Method and system for scheduling distribution routes and timeslots
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for dynamically creating a schedule of timeslot segments for a plurality of routes and timeslots, the method comprising:
- determining from a calendar, a set of possible route types for a selected day and a template Identifier;
based upon the determined set of possible route types, retrieving a set of available route types from a template identified by the template identifier, wherein the available route types are limited to those route types that are within the set of possible route types, wherein the template includes at least available route types;
for each available route type, determining a set of routes for the selected day; and
for each set of routes, creating in a data repository a set of schedulable timeslot segments that correspond to the selected day,wherein the routes are determined based on the available route types, the route types being descriptors or identifiers for grouping the different routes, wherein each of the routes is not separated into different route types, wherein at least one of the available route types is a default route type that is available for distribution of products or services on normal days, wherein at least another one of the available route types is a special route type that is available for distribution of products or services on holidays or without charge, and wherein the special route type can override the default route type, andwherein an electronic storefront system thereafter schedules at least one delivery stop using one or more of the set of schedulable timeslot segments, the at least one delivery stop being for delivery of a product or service.
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Abstract
Computer-based methods and systems for dynamically scheduling the distribution of products and services among a system of routes and timeslots are provided. Exemplary embodiments provide a Route and Timeslot Scheduler (the “RTS”), which controls the creation, quantity, and allocation of schedule stops (or events) for each timeslot of each route based upon a calendar and template system. Each route typically represents a geographic area to which products can be delivered. Each timeslot typically represents a window of time, during which delivery stops (or events) can be scheduled. Scheduled stops/events are created based upon defaults which are specified in the template system. A calendar system is provided to specify which routes and timeslots, which would otherwise be available based upon the template system, are actually applicable to be scheduled on a given calendar day. The RTS creates scheduled stops for a designated point.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for dynamically creating a schedule of timeslot segments for a plurality of routes and timeslots, the method comprising:
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determining from a calendar, a set of possible route types for a selected day and a template Identifier; based upon the determined set of possible route types, retrieving a set of available route types from a template identified by the template identifier, wherein the available route types are limited to those route types that are within the set of possible route types, wherein the template includes at least available route types; for each available route type, determining a set of routes for the selected day; and for each set of routes, creating in a data repository a set of schedulable timeslot segments that correspond to the selected day, wherein the routes are determined based on the available route types, the route types being descriptors or identifiers for grouping the different routes, wherein each of the routes is not separated into different route types, wherein at least one of the available route types is a default route type that is available for distribution of products or services on normal days, wherein at least another one of the available route types is a special route type that is available for distribution of products or services on holidays or without charge, and wherein the special route type can override the default route type, and wherein an electronic storefront system thereafter schedules at least one delivery stop using one or more of the set of schedulable timeslot segments, the at least one delivery stop being for delivery of a product or service. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A computer-readable memory medium containing instruction for controlling a computer processor to dynamically create a schedule of timeslot segments for a plurality of routes and timeslots by:
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determining from a calendar, a set of possible route types for a selected day and a template identifier; based upon the determined set of possible route types, retrieving a set of available route types from a template identified by the template identifier, wherein the available route types are limited to those route types that are within the set of possible route types, wherein the template includes at least available route types, for each available route type, determining a set of routes for the selected day; and for each set of routes, creating a data repository a set of schedulable timeslot segments that correspond to the selected day, wherein the routes are determined based on the route types, the route types being descriptors or identifiers for grouping the different routes, and wherein each of the routes is not separated into the different route types, wherein at least one of the available route types is a default route type that is available for distribution of products or services on normal days, wherein at least another one of the available route types is a special route type that is available for distribution of products or services on holidays or without charge, and wherein the special route type can override the default route type, and wherein an electronic storefront program thereafter schedules at least one delivery stop using one or more of the set of schedulable timeslot segments, the at least one delivery stop being for delivery of a product or service. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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25. A computer-based home delivery scheduling system comprising:
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a data repository; a set of routines for automatically creating in the data repository scheduled timeslot segments for each timeslot, for each route, for a designated calendar day, based upon a template and a calendar system that indicates available routes, timeslots, and numbers of potential timeslot segments per timeslot subject to the available routes being permissible on a particular calendar day, wherein the template is a master pattern from which a copy may be made to create a schedule, wherein the template includes at least available route types, wherein the routes are determined based on the available route types, the available route types being descriptors or identifiers for grouping the different routes, each of the routes is not separated into different route types, at least one of the available route types is a default route type that is available for distribution of products or services on normal days, at least another one of the available route types is a special route type that is available for distribution of products or services on holidays or without charge, and the special route type can override the default route type; and a user interface for displaying and modifying scheduling data stored in the data repository by invoking the set of routines, wherein thereafter using the scheduled timeslot segments to schedule deliveries of products and services purchased at an electronic storefront.
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Specification