Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a real-time vehicle assessment and valuation device that helps users evaluate a vehicle's condition by analyzing the exterior portions of the vehicle, heat distribution across the engine, and health of the battery, providing a comprehensive and integrated solution for efficient vehicle inspection and proactive maintenance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vehicle assessment and valuation are critical processes in the automotive industry, serving various purposes such as determining fair market value, assessing insurance premiums, and aiding in the buying or selling of vehicles. Accurate valuation ensures that both buyers and sellers are equipped with the necessary information to make informed decisions, protecting their financial interests. For insurance companies, proper vehicle assessment is essential to calculate the correct coverage, while also facilitating claims processing in the event of damage or loss. Furthermore, vehicle assessments are important for financial institutions when determining the resale value of a vehicle in cases of loans or leasing. They help prevent over- or under-financing by offering a clear understanding of the asset’s worth. The importance of vehicle assessment and valuation extends to legal matters, including divorce settlements, estate planning, and taxation, ensuring transparency and fairness in various transactions. In summary, it is a crucial practice for financial, legal, and operational decision-making in the automotive sector.

[0003] Traditional methods of vehicle assessment and valuation typically rely on manual inspection, age, mileage, brand reputation, and market trends to determine a vehicle's worth. Appraisers often use pricing guides, such as Kelley Blue Book or NADA, and their own expertise to estimate value. However, these methods have several drawbacks. They are subjective, relying heavily on the appraiser's experience and judgment, which can lead to inconsistencies or errors. Manual inspections are time-consuming, prone to human error, and fail to account for real-time market fluctuations or hidden damages not immediately visible. Furthermore, traditional methods often overlook advanced technology in modern vehicles, which can significantly affect their value. As a result, these methods can lead to inaccurate valuations, which may disadvantage buyers, sellers, or financial institutions. With the advent of data-driven technologies, these traditional approaches are increasingly being replaced by more precise, objective, and efficient valuation methods using digital tools and algorithms.

[0004] US7085680B2 is a vehicular diagnostic tool, provided for receiving vehicular diagnostic codes from a vehicle on-board computer, and translating the diagnostic codes into diagnostic descriptive data. An input port is provided for receiving vehicular diagnostic codes output from a vehicle under test. A code parser parses the received diagnostic codes into diagnostic code segments. A code translator translates diagnostic code segments into corresponding diagnostic descriptor segments. And, a combiner is provided for combining the code descriptor segments to derive composite diagnostic code descriptors, wherein the composite code descriptors being collectively representative of the received diagnostic code.

[0005] US7103460B1 discloses a method and system for diagnosing whether vehicular components are operating abnormally based on data obtained from sensors arranged on a vehicle. In a training stage, output from the sensors during normal operation of the components is obtained, each component is adjusted to induce abnormal operation thereof and output from the sensors is obtained during the induced abnormal operation. A determination is made as to which sensors provide data about abnormal operation of each component based on analysis of the output from the sensors during normal operation and during induced abnormal operation of the components. During operation of the vehicle, the output from the sensors is obtained and analyzed, e.g., by inputting it into a pattern recognition algorithm or neural network generated during the training stage, in order to output an indication of abnormal operation of any components being diagnosed.

[0006] Conventionally, many existing vehicular diagnostic tools focus on specific aspects of vehicle performance, such as engine diagnostics or battery health, but fail to provide a comprehensive solution that assists users in simultaneously evaluating a vehicle’s exterior condition, monitoring heat distribution across the engine while the vehicle is running, and checking the health of the vehicle’s battery. These conventional devices typically operate independently, requiring separate evaluations and processes, which may be time-consuming and less efficient, thereby limiting the ability to offer an integrated, real-time assessment of multiple critical vehicle systems at once.

