Vehicle Interior Imaging Rig With Automated Centered Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional image capture devices for vehicle interiors lack standardization and require human intervention, leading to inconsistent and inefficient imaging processes.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle image capture system with an adjustable support structure and image capture device, featuring telescoping and articulating mounts, positional sensors, and electromechanical motors to automate the positioning of the device for consistent and standardized imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a human manually operates traditional image capture devices to image vehicle interiors, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but image consistency and standardization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage consistencyVSAvoidmanual operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The image capture device is equipped with automated positioning systems including motors, sensors, and control systems that enable it to autonomously navigate to predetermined locations within the vehicle interior and capture images without human intervention. The device self-adjusts its position and orientation to achieve standardized imaging perspectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operation by human operators is replaced with an automated electromechanical system comprising motorized actuators, positional sensors, and computer control algorithms. This substitution enables precise, repeatable positioning and image capture while eliminating variability introduced by manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a human physically enters the vehicle to capture interior photos, then positioning flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidtime to capture images

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image capture device autonomously positions itself within the vehicle using automated navigation systems, eliminating the need for human operators to physically enter and manually position equipment. This self-positioning capability dramatically reduces the time required to capture interior images while maintaining accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The human operator is extracted from the image capture process entirely. The device is designed to operate independently within the vehicle interior without requiring human presence, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with human entry, positioning, and operation while maintaining imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional image capture devices are used without standardized positioning, then ease of operation is maintained, but image quality consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality consistencyVSAvoidsupport structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates dynamically adjustable components including telescoping arms with variable length, articulating joints with multiple degrees of freedom, and motorized positioning systems. These dynamic elements enable the device to adapt its position and orientation to achieve standardized imaging perspectives while accommodating variations in vehicle interior dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into modular segments including base units, telescoping arm sections, and articulating joints. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve precise positioning while maintaining structural integrity. Each segment can be independently controlled to contribute to the overall standardized positioning objective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12556822B1Devices, systems, and methods for capturing standardized images of a vehicle interior

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 CARMAX ENTERPRISE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A system includes a vehicle image capture system having a support structure, a telescoping hollow support beam, a second hollow support beam, a securing device, a support beam mount, a memory device storing instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute instructions to perform the steps of a method to position the vehicle image capture device and capture an image of a vehicle interior. The telescoping hollow support beam may include an outer telescoping component and an inner telescoping component attached by the securing device, and the second hollow support beam may be attached to the telescoping hollow support beam by the support beam mount. The system may further include a battery component, one or more positional sensors, and one or more electromechanical motors to adjust the position of one or more components of the system to capture a centered image of a vehicle interior.