CA2136596A1 - Electronic catalogue - Google Patents
Electronic catalogueInfo
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- CA2136596A1 CA2136596A1 CA 2136596 CA2136596A CA2136596A1 CA 2136596 A1 CA2136596 A1 CA 2136596A1 CA 2136596 CA2136596 CA 2136596 CA 2136596 A CA2136596 A CA 2136596A CA 2136596 A1 CA2136596 A1 CA 2136596A1
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Abstract
An electronic catalog is described that includes features that allow a vendor to tailor the prices charged to each customer for each item while maintaining historical data as to prior purchases and keeping records of frequently ordered items. The electronic catalog also includes a provision for a purchaser generated list of items for future reference and a compare feature that lists all products similar to the one being viewed, which would allow a quick comparison of price and description.
The electronic catalog includes a purchase order feature that generates a purchase order for all selected items showing what was being purchased, along with individual item cost, total cost, and discount, if any, so as to permit the purchaser to add or delete items from the list and remain within budget.
The electronic catalog includes a purchase order feature that generates a purchase order for all selected items showing what was being purchased, along with individual item cost, total cost, and discount, if any, so as to permit the purchaser to add or delete items from the list and remain within budget.
Description
BP File No. 8333-002 Title: ELECTRONIC ~ATAT.OG
FIELD OF THE lNV~~ ON
The present invention relates to catalogs in general and electronic catalogs in particular. More particularly, the invention relates to electronic catalogs utilizing multimedia to present text, video and audio data related to an item selected for review or purchase by a purchaser.
Locating goods and services can be tedious and time consuming. For example, to locate a specific item, a purchaser might have to visit several stores, examine several samples of the desired item from different manufactures, and then compare prices.
In order to alleviate a portion of that effort, vendors have used catalogs to compile information about the goods or services they sell. Typically, such catalogs contain stock numbers and size and price information, as well as directions for placing an order. By keeping the catalogs in the home or office, the purchaser can examine the catalogs without actually going to the store. In many instances, shoppers can purchase the goods or services by placing a mail or telephone order, thereby obviating the need for a trip to the store and saving the purchaser time and effort.
With the advent of computers and their ability to rapidly manipulate large amounts of data, catalogs entered the electronic arena. See, for example, U.S.
Patent Nos. 5,119,188 and 5,191,410 to McCalley, et al.
McCalley's electronic catalog provides an audio-video presentation system that includes a central computer, a central repository for video and audio data related to items for sale, and communications links with a purchaser via cable TV and telephone. The purchaser calls a specified telephone number, and, in response to that telephone call, the system transmits an image to the purchaser's TV. The purchaser then enters specified keystrokes on the telephone keypad in order to navigate through the catalog, and the system responds to those keystrokes by transmitting images or other information to the purchaser's TV. Once the purchaser has found the item to be purchased, he can enter certain keystrokes to generate a purchase order at the central repository.
While McCalley's system makes it possible for an individual shopper to get information in the privacy of his or her own home, the system has some drawbacks and lacks certain desirable features. For example, since the system is set up for transmission over cable TV, the purchaser must receive cable TV. Moreover, the system requires that the purchaser stay on the phone during the time required to navigate through the catalog to find the desired items. If the call is a long distance or other type of toll call~ the telephone charges can quickly mount up. Thus, the purchaser pays for the time spent browsing through the catalog which ultimately, along with the cable TV charges, adds to the effective price for any item selected. In fact, the purchaser still has to pay the telephone and cable TV charges, even if nothing is purchased. In addition, McCalley's system has certain built-in delays which reduce the effectiveness of the interactivity of the presentation system. For example, there is a finite amount of time required for the signals to travel between the purchaser's home and the central computer, an additional delay while the system expands and reformats the video data into a format compatible with television transmission, and still another delay while the system routes the data to a transmission site and transmits the data.
Another shortcoming of the McCalley system is that the system does not have the capability of tailoring the pricing structure for items based on a vendor/purchaser relationship or agreement. Tailoring the pricing structure for each individual purchaser allows the vendor to build and improve business relationships with his customers. The customers, on the other hand, can be assured that they are receiving the best possible price for items in the catalog.
There are additional drawbacks to the McCalley system. For example, the system does not provide the purchaser with means to retain any historical data as to prior purchases or to keep records of frequently ordered items. Furthermore, since most businesses and offices don't have cable TV installed, the McCalley system is relatively useless in a commercial environment.
Thus, a need exists for an electronic catalog having commercial as well as private applicability that allows a vendor to tailor the prices charged to each purchaser for each item while maintaining historical data as to prior purchases and keeping records of frequently ordered items. The electronic catalog should provide an intuitive user interface to facilitate communication between the purchaser and the computer, and should eliminate McCalley's built-in time delays. Additional capabilities, such as provision for a purchaser generated list of items for future reference or a compare feature that lists all products similar to the one being viewed, which would allow a quick comparison of price and description, would be welcome by purchasers. Another useful capability would be the ability to generate a purchase order for all selected items showing what was being purchased, along with individual item cost, total cost, and discount, if any, so as to permit the purchaser to add or delete items from the list and remain within budget. No known conventional electronic catalog includes all of these additional capabilities, which would be welcome by vendors and purchasers alike.
STJMMARY OF THE lNV~l.llON
According to the present invention, a computer system, in response to user inputs, retrieves and presents to a user, text, video and audio data related to items in an electronic catalog. The system comprises a plurality of features. Each of the plurality of features includes graphical interface means for facilitating communication between the user and the computer software system for investigation, consideration and ordering of items in the electronic catalog.
The plurality of features includes a contract price feature for listing specially priced items, a shopping cart feature for listing items selected for purchase by the user along with desired quantities of the selected items and the price for the desired quantities of the selected items, and a custom list feature for listing items of special interest to the user. The plurality of features further includes a purchase order feature for generating a purchase order contAining the desired quantities of the selected items and a communications feature for transmitting the purchase order to a remote location by fax or modem.
Additionally, the plurality of features includes a compare feature for comparing the selected item with similar items contained in the catalog. Another feature includes means for maintaining historical data related to prior purchases.
Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a data processing system configured for use with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a flow chart of the initial startup of a computer program according to the present invention, the initial startup terminating in the display of a main menu;
Fig. 3 is an illustrative main menu including icons for accessing various features of the computer program;
Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Company Logo" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Introduction" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Contract Price" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Contract Items" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 8 is an illustrative contract price items screen displayed in response to selection of the "Contract Price" icon from the main menu;
Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Quick Pick" icon in the main menu is selected;
Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the continuation of the program flow of Fig. 9 and continuing from the "Program Search Criteria Screen" block of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is an illustrative quick pick index screen displayed in response to selection of the "Quick Pick" icon from the main menu;
Fig. 12 is an illustrative search by SKU screen displayed in response to selection of the "Find By SKU"
icon in Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is an illustrative search result screen displayed in response to selection of the "Start Search"
icon in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is an illustrative screen displayed in response to selection of the icon in Fig. 14;
Fig. 15 is an illustrative quick pick sub-index screen displayed in response to selection of one of the icons (illustratively Filing) in Fig. 11;
Fig. 16 is an illustrative search result screen displayed in response to selection of the "Start Search"
icon in Fig. 15;
Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Purchase Order" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 18 is a flow chart showing the continuation of the program flow of Fig. 17 and continuing from the "Saved Purchase Order Screen" block of Fig. 17;
Fig. 19 is an illustrative purchase order screen displayed in response to selection of the "Purchase Order' icon from the main menu;
Fig. 20 is an illustrative saved purchase order screen displayed in response to selection of the "Saved PO" icon in Fig. lg;
Fig. 21 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Custom List" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 22 is an illustrative custom list screen displayed in response to selection of the "Custom List"
icon from the main menu;
Fig. 23 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the IlInfosearch'' icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 24 is an illustrative infosearch index screen displayed in response to selection of the "Infosearch" icon from the main menu;
Fig. 25 is an illustrative infosearch index screen with a dialog box displayed in response to selection of the "Describe" icon in Fig. 24;
Fig. 26 is a flow chart showing the continuation of the program flow of Fig. 23 and continuing from the "Infosearch Sub-Category Index Screen" block of Fig. 23;
Fig. 27 is an illustrative infosearch sub-category index screen displayed in response to selection of one of the icons displayed in Fig. 24;
Fig. 28 is a flow chart showing the continuation of the program flow of Fig. 26 and continuing from the "Auto Switch" block of Fig. 26;
Fig. 29 is an illustrative infosearch intermediate screen displayed in response to selection of the bottom (downwardly pointing arrow) of one of the icons displayed in Fig. 27 when the Auto Switch determines that supplemental information is available for the selected item;
Fig. 30 is an illustrative set criteria search screen displayed in response to selection of the bottom tdownwardly pointing arrow) of one of the icons displayed in the Intermediate Screen (Fig. 29);
Fig. 31 is a flow chart showing a portion of the continuation of the program flows of Figs. 26 and 28 and continuing from each of the plurality of "Product Screen"
~ blocks in Figs. 26 and 28;
Fig. 32 is a flow chart showing a portion of the continuation of the program flows of Figs. 26 and 28 and continuing from each of the plurality of "Product Screen"
blocks in Figs. 26 and 28;
Fig. 33 is an illustrative product screen displayed when the top (upwardly pointing arrow) of one of the icons displayed in Fig. 27 is selected, when the bottom (downwardly pointing arrow) of one of the icons displayed in Fig. 27 is selected and the Auto Switch determines that no supplemental information is available for the selected item, when the top of the intermediate screen icon in Fig. 29 is selected, or when the "Begin Search" icon is selected from Fig. 30;
Fig. 34 is an illustrative information screen displayed in response to selection of the "Describe Product" icon in Fig. 33;
Fig. 35 is a flow chart showing a review to purchase aspect of infosearch feature;
Fig. 36-37 are illustrative screens displayed during the review to purchase aspect;
Fig. 37-39 are illustrative information screens displayed when still photos and video clips, respectively, are available for a product;
Z136~
Fig. 40 is an illustrative related products screen displayed in response to selection of the "Related Products" icon in Fig. 33;
Fig. 41 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Added Services" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 42 is an illustrative service index screen displayed the "Added Services" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 43 is a flow chart showing the process for installing the electronic catalog; and Figs. 44a-44c are flow charts showing the process by which a vendor enters prices and customer data while creating a customer install file.
DE~ATT-~n DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An illustrative computer system 10 adaptable for use with the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. The illustrative computer system 10 includes computer 12 including a program and data input 12a, display 14, keyboard 16, data presentation device 18, printer 20, fax-modem 22, speakers 24, pointing device 26, a program storage device 27 and a multimedia storage device 28. The computer 12 can be electronically connected to the devices 14-28.
Preferably, computer 12 is an IBM compatible machine running an AT 386 or higher class CPU and includes a hard drive with at least 20MB of free space, at least 8MB RAM, and a 3.5 inch 1.44MB floppy drive 12a capable of coacting with program storage device 27, which can be a coded floppy disc. It will be appreciated that the invention can be adapted for operation on other machines, such as the Macintosh computer, and the preference for the IBM machine is not a limitation on the scope of the invention.
Printer 20 can be any commercially available A printer. The printer is used to print purchase orders g locally. Fax-modem 22 can also be any commercially available fax, modem or fax-modem, and is used to transmit the purchase orders to a remote location, such as the vendor's site.
Data presentation device 18 is preferably a CD-ROM drive having at least double speed capability and multimedia storage device 28 is preferably a CD-ROM. It will be appreciated that multimedia storage device 28 can be any means capable of storing large quantities of text, video and audio data while providing rapid access to that data, and is not limited to CD-ROM technology.
At least one speaker is required if playback of audio data is required or desired. The speaker can include an internal speaker built into the computer or one or more external speakers 24 connected to the computer 12.
Pointing device 26 provides input means for providing purchaser selections to computer 12 and preferably includes a commercially available mouse.
However, it will be appreciated that any pointing device, such as a track ball, light pen, or touch-sensitive screen, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Any commercially available keyboard 16 can be used as an alternative, or additional, input means.
Display 14 can be any commercially available display, but is preferably a SVGA color monitor. Of course, any one of a number of commercially available video cards can be used in conjunction with the computer 12 and display 14.
The computer program of the present invention encompasses an electronic catalog that facilitates purchasing decisions by displaying text, video, and audio data associated with items to be sold by a vendor. In the system, a program of graphical interfaces, corresponding coded instructions for communication with and operation of the elements of the computer system and its input and output devices 12-28, including particularly the graphical interfaces and instructions for accessing and presenting, Z136~96 visually and aurally, pictorial and alphanumeric information, is carried by program storage device 27. The program is stored in the computer system through the program and data input 12a. An electronic catalog of alphanumeric, pictorial and sound information is provided to the data presentation device 18 by the multimedia storage device 28 and, as set forth more fully below, is accessed by a user of the computer system through response to graphical interfaces provided by the program and the computer system to "shop" in the electronic catalog, to make buying decisions therefrom and to buy items based on the alphanumeric, pictorial and sound information stored on and presented from the multimedia storage device 28.
The invention also includes an install routine that allows the vendor to individually tailor the price charged to each user for all, or selected, items in the catalog.
The computer program utilizes a series of graphical user interfaces (GUI) to provide an intuitive means for a user to communicate with the computer. The operator uses, in a known manner, a pointing device, such as a mouse or light pen, to position a symbol, such as an arrow, on an icon on the screen. "Clicking" on the icon, that is, pressing one of the buttons on the mouse or other pointing device, causes the computer program to perform a task associated with the icon. For example, an icon graphically depicting a printer or showing the word "Printl' can be used in lieu of the DOS "print" command.
When a user wishes to print a document, he positions the arrow on the "print" icon with the mouse and ~'clicks" one of the buttons on the mouse. The computer responds to the click on the icon and, after verifying certain print related information, prints the document. It will be understood that the "icons" referred to herein include graphical icons as well as icons containing one or more words to indicate the function of the icon. Thus, there is no need for the user to remember the DOS command and Z1365g6 associated syntax needed to invoke the task. Of course, the user can also communicate with the computer by using the keyboard 16 in a conventional fashion.
The text, video and audio data associated with the present invention is stored on one or more CDs. The program of G~Is is typically installed on the hard drive of the computer 12. In order to access the data, a user loads one of the CDs into the data storage device 18 and calls up the program in a known manner by entering an appropriate DOS command as part of the initial startup routine, as indicated at 30 in Fig. 2.
Following the initial startup 30, the computer program (hereinafter "program") displays a main menu screen 34, illustratively shown in Fig. 3. The main menu screen 34 includes a plurality of icons for various features, such as, for example, Company Logo 38, Introduction 40, Map 42, Contract Items 44, Quick Pick 46, Purchase Order 48, Custom List 50, Infosearch 52, and Added Services 54. At this point, the user can either exit to DOS 36, and thereby leave the program, or click on one of the icons displayed on the main menu screen 34.
Generally speaking, clicking on a icon leads to a follow-up screen which prompts the user to provide more information or make a choice, or displays selected 25- information, such as an index or a line listing of selected items in the catalog. Entering the desired information and/or clicking on an icon provided on the follow-up screen will then direct the computer to perform an additional task, such as prepare a purchase order or search for additional information.
Figs. 4-6 show the interactivity of user action and program responses when the user clicks on the "Company Logo" icon 38, "Introduction" icon 40, or the "Map" icon 42, respectively. These responses generally provide information that is not specifically related to the items in the catalog. After viewing the information provided, the user is returned to the main menu screen 34.
Z13~59fi If the user clicks on the "Contract Items'l icon 44 of the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3), the program responds according to the flow chart of Fig. 7 by displaying a contract price items screen 56, which is shown illustratively in Fig. 8. The contract price items screen 56 provides a line-item listing of all items specially priced by the vendor. The special price can be of a contractual nature, such as a fixed price for certain paper stock based on an agreement between the vendor and the specific user, or it can be a general discount, such as 5% off the list price for all, or certain selected, items.
Referring to Fig. 7, the user can click on the "Select Item" icon 58. Once the icon has been selected, the user can click on icons displayed on the contract price items screen 56 (Fig. 8) to perform related tasks.
For example, the user could click on the "Add Item to PO"
icon 60 in Figs. 7-8, which directs the program to start a purchase order and include the selected item, or add the selected item to an existing purchase order, and then return the user to the contract price items screen 56 (Fig. 8). If the user clicks on the "Add Item to Custom List" icon 62 (Figs. 7-8), the program initiates a custom list and includes the selected item or adds the selected item to an existing custom list and returns the user to the contract price items screen 56. When the user has completed reviewing the contract items, he can click the "Exit" icon 64 (Figs. 7-8) to return to the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3).
Figs. 9-16 show the interactive process of user choice and program response that is followed in a preferred Quick Pick feature. The Quick Pick feature is adapted to line-list each item in the catalog by category and allow a user to quickly and easily search through the list of items according to manufacturer, price range, product description or stock number by clicking with the mouse 26 or using ~tab" or "enter" keys on the keyboard 2136~96 16. The Quick Pick feature also allows the user to generate a purchase order for any selected items while in the Quick Pick feature. The Quick Pick feature of the program is accessed by clicking on the "Quick Pick" icon 46 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3). When the user clicks on the "Quick Pick" icon 46 from the main menu screen 34, the program displays a quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11). From the quick pick index screen 66, the user can select from among icons for "Describe'l 68, "Find By SKU" 70, or "Select Category" 72 to access features of the program. Clicking on the "Exit" icon 74 returns the program to the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3).
When the user clicks on the "Describe" icon 68 from the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11), the program displays a dialog box containing a written description of all product categories in the index. The dialog box is similar to that shown in Fig. 25 and overlays the quick pick index screen 66 shown in Fig. 11. After reading the information in the dialog box, the user can click on the "OK" icon on the dialog box to return to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11).
When the user clicks on the ~Find By SKU" icon 70 from the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11), the program displays a "search by SKU" screen 71, which is illustratively shown in Fig. 12. The search by SKU screen 71 prompts the user to enter the desired SKU and then start the search or cancel the search. Selecting the "Cancel" icon 78 from the search by SKU screen 71 (Fig.
12) returns the program to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11) as shown in the flow chart of Fig. 9. Referring to Fig. 10, clicking on the "Start Search~ icon 80 (also shown in Fig. 9) directs the program to search the catalog for the desired item and to display the information in a search results screen 81, as illustrated in Fig. 13. The search results screen 81 shows the SKU number, the ordering units (gross, dozen, etc.), a description of the item, the list price, the user's cost, and the percent savings. The search results screen 81 also includes an "Add Item to PO" icon 82, an "Add Item to Custom List"
icon 84 and an "Exit" icon 85. Clicking on the "Exit"
icon in the search results screen 81 (Fig. 13) returns the program to the search by SKU screen (Fig. 12).
Selecting the "Add Item to PO" icon 82 from the search results screen 81 (Fig. 13) directs the program to add the item to a purchase order. The item is added to the purchase order in the background; that is, there is no change to the search results screen 81 to indicate that the item is being added to the purchase order. After adding the item to the purchase order, the program prompts the user to either select "Exit" to return to the quick pick sub-index screen 86 or select "Add Item to Custom List" to add the item to a custom list. After selecting "Add Item to Custom List", the item is added to the custom list and the program returns to a quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 15). If the user doesn't want to add the selected item to a purchase order or a custom list, the user can select "Cancel" to return directly to the quick pick index screen 66.
Selecting the "Add Item to Custom List" icon 84 from the search results screen 81 (Fig. 13) directs the program to add the product to a custom list and return to the quick pick sub-index screen 86. The program performs the same steps as previously described with reference to the contract price items feature (Figs. 7-8). From the search results screen 81, the user can also select the "Cancel" icon 87 to return the program to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11).
Returning to Fig. 9, the user can also click on one of the category icons ("Select Category" block 72) from the quick pick index screen 66. The category icons are illustratively set up for adhesive products, binding, books, etc. as shown in Fig. 11. Selection of a category directs the program to display a quick pick sub-index screen 86 (Fig. 15). From the quick pick sub-index screen 86, the user can either select a sub-category of items to review or select the "Cancel" icon 88 to return to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11).
Selecting a sub-category icon from the sub-index screen 86 (Fig. 15) directs the program to display a product search criteria screen 90, shown illustratively in Fig. 14. In the product search criteria screen 90, the user is prompted to provide certain information, such as SKU number, description of the desired item, minimum price and/or maximum price. Either before or after such information is entered, the user can select the "More Detail" icon 92 to receive more information about the desired sub-category of items. Clicking on the "More Detail" icon 92 sends the program the sub-index screen 86, where selecting or sub-category sends the program to the product search criteria screen 90 (Fig. 14).
Alternatively, the user can select the "Cancel" icon 94 to return the program to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig.
11) .
When the user is satisfied that the proper - information has been entered, the user can click on the "Start Search" icon 80 from the product search criteria screen 90, as shown in the flow chart of Fig. 10, which directs the program to follow the same steps as previously described with reference to the "Find By SKU" icon 70 in the quick pick index screen 66. Fig. 16 shows an illustrative search results screen 81 displayed as search results for the "Filing" sub-category.
An additional feature of the invention is the Purchase Order feature shown in Figs. 17-20, which the user accesses by selecting the "Purchase Order" icon 48 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3). The Purchase Order feature prepares a purchase order for any, or all, items selected by the user. Based upon user input, the Purchase Order feature transmits the purchase order to the vendor via fax or modem or prints a purchase order locally on the user's printer. The purchase order feature saves all or selected purchase orders to provide the user with historical data related to past purchases.
Clicking on the "Purchase Order" icon 48 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3) directs the program to display the purchase order screen 96, illustratively shown in Fig. 19. The program displays icons on the purchase order screen 96, such as "Fax", "Print" and "Modem"
related to sending a purchase order to the vendor, "Save"
for allowing the user to save the purchase order displayed on the screen, "Saved PO" for allowing the user to review other saved purchase orders, and "Exit". If the user opts to exit, the program offers the choice of saving the selected items or not, as desired, and returning to the main menu screen 34, or negating the exit choice and returning to the purchase order screen 96 (Fig. 19).
While the purchase order screen 96 is displayed, the user can highlight an item and enter related information into the "Comment" field or enter changes to the purchase order by tabbing to the appropriate fields and making the desired changes. The user is not permitted to change descriptions, SKUs or prices. When satisfied that the purchase order is correct, the user can click on the "Save" icon 98, whereupon he is given the choice of "Fax", "Print", or "Modem" send options. Selection of any one of the send options results in the production and/or transmission of a purchase order and return to the main menu screen 34.
Instead of sending the purchase order, the user can elect to review saved purchase orders by clicking on the ~Saved PO" icon from the purchase order screen 96. In response to this election, the program displays a saved purchase order screen 100, shown illustratively in Fig.
20. From the saved purchase order screen 100, the user can select and view a previously saved purchase order and then return to the saved purchase order screen 100 as shown in the flow chart of Fig. 18. Alternatively, the user can add or replace an item in a saved purchase order and return to the purchase order screen 96, or delete a saved purchase order and return to the purchase order screen 96. The user can also select "Cancel" to leave the saved purchase order screen 100 and return to the purchase order screen 96.
Another feature of the invention is the Custom List feature, shown in Figs. 21-22. The custom list is a list of items of special interest or significance to the user, such as frequently purchased items or items the user wishes to explore in greater detail at a later time. The program saves the custom list for future reference by the user.
The user accesses the custom list feature by clicking on the "Custom List" icon 50 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3), whereupon the program displays a custom list screen 102, which is shown illustratively in Fig. 22. From the custom list screen 102, the user is prompted to add the item to a purchase order, delete the item, or exit custom list and return to the main menu screen 34.
If the user clicks on the "Add Item to Purchase Order" icon 104 from the custom list screen 102, the program initiates a purchase order and adds the selected item thereto or adds the selected item to an existing purchase order. The program then gives the user the option of returning to the custom list screen 102 or going to the saved purchase order screen 100 (Fig. 19). Going to the saved purchase order screen 100 provides the user with essentially the same choices as previously described for the saved purchase order screen 100 with regard to the purchase order feature of the invention. However, instead of returning to the purchase order screen 96 or the saved purchase order screen 100, as indicated in Fig. 18 with respect to the purchase order feature, the program returns to the custom list screen 63.
If the user selects the "Delete Item" icon 105 from the custom list screen 102, the program deletes the item from the screen and from the custom list.
When finished with the custom list feature, the user clicks on the "Exit" icon 107 to return to the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3).
The user of the invention can also browse through the information in the electronic catalog by using the "Infosearch" feature shown in Figs. 23-37. This feature can be useful when the user has only a general idea of which product is desired, if he wants more in-depth information related to a desired product or if he just wants to know more about what's available. Depending on the product, the information can include video or audio data. Essentially, the "Infosearch" feature allows the user to take a self-guided tour through the electronic catalog, with the program providing help along the way as needed. The user accesses the "Infosearch" feature by clicking on the "Infosearch" icon 52 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3), whereupon the program displays the infosearch index screen 106 (Fig. 24).
As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 23, the user can choose an "Infosearch Category" icon 108 from the infosearch index screen 106. The "Infosearch Category"
icons are shown illustratively as graphical icons in Fig.
24. Alternatively, the user can select an "Exit to DOS"
icon 110 which completely exits the program, a "Describe"
icon 112, a "Main Menu" icon 114 which returns the program to the main menu screen 34, or a ~Help" icon 116. The icons 110, 112 and 114 are also shown along the bottom of the infosearch index screen 106 (Fig. 24).
If the user selects the "Describe" icon 112, the program displays a dialog box with a description of the product categories, as shown in Fig. 25. Clicking "OK" in the dialog box returns the program to the infosearch index screen 106.
If the user selects the "Help" icon 116, the program displays a list of descriptive terms used in the catalog. When the user clicks on "Bookmark", the program returns to the infosearch index screen 106.
If the user selects a category icon, the program displays an infosearch sub-category index screen 118, shown illustratively in Fig. 27. The infosearch sub-category index screen 118 includes sub-category icons having upwardly and downwardly pointing arrows indicating the "Top of Icon" 122 and "Bottom of Icon" 124, respectively, (blocks 122 and 124, respectively, in the flow charts of Figs. 23 and 26) and icons for "Contract"
126, "Bookmark" 128, "Describe" 130, "Index" 132, and "All SKU" 134.
Referring to Fig. 26, if the user selects the top (upwardly pointing) arrow of one of the sub-category icons shown in Fig. 27 (block 122 in Fig. 26), the program displays a line listing by SKU for the products in the sub-category. Selecting one of the line items causes the program to display a product screen (Fig. 33) for that product.
If the user selects the bottom (downwardly pointing arrow) of one of the sub-category icons shown in Fig. 27 (block 124 in Fig. 26), the program goes to an auto switch 136. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 28, the auto switch 136 determines whether or not supplemental information is available for the selected sub-category.
If no supplemental information is available, the auto switch 136 routes the program to the line listing display, by SKU, of products in the sub-category, whereupon the user can select one of the products listed and see the product screen 138 (Fig. 33) for that product.
If supplemental information is available, the auto switch 136 displays an infosearch intermediate screen 138, shown illustratively in Fig. 29, which includes several icons to provide the user with choices which will narrow down the search. Clicking on the top (upwardly pointing arrow) of one of the intermediate screen icons, such as the "Diskettes" icon in Fig. 29, will result in a line item listing of available diskettes, by SKU, as previously described. The user selects one of the line listings to view a product screen 138 of the selected line listing.
Still referring to Fig. 28, clicking on the bottom (downwardly pointing arrow) of the "Diskettes"
icon, for example, in Fig. 29 will result in a set criteria search screen 142, such as that shown in Fig. 30.
In the set criteria search screen 142, the user can click on criteria selection icons (block 144 in the flow chart of Fig. 28). For example, the user can click on the arrows in the criteria selection icons in Fig. 30 to select a 3~ inch, double density, unformatted diskette and click the "Begin Search" icon 146 and the program will display the product screen 138 shown in Fig. 33.
Alternatively, the user can click on the "Additional Criteria" icon 148 to receive additional descriptive information, return to the set criteria search screen 142, and then click on the arrows in the criteria selection icons 144 and the "Begin Search" icon 148, as just described, to arrive at a product screen 138 (Fig. 33).
In selected cases where the manufacturer has information related to additional or related products, the program will display a corporate logo for the manufacturer instead of a graphic image of a particular product. In that case, the user can click on the describe icon, and the program will display a review to purchase screen, illustratively shown in Fig. 36. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 35, by selecting a category and clicking on the review to purchase icon, the user is presented with a line item listing of the manufacturer's products, shown illustratively in Fig. 37. When the user highlights one of the items and clicks OK in Fig. 37, the program displays a product screen (Fig. 33) for the highlighted item.
In other cases, the manufacturer may have provided still photos or video clips related to certain products. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 28, in that case, the program responds to a click on the describe icon on the product screen (Fig. 33) by showing a still photo on the video clip. When the user has finished viewing the photo or video clip, he clicks on the bookmark icon to return to the original product screen. Figs. 38 and 39 show illustrative screens displayed for the still photos and video clips, respectively.
The user can also click on the related products icon on the product screen (Fig. 33). In that case, the program displays a line item listing, shown illustratively in Fig. 40, of all related products.
As shown diagrammatically in the flow chart of Fig. 28 and in Fig. 29, the user has other options from the infosearch intermediate screen 138 besides clicking on the top or bottom of the intermediate screen icons. For example, the user can click on a "Purchase Order" icon 150 to get to a purchase order screen 96. From the purchase order screen 96, the user can navigate through the screens as previously described with regard to Figs. 17-20 (purchase order feature), and return to the auto switch 136 to take up where he or she left off.
While the user can accumulate useful information from the Infosearch routine, the ultimate goal is usually to end up at the product screen 138 for a specific product. From the product screen 138, the user can compare similar products, get information about related products, generate a purchase order for the desired item and add the item to a custom list.
One novel aspect of the "Infosearch" feature is the shopping cart 154 aspect, illustrated diagrammatically on the flow chart of Fig. 31, which facilitates the purchasing process by allowing the user to keep a list of selected items and quantities for purchase without going to the purchase order after selecting each item. That is, the user can make all of his selections and then review what's in the shopping cart to ensure that he hasn't missed anything and that the total price is within budget.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 31, when the user has had the opportunity to decide on a product to purchase, he can click on the "Shopping Cart" icon 154 from the product screen 138 (Fig. 33). In response, the program displays a calculator which the user can use to enter the desired quantity of the selected item. The program then calculates the total price for the selected item, adds the information to a purchase order, and returns the user to the product screen 138. When the user has completed making all of the desired selections, he can click on an "Add" icon 156 to direct the program to display a purchase order screen 96 (Fig. 19) containing the selected items. After following the procedures previously described with regard to Figs. 17-20 to generate a purchase order, the program returns to the product screen 138 (Fig. 33).
As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 31, from the product screen 138 (Fig. 33), the user can click on the "Previous Product" icon 158 or the "Next Product" icon 160 to proceed to a product screen 138 displaying the new product. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 32 and in Fig. 33, the user has additional options available from the product screen 138, such as an index, bookmark, and help. The user can also go directly to a purchase order screen 96 without going through the shopping cart aspect by clicking on a "Purchase Order" icon 161, or review the list of contract items for products carried at special prices or having special discounts by clicking on a "Contract" icon 163.
An important feature of the invention is the flexibility of item pricing. Any item in the electronic catalog can be uniquely priced for any customer. The vendor applies the flexible pricing by using an '~install"
utility. The install utility permits the vendor to specify a price or discount for any or all of the items in the catalog for the individual user during the
FIELD OF THE lNV~~ ON
The present invention relates to catalogs in general and electronic catalogs in particular. More particularly, the invention relates to electronic catalogs utilizing multimedia to present text, video and audio data related to an item selected for review or purchase by a purchaser.
Locating goods and services can be tedious and time consuming. For example, to locate a specific item, a purchaser might have to visit several stores, examine several samples of the desired item from different manufactures, and then compare prices.
In order to alleviate a portion of that effort, vendors have used catalogs to compile information about the goods or services they sell. Typically, such catalogs contain stock numbers and size and price information, as well as directions for placing an order. By keeping the catalogs in the home or office, the purchaser can examine the catalogs without actually going to the store. In many instances, shoppers can purchase the goods or services by placing a mail or telephone order, thereby obviating the need for a trip to the store and saving the purchaser time and effort.
With the advent of computers and their ability to rapidly manipulate large amounts of data, catalogs entered the electronic arena. See, for example, U.S.
Patent Nos. 5,119,188 and 5,191,410 to McCalley, et al.
McCalley's electronic catalog provides an audio-video presentation system that includes a central computer, a central repository for video and audio data related to items for sale, and communications links with a purchaser via cable TV and telephone. The purchaser calls a specified telephone number, and, in response to that telephone call, the system transmits an image to the purchaser's TV. The purchaser then enters specified keystrokes on the telephone keypad in order to navigate through the catalog, and the system responds to those keystrokes by transmitting images or other information to the purchaser's TV. Once the purchaser has found the item to be purchased, he can enter certain keystrokes to generate a purchase order at the central repository.
While McCalley's system makes it possible for an individual shopper to get information in the privacy of his or her own home, the system has some drawbacks and lacks certain desirable features. For example, since the system is set up for transmission over cable TV, the purchaser must receive cable TV. Moreover, the system requires that the purchaser stay on the phone during the time required to navigate through the catalog to find the desired items. If the call is a long distance or other type of toll call~ the telephone charges can quickly mount up. Thus, the purchaser pays for the time spent browsing through the catalog which ultimately, along with the cable TV charges, adds to the effective price for any item selected. In fact, the purchaser still has to pay the telephone and cable TV charges, even if nothing is purchased. In addition, McCalley's system has certain built-in delays which reduce the effectiveness of the interactivity of the presentation system. For example, there is a finite amount of time required for the signals to travel between the purchaser's home and the central computer, an additional delay while the system expands and reformats the video data into a format compatible with television transmission, and still another delay while the system routes the data to a transmission site and transmits the data.
Another shortcoming of the McCalley system is that the system does not have the capability of tailoring the pricing structure for items based on a vendor/purchaser relationship or agreement. Tailoring the pricing structure for each individual purchaser allows the vendor to build and improve business relationships with his customers. The customers, on the other hand, can be assured that they are receiving the best possible price for items in the catalog.
There are additional drawbacks to the McCalley system. For example, the system does not provide the purchaser with means to retain any historical data as to prior purchases or to keep records of frequently ordered items. Furthermore, since most businesses and offices don't have cable TV installed, the McCalley system is relatively useless in a commercial environment.
Thus, a need exists for an electronic catalog having commercial as well as private applicability that allows a vendor to tailor the prices charged to each purchaser for each item while maintaining historical data as to prior purchases and keeping records of frequently ordered items. The electronic catalog should provide an intuitive user interface to facilitate communication between the purchaser and the computer, and should eliminate McCalley's built-in time delays. Additional capabilities, such as provision for a purchaser generated list of items for future reference or a compare feature that lists all products similar to the one being viewed, which would allow a quick comparison of price and description, would be welcome by purchasers. Another useful capability would be the ability to generate a purchase order for all selected items showing what was being purchased, along with individual item cost, total cost, and discount, if any, so as to permit the purchaser to add or delete items from the list and remain within budget. No known conventional electronic catalog includes all of these additional capabilities, which would be welcome by vendors and purchasers alike.
STJMMARY OF THE lNV~l.llON
According to the present invention, a computer system, in response to user inputs, retrieves and presents to a user, text, video and audio data related to items in an electronic catalog. The system comprises a plurality of features. Each of the plurality of features includes graphical interface means for facilitating communication between the user and the computer software system for investigation, consideration and ordering of items in the electronic catalog.
The plurality of features includes a contract price feature for listing specially priced items, a shopping cart feature for listing items selected for purchase by the user along with desired quantities of the selected items and the price for the desired quantities of the selected items, and a custom list feature for listing items of special interest to the user. The plurality of features further includes a purchase order feature for generating a purchase order contAining the desired quantities of the selected items and a communications feature for transmitting the purchase order to a remote location by fax or modem.
Additionally, the plurality of features includes a compare feature for comparing the selected item with similar items contained in the catalog. Another feature includes means for maintaining historical data related to prior purchases.
Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a data processing system configured for use with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a flow chart of the initial startup of a computer program according to the present invention, the initial startup terminating in the display of a main menu;
Fig. 3 is an illustrative main menu including icons for accessing various features of the computer program;
Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Company Logo" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Introduction" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Contract Price" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Contract Items" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 8 is an illustrative contract price items screen displayed in response to selection of the "Contract Price" icon from the main menu;
Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Quick Pick" icon in the main menu is selected;
Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the continuation of the program flow of Fig. 9 and continuing from the "Program Search Criteria Screen" block of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is an illustrative quick pick index screen displayed in response to selection of the "Quick Pick" icon from the main menu;
Fig. 12 is an illustrative search by SKU screen displayed in response to selection of the "Find By SKU"
icon in Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is an illustrative search result screen displayed in response to selection of the "Start Search"
icon in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is an illustrative screen displayed in response to selection of the icon in Fig. 14;
Fig. 15 is an illustrative quick pick sub-index screen displayed in response to selection of one of the icons (illustratively Filing) in Fig. 11;
Fig. 16 is an illustrative search result screen displayed in response to selection of the "Start Search"
icon in Fig. 15;
Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Purchase Order" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 18 is a flow chart showing the continuation of the program flow of Fig. 17 and continuing from the "Saved Purchase Order Screen" block of Fig. 17;
Fig. 19 is an illustrative purchase order screen displayed in response to selection of the "Purchase Order' icon from the main menu;
Fig. 20 is an illustrative saved purchase order screen displayed in response to selection of the "Saved PO" icon in Fig. lg;
Fig. 21 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Custom List" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 22 is an illustrative custom list screen displayed in response to selection of the "Custom List"
icon from the main menu;
Fig. 23 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the IlInfosearch'' icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 24 is an illustrative infosearch index screen displayed in response to selection of the "Infosearch" icon from the main menu;
Fig. 25 is an illustrative infosearch index screen with a dialog box displayed in response to selection of the "Describe" icon in Fig. 24;
Fig. 26 is a flow chart showing the continuation of the program flow of Fig. 23 and continuing from the "Infosearch Sub-Category Index Screen" block of Fig. 23;
Fig. 27 is an illustrative infosearch sub-category index screen displayed in response to selection of one of the icons displayed in Fig. 24;
Fig. 28 is a flow chart showing the continuation of the program flow of Fig. 26 and continuing from the "Auto Switch" block of Fig. 26;
Fig. 29 is an illustrative infosearch intermediate screen displayed in response to selection of the bottom (downwardly pointing arrow) of one of the icons displayed in Fig. 27 when the Auto Switch determines that supplemental information is available for the selected item;
Fig. 30 is an illustrative set criteria search screen displayed in response to selection of the bottom tdownwardly pointing arrow) of one of the icons displayed in the Intermediate Screen (Fig. 29);
Fig. 31 is a flow chart showing a portion of the continuation of the program flows of Figs. 26 and 28 and continuing from each of the plurality of "Product Screen"
~ blocks in Figs. 26 and 28;
Fig. 32 is a flow chart showing a portion of the continuation of the program flows of Figs. 26 and 28 and continuing from each of the plurality of "Product Screen"
blocks in Figs. 26 and 28;
Fig. 33 is an illustrative product screen displayed when the top (upwardly pointing arrow) of one of the icons displayed in Fig. 27 is selected, when the bottom (downwardly pointing arrow) of one of the icons displayed in Fig. 27 is selected and the Auto Switch determines that no supplemental information is available for the selected item, when the top of the intermediate screen icon in Fig. 29 is selected, or when the "Begin Search" icon is selected from Fig. 30;
Fig. 34 is an illustrative information screen displayed in response to selection of the "Describe Product" icon in Fig. 33;
Fig. 35 is a flow chart showing a review to purchase aspect of infosearch feature;
Fig. 36-37 are illustrative screens displayed during the review to purchase aspect;
Fig. 37-39 are illustrative information screens displayed when still photos and video clips, respectively, are available for a product;
Z136~
Fig. 40 is an illustrative related products screen displayed in response to selection of the "Related Products" icon in Fig. 33;
Fig. 41 is a flow chart showing the program flow if the "Added Services" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 42 is an illustrative service index screen displayed the "Added Services" icon is selected from the main menu;
Fig. 43 is a flow chart showing the process for installing the electronic catalog; and Figs. 44a-44c are flow charts showing the process by which a vendor enters prices and customer data while creating a customer install file.
DE~ATT-~n DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An illustrative computer system 10 adaptable for use with the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. The illustrative computer system 10 includes computer 12 including a program and data input 12a, display 14, keyboard 16, data presentation device 18, printer 20, fax-modem 22, speakers 24, pointing device 26, a program storage device 27 and a multimedia storage device 28. The computer 12 can be electronically connected to the devices 14-28.
Preferably, computer 12 is an IBM compatible machine running an AT 386 or higher class CPU and includes a hard drive with at least 20MB of free space, at least 8MB RAM, and a 3.5 inch 1.44MB floppy drive 12a capable of coacting with program storage device 27, which can be a coded floppy disc. It will be appreciated that the invention can be adapted for operation on other machines, such as the Macintosh computer, and the preference for the IBM machine is not a limitation on the scope of the invention.
Printer 20 can be any commercially available A printer. The printer is used to print purchase orders g locally. Fax-modem 22 can also be any commercially available fax, modem or fax-modem, and is used to transmit the purchase orders to a remote location, such as the vendor's site.
Data presentation device 18 is preferably a CD-ROM drive having at least double speed capability and multimedia storage device 28 is preferably a CD-ROM. It will be appreciated that multimedia storage device 28 can be any means capable of storing large quantities of text, video and audio data while providing rapid access to that data, and is not limited to CD-ROM technology.
At least one speaker is required if playback of audio data is required or desired. The speaker can include an internal speaker built into the computer or one or more external speakers 24 connected to the computer 12.
Pointing device 26 provides input means for providing purchaser selections to computer 12 and preferably includes a commercially available mouse.
However, it will be appreciated that any pointing device, such as a track ball, light pen, or touch-sensitive screen, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Any commercially available keyboard 16 can be used as an alternative, or additional, input means.
Display 14 can be any commercially available display, but is preferably a SVGA color monitor. Of course, any one of a number of commercially available video cards can be used in conjunction with the computer 12 and display 14.
The computer program of the present invention encompasses an electronic catalog that facilitates purchasing decisions by displaying text, video, and audio data associated with items to be sold by a vendor. In the system, a program of graphical interfaces, corresponding coded instructions for communication with and operation of the elements of the computer system and its input and output devices 12-28, including particularly the graphical interfaces and instructions for accessing and presenting, Z136~96 visually and aurally, pictorial and alphanumeric information, is carried by program storage device 27. The program is stored in the computer system through the program and data input 12a. An electronic catalog of alphanumeric, pictorial and sound information is provided to the data presentation device 18 by the multimedia storage device 28 and, as set forth more fully below, is accessed by a user of the computer system through response to graphical interfaces provided by the program and the computer system to "shop" in the electronic catalog, to make buying decisions therefrom and to buy items based on the alphanumeric, pictorial and sound information stored on and presented from the multimedia storage device 28.
The invention also includes an install routine that allows the vendor to individually tailor the price charged to each user for all, or selected, items in the catalog.
The computer program utilizes a series of graphical user interfaces (GUI) to provide an intuitive means for a user to communicate with the computer. The operator uses, in a known manner, a pointing device, such as a mouse or light pen, to position a symbol, such as an arrow, on an icon on the screen. "Clicking" on the icon, that is, pressing one of the buttons on the mouse or other pointing device, causes the computer program to perform a task associated with the icon. For example, an icon graphically depicting a printer or showing the word "Printl' can be used in lieu of the DOS "print" command.
When a user wishes to print a document, he positions the arrow on the "print" icon with the mouse and ~'clicks" one of the buttons on the mouse. The computer responds to the click on the icon and, after verifying certain print related information, prints the document. It will be understood that the "icons" referred to herein include graphical icons as well as icons containing one or more words to indicate the function of the icon. Thus, there is no need for the user to remember the DOS command and Z1365g6 associated syntax needed to invoke the task. Of course, the user can also communicate with the computer by using the keyboard 16 in a conventional fashion.
The text, video and audio data associated with the present invention is stored on one or more CDs. The program of G~Is is typically installed on the hard drive of the computer 12. In order to access the data, a user loads one of the CDs into the data storage device 18 and calls up the program in a known manner by entering an appropriate DOS command as part of the initial startup routine, as indicated at 30 in Fig. 2.
Following the initial startup 30, the computer program (hereinafter "program") displays a main menu screen 34, illustratively shown in Fig. 3. The main menu screen 34 includes a plurality of icons for various features, such as, for example, Company Logo 38, Introduction 40, Map 42, Contract Items 44, Quick Pick 46, Purchase Order 48, Custom List 50, Infosearch 52, and Added Services 54. At this point, the user can either exit to DOS 36, and thereby leave the program, or click on one of the icons displayed on the main menu screen 34.
Generally speaking, clicking on a icon leads to a follow-up screen which prompts the user to provide more information or make a choice, or displays selected 25- information, such as an index or a line listing of selected items in the catalog. Entering the desired information and/or clicking on an icon provided on the follow-up screen will then direct the computer to perform an additional task, such as prepare a purchase order or search for additional information.
Figs. 4-6 show the interactivity of user action and program responses when the user clicks on the "Company Logo" icon 38, "Introduction" icon 40, or the "Map" icon 42, respectively. These responses generally provide information that is not specifically related to the items in the catalog. After viewing the information provided, the user is returned to the main menu screen 34.
Z13~59fi If the user clicks on the "Contract Items'l icon 44 of the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3), the program responds according to the flow chart of Fig. 7 by displaying a contract price items screen 56, which is shown illustratively in Fig. 8. The contract price items screen 56 provides a line-item listing of all items specially priced by the vendor. The special price can be of a contractual nature, such as a fixed price for certain paper stock based on an agreement between the vendor and the specific user, or it can be a general discount, such as 5% off the list price for all, or certain selected, items.
Referring to Fig. 7, the user can click on the "Select Item" icon 58. Once the icon has been selected, the user can click on icons displayed on the contract price items screen 56 (Fig. 8) to perform related tasks.
For example, the user could click on the "Add Item to PO"
icon 60 in Figs. 7-8, which directs the program to start a purchase order and include the selected item, or add the selected item to an existing purchase order, and then return the user to the contract price items screen 56 (Fig. 8). If the user clicks on the "Add Item to Custom List" icon 62 (Figs. 7-8), the program initiates a custom list and includes the selected item or adds the selected item to an existing custom list and returns the user to the contract price items screen 56. When the user has completed reviewing the contract items, he can click the "Exit" icon 64 (Figs. 7-8) to return to the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3).
Figs. 9-16 show the interactive process of user choice and program response that is followed in a preferred Quick Pick feature. The Quick Pick feature is adapted to line-list each item in the catalog by category and allow a user to quickly and easily search through the list of items according to manufacturer, price range, product description or stock number by clicking with the mouse 26 or using ~tab" or "enter" keys on the keyboard 2136~96 16. The Quick Pick feature also allows the user to generate a purchase order for any selected items while in the Quick Pick feature. The Quick Pick feature of the program is accessed by clicking on the "Quick Pick" icon 46 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3). When the user clicks on the "Quick Pick" icon 46 from the main menu screen 34, the program displays a quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11). From the quick pick index screen 66, the user can select from among icons for "Describe'l 68, "Find By SKU" 70, or "Select Category" 72 to access features of the program. Clicking on the "Exit" icon 74 returns the program to the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3).
When the user clicks on the "Describe" icon 68 from the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11), the program displays a dialog box containing a written description of all product categories in the index. The dialog box is similar to that shown in Fig. 25 and overlays the quick pick index screen 66 shown in Fig. 11. After reading the information in the dialog box, the user can click on the "OK" icon on the dialog box to return to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11).
When the user clicks on the ~Find By SKU" icon 70 from the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11), the program displays a "search by SKU" screen 71, which is illustratively shown in Fig. 12. The search by SKU screen 71 prompts the user to enter the desired SKU and then start the search or cancel the search. Selecting the "Cancel" icon 78 from the search by SKU screen 71 (Fig.
12) returns the program to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11) as shown in the flow chart of Fig. 9. Referring to Fig. 10, clicking on the "Start Search~ icon 80 (also shown in Fig. 9) directs the program to search the catalog for the desired item and to display the information in a search results screen 81, as illustrated in Fig. 13. The search results screen 81 shows the SKU number, the ordering units (gross, dozen, etc.), a description of the item, the list price, the user's cost, and the percent savings. The search results screen 81 also includes an "Add Item to PO" icon 82, an "Add Item to Custom List"
icon 84 and an "Exit" icon 85. Clicking on the "Exit"
icon in the search results screen 81 (Fig. 13) returns the program to the search by SKU screen (Fig. 12).
Selecting the "Add Item to PO" icon 82 from the search results screen 81 (Fig. 13) directs the program to add the item to a purchase order. The item is added to the purchase order in the background; that is, there is no change to the search results screen 81 to indicate that the item is being added to the purchase order. After adding the item to the purchase order, the program prompts the user to either select "Exit" to return to the quick pick sub-index screen 86 or select "Add Item to Custom List" to add the item to a custom list. After selecting "Add Item to Custom List", the item is added to the custom list and the program returns to a quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 15). If the user doesn't want to add the selected item to a purchase order or a custom list, the user can select "Cancel" to return directly to the quick pick index screen 66.
Selecting the "Add Item to Custom List" icon 84 from the search results screen 81 (Fig. 13) directs the program to add the product to a custom list and return to the quick pick sub-index screen 86. The program performs the same steps as previously described with reference to the contract price items feature (Figs. 7-8). From the search results screen 81, the user can also select the "Cancel" icon 87 to return the program to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11).
Returning to Fig. 9, the user can also click on one of the category icons ("Select Category" block 72) from the quick pick index screen 66. The category icons are illustratively set up for adhesive products, binding, books, etc. as shown in Fig. 11. Selection of a category directs the program to display a quick pick sub-index screen 86 (Fig. 15). From the quick pick sub-index screen 86, the user can either select a sub-category of items to review or select the "Cancel" icon 88 to return to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig. 11).
Selecting a sub-category icon from the sub-index screen 86 (Fig. 15) directs the program to display a product search criteria screen 90, shown illustratively in Fig. 14. In the product search criteria screen 90, the user is prompted to provide certain information, such as SKU number, description of the desired item, minimum price and/or maximum price. Either before or after such information is entered, the user can select the "More Detail" icon 92 to receive more information about the desired sub-category of items. Clicking on the "More Detail" icon 92 sends the program the sub-index screen 86, where selecting or sub-category sends the program to the product search criteria screen 90 (Fig. 14).
Alternatively, the user can select the "Cancel" icon 94 to return the program to the quick pick index screen 66 (Fig.
11) .
When the user is satisfied that the proper - information has been entered, the user can click on the "Start Search" icon 80 from the product search criteria screen 90, as shown in the flow chart of Fig. 10, which directs the program to follow the same steps as previously described with reference to the "Find By SKU" icon 70 in the quick pick index screen 66. Fig. 16 shows an illustrative search results screen 81 displayed as search results for the "Filing" sub-category.
An additional feature of the invention is the Purchase Order feature shown in Figs. 17-20, which the user accesses by selecting the "Purchase Order" icon 48 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3). The Purchase Order feature prepares a purchase order for any, or all, items selected by the user. Based upon user input, the Purchase Order feature transmits the purchase order to the vendor via fax or modem or prints a purchase order locally on the user's printer. The purchase order feature saves all or selected purchase orders to provide the user with historical data related to past purchases.
Clicking on the "Purchase Order" icon 48 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3) directs the program to display the purchase order screen 96, illustratively shown in Fig. 19. The program displays icons on the purchase order screen 96, such as "Fax", "Print" and "Modem"
related to sending a purchase order to the vendor, "Save"
for allowing the user to save the purchase order displayed on the screen, "Saved PO" for allowing the user to review other saved purchase orders, and "Exit". If the user opts to exit, the program offers the choice of saving the selected items or not, as desired, and returning to the main menu screen 34, or negating the exit choice and returning to the purchase order screen 96 (Fig. 19).
While the purchase order screen 96 is displayed, the user can highlight an item and enter related information into the "Comment" field or enter changes to the purchase order by tabbing to the appropriate fields and making the desired changes. The user is not permitted to change descriptions, SKUs or prices. When satisfied that the purchase order is correct, the user can click on the "Save" icon 98, whereupon he is given the choice of "Fax", "Print", or "Modem" send options. Selection of any one of the send options results in the production and/or transmission of a purchase order and return to the main menu screen 34.
Instead of sending the purchase order, the user can elect to review saved purchase orders by clicking on the ~Saved PO" icon from the purchase order screen 96. In response to this election, the program displays a saved purchase order screen 100, shown illustratively in Fig.
20. From the saved purchase order screen 100, the user can select and view a previously saved purchase order and then return to the saved purchase order screen 100 as shown in the flow chart of Fig. 18. Alternatively, the user can add or replace an item in a saved purchase order and return to the purchase order screen 96, or delete a saved purchase order and return to the purchase order screen 96. The user can also select "Cancel" to leave the saved purchase order screen 100 and return to the purchase order screen 96.
Another feature of the invention is the Custom List feature, shown in Figs. 21-22. The custom list is a list of items of special interest or significance to the user, such as frequently purchased items or items the user wishes to explore in greater detail at a later time. The program saves the custom list for future reference by the user.
The user accesses the custom list feature by clicking on the "Custom List" icon 50 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3), whereupon the program displays a custom list screen 102, which is shown illustratively in Fig. 22. From the custom list screen 102, the user is prompted to add the item to a purchase order, delete the item, or exit custom list and return to the main menu screen 34.
If the user clicks on the "Add Item to Purchase Order" icon 104 from the custom list screen 102, the program initiates a purchase order and adds the selected item thereto or adds the selected item to an existing purchase order. The program then gives the user the option of returning to the custom list screen 102 or going to the saved purchase order screen 100 (Fig. 19). Going to the saved purchase order screen 100 provides the user with essentially the same choices as previously described for the saved purchase order screen 100 with regard to the purchase order feature of the invention. However, instead of returning to the purchase order screen 96 or the saved purchase order screen 100, as indicated in Fig. 18 with respect to the purchase order feature, the program returns to the custom list screen 63.
If the user selects the "Delete Item" icon 105 from the custom list screen 102, the program deletes the item from the screen and from the custom list.
When finished with the custom list feature, the user clicks on the "Exit" icon 107 to return to the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3).
The user of the invention can also browse through the information in the electronic catalog by using the "Infosearch" feature shown in Figs. 23-37. This feature can be useful when the user has only a general idea of which product is desired, if he wants more in-depth information related to a desired product or if he just wants to know more about what's available. Depending on the product, the information can include video or audio data. Essentially, the "Infosearch" feature allows the user to take a self-guided tour through the electronic catalog, with the program providing help along the way as needed. The user accesses the "Infosearch" feature by clicking on the "Infosearch" icon 52 from the main menu screen 34 (Fig. 3), whereupon the program displays the infosearch index screen 106 (Fig. 24).
As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 23, the user can choose an "Infosearch Category" icon 108 from the infosearch index screen 106. The "Infosearch Category"
icons are shown illustratively as graphical icons in Fig.
24. Alternatively, the user can select an "Exit to DOS"
icon 110 which completely exits the program, a "Describe"
icon 112, a "Main Menu" icon 114 which returns the program to the main menu screen 34, or a ~Help" icon 116. The icons 110, 112 and 114 are also shown along the bottom of the infosearch index screen 106 (Fig. 24).
If the user selects the "Describe" icon 112, the program displays a dialog box with a description of the product categories, as shown in Fig. 25. Clicking "OK" in the dialog box returns the program to the infosearch index screen 106.
If the user selects the "Help" icon 116, the program displays a list of descriptive terms used in the catalog. When the user clicks on "Bookmark", the program returns to the infosearch index screen 106.
If the user selects a category icon, the program displays an infosearch sub-category index screen 118, shown illustratively in Fig. 27. The infosearch sub-category index screen 118 includes sub-category icons having upwardly and downwardly pointing arrows indicating the "Top of Icon" 122 and "Bottom of Icon" 124, respectively, (blocks 122 and 124, respectively, in the flow charts of Figs. 23 and 26) and icons for "Contract"
126, "Bookmark" 128, "Describe" 130, "Index" 132, and "All SKU" 134.
Referring to Fig. 26, if the user selects the top (upwardly pointing) arrow of one of the sub-category icons shown in Fig. 27 (block 122 in Fig. 26), the program displays a line listing by SKU for the products in the sub-category. Selecting one of the line items causes the program to display a product screen (Fig. 33) for that product.
If the user selects the bottom (downwardly pointing arrow) of one of the sub-category icons shown in Fig. 27 (block 124 in Fig. 26), the program goes to an auto switch 136. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 28, the auto switch 136 determines whether or not supplemental information is available for the selected sub-category.
If no supplemental information is available, the auto switch 136 routes the program to the line listing display, by SKU, of products in the sub-category, whereupon the user can select one of the products listed and see the product screen 138 (Fig. 33) for that product.
If supplemental information is available, the auto switch 136 displays an infosearch intermediate screen 138, shown illustratively in Fig. 29, which includes several icons to provide the user with choices which will narrow down the search. Clicking on the top (upwardly pointing arrow) of one of the intermediate screen icons, such as the "Diskettes" icon in Fig. 29, will result in a line item listing of available diskettes, by SKU, as previously described. The user selects one of the line listings to view a product screen 138 of the selected line listing.
Still referring to Fig. 28, clicking on the bottom (downwardly pointing arrow) of the "Diskettes"
icon, for example, in Fig. 29 will result in a set criteria search screen 142, such as that shown in Fig. 30.
In the set criteria search screen 142, the user can click on criteria selection icons (block 144 in the flow chart of Fig. 28). For example, the user can click on the arrows in the criteria selection icons in Fig. 30 to select a 3~ inch, double density, unformatted diskette and click the "Begin Search" icon 146 and the program will display the product screen 138 shown in Fig. 33.
Alternatively, the user can click on the "Additional Criteria" icon 148 to receive additional descriptive information, return to the set criteria search screen 142, and then click on the arrows in the criteria selection icons 144 and the "Begin Search" icon 148, as just described, to arrive at a product screen 138 (Fig. 33).
In selected cases where the manufacturer has information related to additional or related products, the program will display a corporate logo for the manufacturer instead of a graphic image of a particular product. In that case, the user can click on the describe icon, and the program will display a review to purchase screen, illustratively shown in Fig. 36. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 35, by selecting a category and clicking on the review to purchase icon, the user is presented with a line item listing of the manufacturer's products, shown illustratively in Fig. 37. When the user highlights one of the items and clicks OK in Fig. 37, the program displays a product screen (Fig. 33) for the highlighted item.
In other cases, the manufacturer may have provided still photos or video clips related to certain products. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 28, in that case, the program responds to a click on the describe icon on the product screen (Fig. 33) by showing a still photo on the video clip. When the user has finished viewing the photo or video clip, he clicks on the bookmark icon to return to the original product screen. Figs. 38 and 39 show illustrative screens displayed for the still photos and video clips, respectively.
The user can also click on the related products icon on the product screen (Fig. 33). In that case, the program displays a line item listing, shown illustratively in Fig. 40, of all related products.
As shown diagrammatically in the flow chart of Fig. 28 and in Fig. 29, the user has other options from the infosearch intermediate screen 138 besides clicking on the top or bottom of the intermediate screen icons. For example, the user can click on a "Purchase Order" icon 150 to get to a purchase order screen 96. From the purchase order screen 96, the user can navigate through the screens as previously described with regard to Figs. 17-20 (purchase order feature), and return to the auto switch 136 to take up where he or she left off.
While the user can accumulate useful information from the Infosearch routine, the ultimate goal is usually to end up at the product screen 138 for a specific product. From the product screen 138, the user can compare similar products, get information about related products, generate a purchase order for the desired item and add the item to a custom list.
One novel aspect of the "Infosearch" feature is the shopping cart 154 aspect, illustrated diagrammatically on the flow chart of Fig. 31, which facilitates the purchasing process by allowing the user to keep a list of selected items and quantities for purchase without going to the purchase order after selecting each item. That is, the user can make all of his selections and then review what's in the shopping cart to ensure that he hasn't missed anything and that the total price is within budget.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 31, when the user has had the opportunity to decide on a product to purchase, he can click on the "Shopping Cart" icon 154 from the product screen 138 (Fig. 33). In response, the program displays a calculator which the user can use to enter the desired quantity of the selected item. The program then calculates the total price for the selected item, adds the information to a purchase order, and returns the user to the product screen 138. When the user has completed making all of the desired selections, he can click on an "Add" icon 156 to direct the program to display a purchase order screen 96 (Fig. 19) containing the selected items. After following the procedures previously described with regard to Figs. 17-20 to generate a purchase order, the program returns to the product screen 138 (Fig. 33).
As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 31, from the product screen 138 (Fig. 33), the user can click on the "Previous Product" icon 158 or the "Next Product" icon 160 to proceed to a product screen 138 displaying the new product. As shown in the flow chart of Fig. 32 and in Fig. 33, the user has additional options available from the product screen 138, such as an index, bookmark, and help. The user can also go directly to a purchase order screen 96 without going through the shopping cart aspect by clicking on a "Purchase Order" icon 161, or review the list of contract items for products carried at special prices or having special discounts by clicking on a "Contract" icon 163.
An important feature of the invention is the flexibility of item pricing. Any item in the electronic catalog can be uniquely priced for any customer. The vendor applies the flexible pricing by using an '~install"
utility. The install utility permits the vendor to specify a price or discount for any or all of the items in the catalog for the individual user during the
2~36S9~i installation process. Thus, the vendor can offer any item at one price for one user and at another price for another user. The special pricing can therefore reflect contractual or other relationships between the vendor and individual user. The install feature also restricts access to the electronic catalog to approved customers only. The steps followed in the install feature are shown illustratively in Fig. 43.
Initially, the vendor receives the electronic catalog and an install utility from the electronic catalog producer. The vendor then creates an install file by entering customer data to restrict access and adding other particular customer information to allow the customer to interact with his order processing systems. The vendor also enters contract prices for the particular customer, which can take the form of "cost plus" or "list minus"
percentages. An illustrative process for creating a customer install file and setting up contract prices is shown in Figs. 44a-44c.
When the vendor has completed setting up the contract prices in the install file, he sends the install file and the electronic catalog to the customer. The customer then loads the install file and electronic catalog to his PC, and can then transfer the now operational catalog to his hard drive or server network.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to a certain preferred embodiment, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
Initially, the vendor receives the electronic catalog and an install utility from the electronic catalog producer. The vendor then creates an install file by entering customer data to restrict access and adding other particular customer information to allow the customer to interact with his order processing systems. The vendor also enters contract prices for the particular customer, which can take the form of "cost plus" or "list minus"
percentages. An illustrative process for creating a customer install file and setting up contract prices is shown in Figs. 44a-44c.
When the vendor has completed setting up the contract prices in the install file, he sends the install file and the electronic catalog to the customer. The customer then loads the install file and electronic catalog to his PC, and can then transfer the now operational catalog to his hard drive or server network.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to a certain preferred embodiment, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
Claims (29)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An interactive multimedia presentation system for use as an electronic catalog adapted to present selected textual, visual and audio information related to items for sale by a vendor, the system comprising:
(a) multimedia data storage means for storing text, visual and audio data in digital format, (b) data processing means including program input means and being operable by a purchaser and connected to the data storage means for accessing the text, video and audio data, (c) program storage means for storing graphical interfaces for use by a purchaser and related instructions for operation of data processing means and data storage means, (d) means, connected to the data processing means, for displaying the visual data and playing the audio data in response to said program instructions, and (e) output means for ordering selected items.
(a) multimedia data storage means for storing text, visual and audio data in digital format, (b) data processing means including program input means and being operable by a purchaser and connected to the data storage means for accessing the text, video and audio data, (c) program storage means for storing graphical interfaces for use by a purchaser and related instructions for operation of data processing means and data storage means, (d) means, connected to the data processing means, for displaying the visual data and playing the audio data in response to said program instructions, and (e) output means for ordering selected items.
2. The presentation system of claim 1 wherein the program storage means includes a graphical user interface for facilitating the purchaser's ability to access and display data from the data storage means.
3. The presentation system of claim 2 wherein the text, visual and audio data defines specifications and manufacturer supplied promotional information relating to the items for sale by the vendor.
4. The presentation system of claim 1 wherein said program storage means include contract price means for permitting the vendor to specify and store a special price of each item listed in the catalog for each purchaser.
5. The presentation system of claim 2 wherein the program storage means includes purchase order means for producing a purchase order for selected items, the purchase order means being adapted to send the purchase order to the output means.
6. The presentation system of claim 5 wherein the program storage means further includes means for automatically sending selected items to the purchase order means.
7. The presentation system of claim 2 wherein the program storage means includes means for permitting maintaining a list of selected items.
8. The presentation system of claim 2 wherein the program storage means includes means for displaying all items belonging to a purchaser selected category.
9. An interactive multimedia presentation and ordering system for use as a multimedia electronic catalog containing items for sale by a vendor to a user wherein the user may select for viewing on a computer a plurality of audio video presentations relating to items to be purchased by the user, the audio video presentations comprising pictorial and alphanumeric images and audio data, the system comprising:
(a) a data storage subsystem connected to the computer for storing pictorial and alphanumeric images and audio data, (b) a presentation subsystem connected to the computer for displaying selected pictorial and alphanumeric images and playback of selected audio data, (c) a computer program for the computer for retrieving selected audio, alphanumeric and pictorial presentations from the data storage subsystem and sending the data to the presentation subsystem for display and playback in response to commands input to the computer by the user, (d) custom list means for maintaining information relating to items selected by the user, (e) shopping cart means for filing price and quantity information relating to items being considered for purchase by the user, (f) means for generating a purchase order for ordering selected items based on information in the shopping cart means, and (g) means for maintaining historical data related to items purchased by the user.
(a) a data storage subsystem connected to the computer for storing pictorial and alphanumeric images and audio data, (b) a presentation subsystem connected to the computer for displaying selected pictorial and alphanumeric images and playback of selected audio data, (c) a computer program for the computer for retrieving selected audio, alphanumeric and pictorial presentations from the data storage subsystem and sending the data to the presentation subsystem for display and playback in response to commands input to the computer by the user, (d) custom list means for maintaining information relating to items selected by the user, (e) shopping cart means for filing price and quantity information relating to items being considered for purchase by the user, (f) means for generating a purchase order for ordering selected items based on information in the shopping cart means, and (g) means for maintaining historical data related to items purchased by the user.
10. A multimedia electronic catalog order processing and product viewing system for use by a purchaser comprising:
(a) a data storage device configured to contain text, pictorial and audio data relating to items for sale to the purchaser, (b) a video display for displaying text and pictorial data, (c) at least one speaker for playback of audio data, (d) a data processor connected to the data storage device, the video display and the at least one speaker, (e) input means coupled to the data processor for inputting a purchaser's selection to the data processor, (f) output means, coupled to the data processor for outputting selected information, and (g) program means, including a graphical user interface, for controlling retrieval, display, and playback of data related to items selected by the purchaser.
(a) a data storage device configured to contain text, pictorial and audio data relating to items for sale to the purchaser, (b) a video display for displaying text and pictorial data, (c) at least one speaker for playback of audio data, (d) a data processor connected to the data storage device, the video display and the at least one speaker, (e) input means coupled to the data processor for inputting a purchaser's selection to the data processor, (f) output means, coupled to the data processor for outputting selected information, and (g) program means, including a graphical user interface, for controlling retrieval, display, and playback of data related to items selected by the purchaser.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the program means forms a contract file for storage of specific prices for which the vendor will sell selected items to the purchaser.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the program means provides means for automatically sending quantity and price information about a purchaser selected item to the output means.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the program means provides means to generate a purchase order using the quantity and price information.
14. The system of claim 10 wherein the program means forms custom list means for storing data for items frequently ordered by the purchaser.
15. The system of claim 10 wherein the program means further provides means for listing items belonging to a category selected by the purchaser.
16. A method of presenting multimedia information related to items for sale by a vendor, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a data base containing text, video and audio data related to items for sale, (b) providing a graphical user interface to facilitate the selection of items for review by a purchaser, (c) providing computer means for accessing the data, displaying the video data and playing back the audio data for items selected by the purchaser, (d) providing means for maintaining a list of items frequently selected by the purchaser, and (e) providing means for generating a purchase order for items selected by the purchaser.
(a) providing a data base containing text, video and audio data related to items for sale, (b) providing a graphical user interface to facilitate the selection of items for review by a purchaser, (c) providing computer means for accessing the data, displaying the video data and playing back the audio data for items selected by the purchaser, (d) providing means for maintaining a list of items frequently selected by the purchaser, and (e) providing means for generating a purchase order for items selected by the purchaser.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of providing means for generating a listing of all items belonging to a category selected by the purchaser.
18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of generating a purchase order containing quantity and price information relating to items selected by the purchaser.
19. An interactive multimedia presentation system for use as an electronic catalog adapted to present selected textual, visual and audio information related to items for sale by a vendor, the system comprising:
(a) a data base containing text, visual and audio data, (b) a computer operable by a purchaser and connected to the data base for accessing the text, video and audio data, (c) presentation means, connected to the computer, for displaying the visual data and playing the audio data, (d) graphical user interface means generated by said computer and said presentation means for facilitating access to the data contained in the data base, and (e) means for ordering selected items.
(a) a data base containing text, visual and audio data, (b) a computer operable by a purchaser and connected to the data base for accessing the text, video and audio data, (c) presentation means, connected to the computer, for displaying the visual data and playing the audio data, (d) graphical user interface means generated by said computer and said presentation means for facilitating access to the data contained in the data base, and (e) means for ordering selected items.
20. An interactive multimedia presentation system for use as an electronic catalog adapted to present selected textual, visual and audio information related to items for sale by a vendor, the system comprising:
(a) a data base containing text, visual and audio data, (b) a computer program for generating a graphical user interface and operating a computer for facilitating access to the data contained in the data base, and (c) means for installing the computer program on a computer, (d) a computer with said computer program operable by a purchaser and connected to the data base for accessing the text, video and audio data, (e) a display, connected to the computer, for displaying the visual data and playing the audio data, wherein the installing means includes means for allowing a vendor to set specific prices to be charged for selected items.
(a) a data base containing text, visual and audio data, (b) a computer program for generating a graphical user interface and operating a computer for facilitating access to the data contained in the data base, and (c) means for installing the computer program on a computer, (d) a computer with said computer program operable by a purchaser and connected to the data base for accessing the text, video and audio data, (e) a display, connected to the computer, for displaying the visual data and playing the audio data, wherein the installing means includes means for allowing a vendor to set specific prices to be charged for selected items.
21. A system for presenting information from an electronic catalog in response to an input from a user, wherein the electronic catalog includes a data base of text, video, and audio information related to items in the electronic catalog, the system comprising:
(a) a computer program providing a graphical user interface for receiving input from a user and generating from the graphical user interface retrieval of information from the data base and presentation of the retrieved information to the user in response to input received by the graphical user interface, wherein the computer program further provides:
(b) means for providing specialized pricing for selected items in the electronic catalog;
(c) means for providing a list of items of special interest to the user and for retaining the list of the items of special interest for future reference by the user; and (d) means for facilitating the purchase of selected items by maintaining a list of the selected items, quantities thereof, costs associated therewith, and total cost.
(a) a computer program providing a graphical user interface for receiving input from a user and generating from the graphical user interface retrieval of information from the data base and presentation of the retrieved information to the user in response to input received by the graphical user interface, wherein the computer program further provides:
(b) means for providing specialized pricing for selected items in the electronic catalog;
(c) means for providing a list of items of special interest to the user and for retaining the list of the items of special interest for future reference by the user; and (d) means for facilitating the purchase of selected items by maintaining a list of the selected items, quantities thereof, costs associated therewith, and total cost.
22. The system of claim 21 wherein the computer program further provides means for generating a purchase order for at least one selected item.
23. The system of claim 21 wherein the computer program further provides means for allowing the user to browse through the information in the electronic catalog in a self-directed fashion.
24. A computer software system having a set of instructions for controlling a general purpose digital computer in retrieving and presenting, to a user, text, video and audio data related to items in an electronic catalog, the system comprising:
(a) a set of instructions formed into a plurality of features, each of the plurality of features including graphical interface means for facilitating communication between the user and the computer software system, the plurality of features including;
(b) a contract price feature for listing specially priced items;
(c) a shopping cart feature for listing items selected for purchase by the user along with desired quantities of the selected items and the price for the desired quantities of the selected items; and (d) a custom list feature for listing items of special interest to the user.
(a) a set of instructions formed into a plurality of features, each of the plurality of features including graphical interface means for facilitating communication between the user and the computer software system, the plurality of features including;
(b) a contract price feature for listing specially priced items;
(c) a shopping cart feature for listing items selected for purchase by the user along with desired quantities of the selected items and the price for the desired quantities of the selected items; and (d) a custom list feature for listing items of special interest to the user.
25. The system of claim 24 wherein the plurality of features includes a purchase order feature for generating a purchase order containing the desired quantities of the selected items.
26. The system of claim 25 wherein the plurality of features includes a communications feature for transmitting the purchase order to a remote location by one of fax and modem.
27. The system of claim 24 wherein the plurality of features includes a compare feature for comparing the selected item with similar items contained in the catalog.
28. The system of claim 24 wherein the plurality of features includes means for maintaining historical data related to prior purchases.
29. The system of claim 16 wherein the computer means and the data base are collocated with the purchaser.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US31210094A | 1994-09-26 | 1994-09-26 | |
| US08/312,100 | 1994-09-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2136596A1 true CA2136596A1 (en) | 1996-03-27 |
Family
ID=23209889
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2136596 Abandoned CA2136596A1 (en) | 1994-09-26 | 1994-11-24 | Electronic catalogue |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2136596A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5875110A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1999-02-23 | American Greetings Corporation | Method and system for vending products |
-
1994
- 1994-11-24 CA CA 2136596 patent/CA2136596A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5875110A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1999-02-23 | American Greetings Corporation | Method and system for vending products |
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