U.S. patent application number 17/833934 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-22 for system and method for real-time screening of a disability insurance applicant.
This patent application is currently assigned to STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY. Invention is credited to Robert Benjamin, John David Diffor, David Scott Etheridge, Eloy Garcia, Jeffrey A. Newman, Randall Petersen, Jeffrey M. Prall, David A. Theile.
Application Number | 20220301070 17/833934 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006388471 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220301070 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Theile; David A. ; et
al. |
September 22, 2022 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME SCREENING OF A DISABILITY INSURANCE
APPLICANT
Abstract
A system and method for automatically screening applicants for
disability insurance in real-time, and if the results are
favorable, automatically communicating acceptances and issuing
policies via wireless communication. An applicant's BMI is
calculated, and the applicant is rejected if the BMI is too high or
low. The applicant's prescription drug history is obtained, and the
applicant is rejected if the history shows use of a drug associated
with a serious medical condition. The acceptance or rejection and a
premium for the insurance product may be set based upon the
real-time screening results and communicated to the applicant.
Additionally, an occupation class assigned to the applicant may be
confirmed, a motor vehicle report for the applicant may be
obtained, and an insurance information report for the applicant may
be obtained. If the applicant is rejected, they may be allowed to
apply for the insurance product using an alternate non-real-time
process.
Inventors: |
Theile; David A.;
(Bloomington, IL) ; Diffor; John David;
(Bloomington, IL) ; Etheridge; David Scott;
(Bloomington, IL) ; Garcia; Eloy; (Bloomington,
IL) ; Prall; Jeffrey M.; (Normal, IL) ;
Newman; Jeffrey A.; (Bloomington, IL) ; Benjamin;
Robert; (Normal, IL) ; Petersen; Randall;
(Normal, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY |
Bloomington |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE
INSURANCE COMPANY
BLOOMINGTON
IL
|
Family ID: |
1000006388471 |
Appl. No.: |
17/833934 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16924317 |
Jul 9, 2020 |
11379923 |
|
|
17833934 |
|
|
|
|
15479980 |
Apr 5, 2017 |
|
|
|
16924317 |
|
|
|
|
62327491 |
Apr 26, 2016 |
|
|
|
62347158 |
Jun 8, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/08 20060101
G06Q040/08 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for real-time processing of a
request for a product by an electronic processing element,
comprising: receiving, via a network, information about an
individual associated with, the request including a prescription
drug history; automatically calculating a body mass index of the
individual based upon the information; automatically rejecting the
request if either the body mass index is outside a range or the
prescription drug history shows that the individual uses one or
more specific drugs; and automatically transmitting a real-time
acceptance or rejection of the request to a mobile device of the
individual over the network via a transceiver in communication with
the electronic processing element.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the product
is disability insurance.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the one or
more specific drugs includes drugs used to treat serious medical
conditions.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further including
the electronic processing element confirming an occupation class
assigned to the individual based upon an occupation of the
individual, and basing a price for the product at least in part
upon the confirmed assigned occupation class.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further including
the electronic processing element obtaining a motor vehicle report
for the individual, and automatically rejecting the request if the
motor vehicle report for the individual shows that the individual
engages in one or more specific unsafe driving behaviors.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further including
the electronic processing element obtaining income and/or tax
information for the individual, and considering the income and/or
tax information when accepting or rejecting the request and/or
setting a price for the product.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein if the
request is rejected, further including allowing the individual to
request the product using an alternate non-real-time process.
8. A system for real-time processing of a request for a product
comprising: a transceiver coupled to a network; and an electronic
processing element coupled to the transceiver and configured
to--receive, via the transceiver, information about an individual
associated with the request including a prescription drug history;
automatically calculate a body mass index of the individual based
upon the information; automatically reject the request if either
the body mass index is outside a range or the prescription drug
history shows that the individual uses one or more specific drugs;
and automatically transmit a real-time acceptance or rejection of
the request to the individual over the network via the
transceiver.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the real-time acceptance or
rejection of the request is automatically transmitted to a mobile
device of the individual.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the product is disability
insurance.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more specific drugs
includes drugs used to treat serious medical conditions.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the electronic processing
element is further configured to confirm an occupation class
assigned to the individual based upon an occupation of the
individual, and to base a price for the product at least in part
upon the confirmed assigned occupation class.
13. The system of claim 8, further including the electronic
processing element obtaining income and/or tax information for the
individual, and considering the income and/or tax information when
accepting or rejecting the request, and/or setting a price for the
product.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein if the request is rejected, the
individual is allowed to request the product using an alternate
non-real-time process.
15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium with a
computer program stored thereon for real-time processing of a
request for a product wherein the computer program is configured to
instruct an electronic processing element to perform actions
comprising: receiving, via a network, information about an
individual associated with the request including a prescription
drug history; automatically calculating a body mass index of the
individual based upon the information; automatically rejecting the
request, if either the body mass index is outside a range or the
prescription drug history shows that the individual uses one or
more specific drugs; and automatically transmitting a real-time
acceptance or rejection of the request to a mobile device of the
individual over the network via a transceiver in communication with
the electronic processing element.
