Smart Home Controller for Unoccupied Property Risk Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems lack the ability to effectively control devices when a property is unoccupied, and existing insurance policy processing systems do not account for connected devices, leading to inefficiencies in managing and mitigating potential damages.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically manage smart devices within a property by monitoring conditions, determining occupancy, and generating commands to adjust device operations, such as locking doors or adjusting thermostats, and facilitates insurance claim processing by detecting damage and generating proposed claims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If home automation systems are implemented to control devices within a property, then device control capability is improved, but the system cannot effectively manage devices when the property is unoccupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically adjust their operation based on occupancy detection. When the property is detected as unoccupied, devices such as thermostats, lighting, and security systems autonomously modify their behavior without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in managing unoccupied properties
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors occupancy status through sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust device operation states. The occupancy detection creates a closed-loop control system where device behavior is automatically modified based on real-time property occupancy conditions
2Reliability
If traditional insurance policy processing systems are used, then insurance coverage is provided, but the systems do not account for connected devices leading to processing inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects damage conditions and pre-generates insurance claims data before policyholder intervention is needed. By preliminarily capturing damage information through connected sensors and devices, the system prepares claims data in advance, eliminating manual data collection and accelerating the overall claims processing workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual claims filing and processing mechanics with automated electronic systems. Connected devices automatically detect, report, and transmit damage information to insurance systems, substituting the traditional mechanical process of manual inspection, documentation, and submission with automated electronic data capture and transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for managing the operation of devices within a property, and processing insurance policies associated therewith. A property is populated with a plurality of smart devices, smart appliances, and/or other devices that are connected to, and/or in wired or wireless communication with a central controller, such as a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor, whereby the plurality of devices and/or property are covered by an insurance policy. The central controller may collect sensor data from the plurality of devices and/or determine whether the property is occupied or not. The central controller may also identify a desired operating state of a device, generate a command according to the desired operating state, and/or transmit the command the device to facilitate prevention or reduction of risk or damage to the property. The central controller may also generate and/or process insurance claims associated with damage to the devices and/or property.