration method 1000 may include a step 1010 for receiving vehicle identification (vehicle identification). The step 1010 for receiving vehicle identification may include a step of connecting an electronic vehicle self-diagnostic device to the vehicle and a step of receiving a plurality of vehicle self-diagnostic data from the vehicle. The plurality of vehicle self-diagnostic data may include vehicle identification and a plurality of vehicle sensor data. Identification of vehicle safety sensor calibration may further be based on the plurality of vehicle sensor data. In one example, the vehicle identification data may include a step of obtaining a vehicle identification number VIN, and the stored vehicle safety sensor dataset may include a list of vehicle safety sensors specific to the vehicle identification number VIN.

[0037] The vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration method 1000 may include a step 1015 for identifying vehicle damage areas. The step 1015 for identifying vehicle damage areas may include a step of receiving a vehicle damage image and a step of comparing the vehicle damage image with a stored undamaged vehicle image (a vehicle image without damage). The step 1015 for identifying vehicle damage areas may be based on a comparison between the vehicle damage image and a stored undamaged vehicle image. This may include a step of displaying a general-purpose vehicle image to the user and a step of receiving damage instructions (damage indication) from the user. The step 1015 for identifying vehicle damage areas may be based on damage instructions received from the user.

[0038] The vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration method 1000 may include, as described above with respect to Figures 5 to 7, a step 1020 to identify a vehicle repair area based on identified vehicle damage areas or user input, and a step 1025 to identify a vehicle safety sensor calibration based on identified vehicle repair areas and a stored vehicle safety sensor dataset.

[0039] The vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration method 1000 may include a step 1030 of identifying a vehicle safety sensor within a vehicle damage area or a vehicle repair area. The vehicle repair area may include at least one undamaged vehicle area where the removal of vehicle components is required during repairs to the vehicle damage area. In some examples, as described above, the identified vehicle safety sensor may be located outside the vehicle damage area but within the vehicle repair area. The identified vehicle safety sensor may require calibration in response to changes in the vehicle repair area (modifications to the vehicle repair area).

[0040] The vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration method 1000 may include a step 1035 for generating an electronic report. The report may identify vehicle damage, repairs, and calibrations. The report may include information from a detailed electronic report 810, information from captured vehicle damage images 820, or other information. The report may include a list of damaged systems, systems to be repaired, systems to be calibrated, instructions for repair or calibration, or other information.

[0041] The vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration method 1000 may include a step 1040 for calibrating the identified vehicle safety sensor, or a step 1045 for verifying the calibration of the identified vehicle safety sensor. The vehicle safety sensor may be part of at least one of an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system and an automated driver assistance system (ADAS).

[0042] The vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration method 1000 may include a step 1050 for generating a calibration certificate document. The calibration certificate document may identify multiple vehicle sensor calibration test results and information regarding the vehicle calibration test environment. The calibration certificate document may also demonstrate compliance with OEM requirements or specifications, such as a list of which of those vehicle sensors or other vehicle components were replaced with OEM parts.

[0043] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing a vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration system in an exemplary embodiment of the electronic device 1100, in which, according to the exemplary embodiment, a set or sequence of instructions is executed to cause the machine to perform one of the methodologies discussed herein. The electronic device 1100 may represent a single device or a system of multiple devices combined to provide vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device 1100 may operate as a standalone device or be connected to (e.g., networked) other machines. In a networked deployment, the electronic device 1100 may operate as either a server or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The electronic device 1100 may be implemented in a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a system-in-package (SiP), an integrated circuit (IC), a portable electronic device, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a hybrid tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a server computer, or any electronic device 1100 capable of executing instructions (sequentially or otherwise) that specify actions to be performed by the machine in order to detect user input. Furthermore, although only a single electronic device 1100 is illustrated, the terms “machine” or “electronic device” shall be deemed to also include any set of machines or devices that individually or collectively execute a set (or set) of instructions for performing one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Similarly, the term “processing circuit” shall be interpreted to include any set of one or more machines that, by being controlled or operated by a processor (e.g., a computer), individually or collectively execute instructions for performing one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0044] An exemplary electronic device 1100 comprises at least one processor 1102 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a processor core, a compute node, etc.), main memory 1104, and static memory 1106, which communicate with each other via a link 1108 (e.g., a bus). The main memory 1104 or static memory 1106 may be used to store information used to identify or calibrate vehicle safety sensors.

[0045] The electronic device 1100 may include one or more vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration components 1110, which may provide various data to perform the vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration processing described above. The vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration components 1110 may include an image capture device, an in-vehicle diagnostic OBD reader, or other vehicle sensor identification or calibration components. The vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration components 1110 may include processing specialized for vehicle safety sensor identification, such as a GPU specialized for visually identifying the vehicle and the vehicle safety system. In embodiments, a predetermined process may be performed by either or both the processor 1102 and the vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration components 1110. The predetermined process may be performed only by the vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration components 1110, such as processing performed on a portable electronic device.

[0046] The electronic device 1100 may further include a display unit 1112, which may comprise a single component providing a user-readable display and a protective layer, or another type of display. The electronic device 1100 may further include an input device 1114, such as a push button, a keyboard, or a user interface (UI) navigation device (e.g., a mouse or touch-sensitive input). In one example, the display unit 1112 and the input device 1114 may be the same device, such as a touch-sensitive display device. The electronic device 1100 may further include a storage device 1116, such as a drive unit. The electronic device 1100 may further include one or more image capture devices 1118 for capturing images, as described above. The electronic device 1100 may further include a network interface device 1120 and one or more additional sensors (not shown).

[0047] The storage device 1116 includes a machine-readable medium 1122 in which one or more sets of data structures and instructions 1124 (e.g., software) are stored, which are embodied or utilized by one or more methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 1124 may also reside, all or at least partially, in the main memory 1104, in the static memory 1106, in the vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration component 1110, or in the processor 1102 while they are being executed by the electronic device 1100. The main memory 1104, the static memory 1106, the vehicle safety sensor identification and calibration component 1110, and the processor 1102 may also include machine-readable media.

[0048] Although the machine-readable medium 1122 is illustrated as a single medium in exemplary embodiments, the term “machine-readable medium” may comprise a single medium or multiple mediums (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) storing one or more instructions 1124. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be interpreted as comprising any tangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for machine execution that cause a machine to perform one or more of the methodologies of this disclosure, or any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures utilized by or associated with such instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” is considered to comprise, accordingly, solid memory, as well as optical and magnetic media. Specific examples of machine-readable media include, but are not limited to, non-volatile memory comprising semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices, magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0049] Instruction 1124 may also be transmitted or received via a communication network 1126 using a transmission medium, via a network interface device 1120 utilizing any one of many well-known transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, cellular networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® LE, 3G, 5G LTE / LTE-A, WiMAX networks, etc.). The term “transmission medium” means not only any intangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for machine execution, but also any digital or analog communication signals or other intangible medium to facilitate the communication of such software.

