U.S. patent application number 13/587016 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for systems and methods for service request management.
This patent application is currently assigned to BUILDINGLINK COM, LLC. Invention is credited to Gerald Isaac Kestenbaum.
Application Number | 20120310695 13/587016 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46800796 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120310695 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kestenbaum; Gerald Isaac |
December 6, 2012 |
Systems and Methods for Service Request Management
Abstract
A service request management system is disclosed that enables
collaborative information sharing between an occupant of a building
and an individual associated with building operations who is
responsible for receiving, delegating, or performing a function
related to the service request. The system includes one or more
processors capable of receiving, from the occupant of the building,
a new service request requesting a service or maintenance task to
be performed for the occupant at the building, and storing the
service request and related service request information in a
service request database of the system. The processors are capable
of enabling the individual to retrieve the service request from the
service request database and to provide service request
modification information to modify the service request information
stored in the database. The processors are capable of updating the
service request information stored in the database based on the
service request modification information.
Inventors: |
Kestenbaum; Gerald Isaac;
(New York, NY) |
Assignee: |
BUILDINGLINK COM, LLC
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
46800796 |
Appl. No.: |
13/587016 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09587525 |
Jun 5, 2000 |
8271321 |
|
|
13587016 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/7.15 ;
705/7.13; 705/7.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/10 20130101;
G06Q 50/163 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/7.15 ;
705/7.13; 705/7.16 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20120101
G06Q010/06 |
Claims
1. A service request management system that enables collaborative
information sharing between an occupant of a building and an
individual associated with building operations, the system
comprising: one or more memories storing instructions; and one or
more processors capable of executing the instructions to perform:
receiving, from the occupant of the building, a new service request
requesting a service or maintenance task to be performed for the
occupant at the building and associated service request information
that describes at least one characteristic of the service request;
storing the service request and at least part of the service
request information in a service request database of the service
request management system that includes past service requests;
enabling the individual associated with building operations who is
responsible for receiving, delegating, or performing a function
related to the service request to retrieve the service request from
the service request database; enabling the individual to provide
service request modification information to modify the service
request information stored in the database; and updating the
service request information stored in the database based on the
service request modification information.
2. The service request management system according to claim 1, the
one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: generating notification data used to
inform the occupant of changes to the service request; and sending
the notification data to the occupant.
3. The service request management system according to claim 2,
wherein sending the notification data to the occupant includes
sending the notification data via one or more of an e-mail message,
a pager message, a telephone message, a voicemail message, and
facsimile message.
4. The service request management system according to claim 2,
wherein the notification data is sent responsive to receiving a
request for the notification data from a computing device
associated with the occupant.
5. The service request management system according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one characteristic of the service request
includes one or more of a title, category, description, status,
urgency rating, date opened, unit identification information, or
occupant identification information corresponding to the service
request.
6. The service request management system according to claim 5, the
one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: generating data to display, to at least
one of the individual or the occupant, a plurality of service
requests sorted by the at least one characteristic of the service
request.
7. The service request management system according to claim 1, the
one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: enabling the individual to search the
database and view requests that meet a user-defined criteria,
wherein the user defined criteria is at least one of a status of
the service request, a type of service request, a unit number
associated with the service request, a date the service request was
received, an urgency of the service request, or a priority of the
service request.
8. The service request management system according to claim 1,
wherein the service request modification information includes at
least one of changing a type of the service request, assigning a
priority to the service request, adding a name of an person or
entity assigned to complete a task associated with the service
request, closing the service request, recording an amount of time
spent on a task related to the service request, entering a dollar
amount of costs to be charged to the occupant, or posting a comment
about the service request.
9. The service request management system according to claim 1, the
one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: enabling the individual to view
charge-back amounts for a past time period and determine an amount
of money to charge the occupant for services performed in response
to previously received service requests.
10. The service request management system according to claim 1, the
one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: generating data to display customized
input categories for receiving the service request and subsequently
associating with the service request, the customized input
categories being capable of being customized for each building.
11. The service request management system according to claim 1, the
one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: enabling the individual to assign a task
associated with the service request to an outside vendor; and
sending a notification to the outside vendor, informing the outside
vendor of the service request.
12. The service request management system according to claim 11,
the one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: enabling an individual associated with the
outside vendor to access the database and view the service
request.
13. The service request management system according to claim 1, the
one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: receiving, from the occupant of the
building, instructions indicating a manner in which to inform the
occupant of the building of changes to the service request; and
informing the occupant of the building of changes to the service
request in accordance with the instructions received from the
occupant of the building.
14. The service request management system according to claim 1, the
one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: sending, in response to receiving the
service request, a notification to the individual associated with
building operations to inform the individual that the service
request was received.
15. The service request management system according to claim 1, the
one or more processors further capable of executing the
instructions to perform: enabling an individual to view service
requests for multiple buildings.
16. A method for managing service requests that enables
collaborative information sharing between an occupant of a building
and an individual associated with building operations, the method
comprising: receiving, from the occupant of the building, a new
service request requesting a service or maintenance task to be
performed for the occupant at the building and associated service
request information that describes at least one characteristic of
the service request; storing the service request and at least part
of the service request information in a service request database of
the service request management system that includes past service
requests; enabling the individual associated with building
operations who is responsible for receiving, delegating, or
performing a function related to the service request to retrieve
the service request from the service request database; enabling the
individual to provide service request modification information to
modify the service request information stored in the database; and
updating the service request information stored in the database
based on the service request modification information.
17. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
further comprising: generating notification data used to inform the
occupant of changes to the service request; and sending the
notification data to the occupant.
18. The method for managing service requests according to claim 17,
wherein sending the notification data to the occupant includes
sending the notification data via one or more of an e-mail message,
a pager message, a telephone message, a voicemail message, and
facsimile message.
19. The method for managing service requests according to claim 17,
wherein the notification data is sent responsive to receiving a
request for the notification data from a computing device
associated with the occupant.
20. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
wherein the at least one characteristic of the service request
includes one or more of a title, category, description, status,
urgency rating, date opened, unit identification information, or
occupant identification information corresponding to the service
request.
21. The method for managing service requests according to claim 20,
further comprising: generating data to display, to at least one of
the individual or the occupant, a plurality of service requests
sorted by the at least one characteristic of the service
request.
22. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
further comprising: enabling the individual to search the database
and view requests that meet a user-defined criteria, wherein the
user defined criteria is at least one of a status of the service
request, a type of service request, a unit number associated with
the service request, a date the service request was received, an
urgency of the service request, or a priority of the service
request.
23. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
wherein the service request modification information includes at
least one of changing a type of the service request, assigning a
priority to the service request, adding a name of an person or
entity assigned to complete a task associated with the service
request, closing the service request, recording an amount of time
spent on a task related to the service request, entering a dollar
amount of costs to be charged to the occupant, or posting a comment
about the service request.
24. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
further comprising: enabling the individual to view charge-back
amounts for a past time period and determine an amount of money to
charge the occupant for services performed in response to
previously received service requests.
25. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
further comprising: generating data to display customized input
categories for receiving the service request and subsequently
associating with the service request, the customized input
categories being capable of being customized for each building.
26. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
further comprising: enabling the individual to assign a task
associated with the service request to an outside vendor; and
sending a notification to the outside vendor, informing the outside
vendor of the service request.
27. The method for managing service requests according to claim 26,
further comprising: enabling an individual associated with the
outside vendor to access the database and view the service
request.
28. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
further comprising: receiving, from the occupant of the building,
instructions indicating a manner in which to inform the occupant of
the building of changes to the service request; and informing the
occupant of the building of changes to the service request in
accordance with the instructions received from the occupant of the
building.
29. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
further comprising: sending, in response to receiving the service
request, a notification to the individual associated with building
operations to inform the individual that the service request was
received.
30. The method for managing service requests according to claim 16,
further comprising: enabling an individual to view service requests
for multiple buildings.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method
for providing building management information and, in particular,
to an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information and/or for providing building-related services.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As the field of building and property management continues
to grow, so does the need to more effectively and efficiently
manage buildings and/or properties and maintenance information and
activities. There are many shortcomings associated with current
building and/or property maintenance and management activities.
[0003] Typically, building managers receive numerous requests for
services and/or complaints from the various occupants and/or
tenants of the respective buildings and/or properties. Managers may
also have to disseminate information to occupants and/or tenants
such as by holding public meetings and/or by distributing fliers
and other communications. Managers may also, from time to time,
obtain information from surveys and questionnaires. Managers must
also receive and process maintenance information and/or requests
via telephone calls and/or requests which may be left at a central
location such as a front desk or other centralized information
gathering location.
[0004] All of the above activities and related activities result in
the need for building and property managers to receive, process,
and/or disseminate, a great deal of information in order to
effectively and efficiently manage and maintain buildings and/or
properties.
[0005] The vast amount and variety of information, which can be
received from many sources, can prove to be problematical for
building or property managers and maintenance personnel to manage.
Problems can routinely arise from the inability to obtain, record
and store, the information in an organized manner and/or in a
manner which can facilitate the effective and/or efficient handling
of same and/or for responding thereto. Problems are routinely
encountered when management or maintenance departments fail to
follow-up on occupant or tenant requests, fail to keep records of
same, and/or fail to respond to same. Failing to organize building
management and/or maintenance information can also result in a lack
of continuity in responding to the needs of occupants and/or
tenants in a satisfactory manner.
[0006] In today's information and computer age, numerous software
products and packages have been developed for assisting managers
and maintenance departments in performing certain aspects of their
duties. These products and packages, however, appear to be limited
to specific and defined applications such as, for example, back
office accounting and/or maintenance tracking applications.
[0007] Traditionally, software for building management has
consisted primarily of accounting and back office applications.
These packages have typically focused on the financial and legal
aspects of managing properties, such as rent roles and escalations,
lease renewals and expirations, and compliance requirements and
notifications. Certain maintenance tracking programs have also been
available in the marketplace which have either been provided as
part of these programs or as stand-alone programs.
