Automated online purchasing system

#1. Technical Field

#The invention relates to e-commerce. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for automated online purchasing.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#FIG. 1 comprises a series of block-schematic diagrams in which FIG. 1a outlines the problem of how to find accurate, relevant, and appropriate information; FIG. 1b outlines the problem of how to sort and identify useful information; and FIG. 1c describes the problem of how to identify what information needs to be learned and what is the best presentation format for that information;

#FIG. 2 is block schematic diagram which shows the organization of information in accordance with the invention;

#FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram which shows a system configuration according to the invention;

#The invention herein is described in the context of a knowledge web, which is the subject of PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/11434, filed Apr. 10, 2002. While the invention herein is directed to solving various problems with regard to using, managing, and accessing information, three specific problems are identified in FIG. 1.

#In FIG. 1a, a user 10 needs information to make a decision, for example with regard to a medical condition. The user accesses the universe of available information 11 which, in this case, could be the World Wide Web or other sources of information. A process 12 is required in this regard that would allow the user to find accurate, relevant, and appropriate information. In FIG. 1b, the universe of available information 11 exists and a process is required for searching the information to identify patterns of information that are useful, for example a government agency trying to identify a pattern of information that might predict a security threat. In FIG. 1c, a user 10 needs to acquire particular pieces of knowledge to fill gaps in the user's personal knowledge. When accessing the universe of available information 11, a process is required that allows the user to identify what needs to be learned and what information is extraneous and therefore need not be considered. The process 14 must also present the information in a format that most closely matches the user's preferred learning style and/or intellectual interests.

#The Knowledge Web—An Overview