JP2003524231A - Computer implemented trading system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract A computer implemented trading system comprises a server configured to host a World Wide Website. The system includes an interface for accepting input with offers or requests for products or services categorized according to a plurality of (n) predetermined criteria from visitors to the site, and an input offer or request. An n-dimensional database for storing requests according to the classification and a search engine for searching the database according to one or more n classifications are provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to computer-implemented trading systems, and more particularly, to buyers requiring a simple and inexpensive advertising and trading mechanism using the World Wide Web (WWW) or the Internet. System suitable for acting as an intermediary between a seller and a seller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many areas of business, when a person wants to use personal or corporate services in a new area, they generally make prior recommendations or that area (ar).
The selection is based on the recognition of the individual or company's reputation in ea). If neither of these is available, then the selection method can be limited to flipping through the vocational phonebook, such as Yellow Pages, and selecting the most attractive advertisement. world·
With the advent of the wide web, many individuals and businesses have their own WWW site or advertise their products or services on at least one page on the WWW site. Many sites and pages can be extremely valuable if you know exactly what you are looking for and who are interested in your product or service. Unfortunately, the sites and pages of less technically advanced companies often do not display their technology, services or products, are more than advertising, and provide sufficient detail about a particular area of interest. Sometimes there is not.

There are search engines powered by computer software that are free to access and use to find related WWW sites and pages.
However, the majority of search engines are based in the United States,
It just provides a general search mechanism. Most search engines have an associated system or part that creates an entry in the search database that looks for a new WWW site or page and associates the location of that site or page with the appropriate search keyword. Searching for a WWW site using such a search engine requires matching search terms with keywords. The process of determining keywords is generally automated and sometimes incorrect keywords are assigned. Therefore, some WWW sites may not be found even if the correct search text is entered. Similarly, different search engines may use different keywords (eg synonyms and abbreviations) to classify the same content, so searchers may search to cover these variations. Need to repeat. In addition, the keywords that are automatically associated with WWW sites are extracted from the content of most WWW sites without any interaction with the site owner. Therefore, the keywords depend on the content of the WWW site, which as described above does not represent the business.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented trading system comprises a server configured to host a world wide website. The system includes an interface that accepts inputs from visitors to the site, including offers or requests for products or services classified according to a plurality (n) of predetermined criteria, and inputs. An n-dimensional database for storing the offered offers or requests according to their classification and a search engine for searching the database according to one or more n classifications.

In the present invention, the WWW site provides a bidirectionally searchable database and a corresponding search engine. This site allows users to request the supply of products or services by submitting the form provided on this WWW site. The requests sent are preferably classified by the user according to some defined criteria, the user selecting a value from a limited set for each criterion. Requests are stored in a multi-dimensional database, with each dimension corresponding to one of the criteria such that the user's classification of requests defines a point in the multi-dimensional space of the database in which the requests should be stored. This allows
Users who use the appropriate criteria to determine a search statement can use this database and be alerted to requests in the space in the database covered by the search statement. Bi-directional use of classification means that the user manages the classification of his request. Similarly, searchers will be able to limit their searches to the same predetermined criteria used to categorize requests so that they do not make mistakes in their requests due to the use of synonyms, similes or various abbreviations. Is guaranteed. The system is equally applicable when offers are placed in a multidimensional database and users requesting products or services search the database in the same way. The user sending the request is preferably informed about the offers that are in their individual classification and vice versa. Accordingly, the present invention provides a fast and powerful interactive search and advertising medium.

In another aspect of the invention, in a computer implemented trading system comprising a server configured to host a world wide website, a method of storing and retrieving requests and offers is provided to the site. Accepting input from a plurality of (n) predetermined product or service offers or requests categorized according to a predetermined number of visitors, and inputting to an n-dimensional database according to the categorization. Storing the offers or requests, and allowing the requests and offers to be obtained by searching the database according to one or more n classifications.

A further aspect of the present invention is a computer implemented trading system comprising a server configured to host a World Wide Website, the method of posting a request comprising the steps of: visiting the site; Contains fields for request details, contact details, and a plurality (n) of predetermined criteria that serve to categorize the request and define the point in the n-dimensional database where the request is stored. Filling in an electronic form, the predefined criteria include the industry sector of the visitor, the function in the industry sector, the geographical location and the industry sector of the potential supplier.

Preferably, each predetermined criterion has an individual number of possible values. The interface may show the value of each criterion for selection by the visitor.

