System and method for providing electronic multi-merchant gift registry services over a distributed network
First Claim
1. A system for providing an online multi-merchant gift registry service over a distributed network, with the capability to support multiple online merchants of any size and from any net-accessible location in the world, the system comprising:
- a plurality of Service Provider (SP) sites connected to the distributed network, each SP site running at least one service application to provide an online service to users over the distributed network;
a plurality of user computers connected to the distributed network, each user computer running at least one client application for accessing online services of the SP sites;
a gift registry site connected to the plurality of SP sites, the gift registry site running at least one gift registry service, the gift registry site including a user database containing authentication information of users that have registered to use the gift registry service, and an SP database containing authentication information of service providers that have registered to participate in the gift registry service, the registered users accessing the SP sites from the user computers over the distributed network;
a database which stores user-specific customization data, the customization data specifying preferences of the registered users with respect to the online services of the SP sites, the customization data provided to the SP sites by the online multi-merchant gift registry service to enable the SP sites to customize the online services to the preferences of individual registered users;
a database which stores service provider information, the service provider information specifying communication information necessary for establishing secure connections between the service providers and the gift registry site;
a database which stores all registered events, the said registered event database maintaining for each event a list of gift items and distribution lists associated with said event;
a database which stores wish list items;
a database which stores user reminders;
a database which stores SP notifications, the SP notifications being triggered by registered events, the SP notifications causing the SP sites to perform site-specific actions;
an authentication protocol for enabling the gift registry service to authenticate users and service providers, and communication links with the service providers'"'"'systems, the authentication protocol implemented by software components of the service providers'"'"'site and the gift registry site;
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Abstract
An online Gift Registry Service provides registration of information for a gift registrant and allows access to the registry by potential gift giver users. In addition, users can tag items of interest at participating Service Provider (SP) sites and the SP sites will register these items with the Gift Registry Service on the user'"'"'s behalf. It further provides a streamlined checkout process for purchasing these gift items with the registered SP sites (e.g. World Wide Web sites) over a distributed public network. Users and Service Providers (SP) initially register with the Gift Registry Service and are provided additional functionality. For users, a reminder service is provided to notify individuals automatically upon the trigger of certain events, such as important dates or product sales from online merchants. In addition, there are various occasion planning services available such as distribution lists, discussion groups, and other related resources for multiple events including weddings, baby showers, etc. These other resources include sending out announcements, reserving halls, and contracting services of related businesses for the occasion. A distinct advantage of this system is that users can perform all the planning for the event online in the comfort of their home or office. Service Providers on the other hand, can register system notification messages to be triggered on pre-determined events. In addition, Service Providers can obtain marketing information to tailor their products and services.
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Citations
2 Claims
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1. A system for providing an online multi-merchant gift registry service over a distributed network, with the capability to support multiple online merchants of any size and from any net-accessible location in the world, the system comprising:
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a plurality of Service Provider (SP) sites connected to the distributed network, each SP site running at least one service application to provide an online service to users over the distributed network;
a plurality of user computers connected to the distributed network, each user computer running at least one client application for accessing online services of the SP sites;
a gift registry site connected to the plurality of SP sites, the gift registry site running at least one gift registry service, the gift registry site including a user database containing authentication information of users that have registered to use the gift registry service, and an SP database containing authentication information of service providers that have registered to participate in the gift registry service, the registered users accessing the SP sites from the user computers over the distributed network;
a database which stores user-specific customization data, the customization data specifying preferences of the registered users with respect to the online services of the SP sites, the customization data provided to the SP sites by the online multi-merchant gift registry service to enable the SP sites to customize the online services to the preferences of individual registered users;
a database which stores service provider information, the service provider information specifying communication information necessary for establishing secure connections between the service providers and the gift registry site;
a database which stores all registered events, the said registered event database maintaining for each event a list of gift items and distribution lists associated with said event;
a database which stores wish list items;
a database which stores user reminders;
a database which stores SP notifications, the SP notifications being triggered by registered events, the SP notifications causing the SP sites to perform site-specific actions;
an authentication protocol for enabling the gift registry service to authenticate users and service providers, and communication links with the service providers'"'"'systems, the authentication protocol implemented by software components of the service providers'"'"'site and the gift registry site;
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2-28. -28. (Cancelled)
Specification