16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
15, wherein the product is disability insurance.
17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
15, wherein the one or more specific drugs includes drugs used to
treat serious medical conditions.
18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
15, further including the electronic processing element confirming
an occupation class assigned to the individual based upon an
occupation of the individual, and basing a price for the product at
least in part upon the confirmed assigned occupation class.
19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
15, further including the electronic processing element obtaining
income and/or tax information for individual, and considering the
income and/or tax information when accepting or rejecting the
request and/or setting a price for the product.
20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
15, wherein if the request is rejected, further including allowing
the individual to request the product using an alternate
non-real-time process.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present U.S. non-provisional patent application is a
continuation of and claims priority benefit of U.S. non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 16/924,317, filed Jul. 9, 2020, which
is a continuation of and claims priority benefit of U.S.
non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/479,980, filed Apr.
5, 2017, which is related to and claims priority benefit of
prior-filed U.S. provisional patent applications having the same
title, Ser. No. 62/327,491, filed Apr. 26, 2016, and Ser. No.
621347,158, filed Jun. 8, 2016. The entire contents of the
identified earlier-filed applications are hereby incorporated by
reference into the present application as if fully set forth
herein.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and
methods for facilitating screening of applicants for disability
insurance, and more particularly, to a system and
computer-implemented method for automatically screening applicants
for disability insurance in real-time, and if the results are
favorable, automatically communicating acceptances and issuing
policies.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many people desire to purchase disability insurance in order
to ensure that their monthly financial obligations (especially with
regard to, e.g., housing and vehicles payments) will be met if they
become disabled and suffer a loss of income. According to one
estimate, 26% of people own disability insurance, and 90% of them
are between the ages of 25 and 64 years. Applicants for disability
insurance may be employed in blue or white collar occupations, and
may seek short-term or long-term coverage. However, existing
processes for screening applicants for disability insurance and
making coverage decisions may be cumbersome, especially for
applicants with no or few risk factors for rejection but whose
applications may be nevertheless subjected to full underwriting to
assess their suitability. Further, existing processes may require
insurance agents to classify the occupations of applicants, and
mistakes may be made in such classifications that may delay
coverage decisions and/or may result in incorrect acceptance or
non-acceptance.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present technology relate to systems and
computer-implemented methods for automatically screening applicants
for disability insurance in real-time, and if the results are
favorable, automatically communicating acceptances and issuing
policies.
[0005] In a first aspect, a computer-implemented method may be
provided for real-time screening of an applicant for an insurance
product. The computer-implemented method may include at least the
following performed by an electronic processing element. A
plurality of application answers may be received from the applicant
via an electronic communications network. The application answers
may include a height of the applicant, a weight of the applicant,
an identifier for the applicant, and/or an occupation of the
applicant. A body mass index number of the applicant may be
calculated based upon the height of the applicant and the weight of
the applicant, and the applicant may be rejected if their body mass
index is below a minimum or above a maximum threshold. A
prescription drug history of the applicant may be obtained based
upon the identifier for the applicant, and the applicant may be
rejected if the prescription drug history shows that the applicant
uses one or more of specific drugs. The applicant may be accepted
or rejected and a premium for the insurance product may be set
based upon the real-time screening results, and the acceptance and
the premium or the rejection may be communicated to the applicant
via the electronic communications network. As a result, an instant
answer and/or online binding disability product (i.e., a product
that is bound online via virtual activity) may be provided to
online customers, and/or the online customer experience may be
enhanced. The method may include additional, less, or alternate
actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein, and may be
implemented via one or more local or remote processors and/or
transceivers, and/or computer-executable instructions stored on
non-transitory computer-readable medium or media.
[0006] In a second aspect, a computer system may be provided for
real-time screening of an applicant for an insurance product. The
system may comprise an electronic communications element configured
to communicate via an electronic communications network, and an
electronic processing element configured to perform at least the
following. A plurality of application answers may be received from
the applicant via the electronic communications element. The
application answers may include a height of the applicant, a weight
of the applicant, an identifier for the applicant, and/or an
occupation of the applicant. A body mass index number of the
applicant may be calculated based upon the height of the applicant
and the weight of the applicant, and the applicant may be rejected
if their body mass index is below a minimum or above a maximum
threshold. A prescription drug history of the applicant may be
obtained based upon the identifier for the applicant, and the
applicant may be rejected if the prescription drug history shows
that the applicant uses one or more specific drugs. The applicant
may be accepted or rejected and a premium for the insurance product
may be set based upon the real-time screening results, and the
acceptance and the premium or the rejection may be communicated to
the applicant via the electronic communications element. As a
result, an online applicant may be provided with a disability
insurance product that is bound online, and the online customer
experience may be enhanced. The computer system may be implemented
one or more local or remote processors, transceivers, servers,
and/or sensors, and may include additional, less, or alternate
functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.