Contact details of a visitor making an offer or request may be linked to the offer or request in a multidimensional database. Contact details may be stored with the offer or request. Preferably, the contact details are hidden from the searcher and are made public upon payment of the fee.

Representative classification criteria may include industry sector, job function in industry sector, geographical location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a computer system for implementing the present invention. The computer system includes a server 10 hosting a WWW site 20 on the Internet 30. The WWW site 20 has access to the Internet,
It is accessible by the user via a computer terminal 40 equipped with suitable WWW browser software. A user who wants to secure the services of a company or an individual (for example, a business consultant) visits the WWW site 20 and requests the industrial sector (for example, law), the user's industrial sector (for example, a consumer electronic device manufacturing industry) Select criteria values such as job function within industry sector (eg human resource), geographical location (eg Northeast UK) and fill out a form to classify requests. The user also provides further details that form the main part of the request. In this case, these details may also include the particular legal issue or work, deadline date, and particular expertise required. The user sending the request also provides contact details to the system so that the requesting supplier can contact them to satisfy the request. However, the user's request is initially anonymous to the searcher until the searcher pays the system for the contact details. The data sent in this form is processed by the server 10 and the database 50
Stored in. The database 50 is multidimensional, and the dimensions are defined by the above criteria. Therefore, the request is linked to a point in the multidimensional space of the database by the value of the criteria specified by the user and stored at the specific point determined by its classification.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a four-dimensional database, showing three reference dimensions. Mark "Record" at the location of the space where the user's request is stored.

Another user who has a product or service that he / she wants to supply visits the WWW site 20 and fills in an electronic search form. The fields on the form correspond to the criteria previously used by the people who submitted the request. However, in this case, the criteria are used in the opposite way: if the supplier enters details about their intended buyer and their industry sector, the requesting user's industry sector, job function, geographical location, etc. Allows you to select a value to search for criteria. This information is
Requests sent by other users are matched to a point or range in the database 50 from which they are obtained and shown to the supplier. If the supplier finds a request that they would like to satisfy, they pay the WWW site 20 an appropriate fee and the WWW site 2
0 gives the contact details to allow contact.

The reverse setup, in which the supplier places the offer in the database for the buyer's search, is carried out in exactly the same way as the one described above, swapping the roles of the two. Indeed, the system does not identify offers and requests, stores both in the same space of the database, and the search engine provides searchers with a simple option to search for offers and / or requests.

The use of this system is currently charged, and payment is required in order for the system to be notified of the contact details of the user who posted the offer or request. Optionally, the offering provider pays a one-time or recurring fee and includes contact details that are freely accessible to the user, including a URL link to their WWW site, if appropriate. , More advanced ads may be placed in the database.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a search performed on the database of FIG. It is not necessary to specify a value for each n reference dimension to search the database. Obviously, the more dimensions a value is identified in, the more rigorous and focused the search results will be. Figure 3 shows a highlighted portion of the database where requests or offers are obtained when the searcher's industry sector is set as "mortgage" and the geographic location is set as "South East England". There is. Result is,
Reply will be made regardless of the buyer's industry sector or job.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention can be extended to create a two-way anonymous market. Once the supplier finds a request that he or she wants to satisfy, he will reply to that request and post a response to the database.
The response is stored in the database with the request and is accessible only to the requesting user. Once the requesting user views the response, he or she chooses what should be followed up, and the WWW
Instruct the site to issue contact information. The supplier receiving the contact information may access and contact the contact details of the requesting user. At the next logon, the requesting user is notified that a response to the request has been posted.

Examples of values for the reference dimension such as industry sector, job function, geographic location, etc. include: Industrial sector 1. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Agricultural Production-Crops Agricultural Production-Livestock Agricultural Services Forestry Fisheries 2. Mining and quarrying Metal mining Coal mining Oil and gas mining Other mineral mining 3. Construction industry General housing construction industry General commercial construction industry Heavy / core facility construction industry Architectural jobs-commercial / contractors Architectural jobs-household 4. Manufacturing Food & Beverage Textiles Clothing / Shoes / Leather Products Timber / Wood Products Furniture, Fixtures, Fixtures Paper Products Print Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Petroleum Products and Nuclear Products Rubber and Plastics Stone, Clay, Glass, Concrete Primary / Basic Metals Processed Metal Products Engineering 4. Machinery and equipment Computers, office equipment Electric equipment Consumer electronic equipment and electric equipment Medical equipment, scientific equipment and precision equipment Cameras, watches, pens, jewelry, music, toys Cars, transport aircraft, aerospace 5. Electricity, gas and water 6. Media, Postal, Communications Newspapers Books Periodicals and Magazines Music Television Radio Movies Internet Telephone, Fax and Cable Mail / Parcel Delivery 7. Transportation, Travel and Vehicles Rail Passengers Rail Freight Buses / Coaches / Taxi Road Transportation and Warehousing Ships-Commercial Boats and Water Sports Air Transportation-Commercial Airplanes and Aerial Sports Transportation Services Travel Agents and Traveler Services Vehicles Motorcycles Large wagons Lorries and commercial vehicles Fuel sales and parking Motorsports 8. Wholesale Durable Goods Non-durable Goods 9. Retail and repair industry Building materials, DIY materials and horticultural materials General / Department stores Food stores Clothing, shoes and leather products Furniture, household equipment Home appliances Consumer electronics, computers and cameras Newspaper sales, books, music and stationery Pharmacy Sports and bicycles Fuel for household use Gifts, jewelry, hobbies, toys, games, flowers Antiques, second-hand goods, pawn shops Liquor retailers Mail-order / direct sales companies Real estate agents Household / personal services 10. Finance Business Consumer Bank Accounts Personal Loans Mortgage Insurance Life Insurance Annuities Credit Cards Consumer Stock Transactions Corporate Loans and Financial Services Investment Banking and Corporate Transactions Securities Transactions and Funds Management Leasing and Leasing Merchandise Professional and Business Services Accounting, Auditing, Taxes Legal Business Consulting IT Consulting, Software, Hardware, Services Employment Agencies, Employment Information Industry Public Relations Marketing and Advertising Industry Architect Design, Photography, Graphics, Copy Cleaning and Maintenance Security Research and development Analysis and testing Assets and real estate 12. Recreation, Entertainment and Membership Cinemas, theaters, videos, dance clubs Hotels, pubs, camps and restaurants Bands, actors, entertainers Museums and galleries Amusement and game centers Races-athletics, horse racing, other Membership health clubs, golf clubs , Sports clubs Professional sports clubs and business owners Enterprises and professional organizations Political and labor organizations Citizens and social organizations Religious organizations Charity 13. Government and private services Central administration Local administration Welfare education Police, fire, courts, prisons Social services 14. consumer

[0019] Duties:       Research and development       Procurement       Manufacturing / Operation       marketing       Sale       service       Manager / Strategy       Corporate development / transaction       Finance       human resources       Information technology       law       Facility / Asset       Investor / Public / Shareholder PR       consumer

[0020] Geographic location: England             South East (excluding London)             London             South West Region             East Midlands             West Midlands and Wales             North East             North West             Scotland             Northern Ireland       America             50 states       Canada             all states       Australia             All States / All Territories       All other countries at the national level, including the Republic of Ireland

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that modifications and additions of the above embodiment are possible within the scope of the invention. The WWW interface processes some of the registration details of the user and the body of the request and is supplemented by some kind of intelligent guidance that works to provide a guess about the value of a given criterion for the user to agree or reject. You may. The functions of common computer programs such as user management, recording and reporting may be used to maintain and operate the system according to the present invention. In addition to those proposed, there are numerous charging opportunities for using the system, including posting requests and offers, posting replies, issuing solicitations to contacts, and obtaining details about contacts.

In addition to the anonymous system described above, the structure used in the present invention also lends itself to browseable directory listings using similar multidimensional databases.
Directory listings may include advertisements or links to other WWW sites, or regular offers to offer goods or services. Such services will be charged on an updated basis for these advertisements.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a computer system for implementing the present invention.

[Fig. 2]   FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the database used in the present invention.

