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WO2001077975A1 - Service de transaction par formulaires automatises en libre-service - Google Patents

Service de transaction par formulaires automatises en libre-service Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001077975A1
WO2001077975A1 PCT/US2001/008910 US0108910W WO0177975A1 WO 2001077975 A1 WO2001077975 A1 WO 2001077975A1 US 0108910 W US0108910 W US 0108910W WO 0177975 A1 WO0177975 A1 WO 0177975A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
financial
transaction
automated
information
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/008910
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James H. Wolfston
Michael Hitchcock
Original Assignee
Collegenet, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Collegenet, Inc. filed Critical Collegenet, Inc.
Priority to AU2001247609A priority Critical patent/AU2001247609A1/en
Publication of WO2001077975A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001077975A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10—Office automation; Time management

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electronic commerce as provided over a global computer network and, in particular, to an automated forms transaction service that provides hosted registration services for multiple users.
  • An electronic commerce site will typically require complex security network systems, as well as one or more databases to track and organize customer registration information, the underlying financial transaction information, etc.
  • complex and expensive arrangements and coordination with financial institutions are required to execute the transactions. The burden and expense of constructing these components are daunting for most businesses and organizations.
  • An ad hoc group e.g., a non-profit group
  • an extra curricular academic organization offering a service or activity would typically be unable to establish a network site that could support automated forms with or without related financial transactions.
  • Examples of such groups includes friends organizing an informal golf tournament, an extra-curricular high school drama club selling tickets to a play, collecting sign-ups and fees for a ski trip, etc.
  • the difficulty in implementing electronic commerce transactions over the Internet contrasts with the ease by which information can be disseminated over the Internet. While many small groups and businesses can readily provide on the Internet information about services or even goods that they offer, the complexity of effecting financial transactions limits the ability of such organizations to conduct online registration and electronic commerce.
  • the present invention provides an automated forms transaction service by which Users, such as individuals, small businesses, or organizations, etc. can use a global computer network such as the Internet to set-up and conduct electronic commerce with their Customers over such a network.
  • the automated forms transaction service may be provided by an application service provider (ASP) that provides the service to many Users.
  • ASP application service provider
  • the ASP hosts a server computer that is accessible via the Internet.
  • the Users access a self-service form template from the server to create online registration transaction forms for collecting information from User's Customers needed to effect online registration transactions.
  • the online registration transaction forms would typically include multiple information fields including: product or service selection fields by which the Customer selects or identifies goods or services to be purchased; customer identification fields by which the Customer provides identifying information such as name, address, email address, etc.; customer billing fields by which the Customer provides financial information (e.g., credit card information or other information suited to electronic transactions); etc.
  • the transaction service ASP obtains transaction information from online registration transaction forms that are completed by Customers.
  • the ASP transmits to the Users the customer identifying information and the product or service selections made by Customers so that the User can process the online registration transaction.
  • the ASP transmits the customer financial information (e.g., credit card or other electronic financial information) to a financial institution such as a bank for settlement.
  • the ASP makes a financial receipts transfer to each User according to settlements obtained from the financial institution for transactions between the Users and Customers.
  • the present invention provides an automated forms transaction service and method by which an application service provider can host automated forms transactions for multiple Users. This service and method can allow many individuals, small businesses or other organizations to set-up and conduct online registration, for example, without incurring the major expense of establishing their own automated forms (e.g., electronic commerce) transaction capabilities.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system that may be used to implement the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of a user-side automated forms transaction service set-up method by which a User arranges for an automated forms transaction service to be provided by an application service provider.
  • Fig. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary automated form template from which a User creates a customized automated form.
  • Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of an application service provider automated forms transaction service set-up method by which an application service provider provides Users with automated forms transaction capabilities.
  • Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of a transaction method for an automated forms transaction service.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a computer network 10, such as the worldwide public computer network called the Internet, with multiple client computers 12 and 14 that communicate with a server 16.
  • each of client computers 12 and 14 is a personal computer running commercially available network browser software, such as Netscape Navigator from Netscape Corporation or Internet Explorer from Microsoft Corporation.
  • Server 16 is a computer that provides services or information to client computers 12 and 14.
  • Server 16 runs network server software that coordinates communications with client computers 12 and 14.
  • information transferred between client computers 12 and 14 and server 16 are formatted in a hypertext mark-up language (HTML) and can include text, programs, graphics, video, and audio portions, as is known in the art.
  • server 16 is operated by an application service provider (ASP) 18 and is connected to secure data storage database 20.
  • ASP application service provider
  • ASP 18 provides an online or automated forms transaction service by which operators of user clients 12, referred to as Users 22, may establish automated forms or other electronic commerce transaction capabilities to offer goods or services to the operators of customer clients 16.
  • Users 22 may establish the automated forms capabilities on behalf of themselves individually, or other entities such as businesses, organizations, etc., to offer goods or services to their customers.
  • both the operators of user clients 12 and any entities they act on behalf of are referred to interchangeably as Users 22.
  • ASP 18 is separate from Users 22 and, typically, is a vendor of an automated forms transaction service that is provided to Users 22.
  • the operators of customer clients 14 and any entities they act on behalf of are referred to interchangeably as Customers 24.
