Title:

Methods and apparatus for on-line ordering

Document Type and Number:

United States Patent 20020007321

Kind Code:

Abstract:

Systems and methods for ordering supplies from suppliers or for other e-commerce activities are described. Standards for placing orders and registering catalog information in a database are described. Systems and methods for placing orders, preprocessing supplier information using geographic information, conducting data searches and analyses locally on user access devices, continuously updating displays of browser frames, tracking orders using accounting codes, placing graphical custom orders, submitting graphical orders to suppliers, placing group orders, reducing risks associated with delinquent accounts receivable, and combinations thereof are described.

Inventors:

Burton, Peter A. (Forest Hills, NY, US)

Plaque It!

What is claimed is:

1. A method for conveying an order from a user to a supplier, said user inputting said order into an access device in communication with an ordering system via an electronic communication system, said ordering system conveying said order to said supplier, said method comprising: electronically providing to said user a locally searchable data set comprising supplier information; and electronically receiving an order from said user.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said electronically providing comprises providing supplier information selected from a group consisting of: a. name information; b. address information; c. service information; d. hours of operation information; e. catalog information; f. critique information; 9. parking information; h. other information; and i. a combination of at least two of a-h.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said electronically providing comprises electronically providing food supplier information selected from a group consisting of: a. name information; b. address information; c. cuisine information; d. delivery information; e. take-out information; f. hours of operation information; g. menu information; h. attire information; i. parking information; j. atmosphere information; k. review information; l. other information; and m. a combination of at least two of a-l.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: when said user has a location, said electronically providing comprises receiving an indication of said location; and said electronically providing further comprises providing supplier information corresponding to suppliers located within a preselected distance from said location.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising electronically providing to said user a locally searchable catalog comprising catalog information.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said catalog information comprises information selected from a group consisting of: a. name information; b. identification number information; c. size information; d. color information; e. material information; f. inventory information; g. customization information; and h. a combination of at least two of a-g.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, when said supplier is a food supplier, said catalog information comprises information selected from a group consisting of: a. entree information; b. side dish information; c. beverage information; d. dessert information; e. specials information; f. at least one option corresponding to any of a-e; g. catering information; h. grocery information; i. graphic data corresponding to any of a-i; and j. a combination of at least two of a-i.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein: said electronically receiving an order comprises receiving an electronic indication of at least one accounting code from said user, said at least one accounting code selected from a group consisting of: a. a project code; b. a client code; c. a matter code; d. an expense code; e. a house account code; f. a user identification code; g. an employee identification code; and h. a combination of at least two of a-g; and each of said at least one accounting code indicates a debit for at least a portion of said order.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: said order comprises at least one amount selected from a group consisting of: a. a total amount; and b. a sub-total amount; and said electronically receiving an order comprises receiving an electronic indication of at least two accounting codes from said user, each corresponding debit being selected from a group consisting of: a. a dollar amount; b. a fraction of said total amount; c. a percentage of said total amount; and d. a fraction of a sub-total amount; and e. a percentage of a sub-total amount.

10. A method for transferring catalog information and order information between consumers and suppliers using an electronic communication network, said method comprising: qualifying at least one consumer entity; distributing catalog information to at least one consumer entity, said catalog information received from at least one supplier; receiving order information from at least one qualified consumer entity; and delivering at least a portion of said order information to one of said at least one supplier.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein: said method further comprises providing a first format to said at least one consumer entity; and said receiving comprises receiving said order information in said first format.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: providing a second format to said at least one supplier; and receiving said catalog information in said format.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein: said qualifying comprises providing said at least one consumer entity with an encrypted key; said receiving comprises receiving said encrypted key; and said receiving further comprises verifying that said encrypted key was received from a qualified consumer entity.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein said receiving comprises receiving order information from a user.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said receiving order information from a user comprises receiving order information from said user via a web site.

16. A method for selectively replacing content in a display of a web page, said web page having content displayed using a browser running on an access device, said access device communicating with a web server via an electronic communication network, said method comprising: storing data from said server in a frame in said browser; and replacing at least a portion of said content with at least a portion of said data.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said storing comprises polling said server for new data.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: said replacing comprises replacing said data with said new data; and transferring at least a portion of said new data to said display.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said storing comprises using a browser automatic refresh function.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises excluding said second frame from said display.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein said storing comprises transferring a web page from said server, said web page comprising new data.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising transferring at least one function for use by a user of said access device, said function selected from a group consisting of: a. a customer service function; b. an order tracking function; c. an order fulfillment function; and d. a combination of at least two of a-c.

23. A method for selectively replacing content in a display of a web page, said web page having content displayed using a browser running on an access device, said access device communicating with a food ordering system web server via an electronic communication network, said method comprising: storing data from said server in a frame in said browser; and replacing at least a portion of said content with at least a portion of said data.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said storing comprises polling said server for new data.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein: said replacing comprises replacing said data with said new data; and transferring at least a portion of said new data to said display.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein said storing comprises using a browser automatic refresh function.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein said method further comprises excluding said second frame from said display.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein said storing comprises transferring a web page from said server, said web page comprising new data.

29. A method for selecting food suppliers for a user of a food supplies ordering system, said user having a location, said ordering system using an electronic communications network, each of said suppliers having a geographic address, said method comprising: defining a region; selecting at least one food supplier having an address substantially inside said region.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein: said region has a border; and said selecting comprises selecting at least one food supplier having an address that is substantially on said border.

31. The method of claim 29 wherein said defining comprises choosing at least one border for said region, each of said at least one border being no more than an identified distance from said location.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein said defining further comprises identifying said location using latitude and longitude coordinates.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein said identifying comprises identifying said location using geodetic latitude and longitude coordinates.

34. The method of claim 29 wherein said selecting comprises: converting said address into geodetic coordinates; and selecting said supplier if said coordinates are within said region.

35. A method for determining if an entity lies within an area, said entity having a location and a zone, said location lying within said zone, said zone lying partially inside said area and partially outside said area, said method comprising: identifying a polygon defined by an area of intersection between said zone and said area; and determining if said location lies within said polygon.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein said identifying a polygon comprises: identifying vertices of said polygon; and obtaining geodetic coordinates of said vertices.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein said identifying a polygon further comprises approximating said coordinates using a fixed number of significant figures.

38. The method of claim 36 wherein said identifying a polygon further comprises converting said coordinates into base-n values, wherein n is a number greater than 10.

39. A method for sorting food suppliers for a user of a food supplies ordering system, said user having a first location, said ordering system using an electronic communications network, each of said suppliers having a corresponding additional location, said method comprising: calculating a distance between said first location and each of said additional locations; and ranking said suppliers by said distances, wherein said ranking is selected from a group consisting of: a. an ascending order; and b. a descending order.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said ranking comprises ranking only suppliers having a corresponding distance no greater than a preselected limit.

41. A method for indicating that a supplier delivers to a user of an ordering system, said user communicating with said system via an electronic communication network, said supplier having a delivery area, said user having a location and a zone, said location within said zone, said method comprising: determining if said zone is within said area; and recording an indication selected from a group consisting of: a. an indication that said supplier delivers to said user if said zone is within said area; and b. an indication that said supplier does not deliver to said user if said zone is not within said area.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising, if said zone is partially inside of said area and partially outside of said area: identifying a polygon defined by an area of intersection between said zone and said area; and determining if said location lies within said polygon.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising recording an indication selected from a group consisting of: a. an indication that said supplier delivers to said user if said location lies within said polygon; and b. an indication that said supplier does not deliver to said user if said location does not lie within said polygon.

44. A method for managing orders placed by users of an on-line food supplies ordering system, said users associating codes with said orders, each of said users using an access device to place at least one order via an electronic communications network, said method comprising: electronically obtaining at least one code from at least one user, said at least one code corresponding to said at least one order; and indexing said at least one order using said at least one code for subsequent identification of said at least one order using said at least one code.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising: electronically obtaining an instruction from a second user to group said at least one order into at least one group comprising orders having an attribute that satisfies at least one grouping criterion; and grouping said at least one order in accordance with said instruction, wherein said at least one grouping criterion is selected from a group consisting of: a. an accounting code; b. an accounting code range; c. a user name; d. a user email address; e. a user identification number; f. an employee name; g. an order date minimum; h. an order date maximum; i. an order date range; j. an order time minimum; k. an order time maximum; l. an order time range; m. an order identification number minimum; n. an order identification number maximum; o. an order identification number range; p. an order total amount minimum; q. an order total amount maximum; r. an order total amount range; s. an order tip amount minimum; t. an order tip amount maximum; u. an order tip amount range; v. an order adjustment amount minimum; w. an order adjustment amount maximum; x. an order adjustment amount range; and y. a combination of at least two of a-x.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising communicating to said second user at least one attribute of each order included in said at least one group.

47. The method of claim 45, further comprising communicating to said second user order information chosen from a group consisting of: a. a supplier name; b. supplier contact information; c. a restaurant name; d. restaurant contact information; e. order content; f. an electronic receipt; and g. any combination of at least two of a-f.

48. The method of claim 44, further comprising testing validity of said at least one code using at least one indication of validity, each code having a corresponding indication of validity only if said code is deemed valid.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein said testing comprises receiving said at least one indiction of validity from a second user.

50. The method of claim 48, further comprising warning a second user if one of said at least one code does not have a corresponding indication of validity.

51. The method of claim 44, further comprising screening said at least one order for violations of at least one accounting rule, said at least one accounting rule requiring that an accounting criterion be satisfied, said accounting criterion chosen from a group consisting of: a. an accounting code; b. an accounting code range; c. a user name; d. a user email address; e. a user identification number; f. an employee name; g. an order date minimum; h. an order date maximum; i. an order date range; j. an order time minimum; k. an order time maximum; l. an order time range; m. an order identification number minimum; n. an order identification number maximum; o. an order identification number range; p. an order total amount minimum; q. an order total amount maximum; r. an order total amount range; s. an order tip amount minimum; t. an order tip amount maximum; u. an order tip amount range; v. an order adjustment amount minimum; w. an order adjustment amount maximum; x. an order adjustment amount range; and y. a combination of at least two of a-x.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein said screening comprises receiving said at least one accounting rule from a second user.

53. The method of claim 51, further comprising warning a second user one of said at least one order violates one of said at least one rule.

54. A method for using an electronic communication network for ordering a customized food item from a supplier, wherein a user selects said item and at least one option for customizing said item, said method comprising: electronically receiving an indication of said at least one option from said user via a user access device; displaying a graphical representation of said item as modified by said at least one option using said device; and transmitting an order describing said item as modified by said at least one option to said supplier.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein said displaying comprises updating a display of said item to show said item as modified by said at least one option each time said user selects an option.

56. The method of claim 54, wherein, when said food item is a pizza, said at least one option is chosen from a group consisting of: a. a dough option; b. a cheese option; c. a sauce option; d. a topping option; e. a crust option; and f. a pizza size option.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a dough option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said dough option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. plain dough; b. whole wheat dough; c. sourdough; d. pan-style; e. deep-dish style; and f. a combination of at least two of a-e.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a cheese option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said cheese option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. a cheese amount; b. a cheese type; and c. a combination of a and b.

59. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a sauce option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said sauce option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. a sauce amount; b. a sauce type; and c. a combination of a and b.

60. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a crust option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said crust option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. soft; and b. crispy.

61. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a topping option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said topping option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. a pizza coverage fraction; b. a topping amount; c. a topping type; and d. a combination of at least two of a-d.

62. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a pizza size option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said pizza size option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. small; b. medium; and c. large.

63. The method of claim 54, wherein said displaying comprises showing a graphical representation of said food item in a cooked state.

64. The method of claim 56, wherein said transmitting comprises transmitting a graphical representation of at least one layer of said pizza, each of said at least one layer corresponding to one of said at least one option, a superimposition of all of said at least one layer corresponding to said pizza as modified by said at least one option, whereby a pizza chef can assemble said pizza in a layer-by-layer fashion.

65. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said food item is a pizza, said electronically receiving comprises: electronically receiving an indication to divide said pizza into more than one section; electronically receiving an indication of a selection of at least one of said more than one section; and electronically receiving at least one instruction to apply one of said at least one option to said selection.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein said electronically receiving an instruction comprises: displaying a hotlink comprising a first graphical representation of said at least one option; and displaying a second graphical representation of one of said at least one option when said user selects said option, said second graphical display replacing a prior graphical display corresponding to a cursor of said access device.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein said electronically receiving an instruction further comprises displaying a third graphical representation of said option when said user positions said cursor on said selection, said third graphical representation showing said option disposed in said selection.

68. A method for placing a group order with a supplier, said group order comprising a host order selected by a host and at least one guest order selected by at least one guest, said at least one guest selected by said host, said host order and said at least one guest order input into an ordering system via at least one access device, said group order transmitted to said supplier by said ordering system, said at least one access device and said ordering system in electronic communication via an electronic communication network, said method comprising: forming a group order from said host order and said at least one guest order; and transmitting said group order to said supplier.

69. The method of claim 68, further comprising: electronically obtaining said host order; electronically obtaining said at least one guest order.

70. The method of claim 69, further comprising: in response to receiving said host order, generating an invitation for each guest specified by said host, said invitation inviting a respective guest to place a guest order; and sending said invitation to each corresponding guest.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein said sending comprises sending an electronic invitation having a hotlink to an electronic form for placing said guest order.

72. The method of claim 70, further comprising obtaining an RSVP from each of said at least one guest, said RSVP selected from a group consisting of: a. an invitation acceptance; b. an invitation rejection; and C. an unconfirmed response.

73. The method of claim 72, further comprising communicating said RSVP to said host.

74. The method of claim 68, wherein said forming comprises communicating to said host an order status indication for each of said at least one guest, wherein said order status indication is chosen from a group consisting of: a. order received; and b. order not received.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein said forming further comprises receiving an indication from said host to transmit said group order to said supplier.

76. A machine-readable data storage medium encoded with a set of machine-executable instructions for carrying out, with a machine capable of executing said instructions, a method for automatically placing a group order with a supplier, said group order comprising a host order selected by a host and at least one guest order selected by at least one guest, said at least one guest selected by said host, said host order and said at least one guest order input into an ordering system via at least one access device, said group order transmitted to said supplier by a server, said supplier receiving said group order using an access device, said access devices and said server in electronic communication with each other via an electronic communication network, said method comprising: electronically obtaining said host order and said at least one guest order; forming a group order from said host order and said at least one guest order; and transmitting said group order to said supplier.

77. A method for reducing the risk of bad debt, said debt accruing to a provider of an on-line ordering system, said service conveying orders to said supplier, at least one of said orders comprising a price and a payment instruction instructing a financial institution to remit funds corresponding to said price, said method comprising: submitting said payment instruction to said financial institution; receiving a first amount from said financial institution, said first amount equal to said funds reduced by a second amount; and remitting to said supplier a third amount, said third amount equal to said funds reduced by a fourth amount, said fourth amount comprising at least said commission.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein: said second amount comprises a first service charge; said fourth amount comprises a second service charge; and said method further comprises: waiting a predetermined period of time before said remitting; and investing said first amount during said period, said investing offsetting a loss if said first service charge exceeds said second service charge.

79. The method of claim 77, wherein: said second amount comprises a volume discounted service charge; said fourth amount comprises a second service charge; and said method further comprises: selecting said second service charge such that said second service charge is less than said volume discounted service charge, whereby at least a portion of a benefit of a volume discount is passed from said service provider to said supplier.

80. A display comprising: an information feature; and an ordering bar, wherein the ordering bar comprises 4 ordering tabs.

81. The display of claim 80, wherein one of the ordering tabs comprises means to receive a location indication.

82. The display of claim 80, wherein one of the ordering tabs comprises means to receive indications of selected suppliers.

83. The display of claim 80, wherein one of the ordering tabs comprises means to receive indications of desired products.

84. The display of claim 80, wherein one of the ordering tabs comprises means to receive indications of confirmation of an order.

85. The display of claim 81, wherein the information feature shows a list of at least one supplier following receipt of a location indication.

86. The display of claim 82, wherein the information feature shows catalog information following receipt of a selected supplier indication.

87. The display of claim 83, wherein the information feature shows a representation of an order following receipt of at least one desired product indication.

88. A system for conveying an order from a user to a supplier, comprising: means for electronically providing to said user a locally searchable data set comprising supplier information; and means for electronically receiving an order from said user, said means for electronically providing and said means for electronically receiving in communication via an electronic communication system.

89. The system of claim 88, wherein said means for electronically providing comprises means for providing supplier information selected from a group consisting of: a. name information; b. address information; c. service information; d. hours of operation information; e. catalog information; f. critique information; g. parking information; h. other information; and i. a combination of at least two of a-h.

90. The system of claim 88, wherein said means for electronically providing comprises means for electronically providing food supplier information selected from a group consisting of: a. name information; b. address information; c. cuisine information; d. delivery information; e. take-out information; f. hours of operation information; g. menu information; h. attire information; i. parking information; j. atmosphere information; k. review information; l. other information; and m. a combination of at least two of a-l.

91. The system of claim 88, wherein: when said user has a location, said means for electronically providing comprises means for receiving an indication of said location; and said means for electronically providing further comprises means for providing supplier information corresponding to suppliers located within a preselected distance from said location.

92. The system of claim 88, further comprising means for electronically providing to said user a locally searchable catalog comprising catalog information, said means for electronically providing to said user a locally searchable catalog in communication with said means for electronically receiving and said means for electronically providing to said user a locally searchable data set via an electronic communication system.

93. The system of claim 92, wherein said catalog information comprises information selected from a group consisting of: a. name information; b. identification number information; c. size information; d. color information; e. material information; f. inventory information; g. customization information; and h. a combination of at least two of a-g.

94. The system of claim 92, wherein, when said supplier is a food supplier, said catalog information comprises information selected from a group consisting of: a. entree information; b. side dish information; c. beverage information; d. dessert information; e. specials information; f. at least one option corresponding to any of a-e; g. catering information; h. grocery information; i. graphic data corresponding to any of a-i; and j. a combination of at least two of a-i.

95. The system of claim 88, wherein: said means for electronically receiving an order comprises means for receiving an electronic indication of at least one accounting code from said user, said at least one accounting code selected from a group consisting of: a. a project code; b. a client code; c. a matter code; d. an expense code; e. a house account code; f. a user identification code; g. an employee identification code; and h. a combination of at least two of a-g; and each of said at least one accounting code indicates a debit for at least a portion of said order.

96. The system of claim 95, wherein: said order comprises at least one amount selected from a group consisting of: a. a total amount; and b. a sub-total amount; and said means for electronically receiving an order comprises means for receiving an electronic indication of at least two accounting codes from said user, each corresponding debit being selected from a group consisting of: a. a dollar amount; b. a fraction of said total amount; c. a percentage of said total amount; and d. a fraction of a sub-total amount; and e. a percentage of a sub-total amount.

97. A system for transferring catalog information and order information between consumers and suppliers, said system comprising: means for qualifying at least one consumer entity; means for distributing catalog information to at least one consumer entity, said catalog information received from at least one supplier; means for receiving order information from at least one qualified consumer entity; and means for delivering at least a portion of said order information to one of said at least one supplier, said means for qualifying, said means for distributing, and said means for receiving in communication via an electronic communication system.

98. The system of claim 97, wherein: said system further comprises means for providing a first format to said at least one consumer entity; and said receiving comprises means for receiving said order information in said first format, said means for providing a first format, said means for qualifying, said means for distributing, and said means for receiving in communication via an electronic communication system.

99. The system of claim 97, further comprising: means for providing a second format to said at least one supplier; and means for receiving said catalog information in said format, said means for providing a second format said means for receiving said catalog information, said means for qualifying, said means for distributing, and said means for receiving order information in communication via an electronic communication system.

100. The system of claim 97 wherein: said qualifying comprises means for providing said at least one consumer entity with an encrypted key; said receiving comprises means for receiving said encrypted key; and said receiving further comprises means for verifying that said encrypted key was received from a qualified consumer entity, said means for receiving said encrypted key, and said means for verifying that encrypted key was received in communication via an electronic communication system.

101. The system of claim 97, wherein said receiving comprises means for receiving order information from a user.

102. The system of claim 101, wherein said receiving order information from a user comprises means for receiving order information from said user via a web site.

103. A system for selectively replacing content in a display of a web page, comprising: means for storing data from a web server in a frame in a web page having content displayed using a browser running on an access device; and means for replacing, via an electronic communication network, at least a portion of said content with at least a portion of said data, said means for storing and said means for replacing in communication via an electronic communication system.

104. The system of claim 103, wherein said means for storing comprises means for polling said server for new data.

105. The system of claim 104, wherein: said means for replacing comprises means for replacing said data with said new data; and means for transferring at least a portion of said new data to said display, said means for replacing said data with said new data and said means for transferring in communication via an electronic communication system.

106. The system of claim 103, wherein said means for storing comprises means for using a browser automatic refresh function.

107. The system of claim 103, wherein said system further comprises means for excluding said frame from said display, said means for excluding, said means for storing and said means for replacing in communication via an electronic communication system.