[Figure 3]   FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a search performed on the database of FIG.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG , ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, C A, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM , DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, K E, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS , LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, R U, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM , TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A computer-implemented trading system comprising a server configured to host the World Wide Web, the system comprising a plurality (n) of predefined visitor to site sites. An interface for accepting inputs with offers or requests for products or services classified according to specified criteria, and an n-dimensional database for storing the offers or requests entered according to the classification; A computer implemented trading system comprising a search engine that searches a database according to one or more n classifications. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each predetermined criterion has a disparate number of possible values. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the interface indicates the value of each criterion for selection by the visitor. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein details regarding the contact of the visitor making the offer and request are linked to the offer and request in the multidimensional database. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein contact details are stored with the offer or request. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the contact details are hidden from the searcher and made public by paying a fee. 7. The claim, wherein the predetermined criteria for the request include the industry sector of the requesting visitor, the job function within the industry sector, the geographical location, and the industry sector of the potential supplier. The system according to Item 1. 8. The predetermined criteria for an offer include the industry sector of the visitor making the offer, the job within the industry sector, the geographical location, and the industry sector of the potential customer. The system according to 1. 9. The industrial sector comprises agricultural production-crops, agricultural production-livestock, agricultural services, forestry, agriculture, forestry and fisheries including fisheries, metal mining, coal mining, oil and gas mining, and other mining and mining including mineral mining. Industry, general housing construction, general commercial construction, heavy / core facility construction, construction jobs-commercial /
Contractors, construction professionals-construction industry including household, food and drink, textiles, clothing / shoes / skin products, wood / wood products, furniture, fixtures, fixtures, paper products, printed materials, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, petroleum, nuclear power Products, rubber and plastics, stone, clay, glass, concrete, primary / base metals, processed metal products, engineering,
Machinery and equipment, computers and office equipment, electrical equipment, consumer electronics and equipment, medical equipment, scientific and precision equipment, cameras, watches, pens, jewelry, music, toys, automobiles, transportation, aerospace Manufacturing, electricity, gas, water, newspapers, books, periodicals, magazines, music, TV, radio, movies, internet, telephone, fax and wire, media including post / parcel delivery, mail, telecommunication, rail passengers , Rail freight, buses / coaches / cabs, road transportation, warehousing, ships-commercial, boats, water sports, air transportation-commercial, airplane and air sports, transportation services, travel agency and traveler services, Transportation, including automobiles, motorcycles, large wagons, lorries and commercial vehicles, fuel sales, parking lots, motorsports, Business, transportation vehicles, wholesale including durable goods and non-durable goods, building materials, DIY materials and horticultural materials, general / department stores, grocery stores, clothing, shoes, leather products, furniture, household appliances, home appliances , Consumer electronics, computers, cameras, newspaper sales, books, music, stationery, pharmacies, sports and bicycles, household fuels,
Gifts, jewelry, hobbies, toys, games, flowers, antiques, second-hand goods, pawn shops, liquor stores, mail-order / direct sales companies, real estate agents, retailers and repair businesses including household / personal services, consumption Investor bank accounts, personal loans, mortgages, insurance, life insurance, pensions, credit cards, consumer equity transactions, corporate lending and financial services, investment banking and corporate transactions, securities transactions, cash management, leasing, renting, commodity transactions Finance, accounting, auditing, taxation, law, business consulting, information technology-consulting, software, hardware, services, employment agencies, job information, public relations, marketing and advertising, architects, design, photography, Includes graphics, copying, cleaning and maintenance, security, research and development, analysis and testing, assets and real estate. Professional and business services, cinema, theater, video, dance clubs, hotels, pubs, camping and restaurants, bands, actors, entertainers, museums and galleries, amusement parks and game center,
Race-athletics, horse racing, other, membership health clubs, golf clubs, sports clubs, professional sports clubs and business owners, companies and professional groups, political and labor groups, civil and social groups, religious groups, charities. Claim 8 or consisting of recreational, entertainment and membership organizations including, central administration, local administration, welfare, education, police, fire fighting, courts, prisons, administrative and private services including social services, and those selected by consumers. The system according to claim 9. 10. The duties include research and development, procurement, manufacturing / operation, marketing, sales, service, management / strategy, corporate development / transaction, finance, human resources, information technology, law, facility / asset, investor /
10. The system of claim 8 or claim 9, comprising mass / shareholder public relations and consumer selections. 11. Geographical locations include United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia, including South East, London, South West, Inland East, Inland West, Wales, North East, North West, Scotland, Northern Ireland. 10. A system according to claim 8 or claim 9 including countries of the world in addition to selected regions. 12. In a computer-implemented trading system comprising a server configured to host a world wide web site, the method of storing and retrieving requests and offers includes multiple visitor to this site. (N) accepting an input with an offer or request for a product or service classified according to a predetermined criterion, and n depending on the classification.
