Patent Description:
Vehicle-sharing fleet managers may have a variety of vehicles that are available to rent for a predefined period of time using a vehicle-sharing application. Users of the vehicles are typically relied upon to report any vehicle abnormalities such as damage and/or performance issues to the vehicle-sharing fleet managers.

However, if a vehicle is returned with unnoticed or unreported abnormalities, it can be difficult to assess when the abnormality occurred and to identify the user assigned to the vehicle at the time the abnormality occurred.

The document <CIT> discloses a method for autonomously monitoring the health of a vehicle, that comprises receiving at least one from among vibration data of the vehicle and noise data of the vehicle, wherein the vibration data comprises measurements of vibration experienced by one or more components of the vehicle and the noise data comprises measurements of sound pressure levels associated with the vehicle, accessing at least one from among predetermined vibration performance data of the vehicle and predetermined noise performance data of the vehicle, determining a difference in the received vibration data and the predetermined vibration performance data, and transmitting a notification of a condition of the vehicle in response to the difference surpassing a predetermined vibration performance threshold or the difference surpassing a predetermined noise performance threshold. Further prior art is known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for managing an abnormality of a vehicle that is part of a vehicle fleet. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method according to claim <NUM> and a system according to claim <NUM>. Further features and advantageous modifications are shown in the dependent claims.

In one form, the present disclosure is directed toward a method for managing a vehicle abnormality of a vehicle part of a vehicle fleet. The method includes detecting, by a vehicle controller, a vehicle abnormality based on data from one or more sensors and a diagnostic model. The data is indicative of a steering wheel state, a vehicle wheel state, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the vehicle abnormality includes a vehicle wheel misalignment. The method further includes transmitting, by the vehicle controller, a notification to a fleet management system in response to the vehicle abnormality, where the notification includes information indicative of a vehicle identification of the vehicle, the vehicle abnormality, or a combination thereof. In addition, the method includes associating, by the fleet management system, the vehicle abnormality with an assigned user record based on the information from the notification.

In still another variation, the method further includes identifying, by the fleet management system, the assigned user record from among a plurality of user records managed by the fleet management system based on the vehicle identification. In one form, the assigned user record provides information related to an assigned user of the vehicle when the vehicle abnormality was detected.

In yet another variation, the method further includes determining a repair cost associated with the vehicle abnormality, determining whether the assigned user is at least partially responsible for the vehicle abnormality, and allocating at least a portion of the repair cost to the assigned user associated with the vehicle abnormality in response to the assigned user being at least partially responsible.

In one variation, the method further includes performing a vehicle state check after the vehicle is returned to verify the vehicle wheel misalignment. In one form, the repair cost is determined in response to vehicle wheel misalignment being verified.

In another variation, the method further includes notifying, by the fleet management system, the assigned user of the vehicle abnormality.

In yet another variation, the method further includes notifying, by the vehicle controller, passengers of the vehicle of the vehicle abnormality in response to the vehicle abnormality being detected.

In still another variation, the notification further includes a vehicle location, a timestamp of the vehicle abnormality, or a combination thereof.

In one variation, associating the vehicle abnormality with the assigned user record further includes storing, by the fleet management system, information indicative of the vehicle abnormality with the assigned user record.

In one variation, the steering wheel state includes a steering wheel direction, a steering wheel vibration, a steering wheel noise, a steering column vibration, a steering column noise, or a combination thereof.

In another variation, the vehicle wheel state includes a vehicle wheel vibration, a vehicle wheel direction, a vehicle wheel noise, or a combination thereof.

In another variation, the data from the one or more sensors includes an acoustic signal from a microphone disposed at the vehicle, the one or more sensors includes the microphone, and the vehicle abnormality is detected based on the acoustic signal and the diagnostic model. In one form, the diagnostic model is configured to associate one or abnormalities with a defined signal profile.

In yet another variation, the vehicle abnormality further includes a vehicle collision, a brake wear, an abnormal powertrain operation, a vehicle body damage, or a combination thereof.

In one variation, the method further includes determining, by the vehicle controller, whether a vehicle passenger identifies an abnormal sound in the vehicle based on the acoustic signal and the natural language model, and flagging the acoustic signal for further analysis to determine the vehicle abnormality.

According to the invention, the one or more sensors includes one or more cameras. In addition, detecting the vehicle abnormality further includes determining, by the vehicle controller, a direction of vehicle wheels of the vehicle based on image data from the one or more cameras. The vehicle wheel state includes direction of the vehicle wheels. In one form, the method of this variation also includes determining, by the vehicle controller, the vehicle wheel misalignment, as the vehicle abnormality, when the direction of the vehicle wheels does not correlate with the steering wheel state.

In one form, the present disclosure is directed towards a system for managing vehicle abnormalities of a vehicle from a plurality of vehicles forming a fleet. The system includes a datastore storing a plurality of assigned user records, where each of the assigned user records includes information related to an assigned user that employs the vehicle from the fleet. The system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the fleet. The controller is configured to identify, in response to receiving a notification from a subject vehicle from the fleet, a related assigned user record from among the plurality of assigned user records based on information in the notification. The information of the notification is indicative of a vehicle identification of the vehicle, the vehicle abnormality, or a combination thereof. In addition, the controller is configured to associate the vehicle abnormality of the subject vehicle with the related assigned user record, wherein the vehicle abnormality includes a vehicle wheel misalignment. The system further includes a vehicle controller disposed at the vehicle and configured to detect a vehicle abnormality based on data from one or more sensors of the vehicle and a diagnostic model. The data is indicative of a steering wheel state, a vehicle wheel state, or a combination thereof, and the vehicle abnormality includes a vehicle wheel misalignment. The vehicle controller is further configured to transmit the notification in response to the vehicle abnormality being detected, where the notification includes information indicative of a vehicle identification of the vehicle, the vehicle abnormality, or a combination thereof.

In a variation, the vehicle controller is further configured to issue a notification regarding the vehicle abnormality via a user interface of the vehicle.

In yet another variation, the controller is further configured to provide a notification regarding the vehicle abnormality to the assigned user of the vehicle abnormality.

In on variation, to associate the vehicle abnormality with the assigned user record, the controller is further configured to store information indicative of the vehicle abnormality with the assigned user record.

In one form, the present disclosure is directed towards a method of detecting vehicle abnormalities of a vehicle. The method includes detecting, by a vehicle controller, a vehicle wheel misalignment based on data from one or more sensors and a diagnostic model. The data is indicative of a steering wheel state, a vehicle wheel state, or a combination thereof. The method further includes transmitting, by the vehicle controller, a notification to a fleet management system in response to the vehicle wheel misalignment being detected. The notification includes a vehicle identification of the vehicle, data related to the vehicle wheel misalignment, or a combination thereof. In addition, the method includes identifying, by the fleet management system, an assigned user record from among a plurality of user records managed by the fleet management system based on the vehicle identification; and associating, by the fleet management system, the vehicle wheel misalignment with the assigned user record.

Additional objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken together with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:.

The present disclosure provides for a method and/or system that detects and processes vehicle abnormalities while a vehicle of a vehicle fleet is being used by a user. More particularly, the vehicle is configured to detect the occurrence of a vehicle abnormality, such as wheel misalignment, based on data from sensors disposed at the vehicle. Once detected, the vehicle transmits a notification regarding the abnormality to a fleet management (FM) system that manages the vehicle fleet. The FM system processes the notification to associate the abnormality with the user or more particularly, a record associated with the user (i.e., an assigned user record). Accordingly, the FM system is able to track abnormalities as they occur and does not have to rely on the user to report the abnormality. These and other features of the vehicle and fleet management system of the present disclosure are described in detail herein.

Referring to <FIG>, in a vehicle-sharing system, a user is able to rent a vehicle <NUM> from a vehicle fleet <NUM> managed by a fleet management (FM) system <NUM>, where the vehicle fleet <NUM> includes multiple vehicles <NUM>-A to <NUM>-E (collectively "vehicle <NUM>"). In one form, the user accesses the vehicle fleet <NUM> via a client device <NUM> having a vehicle-sharing application (app. The client device <NUM> may be a computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wearable device, among other types of computing devices. In one form, the FM system <NUM>, the vehicle <NUM> of the vehicle fleet <NUM>, and the client device <NUM> are configured to communicate with each other via one or more communication network using one or more wireless communication protocols (e.g., a Bluetooth®-type protocol, a cellular protocol, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)-type protocol, a near-field communication (NFC) protocol, an ultra-wideband (UWB) protocol, among others). With the vehicle-sharing application <NUM>, the user enters account information (e.g., username, contact information, and/or payment method) and rental selection (e.g., type of vehicle to be rented, duration of rental, and/or travel information for the selected vehicle). In addition, the FM system <NUM> is configured to provide information to the user, such as but not limited to: invoices, vehicle health reports, and/or abnormality notification.

