System and method for pre-emptive property shifting detection and remediation

A system for monitoring shifting of a structure includes one or more hardware processors. The system also includes a non-transitory memory, the non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or hardware processors, causes the one or more hardware processors to perform actions. The actions include monitoring the structure for a shift in elevation in a portion of the structure. The actions also include receiving, from a first plurality of sensors, feedback related to a condition of a foundation of a structure. The actions further include determining whether a portion of the foundation of the structure has shifted in elevation based on the feedback. The actions still further include providing a notification when the portion of the structure has shifted in elevation.

BACKGROUND

Typically, structures such as buildings or homes will shift or settle some over time. In addition, in response to certain weather events (e.g., severe storms) some shifting may also occur (e.g., due to alterations in the conditions of the soil the structure is disposed upon). However, too much shifting or settling may result in damage to the structure and costly repairs. Accordingly, there is a need to detect any shift or settling and to potentially take remedial actions.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system for monitoring shifting of a structure is provided. The system includes one or more hardware processors. The system also includes a non-transitory memory, the non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or hardware processors, causes the one or more hardware processors to perform actions. The actions include monitoring a structure for a shift in elevation in a portion of the structure. The actions also include receiving, from a first plurality of sensors, feedback related to a condition of a foundation of a structure. The actions further include determining whether a portion of the foundation of the structure has shifted in elevation based on the feedback. The actions still further include providing a notification when the portion of the structure has shifted in elevation.

In one embodiment, a system for monitoring shifting of a structure is provided. The system includes a first plurality of sensors configured to be disposed throughout the structure and to measure a condition of a foundation of the structure. The system also includes a second plurality of sensors configured to be disposed in soil along a perimeter of the structure and to measure a condition of the soil. The system further includes an irrigation system configured to be disposed in the soil along the perimeter of the structure. The system still further includes a controller configured to receive feedback from the first and second plurality of sensors and to determine based on the feedback whether a portion of the foundation of the structure has shifted in elevation and to activate the irrigation system, based on a detected shift in the elevation, to irrigate a specific portion of the soil to keep the foundation of the structure from shifting in elevation.

In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for monitoring shifting of a structure is provided. The method includes monitoring, via a processor, the structure for a shift in elevation in a portion of the structure. The method also includes receiving, at the processor, feedback related to a condition of a foundation of a structure from a plurality of sensors. The method further includes determining, via the processor, whether a portion of the foundation of the structure has shifted in elevation based on the feedback. The method still further includes providing, via the processor, a notification when the portion of the structure has shifted in elevation. The method yet further includes monitoring, via the processor, one or more actions taken in response to the notification and adjusting insurance characteristics based on the one or more actions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments provide systems and methods for detecting shifting in a structure (e.g., building or home). In particular, sensors may be disposed at various locations throughout a structure to monitor a condition of the structure (e.g., a shift in elevation or a change in angle of the structure or a foundation of the structure). In addition, sensors may be disposed on or in the soil about the perimeter of the structure to monitor conditions in the soil (moisture level, density, etc.). A controller based on the feedback from the sensors disposed throughout the structure can monitor for elevation shifts or angle changes in a portion of the structure. In addition, the controller, based on the feedback from the sensors disposed on or in the soil, may determine a potential cause of any elevation shift in the structure due to the condition of the soil or activate an irrigation system to alter the condition of the soil to mitigate the elevation shift or to pre-emptively keep the elevation shift from occurring. In some embodiments, the controller may provide a notice to a person associated with the structure (e.g., owner, occupant, etc.) of the condition of the structure and/or soil, potential causes of a condition in the structure, potential remediation suggestions or recommendations, or actions (proactive or remedial) taken by the controller. The disclosed systems and methods may mitigate or avoid significant shifts in elevation in the structure and avoid potential damage and costly repairs.

FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of a system10for detecting shifting in a structure (e.g., building or home). The system includes a controller12, sensors (e.g., structure sensors)14, sensors (e.g., soil sensors)16, and an irrigation system18. The sensors14are disposed at a variety of locations (e.g., strategic locations) throughout the structure (e.g., building or home). For example, if a home had four corners, at least one sensor14may be disposed in each corner. The number of structure sensors14may vary (e.g., 2, 3, or more). The structures sensors14may include one or more pressure sensors (e.g., strain gauges, pressure altimeter (e.g., pressurized hydrostatic altimeter), barometer (e.g., aneroid barometer), piezoelectric, etc.) that can be utilized to reference the elevation of a portion the structure (e.g., a portion of the foundation) relative to a set elevation (e.g., initial elevation when the sensor is installed). In other embodiments, the structure sensors14may include one or more tilt sensors (e.g., force balance sensor, solid state micro-electromechanical systems, fluid-filled sensors, accelerometers, etc.) that can be utilized to determine a tilt or change in angle of the structure relative to an initial point or reference point (e.g., level condition). Upon installation of the structure sensors14, the sensors14may be calibrated (e.g., relative to a reference such as a reference elevation or tilt condition (e.g., level condition). The sensors14may provide feedback related to a condition (e.g., change in elevation or angle) of a portion of the structure.

The sensors16may be disposed on or within the soil adjacent and along a perimeter of the structure. The number of the sensors16(e.g., soil sensors) may vary (e.g., 2, 3, or more). The sensors16may include one or more moisture sensors (tensiometric sensors, volumetric sensors, or time domain reflectometry devices, etc.) to measure a moisture level within the soil. The sensors16may include one or more solid state sensors (e.g., gypsum blocks, granular matrix sensors, etc.) to measure soil water tension. The sensors16may include soil strength sensors (e.g., penetrometer, etc.) to measure a density or compactness of the soil. The sensors16may provide feedback related to a condition (e.g., moisture level, water tension level, density or compactness, etc.) of the soil adjacent the perimeter of the structure.

The irrigation system18may include one or more soaker hoses disposed on or in the soil adjacent to and along the perimeter of the structure. In certain embodiments, the irrigation system18may include a sprinkler system. The irrigation system18may be utilized to water portions of the soil adjacent the perimeter of the structure. In certain embodiments, a water reservoir or catch system (e.g., to collect free water (e.g., rain) for future use) may be utilized in conjunction with the irrigation system18during times of water restriction. In certain embodiments, the irrigation system18may be coupled to the water reservoir or catch system19so that the water reservoir or catch system19may provide water to the irrigation system18in times of drought, drought restrictions, and/or water restrictions.

The structure sensors12, the soil sensors14, and the irrigation system18are in communication with the controller16. In addition, the controller16may be communicatively coupled to one or more databases22(e.g., weather database) via any suitable communication network or networks20, including a mobile communication network, a Wi-Fi network, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and/or the Internet. The database22(e.g., weather database) may provide weather information (past, current, future, etc.) for the location of the structure, which controller16may associate with a change in condition of a structure or soil. For example, the controller16may determine based on the information from the databases22that drought conditions are present or that drought restrictions and/or water restrictions are currently being implemented, which may enable the controller18to utilize the water reservoir or catch system19in conjunction with the irrigation system.

The controller16includes a memory24and a processor26. The processor26may be any type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code. The processes and logic flows described in this specification may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and/or processor(s) of any appropriate kind of digital computer.

The memory24may be any suitable articles of manufacture that store processor-executable code, data, or the like. These articles of manufacture may include non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., any suitable form of memory or storage) that may store the processor-executable code used by the processor26to perform the presently disclosed techniques. It should be noted that non-transitory merely indicates that the media is tangible and not a signal.

The controller16may receive feedback from the structure sensors12and determine whether a portion of the structure (e.g., portion of the foundation of the structure) has shifted in elevation (e.g., up or down) or changed an angle (relative to either an initial or reference elevation or angle). The controller16may also receive feedback from the soil sensors16to determine a condition of the soil (e.g., moisture level, density or compactness, etc.). The controller16may compare the feedback from the sensors12,14to thresholds (e.g., reference states for elevation or angles or desired moisture level for a soil, etc.). The controller16may also store the data collected from the sensors12,14in the memory24or other storage for later reference.

In response to any change in elevation or angle of a portion of the structure, the controller16may ascertain a potential cause (e.g., soil condition, weather event, etc.) and/or provide a recommendation or suggestion for remediation (e.g., water a certain portion of the soil, add soil in a certain area, etc.). In certain embodiments, the controller16may take action in response to the change in elevation or angle of the portion of the structure. For example, the controller16may send a control signal to the irrigation system18to water a certain portion of the soil (e.g., to a certain moisture level). In certain embodiments, the controller16may take pre-emptive action before any change in condition of the structure is detected. For example, based on a condition of the soil, the controller16may send a control signal to the irrigation system18to water a certain portion of the soil (e.g., to a certain moisture level). The controller16may also take into account a weather forecast in controlling the moisture level of the soil via the irrigation system18. In certain embodiments, the controller6may send a control signal to the irrigation system18and/or the water reservoir or catch system19to utilize the water reservoir or catch system19as the water supply for irrigation (e.g., in the presence of water restrictions or a drought condition).

