METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ONLINE RESERVATION SYSTEM FOR SERVICES SELECTABLE FROM MULTIPLE CATEGORIES
First Claim
1. A method of providing access to an online reservation system offering services selected from multiple categories of service providers, the method comprising:
- a. accepting user input for service provider parameters at a website, wherein the parameters comprise a category of service, and further wherein service providers are selected from a group consisting of micro-sized businesses, small-sized businesses, medium-sized businesses, large-sized businesses, government entities, non-profit entities, associations, and clubs;
b. searching for service providers meeting the parameters;
c. accessing data for service providers meeting the parameters, wherein the data comprise availability and pricing for services;
d. displaying the data;
e. accepting a user'"'"'s selected service provider and appointment time; and
f. booking an appointment with the selected service provider.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention teaches an online reservation system providing services of multiple categories of service providers. A user may enter the online reservation system by clicking on a button either embedded in a directory services search result for a particular service provider or located on a particular service provider'"'"'s website. Alternatively, a user may search for service providers through the online reservation system by entering criteria such as category of service, pricing, rating, location, or time and day of availability of the service. Both users and service providers receive electronic confirmation and reminders for the booked appointments. Service providers may integrate all of their appointments with a calendar maintained by the online reservation system. The system automatically collects client data and may provide accounting services.
33 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of providing access to an online reservation system offering services selected from multiple categories of service providers, the method comprising:
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a. accepting user input for service provider parameters at a website, wherein the parameters comprise a category of service, and further wherein service providers are selected from a group consisting of micro-sized businesses, small-sized businesses, medium-sized businesses, large-sized businesses, government entities, non-profit entities, associations, and clubs; b. searching for service providers meeting the parameters; c. accessing data for service providers meeting the parameters, wherein the data comprise availability and pricing for services; d. displaying the data; e. accepting a user'"'"'s selected service provider and appointment time; and f. booking an appointment with the selected service provider. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11)
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7. A method of providing access to an online reservation system offering services selected from multiple categories of service providers, the method comprising:
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a. providing a clickable button embedded in a directory services search result for a service provider, wherein the button transfers a user to a reservation website, and further wherein the service provider is selected from a group consisting of micro-sized businesses, small-sized businesses, medium-sized businesses, large-sized businesses, government entities, non-profit entities, associations, and clubs; b. accessing data for the service provider, wherein the data comprise availability and pricing for services; c. displaying the data; d. accepting a user'"'"'s selected service provider and appointment time; and e. booking an appointment for the user with the selected service provider. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 12)
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13. A method of providing access to an online reservation system offering services selected from multiple categories of service providers, the method comprising:
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a. providing a clickable button on a website of a service provider, wherein the button transfers a user to a reservation website, and further wherein the service provider is selected from a group consisting of micro-sized businesses, small-sized businesses, medium-sized businesses, large-sized businesses, government entities, non-profit entities, associations, and clubs; b. accessing data for the service provider, wherein the data comprise availability and pricing for services; c. displaying the data; d. accepting a user'"'"'s selected service provider and appointment time; and e. booking an appointment for the user with the selected service provider. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification