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Description  |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is in the field of computer-aided sales and
advertising and has particular application to software applications for
interacting with and configuring knowledge bases presented on a wide area
network (WAN) via a remote computer or shared network connection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computer-aided sales presentations wherein rules-based configurators are
employed have long been a valuable tool for allowing a customer or client
to configure his or her own order of a product or products. This technique
is employed in a network environment whereby a client configures his or
her order and sends it over the Internet, or another type of network, to a
seller which can fill the order. For example, a complex computer system
has many different features, accessories, options, etc. With the
appropriate software program, a client can configure his or her own custom
order for a particular brand or type of system. By employing an
interactive method a client can apply certain desired features in his
product-order configuration that were chosen from options provided by a
seller.
More recently, it is known to the inventor that object-oriented,
constraint-based configurators have begun to replace rules-based
configurators by virtue of their more flexible organization. For example,
rules-based configurators rely on set rules that are programmed in a
procedural computer language. Partly for this reason, every change in the
merchandise offered may require substantial changes in the software, which
can be quite a lot of work, considering the fast pace of trade today.
Rules-based configurators are not physically separated from the actual
knowledge data and the application for manipulating the knowledge data.
Knowledge base configurators known to the inventor have such separation
(an applet) therefore, the knowledge base can be changed easily via an
editing process. The knowledge base applies the changes via linking to
other elements of the process such as the object model.
Generally speaking, an object model representing a product, such as a new
automobile, is created using a programming language within a model
building application at the sellers end. This object model contains all of
the descriptive elements and various features including cost information
about the object it represents. A model writer procedure then writes a
binary file, which is readable only to applications written in the same
environment.
These object models can then be presented to a client having the
appropriate software application on the correct platform and using the
required language. The client can then enter his desired choices or
options via interactive software. A configurator commonly known as a
run-time engine insures that the client's choices are applied correctly.
The configurator is also adapted to negate any conflict or impossibility
that may arise from the client's directives.
A difficulty with the current state of the art, which has hampered fast
deployment of knowledge bases severely, is that although a knowledge base
is superior to a rules base as described above, the knowledge base is
language-dependent and not easily transferred across different platforms
(i.e. IBM to Macintosh, or even Win 3.1 vs. Win 95). For example, a client
would be required to operate in the same computer platform and language to
be able to interactively configure his desired purchase. This is a serious
problem because it severely limits the targeted on-line community that a
seller may reach.
A knowledge base configuration process known to the inventor and described
with reference to the priority application to this CIP application as
listed under the Cross-Reference to related documents section above,
effectively solves the above described problem related to language and
platform dependency. However, clients interacting with model-presenting
companies must download both the knowledge base and the knowledge base
configuration software in order to configure a product to hopefully
reflect the desired specifications and features which are offered.
A unique interaction topology for the network application described above
is taught later in this specification with reference to FIG. 2. The
advantage of this technique is that configuration is comparatively swift
because it is done locally (client side). A drawback is the requirement
for downloading the knowledge base and any updates that may be required
including updates to the applet that configures the knowledge base.
It is desired by many clients who buy interactively over a WAN via the use
of knowledge bases, that software downloading be kept to a minimum, as it
is time consuming and uses otherwise available computer memory. Moreover,
since the first application communication speed for WAN systems like the
Internet has improved dramatically. What is clearly needed is an
executable interface that would allow a client to configure a knowledge
base and transact an order with the company without being required to
download the knowledge base or software to configure the knowledge base.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for configuring
a knowledge-based object model located at a server platform from a client
platform via a data network is provided, comprising steps of (a) providing
the object model and a configurator at the server platform; (b)
transporting, from the server platform to the client platform, a GUI
user-interface application capable of manipulating the configurator over
the data network; and (c) invoking the GUI user-interface application at
the client platform by a client, and using the GUI user-interface
application to configure the object model at the server from the client
platform. In some embodiments the GUI user-interface application is a
Java-based applet. Also, the server platform may be a first
Internet-connected computer and the client platform is a second
Internet-connected computer. The GUI user-interface application may also
be a WEB-browser plug-in in some embodiments. In many cases the client
platform connects to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider
(ISP), the server platform is hosted by an enterprise, and the client uses
the downloaded GUI user-interface application to configure the object
model to select and order a product or service offered by the enterprise.
In another aspect of the invention a system for selling products and
services from a computerized server in a wide area network is provided,
comprising a knowledge base stored at or accessible to the server; a
configurator executable at the server platform to configure the knowledge
base; and a GUI user-interface application capable of manipulating the
configurator over the data network, executable on a client platform
connected to the server platform by a data link. In this embodiment a
client uses the GUI user-interface application over the data link to
manipulate the configurator to configure the knowledge base.
Also in this embodiment of a system, the GUI user-interface application may
be a Java-based applet. The server platform can be a first
Internet-connected computer and the client platform a second
Internetconnected computer, in which case the GUI user-interface
application may be a WEB browser plug-in. Preferably the client platform
connects to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Typically server platform is hosted by an enterprise, and the client uses
the downloaded GUI user-interface application to configure the object
model to select and order a product or service offered by the enterprise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for a knowledge base
application according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating system architecture and client
interaction with a WEB-based knowledge base according to an embodiment of
the invention described in priority document Ser. No. 08/962,594, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,049,822.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating client interaction with a WEB-based
knowledge base according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a knowledge base work flow application
according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein both knowledge
base objects and GUI objects are generated and presented to a client by an
advertiser or seller of a product.
A knowledge base generator or model builder 101 is used at the sellers end
to create a desired object model 102. As described briefly with reference
to the background section, object model 102 contains all of the
information related to the represented object or product such as
dimensions, colors, styles, pricing and the like. Model builder 101 is a
software tool known to the inventor in the art of generating knowledge
bases.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a programming language
such as Java or C+ is used in the building of object model 102. The reason
for this is because these languages are relatively universal and usable
among different platforms. It will be apparent to one with skill in the
art that many different programming languages could be used in creating
object model 102 without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention such as Perl or Visual Basic. The languages mentioned
above are used in a preferred embodiment for reasons described above.
A unique and innovative method according to an embodiment of the present
invention is initiated by using a model-converting writer 103 to write
object model 102 into the form of a collection of human readable files.
ASCII files. Such files are commonly referred to by those with skill in
the art as flat files, and are typically human readable and sensical. A
flat file 104 which is an ASCII file containing knowledge base objects
that have been converted and written by model-converting writer 103 can be
transported to the client over the Internet or another type of network.
Flat file 104 is an external media type file that can be read by a
computer program or by a person. Therefore the recreation or modification
of the object models can be automated or manual. Also, communications
across different platforms is sometimes "intransparent", meaning only
human readable files can be transferred. Other file types, such as binary
files, can contain characters that would be interpreted by either entity
(sending or receiving computer) as commands, including such commands that
can disrupt or terminate such communications.
Flat file 104 in an embodiment of the invention is used as a source for a
GUI builder 111 in the process of building a GUI object model 112.
GUI-object model 112 insures that there are graphical or visual
representations of the appropriate parts of object model 102. Using a
conversion-model writer 113, GUI-object models are written into the form
of a human-readable ASCII flat file along with some optional multimedia
files for filling in the GUI that can then be sent to a client.
The incorporation of a human readable, ASCII format into the knowledge base
process allows for the transporting of the associated information across
different computer platforms as well as allowing for the use of differing
languages. This unique method utilizes known software applications such as
model-converting writers 103, and 113 and enhances them with the
capability of converting the object models into flat files as explained
and taught above.
In FIG. 1, dotted line 110 represents a network transmission interface,
such as transmission of files to a client via an Internet connection.
Those steps and processes appearing above line 110 are on the seller's
side, and those below are on the client's side. Presumably, in the case of
the Internet, the client has accessed the seller's Internet site, and is
capable of downloading selected information. Whether or not the
information downloaded is useful to the client is an issue addressed by
the present invention.
At the client's end, a reader application 123 reads the flat files
downloaded from the advertiser's site and rebuilds these files into
objects for a knowledge-based configurator known in the art as a run-time
engine 121. Run-time engine 121 converts flat files 104 and 114 back into
knowledge base objects 122 and GUI objects 132 which are the same as
object models 102 and 104. For example, if the same programming language
and environment is used in run-time engine 121 as in model builder 101,
then knowledge base 122 will be identical to object model 102 both
binaurally and descriptively. The same relationship can be concluded with
regards to GUI objects 132 and object model 112. If a different language
and environment is used in run-time generator 121 that that used in model
builder 101, then the files are not binaurally identical, but will
accurately describe the same object.
A process of the present invention as described above could be used to
up-date configurator systems such as run-time engine 121. Editing or
changing rules could be done from within the knowledge base instead of
from within the object model via the addition of a reader that reads the
flat file back into object model 102.
Method and Apparatus for Remote Client to Knowledge Base Interaction
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method and
apparatus is provided wherein a client may interact with and configure a
knowledge base without downloading the knowledge base or software used to
manipulate the knowledge base.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating client interaction with a WEB-based
knowledge base according to an embodiment of the invention described and
claimed in application Ser. No. 08/962,594, U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,822. In
order to enable an adequate explanation of the present invention, the
inventor has chosen to first illustrate a network topology that is
consistent with the priority application listed under the Cross-Reference
to Related Documents above.
According to the prior embodiment, a unique method was taught for client
interaction with WAN-based knowledge bases that is adapted to save the
client time and resources when configuring a product or service for order.
The topology as illustrated herein with reference to FIG. 2 comprises a
client 133 that is connected to a wide area network (WAN) 135, such as the
Internet, via a remote network connection 134, such as a typical Internet
connection known in the art. The method of connection may also, in some
embodiments, be that of a shared network connection such as may be the
case of a smaller local area network (LAN) connected to WAN 135.
WAN 135 may be the Internet, an Intranet, or another type of WAN known in
the art. Client 133 has a personal computer (PC) 136 having the capability
and equipment to enable the above described connection to WAN 135 as known
in the art. WAN 135 comprises a server 137 adapted to serve and receive
data to and from PC 136 at the location of client 133. File server 137 is
typically hosted by an enterprise engaged in selling products to clients
such as 133 over WAN 135, as is consistent with the method taught with
respect to the priority application. A database 143 is illustrated as
being connected to file server 137 as is known in the art of
server/database relationships as practiced on a WAN.
A knowledge base 139 is resident in server 137, or accessible from database
143, along with an applet 141 adapted to manipulate and configure
knowledge base 139. The configuration of knowledge base 139 is defined,
for the purpose of clarity, as selecting the desired options relating to
color, model number, optional accessories, and the like, as may be offered
as interactive options in the knowledge base representing the product.
Knowledge base 139 is analogous to components 104 and 114 as listed above
line 110 (seller's end) in FIG. 1 of the priority application. Knowledge
base 139 as such is also illustrated logically as downloaded to PC 136 at
the location of client 133 as indicated via directional arrow K. At PC
136, knowledge base 139 is analogous to elements 122 (KB Objects) and
element 132 (GUI Objects) as illustrated below line 110 (client's side) of
FIG. 1.
It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that there may be many
more than one knowledge base and associated applet available from server
137 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
However, the inventor chooses to illustrate only one knowledge base and
one applet in order to simplify explanation of the present invention.
Applet 141 is analogous to Reader 123 and Run-Time Engine 121 as
illustrated below line 110 (client's end) in FIG. 1. Applet 141 is also
illustrated as downloaded to PC 136 as was described above with reference
to knowledge base 139. The download is illustrated via directional arrow
A. In this way, client 133 may configure his product off-line via use of
the downloaded components. For example, applet 141 is used as a tool to
configure knowledge base 139 as illustrated via bi-directional arrow
placed between the two components. Once his product is configured, client
133 may go on-line (connect to WAN 135) and upload a finished order to
server 137 which may in turn communicate with database 143 and relay
information back to client 133. Database 143 typically contains data
related to the products provided by the company presenting the knowledge
bases and may also contain additional information such as shipping dates,
product status, product updates, applet updates and so on.
Working off-line allows client 133 to configure knowledge base 139 at his
leisure and allows him to place an order for the configured product at any
desired time. In this case, ASCII files (flat files) along with optional
multimedia files as described with reference to FIG. 1 are sent in the
download of knowledge base 139 as represented by arrow K. This allows for
differences in computer platform and languages to be utilized on the same
network-interaction topology. While this unique topology and method
provides distinct advantages to client 133, he still must download applet
141 and knowledge base 139 in order to configure and place his order. This
could be an issue if he is using someone else's computer, for example,
wherein downloading components is not desired or approved by the owner.
Similarly, he may be sharing a common system with several users with
policy governing the system discouraging or forbidding such purchasing
wherein significant downloading is required.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a unique
applet is provided and adapted to function as a controller for
manipulating an applet such as applet 141 of FIG. 2 to configure a
knowledge base such as knowledge base 139 of FIG. 2. This innovative
applet gives a client complete control over the configuration of his
product and transaction of his order.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating architecture and client interaction
with a WEB-based knowledge base according to an embodiment of the present
invention. In order to avoid redundancy elements of topology and
components that are not new to the invention will not be reintroduced and
retain their same element numbers.
The network topology of FIG. 3 is essentially the same as the network
topology illustrated with reference to FIG. 2. For example, client 133 is
connected via remote connection 134 to server 137, which in turn is
connected to database 143 as was described with reference to FIG. 2.
However, a difference exists in the way that the client interacts with
knowledge base 139 and applet 141.
A graphical user interface (GUI) applet 145 is provided and adapted to
communicate and exert control over applet 141 which in turn enables the
configuration of knowledge base 139. GUI 145 is, in this embodiment, a
Java-based applet which is capable of being executed on different kinds of
platforms. In alternate embodiments, GUI 145 may be COM model, or
Active-X.TM.. As a Java GUI, applet 145 is adapted to send and receive
data as both text and graphics. Similar to a software control panel, a
client such as client 133 uses GUI 145 to instruct applet 141 to make the
desired selections required with respect to knowledge base 139 in order
for a successful product order to be realized.
In this embodiment, GUI 145 is the only component that must be downloaded
to PC 136 as illustrated via directional arrow G representing such
download. As a control interface, GUI 145 contains only the appropriate
control codes and display capability for required interaction. For
example, commands may be sent to applet 141 to execute desired selections,
while displayable results of such selections appear in a display window or
dialog box associated with GUI 145. This allows GUI 145 to remain very
small in overall data size, therefore, largely reducing any download
requirements that otherwise may be presented.
GUI 145 may be in the form of a WEB-browser plug-in. As a Java enabled
plug-in, GUI 145 may be capable of transmitting and receiving audio,
audio/video, text and graphics, or any other supported media. In one
embodiment, GUI 145 may be embedded in a WEB form downloaded by client 133
from the company selling the products.
GUI 145 has the ability to communicate with applet 141 as illustrated via
directional arrow C. Communication between GUI 145 and applet 141 in
server 137 is such that knowledge base options may be viewed, and
selections may be made wherein upon making a selection, viewable results
of the selection are presented in a GUI-associated display or window. GUI
145 may contain application program interfaces (API's) adapted to invoke
installed readers, viewers, players, and such as may be required to
disseminate audio or graphic content. In one embodiment, the required or
selected viewing capability is supplied with GUI 145.
The unique method of providing a GUI as an interface produces an option
wherein a client need not perform any significant downloading in order to
configure and present an order to a company. The complete configuration
and transaction of an order takes place on-line. Updates to client
software are minimized as only GUI updates are required when significant
editing is done to an existing GUI. Such updates may be delivered to a
client via push technology such as e-mail, or offered to the client in the
form of an interactive update button. One example of a GUI update may be
that a new media is supported. Code enabling the media may be sent as an
executable and configure itself to the existing GUI code.
With the use of GUI 145, a client such as client 133 cannot now configure
his product off-line and send an order whenever he decides. However, this
disadvantage is substantially off-set by the fact that downloading is at a
minimum. In many cases, configuring and ordering a product on-line with
GUI 145 will be faster than downloading components that would be required
when performing the same task without GUI 145. Of course, this will depend
on the size and complication of the downloaded knowledge base and
associated controls.
After configuring a knowledge base such as knowledge base 139, GUI 145 may
act as an interface to database 143 through applet 141. For example, the
actual transaction of the order, confirmation of the receipt of the order
and any added information such as real-time status, any conflict
information such as might cause delay in shipment, and so on, may be
relayed to client 133 via applet 141 and GUI 145.
It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that an applet such as GUI
applet 145 may be created supporting varying media types as may be offered
in a presentation or product promotion and that such media types may be
already installed on PC 136 and invoked by GUI 145, or be provided in
their entirety as viewers within GUI 145.
It will also be apparent to one with skill in the art that the use of ASCII
files as illustrated with regards to FIG. 1 (P3501PA) may be practiced on
the sellers side if more than one computer language or platform is evident
among several systems connected to the sellers network. With the provision
of GUI 145, a client such as client 133 will not be required to work with
ASCII files.
It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that a method of the
present invention such as described with reference to FIG. 1 could use a
variety of different programming languages as known in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will also
be apparent to one with skill in the art that the method of the present
invention may be adapted to be transported across a variety of known
computer platforms without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. For example a client using a windows operating system
may download and configure ASCII files that were generated in a UNIX
environment and so on.
The spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims
that follow.
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