The controller16may be in communication with one or more computing device28(e.g., a user device). The computing device may include a memory30(e.g., similar to memory24), a processor32(e.g., similar to processor26), input/output (I/O) port34(e.g., mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, stylus, etc.), a display36, and a communication component38(e.g., to enable communication with the controller16). The memory30may store an application for interacting with the controller16for the system10. As used herein, applications may include any suitable computer software or program that may be installed onto the computing device28and executed by the processor32. The display36may enable the display of any data acquired by the controller16(e.g., via the sensors12,14), any notification or alerts related to a condition of the structure, any recommendations related to a change in the structure or to pre-emptively avoid any change in the structure, or a notice of any action in response to a change in the structure or pre-emptive action taken by the controller16. In addition, the computing device28may enable any commands or information to be provided to the controller16(and the system10). For example, the computing device28may enable a user to input instruction regarding irrigation of one or more areas of the soil about the structure.

FIG.2illustrates a schematic diagram of sensor placement and irrigation system placement relative to a structure40(e.g., home or building). An outline of the structure40(e.g., in plan view) is indicated by a perimeter42. One or more structure sensors12(ST), as described above, may be located throughout the structure40. The structure sensors12are distributed throughout the structure40to provide an indication of a change in condition (e.g., elevation or angle) of any portion of the structure40. As depicted, the structure sensors12are distributed in each corner44of the structure40. The structure sensors12may be located in other locations (e.g., centrally located, located in the area between corners44, etc.). The structure sensors12may be associated with the foundation or floor or wall or other portion of the structure40. The structure sensors12may be located internally within the structure40and/or externally on the structure40.

One or more soil sensors14(SS), as described above, may be disposed in or on soil46disposed adjacent to and about the perimeter42of the structure40. As depicted, at least one soil sensor14is disposed on the soil46on each side48of the structure40. The soil sensors14are distributed throughout the soil46to provide an indication of a change (e.g., in moisture level, compactness, etc.) in the soil46near the structure40.

The irrigation system18is disposed on or in the soil46about the perimeter42of the structure40. In certain embodiments, the irrigation system18includes one or more soaker hoses50. The number of soaker hoses50may vary. A length of each soaker hose50may vary. As depicted, one soaker hose50is located on each side48of the structure40. In certain embodiments, more than one soaker hose50may be located on each side48of the structure40. In certain embodiments, a particular soaker hose50may extend from one side of the structure40to another side48of the structure40(i.e., around the corner44). In certain embodiments, the irrigation system18may include a sprinkler system. The zones of the sprinkler system disposed adjacent to and about the perimeter42may be utilized to manage the moisture of the soil46to avoid any change in the condition of the structure40.

FIG.3is an illustration of a graphical user interface52displaying, on a computing device (e.g., computing device28inFIG.1), information related to a condition of a structure. As depicted, the graphical user interface52may display a status of the structure indicator54provided by the controller (e.g., controller16inFIG.1). The indicator54may indicate a change in a condition of a portion of the structure (e.g., shift in elevation and/or change in angle). Some examples of what the indicator54may state are “No change throughout structure”, “Change in elevation in back left room”, and “Change in angle in front right corner of structure”. In certain embodiment, the indicator54may provide a measurement as well. For example, the indicator55may state “Change of negative 0.1 centimeters in elevation in back left room” or “Change in of negative 1 degree in front right corner of structure”.

The graphical user interface52may also display a status soil indicator56provided by the controller. The indicator56may indicate a current condition and/or a change in the condition of one or more areas of the soil disposed about a perimeter of the structure. Some examples of what the indicator56may state are “No change in the soil”, “Soil near back right corner of structure is in need of moisture”, and “Soil near front left corner has become less compact or dense”. In certain embodiments, the indicator56may provide a measurement related to the condition of the soil at one or more areas of the soil relative to the structure. For example, “Soil located adjacent to back right corner of structure has a moisture level of X” or “Soil located adjacent to left right corner has a density or compactness of X”.

