Automated condition evaluator
View Patent ↗Disclosed is an automated condition evaluator that conducts an evaluation of an item placed into a sensor chamber to identify the item and determine characteristics about that item that can assist a party in making a decision about the item. More specifically, an item is placed into a sensor chamber and various sensors are actuated in an effort to identify the item. Extrinsic information may also be introduced into the identification process. Once the item is identified, a rigorous evaluation of the item is conducted to determine any flaws, characteristics, or changes from the standard are present in the item. The sensors evaluate the item in 3 dimensional space and the results are compared against expected results. Any variations are classified for evaluation. When the item being evaluated is a vehicle, the classifications of the differences include scratches, dents, holes and other problems that are characteristic of vehicle flaws.
1. A system for evaluating the condition of an item, the system comprising the components of:
a sensor chamber including an interior area for housing an evaluation item, the interior area including a plurality of sensors;
a controller that is communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and operative to control the operation of the plurality of sensors and obtain data readings from the plurality of sensors, wherein the controller is operable to detect when the evaluation item is placed into the interior of the sensor chamber;
an information acquisition engine operable to receive information regarding the evaluation item;
a database containing expected results pertaining to the evaluation item; and
a damage calculator that is operable to compare the data readings from the plurality of sensors and the expected results from the database to identify particular characteristics pertaining to the evaluation item.