WO2001090852A2 - Generateur automatique de specifications - Google Patents

Generateur automatique de specifications Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001090852A2
WO2001090852A2 PCT/US2001/016839 US0116839W WO0190852A2 WO 2001090852 A2 WO2001090852 A2 WO 2001090852A2 US 0116839 W US0116839 W US 0116839W WO 0190852 A2 WO0190852 A2 WO 0190852A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
generating
default
user
primary
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/016839
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001090852A3 (fr
Inventor
Kevin W. Long
Shannon M. Jackson
Stephen N. Walker
Ricki A. Winegardner
Original Assignee
E-Lynxx Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by E-Lynxx Corporation filed Critical E-Lynxx Corporation
Priority to AU2001274930A priority Critical patent/AU2001274930A1/en
Publication of WO2001090852A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001090852A2/fr
Publication of WO2001090852A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001090852A3/fr

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Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of automated computer program driven systems. More specifically, the present invention is directed to systems and methods for automatically generating a set of detailed objective, and comprehensive specifications which may be supplied to print and information products vendors or to vendors of other customized goods and services.
  • the inventors have designed and implemented systems and methods for providing improved automatic generation of specification data.
  • the systems and methods of the present invention provide a very user friendly interface for a person who desires to generate a set of product or service specifications.
  • the system and methods of the present invention employ the automatic selective presentation of data to a user so that a set of specifications may be generated quickly, easily, and accurately.
  • the present invention makes use of various drop down menus and on-line interaction with the purchaser of a product or service so that a specification may be generated quickly and conveniently.
  • the information that is populated in the drop-down menus or other user selections is altered depending upon a number of different factors.
  • the data presented to the user in this manner may be based upon past experience with the current system user or it may be based upon general experience and/or knowledge of the industry.
  • the system walks the user through a number of different menus so that all the necessary selections may be made.
  • a variety of computer generated assistance is automatically accessible to a person desiring to purchase printing services.
  • the computer generated assistance dynamically aids a person desiring to generate a set of print specifications by actively interrogating the person purchasing the printer services and thereafter automatically populating various data inputs so that the user may more easily and rapidly generate a set of print specifications.
  • Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods disclosed in the present application are not limited to the field of printing and may readily be altered for use in generation of specifications for other customized products and services as well.
  • the generation of a written set of specifications begins with a user selecting a particular product category type. For example, in the field of printing, the user may be presented with the option of selecting a type of paper stock or the mechanism for fastening the paper or perforations. Other options may also be available.
  • This information is selected by way of a user picking from among a number of categories that are available and automatically presented to the user through a conventional drop down box or other similar presentation of data .
  • the drop down box is preferably populated with a variety of options that are typically purchased by the print buyer's organization or with options that are typically desired by other print purchasers who purchase similar products or services.
  • a page of data is presented to the user that is specific to the initial product category selection. For example, if a user were to specify CD ROM replication, they would not be asked to provide information about folding, perforations, or scoring.
  • This page of data presents a user with a series of items that may be selected simply by pointing and clicking a mouse as is known in the art.
  • Other data input is received through data entry fields which may employ the use of drop down boxes to facilitate rapid data entry.
  • Computer generated assistance helps to guide a user through each of the necessary data entry fields.
  • the user may use the computer generated assistance for data entry or alternatively, the user may simply type or select their own choices.
  • Some of the computer generated assistance is provided by data entry fields that are populated with static information that reflect the most typical choices currently used in the print industry or by each particular print vendor.
  • Other computer generated assistance is based on artificial intelligence.
  • the drop down boxes are populated dynamically dependent upon information previously selected by the particular user. This information may be information that has been entered for each particular print job or it may be information that is based upon the most common selections previously made by each particular print purchaser.
  • a variety of computer generated assistance is also available to a user.
  • the user may either manually fill in address and destination information or simply select an option from the list of default destination addresses. These users can simply point and click on the desired option and the system will automatically populate the destination information data entry fields.
  • the information that is presented to the user may be based upon the identification of the print purchaser and the most common destination addresses for prior print jobs ordered by that particular user.
  • the use of attributes relating to the particular type of print job may also be linked and utilized by the system in order to prioritize the presentation of selections to a given user. For example, the system will review prior orders and determine whether a pattern exists that may be useful in altering the prioritization of the user presented selections. This may be suitable, for instance, if a particular print buyer sends books to one location and other print jobs to another location.
  • the system utilizes this information that is archived in a data store so that the most suitable options may be presented to the user.
  • the completed set of specifications is generated and transferred over the Internet to the print vendors, in the form of a solicitation, who may then submit a single price bid in response to the solicitation.
  • the specification information may be conveniently transferred to the print vendors electronically in a standard format developed by convention. Once the specification data has been transferred in this manner, the archives containing prior selection information for the print buyer is then updated so that the next time the buyer uses the system, the information from the most recent set of specifications may be utilized in generating yet another set of specifications.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a flow diagram for a first preferred embodiment of the system used in the generation of a print job specification
  • Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary screen for presenting data to a user in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary screen for presenting data to a user in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary screen for presenting data to a user in accordance with the present invention.
  • a computer software program is used to provide interaction with a user and to automatically generate a set of specifications based on user input and/or responses to the system.
  • the specifications are generated quickly and easily by a user who interacts with the computer program which presents the user with a number of different options.
  • the computer program is capable of accessing other data which may be useful in improving the capabilities of the system for automatically generating specifications.
  • Figure 1 is a block flow diagram illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the system which is shown generally at 10 in Figure 1.
  • the system automatically generates an initial inquiry for a response by the user.
  • the response to this inquiry is used in generating additional responses for the user to automatically select or modify.
  • the initial inquiry may include such things as a request for identification of the type of paper stock, the type of fastener to be used in joining printed documents, and the type of perforations or scoring. These are exemplary only and those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of data may be used as well.
  • the systems and methods of the present invention may be used to generate a set of specifications for any product or service.
  • the initial response is analyzed to determine whether or not the response is recognized by the system.
  • the set of specifications to be generated is one which specifies the various attributes and parameters for a print job.
  • the user is first presented with options for the selection of a type of paper stock.
  • the initial inquiry may be a request for any information that is needed in order to generate the final set of specifications. The sequence in which this information is received is not critical.
  • the response to the initial inquiry may be a selection from a drop down menu or simply entered through user input to a data entry field. If the response is recognized by the system and is consistent with further specification data, the additional specification data is then pulled up and presented to the user. For example, if the selected paper stock is a book, the color automatically will default to a selection of white and the basis size will default to a width of 25 inches and a length of 38 inches. These are standard values which, based upon the experience of the printer generating the specification, will be the default values. A person utilizing the system will also be able to alter the default values if so desired.
  • the user is presented with the ability to set any data entry field value for a particular print specification as a future default value.
  • This option is preferably presented to the user via a tool bar or icon that may be selected with a graphical user interface.
  • Two alternate selections for setting new default values for the system are available. In a first selection, the user is able to set all values for a new set of specifications to the new default values. Alternatively, the user may select to have only certain data entry fields set as new default values for future specifications. These options are presented to the user shortly after the user logs into the system.
  • the automatic default values may be altered based upon prior experience with a particular print purchaser.
  • a database containing historic information on the print buyer is maintained so that the default values are most appropriate. For example, if the print purchaser was a publisher of children's books which were normally printed with a green color, the typical default color would be set to green based upon the prior experience with this print purchaser. The fact that this user had previously used green is determinative of the new default values for the system. This aspect of system operation is known as user based setting of default values.
  • the system may be configured to handle user based setting of default values in several different ways that may also be selected by the user.
  • the user default values are always set to the most-recent set of print specifications prepared by this user.
  • a single file is maintained that contains the default values. This file is simply replaced with new values each time the user generates a new set of specifications.
  • the default values are simply based on the most popular response for each field over a given number of prior specifications for this print buyer. For example, the system may look at the most recent ten sets of specifications and for each response the system would automatically default to the most popular prior selection.
  • a plurality of default preferences are stored for each of a number of different selected primary categories. These default values are then automatically retrieved for each of the respective primary categories depending upon the selected primary category. This feature of the system advantageously allows the system to account for the fact that default preferences may differ depending on the primary selection.
  • the system will automatically select the desired default values depending upon the initial primary selection.
  • step 16 The consideration of this information for setting of default values occurs in step 16 wherein additional information related to the particular print purchaser is reviewed so that the default values may be altered as appropriate.
  • the information that is considered by the system in this step depends upon the selected mode of operation as noted above.
  • the system In order to accomplish the automatic adjustment of the default values, the system maintains a database containing information on prior selections for that particular user. If no additional information is available (such as when it is the first time that the user has accessed the system), the system simply moves to the next stage of operation wherein the system submits suggested responses to a user which are based on other pre-set defaults that may be based on industry experience. As noted above, the user may actively select the mode of system operation for modifying the default responses as desired. In step 18, the system generates and displays default data.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary screen display 20 that demonstrates operation of a system in accordance with the present invention wherein the system automatically generates print specifications.
  • This screen demonstrates the automatic default selections for a variety of data entry fields once a user identifies the type of stock that is to be used on a particular print job. In this illustration, the user has selected bond as the type of paper stock and only the data entry fields that are pre-populated with information have information contained therein.
  • the screen provides for the selection of a particular source for the stock in data entry field 22.
  • Data entry field 24 allows a user to also specify a stock grade or brand name.
  • the stock selection is shown in data entry field 26. Additional information relating to the specification of caliper and basis weight may be entered in data entry fields 27, 28.
  • Data entry field 29 contains the default color selection based on the selected stock.
  • Data entry field 30 contains information pertaining to the selected finish, and data entry fields 31, 32 contain the dimensions of the basis size. The values for color finish and basis size are initially set based simply on the stock selection. The default values may be fixed for all users of the system. Alternatively, as noted above, in a refined version of the system, additional external data may also be used in altering the default values presented to a user.
  • Figure 3 illustrates an alternate exemplary screen display 40 that demonstrates the operation of the system where the stock is selected to be a book.
  • This screen demonstrates the automatic default selections for a variety of data entry fields once a user selects the option "book" as the stock selection. Only the data entry fields that are automatically pre-populated with information have information contained therein.
  • the screen provides for the selection of a particular source for the stock in data entry field 42.
  • Data entry field 44 allows a user to also specify a stock grade or brand name.
  • the stock selection is shown in data entry field 46. Additional information relating to the specification of caliper and basis weight may be entered in data entry fields 47, 48.
  • Data entry field 49 contains the default color selection based on the selected stock.
  • Data entry field 50 contains information pertaining to the selected finish, and data entry fields 51 , 52 contain the dimensions of the basis size. The values for color finish and basis size are initially set based simply on the stock selection. The default values may be fixed for all users of the system. Alternatively, as noted above, in a refined version of the system, additional external data may also be used in altering the default values presented to a user. A comparison of the default values found in figures 2 and 3 indicates an example of differences in default values that the system uses depending on the selection of the paper stock.
  • Figure 4 illustrates an alternate exemplary screen display 60 that demonstrates operation the system where the stock is selected to be Label- Gum.
  • This screen demonstrates the automatic default selections for a variety of data entry fields once a user selects the option "Label Gum" as the stock selection. Only the data entry fields that are automatically pre- populated with information have information contained therein.
  • the screen provides for the selection of a particular source for the stock in data entry field 62.
  • Data entry field 64 allows a user to also specify a stock grade or brand name.
  • the stock selection is shown in data entry field 66. Additional information relating to the specification of caliper and basis weight may be entered in data entry fields 67, 68.
  • Data entry field 69 contains the default color selection based on the selected stock.
  • Data entry field 70 contains information pertaining to the selected finish, and data entry fields 71, 72 contain the dimensions of the basis size. The values for color finish and basis size are initially set based simply on the stock selection. The default values may be fixed for all users of the system. Alternatively, as noted above, in a refined version of the system, additional external data may also be used in altering the default values presented to a user. A comparison of the default values found in figures 2, 3, and 4 indicates an example of differences in default values that the system uses depending on the selection of the paper stock.
  • system for automatically generating specification data described herein is not limited to the field of print specification generation. Any type of specification for products and/or services may be generated by the system of the present invention. Furthermore, even within the field of print specification generation, it will be recognized that there are other types of information that can be acquired through the use of the systems and methods of the present invention.
  • the system can be readily used in selecting and identifying various selections relating to the type of fastening to be used on a print job as well as the perforation and scoring for a particular print job.
  • the system and methods of the present invention may be utilized to acquire any information that is necessary or useful in the generation of a specification.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
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  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
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  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Information Retrieval, Db Structures And Fs Structures Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des systèmes et des procédés permettant la génération automatique de données de spécification sur la base d'une interaction avec un utilisateur. A cet effet, on utilise les réponses d'un utilisateur pour déterminer des valeurs implicites pour les réponses aux questions suivantes. Ces valeurs implicites, qui peuvent être prédéfinies, peuvent également s'appuyer sur des données en mémoire concernant des choix antérieurs qui sont soit spécifiques de l'utilisateur, soit spécifiques d'un choix antérieur particulier de l'utilisateur. En l'occurrence, le système génère une spécification pour des marchandises et/ou des services sur la base de des réponses et du choix à partir des valeurs implicites.
PCT/US2001/016839 2000-05-23 2001-05-22 Generateur automatique de specifications WO2001090852A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001274930A AU2001274930A1 (en) 2000-05-23 2001-05-22 Automated specification generator

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US57879900A 2000-05-23 2000-05-23
US09/578,799 2000-05-23

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001090852A2 true WO2001090852A2 (fr) 2001-11-29
WO2001090852A3 WO2001090852A3 (fr) 2002-02-28

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AU (1) AU2001274930A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001090852A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8578262B2 (en) 2002-03-01 2013-11-05 Charles W. Williams Cad-interfaced, automated system for assisting the architectural process
US20210390493A1 (en) * 2020-06-12 2021-12-16 Facilgo, Inc. Intelligent work performance transaction engine

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5146344A (en) * 1990-09-28 1992-09-08 Xerox Corporation Printing system with automatic statistical compilation and billing
US5956698A (en) * 1997-07-31 1999-09-21 Xerox Corporation Information broker for printing system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5146344A (en) * 1990-09-28 1992-09-08 Xerox Corporation Printing system with automatic statistical compilation and billing
US5956698A (en) * 1997-07-31 1999-09-21 Xerox Corporation Information broker for printing system

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9110870B1 (en) 2001-03-01 2015-08-18 Visions Computer Imaging Systems Ltd. Automated system for assisting the architectural process
US8578262B2 (en) 2002-03-01 2013-11-05 Charles W. Williams Cad-interfaced, automated system for assisting the architectural process
US20210390493A1 (en) * 2020-06-12 2021-12-16 Facilgo, Inc. Intelligent work performance transaction engine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2001274930A1 (en) 2001-12-03
WO2001090852A3 (fr) 2002-02-28

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