Distributed electronic commerce is conducted over a network by substantially separating transaction functionality from merchant content. Electronic commerce transaction functionality is provided by a commerce server having a commerce database. The commerce server stores merchant and purchaser profile data and merchant content summaries on the commerce database.

Aug 10, 2017. An adjunct faculty member for CHC and went through the standard process to hire faculty. Crafton worked with. Coordinate Wildland Fire Program and Instructor. Service Agreement. Industry Driven. Regional Collaborative. 180397 NEOPOST USA INC.

The purchaser browses and searches for product and merchant information using the commerce server, and is provided with more detailed information stored at a separate merchant content server system. The purchaser selects products to purchase, and a purchase order is sent to the commerce server. The commerce server initiates the settlement of accounts between the merchant and purchaser, and initiates order fulfillment for the selected product. The separation of transaction functionality and merchant content onto separate servers under the control of a commerce service provider and a merchant, respectively, provides a more efficient and effective way of carrying out electronic commerce over a network.

Field of the Invention This invention relates to carrying out electronic commerce on a network, and particularly to an electronic commerce server and database that provide transaction functionality and content summaries to purchasers, and which refer purchasers to merchant content servers that provide more extensive information on products for sale on the network. Background of the Invention Electronic commerce is traditionally carried out over a network using a commerce server networked with purchasers and merchants. As shown in FIG 1, such a traditional electronic commerce server system 11 provides substantially all of the functionality needed to carry out buying and selling on a network 12.

This includes storing product information provided by merchants 13, accepting requests for information from prospective purchasers 14, and accepting and processing orders. The number of commerce servers offered by different server vendors is limited. For example, each such server is configured and programmed differently. Thus, the traditional commerce server 11 is complex, expensive, and often requires substantial expertise to configure and operate. These disadvantages allow only the largest merchants to own and operate their own commerce servers.

Rather than operate their own commerce servers, smaller merchants typically purchase electronic commerce services provided by a commerce service provider. In this case, the provider owns and maintains the commerce server, who distributes configuration, operation and maintenance costs across the subscriber merchants, realizing an economy of scale.

However, in so doing, the provider usually enforces uniform standards for appearance and methods of doing business to reduce the amount of custom programming necessary in order to economically accommodate several different merchants. Simcity 4 Deluxe Mac Os X Download here. Thus, each merchant being served loses a substantial amount of control over the way he conducts business over the network. This restricts the merchant's ability to express a particular personality and to do such things as develop distinctive trade dress. This places him at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace, especially when compared to those merchants who can operate their own servers. The service provider's expertise lies in the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the commerce server hardware and the commerce functionality it provides to all of its merchants and purchasers.

Examples of commerce functionality include taking orders and effectuating payment for any product offered by a merchant. However, the service provider faces problems with respect to 'content' from the merchant(s).

First, content falls within the expertise of the merchant, not the provider. Second, the electronic commerce service provider faces high costs in acquiring, publishing, and maintaining a database of merchant content. This problem is especially pronounced when content from many merchants is stored in a large aggregate on a commerce server, because there is no economy of scale in adding merchant content to a server.

The cost of adding an additional content file to a server is not less than the cost to add a similar file previously. In fact, the burden of loading, updating, and deleting content from each additional merchant can greatly increase the complexity and administrative cost of running a server beyond that for the content of the earlier-in-time merchants. Further, a larger aggregate of merchant content on a single commerce server slows the performance of the server. Thus, under current methods of carrying out electronic commerce, the merchant whose expertise lies in producing and managing content is faced with the choice of operating and maintaining an expensive commerce server or losing control of his marketing to a provider.

The provider, whose expertise lies in the acquisition and maintenance of electronic commerce hardware and software, must shoulder the burden of acquiring, publishing and maintaining merchant content. Summary of the Invention A better way of conducting electronic commerce is to allocate most of the task of content acquisition and maintenance to the merchant, and allocate most of the task of providing electronic commerce transaction functionality to the service provider. Under this regime, neither the merchant nor the provider would be burdened with tasks outside their respective areas of expertise. The present invention provides a system for carrying out electronic commerce over a network where transaction functionality is provided by a commerce server having a commerce database, while detailed merchant content is provided on separate merchant content servers. The commerce server maintains merchant profiles in the commerce database. The profiles comprise summaries of the products offered for sale by each merchant registered with the electronic commerce service. Here, the term 'product' is meant to include services.

A merchant profile also includes a merchant identification number, a list of the payment vehicles accepted by the merchant; a summary of merchant policies; and a summary background of the merchant. In one embodiment, the merchant identification number is the network address of the merchant's content server. The commerce server also maintains purchaser profiles in the commerce database that comprise purchaser identification numbers, purchaser payment data (such as credit card and bank account numbers), and billing and shipping addresses. The commerce server provides transaction functionality that effectuates an electronic commerce transaction.

An electronic commerce transaction is the process of selling and purchasing an item over a network. A purchaser requests the commerce server to send shopping information. The purchaser browses or searches for products on the commerce server, and data regarding products and merchants is retrieved from the commerce database. At the purchaser's request for more information on a product or merchant, the commerce server refers the purchaser to an appropriate merchant content server, which contains much more detailed information about the product and merchant than is available from the commerce database. While browsing or searching the merchant content server, the purchaser may select one or more products for purchase. When the purchaser indicates he is ready to effectuate such a transaction, data concerning the selected product or products are sent to the commerce server. The data include information sufficient to identify the product, purchaser and selling merchant.

The commerce server communicates with an external payment system to debit the purchaser's account and credit the merchant's account, effectuating the sale. The commerce server also generates a fulfillment message that ensures product delivery to the purchaser.

The commerce server also generates reports for the merchant and purchaser upon request. The reports summarize historical transaction data as requested. Merchant content servers are simpler, easier to operate, and less expensive than the full-functioned servers traditionally used to maintain both content and transaction functionality in carrying out electronic commerce. The efficient division of functionality between the commerce server and the merchant content server thus advantageously streamlines the process of providing e-commerce services while lowering the cost thereof. Brief Description of the Drawings FIG 1 shows a prior art embodiment of an electronic commerce system. FIG 2 shows an electronic commerce system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG 3 shows merchant content servers connected to a network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG 4 shows merchant content servers connected to a network in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG 5 shows an embodiment of an electronic commerce server and an electronic commerce database in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG 6 shows an embodiment of a merchant interface screen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG 7 shows an embodiment of a merchant content abstract update interface in accordance with the present invention.

FIG 8 shows an embodiment of a merchant content abstract edit interface in accordance with the present invention. FIG 9 shows another embodiment of a merchant content abstract edit interface in accordance with the present invention.

FIG 10 shows an embodiment of a merchant content abstract edit interface that shows a list of products in the commerce database in accordance with the present invention. FIG 11 shows an embodiment of a purchaser interface in accordance with the present invention. FIG 12 shows an embodiment of a merchant information screen generated in response to a purchaser query in accordance with the present invention. FIG 13 shows an embodiment of a product information screen generated in response to a purchaser search on a merchant content server in accordance with the present invention. Detailed Description In accordance with the present invention, an embodiment of which is shown in FIG 2, electronic commerce is carried out over a network 21 with a purchaser 25, where content is distributed through the network on merchant content servers 22, and transaction functionality is provided by an electronic commerce server 23 having an electronic commerce database 24. Network 21 is a data network, an example of which is the Internet.

The content servers 22 are controlled by merchants, and contain detailed merchant data. This merchant data comprises information on the products offered by the merchant, including product names, manufacturers, colors, sizes, and prices. It also includes multimedia information about the product, comprising at least one type of text, audio, graphic, animation and video data. Merchant data also comprises detailed information regarding warranty, guarantee, and merchandise return information, as well as background information regarding the merchant. Merchant content data includes information that comprises an electronic catalog of the merchant's products. Merchant content servers are simpler, easier to operate, and less expensive than the full-functioned servers traditionally used to maintain both content and transaction functionality in carrying out electronic commerce. In one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG 3, each merchant controls its own very simple content server 32, 33, 34 and 35, each of which is connected to the network 31.

The term connected encompasses direct and indirect data connection. In other words, when A is connected to B, A may be connected to B directly (e.g., via an RS 232 cable); through a network; or through a network of networks. In another embodiment shown in FIG 4, several merchants 42, 43, 44 and 45 connected to a network 41 share a single content server 46 connected to the network. In this embodiment, the box representing merchant P 42 is a personal computer through which merchant P 42 is connected to the network 41.

Merchant P 42 transfers data to and from the merchant content server 46 through the network 41, to which the merchant content server 46 is also connected. Merchants 42, 43 and 44 interact with the merchant content server 46 in the same way. In accordance with the present invention, an electronic commerce server 23 controlled by a transaction service provider is also connected to the network 21, as shown in FIG 2. The commerce server 23 provides transaction and content searching functionality and stores commerce server data including merchant abstract data on a commerce database 24. Transaction functionality refers to the capability to carry out actions needed to effectuate a purchase and sale over the network 21. For example, in one embodiment, the transaction server accepts a credit card number from a purchaser and contacts the credit card vendor to verify that the account has a sufficient line of credit to complete the purchase of a product or products having a given price.

Once authorization is received, the commerce server sends messages to a banking institution that debits the purchaser's account and credits that of the merchant, effectuating a purchase. Other transaction functionality can include: arranging to have the selected product shipped; and/or other order fulfillment functions, such as implementing a customer satisfaction survey along with product delivery, and storing the results for presentation and analysis. Commerce server data comprises summary data on the products offered by those merchants that have content servers that subscribe to the electronic commerce service. In one embodiment, this includes product numbers, product categories, sizes, colors, prices, and a link to the appropriate merchant content server where more product information can be found. Commerce server data may also include merchant profile data, including summaries of the forms of payment accepted by a merchant, merchant policies, and merchant background information. Merchant profile data is added to the commerce database when the merchant initially registers for the service, and may be updated at any time by the merchant. Commerce server data comprises abstracts of more extensive data available at the merchant content servers.

These abstracts are generally substantially smaller in size than the data from which they are drawn on the merchant content server. For example, in one embodiment, a product abstract comprises a textual representation of a product name, product price, a one sentence description of the product, and the URL (Uniform Resource Locator, i.e., network address) of the merchant content server on which more information regarding the product may be found. The corresponding more fulsome information on the merchant content server includes the same information provided in the abstract, but further comprises a multimedia video of the product being modeled with accompanying audio, a full catalog description of the product, a description of all available sizes and colors, and shipping information. Thus, the abstract on the commerce server is a brief representation of content server data sufficient to enable the user to make an informed decision as to whether to seek additional information from the appropriate content server.

This advantageously maximizes the benefits of distributed electronic commerce in accordance with the present invention. The present invention advantageously provides a simple and uniform interface to the merchant whereby the merchant adds merchant content summary data to the commerce database 24. An embodiment of such an interface is shown in FIG 6. In this embodiment a merchant is first identified 61 and authenticated 62 to the service, and then choose one of three possible functions adding product information 63; editing product information 64, or generating a report 65 based on historical transaction data.

If the merchant selects the add product button 63, the service presents to the merchant a screen for facilitating entry of product information. One such screen is shown in FIG 7. In the illustrated embodiment the screen presents several product information fields, including a product identification number (SKU) field 711; category 712; manufacturer 713; product name 714; list price 715; offer price 716; weight 717; size range 718; a date until which the offer is good 719; and optional keywords 720 and 721.

A merchant may define his own attribute/value pairs 725 for a product, such as 'Shell/Material' (e.g., 'Shell/100% Cotton,' or 'Insulation/Material' (e.g., 'Insulation/Wool.' ) When the merchant is finished entering the new product data, he selects the submit button 723, and the commerce database is then updated, associating the newly submitted data with the merchant's identification number and a time stamp indicating when it was added. The collection of product information stored in the commerce database is called a merchant content abstract. It should be noted that this input process and these interface screens are an illustrative embodiment of data entry methods of the present invention, and that any other interface or method for entering data that comport with the architecture of the present invention are valid. For example, in one embodiment, data entries are validated (e.g., checked for proper correspondence between manufacturer and product name, etc.) before the data entries update the electronic commerce server database. In one embodiment of the present invention, the commerce server is provided with a merchant content abstract according to the following data structure. It should be noted that size/value and weight/value are two embodiments of a general attribute/value format.

Each attribute/value pair may be specified by the merchant to tailor the abstract to meet his requirements. For example, for a saw, a merchant may specify the material of which the cutting surface is made with the attribute/value pair blade/material, e.g., blade/titanium.

Generally, the URL of the merchant content server is provided to the commerce server at the time the merchant registers with the service. However, in accordance with the present invention, the merchant may advantageously specify another URL 724 (FIG 7) for a merchant content server on the abstract interface screen. A further advantage of the present invention is that any server having content may register with the commerce server without having to be designed specifically to take advantage of the service. Besides registering with the service, it is only necessary that the merchant enter content abstracts to the commerce server.

If the merchant selects the edit product button 64, he is presented in one embodiment with the screen shown in FIG 8. The merchant may specify an exact product to edit by completely specifying its SKU 81, in which case the commerce database is searched and the corresponding product summary data are displayed, an example of which is shown in FIG 9.

Alternatively, he may include wildcard characters in the SKU and a list of matching products sold by that merchant will be displayed. For example, if * constitutes a wildcard symbol and the merchant specifies the SKU to be edited as 132*, the commerce server will search for all SKU's whose first three digits are 132. An SKU of 1??45 includes all SKU's whose first, fourth and fifth digits are 1, 4 and 5 respectively. Likewise, the merchant may request a listing by manufacturer, category or product name. In each of these cases, the e-commerce server searches for and presents a list of products.

An example of such a list for all products manufactured by Scandia is shown in FIG 10. As shown in FIG 10, the list is a summary presentation of the product name 101, product category 102, SKU 103 and the date on which the product information was entered into the commerce database. A highlight bar 105 that covers one product at a time may be moved up and down the list by movement arrows 106 and 107, respectively. The merchant selects an item to edit from the list by moving the highlight bar over the item and then selecting the Select button 108.

When the merchant selects an item from the list to edit, a screen such as that shown in FIG 9 is presented to the merchant. Alternatively, the merchant may expediently delete product data for the highlighted product from the commerce database by selecting the delete button 109. Thus, the merchant may add, edit and delete his product data summaries in the commerce database according to a simple and uniform interface.

A pseudo code embodiment of the process for changing merchant product data summaries in the commerce database in accordance with the present invention is as follows. The present invention thus advantageously provides a convenient and efficient way for a merchant to shop over a network through simple and easy to understand interfaces.

An embodiment of such an interface is shown in FIG 11. When a purchaser connects to the commerce server and is identified by providing a purchaser ID in field 111 and is authenticated by providing a purchaser password in field 112, the commerce server associates any subsequent transactions with the purchaser's customer profile data stored on the commerce database. In one embodiment, customer profile data includes the customer's name, billing address, shipping address and credit card numbers with expiration dates. In another embodiment, customer profile data also includes information derived from historical transaction data, such as buying patterns.

In yet another embodiment, customer profile data includes demographic data, including income level and household information of the purchaser. A purchaser may choose to view product and merchant information by predetermined category, such as home appliances 113, outdoor gear 114, or electronics 115. Alternatively, the purchaser may wish to carry out a search of the commerce database. Such a search may be boolean, e.g., HIKING AND (BOOTS OR SHOES). In another embodiment, the search is in a natural language format as is known in the art, e.g., I NEED HIKING BOOTS FOR BACKPACKING. An embodiment of a screen responsive to such a natural language inquiry is shown in FIG 12.

Here, the response is shown according to the names of merchants 121, 122, 123 and 124 who sell hiking boots. In another embodiment, the response is shown in accordance with hiking boots products listed in the commerce database. In the embodiment shown in FIG 12, tokens are displayed for each merchant indicating the types of payment accepted by the merchant 125 and the number of days in the merchant's money-back guarantee 126. This is merely meant to be exemplary of the types of information that could be supplied to the purchaser at this stage.

Other types of information such as warranty information and service telephone numbers could also be included. Upon selecting a merchant from the screen shown in FIG 12, the purchaser is referred by the commerce server to the content server on which the selected merchant has placed his merchant content. In one embodiment in which the present invention is implemented on the Internet, the URL of the merchant is contained in a table in the commerce database that cross-references it to the merchant identifier in the product data structure. In another embodiment, the network address of the content server is included in the product data structure as an additional field.

Upon accessing the content server, the purchaser is presented with an electronic version of the merchant's store. Such stores are well known in the art as websites on the World Wide Web (WWW). The purchaser is able to search and browse among products offered by the merchant; learn detailed information regarding the merchant's return policy; learn about forms of payment accepted by the merchant; and order products. An example of a product screen at a content server is shown in FIG 13. The picture of the boot 131 may be animated, and the boot could be slowly turned so all sides may be viewed. Audio accompanies the picture, describing the advantageous features of the boot. This is supplemented with textual information 132, as well as information about the boot's available sizes 133, weight 134, suggested retail price 135, offer price 136, and offer expiration date 137.

If the purchaser wants to select the boot for purchase, the purchaser selects the Buy This button 138 at the bottom of the screen. Every screen of this embodiment of the content server also can have a Make Purchases button 139. The purchaser selects this button when he is ready to effectuate an electronic transaction whereby the selected products are purchased.

When the purchaser has finished shopping and he selects the Make Purchases button 139, order information for his selected products is transmitted to the commerce server. In a preferred embodiment, this order information comprises the purchaser identification number, merchant identification number, SKU number, quantity, payment information, and special information (e.g., size, color) that may include attribute/value pairs. An embodiment of the data structure for such a purchase message from a content server to the commerce server is as follows. In this embodiment, the price of the selected product is derived from its merchant content abstract in the commerce database. In another embodiment, the price of the selected item is included in the purchase order from the merchant content server, and need not be derived from the commerce database. Upon receiving the purchaser order message, the commerce server effectuates the transaction first by retrieving the appropriate data from the commerce database.

In one embodiment, this data includes customer profile data including purchaser credit card numbers, billing and shipping addresses. It further includes merchant profile data including merchant account numbers and acceptable forms of payment data. It further includes product data information such as price information.

In another embodiment, this information further includes product availability data, which is used in conjunction with an inventory control program of a kind well known in the art to obtain and ship a product in the most expedient and efficient manner possible from a plurality of available sources. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the commerce server database maintains information on the inventory levels for each merchant for each of his products.

If a purchaser submits an order for a product of which a merchant is out of stock, the merchant may backorder the item or the purchaser may select another merchant. The commerce server interacts with external payment systems (e.g., a bank) to cause purchaser's payment vehicle (such as a credit or debit card account) to be debited, and the merchant's account to be credited. In one embodiment, the merchant's bank account is directly credited with the appropriate amount. In another embodiment, the merchant's account with the commerce service is credited, and actual payment to the merchant's bank account is made at a later date in accordance with a predetermined commerce service policy. A pseudo-code embodiment of the purchasing process in accordance with the present invention is as follows. The present invention also advantageously provides the purchaser and merchant with the ability to generate various reports based upon historical transaction data stored on the commerce database.

A merchant generates a report by selecting the report button 65 on the screen shown in FIG 6. In one embodiment, a merchant report lists all sales of merchant's products through the service on a monthly, weekly or daily basis selectable by the merchan*t. In another embodiment, a report shows summary dollar amounts generated by sales by categories specified by the merchant. In yet another embodiment, a report presents the results of customer satisfaction surveys in formats readily and advantageously selectable by the merchant (e.g., by product purchased, time period, or by selected demographic features of the purchaser). A purchaser generates a report by selecting the report button 118 shown in FIG 11. In one embodiment, a report shows all purchases made by the purchaser through the service over the past five, ten or thirty days, or since the beginning of the present calendar year. In another embodiment, a report shows a breakdown of dollar amounts purchased under each form of payment authorized by the purchaser since the beginning of the present calendar year.

The reporting feature of the present invention advantageously provides both merchants and purchasers with the ability to track and assess the utility and efficiency of the service. It also assists the merchant and purchaser to control budgets and track cash flow. Separating merchant content from transaction functionality on an electronic commerce system in accordance with the present invention represents a sensible and efficient allocation of resources in promoting commerce over a network. It allows the transaction service provider to concentrate his resources on providing the most up-to-date and efficient set of services for effectuating buying and selling transactions between networked parties. Likewise, the merchant is freed form the burden of maintaining transaction functionality, and concentrates on his area of expertise, merchant content and product information.

The present invention thus provides a more effective and efficient way of carrying out electronic commerce. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs. Referenced by Citing Patent Filing date Publication date Applicant Title * Dec 22, 2000 Jul 4, 2001 Net Protections, Inc. Electronic commerce system and its method * Dec 22, 2000 Apr 9, 2003 Net Protections, Inc. Electronic commerce system and its method * Jan 25, 2001 Nov 14, 2001 Fujitsu Limited Accounting system, accounting method, content executing device, accounting monitoring device, accounting control device and recording medium * Jan 25, 2001 Apr 7, 2004 Fujitsu Limited Accounting system, accounting method, content executing device, accounting monitoring device, accounting control device and recording medium * Jun 9, 2000 Dec 19, 2001 INTERSHOP Software Entwicklungs GmbH Method and apparatus for processing an online transaction over a communication network * Dec 6, 2000 Sep 25, 2002 Stephen W. Comiskey Method and system for mandatory arbitration * Aug 13, 2002 Feb 19, 2003 Orga Kartensysteme GmbH Computer system and method for cashless payment * Aug 13, 2002 May 12, 2004 Orga Kartensysteme GmbH Computer system and method for cashless payment * Aug 31, 2000 Mar 26, 2003 Ewarna.com International Holdings, Ltd.

Online color exchange * Nov 8, 2001 May 14, 2003 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for enabling and conducting a payment transaction using a communication network * Jul 17, 1999 Jun 18, 2003 Incedo Ag Netzserver zum Bereitstellen einer Informationsseite und Verfahren zum Bereitstellen einer Webseite * Sep 12, 1997 Sep 28, 1999 Amazon.Com, Inc. Method and system for placing a purchase order via a communications network * Sep 3, 1999 Sep 3, 2002 Intuit, Inc. Web-based entry of financial transaction information and subsequent download of such information Sep 30, 1999 Dec 2, 2003 Deutsche Telekom Ag Method for the database-supported selection of products for electronic-commerce applications on the internet Oct 4, 2001 Jan 11, 2005 Ewarna.Com International Holdings Limited System, and method for online color algorithm exchange May 22, 2003 Jun 14, 2005 Amazon.Com, Inc.

Method and system for displaying and editing of information Dec 15, 2000 Jun 28, 2005 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Shopping cart that enables self-checkout * Aug 3, 2000 Jul 26, 2005 John A.

Ananian Generating cad independent interactive physical description remodeling, building construction plan database profile * Apr 15, 2003 Aug 16, 2005 M.A.I.L., Inc. Accepting query that includes at least a portion of address without shipping identifier for tracking, delivery of shipment in computer network Jun 6, 2000 Dec 20, 2005 Commerciant, L.P. System and method for secure authentication of a subscriber of network services Jul 12, 2002 Feb 28, 2006 Amazon.Com, Inc. Coordinating delivery of a gift Oct 2, 2000 Oct 31, 2006 Ninesigma, Inc. Systems and methods for facilitating research and development Sep 11, 1998 May 22, 2007 Amazon.Com, Inc. Method and system for placing a purchase order via a communications network Nov 13, 2002 Dec 18, 2007 Nifty Corporation Order processing system and method Nov 29, 2001 Apr 8, 2008 Koninklijke Kpn N.V.

Method and system for distribution and billing of products via a transmission network Nov 13, 2002 Jan 27, 2009 Nifty Corporation Electronic commerce information processing system and method Jun 5, 2000 Aug 4, 2009 Symbol Technologies, Inc. System for consumer-transaction information that follows the consumer Jun 8, 2007 Jan 26, 2010 Reisman Richard R Method for distributing content to a user station Jan 6, 2005 Apr 20, 2010 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Method and apparatus for redirection of server external hyper-link references Apr 12, 2000 May 18, 2010 Amazon.Com, Inc. Placing a purchase order using one of multiple procurement options Mar 21, 2002 Jun 1, 2010 Intuit Inc. Web-based entry of financial transaction information and subsequent download of such information May 21, 2007 Sep 7, 2010 Amazon.Com, Inc. Method and system for placing a purchase order via a communications network Mar 29, 1999 Sep 21, 2010 Amazon.Com, Inc. Method and system for authenticating users when conducting commercial transactions using a computer Aug 31, 2006 Sep 20, 2011 Twintech E.U., Limited Liability Company Software distribution over a network Aug 31, 2006 Nov 29, 2011 Twintech E.U., Limited Liability Company Providing and receiving content over a wireless communication system Apr 20, 2000 Mar 6, 2012 Intellectual Ventures I, Limited Liability Company Method for distributing content to a user station * Apr 21, 2005 May 29, 2012 Vendio Services, Inc.

Bulk selection electronic tool Jun 8, 2007 Nov 27, 2012 Intellectual Ventures I Llc Method for distributing content to a user station Dec 29, 2006 Dec 25, 2012 Amazon.Com, Inc. Combining disparate purchases into a single purchase order for billing and shipment Oct 1, 2004 Mar 26, 2013 Intellectual Ventures I Llc Software and method that enables selection of one of a plurality of online service providers Apr 20, 2000 Jul 30, 2013 Intellectual Ventures I Llc Software and method that enables selection of one of a plurality of network communications service providers Jan 3, 2013 Sep 10, 2013 Robert S.

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US4992871A - Method and apparatus for processing identification signals - Google Patents Connect public, paid and private patent data with Method and apparatus for processing identification signals Info Publication number US4992871A Authority US Grant status Grant Patent type Prior art keywords page signal teletext number identification Prior art date 1987-08-20 Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.) Expired - Lifetime Application number US07233107 Inventor Uwe G. Bensch Ralph A. Von Vignau Thomas E.

Wille Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.) North American Philips Lighting Corp Original Assignee North American Philips Lighting Corp Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.) 1987-08-20 Filing date 1988-08-15 Publication date 1991-02-12 Grant date 1991-02-12 Links • • • • • Images • • • • • Classifications • • H— ELECTRICITY • H04— ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE • H04N— PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION • H04N7/00— Television systems • H04N7/08— Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. Additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. By time division • H04N7/087— Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g.

Additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. By time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only • H04N7/088— Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. Additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g.

By time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital • H04N7/0882— Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. Additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. By time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital for the transmission of character code signals, e.g. For teletext Abstract. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method of processing identification signals in a data signal (teletext signal) which is cyclically repeated within a television signal and can be displayed in the form of single still television pictures. The data signal, referred to as teletext signal, which is cyclically repeated within a television signal and is transmitted in the so-called data lines of the television signal constitutes a system of teletext pages comprising all kinds of information.

Some of the teletext pages which are preview pages or so-called index pages at least substantially indicate their contents and provide information about other teletext pages with, for example detailed messages and other particularities. The index pages are used for guidance of the user who can select the indicated page numbers by means of keys on the display device or a handheld unit and display them on a display device. In the case of a larger data content leading to a larger division of the data on different teletext pages a plurality of index pages often has to be selected via the keys on the handheld unit until the actually selected information is displayed on the display device.

Entering numbers for this so-called paging in the teletext pages, particularly in the case of considerably dissected information, requires a great deal of concentration on the part of the user, because each entry error leads to the wrong teletext page and usually causes a return to the index pages, thus necessitating a new selection procedure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a method rendering the manual entry of numbers for selecting teletext pages superfluous and providing the possibility of selecting desired teletext pages in a simple and flawless manner. According to the invention a part of the teletext signal constituting at least a part of the contents of a selected teletext page is searched for signal sequences representing three-digit, natural numbers. These signal sequences are separated as identification signals and stored as signals assigned to the selected teletext page.

In accordance with a standard for the teletext signal the page numbers of all teletext pages are constituted by three-digit natural numbers. The invention is based on the recognition that such numbers are not used or are only exceptionally used for purposes other than page number indications. For example, TV preview times or information about temperature and air pressure in weather forecasts are displayed in a different format. Thus, if a three-digit natural number occurs in the contents of a teletext page, it is most likely that it indicates a page number of a teletext page.

The method according to the invention thus separates signal sequences from the contents of a selected teletext page, which sequences are most likely to represent a page number. These signal sequences are stored as sequences assigned to the page number of the selected teletext page from which they have been separated. They can then be used directly or at a later stage for controlling the so-called paging in the teletext pages. If the user, who applies the method according to the invention, wants to select a teletext page for display on the display device and referred to on the previously selected teletext page, he need not separately enter the new page number via the handheld unit, because this number has already been selected from the displayed page and is already stored for simple selection of this teletext page. Moreover, this storage also makes a page number once found directly available for reselection of the teletext page to which this number is assigned.

This particularly simplifies and speeds up paging via the index pages for selection of further pages comprising specific information. To realize a simple and fast search of the identification signals to be separated, the contents of the selected teletext page are searched character by character for the presence of a signal sequence representing a digit and a group of signal sequence is separated as an identification signal if it comprises three successive signal sequences each representing a digit and if the signal sequences directly preceding and following the group of three successive signal sequences do not represent a digit. In this method it is initially checked whether a digit is present in the contents of the teletext page. This procedure is based on the recognition that the greater part of the contents of an average teletext page comprises characters which do not represent digits. A preselection is thus carried out in the contents of the teletext page.

