Computer system for interactions with a user device and third party computers

• US 9,311,677 B2
• Filed: 07/15/2014
• Issued: 04/12/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company (The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company (The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.)
• Inventors: Thomas, Hal S., Patel, Kamal D., Pelaez, Andres, Sprague, Deborah D., Varner, Jason T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Poinvil, Frantzy
• Application Number:
  US14/332,062
• Publication Number:
  US 20140330595A1
• Time in Patent Office: 637 Days
• Field of Search: 705 3- 44
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance

Abstract

Described are computer systems for interactions with a user device and third party computers. In an embodiment, a computer system for determining and displaying total loss calculations includes accessing third party computer systems for a plurality of data items. The computer system may include data storage devices, computer processors, a communications device, and a memory coupled to the computer processors. The memory may store program instructions which are operative with the computer processors to provide to a user device for display a total loss calculator graphical interface, receive inputs from the user device, request data from third party computers based on the received inputs, determine whether the data needed to perform a total loss calculation has been received, and perform a total loss calculation based on the requested data from the third party computer and the user inputs received from the graphical interface provided to the user device.

Claims

1. A system for generating a calculator interface including displays for conducting comprehensive integrated calculations including accessing third party computer systems for a plurality of data items, comprising:

a calculator interface server computer configured to;

provide, by a communications device via a data network to a user device, a total loss calculator graphical interface including an enabled claim identification input field a validation button selectable to cause validation of the claim identification input, a disabled state selection input field, and a disabled state guidelines viewer;

responsive to receipt, from the user device via the data network by the communications device, of the claim identification input and selection of the validation button, validate the claim identification input for a claim corresponding to a vehicle that has been totaled;

responsive to positive validation of the claim identification input, enable, by the communications device via the data network to the user device, the state selection input field for the total loss calculator graphical interface and disable the claim identification input field;

responsive to receipt of the state selection input;

enable, by the communications device via the data network to the user device, the state guidelines viewer for the total loss calculator graphical interface, said state guidelines viewer corresponding to the state selection input and including selectable state specific information for viewing; and

request, by the communications device via the data network from a state jurisdictional computer, state jurisdictional data and state cost data for the totaled vehicle;

provide by the communications device via the data network to the user device, a calculate button on the total loss calculator graphical interface, said calculate button being selectable to cause calculation of a total loss amount based on the state jurisdictional data, the state cost data, and data entered by the user in the total loss calculator graphical interface;

responsive to receipt of selection of the calculate button, determine whether all required data to calculate the total loss amount has been received;

responsive to a positive determination that all of the required data to calculate the total loss amount has been received;

calculate a net total amount for the totaled vehicle including a first net total amount in a case where an insuring entity obtains the vehicle and a second net total amount in a case where an owner retains the vehicle, the first and second net total amounts calculated based on application of a plurality of fee rules associated with the state jurisdictional data, the state cost data, and said state selection input; and

provide by the communications device via the data network to the user device, a display on a first portion of the total loss calculator graphical interface of the first net total amount corresponding to the case where the insuring entity obtains the vehicle and a display on a second portion of the total loss calculator graphical interface of the second net total amount corresponding to the case where the owner retains the vehicle.

2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the calculator interface server computer is further configured to, responsive to a negative determination that all of the required data to calculate the total loss amount has been received, provide a display on the total loss calculator graphical interface indicating the additional data needed.

3. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the calculator interface server computer being configured to request state cost data comprises the memory storing instructions operative with the one or more computer processors to:

transmit, by the communications device via the data network, the state selection input and a request for the state cost data to a third party state cost computer of a third party source of cost data; and

receive, by the communications device via the data network from the third party state cost computer, the state cost data.

4. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the calculator interface server computer being configured to request state jurisdictional data comprises the memory storing instructions operative with the one or more computer processors to:

transmit, by the communications device via the data network, the state selection input and a request for the state jurisdictional data to a third party jurisdictional computer of a third party source of jurisdictional data; and

receive, by the communications device via the data network from the third party jurisdictional computer, the state jurisdictional data.

5. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the calculator interface server computer is further configured to:

transmit, by the communications device via the data network, a request for vehicle value data for the vehicle that has been totaled to a third party vehicle value computer of a third party source of vehicle value data; and

receive, by the communications device via the data network from the third party vehicle value computer, the vehicle value data for the vehicle that has been totaled;

wherein the first and second net total amounts are further based on the received vehicle value data for the vehicle that has been totaled.

6. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the calculator interface server computer is further configured to:

responsive to a positive determination that all of the required data to calculated the total loss amount has been received, transmit, by the communications device via the data network, the state selection input to a vehicle rental computer for determination of one or both of an estimate of a number of days and a price that the insuring entity will pay for rental of a rental vehicle by the owner of the totaled vehicle.

7. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising one or more data storage devices storing user data including first user type identifiers and passwords and second user type identifiers and passwords, and wherein the calculator interface server computer is further configured to, prior to providing to the user device for display the total loss calculator graphical interface:

receive, by the communications device, a user identifier and password;

determine whether the received user identifier and password correspond to one of a first user type identifier and password and a second user type identifier and password stored in the one or more data storage devices;

responsive to a determination that the user identifier and the password correspond to a first user type identifier and password, output to the user device data for display the total loss calculator graphical interface; and

responsive to a determination that the user identifier and the password correspond to a second user type identifier and password, output to the user device a display of selectable maintenance menus on the total loss calculator graphical interface.

8. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the calculator interface server computer is further configured to:

responsive to receipt of a selection of one of the maintenance menus from the user device;

output, by the communications device to the user device, a display of the selected maintenance menu; and

update the total loss calculator graphical interface based on input to the selected maintenance menu and capture at least one of a date of input entry, a time of input entry, and an identity of the user of the second user type.

9. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the calculator interface server computer being configured to provide, to the user device, the display of the selected maintenance menu comprises the calculator interface server computer being configured to provide to the user device data a display of at least one of a maintain state guidelines menu, a maintain fees menu, a maintain fee rules menu, and an update user menu.

10. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the calculator interface server computer is further configured to provide to the user device for display, by the communications device, a vehicle replacement interface through the total loss calculator graphical interface.

11. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the calculator interface computer server is further configured to provide, by the communications device via the data network to the user device and responsive to receipt of the state selection input, a state specific calculator accessible via the state guidelines view of the total loss calculator graphical interface, said state specific calculator corresponding to the state selection input.

12. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the state specific calculator accessible via the state guidelines view of the total loss calculator graphical interface comprises a state specific calculator for calculating an unused registration amount corresponding to the totaled vehicle.

13. A method for determining and displaying integrated calculations on a configurable user interface including accessing third party computer systems for a plurality of data items, comprising:

providing, by a calculator interface server computer by a communications device of the calculator interface server computer, via a data network to a user device, a total loss calculator graphical interface including an enabled claim identification input field a validation button selectable to cause validation of the claim identification input, a disabled state selection input field, and a disabled state guidelines viewer;

responsive to receiving from the user device via the data network, by the communications device, of the claim identification input and selection of the validation button, validate, by the calculator interface server computer, the claim identification input for a claim corresponding to a vehicle that has been totaled;

responsive to positive validation of the claim identification input, enabling, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network to the user device, the state selection input field for the total loss calculator graphical interface;

responsive to receipt of the state selection input;

enabling, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network, a state guidelines viewer for the total loss calculator graphical interface on the user device, said state guidelines viewer corresponding to the state selection input and including selectable state specific information for viewing; and

requesting, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network from a state jurisdictional computer, state jurisdictional data and state cost data for the totaled vehicle;

providing, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network to the user device, a calculate button on the total loss calculator graphical interface, said calculate button being selectable to cause calculation of a total loss amount based on the state jurisdictional data, the state cost data, and data input by the user into the total loss calculator graphical interface;

responsive to receipt of selection of the calculate button, determining, by the calculator interface server computer, whether all required data to calculate the total loss amount has been received;

responsive to a positive determination that all of the required data to calculated the total loss amount has been received;

calculating, by the calculator interface server computer, a net total amount for the totaled vehicle including a first net total amount in a case where an insuring entity obtains the vehicle and a second net total amount in a case where an owner retains the vehicle, the first and second net total amounts calculated based on an application of a plurality of fee rules associated with the state jurisdictional data, the state cost data, and said state selection input; and

providing, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network to the user device, a display on a first portion of the total loss calculator graphical interface of the first net total amount corresponding to the case where the insuring entity obtains the vehicle and a display on a second portion of the total loss calculator graphical interface of the second net total amount corresponding to the case where the owner retains the vehicle; and

transmitting, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network, the state selection input to a vehicle rental computer for determination of one or both of an estimate of a number of days and a price for payment by the insuring entity for rental of a rental vehicle by the owner of the totaled vehicle.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, responsive to a negative determination that all of the required data to calculate the total loss amount has been received, providing, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network, a display on the total loss calculator graphical interface of the user device indicating the additional data needed.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein requesting state cost data comprises:

transmitting, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network, the state selection input and a request for the state cost data to a third party state cost computer of a third party source of cost data; and

receiving, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network from the third party state cost computer, the state cost data.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein requesting state jurisdictional data comprises:

transmitting, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network, the state selection input and a request for the state jurisdictional data to a third party jurisdictional computer of a third party source of jurisdictional data; and

receiving, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network from the third party jurisdictional computer, the state jurisdictional data.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