The vehicle <NUM> is configured to support and provide vehicle-to-device (V2X) communication which incorporates vehicle-to-infrastructure communication and vehicle-to-vehicle, among others. Referring to <FIG>, in one form, the vehicle <NUM> is configured to include a steering system <NUM>, vehicle wheels <NUM>, one or more vehicle sensors <NUM>, a vehicle controller <NUM>, a communication module <NUM> and a user interface <NUM>. The steering system <NUM>, which is part of a chassis system of the vehicle <NUM>, includes components which allows the vehicle <NUM> to control a directional movement of the vehicle <NUM>. Among other components, the steering system <NUM> may include a steering wheel, a steering column, and a power assist steering system coupled to one or more of the wheels <NUM>. In one form, the steering system <NUM> is configured to convert a rotational movement of the steering wheel by the user into a turning movement of the one or more wheels. In some variations, the vehicle <NUM> may be a partial or fully autonomous vehicles, and thus, the steering system <NUM> is controlled by the vehicle controller <NUM>.

The sensors <NUM> are configured to generate data indicative of a steering wheel state, a vehicle wheel state, or a combination thereof. The steering wheel state includes a steering wheel direction, a steering wheel vibration, a steering wheel noise, a steering column vibration, and/or a steering column noise. The vehicle wheel state includes a vehicle wheel vibration, a vehicle wheel direction, and/or a vehicle wheel noise. In one form, the sensors <NUM> include one or more microphones <NUM>, one or more angular sensors <NUM>, one or more strain gauge sensors <NUM>, one or more cameras <NUM>, and/or one or more vibration sensors <NUM>. While specific sensors are provided, the vehicle <NUM> is not required to include all of the sensors <NUM> described herein and other types of sensors may be employed.

In one form, the microphones <NUM> are located throughout the vehicle <NUM> and are configured to detect sounds and generate an acoustic signal indicative of the sound detected. As described further herein, the acoustic signal is then analyzed by the vehicle controller <NUM> to detect potential abnormalities. For example, the acoustic signal may indicate an abnormal noise in the steering wheel, the vehicle wheels, and/or a crash. The angular sensors <NUM> are provided with the steering system <NUM> to measure an angular position of one or more elements of the steering system <NUM>, such as the steering wheel. The strain gauge sensors <NUM> are configured to measure resistance in the steering system <NUM>, such as the steering wheel or the vehicle wheels <NUM>. In one form, the cameras <NUM> are positioned to capture image of the exterior of the vehicle including the vehicle wheels <NUM>. Based on the images, the vehicle controller <NUM> determines a vehicle abnormality such as wheel misalignment and damage to the vehicle. The vibration sensors <NUM> are arranged to measure a vibration frequency of the steering system <NUM> and/or the vehicle wheels <NUM>.

Among other modules, the vehicle controller <NUM> is configured to include a vehicle abnormality module <NUM> and a notification module <NUM>. In one form, the vehicle abnormality module <NUM> is configured to detect a vehicle abnormality, such as a wheel misalignment, based on data from the sensors <NUM>. The notification module <NUM> is configured to transmit a notification to the FM system <NUM> in response to the vehicle abnormality being detected.

In one form, the vehicle abnormality module <NUM> is configured to determine whether a vehicle abnormality has occurred using at least one of a diagnostic model <NUM> and a natural language model <NUM>. In one form, the diagnostic model <NUM> is an artificial intelligence trained model that processes the data from the sensors <NUM> to determine if there is a vehicle abnormality and specifically, a wheel misalignment. In another example, the diagnostic model <NUM> may be a series of algorithms provided as software programs that process the data to determine if there is an abnormality.