108. The system of claim 103, wherein said means for storing comprises means for transferring a web page from said server, said web page comprising new data.

109. The system of claim 103, further comprising means for transferring at least one function for use by a user of said access device, said function selected from a group consisting of: a. a customer service function; b. an order tracking function; c. an order fulfillment function; and d. a combination of at least two of a-c; said means for transferring, said means for storing and said means for replacing in communication via an electronic communication system.

110. A system for selecting food suppliers for a user of a food supplies ordering system, said user having a location, each of said suppliers having a geographic address, said system comprising: means for defining a region; means for selecting at least one food supplier having an address substantially inside said region, said means for defining and said means for selecting in communication via an electronic communication system.

111. The system of claim 110 wherein: said region has a border; and said means for selecting comprises means for selecting at least one food supplier having an address that is substantially on said border.

112. The system of claim 110 wherein said means for defining comprises means for choosing at least one border for said region, each of said at least one border being no more than an identified distance from said location.

113. The system of claim 112 wherein said means for defining further comprises means for identifying said location using latitude and longitude coordinates, said means for identifying and said means for choosing in communication via an electronic communication system.

114. The system of claim 113 wherein said means for identifying comprises means for identifying said location using geodetic latitude and longitude coordinates.

115. The system of claim 110 wherein said means for selecting comprises: means for converting said address into geodetic coordinates; and means for selecting said supplier if said coordinates are within said region, said means for selecting said supplier and said means for converting in communication via an electronic communication system.

116. A system for determining if an entity having a location and a zone lies within an area comprising: means for identifying a polygon defined by the intersection of a zone and an area, said zone lying partially inside said area and partially outside said area; and means for determining if said location, which lies within said zone, lies within said polygon, said means for identifying and said means for determining in communication via an electronic communication system.

117. The system of claim 116 wherein said means for identifying a polygon comprises: means for identifying vertices of said polygon; and means for obtaining geodetic coordinates of said vertices, said means for identifying vertices and said means for obtaining in communication via an electronic communication system.

118. The system of claim 117 wherein said means for identifying a polygon further comprises means for approximating said coordinates using a fixed number of significant figures, said means for approximating, said means for identifying vertices and said means for obtaining in communication via an electronic communication system.

119. The system of claim 117 wherein said means for identifying a polygon further comprises means for converting said coordinates into base-n values, wherein n is a number greater than 10, said means for converting, said means for identifying vertices and said means for obtaining in communication via an electronic communication system.

120. A system for sorting suppliers for a user of a supplies ordering system, comprising: means for calculating a distance between a first location of said user and each of one or more additional locations of said suppliers; and means for ranking said suppliers by said distances, wherein said ranking is selected from a group consisting of: a. an ascending order; and b. a descending order; said means for calculating and said means for ranking in communication via an electronic communication system.

121. The system of claim 120, wherein said means for ranking comprises means for ranking only suppliers having a corresponding distance no greater than a preselected limit.

122. A system for indicating that a supplier delivers to a user of an ordering system, said supplier having a delivery area, said user having a location and a zone, said location within said zone, comprising: first means for determining if said zone is within said area; and means for recording an indication selected from a group consisting of: a. an indication that said supplier delivers to said user if said zone is within said area; and b. an indication that said supplier does not deliver to said user if said zone is not within said area, said means for determining and said first means for recording in communication via an electronic communication system.

123. The system of claim 122, further comprising, if said zone is partially inside of said area and partially outside of said area: means for identifying a polygon defined by the intersection of said zone and said area; and means for determining if said location lies within said polygon, said means for determining if said zone is within said area, said first means for recording, said means for identifying, and said means for determining if said location lies within said polygon in communication via an electronic communication system.

124. The system of claim 123, further comprising means for recording an indication selected from a group consisting of: a. an indication that said supplier delivers to said user if said location lies within said polygon; and b. an indication that said supplier does not deliver to said user if said location does not lie within said polygon, said second means for recording, said means for determining if said zone is within said area, said first means for recording, said means for identifying, and said means for determining if said location lies within said polygon in communication via an electronic communication system.

125. A system for managing orders placed by users of an on-line food supplies ordering system, said users associating codes with said orders, said system comprising: means for electronically obtaining at least one code from at least one user, said at least one code corresponding to said at least one order; and means for indexing said at least one order using said at least one code for subsequent identification of said at least one order using said at least one code, said means for obtaining and said means for indexing in communication via an electronic communication system.

126. The system of claim 125, further comprising: means for electronically obtaining an instruction from a second user to group said at least one order into at least one group comprising orders having an attribute that satisfies at least one grouping criterion; and means for grouping said at least one order in accordance with said instruction, wherein said at least one grouping criterion is selected from a group consisting of: a. an accounting code; b. an accounting code range; c. a user name; d. a user email address; e. a user identification number; f. an employee name; g. an order date minimum; h. an order date maximum; i. an order date range; j. an order time minimum; k. an order time maximum; l. an order time range; m. an order identification number minimum; n. an order identification number maximum; o. an order identification number range; p. an order total amount minimum; q. an order total amount maximum; r. an order total amount range; s. an order tip amount minimum; t. an order tip amount maximum; u. an order tip amount range; v. an order adjustment amount minimum; w. an order adjustment amount maximum; x. an order adjustment amount range; and y. a combination of at least two of a-x, said means for electronically obtaining at least one code, said means for indexing, said means for electronically obtaining an instruction, and said means for grouping in communication via an electronic communication system.

127. The system of claim 126, further comprising means for communicating to said second user at least one attribute of each order included in said at least one group, said means for communicating, said means for electronically obtaining at least one code, said means for indexing, said means for electronically obtaining an instruction, and said means for grouping in communication via an electronic communication system.

128. The system of claim 126, further comprising means for communicating to said second user order information chosen from a group consisting of: a. a supplier name; b. supplier contact information; c. a restaurant name; d. restaurant contact information; e. order content; f. an electronic receipt; and g. any combination of at least two of a-f, said means for communicating, said means for electronically obtaining at least one code, said means for indexing, said means for electronically obtaining an instruction, and said means for grouping in communication via an electronic communication system.

129. The system of claim 125, further comprising means for testing validity of said at least one code using at least one indication of validity, each code having a corresponding indication of validity only if said code is deemed valid, said means for obtaining, said means for indexing, and said means for testing validity in communication via an electronic communication system.

130. The system of claim 129, wherein said means for testing comprises means for receiving said at least one indiction of validity from a second user.

131. The system of claim 129, further comprising means for warning a second user if one of said at least one code does not have a corresponding indication of validity, said means for warning, said means for obtaining, said means for indexing, and said means for testing validity in communication via an electronic communication system.

132. The system of claim 125, further comprising means for screening said at least one order for violations of at least one accounting rule, said at least one accounting rule requiring that an accounting criterion be satisfied, said accounting criterion chosen from a group consisting of: a. an accounting code; b. an accounting code range; c. a user name; d. a user email address; e. a user identification number; f. an employee name; g. an order date minimum; h. an order date maximum; i. an order date range; j. an order time minimum; k. an order time maximum; l. an order time range; m. an order identification number minimum; n. an order identification number maximum; o. an order identification number range; p. an order total amount minimum; q. an order total amount maximum; r. an order total amount range; s. an order tip amount minimum; t. an order tip amount maximum; u. an order tip amount range; v. an order adjustment amount minimum; w. an order adjustment amount maximum; x. an order adjustment amount range; and y. a combination of at least two of a-x, said means for obtaining, said means for indexing, and said means for screening in communication via an electronic communication system.

133. The system of claim 132, wherein said means for screening comprises means for receiving said at least one accounting rule from a second user.

134. The system of claim 132, further comprising means for warning a second user one of said at least one order violates one of said at least one rule, said means for warning, said means for obtaining, said means for indexing, and said means for screening in communication via an electronic communication system.

135. A system for ordering a customized food item from a supplier, wherein a user selects said item and at least one option for customizing said item, said system comprising: means for electronically receiving an indication of said at least one option from said user via a user access device; means for displaying a graphical representation of said item as modified by said at least one option using said device; and means for transmitting an order describing said item as modified by said at least one option to said supplier, said means for receiving, said means for displaying, and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

136. The system of claim 135, wherein said means for displaying comprises means for updating a display of said item to show said item as modified by said at least one option each time said user selects an option.

137. The system of claim 135, wherein, when said food item is a pizza, said at least one option is chosen from a group consisting of: a. a dough option; b. a cheese option; c. a sauce option; d. a topping option; e. a crust option; and f. a pizza size option.

138. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a dough option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said dough option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. plain dough; b. whole wheat dough; c. sourdough; d. pan-style; e. deep-dish style; and f. a combination of at least two of a-e.

139. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a cheese option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said cheese option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. a cheese amount; b. a cheese type; and c. a combination of a and b.

140. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a sauce option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said sauce option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. a sauce amount; b. a sauce type; and c. a combination of a and b.

141. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a crust option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said crust option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. soft; and b. crispy.

142. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a topping option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said topping option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. a pizza coverage fraction; b. a topping amount; c. a topping type; and d. a combination of at least two of a-d.

143. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a pizza size option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said pizza size option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of: a. small; b. medium; and c. large.

144. The system of claim 135, wherein said means for displaying comprises means for showing a graphical representation of said food item in a cooked state.

145. The system of claim 137, wherein said means for transmitting comprises means for transmitting a graphical representation of at least one layer of said pizza, each of said at least one layer corresponding to one of said at least one option, a superimposition of all of said at least one layer corresponding to said pizza as modified by said at least one option, whereby a pizza chef can assemble said pizza in a layer-by-layer fashion.

146. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said food item is a pizza, said means for electronically receiving comprises: means for electronically receiving an indication to divide said pizza into more than one section; means for electronically receiving an indication of a selection of at least one of said more than one section; and means for electronically receiving at least one instruction to apply one of said at least one option to said selection, said means for receiving an indication to divide, said means for receiving an indication of a selection, and said means for receiving at least one instruction in communication via an electronic communication system.

147. The system of claim 146, wherein said means for electronically receiving an instruction comprises: means for displaying a hotlink comprising a first graphical representation of said at least one option; and means for displaying a second graphical representation of one of said at least one option when said user selects said option, said second graphical display replacing a prior graphical display corresponding to a cursor of said access device, said means for displaying a hotlink and said means for displaying a second graphical representation in communication via an electronic communication system.

148. The system of claim 147, wherein said means for electronically receiving an instruction further comprises means for displaying a third graphical representation of said option when said user positions said cursor on said selection, said third graphical representation showing said option disposed in said selection, said means for displaying a third graphical representation, said means for displaying a hotlink and said means for displaying a second graphical representation in communication via an electronic communication system.

149. A system for placing a group order with a supplier, said group order comprising a host order selected by a host and at least one guest order selected by at least one guest, said system comprising: means for forming a group order from said host order and said at least one guest order; and means for transmitting said group order to said supplier, said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

150. The system of claim 149, further comprising: means for electronically obtaining said host order; means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order, said means for electronically obtaining said host order, said means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order, said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

151. The system of claim 150, further comprising: in response to receiving said host order, means for generating an invitation for each guest specified by said host, said invitation inviting a respective guest to place a guest order; and means for sending said invitation to each corresponding guest, said means for generating, said means for sending, said means for electronically obtaining said host order, said means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order, said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

152. The system of claim 151, wherein said means for sending comprises means for sending an electronic invitation having a hotlink to an electronic form for placing said guest order.

153. The system of claim 151, further comprising means for obtaining an RSVP from each of said at least one guest, said RSVP selected from a group consisting of: a. an invitation acceptance; b. an invitation rejection; and c. an unconfirmed response; said means for obtaining an RSVP, said means for generating, said means for sending, said means for electronically obtaining said host order, said means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order, said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

154. The system of claim 153, further comprising means for communicating said RSVP to said host, said means for obtaining an RSVP, said means for communicating said RSVP, said means for generating, said means for sending, said means for electronically obtaining said host order, said means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order, said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

155. The system of claim 149, wherein said means for forming comprises means for communicating to said host an order status indication for each of said at least one guest, wherein said order status indication is chosen from a group consisting of: a. order received; and b. order not received.

156. The system of claim 155, wherein said means for forming further comprises means for receiving an indication from said host to transmit said group order to said supplier, said means for communicating and said means for receiving in communication via an electronic communication system.

157. A system for automatically placing a group order with a supplier, said group order comprising a host order selected by a host and at least one guest order selected by at least one guest, said at least one guest selected by said host, said host order and said at least one guest order input into an ordering system, said group order transmitted to said supplier, said supplier receiving said group order, said system comprising: means for electronically obtaining said host order and said at least one guest order; means for forming a group order from said host order and said at least one guest order; and means for transmitting said group order to said supplier, said means for electronically obtaining, said means for forming, and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

158. A system for reducing the risk of bad debt, said debt accruing to a provider of an on-line ordering system, said system conveying orders to said supplier, at least one of said orders comprising a price and a payment instruction instructing a financial institution to remit funds corresponding to said price, said system comprising: means for submitting said payment instruction to said financial institution; means for receiving a first amount from said financial institution, said first amount equal to said funds reduced by a second amount; and means for remitting to said supplier a third amount, said third amount equal to said funds reduced by a fourth amount, said fourth amount comprising at least said commission, said means for submitting, said means for receiving, and said means for remitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

159. The system of claim 158, wherein: said second amount comprises a first service charge; said fourth amount comprises a second service charge; and said system further comprises: means for waiting a predetermined period of time; and means for investing said first amount during said period, so as to offset a loss if said first service charge exceeds said second service charge, said means for waiting, said means for investing, said means for submitting, said means for receiving, and said means for remitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

160. The system of claim 158, wherein: said second amount comprises a volume discounted service charge; said fourth amount comprises a second service charge; and said system further comprises: means for selecting said second service charge such that said second service charge is less than said volume discounted service charge, whereby at least a portion of a benefit of a volume discount is passed from said service provider to said supplier, said means for selecting, said means for submitting, said means for receiving, and said means for remitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/191,359, filed Mar. 22, 2000; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/191,205, filed Mar. 22, 2000; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/245,503, filed Nov. 3, 2000; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/245,826, filed Nov. 3, 2000; and [P. A. Burton] U.S. provisional application entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING CODES TO IDENTIFY OR GROUP ORDERS, filed Jan. 2, 2001, Attorney Docket No. ATG-6 PROV2.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to electronic commerce (“e-commerce”) systems. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for providing suppliers' catalog information to purchasers and providing orders to suppliers.

