U.S. patent application number 12/882648 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-24 for system and method for automatic analysis of rate information.
Invention is credited to James G. Gatto, Michael KENDE, Robert Christian MacDonald.
Application Number | 20110071923 12/882648 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26941172 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110071923 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KENDE; Michael ; et
al. |
March 24, 2011 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS OF RATE INFORMATION
Abstract
A multi-factor rate analysis system and method for analyzing
service plan rates, service providers, and savings other
information is provided. Rate information may be based on one or
more of historical and other user specific usage information and
preferences, current rate information for one or more services as
well as other information. This information way be used to identify
one or more rate plans that are advantageous to a user, enable the
user to select from the identified plans, facilitate the ability Of
the user to switch from one rate plan to another and provide other
benefits and advantages.
Inventors: |
KENDE; Michael; (Washington,
DC) ; MacDonald; Robert Christian; (Rye, NY) ;
Gatto; James G.; (Great Falls, VA) |
Family ID: |
26941172 |
Appl. No.: |
12/882648 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09997273 |
Nov 30, 2001 |
7801783 |
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12882648 |
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60250834 |
Dec 1, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2215/0168 20130101;
H04M 2215/0184 20130101; H04M 2215/42 20130101; G06Q 30/0274
20130101; G06Q 40/00 20130101; H04W 4/24 20130101; H04M 17/00
20130101; H04M 15/8083 20130101; G06Q 40/025 20130101; H04M 2215/54
20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; H04M 15/8044 20130101; G06Q 20/102
20130101; H04M 2215/745 20130101; G06Q 20/10 20130101; G06Q 30/0623
20130101; H04M 15/00 20130101; H04M 15/58 20130101; H04M 2215/0188
20130101; H04M 15/51 20130101; G06Q 30/0271 20130101; G06Q 30/0275
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.61 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A system for analyzing service provider rate plain information,
the system comprising: a user module for accessing user
information; a service provider database for storing service
provider information wherein service provider information comprises
rate plan information associated with one or more service
providers; and an analysis engine module for analyzing user
information and service provider information to generate one or
more savings suggestions base on rate information and at least one
other user preference.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein user information comprises user
entered profile information.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein user information comprises user
prior usage information.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein user information comprises user
entered profile information and prior usage information.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a savings module for
providing personalized savings information wherein the personalized
savings information is generated by the analysis engine module.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein savings information comprises
static savings information.
7. The system of claim 5 wherein savings information comprises
proactive savings information.
8. The system of claim 1 further comprising an external data module
for storing user independent data wherein the analysis engine
module further analyses user independent data in generating one or
more preferred savings suggestions.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a switching module for
facilitating switching the user to the one or more preferred
savings suggestions wherein the one or more preferred savings
suggestions comprises a new rate plan.
10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a switching module for
facilitating switching the user to the one or more preferred
savings suggestions wherein the one or more preferred savings
suggestions comprises a new service provider.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a demand aggregation
module for aggregating one or more users who are willing to
transfer to an identified service provider.
12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a demand aggregation
module for aggregating one or more users who are willing to
transfer to an identified rate plan.
13. The system of claim 1 further comprising a delivery module for
enabling the user to specify one or more modes of delivery.
14. A method for analyzing service provider rate plain formation,
the method comprising the steps of: accessing user information;
storing service provider information wherein service provider
information comprises rate plan information associated with one or
more service providers; and analyzing user information and service
provider information to generate one or more preferred savings
suggestions.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein user information comprises user
entered profile information.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein user information comprises user
prior usage information.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein user information comprises user
entered profile information and prior usage information.
18. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of providing
personalized savings information wherein the personalized savings
information is generated by the analysis engine module.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein savings information comprises
static savings information.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein savings information comprises
proactive savings information.
21. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of storing
user independent data wherein the analysis engine module further
analyses user independent data in generating one or more preferred
savings suggestions.
22. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of
facilitating switching the user to the one or more preferred
savings suggestions wherein the one or more preferred savings
suggestions comprises a new rate plan.
23. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of
facilitating switching the user to the one or more preferred
savings suggestions wherein the one or more preferred savings
suggestions comprises a new service provider.
24. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of
aggregating one or more users who are willing to transfer to an
identified service provider.
25. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of
aggregating one or more users who are willing to transfer to an
identified rate plan.
26. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of enabling
the user to specify one or more modes of delivery.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of automatic
analysis of rate information, more particularly to a system and
method for determining preferred billing rate plans for individual
users baaed on one or more of a user's personal preferences, prior
usage patterns, service provider rate plans, incentives, other
available savings, user independent external factors, predictors of
demand or pricing and other factors.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Users of various services do not always use the service
provider or rate plan that is best suited for that individual. The
reasons for this vary, but include the lack of time, interest or
ability to keep up with the overwhelming amount of information
about rate plans and changes to rate plans and the lack of time,
interest or ability, to compare prior usage to existing plans, to
determine an advantageous, plan, and continuously updating the
analysis as plans and needs change. For these and other reasons,
many users do not select the best plan for them based on their
personal usage patterns or preferences. As a result, many users
overpay for these and other services.
[0003] Oftentimes, customers may not be aware of existing savings
plans and/or programs. Thus, customers may be paying higher prices
due to the lack of information and awareness of savings programs.
Also, customers may not be aware that a slight change in usage may
save them money with each bill.
[0004] The savings information currently available to users may be
too general. Thus, an individual with specific needs or meeting
certain criteria may not be able to retrieve appropriate
information regarding rate plans, service providers and other
savings information.
[0005] Another problem relates to service providers' constant
desire to attract more customers and the costs associated
therewith. In many industries, it is expensive and difficult for
service providers to attract new customers. Additionally, it is
difficult for service providers to accurately predict in advance
the effect of changing the terms of existing rate plans or
introducing new rate plans.
