Remote 3D Property Visualization for Post-Disaster Damage Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insurance claim investigation methods are time-consuming, dangerous, and inefficient, especially after natural disasters, due to the need for physical inspections that can be hindered by weather conditions and large volumes of claims, leading to delayed compensation and inaccurate assessments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing autonomous or remotely controlled aerial imaging vehicles to capture images of structures, generating virtual 3D digital models that can be viewed and manipulated remotely for damage assessment and claim filing, allowing users to assess damage and prepare claims without on-site inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If insurance agents perform physical inspections of damaged properties, then damage assessment accuracy is improved, but time consumption and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photogrammetry to create virtual 3D copies of damaged properties from multiple aerial images. These virtual models replicate the physical structures and damage conditions, allowing agents to assess damage remotely without traveling to each site, thus reducing time consumption while maintaining assessment accuracy through precise 3D reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical inspection with an optical and computational system. Aerial images captured by drones or aircraft are processed through photogrammetric software to generate virtual models, substituting the agent's physical presence and manual inspection with automated image processing and virtual visualization
2Measurement precision
If insurance agents visit damaged sites for inspection, then damage assessment capability is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual 3D copies of damaged properties from aerial imagery, allowing agents to view and assess damage remotely through computer screens rather than physically visiting hazardous sites. This eliminates exposure to dangerous conditions such as unstable structures, hazardous materials, and adverse weather while preserving the ability to conduct thorough damage assessments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual 3D models as an intermediary between the insurance agent and the damaged property. Instead of directly interacting with the physical site, agents view processed virtual representations that convey all necessary damage information, serving as a safe mediator that transmits assessment data without requiring physical presence at the hazardous location
3Measurement precision
If manual claim investigations are conducted, then claim accuracy is improved, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates virtual 3D models from aerial images that accurately represent damaged structures and conditions. These models can be viewed, measured, and analyzed remotely, enabling rapid claim processing through digital inspection while maintaining the accuracy of manual assessment through precise 3D reconstruction and virtual measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual field inspection with an automated photogrammetric system that processes aerial images to create virtual models. This substitution enables parallel processing of multiple claims through automated image analysis and virtual modeling, significantly increasing processing speed while maintaining claim accuracy through rigorous photogrammetric measurement and virtual inspection capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses methods, systems, and computer-implemented virtualization software applications and computer-implemented graphical user interface tools for remote virtual visualization of structures. Images are captured by an imaging vehicle of a structure and the captured images are transmitted to a remote server via a communication network. Using virtual 3D digital modeling software the server, using the images received from the imaging vehicle, generates a virtual 3D digital model of the structure and stores it in a database. This virtual 3D digital model can be accessed by remote users, using virtualization software applications, and used to view images of the structure. The user is able to manipulate the images and to view them from various perspectives and compare the before-the-damage images with images taken after damage have occurred. Based on all this the user is enabled to remotely communicate with an insurance agent and/or file an insurance claim.