Vehicle Imaging Inspection for Damage and Fraud Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle inspection methods are labor-intensive and costly, requiring manual processes that involve moving vehicles to inspection bays and using specialized equipment, leading to inefficiencies and potential inaccuracies in damage identification.
Innovation Solution
The use of remotely-controlled or autonomously operated inspection devices, such as drones or ground vehicles equipped with imaging units, to capture and analyze imaging data for vehicle damage or defects, allowing for accurate identification and transmission of findings directly to mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual inspection processes are used, then inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but labor costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection processes with an automated imaging system that uses cameras and computer processing to detect vehicle damage. The system captures images of the vehicle exterior and uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify damages, replacing the need for manual visual inspection by mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service inspection where the vehicle inspection process is performed automatically without requiring human operators to physically examine the vehicle. The imaging system and processing algorithms work autonomously to identify damages, reducing dependency on manual labor.
2Measurement precision
If vehicles are moved to inspection bays with specialized equipment, then inspection accuracy improves, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inspection capability from the vehicle and moves it to a portable imaging system. Instead of requiring the vehicle to be moved to a specialized inspection bay, the imaging system can be brought to the vehicle's location, eliminating the need for complex fixed inspection infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to be universally applicable for inspecting various types of vehicles in different locations. The system can capture images and identify damages on any vehicle without requiring specialized equipment or facilities, making the inspection process adaptable and flexible.
3Reliability
If complete vehicle inspection is performed manually, then all damages can be identified, but inspection time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system enables continuous inspection of the vehicle exterior by capturing multiple images in sequence as the system moves around the vehicle. This continuous imaging process ensures comprehensive coverage of all vehicle surfaces without the interruptions inherent in manual inspection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capture of all vehicle exterior images before analysis. By capturing the complete set of images first and then processing them systematically, the system ensures no damage is missed while streamlining the inspection workflow to reduce overall time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely-controlled (RC) and/or autonomously operated inspection device, such as a ground vehicle or drone, may capture one or more sets of imaging data indicative of at least a portion of an automotive vehicle, such as all or a portion of the undercarriage. The one or more sets of imaging data may be analyzed based upon data indicative of at least one of vehicle damage or a vehicle defect being shown in the one or more sets of imaging data. Based upon the analyzing of the one or more sets of imaging data, damage to the vehicle or a defect of the vehicle may be identified. The identified damage or defect may be compared to a claimed damage or defect to determine whether the claimed damage or defect occurred.