[0050] To better illustrate the methods and apparatus disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of embodiments is provided herein. Example 1 is a method for identifying vehicle safety function calibration, and this method is The process of receiving vehicle identification, Based on the identification of the aforementioned vehicle, the process involves identifying the stored vehicle safety function (feature) dataset, The process of receiving the identification of the vehicle repair area, A method comprising the step of identifying a vehicle safety function calibration based on the identified vehicle repair area and the stored vehicle safety function dataset.

[0051] In Embodiment 2, the stored vehicle safety function dataset includes a stored vehicle safety sensor dataset. The subject matter described in Example 1.

[0052] In Example 3, the vehicle is identified by a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), The stored vehicle safety function dataset is identified based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). The subject matter described in Example 1 or 2.

[0053] In Example 4, the method is as follows: The process of connecting an electronic device to an in-vehicle diagnostic device connected to a vehicle, The subject matter according to Embodiment 3, further comprising the step of obtaining the vehicle identification number VIN in the electronic device via the in-vehicle diagnostic device.

[0054] In Example 5, the method includes a step of acquiring (retrieving, searching, reading) in-vehicle diagnostic information in an electronic device via an in-vehicle diagnostic device connected to the vehicle. The identification of the vehicle safety function calibration is further based on the acquired in-vehicle diagnostic information, The subject matter described in Example 4.

[0055] In Example 6, the method includes a step of generating a calibration verification, The calibration verification includes a step of confirming the performance of the vehicle safety function calibration. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 1 to 5.

[0056] In Example 7, the method includes a step of generating a calibration certificate, The calibration certificate document includes the generated calibration verification, The aforementioned calibration certificate document specifies the results of multiple vehicle sensor calibration tests and the vehicle calibration test environment. The subject matter described in Example 6.

[0057] In Example 8, the generation of the calibration verification includes verification against the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) calibration specifications. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 6 to 7.

[0058] In Example 9, the method includes a step of identifying the vehicle damage area. The identification of the vehicle repair area is based at least partially on the identified vehicle damage area. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 1 to 8.

[0059] In Example 10, the identified vehicle safety function calibration is located outside the vehicle damage area but within the vehicle repair area, and The identified vehicle safety function calibration requires calibration in response to changes in the vehicle repair area. The subject matter described in Example 9.

[0060] In Example 11, the method includes a step of identifying the vehicle safety function within the vehicle repair area. The identified vehicle safety function requires calibration in response to changes in the vehicle repair area. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 1 to 10.

[0061] In Example 12, the method described above is A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety function, and The process includes a step of outputting the calibration command for display, The subject matter described in Example 11.

[0062] In Example 13, the method described above is A step of calibrating the identified vehicle safety function, and The process includes verifying the calibration of the identified vehicle safety function, The subject matter described in any one of Examples 11 to 12.

[0063] In Example 14, the vehicle safety function is part of at least one of the following: an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system and an automated driver assistance system (ADAS). The subject matter described in any one of Examples 11 to 13.

[0064] In Example 15, the vehicle repair area comprises at least one undamaged vehicle area requiring adjustment of vehicle components during repair to the vehicle damage area. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 9 to 14.

[0065] In Example 16, the vehicle component adjustment includes vehicle wheel alignment. The above method further, A step of generating an alignment command for the vehicle wheel alignment, and The subject according to Embodiment 15, further comprising the step of outputting the alignment command for display.

[0066] In Example 17, the method described above is The process of receiving vehicle damage images, and The system includes a step of comparing the vehicle damage image with a stored image of an undamaged vehicle. The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on a comparison between the vehicle damage image and the stored image of the undamaged vehicle. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 1 to 16.

[0067] In Example 18, the method includes a step of receiving damage instructions from the user. The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the damage instructions received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 9 to 17.

[0068] In Example 19, the method described above is The process of displaying a vehicle image to the user, The system includes the step of receiving the damage indication on the displayed vehicle image from the user, The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the damage instructions received from the user. The subject matter described in Example 18.

[0069] In Example 20, the method described above is The process of displaying a list of potential vehicle damage areas to the user, The system includes a step of receiving damage instructions from the user based on the user's selection of one or more items in the list of potential vehicle damage areas, The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the damage instructions received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 18 to 19.

[0070] In Example 21, the method described above is The process of displaying a damage questionnaire to the user, The system includes a step of receiving survey responses from the aforementioned user, The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the questionnaire responses received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 18 to 20.

[0071] In Example 22, the identification of the vehicle repair area is further based on the damage instructions received, The subject matter described in any one of Examples 18 to 21.

[0072] In Example 23, the method described above is The process of displaying a vehicle image to the user, The system includes the step of receiving a selection from the user of one or more regions on the displayed vehicle image, The identification of the vehicle repair area is based on the selection received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 1 to 22.

[0073] In Example 24, the method described above is A step of displaying a list of potential vehicle repair areas to the user, The system includes the step of receiving a selection from the user of one or more items within the list of potential vehicle repair areas, The identification of the vehicle repair area is based on the selection received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 1 to 23.

[0074] In Example 25, the method described above is The process of connecting an electronic vehicle self-diagnostic device to a vehicle, The system includes a step of receiving vehicle self-diagnostic data from the aforementioned vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle self-diagnosis data comprises vehicle identification and vehicle sensor data. The identification of the aforementioned vehicle safety function calibration is further based on the aforementioned vehicle sensor data, The subject matter described in any one of Examples 1 to 24.

[0075] In Example 26, the vehicle self-diagnosis data is received from an on-board diagnostic (OBD) device connected to the vehicle. The subject matter described in Example 25.

[0076] In Example 27, the method includes a step of receiving multiple vehicle system failure notifications. The identification of the aforementioned vehicle safety function calibration is not indicated by multiple vehicle system failure notifications. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 25 to 26.

[0077] In Example 28, the method described above is A step of identifying the name of the vehicle safety system associated with the aforementioned vehicle safety function calibration, The subject matter according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 27, further comprising the step of outputting the vehicle safety system name for display.

[0078] Example 29 is a method for identifying vehicle safety function calibration, wherein the method is The process of obtaining a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), A step of identifying a stored vehicle safety function dataset based on the aforementioned vehicle identification number VIN, The process of displaying vehicle images to the user, A step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more areas on the displayed vehicle image, wherein the identification of at least one of the vehicle damage area or vehicle repair area is based on the selection received from the user, A method comprising the step of identifying a vehicle safety function calibration based on the identified vehicle repair area and the stored vehicle safety function dataset.

