Remote Property Damage Assessment via Video Conferencing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for property appraisal in insurance claims are inefficient and costly, as they require physical transportation of damaged property and rely on inadequate telephonic or photographic assessments, which are not suitable for accurate remote evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A system enabling two-way audiovisual communication between property owners and claims adjusters using mobile and computer devices, allowing adjusters to remotely assess damage through cameras and microphones, with queue management to ensure efficient resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If property is conveyed to adjuster's location or adjuster travels to property, then accurate appraisal can be made, but time and cost are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses video conferencing technology to create a visual copy of the damaged property, allowing the adjuster to examine the property remotely through real-time video transmission. This eliminates the need for physical transportation while maintaining appraisal accuracy through detailed visual inspection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical property transportation or adjuster travel with an electronic video communication system. The video conferencing platform substitutes for physical movement, allowing the adjuster to visually inspect the property from a remote location without any physical conveyance required.
2Measurement precision
If property is conveyed to adjuster's location or adjuster travels to property, then thorough examination is possible, but cost is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The video conferencing system creates a visual replica of the property and damage conditions, transmitting this copy to the adjuster's device. This allows thorough examination of the property through high-quality video transmission without incurring transportation or travel costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the expensive mechanical systems of transportation and travel with an electronic video communication system. The video conferencing platform enables detailed property examination remotely, eliminating fuel, vehicle, and travel expenses while maintaining examination quality.
3Loss of time
If telephonic communication is used for remote appraisal, then travel is eliminated, but appraisal accuracy is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional audio communication (telephonic) to multi-dimensional audiovisual communication. By adding the visual dimension through video conferencing, the system provides both audio interaction and visual property inspection capabilities, dramatically improving appraisal accuracy while maintaining the travel-free advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges audio communication capabilities with visual inspection capabilities into a unified video conferencing system. This combination allows the adjuster to both speak with the property owner and simultaneously view the damaged property, creating a comprehensive remote appraisal solution that overcomes the limitations of telephonic communication alone.
4Loss of time
If pictures are sent for remote appraisal, then travel is eliminated, but appraisal accuracy is insufficient especially when owner doesn't understand proper documentation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on static pictures that require proper documentation knowledge, the patent creates a dynamic video copy of the property. The video conferencing system captures real-time visual information directly from the property location, eliminating the need for the owner to understand proper photographic documentation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static picture transmission to dynamic video transmission. The video conferencing system allows for real-time, moving visual inspection of the property, enabling the adjuster to dynamically examine different angles and details as needed, rather than relying on static images that may miss critical information.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, medium, and apparatus for allowing evaluation of property, such as damaged property, remotely and efficiently. A mobile computing device at the location of the property may be used to transmit video of the property to an adjuster, and to receive video and audio communications from the adjuster. The adjuster may be selected from a queue based on time waiting in the queue and/or a number of other statistics and attributes of the adjuster. The adjuster may converse with an owner of the property and capture video of the property in order to make an appraisal or determine the infeasibility of remote appraisal and the need to instruct another adjuster to perform a physical inspection.