  • Customers 24 are typically separate entities from ASP18 and Users 22.
  • server 16 executes or runs a forms engine of the type described in U.S. Patent Application No. 09/325,533, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
  • Users 22 are provided one or more form templates from which to create in a self-service manner online or automated transaction forms for collecting information needed to effect online registration or other electronic commerce transactions.
  • the automated transaction forms would typically include multiple information fields including: product or service selection fields by which the Customer 24 selects or identifies goods or services to be purchased; customer identification fields by which the Customer 24 provides identifying information such as name, address, email address, etc.; customer billing fields by which the Customer 24 provides financial information (e.g., credit card information or other information suited to electronic transactions); shipping fields- by which the Customer 24 indicates where goods are to be sent or services provided; etc.
  • a User 22 creates an automated transaction form from, or by selecting from, one or more predefined form templates that are provided from server 16 by ASP 18. Each form created by a User 22 is hosted on server 16 by ASP 18 at a unique network address such as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL).
  • the automated transaction forms are accessed by Customers 24 to effect a purchase of goods or services offered by the User 22.
  • URL Uniform Resource Locator
  • a User 22 might have a relatively simple network site that describes the goods or services being offered.
  • the network site could include a graphic control button or link by which a Customer 24 could purchase the goods or services.
  • the graphic control button or link could transfer or link the Customer 24 to the unique network address of the User's automated transaction form on server 16.
  • the Customer 24 may be linked transparently to server 16 and the automated form of a User 22, as within an HTML frame of the network site of the User 22, with no outward indication of having left that network site.
  • a Customer 24 may be explicitly informed of being connected to another network site to effect the automated form transaction.
  • a User 22 might have no network site other than the automated transaction form that is hosted by ASP 18 on server 16.
  • URL of that automated transaction form by information other than a network site, such as printed or other advertising.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of a user-side automated forms transaction service set-up method 50 by which a User 22 arranges for an automated forms transaction service to be provided by ASP 18.
  • Process block 52 indicates that a User 22 accesses via the global computer network an automated forms transaction service network portal of automated forms transaction service ASP 18.
  • Process block 54 indicates that User 22 is prompted to and registers with an automated forms transaction service at the automated forms transaction service network portal.
  • Registration may include, for example, the User 22 establishing a user name and password for secure access to the automated forms transaction service network portal and providing User-identifying information to ASP 18 according to information fields rendered on user client 12 by server 16.
  • the User-identifying information may include the name of the User individual, the name of any business or other organization or entity on behalf of which the individual is acting, the address of the individual, business or other entity, a telephone number, an email address, and a User network site address, if any.
  • registration of User 22 may be performed at other times in method 50.
  • Process block 56 indicates that User 22 is prompted to and creates, selects, or specifies at least one automated transaction form.
  • User 22 creates the automated transaction form from, or by selecting from, one or more predefined form templates that are provided by ASP 18 and hosted on server 16.
  • Fig. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary automated form template 60, as rendered on a display screen of a user client 12, from which User 22 creates a customized automated form.
  • Template 60 includes a field 62 in which User 22 designates one or more products or services to be selectable by a Customer 24, and a field 64 in which User 22 designates the prices of the one or more products or services to be selectable by a Customer 24.
  • Form template 60 is of a simplified type in that other data fields relating to standard online or automated transaction information from or about a Customer 24 are provided as default fields. Such default fields may include, for example, the name, shipping address, billing address, and financial information (e.g., credit card, debit account, or other electronic commence financial information) of the Customer 24.
  • form templates could allow User 22 to specify any of such fields, as well as creating additional custom data fields.
  • form templates could optionally allow User 22 to select one of multiple selectable appearances for the automated transaction forms when they are rendered for Customers 24.
  • Users 22 may be able to include the name or other indicia (e.g., trademarks) for their businesses or organizations on the automated transaction forms. Creation of the automated transaction forms may include the option for Users 22 to preview them before concluding their creation.
  • Process block 70 indicates that User 22 is prompted for and provides data transfer information, including a data transfer destination and a data transfer format, for transferring to User 22 information that ASP 18 obtains from Customers 24 who complete the automated transaction forms.
  • data transfer destination will be a location on the global computer network and the data transfer format may be any of a variety of available database or other structured data formats.
  • Process block 72 indicates that User 22 is prompted for and provides financial receipts transfer information to ASP 18 according to information fields rendered on user client 12 by server 16.
  • the financial receipts transfer information may include, for example, bank account and bank routing information by which ASP 18 can transfer to User 22 funds or other financial instruments that are received from Customers 24.
  • ASP 18 may collect a service charge for financial receipts transferred to User 22.
  • the service charge may be a percentage of the financial receipts that are transferred to User 22.
  • Process block 74 indicates that User 22 is provided a network link to a unique network address (e.g., URL) where the automated transaction form is to be located on server 16.
  • User 22 may explicitly direct Customers 24 to the unique network address of the automated transaction form or may link to the form from a network site of the User 22.
  • User 22 may link to the automated transaction form within a frame of network site of the User 22.
  • Process block 76 indicates that User 16 is prompted for and provides financial billing information (e.g., credit card, debit account, or other electronic commence financial information) to be charged a form activation fee to activate each automated transaction form to be accessed by Customers 24.
  • financial billing information e.g., credit card, debit account, or other electronic commence financial information
  • Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of an ASP automated forms transaction service set-up method 100 by which an ASP 18 provides Users 22 with automated forms transaction capabilities over a computer network.
