Vacant Property Image Tagging for Preference-Based Matching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods fail to provide users with a full range of suitable vacant properties tailored to their specific preferences, forcing them to manually search and potentially travel to multiple locations to determine suitability.

Innovation Solution

A location matching system that processes images of vacant properties and their surroundings to extract features, generates descriptive tags, receives user preferences, and recommends properties based on tag comparisons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional manual search methods are used to identify vacant properties, then users can find properties without automated processing, but users must manually search through wide ranges of locations and travel to determine suitability, resulting in significant time and effort consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime and effort for property searchVSAvoidmanual search process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical search processes with an automated computer vision system. Image processing algorithms automatically analyze photos of vacant properties and their surroundings, extracting features and generating tags without requiring user intervention. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated computational processes directly reduces time loss and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically processing property images, extracting relevant features, generating descriptive tags, and matching properties with user preferences without requiring user travel or manual evaluation. The automated system serves itself by performing all analysis and recommendation functions, eliminating the need for users to manually visit and assess each property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vacant property identification methods are used, then no automated analysis is performed, but users are not provided with a full range of suitable properties tailored to their specific preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproperty matching to user preferencesVSAvoidautomated property analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of property identification by transitioning from manual assessment to automated image analysis. The system extracts multiple features from photos (e.g., surrounding environment, property characteristics) and generates comprehensive tags that capture various dimensions of property suitability. This parameter transformation enables sophisticated matching against user preferences while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary automated analysis system between the vacant properties and users. This intermediary processes property images, extracts features, generates tags, and performs matching operations, serving as a mediator that bridges property information and user preferences. This intermediary layer enables tailored recommendations without requiring direct user involvement in the analysis process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual property assessment is used, then users can evaluate properties directly, but users must travel to multiple locations and contact various parties to make arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproperty identification efficiencyVSAvoidsearch and coordination process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical travel and coordination activities with automated digital processing. Instead of physically visiting locations and contacting parties, the system uses image processing and data analysis to evaluate properties and generate recommendations. This substitution dramatically improves productivity by eliminating time-consuming physical and administrative tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses photographic copies of properties as the basis for assessment instead of requiring physical presence. By processing images that capture property characteristics and surroundings, the system creates a digital representation that enables remote evaluation. This copying approach maintains assessment accuracy while eliminating the need for travel and in-person inspections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12460939B2Systems and methods for vacant property identification and display

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A location matching method is provided. The method comprises receiving one or more photos of one or more vacant properties and surroundings of the one or more vacant properties, processing the one or more photos of the one or more vacant properties and surroundings of the one or more vacant properties to extract features related to the surroundings of the one or more vacant properties, generating one or more tags descriptive of the one or more photos based on the features that are extracted, receiving a preference from a user, and generating for output to the user one or more recommended properties based on a comparison of the one or more tags and the preference.