[0006] These and other drawbacks exist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the invention, is to overcome these and other
drawbacks.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-factor
rate analysis system and method for analyzing, on a per user basis
or other basis, service plan rates, service providers, and other
information. Rate information may be based on one or more of
historical and other user specific usage information and
preferences, current rate information for one or more services as
well as other information. This information may be used to identify
one or more rate plans that are advantageous to a user, enable the
user to select from the identified plans, facilitate the ability of
the user to switch from one rate plan to another and provide other
benefits and advantages.
[0009] According, to an embodiment of the invention, a system may
include various modules and databases for analyzing rate
information to generate one or more beneficial rate plans, other
savings suggestions and/or other information to one or more users.
For example, a central rate analysis tool of the present invention
may include One or more of a prior usage module, a billing rate
module, a profile module, an external data module, a savings
module, a savings calculation module, a deliver module, a
text-to-speech module, an outbound calling module, a schedule
module, a proactive savings module, a switching module, a demand
aggregation module, an analysis engine module, an affinity module
and other modules and databases.
[0010] According to another embodiment, various data and other
information may serve as inputs to various modules. For example,
electronic prior usage data may be as an input for a prior usage
module. A savings database may serve as an input for a savings
module. A billing rate database may serve as an input for a billing
rate module. External data may serve as an input to an external
data module. Affinity data from various sources may serve as an
input to affinity module. Other information and/or sources may also
serve as inputs to these and other modules and databases.
[0011] Services may include recurring or other services such as
long distance telephone, wireless telephone, electric power,
natural gas, water, sewer, internet access, cable television,
satellite television, and other services.
[0012] A prior usage module may be used for receiving and storing
usage information associated with individual users and other
entities. A profile module may enable users to create user
profiles, preferences, and other personal information. A billing
rate module may contain rate plan information from one or more
service providers, and other entities for one or more services. An
external data module may contain user independent data and other
data that may be. relevant to a rate or usage analysis. An analysis
engine module of the present invention may analyze one or more of
individual usage patterns; user profile; user preference
information; rate information, external data and other information,
to determine one or more preferred rate plans and other savings
options for a particular user.
[0013] The system of the present invention may further include a
savings module, a savings calculation module and a proactive
savings module. A savings module may provide savings information to
a user based on user related information, such as information
obtained through the profile module and other personalized
information. For example, the savings information may be in the
form of static text where the savings information is relevant and
applicable to the user. A savings calculation module may be used to
provide the user with an amount of savings based on the user making
the recommended one or more changes. Savings amount may be in the
form of percentage and/or dollar amount, for example. Graphical
illustrations of savings history may also be provided. A proactive
savings module may provide active savings suggestions to a user
that entails some participation by the user. Generally, proactive
savings module may provide savings suggestions that include
behavior modification, which may include changing usage habits,
installation of certain equipment and other actions.
[0014] The system of the present invention may further include a
delivery module that enables information resulting from an analysis
to be forwarded to a user or other identified destination, such as
a service provider or other location for consideration and/or use.
A text-to-speech module may be used to forward or relay information
to a user by voice as specified by the user. Also, an outbound call
module may be used to delivery information to the user via phone
(cell phone or other mechanism).
[0015] The system may further include a switching module that may
enable automatic or facilitated switching from one rate plan to
another (whether it is from one provider to another or within the
same provider). Switching from one rate plan (and/or service
provider) to another may be partially or fully automatic at the
user's preference.
[0016] The system may further include a demand aggregation module
that may draw upon various factors such as one or more of stated
user preferences (including thresholds of savings beyond which a
user would switch providers); actual or projected usage patterns;
and other factors to generate price proposals at various levels of
demand and deliver such proposals to providers, which proposals, if
accepted, would be made available to users.
[0017] A schedule module may be used to enable users to determine
at what frequency to analyze rate and other information. For
example, analysis may be performed on a weekly, bi-monthly,
monthly, etc. basis, as determined by the user or based on one or
more predetermined triggers.
[0018] An affinity module may be utilized by the present invention
to provide information to a user regarding available affinity
programs and offers that may be applicable to the user for certain
rate plans. This may be a factor taken into account in doing an
analysis.
[0019] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent through the detailed description of the
embodiments and the drawings attached hereto. It is also to be
understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are explanatory and not restrictive
of the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an example Of a block diagram
representation of a system for automatic analysis of rate
information in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a demand aggregation process, in
accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an analysis process, in accordance
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention provides a multi-factor rate analysis
system and method for analyzing, on a per user basis or other
basis, service plan rate information, service providers, and other
information. Rate information may be based on one or more of
historical and other user specific usage information and
preferences, current rate information for one or more services as
well as other information. This information may be used to identify
one or more rate plans that are advantageous to a user, enable the
user to select from one or more identified plans, and facilitate
the ability of the user to switch from one fate plan to another.
Other benefits and advantages are also available.
[0024] An embodiment of the invention comprises a central rate
analysis tool (e.g. a stand alone web site a plug-in to another web
site or non-web site implementation) that may include an analysis
engine for automatically determining one or more preferred service
providers and/or rate plans for various recurring or other services
for a user based on one or more of a user's prior usage patterns,
personal preferences and other information as desired. Other
personalized savings related information may also be presented
which may include behavior change recommendation, installation
recommendation, eligible savings plans and programs and other
information. The analysis engine may perform these and other
functions across one or more vertical markets including
telecommunications (wired and wireless), energy (electric power,
natural gas and water), multimedia (Internet access, cable and
satellite television, WebTv) and other services and products.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for analyzing
rate information, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The system may comprise a web site or other computer
implemented tool 10. For simplicity and to avoid repetition,
various embodiments of the invention may be described with
reference to a web site as the central tool. The invention is not
so limited.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, central
rate analysis tool 10 may be accessed by one or more users from one
or more terminals 101 over a communications network 103. In
addition, tool 10 may be connected to other web sites or systems.