[0008] These programs have typically been designed and/or have been
utilized for internal use as well as for hardwired networks between
management and maintenance staff. These prior art technologies have
typically been integrated with accounting systems for generating
work orders and for approving bills, are usually difficult to
operate and typically require the commitment to significant
employee training.
[0009] The limitations of the prior art systems and technologies
are significant, both in terms of the cost of the hardware,
software and training, associated therewith as well as in the
course of operating the associated system. Typically, all or most
of the data entry and related operations must be performed by
management staff.
[0010] The above-described prior art systems and technologies
provide no benefits to residents of these properties or buildings
and, further, provide no support for outside vendors or building
management individuals and/or entities if these individuals and/or
entities are not wired and/or linked into the system. The ultimate
beneficiaries of the system, the tenants or residents, can neither
enter data into the system nor receive any information from the
system.
[0011] Various individual buildings or management companies have
begun to implement communications systems for their buildings which
are accessible over the Internet. Typically, the communications
associated with these systems have taken the form of providing an
e-mail address, or an e-mail form, on the company web site for
submitting items such as a request for maintenance. The e-mail
submissions associated with these prior art systems provide for
only a minimal convenience over the traditional ways of submitting
a maintenance request via phone or fax. These prior art systems
also typically provide a one-way communication which terminates
upon the message being sent and provide no subsequent benefit to
either the tenant, the building manager, or the superintendent,
once the message has been received.
[0012] In another area of building or property management, is not
uncommon for buildings or managing agents to create or operate web
sites for posting certain documents which are typically accessible
by respective users. However, these services are typically provided
by professional web page designers or posting services which
typically require that each document be selected and created
specifically for each web posting. In this manner, the documents
cannot be easily posted to, modified, and/or deleted from, a web
site, especially by building management personnel who have no
associated computer or web site training.
[0013] The herein-described prior art systems and technologies fail
to provide an apparatus or method whereby a building manager can,
simply add, modify, delete, upload, and/or download, documents,
notices, and/or messages, to a web site which is associated with a
building or property. Further, the prior art systems and
technologies typically fail to provide support for selecting target
audiences (tenants, board members, maintenance personnel, front
desk personnel, etc.) and, further, fail to provide for e-mail
notification when new information may be disseminated from
respective information sources which may be of interest to any of
the individuals and/or entities which are associated with a
building or property.
[0014] Prior art systems and technologies also fail to provide for
the easy design and distribution of surveys to tenants or
residents, and/or fail to provide an efficient platform for
allowing building managers to post and collect results from surveys
which could typically be provided to board members or other
authorized building or property managers.
[0015] In view of the foregoing, there appears to be no product,
apparatus, or method, for providing a comprehensive means by which
to process building and/or property management data and/or
information. There also appears to be no product, apparatus or
method, for providing an effective interface between occupants
and/or tenants and building or property management and/or
maintenance departments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method
for providing building management information and, in particular,
to an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information and/or building-related services. The present invention
can be utilized to perform any number of services and/or functions
regarding and/or related to building management, building
maintenance, and/or other building or property related areas.
[0017] The apparatus and method of the present invention can be
utilized to provide and/or to process information regarding any
and/or all aspects of building or property management, maintenance,
and/or to provide communication(s) among and/or between any and/or
all of the various parties involved in, interested in, and/or who
or which may have an interest in, any of the buildings, properties,
and/or activities related thereto and/or described herein.
[0018] The apparatus of the present invention can include a central
processing computer which can be any suitable computer or computer
system, and/or any number of computers, computers systems, network
computers, network computer systems, and/or server computers or
server computer systems.
[0019] The apparatus can also include any number of user computers
which can be utilized by, and/or which can be associated with, any
of the herein-described users of the apparatus, which can include,
but which is not limited to, any and/or all of the tenants,
occupants, owners, workers, managers, outside vendors, building
management personnel, building maintenance personnel, contractors,
service providers, maintenance providers, building board members,
police personnel, fire personnel, emergency services personnel,
and/or any third parties. The apparatus can include any number of
user computers each of which can be linked to the central
processing computer.
[0020] The central processing computer and the user computer(s) can
communication with each other, and/or be linked with each other,
via any suitable communication network such as telecommunication
network, a telephone network, a public switched telephone network,
the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, a local area network (LAN),
a wide area network (WAN) and/or any other communication network,
and/or any combination of communication networks. The communication
network(s) can also include wireless networks and/or non-wireless
and/or conventional line-connected networks.
[0021] The central processing computer can contain a database which
can contain any and/or all of the data and/or information needed
and/or desired for performing any of the functions described
herein, including any and/or all data and/or information for
managing communication(s) between the various individuals and/or
entities described herein as well as any data and/or information
for performing any of the processing functions and services
described herein.
[0022] The apparatus and method of the present invention can be
utilized in order to perform a wide variety of building management
information processing and/or related services. In one embodiment,
the apparatus and method of the present invention can be by
building occupants to provide important or timely information
and/or instructions to a building's front desk or front gate
personnel.
[0023] In another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the
present invention can be utilized by authorized agencies, such as
Police, Fire or emergency medical services, in order to obtain
access to any of the herein-described information.
[0024] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized by building or property management in order to make
information available, from an electronic library of documents, to
occupants, building personnel, including front desk, front gate, or
maintenance personnel, or outside vendors and/or agencies. The
present invention can also be utilized in order to select, search
for, obtain, maintain, and/or update, an existing document or
documents.
[0025] The present invention can also be utilized to manage or to
obtain updated information regarding requests for services. In
another embodiment, the apparatus or the central processing
computer can automatically provide new requests and/or requests
which have yet to be serviced and/or processed to any respective or
authorized individual or party. In another embodiment, the
apparatus and method of the present invention can be utilized in
order to provide customized pre-Written responses for commonly
encountered service requests.
[0026] In another embodiment, the building management or other
building personnel can utilize the present invention in order to
enter requests for other occupants who may not choose to use the
system themselves.
[0027] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized so as to provide building management or maintenance
personnel with the ability to view, analyze, or summarize,
maintenance requests such as, but not limited to, viewing requests
which may not have been responded to within a certain period of
time, which may be flagged or identified as being urgent, which are
of a certain nature or included in a certain category, and/or which
can be assigned to specific building personnel or outside vendors.
The present invention can also facilitate the viewing of any and/or
all requests and charge-back amounts for a particular time period
so that occupants can be billed for services provided to them
and/or performed on their behalf. The present invention can provide
any of the data and/or information described herein to any of the
respective users of same.
[0028] In another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the
present invention can be utilized to collect responses and
information from occupants and/or users of the system so as to
assist building or property management in their decision making
processes.
[0029] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized by building occupants to distribute and/or to post
notices, information, requests, or advertisements, to other
occupants of the building, via an electronic bulletin board or
other suitable medium.
[0030] The present invention can also be utilized in order to
provide authorized users with various address and contact
information for other building or property occupants and/or
management personnel. The present invention can also be utilized in
order to restrict access, to certain address and contact
information, to the respective information regarding only those
occupants and/or users who have indicated their desire and/or their
permission to have this information made available to others.
[0031] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized in order to establish and/or to track the completion of
a scheduled maintenance program, and/or for adding scheduled tasks
from either or both of an expert system database or an external
system database. The apparatus and/or the central processing
computer can also facilitate the assignment and/or the delegation
of tasks to in-house personnel and/or to outside contractors and/or
agencies.
[0032] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized in order to record information, provide information
tracking, and/or provide notification; regarding deliveries,
shipments, and/or inbound package deliveries. If the particular
building does not wish to record each delivery or shipment, the
central processing computer can be programmed so as to monitor
and/or to check any outstanding delivery or shipment, record
information regarding same and designate same as being inactive
upon the expiration of a specified time period. The present
invention can also be utilized by individuals so as to arrange
package pick-up and package shipment by a package delivery
service.
[0033] In yet another embodiment, the apparatus and method of the
present invention can be utilized in order to coordinate services
and/or so as to provide information to operators and/or service
providers who or which are, or may be, providing services to
occupants of the building or property.
[0034] In still another embodiment, the present invention can be
utilized in order to tabulate employee hours worked and/or so as to
provide accounting-related services. In another embodiment, the
central processing computer can also process and/or provide a list
of employees, who are currently on duty. The present invention can
also be utilized in order to schedule employee work times and/or to
compare actual hours worked with budgeted and/or scheduled hours
for a task or procedure. Data and/or information for a different
work period can also be duplicated into another work period,
thereby speeding up data entry for a given period. The present
invention can also be utilized by a manager or authorized user in
order to access and/or to view a comparison of days and hours
scheduled versus actual days and hours worked for each
employee.
[0035] In another embodiment, the present invention can be utilized
in order to control access to buildings for occupants, employees of
occupants, and/or visitors.
[0036] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized in order to provide information for multiple buildings
and/or properties. The present invention can also be utilized in
order to provide building and/or property management and/or
maintenance information in a unified manner.
[0037] In another embodiment, the present invention can be utilized
to provide aggregated and/or integrated data and/or information for
multiple buildings or properties. The present invention can also
receive any of the herein-described information and/or perform any
of the herein-described functions for any one or more of the
buildings or properties under management. The present invention can
also provide information to owners, occupants, managers, vendors,
and/or any other parties, regarding interests in multiple buildings
and/or properties.
[0038] The apparatus and method of the present invention can be
utilized in order to enable building or property owners or managers
of multiple buildings or properties to create and maintain a master
library of documents, information, maintenance requests and
responses thereto, and/or any of the other herein-described
information, for any number and/or types of buildings and/or
properties. The master library can be accessed by individuals
located at, and/or associated with, any of the building or
properties under management.
[0039] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized in order to provide information for decision-making
individuals associated with a building or property. The present
invention can be utilized in order to circulate surveys to, and
obtain survey responses from, certain individuals. The present
invention can be utilized so as to provide for the distribution of
specific information, lists, or reports, to certain users or
individuals at any time and/or on a scheduled basis.
[0040] The central processing computer(s) and/or the user
computer(s) can perform any of the respective processing functions
described herein. Further, the central processing computer(s)
and/or the user computer(s) can generate and transmit e-mail
messages, pager messages, telephone messages, voice mail messages,
facsimile messages or transmissions, and/or any other messages
and/or types of messages, for providing any of the communication
and/or notification functions described herein.
