Abstract: The following relates generally to providing virtual reality (VR) alerts to a driver of an autonomous vehicle. For example, a vehicle may be driving autonomously while the driver is watching a VR movie (e.g., on a pair of VR goggles); the driver may then receive a VR alert recommending that the driver take control of the vehicle (e.g., switch the vehicle from autonomous to manual mode). The following also relates to generating a VR feed for presenting real-time road conditions so that a user may preview a road segment. The following also relates to generating a VR feed corresponding to an event (e.g., a vehicle collision, a crime, a weather event, and/or a natural disaster).

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically mitigating risks of water damage to a property caused by insurance-related events are provided. A smart home controller and/or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a smart device disposed on, within, or proximate to a property associated with monitoring water flow, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of water leakage exists, the smart home controller or remote processor may automatically issue commands to the smart device to take actions that mitigate the risk of water damage. The smart home controller may transmit information about the actual or potential water leakage risks and any mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider remote processor may interpret the transmitted data and perform insurance activities, such as providing a discount or premium, and/or adjusting an insurance policy associated with the property.

Abstract: Methods and systems for power transfer and routing in a compartmentalized electric vehicle (EV) having detachable compartments, and for handing off a load from one EV to another EV for delivering the load to a destination are described herein. Each detachable compartment in the compartmentalized EV may have a separate power supply, motor, set of wheels, and/or autonomous operation features. The detachable compartments may attach to each other, such that each of the detachable compartments combine to form a compartmentalized EV that travels to a particular location.

Abstract: The following relates generally to providing virtual reality (VR) alerts to a driver of an autonomous vehicle. For example, a vehicle may be driving autonomously while the driver is watching a VR movie (e.g., on a pair of VR goggles); the driver may then receive a VR alert recommending that the driver take control of the vehicle (e.g., switch the vehicle from autonomous to manual mode). The following also relates to generating a VR feed for presenting real-time road conditions so that a user may preview a road segment. The following also relates to generating a VR feed corresponding to an event (e.g., a vehicle collision, a crime, a weather event, and/or a natural disaster).

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically mitigating risks of water damage to a property caused by insurance-related events are provided. A smart home controller and/or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a smart device disposed on, within, or proximate to a property associated with monitoring water flow, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of water leakage exists, the smart home controller or remote processor may automatically issue commands to the smart device to take actions that mitigate the risk of water damage. The smart home controller may transmit information about the actual or potential water leakage risks and any mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider remote processor may interpret the transmitted data and perform insurance activities, such as providing a discount or premium, and/or adjusting an insurance policy associated with the property.

Abstract: Methods and systems for power transfer and routing in a compartmentalized electric vehicle (EV) having detachable compartments, and for handing off a load from one EV to another EV for delivering the load to a destination are described herein. Each detachable compartment in the compartmentalized EV may have a separate power supply, motor, set of wheels, and/or autonomous operation features. The detachable compartments may attach to each other, such that each of the detachable compartments combine to form a compartmentalized EV that travels to a particular location.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predictively generating an insurance claim in response to detecting an imminent insurance-related event are provided. According to certain aspects, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may store a first set of data received from smart devices disposed on, or proximate to, a property. This data may be analyzed to detect that an insurance-related event is imminent and calculate a likelihood that a property owner will file an insurance claim in response to damage caused by the imminent insurance-related event. If there is a sufficient likelihood that an insurance claim will be filed, the smart home controller or remote processor may store a second set of data received from the smart devices. Subsequently, according to certain aspects, the second set of data may be analyzed to prepopulate an automatically generated insurance claim with information detailing damage to the property caused by the insurance-related event.

Abstract: Methods and systems for power transfer and routing in a compartmentalized electric vehicle (EV) having detachable compartments, and for handing off a load from one EV to another EV for delivering the load to a destination are described herein. Each detachable compartment in the compartmentalized EV may have a separate power supply, motor, set of wheels, and/or autonomous operation features. The detachable compartments may attach to each other, such that each of the detachable compartments combine to form a compartmentalized EV that travels to a particular location.

Abstract: A portable fuel metering system (PMU) is described. The PMU has one or more flow meters capable of metering the flow of fluids, such as fuel, as the fluid is transferred from a source to a receiver. The PMU may include a telemetry unit configured to transmit parameters related to the fuel transfer to remote location. The PMU may be configured in a light, portable package that may be carried by one or two people. The PMU may include a power generator that is configured to use the flow of fluid to the PMU to generate power for the PMU's operation.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to assessing the need to replace a smart or other device within a home and facilitating device replacement. A smart home controller at the home may retrieve usage data associated with a device and compare the usage data to baseline usage data. Based upon the comparison, the controller may determine that the device needs replacement and, in response, may communicate information associated with a replacement device to a home owner. The home owner may assess whether to replace the device and, if so, may order a replacement device from (and/or schedule an installation of the replacement device with) an appropriate manufacturer or retailer. As a result, failing devices may be replaced prior to a failure that causes damage to the home, and/or home owners may be timely prompted to investigate or replace failing devices. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon with the risk prevention/mitigation functionality.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically mitigating risks of insurance-related events to a property are provided. According to certain aspects, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, within, or proximate to a property, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of property damage exists, the smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may automatically issue commands to one or more smart devices to take actions that mitigate the risk. The smart home controller may also transmit information about the actual or potential risks and any mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider remote processor may interpret the transmitted data to perform insurance activities, such as providing a discount and/or adjusting an insurance premium or policy associated with the property.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to detecting instances of individuals being in peril within an independent or assisted living environment. According to certain aspects, with an individual's permission or affirmative consent, a hardware controller (such as a smart or interconnected home controller, or even a mobile device) may receive and analyze sensor data detected within the independent or assisted living environment to determine whether an individual may be in peril. In this circumstance, the hardware controller may generate a notification that indicates the situation and may communicate the notification to a proper individual, such as a family member or care giver, who may be in a position to mitigate or alleviate any risks posed by the situation. The foregoing functionality also may be used by an insurance provider to generate, update, or adjust insurance policies, premiums, rates, or discounts, and/or make recommendations to an insured individual.

Abstract: Example systems and methods for manipulating control of sump pumps to extend lifespans of the sump pumps are disclosed. An example method includes activating a sump pump a first time; deactivating the sump pump when a first current water level in a sump basin reaches a first low-water mark; and determining, by one or more processors, a time since a last activation of the sump pump wherein the last activation occurred when the sump pump activated the first time. When the time satisfies a threshold, the method activates the sump pump at second time, determines, by one or more processors, a second current water level in the sump basin, and in response to determining that the second current water level in the sump basin is below a second low-water mark corresponding to a bottom of an impeller of the sump pump, deactivates the sump pump.

Abstract: A sump pump system may detect and utilize motion or acceleration of water in sump basins when implementing control of sump pumps. To detect the motion or acceleration, the sump pump system may utilize a sensor that is configured to detect motion or acceleration, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope. The sump pump system may identify a water level in a sump basin based on the detected motion or acceleration, which may be compared to a reading or expected signal from the sump pump system's “typical” sensor (e.g., float switch) that is used to detect one or more water levels. In this manner, the sump pump system may detect a malfunctioning level sensor that is used by the pump to detect high-water and low-water marks at which the sump pump activates and deactivates, respectively.

Abstract: A sump pump system detects backflow from an outlet pipe in a sump pump system and implements control of the sump pump in light of the detected backflow (or lack thereof). The sump pump system may detect the backflow (or lack thereof) by detecting and comparing water rise rates in a sump basin before activation or engagement of the sump pump (e.g., immediately before the pump starts pumping) and after the pump has disengaged or deactivated (e.g., immediately after the pump stops pumping). The rises rates may be detected via sensors configured to detect motion or acceleration (e.g., accelerometers, inertial measurement units, or force acceleration sensors) placed in the sump basin such that detect motion of water in the basin corresponding to changing water levels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing insurance policies associated with properties may be provided. A property may be populated with a plurality of smart devices or devices that are connected to a central controller, such as via wired or wireless communication, whereby the plurality of devices are covered by an insurance policy, such as a homeowners, renters, or personal articles insurance policy. The central controller may receive identifications for the devices, and may update an inventory list to include the plurality of devices. A total market value of the devices may be calculated, and the central controller may estimate any modification to the insurance policy based upon the total market value. The controller may facilitate the modification to the insurance policy with a customer and an insurance provider. The smart devices may be, or be associated with, appliances, electronics, computers, televisions, jewelry, vehicles, furniture, or other equipment or personal belongings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the operation of devices within a home or other property based upon electrical usage data are described. With customer knowledge or consent, a home controller may retrieve and analyze electrical usage data corresponding to a device, such as by comparing it to certain threshold data. If the analysis results in a trigger condition, the controller may generate a command, and transmit the command to the device for implementation, allowing modification of device operation to address any issues indicated in the electrical usage data. The controller may notify a home owner/occupant. As a result, faulty devices may be managed prior to their faults causing damage to the device and/or the property, and/or property owners may be timely prompted to investigate, repair, and/or replace a failing device. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon the risk mitigation/prevention functionality.

Abstract: Described methods and systems user to manually activate or engage the pump from a remote location and/or to monitor the state of the sump pump (e.g., the water level, the pump condition, pipe conditions, etc.) when located at a remote location relative to the sump pump. A sump pump system may implement sensors configured to detect motion or acceleration of a sensor disposed in water in the sump basin or disposed on a sump pump or pipe. The sump pump system may analyze data from these sensors to identify diagnostic metrics or values that are transmitted to a user's user interface device, thereby notifying a user of conditions such as a stuck impeller, a blocked pipe, a dry pumping pump, etc.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predictively generating an insurance claim in response to detecting an imminent insurance-related event are provided. According to certain aspects, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may store a first set of data received from smart devices disposed on, or proximate to, a property. This data may be analyzed to detect that an insurance-related event is imminent and calculate a likelihood that a property owner will file an insurance claim in response to damage caused by the imminent insurance-related event. If there is a sufficient likelihood that an insurance claim will be filed, the smart home controller or remote processor may store a second set of data received from the smart devices. Subsequently, according to certain aspects, the second set of data may be analyzed to prepopulate an automatically generated insurance claim with information detailing damage to the property caused by the insurance-related event.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically actuating preexisting water shut-off valves. A coupling of a valve actuator is connected to a handle of the valve, such that a motor of the valve actuator causes the selective opening and closing of the water shut-off valve. A controller monitors and controls valve actuation by controlling the motor. In addition to actuating the water shut-off valve upon detection of leak conditions, the controller may actuate the valve in order to test the water supply system or to test operation of the water shut-off valve. The operating status of the water shut-off valve may thus be monitored in order to detect or address problems with the water shut-off valve to prevent unexpected valve failure after a leak is detected.