U.S. patent application number 15/900245 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-26 for technology for analyzing image data to automatically manage customer policies.
The applicant listed for this patent is STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY. Invention is credited to Lucas Allen, Jeremy T. Cunningham, Bradley A. Sliz.
Application Number | 20210264528 15/900245 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000003211278 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210264528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sliz; Bradley A. ; et
al. |
August 26, 2021 |
TECHNOLOGY FOR ANALYZING IMAGE DATA TO AUTOMATICALLY MANAGE
CUSTOMER POLICIES
Abstract
Systems and methods for analyzing image data to assess policy
management opportunities are disclosed. According to certain
aspects, a server may access aerial and other image data depicting
a set of properties, and may analyze the aerial and other image
data to identify the set of properties and determine a set of
conditions associated with the set of properties. The server may
further assess, based upon the set of conditions and a set of
previous conditions, whether corresponding policies associated with
the set of properties are eligible for renewal, discounts, or other
benefits for property owners. If the policies are eligible for
renewal or discounts the server may automatically renew the
policies, or apply the discounts or otherwise update the policies,
respectively.
Inventors: |
Sliz; Bradley A.; (Normal,
IL) ; Allen; Lucas; (East Peoria, IL) ;
Cunningham; Jeremy T.; (Bloomington, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY |
Bloomington |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000003211278 |
Appl. No.: |
15/900245 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62483786 |
Apr 10, 2017 |
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62473014 |
Mar 17, 2017 |
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62468806 |
Mar 8, 2017 |
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62463371 |
Feb 24, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 9/6215 20130101;
G06K 9/00637 20130101; G06Q 40/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/08 20060101
G06Q040/08; G06K 9/00 20060101 G06K009/00; G06K 9/62 20060101
G06K009/62 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method in a processing server of
analyzing image data to automatically manage existing policies for
an entity, the processing server having access to an account
database indicating a set of policies associated with a set of
properties, the method comprising, via one or more processors
associated with the processing server: receiving, from an unmanned
aerial vehicle, a set of digital image data depicting an aerial
view of an area and captured by the unmanned aerial vehicle;
analyzing the set of digital image data, including: identifying a
property depicted in the set of digital image data, the property
having at least two exterior portions, and determining a current
condition of the property, the current condition indicating at
least two current scores respectively associated with the at least
two exterior portions of the property; determining that the
property has an associated policy that is reflected in the account
database, the associated policy indicating a previous condition of
the property, the previous condition indicating at least two
previous scores respectively associated with the at least two
exterior portions of the property; comparing the at least two
current scores to the at least two previous scores to determine
that a majority of the at least two current scores improved from a
respective majority of the at least two previous scores; based on
determining that the majority of the at least two current scores
improved, calculating a decrease to a premium of the associated
policy of the property; generating a notification indicating (i)
that the associated policy was renewed, (ii) the premium of the
associated policy reflecting the decrease, and (iii) that at least
one of the at least two exterior portions of the property improved;
and providing the notification to an electronic device of a
customer associated with the property, the electronic device
presenting the notification via a user interface of the electronic
device.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
automatically renewing the associated policy of the property.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein
automatically renewing the associated policy comprises:
automatically renewing the associated policy according to the
decrease to the premium.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein
automatically renewing the associated policy according to the
decrease to the premium comprises: retrieving, from an electronic
device of a customer associated with the property, a confirmation
to renew the associated policy according to the decrease to the
premium.
5. (canceled)
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising:
receiving, from an electronic device of a customer associated with
the property, a request to opt-in to automatic policy renewal.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein
automatically renewing the associated policy comprises: identifying
an expiration date of the associated policy; and determining, based
upon the expiration date of the associated policy, that the
associated policy of the property is eligible for automatic
renewal.
8-9. (canceled)
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein identifying
the property depicted in the set of digital image data comprises:
determining, for the property, at least one of: an address, an
owner, and a location-based designation.
11. A system for analyzing image data to automatically manage
existing policies for an entity, the system having access to an
account database indicating a set of policies associated with a set
of properties, comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate
via at least one network connection; an unmanned aerial vehicle
configured to capture digital image data depicting an aerial view
of an area; a memory configured to store non-transitory computer
executable instructions; and a processor interfacing with the
transceiver, the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the memory, and
configured to execute the non-transitory computer executable
instructions to cause the processor to: receive, from the unmanned
aerial vehicle, the digital image data depicting the aerial view of
the area, analyze the set of digital image data, including:
identify a property depicted in the set of digital image data, the
property having at least two exterior portions, and determine a
current condition of the property, the current condition indicating
at least two current scores respectively associated with the at
least two exterior portions of the property, determine that the
property has an associated policy that is reflected in the account
database, the associated policy indicating a previous condition of
the property, the previous condition indicating at least two
previous scores respectively associated with the at least two
exterior portions of the property, compare the at least two current
scores to the at least two previous scores to determine that a
majority of the at least two current scores improved from a
respective majority of the at least two previous scores, based on
determining that the majority of the at least two current scores
improved, calculate a decrease to a premium of the associated
policy of the property generate a notification indicating (i) that
the associated policy was renewed, (ii) the premium of the
associated policy reflecting the decrease, and (iii) that at least
one of the at least two exterior portions of the property improved,
and transmit, via the transceiver, the notification to an
electronic device of a customer associated with the property, the
electronic device presenting the notification via a user interface
of the electronic device.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor is further
configured to: automatically renew the associated policy of the
property.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein to automatically renew the
associated policy, the processor is configured to: automatically
renew the associated policy according to the decrease to the
premium.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein to automatically renew the
associated policy according to the decrease to the premium, the
processor is configured to: retrieve, via the transceiver from the
electronic device, a confirmation to renew the associated policy
according to the decrease to the premium.
15. (canceled)
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is configured to
execute the non-transitory computer executable instructions to
further cause the processor to: receive, via the transceiver from
the electronic device, a request to opt-in to automatic policy
renewal.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein to automatically renew the
associated policy, the processor is configured to: identify an
expiration date of the associated policy, and determine, based upon
the expiration date of the associated policy, that the associated
policy of the property is eligible for automatic renewal.
18-19. (canceled)
20. The system of claim 12, wherein to identify the property
depicted in the set of digital image data, the processor is
configured to: determine, for the property, at least one of: an
address, an owner, and a location-based designation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of the filing dates of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/463,371 (filed Feb. 24, 2017
and entitled "TECHNOLOGY FOR ANALYZING IMAGE DATA TO AUTOMATICALLY
ASSESS CUSTOMER OPPORTUNITIES"); U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/468,806 (filed Mar. 8, 2017 and entitled
"TECHNOLOGY FOR AUTOMATICALLY ENSURING CONSISTENT DIGITAL IMAGE
CAPTURE PARAMETERS"); U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/473,014 (filed Mar. 17, 2017 and entitled "TECHNOLOGY FOR
ANALYZING IMAGE DATA TO AUTOMATICALLY PROCESS CUSTOMER RENEWALS");
and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/483,786 (filed Apr.
10, 2017 and entitled "TECHNOLOGY FOR ANALYZING IMAGE DATA TO
AUTOMATICALLY MANAGE CUSTOMER POLICIES")--which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to analyzing image data
to automatically manage customer policies. More particularly, the
present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for analyzing
digital image data that depicts a property to determine eligibility
to manage an associated policy of the property.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Aerial imagery generally includes image data that is
captured from a vantage point located above an object that is
depicted in the image data. The use of aerial imagery is increasing
as the amount of devices and components used to capture aerial
imagery increases. For instance, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs;
i.e., "drones") and satellites are increasing in amount and usage.
Generally, aerial imagery may be used in certain applications, such
as supplementing mapping applications and creating graphical and
video productions including promotional materials and movies.
[0004] The existing uses of aerial imagery do not, however, extend
to assessing whether customer policies associated with properties
are eligible for processing or management. Instead, entities that
offer customer policies must manually gather information to
determine whether the customer policies are eligible for processing
or management. These conventional efforts are often inconvenient,
costly, and time-consuming, and may include additional drawbacks as
well.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] The present embodiments relate to aerial image and/or other
data analysis techniques to identify policy management
opportunities and automatically facilitate the management of the
policies. For customers that opt into an automatic policy
management program, aerial images of their properties may be
acquired, their properties (and/or the present condition thereof)
may be identified from the images acquired, and one more actions
may be performed based upon the property identified, a present
condition thereof, and a difference between a previous condition
thereof, such as automatic insurance policy renewal and/or premium
or discount adjustment based upon the present condition of the
property.
[0006] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method in a processing
server of analyzing image data to automatically manage existing
policies for an entity may be provided. The processing server may
have access to an account database indicating a set of policies
associated with a set of properties (such as properties with
property owners that have opted into an automatic policy renewal
program), and the method may include, such as via one or more
processors and/or transceivers associated with, within, and/or
under the direction/control of the processing server: (1) accessing
a set of digital image data depicting an aerial view of an area;
(2) analyzing the set of digital image data, including: identifying
a property depicted in the set of digital image data, and
determining at least one condition of the property; (3) determining
that the property has an associated policy that is reflected in the
account database, the associated policy indicating at least one
previous condition of the property; (4) comparing the at least one
condition of the property to the at least one previous condition of
the property; (5) determining, based upon the comparing, a
difference between the at least one condition and the at least one
previous condition; and/or (6) managing the associated policy of
the property based upon the difference. The method may include
additional, less, or alternate actions, including those discussed
elsewhere herein.
[0007] In another aspect, a computer system for analyzing image
data to automatically manage existing policies for an entity may be
provided. The system may have access to an account database
indicating a set of policies associated with a set of properties,
and may include: a memory configured to store non-transitory
computer executable instructions; and a processor interfacing with
the memory and configured to execute the non-transitory computer
executable instructions to cause the processor to: (1) access a set
of digital image data depicting an aerial view of an area; (2)
analyzing the set of digital image data, including: identify a
property depicted in the set of digital image data, and determine
at least one condition of the property; (3) determine that the
property has an associated policy that is reflected in the account
database, the associated policy indicating at least one previous
condition of the property; (4) compare the at least one condition
of the property to the at least one previous condition of the
property; (5) determine, based upon the comparing, a difference
between the at least one condition and the at least one previous
condition; and/or (6) manage the associated policy of the property
based upon the difference. The computer system may include
additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that
discussed elsewhere herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The figures described below depict various aspects of the
system and methods disclosed herein. It should be understood that
each figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the
disclosed system and methods, and that each of the figures is
intended to accord with a possible embodiment of thereof. Further,
wherever possible, the following description refers to the
reference numerals included in the following figures, in which
features depicted in multiple figures are designated with
consistent reference numerals.
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an overview of an exemplary system of
components configured to facilitate various functionalities, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary signal diagram associated with
analyzing image data to assess policy processing and managing
opportunities, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary interface of a communication, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary interface of a communication, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow diagram associated with
analyzing image data to assess policy processing and managing
opportunities, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer server,
in accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, analyzing
image data to assess automatic policy processing and managing
opportunities, such as policy renewal opportunities and other
processing. Conventionally, entities who pursue efforts to manage
policies associated with properties must undertake some form of
manual assessment of the conditions of the properties. These
efforts are considered inconvenient, time-consuming, and costly,
among other drawbacks. To alleviate these shortcomings, the present
embodiments incorporate image analysis technologies to effectively
and efficiently assess policy management eligibility and
automatically facilitate the managing of policies.
[0016] According to certain aspects, systems and methods may
retrieve or otherwise access a set of digital image data that
depicts an aerial view of an area or neighborhood in which a set of
properties is located. Although the digital image data may
primarily or solely include aerial images, such as digital images
acquired via drones or other UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), in
some embodiments, the digital image data may include digital images
acquired via other sources, such as via cameras or video recorders
(or other sensors) mounted on homes, smart or autonomous vehicles,
or mobile devices. In other words, in some embodiments, the digital
image data may include drone image data, smart or intelligent home
image data, smart or autonomous vehicle image data, and/or mobile
device and/or social media image data.
[0017] The systems and methods may analyze the set of digital image
data to identify the set of properties and determine at least one
condition for each of the set of properties. The systems and
methods may further reference a listing of accounts associated with
an entity to determine if any of the set of properties has a policy
with the entity (e.g., a property insurance policy issued by an
insurance provider). Each policy may indicate a previous
condition(s) of the associated property. The systems and methods
may further determine, based upon a comparison of the determined
condition(s) to the previous condition(s), whether to automatically
managing a policy of a given property; and if so, to automatically
manage the policy.
[0018] The systems and methods therefore offer numerous benefits.
In particular, customers who hold the policies are afforded the
benefit of automatic managing (e.g., renewal) without the drawbacks
associated with a manual assessment. Further, these customers are
presented with the option to opt-in or opt-out of managing
assessment and automatic managing. Additionally, the systems and
methods reduce the efforts required for entities to assess whether
a policy is eligible for managing, as well as to facilitate policy
management. It should be appreciated that other benefits are
envisioned.
[0019] The systems and methods discuss policies associated with
properties and issued by entities and purchased by customers
associated with the properties. These policies may be, for example,
property insurance policies issued by insurance providers and
purchased by owners of the properties. Generally, the policies are
in force for a specified term (e.g., six (6) months or one (1)
year), and have an associated premium (e.g., $50/month). When a
policy is renewed, a new term may be appended to an existing term,
where the new term may be the same or different time period as the
existing term and may have an associated premium that may be the
same as or different from the premium of the existing term. It
should be appreciated that additional types of policies other than
property insurance policies are envisioned.
[0020] Further, the systems and methods may extend to services
offered by entities and purchased by or subscribed to by customers.
For example, an owner of a property may purchase a home security
service from a security company.
[0021] The systems and methods discussed herein address a challenge
that is particular to technology associated with assessing and
processing policy management opportunities. In particular, the
challenge relates to a difficulty in effectively and efficiently
identifying policy renewal opportunities and automatically
processing renewals. This is particularly apparent when necessary
information is not easily obtained. In conventional situations,
entities must undertake manual efforts to obtain information
necessary to determine eligibility for policy renewal. In contrast,
the systems and methods utilize network connections to access image
data depicting properties, analyze the image data to assess
conditions of the properties, and automatically facilitate policy
renewals based upon the property conditions. Therefore, because the
systems and methods employ the collection, analysis, and processing
of data associated with assessing renewal opportunities, the
systems and methods are necessarily rooted in computer technology
in order to overcome the noted shortcomings that specifically arise
in the realm of technology associated with assessing and processing
policy renewal opportunities.
[0022] According to implementations, the systems and methods may
support a dynamic, real-time or near-real-time collection,
analysis, and communication of any data that may be associated with
managing opportunities. In particular, the systems and methods may
dynamically and automatically access image data from components in
real-time or near-real-time, may automatically and dynamically
analyze the image data, and may automatically and dynamically
generate and transmit communications that indicate relevant
information in real-time or near-real-time. In this regard,
individuals are afforded the benefit of effective and relevant
information associated with renewal opportunities in real-time or
near-real-time.
Exemplary System and Components Thereof
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of an exemplary computer
system 100 of components configured to facilitate the systems and
methods. It should be appreciated that the computer system 100 is
merely an example and that alternative or additional components are
envisioned.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 100 may include a set
of properties 102, each of which may be any type of building,
structure, or the like. For example, the properties 102 may be any
single- or multi-unit house, flat, townhome, apartment building,
condo building, commercial building, auxiliary building for a
property (e.g., a garage), or the like. In one implementation, the
properties 102 may be void of a physical structure, and may instead
consist of an empty lot or land. FIG. 1 depicts two properties 102,
however it should be appreciated that fewer or more properties are
envisioned.
[0025] The system 100 may further include a set of aerial vehicles
103 capable of any type of air travel or flight. According to
embodiments, the aerial vehicle(s) 103 may be unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs; aka "drones") or may be manned by a pilot (e.g.,
airplane, helicopter, etc.). If the aerial vehicle(s) 103 is a
UAV(s), the UAV(s) may be autonomously controlled or may be
controlled remotely. Each of the set of aerial vehicles 103 may be
configured with one or more image sensors that may be capable of
capturing digital image data, where the image sensor(s) may be
controlled autonomously, or locally or remotely by an individual.
It should be appreciated that each of the set of aerial vehicles
103 may be configured with one of more image sensors, video
recorders, and/or cameras. In some embodiments, each of the set of
aerial vehicles 103 may be configured with a memory device for
storing any image data. FIG. 1 depicts two aerial vehicles 103,
however it should be appreciated that fewer or more aerial vehicles
are envisioned.
[0026] In operation, the image sensor(s) (or cameras) of the set of
aerial vehicles 103 may be configured to capture digital images
that depict various portions of the property(ies) 102. In
particular, the digital images may depict exterior portions of the
property(ies) 102, such as roofs, entryways, exterior materials,
foundations, yards, auxiliary buildings, and/or any other physical
structures or elements associated with the property(ies) 102 that
may be visible.
[0027] In addition to aerial digital images of a property 102
captured by one or more drones or aerial vehicles 103, other
digital images of a property 102 may be acquired. For instance,
digital images of the property 102 may be acquired by one or more
image sensors or cameras of a smart or autonomous vehicle 104, a
vehicle dashboard mounted camera, a user mobile device 105,
surrounding smart or intelligent homes 102, and/or internet
websites or social media 106. All the digital images acquired of a
property 102 may be organized into a data set for the property 102
and transmitted to a processor for analysis via the network
110.
[0028] Further, the system 100 may also include a processing server
115 and a set of retail terminals 112 that may be in communication
via one or more networks 110. In certain embodiments, the
network(s) 110 may support any type of data communication via any
standard or technology (e.g., GSM, CDMA, TDMA, WCDMA, LTE, EDGE,
OFDM, GPRS, EV-DO, UWB, Internet, IEEE 802 including Ethernet,
WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and others). The processing server 115 may
be configured to interface with or support a memory or storage 113
capable of storing various data. In a particular embodiment, the
memory or storage 113 may store customer account data associated
with accounts of the retail terminal(s) 112. As depicted in FIG. 1,
the processing server 115 and/or the retail terminal(s) 112 may be
configured to communicate with the set of aerial vehicles 103 via
the network(s) 110.
[0029] According to certain embodiments, the retail terminal(s) 112
may be associated with an entity, business, company, enterprise,
operation, individual, or the like, that may offer or provide
policies, goods, and/or services for customers or clients. For
example, one of the retail terminals 112 may be associated with an
internet service provider (ISP), another of the retail terminals
112 may be associated with a roofing service, and another of the
retail terminals 112 may be associated with an insurance provider.
In certain embodiments, the processing server 115 may be affiliated
with or unaffiliated with the retail terminal(s) 112.
[0030] In one implementation, the processing server 115 may be
incorporated into any of the retail terminal(s) 112. In another
implementation, the processing server 115 may be separate from the
retail terminal(s) 112, where the retail terminal(s) 112 may have
an existing agreement, contract, or partnership with the processing
server 115. FIG. 1 depicts two retail terminals 112, however it
should be appreciated that fewer or more retail terminals are
envisioned.
[0031] In operation, the image sensor(s) (or cameras) of the aerial
vehicle(s) 103 may capture digital image data that depicts various
portions of the property(ies) 102, and may transmit the digital
image data to the processing server 115 via the network(s) 110. The
processing server 115 may analyze the aerial digital image data
(either solely or in conjunction with digital image data acquired
via other sources, such as website, mobile device, autonomous
vehicle, or neighboring smart home or security system data) to
identify the property(ies) 102 depicted in the digital image data
and to assess a condition or state of the property(ies) 102
depicted in the digital image data.
[0032] Additionally, the processing server 115 may determine that
the property(ies) 102 have associated active policy(ies), such as
property insurance policy(ies), where the policy(ies) may indicate
a previous condition(s) of the associated property. The processing
server 115 may compare the determined condition(s) of a property to
the previous condition(s) of the property to determine whether
there is an opportunity to automatically manage (e.g., renew) a
corresponding policy. If the policy(ies) are eligible for automatic
managing, the processing server 115 may automatically manage the
policy(ies) by, for example, renewing the policy(ies) and extending
the in-force term(s) of the policy(ies). The processing server 115
may further generate and provide communications related to the
automatic managing to the proper customers. For example, the
processing server 115 may send a communication to the mobile device
105 associated with a customer whose property insurance policy was
automatically renewed. These and additional functionalities are
described in further detail with respect to FIG. 2.
Exemplary Signal Diagram for Assessing Renewal Opportunities
[0033] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary signal diagram 200 associated
with certain functionalities related to analyzing image data to
automatically re-assess existing policies or agreements. The signal
diagram 200 includes various components including: an image source
220 (such as one of the image sensors or cameras of the aerial
vehicle(s) 103 and/or other image sensors as discussed with respect
to FIG. 1), a processing server 215 (such as the processing server
115 as discussed with respect to FIG. 1), and a customer device 226
(such as the mobile device 105 as discussed with respect to FIG.
1). Although FIG. 2 depicts the processing server 215 as performing
various of the image analyses and other processing elements, it
should be appreciated that the functionalities may be performed by
any combination of the image source 220, the processing server 215,
and the customer device 226.
[0034] It should be appreciated that a user of the customer device
226 (i.e., a customer) has an active policy or agreement with an
entity associated with the processing server 215. In some
embodiments, the active policy may be active or in force until a
specified time or date. The terms of the active policy may be based
at least in part on the existing condition(s) of the underlying
asset. For example, the customer may own a property that is insured
via a property insurance policy issued by an insurance provider,
where the property insurance policy may be active until April 1 of
a specific year. Generally, the policy may be eligible for renewal
upon expiration of the policy at the specified time or date, where
renewal eligibility may be assessed or determined based upon one or
more factors, such as the condition of the underlying asset (e.g.,
a home) or other factor(s). Further, the terms of the policy (e.g.,
a premium amount) upon renewal may be subject to modification.
[0035] The signal diagram 200 may begin when the customer
associated with the customer device 226 selects, using the customer
device 226, whether to opt-in or opt-out of automatic policy
renewal. If the customer selects to opt-in, then the customer is
enabling the processing server 215 to automatically renew the
policy, where the terms of the renewed policy may or may not
change; in contrast, if the customer selects to opt-out, then the
processing server 215 is not permitted to automatically renew the
policy. It should be appreciated that opt-out (or opt-in) may be
the default option absent a customer selection. After the customer
makes his/her selection, the customer device 226 may transmit (229)
the opt-in or opt-out selection to the processing server 215.
[0036] Concurrently with, before, or after (229), the image source
220 may capture (230) image data. According to embodiments, the
image data may be digital image data that consists of aerial image
data of an area in which a set of properties may be located. In one
implementation, there may be one or more of the image source 220,
where the image source(s) 220 may be associated with a manned or
unmanned aerial vehicle capable of airborne flight. Other image
sources may be used, such as home-mounted, vehicle-mounted, and/or
mobile device-mounted image sources or cameras. In one optional
implementation, the image source 220 may access image data that was
previously captured by the image source 220 itself or by another
component. The image source 220 may be configured to store the
image data, such as in a memory component.
[0037] In one optional implementation, the processing server 215
may request (232) image data from the image source 220. According
to embodiments, the processing server 215 may automatically request
the image data periodically (e.g., once every ten seconds, once
every minute, once every hour), or a user of the processing server
215 may cause the processing server 215 to request the image data.
Additionally, the processing server 215 may request specific image
data, such as image data captured within a specified timeframe,
image data of a specific location or area, and/or image data
according to other parameters.
[0038] After the image source 220 captures or otherwise accesses
the image data, or receives a request from the processing server
215, the image source 220 may transmit (234) or provide the image
data to the processing server 215. In certain embodiments, the
image source 220 may transmit the image data via any type of
network connection, and optionally according to any request
received from the processing server 215.
[0039] After receiving the image data, the processing server 215
may analyze (236) the image data. It should be appreciated that the
processing server 215 may use any type of image processing, machine
learning, or computer vision process, technique, calculation,
algorithm, and/or the like to analyze the image data. Generally,
the processing server 215 may be configured to analyze the image
data to identify or recognize certain objects, as well as portions
or sections of the objects, that may be depicted in the image
data.
[0040] In particular, the processing server 215 may identify
property(ies), and portions or sections of the property(ies), that
may be depicted in the image data. For example, the processing
server 215 may identify one or more houses, townhomes, buildings,
apartments, condos, and/or the like, along with certain exterior
features of the properties, such as roofs, decks, patios,
driveways, yards, windows, building materials, landscaping,
foundations, garages, fencing, and/or the like.
[0041] The processing server 215 may identify (238) property(ies)
that may represent policy renewal opportunities. In particular, the
processing server 215 may determine or ascertain one or more
identifying characteristics for any of the property(ies) depicted
in the image data. For example, the identifying characteristics may
be one or more of an address of the property, an owner of the
property, a location of the property, a zone or other
location-based designation for the property, and/or other
identifying characteristics. In determining the identifying
characteristic(s), the processing server 215 may access various
databases, records, or the like. For example, the processing server
215 may determine an address of a property depicted in the image
data, and may determine, from publicly-available information, an
owner of the property located at that address.
[0042] The processing server 215 may determine or assess (240) a
condition(s) of the property(ies) identified in (238). In
particular, the processing server 215 may analyze respective
portion(s) of the image data that correspond to the property(ies)
to estimate or determine a condition or state of the property(ies).
For example, the processing server 215 may assess a condition or
state of a roof, a deck, a patio, a driveway, a yard, a window(s),
an exterior material, an auxiliary building, landscaping, and/or
any other physical structure or element associated with the
property. In some embodiments, the processing server 215 may
calculate a set of metrics, scores, or parameters for certain
portions or aspects of the property that may represent a set of
conditions of the portions or aspects. For example, the processing
server 215 may calculate a score of 9/10 for a roof of a property
and a score of 3/10 for a deck of a property.
[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the processing server 215 may
determine the extent to which the property is properly being
maintained, including whether the windows, siding, doors, and roof
of the house are in good or excellent condition, and may generate a
score to indicate the degree to which the house is being
maintained. In this manner, risk averse home owners that properly
maintain their homes may be entitled to an insurance discount or
other insurance-cost savings.
[0044] The processing server 215 may determine (242) whether there
is an active policy associated with the property(ies) identified in
(238). In particular, based upon the identifying characteristics of
the property(ies), the processing server 215 may identify which of
the properties do or do not have a current service, product,
policy, agreement, account, or the like (i.e., which of the
properties may represent renewal or reassessment opportunities
and/or which of the properties may not represent renewal or
reassessment opportunities). In particular, the processing server
215 may examine an account database (or similar register or record)
using an identifying characteristic of an identified property to
determine whether a record or account associated with the
identifying characteristic exists, and whether the record or
account indicates an existing or in-force policy. If no such record
or account exists, then the processing server 215 may deem that the
identified property does not represent a renewal or reassessment
opportunity. In contrast, if a record or account exists, then the
processing server 215 may deem that the identified property
represents a renewal or reassessment opportunity.
[0045] For example, the processing server 215 may be associated
with a security system company and may determine that an owner of a
property has subscribed to a basic security service. Accordingly,
the processing server 215 may determine that the property may be
eligible for a renewal or reassessment of the basic security
service. As another example, the processing server 215 may be
associated with an insurance provider and may determine that an
owner of a property may have an insurance policy on the property.
Accordingly, the processing server 215 may determine that the
property may be eligible for a renewal or reassessment of the
insurance policy.
[0046] In some embodiments, the policy or account of a given
property may indicate a set of previous or existing conditions
associated with the property, where the previous or existing
conditions may be representative of the conditions of the property
when the policy or account is put into force or otherwise while the
policy or account is in force. The previous or existing conditions
may be automatically and/or manually determined, at the time when
the policy or account is put into force, based upon certain
property information or data.
[0047] For example, relevant existing conditions for a basic
security service may be the size and footprint of the buildings
that make up the property, conditions of any entryway(s), the
presence (or absence) of door and/or window locks, and/or other
conditions that may be relevant to the security of the property.
For further example, relevant existing conditions for a property
insurance policy may be a condition or state of a roof, a deck, a
patio, a driveway, a yard, a window(s), an exterior material, an
auxiliary building, landscaping, and/or any other physical
structure or element associated with the property, including
general overall condition or state of the property and/or the need
for maintenance or repairs, or lack thereof. In certain
embodiments, each of the set of previous or existing conditions may
have an associated metric, score, or parameter. For example, a
policy for a property may indicate a score of 7/10 for a roof of
the property and a score of 5/10 for a deck of the property.
[0048] If the processing server 215 determines that the property
does not have an active policy ("NO"), processing may end or
proceed to other functionality. In contrast, if the processing
server 215 determines that the property does have an active policy
("YES"), the processing server 215 may compare (244) the current
condition(s) of the property determined in (240) to the existing or
previous condition(s) of the property that are indicated in the
policy of the property. Based upon the comparison, the processing
server 215 may determine or calculate a difference between the
previous condition(s) of the property and the current condition(s)
of the property.
[0049] For example, assume that the previous condition(s) for a
property, as indicated in an active policy of the property, include
a previous roof score of 6/10, a previous exterior score of 8/10,
and a previous deck score of 6/10. Further, assume that the
processing server 215 determines that current condition(s) of the
property indicate a current roof score of 7/10, a current exterior
score of 8/10, and a current deck score of 8/10. Accordingly, the
processing server 215 may determine that each of the roof score and
the deck score improved, while the exterior score remained
unchanged.
[0050] The processing server 215 may manage (246) the policy based
upon the comparison of (244). In particular, the processing server
215 may determine if and how any terms or conditions of the policy
may change upon renewal of the policy. For example, if the
processing server 215 determines that the conditions of a property
improve, then the processing server 215 may calculate a
corresponding premium decrease for a property insurance policy to
be applied upon renewal of the policy. For further example, if the
processing server 215 determines that a fence was installed along
the boundary of a property, then the processing server 215 may
calculate a pricing decrease for a security service to be applied
upon renewal of the service. It should be appreciated that the
processing server 215 may employ any technique, calculation,
algorithm, or processing in determining how to manage the policy or
service.
[0051] In managing the policy, the processing server 215 may also
automatically renew the policy according to any determined changes
to the terms or conditions of the policy. Before renewing the
policy, the processing server 215 may determine whether the
customer has opted into automatic policy renewal, and may
automatically renew a policy of the associated customer has opted
in. If the associated customer has not opted in, the processing
server 215 may request approval from the associated customer before
renewing the policy.
[0052] In some embodiments, the processing server 215 may consider
various terms of the policy itself before automatically renewing
the policy. For example, if the processing server 215 determines
that a property insurance policy does not expire for another
fifteen (15) months, then the processing server 215 may determine
that the policy is not currently eligible for automatic renewal; in
contrast, if the processing server 215 determines that a property
insurance policy expires in one (1) month, then the processing
server 215 may determine that the policy is eligible for automatic
renewal. It should be appreciated that the processing server 215
may perform any analysis, calculation, technique, algorithm, or
combination thereof, to determine automatic renewal eligibility.
Generally, the processing server 215 may automatically renew the
policy for a specified period of time (which may or may not be the
same as the period of time for the original policy) and for a
specified amount or premium (which may or may not be the same as
the amount or premium for the original policy).
[0053] In one implementation, the processing server 215 may request
confirmation or approval for policy renewal from the customer,
regardless of whether the period of time and/or the specified
amount or premium is the same or different from the original period
of time and/or the original specified amount or premium. In another
implementation, the processing server 215 may automatically renew
the policy without interaction with or confirmation from the
customer. After automatically renewing the policy, the processing
server 215 may update an appropriate record or account
corresponding to the policy to reflect the renewal.
[0054] The processing server 215 may generate (248) a communication
indicating that the policy was renewed. According to certain
embodiments, the communication may include any combination of
information as well as certain options for the customer to select.
The processing server 215 may transmit (250) the communication to
the customer device 226 via a network connection. After receiving
the communication, the customer device 226 may present (252) the
notification for review by the customer. In some embodiments, the
customer may use the customer device 226 to make certain selections
and/or review additional information.
Exemplary Notification Interfaces
[0055] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate exemplary interfaces depicting
notifications resulting from the described functionalities. An
electronic device (e.g., a mobile device, such as a smartphone,
smart watch, wearable, or a computer terminal) may be configured to
display the interfaces and/or receive selections and inputs via the
interfaces. For example, a dedicated application that is configured
to operate on the electronic device may display the interfaces. The
electronic device may be associated with a customer having a policy
issued by an entity, where the customer may review the information
of the interfaces and make appropriate selections. It should be
appreciated that the interfaces are merely examples and that
alternative or additional content is envisioned.
[0056] FIG. 3 depicts an interface 300 including a notification
related to an automatic renewal of a property insurance policy. In
particular, the interface 300 indicates that the customer
previously elected to opt-in to automatic policy renewal. Further,
the interface 300 indicates that the property insurance policy was
automatically renewed based upon certain property conditions. The
interface 300 further includes an "OKAY" selection 353 that, upon
selection, may cause the electronic device to dismiss the interface
300, and a "MORE INFO" selection 351 that, upon selection may cause
the electronic device to display more information.
[0057] FIG. 4 depicts an interface 400 including additional
information, where the electronic device may display the interface
400 in response to the customer selecting the "MORE INFO" selection
351 of the interface 300. As depicted in FIG. 4, the interface 400
includes policy information 454 detailing the expiration date and
premium amount of the original or previous insurance policy as well
as of the renewed policy. In particular, the policy information 454
indicates that the premium amount of the renewed policy decreased
by $5/month, which may have been the result of detecting that the
condition of the roof improved, as indicated by (457). If the
customer has questions about the policy information 454, the
customer may select a "CONTACT" selection 455 that, upon selection,
may cause the electronic device to initiate a contact with the
issuing entity (e.g., via a phone call, chat, electronic
communication, etc.). The interface 400 further includes an "OKAY"
selection 456 that, upon selection, may cause the electronic device
to dismiss the interface 400.
Exemplary Flow Chart for Managing Existing Policies
[0058] FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary
computer-implemented method 500 of analyzing image data to
automatically manage existing policies for an entity. According to
some embodiments, the processing server may have access to an
account database indicating a set of policies associated with a set
of properties. The method 500 may be facilitated by a processing
server (such as the processing server 115) that may communicate
with a set of image capture components and one or more electronic
devices via one or more network connections.
