Image-Based Repair Cost Estimation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The insurance claims processing is time-consuming and complex, involving extensive paperwork, telephone calls, and face-to-face meetings, with delays between the initial notice of loss and final settlement, and existing methods lack accuracy in estimating repair costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses a series of images depicting increasing degrees of damage to estimate repair costs, incorporating feedback from repair service providers to iteratively improve the accuracy of repair cost estimates, allowing for a non-negotiable payment amount to be generated and updated based on actual repair costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual claims processing methods are used, then adjusters can assess damage through face-to-face meetings and paperwork, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex with delays between notice of loss and final settlement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual physical inspection and paperwork processing with an optical/image-based system. The damage assessment is performed by comparing images of the damaged item against a database of reference images showing various damage conditions, eliminating the need for adjusters to conduct in-person inspections and reducing processing time while maintaining assessment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image copies and visual representations of damaged items to perform damage assessment instead of requiring physical inspection. By capturing images of the damaged item and comparing them against reference images in a database, the system creates a digital replica of the assessment process that is faster and can be performed remotely, reducing both time loss and administrative burden.
2Reliability
If manual damage assessment methods are used, then adjusters can evaluate damage conditions, but extensive paperwork processing and telephone calls are required increasing administrative burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual procedures including paperwork processing, telephone calls, and coordinated scheduling with an automated image-based system. The system automatically compares captured images against reference images in a database, generating damage assessments without requiring the complex coordination and documentation that characterized traditional methods, thereby reducing administrative burden while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If traditional repair cost estimation methods are used, then claims processors can determine repair costs, but the process lacks accuracy and requires multiple iterations between claimant and adjuster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces iterative manual cost estimation with an automated system that uses image comparison to directly determine repair costs. By comparing the damaged item's images against reference images with associated cost data, the system generates accurate cost estimates in a single pass rather than requiring multiple iterations of communication and reassessment, thereby improving both efficiency and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and computer-implemented methods for estimating a cost to repair a damaged item are provided. In some example implementations, an indication identifying a portion of the damaged item is received. A series of images are selected that depict increasing degrees of damage to a reference item at the portion identified, and the series of images are provided for presentation. An indication is received that identifies one of the images in the series of images that has been selected as best representing the damage to the portion of the damaged item identified. An estimated cost to repair the damaged item is generated based, at least in part, on the image selected.