[0007] In a third aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium
with an executable program stored thereon may be provided for
real-time screening of an applicant for an insurance product. The
computer program may be configured to instruct an electronic
processing element to perform at least the following actions. A
plurality of application answers from the applicant may be received
via an electronic communications network. The application answers
may include a height of the applicant, a weight of the applicant,
an identifier for the applicant, and/or an occupation of the
applicant. A body mass index number of the applicant may be
calculated based upon the height of the applicant and the weight of
the applicant, and the applicant may be rejected if their body mass
index is below a minimum or above a maximum threshold. A
prescription drug history of the applicant may be obtained based
upon the identifier for the applicant, and the applicant may be
rejected if the prescription drug history shows that the applicant
uses one or more specific drugs. The applicant may be accepted or
rejected a premium for the insurance product may be set based upon
the real-time screening results, and, the acceptance and the
premium or the rejection may be communicated to the applicant via
the electronic communications network. As a result, instant answer
disability insurance products may be provided with immediate online
binding. The computer-executable instructions may direct one or
more processors to perform additional, less, or alternate
functionality or actions, including those discussed elsewhere
herein.
[0008] Various implementations of any or all of the foregoing
aspects may include any one or more of the following additional
features. The insurance product may be disability insurance. The
plurality of specific drugs may include drugs used to treat serious
medical conditions. The electronic processing element may confirm
an occupation class assigned to the applicant based upon the
occupation of the applicant, and may base the premium for the
insurance product at least in part on the confirmed assigned
occupation class. The electronic processing element may further
obtain a motor vehicle report for the applicant based upon the
identifier for the applicant, and may reject the applicant for the
insurance product if the motor vehicle report shows that the
applicant engages in one or more specific unsafe driving behaviors.
The electronic processing element may further obtain an insurance
information report for the applicant based upon the identifier for
the applicant. This report may contain information on non-medical
and medical conditions reported by other members who participate in
the insurance information report, which may impact processing of
the present products. In one embodiment, a short-term disability
product may be provided. Tools use to assess the risk on the
short-term disability insurance may include consumer reports or
other consumer database information that helps to mitigate
anti-selection.
[0009] Advantages of these and other embodiments will become more
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description
of the exemplary embodiments which have been shown and described by
way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments
described herein 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
[0010] 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. The present embodiments are not
limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in
the Figures.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a depiction of an embodiment of an exemplary
system for real-time screening of an applicant for an insurance
product, wherein the system is shown in an exemplary operational
environment;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a
computer-implemented method for real-time screening of an applicant
for an insurance product; and
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary first
implementation of the system and method for real-time screening of
an applicant for an, insurance product.
[0014] The Figures depict exemplary 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
[0015] The present embodiments may relate to, infer alia, systems
and methods for facilitating real-time screening of applicants for
disability insurance, and more particularly, to a system and
computer-implemented method for automatically screening applicants
for disability insurance in real-time, and if the results are
favorable, automatically communicating acceptances and issuing
policies.
[0016] Certain embodiments may involve receiving an application for
disability insurance from an applicant (such as an online or
virtual application submitted via an applicant mobile device);
automatically or substantially automatically (i.e., processor
driven with minimal human interaction) checking one or more
particular items which may otherwise not be considered or which may
be incorrectly completed; and automatically or substantially
automatically making a decision about whether to provide coverage.
The one or more particular items which may otherwise not be
considered may include a height and/or weight of the applicant, a
behavioral inventory and/or medical history of the applicant,
and/or a prescription drug usage history of the applicant, and the
one or more particular items which may otherwise be incorrectly
completed may include a classification of an occupation of the
applicant. If the results of the real-time screening process are
favorable, then the applicant may be immediately or substantially
immediately (i.e., with minimal delay) notified of acceptance and a
policy may be automatically or substantially automatically issued
and mailed or otherwise communicated to the applicant.
[0017] In one implementation, the decision to accept the applicant
and the notification of acceptance may be made automatically or
substantially automatically by a system and without the involvement
of human beings. The decision to accept may be made locally by an
applicant mobile device (such as a mobile device running an
insurance provider App (application)), or remotely by a remote
server associated with the insurance provider (such as after the
applicant completes an online or virtual application, and submits
it electronically via an applicant mobile device. The online
application being transmitted by the mobile device, and then
received at an insurance provider remote server via wireless
communication or data transmission over one or more radio links or
communication channels).
[0018] If the results of the real-time screening process are
indeterminate or unfavorable (e.g., if the body mass index (BMI) of
the applicant is below a minimum threshold or above a maximum
threshold, or if the applicant is using a certain prescription drug
for a serious health condition), then the applicant may be
immediately or substantially immediately notified of a delay, and
the application may be subjected to additional consideration which
may include additional or full underwriting, or the applicant may
be notified of non-acceptance.
[0019] In one implementation, the prescription drug usage history
of applicants may be obtained from a third-party information
service which tracks the issuance and/or filling of prescriptions.
The usage of certain prescription drugs, such as antibiotics or
cholesterol-lowering drugs, may not result in non-acceptance, while
the usage of other prescription drugs, such as human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs or congestive heart failure
drugs, may result in non-acceptance. Even if the applicant is asked
to identify any prescription drugs they may be using, the
third-party information service may still be queried to check the
completeness and veracity of the information provided by the
applicant.