[0007] To address the limitations of existing diagnostic tools, there is a need in the art to develop a device that requires to enable users to evaluate a vehicle’s exterior condition, monitor heat distribution across the engine while the vehicle is running, and assess the health of the vehicle’s battery simultaneously, in real time. Such a device would streamline the diagnostic process, providing a comprehensive, integrated solution for vehicle maintenance and inspection. By synchronizing the evaluation of multiple critical vehicle systems, the developed device would improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure better overall vehicle performance, enhancing the user’s ability to detect potential issues proactively.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that assists users in evaluating a vehicle's exterior by detecting and analyzing color variations, cracks, scratches, and broken components on the vehicle's body, providing an efficient and accurate means of assessing the vehicle’s condition for purposes such as inspection, repair, and maintenance.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that helps users detect and monitor heat distribution across a vehicle's engine while the vehicle is running, providing real-time data to assess engine performance, identify potential overheating issues, and enable timely maintenance or adjustments to ensure optimal engine functionality and prevent damage.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that assists users in checking the health of a vehicle's battery by providing real-time data on the charge status, voltage levels, and overall condition, enabling proactive maintenance and ensuring reliable vehicle performance by identifying potential battery issues before they lead to failure or reduced efficiency.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a real-time vehicle assessment and valuation device that aids users in evaluating a vehicle’s condition by analyzing the exterior, heat distribution across the engine, and health of the battery, offering an integrated solution for comprehensive vehicle inspection and maintenance.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a real-time vehicle assessment and valuation device, comprises of a body developed to be positioned on a ground surface, a touch interactive display panel arranged with the body for providing input regarding details of a vehicle which is to be valuated, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body monitor condition of the vehicle positioned in proximity to the body, a sensing module installed on the body determines color, cracks, scratches, broken parts on the vehicle’s body, plurality of robotic arms arranged on the grip and translate external parts of the vehicle such as door handle, side mirrors, steering wheel to detect any defect in the parts, multiple motorized grippers installed on the body with clippers and pins aids the arms in translating the parts in an appropriate manner, an acoustic sensor integrated on the body determines any sound produced while translating the parts in view of assessing status of the parts, a speaker mounted on the body produce audio notification for the user to open bonnet of the vehicle along with starting and riding the vehicle, an infrared enabled thermal unit installed on the body detects heat distribution of the vehicle’s engine, and plurality of motorized wheels arranged underneath the body move the body along the vehicle up to a threshold distance for monitoring any unusual sound produced from the vehicle while the vehicle moves in order to perform thorough assessment of the vehicle’s condition.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a pressure sensor integrated with the arms for monitoring pressure applied by the arms over the parts, and a multi-meter installed on the body that is accessed by the arms for checking battery health of the vehicle’s battery in view of completing thorough assessment of the vehicle.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a real-time vehicle assessment and valuation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a real-time vehicle assessment and valuation device, designed to evaluate a vehicle's condition by analyzing the exterior portions, heat distribution across the engine, and performance of the vehicle's battery, providing users with accurate insights to assess the vehicle’s overall health, efficiency, and potential value, aiding in informed decision-making for buyers, sellers, and automotive professionals.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a real-time vehicle assessment and valuation device, comprising a body 101 arranged with a touch interactive display panel 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, plurality of robotic arms 104 arranged on the body 101, multiple motorized grippers 105 installed on the body 101 integrated with clippers and pins, a speaker 106 mounted on the body 101, an infrared enabled thermal unit 107 installed on the body 101, plurality of motorized wheels 108 arranged underneath the body 101 and a multi-meter 109 installed on the body 101.

[0023] The device proposed herein includes a body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface in view of assessment and valuation of a vehicle. The body 101 as mentioned herein serves as a structural foundation to various components associated with the device, wherein the body 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0024] In order to activate functioning of the device, a user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing a button positioned on the body 101, wherein the button used herein is a push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0025] Upon activation of the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the body 101 and linked to the switch generates a command to activate a touch interactive display panel 102 arranged with the body 101 for enabling the user to provide input regarding details of a vehicle which is to be evaluated. The touch interactive display panel 102 as mentioned herein is typically an (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding details of a vehicle which is to be evaluated. The touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0026] In response to input commands of the user, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101 to monitor condition of the vehicle positioned in proximity to the body 101. The imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in the surrounding, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines condition of the vehicle positioned in proximity to the body 101.

[0027] The imaging unit 103 works in sync with a sensing module installed on the body 101 and including a color sensor, surface texture sensor and ultrasonic sensor for determining color, cracks, scratches, broken parts on the vehicle’s body 101. The color sensor works by detecting the specific wavelength of light reflected from the vehicle's body 101, capturing the color information in real-time and operates in conjunction with an imaging unit 103, which records visual data of the vehicle’s surface. The sensor identifies the precise color and transmits this data to the imaging unit 103, allowing for synchronized processing, enabling the microcontroller to analyze color of the vehicle’s body 101.

[0028] The surface texture sensor uses high-frequency sound waves to detect variations in the vehicle's body 101 surface. When the sensor sends out sound waves, they bounce back from the surface, and the sensor measures the time it takes for the echoes to return. Cracks or scratches cause changes in the echo patterns. In sync with the imaging unit 103, which captures visual data, the sensor's ultrasonic feedback helps the microcontroller identify and map cracks or scratches on the vehicle’s body 101.

[0029] The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting high-frequency sound waves that travel through the vehicle’s body 101. When these waves encounter a broken or damaged part, they reflect back differently than from an intact surface. The sensor measures these changes in echo patterns to detect structural flaws. In sync with the imaging unit 103, which captures visual images of the vehicle, the sensor’s data helps the microcontroller to pinpoint and map broken parts on the vehicle’s body 101.

[0030] The microcontroller subsequently actuates plurality of robotic arms 104 arranged on the body 101 to grip and translate external parts of the vehicle such as door handle, side mirrors, in a sequence. The robotic arms 104 comprises of a robotic link and a clamp attached to the link. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion of the arms 104. Upon actuation of the robotic arms 104 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to grip and translate external parts of the vehicle such as door handle, side mirrors, steering wheel to detect any defect in the parts, in a sequence.

[0031] During gripping of the components by the arms 104, a pressure sensor integrated with the arms 104 monitors pressure applied by the arms 104 over the parts. The pressure sensor works by detecting the force applied by the arms 104 over the vehicle’s parts and uses a sensing element, such as a piezoelectric or strain gauge, to measure the deformation caused by pressure. As the arms 104 apply force, the sensor detects changes in pressure and converts this data into an electrical signal. This signal is then processed by the microcontroller to monitor the pressure being exerted by the arms 104 for gripping and translate external parts of the vehicle and accordingly directs actuation of the arms 104 in view of maintaining an optimum pressure over the parts.

[0032] Multiple motorized grippers 105 installed on the body 101 and integrated with clippers and pins are actuated by the microcontroller to aid the arms 104 in translating the parts in an appropriate manner. The motorized grippers operate as a robotic hand that is designed to aid the arms 104 in translating the parts, effectively. The grippers 105 typically incorporates a motorized mechanism that controls the opening and closing of the jaws of the grippers 105. The motor generates the necessary force to move the gripper’s 105 fingers for the opening and closing of the jaws with precision. This motorized action is often controlled by the microcontroller for the smooth and precise translating of parts in an appropriate manner.

[0033] While translating the parts, an acoustic sensor integrated on the body 101 determines any sound produced while translating the parts in view of assessing status of the parts in sync with the imaging unit 103. The acoustic sensor detects sound frequencies produced by vehicle parts while in motion, such as vibrations, friction, or mechanical noise that may indicate wear or damage. By analyzing these acoustic signals, the sensor identifies irregularities, such as parts failing or malfunctioning. In sync with the imaging unit 103, which provides visual data, the acoustic sensor’s real-time audio feedback helps the microcontroller assess the condition of the parts for comprehensive monitoring, diagnosing, and evaluating the status of the vehicle’s components.

[0034] Upon monitoring status of the vehicle’s components, a speaker 106 mounted on the body 101 is activated by the microcontroller to produce audio notification for the user to open bonnet of the vehicle along with starting and riding the vehicle. The speaker 106 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm’s vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to produce audio notification for the user to open bonnet of the vehicle along with starting and riding the vehicle.

[0035] While the vehicle is started, an infrared enabled thermal unit 107 installed on the body 101 detects heat distribution of the vehicle’s engine. The infrared-enabled thermal unit 107 detects heat distribution across the vehicle's engine by measuring infrared radiation emitted from the engine’s surface. As the engine operates, temperature variations are captured by the thermal unit 107, which identifies areas of overheating or irregular heat patterns indicative of potential issues, such as malfunctioning components. The thermal data is then analyzed by the microcontroller for detecting heat distribution of the vehicle’s engine.

[0036] The body 101 features multiple motorized wheels 108 underneath, controlled by the microcontroller, which moves body 101 along the vehicle up to a predefined distance to monitor any unusual sounds during motion, enabling a thorough assessment of the vehicle’s condition by identifying potential issues based on the sounds produced. The motorized wheels 108 comprises a pair of wheel coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the wheels 108 via the shaft. The wheels 108 thus moves body 101 along the vehicle up to a predefined distance to monitor any unusual sounds during motion, enabling a thorough assessment of the vehicle’s condition by identifying potential issues based on the sounds produced.

[0037] The microcontroller then directs the arms 104 to access a multi-meter 109 installed on the body 101 for checking battery health of the vehicle’s battery in view of completing thorough assessment of the vehicle. The multi-meter 109 works by measuring key electrical parameters, such as voltage, current, and resistance, to assess the health of the vehicle’s battery. By connecting the multi-meter 109 to the battery terminals, it checks the voltage output, which indicates the state of charge. It also measures the current flow and internal resistance to detect issues like corrosion or degraded capacity. The multi-meter's 109 readings provide crucial insights into the battery’s condition, helping the microcontroller to identify potential faults and ensuring completing thorough assessment of the vehicle.

[0038] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is preferably a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the body 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned on the ground surface in view of assessment and valuation of the vehicle. Upon activation of the device by the user, the microcontroller generates the command to activate the touch interactive display panel 102 for enabling the user to provide input regarding details of the vehicle which is to be evaluated. In response to input commands of the user, the microcontroller activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101 to monitor condition of the vehicle positioned in proximity to the body 101. The imaging unit 103 works in sync with the sensing module for determining color, cracks, scratches, broken parts on the vehicle’s body 101. The microcontroller subsequently actuates plurality of robotic arms 104 to grip and translate external parts of the vehicle such as door handle, side mirrors, in the sequence. During gripping of the components by the arms 104, the pressure sensor monitors pressure applied by the arms 104 over the parts vehicle and accordingly directs actuation of the arms 104 in view of maintaining the optimum pressure over the parts.

[0040] In continuation, multiple motorized grippers 105 are actuated by the microcontroller to aid the arms 104 in translating the parts in the appropriate manner. While translating the parts, the acoustic sensor determines any sound produced while translating the parts in view of assessing status of the parts in sync with the imaging unit 103. Upon monitoring status of the vehicle’s components, the speaker 106 is activated by the microcontroller to produce audio notification for the user to open bonnet of the vehicle along with starting and riding the vehicle. While the vehicle is started, the infrared enabled thermal unit 107 detects heat distribution of the vehicle’s engine. The motorized wheels 108 underneath is controlled by the microcontroller, which moves body 101 along the vehicle up to the predefined distance to monitor any unusual sounds during motion, enabling the thorough assessment of the vehicle’s condition by identifying potential issues based on the sounds produced. The microcontroller then directs the arms 104 to access the multi-meter 109 for checking battery health of the vehicle’s battery in view of completing thorough assessment of the vehicle.

[0041] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A real-time vehicle assessment and valuation device, comprising:

i) a body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein said body 101 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 102 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding details of a vehicle which is to be valuated;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said body 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to monitor condition of said vehicle positioned in proximity to said body 101, wherein a sensing module is installed on said body 101 and synced with said imaging unit 103 for determining color, cracks, scratches, broken parts on said vehicle’s body 101;
iii) plurality of robotic arms 104 arranged on said body 101 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to grip and translate external parts of said vehicle such as door handle, side mirrors, steering wheel to detect any defect in said parts, wherein multiple motorized grippers 105 are installed on said body 101, each integrated with clippers and pins to aid said arms 104 in translating said parts in an appropriate manner;
iv) an acoustic sensor integrated on said body 101 and synced with said imaging unit 103 for determining any sound produced while translating said parts in view of assessing status of said parts, wherein a speaker 106 is mounted on said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to produce audio notification for said user to open bonnet of said vehicle along with starting and riding said vehicle; and
v) an infrared enabled thermal unit 107 installed on said body 101 for detecting heat distribution of said vehicle’s engine while said vehicle is started, wherein plurality of motorized wheels 108 are arranged underneath said body 101 that are actuated by said microcontroller to move said body 101 along said vehicle up to a threshold distance for monitoring any unusual sound produced from said vehicle while said vehicle moves in order to perform thorough assessment of said vehicle’s condition.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module includes a color sensor, surface texture sensor and ultrasonic sensor.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated with said arms 104 for monitoring pressure applied by said arms 104 over said parts, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs actuation of said arms 104 in view of maintaining an optimum pressure over said parts.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a multi-meter 109 is installed on said body 101 that is accessed by said arms 104 for checking battery health of said vehicle’s battery in view of completing thorough assessment of said vehicle.