[0079] Example 30 is a system for identifying vehicle safety function calibration, The system comprises a processing circuit and a memory containing instructions. When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processing circuit, the processing circuit will: The process of receiving vehicle identification, Based on the identification of the aforementioned vehicle, the process involves identifying the stored vehicle safety function dataset, The process of receiving the identification of the vehicle repair area, A system that performs the steps of identifying a vehicle safety function calibration based on the identified vehicle repair area and the stored vehicle safety function dataset.

[0080] In Example 31, the stored vehicle safety function dataset includes a stored vehicle safety sensor dataset. The subject matter described in Example 30.

[0081] In Example 32, the vehicle is identified by a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), The stored vehicle safety function dataset is identified based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). The subject matter described in any one of Examples 30 to 31.

[0082] In Example 33, the instruction further causes the processing circuit to perform the step of obtaining (retrieving, searching for, reading) the vehicle identification number VIN from an electronic device connected to an in-vehicle diagnostic device connected to the vehicle. The subject matter described in Example 32.

[0083] In Example 34, the instruction further includes a step of causing the processing circuit to acquire in-vehicle diagnostic information in the electronic device via the in-vehicle diagnostic device connected to the vehicle, The identification of the vehicle safety function calibration is based on the acquired in-vehicle diagnostic information. The subject matter described in Example 33.

[0084] In Example 35, the instruction further includes a step of causing the processing circuit to generate a calibration verification, The calibration verification confirms the performance of the vehicle safety function calibration. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 30 to 34.

[0085] In Example 36, the instruction further includes a step of causing the processing circuit to generate a calibration certificate document. The calibration certificate document includes the generated calibration verification, The aforementioned calibration certificate document specifies the results of multiple vehicle sensor calibration tests and the vehicle calibration test environment. The subject matter described in Example 35.

[0086] In Example 37, the generation of the calibration verification includes verification against the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) calibration specifications. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 35 to 36.

[0087] In Example 38, the instruction further causes the processing circuit to perform the step of identifying the vehicle damage area. The identification of the vehicle repair area is based at least partially on the identified vehicle damage area. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 30 to 37.

[0088] In Example 39, the identified vehicle safety function calibration is located outside the vehicle damage area but within the vehicle repair area. The identified vehicle safety function calibration requires calibration in response to changes in the vehicle repair area. The subject matter described in Example 38.

[0089] In Example 40, the instruction further causes the processing circuit to perform the step of identifying the vehicle safety function within the vehicle repair area. The identified vehicle safety function requires calibration in response to changes in the vehicle repair area. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 30 to 39.

[0090] In Example 41, the instruction further instructs the processing circuit, A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety function, and The subject of Embodiment 40, which includes the step of outputting the calibration command for display purposes.

[0091] In Example 42, the instruction further instructs the processing circuit, A step of calibrating the identified vehicle safety function, and The subject matter according to any one of Examples 40 to 41, which includes a step of verifying the calibration of the identified vehicle safety function.

[0092] In Example 43, the vehicle safety function is part of at least one of the following: an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system and an automated driver assistance system (ADAS). The subject matter described in any one of Examples 40 to 42.

[0093] In Embodiment 44, the vehicle repair area comprises at least one undamaged vehicle area requiring adjustment of vehicle components during repair to the vehicle damage area. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 38 to 43.

[0094] In Example 45, the vehicle component adjustment includes vehicle wheel alignment. The aforementioned instruction further instructs the processing circuit, The process of generating an alignment command for the vehicle wheel alignment, The subject of Embodiment 44, which involves the process of outputting the alignment command for display purposes.

[0095] In Example 46, the instruction further provides the processing circuit with: The process of receiving vehicle damage images, The process involves comparing the vehicle damage image with a stored image of an undamaged vehicle. The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on a comparison between the vehicle damage image and the stored image of the undamaged vehicle. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 30 to 45.

[0096] In Example 47, the instruction further causes the processing circuit to perform the step of receiving a damage instruction (indication) from the user. The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the damage instructions received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 38 to 46.

[0097] In Example 48, the instruction further instructs the processing circuit, The steps include displaying a vehicle image to the user, and The process involves receiving the damage instruction on the displayed vehicle image from the user, and then performing the following steps: The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the damage instructions received from the user. The subject matter described in Example 47.

[0098] In Example 49, the instruction further instructs the processing circuit, The steps include displaying a list of potential vehicle damage areas to the user, The process involves receiving damage instructions from the user based on the user's selection of one or more items in the list of potential vehicle damage areas, and then performing the following steps: The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the damage instructions received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 47 to 48.

[0099] In Example 50, the instruction further instructs the processing circuit, The process of displaying a damage questionnaire to the user, The process involves receiving survey responses from the aforementioned users, The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the questionnaire responses received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 47 to 49.

[0100] In Example 51, the identification of the vehicle repair area is further based on the damage instructions received, The subject matter described in any one of Examples 47 to 50.

[0101] In Example 52, the instruction further instructs the processing circuit, The process of displaying a vehicle image to the user, The process involves receiving a selection from the user of one or more regions on the displayed vehicle image, The identification of the vehicle repair area is based on the selection received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 30 to 51.

[0102] In Example 53, the instruction further instructs the processing circuit, A step of displaying a list of potential vehicle repair areas to the user, The process involves receiving a selection from the user for one or more items in the list of potential vehicle repair areas, The identification of the vehicle repair area is based on the selection received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 30 to 52.

[0103] In Example 54, the instruction further instructs the processing circuit, A step of connecting an electronic vehicle self-diagnostic device to the vehicle, A process for receiving vehicle self-diagnostic data from the vehicle, wherein the process for receiving the vehicle self-diagnostic data includes the identification of the vehicle and vehicle sensor data. The identification of the aforementioned vehicle safety function calibration is further based on the aforementioned vehicle sensor data, The subject matter described in any one of Examples 30 to 53.

[0104] In Example 55, the vehicle self-diagnostic data is received from an on-board diagnostic (OBD) device connected to the vehicle. The subject matter described in Example 54.

[0105] In Example 56, the instruction further causes the processing circuit to perform the step of receiving multiple vehicle system failure notifications. The identification of the aforementioned vehicle safety function calibration is not indicated by multiple vehicle system failure notifications. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 54 to 55.

[0106] In Example 57, the instruction further instructs the processing circuit, A step of identifying the name of the vehicle safety system related to the aforementioned vehicle safety function calibration, The subject matter according to any one of Examples 30 to 56, which includes the step of outputting the vehicle safety system name for display purposes.