[0020] The occupations of applicants may be numerically classified
based upon risk from the perspective of disability insurance.
Certain professions (e.g., manual laborer) with a higher risk of
disability may be rejected or may be charged a higher premium or
may be subject to certain limitations, while other professions
(e.g., business person) with a lower risk of disability may not be.
Typically, insurance agents classify the occupations of
applications, but they sometimes make mistakes. In one
implementation of the present invention, the accuracy of the
agents' classifications may be automatically or substantially
automatically checked to ensure correctness.
[0021] Thus, in an exemplary implementation, an applicant may
submit an application for disability insurance, The application may
be automatically or substantially automatically checked in
real-time to determine that the height and weight of the applicant
are within specified ranges, to determine that the applicant is not
taking certain prescription drugs, to determine that certain other
questions regarding any current behaviors or illnesses of the
applicant are answered favorably, and/or to check the
classification of the occupation of the applicant. If these
automatically or substantially automatically performed checks are
all favorable, then the applicant may be notified of acceptance and
a policy may be mailed or otherwise communicated (text, email,
etc.) to the applicant shortly (e.g., within a few days) or even
immediately or substantially immediately.
[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the real-time screening
process may further include automatically or substantially
automatically obtaining and considering a motor vehicle report
detailing motor vehicle violations associated with the applicant.
In particular, the application may be rejected if the applicant
engages in one or more specific unsafe driving behaviors (e.g.,
speeding, reckless driving, running red lights or stop signs). The
motor vehicle report may be obtained from the state in which the
applicant resides or from a third-party information service.
[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the real-time screening
process may further include automatically or substantially
automatically obtaining and, considering an insurance report
detailing any insurances (e.g., health, life, disability) applied
for by the applicant The insurance report may be obtained from a
third-party information service.
[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the real-time screening
process may further include automatically or substantially
automatically obtaining and considering income and/or tax
information associated with the applicant and considering the
income and/or tax information when accepting or rejecting the
applicant for the insurance product and/or setting the premium.
This may be provided in the form of, e.g., a W2 and/or tax
return.
[0025] Broadly, the application for disability insurance may be
completed in electronic form or may be completed in pen-and-paper
form and then scanned and electronically transmitted via an
electronic communications network to the insurance provider. The
disability insurance may be bundled with other insurance and
financial products or services. For instance, the disability
insurance may be directed to any one or more of mortgage, rent, or
credit disability, and may include or be associated with any one or
more of disability, health, auto, fire, life, renters, homeowners,
or personal insurance, and/or other insurance or financial services
or products.
[0026] Thus, it will be appreciated that the various embodiments
and implementations may provide several advantages over existing
processes for applying for disability insurance, including making
the process quicker and more efficient, especially for applicants
with no or few risk factors for rejection but whose applications
are nevertheless typically subjected to full underwriting to assess
their suitability. Further, the various embodiments and
implementations may check certain information, such as agents'
classifications of applicants' occupations, which may reduce delays
in making coverage decisions and reduce risks of making incorrect
acceptances and non-acceptances.
I. Exemplary System
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a computer
system 10 is shown for facilitating real-time screening of
applicants for disability insurance. The system 10 may include an
insurance provider 12 having computing resources 14, which may
include an electronic memory element 16, an electronic processing
element 18, and/or an electronic communications element 20. An
exemplary environment in which the system 10 may operate may
include an electronic communications network 24, one or more
third-party information providers 26, and various electronic
devices 28 with which the applicants for disability insurance may
contact the insurance provider 12 via the electronic communications
network 24.
[0028] The electronic memory element 16 may be configured to store
electronic data, including data relevant to the applications for
disability insurance. The memory element 16 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. The
electronic processing element 18 may be configured to execute a
computer program, which may involve accessing data stored on the
electronic memory element 16 and/or engaging in communication via
the electronic communications element 20 in order to screen and/or
otherwise process the applications for disability insurance. The
electronic communications element 20 may be configured to
communicate data relevant to the applications for disability
insurance via the electronic communications network 24. The
electronic communications element 20 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.
[0029] The electronic communications network 24 may facilitate
substantially any type of data communications via any standard or
technology (e.g., GSM, CDMA, TDMA, WCDMA, LTE, EDGE, OFDM, GPRS,
EV-DO, UWB, WiFi, IEEE 802 including Ethernet, WiMAX, and/or
others). The electronic communications network 24 may also support
various local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PAN),
or short range communications protocols.
[0030] The one or more third-patty information providers 26 may
collect, store in one or more databases 32, and provide information
to, e.g, the insurance provider 12 relevant to screening the
applications for disability insurance. The third-party information
providers and the information they provide may include a medical
information service providing medical history and/or prescription
drug usage information, a motor vehicle information service
providing motor vehicle usage and/or violation information, and/or
an insurance information service providing information regarding
non-medical and medical conditions reported by other members who
participate in the insurance information report.
[0031] The various electronic devices 28 with which the applicants
for disability insurance may contact the insurance provider 12 via
the electronic communications network 24 may include desktop and/or
other non-mobile computers, laptop, notebook, and/or other mobile
computers, and/or smartphones and/or substantially any other mobile
communications devices suitable for this purpose.
