Network-based integrated device identification and ordering system
First Claim
1. A method for designing a circuit that satisfies user-specified functional requirements, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving said user-specified functional requirements over a network from a client;
automatically determining, based on said user-specified requirements, components and a topology for constructing a particular circuit that is constructable on a circuit board;
wherein the step of determining components includes determining components that have operational values such that, when said components are arranged according to said topology to form said particular circuit, the particular circuit satisfies said user-specified functional requirements; and
delivering to said client over said network component information that identifies said components.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques are provided for designing a circuit that satisfies user-specified functional requirements without the user having to obtain additional education or possess specialized software. According to one embodiment, user-specified functional requirements are received over a network from a client executing a browser. The network may be, for example, the Internet. Based on the user-specified requirements, components and a topology for constructing the circuit are automatically determined. The components determined during this operation have operational values such that, when the components are arranged according to the topology to form the circuit, the circuit satisfies the user-specified functional requirements. One or more web pages that identify the components are then delivered to the browser over the network. According to one aspect of the invention, the component and topology information is used to generate a schematic diagram that is delivered in a web page to the user over the network. According to another aspect of the invention, the user is provided with a web page that has a control which, when selected, initiates an operation for placing an order over said network for one of the components, a kit of all of the components, a custom made circuit made from the components, and/or a prefabricated circuit that is functionally similar to the one that was designed.
46 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A method for designing a circuit that satisfies user-specified functional requirements, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving said user-specified functional requirements over a network from a client;
automatically determining, based on said user-specified requirements, components and a topology for constructing a particular circuit that is constructable on a circuit board;
wherein the step of determining components includes determining components that have operational values such that, when said components are arranged according to said topology to form said particular circuit, the particular circuit satisfies said user-specified functional requirements; and
delivering to said client over said network component information that identifies said components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A computer-readable medium carrying instructions for designing a circuit that satisfies user-specified functional requirements, the instructions including instructions for performing the steps of:
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receiving said user-specified functional requirements over a network from a client;
automatically determining, based on said user-specified requirements, components and a topology for constructing a particular circuit that is constructable on a circuit board;
wherein the step of determining components includes determining components that have operational values such that, when said components are arranged according to said topology to form said particular circuit, the particular circuit satisfies said user-specified functional requirements; and
delivering to said client over said network component information that identifies said components. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification