Odometer Error Detection Using TPMS Wheel Spin Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for detecting odometer tampering, particularly when malicious users block wheel spin signals from speed sensors or ABS modules to manipulate mileage readings, affecting vehicle valuation and reliability.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors to measure wheel spin data and compare it with odometer readings, implementing predefined thresholds to detect discrepancies and alert potential fraud through notifications or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel spin signals are blocked to manipulate odometer readings, then odometer fraud is enabled, but detection capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces TPMS sensors as an intermediary measurement system that independently monitors wheel rotation and calculates mileage separately from the odometer. This parallel measurement pathway enables detection of discrepancies without directly interfering with the odometer system, allowing fraud detection while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by comparing TPMS-calculated mileage with odometer readings in real-time. When discrepancies exceed predefined thresholds, the system generates alerts and diagnostic trouble codes, creating a closed-loop detection mechanism that actively monitors and responds to potential tampering
2Measurement precision
If TPMS sensors are used to detect odometer fraud, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing TPMS infrastructure, which was originally designed for tire pressure monitoring, and repurposes it for mileage verification and fraud detection. By making the existing sensor system multi-functional, the patent achieves enhanced detection precision without adding dedicated new hardware, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The TPMS sensors perform dual functions: their primary function of monitoring tire pressure and their secondary function of providing wheel rotation data for mileage calculation. This self-service approach allows the system to generate fraud detection capability from existing operational data without requiring separate dedicated measurement devices
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a first sensor, a second sensor and a processor is disclosed. The first sensor may be configured to measure first inputs associated with a vehicle wheel, and the second sensor may be configured to measure second inputs associated with the vehicle wheel. The processor may estimate a first distance travelled by the vehicle wheel for a predefined time duration on a vehicle trip based on the first inputs, and a second distance travelled by the vehicle wheel for the predefined time duration on the vehicle trip based on the second inputs. The processor may further calculate a difference between the second distance and the first distance, and perform a predefined action when the difference may be greater than a predefined threshold.