[0059] The method 500 may begin with the processing server
optionally receiving (block 505), from an electronic device of a
customer associated with a property, a request to opt-in to
automatic policy management. According to certain embodiments, the
customer may own a policy associated with the property (e.g., a
property insurance policy), and may select to either opt-in or
opt-out of automatic management of the policy (e.g., automatic
policy renewal). In some embodiments, in return for opting into a
program that acquires and analyzes images of their property, or
otherwise providing affirmative consent or permission to an
insurance provider to acquire and analyze digital images of their
property, the customer may receive various insurance or other
benefits, including automatic renewal, insurance discounts, lower
premiums, or other insurance-cost savings.
[0060] The processing server may access (block 510) a set of
digital image data that may depict an aerial (or side, ground, or
other) view of an area. For instance, the digital image data may
include aerial digital images or image data acquired via one or
more drones. The digital image data may or may not also include
digital images or image data acquired via one or more home-mounted,
vehicle-mounted, and/or mobile device-mounted image sensors or
cameras.
[0061] In certain embodiments, the area may include at least a
portion of a neighborhood, region, zone, and/or the like, that may
be populated by a set of properties (i.e., one or more properties).
The processing server may access the set of digital image data
locally, or may request and/or receive the set of digital image
data from a component that captured the set of digital image
data.
[0062] The processing server may identify (block 515) a property
depicted in the set of digital image data. According to some
embodiments, in identifying the property, the processing server may
determine one or more identifying characteristics, such as at least
one of an address, an owner, and a location-based designation
(e.g., a zone). The processing server may also determine (block
520) at least one condition of the property. For example, the
processing server may assess a condition or state of a roof, a
deck, a patio, a driveway, a yard, a window(s), an exterior
material, an auxiliary building, landscaping, and/or any other
physical structure or element associated with the property.
[0063] The processor server may identify the property (block 515)
and/or determine the one or more conditions thereof (block 520) by
performing image processing, machine learning, or other computer
vision process, technique, calculation, algorithm, and/or the like
on the image data collected from various sources (e.g., drones,
intelligent homes, autonomous vehicles, mobile devices, security
systems, and smart infrastructure). For instance, an initial image
data set may be gathered for a home using drones, mobile device,
smart vehicles, security systems, etc., such as when a home is new,
5 years old, 10 years old, or other ages. The initial image data
set for the property may be fed into a machine learning algorithm
that may be trained to identify, assess, or determine the property,
the type of property, location of the property, characteristics of
the property, and/or one or more conditions associated with the
property, including those discussed elsewhere herein (e.g., status
of yard work, roof, siding, windows, doors, garage doors, pools,
fences, trees, drive way, sidewalk, etc.). The machine learning
algorithm may be trained with historical or current images of the
property, similar properties, and/or other types properties. Other
means of artificial intelligence may be employed to identify a
property and one or more conditions (and the status thereof) and
characteristics of the property, including those discussed
elsewhere herein.
[0064] Additionally, the processing server may determine (block
525) that the property has an associated policy that is reflected
in the account database, where the associated policy may indicate
at least one previous condition of the property. For example, the
at least one previous condition may be a condition or state of a
roof, a deck, a patio, a driveway, a yard, a window(s), an exterior
material, an auxiliary building, landscaping, and/or any other
physical structure or element associated with the property. In some
embodiments, the processing server may determine that the
determined identifying characteristic(s) of the property is
included in one of the policies stored in the account database, and
may determine that the associated policy is active or in-force.
[0065] The processing server may compare (block 530) the at least
one condition to the at least one previous condition, and in
particular may determine a difference between the at least one
condition and the at least one previous condition. In some
embodiments, the processing server may calculate at least one
metric corresponding to the at least one condition, and may compare
the at least one metric to a respective at least one previous
metric corresponding to the at least one previous condition, and
may calculate a metric difference between the at least one metric
and the at least one previous metric.
[0066] In one embodiment, the processor server may compare (block
530) the at least one condition to the at least one previous
condition, and/or determine a difference between the condition and
the previous condition (and/or determine various metrics)
performing image processing, machine learning, or other computer
vision process, technique, calculation, algorithm, and/or the like
on (i) a current set and (ii) a previous set of image data of the
property collected from various sources (e.g., drones, intelligent
homes, autonomous vehicles, mobile devices, security systems, and
smart infrastructure).
[0067] For instance, an initial image data set may be gathered for
a home using drones, mobile devices, smart vehicles, security
systems, etc. to establish a baseline, such as at the time of
policy issuance. After which, a current or real-time image data set
may be gathered and fed into a machine learning algorithm that is
trained to identify, assess, or determine the property, the type of
property, location of the property, characteristics of the
property, one or more initial and/or current conditions associated
with the property, including those discussed elsewhere herein
(e.g., status of yard work, roof, siding, windows, doors, garage
doors, pools, fences, trees, driveway, sidewalk, etc.), and
differences between initial and present conditions of the property
(such as shown by the initial and current image data sets of the
property). As noted, the machine learning algorithm may be trained
with historical or current images of the property, similar
properties, and/or other types properties. Other means of
artificial intelligence may be employed to identify one or more
initial and current conditions (and the status thereof), and/or
differences between the initial and current conditions of the
property, including those discussed elsewhere herein.
[0068] The processing server may determine (block 535) whether to
manage the policy associated with the property, such as
automatically renew the policy or facilitate another policy
management feature. In one implementation, the processing server
may identify an expiration date of the associated policy, and may
determine, based upon the difference determined in block 530 and
the expiration date of the associated policy (e.g., whether the
expiration date is within a threshold time period of a current
date), that the associated policy of the property is eligible for
renewal. If the processing server determines to not manage the
policy ("NO"), processing may end, repeat, or proceed to other
functionality.
[0069] In contrast, if the processing server determines to manage
the policy ("YES"), the processing server may optionally retrieve
(block 540), from the electronic device, a confirmation to manage
the associated policy. In some embodiments, the processing server
may communicate, to the electronic device, a proposed modification
to the policy (e.g., a renewal and particulars thereof). Further,
the processing server may request and receive the confirmation by
default, or may request and receive the confirmation when a
proposed modification alters the associated policy (e.g., a renewal
rate for the associated policy is different from a previous rate
for the associated policy).
[0070] The processing server may proceed to automatically manage
(block 545) the associated policy, where the policy management may
be based upon the difference determined in block 530. In
particular, if the processing server automatically renews the
associated policy, a renewal rate may be the same as or different
from a previous rate, and a policy term may be the same as or
different from a previous policy term. The processing server may
generate (block 550) a communication indicating that the associated
policy was managed. In some embodiments, if the associated policy
was renewed, the communication may include information such as a
renewal rate, renewal period, and/or other information.
[0071] The processing server may provide (block 555) the
communication to the electronic device associated with the
customer. The customer may use the electronic device to review the
communication, request additional information, initiate contact
with an appropriate entity, and/or facilitate other
functionalities.
Exemplary Hardware Diagram
[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example server 615 (such
as the processing server 115 as discussed with respect to FIG. 1)
in which the functionalities as discussed herein may be
implemented. It should be appreciated that the server 615 may be
configured to be connect to and communicate with various entities,
components, and devices, as discussed herein.
[0073] The server 615 may include a processor 672 as well as a
memory 678. The memory 678 may store an operating system 679
capable of facilitating the functionalities as discussed herein as
well as a set of applications 675 (i.e., machine readable
instructions). For example, one of the set of applications 675 may
be an image analysis application 690 configured to analyze images,
and a policy processing application 691 configured to process and
manage policies, and communicate relevant notifications relating
thereto. It should be appreciated that one or more other
applications 692 are envisioned.
[0074] The processor 672 may interface with the memory 678 to
execute the operating system 679 and the set of applications 675.
According to some embodiments, the memory 678 may also include
image data 680 that the image analysis application 690 may access
and analyze. The memory 678 may include one or more forms of
volatile and/or non-volatile, fixed and/or removable memory, such
as read-only memory (ROM), electronic programmable read-only memory
(EPROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable electronic
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or other hard drives,
flash memory, MicroSD cards, and others.
[0075] The server 615 may further include a communication module
677 configured to communicate data via one or more networks 610.
According to some embodiments, the communication module 677 may
include one or more transceivers (e.g., WWAN, WLAN, and/or WPAN
transceivers) functioning in accordance with IEEE standards, 3GPP
standards, or other standards, and configured to receive and
transmit data via one or more external ports 676. For example, the
communication module 677 may receive, via the network 610, digital
image data captured by a set of components (e.g., image sensors,
such as cameras or video recorders). For further example, the
communication module 677 may transmit notifications and
communications to electronic devices via the network 610.
[0076] The server 615 may further include a user interface 681
configured to present information to a user and/or receive inputs
from the user. As shown in FIG. 6, the user interface 681 may
include a display screen 682 and I/O components 683 (e.g., ports,
capacitive or resistive touch sensitive input panels, keys,
buttons, lights, LEDs, speakers, microphones). According to some
embodiments, the user may access the server 615 via the user
interface 681 to review information and/or perform other functions.
In some embodiments, the server 615 may perform the functionalities
as discussed herein as part of a "cloud" network or may otherwise
communicate with other hardware or software components within the
cloud to send, retrieve, or otherwise analyze data.
[0077] In general, a computer program product in accordance with an
embodiment may include a computer usable storage medium (e.g.,
standard random access memory (RAM), an optical disc, a universal
serial bus (USB) drive, or the like) having computer-readable
program code embodied therein, wherein the computer-readable
program code may be adapted to be executed by the processor 672
(e.g., working in connection with the operating system 679) to
facilitate the functions as described herein. In this regard, the
program code may be implemented in any desired language, and may be
implemented as machine code, assembly code, byte code,
interpretable source code or the like (e.g., via C, C++, Java,
Actionscript, Objective-C, Javascript, CSS, XML). In some
embodiments, the computer program product may be part of a cloud
network of resources.
Exemplary Computer-Implemented Method
[0078] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method in a processing
server of analyzing image data to automatically manage existing
policies for an entity may be provided. The method may include, via
one or more processors and/or transceivers associated with, within,
and/or under the direction/control of the processing server:
accessing a set of digital image data depicting an aerial view of
an area; analyzing the set of digital image data, including:
identifying a property depicted in the set of digital image data,
and determining at least one condition of the property; determining
that the property has an associated policy that is reflected in the
account database, the associated policy indicating at least one
previous condition of the property; comparing the at least one
condition of the property to the at least one previous condition of
the property; determining, based upon the comparing, a difference
between the at least one condition and the at least one previous
condition; and/or managing the associated policy of the property
based upon the difference.
[0079] Managing the associated policy of the property based upon
the difference may include automatically renewing the associated
policy of the property, wherein a set of terms of the associated
policy is based upon the difference.
[0080] Automatically renewing the associated policy may include
automatically renewing the associated policy at a renewal rate that
is different from a previous rate for the associated policy.
Additionally or alternatively, automatically renewing the
associated policy at the renewal rate may include retrieving, from
an electronic device of a customer associated with the property, a
confirmation to renew the associated policy at the renewal
rate.
[0081] The method may include generating a notification indicating
that the associated policy was renewed, and providing the
notification to an electronic device of a customer associated with
the property. The method may further include receiving, from an
electronic device of a customer associated with the property, a
request to opt-in to automatic policy renewal.
[0082] Automatically renewing the associated policy may include
identifying an expiration date of the associated policy, and
determining, based upon the difference and the expiration date of
the associated policy, that the associated policy of the property
is eligible for automatic renewal.
[0083] Comparing the at least one condition of the property to the
at least one previous condition of the property may include
calculating at least one metric corresponding to the at least one
condition, and comparing the at least one metric to a respective at
least one previous metric corresponding to the at least one
previous condition. Determining the difference between the at least
one condition and the at least one previous condition may include
calculating a metric difference between the at least one metric and
the at least one previous metric.
[0084] Identifying the property depicted in the set of digital
image data may include determining, for the property, at least one
of: an address, an owner, and a location-based designation. The
method may include additional, less, or alternate actions,
including those discussed elsewhere herein.
Additional Embodiments
[0085] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method in a processing
server of analyzing image data to automatically manage existing
policies for an entity may be provided. The processing server may
have access to an account database indicating a set of policies
associated with a set of properties. The method may include (1)
accessing, via one or more processors, a set of digital image data
depicting an aerial view of an area stored in a memory unit, and/or
receiving, via one or more processors and/or associated
transceivers (such as via wireless communication or data
transmission over one or more radio frequency links or digital
communication channels), the set of digital image data depicting
the aerial view of the area from one or more drone-mounted,
vehicle-mounted, mobile device-mounted, or home-mounted
transceivers; (2) analyzing, via the one or more processors, the
set of digital image data, including: identifying, via the one or
more processors, a property depicted in the set of digital image
data, and/or determining, via the one or more processors, at least
one condition of the property; (3) determining, via the one or more
processors, that the property has an associated policy that is
reflected in the account database, the associated policy indicating
at least one previous condition of the property; (4) comparing, via
the one or more processors, the at least one condition of the
property to the at least one previous condition of the property;
(5) determining, based upon the comparing, via the one or more
processors, a difference between the at least one condition and the
at least one previous condition; and/or (6) managing, updating, or
adjusting, via the one or more processors, the associated policy of
the property based upon the difference. The method may include
additional, less, or alternate actions, including those discussed
elsewhere herein.
[0086] In another aspect, a computer system configured to analyze
image data to automatically manage existing policies for an entity
may be provided. The computer system may include one or more
processors, processing servers, sensors, and/or transceivers having
access to an account database indicating a set of policies
associated with a set of properties. The one or more processors,
processing servers, sensors, and/or transceivers may be configured
to: (1) access a set of digital image data depicting an aerial view
of an area stored in a memory unit, and/or receive (such as via
wireless communication or data transmission over one or more radio
frequency links or digital communication channels) the set of
digital image data depicting the aerial view of the area from one
or more drone-mounted, vehicle-mounted, mobile device-mounted, or
home-mounted transceivers; (2) analyze the set of digital image
data, including: identify a property depicted in the set of digital
image data, and/or determine at least one condition of the
property, and/or status thereof; (3) determine that the property
has an associated policy that is reflected in the account database,
the associated policy indicating at least one previous condition of
the property; (4) compare the at least one condition of the
property to the at least one previous condition of the property;
(5) determine, based upon the comparing, a difference between the
at least one condition and the at least one previous condition;
and/or (6) manage, update, or adjust, the associated policy of the
property based upon the difference. The computer system may include
additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that
discussed elsewhere herein.
Additional Considerations
[0087] With the foregoing, an insurance customer may opt-in to a
rewards, insurance discount, or other type of program. After the
insurance customer provides their affirmative consent, an insurance
provider remote server may collect data from the customer's drone,
mobile device, smart home controller, or other smart devices, or
may collect data using insurance provider's drones--such as with
the customer's permission or affirmative consent. The data
collected may be related to certain functionalities or profiles,
and/or insured assets before (and/or after) an insurance-related
event, including those events discussed elsewhere herein. In
return, risk averse insureds, home owners, or home or apartment
occupants may receive discounts or insurance cost savings related
to home, renters, personal articles, auto, and other types of
insurance from the insurance provider.
[0088] In one aspect, drone data, smart or interconnected home
data, autonomous or smart vehicle data, mobile device data, social
media data, and/or other data, including the types of data
discussed elsewhere herein, may be collected or received by an
insurance provider remote server, such as via direct or indirect
wireless communication or data transmission from an insurance
provider or customer drone, a smart home controller, smart or
autonomous vehicle, mobile device, other customer computing device,
or customer social media content after a customer affirmatively
consents or otherwise opts-in to an insurance discount, reward, or
other program. The insurance provider may then analyze the data
received with the customer's permission to provide benefits to the
customer. As a result, risk averse customers may receive insurance
discounts or other insurance cost savings based upon data that
reflects low risk behavior and/or technology that mitigates or
prevents risk to (i) insured assets, such as homes, personal
belongings, or vehicles, and/or (ii) home or apartment
occupants.
[0089] Although the text herein sets forth a detailed description
of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the
legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims
set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to
be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible
embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be
impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous
alternate embodiments, using either current technology or
technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which
would still fall within the scope of the claims.
[0090] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used
herein, the term ` ` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a similar
sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term,
either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary
meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in
scope based upon any statement made in any section of this patent
(other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any
term recited in the claims at the end of this disclosure is
referred to in this disclosure in a manner consistent with a single
meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse
the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited,
by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally,
unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word "means" and
a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended
that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based upon the
application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f).
[0091] Throughout this specification, plural instances may
implement components, operations, or structures described as a
single instance. Although individual operations of one or more
methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one
or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently,
and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order
illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate
components in example configurations may be implemented as a
combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and
functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as
separate components. These and other variations, modifications,
additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject
matter herein.
[0092] Additionally, certain embodiments are described herein as
including logic or a number of routines, subroutines, applications,
or instructions. These may constitute either software (code
embodied on a non-transitory, tangible machine-readable medium) or
hardware. In hardware, the routines, etc., are tangible units
capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or
arranged in a certain manner. In example embodiments, one or more
computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client or server computer
system) or one or more modules of a computer system (e.g., a
processor or a group of processors) may be configured by software
(e.g., an application or application portion) as a module that
operates to perform certain operations as described herein.
[0093] In various embodiments, a module may be implemented
mechanically or electronically. Accordingly, the term "module"
should be understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an
entity that is physically constructed, permanently configured
(e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to
operate in a certain manner or to perform certain operations
described herein. Considering embodiments in which modules are
temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of the modules need
not be configured or instantiated at any one instance in time. For
example, where the modules comprise a general-purpose processor
configured using software, the general-purpose processor may be
configured as respective different modules at different times.
Software may accordingly configure a processor, for example, to
constitute a particular module at one instance of time and to
constitute a different module at a different instance of time.
[0094] Modules can provide information to, and receive information
from, other modules. Accordingly, the described modules may be
regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multiple of such
modules exist contemporaneously, communications may be achieved
through signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and
buses) that connect the modules. In embodiments in which multiple
modules are configured or instantiated at different times,
communications between such modules may be achieved, for example,
through the storage and retrieval of information in memory
structures to which the multiple modules have access. For example,
one module may perform an operation and store the output of that
operation in a memory device to which it is communicatively
coupled. A further module may then, at a later time, access the
memory device to retrieve and process the stored output. Modules
may also initiate communications with input or output devices, and
can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information).
[0095] The various operations of example methods described herein
may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors
that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently
configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily
or permanently configured, such processors may constitute
processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more
operations or functions. The modules referred to herein may, in
some example embodiments, comprise processor-implemented
modules.
[0096] Similarly, the methods or routines described herein may be
at least partially processor-implemented. For example, at least
some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or more
processors or processor-implemented modules. The performance of
certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more
processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed
across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the
processor or processors may be located in a single location (e.g.,
within a home environment, an office environment or as a server
farm), while in other embodiments the processors may be distributed
across a number of locations.
[0097] The performance of certain of the operations may be
distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing
within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines.
In some example embodiments, the one or more processors or
processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic
location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment,
or a server farm). In other example embodiments, the one or more
processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed
across a number of geographic locations.
[0098] Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein
using words such as "processing," "computing," "calculating,"
"determining," "presenting," "displaying," or the like may refer to
actions or processes of a machine (e.g., a computer) that
manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g.,
electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more
memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a
combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that
receive, store, transmit, or display information. Some embodiments
may be described using the expression "coupled" and "connected"
along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be
described using the term "coupled" to indicate that two or more
elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term
"coupled," however, may also mean that two or more elements are not
in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or
interact with each other. The embodiments are not limited in this
context.
[0099] As used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be
included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase
"in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, use
of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components
of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and
to give a general sense of the description. This description, and
the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least
one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious
that it is meant otherwise.
[0100] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For
example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless
expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or
and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is
satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B
is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is
true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
[0101] This detailed description is to be construed as exemplary
only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing
every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible.
One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either
current technology or technology developed after the filing date of
this application. Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in
the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and
functional designs for system and a method for assigning mobile
device data to a vehicle through the disclosed principles herein.
Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been
illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction
and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and
variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may
be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and
apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and
scope defined in the appended claims.
[0102] The particular features, structures, or characteristics of
any specific embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner and
in any suitable combination with one or more other embodiments,
including the use of selected features without corresponding use of
other features. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular application, situation or material to the
essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is to be
understood that other variations and modifications of the
embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated
herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be
considered part of the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0103] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described, it should be understood that the invention is not so
limited and modifications may be made without departing from the
invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended
claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims,
either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced
therein. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed
description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and
that it be understood that it is the following claims, including
all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope
of this invention.
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