AU2005202633A1 - A method for providing a quotation over a network - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: A method for providing a quotation over a network The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 004663933v4 2 A METHOD FOR PROVIDING A QUOTATION OVER A NETWORK This invention relates generally to a system and method and system for providing a quotation for one or more items. Preferred forms of the invention relate to systems and methods for providing a quotation for one or more items in which item prices are maintained and updated from a central location and users access that central location for the generation and acceptance of quotations. Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use in applications involving the provision of quotations from a central server to one or more clients via the Internet, and it will be convenient to describe the invention in relation to that exemplary non-limiting 0 application.

Many purchases are now taking place over the internet, as this is a more convenient and efficient means of browsing items for purchase. However, purchasing over the internet may also include some difficulties, in that it is difficult to get assistance with purchases and details of products, and the consumer is not always aware of the lowest available price of an item.

Prices of items often fluctuate due to factors such as consumer demand, items available and time of production. Often, prices of items for sale can quickly become out of date and the entire website requires updating to reflect only a small number of price changes. Consumers are often unaware that price increases are taking place, and as such, may pay more for an item than if the order was completed earlier.

It may also be the case that, when making online purchases, users are unaware of system capabilities or equipment which is designed or manufactured to be sold as part of a greater package. In comparison to purchasing in a store where sales assistants are able to direct customers to items which are compatible or operate more efficiently together, this is a significant disadvantage of online shopping where the customer is relying on their own opinion or research.

It would be desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the problems associated with the prior art.

004663933v4 3 One aspect of the invention provides a method for providing a quotation for one or more items, the method including: displaying an indication of one or more items and a quote price for each item; receiving item selection information representative of items selected by a user; generating the quotation from the item selection information, the quote price for each item remaining valid for a predetermined period; enabling subsequent display of the quotation together with a latest price for each item; and enabling the quote price for at least one item in the quotation to be updated 0 with the latest price during the predetermined period.

In one embodiment of the invention, the quote price for at least one item is automatically updated if the latest price is lower than the quote price.

The quote price may be automatically updated at the end of the predetermined period.

In one embodiment of the invention, the quote price may be selectively updated by the user during the predetermined period.

The method may further include: automatically updating the displayed quote price, prior to quotation generation, with the latest price at predetermined time intervals.

The method may further include: saving the quotation; and initiating the predetermined period when the quotation is saved.

The method may further include: 004663933v4 4 automatically updating the quote price with the latest price upon expiration of the predetermined period.

Another aspect of the invention provides a system for system for providing a quotation for one or more items, to a user of one or more client apparatus operably connected to the system, the system including a server and associated database for maintaining item, price and quotation information, and one or more client apparatus adapted to access the server via a communications network, the server including processor means and associated memory means for storing computer program instruction for causing the server to perform the above described method.

0 A further aspect of the present invention provides a system for providing a quotation for one or more items, to a user of one or more client apparatus operably connected to the system, said system including a server and associated database for maintaining item, price and quotation information, and processor means and associated memory means for storing computer program instructions for causing the serverto: generate an interface for display on a client apparatus indicating one or more items and a quote price for each item; receive item selection information from the client apparatus representative of items selected by a user thereof; generate a quotation from the item selection information and the quote price for each item stored in said database, said quotation remaining valid for a predetermined period; generate a subsequent interface for display on the client apparatus including the quotation and a latest price for each item; and enable the quote price for at least one item in the quotation to be updated with the latest price during the predetermined period.

004663933v4 Another aspect of the invention includes a server for use in conjunction with a system for providing a quotation for one or more selected items. Preferably the server includes processor means and associated memory means for storing computer program instructions for causing the server to: generate a dataset representative of one or more items and a quote price for each item; receive item selection information from a client apparatus representative of items selected by a user thereof; generate a quotation from the item selection information and the quote price for each item stored in said database, said quotation remaining valid for a predetermined period; generate a subsequent dataset representative of the quotation and a latest price for each item; and enable the quote price for at least one item in the quotation to be updated with the latest price during the predetermined period.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program for use with the above-described system and/or server in performance of the above-described method. In yet another aspect the invention provides a data storage device storing thereon a computer program of the above type.

The following description refers in more detail to the various features of the method and system for providing a quotation for one or more items in accordance with the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the invention is described in a preferred embodiment. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings.