[0003] Electronic commerce systems, such as Internet-based shopping systems, allow purchasers to electronically purchase products and services without having to visit an actual store or supplier facility. Vast quantities of supplier information may be available to purchasers or prospective purchasers via Internet-accessible database servers. Similarly, vast quantities of orders may be placed by users via access devices.

[0004] Because of the vast quantity of supplier information available on the Internet, it may be difficult for purchasers to find or identify suppliers that may provide supplies or services that meet the purchasers' needs. For example, purchasers may require that suppliers be located in a selected area, provide certain types of supplies, participate in certain sales promotions, or conform to consumer or industrial standards. Purchasers may also have a need for information related to the suppliers or supplies.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods for providing purchasers with information about suppliers and supplies that is organized around purchasers' needs and preferences, for receiving orders from purchasers, and for submitting the orders to suppliers.

[0006] Existing e-commerce systems that provide on-line ordering services to purchasers may provide on-line access to a limited number of suppliers or to suppliers offering a limited scope of supplies. Existing e-commerce systems may benefit from being able to offer purchasers a larger selection of supplies and a wider range of categories of supplies, but it may be costly to incorporate new catalog information if the new information does not conform to formats and protocols used by the systems. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide systems and methods for providing existing e-commerce systems with formats and protocols for incorporating catalog information from previously inaccessible suppliers and for placing orders for items and services from those suppliers' catalogs.

[0007] Searches for suppliers, supplier-related information, catalog information, or any other type of information may be slowed by processes required to extract information from databases, data transmission delays, and other uncontrollable delays. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide systems and methods for providing database searching capabilities that reduce interactions with remote database engines.

[0008] In some searches, purchasers may desire to find, sort, or group suppliers that conform to certain criteria such as distance from the purchaser, participation in a given sales promotion, provision of a certain brand or line of supplies, or certification by an independent organization (for example, a consumer protection organization). Such a search may be inherently slow because it may require a purchaser to search numerous databases, each of which may cause processing and transmission delays. Searching efficiency may be reduced because each database may require a different search strategy. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide systems and methods for categorizing information and incorporating it into preprocessing information lists for distribution to and local searching by purchasers. In particular, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods for categorizing suppliers using geographic criteria and providing purchasers with preprocessed supplier information for local searching using an access device.

[0009] When an ordering system manages large numbers of orders, it may difficult to “supervise” the progression of an order from initial reception, through internal processing, submission to a supplier, and fulfillment by the supplier. Purchasers, customer service representatives, and suppliers using user access devices may not be able to remotely “view” orders and related information as they enter the system, pass through it, or arrive at a supplier's warehouse without repeatedly downloading information from a database server. Repeated downloading may be slow, inefficient, and may degrade a viewer's ability to analyze information on the user access device display. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide systems and methods for continuously updating portions of a display on a user access device without refreshing the entire display.

[0010] Sometimes, organizations may have systems for tracking expenses incurred while providing services to individuals, clients, or other organizations. When members of organizations (e.g., employees of a firm or company) order supplies or services on line in connection with, it may be difficult to track orders placed by a given member. This shortcoming may lead to losses in efficiency or abuses of the system. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide systems and methods of identifying or tracking orders placed in connection with a particular activity, function, client, or individual.

[0011] Some customizable items and supplies may be purchased using e-commerce systems. When purchasers select items and customized features for the items, it may be difficult for a user to envision how the item would appear as modified by the customization features. One solution is to display a different version of the item for each customization feature. The number of versions required increases rapidly as the number of possible options for the item increases. It may be cumbersome or impossible to provide different stock displays showing every possible combination of options for a given feature. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide systems and methods for “virtual assembly” of a customized item that receive item and option selections from on-line purchasers and dynamically illustrate items, as modified by any selected options, at each stage of the customization or assembly process.

[0012] When orders for customized items are submitted to suppliers for fulfillment, it is sometimes necessary to describe the item as customized using text. Items with multiple customized features or with customized features that overlap or intermingle with each other, such as the toppings of a pizza, may be difficult to describe. Such items may be difficult for a supplier to create or assemble in accordance with a description even if the description is accurate. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide systems and methods for automatically providing suppliers with graphically simplified illustrations of customized items (e.g., an “exploded view” of the linkages in an automobile transmission system).

[0013] When a prospective purchaser desires to participate with other prospective purchasers in ordering supplies or services via an e-commerce system, the prospective purchaser may need to perform a number of tasks. Necessary tasks may include informing the others about a prospective ordering event, providing them with information about suppliers or suppliers' catalogs, polling them for selections of suppliers or items, assembling all of the selections into a single order, submitting the order to a selected supplier, and following up on the fulfillment of the individual portions of the order. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods that automate some or all of the tasks that are necessary for using an e-commerce system to initiate, assemble, submit, and monitor a single consolidated order that includes orders from several different individuals or sources.

[0014] When an e-commerce system is used to generate sales for suppliers by facilitating sales to purchasers, an e-commerce system provider may receive commissions in compensation for facilitating sales. An e-commerce provider may facilitate sales for a large number of suppliers. There may be a risk that some of the suppliers will not pay due commissions. It may be costly to reduce the risk by researching the credit-worthiness of suppliers or taking measures to coerce payments from delinquent suppliers. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide systems and methods for automatically increasing the probability, at the time an order is placed with an e-commerce system, that commissions will be paid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Systems and methods of the present invention may provide to consumers or other types of users web pages, electronic catalogs, or other displays and may receive user selections for purchasing goods and services. The selections may be received in the form of orders. Orders may then be transmitted to suppliers for fulfillment.

[0016] Ordering web sites may be provided for receiving electronic indications of the user selections. Orders may be received from independent ordering sites. To facilitate information exchange with independent sites, some embodiments of the invention may provide independent sites with standards and protocols necessary for viewing catalog information and submitting orders in accordance with the invention. Catalog information may be provided to standard-compliant independent sites and orders may be received from them.

[0017] Systems and methods may be provided for providing users with information, which may include catalog information, ordering information, or any other type of information, by downloading data objects, which may be compressed, into users' access devices, e.g., web browsers. Data and processing functions may be downloaded to provide users with specialized capabilities, including decompressing compressed data. Processing functions may include functions for locally searching, sorting, grouping, browsing, and performing other data manipulation or calculation tasks. Processing functions for presenting data or search results to users via an access device display may be provided. A variety of presentation functions may be provided to present different forms of data to users and receive a variety of forms of user indications from users.

