Systems and methods for verification and resolution of vehicular accidents

• US 20050278082A1
• Filed: 06/09/2005
• Published: 12/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: David Weekes
• Original Assignee: David Weekes
• Inventors: Weekes, David
• Application Number:
  US11/148,211
• Publication Number:
  US 20050278082A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0136 responsive to actual contact with an obstacle , e.g. to vehicle deformation, bumper displacement or bumper velocity relative to the vehicle monitoring crash strength in combination with passenger seat detection B60R21/01558
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers

Abstract

Embodiments consistent with the invention provide a computer-implemented method for more accurately reporting vehicular accidents. The method comprises electronically receiving a first data from a plurality of sensors embedded within a vehicle, wherein the first data includes information regarding a location of a deformation created as a result of an accident involving the vehicle and electronically receiving a second data including information from police reports regarding the accident or from insurance claims submitted by parties involved in the accident. The method further comprises electronically comparing the first data with the second data and finding any discrepancies between the first data and second data and electronically reporting any discrepancies to an interested party.

Claims

1. In a vehicle, a control system comprising:

a matrix of conductive lines extending across at least a portion of the vehicle;

a sensor for sensing a deformation of the matrix; and

an indicator operable to indicate a deformation of the vehicle when the sensor senses a deformation of the matrix.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the matrix comprises conductive lines contained within the vehicle.

3. The control system of claim 2, wherein the conductive lines comprise electrically conductive lines.

4. The control system of claim 2, wherein the conductive lines comprise light conductive lines.

5. The control system of claim 2, wherein the sensor senses a deformation of the matrix by sensing an open circuit between the ends of one of the conductive lines.

6. The control system of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises at least one of a visual indicator or an audio indicator.

7. The control system of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a signal transmitted to a monitoring network.

8. A computer-implemented method for more accurately reporting vehicular accidents comprising:

electronically receiving a first data from a plurality of sensors embedded within a vehicle, wherein the first data includes information regarding a location of a deformation created as a result of an accident involving the vehicle;

electronically receiving a second data including information from police reports regarding the accident or from insurance claims submitted by parties involved in the accident;

electronically comparing the first data with the second data and finding any discrepancies between the first data and second data; and

electronically reporting any discrepancies to an interested party;

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

electronically receiving a third data from an automated robot regarding conditions of a road where the accident occurred.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the third data is used in combination with the first data and the second data to create a re-enactment of the accident and the re-enactment is displayed to the interested party.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the third data includes at least one of a width of the road, a length of the road, a slope of the road, a location of skid marks on the road, or a location of debris on the road.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the first data further includes at least one of a direction of movement of the vehicle, a longitudinal drift of the vehicle, or a latitudinal drift of the vehicle.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first data is used to provide support for resolution of a drive-by shooting or a hit and run accident.

14. A computer program product including instructions for execution by a processor to perform a method for more accurately reporting vehicular accidents, the method comprising:

electronically receiving a first data from a plurality of sensors embedded within a vehicle, wherein the first data includes information regarding a location of a deformation created as a result of an accident involving the vehicle;

electronically receiving a second data including information from police reports regarding the accident or from insurance claims submitted by parties involved in the accident;

electronically comparing the first data with the second data and finding any discrepancies between the first data and second data; and

electronically reporting any discrepancies to an interested party;

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

electronically receiving a third data from an automated robot regarding conditions of a road where the accident occurred.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the third data is used in combination with the first data and the second data to create a re-enactment of the accident and the re-enactment is displayed to the interested party.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the third data includes at least one of a width of the road, a length of the road, a slope of the road, a location of skid marks on the road, or a location of debris on the road.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the first data further includes at least one of a direction of movement of the vehicle, a longitudinal drift of the vehicle, or a latitudinal drift of the vehicle.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first data is used to provide support for resolution of a drive-by shooting or a hit and run accident.

20. A system for more accurately reporting vehicular accidents, the system comprising:

a component for receiving a first data from a plurality of sensors embedded within a vehicle, wherein the first data includes information regarding a location of a deformation created as a result of an accident involving the vehicle;

a component for receiving a second data including information from police reports regarding the accident or from insurance claims submitted by parties involved in the accident;

a component for comparing the first data with the second data and finding any discrepancies between the first data and second data; and

a component for reporting any discrepancies to an interested party.

21. The system of claim 20 further comprising:

a component for receiving a third data from an automated robot regarding conditions of a road where the accident occurred.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the third data is used in combination with the first data and the second data to create a re-enactment of the accident and the re-enactment is displayed to the interested party.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the third data includes at least one of a width of the road, a length of the road, a slope of the road, a location of skid marks on the road, or a location of debris on the road.

24. The system of claim 20, wherein the first data further includes at least one of a direction of movement of the vehicle, a longitudinal drift of the vehicle, or a latitudinal drift of the vehicle.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the first data is used to provide support for resolution of a drive-by shooting or a hit and run accident.