transmitting, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network, a request for vehicle value data for the vehicle that has been totaled to a third party vehicle value computer of a third party source of vehicle value data; and

receiving, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network from the third party vehicle value computer, the vehicle value data for the vehicle that has been totaled;

wherein the first and second net total amounts are further based on the received vehicle value data for the vehicle that has been totaled.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising, prior to providing to the user device for display the total loss calculator graphical interface:

receiving, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network from the user device, a user identifier and password;

determining, by the calculator interface server computer, whether the received user identifier and password correspond to one of a first user type identifier and password and a second user type identifier and password stored in the one or more data storage devices;

responsive to a determination that the user identifier and the password correspond to a first user type identifier and password, outputting, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network to the user device, for display on the user device, the total loss calculator graphical interface; and

responsive to a determination that the user identified and the password correspond to a second user type identifier and password, outputting, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network to the user device, for display on the user device, maintenance menus of the total loss calculator graphical interface.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising, responsive to a determination that the user identified and the password correspond to a second user type identifier and password:

receiving, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network from the user device, a selection of one of the maintenance menus;

outputting, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network to the user device, for display on the user device, the selected maintenance menu, wherein the selected maintenance menu includes at least one of a data input field and a checkbox;

receiving, by the communications device of the calculator interface server computer via the data network from the user device, at least one of data input into the data input field and a checkbox selection;

updating, by the calculator interface server computer, the total loss calculator graphical interface based on the at least one of the data input and the checkbox selection; and

capturing, by the calculator interface server computer, at least one of a date of input entry, a time of input entry, and an identity of the user of the second user type.

20. A system for determining and displaying integrated calculations on a configurable user interface including accessing third party computer systems for a plurality of data items, comprising:

a calculator interface loss computer server configured to;

provide, by a communications device via a data network to a user device, a total loss calculator graphical interface including an enabled claim identification input field, a validation button selectable to cause validation of the claim identification input, a disabled state selection input field, and a disabled state guidelines viewer on the main menu;

responsive to receipt, from the user device via the data network by the communications device, of the claim identification input and selection of the validation button, validate the claim identification input for a claim corresponding to a vehicle that has been totaled;

responsive to receipt of the state selection input;

enable, by the communications device via the data network to the user device, the state guidelines viewer for the total loss calculator graphical interface, said state guidelines viewer corresponding to the state selection input and including selectable state specific information for viewing; and

request, by the communications device via the data network from a state jurisdictional computer, state jurisdictional data and state cost data for the totaled vehicle;

provide by the communications device via the data network to the user device, a calculate button on the total loss calculator graphical interface, said calculate button being selectable to cause calculation of a total loss amount based on the state jurisdictional data, the state cost data, and data entered by the user in the total loss calculator graphical interface;

responsive to receipt of selection of the calculate button, determine whether all required data to calculate the total loss amount has been received;

responsive to a negative determination that all of the required data to calculate the total loss amount has been received, provide an indication of additional data needed on the total loss calculator graphical interface; and

responsive to an affirmative determination that all the required data has been received;

calculate a net total amount for the totaled vehicle including a first net total amount in a case where an insuring entity obtains the vehicle and a second net total amount in a case where an owner retains the vehicle, the first and second net total amounts calculated based on application of a plurality of fee rules associated with the state jurisdictional data, the state cost data, and said state selection input; and

provide by the communications device via the data network to the user device, a display on a first portion of the total loss calculator graphical interface of the first net total amount corresponding to the case where the insuring entity obtains the vehicle and a display on a second portion of the total loss calculator graphical interface of the second net total amount corresponding to the case where the owner retains the vehicle.

21. The computer system of claim 20, wherein the calculator interface server computer being configured to request the state jurisdictional data and the state cost data for the totaled vehicle comprises the calculator interface server computer being configured to:

transmit, by the communications device via the data network, the state selection input and a request for the state jurisdictional data to a third party jurisdictional computer of a third party source of jurisdictional data;

receive, by the communications device via the data network from the third party jurisdictional computer, the state jurisdictional data;

transmit, by the communications device via the data network, the state selection input and a request for the state cost data to a third party state cost computer of a third party source of cost data; and

receive, by the communications device via the data network from the third party state cost computer, the state cost data.

22. The computer system of claim 20, further comprising a vehicle rental computer in communication with the communications device of the computer system via the data network, the vehicle rental computer being configured to receive the state selection input data, and responsive to receipt of the state selection input data, determine one or both of an estimate of a number of days and a price that the insuring entity will pay for rental of a rental vehicle by the owner of the totaled vehicle.

23. The computer system of claim 22, further comprising a vehicle purchase computer in communication with the calculator interface server computer via the communications device and the data network, the vehicle purchase computer configured to provide a user with a search interface to obtain new and used vehicle data for a vehicle to be purchased.