Abstract: A method for monitoring the mass of an object may include (i) applying a vibratory force to the object so that the object vibrates in whole or in part, (ii) providing a sensor or sensors configured to measure vibrations of the object in response to the force, (iii) measuring vibration data from the sensor or sensors, and (iv) comparing the vibration data or a parameter derived therefrom to reference data or one or more reference parameters, so as to determine the mass of the object or an indication that the mass of the object differs from that indicated by the reference data or one or more reference parameters. The object may, but need not necessarily, be a vehicle. The vibratory force may be provided by an integral vehicle component, for example a vehicle engine.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the mass of an object (10) is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (i) applying a vibratory force to the object (10) so that the object vibrates in whole or in part, (ii) providing a sensor or sensors (14) configured to measure vibrations of the object in response to the force, (iii) measuring vibration data from the sensor(s) (14), and (iv) comparing the vibration data or a parameter derived therefrom to reference data or one or more reference parameters, so as to determine the mass of the object or an indication that the mass of the object (10) differs from that indicated by the reference data or one or more reference parameters. Preferably, the object (10) is a vehicle. The vibratory force may be provided by an integral vehicle component, for example a vehicle engine (12).