Network-based method and system for configuring terminal blocks

• US 20020077934A1
• Filed: 12/15/2000
• Published: 06/20/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Motley, Michael A., Pichai, Prabhu Shankar, Schirra, Kirk, Patro, Loknath Esety
• Application Number:
  US09/737,625
• Publication Number:
  US 20020077934A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/27
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0611 Request for offers or quotes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0621 Item configuration or customization
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0627 using item specifications
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0631 Item recommendations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces

Abstract

A network-based method for configuring terminal blocks includes receiving terminal block information from a user and using a server to compare the received specification information with pre-stored information. The method also includes selecting at least one terminal block that matches the received specification information and displaying to the user information related to the terminal block. A network-based method also provides for selection of various accessories for the selected terminal block.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating selection of a terminal block through use of a network-based system including a server and at least one device connected to the server via a network, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving product specification information from a user via the device;

comparing the received product specification information with pre-stored terminal block information;

selecting at least one terminal block that matches the received product specification information; and

displaying the information related to the terminal block.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of comparing the received product specification information comprises the steps of:

determining whether the features selected are available for the selected terminal block configuration; and

displaying a message if the selected features are not available for the selected terminal block configuration.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of receiving product information data from a user further comprises the step of receiving an identification for the product.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of displaying information related to the terminal block comprises the step of displaying the features selected for the terminal block

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of displaying information related to the terminal block comprises the step of displaying the accessories selected for the terminal block.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of displaying information related to the terminal block comprises the step of displaying a catalog number and a list price for the terminal block.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of displaying information further comprises the step of generating a quotation for the terminal block.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the product specification information is received from the user via a graphical user interface.

9. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of assessing a need of the user based on at least one of a product application, product parameters, desired product features, and product accessories.

10. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of validating configuration compatibility based on the received product specification information to determine whether a resulting terminal block having the received product specifications is capable of meeting parameters of the product.

12. A method according to claim 10 further comprising the step of guiding the user to a compatible product.

13. A system for facilitating selection of a terminal block, said system comprising:

a device; and

a server connected to said device and configured to receive product specification information data from a user via said device, said server further configured to;

compare the received product specification information with pre-stored terminal block information;

select at least one terminal block from the pre-stored terminal block information based on terminal block identification criteria entered by the user; and

display information related to the terminal block based on the terminal block identification criteria.

11. A method according to claim 13 further comprising the step of guiding the user, if the resulting product does not meet the parameters of the product, to a correct product configuration.

14. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to download to the user the information related to the terminal block.

15. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to:

determine whether the features selected are available for the selected terminal block configuration; and

display a message if the selected features are not available for the selected terminal block configuration.

16. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to receive an identification for the product.

17. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to display the accessories selected for the terminal block.

18. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to:

determine whether the features selected are available for the selected terminal block configuration; and

display a message if the selected features are not available for the selected terminal block configuration.

19. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to receive an identification for the product.

20. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to display the features selected for the terminal block.

21. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to display the accessories selected for the terminal block.

22. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to display a catalog number and a list price for the terminal block.

23. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to generate a quotation for the terminal block.

24. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to receive the product specification information from the user via a graphical user interface.

25. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to assess a need of the user based on at least one of a product application, product parameters, desired product features, and product accessories.

26. A system according to claim 25 wherein said server further configured to validate configuration compatibility based on the received product specification information to determine whether a resulting terminal block having the received product specifications is capable of meeting parameters of the product.

27. A system according to claim 26 wherein said server further configured to guide the user, if the resulting product does not meet the parameters of the product, to a correct product configuration.

28. A system according to claim 27 wherein said server further configured to guide the user to a compatible product.

29. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server further configured to accept a purchase order for the terminal block after the purchase order has been authenticated against predetermined criteria.

30. A system according to claim 13 wherein said device configured to be a server for a network of customer devices.

31. A system according to claim 13 wherein said server and said device are connected via a network.

32. A system according to claim 31 wherein said network is one of a wide area network, a local area network and the Internet.