USE OF DRONES TO ASSIST WITH INSURANCE, FINANCIAL AND UNDERWRITING RELATED ACTIVITIES

• US 20160063642A1
• Filed: 09/02/2015
• Published: 03/03/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife Incorporated)
• Inventors: Luciani, Terrance C., Distasio, Barbara A., Bungert, John, Sumner, Matt, Bozzo, Thomas L.
• Granted Patent: US 10,762,571 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/32 for cartography or topography
• CPC Class Codes: B64U 2101/47 for fire fighting
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance

Abstract

An unmanned insurance drone can include a drone body and a sensor unit disposed on the drone body to collect sensor data. An on-board data processor converts the sensor data into insurance related information, and a wireless communication unit in communication with the data processor to transmit the insurance related information. In another example, the data processor may not be on the drone but remotely located. The location can be with the pilot or a control collection location. If the insurance related information is separate from the drone, than the wireless communication unit can transmit the raw sensor data to the processor.

Claims

1. An unmanned insurance drone, comprising:

a drone body;

a sensor unit disposed on the drone body configured to capture sensor data;

an on board data processor configured to convert the sensor data into encoded insurance related information for transmission; and

a wireless communication unit in communication with the data processor to transmit the encoded insurance related information.

2. An unmanned insurance drone, comprising:

a drone body;

a sensor unit disposed on the drone body configured to capture sensor data;

a wireless communication unit in communication with the sensor unit to transmit the sensor data; and

an insurance processor configured to process the sensor data into insurance related information.

3. A method of insurance adjustment, comprising the steps of:

dispatching a drone to an insurance adjustment location;

capturing sensor data from a sensor unit disposed on the drone; and

using the sensor data to perform insurance related functions.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein insurance related functions comprise at least one of injury determination, property damage determination, compliance with an insurance policy requirement, and fraud detection.