The present disclosure relates to a system and method for a contractor locator and dispatch service and, more specifically, to a system and method for a contractor locator and dispatch service for HVAC systems and other equipment.
The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and other equipment, such as electrical systems, lighting systems, plumbing systems, appliances, electronic equipment, and the like, periodically require maintenance and repair. When an HVAC system malfunctions or is in need of maintenance, a user of the HVAC system, for example a resident or owner of a building corresponding to the HVAC system may contact a contractor to perform the repair or maintenance. To find and select a contractor to perform the repair or maintenance, the resident or owner may ask friends and neighbors if they can recommend any particular contractor. Additionally, the resident or owner may search on the internet or review ads in a newspaper to find potential contractors that could assist.
Contractors that are found and contacted using these traditional methods, however, may or may not be available at the time the HVAC system needs maintenance or repair. Additionally, contractors that are found and contacted using these traditional methods may or may not have the requisite expertise, certifications, training, tools, and replacement parts necessary to perform the particular repair or maintenance needed for the HVAC system.
This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
A system is provided and includes a customer device associated with an HVAC system at a customer location and a plurality of contractor devices. Each contractor device is associated with a contractor at a contractor location and stores contractor information including contractor location data corresponding to the contractor location of the associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor. A server is in communication with the customer device and the plurality of contractor devices and is configured to receive a service request for the HVAC system from the customer device, to receive the contractor information from each of the contractor devices, to apply a selection criteria to the received contractor information, to determine at least one potential contractor for the service request based on the application of the selection criteria, and to communicate the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor to the customer device. The customer device is configured to receive the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor from the server, to display the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor, to receive a selection indicating a designated contractor from the at least one potential contractor to perform the service request for the HVAC system, and to communicate the selection to the server. The server is configured to notify the contractor device for the designated contractor of the selection.
Another system is provided and includes a customer device associated with an HVAC system at a customer location and a plurality of contractor devices. Each contractor device is associated with a contractor at a contractor location. Each contractor device stores contractor information including contractor location data corresponding to the contractor location of the associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor. A server is in communication with the customer device and the plurality of contractor devices. The server is configured to receive a service request for the HVAC system from the customer device, to receive the contractor information from each of the contractor devices, to apply a selection criteria to the received contractor information, to determine at least one potential contractor for the service request based on the application of the selection criteria, to communicate the service request to the associated contractor device for the at least one potential contractor, to receive an acceptance of the service request from a designated contractor from the at least one potential contractor, and to communicate the associated contractor information for the designated contractor to the customer device. The customer device is configured to receive the contractor information for the designated contractor.
Another system is provided and includes a customer device associated with an HVAC system at a customer location and a plurality of contractor devices. Each contractor device is associated with a contractor at a contractor location. Each contractor device stores contractor information including contractor location data corresponding to the contractor location of the associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor. A monitoring system monitors operating parameters of the HVAC system, generates an alert based on the operating parameters, and communicates the alert to the customer device. A server is in communication with the monitoring system, the customer device, and the plurality of contractor devices. The server is configured to receive the alert from the monitoring system, to receive the contractor information from each of the contractor devices, to apply a selection criteria to the received contractor information, to determine at least one potential contractor for the service request based on the application of the selection criteria, and to communicate the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor to the customer device. The customer device is configured to receive the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor from the server, to display the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor, to receive a selection indicating a designated contractor from the at least one potential contractor to perform at least one of maintenance and repair of the HVAC system based on the alert, and to communicate the selection to the server. The server is configured to notify the contractor device for the designated contractor of the selection.
Another system is provided and includes a customer device associated with an HVAC system at a customer location and a plurality of contractor devices. Each contractor device is associated with a contractor at a contractor location. Each contractor device stores contractor information including contractor location data corresponding to the contractor location of the associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor. The plurality of contractor devices includes a first contractor device associated with a first contractor assigned to service the HVAC system and a second contractor device associated with a second contractor assigned to service the HVAC system in the event the first contractor is unavailable. A monitoring system monitors operating parameters of the HVAC system, generates an alert based on the operating parameters, and communicates the alert to the customer device. A server is in communication with the monitoring system, the customer device, and the plurality of contractor devices. The server is configured to receive the alert from the monitoring system, to receive the contractor information from each of the contractor devices, to determine whether the first contractor is available based on contractor information from the first contractor device, to notify the first contractor of the alert when the first contractor is determined to be available, and to notify the second contractor of the alert when the first contractor is determined to be unavailable.
Another system is provided and includes a customer device associated with an HVAC system at a customer location and a plurality of contractor devices, including a dispatcher contractor device and a plurality of field contractor devices. Each field contractor device is associated with a contractor at a contractor location. Each field contractor device stores contractor information including contractor location data corresponding to the contractor location of the associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor. A monitoring system monitors operating parameters of the HVAC system, generates an alert based on the operating parameters, and communicates the alert to the customer device. A server is in communication with the monitoring system, the customer device, and the plurality of contractor devices. The server is configured to receive the alert from the monitoring system, to receive the contractor information from each of the field contractor devices, and to communicate the alert and the contractor information to the dispatcher contractor device. The dispatcher contractor device is configured to display the contractor information and the alert, to receive a selection indicating a designated contractor to perform at least one of maintenance and repair of the HVAC system based on the alert, and to communicate the selection to the server. The server is configured to notify the field contractor device for the designated contractor of the selection.
