U.S. patent application number 17/706302 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-07 for systems and methods for improved assisted or independent living environments.
The applicant listed for this patent is STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY. Invention is credited to Gail L. Carlson, John Donovan, Joseph P. Harr, Michael Harris, JR., Jackie O. Jordan, II, Kerstin Markwardt, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Kyle C. Schiebel, Deanna L. Stockweather, Jeffrey W. Stoiber, Jennylind Sun, David Turrentine, Ellakate Wagner, Troy Winslow, Torri Wollenschlager.
Application Number | 20220215733 17/706302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006226984 |
Filed Date | 2022-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220215733 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jordan, II; Jackie O. ; et
al. |
July 7, 2022 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED ASSISTED OR INDEPENDENT LIVING
ENVIRONMENTS
Abstract
The present embodiments relate to detecting instances of
individuals being in peril within an independent or assisted living
environment. According to certain aspects, with an individual's
permission or affirmative consent, a hardware controller (such as a
smart or interconnected home controller, or even a mobile device)
may receive and analyze sensor data detected within the independent
or assisted living environment to determine whether an individual
may be in peril. In this circumstance, the hardware controller may
generate a notification that indicates the situation and may
communicate the notification to a proper individual, such as a
family member or care giver, who may be in a position to mitigate
or alleviate any risks posed by the situation. The foregoing
functionality also may be used by an insurance provider to
generate, update, or adjust insurance policies, premiums, rates, or
discounts, and/or make recommendations to an insured
individual.
Inventors: |
Jordan, II; Jackie O.;
(Bloomington, IL) ; Donovan; John; (Bloomington,
IL) ; Turrentine; David; (Normal, IL) ;
Wollenschlager; Torri; (Bloomington, IL) ; Nussbaum;
Bryan R.; (Bloomington, IL) ; Stockweather; Deanna
L.; (Normal, IL) ; Stoiber; Jeffrey W.;
(Atlanta, GA) ; Markwardt; Kerstin; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Carlson; Gail L.; (Bloomington, IL) ;
Schiebel; Kyle C.; (Bloomington, IL) ; Winslow;
Troy; (Bloomington, IL) ; Harr; Joseph P.;
(Bloomington, IL) ; Wagner; Ellakate;
(Bloomington, IL) ; Harris, JR.; Michael; (Tempe,
AZ) ; Sun; Jennylind; (Bloomington, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY |
Bloomington |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006226984 |
Appl. No.: |
17/706302 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17701316 |
Mar 22, 2022 |
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17706302 |
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16738328 |
Jan 9, 2020 |
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17701316 |
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14873865 |
Oct 2, 2015 |
10573146 |
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16738328 |
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62220383 |
Sep 18, 2015 |
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62201671 |
Aug 6, 2015 |
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62200375 |
Aug 3, 2015 |
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62198813 |
Jul 30, 2015 |
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62197343 |
Jul 27, 2015 |
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62193317 |
Jul 16, 2015 |
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62189329 |
Jul 7, 2015 |
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62187651 |
Jul 1, 2015 |
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62187624 |
Jul 1, 2015 |
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62187642 |
Jul 1, 2015 |
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62187666 |
Jul 1, 2015 |
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62187645 |
Jul 1, 2015 |
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62105407 |
Jan 20, 2015 |
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62060962 |
Oct 7, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 21/043 20130101;
H04L 67/12 20130101; G08B 21/182 20130101; G08B 21/0461 20130101;
G08B 21/02 20130101; G08B 21/0446 20130101; G06Q 40/08
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G08B 21/02 20060101
G08B021/02; G08B 21/04 20060101 G08B021/04; H04L 67/12 20060101
H04L067/12; G08B 21/18 20060101 G08B021/18; G06Q 40/08 20060101
G06Q040/08 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method of smart home control and/or
automation directed to independent living, the method comprising:
receiving data, via a smart home controller, indicating a normal
routine of a person; analyzing the data, via the smart home
controller, to learn the normal routine of the person over time
from the analysis of the data; receiving present data, via the
smart home controller, indicating an activity of the person;
comparing the present data, via the smart home controller, with the
normal routine of the person learned over time to detect an
abnormal condition of the person; generating, via the smart home
controller, a wireless communication message indicating the
abnormal condition; and transmitting, via the smart home
controller, the wireless communication message indicating the
abnormal condition to a mobile device of a family member or
caregiver.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the data
indicating the normal routine of the person indicates at least one
of: a time of day the person usually (i) wakes, (ii) goes to sleep,
(iii) watches television, (iv) cooks, or (v) leaves the house.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to establish a baseline of normal
conditions for a property or portion of the property.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to determine whether one or more
parameters deviate from the baseline of normal conditions.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to direct or control, via wired or
wireless communication, operation of one or more pieces of smart
equipment within the insured home.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to determine that the person has
fallen.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to determine an estimated level of
severity of an injury to the person.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to identify a location of the
person.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to analyze movement data to determine
the abnormal condition, wherein the abnormal condition is a home
occupant injury.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to (i) analyze movement data to
determine the abnormal condition from a lack of movement within the
home for pre-determined threshold of time, and (ii) transmit an
electronic message to a mobile device.
11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to (i) analyze the present data to
determine (a) a likely severity of a fall taken by the person, and
(b) whether the person has gotten up, and (ii) generate and
transmit a corresponding wireless communication message to a mobile
device of family member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to analyze the present data to
determine that the person has fallen while taking a shower, and the
smart home controller generates and transmits a wireless
communication message to a mobile device of an insured, family
member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to analyze acceleration data to
determine that the person has fallen.
14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the smart
home controller is configured to analyze wearable data to determine
that the person has fallen.
15. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein: the
present data received and analyzed by the smart home controller
includes audio data; and the smart home controller is configured to
determine that an insured has fallen from voice recognition or
vibrations contained within the audio data.
16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein: the smart
home controller is configured to determine an estimated level of
severity of an injury to the person from analysis of the audio
data.
17. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein: the smart
home controller is configured to analyze smart door data to
determine whether the person has entered or exited the insured
home.
18. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein: the smart
home controller analyzes sound or audio data generated by a sound
detector or other sensor to identify an abnormal sound condition
within the home.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 17/701,316 (filed Mar. 22, 2022, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND
METHODS for IMPROVED ASSISTED OR INDEPENDENT LIVING ENVIRONMENTS");
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
16/738,328 (filed Jan. 9, 2020, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS
for IMPROVED ASSISTED OR INDEPENDENT LIVING ENVIRONMENTS"); which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/873,865
(filed Oct. 2, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS for IMPROVED
ASSISTED OR INDEPENDENT LIVING ENVIRONMENTS"); which claims benefit
of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.
62/060,962 (filed Oct. 7, 2014, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS
FOR MANAGING DEVICES WITHIN A CONNECTED PROPERTY AND INSURANCE
POLICIES ASSOCIATED THEREWITH"); 62/105,407 (filed Jan. 20, 2015,
and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING DEVICES WITHIN A
CONNECTED PROPERTY AND INSURANCE POLICIES ASSOCIATED THEREWITH");
62/187,624 (filed Jul. 1, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS
FOR FACILITATING DEVICE REPLACEMENT WITHIN A CONNECTED PROPERTY");
62/187,645 (filed Jul. 1, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS
FOR MANAGING BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE FOR A PROPERTY"); 62/187,651
(filed Jul. 1, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING AN ESCAPE ROUTE"); 62/187,642 (filed Jul.
1, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING SENSOR
DATA TO DETECT PROPERTY INTRUSION EVENTS"); 62/187,666 (filed Jul.
1, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED ASSISTED OR
INDEPENDENT LIVING ENVIRONMENTS"); 62/189,329 (filed Jul. 7, 2015,
and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING WARRANTY INFORMATION
ASSOCIATED WITH DEVICES POPULATED WITHIN A PROPERTY"); 62/193,317
(filed Jul. 16, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
MANAGING SMART DEVICES BASED UPON ELECTRICAL USAGE DATA");
62/197,343 (filed Jul. 27, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS
FOR CONTROLLING SMART DEVICES BASED UPON IMAGE DATA FROM IMAGE
SENSORS"); 62/198,813 (filed Jul. 30, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS
AND METHODS FOR MANAGING SERVICE LOG INFORMATION"); 62/200,375
(filed Aug. 3, 2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
AUTOMATICALLY RESPONDING TO A FIRE"); 62/201,671 (filed Aug. 6,
2015, and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY
MITIGATING RISK OF DAMAGE FROM BROKEN CIRCUITS"); 62/220,383 (filed
Sep. 18, 2015, and entitled "METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RESPONDING TO
A BROKEN CIRCUIT")--which are all hereby incorporated by reference
in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to managing a
connected property. More particularly, the present disclosure
relates to assessing sensor data from smart devices in a property
to detect when individuals may be in peril, and facilitating
actions to mitigate the situation.
BACKGROUND
[0003] With the proliferation of the "internet of things," more
household devices and items are gaining communication and network
connectivity capabilities. The new capabilities are enabling easier
data detection and more accurate information and metrics. However,
the ability to detect certain conditions associated with devices
and items may be limited. Additionally, the channels to control and
maintain devices and items as a response to certain conditions may
also be limited.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] The present embodiments may, inter alia, access certain
device data to detect certain conditions and situations within a
property and determine actions or commands to perform to address
the conditions and situations. Further, the present embodiments may
effectively and efficiently communicate relevant information
associated with the conditions and enable users to facilitate the
actions or commands. One particular functionality relates to
analyzing sensor data to detect when one or more individuals may be
in peril, such as in an independent or assisted living environment,
and then notifying proper individuals of the situation.
[0005] Generally, the present embodiments may relate to (1) home
control and/or automation, as well as (2) loss prevention,
reduction, and/or mitigation through proactively identifying
periled individuals, notifying an individual of detected
situations, and enabling individuals to mitigate the detected
situations. The foregoing functionality also may be used by an
insurance provider to generate, update, or adjust insurance
policies, premiums, rates, discounts, points, and/or rewards,
and/or make recommendations to an insured individual.
[0006] According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method
of detecting periled individuals within an independent or assisted
living environment may be provided. The independent or assisted
living environment may be populated with a hardware controller in
communication with a plurality of sensors. The method may include
(1) receiving, by the hardware controller, sensor data from at
least one sensor located within the independent or assisted living
environment, the at least one sensor either (i) secured to an
individual or (ii) configured to sense environmental data within a
proximity of the individual; (2) analyzing the sensor data by one
or more processors; (3) based upon the analyzing, determining that
the individual is in peril; (4) responsive to determining that the
individual is in peril, generating a notification indicating that
the individual is in peril; and/or (5) communicating the
notification to an electronic device of an additional individual to
facilitate alleviating a risk associated with the individual being
in peril. The method may include additional, less, or alternate
actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein.
[0007] According to another embodiment, a hardware controller for
detecting periled individuals within an independent or assisted
living environment, where the hardware controller may communication
with a set of sensors populated within the independent or assisted
living environment, may be provided. The hardware controller may
include a communication module adapted to interface with the set of
sensors populated within the independent or assisted living
environment; a memory adapted to store non-transitory computer
executable instructions; and/or a processor adapted to interface
with the communication module and the memory. The processor may be
configured to execute the non-transitory computer executable
instructions to cause the processor to receive, via the
communication module, sensor data from at least one sensor of the
set of sensors located within the independent or assisted living
environment, the at least one sensor either (i) secured to an
individual or (ii) configured to sense environmental data within a
proximity of the individual, analyze the sensor data, based upon
the analyzing, determine that the individual is in peril,
responsive to determining that the individual is in peril, generate
a notification indicating that the individual is in peril, and/or
communicate, via the communication module, the notification to an
electronic device of an additional individual to facilitate
alleviating a risk associated with the individual being in peril.
The hardware controller may include additional, less, or alternate
functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.
[0008] Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the
art from the following description of the preferred embodiments
which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will
be realized, the present embodiments may be capable of other and
different embodiments, and their details are capable of
modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] 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 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.
[0010] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are
presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the present
embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary environment including components
and entities associated with managing device operation and
facilitating insurance policy processing, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exemplary signal diagram associated with
assessing sensor data to detect individuals in peril and
facilitating various actions to mitigate the situations, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary
computer-implemented method of assessing sensor data to detect
individuals in peril and facilitating various actions to mitigate
the situations, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary controller in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary processing server
in accordance with some embodiments.
[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict exemplary interfaces associated with
notifying of periled individuals and facilitating various actions
to mitigate the situations, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0017] The Figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of
illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize
from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the
systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without
departing from the principles of the invention described
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, assessing
operation of devices or personal property within a home or other
type of property, such as household furniture, appliances,
electronics, vehicles (e.g., cars, boats, motorcycles), and/or
other personal belongings (e.g., clothing, jewelry, antiques).
Generally, a home or property may have a "smart" central controller
that may be wirelessly connected, or connected via hard-wire, with
various household related items, devices, and/or sensors. The
central controller may be associated with any type of property,
such as homes, office buildings, restaurants, farms, and/or other
types of properties.
[0019] The central controller, and/or one or more remote processors
or servers associated with an insurance provider or other entity,
may be in wireless or wired communication with various "smart"
items or devices, such as smart appliances (e.g., clothes washer,
dryer, dish washer, refrigerator, etc.); smart heating devices
(e.g., furnace, space heater, etc.); smart cooling devices (e.g.,
air conditioning units, fans, ceiling fans, etc.); smart plumbing
fixtures (e.g., toilets, showers, water heaters, piping, interior
and yard sprinklers, etc.); smart cooking devices (e.g., stoves,
ovens, grills, microwaves, etc.); smart wiring, lighting, and
lamps; smart personal vehicles; smart thermostats; smart windows,
doors, or garage doors; smart window blinds or shutters; wearable
devices; and/or other smart devices and/or sensors capable of
wireless or wired communication. Each smart device (or sensor
associated therewith), as well as the central controller and/or
insurance provider remote processor(s), may be equipped with a
processor, memory unit, software applications, wireless
transceivers, local power supply, various types of sensors, and/or
other components.
[0020] The central controller, and/or insurance provider remote
processor(s), may collect or retrieve various data from the devices
or personal property, analyze the data, and/or identify various
situations indicated by the data and/or actions to facilitate based
upon the analysis. In particular, the central controller and/or
insurance provider remote processor(s) may receive operation data
from the smart devices, where the operation data may include
various sensor data associated with the smart devices. The central
controller and/or insurance provider remote processor(s) may
analyze the operation data (e.g., by comparing the operation data
to baseline sensor data) to detect that an individual may be in
peril, or otherwise exposed to injury, loss, destruction and/or the
like. According to embodiments, the individual be located within an
independent or assisted living environment. In these situations,
the central controller and/or the insurance provider may generate a
notification that indicates the situation and may communicate the
notification to a proper individual who may be in position to help
the individual in peril. The central controller and/or insurance
provider may also determine to process an insurance policy that may
be impacted by the situation.
[0021] The systems and methods discussed herein address a challenge
that is particular to property management. In particular, the
challenge relates to a difficulty in identifying when an individual
located on a premises may be in peril or otherwise in need of help,
as well as a difficulty in mitigating the situation. This is
particularly apparent when the individual is not under constant
care or connected to conventional monitoring machines. Existing
environments rely on individuals to self-report situations and/or
rely on caregivers to happen upon the situations. However, these
existing environments still result in numerous situations that go
unaddressed as a result of nobody noticing situations or the
individual being unable to call or signal for assistance. In
contrast, the present systems and methods leverage sensor data from
connected devices to detect and identify situations in which
individuals may be in peril or otherwise in need of assistance, and
dynamically generate notifications of the same and send the
notifications to proper individuals in position to offer
assistance. Therefore, because the systems and methods employ the
collection and analysis of sensors data associated with connected
devices within the property, the systems and methods are
necessarily rooted in computer technology in order to overcome the
noted shortcomings that specifically arise in the realm of property
management.
[0022] Similarly, the systems and methods provide improvements in a
technical field, namely, property automation and safety. Instead of
the systems and methods merely being performed by hardware
components using basic functions, the systems and methods employ
complex steps that go beyond the mere concept of simply retrieving
and combining data using a computer. In particular, the hardware
components receive data from connected devices, analyze the data
identify a potentially threatening situation for an individual,
generating a notification that indicates the potentially
threatening situation, and/or communicate the notification to a
proper individual. Additionally, because a central controller in a
property retrieves and analyzes sensor data from a plurality of
connected devices in the property, the central controller and the
connected devices are part of a "thin client" environment that
improves data persistence and information processing. This
combination of elements further impose meaningful limits in that
the operations are applied to improve property automation and
safety by detecting potentially threatening situations, and
facilitating mitigating actions in a meaningful and effective
way.
[0023] According to implementations, the systems and methods may
support a dynamic, real-time or near-real-time analysis of any
received data. In particular, the central controller and/or
insurance provider may retrieve and/or receive real-time sensor
data from the sensors, analyze the sensor data in real-time, and
dynamically determine that an individual is in peril. Additionally,
the central controller and/or insurance provider may dynamically
generate a notification of the situation in real-time, and
communicate the notification to another individual in real-time.
Accordingly, the real-time capability of the systems and methods
enable the individuals in peril with an assurance of efficient and
effective treatment should the individuals be in peril, and enable
any caregivers with real-time notifications that individuals are in
peril.
[0024] Generally, the systems and methods offer numerous benefits
relating to the safety of individuals. In particular, the systems
and methods may automatically detect situations in which
individuals may be in peril, and may automatically facilitate
actions to address the situations. As a result, the safety of
individuals may improve, especially in independent or assisted
living environments. Further, the systems and methods enable
additional individuals to be notified of the situations so that the
additional individuals are able to promptly address the
situations.