[0107] Example 58 is a system for identifying vehicle safety function calibration. The system comprises a processing circuit and a memory containing instructions. When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processing circuit, the processing circuit will: The process of obtaining a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), A step of identifying a stored vehicle safety function dataset based on the aforementioned vehicle identification number VIN, The process of displaying vehicle images to the user, A step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more areas on the displayed vehicle image, wherein the identification of at least one of the vehicle damage area or vehicle repair area is based on the selection received from the user, A system that performs the steps of identifying vehicle safety function calibration based on the identified vehicle repair area and the stored vehicle safety function dataset.

[0108] Example 59 describes a computer control device that, in response to being executed in the processing circuit of the computer control device, The process of receiving vehicle identification, Based on the identification of the aforementioned vehicle, the process involves identifying the stored vehicle safety function dataset, The process of receiving the identification of the vehicle repair area, and The system includes a plurality of commands for performing the step of identifying a vehicle safety function calibration based on the identified vehicle repair area and the stored vehicle safety function dataset. At least one non-temporary machine-readable storage medium.

[0109] In Example 60, the stored vehicle safety function dataset includes a stored vehicle safety sensor dataset. The subject matter described in Example 59.

[0110] In Example 61, the vehicle is identified by a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), The stored vehicle safety function dataset is identified based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). The subject matter described in any one of Examples 59 to 60.

[0111] In Example 62, the instruction further provides the computer control device with the following instructions: The process of connecting an electronic device to an in-vehicle diagnostic device connected to the aforementioned vehicle, The subject matter according to Embodiment 61, further comprising the step of having the electronic device acquire the vehicle identification number VIN via the in-vehicle diagnostic device.

[0112] In Example 63, the instruction further causes the computer control device to perform the step of acquiring in-vehicle diagnostic information in the electronic device via the in-vehicle diagnostic device connected to the vehicle, The identification of the vehicle safety function calibration is further based on the acquired in-vehicle diagnostic information, The subject matter described in Example 62.

[0113] In Example 64, the instruction further causes the computer control device to perform a step of generating calibration verification, The calibration verification confirms the performance of the vehicle safety function calibration. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 59 to 63.

[0114] In Example 65, the instruction further causes the computer control device to perform the step of generating a calibration certificate document. The aforementioned calibration certificate document includes a generated calibration verification, The aforementioned calibration certificate document specifies the results of multiple vehicle sensor calibration tests and the vehicle calibration test environment. The subject matter described in Example 64.

[0115] In Example 66, the generation of the calibration verification includes verification against the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) calibration specifications. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 64 to 65.

[0116] In Example 67, the instruction further causes the computer control device to perform the step of identifying the vehicle damage area. The identification of the vehicle repair area is based at least partially on the identified vehicle damage area. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 59 to 66.

[0117] In Example 68, the identified vehicle safety function calibration is located outside the vehicle damage area but within the vehicle repair area. The identified vehicle safety function calibration requires calibration in response to changes in the vehicle repair area. The subject matter described in Example 67.

[0118] In Example 69, the instruction further causes the computer control device to perform the step of identifying the vehicle safety function within the vehicle repair area. The identified vehicle safety function requires calibration in response to changes in the vehicle repair area. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 59 to 68.

[0119] In Example 70, the instruction further provides the computer control device with the following instructions: A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety function, and The subject of Embodiment 69, which includes the step of outputting the calibration command for display purposes.

[0120] In Example 71, the instruction further provides the computer control device with the following instructions: A step of calibrating the identified vehicle safety function, and The subject matter according to any one of Examples 69 to 70, which includes a step of verifying the calibration of the identified vehicle safety function.

[0121] In Example 72, the vehicle safety function is part of at least one of the following: an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system and an automated driver assistance system (ADAS). The subject matter described in any one of Examples 69 to 71.

[0122] In Embodiment 73, the vehicle repair area comprises at least one undamaged vehicle area requiring adjustment of vehicle components during repair to the vehicle damage area. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 67 to 72.

[0123] In Example 74, the vehicle component adjustment includes vehicle wheel alignment. The aforementioned instruction further commands the computer control unit, The process of generating an alignment command for the vehicle wheel alignment, The subject of Embodiment 73, which includes the step of outputting the alignment command for display, and causing the following to be performed.

[0124] In Example 75, the instruction further provides to the computer control device: The process of receiving vehicle damage images, and The process involves comparing the vehicle damage image with a stored image of an undamaged vehicle. The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on a comparison between the vehicle damage image and the stored image of the undamaged vehicle. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 59 to 74.

[0125] In Example 76, the instruction further causes the computer control device to perform the step of receiving damage instructions from the user. The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the damage instructions received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 67 to 75.

[0126] In Example 77, the instruction further provides to the computer control device: The process of displaying a vehicle image to the user, The process involves receiving the damage instruction on the displayed vehicle image from the user, and then performing the following steps: The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the damage instructions received from the user. The subject matter described in Example 76.

[0127] In Example 78, the instruction further provides the computer control device with the following instructions: The steps include displaying a list of potential vehicle damage areas to the user, The process involves receiving damage instructions from the user based on the user's selection of one or more items in the aforementioned list of potential vehicle damage areas, and then performing the following steps: The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the damage instructions received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 76 to 77.

[0128] In Example 79, the instruction further provides to the computer control device: The process of displaying a damage questionnaire to the user, The process involves receiving survey responses from the aforementioned users, The identification of the vehicle damage area is based on the questionnaire responses received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 76 to 78.

[0129] In Example 80, the identification of the vehicle repair area is further based on the damage instructions received, The subject matter described in any one of Examples 76 to 79.

[0130] In Example 81, the instruction further provides the computer control device with the following instructions: The process of displaying a vehicle image to the user, The process involves receiving a selection from the user for one or more regions on the displayed vehicle image, The identification of the vehicle repair area is based on the selection received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 59 to 80.

[0131] In Example 82, the instruction further provides the computer control unit to: A step of displaying a list of potential vehicle repair areas to the user, The process involves receiving a selection from the user for one or more items in the list of potential vehicle repair areas, The identification of the vehicle repair area is based on the selection received from the user. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 59 to 81.

[0132] In Example 83, the instruction further provides the computer control unit to: The process of connecting an electronic vehicle self-diagnostic device to a vehicle, The system includes a process of receiving vehicle self-diagnostic data from the aforementioned vehicle, and a process of causing the system to perform the following: The aforementioned vehicle self-diagnosis data comprises vehicle identification and vehicle sensor data. The identification of the aforementioned vehicle safety function calibration is further based on the aforementioned vehicle sensor data, The subject matter described in any one of Examples 59 to 82.

[0133] In Example 84, the vehicle self-diagnosis data is received from an on-board diagnostic (OBD) device connected to the vehicle. The subject matter described in Example 83.

[0134] In Example 85, the instruction further causes the computer control device to perform the step of receiving multiple vehicle system failure notifications. The identification of the aforementioned vehicle safety function calibration is not indicated by multiple vehicle system failure notifications. The subject matter described in any one of Examples 83 to 84.

[0135] In Example 86, the instruction further provides the computer control device with the following instructions: A step of identifying the vehicle safety system name associated with the aforementioned vehicle safety function calibration, and The system includes a step of outputting the vehicle safety system name for display purposes, and a step of causing the system to perform the following: The subject matter described in any one of Examples 59 to 85.

[0136] Example 87 is at least one machine-readable medium that, when executed by a processing circuit, provides instructions that cause the processing circuit to perform an operation to carry out any one of Examples 1 to 86.

[0137] Example 88 is an apparatus that includes means for carrying out any one of Examples 1 to 86. Example 89 is a system for implementing any one of Examples 1 to 86.

[0138] Example 90 is a method of carrying out any one of Examples 1 to 86. The above detailed description includes references to accompanying drawings that form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention can be carried out. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “Examples.” Such embodiments may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also envision examples in which only the shown or described elements are provided. Furthermore, the inventors also envision examples using any combination or permutation of those elements (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0139] In this document, as is common in patent documents, the terms “a” or “an” are used to mean one or more, independently of other examples or uses of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to mean a non-exclusive union, i.e., “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise specified. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as declarative statements for the terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, meaning that a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process comprising elements in addition to the elements described after the term in the claim is still considered to fall within the scope of that claim. In addition, in the following claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their subject matter.

