Image-Based Virtual Property Models for Remote Condition Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual models lack detailed representations of real properties, often incorporating irrelevant features and relying on inaccurate self-reported data, which hinders efficient risk assessment of properties.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically generating and updating virtual models based on image data, incorporating feature condition rules to assess relevant conditions of properties, allowing remote evaluation and integration of high-resolution images for accurate risk assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional virtual models are used to represent real properties, then the model coverage is broad, but the detail accuracy and relevance to risk assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual model is segmented into multiple levels of detail: a coarse mesh representing the overall property structure and a fine mesh representing specific features of interest (e.g., roof, siding, windows). This segmentation allows the system to maintain broad coverage while concentrating computational resources on areas critical for risk assessment, thereby improving detail accuracy without proportionally increasing overall model complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the virtual model are assigned different levels of geometric detail and texture resolution based on their relevance to risk assessment. High-detail representations are applied to features critical for insurance evaluation (roof structures, exterior walls, windows), while less critical areas use lower-detail representations. This local quality approach ensures measurement precision for important features while controlling overall model complexity.
2Measurement precision
If subject matter experts are dispatched to physically survey real property, then the data accuracy improves, but the cost and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the real property through photogrammetry processing of images captured by imaging vehicles (drones, aerial vehicles). This virtual model replicates the physical property's features, conditions, and characteristics with sufficient accuracy for risk assessment, eliminating the need for expert physical surveys while maintaining data quality. The virtual copy can be generated and updated remotely and efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical expert surveys with an automated optical and computational system. Imaging vehicles capture images, photogrammetry algorithms process these images to generate 3D models, and automated analysis tools assess property conditions. This substitution eliminates travel time and manual inspection while maintaining or improving measurement precision through consistent, repeatable automated processes.
3Productivity
If self-reported data is collected from users for risk assessment, then the data collection process is simple and quick, but the data accuracy and completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on user self-reporting, the system creates an objective virtual copy of the property through automated image capture and photogrammetry processing. This virtual model provides accurate, verifiable data about property features, conditions, and characteristics without requiring user input. The copying approach maintains data collection efficiency while dramatically improving measurement precision by eliminating human error, bias, and incomplete reporting.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for developing virtual models and assessing a condition of a feature of a modeled property within a virtual environment are described herein. A server may receive a data request from a user electronic device. The data request may comprise a property of interest located in an overall region. The server may then dynamically acquire a virtual model for rendering the property within a virtual environment at the user electronic device based on the data request. The server may then determine to assess a condition of the feature associated with the property represented in the virtual model in accordance with rules. The condition of the feature is relevant to assessing risks associated with the one or more properties. The server may subsequently obtain an assessment of the condition associated with the feature of the property based on a representation of the condition within the virtual environment.