CA2269063A1 - System and method for exchanging data in a network - Google Patents
System and method for exchanging data in a network Download PDFInfo
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- CA2269063A1 CA2269063A1 CA002269063A CA2269063A CA2269063A1 CA 2269063 A1 CA2269063 A1 CA 2269063A1 CA 002269063 A CA002269063 A CA 002269063A CA 2269063 A CA2269063 A CA 2269063A CA 2269063 A1 CA2269063 A1 CA 2269063A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F17/00—Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
Abstract
The invention concerns a system and method for exchanging data in a network, in particular for automatically obtaining offers. The system comprises at least one central server (10) with a data memory which is provided with an input-connection unit and an output-connection unit, and at least one client and one data provider (20, 30) which are used to input and/or fetch data into and/or from the data memory of the central server (10) and can be connected to an input- and/or output-connection unit via a network (40) with terminals. The system is characterized in that the server comprises modules for automatically selecting data providers as a function of a client enquiry, and for automatically forwarding the enquiry to the data providers.
Description
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING DATA IN A NETWORK
The present invention relates to a system and method for data exchange in a network according to the preamble of claims 1 and 9.
Systems and methods for data exchange in networks are already known in the art.
For example, PCT Publication W096/03896 describes an information system having a data storage unit which is connected to subscriber stations by means of a message transmission path. Summary information concerning the information data stored in the data storage unit is automatically transmitted to subscribers who can subsequently retrieve the selected information. In this way, the on-line database serves first as a data storage unit for preparation of data for retrieval by data searcher clients, in which these clients can merely select from offers already available in the database.
European Patent Application publication 0,370,164-A1 describes an interactive market management system in which several sellers and buyers can be connected directly to one another by means of a network database.
Furthermore, PCT Publication W095/12176 discloses an information processing system for finding information using a computer network in which a broker can have access to several databases. Using this system, the broker, in response to a request from a data searcher, can manually search and locate targeted offers from data suppliers and present offers to the data searcher or buyer.
European Patent Publication EP 0,639,018-A2 discloses a system for data transmission in which information data is time selectively sent or received between a sender and a receiver in specific time windows.
The present invention relates to a system and method for data exchange in a network according to the preamble of claims 1 and 9.
Systems and methods for data exchange in networks are already known in the art.
For example, PCT Publication W096/03896 describes an information system having a data storage unit which is connected to subscriber stations by means of a message transmission path. Summary information concerning the information data stored in the data storage unit is automatically transmitted to subscribers who can subsequently retrieve the selected information. In this way, the on-line database serves first as a data storage unit for preparation of data for retrieval by data searcher clients, in which these clients can merely select from offers already available in the database.
European Patent Application publication 0,370,164-A1 describes an interactive market management system in which several sellers and buyers can be connected directly to one another by means of a network database.
Furthermore, PCT Publication W095/12176 discloses an information processing system for finding information using a computer network in which a broker can have access to several databases. Using this system, the broker, in response to a request from a data searcher, can manually search and locate targeted offers from data suppliers and present offers to the data searcher or buyer.
European Patent Publication EP 0,639,018-A2 discloses a system for data transmission in which information data is time selectively sent or received between a sender and a receiver in specific time windows.
Further methods for data exchange are, for example, illustrated in U.S. Patent No.
5,392,336, PCT Publication W095/10913 and European Patent Publication EP
0,176,522-A2 as well as German Patent Publication DE 3,122,348.
'Vithin the context of this state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for data exchange in a network which provides, in response to a specific data request or query sent to a central server, a complete and easily evaluated result which both quickly, reliably and concretely responds the request. In accordance with the invention, the data exchange should proceed as automatically as possible.
This object is achieved by a system and a method for data exchange having the characteristics of claims 1 and 9. Preferred embodiments are described in the depending claims.
According to a preferred embodiment, the system for data exchange in a network includes at least one central server having a data storage unit, which is provided with a data input connection and data output connection, and at least one client and at least one data provider for input and/or retrieval of data information (hereinafter referred to as "data") into or from the data storage unit of the central server. According to this embodiment of the invention, the server comprises a module for automatically relaying the client request to the selected providers. The module is a hardware/software apparatus for control of the internal circuitry processes of the server. The automatic selection of the information supplier or provider is, according to the invention, carried out as a function of the client request, i.e. for example, the server queries the database in response to client request for requested data and the server only forwards to the located database the client's request. In this way, a large of number of possible providers are quickly, easily and -reliably reached.
5,392,336, PCT Publication W095/10913 and European Patent Publication EP
0,176,522-A2 as well as German Patent Publication DE 3,122,348.
'Vithin the context of this state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for data exchange in a network which provides, in response to a specific data request or query sent to a central server, a complete and easily evaluated result which both quickly, reliably and concretely responds the request. In accordance with the invention, the data exchange should proceed as automatically as possible.
This object is achieved by a system and a method for data exchange having the characteristics of claims 1 and 9. Preferred embodiments are described in the depending claims.
