Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated vehicle inspecting and servicing system that provides accessibility to a user for inspecting and servicing their vehicle in minimum consumption time, optimizing vehicle performance and reducing downtime.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A vehicle in need of inspection and servicing requires timely maintenance to prevent deterioration and potential breakdowns. Vehicles having critical issues such as faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or engine problems need immediate attention to ensure safety and prevent further damage. Although, there might be chances of unavailability of efficient servicing during such critical cases, especially in remote areas. In such cases, vehicle owners often face difficulties in getting their vehicles serviced promptly. But personal garages or service providers may not have the necessary equipment or expertise for thorough inspections and repairs, sometimes resulting in inadequate maintenance or further damage.

[0003] Sometimes, depending on location where the vehicle is to be serviced, there are chances of delays due to traffic congestion or unavailability of service providers. Because of lack of efficient scheduling and resource allocation, it leads to loss of time and increased downtime for vehicle owners. Vehicle inspection and servicing delays become a major obstacle for vehicle owners to receive timely maintenance, which may worsen the vehicle's condition. In this case, vehicle owners also need to spend extra time and effort to get their vehicles serviced. However, while taking the vehicle to a service provider, there are chances of facing traffic signals and rush on the route, leading to further delays. Moreover, the service provider's authority is not aware of the vehicle's critical condition, and hence, the vehicle is not prioritized based on its needs.

[0004] US20070030349A1 discloses an under vehicle inspection system is disclosed. The under vehicle inspection system comprises a vehicle undercarriage inspection platform, a sensor mounted on sensor carriage, and a data analysis element receiving and evaluating data obtained by the sensor.

[0005] US6330499B1 discloses a system and method for vehicle diagnostic and health monitoring includes a client computer device within the vehicle, coupled to the vehicle's monitoring systems, for data management, remote session management and user interaction, a communication system, coupled to the client computer device, for providing remote communication of data including data derived from internal monitoring systems of the vehicle, and a remote service center including a vehicle data store, a server computer, a diagnostic engine, and a communicator for communicating the results of analysis of vehicle information to the client computer device via the communication system.

[0006] As per the discussion in above-mentioned prior arts, many methods and systems are available that focus on vehicle maintenance. However, these conventional systems and methods don't deliver efficient vehicle inspection and servicing due to unavailability of resources and scheduling inefficiencies. These existing systems also don't categorize vehicles based on their maintenance needs, resulting in delayed servicing and potential breakdowns.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to manage vehicle inspection and servicing for timely maintaining vehicles, based on their criticality by sharing all the required details of the vehicle with service providers in a secured manner for providing proper maintenance on an immediate basis.

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 system that is capable of accurately identifying vehicles and retrieve relevant data to streamline the inspection and servicing process.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of performing thorough inspections of vehicles, including visual, mechanical, and fluid checks, to detect potential issues.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of executing service operations based on vehicle-specific data, reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of detecting and classifying irregularities, such as surface damage or fluid leaks for accurate diagnostics.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing real-time service tracking and remote approval/rejection of service actions, enhancing user experience and transparency.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of performing routine maintenance tasks, such as fluid diagnostics and air filter inspection, to prevent potential issues and ensure optimal vehicle performance.

