User interface for a rules engine and methods therefor

Abstract

The present invention provides an efficient and user friendly rules user interface with screen shots that can prompt and guide a relatively inexperienced user through the process of defining and inputting valid rules and rule attributes into a price optimization system. In one embodiment, the valid rules and associated rule attributes are stored in a composite map of the rules user interface. The screen shots present choices of valid rules and rule attributes in the form of pull down menus. Upon the selection of a rule type from a predetermined menu of valid rule types stored in a composite map, the user interface presents a set of at least one rule attribute from the composite map which is consistent with the selected rule type. State machines assure that only valid transitions are made for a given set of rule attributes and also automatically readjust the rule attribute choices displayed on screenshots of the user interface if a previous attribute or state becomes invalid due the selection of another attribute.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates in general to price optimization systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a user interface for a rules engine useful in association with price optimization systems.

[0004] An interface for a price optimization system has been disclosed in the above mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/144,537 and includes a user interface for a rules engine. For example, FIGS. 34-38 shows a series of screen shots enabling a user to input rules into the rules engine.

[0005] However the user interface is a streamlined interface intended for use by a systems analyst who has familiarity and experience with the rules engine and prior knowledge of the structure of valid rules and associated rule attributes. An inexperienced user may attempt to input several invalid rules before finally defining a valid rule.

[0006] Hence, improvements can be achieved in the way rules and rule attributes are efficiently inputted by a less experienced user into the rules engine of the price optimization system in a more user friendly and less error prone way.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, there is desired an efficient and user friendly interface which can prompt and guide a relatively inexperienced user through the process of defining and inputting rules and rule attributes into a price optimization system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures.

[0009] The present invention provides an efficient and user friendly rules user interface with screen shots that can prompt and guide a relatively inexperienced user through the process of defining and inputting valid rules and rule attributes into a price optimization system.

[0010] In one embodiment, the valid rules and associated rule attributes are stored in a composite map of the rules user interface. The screen shots present choices of valid rules and rule attributes in the form of pull down menus.

[0011] The user selects a rule from a predetermined menu of valid rule types which are stored in a composite map. Upon the selection of a rule type, the user interface presents a set of at least one rule attribute from the composite map which is consistent with the selected rule type.

[0012] State machines assure that only valid transitions are made for a given set of rule attributes and also automatically readjust the rule attribute choices displayed on screenshots of the user interface if a previous attribute or state becomes invalid due the selection of another attribute.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a price optimization system of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified functional diagram of a rule user interface for the price optimization system of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the construction of rules and associated rule attributes for the price optimization system.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a screen shot illustrating a choice of rule types such as a competitive rule.

[0018] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary set of screen shots for defining a new competitive rule.

[0019] FIGS. 4C, 4D, 5A-5C and 6A-6C are exemplary screen shots illustrating the construction of the new competitive rule.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates state transitions for the construction of the new competitive rule.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and discussions that follow.

[0022] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a rule user interface is advantageously employed to facilitate a user to define valid business rules for a price optimization system. That is, providing the user with a menu of valid rules and associated rule attributes, and allowing the user to efficiently define and input valid rules into a rules engine for the price optimization system. Business rules unable the user to define the relationships between products and stores.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a price optimization system 100 which includes a rules engine 120 and a rule user interface 110 of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 2, a simplified functional diagram of rule user interface 110 is illustrated. Rules user interface 110 comprises a set of screenshots 212 which are templates for displaying a menu of rules and associated rule attributes to a user, a composite map 214 of valid rules and associated rule attributes, and state machines 216 associated with the rule attributes. State machines 216 assure that only valid transitions are made for a given set of rule attributes and also automatically readjust the rule attribute choices displayed on screenshots 212 if a previous attribute or state becomes invalid due the selection of another attribute.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the construction of rules and associated rule attributes. FIG. 4A illustrates a choice of rule types, and in this example, a competitive rule. FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary set of screen shots for defining a new competitive rule. FIGS. 4C, 4D, 5A-5C and 6A-6C are exemplary screen shots illustrating the construction of the new competitive rule. FIG. 7 illustrates state transitions for the construction of the new competitive rule. Appendix A illustrates sample State Maps for rule engine 120. Tables A-C below illustrate an exemplary set of predetermined rule types and associated rule attributes.

[0025] In step 310, when the user selects a “new rule” icon, user interface 110 provides a menu of rule types, for example a competitive rule or average price rule (see tables 1-3). Having selected a competitive rule in step 320 as shown in FIG. 4A, the user is also able to select “all products” in the category or a subset of products using an edit rule screen. In addition, the user is also able to select “all stores” or a subset of competitive stores.

[0026] As shown in the screenshot of FIG. 4C, the user can navigate state transitions between State 1a/b, State 2a/b and State 3a/b, which correspond with valid rule attributes consistent with the new competitive rule for the selected product(s) and store(s). In this example, the user selects a valid attribute, e.g. “upper/lower bounds”, for the competitive rule (step 330). User interface 110 provides a drop-down menu choice of “be between”, “be at least . . . % above”, “be no more than . . . . % above”, “be no more than . . . % below” and “be at least . . . % below” (see step 340). The user will be displayed both upper and lower bounds for all selections that do not contain “. . .” For those selections that contain “. . .” only a single numerical attribute will be displayed and this numerical value will be inserted in place of the “. . .”

[0027] FIGS. 5A-5C are screenshots illustrating the user inputting percentage upper and/or lower bounds for the competitive rule (steps 350 and 360). In FIG. 5A, the user has selected a lower bound of −15% and an upper bound of +5% of initial base price for the select product and store (see State 1a of FIG. 7). FIG 5B illustrates a second example where the user has selected a lower bound of −15% and no upper bound (see State 2a of FIG. 7). Conversely, as shown in FIG 5C, the user selected an upper bound of +5%, and without defining a lower bound (see State 3a of FIG. 7).

[0028] Referring now to screenshot of FIG. 4D, the user has opted to select relative upper and/or bounds for the competitive rule. Referring again to the screenshot of FIG. 4C, the user can navigate state transitions between State 1b, State 2b and State 3b, which correspond with relative upper and/or lower bounds for the selected product(s) and store(s) (step 340).

[0029] Steps 350 and 360 as further illustrated by the screenshots of FIGS. 6A-6C. In FIG. 6A, the user has selected a lower bound of −$15 and an upper bound of +$5 of initial base price for the select product and store (see State 1b of FIG. 7). FIG. 6B illustrates a second example where the user has selected a lower bound of −$15 and no upper bound (see State 2b of FIG. 7). Conversely, as shown in FIG. 6C, the user selected an upper bound of +$5, and without defining a lower bound see State 3b of FIG. 7).

[0030] Although exemplary bounds, e.g. +5%, −15%, +$5, and −$15, are described in the above examples, rules user interface 110 enables the user is able to change these bounds to suit the product(s) and store(s). In addition, these bounds can be defined in the order convenient to the user.

[0031] As shown in the State diagram of FIG. 7, state machines 216 keep track of past states, and valid forward looking valid states. For example, from State 1a the user can transition to State 1b, or State 2a or State 3a. User interface 110 uses composite map 214 to provide a roadmap for the user to define consistent and valid rules and rule attributes.

[0032] Rules user interface 110 of the present invention provides many advantages to the user. The user is able to focus on the business aspects of rule definition, since rules interface 110 takes care of structure and validity of rules and associated rule attributes.

[0033] In addition to the ease of use, the user is also able define rules in response to different conditions. For example, rules can be defined for price updates in response to cost changes or competitor price changes. They are also used for defining relationships between products, for example rules defining the size relationships, brand relationships, and other product relationships.

TABLE A
Code	RuleTypeName	RuleType	ScopeName	Scope	ScaleName	Scale
0.0.0.0.1	Price Rule	0	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
0.0.0.0.2	Price Rule	0	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
0.0.0.0.3	Price Rule	0	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
0.0.0.2.1	Price Rule	0	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
0.0.0.2.2	Price Rule	0	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
0.0.0.2.3	Price Rule	0	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
0.1.0.0.1	Price Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
0.1.0.0.2	Price Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
0.1.0.0.3	Price Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
0.1.1.0.1	Price Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
0.1.1.0.2	Price Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
0.1.1.0.3	Price Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
0.1.2.0.1	Price Rule	0	Individual	1	Absolute	2
0.1.2.0.2	Price Rule	0	Individual	1	Absolute	2
0.1.2.0.3	Price Rule	0	Individual	1	Absolute	2
0.2.1.0.1	Price Rule	0	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
0.2.1.0.2	Price Rule	0	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
0.2.1.0.3	Price Rule	0	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
2.1.0.0.1	Cross Store Rule	2	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
2.1.0.0.2	Cross Store Rule	2	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
2.1.0.0.3	Cross Store Rule	2	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
2.1.1.0.1	Cross Store Rule	2	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
2.1.1.0.2	Cross Store Rule	2	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
2.1.1.0.3	Cross Store Rule	2	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
3.1.0.0.1	Brand Rule	3	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
3.1.0.0.2	Brand Rule	3	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
3.1.0.0.3	Brand Rule	3	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
3.1.0.2.1	Brand Rule	3	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
3.1.0.2.2	Brand Rule	3	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
3.1.0.2.3	Brand Rule	3	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
3.1.1.0.1	Brand Rule	3	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
3.1.1.0.2	Brand Rule	3	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
3.1.1.0.3	Brand Rule	3	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
4.1.1.0.1	Size Rule	4	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
4.1.1.0.2	Size Rule	4	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
4.1.1.1.1	Size Rule	4	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
5.1.0.0.1	Group to Group Rule	5	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
5.1.0.0.2	Group to Group Rule	5	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
5.1.0.0.3	Group to Group Rule	5	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
5.1.0.2.1	Group to Group Rule	5	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
5.1.0.2.2	Group to Group Rule	5	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
5.1.0.2.3	Group to Group Rule	5	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
5.1.1.0.1	Group to Group Rule	5	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
5.1.1.0.2	Group to Group Rule	5	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
5.1.1.0.3	Group to Group Rule	5	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
6.1.0.0.1	Competitor Price Rule	6	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
6.1.0.0.2	Competitor Price Rule	6	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
6.1.0.0.3	Competitor Price Rule	6	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
6.1.1.0.1	Competitor Price Rule	6	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
6.1.1.0.2	Competitor Price Rule	6	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
6.1.1.0.3	Competitor Price Rule	6	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
7.1.0.0.0	Enforce Line Price	7	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
8.0.0.0.0	Enforce Pre-Prices	8	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
9.0.0.0.0	Enforce Price Zones	9	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
11.1.0.0.3	Price Change Limits	11	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
12.0.0.2.3	Average Price Limits	12	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
13.1.2.0.0	Allowable Last Digits	13	Individual	1	Absolute	2
14.1.0.0.1	Product to Product Rule	14	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
14.1.0.0.2	Product to Product Rule	14	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
14.1.0.0.3	Product to Product Rule	14	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
14.1.0.2.1	Product to Product Rule	14	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
14.1.0.2.2	Product to Product Rule	14	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
14.1.0.2.3	Product to Product Rule	14	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
14.1.1.0.1	Product to Product Rule	14	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
14.1.1.0.2	Product to Product Rule	14	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
14.1.1.0.3	Product to Product Rule	14	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
15.0.0.3.1	Volume Rule	15	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
16.0.2.1.1	Gross Margin Rule	16	Aggregated	0	Absolute	2
	Gross Margin Rule	16	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
	Gross Margin Rule	16	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
	Gross Margin Rule	16	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
16.1.2.1.1	Gross Margin Rule	16	Individual	1	Absolute	2
16.1.2.1.2	Gross Margin Rule	16	Individual	1	Absolute	2
16.1.2.1.3	Gross Margin Rule	16	Individual	1	Absolute	2
17.1.0.0.1	Other Class 1 Rule	17	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
17.1.0.0.2	Other Class 1 Rule	17	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
17.1.0.0.3	Other Class 1 Rule	17	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
17.1.0.2.1	Other Class 1 Rule	17	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
17.1.0.2.2	Other Class 1 Rule	17	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
17.1.0.2.3	Other Class 1 Rule	17	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
17.1.1.0.1	Other Class 1 Rule	17	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
17.1.1.0.2	Other Class 1 Rule	17	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
17.1.1.0.3	Other Class 1 Rule	17	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
18.1.0.0.1	Other Class 2 Rule	18	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
18.1.0.0.2	Other Class 2 Rule	18	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
18.1.0.0.3	Other Class 2 Rule	18	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
18.1.0.2.1	Other Class 2 Rule	18	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
18.1.0.2.2	Other Class 2 Rule	18	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
18.1.0.2.3	Other Class 2 Rule	18	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
18.1.1.0.1	Other Class 2 Rule	18	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
18.1.1.0.2	Other Class 2 Rule	18	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
18.1.1.0.3	Other Class 2 Rule	18	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
19.0.0.3.1	Volume Floor	19	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
20.0.0.8.1	Profit Floor	20	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
	CPI Rule	21	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
	CPI Rule	21	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
	CPI Rule	21	Aggregated	0	Relative (in %)	0
	Multiples	22		1		2
21.1.0.0.1	Price Drift Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
21.1.0.0.2	Price Drift Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
21.1.0.0.3	Price Drift Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in %)	0
21.1.1.0.1	Price Drift Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
21.1.1.0.2	Price Drift Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1
21.1.1.0.3	Price Drift Rule	0	Individual	1	Relative (in $)	1

[0034]

TABLE B
Code	Negative Bound	Positive Bound
0.0.0.0.1	The average retail price of the group must not	The average retail price of the group must
	drop by more than 30% (−30%, NA)	increase by more than 5% (+5%, NA)
0.0.0.0.2	The average retail price of the group must drop	The average retail price of the group must not
	by at least 10% (NA, −10%)	increase by more than 15% (NA, +15%)
0.0.0.0.3	The average retail price change of the group
	must be between −30% and +15% (−30%,
	+15%)
0.0.0.2.1	The average equivalent price of the group	The average equivalent price of the group
	must not drop by more than 30% (−30%, NA)	must increase by more than 5% (+5%, NA)
0.0.0.2.2	The average equivalent price of the group	The average equivalent price of the group
	must drop by at least 10% (NA, −10%)	must not increase by more than 15% (NA,
	+15%)
0.0.0.2.3	The average equivalent price change of the
	group must be between −30% and +15%
	(−30%, +15%)
0.1.0.0.1	The retail price of each product must not drop	The retail price of each product must
	by more than 30% (−30%, NA)	increase by more than 5% (+5%, NA)
0.1.0.0.2	The retail price of each product must drop by	The retail price of each product must not
	at least 10% (NA, −10%)	increase by more than 15% (NA, +15%)
0.1.0.0.3	The retail price change of each product must
	be between −30% and +15% (−30%, +15%)
0.1.1.0.1	The retail price of each product must not drop	The retail price of each product must
	by more than $0.70 (−$0.70, NA)	increase by more than $0.50 (+$0.50, NA)
0.1.1.0.2	The retail price of each product must drop by	The retail price of each product must not
	at least $0.20 (NA, −$0.20)	increase by more than $1.15 (NA, +$1.15)
0.1.1.0.3	The retail price change of each product must
	be between −$0.70 and +$1.15 (−$0.70,
	+$1.15)
0.1.2.0.1	NA - can't have negative price	The retail price of each product must be at
		least $0.50 (+$0.50, NA)
0.1.2.0.2	NA - can't have negative price	The retail price of each product must be no
		more than $1.15 (NA, +$1.15)
0.1.2.0.3	The retail price of each product must be
	between $0.50 and $1.15 (+0.50, +1.15)
0.2.1.0.1	The revenue weighted equivalent price of the	The revenue weighted equivalent price of the
	group must not drop by more than 30% (−30%,	group must increase by more than 5% (+5%,
	NA)	NA)
0.2.1.0.2	The revenue weighted equivalent price of the	The revenue weighted equivalent price of the
	group must drop by at least 10% (NA, −10%)	group must not increase by more than 15%
		(NA, +15%)
0.2.1.0.3	The revenue weighted equivalent price change
	of the group must be between −30% and +15%
	(−30%, +15%)
2.1.0.0.1	Prices of the group are allowed to be different	Prices of the group are allowed to be different
	from the zone price (single store pricing). The	from the zone price (single store pricing). The
	retail price of each product must be no more	retail price of each product must be at least
	than 30% below the zone price (−30%, NA)	5% above the zone price (+5%, NA)
2.1.0.0.2	Prices of the group are allowed to be different	Prices of the group are allowed to be different
	from the zone price (single store pricing). The	from the zone price (single store pricing). The
	retail price of each product must be at least	retail price of each product must be no more
	10% below the zone price (NA, −10%)	than 15% above the zone price (NA, +15%)
2.1.0.0.3	Prices of the group are allowed to be different
	from the zone price (single store pricing). The
	retail price of each product must be between
	−30% and +15% of the zone price(−30%, +15%)
2.1.1.0.1	Prices of the group are allowed to be different	Prices of the group are allowed to be different
	from the zone price (single store pricing). The	from the zone price (single store pricing). The
	retail price of each product must be no more	retail price of each product must be at least
	than $1.15 below the zone price (−$1.15, NA)	$0.50 above the zone price (+$0.50, NA)
2.1.1.0.2	Prices of the group are allowed to be different	Prices of the group are allowed to be different
	from the zone price (single store pricing). The	from the zone price (single store pricing). The
	retail price of each product must be at least	retail price of each product must be no more
	$0.70 below the zone price (NA, −$0.70)	than $0.50 above the zone price (NA, +$0.50)
2.1.1.0.3	Prices of the group are allowed to be different
	from the zone price (single store pricing). The
	retail price of each product must be between
	−$1.15 and +$0.50 of the zone price (−$1.15,
	+$0.50
3.1.0.0.1	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]
	product must be no more than 30% below the	product must be at least 5% above the
	corresponding [Brand Class 2] product	corresponding [Brand Class 2] product (+5%,
	(−30%, NA)	NA)
3.1.0.0.2	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]
	product must be at least 10% below the	product must be no more than 15% above
	corresponding [Brand Class 2] product	the corresponding [Brand Class 2] product
	(NA, −10%)	(NA, +15%)
3.1.0.0.3	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]
	product must be between −30% and +15% of
	the corresponding [Brand Class 2] product
	(−30%, +15%)
3.1.0.2.1	The equivalent price of each [Brand Class 1]	The equivalent price of each [Brand Class
	product must be no more than 30% below the	1] product must be at least 5% above the
	corresponding [Brand Class 2] product	corresponding [Brand Class 2] product (+5%,
	(−30%, NA)	NA)
3.1.0.2.2	The equivalent price of each [Brand Class 1]	The equivalent price of each [Brand Class 1]
	product must be at least 10% below the	product must be no more than 15% above
	corresponding [Brand Class 2] product	the corresponding [Brand Class 2] product
	(NA, −10%)	(NA, +15%)
3.1.0.2.3	The equivalent price of each [Brand Class 1]
	product must be between −30% and +15% of
	the corresponding [Brand Class 2] product
	(−30%, +15%)
3.1.1.0.1	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]
	product must be no more than $0.70 below the	product must be at least $0.50 above the
	corresponding [Brand Class 2] product	corresponding [Brand Class 2] product
	(−$0.70, NA)	(+$0.50, NA)
3.1.1.0.2	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]
	product must be at least $0.20 below the	product must be no more than $1.15 above
	corresponding [Brand Class 2] product	the corresponding [Brand Class 2] product
	(NA, −$0.20)	(NA, +$1.15)
3.1.1.0.3	The retail price of each [Brand Class 1]
	product must be between −$0.70 and +$1.15 of
	the corresponding [Brand Class 2] product
	(−$0.70, +$1.15)
4.1.1.0.1		The retail price of each larger product must
		be at least 5% above the corresponding next
		smaller product (+5%, NA)
4.1.1.0.2		The equivalent price of each larger product
		must be at least 5% above the corresponding
		next smaller product (+5%, NA)
4.1.1.1.1		The retail price of each larger product must
		be at least $0.50 above the corresponding
		next smaller product (+$0.50, NA)
5.1.0.0.1	The retail price of each product in [Group A]	The retail price of each product in [Group A]
	must be no more than 30% below the lowest	must be at least 5% above the lowest priced
	priced product in [Group B] (−30%, NA)	product in [Group B] (+5%, NA)
5.1.0.0.2	The retail price of each product in [Group A]	The retail price of each product in [Group A]
	must be at least 10% below the highest priced	must be no more than 15% above the highest
	product in [Group B] (NA, −10%)	priced product in [Group B] (NA, +15%)
5.1.0.0.3	The retail price of each product in [Group A]
	must be between −30% and +15% of the price
	of every product in [Group B] (−30%, +15%)
5.1.0.2.1	The equivalent price of each product in [Group	The equivalent price of each product in
	A] must be no more than 30% below the lowest	[Group A] must be at least 5% above the
	priced product in [Group B] (−30%, NA)	lowest priced product in [Group B] (+5%, NA)
5.1.0.2.2	The equivalent price of each product in [Group	The equivalent price of each product in
	A] must be at least 10% below the highest	[Group A] must be no more than 15% above
	priced product in [Group B] (NA, −10%)	the highest priced product in [Group B]
		(NA, +15%)
5.1.0.2.3	The equivalent price of each product in [Group
	A] must be between −30% and +15% of the
	price of every product in [Group B]
	(−30%, +15%)
5.1.1.0.1	The retail price of each product in [Group A]	The retail price of each product in [Group A]
	must be no more than $0.70 below the lowest	must be at least $0.50 above the lowest
	priced product in [Group B] (−$0.70, NA)	priced product in [Group B] (+$0.50, NA)
5.1.1.0.2	The retail price of each product in [Group A]	The retail price of each product in [Group A]
	must be at least $0.20 below the highest priced	must be no more than $1.15 above the
	product in [Group B] (NA, −$0.20)	highest priced product in [Group B]
		(NA, +$1.15)
5.1.1.0.3	The retail price of each product in [Group A]
	must be between −$0.70 and +$1.15 of the
	price of every product in [Group B]
	(−$0.70, +$1.15)
6.1.0.0.1	The retail price of each product must be no	The retail price of each product must be at
	more than 30% below the [Compset 1] price	least 5% above the [Compset 1] price
	(−30%, NA)	(+5%, NA)
6.1.0.0.2	The retail price of each product must be at	The retail price of each product must be no
	least 10% below the [Compset 1] price	more than 15% above the [Compset 1] price
	(NA, −10%)	(NA, +15%)
6.1.0.0.3	The retail price of each product must be
	between −30% and +15% of the [Compset 1]
	price (−30%, +15%)
6.1.1.0.1	The retail price of each product must be no	The retail price of each product must be at
	more than $0.70 below the [Compset 1] price	least $0.50 above the [Compset 1] price
	(−$0.70, NA)	(+$0.50, NA)
6.1.1.0.2	The retail price of each product must be at	The retail price of each product must be no
	least $0.20 below the [Compset 1] price	more than $1.15 above the [Compset 1] price
	(NA, −$0.20)	(NA, +$1.15)
6.1.1.0.3	The retail price of each product must be
	between −$0.70 and +$1.15 of the [Compset 1]
	price (−$0.70, +$1.15)
7.1.0.0.0	Enforce Line Prices
8.0.0.0.0	Enforce PrePrices
9.0.0.0.0	Enforce Price Zones
11.1.0.0.3	The retail price change of each product must
	be between −30% and +15% (−30%, +15%)
12.0.0.2.3	The average equivalent price change of any
	sub-category must be between −10% and +5%
	(−10%, +5%)
13.1.2.0.0	Apply this rule only to products priced above
	$0.00: Retail prices for products must end in
	one of these
	numbers:.(.00, .10, .20, .21, .22, .23, .24, .25,
	.26, .27, .28, .29, .30, .40, .50, .60, .70, .80, .90)
14.1.0.0.1	The retail price of [Product A] must be no more	The retail price of [Product A] must be at
	than 30% below the price of [Product B]	least 5% above the price of [Product B]
	(−30%, NA)	(+5%, NA)
14.1.0.0.2	The retail price of [Product A] must be at least	The retail price of [Product A] must be no
	10% below the price of [Product B] (NA, −10%)	more than 15% above the price of [Product B]
		(NA, +15%)
14.1.0.0.3	The retail price of [Product A] must be between
	−30% and +15% of [Product B] (−30%, +15%)
14.1.0.2.1	The equivalent price of [Product A] must be no	The equivalent price of [Product A] must be
	more than 30% below the price of [Product B]	at least 5% above the price of [Product B]
	(−30%, NA)	(+5%, NA)
14.1.0.2.2	The equivalent price of [Product A] must be at	The equivalent price of [Product A] must be
	least 10% below the price of [Product B]	no more than 15% above the price of
	(NA, −10%)	[Product B] (NA, +15%)
14.1.0.2.3	The equivalent price of [Product A] must be
	between −30% and +15% of [Product B] (−30%,
	+15%)
14.1.1.0.1	The retail price of [Product A] must be no more	The retail price of [Product A] must be at
	than $0.70 below the price of [Product B]	least $0.50 above the price of [Product B]
	(−$0.70, NA)	(+$0.50, NA)
14.1.1.0.2	The retail price of [Product A] must be at least	The retail price of [Product A] must be no
	$0.20 below the price of [Product B]	more than $1.15 above the price of
	(NA, −$0.20)	[Product B] (NA, +$1.15)
14.1.1.0.3	The retail price of [Product A] must be between
	−$0.70 and +$1.15 of
	[Product B] (−$0.70, +$1.15)
15.0.0.3.1	The equivalent volume of the group must not	The equivalent volume of the group must
	drop by more than 2% (−2%, NA)	increase by more than 1% (+1%, NA)
16.0.2.1.1	The average Gross Margin of the group must	The average Gross Margin of the group must
	be at least −30% (−30%, NA)	be at least +5% (+5%, NA)
16.1.2.1.1	The Gross Margin of each product must be at	The Gross Margin of each product must be at
	least −30% (−30%, NA)	least +5% (+5%, NA)
16.1.2.1.2	The Gross Margin of each product must be no	The Gross Margin of each product must be
	more than −5% (NA, −5%)	no more than +5% (NA, +5%)
16.1.2.1.3	The Gross Margin of each product must be
	between −30% and +15% (−30%, +15%)
17.1.0.0.1	The retail price of each [Other Class A] product	The retail price of each [Other Class A]
	must be no more than 30% below the	product must be at least 5% above the
	corresponding [Other Class B] product	corresponding [Other Class B] product
	(−30%, NA)	(+5%, NA)
17.1.0.0.2	The retail price of each [Other Class A] product	The retail price of each [Other Class A]
	must be at least 10% below the corresponding	product must be no more than 15% above
	[Other Class B] product (NA, −10%)	the corresponding [Other Class B] product
		(NA, +15%)
17.1.0.0.3	The retail price of each [Other Class A] product
	must be between −30% and +15% of the
	corresponding [Other Class B] product
	(−30%, +15%)
17.1.0.2.1	The equivalent price of each [Other Class A]	The equivalent price of each [Other Class A]
	product must be no more than 30% below the	product must be at least 5% above the
	corresponding [Other Class B] product	corresponding [Other Class B] product
	(−30%, NA)	(+5%, NA)
17.1.0.2.2	The equivalent price of each [Other Class A]	The equivalent price of each [Other Class A]
	product must be at least 10% below the	product must be no more than 15% above
	corresponding [Other Class B] product	the corresponding [Other Class B] product
	(NA, −10%)	(NA, +15%)
17.1.0.2.3	The equivalent price of each [Other Class A]
	product must be between −30% and +15% of
	the corresponding [Other Class B] product
	(−30%, +15%)
17.1.1.0.1	The retail price of each [Other Class A] product	The retail price of each [Other Class A]
	must be no more than $0.70 below the	product must be at least $0.50 above the
	corresponding [Other Class B] product (−$0.70,	corresponding [Other Class B] product
	NA)	(+$0.50, NA)
17.1.1.0.2	The retail price of each [Other Class A] product	The retail price of each [Other Class A]
	must be at least $0.20 below the	product must be no more than $1.15 above
	corresponding [Other Class B] product	the corresponding [Other Class B] product
	(NA, −$0.20)	(NA, +$1.15)
17.1.1.0.3	The retail price of each [Other Class A] product
	must be between −$0.70 and +$1.15 of the
	corresponding [Other Class B] product
	(−$0.70, +$1.15)
18.1.0.0.1	The retail price of each [Other Class C]	The retail price of each [Other Class C]
	product must be no more than 30% below the	product must be at least 5% above the
	corresponding [Other Class D] product	corresponding [Other Class D] product
	(−30%, NA)	(+5%, NA)
18.1.0.0.2	The retail price of each [Other Class C]	The retail price of each [Other Class C]
	product must be at least 10% below the	product must be no more than 15% above
	corresponding [Other Class D] product	the corresponding [Other Class D] product
	(NA, −10%)	(NA, +15%)
18.1.0.0.3	The retail price of each [Other Class C]
	product must be between −30% and +15% of
	the corresponding [Other Class D] product
	(−30%, +15%)
18.1.0.2.1	The equivalent price of each [Other Class C]	The equivalent price of each [Other Class C]
	product must be no more than 30% below the	product must be at least 5% above the
	corresponding [Other Class D] product	corresponding [Other Class D] product
	(−30%, NA)	(+5%, NA)
18.1.0.2.2	The equivalent price of each [Other Class C]	The equivalent price of each [Other Class C]
	product must be at least 10% below the	product must be no more than 15% above
	corresponding [Other Class D] product	the corresponding [Other Class D] product
	(NA, −10%)	(NA, +15%)
18.1.0.2.3	The equivalent price of each [Other Class C]
	product must be between −30% and +15% of
	the corresponding [Other Class D] product
	(−30%, +15%)
18.1.1.0.1	The retail price of each [Other Class C]	The retail price of each [Other Class C]
	product must be no more than $0.70 below the	product must be at least $0.50 above the
	corresponding [Other Class D] product	corresponding [Other Class D] product
	(−$0.70, NA)	(+$0.50, NA)
18.1.1.0.2	The retail price of each [Other Class C]	The retail price of each [Other Class C]
	product must be at least $0.20 below the	product must be no more than $1.15 above
	corresponding [Other Class D] product	the corresponding [Other Class D] product
	(NA, −$0.20)	(NA, +$1.15)
18.1.1.0.3	The retail price of each [Other Class C]
	product must be between −$0.70 and +$1.15 of
	the corresponding [Other Class D] product
	(−$0.70, +$1.15)
19.0.0.3.1	Equivalent volume must not drop by more than	Equivalent volume must increase by more
	2% (−2%, NA)	than 1% (+1%, NA)
20.0.0.8.1	Profit must not drop by more than 2%	Profit must increase by more than 1%
	(−2%, NA)	(+1%, NA)
	The CPI <Choose CPI> must be no more	The CPI <Choose CPI> must be at least
	than 2.00% below 100. (−2.00, NA)	2.00% above 100. (+2.00, NA)
	The CPI <Choose CPI> must be between
	−2.00 and +2.00 of 100. (−2.00, +2.00)
	The CPI <Choose CPI> must be no more	The CPI <Choose CPI> must be no more
	than 2.00% below 100. (NA, −2.00)	than 2.00% above 100. (NA, +2.00)
	Use multiples with a product if the optimized
	price meets a specific multiple
	price point and the gross margin is greater
	than 5.00%. (+5.00%, NA)
21.1.0.0.1	The retail price of each product must not drop	The retail price of each product must
	by more than 30% below the anchor price	increase by more than 5% above the anchor
	(−30%, NA)	price (+5%, NA)
21.1.0.0.2	The retail price of each product must drop by	The retail price of each product must not
	at least 10% below the anchor price	increase by more than 15% above the anchor
	(NA, −10%)	price (NA, +15%)
21.1.0.0.3	The retail price change of each product must
	be between −30% and +15% of the anchor
	price (−30%, +15%)
21.1.1.0.1	The retail price of each product must not drop	The retail price of each product must
	by more than $0.70 below the anchor price	increase by more than $0.50 above the
	(−$0.70, NA)	anchor price (+$0.50, NA)
21.1.1.0.2	The retail price of each product must drop by	The retail price of each product must not
	at least $0.20 below the anchor price	increase by more than $1.15 above the
	(NA, −$0.20)	anchor price (NA, +$1.15)
21.1.1.0.3	The retail price change of each product must
	be between −$0.70 and +$1.15 of the anchor
	price (−$0.70, +$1.15)

[0035]

TABLE C
	Metric
Code	Name	Metric	Limit Name	Limit	Notes	GAMS CODE
0.0.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULIPEPSV
0.0.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUIPEPSV
0.0.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
0.0.0.2.1	Equivalent	2	Low Only	1	Redundant rules (see	ULIPEPSV
	price				0.0.0.0.1-0.0.0.0.3)
0.0.0.2.2	Equivalent	2	Hi Only	2	Redundant rules (see	UUIPEPSV
	price				0.0.0.0.1-0.0.0.0.3)
0.0.0.2.3	Equivalent	2	Low Hi Limit	3	Redundant rules (see
	price				0.0.0.0.1-0.0.0.0.3)
0.1.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULIPEPSS
0.1.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUIPEPSS
0.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
0.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULIPRSS
0.1.1.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUIRPSS
0.1.1.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
0.1.2.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULIAPSS
0.1.2.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUIAPSS
0.1.2.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
0.2.1.0.1	Equivalent	6	Low Only	1		ULIPREVSV
	price
0.2.1.0.2	Equivalent	6	Hi Only	2		UUIPREVSV
	price
0.2.1.0.3	Equivalent	6	Low Hi Limit	3
	price
2.1.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULFPPVS
2.1.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUFPPVS
2.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
2.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULFRPVS
2.1.1.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUFRPVS
2.1.1.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
3.1.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFPPSS
3.1.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFPPSS
3.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
3.1.0.2.1	Equivalent	2	Low Only	1		BLFPEPSS
	price
3.1.0.2.2	Equivalent	2	Hi Only	2		BUFPEPSS
	price
3.1.0.2.3	Equivalent	2	Low Hi Limit	3
	price
3.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFRPSS
3.1.1.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFRPSS
3.1.1.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
4.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFPPSS
4.1.1.0.2	Equivalent	2	Low Only	1		BLFPEPSS
	price
4.1.1.1.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFRPSS
5.1.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFPPSS
5.1.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFPPSS
5.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
5.1.0.2.1	Equivalent	2	Low Only	1		BLFPEPSS
	price
5.1.0.2.2	Equivalent	2	Hi Only	2		BUFPEPSS
	price
5.1.0.2.3	Equivalent	2	Low Hi Limit	3
	price
5.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFPPSS
5.1.1.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFPPSS
5.1.1.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
6.1.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULIAPSS
6.1.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUIAPSS
6.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
6.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULIAPSS
6.1.1.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUIAPSS
6.1.1.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
7.1.0.0.0	Price	0	No Limit	0		ULFPPSV
8.0.0.0.0	Price	0	No Limit	0		ULIPEPSS AND
						UUIPEPSS
9.0.0.0.0	Price	0	No Limit	0		No code; done by
						default
11.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3		ULIPEPSS AND
						UUIPEPSS
12.0.0.2.3	Equivalent	2	Low Hi Limit	3	this should be the demand	ULIPGEPSV AND
	price				group level price bound	UUIPGEPSV
13.1.2.0.0	Price	0	No Limit	0		Done outside of
						GAMS
14.1.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1	Same as 5.1.0.0.1-5.1.0.0.3	BLFPPSS
14.1.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFPPSS
14.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
14.1.0.2.1	Equivalent	2	Low Only	1	Same as 5.1.0.2.1-5.1.0.2.3	BLFPEPSS
	price
14.1.0.2.2	Equivalent	2	Hi Only	2		BUFPEPSS
	price
14.1.0.2.3	Equivalent	2	Low Hi Limit	3
	price
14.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1	Same as 5.1.1.0.1-5.1.1.0.3	BLFRPSS
14.1.1.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFRPSS
14.1.1.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
15.0.0.3.1	Equivalent	3	Low Only	1		ULIPEUSA
	Unit
16.0.2.1.1	Gross	1	Low Only	1		ULFAGMSV
	Margin %
	Gross	1	Low Only	1		ULIRGMSS
	Margin %
	Gross	1	Hi Only	2		UUIRGMSS
	Margin %
	Gross	1	Low Hi Limit	3
	Margin %
16.1.2.1.1	Gross	1	Low Only	1		ULFAGMSS
	Margin %
16.1.2.1.2	Gross	1	Hi Only	2		UUFAGMSS
	Margin %
16.1.2.1.3	Gross	1	Low Hi Limit	3
	Margin %
17.1.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFPPSS
17.1.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFPPSS
17.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
17.1.0.2.1	Equivalent	2	Low Only	1		BLFPEPSS
	price
17.1.0.2.2	Equivalent	2	Hi Only	2		BUFPEPSS
	price
17.1.0.2.3	Equivalent	2	Low Hi Limit	3
	price
17.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFRPSS
17.1.1.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFRPSS
17.1.1.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
18.1.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFPPSS
18.1.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFPPSS
18.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
18.1.0.2.1	Equivalent	2	Low Only	1		BLFPEPSS
	price
18.1.0.2.2	Equivalent	2	Hi Only	2		BUFPEPSS
	price
18.1.0.2.3	Equivalent	2	Low Hi Limit	3
	price
18.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		BLFRPSS
18.1.1.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		BUFRPSS
18.1.1.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
19.0.0.3.1	Equivalent	3	Low Only	1		ULIPEUSA
	Unit
20.0.0.8.1	Contribution	8	Low Only	1		ULIPPFTSA
	Margin $
	CPI		Low Only			ULFPCPISV
	CPI		Low Hi Limit			UUFPCPISV
	CPI		Hi Only
		1	Low Only			No GAMS code;
						done in BOTS
21.1.0.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULIPEPSS
21.1.0.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUIPEPSS
21.1.0.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3
21.1.1.0.1	Price	0	Low Only	1		ULIPRSS
21.1.1.0.2	Price	0	Hi Only	2		UUIRPSS
21.1.1.0.3	Price	0	Low Hi Limit	3

[0036] While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents which fall within the scope of this invention. For example, although reference is given to DemandTec's price optimization system, it should be understood that the invention can also integrate with other price optimization systems as well as promotion, placement, and assortment systems. In addition, this present invention is also useful for creating rules defining how products should be promoted, how they should be placed in the store, and what products should or should not be present in a given store.

[0037] It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the apparatuses of the present invention. For example, although a drop down menu window of rules and rule attributes choices is described, there are alternative ways to display a menu of choices such as popup menus, button click drop downs, and dynamic grid generation.

[0038] In addition, while the present invention is implemented in Java™ script, the rule user interface can be implemented in one or more of many other programming languages. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0039] Advantages of the invention include optimizing in the way rules and rule attributes are efficiently inputted by a less experienced user into the rules engine of a price optimization system in a more user friendly and less error prone way. Hence, the present invention provides an efficient and user friendly interface which can prompt and guide a relatively inexperienced user through the process of defining and inputting rules and rule attributes for the price optimization system. Additional advantages include readability, reduced training costs, easily adapted to other applications, easily internationalized and customized, and rule and rule attribute prompts that are concise and unambiguous.

[0040] Appendix A below includes exemplary state maps of price and brand rules for use with rules user interface 110 and rules engine 120.

[0041] Having disclosed exemplary embodiments and the best mode, modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the subject and spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for defining rules useful in association with a rules engine of a price optimization system, comprising: selecting a rule from a plurality of rules types; selecting an attribute consistent with the rule type; providing at least one valid choice for the attribute to the user; and inputting the at least one valid choice into the rules engine.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the rule is a competitive rule.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the attribute is a price bound.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the price bound is an upper bound.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein the price bound is a lower bound.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein the price bound is an absolute bound.

7. The method of claim 3 wherein the price bound is a relative bound.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the relative bound is a percentage bound.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the rule is one of a price rule, a volume rule, a gross margin rule, a size rule and a brand rule.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of rule types are presented in a pull down menu.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one valid choice of for the attribute is presented in a pull down menu.