If this preselection reveals the presence of a first signal sequence representing a digit, it is subsequently checked whether this first signal sequence forms part of a group of signal sequences representing a three-digit natural number. To ensure that parts of signal sequences representing four-digit or multidigit numbers are not identified as identification signals to be separated, the signals directly preceding and succeeding a group of signal sequences identified as an identification signal are also checked. If correctly identified, these signals do not represent digits. Advantageously, this checking procedure is limited to the character succeeding the signal sequence to be separated as an identification signal, because the previous search for single digits has already ascertained the fact that the signal sequence preceding the identification signal does not represent digits.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention only groups of signal sequences representing a natural number in the range between 100 and 899 are stored as identification signals. With this additional selection criterion it is much more likely that a teletext page number has actually been identified by means of a group of signal sequences identified as an identification signal. The agreed rule that teletext pages are only characterized by means of these page numbers is utilized in this case. While utilizing the above-mentioned range of teletext page numbers, a particularly effective search is realized when the contents of the selected teletext page is searched character by character for the presence of a signal sequence representing a digit in the range between 1 and 8 when such a signal sequence is found the signal sequences directly following it are checked as to whether they represent two digits in the range between 0 and 9, followed by another character. This is an improvement of the method described hereinbefore. Moreover, further modifications of the method are feasible.

For example, the contents of the teletext page can be checked character by character as to whether a group of signal sequences representing three subsequent characters constitutes a three-digit natural number in the said range of numbers. Such a method may be advantageous if the selected teletext page substantially or exclusively comprises numbers.

The method according to the invention may also be used advantageously in that in the case of occurrence of a predetermined signal sequence following an identification signal, a given part of the data signal following the predetermined signal sequence is subjected to further searching steps. This provides a simple extension of the method, for example, to teletext page sub-addresses which are already transmitted as four-digit, so-called table numbers on some teletext pages whose contents are too large to be displayed within the size of the display screen. The separate selected teletext page is then displayed in a plurality of successive steps, i.e. In a plurality of successive so-called tables. In the teletext signal the table numbers constitute a signal segment which is associated with an identification signal corresponding to a teletext page number, while a predetermined signal sequence is added. This predetermined signal sequence is also referred to as 'separating signal' or 'delimiter' and preferably represents a slash or a comma.

If, for example such a signal sequence subsequent to an identification signal is identified, the subsequent signal segment can be stored in accordance with the identification signal representing the page number for selection of the separate tables. The invention is particularly applicable for providing easy paging when teletext pages are displayed on a picture display device. The identification signals and their associated positions on the teletext page are stored and a cursor is displayed on the picture display device, which cursor can be optionally assigned in accordance with the stored positions associated with the single numbers represented by the identification signals. With such a cursor each page number displayed on the teletext page can be referred to in a simple and readily visible way. This enhances easy reference of the teletext page and the user can apply the cursor as a kind of reader. It leads directly to the teletext page numbers offered to him for selection on the basis of the teletext page information contents. The assignment of the cursor to the separate stored identification signals simultaneously prepares selection in such a way that the user can immediately initiate selection of the cursor-assigned page number by a simple operation, preferably by pressing a single key.

For ease of operation it is advantageous that in a first step and after selection of a teletext page all signal sequences identified as identification signals are stored in the sequence of their occurrence in the contents of the teletext page. In the subsequent step the cursor is assigned to the first identification signal stored for the teletext page and it is displayed on the display device.

For example, the cursor can be stepwise assigned to the other identification signals by means of simple jump instructions. The user will see that after selection of the teletext page the cursor automatically stops at the first number identified as a page number and that it jumps to the next number whenever a key is depressed. This operation provides the possibility of selecting the teletext page associated with the page number thus marked and it can be displayed instead of the teletext page in which the user has searched the page number. In such a method faulty identifications of page numbers lead to minor disturbances. For example, if the contents of a selected teletext page includes a three-digit natural number which does not represent a page number, the user will immediately recognize this when he moves the cursor.

In such individual cases he can move the cursor without reverting to the number erroneously stored as an identification signal and hence as a page number. However, the method according to the invention may be further characterized in that when a teletext page is displayed on a picture display device the search for an identification signal is interrupted and a cursor is assigned to the number represented by said identification signal and displayed on the picture display device. A complete search of the contents of the newly selected teletext page is prevented thereby and the search stops at the next signal sequence identified as an identification signal. Consequently, the time interval between selection of a teletext page and the appearance of the cursor on the first displayed page number can be reduced.

However, the identification signals found and their position on the teletext page can be stored as signals assigned to this page so that identification signals which have already been found can be reverted to more quickly. If in the method according to the invention at least a stored identification signal is addressed for selecting a (further) teletext page, the user may not only do this by direct operation, but it may also proceed automatically in such a way that the selection in accordance with the stored identification signals is already initiate immediately after searching and storing the identification signals. Preferably, the contents of a teletext page is searched for signal sequences representing identification signals after this teletext page has been selected. Identified identification signals are stored in the sequence in which they have been found If the entire contents of the selected teletext page being displayed has been searched, the stored identification signals are successively searched to select the teletext page with the page number represented by the relevant identification signal in a subsequent step, which is neither influenced by the user, nor is visible to him. The teletext page is thus taken from the teletext signal and stored in a memory.

In the meantime the user can select a desired page by means of the movable cursor from the teletext pages referred to in the contents of the displayed teletext page. If this desired page has already been taken from the data signal and stored in the memory by way of the automatic selection procedure, it can be displayed on the display device without any further delay. However, if this page has not yet been found in the automatic selection procedure, the user has the advantage that the waiting time for display of this page is reduced to the remaining period of the automatic selection procedure. In this way paging can be speeded up. A modification of the described method of selecting page numbers already identified in the contents of a displayed teletext page can be realized in that, associated with the teletext page number, only those positions of the identification signals are stored that are included in the contents of this teletext page and represent page numbers. This also provides the possibility of setting the cursor at the displayed page numbers without any further search.

If the associated teletext page is to be selected as the next page, the page number just assigned to the cursor can be read from the contents of the teletext page and used in the manner described. This saves memory sites. In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention an identification is stored when identification signals in a teletext page exceed or become below a predetermined minimum number and/or maximum number, which identification is used for a simplified selection of said teletext page. This embodiment is based on the recognition that the contents of the preview or index pages usually comprise a large number of page numbers, whereas the contents of teletext pages comprising specific information usually have very few page numbers or no page numbers at all. The identification automatically characterizes an index page as such and thus it is easy to find again during paging. In fact, experience has proved that such pages are most likely to be referred to again. Finding the teletext pages characterized as index pages is preferably simplified in that the stored identifications are displayed on the display device.

In particular this identification can be displayed as an indication remaining unchanged throughout the paging process, i.e. An indication which is independent of the contents of the teletext page which has just been selected. The user thus has a permanent record of the identified index pages and he can revert to this record at random, preferably by moving the cursor, but also in the conventional manner by depressing the keys for the page number indicated. Storage of the above-mentioned identification may be made dependent on the fact whether the number of identification signals in the teletext page does not exceed a maximum number. This is based on the recognition that the amount of page numbers on a conventional index page is limited. However, if an amount of three-digit natural numbers exceeding this conventional amount is identified in a teletext page, it is most likely that this teletext page is not an index page but a table of numbers having a different content.

The method according to the invention can be realized in a television receiver by means of a control unit controlling the reception and processing of the data signal (teletext signal). Preferably this control unit comprises a microprocessor with an instruction memory in which the commands associated with the method are stored. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIG.

1 is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement with which the method according to the invention can be carried out, FIG. 2 shows an example of a teletext index page, FIG. 3 is a flow chart to explain the method according to the invention, FIGS. 4 and 5 show details of the flow chart of FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of processing and displaying a teletext signal in which the method according to the invention is used, and FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a further embodiment of the method described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG.

1 is a block diagram of a television receiver arrangement with which a cyclically repeated data signal (teletext signal) in the television signal can be processed. Together with the picture signal of the television signal, this signal is applied via a line 1 to a teletext separating circuit 2. For further processing, the teletext signal separated from the picture signal in this circuit is applied via a line 3 to a text data reception circuit 4. This is a known component, for example of the type SAA 5240 in which the teletext signal is decoded and evaluated The text data reception circuit 4 also generates the signals required for building up the picture with which the teletext pages are displayed on a monitor 5 used as a display device. The teletext signal to be displayed and the signals required for building up the picture are applied via an adaptation and driver circuit 6 from the text data reception circuit 4 to the monitor 5. The text data reception circuit 4 is also connected to a text data memory 7 in which the teletext signal can be stored in the form of at least one teletext page, but preferably in a plurality of pages. The text data reception circuit 4 is controlled by a control unit 8 preferably constituted by a microprocessor, for example of the type MAB 8032.

The text data reception circuit 4 receives control commands from the control unit 8 via a command line 9 and it transmits the teletext signal in the opposite direction via a text data line 10. The control unit 8 is also connected to a read-only memory 11 and a working memory 12. The read-only memory essentially stores control commands by means of which the control unit 8 processes the teletext signal, inter alia also in accordance with the inventive method. The working memory 12 is used inter alia for buffering and storing the signals gained by the control unit. Moreover, the control unit 8 is connected to a remotely controlled receiver 13 via which a user applies control commands, for example, numbered entries and other commands for selecting certain teletext pages, commands for paging and preferably the commands required for the method according to the invention. 2 shows a teletext index page on a picture display device, for example the monitor 5 of FIG. This page comprises 24 lines which are enumerated 0 to 23 on the left-hand edge of the picture and 40 characters in each line enumerated 0 to 39 on the lower edge of the picture.

The enumerations on the edges of the picture are neither comprised in the teletext signal, nor do they appear on the monitor, but they have only been added for the purpose of a better explanation of the teletext page shown. In the teletext page shown the line 0 is the teletext headline comprising the page number, date, time and other identifications. The lines 1 to 23 relate to the content of the teletext page used for carrying out the method according to the invention. 3 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the inventive method of processing identification signals in the teletext signal. The associated steps to be carried out start from the initial cursor S.

In the first step 31 the number of identification signals representing a teletext page number and found on the teletext page to be searched is set to 0. Moreover, an internal pointer (not shown) which successively stops at all characters on the teletext page and by which the signal sequence for the control unit 8 is prepared for processing, is set at the start of the teletext page. Since the teletext headline in a teletext page does not comprise signals which are required for carrying out the method according to the invention, the start of the character position of the character 0 is line 1. In the next step 32 it is checked whether the character position is already located at the end of the teletext page to be searched. If this is the case, the search for identification signals is ended, which is indicated by the end cursor R in FIG. 3 If the character position has not reached the end of the page, the character indicated by the character position or the signal sequence representing this character is taken from the teletext signal in a step 33 and the character position is increased by 1, i.e. The internal pointer is set to the next character on the teletext page.

This sequence of steps designated SR1 is shown in greater detail in FIG. It comprises a step 50 for reading the character and a step 51 in which the character position is increased by 1. The character which is read or the signal sequence representing this character is now checked in step 34 on the presence of a digit in the range between 1 and 8. If this is not the case, a return to the start of the procedure is made so as to check whether the end of the page has already been reached with the character position (step 32), and if this check proves negative, the next character is read, i.e. The steps 33 of the method are carried out again. However, if a digit in the range between 1 and 8 is found, this digit as well as the associated character position is buffered in a step 35 and subsequently the next character is read by means of the step 36 (SR1) This character is checked on whether it constitutes a digit in the range between 0 and 9 (step 37). If this check proves positive, this character is also buffered (step 38) and the same check is once more carried out for the next character (steps 39, 40, 41).

However, if one of the two last-mentioned checks proves negative, all buffered characters and the buffered character position of the first character recognized as a digit are erased in a step 47 and a search for a digit between 1 and 8 is made again among the subsequent characters of the teletext page. However, if all three checks prove positive, this means that a digit sequence ranging between 100 and 899 has been found in the contents of the teletext page. To finish and complete the steps described, it should further be checked whether the character subsequent to the character sequence identified as a digit sequence in the range between 100 and 899 is a further digit, because also this case excludes the presence of a teletext page number.

Consequently, the character position is examined in a step 42 so as to find out whether the end of a line on the teletext page has been reached. This examination is carried out to speed up the method because most page numbers are always arranged at the end of a line in the contents of a teletext page, compare FIG. It should be taken into account that the index page shown in FIG. 2 is an exception in so far as it has two columns, so that page numbers also occur between the columns. Only in such cases is the step SR1 carried out once again (step 43) in the method according to FIG. Buku Kedokteran Gratis Pdf Editor on this page.

3 for the purpose of terminating the search for a three-digit number, and the character gained is checked on whether it represents a digit in the range between 0 and 9 (step 44) If this is the case, a number comprising at least four digits will be found, which in accordance with the standard for teletext page numbers cannot represent such a number. However, if any other character is recognized, a teletext page number is available. In a step 45 designated SR2 shown in greater detail in FIG. 5 this number is composed from the three buffered characters and, together with the buffered character position, it is stored as an identified identification signal with the associated identified character position assigned to the teletext page just displayed. This is preferably effected in the working memory 12. Moreover, the number of page numbers found on the teletext page being searched is increased by 1 in a step 46, i.e. The identification of a page number, assigned to the searched teletext page, is marked.

Finally the characters and the character position are erased again from the buffer storage in step 47 so as to prepare them for the search for the next number. The method is then continued by checking whether the character position has already reached the end of the page.

It is to be noted that step 45 (SR2) comprises a step 52 for storing the three buffered characters constituting a 3-digit page number, and a step 53 for storing the associated character position which is also buffered. When searching the teletext page shown in FIG.

2 in accordance with the method illustrated by the flow chart of FIG. 3, the characters of the lines 1 to 4 as well as of the lines 5 to the 26th character would not be recognized as characters constituting a digit in the range between 1 and 8 and the first loop of the method (steps 32, 33, 34) is continuously processed. The character 27 of line 5 is the first to fall within the searched range and is buffered in accordance with its character position. Also the next character--the digit 6--fulfills the subsequent condition of the search and is also buffered. However, as a third character a point is read as from position 29 in line 5, resulting in the characters and character position buffered so far being erased and in a renewed start of the search for a digit in the range between 1 and 8. Since the two zeroes at positions 30 and 31 of the line 5 do not meet this condition, the digit 1 is firstly recognized at position 17 on line 7. The page number 144 introduced with this digit is the first on this teletext page to fulfill all conditions for identification as an identification signal to be buffered, because the character subsequent to it is a blank space.

At the end of line 7 the page number 218 is recognized as such and it is buffered without reading a subsequent character because the character position has reached the end of the line in this case. Similarly, all other page numbers of the displayed teletext page, including the page numbers 401 and 402 separated by a slash in line 14 are identified and stored. However, the character sequences '3SAT' in line 14 and the digit sequences '16-20', '1000' and '19' do not fulfill all conditions and do not disturb the process run. 6 shows an example of a process run in which the method according to FIG.

3 is included. Starting at the initial cursor A in the flow chart, a teletext page having a predetermined page number is selected in known manner in a step 61 for displaying the teletext signal. This selection can be carried out by entering the number via numbered keys on a handheld unit.

However, if the signal sequence representing the page number is already stored in the working memory 12, it may simply be addressed to select the associated teletext page. The command for selecting the page can also be given automatically by the control unit without any special entry command from the user. In any case the text data reception circuit 4 searches for the page identified by the given page number in the permanently received (cyclically repeated) teletext signal and stores its contents in the text data memory 7, namely in a storage range within the text data memory designated as page memory. Subsequently the contents of the teletext page just stored are automatically searched for three-digit natural numbers by means of the control unit 8 via the text data reception circuit 4 and the text data line 10 in accordance with the method of FIG. 3, while the corresponding read commands within the step SR1 are passed through the command line 9. When the teletext page has been searched completely, it is checked in a step 62 in the process run of FIG. 6 whether the number of page numbers found exceeds a predetermined limit value.

If this is the case, the searched teletext page is considered as a preview or index page in a step 63 and its page number is provided with a corresponding identification and stored. The limit value is chosen in accordance with the rate of occurrence of page numbers in index pages and in the other teletext pages. Thus, a teletext page can be considered, for example, as an index page if more than two page numbers are found on this page.

To ensure easy handling for the selection, desired by the user, of (further) teletext pages with reference to the indications on the displayed index page, the process is continued in a step 64 by addressing the first character position stored for the identified index page and by displaying, in a step 65, a cursor assigned to the page number at the first character position on the monitor 5. However, if the number of page numbers found does not reach the limit value, an indication 'no index page' appears by means of a step 66 on the monitor.

When continuing through the part of the process shown in FIG. 6--the process subsequent to the end cursor E--further process steps may be carried out with which the user can set the cursor to a desired page number and with which he can select the associated teletext page. This might be followed, for example, by a renewed run through the process steps in accordance with FIG. 6, this time for the newly selected teletext page.

7 is a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, showing a sequence of process steps for addressing index pages which are already known, which sequence is started with a single piece of information on an index page for so-called repaging of a teletext page. The process steps shown enable selection of the already identified index pages in one operation which does not necessitate any entry of page numbers via the keys on a handheld unit. For this purpose it is initially checked in a step 71 whether index pages have already been identified and whether their numbers with the corresponding identification have been stored in the working memory 12. If this is the case, the index page number which is next in the sequence of storage--for example starting from an index page number reached during paging--is read from the working memory 12 by means of step 72 and is prepared from the teletext signal via the control unit 8 and the command line 9 in the text data reception circuit 4 for selecting the associated index page. If the part of the teletext signal associated with this index page is received via the teletext separating circuit 2 and the line 3, it is stored in the text data memory 7 by means of step 73 and displayed on the monitor 5. If the text data memory 7 is sufficiently large, the selected index page may already have been stored, possibly for the entire duration of paging.

It can then be retrieved from the text data memory without any further delay and be displayed. However, if no teletext page was identified and marked as an index page, the control unit 8 would display, by means of step 74, an indication 'no index page known' on the monitor instead of the previously described process steps. Claims ( 34).