Volkswagen has patented a system that detects damage to parked vehicles and communicates with the owner and potential perpetrator via WLAN. The method involves logging nearby mobile devices, emitting interference signals, acquiring MAC addresses, and notifying the vehicle owner. GlobalData’s report on Volkswagen gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Volkswagen, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Volkswagen's grant share as of February 2024 was 56%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Automatic communication of vehicle damage to owner and perpetrator

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Volkswagen AG

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11922794B2) outlines a method and system for detecting damage to a parked motor vehicle using WLAN-enabled mobile communication devices. The method involves automatically logging nearby devices into the vehicle's WLAN, emitting an interference signal to make the devices detectable, acquiring MAC addresses, and sending this information to the owner's registered device. Additionally, the system can send electronic messages to devices identified as potential perpetrators of damage, enable them to leave messages on the vehicle's WLAN server, display visible messages, and even establish direct communication between the owner and the perpetrator through the vehicle's WLAN.

Furthermore, the patent describes a motor vehicle equipped with sensors to detect accidental damage, communication modules, and a wireless access point. Upon detecting damage, the access point logs nearby devices into the vehicle's WLAN, emits interference signals to switch devices into reception and search modes, determines MAC addresses, establishes connections with the owner's device, and communicates relevant information. The system can also establish connections with devices identified as potential perpetrators of damage and communicate with them. This innovative technology aims to enhance security and communication in the event of damage to parked vehicles, providing owners with a means to identify and potentially interact with those responsible for the damage.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.