The graphical user interface52may further display an action(s) taken indicator58. The indicator58may provide an indication of a remedial action (preemptive or in response to a change in the condition of the structure or soil) taken by the controller. For example, the indicator58may state “Soil adjacent left rear corner of structure was irrigated”, “Soil adjacent right rear corner of structure was irrigated with 0.1 inches of water”, or “Watering of the soil has been delayed for 3 days due to anticipated precipitation today”. Monitoring of such actions may be utilized by a system (e.g., computing device28) to adjust insurance premiums or other aspects of an insurance product, which can also be presented for review via the graphical user interface52. For example, consistent remedial action taken over time in response to detected structural issues may result in a lowering or maintaining of certain insurance characteristics (e.g., premium levels) while a lack of action may result in an increase in such characteristics. Other changes to insurance are contemplated as well in response to whether the changes in structural conditions are addressed by detected actions.

In certain embodiments, the graphical user interface52includes a cause of status of the structure indicator60. If there is a change in the condition of the structure, the indicator60may provide the cause. The indicator60may state “Storm on July 2 caused a change in soil moisture that may have caused the change in elevation on front right corner of the structure” or “Change in soil density or compactness in soil adjacent the back left corner of the structure may have caused the change in elevation”.

In certain embodiments, the graphical user interface52includes a potential remedial or preemptive action indicator62. The indicator62may be for any suggestion or recommended action to be taken (as suggested by the controller) in response to a change in condition of the structure and/or soil or to avoid any change in condition of the structure and/or soil. The indicator62may state “Add soil to the area adjacent back left corner of the house”, “Water the soil adjacent the front right corner of the house”, or “Compact the soil in the area adjacent the back left corner of the house”.

FIG.4illustrates a flow diagram of a method64for monitoring a condition of a structure. One or more steps of the method64may be carried out by one or more components of the system illustrated inFIG.1. One or more of the steps of the method64may be performed simultaneously or in a different order from the order depicted inFIG.4. One or more of the steps64of the method64may be combined.

The method64includes monitoring a structure (e.g., home or building) (block66). The method64includes receiving structure feedback (e.g., from structure sensors as described above) (block68). The method66also includes receiving soil feedback (e.g., from soil sensors as described above) adjacent to and disposed about the structure (block70).

The method64includes determining if one or more soil conditions (e.g., moisture, density or compactness, etc.) are okay based on the feedback from the soil sensors (block72). In determining if a soil condition is okay, the feedback from the soil sensors may be compared to a set or desired threshold or range to determine if a particular measurement is above or below the threshold or within or without the range. If the soil conditions are okay, the monitoring of the structure continues (block66). If one or more soil conditions in one or more areas of the soil are not okay, the method64includes providing a notice for a recommendation or suggestion to remedy the soil condition (block74). For example, the notice may state to water a certain area of the soil, to add soil to a certain area, or to compact a certain area of the soil. In certain embodiments, if one or more soil conditions in one or more areas of the soil are not okay, the method64includes providing a notice of an action taken by the controller with regards to the soil (block76). For example, the notice of action may be that the area of the soil adjacent the back right corner of the structure was watered with 0.1 inches of water. In certain embodiments, if one or more soil conditions in one or more areas of the soil are not okay, the method64includes automatically activating (in a proactive manner) the irrigation system (block78) to water one or more areas of the soil that need moisture. As noted above, in certain embodiments, a water reservoir or catch system may be utilized to supply water to the irrigation system.

The method64also includes determining if a condition of a structure (e.g., angle or elevation) is okay based on the feedback from the structure sensors (block80). In determining if the condition of the structure is okay, the feedback from the structure sensors may be compared to a reference (e.g., angle or elevation) to determine if a particular measurement has changed from the reference. If the condition of the structure is okay, the monitoring of the structure continues (block66). If the condition of one or more areas of the structure is not okay, the method64includes providing an alert or notice (block82). The alert or notice may provide an indication of the condition (e.g., shift in elevation or change in angle of a portion of the structure). In certain embodiments, the alert or notice may provide an indication of the potential cause (e.g., soil condition in a particular area about the structure, a weather event, etc.). In certain embodiments, the alert or notice may also provide an action taken (e.g., watering of area of the soil). In certain embodiments, if the condition of a portion of the structure is not okay, the method64includes providing recommendation or suggestion for remediation (e.g., add soil in a certain area, water the soil in a certain area, contact a professional to remedy the condition, etc.) (block84).