| 摘要 |
System and method for using automated 3D scans to diagnose the mechanical status of substantially intact vehicles. One or more processor controlled 3D scanners utilize optical and other methods to assess the exposed surfaces of various vehicle components. Computer vision and other computerized pattern recognition techniques then compare the 3D scanner output versus a reference computer database of these various vehicle components in various normal and malfunctioning states. Those components judged to be aberrant are flagged. These flagged components can be reported to the vehicle users, as well as various insurance or repair entities. In some embodiments, the 3D scans can be performed using time-of-flight cameras, and optionally infrared, stereoscopic, and even audio sensors attached to the processor controlled arm of a mobile robot. Much of the subsequent data analysis and management can be done using remote Internet servers. |
| 主权项 |
1. A method of determining a mechanical status of a vehicle, said vehicle comprising a plurality of mechanical components at different positions on said vehicle, at least some of said mechanical components having visible component surfaces, method comprising:
using at least one mobile 3D scanner to scan these visible component surfaces and positions, thereby producing 3D scanner output data of at least some of these visible component surfaces and positions; said at least one mobile 3D scanner configured to be automatically positioned, under processor control, near a plurality of said mechanical components during said scan so that the positions and orientations of said at least one mobile 3D scanner can be automatically determined during said scan; using at least one computer processor to analyze said 3D scanner output data versus a computer database of comparative 3D scan data, said comparative 3D scan data comprising at least one of 3D scans of similar or identical vehicles in both ideal and previously identified aberrant states, or 3D models of the similar or identical vehicles in both ideal and previously identified aberrant states; further inputting the identity of said vehicle into said computer database, and linking said identity with said 3D scanner output data; using said at least one computer processor and image recognition software to determine differences between said 3D scanner output data, and said comparative 3D scan data, thereby determining and flagging those said plurality mechanical components that match one or more previously identified aberrant states; and storing or outputting vehicle identified data pertaining to at least those flagged mechanical components. |
