Australian research provides advanced identifier technology
Victoria University researchers, FMP Group (Australia) and Invision software developers have upgraded the Bendix Brake Pad app after 18 months of toil.
According to FMP, where the original app required the input of image data and additional specifications, the advanced app requires just a photograph of the brake pad and returns a result with the replacement part number and technical data within seconds.
“The new app will greatly assist mechanics in workshops to determine the correct brake pad for the job,” the company says.
The university development team supervised by Associate Professor Daniel Lai conducted an initial analysis of the previous software program launched by Bendix and determined areas in which improvements could be made.
Development was done on a PC before the image recognition engine was ported to Android and iPhone platforms, an aspect in the development process which was particularly difficult due to the subtle difference between smartphone cameras.
The new app requires the original brake pad to be placed onto a clean white surface. Holding the phone above the brake pad so that it is aligned and centre of the viewing area just take a photograph and within seconds the image will select the replacement part number along with other brake pad information.
“This breakthrough technology is a first for Australia and is available now for downloading,” Bendix marketing manager Ian Bott says.
“It’s even more accurate and faster than the original award winning app launched in 2014, saving valuable time in workshops throughout Australia.”
To download or update the Bendix Brake Pad Identifier app using an Android or Smartphone, log onto Google Play and search for the ‘Bendix Brake Pad Identifier’, select and install.
When using an iPhone, select the app store icon, search for ‘Bendix Brake Pad Identifier’, select ‘FREE to install’.