According to a preferred embodiment, the system for data exchange in a network includes at least one central server having a data storage unit, which is provided with a data input connection and data output connection, and at least one client and at least one data provider for input and/or retrieval of data information (hereinafter referred to as "data") into or from the data storage unit of the central server. According to this embodiment of the invention, the server comprises a module for automatically relaying the client request to the selected providers. The module is a hardware/software apparatus for control of the internal circuitry processes of the server. The automatic selection of the information supplier or provider is, according to the invention, carried out as a function of the client request, i.e. for example, the server queries the database in response to client request for requested data and the server only forwards to the located database the client's request. In this way, a large of number of possible providers are quickly, easily and -reliably reached.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the data requested by the client (data searcher) relates to offers or quotes for particular products or services. In this way, a data provider is prompted to submit an offer in case a data searcher wants offers for a particular product or service.
Yet, another preferred embodiment provides a server having a module for anonymous or secure relaying of data requests from a client to a data provider so that the selected data provider receives no information about the client. In this way, the data provider, for example receiving a request by facsimile, is compelled to use the type of communication preferred by the system (for example using a data entry at a web page).
Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the requests are relayed by the server to providers who are selected according to region. A
further possibility of control is thus provided by the information system. For example, consideration of regionally different general quality standards of the suppliers can be taken into consideration.
While the invention provides a notification to a data provider, if a client request remains unanswered after a predetermined time, it is guaranteed that all clients targeted with information are taken care of. The data supplier or provider concerned is made aware by notification of the availability of a data searcher (client) in a reliable manner, and the process is initiated to transmit the requested data to the client. The elasped time span until a new notification is made can either be preset by the system or selected by the client. Using count statistics available in the server, providers which only rarely or never respond to request can be eliminated from further offer requests for information.
The system according to the invention is preferably applied as a sales promotion system.
Providers supply the data storage unit with product or service information in a known way via conventional information transmission devices such as for example, TV
decoders of an interactive television, facsimile transmission devices, personal computer (PC) and modem combinations, PC/ISDN devices or other subscriber terminal devices of conventional data networks. The information to be stored in the data storage unit consists of, for example, current price and product information, technical data, company information and sales and trade information. Using on-line connections to further constituent databases, the data supplier or provider can enhance its data with additional information important to a potentially interested party or prospective customer. The data can thus be linked or coupled, for example, with advertisements, editorial articles, test reports and further information of interest. Since the data provider has compiled the data to be recorded in the data storage unit, the provider transmits the data to the data storage unit. This takes place for example in a known way via existing telephone, ISDN
or Datex networks or the like.
A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the server comprises a module for automatically converting and formatting data. This allows for example the conversion of an e-mail message of the client into a fax or HTML format so that the request from an information provider can be received which uses these data formats.
Furthermore, it is preferred that the server is connected with external data bases from which additional information can be queried. These external databases can also be product-specific databases or information and trade databases, as for example, Creditreform (TM) or Dunn and Bradstreet (TM) databases, customs databases, etc. The method for data exchange in a network comprises at least one client (data searcher), a central server and a data provider, in which the method comprises the following steps:
1. Sending a data query or request of a client to the central server.
2. Generating a list of possible providers from a provider pool at the server as a function of the data in the request. _ 3. Establishing a connection and transmitting the data request to possible data providers using simultaneous transmission of a network address for the reply.
4. Receiving the requested data from at least a fraction of the possible data providers from the central server.
5. Collecting the requested data or portion thereof at the central server and forwarding the collected data to the client.
The network may comprise, for example, the Internet. The control of the essential process steps is carried out by the central server, which comprises, in addition to the necessary access software for the on-line service, a database, for example an SQL-database, and filters for the conversion of various data format. Furthermore, the server is prepared to establish automatic connections with data service providers.
First, a client or data searcher establishes an on-line connection with the central server and transmits a data query or request. The data request may be carned out using a suitable terminal program or an Internet browser. The data request may be a query for wares or goods specified according to the product or product class.
Using the data request of the client or data searcher, the central server generates a list of possible providers by linking the search terms with index terms. In the case of automatic offer or bid retrieval, the requested data or product can be compared with the product descriptions or designations, given as search terms, listed in the server. The listed product designations are linked with provider addresses in the address list.
If no match between the requested and listed product designation is found, the server then looks in the product group containing the requested product. If no match is found in this case, then all product providers are queried. The process involved is thus a heuristic intelligent list -generation. The advantage is that the probability of a negative response to a data request is limited and the data search is thus optimized. During the automatic generation of the provider list, the type of communication is chosen according to the capabilities of the data provider, that is if the data provider has no E-mail address, a fax may sent.
According to the method, the data request is transmitted, and simultaneously a network address of the central server is given for the response. In this way, the data request can either be exactly specified, or defined in rough terms only to be completed when the provider responds.
The requested data is then prepared by the data provider and transmitted to the network address of the central server. In the case of automatic offer obtaining or retrieval, the requested data comprises the offers or bids for the requested products. The central server collects the information output from individual data providers and compiles the data in a form readable by the data searcher or client. In the case of offer retrieval, a sorting can also take place, for example by price. Finally, the processed data from various data providers is forwarded to the client by E-mail, fax or in an agreed upon standard format.
It is an advantage of the method disclosed that the client (data searcher) merely submits a single request and, in response thereto, automatically obtains the reply of a number of data providers.
The method can also be carried out with several clients, servers and data providers at the same time.