[0018] In some embodiments, systems and methods for continuously updating a user access device display without refreshing an entire active web page may be provided. Data may be downloaded into a user's access device and stored, for example, in a first browser frame. Functions may be provided for displaying data in the first frame and selectively replacing portions of the data. A second browser frame, which may be a hidden frame, may be periodically refreshed with data from a server. Data from the second browser frame may be selected using the functions and inserted into the first frame for display. Continuously updated displays of web pages may be used for monitoring the status of data values that may change frequently such as a number of outstanding orders in a queue, values of commodities or securities, or values of properties measured by a laboratory instrument.

[0019] In some embodiments, systems and methods for selecting prospective suppliers for users may be provided. A geographic region surrounding or including a user's location may be determined and suppliers located inside the region may be presented to the user. The borders of the region may defined to insure that presented suppliers will be located within a preselected distance from the user.

[0020] Some embodiments may identify a user within a geodetic zone including the user's location, and present the user with a preprocessed list of suppliers that are associated with the zone. Suppliers may be associated with a zone for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, convenience, marketing, or distribution priorities. Suppliers may offer delivery service to some, all, or none of the zone. The user may be provided with indications that a supplier does or does not deliver to the user's location based on geometric or cartographic analyses that may be performed by a central processing engine.

[0021] When a supplier offers delivery to only part of the zone, and it is uncertain if the user's location falls into the delivery portion of the zone or the non-delivery portion of the zone, cartographic or geometric data and functions may be downloaded to the user's access device. These data and functions may automatically determine in which portion of the zone the user is located. Providing preprocessed lists and local computation functions for suppliers having undetermined delivery service may reduce database response times without reducing the amount of information provided to the user.

[0022] Some embodiments may provide systems and methods for identifying, tracking, grouping, or sorting orders using accounting codes. Organizations or groups of users may desire to keep track of orders placed by group member users for accounting, auditing, billing, and reporting purposes. For example, an employee (user) may “expense” a business meal to a company (group) client.

[0023] Some embodiments may receive indications from users that an order is complete and that the user is ready to make payment arrangements. Accounting codes may be received and stored as part order information that may define the order. When the codes are received, the user may be presented with information about group policies or rules governing the use of accounting codes or ordering in general. Received codes may be checked for validity and proper usage under group rules. If invalid codes are received, or if rules are violated, users and administrative users of groups may be warned or notified. After any validation processes are performed, the order may be accepted, stored, and submitted to a supplier.

[0024] Administrative users representing a user group may be provided with report generation tools to generate reports regarding orders and ordering practices of the group's member users. Reports may be stratified, sorted, or grouped by elements of order information, which may include accounting codes, user names, supplies ordered, amount paid, and other order information.

[0025] Some embodiments may provide systems and methods for receiving graphical custom orders. Graphical custom orders may include orders for customizable items in which a user selects an item and then graphically selects a customization feature or option with which to modify the selected item. Accordingly, an indication of an item may be received and a graphical representation of the item may be displayed on the user's access device.

[0026] In some embodiments, user indications to divide the selected item into portions may be received and the graphical representation modified accordingly. In some embodiments, graphical representations of optional features may be presented to the user to prompt the user to select an option. User indications of selected options may be received. User indications of one or more portions to be modified may be received. The graphical representation of the item or any portions may be displayed as modified by the selected option or options.

[0027] An indication that the order is complete may be received and the graphical representation of the modified item may be transformed into a final state of completion (e.g., it may be displayed as “cooked” or “assembled”). The selected item and modifications may be submitted to a supplier.

[0028] In some embodiments, an order or a graphical custom order may be sent to a supplier in a graphical form that may facilitate order fulfillment. For example, a pizza order submitted to a restaurant may illustrate the pizza using discs or sections of discs to show the required distribution for each topping. Textual order information may be transmitted to the supplier with the graphical order information.

[0029] Some embodiments may provide systems and methods for avoiding the risk of bad debt. When a user purchases an item or service from a supplier, the purchase may be facilitated by an ordering service. The ordering service may receive a commission from the supplier, but there is a risk that the supplier may not pay the commission or may pay it late.

[0030] Some embodiments may receive from a user an order that includes payment information corresponding to a given payment method (e.g., credit card, cash, house account, etc.). If payment by credit card is indicated, a supplier's claim for payment from the user's financial institution may be trapped instead of forwarding it to the supplier. The trapped claim may be presented directly to the financial institution and corresponding funds may be received. An amount corresponding to the sale reduced by any commission, any receivable funds from other orders purchased (for example, using non-trappable payment methods), or any associated service charges may be remitted to the supplier. Systems and methods for defraying costs due to financial institution service charges may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate on-line and non-on-line arrangements, respectively, for an e-commerce system, in accordance with the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement for the access devices of FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a generalized flowchart showing a possible flow of interactions between users and the system.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an ordering system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIGS. 6 and 7 are illustrative data flow diagrams showing interactions between various parts of the open catalog system in accordance with some embodiments of the present