Another system is provided and includes a customer device associated with equipment at a customer location. The system also includes a plurality of contractor devices, each contractor device being associated with a contractor at a contractor location, each contractor device storing contractor location data corresponding to the contractor location of the associated contractor. The system also includes a server in communication with the customer device and the plurality of contractor devices. The server is configured to receive a service request for the equipment from the customer device, to receive contractor information including the contractor location data from each of the contractor devices and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of each contractor associated with the plurality of contractor devices, to apply a selection criteria to the received contractor information, to determine at least one potential contractor for the service request based on the application of the selection criteria, and to communicate the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor to the customer device. The customer device is configured to receive the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor from the server, to display the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor, to receive a selection indicating a designated contractor from the at least one potential contractor to perform the service request for the equipment, and to communicate the selection to the server. The server is configured to notify the contractor device for the designated contractor of the selection.
A method is provided and includes storing, in each of a plurality of contractor devices, contractor information for an associated contractor, including contractor location data corresponding to a contractor location of the associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor. The method also includes receiving, with a server, a service request for an HVAC system at a customer location associated with a customer device. The method also includes receiving, with the server, the contractor information from each of the contractor devices. The method also includes applying, with the server, a selection criteria to the received contractor information to determine at least one potential contractor for the service request based on the application of the selection criteria. The method also includes communicating the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor to the customer device. The method also includes receiving, with the customer device, the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor from the server. The method also includes displaying, with the customer device, the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor. The method also includes receiving, with the customer device, a selection indicating a designated contractor from the at least one potential contractor to perform the service request for the HVAC system. The method also includes communicating the selection from the customer device to the server. The method also includes notifying, with the server, the contractor device for the designated contractor of the selection.
Another method is provided and includes storing, in each of a plurality of contractor devices, contractor information for an associated contractor, including contractor location data corresponding to a contractor location of an associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor. The method also includes receiving, with a server in communication with the plurality of contractor devices, a service request for an HVAC system at a customer location associated with a customer device, the service request being received by the server from the customer device. The method also includes receiving, with the server, the contractor information from each of the contractor devices. The method also includes applying, with the server, a selection criteria to the received contractor information. The method also includes determining, with the server, at least one potential contractor for the service request based on the application of the selection criteria. The method also includes communicating the service request from the server to the associated contractor device for the at least one potential contractor. The method also includes receiving an acceptance of the service request from a designated contractor from the at least one potential contractor. The method also includes communicating the associated contractor information for the designated contractor from the server to the customer device. The method also includes receiving, with the customer device, the contractor information for the designated contractor.
Another method is provided and includes storing, in each of a plurality of contractor devices, contractor information for an associated contractor, including contractor location data corresponding to a contractor location of the associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor. The method also includes monitoring, with a monitoring system, operating parameters of an HVAC system at a customer location. The method also includes generating an alert, with the monitoring system, based on the operating parameters. The method also includes communicating, with the monitoring system, the alert to a customer device associated with the HVAC system at the customer location. The method also includes receiving, with a server, the alert from the monitoring system, the server being in communication with the monitoring system, the customer device, and the plurality of contractor devices. The method also includes receiving, with the server, the contractor information from each of the contractor devices. The method also includes applying, with the server, a selection criteria to the received contractor information. The method also includes determining, with the server, at least one potential contractor for the service request based on the application of the selection criteria. The method also includes communicating, with the server, the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor to the customer device. The method also includes receiving, with the customer device, the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor from the server. The method also includes displaying, with the customer device, the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor. The method also includes receiving, with the customer device, a selection indicating a designated contractor from the at least one potential contractor to perform at least one of maintenance and repair of the HVAC system based on the alert. The method also includes communicating the selection from the customer device to the server. The method also includes notifying, with the server, the contractor device for the designated contractor of the selection.
Another method is provided and includes storing, in each of a plurality of contractor devices, contractor information for an associated contractor, including contractor location data corresponding to the contractor location of the associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor, the plurality of contractor devices including a first contractor device associated with a first contractor assigned to service an HVAC system at a customer location and a second contractor device associated with a second contractor assigned to service the HVAC system in the event the first contractor is unavailable. The method also includes monitoring, with a monitoring system, operating parameters of the HVAC system. The method also includes generating, with the monitoring system, an alert based on the operating parameters. The method also includes communicating, with the monitoring system, the alert to the customer device. The method also includes receiving, with a server, the alert from the monitoring system, the server being in communication with the monitoring system, the plurality of contractor devices, and a customer device associated with the HVAC system. The method also includes receiving, with the server, contractor information from each of the contractor devices. The method also includes determining, with the server, whether the first contractor is available based on contractor information from the first contractor device. The method also includes notifying, with the server, the first contractor, through the first contractor device, of the alert when the first contractor is determined to be available. The method also includes notifying, with the server, the second contractor, through the second contractor device, of the alert when the first contractor is determined to be unavailable.
Another method is provided and includes storing, in each of a plurality of contractor devices, contractor information for an associated contractor, including contractor location data corresponding to a contractor location of the associated contractor and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of the associated contractor, the plurality of contractor devices including a dispatcher contractor device and a plurality of field contractor devices. The method also includes monitoring, with a monitoring system, operating parameters of an HVAC system at a customer location. The method also includes generating, with the monitoring system, an alert based on the operating parameters. The method also includes communicating, with the monitoring system, the alert to a customer device associated with the HVAC system at the customer location. The method also includes receiving, with a server, the alert from the monitoring system, the server being in communication with the monitoring system, the customer device, and the plurality of contractor devices. The method also includes receiving, with the server, the contractor information from each of the field contractor devices. The method also includes communicating, with the server, the alert and the contractor information to the dispatcher contractor device. The method also includes displaying, with the dispatcher contractor device, the contractor information and the alert. The method also includes receiving, with the dispatcher contractor device, a selection indicating a designated contractor to perform at least one of maintenance and repair of the HVAC system based on the alert. The method also includes communicating, with the dispatcher contractor device, the selection to the server. The method also includes notifying, with the server, the field contractor device for the designated contractor of the selection.
Another method is provided and includes storing, in each of a plurality of contractor devices, contractor location data for an associated contractor, the contractor location data corresponding to a contractor location of the associated contractor. The method also includes receiving, with a server, a service request for equipment at a customer location associated with a customer device. The method also includes receiving, with the server, contractor information including the contractor location data from each of the contractor devices and contractor availability data corresponding to an availability of each contractor associated with the plurality of contractor device. The method also includes applying, with the server, a selection criteria to the received contractor information, to determine at least one potential contractor for the service request based on the application of the selection criteria. The method also includes communicating, with the server, the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor to the customer device. The method also includes receiving, with the customer device, the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor from the server. The method also includes displaying, with the customer device, the contractor information for the at least one potential contractor. The method also includes receiving, with the customer device, a selection indicating a designated contractor from the at least one potential contractor to perform the service request for the equipment. The method also includes communicating the selection from the customer device to the server. The method also includes notifying, with the server, the contractor device for the designated contractor of the selection.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
In the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to identify similar and/or identical elements.
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
According to the present disclosure, a contractor locator and dispatch system is provided. The system is able to coordinate and match contractor information, including contractor availability, necessary parts, necessary tools, certifications, specialties, training, and the like, with customer service requests for HVAC repair and maintenance tasks. The system is similarly able to coordinate and match contractor information with customer service requests for repair and maintenance tasks for other equipment, such as electrical systems, lighting systems, plumbing systems, appliances, electronic equipment, and the like. In this way, customers are able to quickly and efficiently determine all potential contractors in the area that may be available to provide needed HVAC repair or maintenance. The customer can review all potential contractors and select the contractor that appears to the customer to be best suited for the task. The system then provides updated status information for the selected contractor, such as the current location of the contractor and the estimated time of arrival of the contractor at the customer's location. Likewise, the system can be used by a contractor dispatcher that receives a service request from a customer and then uses the system to identify and select an appropriate field contractor to perform the requested service. The system also allows the customer to prepay or preauthorize payment for the requested service. The system allows for both the customer and the contractor to provide feedback that is stored in the system for use by future customers and contractors.
The contractor locator and dispatch system can also be used with an HVAC monitoring system, such as the monitoring system described in the commonly-assigned patent application U.S. application Ser. No. 13/407,180, filed Feb. 28, 2012, U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0221150, titled Residential Solutions HVAC Monitoring and Diagnosis, and in the commonly-assigned patent application, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/780,617, filed Feb. 28, 2013, titled HVAC System Remote Monitoring and Diagnosis. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. In such case, the HVAC monitoring system may generate an alert indicating that the associated HVAC system is in need of repair or maintenance. The contractor locator and dispatch system can identify and present the customer with corresponding information for appropriate contractors that may be available and suitable to perform the needed repair or maintenance. Additionally, a particular contractor may already be assigned to handle any alerts originating from the HVAC monitoring system. In the event the particular assigned contractor is not available at the time of the alert, the contractor locator and dispatch system can locate a suitable backup or overflow contractor to handle the alert.
In
With reference to
The customer device 12 and the contractor devices 14 may include mobile computing devices such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop. Additionally, the customer device 12 and the contractor devices 14 may include other computing devices, such as a desktop computer. For example, the customer device 12 and the contractor devices 14 may be mobile devices, such as smartphones, executing mobile applications with appropriate programming and functionality in accordance with the present disclosure. In addition, the customer device 12 and the contractor devices 14 may include computing devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers, with web browsers implementing appropriate programming and functionality in accordance with the present teachings.
The customer device 12 and the contractor devices 14 can communicate with the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 via an appropriate data network, such as a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN). For example, the customer device 12 and the contractor devices 14 can communicate with the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 over the Internet via an appropriate internet data connection.
