Scanner-based automated service scheduling, management and billing system

• US 20010002464A1
• Filed: 01/02/2001
• Published: 05/31/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/11/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Joseph P. Hogan
• Original Assignee: Joseph P. Hogan
• Inventors: Hogan, Joseph P.
• Application Number:
  US09/753,180
• Publication Number:
  US 20010002464A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/186
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3438 monitoring of user actions tracking the activity of the user H04L67/535
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3476 Data logging G06F11/14, G06F11/2205 take precedence

Abstract

A scanner-based management system and method for efficiently monitoring and controlling the servicing of equipment using a network such as the Internet. A computer-enhanced, hand-held scanner is loaded with the applicable component identification, for instance, by name, size, type, test dates, history of service, etc. As the service person conducts business, a piece of equipment is scanned-in using a standard bar code label. The data is downloaded into a computer and the billings and reports prepared and adapted for viewing and access over a computer network. The company website and main access database hosts the collected data for access by either the service client or any end-user utilizing the services provided by the service client, such that the end-user can perform his or her own service task management and monitor the information organized and made accessible by the company website.

Claims

1. A method using a computer and a network for tracking and monitoring data collected from a hand-held scanner, comprising the steps of:

receiving said data, wherein said data is associated with equipment information captured from a barcode label read by said hand-held scanner;

placing said data into a main access database within said computer;

arranging said data into an equipment service history report accessible over said network;

allowing a service client to host said equipment service history report; and

,

allowing an end-user to login and access said equipment service history report.

2. The method of

claim 1

, wherein said equipment information includes type of equipment, location of equipment, and servicing or testing dates.

3. The method of

claim 1

, wherein said data is received by an FTP.

4. The method of

claim 1

, wherein said data is a scrambled file.

5. The method of

claim 4

, wherein said scrambled file is descrambled prior to said placing of said data into said main access database.

6. The method of

claim 1

, further comprising the step of charging a fee to said service client for allowing said service client to host said equipment service history report.

7. The method of

claim 1

, wherein said equipment service history report includes and invoice.

8. The method of

claim 1

, further comprising the step of allowing said service client to charge a fee to said end-user for said login and accessing of said equipment service history report.

9. A method using a computer and a network for tracking and monitoring data collected from a hand-held scanner, comprising the steps of:

allowing a service client to collect said data, wherein said data is associated with equipment information captured from a barcode label read by said hand-held scanner, and whereby said service client is a traditional client;

allowing said service client to enable said data to be collected by an end-user, whereby said service client becomes a network client;

receiving said data from either said service client or said end-user;

placing said data into a main access database within a main server and company website of said computer; and

,

arranging said data into an equipment service history report accessible over said network by said end-user and said service client.

10. The method of

claim 9

, wherein said equipment information includes type of equipment, location of equipment, and service or testing dates.

11. The method of

claim 9

, wherein said data is received by an FTP.

12. The method of

claim 9

, wherein said data is a scrambled file provided said data is received by said end-user.

13. The method of

claim 9

, wherein said scrambled file is descrambled prior to said placing of said data into said main access database.

14. The method of

claim 9

, further comprising the step of charging a fee to said service client.

15. The method of

claim 9

, further comprising the step of allowing said service client to charge a fee to said end-user based on a usage over said network.

16. A system using a computer and a network for tracking and monitoring data collected from a hand-held scanner, comprising:

means for receiving said data, wherein said data is associated with equipment information captured from a barcode label read by said hand-held scanner;

means for placing said data into a main access database within said computer;

means for arranging said data into an equipment service history report accessible over said network;

means for allowing a service client to host said equipment service history report; and

,

means for allowing an end-user to login and access said equipment service history report.

17. The system of

claim 16

, wherein said data is received by an FTP.

18. The system of

claim 16

, wherein said data is a scrambled file.

19. The method of

claim 16

, wherein said equipment service history report includes an invoice.