In the drawings: 004663933v4 6 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the physical architecture of a system for providing a quotation for one or more items; Figures 2 to 6 are flow charts illustrating functional steps performed by the system illustrated in Figure 1 in providing a quotation for one or more items; Figures 7 to 26 are exemplary Graphic User Interface (GUI) displays presented to a client forming part of the system of Figure 1; and Figure 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating the various elements constituting the server and client(s) of the system shown in Figure 1.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown generally a system 100 for providing 0 a quotation for one or more items to a remote user. The system 100 includes a central server 102 operably connected to one or more private databases 104 and 106 maintaining proprietary information relating to products for which quotations are to be provided. The proprietary information maintained in the database is 104 and 106 includes product description information and pricing information, as well as a number of timers and other system variables for use in the provision of quotations.

The server 102 is also operably connected to public databases 108 and 110 for maintaining quotation information generated by remote users. The server 102 is operably connected via a communications network 112, such as the Internet, to remote clients 114 and 116. A series of graphic user interface screens 118 and 120 are caused to be displayed at the clients 114 and 116 during interaction with the server 102 in the provision of a quotation to the remote clients 114 and 116.

The operation of the system 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 26. Figure 2 depicts a series of steps performed by the system 100 in the provision of a quotation to the remote clients 114 and 116. Figure 7 depicts an exemplary GUI for use in an embodiment of the system. At step 200, a user of one of the remote clients 114 and 116 establishes a connection with the server 102 and, at step 202 is requested by the server to validate the identity of that user. At step 204, the user is presented at the remote client with a graphic user interface 700 including a toolbar 702 for use in navigation through and selection of various 004663933v4 7 functions performed by the server 102 in the provision of quotations for items selected by the user.

At step 206, the user is able to select to view a sequence of account details maintained in the public database 108 for each user. Figure 8 illustrates an account details display 800 presented to the user at step 208, Figure 9 illustrates an invoices/credit notes display 900 presented to the user at step 210, whilst Figure illustrates a display 1000 providing details of as yet unfilled orders placed by that user being displayed at step 212.

A user is able to access the server 102 via the clients 114 and 116 to search for various items for which a quotation is desired in a number of ways. By selection of an appropriate menu item within the main toolbar 204 (702 of Figure a user is able to be presented with a product search screen 1100, shown in Figure 11, at step 216 to enable the user to search for product based upon product code, description and/or serial number. Once this screen has been used to search for suitable products, a results display 1200, shown in Figure 12, is returned to the user at step 218. The user is able to insert a required quantity next to desired items for which a quotation and eventual purchase is desired. Items for which desired quantities are entered are then added to a current quotation maintained in the public database 108.

At step 220, the user is able to access the main toolbar 204 once again to request warranty validation of a selected item using the serial number of that product, download and/or apply for return advice or download a client price list. Figure 13 illustrates an exemplary display 1300 presented to the user at step 222 and 224 in order to enable warranty validation and downloading of a return advice form. The client price list can be downloaded at step 226 from the server 102.

At step 228, the user is able to select from the main toolbar 204 a help screen.

A graphical user interface is displayed to the user at step 230 to access the online help service.

At step 232, the user is again able to access the main toolbar 204 and access a range of product options to assist in a user making a selection of desired items for 004663933v4 8 which a quotation and possible purchase is to be made. These product options include viewing a range of items by product type, or by brand. Moreover, a range of Built to Order (BTO) systems, such as system kits, notebooks, servers facilities also are made to enable a number of predetermined special offers to be viewed by a user.

New products are also able to be accessed by the product options, as well as clearance stock items.

Figures 3 and 4 represent various steps that may be performed by the server 102, at the request of the user via a remote client, to enable product selection according to the various product options.

0 At step 300, a product is able to be selected by product code. If this option is selected, the user is presented with a display 1900 shown in Figure 19 including drop down menus to enable selection of a product range from a category list at step 302, and subsequent selection of a product group from within a category list at step 304.

The user is then presented with a list of individual items via a display 2000 shown in Figure 20 at step 306. From the product list displayed on the screen 2000, the user is able to drill down at step 308 into an expanded product description, displayed to the user via a display 2100 shown in Figure 21.

Having determined that the product is indeed one which is desired to be added to a quotation, the user then returns to the display 2000 and adds a required quantity 2002 of the particular item to be added to a current quotation at step 310. Steps 302 to 310 can be repeated for particular classes of products. In this example a customer can choose to select from new products only at step 312, product specials at step 314, or only clearance products at step 316.

