Virtual 3D Property Models for Remote Damage Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Insurance claim investigations for property damage 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
Utilizing autonomous or remotely controlled aerial imaging vehicles to capture high-resolution images of structures, which are processed to create virtual 3D digital models, enabling remote damage assessment and claim preparation through user manipulation of these models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If insurance agents perform physical inspections of damaged properties, then accurate damage assessment can be achieved, but the risk of injury to agents increases and inspection time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual 3D digital copies of physical properties using aerial imaging vehicles. These virtual models allow inspectors to examine damaged structures from any angle and distance without physically entering hazardous areas, thereby maintaining assessment accuracy while eliminating agent exposure to harmful conditions such as slippery roofs, unstable structures, and severe weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical inspection with an optical/digital system. Aerial imaging vehicles equipped with cameras and sensors capture images that are processed into virtual 3D models, substituting the need for agents to physically traverse and touch damaged structures with remote visual examination through computer interfaces.
2Measurement precision
If insurance agents visit incident sites to perform inspections, then damage evaluation can be conducted, but the time required for claim processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating comprehensive virtual 3D models of properties before damage occurs or immediately after. These pre-established digital twins can be quickly updated and compared post-disaster, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site measurements and calculations during claim investigations.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual 3D digital copies enable rapid duplication and distribution of property data to multiple inspectors and stakeholders simultaneously. Unlike physical inspections that require sequential agent visits, the digital models can be accessed concurrently by numerous users for assessment, approval, and documentation purposes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote controlled devices are used for claim investigation, then agent safety is improved, but the requirement for operator training increases and device complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial imaging vehicles are designed with autonomous capabilities to perform inspections independently. The systems can automatically navigate to target properties, capture required images, and generate virtual models without continuous human intervention, eliminating the need for operators to master complex remote control skills while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops multi-functional aerial imaging vehicles that can perform various inspection tasks using a single platform. These vehicles integrate cameras, LiDAR, thermal sensors, and navigation systems to handle different types of assessments (structural damage, water intrusion, roof conditions) without requiring specialized equipment or trained operators for each function.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive claim investigations are performed, then accurate compensation calculations can be made, but the number of steps involved increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement and calculation processes with automated digital systems. Virtual 3D models enable computer algorithms to automatically calculate surface areas, volumes, and material quantities required for compensation, eliminating tedious paperwork and mathematical computations while maintaining or improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple inspection functions into a single virtual model examination process. Inspectors can simultaneously assess structural integrity, material damage, water intrusion, and repair scope from the same 3D digital representation, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate physical inspections and documentation efforts.
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.