Terminals 101 may include personal computers, kiosks, wireless
devices, internet appliances, Web TV and other types of terminal
devices. The communications network 103 may be or include a wired
or wireless network including the Internet, World Wide Web, analog
or digital cellular network, satellite, other communications
networks and any combination thereof.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, central
rate analysis tool 10 may include various modules to support the
various features and functions described herein. The features or
functions of one or more modules may be combined where multiple
modules may be used to handle a single described feature or
function, for example. Also, additional features and functions may
be added without departing from the intended scope of the
invention.
[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, central
rate analysis tool 10 may include one or more of the following
modules: a prior usage module 100 for receiving and storing prior
usage information associated with particular, individual user
and/or other entities; a billing rate module 160 that collects and
maintains rate plan and other information for one or more service
providers; a profile module 110 that enables users to create user
profiles and preferences; an external, data module 170 that
comprises user independent data and/or external factors that may be
relevant to a rate analysis; a savings module 120 for providing
savings related information; a delivery module 130 for enabling a
user to specify one or more methods of delivery, a text-to-speech
module 140, an outbound calling module 150, a savings calculation
module 180 for displaying an amount or percentage saved, a schedule
module 190 for scheduling rate analysis, a proactive savings module
200 for determining and delivering savings related information
involving user participation, a switching module 210 for
facilitating switching to a more beneficial rate plan and/or
service provider, a demand aggregation module 220; an affinity
module 230, an analysis engine module 240 for performing detailed
analysis of rate plans and/or service providers and other
information; and other modules and/or databases.
[0029] Various inputs may also be available to modules and/or
databases of central rate analysis tool 10 of the present
invention. Inputs may include information from databases, third
parties and other sources. Such inputs may include electronic prior
usage data 105, savings database 115, billing rate database 165,
external data 175, suggestions 205, service providers 225, affinity
data 235 and other information and/or sources.
[0030] Modules of the present invention may include software, code
or other technology to enable information to be gathered, stored
and/or processed. Other operations may also be performed. The
information may be maintained in a database associated with each
module or group of modules. In another example, modules may share
information stored in various databases. Also, information may be
stored and maintained in a single, master database. Other
variations for gathering, storing, and/or processing information
may be utilized, in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] Prior usage module 100 may receive prior usage information
associated with individual users. The prior usage information may
be obtained and entered into prior usage module 100 in a variety of
manners. Prior usage information may be manually entered by a user,
prompted by the system, retrieved automatically through sources
and/or databases and accessed through other retrieval methods.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
plurality of forms or templates for different services may be
presented to a user to query the user for information regarding the
user's usage of various services. Information may include frequency
of use, amount of use, amount usually paid for the service, amount
of savings (threshold) that would cause a user to switch, and other
usage information. In response, the user may manually enter the
requested information. Various levels of sophistication, may be
used. The user may manually enter usage information or select from
a list of possible selections that may be used to identify usage
patterns.
[0033] For example, the user may be presented with a form on a
display screen of a terminal that enables the user to select a type
of service from the services available through the system. The
system may then present the user With another form that enables the
user to enter relevant information for that service (e.g., estimate
past, current, or future patterns of usage, current billing plan(s)
and other criteria for a particular service). These screens may be
implemented to enable users to indicate the relevant categories of
service and estimate the usage of each relevant aspect. The
information obtained from a user may be tied to the various factors
that determine beneficial rate plan based on the categories of
information in billing rate module 160.
[0034] For example, a user may be queried concerning the number of
long distance calls made that are intra-state, inter-state, or
international. Further, the user may be prompted to enter the
average duration of these long distance telephone calls. Further,
for long distance information, a user may be asked to estimate the
number of minutes of long distance service used Monday through
Friday, on Saturday, and on Sunday. Each of these categories may
also be subdivided into peak and non-peak usage. More detailed
information may be provided to better assess an advantageous rate
plan available to that user.
[0035] In another example, a user may be asked to indicate when
(peak, non-peak, weekday, weekend), where (home area or roaming)
and how (local, long distance) the user plans to use the wireless
phone or other wireless service. The user may also be prompted to
estimate the number of minutes used in each relevant category. The
user may also be asked how many of these minutes utilize a digital
service network versus an analog service network. For internet
access information, a user may be asked the number of peak and
non-peak minutes used within a certain time period. The user may
also be queried as to the various access speeds utilized within a
certain time period and the corresponding minutes used for each
access speed. Other usage information may also be gathered.
[0036] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
system and method may provide at least partial automation of
collecting of a user's prior service usage information for use in a
rate analysis system, over one or more periods. For example,
automation may be accomplished by extracting electronic usage
information from an electronic bill payment and presentment (EBPP)
system, electronic statement presentment (ESP) system, or by using
other methods of automatically obtaining a user's prior usage
information. Thus, the need for a user to manually enter the user's
prior usage information to benefit from a rate plan analysis system
may be avoided. Further, the user may not be prompted to provide
rough estimates of usage information. By extracting information
from an electronic bill payment system, for example, the
information obtained is accurate and easily obtained. For example,
rather than estimating a rough number of minutes used by a user,
the system may ascertain the exact number of minutes (including
seconds) of cell phone usage, including when the calls where made,
from where, and to what area.
[0037] Other benefits may result from the system operator
partnering with or incorporating into its site an electronic bill
payment and presentment (EBPP) or ESP system. Some of the benefits
of partnering is that the system operator may obtain access to: 1)
an established base of users that already rely on the Internet to
deal with their recurring service providers; and 2) detailed usage
and billing information in electronic format. This latter advantage
may facilitate the ability to automatically monitor customer usage
and enable the engine to more accurately determine better deals for
users without human intervention on the part of the user or system
operator personnel.
[0038] In a special GUI, the single screen input form may display a
beneficial usage plan or plans corresponding to a user's input of
usage estimates. This beneficial usage plan may be calculated by
analysis engine module 240, based on information entered by the
user into the prior usage module 100 through a usage input module,
the information in billing rate module 160, and in another
embodiment profile module 110, and external data module 170. Other
sources of information may also be accessed. A single screen input
form may further enable the user to change the estimated usage for
one particular category while holding constant the estimated usage
in other relevant usage categories. For instance, the user may
change the estimated weekend long distance calling minutes while
keeping constant the amount of weekday long distance calling
minutes and the number of international calling minutes to see
whether this changes the preferred rate plan.
[0039] In another embodiment, the single screen input form may
indicate that the choice of service plan may be particularly
sensitive to changes in one or more usage categories. For instance,
for wireless calling plans the form may indicate that a slight
increase in roaming minutes over the initially estimated number
would change the preferred calling plan. The user may decide based
on this indication that, given the possibility that the initial
estimate of roaming may have been too low, that the preferred
calling plan is the one corresponding to the higher number of
roaming minutes. Proactive savings suggestions may also be
made.
[0040] According to another embodiment, the prior usage module 100
may receive billing information associated with individual users in
an automated or semi-automated fashion. For example, many service
providers either directly or indirectly use Electronic Bill Payment
and Presentment (EBPP) systems Electronic Statement Presentment
(ESP) systems for the electronic or automated delivery of invoices
to customers. The prior usage module 100 may receive electronically
prior usage information from a service provider (or from a third
party invoicing system utilized by a service provider) via EBPP,
ESP or other electronic system, as illustrated by electronic prior
usage data 105. Prior usage module 100 may process the electronic
prior usage information 105 received for a particular user and
identify usage information that may be automatically passed to
prior usage module 100 to automatically offer prior usage
information for a user.
[0041] In another embodiment of the invention, various other
options for entering usage patterns may be utilized. For example, a
user tracking monthly expenses with spreadsheet, budgeting or
financial software programs, or other similar tools, may provide
such information in an electronic format. For example, a user
tracking monthly expenses with a program such as Quicken or
Microsoft Money may provide prior usage module 100 with usage
patterns in an electronic format via email or other method of
conveying information in an electronic format. This embodiment has
an advantage of saving the user from manually re-entering usage
information which has already been stored in a software program. In
another example of the various other options for entering usage
patterns, a user may receive a printed invoice from a service
provider. The invoice may display the user's service usage, billing
and other information for a certain time period. The service usage
and billing information on the printed invoice may be entered into
prior usage module 100 using an optical scanner and optical
character recognition software. Prior usage module 100 may then
process the service usage and billing information to establish
usage patterns.
[0042] An analysis engine of the present invention may be used to
identify usage patterns (seasonal, weekly, peak, non-peak, etc.)
based on one or more of user's historical data, current or future
usage information, user independent external factors (such as
weather, major events, and other factors) to find better rate plans
for users at different times.
[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, user profile
information may be used to identify billing plan and service
factors relevant and important to a user and to present
personalized savings information to a user. For example, savings
information may include rebates, credits, discounts, programs or
other savings for which the user is eligible to receive. The user
profile may provide significant insights into the user's
demographics, preferences and other relevant information that may
be used in a legitimate way to the benefit of the system operator.
Many individuals may be reticent about giving out personal
information and completing on-line profiles or surveys. However,
because a significant value may be received, more users may be
convinced to do this according to the system of the invention.
[0044] Profile module 110 may receive information that identifies a
user and the user's preferences. Profile information may be
manually entered by a user or retrieved from an identified source.
For example, profile information may include personal information
such as demographics (e.g., address, employment, age, etc.), home
ownership (e.g., rent or own), services used, affinity programs,
available equipment, whether payments are made on-line, price
preferences (e.g., fixed, variable, etc.) thresholds of savings
that would cause a user to switch, relative importance of factors
in determining a better plan, whether automated switching is
desired and authorized and other information. Profile information
entered, retrieved or otherwise obtained may be used to generate
beneficial rate plans and other personalized savings options and/or
suggestions.
[0045] For example, certain savings options may be available to
homeowners, but not renters. A homeowner may have the option of
making energy efficient upgrades, whereas a renter may not. This
may include installing a certain type of window to reduce heat loss
thereby lowering heating bills. By simply knowing this one piece of
information, the present invention may inform the user that certain
energy discounts or rebates are available and provide the user the
opportunity to obtain additional information. In addition, a renter
may be spared the annoyance of receiving irrelevant information
related to potential savings flowing from home ownership.
[0046] In addition, currently owned equipment information may be
used to determine whether certain savings options are available to
the user. For example, certain upgrades may not be feasible without
the necessary equipment, such as a DSL line and other equipment.
Also, a user may specify equipment that the user plans on
purchasing and installing in the near future, which may make the
user eligible for certain sayings suggestions.
[0047] According to another example, profile information may
include the services that the user utilizes or is interested in
utilizing, current service provider information, preferences
regarding how the user is to be notified about rate plan changes
and alternative rate plans, switching options, and/or certain usage
pattern information and/or other information. Additionally,
personal user information which may effect, rate plan pricing or
selection may be received by profile module 110.
[0048] Further, user-defined criteria may be applied to savings
information to ensure that the user receives personalized, accurate
and applicable savings information. For example, a user may include
and exclude various types of services as well as specific service
providers. Other criteria based on price, selection, convenience,
location and other factors may be identified by the user.
[0049] For example, personal user information which may effect rate
plan pricing may include affinity or membership programs (e.g.,
airline frequent flier programs, automobile clubs, trade or
professional associations, etc.), other user utilized services
which may be bundled to result in lower overall rate plans,
geographic location, user-owned equipment (e.g., cell phone model,
type of personal computer, type of modem, etc.) and other
information.
