Patent Application Titled “Systems And Methods For Light Detection And Ranging (Lidar) Based Generation Of A Homeowners Insurance Quote” Published Online (USPTO 20230274367): Patent Application

2023 SEP 19 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Daily News -- According to news reporting originating from Washington, D.C., by NewsRx journalists, a patent application by the inventors Bates, Paul (Mesa, AZ, US); Harrison, Michael Scott (Chandler, AZ, US); Madsen, Stacee (Mesa, AZ, US); Marotta, Nicholas Carmelo (Scottsdale, AZ, US); Rowley, Austin (Mesa, AZ, US); Uphoff, Laura A. (Normal, IL, US); Wheet, Jared (Mesa, AZ, US); Willingham, JD Johnson (Phoenix, AZ, US), filed on May 3, 2023, was made available online on August 31, 2023.

No assignee for this patent application has been made.

Reporters obtained the following quote from the background information supplied by the inventors: “LIDAR is a technology that measures distance to a target by illuminating the target (e.g., using laser light) and then measuring the reflected light with a sensor (e.g., measuring the time of flight from the laser signal source to its return to the sensor). Digital 3D representations of the target may then be made using differences in laser return times and wavelengths. LIDAR may be used to measure distances (e.g., the distance from a LIDAR camera to an object, the distance between objects, and so forth).”

In addition to obtaining background information on this patent application, NewsRx editors also obtained the inventors’ summary information for this patent application: “The present embodiments may be related to LIDAR technology, including applications of LIDAR technology to insurance policies and applications of LIDAR technology to assist an impaired individual. The LIDAR technology may be used to produce an insurance quote or insurance claim. The LIDAR technology may also be used to provide navigation directions to assist an impaired individual.

“In accordance with the described embodiments, the disclosure herein generally addresses, inter alia, systems and methods for applying LIDAR technology to insurance quote generation (e.g., a quote for home insurance). A server may receive preexisting architecture data, create baseline architecture data using the preexisting architecture data, receive LIDAR data generated from a LIDAR camera, combine the baseline architecture data with the LIDAR data to create an architecture profile, and generate an insurance quote based upon the architecture profile. According to some aspects, the LIDAR data comprises a 3D point cloud, and may include information of both an interior and an exterior of a house. The server may also receive information from other sources, such as drones.

“In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for generating an insurance quote may be provided. The computer-implemented method may include, via one or more local or remote processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers, (1) receiving preexisting architecture data; (2) creating baseline architecture data using the preexisting architecture data; (3) receiving LIDAR data generated from a LIDAR camera; (4) combining the baseline architecture data with the LIDAR data to create an architecture profile; and/or (5) generating an insurance quote based upon the architecture profile. The method may include additional, less, or alternate actions, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

“In another aspect, an electronic device for generating an insurance quote may be provided. The electronic device may be configured to, via one or more processors, transceivers, and/or sensors, (1) receive preexisting architecture data; (2) create baseline architecture data using the preexisting architecture data; (3) receive LIDAR data generated from a LIDAR camera; (4) combine the baseline architecture data with the LIDAR data to create an architecture profile; and/or (5) generate an insurance quote based upon the architecture profile. The electronic device may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

“In yet another aspect, a computer system for generating an insurance quote may be provided. The system may include a LIDAR camera, a memory configured to store non-transitory computer executable instructions and configured to interface with a processor and/or associated transceiver. The processor may be configured to execute the non-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the processor and/or associated transceiver to (1) receive preexisting architecture data; (2) create baseline architecture data using the preexisting architecture data; (3) receive LIDAR data generated from a LIDAR camera; (4) combine the baseline architecture data with the LIDAR data to create an architecture profile; and/or (5) generate an insurance quote based upon the architecture profile. The system may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

“In accordance with the described embodiments, the disclosure herein generally addresses, inter alia, systems and methods for applying LIDAR technology to generate an inventory list of personal belongings. A server may (1) receive light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data generated from one or more LIDAR cameras; (2) analyze the LIDAR data to determine or identify one or more personal articles or insurable assets; and/or (3) generate an electronic inventory list of personal belongings based upon the one or more personal articles or insurable assets determined or identified from the LIDAR data.

“In accordance with the described embodiments, the disclosure herein generally addresses, inter alia, systems and methods for applying LIDAR technology to generate a homeowner’s insurance quote. A server may (1) receive light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data generated from one or more LIDAR cameras; (2) analyze the LIDAR data to determine or identify one or more features or characteristics of a home; and/or (3) generate an electronic homeowners insurance quote based upon, at least in part, the one or more features or characteristics of the home determined or identified from the LIDAR data.

