JP4698834B2 - Internetwork product, service and content ordering method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for enabling consumers to order goods, services and content from one or more computers connected by a common communication link, and more particularly, to the Internet. A method and apparatus for allowing a consumer to order goods, services and content from a computer that has been ordered by a telephone service provider to the consumer for the ordered goods, services and content Will be charged automatically.
[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Communication networks are well known in the field of computer communications. By definition, a network is a group of computers and related devices connected by a communication facility or link. Network communications can be of a permanent nature, such as via a cable, or of a temporary nature, such as a connection through a telephone or a wireless link. The network includes a local area network (LAN) consisting of several computers or workstations and associated equipment, a wide area network (WAN) interconnecting geographically distributed computers and LANs, and temporary communication between remote computers. There are all sizes, up to remote access service (RAS) interconnected via a link. An internetwork is a network in which a plurality of similar or dissimilar computer networks are connected by a gateway or router that facilitates data transmission and conversion from each network. “Internet” is a well-known abbreviation for the term internetwork. In the current understanding, the term “Internet” beginning with a capital letter refers to a collection of networks and routers that use Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) to communicate with each other.
[0003]
A representative portion of the Internet 20 is shown in FIG. 1 (Prior Art), in which a plurality of local area networks (LANs) 24 and wide area networks (WANs) 26 are interconnected by a router 22. . The router 22 is a special purpose computer that is typically used to interface a LAN or WAN to each other. The communication link between the networks uses a 56 Kbps analog telephone line and a 1 Mbps digital T-1 line and / or a 45 Mbps T-3 line, whereas the communication link in the LAN is a twisted pair line, Coaxial cable is used. In addition, computers and other related electronic equipment can be remotely connected to either LAN 24 or WAN 26 via a modem and a temporary telephone link. FIG. 1 shows such a computer and electronic device connected to one of the LANs through a dotted line. It will be appreciated that the Internet includes a large number of such interconnected networks, computers, and routers, and that only a small representative portion of the Internet 20 is shown in FIG. Will.
[0004]
Recently, the Internet has grown rapidly thanks to the ability to connect computers all over the world. As the Internet has grown, so has the World Wide Web (WWW). The WWW is a collection of a huge number of "hypertext" or interconnected documents written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) that are stored electronically on "websites" throughout the Internet. It is. A website is a server connected to the Internet that has huge storage facilities for hypertext documents and runs management software to handle processing requests for those stored hypertext documents. A hypertext document typically includes several hyperlinks, which are highlighted text portions that link the document to another hypertext document stored somewhere on the Internet. Each hyperlink gives the exact location of the linked document on a server connected to the Internet and is associated with a uniform resource locator (URL) that represents the document. Therefore, even if the hypertext document is retrieved from any web server, it is always understood that the hypertext document is retrieved from the WWW.
[0005]
Consumers can retrieve hypertext documents from the WWW, ie “surf the web” via a web browser. Web browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are software programs used by Web clients, ie, consumer computers, that provide a graphical user interface to the WWW. When requested by a consumer via a web browser, the web client utilizes the URL for the document and the requested hypertext from the appropriate web server using a protocol called Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Access and read text documents. HTTP is a higher level protocol than TCP / IP and is specifically designed to meet WWW requirements. It is used on TCP / IP to exchange hypertext documents between server and client.
[0006]
When the WWW appeared, information stored on the Internet was freely exchanged between parties related to the information. However, the WWW is increasingly becoming a commercial vehicle with a vast number of companies developing their own websites to promote their goods and services. A consumer may search for a hypertext document that resides on a company's “website”, that is, on a particular company's web server, and order any goods or services that the company should provide. If the goods or services are electronically stored information such as books, videos, music CDs, computer games, etc., consumers can simply use the company's website to their computer to consume and use immediately. You may download it. If the goods or services are more tangible, such as equipment or clothing ordered in an online catalog, conventional delivery methods such as postal services are used. Conventional payment methods for such goods and services are by major credit cards, and consumers need to transfer their credit card information to the company's website through the Internet. However, such electronic transfers have many questions regarding security and confidentiality. In addition, many consumers do not have a major credit card to make such purchases. Alternative payment methods for sending credit information by fax or mail are not very convenient and often are sufficient obstacles to prevent sales. It should be noted that conventional payment requests and payment methods do not adequately protect sellers or consumers from unauthorized purchases.
[0007]
Many companies, in addition to goods and services, provide consumers with "paid content", i.e. hypertext documents and other electronically stored and transferable information that are considered financially valuable to the company. I want to supply. Such paid content may include magazine articles, proprietary databases, movies, stock information, radio broadcasts, and the like. Conventional payment methods for accessing such content are also via major credit cards, where consumers pay for the content subscription and transfer their credit information over the Internet to the company's website. There was a need. Even in this method, billing and payment did not adequately protect merchants and consumers from fraudulent sales and did not provide consumers with adequate security.
[0008]
Accordingly, there is a need for a more effective method and apparatus for ordering and billing goods, services, and content over a network and ultimately the Internet. The method and apparatus should provide automatic billing to the consumer without requiring a credit card or transferring any sensitive credit information over the Internet. In addition, when downloaded, consumers should be able to use the goods and services only after payment is complete. Finally, the method and apparatus should prevent consumers with a history of failing to pay for further purchases of goods, services, and / or content.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a computer program for ordering products including products, services, and contents from a computer connected to the Internet, where a consumer is a telephone service provider. The customer is automatically charged for the ordered goods, services and contents. An actual embodiment of the invention is a billing system having a plug-in element and a billing server element. When a consumer orders an item for sale through the Internet, the plug-in element establishes a connection to a billing server that exists somewhere on the Internet. Correspondingly, the billing server element forwards the transaction ID identifying the order to the plug-in element. The plug-in element then disconnects from the Internet and establishes a point-to-point (PPP) connection with the billing server. Once this PPP connection is established, the plug-in element sends the transaction ID back to the billing server element. The billing server element then forwards the access key specified in the order identified by the transaction ID to the plug-in element. The consumer uses the access key to request an ordered item. When a consumer establishes a PPP connection using a telephone number specified and managed by a telephone service provider, the consumer is automatically billed for the sale by the telephone service provider.
[0010]
According to another aspect of the invention, the billing server element also forwards the encrypted order item to the plug-in element before the plug-in element disconnects from the Internet. The plug-in element then uses the access key to decrypt the encrypted sales item.
[0011]
In another embodiment of the present invention, the billing system comprises a plug-in element, a billing server element, and a merchant server element for ordering sales items, such as paid content, over the Internet, You are charged in minutes for accessing the content. When a consumer orders a product for sale through the Internet, the plug-in element provides a pay telephone communication link to a billing server somewhere on the Internet and forwards the order for that product to the billing server. . The billing server element then connects to the merchant server that can supply the merchandise and forwards the order for the merchandise to the merchant server. Correspondingly, the merchant server element supplies the billing server element and the plug-in element with the necessary information for the plug-in element for locating and accessing orders. The consumer is then billed by the telephone service provider for payment for the ordered item while the consumer accesses the ordered item during the duration of the toll telephone communication link with the merchant server. More specifically, the consumer will be billed for the duration of the paid telephone link at a predetermined rate associated with the ordered item and the paid telephone communication link.
[0012]
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the billing server element is connected to the billed phone number and the ordered item for sale through an internet link provided with the billing server prior to providing the toll phone communication link with the billing server. A predetermined (predetermined) rate charged to the plug-in element is supplied.
Methods and apparatus capable of performing functions generally consistent with the plug-in elements, billing servers, and vendor elements described above represent further features of the present invention.
[0013]
[Brief description of the drawings]
The foregoing features and many of the attendant benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a block diagram showing typical parts of the Internet,
FIG. 2 is a schematic of a local area network (LAN) connected to the Internet that supplies products, services, and content ordered by consumers using a computer located somewhere on the Internet in accordance with the present invention. Figure,
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating various elements in the consumer's computer of FIG. 2, used to order goods, services, and content from the Internet in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating various elements in the billing server in FIG. 2 that provide the location of goods, services and / or content ordered in accordance with the present invention and confirm the order;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the various elements of the merchant server in FIG. 2 that provide goods, services, and content ordered in accordance with the present invention.
6A and 6B are windows created by a web browser installed on the consumer's computer from which the consumer orders goods and / or services;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the logic used by a consumer's computer to initiate an order for goods and / or services from the Internet;
8A-8C are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a consumer computer to complete an order for goods and / or services on the Internet;
9A-9F are windows created by the consumer's computer for displaying messages related to orders for goods and / or services;
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the logic used by the billing server connected to the LAN shown in FIG. 2 to supply the ordered goods and / or services;
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the logic used by the billing server connected to the LAN shown in FIG. 2 to confirm the order of goods and / or services;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by a telephone service provider to automatically charge consumers for ordered goods and / or services;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed in parallel by a consumer computer and a billing server to order and supply goods and / or services;
FIG. 14 illustrates a window created by a web browser installed on a consumer's computer for a consumer to order paid content, according to another embodiment of the invention.
15A-15C are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a consumer's computer to order paid content over the Internet;
16A-16D show various windows created by the consumer's computer to display messages related to paid content orders;
FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating the logic used by a consumer's computer to order previously bookmarked paid content;
FIG. 18 shows a window created by the consumer's computer to display a message related to a previously bookmarked paid content order;
FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating the logic used by the billing server connected to the LAN shown in FIG. 13 to initially process paid content orders placed on the consumer's computer;
20A-20B are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a billing server to obtain access information for paid content and provide it to a consumer's computer;
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the logic used by the merchant server to provide access information for paid content to the billing server, and
22A-22B are diagrams illustrating operations performed in parallel by a consumer's computer, billing server, and merchant server to order and supply paid content.
[0014]
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
As described above and shown in FIG. 1, the Internet 20 uses a transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP) to communicate with each other, a local area network (LAN) 24, a wide area network (WAN) 26. , A remote computer 28 and a set of routers. In contrast, the World Wide Web (WWW) is an enormous set of electronically stored information that exists in connected servers throughout the Internet 20 and is interconnected. Many companies now sell access to goods, services, and paid content over the Internet using the WWW. According to the present invention, a consumer orders goods, services and / or contents (hereinafter referred to as sales items) on the Internet 20 through a web browser, and automatically bills for the purchase with a monthly telephone bill. Is done. More specifically, a consumer orders a product, service, or paid content from a computer 42 connected to the Internet 20. This order is processed and confirmed by a billing server 34 connected to the LAN 24 somewhere on the Internet 20, which is owned by the merchant server 39, ie the merchant sponsoring or selling the merchandise, A product for sale is obtained from a server somewhere on the Internet 20.
[0015]
The LAN 24 to which the billing server 34 is connected and the consumer's computer 42 establishes an internet connection for sales ordering is shown in more detail in FIG. In addition to the billing server 34, the LAN 24 has a management computer 32 that is used to manage sales, merchant, purchaser information and services provided by the billing server. LAN 24 is also used to accept temporary telephone links from other computers residing on the Internet 20, such as consumer computers, and also has an access server 38 with a plurality of high speed digital modems. . Finally, the LAN 24 has a personal computer 36 with a computer supported telephony application (CSTA), a standard protocol used in North America to interface the computer 36 with a telephone switch. . However, those skilled in the art will recognize that in other embodiments of the present invention, the access server 38 itself includes computer phone / caller identification software appropriate for the particular telephone system operated by the telephone switch. It will be. As a result, in these embodiments, it is recognized that the CSTA monitoring device 36 is unnecessary.
[0016]
As described in more detail below, after a consumer places an order using computer 42 over the Internet 20, the consumer's computer disconnects from the Internet 20 and confirms the purchase with the billing server 34. Establish a point-to-point (PPP) connection. More specifically, the consumer's computer calls a pay phone number designated for the telephone switch. The telephone switch routed a toll call (telephone call) to the access server 38, and the access server modem responded to the call by establishing a TCP / IP connection with the consumer computer 42. Is notified to the billing server 34. On the other hand, the CSTA monitoring device 36 that monitors the telephone exchange 40 also informs the billing server 34 that a call has been made and completes the PPP connection between the billing server 34 and the consumer computer 42. In an embodiment of the present invention that does not include a CSTA monitoring device 36, the computer phone software on the access server 38 provides this functionality.
[0017]
In the actual embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, the LAN 24 is isolated from the Internet 20 by a firewall server 30 that tracks and controls the flow of all data passing using TCP / IP. The firewall 30 protects the LAN 24 from malicious incoming data traffic. The LAN 24 is a bus network that interconnects computers and servers. The LAN 24 shown in FIG. 2 can be formed from various types of coupling media such as glass or plastic optical fiber cables, coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, ribbon cables, and the like. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the coupling medium can also be a radio frequency coupling medium or other intangible coupling medium. Any computer system or computer systems with the necessary interface hardware, such as workstations, personal computers, laptop computers, servers, remote computers, etc., may be temporarily or permanently connected to the LAN 24, ie the Internet 20. May be. However, when temporarily connected to other equipment connected to the LAN 24 via a telephone link, the interface hardware of both the computer 28 and the equipment connected to it must be equipped with a modem. Finally, FIG. 2 shows only one consumer computer 42, one billing server 34, and one merchant server 39, but those skilled in the art will be able to use hardware as described below. It will be appreciated that multiple consumer computers with software elements, billing servers, merchant servers can be connected to the Internet 20.
[0018]
Related consumer computer, billing server and merchant server elements
FIG. 3 depicts some major elements of the consumer computer 42. One skilled in the art will recognize that this consumer computer 42 includes many elements other than those shown in FIG. However, it is not necessary to show all of these commonly defined elements to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the consumer's computer includes a network interface 44 for connecting to a LAN 24 or WAN 26 or to connect remotely. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this network interface 44 includes the circuit components necessary for such a connection, and the specific network configuration of the LAN or WAN connected to the TCP / IP protocol, and the identification of the coupling medium. It will be understood that the model is configured for use.
[0019]
The consumer computer 42 also includes a processing unit 46, a display 48, a modem 49, and a memory 50. The memory 50 typically includes a permanent mass storage device such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or disk drive. The memory 50 stores program codes and data necessary for ordering items for sale on the Internet 20 in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, the memory 50 incorporates plug-in elements 52, 52 ′ and / or 52 ″ formed in accordance with the present invention for ordering merchandise. It is understood that this element may be stored on a computer readable medium and may be stored in the memory 50 of the consumer computer 42 using a drive mechanism associated with the computer readable medium, such as a floppy or CD-ROM. Will be done. The memory 50 also includes a web browser 51 such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
[0020]
As will be described in more detail below, sales items ordered by consumers are supplied by a remote server, ie, a billing server 34 residing somewhere on the Internet, eg, in the LAN 24 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows some important elements of the billing server 34. One skilled in the art will recognize that the billing server 34 includes more elements than shown in FIG. However, it is not necessary to show all of the common elements to disclose an illustrative embodiment for carrying out embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the billing server 34 is connected to the LAN 24 via the network interface 54. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this network interface 54 includes the circuitry necessary to connect the billing server 34 to the LAN 24 and the firewall 30, and the TCP / IP protocol, LAN 24 bus network configuration, and coupling. It will be appreciated that a particular type of media is configured for use.
[0021]
The billing server 34 also includes a processing device 56, a display 58, and a mass memory 60. Mass memory 60 is typically random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and permanent mass storage devices such as hard disk drives, tape drives, optical drives, floppy drives, or combinations thereof. Have The mass memory 60 stores program codes and data necessary to supply sales items to consumers according to the present invention. More specifically, the mass memory 60 stores billing server elements 62 and / or 62 'configured in accordance with the present invention to supply order sales and confirm orders for sales. Further, the mass memory 60 stores a database 64 of sales item information continuously recorded by the billing server regarding sellers, consumers, and sales items. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this sales and log information database 64 can also be stored on other servers and storage devices connected to the LAN 24. The billing servers 62, 62 ′ and the sales information database 64 can be stored on a computer readable medium and stored in the mass memory 60 of the billing server 34 using a drive mechanism associated with the computer readable medium such as a floppy or CD-ROM. It will be understood that this can be done. The mass memory 60 stores web server software 66 for handling requests for storage information received via the Internet 20 and the WWW.
[0022]
As described in further detail below, sales items ordered by the consumer and supplied by the billing server 34 can now be supplied to the billing server by a merchant server 39 residing somewhere on the Internet 20. In FIG. 5, some of the main components of the merchant server 39 are depicted. One skilled in the art will recognize that this merchant server 39 includes more elements than shown in FIG. However, it is not necessary to show all of these commonly defined elements in order to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the merchant server 39 includes a network interface for connecting to the LAN 24 or the WAN 26 or for connecting to the LAN or WAN remotely. A person skilled in the art knows that the network interface 55 includes the circuit configuration necessary for such a connection, and the TCP / IP protocol, the specific network configuration of the connected LAN or WAN, and the specific type of the coupling medium. It will be understood that it has been configured for use.
[0023]
The trader server 39 further includes a processing device 57, a display 59, and a mass memory 61. The mass memory 61 is generally a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a permanent large capacity such as a hard disk drive, a tape drive, an optical drive, a floppy disk drive, or a combination thereof. It has a storage device. In one practical embodiment of the invention, the mass memory includes a sales database 67 containing electronically stored goods or services ordered by consumers. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sales database 67 is a paid content ordered by a consumer, i.e. a hypertext document or other electronically stored document that is deemed monetary to the merchant. Save. In such an embodiment, the mass memory 61 stores program codes and data necessary for supplying the URL of the pay content and other access information of the pay content to the billing server. More specifically, the mass memory 61 stores a merchant session gateway element 65 configured in accordance with the present invention to provide the billing server with access information necessary for the computer 42 to access the required paid content. . The merchant session gateway element 65 and the merchandise database 67 are stored on a computer readable medium and can be read into the mass memory 61 of the merchant server 39 using a drive mechanism associated with a computer readable medium such as a floppy or CD-ROM. Will be understood. The mass memory 61 stores web server software 66 for handling requests for storage information including paid content received via the Internet and the WWW.
[0024]
Order goods and services
A consumer computer, such as computer 42, typically includes a web browser 51, such as a Netscape Navigator, that provides the consumer with a graphical user interface to the Internet and the WWW. FIG. 6A shows a consumer computer 42 running this web browser 51. The consumer computer consists of a display or monitor 72, a keyboard 74, a mouse 76, and a main unit 78 that includes the elements described above with reference to FIG. The monitor 72 has a screen 73 on which elements of the web browser 51 are displayed. These elements include a main window 80 and a graphics cursor 82 for displaying hypertext documents according to consumer demand.
[0025]
According to a first embodiment for carrying out the present invention, a consumer can use a web browser 51 to visit a merchant's website and retrieve a hypertext document, which can be used for goods and services. Can be ordered. For example, a consumer who uses the computer 42 and the web browser 51 can retrieve the hypertext document displayed in the main window 80 of FIG. 6A from the website of a bookstore temporarily called “ALBERT'S BOOK EMPORIUM”. The consumer selects and “single clicks” with the mouse 76 and operates the graphics cursor 82 to select a particular book. In response, an order window 70 is displayed on the screen 73 of the client computer 42 as shown in FIG. 6B. The order window 70 displays another hypertext document to the consumer, including various payment options, such as a major credit card for electronic transmission of credit information, or facsimile transmission of credit information. Yes. However, according to the present invention, the automatic billing icon 68 is also displayed as one of the payment options. As described in more detail below, when the consumer selects the auto-billing icon 68, the consumer is automatically billed once, that is, a flat-rate bill for the amount of goods ordered from the next month's telephone billing. The
[0026]
FIG. 7 shows the logic executed by the web browser 51 installed on the consumer (client) computer 42 when the automatic billing icon 68 is selected. This logic begins at block 100 and proceeds to block 102 where the web browser 51 determines whether the plug-in element 52 of the first embodiment of the present invention is installed on the consumer's computer 42. . If not, the consumer computer downloads the plug-in 52 from the billing server 34 over the Internet 20 and installs it in the memory 50 at block 104. If the plug-in 52 is already installed on the consumer's computer 42, or if it was not installed but then downloaded, the logic proceeds to block 106 where the plug-in element 52 is It is initialized by the computer 42. The logic then ends at block 108. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the plug-in 52 of the present invention is downloaded, installed and initialized on the consumer's computer using methods well known in the computer network art.
[0027]
Once the plug-in 52 is initialized, the plug-in 52 in the first embodiment of the present invention uses the logic depicted in FIGS. 8A-8C to place a consumer order to the billing server 34. Execute. This logic begins at block 120 of FIG. 8A and proceeds to block 122 where the consumer computer 42 makes an internet connection to the billing server 34 using methods well known in the art. Next, as shown in FIG. 9A, at block 124, the plug-in 52 displays a purchase confirmation window 84 on the screen 73 of the consumer's computer 42. The purchase confirmation window 84 confirms the consumer's purchase and at the same time gives the consumer the opportunity to cancel the purchase. If the consumer enters “OK”, the logic continues to block 126 where the plug-in provides a sale ID that uniquely identifies the sale item ordered and a purchaser ID specified by the consumer over the Internet 20. Transfer to billing server 34. As described in more detail below, the consumer is assigned a purchaser ID when he first places an order with billing server 34. Thus, if this is the first time the consumer places an order, the consumer has not yet been given a purchaser ID and no ID is transferred to the billing server 34 at block 126.
[0028]
After the purchaser ID and sales item ID are transferred to the billing server 34, the plug-in 52 supplies the consumer and the sales item ordered by the consumer (by the sales item ID) and the billing server 34 (described above). As such, it waits for the billing server 34 to transfer the transaction ID to the consumer's computer 42 that identifies that one or more billing servers may be installed somewhere on the Internet 20. As described in more detail below, the transaction ID is later used to confirm the consumer's order. If the consumer computer 42 has not yet received a transaction ID, the plug-in 52 repeats decision block 128 (ie, essentially waits) until it receives a transaction ID from the billing server 34. Once received, the plug-in 52 displays a directory prompt window 86, as shown in FIG. 9B, which is the consumer's local directory on the network or consumer's computer 42 (consumed by the consumer). Urge you to proceed to the place where you want to store the sale. After the consumer enters the directory in which he wishes to save the purchased sales, the logic proceeds to block 132 where the consumer's computer 42 receives the encrypted sales that the billing server 34 forwards. start. However, as will be described in more detail below, a consumer is not allowed to decrypt (decode) a sale until it is actually charged for the sale. In this regard, the billing server 34 also forwards the toll phone number and is received by the consumer's computer 42, which performs a PPP connection with the billing server 34 and sells the product. Used to obtain an access key for decrypting.
[0029]
While downloading the encrypted sales item over the Internet 20, the plug-in 52 displays a download activity window 88 on the screen 73 of the consumer's computer 42, as shown in FIG. Consumers are shown the situation of being downloaded every moment. Next, at decision block 136, the plug-in 52 determines whether the encrypted sales item has been completely received. Otherwise, the logic repeats blocks 134 and 136 until the encrypted sales item is completely downloaded to the consumer's computer 42.
[0030]
When the download of the encrypted sales item is complete, the plug-in 52 displays an authorization transaction processing window 89 at block 137, as shown in FIG. 9D. If the consumer presses an OK button representing authorization of the order, the plug-in 52 disconnects the consumer's computer 42 from the Internet 20 at block 138 of FIG. 9B. Next, in block 140, the plug-in 52 supplies the toll phone number provided by the billing server 34 to the modem 49 of the computer 42, which dials that number to establish a PPP connection with the billing server 34. To do. In the actual embodiment of the present invention described herein, the toll telephone number given by the billing server 34 and dialed by the modem 49 of the computer 42 is “900 number”. This is a 10-digit number with an area code 900 specified by the telephone service provider of the billing server. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the telephone exchange industry, area code 900 is generally reserved for commercial purposes, where consumers are charged a fixed rate or a fixed rate per minute for telephone calls. And a portion of the fee is paid by the telephone service provider to the seller or merchant who is designated the 900 number. However, it will be understood that different types of telephone numbers may be used and in fact delegated by the telephone service provider without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0031]
The telephone exchange 40 connected to the CSTA monitoring device 36 of the LAN 24 answers the telephone call made by the modem 49. The telephone exchange 40 forwards this telephone call to the access server 38, which notifies the billing server 34. Accordingly, the consumer computer 42 makes a PPP connection with the billing server 34 via the telephone switch 40 and the access server 38. While this connection is being established, at block 142, the plug-in 52 displays an authorization window 90 on the screen 73 of the consumer's computer 42, as shown in FIG. 9E, thereby indicating an ever-changing connection situation. It is.
[0032]
Once the PPP connection between the consumer computer 42 and the billing server 34 is fully established, the plug-in 52 forwards the previously specified transaction ID to the billing server 34, which causes the billing server 34 to block 144. You can confirm your order at It will be appreciated that many consumers can place orders at the same time, and thus many computers located anywhere on the Internet 20 can establish a PPP connection with the billing server 34 at any arbitrary time. Let's go. Accordingly, the billing server 34 provides the consumer's computer with an appropriate access key for identifying the consumer and the order placed by the consumer and for decrypting the pre-delivered sales item. In order to supply the plug-in 52 installed in 42, a transaction ID is required. In other words, the transaction ID acts like a claim ticket that is used when a consumer requests an accurate access key after payment is completed.
[0033]
Next, at block 146, the plug-in 52 begins to download the appropriate access key for decrypting the item for sale. As will be described in more detail below, the billing server 34 plugs within a certain amount of time (i.e., no charge for the first free call window of the 900 phone call and no charge for the caller after the call ends). As long as the transaction ID is received from in 52, billing server 34 forwards the appropriate access key to decrypt the item for sale. Otherwise, the PPP connection between the consumer's computer 42 and the billing server 34 is terminated, and the consumer is not charged for a telephone call or sale.
[0034]
While waiting for the access key, the plug-in 52 displays another authorization window 90 at block 148, which indicates to the consumer the access key download status. At decision block 150, the logic determines whether the consumer computer 42 has finished receiving the access key. Otherwise, blocks 148 and 150 are simply repeated until an access key is received. Once received, plug-in 52 terminates the telephone call and thus terminates the PPP connection with billing server 34 at block 152.
[0035]
After terminating the PPP connection with the billing server 34, the plug-in 52 begins decrypting the sales item encrypted at block 154 using the access key. At block 156, the plug-in 52 displays another authorization window 90 to inform the consumer that the decryption of the sales item is in progress at block 156. Accordingly, at decision block 158, the plug-in checks whether the sales item has been fully decrypted. Otherwise, blocks 156 and 158 are simply repeated until the sales item is fully decrypted. When fully decrypted, the logic proceeds to block 160 shown in FIG. 8C where the plug-in 52 removes the encrypted sales item from the memory 50 of the consumer computer to save space. delete. Next, at block 162, the plug-in 52 displays a transaction completion window 91 on the screen 73 of the consumer's computer 42, as shown in FIG. 9F. The consumer is then given an option in the transaction completion window 91 to reconnect to the Internet via the consumer's normal Internet service provider. The logic for plug-in 52 ends here at block 164.
[0036]
Having described the logic executed by the plug-in element 52, the billing server 34 executes to supply the consumer computer 42 with the encrypted sales item and access key in the first embodiment of the invention. It is necessary to describe the billing server element 62 to be. As shown in FIG. 10, the logic executed by the billing server element 62 to supply the encrypted sales item and access key begins at block 170 and proceeds to decision block 172 where the consumer computer 42 and billing are performed. It is confirmed whether or not a connection with the server 34 via the Internet has been established. Otherwise, decision block 172 is simply repeated until the connection is established. Next, at decision block 173, the billing server element checks whether the consumer's computer 42 has received the merchandise ID. Otherwise, decision block 173 is repeated until a sales item ID is received.
[0037]
When the sale ID is received, billing server element 62 determines whether the consumer is new at decision block 174, i.e., for the first time that the consumer places an order. If this consumer places an order for the first time, the plug-in 52 cannot provide the billing server 34 with a purchaser ID for this consumer. Accordingly, the billing server element 62 assigns a purchaser ID to this consumer at block 176 and forwards the purchaser ID to the consumer's computer 42 at block 178. As described above, the plug-in 52 returns this purchaser ID each time a consumer places an order. The purchaser ID is registered in the sales server and information database 64 of the billing server, and is used for accounting and record storage purposes such as payment history and customer statistical data.
[0038]
If the consumer is not the first shopper, or if this is the first shopper and therefore a buyer ID is specified, the logic proceeds to decision block 180 where the billing server element 62 determines this identification. To decide if orders from consumers should be rejected. More specifically, the billing server 34 checks whether this purchaser ID is blocked (blocked). It will be appreciated that over time, some consumers will be delinquent over the phone bill, including billing for orders placed using the present invention. Such a purchaser ID log is stored in a database of sales items and log (log) information 64 in the mass memory 60 of the billing server 34. If the purchaser ID of the consumer who placed the order matches one of the registered purchaser IDs, the consumer cannot place an order and is appropriately notified at block 182 . This notice may include a message (following termination of the PPP connection between billing server 34 and consumer computer 42 at block 183) displayed on screen 73 of consumer computer 42. Then, at block 184, the logic ends. On the other hand, if the consumer is not blocked by the purchaser ID at block 180, the logic proceeds to block 186 where the billing server 34 specifies a transaction ID for the order, and the transaction ID is entered into the consumer's computer. 42. This transaction ID identifies the consumer, the ordered sales item (by sales item ID), and the billing server 34. As described above, the plug-in 52 installed on the consumer's computer 42 waits for this transaction ID and then prompts the consumer to enter a directory in which to store sales items ordered by the consumer.
[0039]
After transferring the transaction ID to the consumer's computer 42, the billing server element 62 locates the item for sale ordered by the consumer and encrypts it at block 188. A person skilled in the art understands that this sales item is stored in a database of sales item information located in the mass memory 60 of the billing server 34 or placed on the merchant server 34 located somewhere in the Internet. It will be possible. If the sales item is located somewhere, the billing server 34 establishes an Internet connection with the corresponding merchant server 39 and downloads the sales item for which the order has been received. It will also be appreciated that the merchandise can be pre-encrypted whether it is located in the mass memory 60 of the billing server 34 or somewhere on the Internet 20. Thus, it may not be necessary for the billing server element 62 to encrypt the merchandise itself.
[0040]
Next, at block 190, the billing server element 62 stores the encrypted sales item in a working directory within the mass memory 60 of the billing server 34 as a precursor to transfer to the consumer computer 42. At block 192, the billing server element 62 selects an access key, or password, for decrypting the encrypted sales item stored in the working directory. The billing server element 62 can select an access key from a predetermined list stored in the sales and log information database 64, or the billing server element 62 can access it randomly or using various other selection algorithms It will be appreciated that a key can be generated. Once the access key has been selected by the billing server element 62, the billing server 34 forwards the encrypted sales to the consumer's computer 42, and similarly billed and the access key is provided to the plug-in 52. To the telephone number used by the plug-in 52 to establish a PPP connection with the billing server 34. The logic then ends at block 196.
[0041]
In the first embodiment of the invention, the logic employed by the billing server element 62 to confirm the completion of billing for the ordered sales item and to provide the access key to the plug-in 52 is shown in FIG. Shown in In FIG. 11, the logic begins at block 200 and proceeds to decision block 202 where the billing server determines whether a PPP connection from any consumer computer 42 that installed the plug-in 52 to the billing server 34 has been established. Element 62 confirms. As noted above, many consumers may be placing orders at any time, so many computers will establish a PPP connection with the billing server 34 and access to decrypt the ordered items for sale. You may be trying to get a key. Thus, block 202 is repeated until this connection is established.
[0042]
Once the PPP connection is established, the logic proceeds to decision block 204 where the billing server element 62 is blocked from the purchaser ID (by plug-in 52) assigned to the consumer and forwarded to the billing server. By determining whether or not the order placed by the consumer should be rejected. In that case, the consumer is suitably informed at block 206, for example, by a message displayed on the screen 73 of the consumer's computer. Accordingly, the billing server element 62 terminates the toll phone call and terminates the PPP connection with the consumer computer 42. From the following description, it will be appreciated that if a toll phone number is terminated at this time, ie before the toll free time expires, the consumer will not be charged for the order. The logic then ends at block 210.
[0043]
If the order has not been rejected based on the purchaser ID, the logic proceeds to decision block 212 where the order is placed on the consumer's telephone number (ie, the consumer's computer modem 49 to the billing server 34 toll phone call). The decision block 212 determines if the call should be rejected based on the phone number that is performing. In one practical embodiment of the present invention, it is indicated that all purchases made from those telephone numbers or those who have not paid monthly telephone charges for ordered items should be rejected. The CSTA monitoring device 36 keeps a list of telephone numbers of all consumers who have been registered. If the order should be rejected based on the consumer's phone number, at block 206, the CSTA monitor 36 automatically sends a busy signal to the modem 49 of the consumer's computer 42. Next, at block 208, the telephone call made by the modem 49 of the consumer computer 42 is followed by the PPP connection with the billing server 34 being terminated. The logic then ends at block 210.
[0044]
Returning to decision block 212, if the order is authorized, the logic proceeds to decision block 214 where the billing server element 62 determines whether a transaction ID has been received from the plug-in 52. If not, the logic proceeds to another decision block 216 where the billing server element 62 determines whether the toll free time is about to expire. As described above and in more detail below, this free talk time is the first time zone of a 900 phone call within which time the consumer can call the phone service after the call ends. You will not be charged by your provider. By default, this free talk time is typically 18.9 seconds. However, free talk time is due to instructions from the telephone service provider and is therefore subject to change. The plug-in 52 displays a message within the free call time to inform the consumer that the consumer is able to terminate the call and that no charge will be charged for this phone call or sale. Can do. If the transaction ID is not received from the plug-in 52 within the free call time, the billing server element 62 automatically terminates the toll phone call at block 208 so that the consumer is not mistakenly charged for the toll phone call. . As a result, the logic ends at block 210.
[0045]
If the transaction ID is still received, the logic proceeds from decision block 214 to decision block 217, where billing server element 62 checks whether the free call time has expired. In other words, once the billing server 34 receives the transaction ID from the plug-in 52, the billing server element 62 simply waits for the free call time to expire. Once expired, the telephone service provider charges the consumer for the ordered sales item, as described in more detail below, and the plug-in 52 replaces the sales item previously sent by the billing server element 62. The billing server element 62 forwards the access key specified for the order identified by the transaction ID to the consumer's computer 42 so that it can be decrypted. Here, the logic ends at block 219.
[0046]
Having described the plug-in and billing server elements in the present invention, the actions taken by the telephone service provider to automatically charge the consumer for the ordered items are described in more detail with reference to FIG. Describe in. The flowchart begins at block 220 and proceeds to block 222 where the telephone service provider routes the toll phone call made by the modem 49 of the consumer computer 42 to the telephone switch 40 connected to the CSTA monitoring device 36 of the LAN 24. . Once the telephone switch 40 has answered the call, the telephone service provider waits for the toll-free call time described above at block 224 and then charges the consumer for the order at block 226. Meanwhile, the consumer's computer 42 or billing server 34 can terminate the telephone call and prevent the order from being charged. However, once the free call time expires, the telephone service provider charges the ordered sales item to the consumer with a unit charge, that is, a “fixed charge”, using its in-house accounting / billing procedure. As a result, the price for the merchandise and paid telephone call will be included in the next month's telephone bill for the telephone number that modem 49 of consumer computer 42 used for the telephone call to billing server 34. At block 228, the telephone service provider collects the charge for the paid telephone call and the ordered item from the consumer according to its normal collection procedure. Once the telephone service provider collects payment for the call, the telephone service provider then pays the service fee to the provider of billing server 34 at block 230. This service cost may be a flat fee or a percentage for each order.
[0047]
FIG. 13 depicts the overall behavior of the plug-in 52 and the consumer's computer 42 and, in parallel, the behavior of the billing server element 62 and the billing server 34. Accordingly, FIG. 13 depicts the consumer's computer 42 making an internet connection to the billing server 34. The consumer's computer 42 then forwards the sales item ID of the ordered product to the billing server 34. In response, billing server 34 forwards the transaction ID for the order to consumer computer 42. The billing server 34 also forwards the encrypted sales item and the telephone number for making a PPP connection with the billing server 34 to the consumer computer 42. When the consumer computer 42 receives the transaction ID and the encrypted sales item, the consumer computer 42 disconnects from the Internet 20 and obtains an access key for decrypting the encrypted sales item from the billing server 34. Dial the forwarded phone number. Once the PPP connection with the billing server 34 is established, the consumer computer 42 can identify the transaction ID and the billing server so that the billing server element 62 can identify the order and match the transaction ID with the access key specified for the transaction. Return to 34. Accordingly, the billing server forwards the appropriate access key to the consumer's computer so that the plug-in 52 can decrypt the merchandise. The following is already apparent from FIG. That is, only the plug-in 52 can decrypt the ordered item for sale and the consumer can use the item for sale only once the access key is provided. This necessitates the following: That is, the consumer's computer is making a paid phone call that is charged to the consumer's usage account by the telephone service provider.
