Vehicle Condition Assessment Using Sensor Data Comparison

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for appraising vehicles are subjective and lack objectivity, relying on human observation and outdated data, which can lead to inaccurate valuation and service contract parameters.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing sensors and telematics data from vehicles and mobile devices to objectively assess vehicle conditions, comparing current data with past and reference conditions to generate holistic characteristics and service parameters, such as fair market value and service contract details.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current methods use subjective human observations and outdated data for vehicle appraisal, then the process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and objectivity of valuation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevaluation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective human observation with automated sensor-based measurement systems. Sensors capture objective data about vehicle condition, replacing the mechanical process of human inspection with electronic detection and automated analysis, thereby improving valuation accuracy while managing system complexity through automation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors and data processing systems as intermediaries between the vehicle and the appraisal process. These intermediaries objectively measure and transmit vehicle condition data, eliminating direct human subjectivity while maintaining a systematic approach to valuation that balances accuracy with operational feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If current methods rely on subjective manipulation of data gathering tools, then the process is easy to perform, but the reliability of the appraisal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappraisal reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the vehicle itself to provide accurate condition data through integrated sensors and telematics systems. The vehicle's own electronic systems automatically report their status, eliminating the need for human operators to manually gather and potentially manipulate data, thereby improving reliability while keeping the process straightforward through automated self-reporting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual data gathering tools with automated sensor systems that directly measure vehicle condition. This substitution eliminates human manipulation of measurement tools while maintaining operational simplicity through automated data collection and transmission, improving reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity.

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

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive sensor data is collected from vehicles and mobile devices, then the objectivity and accuracy of assessment improve, but the complexity of data processing and system integration worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondition assessment accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal data processing frameworks and standardized sensor interfaces that can handle multiple types of vehicle data through a single system architecture. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive sensor data from various sources to be processed objectively and accurately while managing complexity through unified processing protocols and common data structures.

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

4Measurement precision

If automated sensor systems are implemented for vehicle appraisal, then objectivity and accuracy improve, but the cost and complexity of the system worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle condition measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual appraisal processes with automated sensor systems that provide objective measurements. While this substitution increases initial system complexity, it eliminates the need for highly trained human appraisers and reduces operational complexity through standardized automated procedures, ultimately improving measurement accuracy while making the system more scalable and consistent.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11861953B1Systems and methods for using sensors to determine a holistic vehicle characteristic and/or to generate parameters for a vehicle service
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY
  • US11861953B1 patent drawing
  • US11861953B1 patent drawing
  • US11861953B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for using a computing device with sensors to determine a holistic characteristic. The computing device is configured to receive from a user device, via a first wireless data connection, a request to generate vehicle service parameters, based on a current condition of a feature of a vehicle, receive from the user device, via the first wireless data connection, vehicle-specific identifying information, determine data for a past condition for the feature of the vehicle, using the vehicle-specific identifying information, establish a second wireless data connection with an electronic system of the vehicle, receive, from the electronic system of the vehicle, via the second wireless data connection, data of a current condition for the feature, compare the data of the past condition and the data of the current condition, and generate a vehicle service parameter based on the comparison.