[0032] Referring also to FIG. 2, the exemplary computer system 10
may function as follows. An application for disability insurance
may be received from an applicant via the electronic communications
element 20 and stored in the electronic memory element 16, as shown
in 112. The applicant may be requested to answer several "kick out"
questions related to medical conditions, such as questions related
to cancer, diabetes, liver disease, heart or vascular conditions,
lung or respiratory conditions, nervous system conditions, and/or
psychological mental conditions. The online or virtual application
may be completed on one of the various electronic devices 28, and
may include information from the applicant that, is relevant to
determining whether to accept the application and issue a policy
for disability insurance. The information may include a height of
the applicant, a weight of the applicant. an identifier for the
applicant, an occupation of the applicant, and/or other applicant
information.
[0033] A BMI number for the applicant may be calculated by the
processing element 18 based upon the height and weight of the
applicant, as shown in 114, and the applicant may be rejected for
the insurance product if the BMI of the applicant is below a
minimum threshold or above a maximum threshold, as shown in 116.
Additional information relevant to accepting or rejecting the
application for disability insurance may be obtained from the one
or more third-pally information providers 26 based upon the
identifier for the applicant, as shown in 118, and the applicant
may be rejected for the insurance product if the information is not
acceptable, as shown in 120. Further, an occupation class may be
assigned to the applicant based upon the occupation of the
applicant may be confirmed by the electronic processing element 18.
as shown in 122, and a premium may be determined by the electronic
processing element 18 for the insurance product based upon the
assigned and confirmed occupation class, as shown in 124.
[0034] The applicant may be accepted or rejected for the insurance
product and the premium for the insurance product may be set based
upon the real-time screening results, and the acceptance and the
premium or the rejection may be communicated to the applicant via
the electronic communications element 20 via the electronic
communications network 24 or mailed, as shown in 126. If the
applicant is rejected for the insurance product, then the applicant
may be allowed to apply for the insurance product using an
alternate non-real-time process involving more comprehensive
underwriting, as shown in 128.
[0035] The system 10 may include more, fewer, or alternative
components and/or perform more, fewer, or alternative actions,
including those discussed elsewhere herein, and particularly those
discussed in the following section describing the
computer-implemented method.
II. Exemplary Computer-Implemented Method
[0036] Referring again to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of
computer-implemented method 110 is shown for facilitating real-time
screening of applicants for disability insurance. The
computer-implemented method 110 may be a corollary to the
functionality of the system 10 of FIG. 1, and may be similarly
implemented using the various components of the system 10 within
the above-described exemplary operating environment. Broadly, the
method 110 may proceed as follows. An online or virtual application
for disability insurance may be received from an applicant via the
electronic communications element 20 and stored in the electronic
memory element 16,as shown in 112. The application may be completed
on one of the various electronic devices 28, and may include
information from the applicant that is relevant to determining
whether to accept the application and issue a policy for disability
insurance. The information may include a height of the applicant, a
weight of the applicant, an identifier for the applicant (e.g.,
name, social security number, customer number), and an occupation
of the applicant.
[0037] A BINH number for the applicant may be calculated by the
processing element 18 based upon the height and weight of the
applicant, as shown in 114. The applicant may be rejected for the
insurance product if the BMI of the applicant is below a minimum
threshold or above a maximum threshold, as shown in 116, or
accepted if BMI is within a predetermined or other range.
[0038] Information relevant to accepting or rejecting the
application for disability insurance may be obtained from the one
or more third-party information providers 26 based upon the
identifier for the applicant, as shown in 118, and the applicant
may be rejected for the insurance product if the information is not
acceptable (or accepted if the information is acceptable), as shown
in 120. For example, a prescription drug history of the applicant
may be obtained from the one or more third-party information
providers 26 based upon the identifier for the applicant, and the
applicant may be rejected for the insurance product if the
prescription drug history of the applicant shows that the applicant
uses one or more specific drugs. These drugs may include those used
to treat serious medical conditions, which might include drugs used
to treat HIV or congestive heart failure.
[0039] Additionally or alternatively, a motor vehicle report for
the applicant may be obtained from the one or more third-party
information providers 26 based upon the identifier for the
applicant, and the applicant may be rejected for the insurance
product if the motor vehicle report for the applicant shows that
the applicant engages in unsafe or otherwise problematic driving
behavior. Additionally or alternatively, an insurance information
report for the applicant may be obtained based upon the identifier
for the applicant that provides information regarding non-medical
and medical conditions reported by other members who participate in
the insurance information report.
[0040] Further. an occupation class assigned to the applicant based
upon the occupation of the applicant may be confirmed by the
electronic processing element 18, as shown in 122, and a premium
may be determined by the electronic processing element 18 for the
insurance product, based upon the assigned and confirmed occupation
class, as shown in 124.