[0037] FIG. 8 is a generalized block diagram of a system architecture that may be used as part of the system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a generalized block diagram of a back-end system architecture in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a generalized block diagram of record fields within an illustrative database in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 shows an illustrative example of a compressed data stream in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 12 is an illustrative data flow diagram whereby a distributed database engine may be sent to a remote user in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a generalized block diagram of a distributed database engine that has been received by a remote user in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 14 is an illustrative data flow diagram wherein a distributed database engine has been sent to a remote user in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 15 is an illustrative data flow diagram wherein geographic information is used to select files to be downloaded to a distributed database engine in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a generalized block and data flow diagram of a distributed database engine that has been received by a user in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a generalized block and data flow diagram of a distributed database engine that has been received by and is in use by a user in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 18 is an illustrative data flow diagram of a distributed database engine while processing data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 18 a is a generalized flowchart of steps involved in providing data and functionality to a user in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 19 is a generalized block and data flow diagram of a push engine that has been installed in the browser of a user in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 20 is a generalized flowchart of steps involved in presenting a user with a list based on geographic location in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] FIGS. 21, 22 , and 23 show illustrative examples of relationships between zones and supplier delivery areas in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 24 is a generalized flowchart of steps involved in a geozoning process in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 25 illustrates a portion of a system for providing accounting code features in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 26 is a generalized flowchart showing a process for using accounting codes in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 27 is a generalized flowchart of steps involved in a graphical custom ordering process in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 28 is a generalized flowchart of steps involved in a graphical order decomposition process in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 29 is a graphical representation of a possible graphical order decomposition in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 30 is a generalized block and data flow diagram representing a group ordering process in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 31 illustrates a portion of a system for providing credit card pricing features in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 32 is a generalized flow chart showing processes for using credit card pricing features in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 33 is a generalized flowchart of steps involved in the ordering process in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 34 is a generalized flowchart of steps involved in allowing users to access the system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 35 shows an illustrative display for showing users one or more locations and allowing and receiving indications of locations in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 36 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show users a list of suppliers and information pertaining to the suppliers. FIG. 36 may allow the system to receive indications of preferred suppliers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 37 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show users a supplier catalog and to accept user indications of desired products in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 38 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show users order information and accept user indications of ordering preferences in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 39 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show users information about past orders, receive accounting data, and receive user indications of location in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 40 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show users past order and/or accounting data. It may be used to allow the system to receive user indications of desired methods of sorting the data that it displays in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] FIGS. 41 and 42 show illustrative displays that may be used by a user to login to the system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 43, 44 , and 45 show illustrative displays that may be used to display information about suppliers, display a list of suppliers, and/or allow the system to receive user indications of preferred suppliers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0071] FIGS. 46, 47 , 48 , and 50 show illustrative displays that may be used to display catalog information, display a list of suppliers, allow the system to receive user indications of preferred suppliers, and/or allow the system to receive user indications of desired products in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] FIGS. 49, 51 , 52 , and 53 show illustrative displays that may be used to display catalog information, display desired products, allow the system to receive user indications of desired products, and allow the system to receive indications of a desire to complete an order in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] FIGS. 54, 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , and 63 show illustrative displays that may be used to display order information, display choices of order options, and allow the system to receive indications of a desire to change ordering options in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 64 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display order information, display favorite past orders, and allow the system to receive indications of a desire to reuse a past order in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 65 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display past order information, display favorite past orders, and allow the system to receive indications of a desire to reuse a past order in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 66 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display past order information, display promotions, and allow the system to receive indications of a desire to reuse a past order in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 67 shows an illustrative display that may be used to receive confirmations or negations of prior indications in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 68 shows an illustrative display that may be used by an administrative user to login to the system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] FIG. 69 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display a selection menu and allow the system to receive indications related to the menu in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 70 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display supplier information and allow the system to receive indications regarding suppliers to be added to the system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0081] FIGS. 71, 72 , 73 and 74 show an illustrative displays that may be used to allow the system to receive indications regarding suppliers to be added to the system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 75 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display a list of suppliers and allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to supplier data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 76 shows an illustrative display that may be used to allow the system to receive indications regarding lists to be added to the system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] FIG. 77 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display lists of suppliers and allow the system to receive indications regarding supplier list changes in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] FIG. 78 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display a list of companies and allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to supplier data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] FIGS. 79 and 80 show illustrative displays that may be used to allow the system to receive indications regarding companies to be added to the system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0087] FIGS. 81, 82 , 83 , and 84 show illustrative displays that may be used to display customer service data and allow the system to receive indications regarding customer service activity in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0088] FIG. 85 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display a selection menu and allow the system to receive indications related to the menu in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0089] FIGS. 86 and 87 show illustrative displays that may be used to display order information and allow the system to receive indications for limiting the data displayed in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] FIG. 88 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show a list of suppliers in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0091] FIG. 89 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show a list of order data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] FIG. 90 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show a list of available reporting tools in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] FIG. 91 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show a data regarding a reporting tool in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0094] FIG. 92 shows a sample SQL query in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0095] FIG. 93 shows an illustrative display that may be used to show a list of companies in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] FIGS. 94 and 95 show illustrative displays that may be used to allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to company data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0097] FIG. 96 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display a list of departments and allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to department data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0098] FIGS. 97 and 98 show illustrative displays that may be used to allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to department data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] FIG. 99 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display a list of users and allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to user data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0100] FIG. 100 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display a list of locations and allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to location data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0101] FIGS. 101 and 102 show illustrative displays that may be used to allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to location data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0102] FIG. 103 shows an illustrative display that may be used to display a list of administrative users and allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to administrative user data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0103] FIGS. 104, 105 and 106 show illustrative displays that may be used to allow the system to receive indications regarding changes to administrative user data in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0104] FIGS. 107, 108 , and 109 show illustrative displays that may be used to display past order data and allow the system to receive indications regarding which past orders to display data about in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

General Ordering

[0105] The present invention may be implemented using any systems or methods suitable for supporting electronic communications over any suitable communications network. Some embodiments may provide for conveying an order from a user to a supplier, conveying catalog information from a supplier to a user, or performing electronic transactions via an electronic communication network. Users may input orders or other transactions using an access device in communication with the network. For purposes of the descriptions herein, suppliers may be businesses, individuals, or organizations. Suppliers may include retail buyers, retail sellers, wholesale buyers, wholesale sellers, restaurants, securities brokers, stores, providers of services or any other business entity or individual.

[0106] Some embodiments may be implemented, for example, using non-on-line client/server or peer-to-peer based approaches. In other embodiments, web-based or on-line approaches may be used. If desired, a combination of these approaches may be used. Illustrative on-line and non-on-line based arrangements for an e-commerce system are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively.

[0107] In the illustrative on-line arrangement of FIG. 1 access devices 102 may be connected via links 103 to Internet 100 . Access devices 102 may include any device or combination of devices suitable for providing Internet access to a user of the system. Access devices may include, for example, any suitable personal computer (PC), portable computer (e.g., a notebook computer), palmtop computer, handheld personal computer (H/PC), automobile PC, personal digital assistant (PDA), Internet-enabled cellular phone, combined cellular phone and PDA, ebook, set-top box (e.g., a Web TV enabled set-top box), or other device suitable for providing Internet access.

[0108] Internet and application server 104 may be any server suitable for providing on-line access to an e-commerce web site. Internet and application server 104 may, for example, provide one or more pages to access devices 102 using one or more suitable protocols (e.g., the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)). The pages may be defined using, for example, any suitable markup language (e.g., HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Dynamic HyperText Markup Language (DHTML), pages defined using the Extensible Markup Language (XML), JavaServer Pages (JSP), Active Server Pages (ASP), or any other suitable approaches). The pages may include scripts, computer code, or subsets of computer code, that define mini-programs (e.g., Perl scripts, Java applets, Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), or any other suitable approaches). The system may be designed using suitable modular approaches such as, for example, Java 2 Platform—Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Component Object Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), or any other suitable approach.

[0109] Internet and application server 104 may run a database engine suitable for maintaining a database of user, order, supplier, or catalog information such as, for example, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle 8i, or any other suitable database engine. Internet and application server 104 may run Microsoft Internet Information Server. In practice, features of Internet and application server 104 may be integrated into a single server, or may be distributed across multiple servers that are interconnected via Internet 100 .

[0110] Links 103 may include any transmission medium suitable for providing Internet access to access devices 102 . Links 103 may include, for example, a dial-up telephone line, a computer network or Internet link, an infrared link, a radio frequency link, a satellite link, a digital subscriber line link (e.g., a DSL link), a cable TV link, a DOCSIS link, or any other suitable transmission link or suitable combination of such links. Different links 103 may be of different types depending on, for example, the particular type of access devices 102 .

[0111] Any protocol or protocol stack suitable for supporting communications between access devices 102 and Internet and application server 104 over links 103 based on the particular device 102 and link 103 may be used. For example, Ethernet, Token Group, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Circuit-Switched Cellular (CSC), Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), RAM mobile data, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), wireless application protocol (WAP), serial line Internet protocol (SLIP), point to point protocol (PPP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Sequenced Packet Exchange and Internetwork Packet Exchange (SPX/FPX) protocols, or any other suitable protocol or combination of protocols may be used.

[0112] FIG. 2 shows another illustrative arrangement for the e-commerce system of the present invention. Network 110 may be any suitable wire-based, fiber-based, or wireless local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), intranet, or other suitable network. Personal computers, and their interconnection via networks, are well known. Personal computers 112 may run suitable e-mail, HTTP, or other clients and client applications for providing users with access to the features of the system. In still another suitable approach, personal computers