Patent ID: 12250612

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the present disclosure are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

As used herein, the term “coupled” or “coupled to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. The term “set” may refer to one or more items. Wherever possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in the figures to identify common or the same elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of clarification.

Furthermore, when introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, the phrase A “based on” B is intended to mean that A is at least partially based on B. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive (e.g., logical OR) and not exclusive (e.g., logical XOR). In other words, the phrase A “or” B is intended to mean A, B, or both A and B.

The description below describes an address location identifier system capable of relating a physical location to an address. As explained above, mailing addresses in rural areas do not always reflect the actual physical location of the address. For example, some rural addresses may be associated with the middle of a county or the first house on a shared street. An institution may therefore struggle to assess a property (e.g., insurance assessments), deliver documents to a physical location, among other services. The address location identifier system, in accordance with present embodiments, may therefore assist an institution by determining the physical location of a member and associate that physical location with an address by using global positioning system (GPS) data and/or other location data associated with the member.

FIG.1is a schematic view of an address location identifier system10. The address location identifier system10includes a computer system12. The computer system12may include servers and/or other computer systems capable of using different types of data to correlate an address to a physical location. The computer system12includes one or more processors14, such as the illustrated microprocessor, and one or more memory devices30. The computer system12may also include one or more storage devices and/or other suitable components. The processor14may be used to execute software, such as software that enables the address location identifier system10to process GPS data, picture metadata, imagery data, among others. Moreover, the processor14may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor14may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

Memory device16may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). Memory device16may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, memory device16may store processor executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor14to execute. The storage device(s) (e.g., nonvolatile memory) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may store data, instructions, and any other suitable data.

As illustrated, the address location identifier system10receives data from a variety of sources. These sources may include satellite imagery from a satellite imagery database18, a GPS database20that stores GPS data from a member's vehicle, a GPS database that stores GPS data from a member's portable electronic device(s), and/or a database24that stores a member's picture location metadata. In operation, the address location identifier system10uses this information to determine a physical location of the member's residence or property (e.g., latitude and longitude) and then associates the physical location of the member's residence to the member's address. It should be understood that while multiple sources of data (e.g., databases) may be used in determining a physical location of the member's residence, a single source of data may be sufficient. However, if multiple sources of data are available the address location identifier system10may use all of them to confirm and/or correct the physical location of the member's residence.

FIG.2is a flowchart illustrating a method50for identifying the physical location of the member's residence or property using the address location identifier system10. The method50begins by receiving an image or picture, step52. The image or picture may come from a variety of sources including social media (e.g., picture from the member's social media account), a communication directly from the member to the institution, among others. The computer system12may then analyze the picture to determine if the picture shows the interior of a building (e.g., home, apartment, office, kitchen), step54. For example, the computer system12may use artificial intelligence to recognize objects and/or features associated with an interior of a building. By recognizing that the picture was taken in a building, the computer system12may narrow the amount of location metadata that can be associated with the physical location of the member's residence. For example, the location metadata from a picture taken in a park may not be included in the possible locations of a member's residence. If the answer is yes, the method50analyzes the location metadata from the picture, step56. For example, the computer system12may compare the location metadata from the picture with a proximate known location of the member's residence. For example, if the member's physical location is in Texas and the image metadata is from Florida, the computer system12may determine that the image location metadata cannot be associated with a physical location of the member's residence. The analysis of the image metadata may be more specific than comparing states. For example, the analysis may compare the location metadata of the picture to the location of the member's county, township, among others. After analyzing the location metadata from the pictures, the computer system12may group the photos by location to determine a physical location of the member's residence with the assumption that the majority of the photos would likely be taken at the member's residence, step58. The method50may then associate the physical location of the member's residence with the member's address, step60.

If the picture does not show the interior of a building, the computer system12may then analyze the picture to determine if the picture shows the exterior of a building in a rural setting, step62. For example, the computer system12may use artificial intelligence to recognize objects and/or features associated with a rural setting in combination with features of a building. By recognizing that the picture includes a rural setting in combination with the building, the computer system12may narrow the amount of location metadata that can be associated with the physical location of the member's residence. For example, the computer system12may identify a city setting in picture and therefore not include the location metadata of the picture in the possible locations of a member's residence. If the answer is yes (i.e., a rural setting and building are identified), the method50analyzes the location metadata from the picture, step64, if not the method50returns to receiving an image, step52. When analyzing the location metadata from the picture, the computer system12may compare the location metadata from the picture with a proximate known location of the member's residence. Again, an example of this may be if the member's physical location is in Texas and the image metadata is from Florida, the computer system12may determine that the image location metadata cannot be associated with a physical location of the member's residence. The location analysis of the image metadata may be more specific (e.g., county, township) when comparing the picture metadata to the area of the member's residence. After analyzing the location metadata from the pictures, the computer system12may group the photos by location to determine a physical location of the member's residence with the assumption that the majority of the photos would likely be associated with the member's residence, step66. The method50may then associate the physical location of the member's residence with the member's address, step60.

The method50described above analyzes the contents of the image before analyzing the location metadata from the picture. It should be understood that the method50may reverse the order. That is, the method50may first analyze the metadata from the picture to determine if the picture was taken in vicinity of the member's address. This may enable the method50to narrow the number of pictures that are then sorted into interior pictures (e.g., interior residence photos) and exterior pictures (e.g., exterior residence photos) for further analysis.

FIG.3is a flowchart illustrating a method80for identifying and associating a physical location with a member's address from global positioning system data of a portable electronic device(s). The method80begins as the computer system12receives GPS coordinates from a portable electronic device or devices, step82. These portable electronic devices may include cell phones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, wearable fitness devices, among others. These portable electronic devices may be associated with the member through an app (e.g., an institution's app) downloaded to the portable electronic device and/or the portable electronic device may be used to access an account at the institution. In some situations, the member may register the portable electronic device with the institution. When the member downloads the app, logs into an account, and/or registers the device with the institution the member may agree to provide access to the devices GPS system enabling the institution to receive GPS coordinates indicative of the location of the portable electronic device(s). The GPS data provided by the portable electronic device may also include timestamps indicating both the location of the portable electronic device and the time it was at that location.

Using the GPS data and timestamps, the method80then determines where the portable electronic device is at different times, such as in the evening, step84. For example, method80may analyze the location data of the portable electronic device during the hours of 10 PM to 5 AM for a period of time (e.g., day, week, month, year). By determining the location of the portable electronic device during the evening, the method80may determine that this is the likely residence location of the member. In step84, the method80may also compare the location data of the portable electronic device with a proximate known location of the member's residence. For example, the analysis may compare the location data of the portable electronic device to the location of the member's county, township, among others. If the GPS data is not proximate the member's address, the method80may change the analyzed times to determine the physical location of the member's residence.

In some embodiments, the method80may confirm that the location data associated with the portable electronic device is proximate a residence, step86. For example, the computer system12may pull satellite imagery data to determine if a home is located at the location of the GPS data provided by the portable electronic device. If so, the method80may then associate the physical location of the portable electronic device with the member's address, step88.

In some cases, members of the institution may work during the week away from his or her residence. Accordingly, the method80may also determine where the portable electronic device is on the weekend with the assumption that the member is home on the weekend. The method80may pull data from a variety of weekends for this analysis (e.g., 1 weekend, 5 weekends, 10 weekends). As explained above, the GPS data may include timestamps that enable the method80to determine where the portable electronic device is on the weekends, step90. For example, the method80may analyze the location data of the portable electronic device from 10 PM on Friday night to Sunday at 6 PM. By determining where the portable electronic device was primarily located on the weekend, the method80may determine that this is the likely residence location of the member. In step90, the method80may also compare the location data of the portable electronic device with a proximate known location of the member's residence. For example, the analysis may compare the location data of the portable electronic device to the location of the member's county, township, among others. If the GPS data is not proximate the member's address, the method80may change the analyzed times to determine the physical location of the member's residence.

As discussed above, the method80may confirm that the location data associated with the portable electronic device is proximate a residence, step92. For example, the computer system12may pull satellite imagery data to determine if a home is located at the location of the GPS data (e.g., GPS data associated with the weekend) provided by the portable electronic device. If so, the method80may then associate the physical location of the portable electronic device with the member's address, step88.