[0041] The applicant may be accepted or rejected for the insurance
product and the premium for the insurance product may be set based
upon the real-time screening results, and the acceptance and the
premium or the rejection may be communicated to the applicant via
the electronic communications element 20 via the electronic
communications network 24 or by mail, as shown in 126. If the
applicant is rejected for the insurance product by the real-time
screening process, then the applicant may be allowed to apply for
the insurance product using an alternate non-real-time process
involving more comprehensive underwriting, as shown in 128. The
computer-implemented method may include more, fewer, or alternative
actions, including those, discussed elsewhere herein.
III. Exemplary Computer-Readable Medium
[0042] Referring again to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a
non-transitory computer-readable medium with an executable computer
program stored thereon is shown for facilitating real-time
screening of applicants for disability insurance. The
non-transitory computer-readable medium with the executable
computer program stored thereon may make use of the various
components of the system 10 within the above-described exemplary
operating environment. The executable program may broadly instruct
the various components of the system 10 to perform the method 110
as follows.
[0043] An application for disability insurance may be received from
an applicant via the electronic communications element 20 and
stored in the electronic memory element 16, as shown in 112. The
application may be completed on one of the various electronic
devices 28, and may include information from the applicant that is
relevant to determining whether to accept the application and issue
a policy for disability insurance. The information may include a
height of the applicant, a weight of the applicant, an identifier
for the applicant, and/or an occupation of the applicant.
[0044] A BMI number for the applicant may be calculated by the
processing element 18 based upon the height and weight of the
applicant, as shown in 114, and the applicant may be rejected for
the insurance product if the BMI of the applicant is below a
minimum threshold or above a maximum threshold, as shown in
116.
[0045] Information relevant to accepting or rejecting the
application for disability insurance may be obtained from the one
or more third-party information providers 26 based upon the
identifier for the applicant, as shown in 118, and the applicant
may be rejected for the insurance product if the information is not
acceptable, as shown in 120. An occupation class assigned to the
applicant based upon the occupation of the applicant may be
confirmed by the electronic processing element 18, as shown in 122,
and a premium may be determined by the electronic processing
element 18 for the insurance product based upon the assigned and
confirmed occupation class, as shown in 124.
[0046] The applicant may be accepted or rejected for the insurance
product and the premium for the insurance product may be set based
upon the real-time screening results, and the acceptance and the
premium or the rejection may be communicated to the applicant via
the electronic communications element 20 via the electronic
communications network 24 or by mail, as shown in 126. If the
applicant is rejected for the insurance product by the real-time
screening process, then the applicant may be allowed to apply for
the insurance product using an alternate non-real-time process
involving more comprehensive underwriting, as shown in 128.
[0047] The executable program stored on the non-transitory
computer-readable medium may instruct the system to perform more,
fewer, or alternative actions, including those discussed elsewhere
herein, and particularly those discussed in the section describing
the computer-implemented method.
IV. Exemplary Implementation
[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary implementation of the
foregoing embodiments for facilitating real-time screening of
applicants for disability insurance may proceed substantially as
follows. An online or virtual application for disability insurance
may be received from an applicant via the electronic communications
element 20 and stored in the electronic memory element 16, as shown
in 212. The application may be completed on one of the various
electronic devices 28, and may include information from the
applicant that is relevant to determining whether to accept the
application and issue a policy for disability insurance. The
information may include a height of the applicant (shown in 214), a
weight of the applicant (shown in 214), an identifier for the
applicant (e.g., name, social security number, customer number)
(shown in 216), an occupation of the applicant (shown in 218),
and/or other applicant information.
[0049] A BMI number for the applicant may be calculated by the
processing element 18 based upon the height and weight of the
applicant, as shown in 220, and the applicant may be rejected for
the insurance product (or "kicked out" of the online flow) if the
BMI of the applicant is below a minimum threshold or above a
maximum threshold (or allowed to continue within the flow if BMI is
within a predetermined range).
[0050] Information relevant to accepting or rejecting the
application for disability insurance may be obtained from the one
or more third-party information providers 26 based upon the
identifier for the applicant, as shown in 222, and the applicant
may be rejected for the insurance product (or "kicked out" of the
flow) if the information is not acceptable. For example, a
prescription drug history of the applicant may be obtained from the
one or more third-party information providers 26 based upon the
identifier for the applicant, and the applicant may be rejected for
the insurance product if the prescription drug history of the
applicant shows that the applicant uses one or more specific drugs.
These drugs may include those used to treat serious medical
conditions, which might include drugs used to treat HIV or
congestive heart failure.
[0051] The applicant may be accepted or rejected for the insurance
product and the premium for the insurance product may be set based
upon the real-time screening results, and the acceptance and the
premium or the rejection may be communicated to the applicant via
the electronic communications element 20 via the electronic
communications network 24 (such as via wireless communication or
data transmission with an applicant mobile device over one or more
radio links or wireless communication channels) or by mail, as
shown in 224. If the applicant is rejected for the insurance
product by the real-time screening process, then the applicant may
be allowed to apply for the insurance product using an alternate
non-real-time process involving more comprehensive underwriting.
Additional exemplary implementations may include more, fewer, or
alternative actions, including those discussed elsewhere
herein.
V. Exemplary Embodiments
[0052] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for real-time
screening of an applicant for disability insurance may be provided.
