Mobile Appraisal Image Validation via Geofencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current appraisal systems are susceptible to human error and fraud, particularly when insurance companies need to assess the fair market value of properties remotely, and they face challenges in validating the correspondence between images and assets, leading to inaccurate appraisals and file management issues.
Innovation Solution
A software program installed on a mobile technology platform with image capture and location awareness functionalities that validates the correspondence between images and assets by using geofences and locative data to ensure images are captured at the correct location and time, reducing human error and fraud, and efficiently managing image files by grouping them by location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual image validation is used in appraisal systems, then flexibility and ease of operation are maintained, but reliability and measurement precision deteriorate due to human error and fraud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual image validation (mechanical/human process) with automated computer vision and machine learning algorithms. The system automatically detects and validates images against appraisal criteria, eliminating human error and fraud while maintaining operational flexibility through software-based decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation layer between image capture and appraisal decision-making. This intermediary system automatically screens images for quality, relevance, and authenticity before they reach the appraisal process, improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive image validation is implemented, then measurement precision and appraisal accuracy improve, but loss of time increases due to additional validation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image validation at the point of capture or upload, automatically checking images against appraisal criteria before they enter the main appraisal workflow. This preliminary filtering prevents invalid images from consuming subsequent processing time while ensuring only qualified images proceed to detailed analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual image review with automated computer vision algorithms that can rapidly validate multiple images simultaneously. The system processes and validates images in seconds rather than minutes or hours, maintaining high measurement precision while dramatically reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If automated image capture with location awareness is used, then objectivity and reliability improve, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to technical requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the mobile device automatically performs location tracking, image capture, and validation without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously manages the technical complexity of geofencing and image metadata extraction, presenting a simple interface to users while maintaining high reliability through automated processes.
4Reliability
If geofencing and location validation are implemented, then reliability and fraud prevention improve, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal location awareness capabilities already present in modern mobile devices (GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning). By utilizing existing multi-functional location services, the system avoids building complex dedicated geofencing hardware while achieving reliable location validation through software integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for performing an appraisal on an asset, such as a home. The method includes providing software, installed on a mobile technology platform associated with a user, which includes image capture and location awareness functionalities; obtaining a set of comparable assets to be used as a basis for establishing the appraisal value of the asset; repeating, until n images have been captured, where n ≥1, the steps of (i) receiving, from the user, a request to capture an image with the software of a target asset selected from the group consisting of the asset and the comparable assets, (ii) determining the current location of the user with respect to a geofence associated with the target asset, and (iii) if the user is within a distance d of the geofence associated with the target asset, then capturing the image, and otherwise denying the request; and using the n images to determine an appraisal value of the asset.