In
In
In
The contractor locator/dispatch system 10 includes a contractor database 46 for storing contractor information associated with the contractor devices 14 and the associated contractors using the contractor devices 14. For example, the contractor database 46 may include a database entry for a particular contractor that connects with an associated contractor device 14 to the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 through the contractor portal 42. The contractor may be required to login with an appropriate username and password combination. The contractor device 14 may then send the contractor identification 29 stored in the memory 24 of the contractor device 14 to the contractor locator/dispatch server 40, which may then locate and retrieve a corresponding database record associated with the particular contractor. The contractor device 14 may then send its GPS location, as determined by the GPS module 28, to the contractor locator/dispatch server 40, which may update the corresponding database record associated with the particular contractor to reflect the contractor's current GPS location. Alternatively, if the contractor device 14 of the particular contractor does not include a GPS module 28, the contractor may simply input the contractor's current location.
Other contractor related information may also be stored in the contractor database 46 for use by the contractor locator/dispatch server 40. For example, if the particular contractor is currently working at a location performing a repair or maintenance task, the start time and expected completion time for the repair or maintenance task may be stored in the contractor database 46. As the particular contractor moves from task to task, this information may be continually inputted, updated, and/or determined. For example, once the particular contractor starts a particular repair or maintenance task, the particular contractor may send a notification to the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 indicating the particular repair or maintenance task. The contractor locator/dispatch server 40 may store data indicating an estimated time for completion of the particular repair or maintenance task based, for example, on historical data. Additionally, once the particular contractor completes a repair or maintenance task, the contractor may notify the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 of the completion. The contractor portal 42 may also interface with a calendar application of the contractor device 14 to determine availability of the particular contractor. For example, the contractor portal 42 may determine that the particular contractor is expected to be working on the current task for the next two hours, after which the contractor will be available for two hours, but then has a preset appointment indicated in the calendar application as being scheduled to last one hour. In this way the contractor portal 42 and the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 can continually determine and update the availability information for the particular contractor.
Further, the contractor database 46 may store data indicating an inventory of any tools associated with the particular contractor including, for example, tools carried by the contractor or located in a vehicle of the contractor. Similarly, the contractor database 46 may store data indicating an inventory of any spare or replacement parts or equipment associated with the particular contractor or located in a vehicle of the contractor. Additionally, the contractor database 46 may store data indicating any special training, any HVAC certifications, any technical specialties, or any brand or manufacturer specializations associated with the particular contractor. Additionally, the contractor database 46 may store data indicating a contracting company or service that employs or is associated with the particular contractor. Additionally, the contractor database 46 may store rating information for the particular contractor, previously inputted by other customers or retrieved from other feedback or rating services. As discussed further below, this contractor information is used by the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 to efficiently and appropriately apply selection criteria to determine a contractor or group of contractors that may be able to respond to and perform a particular repair or maintenance task.
The contractor locator/dispatch system 10 also includes a customer database 48 for storing customer information associated with the customer device 12 and the associated customer using the customer device 12. For example, the customer database 48 may include a database entry for a particular customer that connects with an associated customer device 12 to the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 through the customer portal 44. The customer may be required to login with an appropriate username and password combination. Alternatively, the customer may be allowed to use the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 as a guest user. The customer device 12 may then send the customer identification 39 stored in the memory 34 of the customer device 12 to the contractor locator/dispatch server 40, which may then locate and retrieve a corresponding database record associated with the particular customer. If the customer associated with the customer device 12 is initiating a service request due to, for example, a malfunctioning HVAC system 16, the customer portal 44 may ask whether the customer is currently located at the customer location 18 of the HVAC system 16. If so, the customer portal 44 may request and receive the GPS location of the customer device 12, as determined by the GPS module 28, for communication to the contractor locator/dispatch server 40, which may update the corresponding database record associated with the particular customer to reflect the GPS location to be associated with the service request. Alternatively, if the customer device 12 of the particular customer does not include a GPS module 38, or if the customer is not at the customer location 18 of the HVAC system 16, the customer may simply input the customer location of the HVAC system 16 associated with the service request. If the particular customer has logged in before, the customer location information may already be stored in the customer database 48.
Other customer related information may also be stored in the customer database 48 for use by the contractor locator/dispatch server 40. For example, a description of the particular components of the HVAC system 16 of the particular customer, including model and serial number information, may be stored in the customer database 48. Additionally, a history of previous repairs and maintenance on the HVAC system 16 may be stored in the customer database 48.
Additionally, other information associated with a current request for service by the particular customer may be received by the customer portal 44 from the customer device 12 and appropriately stored in the customer database 48. For example, the particular issue or problem with the HVAC system 16 may be received and stored with the request for service. For example, the particular customer may indicate that the blower on the furnace is not turning on or that the HVAC system 16 is not producing warm or cold air, as appropriate.
The customer portal 44 may also interface with a calendar application of the customer device 12 to determine availability of the particular customer. For example, the customer portal 44 may determine that the particular customer currently has a preset appointment indicated in the calendar application as being scheduled to last one hour, but is available thereafter. In this way the contractor portal 42 and the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 can continually determine and update the availability information for the particular customer. Additionally, when particular maintenance or repair work is scheduled, the customer portal 44 can update the calendar application of the customer device 12 to reflect the scheduled maintenance or repair work.
As discussed in further detail below, the customer database 48 may also store rating information for the particular customer, previously inputted by other contractors or retrieved from other feedback or rating services.