A further preferred embodiment of the method of data exchange provides that the client sets a time limit for the preparation of the data such that the server no longer accepts any new data after expiry of the time limit and the data already received is forwarded to the client. The time limit set by the client is forwarded with the data request or query from the server to the possible data suppliers or providers and the network address for the reply for receipt of further data is cut-off after expiry of the time limit. The data is then automatically compiled within a short time by the server and forwarded to the client in a standard format. In this way, the data searcher (client) can receive and compare within a _' short time period a large number of data items from various data providers.
This is of great significance, for example, in the case of invitations for tenders to purchase goods having rapidly changing prices.
In a further preferred embodiment of the method, header or profile data concerning the client is taken into consideration during the automatic generation of the list of possible data providers. The profile data in this case can in particular contain additions to the provider list of the server or exclusion of certain data providers. The profile or header information can however also be a limitation to certain geographical regions from which data providers should be selected, restrictions concerning types of payment or also basic restrictions concerning the mode of data return. Furthermore, the list of information providers available at the central server can be expanded using data from the data searchers or clients.
In a further preferred embodiment, the data is converted and formatted by the central server. This concerns, for example, the conversion of the data request into fax format, or the formatting and preparation of the data prior to return to the client (data searcher).
In yet a further preferred embodiment, several queries from various clients can be processed in parallel by the central server. This means that the server is arranged for mufti-user operation or mufti-tasking. The above-described method can operate thereby in parallel with multiple threads. It is also an advantage that, while generating the list of possible data providers, address lists of external databases can be queried.
In this case, a conversion into a standard format, as for example X 500, must take place if required.
In a further preferred embodiment, a client's data request is converted by the central server into an audio, fax or e-mail request to the data provider.' In yet a further preferred embodiment, the central server carries out automatic password allocation to the data providers. By doing so, it is assured that only authorized data _8_ providers can return their data as an offer. When accessing the network address of the server, a verification setup is implemented which contains a corresponding password query (login dialog box). Data providers excluded by the client in a preliminary selection receive no password and thereby cannot supply an offer. A virtual seller (data supplier or S provider) can input, for example, his password each morning and then automatically receive at his terminal the requests which concern him.
Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the method provides that the central server automatically creates a virtual web page for each data provider. This means that a password query is first carried out at the network address supplied by the server, and then a data input screen appears in which the provider can input his offer. In this way, the data input screen remains the same for all providers for the data query or request.
The data input is stored by the server under the name of the provider registered by each respective password, and is no longer visible the next time the web page is called up by a subsequentprovider.
Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the data is entered using the virtual web page automatically generated by the server. In this way, each data provider is provided with an individual virtual web page for submitting the provider's offer. The individual password of each data provider is positively requested upon selection of the network address of the server by the data providers. Each individual data provider is then connected with its individual home page. The submission of offers is always carried out without a data provider seeing the offers of other data providers.
A further embodiment of the invention provides that receipt and processing of data requests, as well as data entry of the data at the web page, proceeds at the data provider end by an automatic process, for example a mail robot. By a mail robot is understood a _ program controlled computer which processes received requests according to a predetermined algorithm and answers them automatically in a standardized form.
The method can thereby be automated to the degree that the mail robot (and thereby the data provider) retrieves (i.e. receives) independently data requests from the central server and answers them. This requires that the data provider has a standardized interface to the central server and that all required information, as for example product item number, client number, time limit, password, and network address are transmitted in a standardized form.
Furthermore, several central servers can be provided in the network in which the central servers are synchronized among each other. In this way, a quicker access to the nearest central server is assured and worldwide access to the data of data providers is possible.
A further preferred embodiment involves the application of a user interface for offline generation of data requests from adata searcher for sending to the central server. In this way, the comparison and calculation of incoming data are immediately possible.
Finally, the described method is suited advantageously for application in automatic retrieval of offers for goods, wherein product index numbers are generated by the server in addition to the- listed product designations. This takes place in the background by means of a numeric table (matrix), which stores and manages product numbers.
Within the matrix, various product numbers of various providers designating however the same articles are linked and indexed, that is a server product index number is assigned. In order to be able to accept new items in the matrix and to manage existing items, the matrix is automatically structured and expanded. This takes place by "intercepting" new provider product numbers which are for example included in submissions for offers for alternate or successor items. When the retrieval of the offers indicates that a product number used by data requesters and various providers designates a same product, the product number used is linked with the same product number (index) in the central server. The method steps are thereby easier to automate since the correct product numbers of the provider can be specified when requesting to receive data (for example using a mail robot) using automatic processes installed at the provider.
In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates schematically an embodiment of the system for data exchange according to the invention; and Figure 2 shows the flow of a process according to the invention for automatic offer retrieval in a network.
A system for data exchange in a network illustrated schematically in Figure 1 comprises a server 10 including a data storage unit, which is organized as a structured interactive database. In the data storage unit, information data concerning data providers 20 can be stored. The stored data is retrievable by clients (data searchers) 30.
Providers 20 and data searchers 30 are connected by means of a message transmission path 40 with the data storage unit. Suitable message transmission paths are, for example, the telephone network, ISDN networks, data networks and cable television networks.
The data storage unit comprises an I/O unit module illustrated in Figure 1 with which the data storage unit is connected to the various message transmission paths 40.
