Sensor Package for Automated Property Appraisal Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for property appraisals after disasters are time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring on-site manual inspections that lead to delays in insurance approval for homeowners.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a data collection shipping package equipped with a GPS-enabled device, a computing system, and cameras that automatically activate when in the vicinity of a target property, capturing images and transmitting data to a remote server for property appraisals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual on-site inspections are conducted by human agents, then detailed property examination can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses automated cameras and sensors to create digital copies and records of property conditions, replacing the need for human agents to physically examine and document properties. This allows detailed examination data to be captured automatically without requiring manual inspection time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual inspection with an automated electronic system comprising cameras, sensors, and computing devices that can independently capture, process, and transmit property data without human intervention at the inspection site
2Reliability
If human agents visit properties for inspections, then baseline records can be maintained, but deployment costs and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated inspection system performs baseline record maintenance independently without requiring human agents. The system self-manages data capture, storage, and transmission, eliminating the need for human deployment while maintaining reliable records
Solution Approach 2:
The automated inspection device serves multiple functions including data capture, baseline record creation, damage assessment, and transmission all in one system, replacing the need for specialized human inspectors while maintaining comprehensive record-keeping capabilities
3Productivity
If automated remote image capture is implemented, then inspection time is reduced, but automation extent must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with cameras, sensors, and computing devices ready for automated operation before deployment. The automated capture process is pre-programmed to activate based on GPS location triggers, enabling immediate high-productivity operation without requiring manual setup or intervention during the inspection process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and automated remote data capture for property appraisals, reducing the need for on-site inspections and expediting the insurance approval process while minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS-enabled device configured to generate location geodata for the package in real-time
Data Source
AI summary
A package in which an onboard computing system and a plurality of sensor devices are embedded. The package includes a plurality of cameras that are positioned against sidewalls of the package in order to capture image data of the external environment. When the computing system determines the package has arrived at a predesignated set of coordinates corresponding to a target property for which an appraisal is to be performed, the cameras are activated and begin collecting image data. The image data is transmitted to a remote server which will store the image data for review by insurance personnel.