[0041] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information.
[0042] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information, in a network environment.
[0043] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information and building-related services.
[0044] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to provide and/or to process
information regarding any and/or all aspects of building or
property management.
[0045] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to provide and/or to process
information regarding any and/or all aspects of building or
property maintenance.
[0046] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be Utilized to provide communication(s) among
and/or between any and/or all of the various parties involved in,
and/or who or which may have an interest in, a building and/or
property.
[0047] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized in conjunction with a centralized
computer or computer system.
[0048] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized in conjunction with individual
computers and/or communication devices.
[0049] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized in conjunction with any one or
more of the Internet, the World Wide Web, a local area network, a
wide area network, a telecommunication network, a telephone
network, a public switched telephone network, and/or any other
suitable communication network or system.
[0050] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized in conjunction with a wireless
network and/or a non-wireless or line-connected network.
[0051] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized by building occupants to provide
important or timely information and/or instructions to a building's
front desk or front gate personnel.
[0052] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized by authorized agencies and/or
individuals to obtain access to emergency information.
[0053] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide information to any interested
party.
[0054] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide for any one or more of document
and/or information searching, selection, accessing, maintenance,
editing, and/or updating.
[0055] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to manage information regarding
requests for services.
[0056] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to manage information updates
regarding requests for services.
[0057] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can automatically provide notification of new
requests, and/or requests which have yet to be serviced and/or
processed, to an authorized individual or party.
[0058] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide customized pre-written responses for
commonly encountered service requests.
[0059] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can facilitate the entering of requests for
information and/or for services on behalf of third parties.
[0060] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which provides for the viewing, analyzing, and/or the
summarization, of building management information.
[0061] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which provides for the viewing, analyzing, and/or the
summarization, of building maintenance information and/or
maintenance requests and/or the status of same.
[0062] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to collect responses and/or
information from occupants and/or users of the invention.
[0063] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can also be utilized by building occupants to
distribute and/or to post notices, information, requests, or
advertisements, via an electronic bulletin board or other suitable
medium.
[0064] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide address or contact information for
building or property occupants and/or management.
[0065] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide for the safeguarding of, and/or for
the restricted access to, certain building or property management
information.
[0066] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to establish and/or to track a
scheduled maintenance program, or the status of same, for a
building or property.
[0067] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can facilitate the scheduling of tasks and/or the
addition of, tasks to a database and/or to an expert system
database.
[0068] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can facilitate the assignment and/or the
delegation of tasks to in-house personnel and/or to outside
contractors and/or agencies.
[0069] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized in order to record information,
track information, and/or provide notification, regarding
deliveries or shipments.
[0070] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be programmed to monitor and/or to check
outstanding delivery or shipment records.
[0071] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to arrange package pick-up or
delivery services.
[0072] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to coordinate services and/or to
provide information to service providers.
[0073] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to tabulate employee hours worked
and/or to provide related accounting services.
[0074] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide a listing of employees currently on
duty.
[0075] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to schedule employee work
times.
[0076] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide for the comparison of actual hours
worked by management and/or service workers against budgeted and/or
scheduled hours for a task or procedure.
[0077] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide for a comparison of days and hours
scheduled versus actual days and hours worked for each
employee.
[0078] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized in order to control individual
access to buildings or properties.
[0079] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide building or property information for
multiple buildings and/or properties.
[0080] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide building or property information for
multiple buildings and/or properties in a unified manner.
[0081] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide aggregated and/or integrated data
and/or information for buildings or properties under
management.
[0082] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized in order to circulate surveys
and/or to obtain survey responses.
[0083] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide for the distribution of information,
lists, and/or reports, to certain users or individuals.
[0084] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can provide for the distribution of information,
lists, and/or reports, to certain users or individuals on a
scheduled basis.
[0085] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can be utilized to create and/or to maintain a
master library of documents, information, and/or stored maintenance
request responses, which can be utilized by any number and/or types
of buildings and/or properties and/or the respective managers of
same.
[0086] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information which can generate and/or transmit e-mail messages,
pager messages, telephone messages, voice mail messages, facsimile
messages or transmissions, and/or any other messages and/or types
of messages, for providing information to a respective individual
or party.
[0087] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the
Description of the Preferred Embodiment taken in conjunction with
the Drawings which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0088] In the Drawings:
[0089] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention, in block diagram form;
[0090] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment
method for utilizing the present invention;
[0091] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention;
[0092] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a flow diagram of another
preferred embodiment method for utilizing the present
invention;
[0093] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of still another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention;
[0094] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of yet another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention;
[0095] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention;
[0096] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of still another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention;
[0097] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of yet another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention;
[0098] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention;
[0099] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of still another
preferred embodiment method for utilizing the present
invention;
[0100] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a flow diagram of yet another
preferred embodiment method for utilizing the present
invention;
[0101] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a flow diagram of another
preferred embodiment method for utilizing the present
invention;
[0102] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a flow diagram of still another
preferred embodiment method for utilizing the present
invention;
[0103] FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention;
[0104] FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of still another
preferred embodiment method for utilizing the present invention;
and
[0105] FIG. 17 illustrates a flow diagram of yet another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0106] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method
for providing building management information and, in particular,
to an apparatus and a method for providing building management
information and/or building-related services. The present invention
can be utilized to perform any number of services and/or functions
regarding and/or related to building or property management,
building or property maintenance, and/or building or property
related areas.
[0107] As defined herein, the terms "building", "property", or the
plurals thereof, refer to any buildings, properties, apartment
buildings, condominiums, townhouses, residential buildings,
commercial buildings, commercial facilities, residential and
commercial buildings, and/or any other building, property, or
structure, for which management and/or maintenance activities or
services may be performed.
[0108] As defined herein the terms "individual", "user", or their
plurals, refer to any of the individuals, users, entities, tenants,
owners, unit owners, occupants, managers, employees, maintenance
employees, maintenance workers, contractors, building or property
board of director members, police personnel, fire personnel,
emergency services personnel, and/or any other individual, user, or
entity, who or which may utilize the apparatus and method of the
present invention, as described herein and/or otherwise.
[0109] The apparatus and method of the present invention can be
utilized in order to provide and/or to process information
regarding any and/or all aspects of building or property
management, maintenance, and/or to provide communication(s) among
and/or between any and/or all of the various parties involved in,
interested in, and/or who or which may have an interest in, any of
the buildings, properties, and/or activities related thereto and/or
described herein.
[0110] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention, which is designated generally by the
reference numeral 1, in block diagram form. With reference to FIG.
1, the apparatus 1 includes a central processing computer 10 which
can be any suitable computer or computer system, and/or any number
of computers, computers systems, network computers, network
computer systems, and/or server computers or server computer
systems.
[0111] The apparatus 1 also includes at least one or more user
computers 20 which can be utilized by, and/or which can be
associated with, any of the herein-described users of the apparatus
1 and which can include, but which is not limited to, any and/or
all of the tenants, occupants, owners, workers, managers, outside
vendors, building management personnel, building maintenance
personnel, contractors, service providers, maintenance providers,
building board members, police personnel, fire personnel, emergency
services personnel, and/or any third parties. The apparatus 1 can
include any number of user computers 20.
[0112] The central processing computer 10 and the user computer(s)
20 can communication with each, and/or can be linked with each
other, via any suitable communication network, such as a
telecommunication network, a telephone network, a public switched
telephone network, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, a local
area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and/or any other
communication network, and/or any combination of communication
networks. The communication network can also include wireless
networks and/or non-wireless and/or conventional line-connected
networks.
[0113] Each of the central processing computer(s) 10 and the user
computer(s) 20 can be general purpose computers which can be
utilized in the embodiments and/or applications described herein
and which can include respective central processing units (CPUs),
random access memory (RAM) devices, read only memory (ROM) devices,
input devices such as, for example, keyboards, mouses, scanners,
output devices such as, for example display devices, printers,
facsimile machines, transmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers
and/or modems, for facilitating communication in a network
environment, and databases for storing the respective data and/or
information which is processed by the respective computer(s).
[0114] In the preferred embodiment, each of the central processing
computer(s) 10 and the user computer(s) 20 can be equipped with any
other suitable hardware and/or software for performing their
respective functions as described herein.
[0115] The database of the central processing computer 10 contains
any and/or all of the data and/or information needed and/or desired
for performing any of the functions described herein, including any
and/or all data and/or information for managing communication(s)
between the various individuals and/or entities described herein as
utilizing the apparatus 1. The database of the central processing
computer 10 can also contain data and/or information regarding any
of the herein-described individuals and/or entities who or which
utilize the present invention as well as any data and/or
information for, or regarding, any of the buildings, including
multi-unit buildings or groups of buildings, and/or property or
properties, which are managed and/or maintained via the apparatus 1
of the present invention.
[0116] The above-described multi-unit buildings could include, but
not be limited to, residential high-rise buildings, apartment
buildings, commercial high-rise office buildings, apartment
buildings, condominium complexes, townhouse or garden apartment
complexes, gated residential communities, office parks, industrial
parks, and/or any other buildings or properties, residential and/or
commercial. Groups of buildings can include geographically separate
units or buildings which share a common ownership or management
entity or management structure.
[0117] The database of the central processing computer 10 can be
maintained and/or can be utilized on, or in conjunction with, any
computer and/or computer system and can be maintained at a single
location and/or at multiple locations. Access to the central
processing computer 10, and to the database of same and/or a
database utilized in conjunction therewith, can be accomplished via
the communication network(s).
[0118] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain any data and/or information which an occupant, resident,
tenant, owner, and/or commercial tenant, of a unit or an apartment,
office, and/or home, would desire or would permit to make
available, to any of the building personnel, managers, other
building occupants, or outside agencies or vendors, described
herein or otherwise, for the purpose of providing any of the
herein-described services and/or for improving building and/or
related services and/or communications. Such data and/or
information can include, but not be limited to, general contact
information such as name, address, phone number, fax number, e-mail
address, pager number, emergency contact information, special
instructions in the event of a medical, fire or police emergency,
permanent and/or temporary front desk instructions, emergency
access and/or security information and/or alarm information, and/or
entry permission instructions or information so that, for example,
security cardholders may be able to gain entry into the respective
building and/or unit.
[0119] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain data and/or information which can be useful to outside
vendors and/or to affiliated operators, and/or which can be useful
in the provision of affiliated operations, which may provide or
render services to occupants, tenants, owners, or other individuals
or entities, such as parking garage instructions or newspaper
delivery instructions. The database also can contain data and/or
information regarding maintenance or service requests made by an
occupant, tenant, owner, or other individual or entity. The
database can also contain bulletin board and/or other notices which
can be posted by an occupant, tenant, owner, or other individual or
entity.
[0120] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain data and/or information, and/or related or corresponding
data and/or information fields, which can facilitate a wide range
of notification capabilities and/or options for the respective
occupant, tenant, or other individual and/or entity, including any
one or more of whether, and the manner in which, the occupants,
tenants, owners, or other individuals and/or entities (hereinafter
collectively referred to as "occupant" or "occupants") desire to be
notified in the event of an emergency, in the event that certain
confidential information in the occupant's record is, or has been,
accessed, in the event that a new item is added to a library
database, in the event that a new survey question has been posted,
in the event that an action is added to the maintenance request
database, in the event that a package is delivered for the
occupant, and/or to provide any other type of event notification
and/or announcement information.
[0121] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain data and/or information regarding an occupant's and/or any
other user's preferences regarding whether the occupant or user
wishes to make his, her, or its, address and contact information
available and/or available for viewing and/or for accessing by
others, in a building address book, or whether the occupant or user
wishes to receive notices and/or solicitations from other users of
the apparatus 1 of the present invention. Preferences for a wide
variety of services and in a wide variety of subject areas can be
stored in the database.
[0122] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain data and/or information which can be provided by a managing
agent or building owner, which is, or which can be, of interest or
of value to building occupants and/or employees. This data and/or
information can include management contact information,
library-type documents, URL links, electronic files of any and/or
all sorts, which can be downloaded to a respective computer or
device, including, but not limited to, graphic files, text files,
word processing documents, etc., in a variety of formats,
maintenance requests which are made by building management
personnel or entities, employee work schedule information, outside
vendor information regarding and/or for vendors who or which
provide services or products to the building management or its
occupants, and/or survey questions and responses thereto.
[0123] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain various information, fields, categories and/or operating
parameters, which control how the apparatus of the present
invention and/or any of the embodiments described herein can
operate and/or appear. These types of information can include a
customized list or listing of categories for maintenance requests,
a customized list of categories for library document types,
customized fields that have unique descriptions and purposes for
each property, building, or group of units, and operating parameter
data, information, and/or fields, to activate or deactivate
specific features and/or software and/or operational modules of and
for any of the applications or embodiments of the present invention
described herein, including library applications, front desk
applications, maintenance applications, address book applications,
survey question applications, parking applications, maintenance
expert system and scheduling applications, bulletin board
applications, requests for questions (RFQ), entry access control
applications and employee work scheduling module applications.
[0124] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
include data, information, and/or field(s), for identifying the
type of property, building, or group of units, each building or
property, such as, for example, residential, commercial, gated
community, which field or fields and/or value(s) associated
therewith can or may control how various operations and/or options
can work and/or the information which can be displayed or provided
to users of the present invention(i.e. Apartment No., Office No.,
Street Address, etc.).
[0125] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
include data and/or information which is or which can be entered by
the building personnel in the course of operating the building,
and/or data and/or information which can include progress notes on
maintenance requests, employee start-work and end-work times,
and/or any recording of package deliveries or shipments.
[0126] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
include user information and/or passwords for correctly identifying
a specific user as authorized individual who can access the
apparatus 1, and/or for identifying the user or the type of user or
individual accessing the system, including whether the user is an
occupant, front desk personnel, other building personnel,
maintenance department employee, building manager, owner, or
outside agency or company, including contractors and services
providers, newspaper delivery companies, and emergency agencies,
such as, for example, police, fire and medical emergency response
units. If the user accessing the system is an occupant, the
database can contain information identifying that particular
occupant as being associated with a specific unit, office, or
apartment, and all users are identified as being associated with
their respective building.
[0127] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
include data and/or information for providing or for facilitating
an "Expert" system component which can contain general information
on recommended types and frequencies of maintenance tasks for
various equipment, and/or for various situations, which may be
found in, and/or which may arise or occur in, respectively, any of
the properties, buildings, and/or units, and which can typically be
performed by either building personnel or outside vendors on behalf
of the building management or owner. These tasks can include
general building maintenance tasks such as, but not limited to,
cleaning, garbage disposal, garbage removal, equipment inspections,
etc., and may also include tasks of a more specialized nature such
as, but not limited to, maintenance tasks or procedures for heating
systems, cooling systems, water circulating systems, elevators or
elevator systems, fire extinguishers, and/or any other mechanical
and/or electrical system(s), as well as any other maintenance task
which may need to be performed periodically and/or otherwise.
[0128] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain general task descriptions along with recommended
maintenance or service procedures and their frequencies, and/or
specific task descriptions, which can be provided by a specific
equipment manufacturer or servicing entity. The above-described
"Expert" system can also contain or include data and/or information
regarding and/or related to non-maintenance tasks which building
management and/or its selected agents, vendors, or consultants, may
want to perform or have performed on an interval basis, such as,
for example, issuing annual window-guard notices or reviewing
insurance policies. Each of these tasks could also have recommended
review frequency data and/or information, review dates, etc.,
associated therewith which can also be stored in the database of
the central processing computer 10.
[0129] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain data and/or information regarding maintenance tasks,
including scheduled tasks and/or procedures as well as specific
and/or customized information for each specific property, building,
or unit, which is serviced by the apparatus 1. This data and/or
information can include data and/or information regarding
maintenance and/or other tasks which may need to be performed on a
periodic basis and/or otherwise and which may be needed for the
specific property, building, and/or unit. This data and/or
information can also include data and/or information regarding the
status of maintenance tasks and comment logs containing comments
and/or notes such as, but not limited to, whether a task is open,
closed, on-hold, the priority status of same, charge-back
information regarding a task, and/or costs associated with, or
charges for, a task.
[0130] Information regarding the above-described tasks can be
extracted and/or processed directly from the "Expert" system
component based on the specific equipment, and/or any needs and/or
procedures associated therewith, which can be associated with the
specific property, building, or unit, or which could be taken from
the "Expert" system and be further customized, modified, and/or
changed, so as to match the needs or requirements of the property,
building, or unit. Any of the above-described data and/or
information can also be newly entered directly into the database
and/or can be initially stored therein. Data and/or information
regarding each of the herein-described tasks can also have
associated therewith specific data and/or information regarding, or
related to, service intervals or service frequencies pertaining to
the task and/or when these services should be performed. The data
and/or information can also designate the party or individual who
or which is responsible for the performing or completing the
task.
[0131] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain data and/or information regarding and/or related to planned
work schedules for some or all of a respective building's
employees, including work schedules, times (i.e. days and hours)
when they are expected to be on-duty, as well as pay rates and
overtime rates. The database of the central processing computer 10
can also contain information regarding actual days and hours worked
for some or all of a building's employees.
[0132] The database of the central processing computer 10 can also
contain information regarding outside vendors who or which can
provide services to building occupants. In addition to basic
contact information for each vendor, the database can also include
the category or type of service(s) provided (i.e. electrical,
plumbing, carpentry, insurance, package delivery, etc.), as well as
user satisfaction data, including the number of reviews which have
been received for a service provider and/or information regarding
the favorableness or unfavorableness of same.
[0133] The apparatus 1 and method of the present invention can be
utilized to perform a wide variety of building management
information and/or building or property related services.
[0134] In a first preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of
the present invention can be utilized by building occupants to
provide important or timely information and/or instructions to a
building's front desk or front gate personnel. FIG. 2 illustrates a
flow diagram of a preferred embodiment method for utilizing the
present invention. The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at
step 100. At step 101, the tenant accesses the central processing
computer 10 with the user computer 20. At step 102, the tenant can
enter or input front desk instructions and emergency instructions
into the central processing computer 10 which, in turn, will
process and store these instructions.
[0135] At step 103, the front desk personnel can access the central
processing computer 10, such as via the Internet, the World Wide
Web, a local area network, a wide area network, and/or via a
computer, a web server, a wireless communication device, and/or a
central processing computer, and retrieve the instructions
therefrom such as by accessing the tenant's file and/or a file
associated with the tenant or with the tenant's unit number. The
front desk personnel can access the instructions by either entering
the unit number, or the tenant's or occupant's name, or by
performing a search of all tenants and/or occupants by matching a
search term or terms, and/or by selecting the desired unit from a
list of matches.
[0136] At step 104, the front desk personnel can access the front
desk information and any contact information from the database of
the central processing computer 10. This information can include
instructions for workmen, permissions to give access to the unit,
apartment, or office, special instructions regarding where or when
to contact the tenant or occupant while on vacation, or any
information which the tenant or occupant may want to share with the
front desk staff.
[0137] At step 105, the front desk personnel or managing agent can
select to access and/or view the tenant's or the occupant's
emergency information. At step 106, the front desk personnel and/or
other user seeking to access the emergency data regarding the unit
can be warned that the unit contact person will be notified of the
fact that their emergency data is being, or has been, accessed. The
user can then select to continue to proceed to access and/or view
the data. At step 107, the emergency data can be provided to the
front desk personnel, including emergency medical, fire and police
instructions, emergency access information, key-holding and/or
alarm information, and/or emergency contact information.
[0138] At step 108, the unit contact person can be notified of the
time and the name of the person accessing any of the emergency data
and/or other herein-described data or instructions. The
notification can be performed via e-mail message, facsimile
transmission, pager or beeper message, or via any other
conventional notification or communication method or means,
including wireless communication methods and/or means and/or wired
communication methods and/or means. Thereafter, the operation of
the apparatus 1 will cease at step 109.
