US5930773A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computerized resource accounting methods and systems, computerized utility management methods and systems, multi-user utility management methods and systems, and energy-consumption-based tracking methods and systems
Assignee: Engie Insight Services Inc
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Filing: 1997-12-17
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Granted: 1999-07-27
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Expires: 2017-12-17
Abstract
Abstract Computerized resource accounting methods and systems, and in particular computerized utility resource management methods and systems, multi-user utility resource management methods and systems, and energy-consumption-based tracking methods and systems are described. In one implementation, a host computer includes a processor, an interface device and a database defined therein for maintaining information pertaining to one or more customers of one or more resources. Resource usage information is received into the host computer pertaining to consumption of one or more of the resources by one or more of the customers at one or more customer site. The resource usage information is processed to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with a respective customer's consumption of one or more of the resources. In a preferred aspect, each customer is provided with computer access to the computer-viewable data through the interface device, wherein the customer can view the data at a location which is remote from the host computer. Preferably, the computer-viewable data comes in the form of a plurality of different graphical reports, including numerical and tabulated reports, which can be selected by a customer. For customers with multiple sites, the viewable data for the various sites can be viewed remotely and in a plurality of different report formats. In a preferred implementation, utility resource usage information, e.g. electricity, gas, water, etc. . . , is tracked, maintained, and made available to facilitate decision making.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerry Crooks
- 👤 Ed Arnhold
- 👤 John Battista
- 👤 Ken Boni
- 👤 Dan Bowers
- 👤 Mark Feichtner
- 👤 Blaine French
- 👤 Janna Genzberger
- 👤 David D. Holmes
- 👤 Larry Kippenhan
- 👤 Dave Miller
- 👤 Shawn Nanto
- 👤 Teri Orr
- 👤 Ed Schlect
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:30
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/06; G06Q10/063; G06Q10/0631; G06Q10/06311; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/04; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/10; G06Q20/102; G06Q20/14; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q30/0283; G06Q30/04; G06Q30/06; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/12; G06Q50/00; G06Q50/06; H; H02; H02J; H02J3/00; H02J3/008; G06Q40/125; Y; Y04; Y04S; Y04S10/00; Y04S10/50; Y04S50/00; Y04S50/10; Y04S50/12; Y04S50/14; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99944; Y10S707/99945; Y10S707/99948
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 112
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A computerized resource accounting method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a customer, said customer being a consumer of a resource for which it is desired to account; receiving into said host computer resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said resource by said customer; performing an audit of said resource usage information against pre-determined tolerance parameters and determining whether said resource usage information satisfies said tolerance parameters; processing said resource usage information for said one customer to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with said consumer's consumption of said resource; and providing said customer with computer access to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customer can view said computer-viewable data at a customer location which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A computerized resource accounting method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a customer, said customer being a consumer of a resource for which it is desired to account; receiving into said host computer resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said resource by said customer; performing an audit of said resource usage information against pre-determined tolerance parameters and determining whether said resource usage information satisfies said tolerance parameters; processing said resource usage information for said one customer to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with said consumer's consumption of said resource; and providing said customer with computer access to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customer can view said computer-viewable data at a customer location which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 1, wherein said processing of said resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a graphical report.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 1, wherein said receiving of said resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said resource by said consumer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 3, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a cost-related consumption variable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 3, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 3, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 1, wherein said processing of said resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by said customer for viewing at said remote location.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 7, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a bar chart.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 7, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a line graph chart.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 7, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a scatter graph.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
54 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 1, wherein: said receiving of said resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different resources consumed by said customer; and said processing of said resource usage information comprises providing usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with said consumer's consumption of said plurality of different resources.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 11, wherein said receiving of said resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables for said plurality of different resources consumed by said consumer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 12, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a cost-related consumption variable.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 12, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 12, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 12, wherein said processing of said resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a graphical report.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
42 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 12, wherein said processing of said resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by said customer for viewing at said remote location.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 17, wherein at least one of said graphical reports contains computer-viewable data for each of said different resources.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 17, wherein at least one of said graphical reports contains computer-viewable data for at least two of said different consumption variables.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computerized resource accounting method of claim 19, wherein said one graphical report comprises a matrix report.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
240 words
A computerized utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a customer having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of a utility resource for which it is desired to account for each site, said storing comprising storing historical billing data for at least one of said customer's sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define at least one tolerance parameter for said at least one site; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said utility resource by each site of said customer; checking said resource usage information for said at least one site against said at least one tolerance parameter for said one site to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said one tolerance parameter; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy said one tolerance parameter, implementing a review of said resource usage information to ascertain whether an error exists; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customer to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said utility resource; and providing said customer with computer access to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customer can view said computer-viewable data at a customer location which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
240 words
A computerized utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a customer having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of a utility resource for which it is desired to account for each site, said storing comprising storing historical billing data for at least one of said customer's sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define at least one tolerance parameter for said at least one site; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said utility resource by each site of said customer; checking said resource usage information for said at least one site against said at least one tolerance parameter for said one site to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said one tolerance parameter; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy said one tolerance parameter, implementing a review of said resource usage information to ascertain whether an error exists; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customer to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said utility resource; and providing said customer with computer access to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customer can view said computer-viewable data at a customer location which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 21, wherein said receiving of said utility resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said resource for each site.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 22, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a cost-related consumption variable.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 22, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 22, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
116 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 21, wherein: said receiving of said utility resource usage information comprises (a) receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different utility resources consumed by each site, and (b) receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said plurality of different resources for each site, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable; and said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said plurality of different utility resources in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by said customer for viewing at said remote location.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
131 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 26, wherein: said storing of said customer information comprises storing historical billing data for each of said customer's sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a plurality of tolerance parameters for each site; and said checking comprises checking said resource usage information for each site against said respective tolerance parameters for said sites to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists, prior to processing said resource usage information to provide said computer-viewable data for that site.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 26, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for a plurality of said sites.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 26, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for two of said sites wherein said one graphical report permits a site-to-site comparison to be made between said two sites.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
30 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 26, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a grouping of sites which are grouped in accordance with a predefined grouping variable.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 30, wherein said predefined grouping variable comprises one of a plurality of climate zones in which individual sites are located.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
59 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 21, wherein: said receiving of said utility resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different utility resources consumed by each site; and said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said plurality of different utility resources.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
118 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 32, wherein: said storing of said customer information comprises storing historical billing data for each of said customer's sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a plurality of tolerance parameters for each site; and said checking comprises checking said resource usage information for each site against said respective tolerance parameters for said sites to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy one of said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 32, wherein said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a graphical report.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 32, wherein said receiving of said utility resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said plurality of different resources for each site.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 35, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a cost-related consumption variable.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 35, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 35, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
44 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 32, wherein said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by said customer for viewing at said remote location.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 39, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for only one site.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 39, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for a plurality of said sites.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 39, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for two of said sites wherein said one graphical report permits a site-to-site comparison to be made between said two sites.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 39, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a date range wherein said computer-viewable data which falls within said date range can be viewed.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
30 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 39, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a grouping of sites which are grouped in accordance with a predefined grouping variable.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 44, wherein said predefined grouping variable comprises one of a plurality of climate zones in which individual sites are located.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
302 words
A comprehensive, comparative, multi-user utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device, said host computer being accessible from a multi-user computer network; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a plurality of customers, individual customers having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of at least one utility resource for which is it desired to account for each site, wherein said storing of said customer information comprises storing historical billing data for at least one of each of said customers' sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a respective plurality of tolerance parameters for each of said at least one of each of said customers' sites; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said at least one utility resource by each site; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customers to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said at least one utility resource; and checking said resource usage information for each of said at least one of each of said customers' sites against said respective tolerance parameters to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists, prior to processing said resource usage information to provide said computer-viewable data for that site; providing said customers with computer access, via said multi-user computer network, to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customers can view said computer-viewable data using a computer which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
302 words
A comprehensive, comparative, multi-user utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device, said host computer being accessible from a multi-user computer network; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a plurality of customers, individual customers having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of at least one utility resource for which is it desired to account for each site, wherein said storing of said customer information comprises storing historical billing data for at least one of each of said customers' sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a respective plurality of tolerance parameters for each of said at least one of each of said customers' sites; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said at least one utility resource by each site; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customers to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said at least one utility resource; and checking said resource usage information for each of said at least one of each of said customers' sites against said respective tolerance parameters to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists, prior to processing said resource usage information to provide said computer-viewable data for that site; providing said customers with computer access, via said multi-user computer network, to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customers can view said computer-viewable data using a computer which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 46, wherein said utility resource comprises electrical power.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
16 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 46, wherein said utility resource comprises natural gas.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
15 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 46, wherein said utility resource comprises water.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 46, wherein said utility resource comprises sewer services.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 46, wherein said multi-user computer network comprises the Internet.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