The contractor locator/dispatch system 10 also includes a mapping module 49 for determining routes between particular locations, including, for example, a current contractor location and a particular customer location 18. The mapping module 49 may utilize or interface with a third-party mapping application, such as Google Maps. Additionally, the mapping module 49 may store map information for a predetermined geographic area, such as a particular city. Further, as discussed below, the mapping module 49 may determine a route that accounts for one or more stops between a current location of a particular contractor and a destination, such as a customer location 18. For example, the route may include a stop at a retail shop of the contractor to retrieve additional tools, replacement parts, or other equipment. Additionally, the route may include a stop at a location of another contractor to retrieve additional tools, replacement parts, or other equipment. For example, contractors may enter into predetermined agreements for the resale of replacement parts between contractors located in the field. In other words, replacement parts retrieved from another contractor's vehicle may be sold at a higher price than would be the case if the part were purchased from a normal retail store.
While many of the contractor devices 14 may be associated with contractors working at particular customer locations 18 in the field, a contractor device 14 may also be associated with a permanent location such as a retail shop associated with the contractor. The contractor device 14 located at the permanent location may serve as a dispatch device and may manage one or more contractors working in the field at various different customer locations 18. The contractor devices 14 associated with contractors working at customer locations 18 in the field may be referred to as field contractor devices 14. The contractor device 14 associated with the permanent locations such as the retail shop associated with the contractor may be referred to as a dispatcher contractor device 14.
With reference to
For example, with respect to status and availability information, a graphical interface on the contractor device 14 may include a virtual button for the contractor to select to indicate whether the contractor is available or unavailable. For example, when the contractor begins a repair or maintenance task at a customer location, 18, the contractor may select the virtual button to indicate the contractor is currently unavailable. Additionally, once the contractor completes the repair or maintenance task, the contractor may select the virtual button again to indicate that the contract is now available again.
Alternatively, the contractor device 14 may send only the location information for the contractor and the contractor may separately submit availability and status information via other means. For example, the contractor may communicate availability and status information via telephone, email, or text message, for example, to the contractor locator/dispatch server 40. Alternatively, the contractor may communicate availability and status information via telephone, email, or text message to another contractor device 14 that is serving as a dispatcher contractor device 14, which is described in further detail below. In such case, the dispatcher contractor device 14 may then communicate the particular contractor's availability and status information to the contractor locator/dispatch server 40.
The control algorithm 500 may be performed continually or periodically for each of the contractor devices 14 connected to or in communication with the contractor locator/dispatch server 40.
With reference to
The service request may also include availability information for the customer. For example, as discussed above, the customer portal 44 may interface with a calendar application of the customer device 12 to determine the customer's availability to be at the customer location 18 at the time of the service.
Additionally, the service request may indicate whether the customer requires or requests the contractor to have any particular HVAC certifications, technical specialties, manufacturer brand specialties, or a particular feedback rating.
At 516, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 applies specified contractor selection criteria based on the service request and based on the contractor information from the contractor database. The application of contractor selection criteria is discussed in further detail below in conjunction with
At 518, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 determines the subgroup of contractors based on the applied search criteria and sends corresponding contractor information for the subgroup of contractors to the customer device 12 for display. For example, as discussed below, an example screenshot of a customer device displaying particular contractors is shown and discussed in conjunction with
At 520, the particular customer selects a particular contractor from the displayed subgroup of contractors and the contractor selection is received by the contractor locator/dispatch server 40.
At 522, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 notifies the particular contractor corresponding to the contractor selection received from the customer device 12. Specifically, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 notifies the contractor device 14 of the particular contractor and updates the availability and status information for the contractor in the contractor database 46 to indicate that the contractor is scheduled to handle the particular service request next, or at the scheduled time based on availability of the particular contractor and the particular customer. The algorithm ends at 524.
With reference to
At 536, the customer device 12 receives updated contractor location and status information and then loops back to 534 to display the contractor location and status information. For example, as the selected contractor travels to the customer location 18, the contractor's location information is updated and displayed, showing travel towards the customer location 18.
With reference to
At 604, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 applies availability criteria. The availability criteria may specify that only contractors that are currently available should be included in the determined subgroup of contractors for consideration to perform the service request. Alternatively, the availability criteria may specify that contractors that are currently available or that will be available within a specified time period, for example, the next hour or two hours, should be included in the determined subgroup of contractors for consideration to perform the service request. The availability criteria may be predetermined and set by a system administrator or may be specified by individual customers. Additionally, default availability criteria may be specified by the system administrator, subject to individual customization by individual customers. Additionally, particular customers may change the specified availability criteria from service request to service request. For example, a service request to repair a malfunctioning HVAC system 16 that is not producing heat may include availability criteria indicating that only contractors that are currently available should be included in the subgroup of contractors, while a service request for changing a furnace filter may include availability criteria indicating the availability window could be as long as a day, a few days, or even a week.
Alternatively, the availability criteria may be applied by ranking all contractors based on availability, and then selecting a predetermined number of contractors based on the ranking. For example, the next five available contractors, ranked in order of earliest availability, may be included in the subgroup.