[0139] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 and method
of the present invention can be utilized by authorized agencies,
such as Police, Fire, or emergency medical services, to obtain
access to any of the herein-described emergency information. In
addition to accessing emergency information for a single unit via
steps 104 to 108, after logging on with an authorized user name and
password, these agencies can request to see all emergency
information or selected emergency information (i.e. medical or fire
only), for the entire building or for a single floor, or a range of
floors. This can provide important information to emergency
response personnel who can have access to this information before
arriving on the scene.
[0140] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 and method
of the present invention can be utilized by building or property
management personnel in order to provide information from an
electronic library of documents, to occupants, building personnel,
including front desk or front gate or maintenance personnel, or
outside vendors and/or agencies. FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram
of an another preferred embodiment method for utilizing the present
invention. The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at step 200.
At step 201, a building management individual accesses the central
processing computer 10 with the user computer 20.
[0141] At step 202, the building management individual can select
whether to add a new document or add to, edit, or update, an
existing document. If the individual desires to add to an existing
document, at step 203, the individual can select the document
category and/or title and access the document. At step 204, the
individual can add text to, and/or update, the document. At step
204, the individual can further enter an expiration date for the
document and can identify the users, individuals, and/or types of
users and/or individuals who are authorized to access, view, and/or
update, the document (i.e. occupants, front desk personnel,
maintenance personnel, board member(s), and/or any other authorized
individual). The individual can, in the alternative, at step 202,
identify the document as being a new document, such as being shown
in a "What's New" information section, create the document, and/or
specify a date or dates related to document posting, effectiveness,
and/or expiration, etc. At step 205, the individual can enter a
related URL link to a web site. The individual can also select to
upload a graphics file or other document file which can be attached
to the document.
[0142] If desired, at step 205, the individual can be prompted to
browse for, and identify, the file to be uploaded, and the upload
can thereafter be effected into the database of the central
processing computer 10. At step 206, the central processing
computer 10 can complete the storing of the document. At step 207,
the central processing computer 10 can perform a check regarding
all users or individuals who are, or who may be authorized to
access and/or to view the document. The central processing computer
10 can also perform a check regarding whether any of the users or
individuals have requested to receive notification of new additions
to the library as well as updates to an existing document. Once
identified, the central processing computer 10 can, at step 208,
generate and transmit an appropriate notification message(s) to the
users or individuals, such as transmitting an e-mail message, a fax
transmission, and/or effect any other method or means for
performing a communication, including a wireless and/or a wired
communication.
[0143] If the individual selects to maintain or update an existing
document, a search for the document can be performed, and the user
can select from a list of all matching documents, or a list of all
documents in the library, by selecting the desired document.
Thereafter, the requested document can be displayed for editing at
which time any and/or all of the fields described above can be
modified or edited. In addition, the entire document can be
deleted, or the expiration date can be set to a past date, at which
point the document will no longer be viewable by any other user or
individual. At all times, the building management personnel and/or
individual can reserve the option to access and/or display expired
or outdated documents and/or to re-activate any expired or outdated
document(s) by changing the expiration date to a future date.
[0144] In the preferred embodiment, the document library can be
accessed by any authorized user or individual by selecting or by
"clicking" on the selected Library icon or link, and/or by
selecting the link which can be embedded in an e-mail message which
serves to notify the user or individual that a new document has
been added to the database. The document library can also be
accessed from each user's or individual's initial home page on the
central processing computer 10, which home page can display all
document titles as well as documents which may be identified as
"New". If a specific document was not initially selected, the user
or individual can be presented with a list of document categories
and with the number of documents in each category.
[0145] At any time, the user or individual can select to view all
documents in the library, and/or all documents in a specific
category. The user or individual can also search the document
library by using specific keywords. In any of the embodiments
described herein, if a search is requested, a search screen can be
presented to the user or individual thereby facilitating the entry
of search criteria which can include title or document keywords,
document category, or the date the document was posted.
[0146] The documents which are selected can be shown in summary
form or in title form. If the user selects a specific document,
that document can be displayed, along with all of its data fields,
such as title, category, posting date, URL links, and any attached
file(s). If a specific document was selected, the central
processing computer 10 can immediately provide or display the
specific document to the user or individual. If the user or
individual selects to download any attached file, the central
processing computer 10 can prompt the user or individual to
identify the location to which to download the file and/or for any
name to be assigned thereto. Thereafter, the central processing
computer 10 can perform any download(s). If the user or individual
selects or "clicks" on a URL link, the central processing computer
10 can direct the user or individual to the desired destination. At
step 209, the user or individual can review any and/or all of the
documents or messages transmitted to him, her or it. The operation
of the apparatus 1 can thereafter cease at step 210.
[0147] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention can
be utilized to manage and/or to obtain updated information
regarding requests for services. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a flow
diagram of an another preferred embodiment method for utilizing the
present invention. The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at
step 300. At step 301, the user, individual, occupant, or any
building personnel (hereinafter "user"), accesses the central
processing computer 10 in order to enter a new service request.
[0148] At step 302, the user can enter information regarding a
request for a service. The request can include a title, a category
selected from a list, a request description and an urgency rating.
In addition, the user can also enter the e-mail or other contact
information and/or instructions for any additional parties who or
which the requester wishes to have kept informed about changes to
the respective request.
[0149] Any and/or all data and/or information, utilized and/or
processed in this preferred embodiment, can also be stored in a
maintenance task database which can be stored in a portion of the
database of the central processing computer 10.
[0150] At step 303, the request data can be stored in the database
of the central processing computer 10. At step 304, the user
requesting the service, and/or the individual or building personnel
handling the service, can select to access and/or to view any open
requests from information and/or links on the home page or web page
of the central processing computer 10 and/or can select to access
and/or to view any and/or all service or maintenance requests,
whether open or closed, by selecting and/or by "clicking" on a
respective icon, such as, for example, a maintenance icon or
link.
[0151] At step 305, the individual seeking information regarding
any requests can be provided with information, notes, and/or
descriptions, of any actions taken regarding same, for any of the
requests for service posted with the apparatus 1 and/or the central
processing computer 10. At step 305, the individual or user seeking
the service request information can change, modify, and/or update,
any request for service and/or information pertaining thereto. The
individual or user can also, at step 305, close out the request,
cancel the request, and/or delete the request and/or otherwise
alter or modify its status.
[0152] At step 306, the individual or user can add a comment(s) to
a request log or other log or record which is or which may be
related to the request(s). Any changes and/or updates made by, or
entered by, the individual or user, during steps 305 and 306 can be
stored in the database of the central processing computer 10. At
step 307, a notification message is transmitted and/or otherwise
sent to the individual or user who made the request for service,
and/or to any service personnel, building personnel, and/or any
other authorized and/or interested party, designated and/or
desiring to be so notified, via an e-mail message, beeper or pager
message, fax transmission, and/or via any other means, thereby
providing notification to the respective party regarding the
request and/or any other information regarding same.
[0153] At step 308, a maintenance and/or other personnel can select
to access, view, and/or otherwise work with, the service requests,
or information related thereto, which are stored and/or processed
by the apparatus 1 in this embodiment. In another preferred
embodiment, the apparatus 1 or the central processing computer 10
can automatically provide notification of new requests and/or
requests which have yet to be serviced and/or processed to any
respective or authorized individual or party.
[0154] The respective individual or user can select a request(s) to
view based upon a variety of variables including unit number,
request type, request status, and/or any urgency status or priority
associated with a request. The individual or user can also select
to have a list of matching requests sorted in a variety of ways,
including sorting by unit number, request category, date opened,
and/or priority or status. At step 309, a list of matching requests
can be presented to the individual or user. The individual or user
can then request to obtain more information regarding a request for
service. At step 310, the selected service request and/or any
information regarding same can be provided to the individual or
user.
[0155] At step 311, the building or property management or
maintenance department personnel can process and/or work with the
service request in a variety of ways, including changing the
request category, assigning a priority to the request, opening or
closing a request, placing the request on hold until a certain
date, closing the request, recording the amount of time spent on a
task related to the request, entering a dollar amount of costs
which can be charged to the service requesting individual, and/or
posting a comment to the request log. At step 312, the name of the
firm or person assigned to complete the task can be entered into
the database. This information can include building personnel
already listed in the central processing computer database, or
outside vendors who have already been added to or are to be added
to the database. At step 313, any changes or updates can be stored
in the database. Thereafter, a notification message(s) regarding
any of the above information can be transmitted to a respective
individual(s) or party.
[0156] At step 314, the building or property management or
maintenance department personnel can select to view and/or to print
information regarding any open requests. This information can be
formatted and/or provided for assignment of work tasks to different
building personnel. In the event that specific requests may have
been assigned to an outside vendor, that vendor can receive
notifications for or regarding any and/or all activities and/or
notification messages which are or which have been sent out. The
vendor or vendors can also access the apparatus 1 and/or the
central processing computer 10 in order to access information
regarding service requests and/or tasks which have been assigned to
them in the same manner in which a building or property management
and/or maintenance department personnel can obtain information
regarding any of the herein-described service requests which are
posted with the central processing computer 10 and/or the apparatus
1.
[0157] In another preferred embodiment, the above-described method
can include providing customized pre-written responses for commonly
encountered service requests. Any of the individuals and/or service
individuals described herein can provide descriptive information,
(i.e. title and contents) for frequently-provided responses, which
can include, for example, messages confirming that a request has
been received and that same will be handled, and/or can include
extensive instructions on how to handle a problem that an occupant
should be handling on his own. The manager or maintenance
department personnel can also select from these pre-written
responses and have any response automatically posted as a response
to a service request, with same being stored in a request log
database.
[0158] In another preferred embodiment, the building management or
other building personnel can enter service requests for other
occupants who may not choose to use the system themselves, by
specifying the unit number of the requesting occupant when entering
a new service request.