14 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 46, wherein computer access in password-protected.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
35 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 46, wherein said receiving of said utility resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said resource for individual sites.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 53, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a cost-related consumption variable.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 53, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 53, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
83 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 46, wherein: said receiving of said utility resource usage information comprises (a) receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different utility resources consumed by individual sites, and (b) receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said different utility resources for said individual sites; and said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with consumption of said plurality of different utility resources by said individual sites.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 57, wherein said utility resources comprise electrical power and water.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
23 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 57, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
44 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 59, wherein said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by a customer for viewing at said remote location.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
29 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 60, wherein one of said selectable graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for a plurality of said sites of an individual customer.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
43 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 60, wherein one of said selectable graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for two sites of an individual customer wherein said one selectable graphical report permits a site-to-site comparison to be made between said two sites.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 60, wherein said utility resources comprise electrical power and water.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
61 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 46, wherein: said receiving of said utility resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different utility resources consumed by individual sites; and said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with consumption of said plurality of different utility resources by said individual sites.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
16 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 64, wherein said utility resources comprise electrical power.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
16 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 64, wherein said utility resources comprise natural gas.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
15 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 64, wherein said utility resources comprise water.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 64, wherein said utility resources sewer services.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
36 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 64, wherein said receiving of said utility resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said resources for said individual sites.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
30 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 69, wherein said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a graphical report.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
23 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 69, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
44 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 69, wherein said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by a customer for viewing at said remote location.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
29 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 72, wherein one of said selectable graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for a plurality of said sites of an individual customer.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
43 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 72, wherein one of said selectable graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for two sites of an individual customer wherein said one selectable graphical report permits a site-to-site comparison to be made between said two sites.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
244 words
A computerized utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a customer having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of a utility resource for which it is desired to account for each site, said storing comprising storing historical billing data for each of said customer's sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a plurality of tolerance parameters for each site; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of a plurality of different utility resources consumed by each site of said customer; checking said resource usage information for each site against said respective tolerance parameters for said sites to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy one of said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customer to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said plurality of different utility resources; and providing said customer with computer access to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customer can view said computer-viewable data at a customer location which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
244 words
A computerized utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a customer having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of a utility resource for which it is desired to account for each site, said storing comprising storing historical billing data for each of said customer's sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a plurality of tolerance parameters for each site; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of a plurality of different utility resources consumed by each site of said customer; checking said resource usage information for each site against said respective tolerance parameters for said sites to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy one of said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customer to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said plurality of different utility resources; and providing said customer with computer access to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customer can view said computer-viewable data at a customer location which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
30 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 75, wherein said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a graphical report.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 75, wherein said receiving of said utility resource usage information comprises receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said resource for each site.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 77, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a cost-related consumption variable.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 77, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 77, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
44 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 75, wherein said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by said customer for viewing at said remote location.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 81, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for only one site.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 81, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for a plurality of said sites.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 81, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for two of said sites wherein said one graphical report permits a site-to-site comparison to be made between said two sites.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 81, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a date range wherein said computer-viewable data which falls within said date range can be viewed.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
30 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 81, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a grouping of sites which are grouped in accordance with a predefined grouping variable.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 86, wherein said predefined grouping variable comprises one of a plurality of climate zones in which individual sites are located.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
314 words