Alternately, item selection is possible at step 318 by selecting from the product options portion of the main toolbar 204 to view the product list by brand. If this option is chosen, the user is initially presented with a display 2200 shown in Figure 22 at step 320 including a drop down menu providing a list of manufacturers of items. At step 322, the user makes a selection of a particular manufacturer's product group, and then at step 324 makes a selection from a list of that manufacturer's products.

004663933v4 9 The user is then again presented with a display 2000 shown in Figure 20 providing a list of products to the user. At step 326 the user once again adds the required quantity 2002 for desired items for which a quotation is required to the current quotation.

Alternately, it is possible for a user to make a selection at step 400 from a list of Built to Order (BTO) systems. If this option is selected, the user is presented at step 402 with a display 2300 providing a drop down menu listing the various categories of BTO systems available for quotation and eventual purchase. At step 404, the user makes a selection of a particular category of BTO systems and is then 0 presented with a display 2400 shown in Figure 24 of available BTO systems. At step 406, selection of a standard system configuration is made. To modify or order this base kit button 2402 must be activated. This then causes a detailed system configuration display 2500 shown in Figure 25 to be served to the remote client from which the user is accessing the server 102. It is possible, at step 408, for the user to modify the base kit BTO system offered. If this option is not considered, the user then simply adds the required quantity of each desired base kit to the current rotation by activation of an "add to quote" button 2514 shown on the display 2500 after entering a quantity. At step 412, the user is able to reconfigure the system by making alterations to system configuration details 2502 and 2504 shown on the display 2500.

At step 414, a user is able to activate a button 2506 to request that a Portable Document Format (PDF) file describing the system configuration be served to the remote client. At step 416, the user is able to activate a "recommended options" button 2508 to add desired recommended options to the configured kit.

At step 418, the user is able to select a "view-as-list" button 2510 to enable modification of the kit configuration in a list format if required. At step 420, having now reconfigured the standard system configuration of a basic BTO system, a desired quantity 2512 is added on the display 2500 and the "add to quotes" button 2514 activated by the user to add the desired quantity of the reconfigured base kit to a current quotation. Figure 26 illustrates an exemplary display 2600 of a list format 004663933v4 of the modified system configuration presented to the user after activation of the "view-as-list" button 2510 in step 418. At step 422, the user is able to create another version of the same kit, in which case 412 to 420 are repeated.

Having now displayed to the user an indication of one or more items and a quotation price for each item, and having received item selection information representative of items selected by the user from the remote client, the server 102 acts to generate a quotation from the item selection information. An exemplary quotation display 1400 is illustrated in Figure 14. Display 1400 displays a list 1402 of each item selected by the user, as well as the quote price 1404 of each item and the 0 selected quantity 1406 of each item. The private database 104 maintains a system timer defining a predetermined period during which the quote price 1404 for each selected item remains valid. A display 1408 is initially provided on the display 1400 to indicate the time remaining until the quoted price 1404 for each item will be refreshed.

The listed price of items maintained in the private database 104 in many circumstances are frequently updated by a system administrator. The current listed price maintained in a private database 104 is displayed on the display 1400 as an item latest price list 1410. If price updates occur between when an item was selected and the next expiry of the system timer, there will be a difference between the quoted price 1404 and the latest price 1410 of each item. As can be seen in Figure 5, if at step 500 a user chooses either to not save or submit the quotation displayed on the display 1400 then at the next expiry of the system timer, as indicated in the display box 1408, the latest price of each item will be calculated from the private database 104 and automatically overwrite the quoted price 1404 and the latest price 1410 for that item at step 502. At this point the expiry time and date of each line item is refreshed. However, if the quotation displayed is saved before expiry, then the quoted prices 1404 are retained regardless of the change in the latest prices 1410.

Once the quote is initially saved the system timer 1408 is no longer displayed, its value is set high and the pricing of each line in the quotation expires according to its individual expiry details.

004663933v4 11 At step 504, a user is able to subsequently select a stored quotation. The user is presented with a display 1500 shown in Figure 15 indicating one or more stored web quotations. At step 506, the user selects one of the web quotations from the display 1500. If it is determined at step 508 that another web quotation is currently open, then an error message is displayed to the user who must then close the currently open quotation. However, if there is no current quotation currently open, then the user is presented with a display 1600 shown in Figure 16 providing details of the selected stored quotation at step 512.

When each quotation is saved, a quotation timer maintained in the private 0 database 104 is initiated for each item in the quotation. The quotation timer is used to set a predetermined period during which the quotation price for each item in the quotation remains valid. The expiry of each item quote price is displayed under "expiry details" 1610 on the display 1600.