[0159] The apparatus 1 can also provide building management or
maintenance personnel with the ability to view, analyze, or
summarize, maintenance requests in different manners, some of which
can include viewing requests which may not have been responded to
within a certain period of time, requests which may have been
flagged or identified as being urgent, requests which are of a
certain nature or which are included in a certain category (for
example, all electrical requests for when the electrician is
scheduled to perform work at the building), and/or requests which
are assigned to specific building personnel or outside vendors.
Building management and/or maintenance personnel can also view any
and/or all requests and/or charge-back amounts for a particular
time period so that occupants can be billed for services provided
and/or performed on their behalf.
[0160] Any of the data and/or information described herein can be
provided to the respective individual as summarized data, as charge
or charge-back information for each unit, and/or as a breakdown of
requests, which can include break-down percentages or service
requests by service or request category. At any time, any
respective manager or maintenance individual can specify and/or
request the type of report which they wish to receive. Thereafter,
the requested information can be provided to the individual or
party. The operation of the apparatus 1 will thereafter cease at
step 315.
[0161] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention can
be utilized in order to collect responses and information from
occupants and/or users of the system so as to assist property and
building management personnel in their decision making
activities.
[0162] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention. The
operation of the apparatus 1 commences at step 400. At step 401,
the user, individual, or manager (hereinafter "manager"), accesses
the central processing computer 10 in order to ascertain an answer
to a question and/or to create a new question. At step 402, the
manager defines the type of question, which can include multiple
choice questions with one or multiple answers allowed, and/or
freeform text or other question types. The manager can input the
question and answer text and/or the question's expiration date. The
manager can also provide or send information providing notification
to others that the question has been posted.
[0163] At step 403, the question information is stored in the
database of the central processing computer 10. At step 404, an
authorized user can access the question by selecting the question
title from the web page of the central processing computer 10 or
the e-mail notification link.
[0164] At step 405, the question and answer text can be retrieved
from the database and can be presented for viewing to the user. At
step 406, the user's response can be recorded in the database of
the central processing computer 10. If the question has been
previously answered by another individual and/or by a user
connected with the unit, it may no longer be accessed at the
central processing computer 10. The question, however, can still be
accessed and the answer can be changed by the user by going to the
questions section of the respective library. Once an expiration
date for a question has been reached, the central processing
computer 10 can prevent the user, or any individual, from viewing
or answering the question.
[0165] At step 407, the manager can access and change existing
questions, including changing the expiration date(s) of these
questions and/or activating or deactivating a question(s). At step
408, the manager can view all responses to a selected question, by
response, by response type, and/or by responding individual. The
manager can also view responses as a detailed listing showing all
answers, the manager's answers, the date(s) and/or time(s) of the
various responses or answers, and any comments which may have been
added to and/or included in any of the responses or answers.
Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1 ceases at step
409.
[0166] In another preferred embodiment, managers can provide
answers and/or responses for or to those individuals who provided
responses which were not made or received on-line. These
non-on-line responses can include, but are not limited to,
telephone responses, in-person responses, written responses, and/or
facsimile responses, and/or any other response(s) which is not
received or provided via the apparatus of the present invention
and/or via any of the various computers and/or communication
devices of the present invention.
[0167] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention can
be utilized by building occupants to distribute and/or post
notices, information, requests, or advertisements, for viewing by
other occupants of the building, via an electronic bulletin board
or other suitable medium. FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of
another preferred embodiment method for utilizing the present
invention.
[0168] The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at step 500. At
step 501, the occupant accesses the central processing computer 10.
The occupant desiring to post a notice can select this option from
the web page of the central processing computer 10. At step 502,
the occupant can enter various data and/or information for posting
on the web site or web page of the central processing computer 10.
The entered information can include a title, text, a related
uniform resource locator (URL), an expiration date, and an e-mail
address for responding to the posting. At step 503, the posted data
can be stored in the database. At step 504, notification of the
posting can be provided to any of the users of the present
invention who or which may have requested to receive notification
of such postings.
[0169] At step 504, the titles of any unexpired postings can be
displayed when any occupant of that building enters an associated
bulletin board. Entry into a bulletin board can be accomplished by
selecting or by "clicking" on an icon or link associated with same.
The titles of some of the most recent postings can be displayed
automatically on the web page of the central processing computer
10. At step 505, a selected posting or postings can be displayed to
the occupant.
[0170] At step 505, if the viewing occupant is the same occupant
who posted the notice, or if the occupant is authorized as a
property manager or building manager, the viewing occupant can be
given the option to change the notice. At step 506, if the occupant
desires to send an e-mail, he or she can select or "click" on a
provided e-mail response address, at which time, the viewing
occupant's e-mail program can be opened and can be utilized to
compose an e-mail response to the specified e-mail address. The
e-mail response can then be sent. Thereafter, the operation of the
apparatus 1 can cease at step 507.
[0171] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention can
be utilized to provide authorized users with various address and
contact information for other building and/or property occupants
and/or building and/or property management and/or management
personnel.
[0172] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of another preferred
embodiment method for utilizing the present invention. The
operation of the apparatus 1 commences at step 600. At step 601,
the occupant or user accesses the central processing computer 10.
The occupant or user, at step 602, can select or request the
information which he or she desires to obtain. The information can
include information and/or selections by user type (occupant, user,
management, etc.) or can include information regarding a specific
occupant, user, or unit.
[0173] At step 603, the central processing computer 10 will process
the occupant's request and retrieve the requested information from
the database. The retrieved address or addresses and/or contact
information can then be displayed to the occupant at step 604. The
information can be provided in detailed and/or in list form for a
single entity or individual and/or for multiple entities or
individuals. The occupant can, thereafter, return to step 602 and
repeat the above process for another information search. When the
occupant has completed his or her searching and/or obtaining of
information, the operation of the apparatus 1 will cease at step
605.
[0174] In another preferred embodiment, access to the address and
contact information can be restricted so that only the information
of those individuals or occupants providing permission, to make
their information available, will be accessible to others.
[0175] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 can be
utilized to establish and/or to track completion of a scheduled
maintenance program for a building or property, and/or for adding
scheduled tasks from either or both of an "Expert" system database
and/or from an external system database. FIG. 8 illustrates a flow
diagram of another preferred embodiment method for utilizing the
present invention. With reference to FIG. 8, the operation of the
apparatus 1 commences at step 700. At step 701, the building
management personnel or user accesses the central processing
computer 10 in order to access a maintenance database. The
maintenance database can be included in the database of the central
processing computer 10 and/or an external database. At step 702,
the user can select and/or request to receive information regarding
the building or property, equipment associated with the building or
property, and/or the type of task, which are or which may be
relevant to the particular building or property.
[0176] At step 703, the building management personnel or user can
review any information regarding any of the tasks, edit any of the
task information, including adding or deleting tasks or subtasks,
changing task and/or subtask description(s), and changing
scheduling data. The scheduling data can include starting date,
interval and/or frequency of tasks and/or maintenance, and any
party, entity, and/or individual, assigned to address and/or to
perform the task. The apparatus 1 and/or the central processing
computer 10 can facilitate the assignment and/or the delegation of
any of the herein-described tasks to in-house personnel and/or to
outside contractors and/or agencies. At step 704, new tasks can be
added to the database of the central processing computer 10, if
desired.
[0177] At step 705, the central processing computer 10 can query
the database and/or the external database, at specified intervals
(i.e. every midnight), and can generate an active service request
report or log for any task(s) and/or subtask(s), which can be added
and/or stored in the maintenance task database described
herein.
[0178] At step 706, if the building manager has previously
requested, the central processing computer 10 can generate an
appropriate report or notice, to the building manager, maintenance
manager, and/or outside contractor or vendor, responsible for the
respective task(s). The report or notice can notify the respective
individual or party that the task is, or has become, active and/or
that it is, or may have become, a priority.
[0179] The notification message can be provided to the respective
individual or party by any means selected, including e-mail
message, fax transmission, pager or beeper message, telephone
message, and/or by any other means. Thereafter, the operation of
the apparatus 1 will cease at step 707.
[0180] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of
the present invention can be utilized to record information, track
information, and/or to provide notification, regarding deliveries,
shipments, or inbound package deliveries. FIG. 9 illustrates
another preferred embodiment method for utilizing the present
invention, in flow diagram form.
[0181] The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at step 800. At
step 801, the individual responsible for receiving deliveries,
shipments, and/or packages (usually the front desk attendant or
gate attendant), accesses the central processing computer 10 and
selects an appropriate delivery, shipment and/or package tracking
program. At step 802, the individual can enter data and/or
information relating to an inbound delivery, a shipment, and/or a
package, into the central processing computer 10.
[0182] The data and/or information entered by the individual can
include the data and/or information regarding one or more building
or property occupants by name, unit or apartment number,
descriptions of regular deliveries such as, for example, overnight
package delivery, laundry delivery, and/or the delivery of any
other product(s) and/or service(s). The data and/or information can
also include any other pertinent and/or necessary information. At
step 803, the central processing computer 10 can also receive data
and/or information directly from various package delivery services
via a communication network, such as, but not limited to, the
Internet, the World Wide Web, and/or any other communication
network. The data and/or information received from the package
delivery service or services can include delivery and/or shipment
information, tracking information, and/or tracking identification
information for or regarding each scheduled and/or unscheduled
delivery, shipment, and/or package. The information can also
include sender information and/or recipient information.
[0183] At step 804, if the occupant and/or recipient of the package
has so requested, a notification message, such as any message
and/or transmission described herein, can be sent or transmitted to
the occupant or recipient advising them of the incoming delivery,
shipment, or package, and/or of the receipt of the respective
delivery, shipment, or package. At step 805, a message and/or other
notification can be displayed on the occupant's or the recipient's
user computer 20 indicating that a delivery, shipment, and/or
package, is incoming and/or that it has been received by the
building and is awaiting pick-up by the occupant or recipient.
[0184] At step 806, the central processing computer 10 can also
display any of the notification information provided at step 805 on
a public display monitor in the building entranceway, elevator, or
other public area, thereby providing a listing of deliveries,
shipments, and/or packages, available for pick-up, along with the
unit(s) and/or apartment(s) associated with the deliveries,
shipments, or packages. Thereafter, a delivery, shipment, or
package, can be picked-up.
[0185] Information regarding the pick-up can be stored in the
database of the central processing computer 10 at step 807. At step
807, once a delivery, shipment, or package, has been picked-up by
the occupant or recipient, the front desk personnel can record the
pick-up information along with the date and time of the pick-up,
and store the information in the database. The pick-up information
can be stored either automatically and/or manually by the recording
individual. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1 will cease
at step 808.
[0186] In another preferred embodiment, if the building management
does not desire to record the pick-up information for each
delivery, shipment, or package, the central processing computer 10
can be programmed to monitor and/or check the records of
outstanding deliveries, shipments, or packages, and designate them
as being inactive upon the expiration of a specified time period,
such as, for example, three (3) days.
[0187] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
occupants can utilize the central processing computer 10 to arrange
package pick-up and package shipment by a package delivery service.
In this embodiment, the occupant can store his or her account
information and payment information in an unit profile in the
database of the central processing computer 10.
[0188] The occupant can access the central processing computer 10,
select a "Send a Package" program from the respective web page,
select a carrier, and enter the package delivery information. The
data and/or information can then be stored in the database of the
central processing computer 10. Thereafter, the shipment
information or instructions can be transmitted to the appropriate
package delivery service for appropriate servicing.
[0189] A tracking number can be received at that time, and/or at
any other time, from the delivery service. The package can
thereafter be picked-up by the delivery service with the pick-up
event being recorded in the database of the central processing
computer 10 by the front desk personnel. The data and/or
information regarding the pick-up of a shipment can also be updated
by the package delivery service. If so desired or requested, the
occupant can be notified electronically when a package is picked-up
for shipment. Further, the central processing computer 10 can
continue to track packages in shipment until delivery is
effectuated, and can so update the database of the central
processing computer 10 and provide notification to the occupant
when the package has been delivered. The occupant can also access
and/or view information regarding the status of package shipments
via the central processing computer 10 and/or the user computer
20.
[0190] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of
the present invention can be utilized in order to coordinate
services and/or to provide information to affiliated or
unaffiliated operators and/or service providers who or which are
providing services, such as, but not limited to, newspaper delivery
or parking garage services, to occupants of the building or
property. FIG. 10 illustrates another preferred embodiment method
for utilizing the present invention, in flow diagram form.
[0191] The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at step 900. At
step 901, the occupant accesses the central processing computer 10
and enters data and/or information into the central processing
computer and/or the database of same. The data and/or information
can include information necessary for the proper handling of the
occupant's request and/or appropriate servicing of the occupant's
account. For example, regarding newspaper delivery, this data
and/or information can include the types of newspapers desired, and
the days on which delivery is requested. Regarding parking garage
services, the data and/or information can include occupant account
number, vehicle type, vehicle color and vehicle license plate
number, as well as typical vehicle pick-up time(s).
[0192] At step 902, the occupant can enter any special and/or
temporary instructions regarding any of these services. For
example, regarding newspapers, this data and/or information can
include temporary stopping and/or restarting dates. For parking
garage services, this data and/or information can include a
temporary change in vehicle pick-up time(s).
[0193] At step 903, each vendor or service provider can access the
central processing computer 10 and access and view data and/or
information pertinent to itself, including any instructions,
special and/or otherwise, or temporary changes of and to any of the
herein-described instructions and/or other information. Returning
once again to the newspaper delivery example, the data and/or
information can include a list of all deliveries, and/or a list of
change requests for that particular day. Parking garage data and/or
information can include a list of all vehicles sorted by pick-up
times and/or other instructions and/or instruction change requests.
Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1 will cease at step
904.
[0194] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention can
be utilized in order to tabulate employee hours worked. FIG. 11
illustrates another preferred embodiment method of utilizing the
present invention, in flow diagram form. The operation of the
present invention commences at step 1000. At step 1001, the
employee of the building and/or property accesses the central
processing computer 10 in order to record their arrival and/or
their presence at work or on-duty. The employee can log-in to the
central processing computer 10 by entering a password, by utilizing
a palm scanner, and/or by utilizing any other identification device
or technology, bio-metric or otherwise. Log-in can be performed via
a user computer 20.
[0195] At step 1002, the employee can access the central processing
computer 10 in order to record his or her leaving work and/or the
end of his or her work shift to tour of duty. At step 1003, an
authorized user (typically the manager or building superintendent)
can access the central processing computer 10 and access and/or
view employee work times, reporting times, arrival times, and/or
leaving times, for any employee and/or for all employees. Data
and/or information can then be processed by the central processing
computer 10 so as to provide, and/or to organize, and/or to sort
this data and/or information for any given day, time period, in a
detailed and/or in a summary form.
[0196] At step 1004, the requested data and/or information can be
provided at the user computer 20, and can include time or hour
totals as well as a calculation of worked hours, including regular
or overtime hours, if requested. At step 1005, the requested data
and/or information can also be output to a data file which may be
compatible with an employer's payroll processing format, if
desired. The output file can also be downloaded to an employer's or
to a manager's user computer or other computer and can be
transmitted or sent directly to a payroll processing provider, via
a communication network, the Internet, and/or the World Wide Web.
Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1 will cease at step
1006.
[0197] In another preferred embodiment, the central processing
computer 10 can also process and/or provide a listing of employees,
who are currently at work, to occupants or other inquiring
individuals.
[0198] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention can
be utilized in order to schedule employee work hours, and/or to
compare actual hours worked against budgeted and/or scheduled hours
for a given task or procedure. FIGS. 12 and 12B illustrate another
preferred embodiment method of utilizing the present invention, in
flow diagram form. The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at
step 1100. At step 1101, the manager or building superintendent
accesses the central processing computer 10 and enters an inquiry
regarding a time period of interest. This time period, for example,
can be a period of one (1) week. At step 1102, the manager or
building superintendent can then view a calendar of scheduled
employees and their hours for each day of that particular time
period.
[0199] At step 1103, the manager or building superintendent can
select an employee from the list of employees stored in the central
processing computer 10. At step 1104, the manager or building
superintendent can enter, into the central processing computer 10,
data and/or information regarding starting and ending work hours
for an employee or group of employees, for each day, and/or changes
to the existing data and/or information regarding the employee
and/or employees. The manager or building superintendent can also,
at step 1104, schedule employees for certain tasks and/or for
certain assignments. The data and/or information can then be stored
in the database of the central processing computer 10 at step
1105.
[0200] The manager or building superintendent can return to step
1104 to schedule an additional employee, if desired. The manager or
building superintendent can also return to step 1102 in order to
view the work schedule(s) of an employee or group of employees. In
another preferred embodiment, data and/or information for a
different work period can be duplicated into another work period,
thereby speeding up data entry for a given period(s).
[0201] Returning once again to FIGS. 12A and 12B, at step 1106, the
manager or building superintendent can enter a starting date and/or
an ending date of a time period which is to be copied, and a
starting date and/or an ending date of a time period to which the
information is to be copied. At step 1107, the data and/or
information for all employees and/or for all scheduled time periods
can be copied and/or reproduced to a different scheduling period.
This copying and/or reproduction of scheduling information can be
provided in order to provide matching information and/or matching
information for any time period. The operation of the apparatus 1
will thereafter return to step 1102 where the manager or building
superintendent can access or view the newly copied data and/or
information and/or effect changes and/or modifications to same, if
desired.
[0202] In another preferred embodiment, the manager or an
authorized user can request to access and/or to view a comparison
of days and hours scheduled versus actual days and hours worked for
each employee or group of employees. This embodiment can also
utilize data and/or information obtained via any of the other
herein-described preferred embodiments. At step 1108, the manager
or authorized individual can select a desired time period, which,
for example, can be a one week period, and the type of scheduling
details desired, which, for example, can be information for each
day separately or for a total of one week. This information can
also include information regarding, each employee separately,
and/or information regarding all employees. At step 1109, the
requested data and/or information can be retrieved from the
database of the central processing computer 10 and can then be
provided to the requesting individual on his or her respective user
computer 20. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1 will
cease at step 1110.
[0203] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention can
be utilized in order to control access to a building or property
for occupants, owners, employees of occupants, and/or visitors,
regular and/or otherwise. FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrates another
preferred embodiment method of utilizing the present invention, in
flow diagram.
[0204] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13A and 13B, the apparatus 1
further includes at least one magnetic card reader (not shown) at
the building entranceway, front desk, or front gate. The magnetic
card reader can be utilized in conjunction with magnetic cards
which can be encoded, numerically, and/or otherwise, and/or which
can typically be distributed by building or property management to
each occupant for their use and/or for re-distribution to their
respective employees or visitors. The magnetic card reader can be
connected with the central processing computer 10.
[0205] The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at step 1200. At
step 1201, the occupant, who wishes to allow building access to a
particular individual or cardholder. accesses the central
processing computer 10 and accesses an "Entry List" program. At
step 1202, the occupant can enter a new access card number and/or
any other information related to an access profile which may be
related to that card number.
[0206] The data and/or information can include the name of the
cardholder, times of authorized access and/or entry (i.e. days of
the week, time of day, hours of the day, etc.), access or entry
permission for a specific date or time period, and/or a status of
an access profile (i.e. active or inactive). At step 1203, the
individual or cardholder seeking access and/or entry into the
building can insert their card into the magnetic card reader. The
central processing computer 10 can process the data and/or
information on the card in conjunction with the data and/or
information stored in the database of the central processing
computer 10, and thereafter, determine whether the individual or
cardholder is to be allowed entry.
[0207] At step 1204, an indication regarding entry permission or
entry denial can be presented at the magnetic card reader in any
number and/or combination of ways, including the playing of audible
tone(s), synthesized speech, a visual display on the front desk
computer terminal, and/or through the operation and/or release of
an automated turnstile and/or a door. At step 1205, if requested by
the occupant and/or if listed in the respective unit's profile, a
notification message can be sent or transmitted to the occupant
identifying the card number, the individual's name, the
cardholder's name, the date and time of the entry and/or the
attempted entry, and whether entry permission was granted or
denied.
[0208] At step 1206, the data and/or information can be stored in
the database of the central processing computer 10 for future
processing, review, and/or use, for security and/or other purposes.