In some embodiments, the method80may also request identification of its current location through the portable electronic device, step94. For example, when the member loads an institution's app or accesses member services through an institution's website, the application and/or website may request that the member identify their current location. The application and/or website may provide a list that the member may select from to provide the current location of the portable electronic device. The list may include home, work, restaurants, grocery store, among others. In some embodiments, the application website may provide a simple “yes” or “no” question regarding if they are currently at their residence. To encourage the member to answer the question, the method80may state that a reward will be provided if the question is answered. The method80may then confirm that the location data associated with the member's reply is proximate a residence, step96. For example, the computer system12may pull satellite imagery data to determine if a home is located at those GPS coordinates. If so, the method80may then associate the physical location of the portable electronic device with the member's address, step88.

FIG.4is a flowchart illustrating a method120for identifying and associating a physical location with a member's address from global positioning system data of a member's vehicle. The method120begins as the computer system12receives GPS coordinates from a vehicle (e.g., truck, car, motorcycle), step122. The vehicle GPS data may come from the vehicle manufacturer and/or a GPS system that the institution may access. The GPS data provided may also include timestamps enabling a time-location association.

Using the GPS data and the timestamps, the method120then determines where the vehicle is primarily located in the evening, step124. For example, method120may analyze the location data of the vehicle during the hours of 10 PM to 5 AM for a period of time (e.g., day, week, month, year). By determining the location of the vehicle during the evening, the method120may determine that this is the likely residence location of the member. In step124, the method120may also compare the location data of the vehicle with a proximate known location of the member's residence. For example, the analysis may compare the location data of the vehicle to the location of the member's county, township, among others. If the GPS data is not proximate the member's address, the method80may change the analyzed times to determine the physical location of the member's residence.

In some embodiments, the method120may confirm that the location data associated with the vehicle is proximate a residence, step126. For example, the computer system12may pull satellite imagery data to determine if a home is located at the location of the GPS data for the vehicle. If so, the method120may then associate the physical location of the portable electronic device with the member's residence and with the member's address, step128.

The method120may also determine where the vehicle is inactive the most and/or inactive for the longest sections of time, step130. This data may be collected with the assumption that the vehicle is inactive the most and/or for the longest sections of time when at the member's residence. The method120may pull this data for a variety of time periods (e.g., day, week, month, year). The method120may also compare the location where the vehicle is the most inactive and/or inactive for the longest amounts of time with a proximate known location of the member's residence. For example, the analysis may compare the location data of the vehicle to the location of the member's county or township.

The method120may again confirm that the location data associated with the vehicle is proximate a residence, step132. For example, the computer system12may pull satellite imagery data to determine if a home is located at the location of the GPS data for the portable electronic device. If so, the method120may then associate the physical location of the portable electronic device with the member's residence and with the member's address, step128.

In each of the embodiments discussed above (including combinations of disclosed embodiments), statistical analysis and historical data may be utilized to determine a residence location. This may include comparing data for a particular address to data confirmed for a set of addresses. For example, if historical data for confirmed addresses suggest that having a car at a particular location for at least 75% of measured evenings and with at least 50% of interior photos associated via metadata to the particular location indicates that a location is a residence for an address, then having similar statistics for an address under evaluation may increase a likelihood that the address under evaluation should be the indicated location. Artificial intelligence programs may be utilized to compare historical data and data under evaluation in accordance with present embodiments.

The technical effects of the systems and methods described herein include a computer system that associates a physical location to an address. The address location identifier system may associate a physical location with an address by accessing and analyzing GPS data from a vehicle, GPS data from a portable electronic device(s), and/or picture location metadata.

As used herein, the terms “inner” and “outer”; “up” and “down”; “upper” and “lower”; “upward” and “downward”; “above” and “below”; “inward” and “outward”; and other like terms as used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular direction or spatial orientation. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and “connecting” refer to “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more intermediate elements or members.”

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Moreover, the order in which the elements of the methods described herein are illustrated and described may be re-arranged, and/or two or more elements may occur simultaneously. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principals of the disclosure and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Finally, the techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112 (f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112 (f).