[0015] 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

[0016] The present invention relates to an automated vehicle inspecting and servicing system that is accessed by a user to inspect and service their vehicle when required, determining vehicle health parameters and notifying a concerned service provider regarding vehicle's maintenance needs.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated vehicle inspecting and servicing system, comprising a ramp structure integrated with a load-sensitive vehicle detection module, which includes multiple load cells to detect presence of the vehicle, an ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) camera mounted on a vertically adjustable rod arranged with a peripheral slider guiding rail mounted around the ramp, to capture the license plate, the ANPR camera retrieves associated vehicle data including model, fuel type, warranty and service history from the database, to dynamically load a standard operating procedure (SOP) specific to the vehicle, multiple embedded rollers installed on the ramp for enabling independent movement of wheels, multiple laser based sensors are installed on the ramp for camber, caster and toe angle analysis of the wheels, a control unit linked with a database stored with pre-existing issues of the vehicle, for prioritizing inspection routines accordingly, a visual inspection frame slid ably mounted on the slider rail and configured to traverse along a vehicle’s perimeter and an artificial intelligence-based imaging camera integrated with a three-dimensional laser scanner and structured light projectors, mounted on the frame, configured to detect surface damage.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a gantry platform slid ably mounted along inner periphery of the slider rail, which includes a robotic manipulator with a tire tread depth meter for underbody diagnostics, along with a multi-tool actuator via a telescopically operated bar equipped with a rotary assembly for selecting suitable tools for maintenance, an oil filler assembly is equipped with the platform for refilling with pre-identified grade and volume, and a level sensor for detecting coolant levels to trigger a coolant refill unit, an optical fluid detection sensor installed on the platform for identifying fluid leaks, a plurality of extendable L-shaped links operably mounted on the slider rail, at least one of which is equipped with a robotic gripper to open vehicle doors and bonnet, along with at least one with a pneumatic dipstick assembly with a dielectric sensor for engine oil diagnostics, an automated bonnet latch release assembly is arranged with the links to manipulate the bonnet for approved servicing actions, an acoustic diagnostic module installed on the ramp for sound-based fault detection, a robotic inspection arm installed on the ramp includes a computer vision (CV) module integrated imaging unit and a particulate matter sensor, configured to assess and replace clogged air filters, a user interface is installed in a computing unit wirelessly linked to the control unit, enabling input of pre-service issues, real-time service tracking, and remote approval and rejection of service actions and an emission testing unit is installed on the ramp, including a robotic exhaust probe and multiple gas sensors for analyzing CO, NOx, HC and PM levels.

[0019] 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

[0020] 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 an isometric view of an automated vehicle inspecting and servicing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The present invention relates to an automated vehicle inspecting and servicing system that is accessed by a user for inspecting and servicing their vehicle based on the vehicle's maintenance requirements, determining vehicle health parameters in real-time and prioritizing the vehicle in service scheduling to ensure timely maintenance and optimal vehicle performance.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated vehicle inspecting and servicing system is illustrated, comprising a ramp structure 101 integrated with a peripheral slider guiding rail 102 mounted around the ramp structure 101, an ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) camera 103 mounted on a vertically adjustable rod 104 arranged with the slider rail 102, plurality of embedded rollers 105 installed on the ramp structure 101, a visual inspection frame 106 slid ably mounted on the slider rail 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging camera 107 integrated with a three-dimensional laser scanner 108 and structured light projectors 109, mounted on the frame 106, a gantry platform 110 slid ably mounted along inner periphery of the slider rail 102, which includes a robotic manipulator 111 with a tire tread depth meter 112.

[0026] Figure 1 further illustrates a multi-tool actuator 113 via a telescopically operated bar 114 equipped with a rotary assembly 115, a plurality of extendable L-shaped links 116 operably mounted on the slider rail 102, at least one of which is equipped with a robotic gripper 117 and a pneumatic dipstick assembly 118, a robotic inspection arm 119 installed on the ramp structure 101, equipped with a computer vision (CV) module 120, the platform 110 is equipped with an oil filler assembly 121, and an emission testing unit 122 is installed on the ramp structure 101.

[0027] The present invention is configured to perform vehicle diagnostics and service operations autonomously to identify, inspect, and service a vehicle with minimal human involvement. The system comprises a ramp structure 101 structure adapted to accommodate various vehicle sizes and weights. Integrated into this ramp structure 101 is a load-sensitive vehicle detection module, which incorporates multiple load cells strategically distributed beneath the surface. These load cells operate on the principle of strain gauge transduction, wherein the mechanical pressure exerted by the vehicle's weight induces minute deformations in the cell material, causing variations in electrical resistance.

[0028] These changes are captured and processed by analog-to-digital converters and sent to a control unit associated with the system, enabling the system to accurately detect the vehicle’s presence, orientation, and wheel distribution. Mounted along the periphery of the ramp structure 101 is a slider guiding rail 102 that supports both vertical and horizontal traversal of a vertically adjustable rod 104, on which an ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) camera 103 is mounted. The rod 104 is actuated by a telescoping motorized arrangement controlled via stepper motors and linear actuators, allowing the ANPR camera 103 to adjust to the height of different vehicles.