[0050] The profile module 110 may also receive user information
potentially affecting rate plan selection. For example, in an
embodiment of the invention, profile module 110 may receive user
information regarding the frequency of rate plan analysis and
reporting, service provider preferences, threshold savings required
before a rate plan switch would be considered, user preferred time
period that must elapse before a rate plan switch would be
considered, preferred service provider reliability, and other user
values which may affect a decision regarding a service
provider.
[0051] Profile module 110 may also include user predictions and
estimations regarding future service usage. For example, a user who
may be experiencing ah extended absence from their primary dwelling
may provide profile module 110 with such information and the user
may preference minimized service plans for the period of absence.
This may include vacations, holidays, business trips, use of a
second house and other extended periods of absence. Therefore,
during a user's absence, heating, cooling, gas, phone and other
expenses may be lower. If the user knows when the user will return
and wants to switch back to the service plans used prior to the
absence, the system may automatically do that at a scheduled
time.
[0052] Profile module 110 may also include personalized user
information which may qualify the user for government subsidy
programs, service provider incentive and/or other discount
programs. For example, profile module 110 may store information
that may be used to determine whether a user qualifies for
government subsidies by querying the user regarding home ownership,
annual income and/or other factors.
[0053] In another example, profile module 110 may store information
necessary to determine whether the user may qualify for service
provider incentive and/or discount programs. For instance, profile
module 110 may query a user concerning willingness to upgrade to a
more fuel-efficient furnace.
[0054] In another example, profile module 110 may query a user
concerning willingness to switch from utilization of heating oil to
utilization of natural gas. Such information may then be used to
later analyze whether a user may qualify for incentive or discount
programs from a service provider, for example.
[0055] Profile module 110 may also query the user regarding
willingness to purchase services available in the future. For
instance, existing services not yet available in the user's
neighborhood, such as may be the case today with cable modem
service or DSL. Another example is future wireless Internet
services that have not yet been introduced.
[0056] Billing rate module 160 may comprise rate plan information
for one or more service providers. The rate plan information may be
stored in any convenient format, such as a table or a database. The
rate plan information stored in billing rate database 165 may
include rate plan criteria and categories useful in assessing
preferred and appropriate rate plans for an individual user as well
as other information. Other sources may also be accessed.
[0057] In another embodiment, billing rate database 165 may
comprise the tariff data regarding the rate plans of one or more
service providers. Billing rate database 165 may also contain
information on discounted promotional rate plans or introductory
rate plans offered by service providers. Other criteria, such as
billing increments, volume usage discounts, service provider
bundling options, discounts provided to members of certain
organizations partnered with service providers, and the like, may
also be stored in billing rate database 165.
[0058] The information accessed by billing rate module 160 may be
obtained from a variety of sources, as illustrated by billing rate
database 165. These sources may include, for example, published
service provider tariffs and rates. The information may be provided
to billing rate module 160 in any manner of formats, including
manual entry or submission of the information in an electronic
format. XML, screen scraping, web bots and other automated tools
may be used to automate the identification of this or other
information usage by the system.
[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the information
in billing rate database 165 may be updated whenever a change, (or
other modification) is made in any of the published rates of a
service provider. In another embodiment, information may be updated
at regular intervals of time and/or at the occurrence of an
identified triggering event. In another embodiment, information in
billing rate database 165 may be updated in response to an update
request by a user, an operator or other entity.
[0060] In another embodiment, the information in billing rate
database 165 may be updated to indicate when an existing service
becomes available in new areas, or when new services are available
nationwide. This information may be conveyed to users who have
indicated in profile module 110 that they are interested in a
particular service when it becomes available.
[0061] The external data module 170 may comprise user independent
and other data relevant for rate analysis or service provider
selection. External data 175 may comprise various factors or points
of information which may be relevant to a user or users independent
of service usage of the user or users, Non-limiting examples of
such data may include seasonal or cyclical patterns in service
provider rates, temperature or meteorological forecasts, quality or
reliability of a service provider, service provider values and
charitable contributions, service provider ownership and
investments, historic communications or multimedia usage reactions
tied to news events, and other information potentially relevant to
rate analysis or service provider selection.
[0062] For example, seasonal patterns may have an affect on a
user's approach to heating and/or cooling bills. If a prediction
has been set for a particularly severe winter in the user's area,
the present invention may provide in-depth approaches and options
to save in heating costs.
[0063] Analysis engine module 240 may retrieve information from
various modules, databases, and/or other sources to determine one
or more preferred rate plans and/or service providers based on one
or more of prior usage information, user profile information,
independent factors, available sayings options and other
information. Various rate analysis algorithms may be used.
[0064] For example, analysis engine module 240 may analyze usage
patterns received from prior usage module 100 and compare usage
patterns with rate plan information received from billing rate
module 160 to determine one or more preferred rate plans available
for a particular user. In another embodiment of the present
invention, analysis engine module 240 may receive information from
profile module 110, external data module 170 and other sources.
Information received from profile module 110 and external data
module 170 may be retrieved by analysis engine module 240 to
determine one or more preferred rate plans available for a
particular user. Other combinations and options are available.
[0065] In another embodiment, analysis engine module 240 may
determine one or more preferred rate plans for a user at
predetermined intervals, upon the occurrence of one or more
predetermined events, at the request of a user or other triggering
event. For example, analysis engine module 240 may determine one or
more preferred rate plans for a user at predetermined time
intervals (e.g., on a weekly basis) or predetermined events (e.g.,
when a service provider publishes a revised rate plan).
[0066] In another embodiment, analysis engine module 240 may
determine one or more hypothetical beneficial rate plans as part of
a process of demand aggregation and bidding carried out by the
demand aggregation module 220 (as discussed in detail below).
[0067] For example, to determine one or more preferred rate plans
for a particular user, analysis engine module 240 may calculate the
cost of each rate plan in billing rate module 160 using
transactional history information stored in prior usage module 100.
Information and preferences stored in profile module 110 may then
be factored into the determination process. In another embodiment,
each of the individual pieces of information and preferences stored
in profile module 110 may be assigned different weights (or
priorities) in the determination process. For example, a user's
service provider preferences may be given more importance than
whether a service provider is partnered with the user's airline
frequent flier program. Profile module 110 may also provide
analysis engine module 240 with information which would allow
analysis engine module 240 to determine whether the user
potentially qualifies for a government subsidy program or a service
provider discount incentive program.
[0068] In addition, at some point in the determination of one or
more preferred rate plans, analysis engine module 240 may receive
information, from external data module 170. The information
provided by the external data module 170 may be factored into the
determination of one or more preferred rate plans. The information
may include external data 175 from various sources. For example,
external data module 170 may provide analysis engine module 240
with historical quality or reliability performance of one or more
service providers. Based upon user quality or reliability
preferences stored in profile module 110, one or more service
providers may be eliminated from a rate plan determination as not
having a sufficient quality or reliability record to satisfy a
user's preferences, as specified in profile module 110 or other
sources.
[0069] The present invention may further provide a rate analysis
system and method that may be used to identify (on a per user basis
or other basis) the availability of special rates, incentives,
discounts, tax credits or other savings based on a predetermined
criteria and/or a user's ability or willingness to satisfy the
criteria, and other factors. These incentives may be taken into
account when performing a rate analysis to determine an
advantageous rate plan for one or more users.
[0070] Savings information may include, static, user-relevant
savings information that may include discounts and other applicable
savings suggestions. Savings information may also involve proactive
savings information that may be accessed via proactive savings
module 200. Module 200 may present savings suggestions 205 from
various, sources that may entail behavior changes, installation and
other action from the user. Also, saving calculation module 180 may
provide information regarding the amount saved by the user since
making the suggested one or more savings suggestions as well as
switches to identified rate plans and/or service providers.
[0071] Savings module 120 may identify discounts, credits, tax
credits, rebates or other savings that may be available to all
users or some users based on predetermined criteria, user defined
preferences, profile information and/or other information. Thus,
the information provided by savings module 120 may be personalized
to the user.
[0072] For example, some energy companies, municipalities and other
entities provide assistance to certain qualifying individuals to
insure they are afforded the opportunity to receive certain
services. Energy companies, for example, sometimes provide
discounts to low income individuals to ensure these families have
heat for the winter. In other cases, taking certain steps may
qualify a customer for a discount and/or other subsidy. For
example, sometimes installing energy efficient equipment (e.g.,
windows, insulation, or other things) may qualify a user for a
discount and savings.
[0073] Proactive savings module 200 may provide savings information
that may involve a change in a user's behavior or other user
action. For example, a user may enter information regarding a cell
phone plan where it may be determined that the user exceeds the 200
minute maximum each month by a few minutes. By exceeding the 200
minute limit, the user is elevated to a more expensive bracket.
Proactive savings module 200 may suggest to the user that if the
user makes an effort to keep track of the minutes used each month
and stays below 200 minutes, the user may save money on cell phone
usage each month. Thus, it may determined that if the User stays
below the 200 minute maximum, the user may save a certain amount
each month. This savings information may be conveyed to the user
for consideration and/or implementation. Savings suggestions data
205 may be obtained through various sources, service providers, and
other entities. Other proactive savings information may include
installing a certain type of insulated windows. Depending on the
user's location and local winter climate, varying types of windows
may be suggested for cost efficient living.
[0074] According to another embodiment of the invention the system
operator may maintain a database of current savings, as illustrated
by savings database 115, The various fields of information that
define the criteria by which any discounts, rebates, credits or
other savings are applicable may be stored in savings database 115
along with the relevant criteria and information. If a user wishes
to learn about the availability of such offers, the user may click
on a button that prompts the user to supply certain information
relevant to the determination. The, process may be interactive
and/or iterative, For example, a button may be provided on the web
site that enables, a user to click for savings information. The
user may supply information to the system and the system may make
initial determinations of categories, types, or specific savings
that may be available based on the information submitted. Rather
than seek all of the information that may be necessary to identify
ail savings available to that individual, certain information may
be requested initially. If the information provided results in an
identification of offers that may be available to the user,
information about the types of savings may be presented to
encourage the user to present or supply additional information that
can be used to more specifically qualify the user for specific
savings.
[0075] Savings calculation module 180 may provide information
regarding the amount (or percentage) saved by the user since making
the suggested one or more changes, switches, and/or other actions
as compared to if the user did not make the suggested change,
switch or other action. According to an embodiment of the present
invention, the savings calculations may be displayed as a time
series where the time that the suggestion was implemented may be
indicated as the start date, where the differences between what the
user would have spent and what the user is spending now since the
change may be compared graphically.
[0076] The delivery module 130 may address the mode of delivery of
information generated by the system. For example, the user may
select one or more notification methods, which may include email,
phone, cell phone, fax, PDA, pager, link to a webpage and other
mode of communication. In addition, the user may specify different
modes of delivery for different types of information. For example,
for savings, information, the user may select an email notification
whereas for rate plan information, the user may select phone call
notification. Also, a user may specify the frequency of deliver of
information, such as sayings information. For example, periodic
(e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.) updates may be requested.
[0077] Text-to-Speech module 140 may facilitate the notification
process where a text message may be converted into a voice message
that may be left on a user's answering machine informing the user
of the availability of relevant information and optionally, what
phone number to call to receive the rate plan information. Also, a
voice message may inform the user that the requested information
may be posted on a website associated with the present invention
for the user to view immediately. Other variations and uses
exist.
[0078] Outbound Calling Module 150 may be used to dial a phone
number entered by the user in profile module 110 (or other input
area) for notification. Other variations exist.
[0079] At a user's option, the system Of the present invention may
deliver the relevant information to the user, use the information
to assist the user in switching to a new service provider or rate
plan, and/or automatically switch the user with little or no
intervention on the user's part at the time of the switch.
[0080] According to another aspect of the invention, the system and
method of the invention may comprise a switching module 210 that
enables automatic or facilitated switching from one service
provider or rate plan to another service provider or rate plan.
This automatic or facilitated switching may be among rate plans of
different service providers or among different rate plans offered
by a single service provider.
[0081] In another embodiment of the present invention, the results
of the analysis completed by analysis engine module 240 may be
provided to switching module 210. Depending upon the user
preferences which may be stored in profile module 110 and other
factors, various actions may be taken by the switching module 210
in response to the information provided by analysis engine module
240.
[0082] For example, if a user's current service provider and rate
plan are determined to be beneficial plan for the user, switching
module 210 may take no further action. Switching module 210 may
inform the user that an analysis was performed by analysis engine
module 240 and that the user's current rate plan was found to be an
advantageous option.
[0083] If analysis engine module 240 determines that a better rate
plan is available to a user, switching module 240 may take various
actions based upon the user notification, switching preferences and
other information stored in the profile module 110 and obtained
through other sources. In an embodiment of the present invention,
switching module 210 may notify the user that a better rate plan is
available to the user. In another embodiment of the invention,
switching module 210 may notify the user that a better rate plan is
available to the user and may identify the better rate plan to the
user. In another embodiment, switching module 210 may notify the
user that a better rate plan is available, identify the better rate
plan to the user and query the user whether the present invention
should switch the user to the better rate plan. In another
embodiment, if a user has stored a preference to be automatically
switched to a preferred rate plan in the profile module 110,
switching module 210 may switch the user to the identified
preferred rate plan. Switching module 210 may use whatever
technology known in the art to allow the user to authorize
switching module 210 to make a switch directly with the service
provider on behalf of the user. This technology may include a
digital, signature stored in the switching module 210. Optionally,
switching module 210 may inform the user that the switch to an
identified preferred rate plan has occurred. Other switching
options exist.
[0084] Switching module 210 may notify or inform the user using any
sufficient or appropriate method or medium known in the art.
Non-limiting examples of sufficient or appropriate methods or
mediums include electronic mail, printed notification, audible
message via telephone, electronic presentment, pager, and other
modes of communication.
[0085] If analysis engine module 240 has determined, based upon the
information provided by profile module 110 and/or other
information, that a user potentially qualifies for a government
subsidy or a service provider incentive discount program, switching
module 210 may notify the user of the potential qualification. In a
further embodiment, switching module 210 may notify the user of the
potential qualification and inform the user of the potential
savings provided by the government subsidy, service provider
incentive discount program or other program.
[0086] A rate plan analysis system of the present invention may
further analyze at least one or more of user usage and rate plan
information across more than one service to identify if a user
could benefit from bundling two or more services from a single
provider or several partnered providers to lower overall cost.
[0087] In another embodiment of the present invention, demand
aggregation module 220 may analyze current and projected usage data
and user preferences (including thresholds of savings beyond which
a user would switch providers), aggregate user demand based on such
data and preferences, and bid such user demand to service
providers.
[0088] The present invention enables a group of users to be
aggregated and switched in bulk to a service provider and/or rate
plan and to enable discounted or custom rate plans to be created by
service providers, or to enable the group to specify parameters
which, if satisfied, would cause the group to switch to a service
provider or plan that satisfied the parameters.
[0089] The system may leverage its large user base and the
intelligence built into the analysis engine in several ways, e.g.,
to aggregate demand and enable users to drive rate plans. By way of
example, the system operator may periodically query users to
determine the parameters that would cause them to add a new
service, switch to a new service provider or service plan or make
other changes, and provide aggregate data to service providers to
enable them to acquire a large group of customers at once. So
rather than a service provider announcing a discounted rate plan
and seeing how many people sign up, the service provider will know
in advance that if it offers a certain rate plan it will have a
certain number of customers. As another example, the system may
enable service providers the ability to query customers to
determine the demand that would exist for a service based on
certain parameters (e.g., a new price plan or other factors). For
example, the system may deliver queries to users on behalf of
service providers to enable a service provider to gain insight into
the effectiveness a rate plan before the service provider
implements the plan.
[0090] In another embodiment of the present invention, various data
sets from all or any combination of prior usage module 100, billing
rate database 160, profile module 110, external data module 170,
and hypothetical and other analyses performed by analysis engine
module 240 may be processed by demand aggregation module 220. Other
information may also be used.
[0091] Demand aggregation module 220 may determine price levels at
which various quantities of users would, or would be expected to,
switch providers or commit to purchase given levels of services in
excess of existing levels. For example, demand aggregation module
220 may determine that 200,000 long distance users would switch to
a new long distance telephone provider if that provider would
reduce its weekday per minute charge to 4 cents. In another
example, demand aggregation module 220 may determine that 200,000
users would commit to purchase 50 minutes of overseas long distance
minutes per month to a particular foreign country at a price of
$15.00, regardless of whether they actually use the full 50
minutes. Any of these parameters can be varied. In another
embodiment of the present invention, demand aggregation module 220
may generate price proposals, with or without purchase quantity
commitments.
[0092] In another embodiment of the present invention, demand
aggregation module 220 may present such proposals to providers,
either automatically, on a schedule, upon demand of the operator of
the invention, or based on other triggering event(s) or
predetermined time period(s). Demand aggregation module 220 may
utilize any suitable means or technology known to the art to
communicate the proposals to providers, including electronic
transmission, and to receive the acceptance of such proposals.
Accepted proposals may be forwarded to billing rate database
160.
[0093] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a demand
aggregation process, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The process may be driven by various entities, such as
the present system, a service provider, one or more users or other
entities. At step 210, the service may analyze various user
information, such as user profile information, user preferences,
previous switching history and other relevant information. At step
220, the system may create a proposed plan that may be favorably
received by all or selected users. For example, a proposed plan may
include 100 long distance minutes for 5 cents a minute. In
addition, the system may generate a series of proposed plans where
users may indicate which plans are of interest to them. At step
230, the system may query current users to ascertain which users
would be willing to participate in the one or more proposed plans.
In addition, the system may get users to commit to the proposed
plan. At step 240, the system may aggregate the results of the
query. The proposed plan may be submitted to one or more service
providers for bidding which may involve proposing the plan to the
service provider and presenting the number of users willing to
commit to the plan. Other information may also be provided. If a
service provider agrees to the proposed plan, the system may then
accept the agreed to one or more rate plans, at step 260. Also,
different rate plans may be offered to different categories of
users. Depending on the switching preference identified by the
users, the system may switch the users to the proposed plan, at
step 270.
[0094] There may be instances where a service provider proposes a
special rate and uses the system of the present invention to query
users. According to this embodiment, a service provider 212 may
initiate the demand aggregation process by creating a proposed
plan, at step 220 and proceeding with the subsequent steps, as
discussed above.
[0095] There may also be circumstances where one or more users may
specify parameters that are of interest to them regarding existing
or new rate plans, at step 232. The system may aggregate the users
and results at step 240 and proceed with the subsequent steps of
the demand aggregation process, as discussed above.
[0096] Service providers may offer affinity programs based on use
of their service. For example, affinity programs may reward users
with various incentives for new subscribers or continued and
extensive patronage. For example, affinity programs may reward
users with frequent flyer miles, cash back, store credit and other
incentives. A user's association with various affinity programs may
be a factor in selecting a service provider. If a user has a long
history with a particular affinity program or is interested in
receiving/qualifying for incentives and benefits, the user may
place greater weight (or importance) with this factor in
determining a preferred service provider. Affinity data 235 from
various sources may be used to make preferred service provider and
other determinations.
[0097] Furthermore, some service providers offer flexible payment
options, such as annualized payment plans with equal monthly
payments for certain services to minimize the financial uncertainty
of varying bills due to seasonality and other factors. For example,
some energy companies enable a customer to pay a fixed monthly fee
based on estimated annual usage rather than facing the uncertainty
of the potential ups and downs of energy bills during periods of
peak and lesser demand. Other flexible payment options may be
offered. Flexible payment options may be a factor in considering
one or more preferred rate plans and/or service providers for a
user.
[0098] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the analysis process, according to
an embodiment of the present invention. The system of the present
invention may access user profile information from profile module
110, which may include user demographic information, preferences.
and other personal information, at step 310. The system may also
examine prior usage information, at step 320. Prior usage
information may be retrieved from prior usage module 100 which may
be used to determine usage patterns, trends and other useful
information. At step 330, the system may consider external data
from-external data module 170 which may include user independent
factors that may affect the rate and/or service provider
analysis.
[0099] At step 340, the system may analyze the information gathered
to determine one or more of preferred rate plans, preferred service
providers, savings information and other information. The analysis
may be performed according to a predetermined schedule as retrieved
from schedule information 342. Also, billing rate database 344 may
supply various rates and other information as supplied by service
providers and other entities. The system may then deliver the
requested information to the user, at step 350, in accordance to
one or more predetermined deliver methods as identified by the
user. Depending on the user's preference, the system may switch the
user to the preferred rate plan(s) and/or service provider(s). The
switching may be performed automatically or partially
automatically, as indicated by the user. At step 370, the user may
view the user's savings in a graphical format based on the
recommended switch(es) at savings calculation module 180.
[0100] The invention provides potential economic benefit and
advantages to the system operator in a variety of ways. One way,
for example, is through, consumer subscriptions. For example, the
system operator may permit users to access the web site for free to
manually enter data and search for better deals to realize the
value of the system. However, the system operator may charge a
subscription fee (e.g., monthly) for users who want the web site to
automatically monitor rate plans for them and alert them to better
deals and/or automatically switch them, if desired. Alternatively,
the system operator may prompt a user when a better rate plan
becomes available, and notify the user of how much savings can be
realized by switching to the plan, but not identify the plan unless
the user agrees to pay a fee for receiving additional information
about the plan. According to this embodiment, the system operator
can collect a fiat fee each the system identifies a better plan and
the user requests information about the plan, a fee based on a
percentage of the first month's savings for a newly identified plan
or other compensation.
[0101] If the system operator charges a subscription fee or other
user fees, it may take advantage of a viral marketing effect by
offering users subscribers a free month subscription for each 2 (or
other number) new paying subscribers they bring to the system
operator. Other incentives can be offered.
[0102] Another benefit to the system operator may result from
collecting fees from service providers. For example, the system,
operator may collect fees from service providers based on either:
1) a per switch fee for each customer delivered to the service
provider; 2) a flat fee (e.g., monthly or annual) for the service
provider to be included in the database of providers that are
searched; and other fees or compensation.
[0103] Another benefit to the system operator is potential
licensing arrangements. For example, the system operator can
license one or more modules of the rate analysis engine to
individual service providers or other web sites that want to offer
this tool as a feature to their existing customers.
[0104] Another benefit to the system operator is potential
advertising revenue. For example, the service providers may
advertise on the web site or to maintain an appearance of
impartiality the system operator may not accept advertising from
service providers in its database. It may, however, accept
advertising from related sources (e.g., telephone handset
manufacturers when a customer is looking at cellular rate plans,
etc.).
[0105] Although the invention has been described in terms of
particularly preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these
embodiments. Alternative embodiments and modifications which would
still be encompassed by the invention may be made by those skilled
in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.
Therefore, the following claims are intended to cover any
alternative embodiments, modifications or equivalents which may be
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
claims.
* * * * *