The server 102 acts to enable subsequent display of the quotation together with the latest price for each item, and enables the quote price for the items displayed in the quotation to be updated with the latest price during the predetermined period if it is desired to do so by the user. As can be seen in Figure 6, a next item in the quotation is considered at step 600. At step 610, the quoted price and latest price of each item is displayed. If it is determined at step 612 that the "update screen" button 1602 on the display 1600 has been activated, then the latest price indicated in the latest price list 1604 is updated at step 614 with any modifications that have been made by the system administrator. Accordingly, it may be that upon reviewing a saved quotation, the user observes that the latest price displayed for a particular item in the quotation has dropped to a price lower than the quoted price displayed in the quoted price column 1606 for that item.

If it is determined at step 616 by the server 102 that the quotation timer for that item has not yet expired, then updating of the quoted price with the latest price for that item is possible. Accordingly, at step 618, if the user wishes to replace the quoted price for that item with the latest price for that item, then the user activates a check-box 1608 in the "accept price" column associated with that particular item.

004663933v4 12 Thereafter, the latest price is substituted for the quoted price for that item at step 620 when the quote is saved or the screen updated. If the user takes no action however upon reviewing the quoted price and the latest price at step 618, then no action is taken. In this way, it is possible to proceed at step 622, through all items in the quotation. The user compares each quoted price with the latest price and, if the quotation timer for each item is yet to expire, makes a decision as to whether the latest price for that item is to replace the quoted price for that item.

However, if the quotation timer for that item is determined by the server 102 to have expired for that item, then the user must make a decision at step 624 whether 0 or not to proceed with the quote. If it is not desired to proceed with the quote, then the quote is exited at step 626. However, if it desired to proceed with that quote, then the accept pricing box 1612 for that item is automatically activated so that the user has no choice but to accept the latest price for that item instead of the quoted price (which has now expired) when the quote is saved. By proceeding with the quote, the latest price overwrites the quoted price for that item. Returning again to Figure 5, at step 514, the user is able to select a "customer quote" button 1700 shown in Figure 17, which causes the display 1800 shown in Figure 18 to be presented to the customer in order for the customer details to be entered and a quotation to be printed in a format presentable to the end buyer. The quote may be saved in the quotations database at step 515. At step 516, the customer is finally able to activate a "submit for review" button 1702 to submit the display quotation for review, or alternatively to activate the "submit order" button 1704 to submit the quotation to the server 102 for acceptance of the quotation and fulfilment of the order.

In this embodiment of the invention, the quote price is selectively updated by the user at any time during the predetermined period during which the quote price for each item remains valid. In other embodiments of the invention however, the quote price may be automatically updated if the latest price is lower than the quote price for any item. The automatic updating in this embodiment of the invention may take place, if the latest price is lower than the quote price, at the end of the predetermined 004663933v4 13 period during which the quote price for each item is valid, or alternatively at any time during the predetermined period.

The system illustrated in Figure 1, including the server 102 and remote client 114 and 116, may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination of thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. An example of such a computer system 2700 is shown in Figure 27. The computer system 2700 includes one or more processors, such as processor 2702. The processor 2702 is connected to a communication infrastructure 2704 (eg a communication bus, crossover bar or network). The computer system 0 2700 may include a display interface 2710 that forwards graphics, text and other data from the communications infrastructure 2704 for display on a display unit 2706.

The computer system 2700 may also include a main memory 2708, preferably Random Access Memory (RAM) and may also include a secondary memory 2712.

The secondary memory 2712 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 2714 and/or removable storage drive 2716. The removable storage drive 2716 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 2718 in a well known manner. In alternative embodiments, the secondary memory 2712 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 2700. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit 2720 and interface 2722. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units and interfaces which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit to the computer system 2700.

Computer system 2700 may also include a communications interface 2724.

Communications interface 2724 allows software and data to be transferred between the computer system and external devices. Examples of the communications interface 2724 may include a modem, network interface, communications port etc software and data transferred via communications interface 2724 are in the form of signals 2726 which may be electronic, electro-magnetic, optical or other signals 004663933v4 14 capable of being received by the communications interface. These signals are provided to the communications interface via a communication path 2728. This channel may be implemented using wire or cable, fibre optics, a phone line, cellular phone link, RF link or other wired or wireless communication means.

Computer programs or computer control logic are stored in main memory 2708 and/or secondary memory 2712. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface 2724. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 2700 to perform the features of the present invention as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 2702 to perform the features of the present invention. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system 2700. In an embodiment where the invention is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded onto the computer system 2700.