[0029] Upon activation, the camera 103 captures high-resolution images of the license plate, which are processed using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) protocols to extract vehicle registration details. These details are cross-referenced with a connected vehicle database, retrieving comprehensive metadata such as model, fuel type, warranty coverage, and service history. This data is crucial for dynamically loading a vehicle-specific SOP, which governs the inspection and service workflow.

[0030] Additionally, the ramp structure 101 is embedded with a plurality of rollers 105 situated beneath the vehicle wheels. These rollers 105 are motorized and independently controlled to facilitate minor movements of the vehicle’s wheels during alignment diagnostics. Adjacent to each wheel section are laser-based angle sensors, which project precise laser beams across the wheel surfaces to compute camber, caster, and toe angles. The reflections from the laser beams are analyzed by high-speed photodiodes and position-sensitive detectors to identify alignment deviations, forming part of the mechanical diagnostic suite.

[0031] A visual inspection frame 106 is mounted on the aforementioned slider rail 102, designed to traverse the entire perimeter of the vehicle. During traversal, it captures a continuous feed of visual data via an artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging camera 107, affixed to the visual inspection frame 106, which is processed in real-time for identifying surface-level anomalies such as dents, scratches, and corrosion. The imaging camera 107 integrates a three-dimensional laser scanner 108 and structured light projectors 109.

[0032] The 3D scanner 108 emits a grid of laser lines or dots onto the vehicle’s surface. Deformations in the laser pattern, captured via stereo vision cameras, allow the system to reconstruct the vehicle’s surface topology in high resolution. Simultaneously, the structured light projector projects known light patterns whose distortions are used for finer surface profiling. An onboard GPU executes trained convolutional neural networks to detect surface damages, such as cracks or irregular paint textures, comparing current data against ideal CAD models or previous scans.

[0033] A gantry platform 110 is positioned to slide along the inner periphery of the slider rail 102, enabling underbody access. This platform 110 houses a robotic manipulator 111, which comprises multiple articulated joints powered by servo motors, allowing precise positioning underneath the vehicle. Attached to the end-effector is a tire tread depth meter 112, which uses laser triangulation to measure the tread wear patterns across the tire surface.

[0034] Further integrated into the manipulator 111 is a multi-tool actuator 113 mounted on a telescopically extendable bar. A rotary tool selector assembly, driven by a stepper motor and gear set, allows the system to select among various maintenance tools such as socket drivers, spanners, fluid extraction nozzles, or cleaning brushes based on the SOP (standard operating procedure). The gantry also includes an oil filler assembly 121 equipped with solenoid-controlled nozzles and flow meters to dispense pre-identified grades and volumes of engine oil, guided by vehicle specifications. A coolant level sensor, using capacitive or ultrasonic measurement, detects low coolant levels and activates a coolant refill unit mounted on the gantry.

[0035] An optical fluid detection sensor is installed on the gantry platform 110 for leak diagnostics. This sensor employs infrared spectroscopy or LED-based reflectometry to detect the presence and type of leaked fluids differentiating between oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid based on refractive index and spectral absorption characteristics. Upon detecting a leak, the sensor transmits real-time alerts to the control unit for triggering corrective actions.

[0036] A plurality of extendable L-shaped mechanical links 116 is mounted on the slider rail 102. These links 116 are telescopically actuated using pneumatic pistons or motorized lead screws. One or more links 116 are outfitted with a robotic gripper 117, to safely open vehicle doors and bonnets without damaging the surface. Another link houses a pneumatic dipstick assembly 118 that includes a dielectric sensor capable of measuring engine oil level and quality by assessing the dielectric constant, which correlates with contamination or degradation. A dedicated automated bonnet latch release assembly, using linear actuators or servo-cable, is used to unlock and manipulate the bonnet to provide access for further servicing tasks.

[0037] An acoustic diagnostic module is embedded within the ramp structure 101 to perform sound-based fault detection. The acoustic diagnostic module consists of a microphone array with wide dynamic range and noise-cancelling filters. The module records audio signatures during engine start-up or operation and compares them against known fault acoustics (e.g., belt squealing, knocking, misfiring) using fast Fourier transforms and ML-based classification models. Any anomalies are flagged for further attention.

