Smart multi-search method and system

• US 20030144924A1
• Filed: 01/29/2002
• Published: 07/31/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Netcomponents, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Netcomponents, Inc.
• Inventors: McGee, Todd
• Granted Patent: US 7,480,628 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/27
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0605 Supply or demand aggregation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0611 Request for offers or quotes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0625 Directed, with specific intent or strategy
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0633 Lists, e.g. purchase orders, compilation or processing

Abstract

The present invention is a searchable product/service database software system enabling complex multiple-product/service item query searching of databases, providing, in response to a single search query, search results for multiple products/services that are grouped and ranked by supplier based on which supplier(s) have inventory with respect to the greatest number of the queried products/services. The user can identify which vendor can best fill the entire order, simplifying the buying process. A single query can be entered by a user covering their entire required bill of materials list. The system is preferably implemented via a website server using known methods of Internet communication. The search results can be customized further to categorize suppliers by geographic location, supplier type, pricing or other criteria. Also disclosed and claimed is a method for providing complex multiple product/service item query searching with search results grouped and ranked by supplier based on which suppliers have inventory with respect to the greatest number of queried products/services.

Claims

1. A system for conducting multiple-item search queries in a system for engaging in electronic commerce, comprising:

one or more central processing units;

system software for controlling said one or more central processing units;

storage means containing one or more databases with information regarding suppliers and products/services available for purchase;

one or more servers providing for Internet-based access and use of said system;

means for buyers of products/services to search for multiple products/services by entering a single search query;

means for providing search results with respect to said multiple product/service query, said search results being grouped and ranked by supplier based on which supplier has inventory for the greatest number of queried products/services.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for buyers to transmit requests for quotation to said system, means for said system to transmit requests for quotation to selected suppliers, means for suppliers to transmit quotations to buyers in response to requests for same.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for buyers to purchase goods/services by linking directly to supplier ordering systems.

4. A method for buyers and supplier of products/services to engage in commerce, comprising the steps of:

providing access to a searchable supplier products/services information database to search for desired items;

submitting in a single query search queries for multiple products/services;

providing search results for multiple products/services in response to said query, said search results being grouped and ranked by supplier based on which supplier has inventory for the greatest number of queried products/services;

receiving from buyers requests for quotation for goods/services directed to suppliers listed in said search results;

sending said requests for quotation to selected suppliers; and

sending to buyers supplier quotations submitted in response to said requests fro quotation.

5. In a computerized system for electronic commerce comprising one or more central processing units, system software for controlling said one or more central processing units and storage means containing one or more databases with information regarding suppliers and products/services available:

a software application integrated thereto providing users of said application with means for submitting multiple product/service item search queries to said system and providing search results with respect to said multiple product/service item search queries that are grouped and ranked by product/service supplier based on which product/service supplier has inventory for the greatest number of queried products/service items.