The providers 20 and data searchers 30 may be connected by means of any freely selectable message transmission path 40 to the data storage unit. They are also equipped with the corresponding terminal apparatus, such as a PC Modem 41 or ISDN connection 42, a network interface 43, a fax apparatus 44 or a TV decoder and television apparatus 46.
The server 10 converts the data available in the data storage unit in a particular original format into the format required by the subscriber or for transmission to the subscriber. - _ The server also has a verification device which checks authorization' codes sent from subscribers so that only authorized subscribers have access to the data storage unit.
A data searcher 30 has access to the data storage unit as shown in Figure 1 using is terminal equipment 41 to 46 and the message transmission path 40 can there retrieve data. The data may comprise for example offers for specific products or services, which have been previously loaded by providers 20 in the data base. The data searcher or client 30 inputs a query to the database to find out more about further information regarding the earlier input offer of the provider 20. Alternatively, a data searcher 30 can, however, also input a query for a particular product or a service, without referring to a previously input offer of the provider 20 or without offers of the provider having been previously input.
The server relays the query or request of the data searcher 30 to the terminal devices 41 to 44 of the providers 20 wherein the query is relayed only to those providers which offer the related product or the related service. The selection of the providers 20 can be done in an anonymous or secure manner, i.e. the data searchers 30 receive no information concerning the providers 20 during this selection. In this case, the data searchers 30 do not discover the identity of the providers 20 until the providers 20 have sent back an answer to the data searcher 30.
Furthermore, selection by geographical location of providers 20 can be carried out. The selected providers 20 can then input or upload into the data storage unit the data requested by the data searcher 30 as a result of the transmission of the query of the data searcher 30 by means of the terminal devices 41 to 44 of the providers 20. The data storage unit forwards the data to the requesting data searcher 30. If a request stored in the terminal device 41 to 44 of a provider 20 is not answered within a predetermined amount of time, while other providers 20 have responded to. it and transmitted the requested data to the interested requester 30, then the concerned provider 20 is automatically notified.
For this purpose, either a screen output or a message stored in the server can be used. By this notification, the provider 20 will be made aware in a reliable manner of the availability of a query or request submitted by a data searcher 30 which concerns the provider 20.
The method according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 2.
The client searches for the best offer for an item which he or she more precisely specifies in his or her request or query for an offer. Additionally, the client can input data or restrictions concerning the offer to be retrieved of the product providers to be considered.
S Furthermore, the client or customer can specify the type of offer reply, namely for example, by e-mail, and the corresponding data structure for the reply when requesting the offer, as well as a time limit for the subsequent receipt of the offers.
The client is connected by a network to the central server where the offer request is received and is processed immediately by a decision subroutine. The decision subroutine then checks whether the specifications set out in the offer request can be used to directly generate an address list, or whether a corresponding address list can be generated using a heuristic approach. In the case of an offer request, for example looking for a 386-SX
chip as a product, when there is a failure to find a match between the chip to be searched and the products found in the product list, then products from the next level up are located, in this example the product group of CPU providers or resellers, and the addresses listed in that group are copied to generate the desired address list.
After generating the address list, the number of possible product providers is then known, and therefore so is also the corresponding number of passwords to be distributed. The passwords are distributed with the offer request to the corresponding product providers and a corresponding number 'n', from the number of possible providers, of virtual Web pages are prepared by the server. The offer request is forwarded to each of the product providers using the selected communications type, i.e. by fax or e-mail along with the additional information concerning the time limit, the individual password and the network address for the individual web page.
A password query takes place when the network address is accessed, and thereafter the virtual web page, i.e. the data entry screen or mask, opens and is the same for all product providers. After entry of the offer data in the data entry screen, the offer data provided by the product provider using the password is stored by the server and is not viewable for the next product provider who calls up the virtual web page. After expiry of the time limit, no offers at the assigned network address are accepted and the data from the web pages are compiled in the format required by the client and sent back to him by means of e-mail or fax.
In the case of fully automatic offer retrieval, a mail robot is at the product provider end to automatically evaluate and answer the request. Unique item designations are transmitted in a predetermined format and the corresponding search process is carried out automatically in the database of the product provider. Next, the connection is established and the submission of the offer to the central server is achieved automatically by the mail robot.
Yet, another preferred embodiment provides a server having a module for anonymous or secure relaying of data requests from a client to a data provider so that the selected data provider receives no information about the client. In this way, the data provider, for example receiving a request by facsimile, is compelled to use the type of communication preferred by the system (for example using a data entry at a web page).
Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the requests are relayed by the server to providers who are selected according to region. A
further possibility of control is thus provided by the information system. For example, consideration of regionally different general quality standards of the suppliers can be taken into consideration.
While the invention provides a notification to a data provider, if a client request remains unanswered after a predetermined time, it is guaranteed that all clients targeted with information are taken care of. The data supplier or provider concerned is made aware by notification of the availability of a data searcher (client) in a reliable manner, and the process is initiated to transmit the requested data to the client. The elasped time span until a new notification is made can either be preset by the system or selected by the client. Using count statistics available in the server, providers which only rarely or never respond to request can be eliminated from further offer requests for information.
The system according to the invention is preferably applied as a sales promotion system.
Providers supply the data storage unit with product or service information in a known way via conventional information transmission devices such as for example, TV
decoders of an interactive television, facsimile transmission devices, personal computer (PC) and modem combinations, PC/ISDN devices or other subscriber terminal devices of conventional data networks. The information to be stored in the data storage unit consists of, for example, current price and product information, technical data, company information and sales and trade information. Using on-line connections to further constituent databases, the data supplier or provider can enhance its data with additional information important to a potentially interested party or prospective customer. The data can thus be linked or coupled, for example, with advertisements, editorial articles, test reports and further information of interest. Since the data provider has compiled the data to be recorded in the data storage unit, the provider transmits the data to the data storage unit. This takes place for example in a known way via existing telephone, ISDN
or Datex networks or the like.
A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the server comprises a module for automatically converting and formatting data. This allows for example the conversion of an e-mail message of the client into a fax or HTML format so that the request from an information provider can be received which uses these data formats.
Furthermore, it is preferred that the server is connected with external data bases from which additional information can be queried. These external databases can also be product-specific databases or information and trade databases, as for example, Creditreform (TM) or Dunn and Bradstreet (TM) databases, customs databases, etc. The method for data exchange in a network comprises at least one client (data searcher), a central server and a data provider, in which the method comprises the following steps:
1. Sending a data query or request of a client to the central server.
2. Generating a list of possible providers from a provider pool at the server as a function of the data in the request. _ 3. Establishing a connection and transmitting the data request to possible data providers using simultaneous transmission of a network address for the reply.
4. Receiving the requested data from at least a fraction of the possible data providers from the central server.
5. Collecting the requested data or portion thereof at the central server and forwarding the collected data to the client.
The network may comprise, for example, the Internet. The control of the essential process steps is carried out by the central server, which comprises, in addition to the necessary access software for the on-line service, a database, for example an SQL-database, and filters for the conversion of various data format. Furthermore, the server is prepared to establish automatic connections with data service providers.
First, a client or data searcher establishes an on-line connection with the central server and transmits a data query or request. The data request may be carned out using a suitable terminal program or an Internet browser. The data request may be a query for wares or goods specified according to the product or product class.
Using the data request of the client or data searcher, the central server generates a list of possible providers by linking the search terms with index terms. In the case of automatic offer or bid retrieval, the requested data or product can be compared with the product descriptions or designations, given as search terms, listed in the server. The listed product designations are linked with provider addresses in the address list.
If no match between the requested and listed product designation is found, the server then looks in the product group containing the requested product. If no match is found in this case, then all product providers are queried. The process involved is thus a heuristic intelligent list -generation. The advantage is that the probability of a negative response to a data request is limited and the data search is thus optimized. During the automatic generation of the provider list, the type of communication is chosen according to the capabilities of the data provider, that is if the data provider has no E-mail address, a fax may sent.
According to the method, the data request is transmitted, and simultaneously a network address of the central server is given for the response. In this way, the data request can either be exactly specified, or defined in rough terms only to be completed when the provider responds.
The requested data is then prepared by the data provider and transmitted to the network address of the central server. In the case of automatic offer obtaining or retrieval, the requested data comprises the offers or bids for the requested products. The central server collects the information output from individual data providers and compiles the data in a form readable by the data searcher or client. In the case of offer retrieval, a sorting can also take place, for example by price. Finally, the processed data from various data providers is forwarded to the client by E-mail, fax or in an agreed upon standard format.
It is an advantage of the method disclosed that the client (data searcher) merely submits a single request and, in response thereto, automatically obtains the reply of a number of data providers.
The method can also be carried out with several clients, servers and data providers at the same time.
A further preferred embodiment of the method of data exchange provides that the client sets a time limit for the preparation of the data such that the server no longer accepts any new data after expiry of the time limit and the data already received is forwarded to the client. The time limit set by the client is forwarded with the data request or query from the server to the possible data suppliers or providers and the network address for the reply for receipt of further data is cut-off after expiry of the time limit. The data is then automatically compiled within a short time by the server and forwarded to the client in a standard format. In this way, the data searcher (client) can receive and compare within a _' short time period a large number of data items from various data providers.
This is of great significance, for example, in the case of invitations for tenders to purchase goods having rapidly changing prices.
In a further preferred embodiment of the method, header or profile data concerning the client is taken into consideration during the automatic generation of the list of possible data providers. The profile data in this case can in particular contain additions to the provider list of the server or exclusion of certain data providers. The profile or header information can however also be a limitation to certain geographical regions from which data providers should be selected, restrictions concerning types of payment or also basic restrictions concerning the mode of data return. Furthermore, the list of information providers available at the central server can be expanded using data from the data searchers or clients.
In a further preferred embodiment, the data is converted and formatted by the central server. This concerns, for example, the conversion of the data request into fax format, or the formatting and preparation of the data prior to return to the client (data searcher).
In yet a further preferred embodiment, several queries from various clients can be processed in parallel by the central server. This means that the server is arranged for mufti-user operation or mufti-tasking. The above-described method can operate thereby in parallel with multiple threads. It is also an advantage that, while generating the list of possible data providers, address lists of external databases can be queried.
In this case, a conversion into a standard format, as for example X 500, must take place if required.
In a further preferred embodiment, a client's data request is converted by the central server into an audio, fax or e-mail request to the data provider.' In yet a further preferred embodiment, the central server carries out automatic password allocation to the data providers. By doing so, it is assured that only authorized data _8_ providers can return their data as an offer. When accessing the network address of the server, a verification setup is implemented which contains a corresponding password query (login dialog box). Data providers excluded by the client in a preliminary selection receive no password and thereby cannot supply an offer. A virtual seller (data supplier or S provider) can input, for example, his password each morning and then automatically receive at his terminal the requests which concern him.
Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the method provides that the central server automatically creates a virtual web page for each data provider. This means that a password query is first carried out at the network address supplied by the server, and then a data input screen appears in which the provider can input his offer. In this way, the data input screen remains the same for all providers for the data query or request.
The data input is stored by the server under the name of the provider registered by each respective password, and is no longer visible the next time the web page is called up by a subsequentprovider.
Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the data is entered using the virtual web page automatically generated by the server. In this way, each data provider is provided with an individual virtual web page for submitting the provider's offer. The individual password of each data provider is positively requested upon selection of the network address of the server by the data providers. Each individual data provider is then connected with its individual home page. The submission of offers is always carried out without a data provider seeing the offers of other data providers.
A further embodiment of the invention provides that receipt and processing of data requests, as well as data entry of the data at the web page, proceeds at the data provider end by an automatic process, for example a mail robot. By a mail robot is understood a _ program controlled computer which processes received requests according to a predetermined algorithm and answers them automatically in a standardized form.
The method can thereby be automated to the degree that the mail robot (and thereby the data provider) retrieves (i.e. receives) independently data requests from the central server and answers them. This requires that the data provider has a standardized interface to the central server and that all required information, as for example product item number, client number, time limit, password, and network address are transmitted in a standardized form.
Furthermore, several central servers can be provided in the network in which the central servers are synchronized among each other. In this way, a quicker access to the nearest central server is assured and worldwide access to the data of data providers is possible.
A further preferred embodiment involves the application of a user interface for offline generation of data requests from adata searcher for sending to the central server. In this way, the comparison and calculation of incoming data are immediately possible.
Finally, the described method is suited advantageously for application in automatic retrieval of offers for goods, wherein product index numbers are generated by the server in addition to the- listed product designations. This takes place in the background by means of a numeric table (matrix), which stores and manages product numbers.
Within the matrix, various product numbers of various providers designating however the same articles are linked and indexed, that is a server product index number is assigned. In order to be able to accept new items in the matrix and to manage existing items, the matrix is automatically structured and expanded. This takes place by "intercepting" new provider product numbers which are for example included in submissions for offers for alternate or successor items. When the retrieval of the offers indicates that a product number used by data requesters and various providers designates a same product, the product number used is linked with the same product number (index) in the central server. The method steps are thereby easier to automate since the correct product numbers of the provider can be specified when requesting to receive data (for example using a mail robot) using automatic processes installed at the provider.
In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates schematically an embodiment of the system for data exchange according to the invention; and Figure 2 shows the flow of a process according to the invention for automatic offer retrieval in a network.
A system for data exchange in a network illustrated schematically in Figure 1 comprises a server 10 including a data storage unit, which is organized as a structured interactive database. In the data storage unit, information data concerning data providers 20 can be stored. The stored data is retrievable by clients (data searchers) 30.
Providers 20 and data searchers 30 are connected by means of a message transmission path 40 with the data storage unit. Suitable message transmission paths are, for example, the telephone network, ISDN networks, data networks and cable television networks.
The data storage unit comprises an I/O unit module illustrated in Figure 1 with which the data storage unit is connected to the various message transmission paths 40.
The providers 20 and data searchers 30 may be connected by means of any freely selectable message transmission path 40 to the data storage unit. They are also equipped with the corresponding terminal apparatus, such as a PC Modem 41 or ISDN connection 42, a network interface 43, a fax apparatus 44 or a TV decoder and television apparatus 46.
The server 10 converts the data available in the data storage unit in a particular original format into the format required by the subscriber or for transmission to the subscriber. - _ The server also has a verification device which checks authorization' codes sent from subscribers so that only authorized subscribers have access to the data storage unit.
A data searcher 30 has access to the data storage unit as shown in Figure 1 using is terminal equipment 41 to 46 and the message transmission path 40 can there retrieve data. The data may comprise for example offers for specific products or services, which have been previously loaded by providers 20 in the data base. The data searcher or client 30 inputs a query to the database to find out more about further information regarding the earlier input offer of the provider 20. Alternatively, a data searcher 30 can, however, also input a query for a particular product or a service, without referring to a previously input offer of the provider 20 or without offers of the provider having been previously input.
The server relays the query or request of the data searcher 30 to the terminal devices 41 to 44 of the providers 20 wherein the query is relayed only to those providers which offer the related product or the related service. The selection of the providers 20 can be done in an anonymous or secure manner, i.e. the data searchers 30 receive no information concerning the providers 20 during this selection. In this case, the data searchers 30 do not discover the identity of the providers 20 until the providers 20 have sent back an answer to the data searcher 30.
Furthermore, selection by geographical location of providers 20 can be carried out. The selected providers 20 can then input or upload into the data storage unit the data requested by the data searcher 30 as a result of the transmission of the query of the data searcher 30 by means of the terminal devices 41 to 44 of the providers 20. The data storage unit forwards the data to the requesting data searcher 30. If a request stored in the terminal device 41 to 44 of a provider 20 is not answered within a predetermined amount of time, while other providers 20 have responded to. it and transmitted the requested data to the interested requester 30, then the concerned provider 20 is automatically notified.
For this purpose, either a screen output or a message stored in the server can be used. By this notification, the provider 20 will be made aware in a reliable manner of the availability of a query or request submitted by a data searcher 30 which concerns the provider 20.
The method according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 2.
The client searches for the best offer for an item which he or she more precisely specifies in his or her request or query for an offer. Additionally, the client can input data or restrictions concerning the offer to be retrieved of the product providers to be considered.
S Furthermore, the client or customer can specify the type of offer reply, namely for example, by e-mail, and the corresponding data structure for the reply when requesting the offer, as well as a time limit for the subsequent receipt of the offers.
The client is connected by a network to the central server where the offer request is received and is processed immediately by a decision subroutine. The decision subroutine then checks whether the specifications set out in the offer request can be used to directly generate an address list, or whether a corresponding address list can be generated using a heuristic approach. In the case of an offer request, for example looking for a 386-SX
chip as a product, when there is a failure to find a match between the chip to be searched and the products found in the product list, then products from the next level up are located, in this example the product group of CPU providers or resellers, and the addresses listed in that group are copied to generate the desired address list.
After generating the address list, the number of possible product providers is then known, and therefore so is also the corresponding number of passwords to be distributed. The passwords are distributed with the offer request to the corresponding product providers and a corresponding number 'n', from the number of possible providers, of virtual Web pages are prepared by the server. The offer request is forwarded to each of the product providers using the selected communications type, i.e. by fax or e-mail along with the additional information concerning the time limit, the individual password and the network address for the individual web page.
A password query takes place when the network address is accessed, and thereafter the virtual web page, i.e. the data entry screen or mask, opens and is the same for all product providers. After entry of the offer data in the data entry screen, the offer data provided by the product provider using the password is stored by the server and is not viewable for the next product provider who calls up the virtual web page. After expiry of the time limit, no offers at the assigned network address are accepted and the data from the web pages are compiled in the format required by the client and sent back to him by means of e-mail or fax.
In the case of fully automatic offer retrieval, a mail robot is at the product provider end to automatically evaluate and answer the request. Unique item designations are transmitted in a predetermined format and the corresponding search process is carried out automatically in the database of the product provider. Next, the connection is established and the submission of the offer to the central server is achieved automatically by the mail robot.
Claims (23)
1. A system for data exchange in a network, in particular for automatic obtaining and retrieval of offers, which comprises at least one central server (10) having a data storage unit, and is provided with an input connection unit and an output connection unit, and at least one client and a data provider (20, 30) for inputting and/or retrieval of data into or from the data storage unit of the central server, which are connectable by an I/O
connection unit via a network (40) to terminal equipment, characterized in that, the server comprises modules for the automatic selection of data providers depending on a client request and for the automatic forwarding of the request to the data provider.
connection unit via a network (40) to terminal equipment, characterized in that, the server comprises modules for the automatic selection of data providers depending on a client request and for the automatic forwarding of the request to the data provider.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the data requested by a client (30) are offers for specific products or services.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the server comprises a module for anonymous or secure forwarding of data requests of a client (30) to a data provider, so that the selected data provider does not receive any information about the client.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the server comprises a module for selecting data providers (20) by region.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the server (10) comprises a module for automatically notifying a data provider (20) when a request sent to said data provider remains unanswered after a predetermined period of time.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the terminal equipment comprises PCs with modems (41), ISDN-connections (42), fax devices (44) or TV decoders (46) of interactive TVs.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the server comprises a module for automatically converting and formatting data.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the server is connected to external databases.
9. A method of exchanging data in a network, in particular for automatic offer obtaining and retrieval, which network comprises at least one client, a central server and a data provider, the method comprises the steps of:
(1) Sending a data request of a client to the central server (2) Generating a list of possible providers from a provider pool at the server depending on the data in the request (3) Establishing a connection and transmitting of the data request to possible data providers using simultaneous transmission of a network address for the reply (4) Receiving at the central server the desired data from at least a portion of the possible data providers (5) Collecting the desired data or portion thereof at the central server and forwarding the data collected to the client.
(1) Sending a data request of a client to the central server (2) Generating a list of possible providers from a provider pool at the server depending on the data in the request (3) Establishing a connection and transmitting of the data request to possible data providers using simultaneous transmission of a network address for the reply (4) Receiving at the central server the desired data from at least a portion of the possible data providers (5) Collecting the desired data or portion thereof at the central server and forwarding the data collected to the client.
10. The method of exchanging data according to claim 9, characterized in that, the client sets a time limit for the preparation of the data, and the server no longer accepts new data after expiry of the time limit and forwards the data already received to the client.
11. The method of exchanging data according to claim 9, characterized in that, the central server takes into consideration client profile data concerning the client when automatically generating the list of possible data providers.
12. The method of exchanging data according to claim 9, characterized in that, the central server converts and formats the data.
13. The method of exchanging data according to claim 9, characterized in that, the central server processes several requests of various clients in parallel.
14. The method of exchanging data according to claim 9, characterized in that, the central server polls external databases when generating the list of potential data providers.
15. The method of exchanging data according to claim 9, characterized in that, the central server converts data requests of a client into audio, fax or e-mail requests to the possible data providers.
16. The method of exchanging data according to claim 9, characterized in that, the central server automatically distributes passwords to the data providers.
17. The method of exchanging data according to claim 9, characterized in that, the central server automatically generates a virtual web page for each data provider.
18. The method of exchanging data according to claim 17, characterized in that, following password entry by the data provider, the data is recorded on the virtual web page generated by the server.
19. The method of exchanging data according to claim 18, characterized in that, receipt and processing of the data request, as well as data entry of the data on the web page, is carried out using an automatic process by the data provider.
20. The method of exchanging data according to claim 9, characterized in that, the method steps are carried out by several central servers in the network.
21. The method of exchanging data according to claim 20, characterized in that, the central servers are synchronized.
22. Use of a user interface for a method according to one of claims 9 through 20 for the off line generation of data requests for the central server and for the automatic capture or reading in of the data by the client.
23. Use of a method according to one of claims 9 through 20 for the automatic offer retrieval of goods, wherein the server generates product index numbers.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19643166.2 | 1996-10-18 | ||
| DE1996143166 DE19643166C1 (en) | 1996-10-18 | 1996-10-18 | Data exchange in information network for sales organisation |
| DE19723479.8 | 1997-06-04 | ||
| DE1997123479 DE19723479A1 (en) | 1997-06-04 | 1997-06-04 | Data exchange in information network for sales organisation |
| PCT/EP1997/005736 WO1998018093A1 (en) | 1996-10-18 | 1997-10-17 | System and method for exchanging data in a network |
Publications (1)
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| CA2269063A1 true CA2269063A1 (en) | 1998-04-30 |
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| CA002269063A Abandoned CA2269063A1 (en) | 1996-10-18 | 1997-10-17 | System and method for exchanging data in a network |
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| JP (1) | JP2001502825A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20000052641A (en) |
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| AT (1) | ATE211841T1 (en) |
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| CA (1) | CA2269063A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE59706130D1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998018093A1 (en) |
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| US7966222B2 (en) | 1997-06-12 | 2011-06-21 | Catalina Marketing Corporation | System and method for distributing information through cooperative communication network sites |
| DE19840383A1 (en) * | 1998-09-04 | 2000-03-09 | Bernd Waschek | Telecommunications terminal and system for exchange of offers and requests using base station of network operator |
| CA2246641C (en) * | 1998-09-08 | 2003-03-18 | Catalina Marketing International, Inc. | System and method for distributing information through cooperative communication network sites |
| DE19859350B4 (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2008-08-14 | T-Mobile Deutschland Gmbh | Method for operating comfortable value-added services in telecommunication networks |
| DE19933986A1 (en) * | 1999-07-20 | 2001-01-25 | Sonja Anderle | Communications system has website for representing and/or requesting information collected in data file, information display that can be set up individually via website |
| KR100581602B1 (en) * | 1999-09-14 | 2006-05-22 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Remote access method of Set top box |
| GB2360371A (en) * | 2000-03-14 | 2001-09-19 | Catalina Marketing Uk Ltd | Method and system for distributing and redeeming offers and incentives |
| EP1295224A2 (en) * | 2000-05-12 | 2003-03-26 | Ewarna.com International Holdings, Ltd. | Online color exchange |
| JP2001351009A (en) | 2000-06-07 | 2001-12-21 | Kao Corp | Commodity information providing system and mediation device |
| US6842654B2 (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2005-01-11 | Ewarna.Com International Holdings Limited | System, and method for online color algorithm exchange |
| ITBO20070151A1 (en) * | 2007-03-06 | 2007-06-05 | Gd Spa | PLANT TO PRODUCE AND PACK ITEMS. |
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| US4799156A (en) * | 1986-10-01 | 1989-01-17 | Strategic Processing Corporation | Interactive market management system |
| US4992940A (en) * | 1989-03-13 | 1991-02-12 | H-Renee, Incorporated | System and method for automated selection of equipment for purchase through input of user desired specifications |
| US5758328A (en) * | 1996-02-22 | 1998-05-26 | Giovannoli; Joseph | Computerized quotation system and method |
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- 1997-10-17 WO PCT/EP1997/005736 patent/WO1998018093A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-10-17 KR KR1019990703409A patent/KR20000052641A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-10-17 CN CN97199140A patent/CN1234885A/en active Pending
- 1997-10-17 DE DE59706130T patent/DE59706130D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-10-17 AU AU50505/98A patent/AU5050598A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-10-17 JP JP10518945A patent/JP2001502825A/en active Pending
- 1997-10-17 CA CA002269063A patent/CA2269063A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-10-17 EP EP97913154A patent/EP0932876B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-10-17 AT AT97913154T patent/ATE211841T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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| DE59706130D1 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
| CN1234885A (en) | 1999-11-10 |
| EP0932876A1 (en) | 1999-08-04 |
| EP0932876B1 (en) | 2002-01-09 |
| AU5050598A (en) | 1998-05-15 |
| KR20000052641A (en) | 2000-08-25 |
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| ATE211841T1 (en) | 2002-01-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |