Vehicle Wrap Surface Sizing From VIN OCR for Remote Fleet Quotes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for capturing vehicle information for fleet vehicle wraps are impractical for remotely located vehicles, requiring specialized hardware and manual entry, leading to inaccurate quotes and installation issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using optical character recognition (OCR) on photographs of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) transmitted via mobile devices to automate the identification and configuration of vehicle wrap surfaces, allowing for accurate cost quotations and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement and entry methods are used to capture vehicle information, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device complexity and loss of time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and entry processes with an automated optical scanning system using mobile devices. The system captures vehicle information by taking photographs of the vehicle and automatically extracting data through image processing and OCR technology, eliminating the need for manual measurement and entry while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the vehicle wrap provider to automatically capture and process vehicle information without requiring specialized equipment or manual intervention. The mobile device-based system performs automated VIN recognition, vehicle identification, and dimension calculation, making the process accessible to anyone with a smartphone.
2Measurement precision
If specialized hardware and manual entry systems are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex specialized hardware with simple mobile devices that have built-in cameras and processing capabilities. The system uses standard smartphone technology to capture vehicle images, extract VIN information, and calculate wrap dimensions, eliminating the need for dedicated scanning equipment or complex measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions within the system: capturing vehicle photographs, reading VIN numbers through OCR, identifying vehicle specifications, and calculating wrap dimensions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized hardware for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If automated barcode scanning is used at dealerships, then productivity increases, but ease of operation decreases for fleet managers
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables fleet managers to independently capture vehicle information using their personal mobile devices without requiring access to specialized scanning systems at dealerships. The mobile-based OCR system automatically reads VIN numbers from photographs, making the process as easy as taking a picture while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the fleet manager and the vehicle information system. Instead of requiring direct access to specialized scanning equipment, the system uses the mobile device's camera and processing capabilities to capture and process vehicle information, making the system accessible to anyone with a smartphone.
4Manufacturing precision
If hand measurements are taken for decorative wraps, then manufacturing precision is adequate for single vehicles, but productivity decreases for fleet vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual hand measurements with automated optical scanning and image processing systems. The system captures vehicle dimensions and wrap surface characteristics through photographs and automatically calculates the required wrap dimensions and configurations, providing both accuracy and speed suitable for fleet vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing and processing vehicle information before the quoting process begins. By pre-extracting VIN data, identifying vehicle specifications, and calculating wrap dimensions through automated image analysis, the system prepares all necessary information in advance, enabling rapid quote generation for fleet vehicles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, accurate determination of vehicle wrap dimensions and configurations for remotely located fleet vehicles, reducing costs and time burdens by automating the quoting and installation process.
Implementation Method 1
Optical character recognition (OCR) is performed on the photograph to convert the VIN directly to an electronic form
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the dimensions and configuration of a vehicle wrap surface. The customer selects a vehicle to be the subject of a vehicle wrap cost quotation from a vehicle wrap provider. A photograph of the subject vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is transmitted to the vehicle wrap provider that is remote from the vehicle. Optical character recognition (OCR) is performed on the photograph to convert the VIN directly to an electronic form. A VIN database is queried with the converted VIN to obtain the vehicle year, vehicle make and vehicle model. The dimensions and configuration of the vehicle wrap surface are derived from the obtained vehicle year, vehicle make and vehicle model. The provider determines the costs for printing a vehicle wrap forwards a cost quotation to the customer.