After applying the availability criteria, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 proceeds to 606 and applies the necessary parts criteria. The contractor locator/dispatch server 40 may determine a list of necessary parts to perform the service request based on information received with the service request. For example, the service request may specify necessary parts. Alternatively, the service request may include enough information about the equipment for the contractor locator/dispatch server to determine the list of necessary parts. The contractor locator/dispatch server 40 may then include only those contractors in the subgroup of contractors that either have the necessary parts currently with them, or have access to the necessary parts by making a stop at a retail shop, at a contractor base, or at a location of another contractor. If a particular contractor does not have access to the necessary parts, the contractor may be excluded from the subgroup of contractors for consideration to perform the service request.
After applying the necessary parts criteria, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 proceeds to 608 and applies the necessary tools criteria. Similar to the necessary parts criteria, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 may determine a list of tools necessary to perform the service request based on information received with the service request. For example, the service request may specify necessary tools. Alternatively, the service request may include enough information about the equipment for the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 to determine the list of necessary tools. The contractor locator/dispatch server 40 may then include only those contractors in the subgroup of contractors that either have the necessary tools currently with them, or have access to the necessary tools by making a stop at a retail shop, at a contractor base, or at a location of another contractor. If a particular contractor does not have access to the necessary tools, the contractor may be excluded from the subgroup of contractors for consideration to perform the service request.
After applying the necessary tools criteria, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 proceeds to 610 and applies the proximity/routing criteria. The contractor locator/dispatch server 40 determines a route for the contractor to travel from the contractor's current location to the customer location 18, including any stops to acquire any necessary parts or necessary tools. Once the routes are calculated for each contractor still under consideration for inclusion in the subgroup, the distances of each route may be compared with a predetermined distance threshold. For example, the distance threshold may be thirty miles or sixty miles, for example. Additionally, the proximity/routing criteria may simply indicate that all contractors located within a certain geographic area, like a city or county, for example, should be included. A system administrator may set a default distance threshold for the proximity/routing criteria, which can then be modified by particular customers.
Alternatively, the proximity/routing criteria may be applied by ranking all contractors based on distance to the customer location 18, and then selecting a predetermined number of contractors based on the ranking. For example, the five closest contractors may be included in the subgroup.
After applying the proximity/routing criteria, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 proceeds to 612 and applies qualification criteria. For example, the qualification criteria may be determined based on the service request and may indicate that the contractor have certain HVAC certifications, certain technical specialties, certain manufacturer brand specifications, certain training, etc. The qualification criteria may be set to a default value by a system administrator, may be determined from information with the service request, or may be specified by the customer.
After applying the qualification criteria, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 proceeds to 614 and applies rating criteria. For example, the rating criteria may indicate that only contractors with a certain average feedback rating be included in the subgroup. As discussed below, contractors may be rated, for example, on a scale of one to five, with one being poor and five being excellent. The rating criteria may indicate that only contractors with an average rating of four or higher be included in the subgroup. The rating criteria may be set to a default value by a system administrator, may be determined from information with the service request, or may be specified by the customer.
After applying the rating criteria at 614, the contractor locator/dispatch server 40 proceeds to 616 and returns the subgroup of contractors that meet all of the criteria. The algorithm ends at 618.
Although an example order for applying the various selection criteria metrics is shown in
With reference to
The screenshot includes a graphical map display 700 and a contractor information display 702. The graphical map display 700 shows a geographical road map of an area that includes the customer location. In this case, for example, the customer location is shown as “Your Location” at 704. Additionally, the locations of various contractors in the displayed area are also shown. For example, Contractor A is shown at 706 on Beech Rd., Contractor B is shown at 710 on Ash Ct., and Contractor C is shown at 708 traveling on the interstate. In this example, Contractors A and B are already at customer locations performing maintenance or repairs and are currently unavailable, while Contractor C is traveling and is currently available. Additionally, the graphical map display 700 shows the location of a retail shop 712, which may, for example, provide parts or tools for the contractors.
The contractor information display 702 displays corresponding contractor information for the contractors. For example, the contractor information display 702 includes a table with columns indicating: “Contractor Name,” “Phone Number,” “Company,” “Certifications/Specialties,” “Rating,” “Parts?,” “Tools?,” “Availability,” Est. Arrival Time,” and “Est. Completion Time.” While the contractor information display 702 shows “ . . . ” in each data entry field, it is understood that in practice these fields would be filled in with appropriate information. The “Contractor Name” and “Phone Number” correspond to the associated contractor's name and phone number. The “Company” corresponds to a company that employs the particular contractor. The “Certifications/Specialties” field corresponds to any specialized HVAC certifications, technical specialties, or manufacturer or brand specialties. The “Rating” field corresponds to an average feedback rating associated with the particular contractor. The “Parts?” field indicates whether the particular contractor has the necessary parts available for the service request. The “Tools?” field indicates whether the particular contractor has the necessary tools available for the service request. The “Availability” field indicates whether the particular contractor is currently available or, if not, when the particular contractor is estimated to become available. The “Est. Arrival Time” field indicates an estimated arrival time for the contractor at the customer location 18, accounting for the particular contractor's availability, and the travel time associated with the route to the customer location 18. The “Est. Completion Time” field indicates the estimated time for the particular contractor to complete the maintenance or repair associated with the service request, accounting for the contractor's availability, the travel time, and the estimated time needed to complete the maintenance or repair.