The natural language model <NUM> is configured to analyze acoustic signals from microphones disposed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle <NUM> to determine whether a vehicle passenger identifies an abnormal sound in the vehicle <NUM>. In one form, the natural language model <NUM> is provided using known natural language processing techniques to identify one or more text inputs provided in the acoustic signal, where the text inputs are associated with a vehicle abnormality such as but not limited to: "what is that noise", "strange noise", "what is that sound", "do you feel that vibration", etc. Once the text inputs are identified, the natural language model <NUM> is configured to flag the acoustic signal for further analysis to determine if a vehicle abnormality exists. For example, the natural language model may confer with the diagnostic model <NUM> to determine if a vehicle abnormality was detected.

The vehicle abnormality module <NUM> may be configured in various suitable ways to detect vehicle abnormalities, and more specifically wheel misalignment. The following are just a few non-limiting examples. In one form, once detected, the vehicle abnormality module <NUM> may issue diagnostic trouble codes associated with the wheel misalignment (i.e., the vehicle abnormality).

In one example, the vehicle abnormality module <NUM>, and more particularly, the diagnostic model <NUM>, is configured to analyze images from the cameras <NUM> to determine wheel direction for the vehicle wheels and determine if the wheel direction correlate to a steering wheel angle/direction. For example, if the steering wheel is directed right, but the wheels are straight, the vehicle abnormality module <NUM> determines that the vehicle wheels are misaligned.

In another example, the diagnostic model <NUM> is configured to analyze acoustic signals to detect a vehicle abnormality by comparing the acoustic signal to abnormal signal profiles associated with various abnormalities including wheel misalignment. The diagnostic model <NUM> is configured filter noise and known profiles from the acoustic signal and then compare the processed acoustic signal to the abnormal signal profiles. If there is substantial correlation, the vehicle abnormality module <NUM> having the diagnostic model <NUM> determines that a vehicle abnormality occurred and specifically, the abnormality associated with correlated abnormal signal profile.

In yet another example, the vehicle abnormality module <NUM> analyzes vibration signals to detect vehicle abnormality. Specifically, in one form, the diagnostic model <NUM> analyzes vibration signals associated with the steering wheel and/or the vehicle wheels to determine if the vehicle wheels are misaligned. The vibration signals can be compared to threshold signal profiles. If the vibration signals exceed the threshold signal profiles, the diagnostic model <NUM> determines the occurrence of a wheel misalignment.

In response to a vehicle abnormality being detected, the notification module <NUM> is configured to generate a notification message (i.e., a notification) to be provided to the FM system <NUM> to log and process the abnormality. In one form, the notification message includes, but is not limited to: a vehicle location, a timestamp of the vehicle abnormality, and/or delivery of the message; data related to the vehicle abnormality (e.g., a diagnostic trouble code); vehicle identification (ID); or a combination thereof. In one form, the notification module <NUM> is further configured to notify a passenger of the vehicle abnormality via the user interface <NUM>.

In one form, the communication module <NUM> is configured to support V2X communication to have the vehicle <NUM> exchange information with external devices such as the FM system <NUM>, and thus, may include one or more transceivers, radio circuits, amplifiers, modulation circuits, among others devices. Accordingly, the communication module <NUM> is configured transmit the notification message to the FM system <NUM> and also process messages received from other devices such as the FM system <NUM>.

The user interface <NUM> is configured to provide information and receive commands from a passenger of the vehicle <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> is typically provided within a passenger cabin of the vehicle <NUM> and, in one form, includes an audio system <NUM> and visual system <NUM>. The audio system <NUM> includes speakers and a microphone <NUM>, and the visual system <NUM> includes a monitor with a touchscreen. The user interface <NUM> can be employed to notify the passenger of a detected vehicle abnormality. For example, a message may be displayed by the visual system <NUM> and/or an audio message may be broadcasted via the audio system <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example block diagram of the FM system <NUM> is provided. The FM system <NUM> is configured to track the use of its vehicle fleet <NUM> including vehicle abnormalities detected by the vehicles <NUM>. In one form, a FM representative, such as a booking agent or maintenance technician, may access the information provided in the FM system via a FM interface accessible by a computing device <NUM>. For example, a maintenance technician may access vehicle health information for a particular vehicle <NUM> via the FM interface. In one form, the FM interface is a web-based network for providing access to FM representatives located at different locations.

In one form, the FM system <NUM> includes a FM communication module <NUM>, a datastore <NUM>, and a FM controller <NUM>. The FM system <NUM> is configured to communicate with it's the vehicles <NUM> of the vehicle fleet <NUM> which includes the vehicle <NUM> via the FM communication module <NUM>. Accordingly, the FM communication module <NUM> may include one or more transceivers, radio circuits, amplifiers, modulation circuits, among devices for communicating with various devices.

The datastore <NUM> is configured as a repository for storing and managing data such as, but not limited to: vehicle records <NUM> and assigned user records. The vehicle records <NUM> provide information related to each vehicle <NUM> of the vehicle fleet <NUM>. The information provided in the vehicle records <NUM> include, but is not limited to: vehicle ID, make, model, registration information, location information, and vehicle health information (e.g., milage, routine maintenance schedule, and/or vehicle abnormality history). The vehicle records <NUM> may also include a user log providing information related to the user that rented the vehicle <NUM>, such as an assigned user ID, a check-out date, and a check-in date.

The assigned user records <NUM> provides information regarding users that check-out a vehicle <NUM> from the vehicle fleet <NUM>. The assigned user record includes: an assigned user ID that is unique to the user (e.g., alpha-numeric character string), a username, contact information for the user (e.g., phone number, address, electronic mail address), payment information, insurance information, and/or copy of an official ID (e.g., driver license). The assigned user record may further include information related to the vehicle <NUM> being used by the user, such as but not limited to: a vehicle ID; check-out information providing when the vehicle <NUM> was checked-out to the user and when the vehicle <NUM> is to be checked-in; and/or vehicle incident information detailing a vehicle abnormality detected when the user was assigned the vehicle. The assigned user record may also include invoice information such as rental fees and/or repair fees.

The FM controller <NUM> is configured to process notification messages from the vehicle <NUM> to determine the assigned user of the vehicle <NUM> and possible repair cost associated with the vehicle abnormality provided in the notification message. In one form, the FM controller <NUM> includes a FM notification module <NUM>, a user identification module <NUM>, a fleet abnormality module <NUM>, and a repair cost allocation (RCA) module <NUM>.

The FM notification module <NUM> is configured process the notification message to extract the vehicle identification and information related to the vehicle abnormality, such as the type of vehicle abnormality and associated diagnostic trouble codes. The FM notification module <NUM> is also configured to generate an assigned user notification to notify an assigned user of the vehicle abnormality and if applicable a repair cost associated with the vehicle abnormality.

The user identification module <NUM> is configured to identify an assigned user record from among the plurality of user records based on the vehicle ID. For example, based on the vehicle ID, the user identification module <NUM> searches the datastore <NUM> for the vehicle record <NUM> associated with the vehicle ID and the assigned user record having the vehicle ID as the vehicle <NUM> currently being employed by the user.

The fleet abnormality module <NUM> is configured to associate the vehicle abnormality with the assigned user record. For example, the fleet abnormality module <NUM> stores information related to the vehicle abnormality in the assigned user record, such as the vehicle ID, the type of abnormality, and/or the date of the abnormality. In one form, the fleet abnormality module <NUM> is also configured to verify the vehicle abnormality identified in the notification message. For example, the fleet abnormality module <NUM> is configured to request a vehicle state check from a FM maintenance representative once the vehicle <NUM> has been returned to determine if there is a wheel misalignment. If the vehicle abnormality is not confirmed, the fleet abnormality module <NUM> is configured to remove the vehicle abnormality from the assigned user record for the user. If the vehicle abnormality is confirmed, the fleet abnormality module <NUM> is further configured to determine if the assigned user associated with the wheel misalignment should pay for the repair (e.g., a portion or full amount). For example, in addition to confirmation of the wheel misalignment, the FM maintenance representative may provide information indicating whether the abnormality is caused by general wear of the vehicle <NUM> or by evasive driving by the assigned user. The fleet abnormality module <NUM> may also review the vehicle health record of the vehicle <NUM> to determine if the cause of the wheel misalignment is partly related to the assigned user.

In the event the assigned user is to pay for at least a portion of the repairs, the RCA module <NUM> is configured to determine a repair cost associated with the vehicle abnormality and an amount to be allocated to the user. Various method may be used for estimating and allocating cost. For example, the RCA module <NUM> may employ one or more repair cost tables that provides repair costs for various vehicle abnormalities such as, the wheel misalignment. The amount to be allocated can by determined based on various factors such as the vehicle health, recommendation by the FM maintenance representative, whether the assigned user is associated with other vehicle abnormalities (i.e., driver history for the assigned user). The RCA module <NUM> may be configured to process these factors using an allocation model defined by historical data and machine learning to determine the amount or a percent allocation to be billed to the assigned user.

Referring to <FIG>, an example vehicle abnormality routine <NUM> for detecting and managing vehicle abnormalities by the vehicle controller <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> is provided. At <NUM>, the vehicle controller <NUM> detects presence of a vehicle abnormality, such as a wheel misalignment, based on data from one or more sensors. At <NUM>, the vehicle controller <NUM> determines whether an abnormality is detected. If yes, the vehicle controller <NUM> generates and transmits a notification to the FM system <NUM>, at <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example abnormality processing routine <NUM> performed by the FM system <NUM> is provided. At <NUM>, the FM system <NUM> determines whether a notification regarding a vehicle abnormality is received from a vehicle <NUM> of the vehicle fleet. If so, the FM system <NUM> retrieves the assigned user record based on information in the notification, at <NUM>. At <NUM>, the FM system <NUM> associates the vehicle abnormality to the assigned user record and at <NUM>, the FM system <NUM> notifies the assigned user of the vehicle abnormality. At <NUM>, the FM system <NUM> determines a repair cost associated with the vehicle abnormality and, at <NUM>, determines whether to allocate a portion of the repair cost to the assigned user. If yes, the FM system <NUM> transmits an invoice to the assigned user, at <NUM>.

It should be readily understood that the routines <NUM> and <NUM> are just examples and that the vehicle controller <NUM> and FM system <NUM> can be configured in various suitable ways. For example, after detecting the vehicle abnormality, the vehicle controller <NUM> may notify passengers in the vehicle of the abnormality. In another example, if the assigned user is not allocated any repair cost, the FM system <NUM> may amend the assigned user record to remove the association of the vehicle abnormality. In another variation, the FM system <NUM> may not perform a repair cost analysis.

Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values indicating mechanical/thermal properties, compositional percentages, dimensions and/or tolerances, or other characteristics are to be understood as modified by the word "about" or "approximately" in describing the scope of the present disclosure. This modification is desired for various reasons including industrial practice, material, manufacturing, and assembly tolerances, and testing capability.

As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.

In this application, the term "controller" and/or "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components (e.g., op amp circuit integrator as part of the heat flux data module) that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.

The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); the term computer-readable medium may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium are nonvolatile memory circuits (such as a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only circuit), volatile memory circuits (such as a static random access memory circuit or a dynamic random access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).

The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to execute one or more particular functions embodied in computer programs. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications, which can be translated into the computer programs by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature.

Claim 1:
A method of managing a vehicle abnormality of a vehicle part (<NUM>-A, <NUM>-B, <NUM>-C, <NUM>-D, <NUM>-E) of a vehicle fleet (<NUM>), the method comprising:
detecting, by a vehicle controller (<NUM>), a vehicle abnormality based on data from one or more sensors (<NUM>) and a diagnostic model (<NUM>), wherein the data is indicative of a steering wheel state, a vehicle wheel state, or a combination thereof, wherein
the vehicle abnormality includes a vehicle wheel misalignment;
the one or more sensors (<NUM>) includes one or more cameras (<NUM>) configured to determine, by the vehicle controller (<NUM>), a direction of vehicle wheels of the vehicle based on image data from the one or more cameras (<NUM>), wherein the vehicle wheel state includes direction of the vehicle wheels;
the one or more sensors (<NUM>) includes angular sensors (<NUM>) provided with a steering system (<NUM>), configured to measure an angular position of a steering wheel as the steering wheel state; and
the vehicle wheel misalignment is determined by the vehicle controller (<NUM>) as the vehicle abnormality, when the direction of the vehicle wheels based on the image data does not correlate with the steering wheel state based on the angular position of the steering wheel;
transmitting, by the vehicle controller (<NUM>), a notification to a fleet management system (<NUM>) in response to the vehicle abnormality being detected, wherein the notification includes information indicative of a vehicle identification of the vehicle, the vehicle abnormality, or a combination thereof; and
associating, by the fleet management system (<NUM>), the vehicle abnormality with an assigned user record based on the information from the notification.