[0025] The systems and methods may further offer a benefit to
insurance providers and customers thereof. Particularly, the
present embodiments may facilitate (a) providing and updating
insurance policies; (b) the handling or adjusting of home insurance
claims; (c) the disbursement of monies related to insurance claims;
(d) modifying insurance coverage amounts; (e) updating and
improving estimate models, and/or (f) other insurance-related
activities. The systems and methods may further offer a benefit to
customers by offering improved insurance claim processing. Further,
the insurance providers may stand out as a cost-effective insurance
provider, thereby retaining existing customers and attracting new
customers. It should be appreciated that further benefits to the
systems and methods are envisioned.
[0026] The method may also include adjusting an insurance policy,
premium, or discount (such as a homeowners, renters, auto, home,
health, or life insurance policy, premium, or discount) based upon
the assisted living and/or other functionality discussed herein,
and/or an insured having a home and/or mobile device with such
functionality.
I. EXEMPLARY ENVIRONMENT AND COMPONENTS FOR ASSESSING DEVICE
OPERATION AND FUNCTIONALITIES RELATING THERETO
[0027] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary environment 100 including
components and entities for managing devices associated with a
property and processing insurance policies associated therewith.
Although FIG. 1 depicts certain entities, components, and devices,
it should be appreciated that additional, fewer, or alternate
entities and components are envisioned.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the environment 100 may include a
property 105 that contains a controller 120 and a plurality of
devices 110 that may be each connected to a local communication
network 115. According to the present embodiments, the property 105
may be an independent or assisted living environment in which one
or more individuals needing independent or assisted living care may
reside. The independent or assisted living environment may employ
caregivers who provide care to the residents as needed. However, it
should be appreciated that the property 105 may be other types of
properties, such as a private residence, an office, a hotel, or the
like.
[0029] Each of the plurality of devices 110 may be a "smart" device
that may be configured with one or more sensors capable of sensing
and communicating operating data associated with the corresponding
device 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of devices 110 may
include a smart alarm system 110a, a smart stove 110b, and/or a
smart washing machine 110c. Each of the plurality of devices 110
may be located within or proximate to the property 105 (generally,
"on premises"). In one implementation, one or more of the plurality
of devices 110 may be a device that is wearable by an individual,
such as a heart rate monitor, a pedometer, a blood pressure
monitor, or other types of wearable devices or monitors. Although
FIG. 1 depicts only one property 105, it should be appreciated that
multiple properties are envisioned, each with its own controller
and devices. Further, it should be appreciated that additional,
fewer, or alternate devices may be present in the property 105.
[0030] In some cases, the plurality of devices 110 may be purchased
from a manufacturer with the "smart" functionally incorporated
therein. In other cases, the plurality of devices 110 may have been
purchased as "dumb" devices and subsequently modified to add the
"smart" functionality to the device. For instance, a homeowner may
purchase an alarm system that installs sensors on or near a door to
detect when a door has been opened and/or unlocked.
[0031] In some embodiments, the plurality of devices 110 may
monitor their own status or condition via the sensors to detect any
issues or problems. In response to detecting issues or problems,
the plurality of devices 110 may be able to indicate the issues or
problems via display components, such as LED lights, display
screens, or other visual indicators. In further embodiments, the
controller 120 may be configured to monitor, via sensor data,
whether the plurality of devices 110 and/or parts thereof have been
installed correctly, whether replacement parts are new and/or
otherwise in good condition, and/or other conditions associated
with the plurality of devices 110 and/or parts thereof.
[0032] The plurality of devices 110 may be configured to
communicate with a controller 120 via the local communication
network 115. The local communication network 115 may facilitate any
type of data communication between devices and controllers located
on or proximate to the property 105 via any standard or technology
(e.g., LAN, WLAN, any IEEE 802 standard including Ethernet, and/or
others). The local communication network 115 may further support
various short-range communication protocols, such as
Bluetooth.RTM., Bluetooth.RTM. Low Energy, near field communication
(NFC), radio-frequency identification (RFID), and/or other types of
short-range protocols.
[0033] According to aspects, the plurality of devices 110 may
transmit, to the controller 120 via the local communication network
115 (and/or to the insurance provider 130 remote processing server
135 via the network 125), operational data gathered from sensors
associated with the plurality of devices 110. The operational data
may be audio data, image or video data, motion data, status data,
usage amounts, vital sign data, and/or other data or information.
For instance, the operational data may include imaging or audio
data recorded within a room; a heart rate of an individual wearing
one of the plurality of devices 110; and/or other information that
may be pertinent to an operation state or status of the plurality
of devices 110. For further instance, the operational data may
include motion data that may indicate the presence of and movement
of any individuals within the property 105 and/or located on the
exterior of the property 105. Additionally, the operational data
may include device usage data. The operational data may include a
timestamp representing the time that the operational data was
recorded.
[0034] The controller 120 may be coupled to a database 112 that
stores various operational data and information associated with the
plurality of devices 110. Although FIG. 1 depicts the database 112
as coupled to the controller 120, it is envisioned that the
database 112 may be maintained in the "cloud" such that any element
of the environment 100 capable of communicating over either the
local network 115 or one or more other networks 125 may directly
interact with the database 112.
[0035] In some embodiments, the database 112 may organize the
operational data according to which individual device 110 the data
may be associated and/or the room or subsection of the property in
which the data was recorded. Further, the database 112 may maintain
an inventory list that includes the plurality of devices 110, as
well as various data and information associated with the plurality
of devices 110 (e.g., locations, replacement costs, etc.).
[0036] In one embodiment, the database 112 may maintain various
operation states of the plurality of devices 110. In particular,
the operation states may specify various settings of the plurality
of devices 110 such that when the respective device is configured
at the setting(s), the respective device will operate in the
corresponding operation state. For instance, an operation state for
a smart thermostat may be "heat conservation" whereby the
corresponding setting is 64 degrees (as opposed to a more "normal"
70 degree setting). It should be appreciated that each operation
state may specify settings for more than one of the devices
110.
[0037] The controller 120 (and/or the plurality of devices 112) may
be configured to communicate with other components and entities,
such as an insurance provider 130 and various third party source(s)
138 via the network(s) 125. According to some embodiments, the
network(s) 125 may facilitate any data communication between the
controller 120 located on the property 105 and entities or
individuals remote to the property 105 via any standard or
technology (e.g., GSM, CDMA, TDMA, WCDMA, LTE, EDGE, OFDM, GPRS,
EV-DO, UWB, IEEE 802 including Ethernet, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, and/or
others). In some cases, both the local network 115 and the network
125(s) may utilize the same technology.
[0038] Generally, the insurance provider 130 may be any individual,
group of individuals, company, corporation, or other type of entity
that may issue insurance policies for customers, such as a home
insurance policy associated with the property 105. According to the
present embodiments, the insurance provider 130 may include one or
more processing server(s) 135 configured to facilitate the
functionalities as discussed herein. Although FIG. 1 depicts the
processing server 135 as a part of the insurance provider 130, it
should be appreciated that the processing server 135 may be
separate from (and connected to or accessible by) the insurance
provider 130.
[0039] Further, although the present disclosure describes the
systems and methods as being facilitated in part by the insurance
provider 130, it should be appreciated that other non-insurance
related entities may implement the systems and methods. For
instance, a general contractor may aggregate the insurance-risk
data across many properties to determine which appliances or
products provide the best protection against specific causes of
loss, and/or deploy the appliances or products based upon where
causes of loss are most likely to occur. Accordingly, it may not be
necessary for the property 105 to have an associated insurance
policy for the property owners to enjoy the benefits of the systems
and methods.
[0040] The third-party source(s) 138 may represent any entity or
component that is configured to obtain, detect, and/or determine
data or information that may be relevant to the devices 110 of the
property 105. In some embodiments, the third-party source(s) 138
may be a manufacturer, supplier, servicer, or retailer of the any
of the devices 110, as well as for replacement devices for the
devices 110. For instance, if one of the devices 110 is a
refrigerator, the third-party source 138 may be refrigerator
manufacturer that sells refrigerators of the same or different
types or models as the refrigerator device 110. The third-party
source(s) 138 may store data associated with a replacement device
(e.g., cost, retail location, general information, availability, or
the like). Further, the third-party source(s) 138 may store
baseline data associated with various types of situations in which
individuals may be in peril. The third-party source(s) 138 may be
configured to communicate various data or information to the
controller 120 and/or to the insurance provider 130 via the
network(s) 125, whereby the controller 120 and/or the insurance
provider 130 may examine the data or information to facilitate
various functionalities.
[0041] The controller 120, the insurance provider 130 and/or the
processing server 135, and the third-party source(s) 138 may also
be in communication, via the network(s) 125, with an electronic
device 145 associated with an individual 140. In some embodiments,
the individual 140 may have an insurance policy (e.g., a long-term
care insurance policy) associated with the property 105, or may
otherwise be associated with the property 105 (e.g., the individual
140 may live in the property 105). The individual 140 may also be
associated with a resident of the property 105 (e.g., a family
member of a person who resides in the property 105). The electronic
device 145 may be a mobile device, such as a smartphone, a desktop
computer, a laptop, a tablet, a phablet, a smart watch, smart
glasses, wearable electronics, pager, personal digital assistant,
or any other electronic device, including computing devices
configured for wireless radio frequency (RF) communication and data
transmission. In some implementations, the controller 120 (and/or
insurance provider 130 remote processing server 135) may
communicate, to the individual 140 via the electronic device 145,
an indication of the operation of the plurality of devices 110,
such as the commands transmitted to the plurality of devices 110.
Further, the controller 120 (and/or insurance provider 130 remote
processing server 135) may enable the individual 140 to remotely
control various of the plurality of devices 110 via the electronic
device 145.
[0042] According to some other implementations, the controller 120
(and/or insurance provider 130 remote processing server 135) may
analyze sensor data from any of the plurality of devices 110 to
determine if one or more individuals may be in peril or otherwise
in need of help or assistance. The controller 120 (and/or insurance
provider 130 remote processing server 135) may generate
notifications or alerts that may indicate the situation, and
communicate the notifications or alerts to the electronic device
145 via the network 125. Further, the controller 120 (and/or
insurance provider 130 or remote processing server 135) may
determine any changes to or processing associated with an insurance
policy that may result from the situation, and may communicate with
the remote processing server 135 to facilitate the processing.
[0043] The controller 120 (and/or insurance provider 130 remote
processing server 135) may also transmit any modifications to
insurance policies based upon detected data from the plurality of
devices 110. In response, the individual (e.g., a policyholder) may
accept the proposed insurance claim or make modifications to the
proposed insurance claim, and/or otherwise accept/reject any
modifications to the insurance policy. The electronic device may
transmit, via the network 125, the accepted or modified insurance
claim back to the controller 120 (and/or insurance provider 130
remote processing server 135).
[0044] The controller 120 may facilitate any processing of the
insurance claim with the processing server 135 of the insurance
provider 130. Additionally or alternatively, the processing server
135 may facilitate the proposed insurance claim communications and
processing directly with the customer 140. In some implementations,
the insurance provider 130 remote processing server 135 may provide
the same functionality as that described herein with respect to the
controller 120.
II. EXEMPLARY COMMUNICATION FLOW FOR DETECTING WHEN INDIVIDUALS ARE
IN PERIL AND COMMUNICATING NOTIFICATIONS RELATING THERETO
[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is an exemplary signal
diagram 200 associated with detecting when individuals may be in
peril and communicating notifications relating thereto. FIG. 2
includes a set of smart devices 210 (such as the smart devices 110
as discussed with respect to FIG. 1), a controller 220 (such as the
controller 120 as discussed with respect to FIG. 1), a processing
server 235 (such as the processing server 135 as discussed with
respect to FIG. 1), and a user device 245 (such as the user device
145 as discussed with respect to FIG. 1).
[0046] The smart devices 210 and the controller 220 may be located
within an independent or assisted living environment 205 (which
generally may be the property 105 as discussed with respect to FIG.
1). The individual who may be in peril may be an individual who
resides in the independent or assisted living environment 205 and
who may receive care by employees or other workers of the
independent or assisted living environment 205. According to
embodiments, the smart devices 210 may include a set of sensors
configured to generate and communicate various sensor data.
Further, according to embodiments, the user device 245 may belong
to an individual associated with the independent or assisted living
environment 205, such as an employee or worker, a resident of the
independent or assisted living environment 205, a caregiver,
caretaker, and/or family member of an individual residing in the
independent or assisted living environment 205, or an individual
otherwise associated with an individual residing in the independent
or assisted living environment 205.
[0047] The signal diagram 200 may begin when the controller 220
optionally requests (250) the smart devices 210 for sensor data. In
some implementations, the controller 220 may periodically request
the smart devices 210 for sensor data, or the controller 220 may
request the smart devices 210 for sensor data in response to
various triggers (e.g., at a certain time of the day or in response
to receiving particular sensor data from a particular smart device
210). The controller 220 may also request sensor data from one or
more specific smart devices 210. In an implementation, the smart
device(s) 210 may be devices configured to be worn by an
individual, such as a resident of the independent or assisted
living environment 205.
[0048] The smart device(s) 210 may send (252) sensor data to the
controller 220. For example, the sensor data may be audio data,
imaging data (e.g., images and/or videos), motion/movement sensor
data, location data, and/or vital sign data. It should be
appreciated that other types of sensor data and combinations of
sensor data are envisioned. The smart device(s) 210 may provide the
sensor data automatically as the data is detected, in response to
receiving a request from the controller 220, or in response to
various triggers. For example, the smart device 210 may be a heart
rate monitor that may send heart rate data of an individual to the
controller 220 when the corresponding heart rate exceeds 120
beats/minute. For further example, the smart device 210 may be a
band wearable by an individual that may send acceleration data to
the controller 220 when the corresponding acceleration exceeds a
certain threshold (which may be indicative of a fall).
[0049] The controller 220 may optionally access (254) baseline
sensor data that may correspond to the received sensor data. In
particular, if the controller 220 receives sensor data or a
particular type (e.g., acceleration data), the controller 220 may
access baseline data of the same type (e.g., baseline acceleration
data). The controller 220 may analyze (256) the received sensor
data. In particular, the controller 220 may analyze the received
sensor data to determine whether there are any abnormalities,
causes for concern, and/or the like. In one implementation, the
controller 220 may compare the received sensor data to the baseline
sensor data to determine a level of similarity, where the level of
similarity may meet a set threshold value. In another
implementation, the controller 220 may compare the received sensor
data to any corresponding threshold levels which may indicate any
abnormalities, causes for concert, and/or the like.
[0050] Based upon the analysis of (256), the controller 220 may
determine (258) if the individual is in peril. In particular, if
the received sensor data meets or exceeds any threshold level (or
differs from any threshold level by a certain amount or
percentage), or if any calculated similarity level meets a
threshold value, then the controller may deem that an individual is
in peril. For example, if the received sensor data is audio data
having a decibel reading and the controller 220 determines that the
decibel reading exceeds a threshold decibel level, then the
controller 220 may deem that the individual is in peril (such as if
the individual is summoning help).
[0051] In one embodiment, the controller 220 may examine various
combinations of sensor data (e.g., audio data, imaging data,
motion/movement sensor data, location data, and/or vital sign data)
to assess the situation. For example, the controller 220 may
determine that the individual's heart rate is above a threshold
amount, but may also determine that the individual is currently
located in a fitness center, and therefore deem that the individual
is not in peril. Conversely, the controller 220 may determine that
the individual's heart rate is above a threshold value, and may
determine that the individual is located in his or her room, and
therefore deem that the individual may be in peril.
[0052] If the controller 220 determines that the individual is not
in peril ("NO"), processing may end or proceed to other
functionality. If the controller 220 determines that the individual
is in peril ("YES"), the controller may generate (260) a
notification indicating that the individual is in peril. In
embodiments, the notification may include any details of the
situation and may also include various selections that enable a
receiving individual (e.g., an individual associated with the user
device 245) to initiate help or aid for the individual in peril.
For example, the notification may include contact information for
the independent or assisted living environment 205 and/or for an
individual associated therewith.
[0053] The controller 220 may send (262) the notification to the
user device 245, so that the individual associated with the user
device 245 may access and review the notification. As discussed
above, the individual associated with the user device 245 may
review the notification and take any appropriate action, in
particular any action that may alleviate the situation resulting
from the individual residing in the independent or assisted living
environment 205 being in peril. For example, if the individual
associated with the user device 245 is a caregiver employed by the
independent or assisted living environment 205, the caregiver may
access the room of the individual and provide any needed care, or
may summon appropriate medical personnel.
[0054] In some embodiments, the controller 220 may also facilitate
insurance processing associated with the situation of the
individual. In particular, the controller may send (264) an
indication of the event (i.e., the individual being in peril) to
the processing server 325, via one or more standard channels. The
processing server 325 may examine the indication of the event and
access (266) an insurance policy that may belong to the individual
in peril (i.e., the individual in peril may be a policy holder for
the insurance policy). The processing server 235 may also process
(268) the insurance policy accordingly. In particular, the
processing server 235 may determine whether the individual being in
peril may impact the insurance policy, and may adjust the insurance
policy accordingly, such as by adjusting the insurance policy to
insure a particular type of care that was previously not needed by
the individual.
[0055] Although FIG. 2 depicts the controller 220 performing
various steps and determinations, it should be appreciated that the
processing server 235 may perform the same or similar steps or
determinations. For example, the processing server 235 may receive
the sensor data, compare the sensor data to baseline data, generate
a notification, communicate a notification, determine a mitigating
action, and/or facilitate the mitigating action.
III. EXEMPLARY METHOD FOR DETECTING INDIVIDUALS IN PERIL
[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, depicted is a block diagram of an
exemplary computer-implemented method 300 of detecting individuals
who may be in peril within an independent or assisted living
environment (and/or abnormal conditions associated with individuals
or premises). The method 300 may be facilitated by an electronic
device within the property, such as the controller 120 that may be
in direct or indirect communication with an insurance provider
(such as the insurance provider 130 or a remote processor or server
thereof).
[0057] The method 300 may begin when the controller receives (block
305) sensor data associated with an individual from at least one
sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor may be secured to the
individual (e.g., a wearable device including an accelerometer, a
heart rate monitor, a vital signs monitor, and/or the like) or
configured to sense environmental data within a proximity of the
individual (e.g., an audio sensor, a device usage sensor, a video
camera, and/or the like). In one implementation, the controller may
request the sensor data from the at least one sensor.
[0058] The controller may optionally access (block 310) baseline
sensor data corresponding to the retrieved sensor data. In some
implementations, the retrieved sensor data may have a specific type
(e.g., wearable device data, recorded video, recorded audio), where
the controller may access baseline sensor data that corresponds to
the type of retrieved sensor data. The controller may analyze
(block 315) the received sensor data according to various
calculations, techniques, or algorithms. The analysis may determine
whether the retrieved sensor data is consistent with or reflects
that the individual is in peril (and/or abnormal condition exists).
In particular, the controller may determine whether the sensor data
meets or exceeds any threshold level (or differs from any threshold
level by a certain amount or percentage), or whether any calculated
similarity level meets a threshold value.
[0059] For example, if a microphone detects a loud crash that
exceeds a certain decibel level (which may be associated with the
individual falling), then the controller may determine that the
individual is in peril. For further example, if the sensor data
indicates a heart rate that is dropping by a certain amount or
percentage, then the controller may determine that the individual
is in peril.
[0060] If the controller determines that the individual is not in
peril ("NO"), then processing may end or proceed to any other
functionality. If the controller determines that the individual is
in peril ("YES"), then the controller may generate (block 325) a
notification indicating that the individual is in peril. In some
implementations, the notification may include various information,
such as an identification of the individual, a current location of
the individual, a description of the situation and/or abnormal
condition, contact information of relevant individuals, and/or
other information.
[0061] The controller may communicate (block 330) the notification
to an electronic device of an additional individual. The controller
may store an identification of the electronic device. For example,
the electronic device may be a smartphone belonging to a caregiver
associated with the individual. In some scenarios, the controller
may communicate the notification to an insurance provider.
IV. EXEMPLARY CONTROLLER
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary controller 420
(such as the controller 120 discussed with respect to FIG. 1) in
which the functionalities as discussed herein may be implemented.
It should be appreciated that the controller 420 may be associated
with a property, as discussed herein.
[0063] The controller 420 may include a processor 422 as well as a
memory 478. The memory 478 may store an operating system 479
capable of facilitating the functionalities as discussed herein, as
well as a set of applications 475 (i.e., machine readable
instructions). For instance, one of the set of applications 475 may
be a peril detection application 484 configured to analyze sensor
data, detect when individuals may be in peril, and facilitate
actions to mitigate the detected situations. The set of
applications 475 may also include one or more other applications
484, such as an insurance processing application.
[0064] The processor 422 may interface with the memory 478 to
execute the operating system 479 and the set of applications 475.
According to some embodiments, the memory 478 may also include a
data record storage 480 that stores various data, such as baseline
data corresponding to various types of sensor data. The peril
detection application 484 may interface with the data record
storage 480 to retrieve relevant baseline data that the peril
detection application 484 may use to determine whether individuals
may be in peril. The memory 478 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.
[0065] The controller 420 may further include a communication
module 477 configured to communicate data via one or more networks
425. According to some embodiments, the communication module 477
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/or configured to receive and
transmit data via one or more external ports 476. Further, the
communication module 477 may include a short-range network
component (e.g., an RFID reader) configured for short-range network
communications. For instance, the communication module 477 may
receive, via the network 425, sensor data from a plurality of
devices populated within a property.
[0066] The controller 420 may further include a user interface 481
configured to present information to a user and/or receive inputs
from the user. As shown in FIG. 4, the user interface 481 may
include a display screen 482 and I/O components 483 (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 controller 420 via the user
interface 481 to assess sensor data, process insurance policies,
and/or perform other functions. The controller 420 may be
configured to perform insurance-related functions, such as
generating proposed insurance claims and facilitating insurance
claim processing. In some embodiments, the controller 420 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, and/or
otherwise analyze data.
[0067] 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 422
(e.g., working in connection with the operating system 479) 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.
V. EXEMPLARY SERVER
[0068] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary processing
server 535 (such as the processing server 135 discussed with
respect to FIG. 1) in which the functionalities as discussed herein
may be implemented. It should be appreciated that the processing
server 535 may be associated with an insurance provider, as
discussed herein. In one embodiment, the processing server may be
configured with the same functionality as that of the controllers
120, 220 of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively.
[0069] The processing server 535 may include a processor 522, as
well as a memory 578. The memory 578 may store an operating system
579 capable of facilitating the functionalities as discussed herein
as well as a set of applications 575 (i.e., machine readable
instructions). For instance, one of the set of applications 575 may
be a policy processing application 584 configured to manage
customer insurance policies. It should be appreciated that other
applications 590 are envisioned, such as a peril detection
application configured to determine whether individuals may be in
peril.
[0070] The processor 522 may interface with the memory 578 to
execute the operating system 579 and the set of applications 575.
According to some embodiments, the memory 578 may also include a
data record storage 580 that stores various information associated
with customer insurance policies, as well as baseline data
corresponding to a set of default sensor data and thresholds
relating thereto. The policy processing application 584 may
interface with the data record storage 580 to retrieve relevant
information that the policy processing application 584 may use to
manage insurance policies, generate notifications, and/or perform
other functionalities, such as determine whether individuals are in
peril. Further, the device replacement application may interface
with the data record storage 580 to retrieve device information.
The memory 578 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.
[0071] The processing server 535 may further include a
communication module 577 configured to communicate data via one or
more networks 525. According to some embodiments, the communication
module 577 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 576. For
instance, the communication module 577 may transmit, via the
network 525, baseline data corresponding to a set of default
intrusion attempts.
[0072] The processing server 525 may further include a user
interface 581 configured to present information to a user and/or
receive inputs from the user. As shown in FIG. 5, the user
interface 581 may include a display screen 582 and I/O components
583 (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 processing
server 535 via the user interface 581 to process insurance policies
and/or perform other functions. In some embodiments, the processing
server 535 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,
and/or otherwise analyze data.
[0073] 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 522
(e.g., working in connection with the operating system 579) 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.
VI. EXEMPLARY USER INTERFACES
[0074] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary interfaces associated
with example commands, displays, and actions for electronic
devices. An electronic device (e.g., a mobile device, such as a
smartphone) may be configured to display the interfaces and/or
receive selections and inputs via the interfaces. For example, a
dedicated application associated with an insurance provider (or
with an independent or assisted living environment) and that is
configured to operate on the electronic device may display the
interfaces. It should be appreciated that the interfaces are merely
examples and that alternative or additional content is
envisioned.
[0075] FIG. 6A illustrates an interface 650 including details
related to situation in which an individual is deemed to be in
peril. In particular, the interface 650 may include an alert that
details the situation: that data has been detected indicating that
John Doe may have experienced a fall. The interface 650 further
enables a user of the electronic device to select an appropriate
action to take. In particular, the interface 650 may include a
"dismiss" selection 651 that, upon selection, may dismiss the
interface 650, a "contact" selection 652 that, upon selection, may
cause the electronic device to contact John Doe (e.g., via a phone
call or text message) or another individual, and a "more info"
selection 653 that, upon selection, may retrieve more information
related to the situation.
[0076] FIG. 6B illustrates an additional interface 655 that may
include more information relating to the situation indicated in
FIG. 6A. In one implementation, the electronic device may display
the interface 655 in response to the user selecting the "more info"
selection 653 of the interface 650. The interface 655 may indicate
the location of John Doe (as shown: Room 204). Thus, the user of
the electronic device may know where to find John Doe within the
independent or assisted living environment, and may be better
equipped to handle the situation and/or may be afforded with the
ability to reach John Doe in a shorter amount of time. The
interface 655 may include an "okay" selection 656 that, upon
selection, may dismiss the interface 655.
VII. EXEMPLARY METHOD OF DETECTING PERILED INDIVIDUALS
[0077] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method of detecting
periled individuals within an independent or assisted living
environment may be provided. The independent or assisted living
environment may be populated with a hardware controller in
communication with a plurality of sensors. The method may include
(1) receiving, by the hardware controller, sensor data from at
least one sensor located within the independent or assisted living
environment, the at least one sensor either (i) secured to an
individual or (ii) configured to sense environmental data within a
proximity of the individual; (2) analyzing the sensor data by one
or more processors; (3) based upon the analyzing, determining that
the individual is in peril; (4) responsive to determining that the
individual is in peril, generating a notification indicating that
the individual is in peril; and/or (5) communicating the
notification to an electronic device of an additional individual to
facilitate alleviating a risk associated with the individual being
in peril. The method may include additional, less, or alternate
actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein, and/or may be
implemented via one or more local or remote processors, and/or via
computer-executable instructions stored on non-transitory
computer-readable media or medium.
[0078] In one implementation, receiving the sensor data may include
receiving motion data from a wearable device that is removably
secured to the individual. In another implementation, analyzing the
sensor data may include analyzing the motion data from the wearable
device to determine that the individual has experienced a rapid
acceleration. In a further implementation, the sensor data may
include vital sign data, and analyzing the sensor data may include
analyzing the vital sign data to determine that the individual is
in need of immediate care.
[0079] In a still further implementation, analyzing the sensor data
may include (1) analyzing the sensor data to determine a current
condition of the individual; (2) receiving updated sensor data from
the at least one sensor; and (3) determining, from the updated
sensor data, that the current condition is maintained for a
threshold period of time.
[0080] Additionally, in one implementation, the sensor data may
include audio data received from a microphone located within a room
of the individual, and wherein analyzing the sensor data may
include determining, from the audio data, that the individual has
suffered a fall. In another implementation, analyzing the sensor
data may include accessing baseline sensor data corresponding to
the retrieved sensor data, and comparing the received sensor data
to the baseline sensor data. In a further implementation, comparing
the received sensor data to the baseline sensor data may include
(1) determining a level of similarity between the retrieved sensor
data and the baseline sensor data, and (2) determining that the
level of similarity meets a threshold value.
[0081] In another implementation, communicating the notification to
the electronic device may include (1) identifying a caregiver for
the individual, and (2) communicating the notification to the
electronic device of the caregiver. In an additional
implementation, the method may further include identifying an
insurance-related event associated with the individual being in
peril.
VIII. EXEMPLARY HARDWARE CONTROLLER
[0082] In a further aspect, a hardware controller for detecting
periled individuals within an independent or assisted living
environment, where the hardware controller may communication with a
set of sensors populated within the independent or assisted living
environment, may be provided. The hardware controller may include
(1) a communication module adapted to interface with the set of
sensors populated within the independent or assisted living
environment; (2) a memory adapted to store non-transitory computer
executable instructions; and/or (3) a processor adapted to
interface with the communication module and the memory. The
processor may be configured to execute the non-transitory computer
executable instructions to cause the processor to (a) receive, via
the communication module, sensor data from at least one sensor of
the set of sensors located within the independent or assisted
living environment, the at least one sensor either (i) secured to
an individual or (ii) configured to sense environmental data within
a proximity of the individual, (b) analyze the sensor data, (c)
based upon the analyzing, determine that the individual is in
peril, (d) responsive to determining that the individual is in
peril, generate a notification indicating that the individual is in
peril, and/or (e) communicate, via the communication module, the
notification to an electronic device of an additional individual to
facilitate alleviating a risk associated with the individual being
in peril. The hardware controller may include additional, less, or
alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere
herein.
[0083] In one implementation, to receive the sensor data, the
processor may be configured to receive motion data from a wearable
device that is removably secured to the individual. In another
implementation, to analyze the sensor data, the processor may be
configured to analyze the motion data from the wearable device to
determine that the individual has experienced a rapid acceleration.
Further, in one implementation, the sensor data may include vital
sign data, and where to analyze the sensor data, the processor may
be configured to analyze the vital sign data to determine that the
individual is in need of immediate care.
[0084] In an additional implementation, to analyze the sensor data,
the processor may be configured to analyze the sensor data to (1)
determine a current condition of the individual, (2) receive
updated sensor data from the at least one sensor, and (3)
determine, from the updated sensor data, that the current condition
is maintained for a threshold period of time. In a further
implementation, the sensor data may include audio data received
from a microphone located within a room of the individual, and
wherein to analyze the sensor data, the processor may be configured
to determine, from the audio data, that the individual has suffered
a fall.
[0085] Additionally, in one implementation, to analyze the sensor
data, the processor is may be configured to (1) access baseline
sensor data corresponding to the retrieved sensor data, and (2)
compare the received sensor data to the baseline sensor data. In
another implementation, to compare the received sensor data to the
baseline sensor data, the processor may be configured to (1)
determine a level of similarity between the retrieved sensor data
and the baseline sensor data, and (2) determine that the level of
similarity meets a threshold value.
[0086] In one implementation, to communicate the notification to
the electronic device, the processor may be configured to (1)
identify a caregiver for the individual, and (2) communicate the
notification to the electronic device of the caregiver. Moreover,
in one implementation, the processor may be further configured to
identify an insurance-related event associated with the individual
being in peril.
IX. EXEMPLARY INDEPENDENT LIVING
[0087] The systems and methods may facilitate various
functionalities associated with independent and/or assisted living
environments. In some implementations, the home controller may
analyze various sensor data (e.g., vibrations, sounds, pressure
data, etc.) to determine whether an individual has fallen or
otherwise detect that individual has suffered an injury or is in a
position of immobility. For instance, the sensor data may be
acceleration data from a wearable device that indicates a sudden
acceleration, which may indicate a fall or other incident.
[0088] The controller, and/or the insurance provider remote
processing server, may also monitor locations (e.g., via GPS
coordinates) of individuals on the premises, as well as receive
motion-activated, proximity, and/or connection data from sensors
installed at various locations on the premises. The controller,
and/or the insurance provider remote processing server, may monitor
the temperature of individuals via thermal sensors associated with
the individuals. For instance, if the controller, and/or the
insurance provider remote processing server, determines that a
particular individual's temperature is below a certain threshold
for a certain amount of time, then the controller, and/or the
insurance provider remote processing server, respectively, may
determine that the individual is at risk (and/or that there is an
abnormal condition) and may generate and send a notice to another
individual of the situation.
[0089] The controller, and/or the insurance provider remote
processing server, may also establish baseline or "normal"
conditions for an individual, a property or portion of the
property, and/or may determine whether the individual, and/or one
or more properties or parameters deviates from the baseline or
"normal" conditions.
[0090] As noted, the methods of smart home control and/or
automation, or assisted living, detailed above may also include
actions directed to independent living. For example, the wired or
wireless communication or data transmission, and/or data, received
and/or analyzed by the smart home controller or remote processor
may include audio data. The smart home controller or remote
processor may be configured to determine that an insured has fallen
from voice recognition or vibrations contained within the audio
data from analysis of the audio data by the smart home controller
or remote processor, and/or analyze the audio data to determine an
estimated level of severity of an injury for the insured.
[0091] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include GPS (Global Positioning System)
data that the smart home controller or remote processor may use or
analyze to identify a location of the insured, such as GPS data
transmitted from a mobile device, smart watch, smart glasses, smart
clothes, or a wearable electronics device.
[0092] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include movement data of persons or animals
within the insured home. The smart home controller or remote
processor may be configured to determine, from analysis of the
movement data by the smart home controller or remote processor, a
likelihood of an abnormal condition (e.g., insured home occupant or
animal injury, unexpected insured home vacancy, etc.) from a lack
of movement within the insured home for a given amount of time or a
pre-determined threshold of time, and then issue a message to a
mobile device of the insured or a friend or neighbor.
[0093] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include movement data of persons or animals
within the insured home. The smart home controller or remote
processor may be configured to determine, from analysis of the
movement data by the smart home controller or remote processor, a
likelihood of an abnormal condition (e.g., unexpected insured home
occupancy) from movement detected within the insured home when the
insured home is not occupied by the insured, and then issue a
message to a mobile device of the insured or a friend or
neighbor.
[0094] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include smart door data from a smart garage
door or smart door indicating that the smart garage door or smart
door has been opened or shut. The smart home controller or remote
processor may be configured to compare the smart door data with
other data (such as data associated with an amount of electricity
usage, operating equipment, or thermal imaging data) to determine
whether an occupant has entered or exited an insured home, and, if
so, generate an alert to a family member that the occupant has
either entered or exited the insured home, respectively.
[0095] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include data regarding the operation of a
stove or oven (e.g., temperature, time on, etc.). The smart home
controller or remote processor may analyze the data to determine
that the stove or oven is on at too high a temperature or has been
on for too long a time, and then automatically de-energize or turn
off the stove or oven, and/or generate and transmit a corresponding
wireless communication message to the insured indicating the
abnormal stove or oven condition.
[0096] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include body heat data associated with a
body temperature of a person or animal. The smart home controller
or remote processor may analyze the body heat data to determine
that the body temperature is abnormal (e.g., too cold or too hot),
and then generate and transmit a wireless communication message to
an insured, family member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver
indicating that the body temperature of the person or animal is
abnormal.
[0097] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include shower data. The smart home
controller or remote processor may analyze the shower data to
determine that a person has fallen while taking a shower. The
shower data may include pressure data (such as from pressure
sensing smart hand rails or pressure sensing smart floor or tub
mats). The smart home controller or remote processor may then
generate and transmit a wireless communication message to an
insured, family member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver indicating
that the person has fallen, or has likely fallen, while taking a
shower.
[0098] The shower data may be generated from pressure sensing
matting. The smart home controller or remote processor may be
configured to analyze the shower data to determine (a) whether the
person that fell has gotten up, (b) a likely severity of a fall
taken by the person, and/or (c) whether assistance is likely
needed. The smart home controller or remote processor may then
generate and transmit a corresponding wireless communication
message to an insured, family member, friend, neighbor, or
caregiver indicating the situation or that assistance is needed as
determined by the smart home controller or remote processor.
[0099] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include data indicating a normal routine of
a person (e.g., time of day they usually wake, go to sleep, shower,
cook, watch television, use a computer or other electronics, etc.).
The smart home controller or remote processor may be configured to
learn, from analysis of the data by the smart home controller or
remote processor, the normal routine of the person over time, and
compare present data indicating a current time and/or an activity
of the person with the normal routine of the person learned to
detect potential abnormal conditions. After which, the smart home
controller or remote processor may then generate and transmit a
corresponding wireless communication message to an insured, family
member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver indicating an abnormal
condition detected by the smart home controller or remote
processor.
[0100] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include data indicating vitals (e.g., blood
pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, etc.) of an occupant of the
insured home. The smart home controller or remote processor may
analyze the data indicating vitals to detect or determine an
abnormal or unhealthy condition. After which, the smart home
controller or remote processor may generate and transmit a message
to an insured or family members of the occupant when the vitals
indicate an abnormal or unhealthy condition of the occupant, as
determined or detected by the smart home controller or remote
processor.
[0101] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include data indicating that an infant or
young child (1) is in a vicinity of, or in, a swimming pool located
within a yard of the insured home, and (2) is not being supervised
by an adult. In response to determining such from analysis of the
data (and/or based upon the analysis by the smart home controller
or remote processor of the wired or wireless communication or data
transmission, and/or data received), the smart home controller or
remote processor may generate and transmit an electronic warning or
message to the insured or family members to facilitate appropriate
supervision in the vicinity of the swimming pool.
[0102] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include a body heat reading of an occupant
of the insured home. The smart home controller or remote processor
may determine, based upon the analysis by the smart home controller
or remote processor of the wired or wireless communication or data
transmission, and/or data received, that the body heat of the
occupant is too cold or too hot (as compared to normal), and then
remotely adjust a smart thermostat setting accordingly (e.g., (1)
if the occupant's body temperature is too hot, then the smart home
controller or remote processor may direct or control turning on the
air conditioning or adjusting the air conditioning, or (2) if the
occupant's body temperature is too cold, then the smart home
controller or remote processor may direct or control turning on the
furnace/heat or adjusting the furnace setting) to maintain an
appropriate temperature within the insured home and/or health of
the occupant.
[0103] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include bed data gathered from a bed
sensor, smart bed, or bed room camera indicating an abnormal
condition or that a person has remained in bed for an abnormal
period of time. Based upon the analysis by the smart home
controller or remote processor of the bed data, the smart home
controller or remote processor may determine that the abnormal
condition exists or that the person has remained in bed for an
abnormal period of time. After which, the smart home controller or
remote processor may generate and transmit a corresponding wireless
communication message to an insured, family member, friend,
neighbor, or caregiver indicating the abnormal condition exists or
that the person has remained in bed for an abnormal amount of
time.
[0104] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include gas data gathered from, or
generated by, a gas sensor, detector, or meter indicating a gas or
natural gas leak within the insured home. Based upon the analysis
by the smart home controller or remote processor of the gas data,
the smart home controller or remote processor may determine that an
abnormal condition exists, such as the gas or natural gas leak
exists, within the home. The smart home controller or remote
processor may generate and transmit a corresponding wireless
communication message to an insured, family member, friend,
neighbor, or caregiver indicating that the abnormal condition, or
gas or natural gas leak, exists.
[0105] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include odor data gathered from, or
generated by, an odor detector, sensor, or meter indicating an
abnormal odor condition within the insured home. Based upon the
analysis by the smart home controller or remote processor of the
odor data, the smart home controller or remote processor may
determine that the abnormal odor condition exists within the home.
The smart home controller or remote processor may then generate and
transmit a corresponding wireless communication message to an
insured, family member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver indicating
that the abnormal odor condition exists.
[0106] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include smell data gathered from, or
generated by, a smell detector, sensor, or meter indicating an
abnormal smell condition within the insured home. Based upon the
analysis by the smart home controller or remote processor of the
smell data, the smart home controller or remote processor may
determine that the abnormal smell condition exists within the home.
The smart home controller or remote processor may then generate and
transmit a corresponding wireless communication message to an
insured, family member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver indicating
that the abnormal smell condition exists.
[0107] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include mold data gathered from, or
generated by, a mold detector, sensor, or meter indicating an
abnormal mold condition within the insured home. Based upon the
analysis by the smart home controller or remote processor of the
mold data, the smart home controller or remote processor may
determine that the abnormal mold condition exists within the home.
The smart home controller or remote processor may then generate and
transmit a corresponding wireless communication message to an
insured, family member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver indicating
that the abnormal mold condition exists.
[0108] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include temperature data gathered from, or
generated by, a temperature detector, sensor, or meter indicating
an abnormal temperature condition within the insured home. Based
upon the analysis by the smart home controller or remote processor
of the temperature data, the smart home controller or remote
processor may determine that the abnormal temperature condition
exists within the home. The smart home controller or remote
processor may then generate and transmit a corresponding wireless
communication message to an insured, family member, friend,
neighbor, or caregiver indicating that the abnormal temperature
condition exists.
[0109] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include humidity data gathered from, or
generated by, a humidity detector, sensor, or meter indicating an
abnormal humidity condition within the insured home. Based upon the
analysis by the smart home controller or remote processor of the
humidity data, the smart home controller or remote processor may
determine that the abnormal humidity condition exists within the
home. The smart home controller or remote processor may then
generate and transmit a corresponding wireless communication
message to an insured, family member, friend, neighbor, or
caregiver indicating that the abnormal humidity condition
exists.
[0110] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include moisture data gathered from, or
generated by, a moisture detector, sensor, or meter indicating an
abnormal moisture condition within the insured home. Based upon the
analysis by the smart home controller or remote processor of the
moisture data, the smart home controller or remote processor may
determine that the abnormal moisture condition exists within the
home. The smart home controller or remote processor may then
generate and transmit a corresponding wireless communication
message to an insured, family member, friend, neighbor, or
caregiver indicating that the abnormal moisture condition
exists.
[0111] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include sound data gathered from, or
generated by, a sound detector, sensor, or meter indicating an
abnormal sound condition within the insured home. Based upon the
analysis by the smart home controller or remote processor of the
sound data, the smart home controller or remote processor may
determine that the abnormal sound condition exists within the home.
The smart home controller or remote processor may then generate and
transmit a corresponding wireless communication message to an
insured, family member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver indicating
that the abnormal sound condition exists.
[0112] The gas, odor, smell, mold, temperature, humidity, moisture,
or sound data may be analyzed at or via the smart home controller
or remote processor. From the data analysis, the smart home
controller or remote processor may determine a likely cause of an
associated abnormal gas, odor, smell, mold, temperature, humidity,
moisture, or sound condition, respectively. The methods discussed
herein may include (1) directing or controlling, at or via the
smart home controller or remote processor, various smart home
equipment to mitigate the abnormal gas, odor, smell, mold,
temperature, humidity, moisture, or sound condition, respectively
(such as operating fans, or smart ventilation, air conditioning,
furnace, heating, environmental, or other smart equipment); (2)
generating an insurance claim, at or via the smart home controller
or remote processor, associated with the abnormal gas, odor, smell,
mold, temperature, humidity, moisture, or sound condition,
respectively; (3) handling or processing the insurance claim, at or
via the smart home controller or remote processor, associated with
the abnormal gas, odor, smell, mold, temperature, humidity,
moisture, or sound condition, respectively; and/or (4) updating, at
or via the smart home controller or remote processor, a premium,
rate, or discount for an insurance policy associated with, or
covering, the insured home and/or insured or occupant of the
insured home based upon the abnormal gas, odor, smell, mold,
temperature, humidity, moisture, or sound condition,
respectively.
[0113] The gas, odor, smell, mold, temperature, humidity, moisture,
or sound data may be analyzed at or via the smart home controller
or remote processor to determine a corresponding abnormal
condition, or a likely cause of the abnormal condition. For
instance, the smart home controller or remote processor may receive
gas, odor, smell, mold, temperature, humidity, moisture, or sound
data indicative of actual gas, odor, smell, mold, temperature,
humidity, moisture, or sound conditions within the insured home.
The smart home controller or remote processor may compare the gas,
odor, smell, mold, temperature, humidity, moisture, or sound data
received with expected gas, odor, smell, mold, temperature,
humidity, moisture, or sound data or conditions stored in a memory
unit, and if differences exist, the smart home controller or remote
processor may determine that a corresponding abnormal condition
exists and/or determine a cause (or potential cause) of the
corresponding abnormal condition. Additionally or alternatively,
the smart home controller or remote processor may compare the gas,
odor, smell, mold, temperature, humidity, moisture, or sound data
received with a baseline of "normal" gas, odor, smell, mold,
temperature, humidity, moisture, or sound data or conditions of the
insured home gathered over time and/or stored in a memory unit, and
if differences exist, the smart home controller or remote processor
may determine that a corresponding abnormal condition exists and/or
determine a cause (or potential cause) of the corresponding
abnormal condition.
[0114] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include data regarding the operation of a
stove or oven (e.g., temperature, time on, etc.). Based upon the
analysis by the smart home controller or remote processor of the
data, the smart home controller or remote processor may determine
that an abnormal condition exists within the home. For instance,
the smart home controller or remote processor may analyze the data
to determine that the stove or oven has been left unattended for
too long, and automatically turn off or de-energize the stove or
oven, respectively, and/or generate and transmit a corresponding
wireless communication message to the insured or a family member
indicating that the abnormal condition exists and/or that the stove
or oven has been automatically turned off.
[0115] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include data regarding running water (e.g.,
washer, tub, shower, etc.). Based upon the analysis by the smart
home controller or remote processor of the data, the smart home
controller or remote processor may determine that an abnormal
condition exists within the home. For instance, the smart home
controller or remote processor may analyze the data to determine
that the running water has been flowing for too long or left
unattended for too long, and automatically turn off or de-energize
an electrical valve (e.g., solenoid valve) or stop a source of the
flowing water, and/or generate and transmit a corresponding
wireless communication message to the insured or a family member
indicating that the abnormal condition exists and/or that the water
has been automatically turned off.
[0116] The wired or wireless communication or data transmission,
and/or data, received and/or analyzed by the smart home controller
or remote processor may include fireplace data regarding fireplace
operation (e.g., flue, duct, or damper position, chimney opening,
gas, etc.). Based upon the analysis by the smart home controller or
remote processor of the data, the smart home controller or remote
processor may determine that an abnormal condition exists within
the home. For instance, the smart home controller or remote
processor may analyze the data to determine that an abnormal
fireplace conditions exists (e.g., flue or damper in wrong
position, gas on or off, chimney plugged with debris or bird nest,
smoke is collecting on the interior of the insured home, etc.). In
response, the smart home controller or remote processor may
generate and transmit an associated alert or message, and/or
automatically direct or control (such as via wireless
communication) the operation of smart equipment to alleviate the
impact of the abnormal fireplace condition (e.g., opens, closes,
moves or changes flue or damper position; opens, closes, or
operates a gas valve; starts or operates ventilation equipment or
fans to move smoke out of the interior of the insured home;
prevents closing damper(s) until the temperature of the fireplace
has cooled down to a predetermined set point after use, etc.).
X. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
[0117] As used herein, the term "smart" may refer to devices,
sensors, or appliances located within or proximate to a property,
and with the ability to communicate information about the status of
the device, sensor, or appliance and/or receive instructions that
control the operation of the device, sensor, or appliance. In one
instance, a smart thermostat may be able to remotely communicate
the current temperature of the home and receive instructions to
adjust the temperature to a new level. In another instance, a smart
water tank may be able to remotely communicate the water level
contained therein and receive instructions to restrict the flow of
water leaving the tank. In contrast, "dumb" devices, sensors, or
appliances located within or proximate to a property require manual
control. Referring again to the thermostat embodiment, to adjust
the temperature on a "dumb" thermostat, a person would have to
manually interact with the thermostat. As such, a person is unable
to use a communication network to remotely adjust a "dumb" device,
sensor, or appliance.
[0118] A "smart device" as used herein may refer to any of a smart
device, sensor, appliance, and/or other smart equipment that may be
located (or disposed) within or proximate to a property. In
embodiments in which an appliance and a sensor external to the
particular appliance are associated with each other, "smart device"
may refer to both the external sensors and the appliance
collectively. Some exemplary devices that may be "smart devices"
are, without limitation, valves, piping, clothes washers/dryers,
dish washers, refrigerators, sprinkler systems, toilets, showers,
sinks, soil monitors, doors, locks, windows, shutters, ovens,
grills, fire places, furnaces, lighting, sump pumps, security
cameras, and alarm systems. Similarly, an individual associated
with the property shall be referred to as the "homeowner,"
"property owner," or "policyholder," but it is also envisioned that
the individual is a family member of the homeowner, a person
renting/subletting the property, a person living or working on the
property, a neighbor of the property, or any other individual that
may have an interest in preventing or mitigating damage to the
property.
[0119] Further, any reference to "home" or "property" is meant to
be exemplary and not limiting. The systems and methods described
herein may be applied to any property, such as offices, farms,
lots, parks, and/or other types of properties or buildings.
Accordingly, "homeowner" may be used interchangeably with "property
owner."
[0120] 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 mobile
device, smart home controller, or other smart devices--such as with
the customer's permission. The data collected may be related to
insured assets or individuals before (and/or after) an
insurance-related event, including those events discussed elsewhere
herein. In return, risk averse insureds, home owners, home or
apartment occupants, or care givers may receive discounts or
insurance cost savings related to life, home, renters, personal
articles, auto, and other types of insurance from the insurance
provider.
[0121] In one aspect, smart or interconnected home 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 a smart home controller, mobile device, or
other customer computing device, 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 home or apartment occupants, and/or insured
assets, such as homes, personal belongings, or vehicles.
[0122] Although the following text 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.
[0123] 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 exemplary 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.
[0124] Additionally, certain embodiments are described herein as
including logic or a number of routines, subroutines, applications,
or instructions. These may constitute either software (e.g., code
embodied on a non-transitory, 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 exemplary embodiments, one or more computer
systems (e.g., a standalone, client or server computer system) or
one or more hardware 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 hardware module
that operates to perform certain operations as described
herein.
[0125] In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented
mechanically or electronically. For instance, a hardware module may
comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently
configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific
integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A
hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry
(e.g., as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other
programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software
to perform certain operations. It will be appreciated that the
decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated
and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured
circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and
time considerations.
[0126] Accordingly, the term "hardware 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 hardware modules are temporarily
configured (e.g., programmed), each of the hardware modules need
not be configured or instantiated at any one instance in time. For
instance, where the hardware modules comprise a general-purpose
processor configured using software, the general-purpose processor
may be configured as respective different hardware modules at
different times. Software may accordingly configure a processor,
for instance, to constitute a particular hardware module at one
instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at a
different instance of time.
[0127] Hardware modules may provide information to, and receive
information from, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the
described hardware modules may be regarded as being communicatively
coupled. Where multiple of such hardware modules exist
contemporaneously, communications may be achieved through signal
transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses) that
connect the hardware modules. In embodiments in which multiple
hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times,
communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, for
instance, through the storage and retrieval of information in
memory structures to which the multiple hardware modules have
access. For instance, one hardware module may perform an operation
and store the output of that operation in a memory device to which
it is communicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then,
at a later time, access the memory device to retrieve and process
the stored output. Hardware modules may also initiate
communications with input or output devices, and may operate on a
resource (e.g., a collection of information).
[0128] The various operations of exemplary 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 exemplary embodiments, comprise processor-implemented
modules.
[0129] Similarly, the methods or routines described herein may be
at least partially processor-implemented. For instance, at least
some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or more
processors or processor-implemented hardware 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
exemplary 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.
[0130] 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 exemplary 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 exemplary embodiments, the one or more
processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed
across a number of geographic locations.
[0131] 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.
[0132] 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 is
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.
[0133] The terms "insurer," "insuring party," and "insurance
provider" are used interchangeably herein to generally refer to a
party or entity (e.g., a business or other organizational entity)
that provides insurance products, e.g., by offering and issuing
insurance policies. Typically, but not necessarily, an insurance
provider may be an insurance company.
[0134] Although the embodiments discussed herein relate to property
or care-type insurance policies, it should be appreciated that an
insurance provider may offer or provide one or more different types
of insurance policies. Other types of insurance policies may
include, for instance, condominium owner insurance, renter's
insurance, life insurance (e.g., whole-life, universal, variable,
term), health insurance, disability insurance, long-term care
insurance, annuities, business insurance (e.g., property,
liability, commercial auto, workers compensation, professional and
specialty liability, inland marine and mobile property, surety and
fidelity bonds), automobile insurance, boat insurance, insurance
for catastrophic events such as flood, fire, volcano damage and the
like, motorcycle insurance, farm and ranch insurance, personal
liability insurance, personal umbrella insurance, community
organization insurance (e.g., for associations, religious
organizations, cooperatives), personal articles, and/or other types
of insurance products. In embodiments as described herein, the
insurance providers process claims related to insurance policies
that cover one or more properties (e.g., homes, automobiles,
personal property), although processing other insurance policies is
also envisioned.
[0135] The terms "insured," "insured party," "policyholder,"
"customer," "claimant," and "potential claimant" are used
interchangeably herein to refer to a person, party, or entity
(e.g., a business or other organizational entity) that is covered
by the insurance policy, e.g., whose insured article or entity
(e.g., property, life, health, auto, home, business) is covered by
the policy. A "guarantor," as used herein, generally refers to a
person, party or entity that is responsible for payment of the
insurance premiums. The guarantor may or may not be the same party
as the insured, such as in situations when a guarantor has power of
attorney for the insured. An "annuitant," as referred to herein,
generally refers to a person, party or entity that is entitled to
receive benefits from an annuity insurance product offered by the
insuring party. The annuitant may or may not be the same party as
the guarantor.
[0136] 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
instance, 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 instance, 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).
[0137] 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.
[0138] The patent claims at the end of this patent application are
not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f) unless
traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such
as "means for" or "step for" language being explicitly recited in
the claim(s).
[0139] This detailed description is to be construed as examples 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.
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