[0140] The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the examples (or one or more embodiments thereof) described above can be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used, for example, by those skilled in the art when considering the above description. An abstract is provided to enable readers to quickly grasp the nature of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In the above detailed description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as meaning that any disclosed feature not claimed is essential to any claim. Rather, the inventive subject matter may reside in fewer features than all the features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated herein with the intention that each claim not only exists as a distinct embodiment in itself, but that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the entire scope of the equivalents to which such claims are entitled. (Note 1) A method for identifying vehicle safety sensor calibration, wherein the method is A step of starting vehicle identification in a vehicle safety sensor identification application installed on an electronic device, The process of receiving vehicle identification data into the vehicle safety sensor identification application by capturing vehicle identification data using a vehicle identification device associated with the electronic device, Within the vehicle safety sensor identification application, there is a step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic vehicle safety function database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic vehicle safety function database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset is as follows: Within the vehicle safety sensor identification application, there is a step of receiving the identification of a vehicle repair area, wherein the vehicle repair area corresponds to the area of ​​the vehicle, and The vehicle safety sensor identification application includes a step of automatically identifying the vehicle safety sensor calibration within the vehicle repair area based on the identified vehicle repair area and the stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified vehicle safety sensor calibration corresponds to an identified vehicle safety sensor that requires calibration in response to a change in the vehicle repair area, and the identified vehicle safety sensor is part of at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the step of automatically identifying the vehicle safety sensor calibration within the vehicle repair area. A method that includes [the following features]. (Note 2) The above method further, A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety sensor, A step of outputting the calibration command for display, The method described in Appendix 1, which includes the following: (Note 3) The method further includes a step of identifying the vehicle damage area. The identification of the vehicle repair area is based at least partially on the identified vehicle damage area. The method described in Appendix 1. (Note 4) The vehicle repair area comprises at least one undamaged vehicle area requiring adjustment of vehicle components during repair to the vehicle damage area. The method described in Appendix 3. (Note 5) A method for identifying vehicle safety sensor calibration, wherein the method is A step of starting vehicle identification in a vehicle safety sensor identification application installed on an electronic device, The process of receiving vehicle identification data into the vehicle safety sensor identification application by capturing vehicle identification data using a vehicle identification device associated with the electronic device, Within the vehicle safety sensor identification application, there is a step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic vehicle safety function database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic vehicle safety function database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset is as follows: The electronic device includes the step of displaying a vehicle image to the user, A step of receiving from the user the selection of one or more regions on the displayed vehicle image, wherein the identification of a vehicle repair region corresponding to a region of the vehicle is based on the selection received from the user, and, The vehicle safety sensor identification application includes a step of automatically identifying the vehicle safety sensor calibration within the vehicle repair area based on the identified vehicle repair area and the stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified vehicle safety sensor calibration corresponds to an identified vehicle safety sensor that requires calibration in response to a change in the vehicle repair area, and the identified vehicle safety sensor is part of at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the step of automatically identifying the vehicle safety sensor calibration within the vehicle repair area. A method that includes [the following features]. (Note 6) The above method further, A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety sensor, A step of outputting the calibration command for display, The method described in Appendix 5, which includes the following: (Note 7) A method for identifying vehicle safety sensor calibration, wherein the method is A step of starting vehicle identification in a vehicle safety sensor identification application installed on an electronic device, The process of receiving vehicle identification data into the vehicle safety sensor identification application by capturing vehicle identification data using a vehicle identification device associated with the electronic device, Within the vehicle safety sensor identification application, there is a step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic vehicle safety function database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic vehicle safety function database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset is as follows: A step of displaying multiple potential vehicle repair areas to the user on the electronic device, A step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more repair areas from a plurality of displayed potential vehicle repair areas, wherein the identification of a vehicle repair area corresponding to a vehicle area is a step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more repair areas based on the selection received from the user, and The vehicle safety sensor identification application includes a step of automatically identifying the vehicle safety sensor calibration within the vehicle repair area based on the identified vehicle repair area and the stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified vehicle safety sensor calibration corresponds to an identified vehicle safety sensor that requires calibration in response to a change in the vehicle repair area, and the identified vehicle safety sensor is part of at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the step of automatically identifying the vehicle safety sensor calibration within the vehicle repair area. A method that includes [the following features]. (Note 8) The above method further, A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety sensor, A step of outputting the calibration command for display, The method described in Appendix 7, which includes the following: (Note 9) The vehicle identification device comprises an in-vehicle diagnostic device for communicating with the vehicle via a vehicle communication protocol, and the method further includes A step of connecting the electronic device to the in-vehicle diagnostic device already connected to the vehicle in a communicative manner, The electronic device includes the step of acquiring the vehicle identification data from the in-vehicle diagnostic device via the vehicle communication protocol, The method described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, which includes the following: (Note 10) The vehicle identification device includes an image capture device for capturing an image of at least one of the following: a vehicle identification number (VIN) or a vehicle identification number VIN barcode. The vehicle identification data is based on at least one image of the vehicle identification number VIN or the vehicle identification number VIN barcode. The method described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8. (Note 11) A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium having instructions, wherein the instructions are executed by a processing circuit of a computer control device in response to the computer control device, The steps include: starting vehicle identification in the vehicle safety sensor identification application installed on the aforementioned computer control device; A step of capturing vehicle identification data from a vehicle identification device associated with the computer control device, A step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic database based on the vehicle identification data into the vehicle safety sensor identification application, wherein the electronic database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and a step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset. The computer control device includes the step of displaying a vehicle image to the user, A step of receiving from the user the selection of one or more regions on the displayed vehicle image, wherein the identification of a vehicle repair region corresponding to a region of the vehicle is based on the selection received from the user, and, The vehicle safety sensor identification application includes a step of automatically identifying a vehicle safety sensor calibration within a vehicle repair area based on an identified vehicle repair area and a stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified vehicle safety sensor calibration corresponds to an identified vehicle safety sensor that requires calibration in response to a change in the vehicle repair area, and the identified vehicle safety sensor is part of at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the step of automatically identifying the vehicle safety sensor calibration within the vehicle repair area. A non-temporary, machine-readable storage medium that enables the following process. (Note 12) A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium having instructions, wherein the instructions are executed by a processing circuit of a computer control device, and the computer control device receives the instructions in response to the computer control device. The steps include: starting vehicle identification in the vehicle safety sensor identification application installed on the aforementioned computer control device; A step of capturing vehicle identification data from a vehicle identification device associated with the computer control device, Within the vehicle safety sensor identification application, there is a step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset is as follows: The computer control device includes the step of displaying to the user a plurality of potential vehicle repair areas, A step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more repair areas from a plurality of displayed potential vehicle repair areas, wherein the identification of a vehicle repair area corresponding to a vehicle area is a step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more repair areas based on the selection received from the user, and The vehicle safety sensor identification application includes a step of automatically identifying a vehicle safety sensor calibration within a vehicle repair area based on an identified vehicle repair area and a stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified vehicle safety sensor calibration corresponds to an identified vehicle safety sensor that requires calibration in response to a change in the vehicle repair area, and the identified vehicle safety sensor is part of at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the step of identifying the vehicle safety sensor calibration within the vehicle repair area. A non-temporary, machine-readable storage medium that enables the following process. (Note 13) The aforementioned instruction further commands the computer control unit, A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety sensor, A step of outputting the calibration command for display, A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium as described in Appendix 11 or 12, which enables the following: (Note 14) The vehicle identification device includes an in-vehicle diagnostic device that communicates with the vehicle via a vehicle communication protocol. The aforementioned instruction further commands the computer control unit, A step of connecting to the in-vehicle diagnostic device already connected to the vehicle in a communicative manner, A step of acquiring the vehicle identification data from the in-vehicle diagnostic device via the vehicle communication protocol, A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium as described in Appendix 11 or 12, which enables the following: (Note 15) The aforementioned vehicle identification device includes an image capture device for capturing an image of the vehicle identification number (VIN). The aforementioned vehicle identification data is based on the aforementioned image of the vehicle identification number VIN. A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium as described in Appendix 11 or 12. (Note 16) A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing executable program code, wherein the executable program code is executed by one or more processors of an electronic device and is directed to one or more of the processors. A step of capturing vehicle identification data via the aforementioned electronic device, wherein the vehicle identification data identifies a vehicle, and a step of capturing the vehicle identification data, A step of acquiring a vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, The process of capturing at least one image of at least one damaged area of ​​the vehicle using the image capture device of the electronic device, A step of automatically identifying the vehicle damage area based on at least one of the aforementioned images, A step of automatically identifying a vehicle safety sensor calibration based on the vehicle damage area and the acquired vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the vehicle safety sensor calibration corresponds to a calibration of the vehicle safety sensor in response to an expected change in the vehicle damage area, and the identified vehicle safety sensor is part of at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and A process of generating and outputting repair estimate values ​​that have been automatically identified and calibrated for the vehicle safety sensors, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that enables the operation of [the process]. (Note 17) The step of capturing the vehicle identification data via the electronic device comprises the step of scanning the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Appendix 16. (Note 18) The step of capturing the vehicle identification data via the electronic device comprises the step of scanning the vehicle identification number (VIN) barcode of the vehicle. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Appendix 16. (Note 19) The step of capturing at least one image of at least one of the damaged areas of the vehicle using the image capture device of the electronic device comprises the step of guiding the user of the electronic device when capturing at least one of the images. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Appendix 16. (Note 20) The step of guiding the user when capturing at least one of the images includes the step of displaying the area of ​​the vehicle to be photographed via the electronic device. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Appendix 19. (Note 21) The step of automatically identifying the vehicle damage area based on at least one of the aforementioned images comprises the step of comparing each given image of the at least one aforementioned image with images of at least a portion of an undamaged vehicle. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of the items in Appendix 16 to 20. (Note 22) The step of automatically identifying the vehicle damage area based on at least one of the images comprises the step of applying machine learning to at least one of the images in order to identify the vehicle damage area. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of the items in Appendix 16 to 20. (Note 23) The executable program code further causes one or more of the processors to perform the step of receiving user input via the electronic device in order to edit the repair estimate value. A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in any one of the items in Appendix 16 to 20. (Note 24) A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing executable program code, wherein the executable program code is executed by one or more processors of an electronic device and is directed to one or more of the processors. The steps include starting the estimation application that has been installed on the electronic device, A step of capturing vehicle identification data from a vehicle identification device associated with the electronic device, wherein the vehicle identification data identifies a vehicle, and a step of capturing the vehicle identification data, Within the estimation application, there is a step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset is as follows: Within the estimation application, there is a step of receiving an identification of a vehicle repair area, wherein the vehicle repair area corresponds to the area of ​​the vehicle, The estimation application includes a step of automatically identifying vehicle safety sensor calibrations within a vehicle repair area based on identified vehicle repair areas and stored vehicle safety function datasets, wherein the identified vehicle safety sensor calibrations correspond to calibrations of vehicle safety sensors in response to expected changes in the vehicle repair area, and the identified vehicle safety sensors are part of at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and A process of generating and outputting repair estimate values ​​that have been automatically identified and calibrated for the vehicle safety sensors, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that enables the operation of [the process]. (Note 25) The executable program code is further transmitted to one or more of the processors. The process of displaying a vehicle image to the user of the aforementioned electronic device is performed. The step of receiving the identification of the vehicle repair area includes the step of receiving the selection of one or more areas on the displayed vehicle image from the user. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Appendix 24. (Note 26) The executable program code further causes one or more of the processors to perform the step of displaying potential vehicle repair areas to the user. The step of receiving the identification of the vehicle repair area comprises the step of receiving the user's selection of one or more items from the potential vehicle repair areas already displayed to the user. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Appendix 24. (Note 27) The step of receiving the identification of the vehicle repair area is: The process of capturing an image of the damaged area of ​​the vehicle using the image capture device of the electronic device, A process for automatically identifying vehicle damage areas based on the aforementioned image, wherein the vehicle repair area is determined based on the vehicle damage area, and the process for automatically identifying the vehicle damage area is as follows: A non-temporary computer-readable medium as described in Appendix 24, which is equipped with the following features. (Note 28) The step of automatically identifying the vehicle damage area based on the aforementioned image includes a step of comparing the aforementioned image with images of at least a portion of an undamaged vehicle. Non-temporary computer-readable media as described in Appendix 27.