[0038] Mounted on the ramp structure 101 is a robotic inspection arm 119 equipped with a computer vision (CV) module 120 -integrated imaging unit and a particulate matter (PM) sensor. The CV module 120 captures images of air filter compartments and uses pattern recognition protocols to detect dust saturation. The PM sensor quantifies particulate accumulation in air channels or filter media. If clogging is detected, the arm deploys a filter replacement tool from its end-effector and completes the maintenance operation autonomously.

[0039] A user interface is provided through a wireless computing unit (such as a tablet or touchscreen panel), which interfaces with the main control unit via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The user is allowed to input known vehicle issues, track real-time progress of diagnostics and servicing, and remotely approve or reject specific maintenance tasks based on visual or textual prompts. This interface ensures transparency and control for the vehicle owner or service personnel.

[0040] A dedicated emission testing unit 122 is installed on the ramp structure 101, comprising a robotic exhaust probe and a suite of gas sensors calibrated to detect CO, NOx, HC, and PM levels. The robotic probe positions itself into the exhaust pipe using image-guided targeting.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic probe is equipped with a computer vision-assisted targeting arrangement, which includes an RGB camera and infrared sensors mounted on the probe housing. These work in conjunction with a trained deep learning-based object detection model to identify the location and geometry of the vehicle's exhaust pipe in real-time. The probe arm is articulated via precision-controlled servo motors and powered lead screws, enabling fine positional adjustments. Once the exhaust port is located, the probe creates a hermetic seal using a compliant rubberized sleeve, ensuring no ambient air dilutes the exhaust sample.

[0042] The gas sensor utilizes a miniature high-temperature resistant diaphragm pump that draws exhaust gases through a heated sampling line into a multi-chamber analysis unit. Within this unit, the gas stream is directed into individual sensing modules:
• The CO and NOx sensors operate on electrochemical sensing principles, where the target gas interacts with a chemically active electrode, generating a voltage proportional to gas concentration. The signals are processed through analog front-end circuits and calibrated against baseline atmospheric conditions to ensure accuracy.
• The HC sensor uses Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) technology, where an infrared light beam is passed through the gas sample. Specific hydrocarbon compounds absorb IR radiation at known wavelengths; the attenuation of the IR beam is measured by a photodetector to determine hydrocarbon concentration.
• The Particulate Matter (PM) sensor incorporates a laser scattering module, where a collimated laser beam is directed through the gas sample. Suspended particulate matter scatters the light; the intensity and angle of this scattering, captured by photodiodes, are used to quantify PM concentration in real-time.

[0043] Each sensor module is thermally regulated via microheaters and equipped with automated calibration routines using internal reference gases or zero filters. A microcontroller within the emission testing unit 122 aggregates sensor outputs and communicates with the system's central control unit, where the data is logged, interpreted, and compiled into an emission compliance report. The results are also displayed to the user via the system interface and flagged if any values exceed legal thresholds.

[0044] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the vehicle as disclosed in the invention is being driven onto the ramp structure 101, where the load-sensitive vehicle detection module, equipped with multiple load cells, detects its presence. Once detected, the control unit retrieves the vehicle's data, including model, fuel type, warranty, and service history, from the database. Simultaneously, the ANPR camera 103 mounted on the vertically adjustable rod 104 captures the license plate, enabling the system to load the specific standard operating procedure (SOP) customized to the vehicle's profile. Next, the optical fluid detection sensor on the platform 110 and the acoustic diagnostic module begin their assessments, identifying any fluid leaks or sound-based faults. The imaging camera 107 integrated with the three-dimensional laser scanner 108 and structured light projectors 109 conducts surface damage detection on the vehicle's surface. The visual inspection frame 106, which is slid ably mounted on the slider rail 102, traverses along the vehicle’s perimeter to facilitate detailed visual assessment of the exterior.

