Vehicle Remaining Value Estimation Using Sensor Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers and third parties face challenges in determining the remaining value of a vehicle, as issues like repairs and maintenance history are not readily apparent, making it difficult to make informed decisions based on apparent vehicle characteristics or self-reported information.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that uses sensor data from the vehicle and its surroundings to estimate the remaining value by detecting damage levels and monitoring travel behavior after an impact event, providing an objective assessment independent of apparent or self-reported conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If consumers and third parties rely on apparent vehicle characteristics or self-reported information to determine remaining value, then the process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and reliability of the assessment is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of remaining value estimationVSAvoidcomplexity of assessment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle's own sensors and systems are used to automatically detect impact events, monitor travel behavior, and provide objective data about the vehicle's condition. The vehicle serves itself by generating the data needed for remaining value assessment without requiring external inspection or self-reporting from the owner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual inspection and self-reported information with automated electronic sensing and data collection systems. Sensors detect impact events and monitor vehicle behavior, while electronic systems store and analyze data to objectively determine remaining value, substituting mechanical/manual assessment methods with automated electronic ones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If consumers and third parties conduct thorough investigations into repair history and maintenance records to determine remaining value, then the accuracy of the assessment is improved, but the time required and complexity of the process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of remaining value estimationVSAvoidtime required for assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously collects, stores, and prepares impact event data and travel behavior information in advance. When a remaining value assessment is needed, the data is already ready for immediate analysis, eliminating the need for time-consuming investigations into repair history and maintenance records at the time of assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle's sensors and monitoring systems operate continuously, constantly collecting data about impact events and travel behavior. This continuous data accumulation ensures that when an assessment is required, comprehensive information is already available, eliminating the need for ad-hoc investigations and reducing assessment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the system continuously monitors vehicle data and sensor information to provide accurate remaining value estimation, then the reliability of the assessment is improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of remaining value estimationVSAvoidenergy consumption of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors specific critical parameters (impact events and travel behavior) rather than continuously analyzing all possible vehicle data. This selective monitoring approach provides reliable remaining value estimation data while minimizing energy consumption compared to comprehensive continuous monitoring of all vehicle systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11514482B2Systems and methods for estimating a remaining value

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Systems and methods for estimating a remaining value for a host vehicle. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for estimating a remaining value for a vehicle includes receiving sensor data for the vehicle associated with an impact event. For example, the sensor data includes timing data for the impact event. The computer-implemented method also includes determining a damage level based on the sensor data. The computer-implemented method further includes monitoring travel behavior of the vehicle for a predetermined amount of time after the impact event. The computer-implemented method yet further includes estimating a remaining value for the vehicle based on the damage level and the travel behavior of the vehicle.