“Further in accordance with the described embodiments, the disclosure herein generally addresses, inter alia, systems and methods for applying LIDAR technology to insurance claim generation (e.g., providing first notice of loss, or first notice of an insurance claim). A server may (1) receive LIDAR data generated from a LIDAR camera; (2) determine if an event has occurred based upon the received LIDAR data; and/or (3) if the event has occurred, generate and provide an electronic or virtual first notice of loss (or otherwise first notice of an insurance claim or potential insurance claim). The server may also receive information from other sources, such as drones, smart vehicles, smart homes, vehicle sensors, home-mounted sensors, smart infrastructure, mobile devices, mobile device sensors, and smart devices.

“In another aspect, a computer-implemented method for generating an electronic first notice of loss may be provided. The method may include, via one or more local or remote processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers, (1) receiving LIDAR data generated from a LIDAR camera; (2) determining that an event has occurred based upon the received LIDAR data; and/or (3) in response to the determination that the event has occurred, generating and providing an electronic first notice of loss. The first notice of loss may be provided to an insurance provider’s and/or an insured’s computing device. For instance, an electronic first notice of loss may be transmitted to an insurance provider server or an insured’s mobile device, and then displayed for review and further action, such as completing, preparing, and/or handling an insurance claim. The method may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

“In yet another aspect, an electronic device for generating an electronic first notice of loss may be provided. The electronic device may be configured to receive LIDAR data generated from a LIDAR camera, determine if an event has occurred based upon the received LIDAR data, and if the event has occurred, generate, provide, and/or display an electronic first notice of loss.

“In yet another aspect, a computer system for generating an electronic (or virtual) first notice of loss may be provided. The system may include a LIDAR camera, a memory configured to store non-transitory computer executable instructions and configured to interface with a processor. The processor may be configured to execute the non-transitory computer executable instructions to cause the processor and/or an associated transceiver to (1) receive LIDAR data generated from the LIDAR camera; (2) determine if an event has occurred based upon the received LIDAR data; and (3) if the event has occurred, generate and provide an electronic first notice of loss. The first notice of loss may be provided to an insurance provider’s and/or an insured’s computing device. For instance, an electronic first notice of loss may be transmitted to an insurance provider server or an insured’s mobile device, and then displayed for review and further action, such as completing, preparing, or handling an insurance claim. The computer system may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

“Further in accordance with the described embodiments, the disclosure herein generally addresses, inter alia, systems and methods for applying LIDAR technology to assist an impaired individual (e.g., a vision impaired individual). A server may receive LIDAR data generated from the LIDAR camera, and provide navigation feedback to a human individual based upon the LIDAR data. According to some aspects, the navigation feedback may be auditory or visual, and include direction and distance instructions to guide the human individual. The LIDAR data may be generated from a LIDAR camera harnessed to the human individual.

“In yet another aspect, a computer-implemented method for assisting an impaired individual may be provided. The computer-implemented method may include, via one or more local or remote processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers, (1) receiving LIDAR data generated from a LIDAR camera, and/or (2) generating and/or providing navigation feedback to a human individual based upon the LIDAR data. The method may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

“In yet another aspect, an electronic device for assisting an impaired individual may be provided. The electronic device may be configured to, via one or more processors, transceivers, and/or sensors, receive LIDAR data generated from the LIDAR camera, and/or generate and provide navigation feedback to a human individual based upon the LIDAR data.”

There is additional summary information. Please visit full patent to read further.”

The claims supplied by the inventors are:

“1. A computer-implemented method for generating a personal articles insurance quote, comprising, via one or more processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers: causing a display device to display instructions to a customer on how to install one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) cameras; subsequent to the customer installing the one or more LIDAR cameras according to the displayed instructions, providing an insurance discount to the customer; generating LIDAR data with the one or more LIDAR cameras; receiving the LIDAR data generated from one or more LIDAR cameras; analyzing the LIDAR data to determine or identify one or more personal articles or insurable assets; generating an electronic inventory list of personal belongings including several personal articles identified from processor analysis of (i) the LIDAR data, and (ii) one or more additional sources of data including at least one of: mobile device data and/or images, smart home sensor data and/or images, drone sensor data and/or images, vehicle sensor data and/or images, or smart infrastructure data and/or images; and generating an electronic personal articles insurance quote based upon the one or more personal articles or insurable assets determined or identified from the LIDAR data.

“2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, the method further comprising, via the one or more processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers, transmitting the electronic personal articles insurance quote to a mobile device of the customer via wireless communication and/or data transmission over one or more radio frequency links for customer review, modification, and/or approval.

“3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the one or more LIDAR cameras are positioned within a home of the customer.