[0048]
Paid content ordering
In a second embodiment of the present invention, a consumer can order paid content provided by a merchant over the Internet 20 and the consumer accesses that content rather than a unit charge or “flat rate” for the content. You will be automatically billed for the time you spend.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 14, the consumer visits the website of the merchant using the computer 42 in which the web browser 51 is installed, and includes or is linked to content that is determined to have monetary value for the merchant. Hypertext documents can be retrieved. For example, a consumer who uses the computer 42 and the web browser 51 can retrieve the hypertext document displayed in the main window 70 shown in FIG. The consumer can order paid content stored on the merchant website, ie merchant server 39, by selecting the auto-billing icon 68. As described in more detail below, if the consumer selects the auto-billing icon 68, for the time spent by the consumer to access the paid content retrieved from the merchant server 39 using the paid phone line, The phone service provider automatically bills you for the next month's phone bill.
[0050]
When the automatic billing icon 68 is selected, the logic executed by the web browser 51 installed on the consumer's computer 42 is the same as that of the first embodiment in the second embodiment of the present invention. This is described above with reference to FIG. In short, in response to the selection of the automatic billing icon 68, the web browser 51 plugs from the billing server 34 via the Internet 20 if the plug-in element 52 ′ has not yet been installed on the consumer computer 42. The in-element 52 ′ is downloaded and the plug-in element 52 ′ is installed in the memory 50 of the consumer computer 42. However, it will be appreciated that the logic performed by the plug-in element 52 'in the second embodiment of the present invention is slightly different from that described above for the first embodiment. Accordingly, the reference number (52) of the plug-in element in the second embodiment is indicated with a prime code “′”.
[0051]
Once plug-in 52 ′ is initialized, plug-in 52 ′ uses FIGS. 15A-15C to place an order for paid content information to billing server 34 using methods well known in the art. Perform the drawn logic. This logic begins at block 240 in FIG. 15A and proceeds to block 242 where the consumer computer 42 makes an internet connection with the billing server 34. Next, at block 244, the plug-in 52 'displays a paid content access window 280 on the screen 73 of the consumer's computer 42 as shown in FIG. 16A. The paid content access window 280 confirms the consumer's order for the paid content and provides the opportunity for the consumer to cancel the request. If the consumer enters “OK”, the logic of FIG. 15A proceeds to block 246, where plug-in 52 ′ has been assigned (assigned) to the consumer with a merchandise ID that can uniquely identify the paid content the consumer desires. The purchaser ID is transferred to the billing server 34. As will be described in more detail below, the consumer is assigned a purchaser ID when he first places an order with billing server 34. Therefore, if the consumer places an order for the first time at this time, the purchaser ID is not yet designated for the consumer, and such purchaser ID is not transferred at block 246. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the purchaser ID may be specified to the consumer when the plug-in 52 ′ is downloaded, so that the billing server 34 later assigns it. It saves the trouble of issuing. In addition to the sales item ID and purchaser ID, the plug-in transfers to the billing server 34 the merchant ID that can uniquely identify the merchant providing the paid content and the published rate charged as a price for the consumer accessing the content. . It will be appreciated that the merchant ID and published rate are obtained directly from the merchant's website where the consumer is working to order paid content.
[0052]
After transferring the purchaser ID, sales product ID, vendor ID and published rate to the billing server 34, the billing server 34 processes the consumer, the paid content ordered by the consumer (by the sales product ID) and the order. The plug-in 52 'waits until it transfers the transaction ID identifying (assuming there is one or more billing servers somewhere on the Internet 20 as described above) to the consumer's computer 42. Similarly, the consumer's computer 42 waits for the billing server 34 to transfer the paid access telephone number and the actual paid access rate charged to the consumer (since it may differ from the published rate). The pay access phone number is a pay rate phone number that the consumer's computer uses to establish a point-to-point (PPP) connection with the billing server 34, and when the consumer accesses the pay content, It will be appreciated that the number is charged in (or other units). As described in more detail below, once a PPP connection is established, the consumer can download the desired paid content from the merchant server 39 and billing at the actual paid rate begins.
[0053]
When the plug-in 52 ′ receives the transaction ID, the pay phone number and the actual pay rate, the plug-in 52 ′ writes the pay phone number and the actual pay rate received from the billing server 34 in the pay content access window 280. Then, they are displayed in the pay phone number field 282 and the rate field 284, respectively, as shown in FIG. 16B. If the consumer presses an OK button indicating that he wants to continue to order paid content, the plug-in 52 'disconnects the consumer's computer 42 from the Internet 20 at block 252 of FIG. 15B. Next, at block 254, the plug-in 52 'sends the toll phone number provided by the billing server 34 to the modem 49 of the computer 42, which dials to establish a PPP connection with the billing server 34. As described above, in the present invention, the pay telephone number given from the billing server 34 and dialed by the modem 49 of the computer 42 is “900 number”. This is a 10 digit number with an area code 900 assigned by the telephone service provider of the billing server. As is well known to those skilled in the telephone exchange industry, the area code 900 is generally reserved for commercial purposes, where consumers are charged a flat rate or a fixed fee for a telephone call, Part of the fee is paid by the telephone service provider to the merchant or merchant assigned the 900 number. However, it will be understood that different types of telephone numbers may be used and, in fact, delegated by the telephone service provider without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0054]
Returning to block 254, the CSTA monitoring device 36 is not required to establish a PPP connection with the billing server 34 in this embodiment of the invention. Instead, the telephone exchange 40 connected to the access server 38 responds to the pay phone call made by the modem 49 of the consumer computer 42 and directly notifies the billing server 34 that the call has been made. . Thus, the consumer computer establishes a PPP connection with the billing server 34 via the telephone switch 40 and the access server 38. It will be appreciated that once a PPP connection is established and the free call time normally associated with a paid phone number expires, billing is initiated by the telephone service provider's internal accounting and billing procedures. Accordingly, the plug-in 52 ′ starts a paid access timer to keep a record of the amount of time that the consumer has spent accessing the paid content at block 256, and as shown in FIG. A timer window 290 is displayed on the screen 73 of the computer 42. This includes the amount of time a consumer spends accessing paid content, the paid rate that consumers are charged for viewing and accessing paid content, and the consumer's paid content access by calculating these Includes the total amount charged for. Next, at block 258, the plug-in 52 'forwards the pre-designated transaction ID to the billing server 34 and places an order for paid content to the billing server. It should be understood that many consumers can place orders at the same time, and therefore many computers located throughout the Internet 20 establish PPP connections with the billing server 34 at any given time. I will have to. Thus, in order for the billing server 34 to identify the consumer and the order placed by the consumer and to send the appropriate information for accessing the paid content to the plug-in 52 installed on the consumer's computer 42. This is because a transaction ID is required.
[0055]
After the transaction ID has been transferred to the billing server 34, the logic proceeds to decision block 260 where the consumer's computer 42 verifies whether it has received an access ID, password and URL from the billing server 34. As will be described in more detail below, when the billing server 34 receives an order for paid content from the consumer's computer 42, the billing server identifies it to the merchant server of the merchant providing the ordered paid content. Turn to. In response, the merchant server 39 (a) URL of the ordered paid content; (b) a password that allows the consumer's computer to request the ordered paid content and enter the merchant's paid website; and (c ) The consumer's computer 42 provides the billing server 34 with an access ID that allows an internet protocol (IP) session with the merchant server 39. If this information has not yet been obtained from billing server 34, decision block 260 is simply repeated, i.e., plug-in 52 'simply waits until information is received. Once received, at block 262, the plug-in 52 'activates the web browser 51 that has already read the URL corresponding to the paid content, and the consumer computer communicates with the merchant server 39 identified by the read URL. Establish an internet connection. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an internet connection between the consumer's computer 42 and the merchant server 39 is established via the billing server 34 and the access server 38 to which the billing server is connected. Let's go. In other words, the LAN 24 serves as a consumer computer gateway to the Internet 20. Once this connection is established, the consumer computer 42 uses the block 263 to provide the password and access ID previously provided by the merchant server 39 so that the consumer computer 42 can access the IP session specified by the merchant server. , Forward to the supplier server 39. In block 264 of FIG. 15C, the consumer's computer 42 downloads the paid content residing on the merchant website, i.e. merchant server 39 identified by the URL.
[0056]
While the consumer continues to access the paid content, the billing continues at the paid rate, the consumer selects disconnection from the merchant server 39 and the billing server 34, and the timer window 290 shown in FIG. When selecting the disconnect button 294, the billing ends. In this regard, logic confirms at block 266 whether the consumer has selected the disconnect button 294. If so, the logic proceeds to block 271 where the PPP connection with the billing server 34 via the toll phone line is terminated, and thus the Internet connection with the consumer computer merchant server 39 is also terminated. It will be appreciated that once a PPP connection is terminated, billing for the use of toll phone numbers will also terminate. Accordingly, the paid access timer expires at block 272, and at block 274, the plug-in 52 'multiplies the time spent by the consumer on the paid telephone line by the actual rate, and the consumer pays content. Calculate the total amount accessed. Here, the total amount is displayed in the timer window 290 as shown in FIG. 16C. Next, at block 276, an end window 296 is displayed to the consumer on the screen 73 of the consumer's computer, as shown in FIG. 16D. From the exit window 296, the consumer can reconnect to the Internet 20 through their normal Internet service provider. The logic of plug-in element 52 ′ then ends at block 278.
