Utility Data Authorization via Segmented Server Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of collecting and monitoring utility usage and billing data for feasibility analyses and post-service verification is complex and time-consuming, leading to frustration for utility account holders and potential inaccuracies in third-party service proposals.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a computer server with separated stacks to automate data collection and storage, including an authorization process for third-party access to utility account holder data, using encrypted storage and secure data retrieval through a whitelist API, facilitating dynamic and customized authorization forms and secure data handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual data collection steps are used by utility account holders, then data can be obtained for feasibility analysis, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming leading to frustration and lost sales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third-party service company as an intermediary between utility account holders and utilities. This intermediary performs the complex data collection and analysis tasks automatically, shielding customers from complexity while ensuring accurate data collection for feasibility analyses and service verification.
2Productivity
If third party services estimate input data for proposals, then the process is faster and simpler, but results become inaccurate or overly conservative leading to missed opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary automated actions where the third-party service company systematically collects actual utility usage and billing data before preparing feasibility proposals. This preliminary data collection ensures accurate input for analyses, eliminating the need for conservative estimates while maintaining fast proposal development.
3Productivity
If automated data collection is implemented, then efficiency and accuracy improve, but security risks increase requiring encrypted storage and authorization systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection and processing system into separate automated stacks: one stack collects and encrypts data, while another stack retrieves and processes it. This segmentation isolates security-critical functions, allowing efficient automated data collection while implementing layered security measures including encrypted storage and controlled access protocols.
4Device complexity
If manual data collection processes are used, then security can be maintained through simple access control, but the complexity and time required for data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data collection processes with automated electronic systems. The third-party service company uses automated tools to collect utility usage and billing data electronically, dramatically reducing collection time and complexity while implementing digital security measures to protect the data.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods here include providing ways for a third party to obtain authorization via electronic form to interact with a utility on a utility account holder's behalf, locate and collect the account holder's energy usage and billing data and process and store the data using high security measures. This system is able to dynamically generate and process different types of authorization and varied scope for interacting with public utilities.