Vehicle Estimating System Using Volumetric Finite Element Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual process of generating repair estimates for damaged vehicles is time-consuming and prone to human error, requiring inefficient inspection and data entry by insurance representatives.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a three-dimensional map comparison between a damaged and an undamaged vehicle to calculate a volumetric delta and penetration ratio, referencing a database for predictive estimates based on similar historical data, thereby automating the repair estimation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual inspection and data entry process is used by insurance representatives, then the estimate can be generated with human judgment, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of inspection and data entry with an automated computer-based system that uses image processing and volumetric analysis algorithms to generate repair estimates, eliminating human error and significantly reducing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the computer to automatically perform the entire estimation process without human intervention - capturing images, processing them through volumetric analysis, comparing with historical data, and generating the final estimate report autonomously
2Measurement precision
If a manual inspection process is used, then detailed assessment can be performed, but the efficiency of the claims process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual inspection with an automated computer vision system that uses volumetric finite element analysis to precisely measure damage dimensions and calculate repair volumes, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional photo documentation to three-dimensional volumetric analysis, enabling more precise damage measurement and assessment while automating the process to improve overall productivity
3Productivity
If computer software is used to automate the estimate process, then efficiency increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex estimation process into distinct modular components: image capture module, volumetric analysis module, historical data comparison module, and report generation module, making the system easier to manage and maintain while maintaining high productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method that provides a predictive estimate for a damaged vehicle. The apparatus includes an input for receiving a three-dimensional map of a damaged vehicle and memory for storing a three-dimensional map of an undamaged vehicle. The memory also contains a database the contains predictive estimates for a variety of previously generated volumetric deltas and previously generated penetration ratios. The apparatus further includes a processor that generates a volumetric delta from the three-dimensional map of the damaged vehicle and the three-dimensional map of the undamaged vehicle, generates a penetration ratio, and then provides a predictive estimate by comparing the generated volumetric delta and penetration ratio with the previously generated volumetric deltas and previously generated penetration ratios in the database.