Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. Apple has been granted a patent (number 11566881 B2) for “devices, systems, and methods for evaluating objects subject to repair or other alteration” that involves a vehicle that alerts you when it needs repairs.
About the patent
In the patent data, Apple notes that manufactured products can often be subject to repair or other alteration that is not detectable to the eye or cursory inspection. Such undetectable changes can greatly affect the value of the product. For example, automobiles that have been the subject of accidents can be repaired to the point where the extent of the repair cannot be known without special equipment or extensive inspection.
Pay services exist that report information on automobiles, including information on accidents. However, Apple says that not every accident or damage event is reported to such services. In fact, such services usually recommend a prospective buyer obtain a vehicle inspection from dealer or independent mechanic.
Apple says that “any way of increasing the speed or uniformity by which a product can be inspected, and then evaluated in light of any changes, could enjoy wide use in a variety of industries, including but not limited to the automobile industry.”
Summary of the patent
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “An inspection system can include a handheld inspection device having a meter portion comprising at least two different paint meters, at least one display, at least one processor configured to present paint measuring locations on an inspected object on the at least one display, and communication circuits configured to transmit inspection data generated by meter portion. Based on inspection results, a value of the inspected object can be automatically adjusted. A database can store inspection data for large numbers of objects, and track locations of objects. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.”
When might we see an Apple Car?
Apple has scaled back its “ambitious” plans for a self-driving electric car and postponed the launch date back a year to 2026, reports Bloomberg.
The article says that Apple plans to sell a consumer “Apple Car” for “under” $100,000. Other points from the article:
° Apple wanted its vehicle to come without a steering wheel or pedals, but has decided that such a plan isn’t feasible at this time.
° The Apple Car will have guided driving features that work on highways, but won’t be fully autonomous.
° Apple currently plans to develop a vehicle that lets drivers conduct other tasks — say, watch a movie or play a game — on a freeway and be alerted with ample time to switch over to manual control if they reach city streets or encounter inclement weather.
° It will sport an Apple-designed custom processor to power AI (artificial intelligence) functionality.
° It will use the cloud for some AI processing.
° Apple might offer a remote command center that could assist drivers and control cars from afar during emergencies.
° Apple may also offer its own insurance program.
° Apple still hasn’t dialed in on a design for its first vehicle and the team is still working in a “pre-prototype” stage.
