SEARCH METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING PERIODIC PAYMENT DATA TO IDENTIFY ITEMS BY LUMP SUM VALUE
First Claim
1. For implementation by a computer arrangement, a method for facilitating access and processing of a plurality of item-related data sets stored in a database, each item-related data set corresponding to a respective item and including a respective lump sum payment value, the computer arrangement implementing the method by performing the following steps:
- receiving an access request that indicates an amount to be paid periodically;
algorithmically computing, as a function of the amount to be paid periodically, a lump sum parameter indicative of a lump sum payment amount; and
transmitting search criteria including the generated lump sum parameter to identify items in the database at least by the associated lump sum payment value.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for identifying items for purchase by the consumer using a computer. The method and system is premised on the search for items based on the amount of a periodic payment to be paid by the purchaser for the item, whether by daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual or other payment structure. In identifying items for consideration by the purchaser, the method and system may further consider any tax, insurance, maintenance, or other fees typically associated with such items. Items applicable to the present method and system include those items for which a periodic payment may be used to purchase that item, including real estate, automobiles, boats, airplanes, electronics, home appliances, furniture, remodeling services or medical services.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. For implementation by a computer arrangement, a method for facilitating access and processing of a plurality of item-related data sets stored in a database, each item-related data set corresponding to a respective item and including a respective lump sum payment value, the computer arrangement implementing the method by performing the following steps:
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receiving an access request that indicates an amount to be paid periodically; algorithmically computing, as a function of the amount to be paid periodically, a lump sum parameter indicative of a lump sum payment amount; and transmitting search criteria including the generated lump sum parameter to identify items in the database at least by the associated lump sum payment value. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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2. A system for facilitating access and processing item-related data sets stored in a database, each item-related data set corresponding to a respective item and including a respective lump sum payment value, the system comprising a computer arrangement for
receiving an access request that indicates an amount to be paid periodically; -
algorithmically computing, as a function of the amount to be paid periodically, a lump sum parameter indicative of a lump sum payment amount; and transmitting search criteria including the generated lump sum parameter to identify items in the database by the associated lump sum payment value.
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3. A computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions adapted to perform, or comprising data arranged for use with, a computer-implemented method for facilitating access and processing item-related data sets stored in a database, each item-related data set corresponding to a respective item and including a respective lump sum payment value, the method including the following steps:
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receiving an access request that indicates an amount to be paid periodically; algorithmically computing, as a function of the amount to be paid periodically, a lump sum parameter indicative of a lump sum payment amount; and transmitting search criteria including the generated lump sum parameter to identify items in the database at least by the associated lump sum payment value.
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22. The method of claim i, wherein algorithmically computing the lump sum parameter includes selecting from a set of different payment algorithms based on one or more of fixed or variable financing rate, term of financing, type of financing provider, term of ownership, or purpose of purchase.
Specification