With reference to
Additionally, in the event that the selected contractor is taking too long to arrive at the customer location 18, the customer may select a different contractor to handle the service request. For example, if the initially selected contractor is running late, and another contractor, perhaps at a closer location, becomes available, the customer may switch to the closer contractor. In such case, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 makes appropriate updates to the contractor database 46, customer database 48, appropriate contractor devices 14, and the customer device 12.
With reference to
At 900, additional detailed information corresponding to the service request is shown. For example, a title of the service request is included at the top of the display window 900. Additionally, the estimated arrival time and a description of the work to be performed are displayed in the display window 900. Further, the necessary parts for the repair are shown, along with the estimated cost of the parts. Further, the estimated cost of labor is shown in the display window 900. Finally, the estimated total cost of the repair is shown in the display window 900.
At 902, the customer may use the customer device 12 to provide pre-authorization or pre-payment of designated amounts for performance of the service request. For example, the customer may indicate that pre-authorization is provided up to a certain designated dollar amount. The customer may enter the pre-authorization amount in the pre-authorization amount field in the display window 902 and click the “Submit” button. The pre-authorization info is then communicated from the customer device 12 to the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 and the contractor device 14 handling the particular service request or alert. Further, the customer may pre-pay the particular contractor by entering a pre-payment amount in the pre-pay amount field in the display window 902 and click the “Submit” button. By clicking the submit button, the customer device 12 may proceed with processing payment via associated payment methods, such as via the customer's bank account or an online payment service, such as PayPal. As an example, the total estimated cost for certain maintenance or repair may be $500. A customer may provide pre-authorization for the particular contractor to proceed with work up to $500. Additionally, the customer may pre-pay half of the anticipated amount due, for example, ahead of time.
A particular contractor may have specific requirements for pre-authorization and pre-payment and a customer can use the display window 902 to meet any such requirements. For example, a particular contractor may retrieve and review feedback and rating data for the customer from the customer database 48. Based on the feedback and rating data for the customer, the particular contractor may determine whether pre-payment and/or pre-authorization for any maintenance or repair tasks should be required and, if so, what those amounts should be. For example, if the feedback and rating data indicates that a particular customer has not paid previous contractors, has been slow to pay previous contractors, or previously asserted that the amount of a repair was not authorized, the particular contractor may require pre-payment or pre-authorization at an appropriate amount.
With reference to
The monitor system 102, customer device 12, and contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may be configured to automatically schedule and dispatch a contractor to travel to the customer location 18 to address the issue corresponding to the alert. For example, if the detected issue is a component failure that results in ceased operation of the HVAC system 16, the contractor locator/dispatch system may assign a contractor to travel to the customer location and handle the alert. Additionally, the monitor system 102, customer device 12, and contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may be configured to deliver the alert to the customer device 12 and then wait for the customer device to generate a corresponding service request before assigning a contractor. In this instance, contractor locator/dispatch system 10 defers to the customer to determine whether and when to schedule a contractor to address the issue indicated by the alert. For example, if the alert indicates that the furnace filter needs to be replaced within the next two weeks, the monitor system 102 may simply deliver the alert to the customer device and allow the associated customer to generate a corresponding service request, with the customer device 12, as needed.
While multiple contractor devices 14 can be in communication with the contractor locator/dispatch system 10, some of the contractor devices 14 may be associated with mobile contractors operating in the field while traveling to different customer locations to perform HVAC system maintenance and repair tasks. Such contractor devices 14 may be referred to as field contractor devices and the associated contractors may be referred to as field contractors. Other contractor devices 14 may be associated with a central operation headquarters, such as a retail shop, that is associated with multiple field contractors. Such a contractor device 14 may monitor and review multiple service requests and/or alerts and may serve as a dispatcher to assign individual service requests or alerts to individual field contractors. Such a contractor device 14 used to assign requests or alerts to individual field contractors may be referred to as a dispatcher contractor device 14 and the associated contractor may be referred to as a dispatcher.
With reference to
At 320, the dispatcher selects a particular field contractor for assignment of the particular service request or alert and the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 receives the selected field contractor assignment. At 322, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 notifies the field contractor of the assignment and updates the contractor database 46 to reflect the assignment. At 324, the control algorithm ends.
With reference to
The contractor information display 702 includes a table with columns indicating: “Customer Name,” “Phone Number,” “Address,” “Summary,” “Time,” “System Type,” “Expected Replacement Parts,” “Expected Service Needed,” “Assigned Contractor,” and “More Data.” The “Customer Name,” “Phone Number,” and “Address” fields correspond to the name, phone number, and address of the customer for the associated service request or alert. The “Summary” field includes a description of the service request or alert and any information related to the corresponding issue that precipitated the service request or alert. The “Time” field corresponds to the time of the service request or alert. The “System Type” field corresponds to the type of HVAC system at the corresponding customer location, for example, a heat pump system, an HVAC system with a variable capacity compressor, etc. The “Expected Replacement Parts” field indicates the expected list of replacement parts needed to perform the service request or to handle the alert. The “Expected Service Needed” field indicates the expected type of work or serviced needed to be performed to handle the particular service request or alert. The “Assigned Contractor” field indicates a currently assigned field contractor to handle the service request or alert. If a field contractor has not yet been assigned to the particular service request or alert, the “Assigned Contractor” field may be blank. The “More Data” field indicates any additional miscellaneous data associated with the particular service request or alert. For example, the “More Data” field may include particular operating parameter data from a corresponding monitor module 100 of the HVAC system 16.
