Energy Management System Expert Collaboration Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy management systems overwhelm users with excessive information, making it difficult for even experienced users to interpret energy management data effectively, and lack direct access to domain-specific expertise for addressing specific energy-related queries.
Innovation Solution
An energy management system with integrated collaboration features that allows users to select energy management information within reports, automatically captures relevant data, and routes user queries to subject matter experts for responsive advice, providing expert advice directly within the user interface without requiring users to exit the context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional energy management systems provide comprehensive energy monitoring and management information through detailed reports, then the quantity of information provided is improved, but the ease of interpretation and user understanding deteriorates due to overwhelming volumes of data
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the overwhelming energy management information into context-specific portions based on user selection. When users select specific energy management information within reports, the system divides and captures only the relevant data needed to address that specific query, rather than presenting all available data. This segmentation makes information more manageable and easier to interpret.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically capturing and packaging relevant context information (logs, sensor data, device settings) before routing the query to an expert. This pre-preparation of contextual data eliminates the need for users to manually gather information and ensures experts receive complete, relevant context upfront, streamlining the interpretation process.
2Loss of information
If conventional energy management systems provide detailed navigable reports on energy management information, then the completeness of information delivery is improved, but the time required for users to locate and interpret specific information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary automated routing component that acts as a mediator between users and subject matter experts. This intermediary automatically captures user selections, packages relevant context information, determines routing based on the query and user profile, and connects users with appropriate experts. This intermediary eliminates the time-consuming manual navigation and information gathering process while ensuring complete information delivery to the right expert.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical process of manual information navigation and expert location with an automated electronic routing system. Instead of users manually searching through detailed reports and finding appropriate experts, the system automatically captures selections, packages data, determines routing based on algorithms considering user credentials and background, and delivers information electronically to the appropriate expert, dramatically reducing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional energy management systems require users to navigate to external resources for expert advice, then the availability of expert knowledge is improved, but the ease of operation and user convenience deteriorates due to requiring users to exit the current context
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the expert knowledge availability function with the existing energy management reporting interface. Instead of requiring users to exit to external resources, the system combines the report viewing, expert selection, and advice delivery functions into a single integrated interface. Users can select information within the report, and the system will route their query to appropriate experts while maintaining their place in the current context, making the process more convenient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary automated routing system that bridges the gap between the user's current report context and expert knowledge resources. This intermediary captures user selections within the report, automatically packages relevant context, determines the appropriate expert based on routing algorithms, and delivers expert advice back to the user within the same interface, eliminating the need to exit the current context while maintaining access to versatile expert knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various aspects, an energy management system is provided for generating a user request for information. According to one embodiment, the user selects energy management information to initiate a request for information. The system captures user context, the selected information, and determines information that is necessary to resolve the user's request. In some embodiments, the system requires explicit consent prior to sharing the necessary information with potential responders. In other embodiments, the system can require payment before proceeding. User requests can be routed to potential responders based on user context (e.g., what energy management information was being viewed, what report was being displayed, what actions the user was taking, etc.). User context can also include information on the user so a compatible responder with subject matter expertise can be identified. Generated responses can then be returned in-line in same context (e.g., report) from which the user generated the request.