Claims

1. A method for determining the calibration of a vehicle safety sensor, wherein the vehicle safety sensor is a sensor relating to at least one part of a vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the method is A step of starting the identification of the vehicle in a vehicle safety sensor identification application installed on an electronic device, The process of receiving vehicle identification data, including a vehicle identification number (VIN), into the vehicle safety sensor identification application by capturing vehicle identification data, which includes a vehicle identification device associated with the electronic device, Within the vehicle safety sensor identification application, there is a step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic vehicle safety function database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic vehicle safety function database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the stored vehicle safety function dataset includes the identification of the vehicle safety sensors installed in the vehicle, and the acquisition of the vehicle safety function dataset includes the identification of the vehicle safety sensors installed in the vehicle. The electronic device includes the step of displaying a vehicle image to the user, A step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more regions on the displayed vehicle image, wherein the identification of a vehicle repair region corresponding to a region of the vehicle is based on the selection received from the user, and the vehicle repair region includes a vehicle component for which repair is being considered, and The vehicle safety sensor identification application includes a step of automatically identifying the calibration of a vehicle safety sensor within a vehicle repair area based on an identified vehicle repair area and a stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified calibration of the vehicle safety sensor corresponds to an identified vehicle safety sensor that requires calibration in response to a change in the vehicle repair area, the change in the vehicle repair area includes at least one of repairing, replacing, or readjusting the vehicle components within the vehicle repair area, and the vehicle safety sensor identification application automatically provides information that the vehicle safety sensor requires calibration by determining whether the change in the vehicle repair area and the location information of the identified vehicle safety sensor affect the operation of the identified vehicle safety sensor. A method that includes [the following features].

2. The above method further, A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety sensor, A step of outputting the calibration command for display, The method according to claim 1, comprising:

3. A method for determining the calibration of a vehicle safety sensor, wherein the vehicle safety sensor is a sensor relating to at least one part of a vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the method is A step of starting the identification of the vehicle in a vehicle safety sensor identification application installed on an electronic device, The process of receiving vehicle identification data, including a vehicle identification number (VIN), into the vehicle safety sensor identification application by capturing vehicle identification data, which includes a vehicle identification device associated with the electronic device, Within the vehicle safety sensor identification application, there is a step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic vehicle safety function database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic vehicle safety function database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the stored vehicle safety function dataset includes the identification of the vehicle safety sensors installed in the vehicle, and the acquisition of the vehicle safety function dataset includes the identification of the vehicle safety sensors installed in the vehicle. A step of displaying multiple potential vehicle repair areas to the user on the electronic device, A step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more repair areas from a plurality of displayed potential vehicle repair areas, wherein the identification of the vehicle repair area corresponding to the area of ​​the vehicle is based on the selection received from the user, and the vehicle repair area includes one or more of the repair areas to be considered for repair, and The vehicle safety sensor identification application includes a step of automatically identifying the calibration of a vehicle safety sensor within a vehicle repair area based on an identified vehicle repair area and a stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified calibration of the vehicle safety sensor corresponds to an identified vehicle safety sensor that requires calibration in response to a change in the vehicle repair area, the change in the vehicle repair area includes at least one of repairing, replacing, or readjusting the vehicle components within the vehicle repair area, and the vehicle safety sensor identification application automatically provides information that the vehicle safety sensor requires calibration by determining whether the change in the vehicle repair area and the location information of the identified vehicle safety sensor affect the operation of the identified vehicle safety sensor. A method that includes [the following features].

4. The above method further, A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety sensor, A step of outputting the calibration command for display, The method according to claim 3, comprising:

5. A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium having instructions, wherein the instructions are executed by a processing circuit of a computer control device in response to the computer control device, The steps include: starting vehicle identification in the vehicle safety sensor identification application installed on the aforementioned computer control device; A step of capturing vehicle identification data, including a vehicle identification number (VIN), from a vehicle identification device associated with the computer control device, Within the vehicle safety sensor identification application, the step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the stored vehicle safety function dataset includes the identification of vehicle safety sensors installed in the vehicle, and the vehicle safety sensors are sensors relating to at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset. The computer control device includes the step of displaying a vehicle image to the user, A step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more regions on the displayed vehicle image, wherein the identification of a vehicle repair region corresponding to a region of the vehicle is based on the selection received from the user, and the vehicle repair region includes a vehicle component for which repair is being considered, and The vehicle safety sensor identification application includes a step of automatically identifying the calibration of a vehicle safety sensor within a vehicle repair area based on an identified vehicle repair area and a stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified calibration of the vehicle safety sensor corresponds to an identified vehicle safety sensor that requires calibration in response to a change in the vehicle repair area, the change in the vehicle repair area includes at least one of repairing, replacing, or readjusting the vehicle components within the vehicle repair area, and the vehicle safety sensor identification application automatically provides information that the vehicle safety sensor requires calibration by determining whether the change in the vehicle repair area and the location information of the identified vehicle safety sensor affect the operation of the identified vehicle safety sensor. A non-temporary, machine-readable storage medium that enables the following process.

6. A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium having instructions, wherein the instructions are executed by a processing circuit of a computer control device, and the computer control device receives the instructions in response to the computer control device. The steps include: starting vehicle identification in the vehicle safety sensor identification application installed on the aforementioned computer control device; A step of capturing vehicle identification data, including a vehicle identification number (VIN), from a vehicle identification device associated with the computer control device, Within the vehicle safety sensor identification application, the step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the stored vehicle safety function dataset includes the identification of vehicle safety sensors installed in the vehicle, and the vehicle safety sensors are sensors relating to at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset. The computer control device includes the step of displaying to the user a plurality of potential vehicle repair areas, A step of receiving from the user a selection of one or more repair areas from a plurality of displayed potential vehicle repair areas, wherein the identification of the vehicle repair area corresponding to the area of ​​the vehicle is based on the selection received from the user, and the vehicle repair area includes one or more of the repair areas to be considered for repair, and The vehicle safety sensor identification application includes a step of automatically identifying the calibration of a vehicle safety sensor within a vehicle repair area based on an identified vehicle repair area and a stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified calibration of the vehicle safety sensor corresponds to an identified vehicle safety sensor that requires calibration in response to a change in the vehicle repair area, the change in the vehicle repair area includes at least one of repairing, replacing, or readjusting the vehicle components within the vehicle repair area, and the vehicle safety sensor identification application determines whether the change in the vehicle repair area and the location information of the identified vehicle safety sensor affect the operation of the identified vehicle safety sensor, thereby automatically providing information that the vehicle safety sensor requires calibration. A non-temporary, machine-readable storage medium that enables the following process.

7. The aforementioned instruction further commands the computer control unit, A step of generating a calibration command for calibrating the identified vehicle safety sensor, A step of outputting the calibration command for display, A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium according to claim 5 or 6, which causes the following to occur.

8. The vehicle identification device includes an in-vehicle diagnostic device that communicates with the vehicle via a vehicle communication protocol. The aforementioned instruction further commands the computer control unit, A step of connecting to the in-vehicle diagnostic device already connected to the vehicle in a communicative manner, A step of acquiring the vehicle identification data from the in-vehicle diagnostic device via the vehicle communication protocol, A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium according to claim 5 or 6, which causes the following to occur.

9. The vehicle identification device includes an image capture device for capturing an image of the vehicle identification number (VIN), The vehicle identification data is based on the image of the vehicle identification number VIN. A non-temporary machine-readable storage medium according to claim 5 or 6.

10. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing executable program code, wherein the executable program code is executed by one or more processors of an electronic device and is directed to one or more of the processors. A step of capturing vehicle identification data including a vehicle identification number (VIN) via the aforementioned electronic device, wherein the vehicle identification data identifies a vehicle, and a step of capturing the vehicle identification data, A step of acquiring a vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, the vehicle safety function dataset includes the identification of vehicle safety sensors installed in the vehicle, and the vehicle safety sensors are sensors relating to at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or an automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset. The steps include capturing at least one image of at least one damaged area of ​​the vehicle using the image capture device of the electronic device, A step of automatically identifying the vehicle damage area based on at least one of the aforementioned images, A step of automatically identifying the calibration of a vehicle safety sensor based on the vehicle damage area and the acquired vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the calibration of the vehicle safety sensor corresponds to the calibration of the vehicle safety sensor in response to the expected changes in the vehicle damage area, and A process of generating and outputting repair estimate values ​​that include the calibration of the automatically identified vehicle safety sensors, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that enables the operation of [the process].

11. The step of capturing the vehicle identification data via the electronic device comprises the step of scanning the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 10.

12. The step of capturing the vehicle identification data via the electronic device comprises the step of scanning the vehicle identification number (VIN) barcode of the vehicle. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 10.

13. The step of capturing at least one image of at least one of the damaged areas of the vehicle using the image capture device of the electronic device comprises the step of guiding the user of the electronic device when capturing at least one of the images. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 10.

14. The step of guiding the user when capturing at least one of the images includes the step of displaying the area of ​​the vehicle to be photographed via the electronic device. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 13.

15. The step of automatically identifying the vehicle damage area based on at least one of the aforementioned images comprises the step of comparing each given image of the at least one aforementioned image with images of at least a portion of an undamaged vehicle. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

16. The step of automatically identifying the vehicle damage area based on at least one of the images comprises the step of applying machine learning to at least one of the images in order to identify the vehicle damage area. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

17. The executable program code further causes one or more of the processors to perform the step of receiving user input via the electronic device in order to edit the repair estimate value. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

18. A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing executable program code, wherein the executable program code is executed by one or more processors of an electronic device and is directed to one or more of the processors. The steps include starting the estimation application that has been installed on the electronic device, A step of capturing vehicle identification data, including a vehicle identification number (VIN), from a vehicle identification device associated with the electronic device, wherein the vehicle identification data identifies a vehicle; Within the estimation application, the step of acquiring a stored vehicle safety function dataset from an electronic database based on the vehicle identification data, wherein the electronic database comprises a plurality of identified vehicles and associated vehicle safety function datasets, and the stored vehicle safety function dataset includes the identification of vehicle safety sensors installed in the vehicle, and the vehicle safety sensors are sensors relating to at least one of the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system or automated driver assistance system (ADAS), and the step of acquiring the vehicle safety function dataset, Within the estimation application, there is a step of receiving an identification of a vehicle repair area, wherein the vehicle repair area corresponds to an area of ​​the vehicle and includes vehicle components for which repair is to be considered. The estimation application includes a step of automatically identifying the calibration of a vehicle safety sensor within a vehicle repair area based on the identified vehicle repair area and the stored vehicle safety function dataset, wherein the identified calibration of the vehicle safety sensor corresponds to the calibration of the vehicle safety sensor in response to an expected change in the vehicle repair area, and the change in the vehicle repair area includes at least one of repairing, replacing, or readjusting the vehicle components within the vehicle repair area, and A process of generating and outputting repair estimate values ​​that include the calibration of the automatically identified vehicle safety sensors, A non-temporary computer-readable medium that enables the operation of [the process].

19. The executable program code is further configured in one or more of the processors: The process of displaying a vehicle image to the user of the aforementioned electronic device is performed. The step of receiving the identification of the vehicle repair area includes the step of receiving the selection of one or more areas on the displayed vehicle image from the user. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 18.

20. The executable program code further causes one or more of the processors to perform the step of displaying potential vehicle repair areas to the user. The step of receiving the identification of the vehicle repair area comprises the step of receiving the user's selection of one or more items from the potential vehicle repair areas already displayed to the user. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 18.

21. The step of receiving the identification of the vehicle repair area is: The process of capturing an image of the damaged area of ​​the vehicle using the image capture device of the electronic device, A process for automatically identifying vehicle damage areas based on the aforementioned image, wherein the vehicle repair area is determined based on the vehicle damage area, and the process for automatically identifying the vehicle damage area is as follows: A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 18, comprising the following:

22. The step of automatically identifying the vehicle damage area based on the aforementioned image includes a step of comparing the aforementioned image with images of at least a portion of an undamaged vehicle. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 21.

Images