Abstract:
The present invention comprises a system and method for dynamically managing the various fields of information and integrating geographically dispersed parties associated with the third party logistics industry. Said system and method for dynamically managing the various fields of information and integrating geographically dispersed parties occurs on a real-time basis. The present invention uses the internet or other sources of TCP/IP connectivity to unite dispersed parties and to allow them access to real-time retrieval of instantaneously updated information and to input information real-time for retrieval by the other parties to the transaction.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       Copyright Notice  
         [0001]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.  
           [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for shipping information and more specifically to a computer software program and hardware optimized for an internet based method of real time cargo tracking information.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    The third party logistics industry encompasses managing the many functions and the varied services necessary for international trade. A customer wishing to ship goods from one country to another involves integrating many independent services and parties. Accordingly, the third party logistics industry comprises numerous independent fields of information; each of which must be monitored for a truly effective operation. For example, monitoring of information is required in the following fields: customs clearance, inland trucking services, vessel chartering services, warehousing, outbound on board information, inbound on board information, container status reports, account financial information, mileage information, inventory information, account information and for many other purposes. Too, the third party logistics industry comprises numerous independent parties responsible for providing the aforementioned list of services; each of which must remain apprised of the status of the many information facets and the status of the transaction as a whole.  
           [0006]    In the third party logistics industry, there exist computer programs, such as FreightData  2000  or TradePoint, that help individual users to manage shipping transactions using a computer. By way of example, a user may typically enter all of the varied transaction information described above into a computer program designed for multi-field data entry. The user enters data for one particular transaction into one field, saves it, and then returns to the next field in the program where the user enters the next information for the particular transaction.  
           [0007]    Such methods serve to allow the user to select a particular account to retrieve information input for that account, much like a “calendar” function or “to-do” list that are standard with most PC based operating systems. While such methods may be suitable for managing information, they do not redress the significant problems of dynamically managing the information or integrating the parties to a single set of information. That is, each party may have a computerized “list” of the various facets of information but this information is static and must be updated by each end user. Too, there exists no means whereby all of the parties to the transaction are apprised to a singular set of information that is dynamically managed.  
           [0008]    There exists a need in the third party logistics industry for a system and method that dynamically manages the multiple fields of information that international trade comprises real-time.  
           [0009]    There further exists a need in the third party logistics industry for a system and method that updates the multiple fields of information real-time.  
           [0010]    There further exists a need in the third party logistics industry for a system and method that integrates all of the parties to the transaction in a real-time exchange.  
           [0011]    There further exists a need in the third party logistics industry for a system and method that allows all of the parties to the transaction access to the dynamically managed information real-time from geographically remote locations.  
           [0012]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known prior art, the present invention provides a new system and method for dynamically managing the various fields of information and integrating geographically dispersed parties in the third party logistics industry real-time. In this respect, the system and method for dynamically managing the various fields of information and integrating geographically dispersed parties in the third party logistics industry real-time according to the present invention, substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose system and method for dynamically managing the various fields of information and integrating geographically dispersed parties in the third party logistics industry real-time. Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a system and method for dynamically managing the various fields of information and integrating geographically dispersed parties in the third party logistics industry real-time, that is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.  
           [0014]    Described briefly, the present invention is a real-time tracking method and apparatus for use with a computer including a host computer server, a processor for executing code, input/output devices for providing data, memory for storing account data, internet connectivity and a customer local computer system. In operation, a plurality of transaction type fields are displayed on the browser of a customer&#39;s local computer system. In response to selecting of one of the transaction fields, a corresponding entry sequence is executed. The execution causes a display of one or more entry fields for receiving transaction data in response to the execution of the entry sequence. The transaction data is entered in response to the entry sequence and the entry fields displayed. The transaction data entered is stored in an database account that corresponds to the selected one of the transaction fields. Each account has a plurality of fields for data. The entry fields presented by the entry sequence are only the ones necessary for the particular transaction as determined b the selected transaction field and the corresponding entry sequence.  
           [0015]    In one embodiment, the present invention is a real-time cargo tracking method and system of information management associated with thereto. A customer wishing to utilize the present invention executes a graphic user interface (hereinafter referred to as the “GUI”) on the browser of the customer&#39;s computer system to interface with the functions and features of the present invention. The interface connects the customer via the internet, or other means of TCP/IP connectivity, such as a Local Access Network (hereinafter referred to as a “LAN”) or a Wide Access Network (hereinafter referred to as a “WAN”) to the host computer server.  
           [0016]    To initiate a transaction request, the customer first must register with a host computer server database; said database structures the transaction request through the GUI and manages the information associated with a particular transaction cycle. Upon registering with the host computer server database, a customer may access the website of the host computer server. To begin a transaction, the customer selects the appropriate transaction field, i.e., shipment, quotation, etc. and inputs the required information using a local computer system. The selection of a particular transaction, also selects a predetermined transaction entry sequence by which transaction data is entered by the user. The transaction entry sequence automatically steps the user through a sequence to access one or more fields using only a pre-selected subset of the full set of fields associated with the account.  
           [0017]    After inputting all of the required transaction information, as prompted by the GUT, the customer uploads the transaction information to the host computer server for real-time processing of said information via the internet or other means of TCP/IP connectivity. The host computer server dynamically computes the transaction information input by the customer, and posts the calculated information for retrieval by the customer on the website. By way of example, a customer wishing a quotation on a shipment inputs the necessary information such as weight, quantity, destined location, and the like, as prompted by the GUI (thereby making the present invention simple to operate and error free); uploads said information to the host computer server for real-time computation of the input information. The host computer server computes the requested information such as price, time, choice of carriers, and the like, and posts said real-time computed information for retrieval by the customer using the GUI.  
           [0018]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the customer accesses the website after structuring a transaction request to receive real-time updates on the computed information. To wit: after structuring a quotation request, a customer may elect to establish a transaction account with the host computer server. Said transaction account comprises many fields of information, all of which are dynamically managed and updated on a real-time basis. The fields of information may include, but are not limited to: bill of lading details, house bill of lading, notification, consignee notification, shipments, commodity, agent, shipper, carriers, agents and ports, and the like.  
           [0019]    A customer may access the requested information via the internet or other means of TCP/IP connectivity using the GUI, to retrieve real-time updates regarding the status of a particular piece of information, or groups of information. By way of example, a customer may request information regarding a carrier, agent, port, delivery date and the like and receive a real-time update from the host computer server. The GUI provides the ability to select from among several accounts to provide an easy method for selecting and switching between accounts, and this method is particularly useful in multiple account transaction environments.  
           [0020]    In the preferred embodiment, the invention integrates the many parties to the transaction by providing real-time information to all of the parties to the transaction, as identified by the customer in the registration account. Other authorized parties may access the transaction account to input information and to retrieve information. The parties to the transaction communicate with one another via the a virtual message board embedded in the GUI and managed by the host computer server. The virtual message board allows the parties to have constant and instant information and communication that is readily accessible. Likewise, the virtual message board functions to post information from the host computer server regarding the status of the transaction cycle.  
           [0021]    The present invention uses a simple visual interface, that is easy to learn, easy to use, and easy to remember how to use, thereby making the entry of transaction data fast and simple. Likewise, the user need not compute the many pieces of information required to facilitate the complicated shipping process. Rather, the user is guided by the GUI and the information is managed by the host computer server thereby saving the customer vat amounts of time and money.  
           [0022]    It has been discovered, according to the present invention, that if third party logistic providers can compute a multitude of information from various service providers, real-time, and provide such information on a readily accessible medium, such as the internet, that customers will save substantial amounts of time and money.  
           [0023]    It has further been discovered, according to the present invention, that if third party logistic providers can compute a multitude of information from various service providers, real-time, and allow customers to access and update such information on a readily accessible medium, such as the internet, that customers will save substantial amounts of time and money.  
           [0024]    It has further been discovered, according to the present invention, that if third party logistic providers can integrate the various parties to a single transaction, via a readily accessible medium, such as the internet, that customers will save substantial amounts of time and money.  
           [0025]    It has further been discovered, according to the present invention, that if third party logistic providers can provide the various parties to a single transaction, via a readily accessible medium, such as the internet, a constant and instantaneous channel of communication, that customers will save substantial amounts of time and money.  
           [0026]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide customers with a compute a multitude of information from various service providers, real-time, and allow said customers to access and update such information on a readily accessible medium, such as the internet, thereby saving said customers substantial amounts of time and money.  
           [0027]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide customers a multitude of information from various service providers, real-time, and to allow said customers to access and update such information on a readily accessible medium, such as the internet, thereby saving said customers substantial amounts of time and money.  
           [0028]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to integrate the various parties to a single transaction, via a readily accessible medium, such as the internet, thereby saving said customers substantial amounts of time an money.  
           [0029]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide the various parties to a single transaction, via a readily accessible medium, such as the internet, a constant and instantaneous channel of communication, thereby saving said customers substantial amounts of time and money.  
           [0030]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]    [0031]FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a host system in which the present invention may be advantageously applied.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a host system in which the present invention may be advantageously applied.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a host system in which the present invention may be advantageously applied.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1D is a block diagram of a host system in which the present invention may be advantageously applied.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting the process operable within accordance with the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0036]    While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
         [0037]    1. Description of the Preferred Embodiment  
         [0038]    With reference to FIG. 1, the system of the present invention comprises the internet or other TCP/IP based networks, a customer computer system, a graphic user interface, a host computer server, and host computer server databases. The computer of FIG. 1 includes a conventional processor  10 , input/output (I/O) devices  11 , memory  12  and display  13  of the graphic user interface. The memory  12  stores the operating system  16  for the computer  5 , executable computer software  14  which implements the real-time input and real-time tracking method of the present invention and includes the host computer server database  15  where transaction data is stored.  
         [0039]    Said host computer databases are configured to dynamically manage the various information associated with a third party logistics provider. Said host computer databases comprise a dynamically driven proprietary arrangement of information that cumulatively serve to efficiently manage and track the various information associated with a third party logistics provider. Said host computer databases include the following fields: bill of lading details, house bill of lading, notification, consignee notification, quotation, shipment, bookings, customers, commodity, consignee commodity, consignee follow up, sales, routing order, shipper, agent, house bill consignee commodity, release order, warehouse, release order details, truck, arrival notice, business categories, companies, company branches, agent carrier, ports and carrier.  
         [0040]    Any party to a transaction that requires third party logistic provider services, the “customer”, may initiate a transaction request to the host computer server using a customer computer system. The customer may be, but need not be, the end user, or an authorized party requesting information regarding a particular account. The customer accesses the present invention using a local computer system from a remote location (i.e. the home, office, or a laptop) which establishes internet or TCP/IP connectivity with the host computer server using the database graphic user interface. The graphic user interface runs on the browser of the customer local computer system and provides the interface that allows the customer to operate the present invention by the processes and methods described herein.  
         [0041]    With respect to the customer, the graphic user interface is the device that allows the customer to access the present invention, establish a registration account with the host computer server, navigate the database, and to download and upload information from the host computer server. The present invention comprises an application that dynamically manages and tracks the many components associated with an international trade transaction from the point of initiation by the customer to the end point of delivery. Initially, the customer must register with the host computer server which in turn establishes a customer registration account in the database. The customer registration account is the basis upon which the database correlates transaction information and keeps a tracking record of the parties and information peculiar to a particular transaction. The database is a function of the host computer server. The database repository consists of various components of information that are specific to certain transactions and certain sectors or industries related to third party logistic providers. The database further comprises the means to maintain a real-time status function; each of which is unique to a particular transaction request or customer account.  
         [0042]    With reference to FIG. 1, a customer  5  with internet or TCP/IP connectivity  10  may either a website, a local access network (LAN) or a wide access network (WAN) using a client-server infrastructure, to provide the point of access to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the request for third party logistic services is initiated by the customer accessing a website on the world-wide-web using the customer local computer system. The website provides the customer with information about the services available and information in the form of a tutorial on how to register with, and use the present invention. Alternatively, the invention may be configured for use an a restricted LAN or a restricted WAN.  
         [0043]    With reference to FIG. 2, registration with the database is a prerequisite to using the present invention by the customer. With respect to the customer, registration enables the host computer server to correlate electronic information requests selected by the customer with that particular customer and with all other authorized parties as identified by the customer during the registration process. Registration further allows the host computer server to associate all electronic information requests with that particular registration account. The tracking mechanism of the host computer server is integral to the function of the present invention for the purpose of managing the transaction cycle, as more fully described below.  
         [0044]    2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment  
         [0045]    As the foregoing list indicates, the many pieces of information necessary to operate a third party logistics provider operation are numerous. The present invention serves to dynamically manage and update the various information on a real-time basis, and to allow the end users of the information access to the various information on a real-time basis. FIG. 1 further depicts a representation of the various components of the transaction cycle executed by the system and the components thereof. The transaction display is the software which causes the system to concurrently display a plurality of transaction fields I 1 , I 2 , etc. and manage the transaction cycle. Each field has a variety of components particular to that aspect of the transaction. By way of example, for a “quotation” function of the transaction, said field further comprises the fields of quote ID, quote date, consignee ID, agent ID, sales, effective date, expire date, POL, POD, commodity, type of move, place, and note. The corresponding fields operate in the same manner as the foregoing example indicates.  
         [0046]    Any number of such transaction fields may be depicted by the graphic user interface. For each field displayed by the graphic user interface, a corresponding customer account exists. The operation of the tracking of each customer account as executed by the host computer server occurs as follows. When the computer system of FIG. 1 is turned on or is otherwise initialized, the tracking code  14  in the memory  12  of FIG. 1 automatically executes image code  23  to display the transaction field images I 1 ,  12 , etc. In this mode, the display waits until a end user through the an I/O device selects one of the field images. The selected one of the fields causes entry of data into one of the transaction fields for the purposes of real-time data input and transaction management which corresponds to the selected one of the fields; for example the quotation reference listed above.  
         [0047]    Assuming that the field is selected, the transaction entry sequence is then executed. The transaction entry sequence causes one or more transaction display fields (or sequences of fields) to be displayed. Depending on the complexity of the transaction, the display field may include different fields which is a total of fields. Upon display of a transaction display field, corresponding to the transaction entry, data entry is executed, to receive real-time transaction data particular to that portion of the transaction the transaction, such as carrier, port, agent and the like. Upon execution of data entry, the information is stored into the corresponding user transaction accounts. The FIG. 1 embodiment is only one embodiment where certain predetermined fields associated with a customer account are automatically supplied through the entry sequencing. These automatic operations of FIG. 1 greatly simplify the operations required by a customer and provide instant access on a real-time basis to the customer or end user.  
         [0048]    The data entry for a transaction is controlled by a transaction entry sequence whereby entry fields are displayed via a screen form, window, dialog or other display field using any I/O device such as a keyboard, touch screen, pen, stylus, mouse, voice, an external device such as a terminal, network link, telephone link, host computer or any other device that inputs data to each field displayed in sequence. The sequence of transaction fields is a function of account type as selected by the customer or end user. For each transaction field, there is a display sequence of the fields with appropriate attributes, and associated prompts, corresponding to the transaction. As an example, a “shipment” field has a subset of fields together which cumulatively provide information with respect to that aspect of the transaction; dependent upon which part of the shipment transaction that the customer or end user requires information about. Said information inquiry is provided by the host computer server real-time to the customer or end user.  
         [0049]    The process of performing calculations and logic to display information about transactions in an account and balances and other information about the account. A view may be for any single transaction showing all the information that was originally entered. Optionally, a view may list other information such as the reconciled balance, the total of all transactions that have been marked as reconciled. Optionally, a view may list transactions or totals of transactions for some or all accounts. Optionally, a view may list transactions or totals of transactions grouped by an attribute, such as category.  
         [0050]    The first step is to set up the transaction data structure. Then, the transaction display fields of the form are set up which sets up the user interface on the form. The values in the display fields are initialized which sets up each attribute, e.g. Bill Of Lading Details, House Bill Of Lading, Notification, Consignee Notification, Quotation, Shipment, Bookings, Customers, Commodity, Consignee Commodity, Consignee Follow Up, Sales, Routing Order, Shipper, Agent, House Bill Consignee Commodity, Release Order, Warehouse, Release Order Details, Truck, Arrival Notice, Business Categories, Companies, Company Branches, Agent Carrier, Ports And Carrier.  
         [0051]    The transaction entry sequence is defined by the layout and selection of transaction display fields on the form. Selection also defines the user interface, as described above. When the user hits the “save” command, the host computer server is called to gather data from the display fields using the pre-determined database functions. Finally, to save the transaction into the account, invokes the storing code. The sequence of display fields is a function of transaction type as selected by the transaction field image. For each transaction image, there is a display sequence of the fields with appropriate attributes, and associated prompts, corresponding to the transaction. As an example, a “quotation” field image or form has a “quote date” field together with an “effective date” and “amount” fields. Some field forms share attributes with other forms, and all field forms typically dynamically manage a common subset of information.  
         [0052]    The entry sequence presents some or all of the attributes a transaction may have, as appropriate for the selected transaction. For each attribute, them is a set of user interface elements, that constitute a display field, that respond to input to receive the associated attribute&#39;s value. Typically, the entry sequence defines the data entry fields, then retrieves the values at the end of the sequence from the host computer server.  
         [0053]    The process of performing calculations and logic is displayed as information about transactions in an account and other information about the account. A view on a customer&#39;s graphic user interface may be for any single transaction showing all the information that was originally entered, or as modified by the customer. Optionally, a view may list transactions or totals of transactions for some or all accounts. Optionally, a view may list transactions or totals of transactions grouped by an attribute, such as category. Examples of viewing operations that are performable with the computer and software include the following: query database for a list of accounts; for each account, compute transaction data requested by the customer, such as warehouse and bond number; and display the account information in the appropriate format.  
         [0054]    The host computer server sets up the transaction data structure, along with the transaction display fields of the form which in turn are set up on the user interface on the form. The values in the display fields are initialized which sets up each attribute, e. g. bill of lading details, house bill of lading, notification, consignee notification, quotation, shipment, bookings, customers, commodity, consignee commodity, consignee follow up, sales, routing order, shipper, agent, house bill consignee commodity, release order, warehouse, release order details, truck, arrival notice, business categories, companies, company branches, agent carrier, ports and carrier. The transaction entry sequence is defined by the layout and selection of transaction display fields on the form. When the user hits the save command, the database is called to gather data from the information fields using the pre-determined host computer server functions.  
         [0055]    The graphic user interface further comprises a visual representation (image) that is recognizable as a symbol for identifying a transaction, an account, an attribute of an account or other information relating to an account. The visual representations are displayed as fields, icons, buttons, or other similar likenesses. Selecting a transaction image activates a transaction entry sequence.  
         [0056]    For each account or any other attribute, the present invention can display the transactions it comprises in a list on-screen or in printed form.  
         [0057]    The terms used in connection with transaction tracking are defined as follows:  
       Account  
       [0058]    A totality of transactions (together with accumulated totals and other information). Examples of accounts are bill of lading details, house bill of lading, notification, consignee notification, quotation, shipment, bookings, customers, commodity, consignee commodity, consignee follow up, sales, routing order, shipper, agent, house bill consignee commodity, release order, warehouse, release order details, truck, arrival notice, business categories, companies, company branches, agent carrier, ports and carrier.  
       Transaction  
       [0059]    An operation that identifies a transfer in connection with an account. A transaction typically has the following attributes, customer, date, account, and transaction type. The database comprises the means for storing multiple transactions for an account, albeit each transaction is typically for only one account. Each account has a balance or total, which is the sum of the amounts of the transactions in that account. Once recorded in the account store, each transaction can be subsequently edited or deleted by the customer or the host computer server.  
       Transaction Entry Sequence  
       [0060]    The data entry for a transaction is controlled by a transaction entry sequence whereby entry fields are displayed via a screen form, window, dialog or other display field using any I/O device such as a keyboard, touch-screen, pen, stylus, mouse, voice, an external device such as a network link, telephone link, host computer or any other device that inputs data to each field displayed in sequence. The sequence of display fields is a function of account type as selected by the transaction field. For each transaction image, there is a display sequence of the fields with appropriate attributes, and associated prompts, corresponding to the transaction. As an example, a “quotation” form further comprises an “effective date” field together with an “expiration date” and “amount” fields. Some forms share attributes with other forms, but typically as a minimum all forms have the following information, in whole or in part, bill of lading details, house bill of lading, notification, consignee notification, quotation, shipment, bookings, customers, commodity, consignee commodity, consignee follow up, sales, routing order, shipper, agent, house bill consignee commodity, release order, warehouse, release order details, truck, arrival notice, business categories, companies, company branches, agent carrier, ports and carrier.  
       Host Computer Server Calculation  
       [0061]    The process of performing calculations and logic to display information about transactions in an account and other information about the account. A calculation may be for any single transaction showing all the information that was originally entered about the account or any one piece of information about the account. Optionally, a calculation may list some information, or the total of all transaction information that have been selected by the customer. Optionally, a view may list transactions or totals of transactions grouped by an attribute, such as category. Examples of viewing operations that are performable with the computer and software include the following: Viewing account information with respect to bill of lading details, house bill of lading, notification, consignee notification, quotation, shipment, bookings, customers, commodity, consignee commodity, consignee follow up, sales, routing order, shipper, agent, house bill consignee commodity, release order, warehouse, release order details, truck, arrival notice, business categories, companies, company branches, agent carrier, ports and carrier.  
         [0062]    There has thus been outlined, the more important features of the invention in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.