“4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, the method further comprising, via the one or more processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers, transmitting the electronic inventory list to a mobile device of the customer via wireless communication and/or data transmission over one or more radio frequency links for customer review, modification, and/or approval.

“5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, the one or more additional sources of data including all of: the mobile device data and/or images; the smart home sensor data and/or images; the drone sensor data and/or images; the vehicle sensor data and/or images; and the smart infrastructure data and/or images.

“6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the electronic inventory list includes one or more vehicles, and make and model thereof.

“7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the electronic inventory list includes one or more televisions, furniture, and/or paintings.

“8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the LIDAR data is received via wireless communication or data transmission over one or more radio frequency links.

“9. A computer system configured to generate an electronic personal articles insurance quote, the system comprising one or more processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers configured to: cause a display device to display instructions to a customer on how to install one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) cameras; subsequent to the customer installing the one or more LIDAR cameras according to the displayed instructions, provide an insurance discount to the customer; generate LIDAR data with the one or more LIDAR cameras; receive the LIDAR data generated from one or more LIDAR cameras; analyze the LIDAR data to determine or identify one or more personal articles or insurable assets; generate an electronic inventory list of personal belongings including several personal articles identified from processor analysis of (i) the LIDAR data, and (ii) one or more additional sources of data including at least one of: mobile device data and/or images, smart home sensor data and/or images, drone sensor data and/or images, vehicle sensor data and/or images, or smart infrastructure data and/or images; and generate an electronic personal articles insurance quote based upon the one or more personal articles or insurable assets determined or identified from the LIDAR data.

“10. The computer system of claim 9, the system further configured to, via the one or more processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers, transmit the electronic personal articles insurance quote to a mobile device of the customer via wireless communication and/or data transmission over one or more radio frequency links for customer review, modification, and/or approval.

“11. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the instructions comprise instructions to the customer on how to install the one or more LIDAR cameras in a home.

“12. The computer system of claim 9, the one or more additional sources of data including all of: the mobile device data and/or images; the smart home sensor data and/or images; the drone sensor data and/or images; the vehicle sensor data and/or images; and the smart infrastructure data and/or images.

“13. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the electronic inventory list includes one or more vehicles, and make and model thereof.

“14. The computer system of claim 9, wherein the electronic inventory list includes one or more electronic devices, televisions, furniture, antiques, and/or paintings.

“15. The computer system of claim 9, the system further configured to, via the one or more processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers, transmit the electronic inventory list to a mobile device of the customer via wireless communication and/or data transmission over one or more radio frequency links for their review, modification, and/or approval.

“16. The computer system of claim 9, the system further configured to, via the one or more processors, transceivers, sensors, and/or servers, receive the LIDAR data via wireless communication or data transmission over one or more radio frequency links.

“17. A computer system for generating an electronic personal articles insurance quote, comprising: one or more processors; and a program memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing executable instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the computer system to: cause a display device to display instructions to a customer on how to install one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) cameras; subsequent to the customer installing the one or more LIDAR cameras according to the displayed instructions, provide an insurance discount to the customer; generate LIDAR data with the one or more LIDAR cameras; receive the LIDAR data generated from one or more LIDAR cameras; analyze the LIDAR data to determine or identify one or more personal articles or insurable assets; generate an electronic inventory list of personal belongings including several personal articles identified from processor analysis of (i) the LIDAR data, and (ii) one or more additional sources of data including at least one of: mobile device data and/or images, smart home sensor data and/or images, drone sensor data and/or images, vehicle sensor data and/or images, or smart infrastructure data and/or images; and generate an electronic personal articles insurance quote based upon the one or more personal articles or insurable assets determined or identified from the LIDAR data.

“18. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the executable instructions further cause the computer system to transmit the electronic personal articles insurance quote to a mobile device of the customer via wireless communication and/or data transmission over one or more radio frequency links for customer review, modification, and/or approval.

“19. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the one or more LIDAR cameras are positioned within a home of the customer.

“20. The computer system of claim 17, the one or more additional sources of data including all of: the mobile device data and/or images; the smart home sensor data and/or images; the drone sensor data and/or images; the vehicle sensor data and/or images; and/or the smart infrastructure data and/or images.”

For more information, see this patent application: Bates, Paul; Harrison, Michael Scott; Madsen, Stacee; Marotta, Nicholas Carmelo; Rowley, Austin; Uphoff, Laura A.; Wheet, Jared; Willingham, JD Johnson. Systems And Methods For Light Detection And Ranging (Lidar) Based Generation Of A Homeowners Insurance Quote. U.S. Patent Application Number 20230274367, filed May 3, 2023 and posted August 31, 2023. Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(20230274367)&db=US-PGPUB&type=ids

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