The control logic or software, when executed by the processor 2702, causes the processor to perform the functions of the invention as described herein.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Finally, it is to be understood that various modifications and/or additions may be made to the method and system for providing a quotation for one or more items without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention.

Claims (19)

1. A method for providing a quotation for one or more items, the method IND including: displaying an indication of one or more items and a quote price for each item; ICN C 5 receiving item selection information representative of items selected by a user; 0generating the quotation from the item selection information, the quote price c for each item remaining valid for a predetermined period; enabling subsequent display of the quotation together with a latest price for each item; and enabling the quote price for at least one item in the quotation to be updated with the latest price during the predetermined period.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method further includes, automatically updating the quote price of an item if the latest price is lower than the quote price.

3. A method as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 wherein the method further includes, automatically updating the quote price with the latest price upon expiration of the predetermined period.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method further includes further includes, enabling a user to selectively update the quote price of an item during the predetermined period. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: 004663933v4 16 automatically updating a displayed quote price, prior to quotation generation, with the latest price at predetermined time intervals.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: saving the quotation; and (-i N initiating the predetermined period when the quotation is saved. N 7. A system for providing a quotation for one or more items, to a user of one or more client apparatus operably connected to the system, said system including a server and associated database for maintaining item, price and quotation 0 information, and processor means and associated memory means for storing computer program instructions for causing the server to perform a method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

8. A system for providing a quotation for one or more items, to a user of one or more client apparatus operably connected to the system, said system including a server and associated database for maintaining item, price and quotation information, and processor means and associated memory means for storing computer program instructions for causing the server to: generate an interface for display on a client apparatus indicating one or more items and a quote price for each item; receive item selection information from the client apparatus representative of items selected by a user thereof; generate a quotation from the item selection information and the quote price for each item stored in said database, said quotation remaining valid for a predetermined period; 004663933v4 17 generate a subsequent interface for display on the client apparatus including the quotation and a latest price for each item; and enable the quote price for at least one item in the quotation to be updated with the latest price during the predetermined period.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the computer program additionally causes the server to automatically update the quote price of an item if the latest price is lower than the quote price. A system as claimed in either of claim 8 or 9 wherein the computer program additionally causes the server to automatically update the quote price with 0 the latest price upon expiration of the predetermined period.

11. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the computer program additionally causes the server to enable a user to selectively update the quote price of an item during the predetermined period.

12. A system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 in which the computer program additionally causes the server to: automatically update an interface for display on a client apparatus to display the latest price at predetermined time intervals.

13. A system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the system is configured to save the quotation in the associated database; and initiate the predetermined period when the quotation is saved.

14. A server for providing a quotation for one or more items, said server including processor means and associated memory means for storing computer program instructions for causing the server to: generate a dataset representative of one or more items and a quote price for each item; 004663933v4 18 receive item selection information from a client apparatus representative of items selected by a user thereof; generate a quotation from the item selection information and the quote price for each item stored in said database, said quotation remaining valid for a predetermined period; generate a subsequent dataset representative of the quotation and a latest price for each item; and enable the quote price for at least one item in the quotation to be updated with the latest price during the predetermined period. 0 15. A server as claimed in claim 14 wherein the computer program additionally causes the server to automatically update the quote price of an item if the latest price is lower than the quote price.

16. A server as claimed in either of claims 14 or 15 wherein the computer program additionally causes the server to automatically update the quote price with the latest price upon expiration of the predetermined period.

17. A server as claimed in claims 14 wherein the computer program additionally causes the server to enable a user to selectively update the quote price of an item during the predetermined period.

18. A server as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the computer program additionally causes the server to: automatically update an interface for display on a client apparatus to display the latest price at predetermined time intervals.

19. A server as claimed in any one of 14 to 18 wherein the system is configured to save the quotation in an associated database; and initiate the predetermined period when the quotation is saved. 004663933v4 19 A computer program for use in a system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13 in the performance of a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6. ;Z

21. A computer program for use with a server as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19 in the performance of a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6. INO S22. A data storage device storing thereon a computer program as claimed in either of claims 20 or 21. S23. A method for providing a quotation for one or more items having steps substantially as hereinbefore described.

24. A system for providing a quotation for one or more items substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A server for providing a quotation for one or more selected items substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. A computer program substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A data storage device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated 16 June 2005 Freehills Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Patent Trade Mark Attorneys for the Applicant: Andrew Donaghey