The computer-implemented method may include: (1) receiving. via one
or more processors and/or transceivers, a virtual or online
application for disability insurance from a user mobile device (via
wireless communication or data transmission over one or more radio
links or wireless communication channels or networks), the virtual
or online application including answers to multiple kick out
questions, and an identifier for the applicant; (2) determining,
via the one or more processors, whether or not the applicant's
answers satisfy all of the multiple kick out questions; (3) if not,
via the one or more processors and/or transceivers, transmitting a
notification to the applicant's mobile device (via wireless
communication or data transmission over one or more radio links or
wireless communication channels or networks) notifying the
applicant that online acceptance or binding cannot be completed
presently; (4) alternately, if so, via the one or more processors
and/or transceivers, electronically verifying prescription drug use
for the applicant matches prescription drug use stated in their
online or virtual application; (5) if so (i.e., if stated
prescription drug use is verified, and there are no problematic or
"kick out" prescription drugs being used by the applicant), then
generating, via the one or more processors, an electronic message
detailing disability insurance for the applicant; and/or (6)
transmitting, via the one or more processors and/or transceivers,
the electronic message to the applicant's mobile device (via
wireless communication or data transmission over one or more radio
links or wireless communication channels or networks) for their
review and approval, and to facilitate providing binding disability
insurance via an online customer channel to enhance the online
customer experience.
[0053] The multiple kick out questions may relate to acquiring
occupation information, and the method includes determining whether
or not the applicant has an acceptable occupation or job, or an
occupation that requires further inquiry. The multiple kick out
questions may relate to acquiring height and weight information,
and the method comprises determining whether or not the applicant
has an acceptable body mass index (BMI), or a BMI that requires
further inquiry. The multiple kick out questions may relate to
acquiring disease information, and the method comprises determining
whether or not the applicant has an acceptable disease, or a
disease that requires further inquiry. The multiple kick out
questions may relate to acquiring life style information, and the
method comprises determining whether or not the applicant has an
acceptable life style or a life style that contains no dangerous
activities (e.g., downhill skiing, sky diving, scuba diving, etc.),
or a life style that requires further inquiry.
[0054] The disability insurance may include a low amount of
insurance (e.g., less than $3,000), and is bound online. The
disability insurance may be for a limited amount of time (e.g.,
less than 3 or 6 months), and is bound online.
[0055] in another aspect, a computer-implemented method for
real-time screening of an applicant for disability insurance may be
provided. The computer-implemented method may include (1)
receiving, via one or more processors and/or transceivers, a
virtual or online application for disability insurance from a user
mobile device (via wireless communication or data transmission over
one or more radio links or wireless communication channels or
networks), the virtual or online application including answers to
multiple kick out questions, and an identifier for the applicant;
(2) determining, via the one or more processors, whether or not the
applicant's answers satisfy all of the multiple kick out questions;
(3) if not, via the one or more processors and/or transceivers,
transmitting a notification to the applicant's mobile device (via
wireless communication or data transmission over one or more radio
links or wireless communication channels or networks) notifying the
applicant that online acceptance or binding cannot be completed
presently; (4) alternately, if so, via the one or more processors
and/or transceivers, electronically verifying the prescription
drugs stated in the online or virtual application as being used by
the applicant (if any) match (or otherwise only include)
pre-approved prescription drugs; (5) if so (i.e., if there are no
problematic or "kick out" prescription drugs being used by the
applicant), then generating, via the one or more processors, an
electronic message detailing disability insurance for the applicant
(and/or generating an appropriate insurance based upon the answers
to one or more of the multiple kick out questions); and/or (6)
transmitting, via the one or more processors and/or transceivers,
the electronic message to the applicant's mobile device (via
wireless communication or data transmission over one or more radio
links or wireless communication channels or networks) for the
applicant's review and approval, and to facilitate providing
binding disability insurance via an online customer channel to
enhance the online customer experience.
[0056] In another aspect, a computer system configured to perform
real-time screening of an applicant for disability insurance may be
provided. The computer system may include one or more processors,
transceivers, sensors, and/or servers configured to: (1) receive a
virtual or online application for disability insurance from a user
mobile device (via wireless communication or data transmission over
one or more radio links or wireless communication channels or
networks). the virtual or online application including answers to
multiple kick out questions, and an identifier for the applicant;
(2) determine whether or not the applicant's answers satisfy all of
the multiple kick out questions; (3) if not, generate and transmit
an electronic notification to the applicant's mobile device (via
wireless communication or data transmission over one or more radio
links or wireless communication channels or networks) notifying the
applicant that online acceptance or binding cannot be completed
presently; (4) alternately, if so, electronically verifying
prescription drug use for the applicant matches prescription drug
use stated in their online or virtual application; (5) if so (i.e.,
if stated prescription drug use is verified, and there are no
problematic or "kick out" prescription drugs being used by the
applicant), then generate an electronic message detailing
disability insurance for the applicant; and/or (6) transmit the
electronic message to the applicant's mobile device (via wireless
communication or data transmission over one or more radio links or
wireless communication channels or networks) for their review and
approval, and to facilitate providing binding disability insurance
via an online customer channel to enhance the online customer
experience.
[0057] In another aspect, a computer system configured to perform
real-time screening of an applicant for disability insurance, the
computer system comprising one or more processors, sensors,
servers, and/or transceivers configured to: (1) receive a virtual
or online application for disability insurance from a user mobile
device (via wireless communication or data transmission over one or
more radio links or wireless communication channels or networks),
the virtual or online application including answers to multiple
kick out questions, and an identifier for the applicant; (2)
determine whether or not the applicant's answers satisfy all of the
multiple kick out questions; (3) if not, the generating and
transmitting an electronic notification to the applicant's mobile
device (via wireless communication or data transmission over one or
more radio links or wireless communication channels or networks)
notifying the applicant that online acceptance or binding cannot be
completed presently; (4) alternately, if so, electronically
verifying the prescription drugs stated in the online or virtual
application as being used by the applicant (if any) match (or
otherwise only include) pre-approved prescription drugs; (5) if so
(i.e., if there are no problematic or "kick out" prescription drugs
being used by the applicant), then generating an electronic message
detailing disability insurance for the applicant (and/or generating
an appropriate insurance based upon the answers to one or more of
the multiple kick out questions); and/or (6) transmitting the
electronic message to the applicant's mobile device (via wireless
communication or data transmission over one or more radio links or
wireless communication channels or networks) for the applicant's
review and approval, and to facilitate providing binding disability
insurance via an online customer channel to enhance the online
customer experience.
[0058] The foregoing methods may include additional, less, or
alternate actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein. The
foregoing methods may be implemented via one or more local or
remote processors, servers, sensors, and/or transceivers, and/or
implemented via computer-executable instructions stored on
non-transitory computer-readable media or medium. And the foregoing
computer systems may include additional, less, or alternate
functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.
VI. Additional Considerations
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented
mechanically or electronically. For example, 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.
[0062] 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
example, 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 example, to constitute a particular hardware module at one
instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at a
different instance of time.
[0063] 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
example, through the storage and retrieval of information in memory
structures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. For
example, 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).
[0064] 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.
[0065] Similarly, the methods or routines described herein may be
at least partially processor implemented. For example. at least
some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or more
processors or processor-implemented hardware modules. The
performance of certain 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.
[0066] The performance of certain 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.
[0067] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `______` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a
similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that
term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or
ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be
limited in scope based upon any statement made in any section of
this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent
that any term recited in the claims at the end of this disclosure
is referred to in this disclosure in a manner consistent with a
single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not
confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be
limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning.
Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word
"means" and a function without the recital of any structure, it is
not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted
based upon the application of 35 U.S.C, .sctn. 112, sixth
paragraph.
[0068] The term "insurance policy," as used herein, generally
refers to a contract between an insurer and an insured. In exchange
for payments from the insured, the insurer pays for damages to the
insured which are caused by covered perils, acts or events as
specified by the language of the insurance policy. The payments
from the insured are generally referred to as "premiums,"and
typically are paid on behalf of the insured upon purchase of the
insurance policy or over time at periodic intervals. The amount of
the damages payment is generally referred to as a "coverage amount"
or a "benefit amount" of the insurance policy. An insurance policy
may remain (or have a status or state of) "in-force" while premium
payments are made during the term or length of coverage of the
policy as indicated in the policy. An insurance policy may "lapse"
(or have a status or state of "lapsed"), for example, when the
parameters of the insurance policy have expired, when premium
payments are not being paid, or if the insured or the insurer
cancels the policy.
[0069] 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.
[0070] Although the embodiments discussed herein relate to property
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 example, homeowners insurance; 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); boat insurance; insurance for catastrophic events
such as flood, fire, volcano damage and the like; motorcycle
insurance; farm and ranch insurance; pert insurance, personal
article insurance; personal liability insurance; personal umbrella
insurance; community organization insurance (e.g., for
associations, religious organizations, cooperatives); and 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 articles), although processing other
insurance policies is also envisioned.
[0071] The terms "insured," "insured party," "policyholder,"
"customer," "claimant," and "potential claimant" may be 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.
[0072] Typically, a person or customer (or an agent of the person
or customer) of an insurance provider fills out an application for
an insurance policy. In some cases, the data for an application may
be automatically determined or already associated with a potential
customer. The application may undergo underwriting to assess the
eligibility of the party and/or desired insured article or entity
to be covered by the insurance policy, and, in some cases, to
determine any specific terms or conditions that are to be
associated with the insurance policy, e.g., amount of the premium,
riders or exclusions, waivers, and the like. Upon approval by
underwriting, acceptance of the applicant to the terms or
conditions, and payment of the initial premium, the insurance
policy may be in-force, (i.e., the policyholder is enrolled).
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] Some embodiments may be described using the expression
"coupled" and "connected" along with their derivatives. For
example, some embodiments may be described using the term "coupled"
to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or
electrical contact. The term "coupled," however, may also mean that
two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but
yet still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments
are not limited in this context.
[0076] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprisin8,"
"includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For
example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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. We claim:
* * * * *