With reference to
For customers that utilize the monitor system 102 and have a monitor module 100 installed on their HVAC system 16, the customer may have executed a monitoring agreement with a monitoring company that operates the monitor system 102. For example, the customer may rent the monitor module 100 from the monitoring company and may pay a monthly subscription fee for the monitoring service provided by the monitoring company with the monitor system 102.
In such case, the customer may have a predetermined contractor already designated to handle any alerts or service requests. For example, when an alert or service request is received by the monitor system 102 and/or contractor locator/dispatch system 10, the predetermined contractor may be automatically notified and scheduled to perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. In the event the predetermined contractor is not available at the time of the service request or alert, a predetermined overflow contractor may then be assigned to handle the service request or alert. Alternatively, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may be configured to automatically assign such a service request or alert to the predetermined contractor and, if the predetermined contractor is not available, to then apply selection criteria, as discussed above, to identify a suitable contractor to handle the service request or alert.
With reference to
With reference to
With respect to
After completion of a particular repair or maintenance tasks by a contractor, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may request and receive feedback regarding the service from both the contractor and the customer. For example, with respect to
Similarly, with respect to
With respect to
In feedback window 172, the customer is asked to rate the contractor on a scale from one to five with one being poor and five being excellent. In feedback window 174, the customer is asked to input any additional comments regarding the contractor. The customer's feedback responses are then received by the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 and stored in a contractor record corresponding to the particular contractor in the contractor database 46.
With respect to
In feedback window 181, the contractor is asked to rate the customer on a scale from one to five with one being poor and five being excellent. In feedback window 182, the contractor is asked to input any additional comments regarding the customer. In feedback window 183, the contractor is asked to provide a summary of the work performed, including any parts or equipment that were repair or replaced during the repair or maintenance tasks. The contractor's feedback responses are then received by the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 and stored in a customer record corresponding to the particular customer in the customer database 48.
In addition to receiving feedback from the contractors and customers, the contractor location/dispatch system may also receive feedback from other third-party feedback or ratings services. The third-party feedback may then be incorporated and appropriately stored in customer and contractor records in the customer database 48 and contractor database 46.
After completion of a repair or maintenance task, the monitor system 102 may continue to monitor the operating parameters of the HVAC system 16 via the monitor module 100 and may evaluate whether the performed repair or maintenance was effective in improving the performance of the HVAC system 16.
For example, with respect to
Based on the determining, at 195 the monitor system 102 evaluates an effectiveness of the repair or maintenance tasks by, for example, determining whether the operating data indicates an increase or a decrease in performance of the HVAC system. For example, the monitor system 102 may evaluate whether the repair or maintenance task resulted in increased or decreased power consumption. At 196, the monitor system 102 may communicate data indicating the effectiveness of the repair to the customer device 12, the contractor device 14, or to the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 for storage in the customer database 48 or the contractor database 46. Additionally, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may communicate the data indicating the effectiveness of the repair to the customer device 12 and/or the contractor device 14.
As described above, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may be accessible and used by multiple contractors all working for a single contractor service or company. Alternatively, the contractors using the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may be independent contractors or may be contractors working for different contractor services or companies. For example, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may be open to any contractors that sign up for the system and agree to predetermined terms and condition of use. Alternatively, participation in the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may be limited to those contractors that have completed certain training programs or certification requirements. In this way, an administrator of the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may insure that the participating contractors meet certain minimum requirements for training and certification so as to increase the likelihood that customers using the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 will receive high quality service. Additionally, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may provide “tiers” of training or certification levels along with different levels of repair or maintenance tasks associated with each level or tier of training or certification.
As described above, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 may be used with or without an associated monitor system 102. When a contractor handles a service request from a customer that is not using the associated monitor system 102, the contractor may take the opportunity to educate the customer as to the benefits of utilizing a monitor system 102 and monitor module 100 in the future. In this way, the contractor may operate as a sales person in an effort to have the customer decide to purchase the monitoring service using the monitor system 102 and the monitor module 100.
As described above, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 is able to minimize the time necessary to manage and handle repairs and maintenance tasks and to more efficiently use the contractor's time and resources. Additionally, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 allows the ability to coordinate calendars and scheduling based on the location of contractor vehicles, the location of the necessary tools and parts, the estimated time of the associated tasks, and the contractor's training and skill level. Additionally, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 is able to more efficiently route the contractors in the field to optimize travel time and fuel usage. Additionally, the contractor locator/dispatch system 10 is able to schedule necessary tune-ups or regular maintenance, for example, at a time when it is most efficient for the contractor, for example at a time when the contractor will already be in the area and has availability.
The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the present disclosure.
In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced with the term circuit. The term module may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.
The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and/or objects. The term shared processor encompasses a single processor that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term group processor encompasses a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all code from one or more modules. The term shared memory encompasses a single memory that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term group memory encompasses a memory that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all code from one or more modules. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not encompass transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium, and may therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium include nonvolatile memory, volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.
The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programs may also include and/or rely on stored data.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/793,811, filed on Mar. 15, 2013. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61793811 | Mar 2013 | US |