[0057]
Returning to decision block 266, if the consumer did not choose to disconnect from the billing server 34, the consumer would instead create a bookmark to the paid website if he wishes to access paid content again. Can do. When the consumer chooses to create a bookmark, a bookmark icon containing the URL of the merchant's paid website, the paid number associated with the paid content and the actual rate of the paid content is displayed on the consumer's computer display for future use. Created on top. If the consumer does not want to create a bookmark or has already created a bookmark, the logic returns to block 264 so that the consumer can continue to access the paid content.
[0058]
If the consumer chooses to access the merchant's website via the created bookmark, the plug-in element has a paid number already associated with the desired paid content and the actual rate of that paid content. It will be appreciated that the operation of the plug-in element 52 'will be slightly different. As a result, the plug-in element need not obtain that information from the billing server 34. The logic that the plug-in element performs when the consumer selects the paid content bookmark is shown in more detail in FIG. 17 and is hereinafter referred to as the plug-in element 52 ". This logic is shown at block 300. Beginning and proceeding to block 302, where the consumer's computer 42 performs an Internet connection with the billing server 34. Next, at block 304, the plug-in element 52 "is shown in FIG. A pay content access window 310 is displayed on the screen 73 of the computer 42. The paid content access window 310 confirms the consumer's order for the paid content, and displays the previously acquired paid telephone number and the actual paid rate at which the consumer is billed in fields 312 and 314, respectively. When the consumer enters “OK”, the logic of FIG. 17 proceeds to block 306 where the plug-in element 52 ″ transfers the purchaser ID, merchant ID and actual rate to the billing server 34. Is then waiting for the billing server 34 to return the order's transaction ID at decision block 308. Once received, the logic is then in conjunction with FIG. Proceed to block 252 of FIG. 15B so that the remaining logic shown in 15C is executed.
[0059]
Having described the logic performed by the plug-in elements 52 'and 52 ", the billing server element 62 that the billing server 34 executes to send the information required to gain access to the paid content to the consumer's computer. Need to be described, except that the logic executed by the billing server element 62 'in the second embodiment of the present invention is slightly different from that described above in connection with the first embodiment. Accordingly, the reference number (62) of the billing server element in the second embodiment is indicated with a prime code “′”. As shown in FIG. 19, the logic executed by the billing server element 62 'to send a toll phone number begins at block 320 and proceeds to decision block 322 where the Internet between the consumer computer 42 and the billing server 34. Check if connection via 20 has been established. If not, decision block 322 is simply repeated until a connection is established. Next, at block 324, the billing server element 62 ′ determines whether it has received a sales item ID, merchant ID, rate, and purchaser ID from the consumer computer 42. If not, decision block 324 is repeated until such information is received.
[0060]
Upon receipt of the merchandise ID, merchant ID, rate, and purchaser ID, billing server element 62 'determines whether the consumer is new at decision block 326, i.e., the consumer places an order for paid content for the first time. Check whether or not. If this is the first time that the consumer places an order, the plug-in 52 ′ cannot give the billing server 34 the purchaser ID for this consumer. Accordingly, billing server element 62 'assigns a purchaser ID to this consumer at block 328. As described above, the plug-in 52 'returns this purchaser ID each time a consumer places an order. The purchaser ID and the merchant ID are registered (logged) in the sales product and information database 64 of the billing server and used for accounting and record storage purposes such as payment history and customer statistical data.
[0061]
If the consumer is not the first shopper, or if he is the first shopper and therefore is given a purchaser ID, the logic proceeds to decision block 332 where the billing server element 62 ' Determine if orders from a particular consumer should be rejected. More specifically, the billing server 34 checks whether this purchaser ID is valid. If not, the ordering consumer is notified at block 334 and the PPP connection between the billing server 34 and the consumer computer 42 is broken at block 336. The logic then ends at block 338. On the other hand, if the purchaser ID is valid, logic proceeds from decision block 332 to block 340 where billing server 34 specifies a transaction ID for the order and forwards the transaction ID to consumer computer 42. . The transaction ID identifies the consumer, the ordered sales item (by sales item ID), and the billing server 34. The plug-in 52 ′ installed on the consumer's computer 42 as described above waits for this transaction ID and then disconnects the Internet 20 and executes a PPP connection with the billing server 34. The logic of FIG. 19 then ends at block 342.
[0062]
The logic executed by the billing server element 62 ′ to obtain information necessary for the consumer computer 42 to access the paid content from the merchant server 39 and forward it to the consumer computer 42 is shown in FIGS. 20A-20B. It is drawn in. In FIG. 20A, the logic begins at block 350 and proceeds to decision block 352 where it is charged whether a PPP connection from any consumer's computer 42 that installed plug-in 52 'to billing server 34 has been performed. Server element 62 confirms. As noted above, many consumers may place orders at any arbitrary time, thus attempting to make a PPP connection with the billing server 34 so that many computers have access to the desired paid content. May. Accordingly, decision block 352 is repeated until this connection is established.
[0063]
Once the PPP connection is established, the logic proceeds to decision block 354 where the billing server 34 receives a transaction ID from the consumer computer informing that the consumer computer is requesting access to the paid content. Check if you did. If not, decision block 354 is simply repeated until this transaction ID is received. Once received, the logic proceeds to block 356 where the billing server obtains automatic number recognition (ANI) for the PPP connection between the billing server and the consumer computer 42 from the access server 38. This ANI is registered in the sales and information database 64 by the billing server 34 and is used for accounting, reporting and record keeping procedures. In addition, the billing server obtains the Internet Protocol (IP) address specified for the consumer's computer 42 from the access server 38 when the PPP connection is established. As described in further detail below, billing server 34 forwards the transaction ID and the consumer's computer IP address to merchant server 39 to retrieve the access information that the consumer desires.
[0064]
Next, at block 358, the billing server element 62 'verifies whether the consumer computer 42 has dialed the correct toll phone number of the toll content desired. The paid content is identified by the sales product ID, and each sales product ID is associated with a specific paid telephone number in the database of the sales product and log information stored in the mass memory 64 of the billing server 34. That will be recognized. Accordingly, at block 354, the billing server element 62 "indicates that the pay phone number that the consumer computer dialed to perform the current PPP connection is the paid content received from the consumer computer (ie, the merchandise ID). If the correct pay phone number has been dialed, the logic proceeds from decision block 360 to block 366 to charge the merchant providing the ordered paid content. The server 34 identifies, more specifically, each sales product ID for identifying paid content is associated with an individual merchant, and this relationship is stored in the log information database 67 with the sales product of the billing server 34. Once the merchant is identified at block 366, it is connected to a predetermined merchant server 39 at block 368. Position of skill server 39 of Te, i.e. the Internet Protocol (IP) address that stores the pay content, billing server element 62 'obtains from database 67 the products sold and log information of billing server 34.
[0065]
Next, using the IP address acquired in block 368, the billing server 34 makes an Internet connection with the merchant server 39 found in block 370 shown in FIG. 20B. Once the connection is established, the billing server forwards the transaction ID and IP address to the merchant server 39 for the consumer computer 42 at block 372. As described in more detail below, merchant server 39 responds to the transaction ID received from billing server 34 and sends information necessary for consumer computer 42 to access the paid content to billing server 34. . Following this, at decision block 374, the logic checks to see if the billing server 34 has received an access ID, password, and URL for the paid content. Otherwise, decision block 374 is simply repeated until billing server 34 receives the information. Upon receipt, the billing server 34 sends the access ID, password and URL to the consumer computer 42 at block 376, which activates the web browser 51 with the appropriate URL, and the merchant server 39 and the Internet. The connection is executed so that an access ID necessary for accessing the IP session designated by the merchant server 39 and a password necessary for obtaining access to the paid content can be sent to the merchant server 36. The logic then proceeds to decision block 378 where it determines whether the consumer computer 42 has terminated the PPP connection with the billing server 34. If not, decision block 378 is simply repeated until the PPP connection is terminated. In other words, as long as the consumer's computer 42 continues to download paid content from the merchant server 39, and as long as the PPP connection between the computer 42 and the billing server 34 is maintained, the consumer has provided the billing server 34 Depending on the actual rate, the user is billed until the PPP connection using the pay phone number is terminated, ie until the consumer “hangs up”.
[0066]
When the PPP connection between the consumer computer 42 and the billing server 34 is terminated, the billing server 34 forwards a request to the merchant server 39 to block the consumer computer 42 from accessing further paid content at block 380. This includes the transaction ID, consumer's computer IP address and access ID. As described in more detail below, in response to this request, the merchant server 39 renews the billing server 34 through a pay phone line where the consumer's computer 42 reorders the paid content and the consumer is charged. No further access of the consumer's computer 42 is denied until a PPP connection is made. When this rejection request is sent, billing server 34 disconnects from merchant server 39 at block 381. The logic for billing server element 62 ′ then ends at block 382.