[0045] In continuation, for underbody diagnostics, the gantry platform 110, which includes the robotic manipulator 111 with the tire tread depth meter 112, inspects the underside of the vehicle. The multi-tool actuator 113 on the telescopic bar 114, equipped with the rotary assembly 115, selects and performs maintenance tasks such as refilling the oil filler with the appropriate grade and volume, and checking coolant levels using the level sensor, which triggers the coolant refill unit if necessary. The robotic inspection arm 119, equipped with the computer vision module 120 and particulate matter sensor, inspects and replaces clogged air filters as needed. The extendable L-shaped links 116, with at least one fitted with the robotic gripper 117, open vehicle doors and the bonnet for further inspection or service. The pneumatic dipstick assembly 118 with the dielectric sensor performs engine oil diagnostics, while the automated bonnet latch release assembly facilitates safe access to the engine bay. The emission testing unit 122, comprising the robotic exhaust probe and multiple gas sensors, analyzes emissions such as CO, NOx, HC, and PM levels. Throughout this process, the user interface, wirelessly linked to the control unit, allows remote input of pre-service issues, real-time service tracking, and approval or rejection of service actions. All diagnostics and service procedures are executed autonomously based on the vehicle-specific data, enabling comprehensive vehicle health assessments without manual intervention.

[0046] 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) An automated vehicle inspecting and servicing system, comprising:

a) a ramp structure 101 integrated with a load-sensitive vehicle detection module, and a peripheral slider guiding rail 102 mounted around the ramp structure 101;
b) an ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) camera 103 mounted on a vertically adjustable rod 104 arranged with the slider rail 102, to capture the license plate, wherein a plurality of embedded rollers 105 installed on the ramp structure 101 for enabling independent movement of wheels;
c) a control unit linked with a database stored with pre-existing issues of the vehicle, for prioritizing inspection routines accordingly;
d) a visual inspection frame 106 slid ably mounted on the slider rail 102 and configured to traverse along a vehicle’s perimeter;
e) an artificial intelligence-based imaging camera 107 integrated with a three-dimensional laser scanner 108 and structured light projectors 109, mounted on the frame 106, configured to detect surface damage;
f) a gantry platform 110 slid ably mounted along inner periphery of the slider rail 102, which includes a robotic manipulator 111 with a tire tread depth meter 112 for underbody diagnostics, along with a multi-tool actuator 113 via a telescopically operated bar 114 equipped with a rotary assembly 115 for selecting suitable tools for maintenance;
g) an optical fluid detection sensor installed on the platform 110 for identifying fluid leaks;
h) a plurality of extendable L-shaped links 116 operably mounted on the slider rail 102, at least one of which is equipped with a robotic gripper 117 to open vehicle doors and bonnet, along with at least one with a pneumatic dipstick assembly 118 with a dielectric sensor for engine oil diagnostics;
i) an acoustic diagnostic module installed on the ramp structure 101 for sound-based fault detection; and
j) a robotic inspection arm 119 installed on the ramp structure 101, which includes a computer vision (CV) module 120 integrated imaging unit and a particulate matter sensor, configured to assess and replace clogged air filters;
wherein the system is configured to autonomously identify the vehicle, perform visual, mechanical and fluid diagnostics and execute service operations based on vehicle-specific data without manual intervention, facilitates in comprehensive vehicle health assessments.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load-sensitive vehicle detection module includes multiple load cells to detect presence of the vehicle.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ANPR camera 103 retrieves associated vehicle data including model, fuel type, warranty and service history from the database, to dynamically load a standard operating procedure (SOP) specific to the vehicle.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user interface is installed in a computing unit wirelessly linked to the control unit, enabling input of pre-service issues, real-time service tracking, and remote approval and rejection of service actions.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an automated bonnet latch release assembly is arranged with the links 116 to manipulate the bonnet for approved servicing actions.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform 110 is equipped with an oil filler assembly 121 for refilling with pre-identified grade and volume, and a level sensor for detecting coolant levels to trigger a coolant refill unit.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of laser based sensors are installed on the ramp structure 101 for camber, caster and toe angle analysis of the wheels.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an emission testing unit 122 is installed on the ramp structure 101, including a robotic exhaust probe and multiple gas sensors for analyzing CO, NOx, HC and PM levels.