Resource Usage Data Segmentation and Comparison System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resource usage monitoring technologies lack the ability to collect, display, and compare data effectively, making it difficult for entities to identify usage patterns, share information, and compare consumption with others, which hampers conservation efforts and lacks mechanisms for visualizing and sharing resource usage data.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for collecting resource usage data, transmitting it to a central repository, and displaying it interactively for comparison with historical or peer data, allowing entities to publish and share their usage, engage in competitions, and visualize the impact of events on consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional utility billing feedback is provided, then entities receive information about their resource consumption, but the feedback is limited and nonspecific, preventing entities from identifying which appliances or usage patterns are responsible for consumption changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource usage data by appliance, time period, and consumption type, allowing entities to view specific appliance-level information rather than aggregate totals. This segmentation enables identification of which appliances contribute most to consumption without requiring complex monitoring hardware at each appliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives data from utility companies and transforms it into appliance-level breakdowns and comparative analyses. This intermediary service provides detailed information without requiring direct complex monitoring equipment at consumer premises
2Loss of information
If resource usage data is collected and stored centrally, then entities can compare their consumption with others, but existing technologies lack mechanisms for effective comparison and visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide entities with comparative information about their resource usage relative to peers, historical data, and benchmarks. This feedback is presented in visually intuitive formats that enable easy comparison without requiring complex data processing at the user end
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates standardized data models and templates for representing resource usage information across different entities. By copying and adapting proven visualization frameworks, the system enables comparison functionality without building complex custom solutions from scratch
3Measurement precision
If detailed appliance-level monitoring is implemented, then entities can identify specific sources of consumption, but this increases the complexity and cost of the monitoring system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary data processing service that receives aggregate utility data and apportioned it to specific appliances based on usage patterns, meter data, and statistical models. This approach achieves appliance-level precision without installing complex monitoring hardware at each appliance location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical monitoring hardware with data processing and analytical methods. By using software-based apportionment algorithms and utility company meter data, the system achieves detailed measurement precision without the complexity of mechanical or electronic monitoring devices at consumer premises
4Productivity
If resource usage data is made public or shared in social networks, then conservation efforts can be motivated through social comparison, but existing technologies lack effective mechanisms for sharing data in this manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions including data collection, analysis, visualization, and social sharing within a unified platform. By making the system multi-functional and compatible with existing social media infrastructure, it enables conservation motivation through social comparison without requiring a completely new complex sharing platform
Data Source
AI summary
Resource usage data is automatically collected for an individual, household, family, organization, or other entity. The collected data is transmitted to a central repository, where it is stored and compared with real-time and/or historical usage data by that same entity and/or with data from other sources. Graphical, interactive displays and reports of resource usage data are then made available. These displays can include comparisons with data representing any or all of community averages, specific entities, historical use, representative similarly-situated entities, and the like. Resource usage data can be made available within a social networking context, published, and/or selectively shared with other entities.