For additional security, at step 1207, the individual or cardholder
can be required to insert their card again when they leave the
building or property. Data and/or information related to the
individual's leaving of the building or property can also be
recorded in the database of the central processing computer 10.
Notification of the individual's or cardholder's exit from the
building or property can also be sent to the occupant, if
requested, and/or if the request for this information is in the
occupant's unit profile. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus
1 will cease at step 1208.
[0209] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of
the present invention can be utilized in order to provide building
and property information for multiple buildings and/or properties.
In this embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present
invention can be utilized in order to provide building and/or
property management and/or maintenance data and/or information in a
unified manner. FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrates another preferred
embodiment for utilizing the apparatus and method of the present
invention. The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at step 1300.
At step 1301, the manager or user of the present invention can
access the central processing computer 10. The manager or user may
have different log-in user names each corresponding to a different
building or property which the manager or user is responsible for.
At step 1302, the manager or user (hereinafter "manager") can
create a master user name and password.
[0210] At step 1303, the manager can transmit to, and/or enter
into, the central processing computer 10, all of the various user
names and passwords which are associated with each of the manager's
buildings or properties. At step 1304, the information provided by
the manager is stored in the database of the central processing
computer 10. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1 can, at
step 1305, await the manager's next accessing of the apparatus
1.
[0211] At step 1306, the manager can once again access the central
processing computer 10. At step 1307, the manager can log on to the
central processing computer 10 by utilizing his, her, or its master
user name. At step 1308, the manager can add, delete, or make
changes to, any of the previously entered user names and/or
passwords. At step 1309, the central processing computer 10 will
transmit to, or present, the manager with a master building page or
main screen which can contain all of the user names for all of the
buildings or properties for which the manager is registered. The
name of the building or property which corresponds to the user name
can also be displayed along with a hyperlink to that particular
building or property.
[0212] At step 1310, the manager can select the building or
property and an access the building page and/or database for same
without having to re-enter a user name and/or password for that
particular building or property. At step 1311, the manager can
provide any of the herein-described data and/or information
regarding the specific building or property. Thereafter, at step
1312, the manager can exit the database for the building or
property and return to the main screen. Any and/or all of the
display screens associated with any of the buildings or properties
can provide a link(s) or hyperlink(s) to and between the master
page so as to provide a mechanism by which a master user can freely
move from a building page to the master page. In this manner, the
manager can freely access and/or provide updates for or regarding
any of the buildings or properties under his or her management.
[0213] In another preferred embodiment, the master page can provide
information and/or functionality in order to allow a master user or
manager to obtain aggregated and/or integrated data and/or
information for any and/or all of the buildings or properties under
his or her management. For example, the manager can request to view
all maintenance requests for any and/or all of the buildings or
properties under his or her management.
[0214] The manager can also request to receive any of the
herein-described information and/or can perform any of the
herein-described functions regarding maintenance requests for any
one or more of the buildings or properties under his or her
management. The manager can also request information by status
(i.e. open, closed, on-hold) or can sort the information by type.
The manager can also request to obtain any of the other information
described as being utilized or processed in any of the embodiments
described herein. Thereafter, the central processing computer 10
can process the request and provide the information to the
manager.
[0215] The preferred embodiment of FIGS. 14A and 14B can also be
utilized by any users of the present invention who or which have an
interest in, and/or who or which are associated with, multiple
buildings or properties and/or multiple units within any one or
more buildings or properties. For example, a tenant in more than
one building can access information regarding those buildings.
Similarly, a vendor providing goods or services to more than one
building or property can access information regarding each one or
all of these buildings or properties. Thereafter, the operation of
the apparatus 1 will cease at step 1313.
[0216] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of
the present invention can be utilized in order to provide
information to decision-making individuals associated with a
building or property, such as, for example, members of the Board of
Directors, or members of the House Committee for a respective
building or property. In this embodiment, any of the documents,
information, and/or notices, described herein, can be entered into
the database of the central processing computer 10 with access
thereto being limited to, and/or being reserved for, only those
individuals or entities, such as members of the Board of Directors
or the House Committee for the particular building or property.
Those individuals and/or entities having access to the documents,
information, and/or notices, can be pre-specified or be
pre-authorized by the managers of the building or property. FIG. 15
illustrates another preferred embodiment for utilizing the
apparatus and method of the present invention.
[0217] The operation of the apparatus of FIG. 15 commences at step
1400. At step 1401, the individual or user accesses the central
processing computer 10. At step 1402, the individual or user
requests access to the restricted access documents, information, or
notices. At step 1403, the central processing computer 10 can
determine whether the individual is an authorized individual. If
the individual is an authorized individual, the central processing
computer 10 will, at step 1404, provide the requested information
to the individual. If the individual is not an authorized
individual, the request for access to the documents, information,
or notices, will be denied. Thereafter, the operation of the
apparatus 1 will cease at step 1405.
[0218] In another preferred embodiment of the embodiment of FIG.
15, the present invention can be utilized in order to circulate
surveys to, and/or obtain survey responses from, certain authorized
individuals, such as, for example, members of a building's Board of
Directors, members of a House Management Committee, and/or any
managers and/or other individuals having, or holding, a similar
decision-making position or capacity.
[0219] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention can
be utilized in order to provide for the distribution of specific
lists, listings, or reports, to certain users or individuals on a
scheduled basis. These lists, listings, or reports, can be provided
in addition to any of the event-driven information notifications
described above. FIG. 16 illustrates another preferred embodiment
method for utilizing the present invention, in flow diagram
form.
[0220] The operation of the apparatus 1 commences at step 1500. At
step 1501, the building management individual accesses the central
processing computer 10 and selects a list, listing, or report, the
distribution of which he or she desires to schedule. Examples of
lists, listings, or reports, which can be scheduled for
distribution could be a daily listing of all open maintenance
requests, an early morning listing of vehicle pick-up times, a
monthly listing of emergency instructions, or a monthly listing of
all occupant names and addresses for any and/or all units.
[0221] At step 1502, the frequency of generation, and/or the time
of distribution, of the list(s), listing(s), or report(s), as well
as the mode or manner of distribution, the distribution method,
which can include e-mail messaging, fax transmission, beeper or
pager messaging, telephone messaging, and/or other wired or
wireless communication methods, can be entered into the central
processing computer 10. At step 1503, the report distribution data
and/or information can be stored in the database of the central
processing computer 10. At step 1504, the central processing
computer 10 processes the data and/or information in conjunction
with other data and/or information which can be stored in the
database of the central processing computer 10. The data and/or
information regarding the listing or report, the generation of
same, and/or the distribution of same, can be processed at regular
intervals and/or at any other time, with the list, listing, or
report, being generated and/or distributed when it may be due,
requested, and/or at any other time.
[0222] At step 1505, if the central processing computer 10
identifies a distribution information request which is due, the
central processing computer 10 accesses the database in order to
obtain the required or needed information, generates the respective
list, listing, or report, and distributes the list, listing, or
report, to an output device and/or to a user computer 20 associated
with an individual or user who can receive the list, listing, or
report. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1 ceases at step
1506.
[0223] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of
the present invention can be utilized in order to enable building
or property owners or managers to create and maintain a master
library of documents, information, maintenance request responses,
and/or any of the other herein-described information, for any
number and/or types of buildings and/or properties. The master
library can be stored and maintained by the apparatus 1, and/or by
the central processing computer 10, and can be accessed via
individuals located at, and/or associated with, any of the
buildings or properties described herein. In this manner, any of
the documents, information, requests and/or responses thereto, can
be entered for any and/or all of the buildings or properties,
individually or as a group. This dispenses with the need for
entering these documents, information, requests and/or responses
thereto, for each individual building or property. FIG. 17
illustrates another preferred embodiment for utilizing the
apparatus and method of the present invention.
[0224] With reference to FIG. 17, the operation of the apparatus 1
commences at step 1600. At step 1601, the individual accesses the
central processing computer 10. At step 1602, the individual can
enter information for a new building or property which can herein
be defined as a "master building" or "master property" so as to
thereby create a "master library" for the building or property. At
step 1603, the individual can enter documents, information,
maintenance requests and/or responses thereto, into the database or
master library for the master building or master property.
[0225] At step 1604, the individual can link the information,
documents, requests and/or responses thereto, for the master
building with any other buildings or properties under the
individual's management. In this manner, the information,
documents, requests and/or responses thereto, can be shared between
the buildings or properties and/or with the individuals associated
therewith. The information, documents, requests and/or responses
thereto, for the buildings or properties can be linked via any
appropriate linking means, such as, for example, by inserting an
appropriate code, identifier, or linking code, or hyperlink.
[0226] At step 1605, a user associated with a building or property
which is linked to the master building or master property can
access the central processing computer 10 and access the
information, documents, requests and/or responses thereto, for the
linked building. Thereafter, at step 1606, the user can access and
receive any of the information, documents, requests and/or
responses thereto, which are stored in the library associated with
the master building or master property. The information, documents,
and/or responses, can thereafter be utilized in any appropriate
manner. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 1 will cease at
1607.
[0227] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the
central processing computer 10, the user computer(s) 20, and/or any
of the other computers performing any of the herein described
processing and/or processing functionality, can generate and
transmit e-mail messages, pager messages, telephone messages, voice
mail messages, facsimile messages or transmissions, and/or any
other messages and/or types of messages, upon the posting of any of
the herein-described information, questions, surveys, current
events, notices, news reports or notices, requests, and/or any
other data and/or information described herein as being received by
and/or processed by the apparatus 1 of the present invention.
[0228] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the
various user screens, interfaces, web pages, and/or other
information sources, can be custom tailored for their particular
purposes and/or for the particular functionality. Any and/or all of
the respective screens, interfaces, web pages, and/or other
information sources, can also have help screens associated
therewith for assisting the respective users in the utilization of
the present invention.
[0229] While the present invention has been described and
illustrated in various preferred embodiments, such descriptions are
merely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be
construed to be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present
invention encompasses all modifications, variations, and/or
alternate embodiments, with the scope of the present invention
being limited only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *