Sensor-based intelligent system for vehicle fault identification and resolution

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor for implementing a method for sensor-based vehicle fault identification, the method comprising:

• capturing first sensor data using a first sensor that is part of a vehicle while the vehicle is driving, the first sensor data conveyed to a computing device through an onboard diagnostic bus of the vehicle that is coupled to the first sensor, wherein the first sensor data measures a first parameter indicative of operation of the vehicle and is encoded according to a standardized protocol associated with the onboard diagnostic bus;
• capturing second sensor data using a second sensor that is part of an accessory to the vehicle while the vehicle is driving, wherein the second sensor is coupled to an accessory platform distinct from the onboard diagnostic bus, and wherein the second sensor data measures a second parameter indicative of the operation of the vehicle and is encoded differently than the first sensor data;
• interpreting the second sensor data using the accessory platform based on accessory information to generate interpreted second sensor data, wherein the accessory information is specific to the accessory;
• processing the first sensor data and the interpreted second sensor data to generate a numeric value for a third parameter, wherein the third parameter is indicative of operation of a component of the vehicle while the vehicle is driving at a first time;
• identifying, based on a first database associated with the vehicle, an operational range for the third parameter, wherein the operational range includes a range of numeric values between a lower numeric threshold and an upper numeric threshold;
• evaluating the numeric value relative to the operational range to identify a fault condition that is associated with the component of the vehicle and that affects driving of the vehicle;
• identifying, based on the fault condition, a corrective action to modify the operation of the component of the vehicle to shift the third parameter into the operational range and resolve the fault condition;
• identifying, based on signals received using a vehicle location system, a location of the vehicle;
• filtering a second database associated with vehicle servicing based on the location and the fault condition to identify a subset of a plurality of service providers that are referenced in the second database, wherein the subset are capable of performing the corrective action to resolve the fault condition associated with the component of the vehicle and are within a predetermined distance of the location;
• sorting the subset into an order that is based on distance from the location of the vehicle and scheduling availability;
• automatically selecting a service provider from the subset based on the order;
• automatically scheduling an appointment with the service provider to perform the corrective action through an interaction with a website associated with the service provider;
• and
• verifying, based on additional sensor data captured using the first sensor and the second sensor that the fault condition is resolved as of a second time that is after the first time and after the appointment and while the vehicle is driving.

An apparatus for sensor-based vehicle fault identification, the apparatus comprising:

• a memory storing instructions;
• and
• a processor, wherein execution of the instructions causes the processor to:
• capture first sensor data using a first sensor that is part of a vehicle while the vehicle is driving, the first sensor data conveyed to a computing device through an onboard diagnostic bus of the vehicle that is coupled to the first sensor, wherein the first sensor data measures a first parameter indicative of operation of the vehicle and is encoded according to a standardized protocol associated with the onboard diagnostic bus;
• capture second sensor data using a second sensor that is part of an accessory to the vehicle while the vehicle is driving, wherein the second sensor is coupled to an accessory platform distinct from the onboard diagnostic bus, and wherein the second sensor data measures a second parameter indicative of the operation of the vehicle and is encoded differently than the first sensor data;
• interpret the second sensor data using the accessory platform based on accessory information to generate interpreted second sensor data, wherein the accessory information is specific to the accessory;
• process the first sensor data and the interpreted second sensor data to generate a numeric value for a third parameter, wherein the third parameter is indicative of operation of a component of the vehicle while the vehicle is driving at a first time;
• identify, based on a first database associated with the vehicle, an operational range for the third parameter, wherein the operational range includes a range of numeric values between a lower numeric threshold and an upper numeric threshold;
• evaluate the numeric value relative to the operational range to identify a fault condition that is associated with the component of the vehicle and that affects driving of the vehicle;
• identify, based on the fault condition, a corrective action to modify the operation of the component of the vehicle to shift the third parameter into the operational range and resolve the fault condition;
• identify, based on signals received using a vehicle location system, a location of the vehicle;
• filter a second database associated with vehicle servicing based on the location and the fault condition to identify a subset of a plurality of service providers that are referenced in the second database, wherein the subset are capable of performing the corrective action to resolve the fault condition associated with the component of the vehicle and are within a predetermined distance of the location;
• sort the subset into an order that is based on distance from the location of the vehicle and scheduling availability;
• automatically select a service provider from the subset based on the order;
• automatically schedule an appointment with the service provider to perform the corrective action through an interaction with a website associated with the service provider;
• and
• verify, based on additional sensor data captured using the first sensor and the second sensor, that the fault condition is resolved as of a second time that is after the first time and after the appointment and while the vehicle is driving.