U.S. patent application number 15/906038 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for electronic shipment planner and method for presenting shipment and scheduling information to a user.
This patent application is currently assigned to ABF Freight System, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is ABF Freight System, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert A. Davidson, Corey Goux, Michael Newcity.
Application Number | 20180189718 15/906038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26870639 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180189718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davidson; Robert A. ; et
al. |
July 5, 2018 |
ELECTRONIC SHIPMENT PLANNER AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING SHIPMENT AND
SCHEDULING INFORMATION TO A USER
Abstract
An electronic shipment planner is adapted for electronically
presenting shipment and scheduling information to a user. The
shipment and scheduling information includes at least one shipment
event date. The shipment planner is linked to a shipment data
repository containing shipment and scheduling information. A system
interface communicates with the shipment data repository. An
interactive shipment data link is electronically associated with
the shipment and scheduling information, and cooperates with the
system interface as commanded by the user to access and retrieve
the associated shipment and scheduling information contained in the
shipment data repository. A calendar display interface displays the
shipment planner to the user in a calendar format, such that the
interactive shipment data link is provided on the shipment event
date associated with the shipment and scheduling information.
Inventors: |
Davidson; Robert A.; (Fort
Smith, AR) ; Goux; Corey; (Fort Smith, AR) ;
Newcity; Michael; (Fort Smith, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ABF Freight System, Inc. |
Fort Smith |
AR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ABF Freight System, Inc.
Fort Smith
AR
|
Family ID: |
26870639 |
Appl. No.: |
15/906038 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15198625 |
Jun 30, 2016 |
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15906038 |
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13200763 |
Sep 30, 2011 |
9390392 |
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15198625 |
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12380900 |
Mar 5, 2009 |
8037400 |
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13200763 |
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11208193 |
Aug 19, 2005 |
7546520 |
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12380900 |
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09691980 |
Oct 19, 2000 |
7003720 |
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11208193 |
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60174887 |
Jan 7, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20130101;
G06Q 10/109 20130101; G06F 40/106 20200101; G06Q 10/083 20130101;
G06Q 10/06311 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20120101
G06Q010/08; G06Q 10/10 20120101 G06Q010/10; G06Q 10/06 20120101
G06Q010/06 |
Claims
1. An electronic shipment planner adapted for electronically
presenting shipment and scheduling information to a user, and
rendered using a client computer and web server, the web server
providing the shipment and scheduling information to the client
computer over an internet, said shipment planner comprising: a
calendar display interface operating on the client computer for
displaying said shipment planner to the user in a calendar format
using a display screen connected to the client computer, said
calendar format comprising a tabular register of days appearing on
the display screen; a plurality of electronic shipment data links
contained within certain days appearing on the display screen of
the client computer, and electronically associated with the
shipment and scheduling information provided by the web server to
the client computer, said plurality of shipment data links
comprising: (i) a plurality of first shipment event data links;
(ii) a plurality of second shipment event data links; and wherein
said first shipment event data links and said second shipment event
data links contained within said tabular register of days appearing
on the display screen of the client computer are visually
distinguished by a first data code and a second data code.
2. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, wherein at
least one of said plurality of shipment data links comprises a
predetermined portion of the shipment and scheduling
information.
3. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, wherein at
least one of said plurality of shipment data links comprises a
shipment reference code.
4. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 3, wherein
said shipment reference code is selected from the group consisting
of a bill of lading number and a purchase order number.
5. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, wherein
said first and second data codes comprise color-coding to readily
distinguish said first and second shipment event data links.
6. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 5, and
comprising a legend for indicating the color-code for said first
and second shipment event data links.
7. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, and
comprising a display options data repository containing format
parameters for customizing the format of said calendar display
interface.
8. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 7, and
comprising a display options data interface communicating with said
display options data repository for setting desired format
parameters contained in said display options data repository.
9. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, and
comprising an input device for selecting said interactive shipment
data link from said calendar display interface.
10. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 9, wherein
said input device comprises a computer mouse.
11. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, and
comprising a report data repository containing profile parameters
for displaying the shipment and scheduling information in a
customized user report.
12. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 11, and
comprising a report data interface communicating with said report
data repository for setting desired profile parameters contained in
said report data repository.
13. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, and
comprising a personal event data repository containing personal
event information of the user, the personal event information being
associated with a personal event date.
14. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 13, and
comprising a personal event data interface communicating with said
personal event data repository for loading personal event
information into said personal event data repository.
15. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 14, and
comprising a personal event data link electronically associated
with the personal event information contained in a personal event
data repository.
16. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 15, wherein
said personal event data link comprises a predetermined portion of
the personal event information.
17. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, wherein
one of said first and second shipment event data links is
associated with shipment event data comprising inbound freight.
18. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, wherein
one of said first and second shipment event data links is
associated with shipment event data comprising outbound
freight.
19. The electronic shipment planner according to claim 1, wherein
one of said first and second shipment event data links is
associated with shipment event data comprising third party
freight.
20. A method for electronically presenting a shipment planner
comprising shipment and scheduling information to a user, and
implemented using a client computer and web server, the web server
providing the shipment and scheduling information to the client
computer over an internet, said method comprising: using a calendar
display interface operating on the client computer, displaying the
shipment planner to the user in a calendar format using a display
screen connected to the client computer, the calendar format
comprising a tabular register of days appearing on the display
screen; associating a plurality of electronic shipment data links
with the shipment and scheduling information provided by the web
server to the client computer, the shipment data links being
contained within certain days appearing on the display screen of
the client computer, and the plurality of shipment data links
comprising: (i) a plurality of first shipment event data links;
(ii) a plurality of second shipment event data links; and using a
first data code and a second data code, visually distinguishing the
first shipment event data links and the second shipment event data
links contained within the tabular register of days appearing on
the display screen of the client computer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an interactive electronic shipment
planner. The invention is a computer based application that enables
efficient management and tracking of shipments using a convenient
and easy to read calendar interface. The invention can be accessed
globally via the Internet at anytime using standard computer
hardware, software, and communications equipment. The invention is
further applicable for personal events scheduling. Moreover, the
calendar display format of the shipment planner can be readily
customized to suit the needs of the user. Unlike traditional
planners, the present invention effects electronic filtering of
information contained in a data repository to display only a select
portion of the information to the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an
electronic shipment planner which provides ready and convenient
management and tracking of shipments.
[0003] It is another object of the invention to provide an
electronic shipment planner which provides shipment data in an easy
to read, interactive calendar format.
[0004] It is another object of the invention to provide an
electronic shipment planner which can be accessed globally via the
Internet.
[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide an
electronic shipment planner which utilizes standard compute
hardware, software, and communications equipment.
[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide an
electronic shipment planner which is applicable for personal events
scheduling.
[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide an
electronic shipment planner which electronically filters
information contained in a data repository using customized
electronic user reports to display only a select portion of the
information to the user.
[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide an
electronic shipment planner which promotes time and cost efficiency
in the shipment industry.
[0009] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing
an electronic shipment planner adapted for electronically
presenting shipment and scheduling information to a user. The
shipment and scheduling information includes at least one shipment
event date. The shipment planner is linked to a shipment data
repository containing shipment and scheduling information. A system
interface communicates with the shipment data repository. An
interactive shipment data link is electronically associated with
the shipment and scheduling information, and cooperates with the
system interface as commanded by the user to access and retrieve
the associated shipment and scheduling information contained in the
shipment data repository. A calendar display interface displays the
shipment planner to the user in a calendar format, such that the
interactive shipment data link is provided on the shipment event
date associated with the shipment and scheduling information.
[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
shipment data input means communicates with the shipment data
repository for loading shipment and scheduling information into the
shipment data repository.
[0011] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the system interface is a Web browser, such as "Netscape
Navigator" or "Microsoft Explorer".
[0012] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the shipment data link is a predetermined portion of the
shipment and scheduling information.
[0013] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the shipment data link is a shipment reference code.
[0014] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the shipment reference code is selected from the group
consisting of a bill of lading number and a purchase order
number.
[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of interactive shipment data links are
electronically associated with at least one of an inbound shipment,
an outbound shipment, and a third party shipment.
[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the plurality of interactive shipment data links are
color-coded to readily distinguish between inbound, outbound, and
third party shipments.
[0017] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a legend is provided for indicating the color-code for
each inbound shipment, outbound shipment, and third party
shipment.
[0018] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a display options data repository contains format
parameters for customizing the format of the calendar display
interface.
[0019] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a display options data interface communicates with the
display options data repository for setting desired format
parameters contained in the display options data repository.
[0020] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, an input device selects the interactive shipment data
link from the calendar display interface.
[0021] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the input device is a computer mouse.
[0022] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a report data repository contains profile parameters for
displaying the shipment and scheduling information in a customized
user report.
[0023] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a report data interface communicating with the report
data repository for setting desired profile parameters contained in
the report data repository.
[0024] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a personal event data repository contains personal event
information of the user. The personal event information is
associated with a personal event date.
[0025] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a personal event data interface communicates with the
personal event data repository for loading personal event
information into the personal event data repository.
[0026] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, an interactive personal event data link is
electronically associated with the personal event information, and
cooperates with the system interface as commanded by the user to
access and retrieve the associated personal event information
contained in the personal event data repository.
[0027] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the personal event data link is a predetermined portion
of the personal event information
[0028] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the personal event data link is a title of the personal
event information.
[0029] In another embodiment, the invention is an electronic
shipment planner adapted for electronically presenting shipment and
scheduling information to a user. The shipment and scheduling
information includes at least one shipment event date. The shipment
planner is linked to a shipment data repository containing shipment
and scheduling information. A system interface communicates with
the shipment data repository. An interactive shipment data link is
electronically associated with the shipment and scheduling
information, and cooperates with the system interface as commanded
by the user to access and retrieve the associated shipment and
scheduling information contained in the shipment data repository. A
personal event data repository contains personal event information
of the user. The personal event information is associated with a
personal event date. An interactive personal event data link is
electronically associated with the personal event information of
the user, and cooperates with the system interface as commanded by
the user to access and retrieve the associated personal event
information contained in the personal event data repository. A
calendar display interface displays the shipment planner to the
user in a calendar format, such that the interactive shipment data
link and the interactive personal event data link are provided on
their respective shipment and personal event dates associated with
the shipment and scheduling information and the personal events
information. The shipment data link and the personal event data
link are color-coded to readily distinguish between the associated
shipment and scheduling information and the personal events
information. A legend indicates the color-code for each of the
shipment data and personal event data links.
[0030] In yet another embodiment, the invention is a method for
electronically presenting shipment and scheduling information to a
user. The shipment and scheduling information includes at least one
shipment event date. The method includes the step of creating a
shipment data repository containing shipment and scheduling
information. A system interface is then provided to communicate
with the shipment data repository. An interactive shipment data
link is then electronically associated with the shipment and
scheduling information. The shipment data link cooperates with the
system interface as commanded by the user to access and retrieve
the associated shipment and scheduling information contained in the
shipment data repository. The shipment planner is then displayed to
the user in a calendar format, such that the interactive shipment
data link is provided on the shipment event date associated with
the shipment and scheduling information.
[0031] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the method includes the step of providing a plurality of
interactive shipment data links associated with at least one of an
inbound shipment, an outbound shipment, and a third party
shipment.
[0032] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the method includes the step of color-coding the
plurality of interactive shipment data links to readily distinguish
between inbound, outbound, and third party shipments.
[0033] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the method includes the step of providing a legend for
indicating the color-code for each inbound shipment, outbound
shipment, and third party shipment.
[0034] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the method includes the step of creating a personal
event data repository containing personal event information of the
user, the personal event information being associated with a
personal event date.
[0035] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the method includes the step of electronically
associating an interactive personal event data link with the
personal event information of the user. The personal event data
link cooperates with the system interface as commanded by the user
to access and retrieve the associated personal event information
contained in the personal event data repository.
[0036] In yet another embodiment, the invention is a computer
readable memory medium, encoded with data representing a computer
program, that can be used by a computer system to direct the
computer system to execute a method for electronically presenting
shipment and scheduling information to a user. The shipment and
scheduling information includes at least one shipment event date.
The medium includes a system interface communicating with a
shipment data repository containing shipment and scheduling
information. An interactive shipment data link is electronically
associated with the shipment and scheduling information, and
cooperates with the system interface as commanded by the user to
access and retrieve the associated shipment and scheduling
information contained in the shipment data repository. A calendar
display interface displays a calendar format, such that the
interactive shipment data link is provided on the shipment event
date associated with the shipment and scheduling information.
[0037] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the memory medium includes a plurality of interactive shipment data
links associated with at least one of an inbound shipment, an
outbound shipment, and a third party shipment.
[0038] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the memory medium includes a display options data
interface communicating with a display options data repository for
selecting desired profile parameters contained in the display
options data repository.
[0039] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the memory medium includes a report data interface
communicating with a report data repository for selecting desired
profile parameters contained in the report data repository.
[0040] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the memory medium includes an interactive personal event data link
which is electronically associated with personal event information
of the user, and which cooperates with the system interface as
commanded by the user to access and retrieve the associated
personal event information contained in a personal event data
repository.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth
above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as
the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the
following drawings, in which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the overall operation
of an electronic shipment planner according to one preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a general schematic diagram showing communication
of the client interface with the system Web server;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a screen shot of the calendar interface in a month
display format;
[0045] FIG. 4 is a screen shot of the calendar interface in a day
display format;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a screen shot of the calendar interface in a
horizontal week display format;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a screen shot of the calendar interface in a
vertical week display format;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating the process for
customizing the calendar display format;
[0049] FIG. 8 is a screen shot of the user report data interface
for creating customized shipment reports based on parameters
selected by the user;
[0050] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating steps of the process
for creating the customized shipment report;
[0051] FIGS. 10 and 11 are flow diagrams illustrating further steps
of the process for creating the customized shipment report;
[0052] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the process for
adding a user event to the shipment planner;
[0053] FIG. 13 is a screen shot of the user events interface;
[0054] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating the "onclick" process
for displaying shipment and event information from the calendar
interface;
[0055] FIG. 15 is a screen shot of a pop-up window providing
shipment tracing information;
[0056] FIG. 16 is a pop-up window displayed when "mousing over" a
shipment reference code;
[0057] FIG. 17 is a pop-up window displayed when "mousing over" a
user events reference code;
[0058] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram demonstrating the process for
changing the display of the calendar interface; and
[0059] FIG. 19 is a screen shot of the planner options
interface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE
[0060] Referring now specifically to the drawings, an electronic
shipment planner according to the present invention is illustrated
in the flow diagram of FIG. 1 and referenced generally at 10. The
shipment planner 10 is applicable for presenting shipment and
scheduling information and personal events information to a user in
a convenient, easy to read, interactive calendar display format. As
indicated in FIG. 2, users access the shipment planner 10 from a
client interface 11 via an Internet service provider 12 and
suitable communications equipment 14, such as a modem. The client
interface 11 may be any application, such as a PC Web browser,
which understands computer markup language, such as HTML and
Dynamic-HTML. The shipment planner 10 is made available to the
client interface 11 from a system Web server 15 via Internet
service provider 16 and standard communications equipment 17. Data
is supplied to the shipment planner on or off site through the
Internet. According to one embodiment, users access the shipment
planner 10 from a workstation including a computer, keyboard,
mouse, monitor, and modem connection. The shipment planner 10
provides ready and convenient access to shipment delivery and
tracking information from any location in the world, on any day of
the week, and at any time of day.
[0061] Referring now to the flow diagram of FIG. 1, the shipment
planner 10 includes four data repositories 21, 22, 23, and 24,
respectively: (1) "display options data"--contains display
parameters used to customize how the shipment planner is displayed
to the user; (2) "user reports data"--contains report profiles
which query the shipment data to create customized user reports;
(3) "shipment data"--contains all shipment and scheduling
information; (4) "user events data"--contains personal events
information.
Display Options
[0062] Upon accessing the shipment planner 10 via the client
interface 11, preprogramed default display parameters are retrieved
from the display options data repository 21. The display parameters
define a calendar interface 30, shown in FIGS. 3-6, in the form of
a convenient, easy-to-read calendar. After the initial display, the
user can readily modify the format of the calendar interface 30 by
selecting various customization options indicated in the flow
diagram of FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, from the default screen
shown in FIG. 3, the user chooses to view the calendar interface 30
in a desired screen format 32 including either a "normal" format
which displays a page header and footer, or a "full screen" format
which omits the page header and footer. In the full screen format,
the user can further elect to set the display width based on the
screen width or on a preprogramed default parameter. The user then
chooses to view the accessed shipment data and personal events
information in either a month, day, or week display format, 33, 34,
and 35, respectively. The default setting shown in FIG. 3
illustrates a month display format 33. FIG. 4 illustrates a day
display format 34. The week display 35, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, can
be viewed in either a horizontal or a vertical format, 36 and 37,
respectively.
User Report Data
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 8-11, customized profiles are created
using a report data interface 40. The user reports are titled by
the user for subsequent retrieval, and are stored in the user
reports data repository 22. The user may choose to create a report
based on numerous options, including: the shipment delivery status
41 (delivered, undelivered, delayed, delivered with an exception);
the payment status 42 (paid, unpaid, overdue); the paying party 43
(collect or prepaid); date restrictions 44 (pickup, due,
appointment, delivery); past or future date time frame 45 and 46
(yesterday, tomorrow, last week, next week, last # of days, next #
of days, week-to-date, month-to-date, date range); inbound options
47 (origin state, origin zip code, shipper location, shipper state,
shipper zip code, shipper serving station); outbound options 48
(destination state, destination zip code, consignee location,
consignee state, consignee zip code, consignee serving station);
and third party options 49 (paying location, origin state, origin
zip code, origin station, destination state, destination zip code,
destination station).
[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, to create a customized report, the user
first selects the shipment status 41 for desired shipments to be
retrieved in the report. The user chooses between delivered
shipments, delayed shipments, undelivered shipments, shipments
delivered with exception, or shipments of any status. After this
selection, the user then chooses the shipment payment status 42 for
shipments which are either paid, unpaid, overdue, or of any payment
status. The user then selects the paying party 43 choosing between
shipments which are either prepaid by the paying party, or those
which require collection from the paying party.
[0065] Shipment date restrictions 44 are selected, as indicated in
FIG. 10. The user first selects the shipment date type--either the
pickup date, the delivery date, the due date, or the appointment
date. For pickup and delivery date shipments, the user further
selects a past date limit 45 including yesterday, last week, a
selected past number of days, last week-to-date, last
month-to-date, or a specified date range. For due date and
appointment date shipments, the user further selects a future date
limit 46 including tomorrow, next week, a selected number of days
in the future, or a specified future date range.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 11, after selecting the shipment date
restrictions 44, the user selects inbound, outbound, and third
party options, 47, 48, and 49. The user starts with freight type
options. For the inbound freight option selections 47, the user
chooses between select inbound freight, all inbound freight, and no
inbound freight. Select inbound freight includes one or more of the
origin states, origin zip codes, destination locations, destination
states, destination zip codes, and destination serving station.
Next, the user makes outbound freight options selections 48. For
select outbound freight, the user chooses one or more of the
destination states, destination zip codes, origin locations, origin
states, origin zip codes, and origin serving station. Finally, the
user makes third party freight option selections 49. For select
inbound freight, the user chooses one or more of the paying
locations, origin states, origin zip codes, origin locations,
destination states, destination zip codes, destination
locations.
Shipment Data
[0067] Shipment data is entered into the electronic shipment data
repository 23 which can be updated at any time by authorized field
and general office personnel via electronic data interchange (EDI)
or the Internet. Preferably, shipment data is entered into the
repository at the time a service center receives a shipper's bill
of lading. The customized user reports, described above, operate to
electronically filter the shipment data contained in the shipment
data repository to provide only the selected information requested
by the user.
Personal Events
[0068] Referring now to the flow diagram of FIG. 12, mouse-clicking
on the "Add Event" icon 50 displayed in the calendar interface 30
allows the user to add new personal events to the shipment planner
10. From a user events interface 50, shown in FIG. 13, the user
inputs the title of the event, a description of the event, the day
of the event, the starting time, and the ending time. Once this
input is completed, the user then elects to clear, delete, save and
apply, or cancel the event. Mouse-clicking on the "Clear" icon 51
clears the event data from display and returns the user to the
events interface. Mouse-clicking on the "Delete" icon 52 triggers a
confirmation query 53 asking the user to confirm the deletion. When
confirmed, the event data is deleted and the user is returned to
the calendar interface 30. Mouse-clicking on the "Save & Apply"
icon 54 saves the inputted event data in the user events data
repository 24, and transfers the user back to the calendar
interface 30. Mouse-clicking on the "Cancel" icon 55 transfers the
user directly to the calendar interface 30 without saving the new
events data. Previously entered events data is stored in the user
events data repository 24.
Using the Shipment Planner 10
[0069] The user navigates the shipment planner 10 from his
workstation using the attached mouse and a convenient
point-and-click, menu-driven software. Upon accessing the shipment
planner 10, the selected customized user report electronically
filters the information contained in the shipment data repository
23, as described above, to display only the desired shipment data
in the calendar interface 30. From the calendar interface 30, the
user can choose to view shipment and scheduling information or
personal events data by mouse-clicking directly on a shipment data
link 61 or a personal events link 62 appearing on the screen (See
FIGS. 3-6). The links 61 and 62 are displayed in the calendar
interface 30 on certain days of the month corresponding to their
respective event dates. In one embodiment, the shipment data link
61 is a shipment reference code, such as an internal system
reference number, a bill of lading number, or a purchase order
number, which is associated with certain shipment data and
scheduling information contained in the shipment data repository
23. When a shipment reference code is selected, the client
interface 11 accesses the associated shipment and scheduling
information and downloads this information for display to the user.
The personal events data link 62 is preferably a one or two word
event title. When an event title is selected, the client interface
11 accesses the associated personal events information contained in
the user events data repository 24 and downloads this information
for display to the user.
[0070] For convenient viewing, the shipment reference codes and
event titles are preferably color-coded, as indicated in the legend
63, to readily distinguish between inbound shipments, outbound
shipments, third party shipments, and personal events. For example,
inbound shipments may be designated by the color blue, outbound
shipments designated by red, third party shipments designated by
green, and personal events designed by orange.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, using an "onclick process" 70
the user mouse-clicks directly on either a shipment data link 61 or
personal events data link 62 in the calendar interface 30, as
previously described. Upon selecting a shipment data link 61, the
client interface 11 downloads the associated shipment data from the
shipment data repository 23 and a pop-up trace window 80, shown in
FIG. 15, is displayed to the user. The trace window 80 provides
detailed information regarding the selected shipment, including its
present location, shipment origin, destination, bill of lading
number, purchase order number, number of pieces, shipment weight,
and the e-mail addresses of the origin and destination service
centers. If a personal events data link 62 is selected, the client
interface 11 downloads the associated event data from the user
events data repository 24. The selected event information is then
displayed, as shown in FIG. 13. This information indicates the
event title, a description of the event, the day of the event, the
event starting time, and the event ending time.
[0072] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3, from the calendar
interface 30, the user can further elect to view shipment data and
events information for preceding and succeeding calendar units by
mouse-clicking on the "Previous" and "Next" icons, 81 and 82,
respectively. The "Refresh" icon 83 reloads the calendar interface.
By "mousing-over" 84 (without clicking) shipment reference code and
event titles displayed in the calendar interface 30, respective
pop-up windows 85 and 86 provide a brief summary of the shipment
status, as shown in FIG. 16, and the personal event, as shown in
FIG. 17. The shipment summary includes an internal system reference
number, a purchase order number, a concise status statement, and
the name of the person signing the delivery. The event summary
includes the title of the event, a brief description, and the
duration of the event.
Changing the Calendar Interface 30
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, from the calendar interface
30, the user can select the "Options" icon 90 to change the default
shipment reference codes which appear on the calendar interface 30
upon accessing the shipment planner 10, and the actual dates upon
which the shipment reference codes are posted. In order to change
the default settings, the client interface 11 accesses both the
display options data repository 21 to display the current options
selected, and the user reports data repository 22 to display the
available shipment reports.
[0074] A planner options interface 100, shown in FIG. 19, allows
the user to customize the appearance of the calendar interface 30
by first selecting which shipment report to access. Preferably, a
drop-down window displays all previously entered reports stored in
the user reports data repository for convenient selection by the
user. After selecting the desired report, the user then chooses
whether to display one or more of inbound, outbound, or third party
shipments contained in the report, and whether the shipments will
be displayed to the calendar interface on either the due or
delivery date, or the shipment date. The shipment reference code to
be displayed is then selected from either a purchase order number,
a bill of lading number, or an internal system reference number.
The user then selects a default display by month, day, or week with
a further option to display the calendar interface without header
and footer, or to expand the calendar interface to screen size
based on the user's monitor. Finally, the user elects to started
the display with either the current date or the date of the first
active shipment. For the week display, the user can further elect a
horizontal format (See FIG. 5) or a vertical format (See FIG. 6).
Once the report data selections are completed, the user can either
save the selections and return to the calender interface, or cancel
the selections.
[0075] An electronic shipment planner is described above. Various
details of the invention may be changed without departing from its
scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred
embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the
invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not
for the purpose of limitation--the invention being defined by the
claims.
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