Storing the offers or requests entered in the dimensional database;
Enabling a request and an offer to be obtained by searching a database according to one or more n classifications. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein each predetermined criterion has a disparate number of possible values. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the interface indicates respective criteria for selection by a visitor. 15. The interface comprises accepting input of details about a hidden contact from a searcher linked to stored offers and requests, and the method accepts payment to publish the contact details. Item 12. The method according to Item 12. 16. The pre-defined criteria for a request comprises the industry sector of the requesting visitor, the job function within the industry sector, the geographical location, and the industry sector of the potential supplier. Item 12. The method according to Item 12. 17. The predetermined criteria for an offer comprises the industry sector of the visitor making the offer, the job function within the industry sector, the geographical location, and the industry sector of the potential customer. 12. The method according to 12. 18. The mining and quarrying industry including agricultural production-crops, agricultural production-livestock, agricultural services, forestry, agriculture, forestry and fisheries including fisheries, metal mining, coal mining, oil and gas mining, and other mineral mining. Industry, general housing construction, general commercial construction, heavy / core facility construction, construction jobs-commercial /
Contractors, construction professionals-construction industry including household, food and drink, textiles, clothing / shoes / skin products, wood / wood products, furniture, fixtures, fixtures, paper products, printed materials, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, petroleum, nuclear power Products, rubber and plastics, stone, clay, glass, concrete, primary / base metals, processed metal products, engineering,
Machinery and equipment, computers and office equipment, electrical equipment, consumer electronics and equipment, medical equipment, scientific and precision equipment, cameras, watches, pens, jewelry, music, toys, automobiles, transportation, aerospace Manufacturing, electricity, gas, water, newspapers, books, periodicals, magazines, music, TV, radio, movies, internet, telephone, fax and wire, media including post / parcel delivery, mail, telecommunication, rail passengers , Rail freight, buses / coaches / cabs, road transportation, warehousing, ships-commercial, boats, water sports, air transportation-commercial, airplane and air sports, transportation services, travel agency and traveler services, Transportation, including automobiles, motorcycles, large wagons, lorries and commercial vehicles, fuel sales, parking lots, motorsports, Business, transportation vehicles, wholesale including durable goods and non-durable goods, building materials, DIY materials and horticultural materials, general / department stores, grocery stores, clothing, shoes, leather products, furniture, household appliances, home appliances , Consumer electronics, computers, cameras, newspaper sales, books, music, stationery, pharmacies, sports and bicycles, household fuels,
Gifts, jewelry, hobbies, toys, games, flowers, antiques, second-hand goods, pawn shops, liquor stores, mail-order / direct sales companies, real estate agents, retailers and repair businesses including household / personal services, consumption Investor bank accounts, personal loans, mortgages, insurance, life insurance, pensions, credit cards, consumer equity transactions, corporate lending and financial services, investment banking and corporate transactions, securities transactions, cash management, leasing, renting, commodity transactions Finance, accounting, auditing, taxation, law, business consulting, information technology-consulting, software, hardware, services, employment agencies, job information, public relations, marketing and advertising, architects, design, photography, Includes graphics, copying, cleaning and maintenance, security, research and development, analysis and testing, assets and real estate. Professional and business services, cinema, theater, video, dance clubs, hotels, pubs, camping and restaurants, bands, actors, entertainers, museums and galleries, amusement parks and game center,
Race-athletics, horse racing, other, membership health clubs, golf clubs, sports clubs, professional sports clubs and business owners, companies and professional groups, political and labor groups, civil and social groups, religious groups, charities. Claim 16 or consisting of recreational, recreational and membership organizations including, central administration, local administration, welfare, education, police, fire fighting, courts, prisons, administrative and private services including social services, and those selected by consumers. The method according to claim 17. 19. The duties include research and development, procurement, manufacturing / operation, marketing, sales, service, management / strategy, corporate development / transaction, finance, human resources, information technology, law, facility / asset, investment. House/
18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, comprising public / shareholder public relations and consumer selections. 20. Geographical locations include United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia including South East, London, South West, Inland East, Inland West, Wales, North East, North West, Scotland, Northern Ireland. 18. A method as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 including countries of the world in addition to selected regions. 21. In a computer-implemented trading system comprising a server configured to host a world wide website, a method of posting a request comprises the steps of visiting the site, and a detailed field of the request. , An electronic field that contains details about the contact and a plurality (n) of predetermined criteria that serve to classify the request and define points in the n-dimensional database in which the request is stored. Forming and pre-determining criteria include the visitor's industry sector, job in the industry sector, geographical location and potential supplier industry sector. 22. A computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions for executing the system of claim 1. 23. A computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions for performing the method of claim 12. 24. A computer-readable data storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions for executing the system of claim 1. 25. A computer-readable data storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions for performing the method of claim 12. 26. A carrier wave encoding computer-executable instructions for implementing the system of claim 1. 27. A carrier wave encoding computer-executable instructions for performing the method of claim 12.