A computerized utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a customer having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of a plurality of different utility resources for which it is desired to account for each site, said storing comprising storing historical billing data for each of said customer's sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a plurality of tolerance parameters for each site; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said plurality of different utility resources by each site of said customer, and receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said plurality of different resources for each site, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customer to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said plurality of different utility resources in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by said customer for viewing at said remote location; checking said resource usage information for each site against said respective tolerance parameters for said sites to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists, prior to processing said resource usage information to provide said computer-viewable data for that site; and providing said customer with computer access to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customer can view said computer-viewable data at a customer location which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
314 words
A computerized utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a customer having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of a plurality of different utility resources for which it is desired to account for each site, said storing comprising storing historical billing data for each of said customer's sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a plurality of tolerance parameters for each site; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said plurality of different utility resources by each site of said customer, and receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said plurality of different resources for each site, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customer to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said plurality of different utility resources in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by said customer for viewing at said remote location; checking said resource usage information for each site against said respective tolerance parameters for said sites to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists, prior to processing said resource usage information to provide said computer-viewable data for that site; and providing said customer with computer access to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customer can view said computer-viewable data at a customer location which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
39 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 88, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for two of said sites wherein said one graphical report permits a site-to-site comparison to be made between said two sites.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 88, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a date range wherein said computer-viewable data which falls within said date range can be viewed.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
30 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 88, wherein one of said graphical reports comprises a grouping of sites which are grouped in accordance with a predefined grouping variable.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computerized utility resource management method of claim 91, wherein said predefined grouping variable comprises one of a plurality of climate zones in which individual sites are located.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
318 words
A comprehensive, comparative, multi-user utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device, said host computer being accessible from a multi-user computer network; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a plurality of customers, individual customers having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of a plurality of different utility resources for which is it desired to account for each site, said storing comprising storing historical billing data for at least one of each of said customers' sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a respective plurality of tolerance parameters for each of said at least one of each of said customers' sites; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said plurality of different utility resources by each site, said receiving comprising receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said different utility resources for each site; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customers to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said plurality of different utility resources; checking said resource usage information for each of said at least one of each of said customers' sites against said respective tolerance parameters to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists, prior to processing said resource usage in-formation to provide said computer-viewable data for that site; providing said customers with computer access, via said multi-user computer network, to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customers can view said computer-viewable data using a computer which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
318 words
A comprehensive, comparative, multi-user utility resource management method comprising: defining a database in a host computer having a processor and an interface device, said host computer being accessible from a multi-user computer network; storing in said database customer information pertaining to a plurality of customers, individual customers having a plurality of different sites which are each consumers of a plurality of different utility resources for which is it desired to account for each site, said storing comprising storing historical billing data for at least one of each of said customers' sites in said database, and processing said historical billing data to define a respective plurality of tolerance parameters for each of said at least one of each of said customers' sites; receiving into said host computer utility resource usage information pertaining to consumption of said plurality of different utility resources by each site, said receiving comprising receiving information pertaining to a plurality of different consumption variables of said different utility resources for each site; processing said utility resource usage information for said sites of said customers to provide usage-based, computer-viewable data associated with each site's consumption of said plurality of different utility resources; checking said resource usage information for each of said at least one of each of said customers' sites against said respective tolerance parameters to determine whether said resource usage information satisfies said respective tolerance parameters; and responsive to a condition in which said resource usage information does not satisfy said tolerance parameters for an individual site, implementing a review of said resource usage information for that site to ascertain whether an error exists, prior to processing said resource usage in-formation to provide said computer-viewable data for that site; providing said customers with computer access, via said multi-user computer network, to said computer-viewable data through said interface device, wherein said customers can view said computer-viewable data using a computer which is remote from said host computer.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein one of said utility resources comprises electrical power.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein one of said utility resources comprises natural gas.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
17 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein one of said utility resources comprises water.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein one of said utility resources comprises sewer services.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
17 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein said multi-user computer network comprises the Internet.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
14 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein computer access in password-protected.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a cost-related consumption variable.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein one of said consumption variables comprises a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
23 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein said consumption variables comprise a cost-related consumption variable and a quantity-related consumption variable.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
30 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a graphical report.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
44 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 93, wherein said processing of said utility resource usage information comprises providing said computer-viewable data in the form of a plurality of graphical reports which are selectable by a customer for viewing at said remote location.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
29 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 104, wherein one of said selectable graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for a plurality of said sites of an individual customer.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
43 words
The multi-user, utility resource management method of claim 104, wherein one of said selectable graphical reports comprises computer-viewable data for two sites of an individual customer wherein said one selectable graphical report permits a site-to-site comparison to be made between said two sites.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-07-26 | 2003-01-25 | 2003-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-07-26 | 2007-01-25 | 2007-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-07-26 | 2011-01-25 | 2011-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |