U.S. patent application number 11/553164 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-11 for method and apparatus for product comparison.
Invention is credited to Christopher M. Connors, Andrew Leamon, Andrew F. Miller, James Singh, Jeffrey R. VanDyke, Joshua P. Walsky.
Application Number | 20080222402 11/553164 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37189336 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080222402 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Connors; Christopher M. ; et
al. |
September 11, 2008 |
Method and apparatus for product comparison
Abstract
A method of comparing products is disclosed. The method includes
selecting a first configuration representing a first product with a
first attribute, selecting a second configuration representing a
second product with a second attribute, and displaying the first
attribute and the second attribute. As will be noted, the first
attribute is defined in the first configuration, and the second
attribute is defined in the second configuration.
Inventors: |
Connors; Christopher M.;
(Austin, TX) ; Miller; Andrew F.; (Austin, TX)
; Walsky; Joshua P.; (Austin, TX) ; Singh;
James; (Austin, TX) ; Leamon; Andrew; (Wayne,
PA) ; VanDyke; Jeffrey R.; (Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAMILTON & TERRILE, LLP
P.O. BOX 203518
AUSTIN
TX
78720
US
|
Family ID: |
37189336 |
Appl. No.: |
11/553164 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09760062 |
Jan 12, 2001 |
7130821 |
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11553164 |
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60176117 |
Jan 14, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
713/1 ;
707/E17.005 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0629 20130101;
G06Q 30/0621 20130101; G06Q 30/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
713/1 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/177 20060101
G06F015/177 |
Claims
1. A method of comparing products comprising: selecting a first
configuration, wherein said first configuration represents a first
products with a first attribute; selecting a second configuration,
wherein said second configuration represents a second product with
a second attribute; and displaying said first attribute and said
second attribute, wherein said first attribute is defined in said
first configuration and said second attribute is defined in said
second configuration.
2-28. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/176,117, entitled "System And Method For
Facilitating Commercial Transactions Over A Data Network," filed
Jan. 14, 2000, and having Joshua Walsky as inventor. This
application is assigned to Trilogy Development Group, Inc., the
assignee of the present invention, and is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to communication over a data
network. Specifically, the present invention is directed to
facilitating commercial transactions over a wide area data
network.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Historically, product-related information, such as a
description of the nature of a product, price of the product,
warranties covering a product, customer service associated with a
product, and the like, was disseminated using various types of
media. The media chosen was typically independent of the mode in
which the actual transaction concerning the product was to occur.
Rather, the media was chosen based upon the anticipated market for
the product. For example, advertisements for mining tools would
typically be found in a trade journal, as opposed to be displayed
on television. However, the popularity of commercial transactions
over wide area data networks, such as the Internet, has caused
companies to disseminate product-related information through the
same media through which the transactions concerning the products
occur. As a result, companies are investing enormous amounts of
time, money and effort to provide product-related information over
the Internet.
[0006] Companies have been assisted in the endeavor to provide
product-related information over wide area networks by the
technology available on the Internet. The Internet typically
includes a number of users employing client terminals communicating
with a remote server computer to transfer information therebetween.
To facilitate the transfer, the client terminals have a "web"
browser that provides graphical user interface (GUI)-based
communication with a "web page" obtained from a server. One popular
collection of servers uses a standardized Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP) to provide information and is known as the "World
Wide Web." The information is typically presented as web pages
written as text with standardized formatting and control symbols
known as Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML). HTML provides basic
document formatting and allows a server to specify "links" to other
servers and files. Use of an HTML-compliant browser involves
specification of a link via a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Upon
such specification, the user's client terminal makes a TCP/IP
request to the server identified in the link and receives an HTML
file that is interpreted by the browser so that a electronic HTML
document made up of one or more web pages may be displayed on the
clients terminal.
[0007] One difficulty with commercial transactions over the
Internet concerns shopping for items based on price (i.e.,
comparison-price shopping). Comparison-price shopping involves a
user comparing prices for similar products to determine which the
user desires. There are major factors endemic to the Internet that
frustrate comparison-price shopping. First, the quantity of
information frustrates the identification of a single product, much
less multiple products having similar or analogous characteristics.
A second difficulty is that the accuracy of the information on the
Internet is often compromised by various conditions, such as the
rapidity with which product-related information changes and the
difficulty with updating large amounts of product-related
information on the Internet. In addition, the accuracy of
product-related information may be supplier-dependent. If a
substitute supplier of a product is used, certain characteristics
of product-related information may change (e.g., price).
[0008] With respect to finding information concerning specific
products, the area is replete with attempts to augment the
probability that the product-related information will be perceived
by a user. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,390 to Hyodo discloses
a method for determining the effectiveness of advertisements
accessed over the Internet using a WWW browser. When accessing an
advertisement, the user receives a toll-free telephone number of a
store and calls the toll-free telephone number. A toll-free call
control system connects the call to a store in which the desired
product in available to determine whether the user would like to
buy the advertised product. At the same time, information
concerning the access is recorded as log information. This log
information is posted to the service provider, and the service
provider analyzes the hit rate from this log information and the
WWW browser access log. From this result, the on-line service
provider, or advertiser, can determine the effectiveness of the
given advertisement. However, a user cannot complete the
transaction concerning the purchasing of the product entirely over
the Internet, thereby requiring additional retail
infrastructure.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,214 to Perkowski discloses a system and
method for finding product and service related information the
Internet. The system includes Internet Servers that contain
information pertaining to Universal Product or Service Number
(e.g., UPC number) preassigned to each product and service
registered in the system, with Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)
that point to the location of one or more information resources on
the Internet (e.g., World Wide Web (WWW) websites). A user is
provided with an "Internet Product/Service Information (IPSI)
Finder" feature and a "Universal Product/Service Number (UPSN)
Search" feature. The system enters its "IPSI Finder Mode" when the
"IPSI Finder" feature is activated enters the "UPSN Search Mode"
when the "UPSN Search" feature is activated. When the system is in
its IPSI Finder Mode, a predesignated information resource (e.g.,
advertisement, product information, etc.) pertaining to any
commercial product or service registered with the system is
automatically accessed from the Internet and displayed from the
Internet browser by simply entering the registered product's UPN or
the registered service's USN into the Internet browser. When the
system is in its "UPSN Search Mode", a predesignated information
resource pertaining to any commercial product or service registered
with the system is automatically accessed from the Internet and
displayed from the Internet browser by simply entering the
registered product's trademark(s) or (service mark) and/or
associated company name into the Internet browser.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,681 to Levine, et al., discloses an
invention for maintaining a record of items selected for purchase
from a group of selectable items. The invention includes a browser
at a client station having a request module to send a shopping page
request to a server. A shopping page module in the server sends a
shopping page file to the browser in response to the shopping page
request. The shopping page file contains items selectable by a user
using the browser. A shopping module at the browser generates an
add request and sends the add request to the server. This add
request contains selected items from the items that were selectable
in the shopping page file. A receiver at the server receives the
add request from the browser, and a cart list module at the server
initializes a shopping cart list. An add module at the server adds
the selected items to the shopping cart list. A shopping page
module at the server converts the cart list to a cart field,
generates a new shopping page file, embeds the cart field in the
new shopping page file and sends the new shopping page file to the
browser. In this way, the shopping cart field is in a shopping page
file that may be managed by the browser at the client station.
[0011] While both Perkowski and Levine, et al., facilitate
identification of products that a user is interested in purchasing,
neither Perkowski nor Levine, et al., ensure the accuracy of the
product-related information provided. What is needed, therefore, is
a technique for easily identifying multiple products of similar
characteristics that ensures the information corresponding to the
products is accurate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of
comparing products is disclosed. The method includes selecting a
first configuration representing a first product with a first
attribute, selecting a second configuration representing a second
product with a second attribute, and displaying the first attribute
and the second attribute. As will be noted, the first attribute is
defined in the first configuration, and the second attribute is
defined in the second configuration.
[0013] In one aspect of this embodiment, the first product is a
first vehicle and the second product is a second vehicle. Given
this, the method may further include selecting the first
configuration from at least one stored configuration. Also, given
this aspect, the method can further include generating the first
configuration by performing actions such as selecting a make of the
first vehicle, selecting a model of the first vehicle, and
selecting a trim level of the first vehicle, as well as selecting
an equipment level of the first vehicle.
[0014] In another aspect of this embodiment, the method can further
include generating a third configuration. Such a third
configuration can be comparable to the first configuration with
regard to a vehicle type. Additionally, the third configuration can
also be comparable to the first configuration with regard to a
vehicle price.
[0015] These and other embodiments of the present invention, along
with many of its advantages and features, are described in more
detail below and are shown in the attached drawings. The foregoing
is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications,
generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative
only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. As will also be
apparent to one of skill in the art, the operations disclosed
herein may be implemented in a number of ways, and such changes and
modifications may be made without departing from this invention and
its broader aspects. Other aspects, inventive features, and
advantages of the present invention, as defined solely by the
claims, will become apparent in the non-limiting detailed
description set forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention may be better understood, and its
numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those
skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.
[0017] FIG. 1 is simplified plan view of a data network;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a client terminal shown above
in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a first web page having a visual
representation of a hypertext link which can be employed in
accessing a Virtual Garage.TM.;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second web page having a visual
representation of a hypertext link and data entry regions which can
be employed in accessing a Virtual Garage.TM.;
[0021] FIGS. 5a-c is a plan view of a web page employed to allow
users to register to gain access to a Virtual Garage.TM.;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a web page that is uniquely
associated with a user and on which product-related information
stored on a server is accessed;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a first web page through which a
user can access product-related information that may be associated
with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a second web page through which a
user can access product-related information that may be associated
with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a third web page through which a
user can access product-related information that may be associated
with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fourth web page through which a
user can access product-related information that may be associated
with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a fifth page through which a user
can access product-related information that may be associated with
the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a sixth web page through which a
user can access product-related information that may be associated
with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0029] FIGS. 13a-c are plan views of a seventh web page through
which a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0030] FIGS. 14a-c are plan views of a eight web page through which
a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0031] FIGS. 15a-c are plan views of a ninth web page through which
a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0032] FIG. 16a-c are a plan views of a tenth web page through
which a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0033] FIGS. 17a-c are plan views of an eleventh web page through
which a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0034] FIG. 18a-c are plan views of a twelfth web page through
which a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a thirteenth web page through
which a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a web page through which a user
can access product comparison features that may be associated with
the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a second plan view of a web page through which a
user can access product comparison features that may be associated
with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0038] FIG. 22a-c is a plan view of a fourteenth web page through
which a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a fifteenth web page through which
a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a plan view of a sixteenth web page through which
a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a plan view of a seventeenth web page through
which a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6;
[0042] FIG. 26 is a plan view of a eighteenth web page through
which a user can access product-related information that may be
associated with the web page shown above in FIG. 6; and
[0043] FIG. 27 is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance
with the present invention.
[0044] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings
indicates similar or identical items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The following is intended to provide a detailed description
of an example of the invention and should not be taken to be
limiting of the invention itself. Rather, any number of variations
may fall within the scope of the invention which is defined in the
claims following the description.
Introduction
[0046] Embodiments of the present invention include a method of
comparing products. Typically, products are compared by a potential
buyer of the products by performing some sort of feature-by-feature
comparison (e.g., price, amenities, options, colors, etc.). The
method described herein supports such comparisons and includes
selecting a first configuration and a second configuration. The
first configuration represent a first product with a first
attribute. The second configuration represents a second product
with a second attribute. Finally, the first and the second
attributes are displayed so that the potential buyer can easily
compare the two products' features. Thus, each product is
represented by a configuration of that product (the product with a
given set of features). As will be noted, the first attribute is
defined in the first configuration, and the second attribute is
defined in the second configuration.
An Example Computing and Network Environment
[0047] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wide area network (WAN) 5
(e.g., the Internet), which includes a number of networked servers
10 that are accessible by client terminals 12. Communication
between servers 10 and client terminals 12 typically occurs over a
publicly accessible network, such as a public switched telephone
network (PSTN) over ASDL telephone lines or large bandwidth trunks
(e.g., T1 or OC3). Client terminals 12 access servers 10 through an
Internet service provider (ISP) by executing application specific
software (e.g., a "browser") on a computer 14, shown in detail in
FIG. 2.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a computer such as
computer 14. Computer 14 includes one or more system buses 22,
which place various components of computer 14 in data
communication. For example, a microprocessor 24 is placed in data
communication with both a read only memory (ROM) 26 and a random
access memory (RAM) 28 via system bus 22. ROM 26 contains, among
other code, a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS), which controls
basic hardware operations such as the interaction with peripheral
components such as disk drives 30 and 32, as well as a keyboard 34.
RAM 28 is the main memory into which the operating system and
application programs are loaded. A memory management chip 36 is in
communication with system bus 22 to control direct memory access
(DMA) operations. DMA operations include passing data between RAM
28, and hard disk drive 30 and floppy disk drive 32. Also in
communication with system bus 22 are various I/O controllers: a
keyboard controller 38, a mouse controller 40, a video controller
42, and an audio controller 44. Keyboard controller 38 provides a
hardware interface for keyboard 36, mouse controller 40 provides
the hardware interface for a mouse 46, or other point-and-click
device, and video controller 40 provides a hardware interface for a
display 48. A modem 50 enables data communication over WAN 5,
preferably facilitating data transmission speeds of at least 28.8
Kbps. The operating system of computer 14 may be MS-DOS.TM.,
WINDOWS.TM. 3.x, WINDOWS.TM. 95, WINDOWS.TM. NT 4.0, OS/2.TM., or
other known operating system. Computer 14 also supports a number of
Internet access tools, including, for example, an HTTP-compliant
web browser, such as Netscape Navigator.TM., Microsoft Explorer.TM.
or the like.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, browser 54 employs, for example,
a TCP/IP connection to pass a request to an HTTP server 10a running
an HTTP "service" (e.g., under the WINDOWS.TM. operating system) or
a "daemon" (e.g., under a UNIX.TM. operating system). The request
is typically satisfied by contacting HTTP server 10a using a
protocol that can be used to communicate between server 10a and one
or more of client terminals 12 (e.g., HTTP). One of servers 10 then
responds to the request, typically by sending a "web page"
formatted as an HTML file. The browser interprets the HTML file and
displays a visual representation of the web page using local
resources (e.g., fonts, colors and the like).
An Example of a System Facilitating Commercial Transactions Over a
Network
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, a visual representation of a
"web page" 56 is depicted as web page 56 would be presented, for
example, on display 48. Web page 56 includes, inter alia, a
hypertext link 58 (entitled "enter the site"). Employing mouse 46,
a cursor 60 may be placed proximate to hypertext link 58, and a
cursor event is effectuated (i.e., hypertext link 58 is activated).
Activating hypertext link 58 results in a visual representation of
a web page 61 being presented on display 48. In this manner,
hypertext link 58 allows navigation to web page 61 by having the
same displayed on display 48. Web page 61 includes a number of
hypertext links 62a-z, as well as a number of data entry fields
64a-d. Also included on webpage 61 is a link 66, which allows
navigation to facilities that allow the propagation of information
(e.g., over the Internet, via a file-transfer-protocol (FTP) or
e-mail).
[0051] Hypertext links 62a, 62b, 62c, 62t, 62u, 62v, 62w, 62x and
62y are provide to inform users of certain information not germane
to the present invention. For example, hypertext links 62a and 62u
allow navigation to webpages that discuss how to use the website.
Hypertext links 62b, 62w, 62x and 62v provide company information,
such as summary of the company and its services, press releases,
jobs available, and how to contact the company. Hypertext link 62c
describes how privacy is maintained on the website. Hypertext link
62t allows navigation to web page 61, and hypertext link 62y allows
navigation to information that discusses the terms and conditions
for gaining access to the website.
[0052] Access to the present invention is gained through webpage 61
by activating a hypertext link 62n. Before activating hypertext
link 62n, a user must either enter information corresponding to a
preexisting account in data entry fields 64c and 64d, or register a
new account. In this manner, a user may be associated with a
subportion of the addresses in the address space of HTTP server
10a, and referred to herein as a Virtual Garage.TM.. To restrict
access to the aforementioned subportion of addresses, a code that
corresponds to the user is associated with the Virtual Garage.TM..
The aforementioned code includes a user-name and a password. To
gain access to the Virtual Garage.TM., the user's user-name is
entered in data entry field 64c, and the user's password is entered
in data entry field 64d. As is standard with most password
security, the user's password is not displayed in data entry field
64d.
[0053] In the case where a user attempts to gain access to the
present invention for the first time, a hypertext link 62o allows
navigation to an account registration webpage 65, shown in FIGS.
5a-5c. Account registration webpage 65 includes a number of data
entry fields 65a-s, in which the user's personal information can be
entered. Also included on account registration webpage 65 are data
fields 66a-b and 67a-j. Data entry fields 66a-b indicate the level
of restriction on dissemination of the information provided in data
fields 65a-s. Information entered in data fields 67a-i indicates
how the user came to obtain knowledge of the existence of account
registration webpage 65.
[0054] A number of hypertext links can also be included on account
registration webpage 65. For example, hypertext links 62a, 62b,
62c, 62t, 62u, 62v, 62w, 62x and 62y are the same as shown on
webpage 62, and are as discussed above. Hypertext links 70a-c allow
navigation to additional websites that may be in data communication
with databases having information concerning products that are the
subject of commercial transactions over the data network. For
example, were automobiles to be sold, hypertext link 70a includes
information concerning various models of automobiles; hypertext
link 70b includes information concerning custom ordering an
automobile to have desired features; and hypertext link 70c
includes information concerning financing of an automobile to be
purchased. Hypertext link 70d, on the other hand, allows navigation
to a webpage having information concerning automobiles already
selected by the user as being suitable for purchase, which is
discussed more fully below.
[0055] Upon acceptance of the registration data entered into data
entry fields 65a-g, Virtual Garage.TM. on server 10a is accessed by
activating hypertext link 62n. Activation of hypertext link 62n
causes navigation to a webpage 75, shown in FIG. 6. Web page 75
includes information concerning products that a user is interested
in purchasing. To that end, web page 75 facilitates comparison
price shopping by allowing a user to store product-related
information concerning multiple products and examine that
information. Information concerning various products (in this
example, automobiles) can be obtained by activating either of
hypertext links 70a or 70b. Activating hypertext link 70a navigates
to a web page 80, shown in FIG. 7, which includes, inter alia, a
number of hypertext links that enable access to a database of
information related to automobiles. For example, hypertext links
80a and 80d allow access to a database concerning information
organized by the make and model of the available automobiles.
Hypertext links 80c and 80f allow access to the same database, but
facilitate searching based upon the features associated with
automobiles in the database. Hypertext links 80b and 80e facilitate
comparison of automobiles associated with the aforementioned
database with other automobiles associated therewith or with
information stored by the user in the user's Virtual
Garage.TM..
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the activation of hypertext
links 80a or 80d allows navigation to a webpage 82. Webpage 82
includes a matrix 82a of hypertext links having titles associated
with various automobile manufactures. In addition, a hypertext link
82b is present on webpage 82 that allows navigation to webpage 80.
Activating the hypertext links in matrix 82a navigates to webpages
having a listing of models of cars fabricated by the manufacturer
associated with the hypertext link thus activated. For example,
activating the hypertext link entitled "Ford" allows navigation to
a webpage 84, which includes a brief description of different
models of automobiles sold or manufactured under the "Ford"
trademark. In addition, webpage 84 includes hypertext links 84a-v
and 82b. Hypertext link 84a allows navigation to webpage 82 to
allow a user to view models of automobiles associated with a
different manufacturer.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12, hypertext links 84b-v
allow a user to obtain more specific information concerning
particular automobiles sold/fabricated by the given manufacturer.
For example, hypertext links 84b and 84c allow navigation to a
webpage 85 that recites more detailed information concerning the
Taurus model of automobile in text region 85a entitled "overview."
Webpage 85 also includes various hypertext links that facilitate
obtaining additional information concerning the Taurus model of
automobile (shown as hypertext links 85b and 85c).
[0058] For example, hypertext link 85b allows navigation to a
webpage 86. Webpage 86 is similar to webpage 85, excepting
recitations 86a concerning the performance characteristics of the
Taurus model and the presence of hypertext link 86a that allows
navigation to webpage 85. Hypertext link 85c allows navigation to a
webpage 87, which in similar to webpage 85, excepting recitations
86a concerning the features available on the Taurus model. Also,
unlike webpages 85 and 86, webpage 87 includes both hypertext links
85a and 86b that allow navigation to webpages 85 and 86,
respectively.
[0059] Additionally, webpage 85 includes hypertext link 84a that
allows a user to navigate to webpage 82 to choose information
concerning automobiles associated with a different manufacturer. A
hypertext link 85d allows a user to navigate to webpage 84 to
obtain information related to a different model offered by the same
manufacturer. Activating hypertext link 84d allows a user to choose
different groups of features for the present model of automobile
that are provided by the manufacturer, referred to as option
packages. In this manner, a user is able to "build" a model of an
automobile having the desired features.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 7, 13a-c and 14a-c, from webpage 80, a
user may search for a particular automobile based upon the features
desired. To that end, hypertext links 80c and 80f allow navigation
to a webpage 90. Webpage 90 includes a number of hypertext links
90a-f that allow navigation to different webpages containing
information concerning various features available on a list of
automobiles recited in a column 90g. Also included on webpage 90
are hypertext links 70a-d, as well as a hypertext link 66. Webpage
also includes a data entry region 90h having a number of data entry
fields 92a-h. Each of the data entry fields 92a-h corresponds to a
range of values. One or more of data entry fields 92a-h can have
data entered therein to indicate the price of a vehicle in which a
user is interested. Hypertext link 90b allows navigation to a
webpage 93. Webpage 93 is similar to webpage 90, excepting a data
entry region 93a which includes a number of data entry fields 93b-n
that correspond to characteristics of an automobile, such as
different body styles, drive trains and engine locations.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 15a-c, hypertext link 90c allows
navigation to a web page 94. Webpage 94 is similar to webpage 90,
excepting a data entry region 94a which includes a number of data
entry fields 94b-m that correspond to the characteristics of the
engine associated with the automobile being configured. The
aforementioned characteristics include the horsepower and the
number of cylinders.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 16a-c, hypertext link 90d allows
navigation to a web page 95. Webpage 95 is similar to webpage 90,
excepting data entry region 95a that includes a number of data
entry fields 95b-i that correspond to fiel economy of the
automobile being configured. As a result, a user may select an
automobile based upon a desired fuel economy that the automobile
must achieve.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 17a-c, hypertext link 90e allows
navigation to web page 96. Webpage 96 is similar to webpage 90,
excepting data entry region 96a which includes a number of data
entry fields 94b-n that correspond to the characteristics an
automobile's interior. The aforementioned characteristics may
include the type of seats included with the automobile (e.g., bench
or bucket seats), as well as the upholstery thereof. Additionally,
the type of sound system may be chosen from data entry regions
96i-n.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 18a-c, hypertext link 90f allows
navigation to a web page 97. Webpage 97 is similar to webpage 90,
excepting a data entry region 97a, which includes a number of data
entry fields 97b-h that correspond to the safety characteristics of
the automobile being configured. This allows selecting automobiles
based upon the available safety restraint systems associated
therewith (e.g., driver-side airbag, integrated child safety seat,
roadside assistance, and the like).
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 19, from webpage 80a user may also
select automobiles based upon side-by-side comparisons. To that
end, hypertext links 80b and 80e allow navigation to a webpage 100.
Webpage 100 has a number of floating frames 100a-f and data entry
regions 100g-p. A subset of floating frames 100a-f (floating frames
100a-c) and a subset of data entry regions 100g-p (data entry
regions 100g-k) are associated with product information concerning
a first automobile. The remaining ones of floating frames 100a-f
(floating frames 100d-f) and the remaining ones of data entry
regions 100g-p (data entry regions 100l-p) are associated with
product information concerning a second automobile.
[0066] To compare product-related information of two automobiles,
one of data entry regions 100g and 100h is selected. For example,
to compare information stored in the user's Virtual Garage.TM.,
data entry region 100h is activated. For the present discussion, it
is assumed that data entry region 100g is activated. Floating frame
100a is entitled "select make" and includes a virtual button 101a.
Activating the virtual button expands floating frame 100a. This
enables a user to scroll through a list of automobile manufacturers
and select a particular manufacture, for the first automobile, by
highlighting the same and effectuating a cursor event. The
remaining floating frames (floating frames 101b and 101c), entitled
select model and select trim, respectively, operate in a manner
similar to floating frame 101a. This enables a user to select the
first automobile based upon the manufacturer, model and trim. The
second automobile is selected in a similar fashion using floating
frames 100d-f and data entry regions 100l-p.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 19, if the user desires to compare
product-related information concerning the second automobile with
product-related information stored in the Virtual Garage.TM., data
entry region 100h is made the subject of a cursor event, navigating
to a web page 102. Webpage 102 is identical to webpage 100,
excepting for the absence of floating frames 100a-c. In place of
floating frames 100a-c, a floating frame 100q is present and is
entitled "select garage car". Activating virtual button 101b that
is associated with floating frame 100q expands floating frame 100q
to enable a user to scroll through a list of automobiles for which
information is stored in the user's Virtual Garage.TM..
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 20, 21 and 22a-c, after selecting the
make, model and tmm for the two automobiles to be compared on
webpage 102, the user navigates to a webpage 103. Webpage 103 is
identical to webpage 102 except for the inclusion of a hypertext
link 100r entitled "compare". Hypertext link 100r allows navigation
to a webpage 104. In addition to including product-related
information, webpage 104 includes six floating frames 104a-f that
correspond to floating frames 100a-f, as well as six data entry
regions 104i-n that correspond to data entry regions 100i-k and
100n-p. Two additional floating frames are included on webpage 104
(floating frames 104g and 104h), entitled "auto-generate a
comparable car", as well as two hypertext links (hypertext links
104o and 104p). The product-related information is arranged in two
columns (columns 105a and 105b), with information concerning the
first automobile recited in column 105a and that concerning the
second automobile recited in column 105b. The information is
preferably arranged so that analogous, or common, characteristics
of the two automobiles are recited in a common row. For example,
information concerning the transmission of the first automobile in
column 105a should be directly across from the transmission
information concerning the second automobile recited in column
105b. In this manner, a user may quickly and easily compare the
characteristics of the two (or more) automobiles.
[0069] Should the user desire to vary the product-related
information being compared, the user can change the information in
either of columns 105a and 105b. To that end, the user can use
floating frames 104a-104f to select a different manufacturer and/or
model, as well a trim, as discussed above with respect to webpage
100. Alternatively, hypertext links 104o and/or 104p can be
activated to obtain product-related information stored in the
Virtual Garage.TM.. Finally, the user can employ floating frame
104g to cause server 10a (which hosts software implementing the
Virtual Garage.TM.) to automatically generate information
concerning an automobile that is comparable to that for which
information is displayed in column 105a. To effect such generation,
a user activates a virtual button 105c to select a criteria by
which to seek a comparable automobile. The criteria can include,
for example, price and/or features. In a similar fashion, the
product-related information in column 105b can also be varied
through the use of floating frame 104h.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 22a-c, 23 and 24, hypertext links 105f
and 105g can be activated in order to save product-related
information in column 105a and column 105b, respectively. For
example, hypertext link 105f allows navigation to a webpage 106,
which includes a hypertext link 106a. Activation of hypertext link
106a saves the product-related information concerning the first
automobile, recited in column 105a, in the user's Virtual
Garage.TM.. From webpage 106, a user may also vary the
product-related information concerning the first automobile before
saving that vehicle to the user's Virtual Garage.TM.. To that end,
a number of data entry regions 106b-g corresponding to differing
exterior and interior colors are provided. Additionally, by
activating a hypertext link 106h, information concerning the first
automobile can be varied by selecting differing option packages
associated with the model selected for the first automobile.
Hypertext link 106h allows navigation to a webpage 108, which
includes data entry regions 108a-i. Data entry regions 108a-i allow
selection between different options provided by the manufacturer.
From webpage 108, information concerning the first automobile can
be saved to the user's Virtual Garage.TM. by activation of a
hypertext link 108j. Finally, activation of a hypertext link 108k
allows a user to obtain an updated price for the vehicle.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 24, 25 and 26, a user may obtain
product-related information concerning an automobile by activating
hypertext link 70b, and in so doing navigates to a webpage 110.
Webpage 110 includes floating frames 110a, 110b and 110c that serve
functions identical to floating frames 100a, 100b and 100c (shown
on webpage 100). Also included on webpage 110 is a hypertext link
110d that allows navigation to webpage 80 to facilitate researching
information concerning product-related information, as discussed
above. Once the desired information is selected in floating frames
110a, 110b and 110c, the user navigates to a webpage 111. Webpage
111 in identical to webpage 110 except that additional hypertext
links (hypertext links 111a, 111b, 111c and 111d) are provided. In
addition, summary product-related information 111e (corresponding
to the make, model and trim selected) is also displayed on webpage
111. Hypertext link 111a allows navigation to webpage 84, providing
a list of models associated with the manufacturer selected in
floating frame 110a. Hypertext link 111b allows navigation to a
webpage 112, which provides a list of option packages provided by
the manufacturer selected in floating frame 110a. Hypertext link
110c allows navigation to webpage 85, which includes the
information discussed above, and hypertext link 111d allows
navigation to webpage 106. As mentioned above, webpage 106 includes
data entry regions 106b-g, which correspond to differing exterior
and interior colors that are provided by the manufacturers, as well
as a hypertext link 106h that allows navigation to webpage 108 to
facilitate selection of different options provided by the
manufacturer selected in floating frame 1110a. In this manner, a
user may save the product-related information thus generated to the
user's Virtual Garage.TM..
[0072] To that end, referring to FIGS. 1 and 27, a user views
product-related information displayed in a browser window (step
202). The user then associates a group of the addresses of the
address space of server 10a with a code (step 204). The
product-related information includes the product's price. The user
then agrees to the price of the product associated with the
product-related information by storing the same in the
aforementioned group of addresses (step 206). The aforementioned
price is maintained in the absence of a predefined system event,
such as the expiration of a predetermined time period (step 208).
For example, were the product-related information stored in the
aforementioned group of addresses for longer than seven days
without the user agreeing to purchase the product associated
therewith, the price associated therewith might then be modified at
server 10a. Additionally, changes in any of the information
associated with the product-related information stored in the
aforementioned group of addresses prior to the user agreeing to
purchase the product associated therewith can also result in
modification of the price stored at server 10a. This is
demonstrated by assuming product-related information concerning an
automobile is stored at the aforementioned subgroup of addresses
and then the trim associated with the automobile changes before the
user agrees to purchase the automobile. In this scenario, the price
of the automobile can be changed at server 10a, resulting in the
user having to pay the new price. Otherwise, the price agreed to by
the user is the price of the product associated with the
product-related information at the time the user agreed to the
purchase (step 210).
[0073] Although the foregoing method has been described with step
204 occurring after step 202, step 204 could occur at any point
during the method so long as step 204 precedes step 206. In
addition, the embodiment discussed above illustrates a use of the
present invention for facilitating commercial transactions over a
data network involving automobiles. It should be understood,
however, that the present invention can also be applied to
commercial transactions involving any product, such as furniture,
cleaning products, maid services, travel services and the like.
[0074] Thus, while particular embodiments of the present invention
have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled
in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and
modifications may be made without departing from this invention and
its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to
encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as
are within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely
defined by the appended claims.
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