  • Process block 102 indicates that ASP 18 provides and maintains an automated forms transaction service network site or portal. For example, such a portal may be maintained on server 16 with access to it available from computer network 10, such as the global computer network called the Internet.
  • Process block 104 indicates that ASP 18 provides one or more automated transaction form templates with which User 22 can create, select, or specify ah automated transaction form to be used by Customers 24.
  • the automated transaction form template may be of the type described above with reference to Fig. 3.
  • the automated transaction form template could allow all customer transaction information, other than financial information, to be specified by User 22.
  • the financial information fields would typically be specified by ASP 18 so that it could effect financial settlement with a financial institution (e.g., a bank).
  • Process block 106 indicates that ASP 18 obtains and stores in a database 20 an automated transaction form that is specified by User 22 from an automated transaction form template.
  • Process block 108 indicates that ASP 18 obtains and stores in a database 20 data transfer information, including a data transfer destination and a data transfer format, for transferring to User 22 information obtained from Customers 24 who complete automated transaction forms.
  • data transfer destination will be a network address that is accessible via the global computer network 10.
  • Process block 110 indicates that ASP 18 obtains and stores in a database 20 financial receipts transfer information according to which ASP 18 can transfer to User 22 funds or other financial instruments that are received from Customers 24.
  • Process block 112 indicates that ASP collects from User 22 a form activation fee for activating the automated form of User 22.
  • ASP 18 may collect the form activation fee by obtaining from User 22 financial information, such as credit card, debit account, or other electronic commerce financial information.
  • Process block 114 indicates that ASP 18 assigns a unique network address (e.g., URL) for the automated transaction form of User 22 and notifies User 22 of the network address.
  • URL unique network address
  • Process block 116 indicates that ASP 18 makes the automated transaction form of the User 22 available to the global computer network 10.
  • Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of a transaction method 130 for an automated forms transaction service in which an ASP 18 handles automated forms or other electronic commerce transactions with Customers 24 on behalf of Users 22.
  • Process block 132 indicates that a User 22 directs Customers 24 to its automated transaction form at a network address hosted by ASP 18.
  • User 22 may direct Customers 24 to the automated forms transaction form via a network link at an originating network site, which link would access the automated transaction form for completion by the Customer 24.
  • the originating network site from which the automated transaction form is linked may be maintained by the User 22 or another entity.
  • the accessing of or link to the automated transaction form may be rendered at the customer client 14 as a frame that appears to be provided by the originating network site or may appear as a distinct network transaction site.
  • User 22 may direct Customers 24 to the automated transaction form by otherwise distributing the unique network address of the automated transaction form, such as by print or other advertising, etc.
  • Process block 134 indicates that a Customer 24 completes and submits an automated transaction form to effect a transaction with User 22.
  • the Customer 24 provides customer transaction information that includes his name, shipping address, billing address, and financial information (e.g., credit card, debit account, or other electronic commerce financial information), as well as specifying the goods or services and associated prices being ordered or purchased.
  • financial information e.g., credit card, debit account, or other electronic commerce financial information
  • Process block 136 indicates that ASP 18 stores the customer transaction information in database 20.
  • Process block 138 indicates that ASP 18 transfers the customer transaction information to the data transfer destination and in the data transfer format specified by User 22.
  • the customer transaction information is transferred periodically in batches (e.g., daily), commonly resulting in customer transaction information from multiple transactions being transferred in each batch.
  • the customer transaction information that is transferred to the data transfer destination typically would not include the financial information that is provided by Customers 24.
  • Process block 140 indicates that ASP 18 submits the financial information provided by Customers 24 to a financial institution (e.g., a bank) for settlement. Settlement includes conventional processing of financial information, such as credit card information, to effect a financial transfer from, or debit of an account of, Customer 24. Settlement may also include processing of financial information other than credit cards, such as "electronic money" and related financial instruments that are under development.
  • Process block 142 indicates that ASP 18 makes a financial receipts transfer to User 22 upon confirmed settlement of the financial information submitted to the financial institution.
  • the financial receipts transfer effects a funds transfer from ASP 18 to User 22.
  • the financial receipts transfer to User 22 is made subject to a transaction service charge made by ASP 18.
  • ASP 18 provides processing and settlement of financial information on behalf of Users 22.
  • Some transactions between Users and Customers might not include remuneration and so might not require processing and settlement of financial information by ASP 18.
  • the present invention could be utilized for transactions that do not include remuneration.
  • Users 22 could define a transaction form from a transaction form template that does not obtain financial information from Customers 24.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
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  • Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un service de transaction par formulaires automatisés, fourni, par exemple, par un fournisseur de services applicatifs (FSA) (18) et permettant à plusieurs utilisateurs (22), tels que des particuliers, des petites entreprises ou des organisations, d'exploiter des formulaires automatisés ou tout autre moyen de commerce électronique avec des consommateurs (24) par l'intermédiaire d'un réseau informatique mondial (10) tel qu'Internet. Dans une réalisation, le FSA (18) héberge un serveur accessible par Internet (10). Lesdits utilisateurs (22) accèdent à un modèle de formulaire depuis ledit serveur (12) afin de créer des formulaires de transaction automatisés servant à collecter les informations nécessaires pour effectuer des transactions par formulaires automatisés. Ledit service de transaction FSA (18) reçoit des informations de transaction par l'intermédiaire des formulaires de transaction automatisés remplis par des consommateurs (24). Le FSA (18) transmet aux utilisateurs (12) des informations identifiant les clients ainsi que des sélections de produits et de services effectuées par lesdits consommateurs (24), pour traiter la transaction par formulaires automatisés. Le FSA (18) transmet également à une institution financière des informations financières relatives aux consommateurs (p. ex., fiches de carte de crédit ou autres informations financières électroniques).
PCT/US2001/008910 2000-04-06 2001-03-20 Service de transaction par formulaires automatises en libre-service WO2001077975A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001247609A AU2001247609A1 (en) 2000-04-06 2001-03-20 Automated self-service forms transaction service

