US 5,832,459 AGranted

Computerized source searching system and method for use in an order entry system

AssigneeAndersen Consulting LLP

InventorsPaul Scott Cameron, John Charles Nash, Robert Christopher Bloomer, Robert Edward Wollan, Kelly Marie Kreutter, Melinda Ann Ahler Olmstead, Dale Harry Renner, Ryan Douglas Bourne, Keith Michael Carnish, Dean Richard Jones

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

patentgrep

Loading patent…

Abstract

A computerized source searching system and method for the placement of an order for at least one offer via a terminal having a display is disclosed. The system includes system storage for storing offer information, and for storing electronic reproductions of offer sources corresponding to the offer information. The system includes source searching capabilities for locating an offer source, including a display for displaying electronic offer source images, a filtering mechanism for displaying electronic offer source images corresponding to entered source search criteria, and a selection mechanism for selecting one of the electronic offer source images displayed. One or more of the offers associated with the selected electronic offer source image can be located by displaying a segment of the electronic offer source image, and selecting one or more offers in that segment. A user can thereby locate an offer by searching through an electronic equivalent of the offer source used by the person placing the order.

Claims34

Dependent claims

A computerized system for the placement of an order by a user for at least one of a plurality of offers via a terminal having a display, the system comprising:

(a) storage means for storing offer information relating to the plurality of offers, and for storing electronic reproductions of a plurality of offer sources, each of the plurality of offer sources containing at least one of the plurality of offers;
(b) source searching means for locating one or more of the electronic reproductions of the plurality of offer sources, the source searching means comprising:
(i) source display means for displaying a plurality of electronic offer source images, wherein the plurality of electronic offer source images represent identifying portions of the plurality of offer sources;
(ii) source filtering means for receiving source search criteria, and for causing the source display means to display those of the plurality of electronic offer source images which meet the source search criteria;
and
(iii) source selection means for allowing selection of one of the plurality of electronic offer source images which represents an identifying portion of one of the plurality of offer sources;
(c) offer searching means for locating the at least one of the plurality of offers associated with the selected electronic offer source image, the offer searching means comprising:
(i) source segment display means for displaying, in response to offer search criteria, one or more electronic images of a portion of the offer source represented by the selected electronic offer source image;
and
(ii) offer selection means for allowing selection of the at least one of the plurality of offers associated with the one or more electronic images displayed,
whereby the user is enabled to locate the at least one of the plurality of offers by searching through an electronic equivalent of the offer source used by the person placing the order.

8 more elements

A computerized method for the placement of an order by a user for at least one of a plurality of offers via a terminal having a display, the method comprising the computer-executed steps of:

(a) storing offer information relating to the plurality of offers, and storing electronic reproductions of a plurality of offer sources, each of the plurality of offer sources containing at least one of the plurality of offers;
(b) locating one or more of the electronic reproductions of the plurality of offer sources, the step of locating one or more of the electronic reproductions comprising the steps of:
(i) displaying a plurality of electronic offer source images, wherein the plurality of electronic offer source images represent identifying portions of the plurality of offer sources;
(ii) entering source search criteria;
(iii) displaying those of the plurality of electronic offer source images which meet the source search criteria;
and
(iv) selecting one of the plurality of electronic offer source images which represents an identifying portion of one of the plurality of offer sources;
(c) displaying one or more electronic images of a portion of the offer source represented by the selected electronic offer source image, in response to offer search criteria;
and
(d) selecting the at least one of the plurality of offers which is associated with the one or more electronic images displayed, whereby the user is enabled to locate the at least one of the plurality of offers by searching through an electronic equivalent of the offer source used by the person placing the order.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/696,779Filed 13 Aug 1996 · division
Priority: 19 Aug 1994
Granted: 3 Nov 1998
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

G06Q 10/087
Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management: inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling,…
G06Q 10/0874
Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders: inventory fulfillment
G06Q 30/0207
Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising: discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
G06Q 30/0241
Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising: advertisements