Mobile Device Camera for Vehicle Data Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining vehicle data, such as odometer readings and operator behavioral data, using specialized sensors are costly and complicated for users, and may deter customers from installing sensors due to concerns about performance impact and resale value.
Innovation Solution
A data aggregation application utilizes common mobile device sensors to capture images of vehicle components, extracts data through image recognition, and verifies the integrity of the data by comparing image data to a knowledge base, allowing for the detection of unique vehicle identifiers and behavioral patterns without the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized sensors or devices are used to verify vehicle data, then data verification capability is improved, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses images captured by mobile device cameras as copies of vehicle components (odometer, dashboard, etc.) instead of requiring direct physical connection to specialized sensors. The image processing system extracts data from these visual copies, eliminating the need for proprietary sensing hardware while maintaining verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic specialized sensors with an optical system (camera) combined with image processing algorithms. Instead of using dedicated measurement devices that physically interface with vehicle systems, the solution uses visual documentation and computational analysis to achieve the same verification objectives.
2Productivity
If specialized sensors are installed in the vehicle, then data collection capability is improved, but installation complexity and impact on vehicle performance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal mobile device camera already present in most smartphones and tablets to perform vehicle data collection. This multi-functional device serves both as a communication tool and as a measurement instrument, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific sensor installation while maintaining data collection productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle owner to perform self-verification of vehicle data using their own mobile device. The owner captures images, and the system processes these images to verify odometer readings and other vehicle information, eliminating the need for professional installation of specialized sensors while maintaining data collection capability.
3Measurement precision
If proprietary sensors are used, then data verification accuracy is improved, but cost to user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive mobile device cameras and standard image processing techniques instead of expensive proprietary sensors. The approach accepts that mobile device cameras are consumer-grade components with varying quality, but through sophisticated image processing and verification algorithms, achieves sufficient accuracy for vehicle data verification at minimal cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for a data aggregation application. Operational data and image data may be captured from a client device. Odometer readings can be extracted from the image data. The operational data and image data can be verified by comparing an instrument panel depicted in the image data to a known instrument panel depiction.