Query system for service availability according to customized criteria
First Claim
1. A method for searching for goods and services by means of a computer network, the method comprising:
- compiling a customer profile;
entering parameters into a search engine, wherein the parameters relate to a specified product;
receiving a list of product suppliers which satisfy the search parameters;
selecting and displaying a subset of suppliers from the list, according to criteria in the customer profile;
sending a product query and at least a portion of the information in the customer profile to a product supplier in the selected subset; and
receiving and displaying product information from the product supplier, wherein the product information corresponds to criteria contained in the customer profile.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method, program, and system for checking the availability of goods and services by means of the Internet are provided. The invention comprises compiling a customer profile, which may include information related to business affiliation as well as personal preferences. The customer uses a general search engine to submit a query regarding a desired good or service, and the search engine returns a list of suppliers that satisfy the search generic criteria. Special software on the client machine then sends more detailed queries, along with the customer profile, directly to certain suppliers selected from the list. These suppliers then return information, which corresponds to the customer profile. This information may include availability of specific accommodations, special discounts, as well as exclusive goods or services not offered to the general public.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for searching for goods and services by means of a computer network, the method comprising:
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compiling a customer profile;
entering parameters into a search engine, wherein the parameters relate to a specified product;
receiving a list of product suppliers which satisfy the search parameters;
selecting and displaying a subset of suppliers from the list, according to criteria in the customer profile;
sending a product query and at least a portion of the information in the customer profile to a product supplier in the selected subset; and
receiving and displaying product information from the product supplier, wherein the product information corresponds to criteria contained in the customer profile. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for disseminating information about goods and services by means of a computer network, the method comprising:
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receiving a product query and a portion of a customer profile from a client;
sending product information to the client, wherein the product information corresponds to criteria contained in the user profile, and wherein the product information includes a lowest price determination; and
verifying product availability in accordance with criteria in the customer profile. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A computer program product in a computer readable medium for use in a data processing system, for searching for goods and services by means of a computer network, the computer program product comprising:
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instructions for compiling a customer profile;
instructions for entering parameters into a search engine, wherein the parameters relate to a specified product;
instructions for receiving a list of product suppliers which satisfy the search parameters;
instructions for selecting and displaying a subset of suppliers from the list, according to criteria in the customer profile;
instructions for sending a product query and a portion of the information in the customer profile to a product supplier in the selected subset; and
instructions for receiving and displaying product information from the product supplier, wherein the product information corresponds to criteria contained in the customer profile. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A computer program product in a computer readable medium for use in a data processing system, for disseminating information about goods and services by means of a computer network, the computer program product comprising:
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instructions for receiving a product query and portion of a customer profile from a client; and
instructions for sending product information to the client, wherein the product information corresponds to criteria contained in the user profile, and wherein the product information includes a lowest price determination; and
instructions for verifying product availability in accordance with criteria in the customer profile. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. A system for searching for goods and services by means of a computer network, the system comprising:
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a compiler which creates a customer profile;
a input component which enters parameters into a search engine, wherein the parameters relate to a specified product;
a first receiving component which receives a list of product suppliers which satisfy the search parameters;
a processing component which selects and displays a subset of suppliers from the list, according to criteria in the customer profile;
a communication component which sends a product query and a portion of the information in the customer profile to a product supplier in the selected subset; and
a second receiving component which receives and displays product information from the product supplier, wherein the product information corresponds to criteria contained in the customer profile.
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26. A system for disseminating information about goods and services by means of a computer network, the method comprising:
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a receiving component which receives a product query and portion of a customer profile from a client;
a communication component which sends product information to the client, wherein the product information corresponds to criteria contained in the user profile, and wherein the product information includes a lowest price determination; and
a processing component which verifies product availability in accordance with criteria in the customer profile.
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Specification