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US54352600A 2000-04-06 2000-04-06
US09/543,526 2000-04-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001077975A1 true WO2001077975A1 (fr) 2001-10-18

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ID=24168416

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/008910 WO2001077975A1 (fr) 2000-04-06 2001-03-20 Service de transaction par formulaires automatises en libre-service

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2001247609A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001077975A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7054880B2 (en) 2002-04-26 2006-05-30 Sbc Technology Resources, Inc. System and method for creating electronic marketplaces
CN109359202A (zh) * 2018-08-10 2019-02-19 昆仑智汇数据科技(北京)有限公司 基于音频视频记录的电子运维工单自动生成方法及系统

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5038293A (en) * 1988-12-13 1991-08-06 Postal Buddy Corporation Method and apparatus for vending customized documents
US5552586A (en) * 1994-06-15 1996-09-03 Kalman; Richard L. Personal ID memory card/agency

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5038293A (en) * 1988-12-13 1991-08-06 Postal Buddy Corporation Method and apparatus for vending customized documents
US5038293B1 (en) * 1988-12-13 1996-08-20 Sidney R Goodman Method and apparatus for vending customized documents
US5552586A (en) * 1994-06-15 1996-09-03 Kalman; Richard L. Personal ID memory card/agency

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7054880B2 (en) 2002-04-26 2006-05-30 Sbc Technology Resources, Inc. System and method for creating electronic marketplaces
US7461084B2 (en) 2002-04-26 2008-12-02 At&T Labs, Inc. Registry/repository based private market generator
CN109359202A (zh) * 2018-08-10 2019-02-19 昆仑智汇数据科技(北京)有限公司 基于音频视频记录的电子运维工单自动生成方法及系统

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