Dynamic offer generation based on print shop machine load
US7791752B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2006 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0633
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A variable price on-line printing system includes printing and finishing resources, and an on-line server to receive print job data and electronic requests for use of the printing/finishing resources from customer workstations. A dynamic price database includes data that describe current and anticipated future demand for the printing/finishing resources. An automated dynamic price offer generation process accesses the dynamic price database and derives a dynamic price for use of at least one of the printing/finishing resources based upon current and anticipated future demand as indicated in the dynamic price database. A user interface engine receives input from the automated dynamic price offer generation process and outputs price offers to the customer workstations, including the dynamic price associated with a printing/finishing resource, wherein the dynamic price is tailored to shape demand for the printing/finishing resource. The customer can accept or decline the dynamic price offer. In this manner, under-utilized printing/finishing resources, including turn-around options, are priced more attractively as compared to over-utilized printing/finishing resources to increase custo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.