Patent Application
20080098000
Referring now to the figures,
Referring more specifically to
Processor 132 in application provider system 130 executes a program of stored instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention as described herein, including for storing data in a centralized location, specifically, database 138. Memory 134 stores these programmed instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention as described herein, although some or all of the programmed instructions could be stored and/or executed elsewhere. A variety of different types of memory storage devices, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) in the system or a floppy disk, hard disk, CD ROM, DVD ROM, or other computer readable medium which is read from and/or written to by a magnetic, optical, or other reading and/or writing system that is coupled to the processor, can be used for the memory in the management server system. Interface 140 in application provider system 130 is used to operatively couple and communicate between application provider system 130 and user computing systems 110a-110n and service provider systems 150a-150n via communications network 102, although other types and numbers of connections and other configurations and other types of communication systems could be used. In a preferred embodiment, communication network 102 utilizes TCP/IP over Ethernet and uses industry-standard protocols including SOAP, XML, LDAP, and SNMP, although other types and numbers of communication systems, such as a direct connection, a local area network, a wide area network, modems and phone lines, e-mails, and/or wireless communication technology each having their own communications protocols, could be used.
Each of user computing systems 110a-110n enable a user to utilize an application from application provider system 130, such as the ecommerce application by way of example only, although one or more of the user computing systems 110a-110n could utilize other applications and could provide a wide variety of other functions for the user. Each of user computing systems 110a-110n preferably includes a central processing unit (CPU) or processor 112, a memory 114, a user input device 116, a display 118, and an interface 120, which are coupled together by a bus or other link 122. However, user computing systems 110a-110n can comprise other numbers and types of components and systems in other configurations. In addition, any number of user computing systems can be connected to communications network 102. Processor 112 executes a program of stored instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention as described and illustrated herein, including the process for storing centralized data with an application, although the processor 112 could execute other types of programmed instructions.
Memory 114 stores these programmed instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention as described herein, including the process for storing centralized data in database 138 with an application, although some or all of the programmed instructions could be stored and/or executed elsewhere. A variety of different types of memory storage devices, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) in the system or a floppy disk, hard disk, CD ROM, or other computer readable medium which is read from and/or written to by a magnetic, optical, or other reading and/or writing system that is coupled to one or more processors, can be used for the memory 114.
User input device 116 is used to input selections, such as user data including name, address, credit card information, frequent flyer information, appointments, relevant personal dates, i.e. birthdays, anniversary, etc., and other personal data and to interact with application provider system 130 and store data in database 138. In addition, user input device 116 could be used to input other types of data and interact with other elements. User input device 116 preferably comprises a computer keyboard and/or a computer mouse, although other types and numbers of user input devices 116 can be used.
Display 118 is used to show data and information to the user, such as the application being utilized and one or more centralized data storage features, although other types of data and information could be displayed and other manners of providing notification can be used, such as via email, page, SMS, and Web. Display 118 comprises a computer display screen, such as a CRT or LCD screen by way of example only, although other types and numbers of displays could be used.
Interface system 120 is used to operatively couple and communicate between user computing systems 110a-110n, application provider system 130, and service provider systems 150a-150n via communications system 102, although other types and numbers of connections and other configurations and other types of communication systems could be used.
Each of service provider systems 150a-150n provides one or more transaction options, such as a good or service which may be provided for free or for a fee, although one or more of the service provider systems 150a-150n could provide other goods or services and could have other functions and other types and numbers of systems could be used. Each of the service provider systems 150a-150n includes a central processing unit (CPU) or processor 152, a memory 154, an application server 156, a database 158, and an interface 160, which are coupled together by a bus or other link 162, although other numbers and types of each of the components and other configurations and locations for the components can be used.
Processor 152 in each of the service provider systems 150a-150n executes a program of stored instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention as described herein, including for storing data in a centralized location. Memory 154 stores these programmed instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention as described herein, although some or all of the programmed instructions could be stored and/or executed elsewhere. A variety of different types of memory storage devices, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) in the system or a floppy disk, hard disk, CD ROM, or other computer readable medium which is read from and/or written to by a magnetic, optical, or other reading and/or writing system that is coupled to the processor, can be used for the memory in the management server system. Interface 160 in each of service provider systems 150a-150n is used to operatively couple and communicate between service provider systems 150a-150n, application provider system 130, and user computing systems 110a-110n via communications system 102, although other types and numbers of connections and other configurations and other types of communication systems could be used. Service provider systems 150a-150n also include an application server 156 for providing the application to application provider system 130, which then provides the application to user computing systems 110a-110n.
Although an example of embodiments utilizing application provider system 130, user computing systems 110a-110n, and service provider systems 150a-150n are described and illustrated herein, each of application provider system 130, user computing systems 110a-110n, and service provider systems 150a-150n of the present invention could be implemented on any suitable computer system or computing device. It is to be understood that the devices and systems of the exemplary embodiments are for exemplary purposes, as many variations of the specific hardware and software used to implement the exemplary embodiments are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s).
Furthermore, each of the systems of the present invention may be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose computer systems, microprocessors, digital signal processors, micro-controllers, and the like, programmed according to the teachings of the present invention as described and illustrated herein, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the computer and software arts.
In addition, two or more computing systems or devices can be substituted for any one of the systems in any embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as redundancy, replication, and the like, also can be implemented, as desired, to increase the robustness and performance of the devices and systems of the exemplary embodiments. The present invention may also be implemented on computer system or systems that extend across any network using any suitable interface mechanisms and communications technologies including, for example telecommunications in any suitable form (e.g., voice, modem, and the like), wireless communications media, wireless communications networks, cellular communications networks, G3 communications networks, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTNs), Packet Data Networks (PDNs), the Internet, intranets, a combination thereof, and the like.
The present invention may also be embodied as a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon for centralized data storage as described herein, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to carry out the steps necessary to implement the methods of the present invention as described and illustrated herein.
In step 210, new fields are required, they will be provided by the service provider system 150a-150n, and will be stored by the application provider system 130. By way of example only, these fields can be mailing address, social security number, credit card information, credit information, although other fields may be used.
In step 212, the master field list is updated in standardized format and published to the application provider system 130, to be retrieved by service provider systems 150a-150n.
Although an example of embodiments of the application provider system 130, the user computing systems 110a-110n, and the service provider systems 150a-150n are described and illustrated herein, each of application provider system 130, user computing systems 110a-110n, and service provider systems 150a-150n of the present invention could be implemented on any suitable computer system or computing device. It is to be understood that the devices and systems of the exemplary embodiments are for exemplary purposes, as many variations of the specific hardware and software used to implement the exemplary embodiments are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s).
Furthermore, each of the systems of the present invention may be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose computer systems, microprocessors, digital signal processors, micro-controllers, and the like, programmed according to the teachings of the present invention as described and illustrated herein, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the computer and software arts.
In addition, two or more computing systems or devices can be substituted for any one of the systems in any embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as redundancy, replication, and the like, also can be implemented, as desired, to increase the robustness and performance of the devices and systems of the exemplary embodiments. The present invention may also be implemented on computer system or systems that extend across any network using any suitable interface mechanisms and communications technologies including, for example telecommunications in any suitable form (e.g., voice, modem, and the like), wireless communications media, wireless communications networks, cellular communications networks, G3 communications networks, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTNs), Packet Data Networks (PDNs), the Internet, intranets, a combination thereof, and the like.
The present invention may also be embodied as a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon for central data store as described herein, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to carry out the steps necessary to implement the methods of the present invention as described and illustrated herein.
In step 308, the user of user computing systems 110a-110n is optionally presented with a form with pre-filled fields where applicable by application provider system 130. Depending on the characteristics of the transaction, it may be preferred that the user not be presented with the stored data for confirmation. For example, this may be desirable for recurring transactions that are done frequently. In step 310, if the user does not need to enter additional fields as determined by service provider system 150a-150n, then the No branch is taken to step 316. If the user is required to enter additional fields as determined by service provider system 150a-150n, then the Yes branch is taken to step 312.
In step 312, the user of user computing system 110a-110n fills out the remaining fields using user input device 116 into the fields shown on display 118, although other manners for entering the data can be used, by way of example only, having the data auto-populated from data stored and retrieved from other sources, although other methods can be used. In step 314, the new personal information entered will be updated to the master profile and stored by application provider system 130 for future use.
In step 316, service provider system 150a-150n will determine if one of user computing systems 110a-110n can have the option of choosing alternate options, by way of example only, such as alternate credit card numbers or shipping addresses, although other options may be used. If service provider system 150a-150n determines there are no user choices to be determined, then the No branch is taken to step 320. If so, the Yes branch is taken to step 318, at which point the user is presented with an opportunity to input the alternate data.
Next, in step 320, the transaction is completed by service provider system 150a-150n, and a confirmation is sent to the user of user computing system 110a-110n.
Having thus described the basic concept of the invention, it will be rather apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and is not limiting. Various alterations, improvements, and modifications will occur and are intended to those skilled in the art, though not expressly stated herein. These alterations, improvements, and modifications are intended to be suggested hereby, and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the recited order of processing elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations therefore, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any order except as may be specified in the claims. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereto.
