Vehicle Image Recognition for Automatic Configuration Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle configuration is a time-consuming process that requires skilled personnel and is not efficiently automated, especially with the increasing complexity and connectivity of vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle configurator system using image recognition technology to capture, compare, and implement configuration settings based on vehicle status, utilizing cameras and networked storage to identify and update vehicle systems automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual configuration process is used with skilled personnel, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but productivity is reduced and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration by automatically capturing vehicle images, comparing them with the database to identify vehicle specifications, and applying appropriate configuration settings without requiring skilled personnel to manually perform these tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical configuration process with an automated optical system using image capturing devices and image recognition algorithms to identify vehicle features and automatically apply configuration settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration process is used, then complex vehicle systems can be configured, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle system configuration capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing configuration settings for various vehicle specifications in a database, allowing the configuration process to be completed rapidly by simply matching the captured vehicle images against the database entries and applying the pre-prepared settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses image copying and comparison techniques where captured vehicle images are compared against stored reference images in the database to automatically identify vehicle specifications and retrieve corresponding configuration settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If image recognition technology is implemented, then productivity and automation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional platform that can handle various vehicle models, specifications, and configuration types through a single integrated image recognition system, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of time

If automated image recognition system is used, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration cycle timeVSAvoidimage recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the image recognition results are validated against the vehicle's actual configuration status, and the configuration application results are verified to ensure accuracy, creating a closed-loop system that maintains high precision while operating rapidly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4651063A1Systems and methods for vehicle configuration
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • EP4651063A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4651063A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4651063A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system for vehicle systems configuration based on image recognition is disclosed. The system includes an image capturing device for obtaining images of a vehicle, networking circuitry for transmitting the images to network connected storage, and a processor for comparing the obtained images with stored images of possible vehicle configurations. Based on this comparison, the system selects a configuration setting for a vehicle system and implements this setting. The system can be used in various settings, including at the factory end-of-line, at a dealership, or by the end user of the vehicle.