[0067]
The logic performed by the merchant's session gateway element 65 to provide the billing server 34 with access information for ordered paid content is shown in more detail in FIG. The logic begins at block 390 and proceeds to block 392 where it determines whether a direct internet connection between the merchant server 39 and the billing server 34 has been established. If not, decision block 392 is simply repeated until the connection is established. Once the connection is established, the logic proceeds to another decision block 394 where the merchant server 39 provides the transaction ID identifying the paid content ordered there and the IP address specified on the consumer's computer 42. The merchant's session gateway element 65 verifies whether it has been received from. The consumer's computer 42 is registered in the merchandise database 67 of the merchant server 39, and the merchant server 39 later transfers the ordered paid content to a valid IP address, i.e., the proper consumer's computer. Used by the merchant server 39 to verify that
[0068]
Returning to decision block 394, if it has not been received as a result, decision block 394 is repeated until the information is received from billing server 34. In other words, once the internet connection between the billing server 34 and the merchant server 39 is established, the merchant server 39 starts waiting to receive a transaction ID for the paid content from the billing server 34. Upon receipt, the merchant's session gateway element 65 transfers the URL and access ID and password of the ordered paid content to the billing server 34. In the second embodiment of the present invention described herein, it will be appreciated that a URL is associated with each sale item ID in the sale item database 67 of the merchant server 39. As described above, the URL teaches the location of paid content on the Internet. It will be appreciated that the paid content is located on a merchant server 39 that performs this logic or on other merchant servers located somewhere on the Internet. Furthermore, as described above, the access ID identifies the IP session designated by the merchant server 39, and the consumer's computer 42 can access this to download paid content ordered from the merchant server. Note that the password is the only character string that is returned to the merchant server 39 by the consumer computer 42 when finally obtaining authorization to enter the paid content site.
[0069]
After merchant server 39 forwards the URL, access ID and password to billing server 34, merchant session gateway element 65 waits for an indication from billing server 34 that the consumer has terminated the toll phone call. Accordingly, at decision block 398, logic checks to see if the merchant server 39 has received a request from the billing server 34 that denies the consumer access to the computer 42. As described above, when the billing server 34 detects that the consumer's computer terminates the PPP connection with the billing server and disconnects the pay telephone line, the billing server 34 first determines the transaction ID and consumption specified by the merchant server. The IP address and access ID of the consumer's computer are transferred to the merchant server 39 as a request to deny further access by the consumer. Accordingly, decision block 398 is simply repeated until this request is received. From the above description, while the merchant session gateway element 65 is waiting for the consumer computer 42 to terminate the toll phone call, the merchant server 39 transfers the paid content to the consumer computer 42 (and this transfer). Will be recognized by the web server element 63 of the merchant server 39) and will continue to access the paid content while the consumer is being charged. Further, as described above, when the merchant server 39 transfers the ordered paid content and the consumer computer 42 is downloading it, the merchant server 39 is previously transferred from the billing server 34 and transferred to the merchant server. The consumer IP address stored in the mass memory 61 of 39 is used to transfer each page of the paid content ordered to the correct destination, that is, the computer 42 of the consumer 42 who is downloading the paid content. It is verified that the IP address matches the consumer IP address stored in the memory of the merchant server 39.
[0070]
When a request for access denial is received, the merchant's session gateway element 65 may be previously consumed to prevent the consumer's computer 42 from gaining access to the IP session specified by the merchant server 39. The access ID and consumer IP address given to the person's computer 42 are invalidated. As a result, the consumer's computer 42 can no longer communicate with the merchant server and cannot access paid content. The merchant session gateway element 65 then ends at block 402.
[0071]
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, once a PPP connection between a consumer computer 42 and a billing server 34 using a pay phone line is established, the telephone service provider uses methods well known in the art. Begins to charge consumers for the time spent on paid phone calls. When the consumer's computer terminates the PPP connection using the toll phone number, i.e. "hangs up", the billing ends just like any other toll phone call. The telephone service provider pays the service bill to the provider of the billing server 34 and pays the share of the paid content to the merchant.
[0072]
FIGS. 22A-22B generally depict the behavior of the plug-in element 52 ′ / consumer computer 42, billing server element 62 ′ / billing server 34, and merchant session gateway element 65 / merchant server 39 in parallel. It is a figure. As a result, FIG. 22A depicts the consumer's computer 42 establishing an internet connection with the billing server 34. The consumer's computer 42 then forwards to the billing server 34 the merchandise ID, merchant ID, published billing rate, and purchaser ID that identify the paid content that was ordered. In response, billing server 34 returns a transaction ID identifying the order to consumer computer 42. The billing server 34 also forwards the pay phone number associated with the ordered paid content and the actual paid rate at which the consumer is charged for accessing the paid content. When the consumer computer 42 receives the transaction ID and the pay phone number, the consumer computer 42 disconnects the Internet 20 and transfers the pay phone transferred from the billing server 34 to perform a PPP connection with the billing server 34. Dial a number. Once established, billing for the amount of time the consumer accessed the paid content is initiated, and the consumer's computer 42 identifies the order and forwards the order to the appropriate merchant server 39. The transaction ID is returned to the billing server 34 so that it can.
[0073]
Accordingly, the billing server 34 performs an internet connection with the merchant server 39 and transfers the transaction ID and the IP address of the consumer's computer to the merchant server 39. In response, merchant server 39 will access information, i.e., access ID, password and URL (which will be used by the consumer's computer to find and access the desired paid content. ) To the billing server 34. In return, the billing server 34 forwards the access information to the consumer's computer 42. When the consumer computer 42 receives the access information, the consumer computer 42 can connect to the Internet and know the location of the merchant server 39 and the paid content stored therein using the URL. Then, the consumer's computer 42 transfers the given password and access ID to the merchant server 39. In response to this, the merchant server 39 transfers the ordered paid content to the consumer computer 42. During this time, the PPP connection between the consumer's computer 42 and the billing server 34 on the pay phone line is maintained, so it is recognized that the consumer will continue to be charged for the time he / she accesses the paid content. It will be. However, when the consumer's computer terminates the PPP connection, the billing is terminated and the merchant server 39 (of course, the consumer re-uses the paid content using the plug-in element 52 'or 52 "as described above). Forward the request for the merchant server 19 to deny access to the paid content to the merchant server 19 so that the consumer's computer 42 can deny access to the paid content thereafter (except when ordering). Then, the billing server 34 terminates the Internet connection with the merchant server 39.
[0074]
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the billing system of the present invention can also be used to order sales items that are not stored and delivered electronically. Rather, the merchandise can be delivered by other methods such as mail, courier, etc. In such a case, instead of supplying the plug-in 52 ′ with the encrypted sales item and the access key for decrypting the encrypted sales item, the plug-in 52 ′ presents the sales item so that it can be requested. An access key or claim number is provided to the consumer. The billing system of the present invention can also be used when a consumer orders a product for use within a certain period of time. For example, a consumer can buy a computer game for only an hour. In such a case, the consumer cannot start the game until the access key is provided and the access key is subsequently returned to the computer game provider.
The subject matter of the invention in which exclusive property or privilege is required is set forth in the following claims.
[0075]
(Extracted translation of explanation shown on computer screen in drawing)
(FIG. 6A)
Web browser
Albert Book Market
Book                    Author                    price
1.Moby Dick  Herman Menville 39.95
2.The Lime of    Samuel 49.95
The Agent  Tiller
Mariner            Coleridge
(Fig. 6B)
Web browser
Albert Book Market
Thank you for your order.
Please select your payment method below.
Major credit card Billing icon Fax paper
(FIG. 9A)
eCHARGE (tm) secure transaction system
eCHARGE (tm) Trading eCHARGE
Thank you for purchasing this product on your local phone bill using eCHARGE (tm).
To continue this transaction, press the OK button below. This will charge your local phone bill as a 900 number charge, with the total amount shown in the box on the right.
There are no other costs associated with this transaction.
If you want to end the transaction, or if you accidentally access this server, pressing the cancel button now will not charge you.
If you are under 18 years of age, you will need parental consent to use this service.
Selected product
Product: Ancient Mariner
Contractor: eCHARGE Corp
Total amount: $ 0.00
OK Cancel
(FIG. 9B)
eCHARGE (tm) secure transaction system
Save selected product eCHARGE
The eCHARGE (tm) system needs to know where on your computer you want to store the product you are downloading.
Enter the destination where you want to save this file.
Space required to store selected product: 39.00 K
Available space at selected location: 81.71 mbytes
Save selected products as the following files
See C: \ Ancient_Mariner.txt
OK Cancel
(FIG. 9C)
eCHARGE (tm) secure transaction system
Downloading eCHARGE
You are currently receiving encrypted products from eCHARGE (tm).
Receiving file 8192 bytes out of 24576 bytes
Cancel
(FIG. 9D)
eCHARGE (tm) secure transaction system
Transaction authorization eCHARGE
Your computer is disconnecting from the Internet and trying to dial an eCHARGE 900 number. If you have accidentally accessed this service or do not want to complete this transaction, you will not be charged if you press the cancel button now.
You will only be charged if you press the OK button.
Your computer dials 1-900-55-1010. You will be charged $ 0.20 on your local phone bill. This process interrupts any currently running Internet application.
If you have any questions, please contact our consumer service department on the World Wide Web at http://www.echarge.com, or toll free, 1-800-555-1212.
In order to use this service for those under 18 years of age, parental consent is required.
OK Cancel
(Fig. 9E)
eCHARGE (tm) secure transaction system
Approving eCHARGE
The eCHARGE (tm) system is currently dialing 1-900-555-0101 to complete this transaction. Please wait for a while until this process is completed.
Checking connection
Cancel
(FIG. 9F)
eCHARGE (tm) secure transaction system
Thank you!
Thank you for choosing eCHARGE (tm) for online transactions. Please contact us at http://www.echarge.com when you contact me.
A fee of $ 0.00 will appear on your next local phone bill.
If you want to reconnect to the Internet, press the reconnect button, otherwise press the Exit button to exit.
Reconnect to the Internet Exit
(Fig. 14)
Web browser
Location: http://WWW.XYZ.COM
Click the icon below to see our paid web content.
Payment request icon
(FIG. 16A)
eCHARGE Internet Pay-Per-View
eCHARGE
Press the OK button below to authorize access to this service.
After clicking the OK button, your computer will be disconnected from the Internet and dial the phone number displayed below to gain access to the selected paid access site. The display rate while you are connected will be charged to your phone charges.
In order to use this service for those under 18 years of age, parental consent is required.
Details
Phone number loading rate
Logging on to the server
OK Cancel
(FIG. 16B)
eCHARGE Internet Pay-Per-View
eCHARGE
Press the OK button below to authorize access to this service.
After clicking the OK button, your computer will click on the Internet OK button and your computer will be disconnected from the Internet and displayed below to gain access to the selected paid access site. Dial the phone number that is listed. The display rate while you are connected will be charged to your phone charges.
In order to use this service for those under 18 years of age, parental consent is required.
Details
Phone: 731-4157 Rate: £ 0.75 / min
OK Cancel
(FIG. 16C)
IPPV
eCHARGE
Time: 00:01:59
Price: £ 1.49
Rate: £ 0.75 / min
The displayed times and fees are approximate. The exact time and price may vary slightly.
292 Creating a bookmark
294 Disconnection
(FIG. 16D)
message
The end of eCHARGE Internet Pay Per View Service has been selected. Do you want to reconnect to the Internet after this service ends?
Yes No Cancel
(Fig. 18)
eCHARGE Internet Pay-Per-View
eCHARGE
Press the OK button below to authorize access to this service.
After clicking the OK button, your computer will be disconnected from the Internet and dial the phone number displayed below to gain access to the selected paid access site. The display rate while you are connected will be charged to your phone charges.
In order to use this service for those under 18 years of age, parental consent is required.
Details
Phone: 731-4157 Rate: £ 0.75 / min
OK Cancel
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a block diagram showing representative portions of the Internet.
FIG. 2 shows a local area network (connected to the Internet) that supplies products, services and content ordered by consumers using a computer residing somewhere on the Internet in accordance with the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating various elements in the consumer's computer of FIG. 2 that are used to order goods, services, and content from the Internet in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating various elements in the billing server in FIG. 2 that provide the location of goods, services and / or content ordered in accordance with the present invention and confirm the order.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the various elements of the merchant server in FIG. 2 that supply goods, services, and content ordered in accordance with the present invention.
6A and 6B are windows created by a web browser installed on a consumer's computer from which the consumer orders goods and / or services.
6A and 6B are windows created by a web browser installed on the consumer's computer from which the consumer orders goods and / or services.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the logic used by a consumer's computer to initiate an order for goods and / or services from the Internet.
8A-8C are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a consumer's computer to complete an order for goods and / or services on the Internet.
8A-8C are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a consumer computer to complete an order for goods and / or services on the Internet.
FIGS. 8A-8C are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a consumer computer to complete an order for goods and / or services on the Internet. FIGS.
FIGS. 9A-9F are windows created by the consumer's computer for displaying messages associated with orders for goods and / or services. FIGS.
FIGS. 9A-9F are windows created by the consumer's computer for displaying messages associated with orders for goods and / or services. FIGS.
FIGS. 9A-9F are windows created by the consumer's computer for displaying messages associated with orders for goods and / or services.
FIGS. 9A-9F are windows created by the consumer's computer for displaying messages associated with orders for goods and / or services. FIGS.
FIGS. 9A-9F are windows created by the consumer's computer for displaying messages associated with orders for goods and / or services. FIGS.
FIGS. 9A-9F are windows created by the consumer's computer for displaying messages related to goods and / or service orders. FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the logic used by the billing server connected to the LAN shown in FIG. 2 to supply the ordered goods and / or services.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating the logic used by the billing server connected to the LAN shown in FIG. 2 to confirm the order of goods and / or services.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by a telephone service provider to automatically charge consumers for ordered goods and / or services.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed in parallel by a consumer computer and a billing server to order and supply goods and / or services.
FIG. 14 is a window created by a web browser installed on a consumer's computer for a consumer to order paid content in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
15A-15C are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a consumer's computer to order paid content over the Internet.
FIGS. 15A-15C are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a consumer's computer to order paid content over the Internet. FIGS.
FIGS. 15A-15C are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a consumer's computer to order paid content over the Internet. FIGS.
FIGS. 16A-16D are various windows created by the consumer's computer to display messages related to paid content orders. FIGS.
FIGS. 16A-16D are various windows created by a consumer's computer to display messages related to paid content orders. FIGS.
FIGS. 16A-16D are various windows created by the consumer's computer to display messages related to paid content orders. FIGS.
FIGS. 16A-16D are various windows created by the consumer's computer to display messages related to paid content orders. FIGS.
FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating the logic used by a consumer computer to order previously bookmarked paid content.
FIG. 18 is a window created by a consumer's computer to display a message related to a previously bookmarked paid content order.
FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating the logic used by the billing server connected to the LAN shown in FIG. 13 to initially process paid content orders placed on the consumer's computer.
FIGS. 20A-20B are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a billing server to obtain access information for paid content and provide it to a consumer's computer.
FIGS. 20A-20B are flowcharts illustrating the logic used by a billing server to obtain access information for paid content and supply it to a consumer's computer.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the logic used by a merchant server to provide access information for paid content to a billing server.
22A-22B are diagrams illustrating operations performed in parallel by a consumer's computer, billing server, and merchant server to order and supply paid content.
22A-22B are diagrams illustrating operations performed in parallel by a consumer's computer, billing server, and merchant server to order and supply paid content.

Claims (50)

A method for ordering goods for sale in an internetwork of a computer system, wherein goods for sale are ordered to a merchant server by a consumer computer connected to the internetwork, the consumer computer and the merchant server Are connected to the internetwork, and the item for sale is also billed by a billing server connected to the internetwork, the method comprising:
(a) establishing a connection between the consumer computer and the billing server via the internetwork;
(b) transferring an order for the sale item from the consumer computer to the billing server via the internetwork;
(c) transferring a transaction ID from the billing server to the consumer computer via the internetwork, wherein the transaction ID identifies the ordered item for sale;
(d) terminating the connection between the consumer computer and the billing server via the internetwork after the transaction ID is received by the consumer computer via the internetwork;
(e) establishing a point-to-point connection between the consumer computer and the billing server;
(f) transferring the transaction ID from the consumer computer back to the billing server via the point-to-point connection to identify the ordered item for sale; and
(g) sending the transaction ID from the billing server to the merchant server so that the merchant can identify the order and provide the sale to the consumer. (h) an access key assigned to the ordered item for sale, which is used to charge the item ordered by the consumer computer from the billing server to the consumer computer; The method of claim 1, further comprising sending. The method of claim 2 further includes:
(a) transferring an encrypted version of a sale item from the billing server to the consumer computer while the consumer computer is connected to the billing server via the internetwork; and
(b) After the access key is transferred from the billing server to the consumer computer, the product sold by the consumer computer is decrypted using the access key to decrypt an encrypted version of the product for sale. To charge. The method of claim 2, wherein the access key is randomly generated. The method of claim 2, wherein the access key is selected by the billing server from a list of default access keys stored by the billing server. The point-to-point connection between the consumer computer and the billing server is terminated before the access key is transferred when an order for the merchandise is rejected by the billing server. 2. The method according to 2. If the transaction ID is not transferred from the consumer computer to the billing server within a predetermined time, a point-to-point between the consumer computer and the billing server before the access key is transferred 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the connection is terminated. The point-to-point connection between the consumer computer and the billing server is made via a telephone link managed by a telephone service provider, so that the point between the consumer computer and the billing server The method of claim 1, wherein the telephone service provider automatically bills for the ordered sales item when connected two-point. The connection between the consumer computer and the billing server via the internetwork is terminated before a transaction ID is transferred when an order for the merchandise is rejected. The method described. An apparatus for placing an item for sale through an internetwork ("internetwork") of a computer system, wherein the item is ordered by a consumer computer to a merchant server. And both of them are connected to the internetwork. Further, the sales item is charged by a billing server similarly connected to the internetwork. Includes:
(a) a consumer computer comprising a network interface for connecting to the internetwork, a processing device connected to the network interface, and a storage medium connected to the processing device;
Here, the storage medium includes program code that operates as follows when executed by a processing device:
(i) establishing a connection to the billing server via the internetwork;
(ii) transferring an order for a sale item to the billing server via the internetwork;
(iii) terminating the connection to the billing server via the internetwork;
(iv) establishing a point-to-point connection to the billing server; and
(v) sending back the transaction ID received from the billing server to the billing server via the point-to-point connection;
(b) a billing server comprising a network interface for connecting to the internetwork, a processing device connected to the network interface, and a storage medium connected to the processing device;
Here, the storage medium includes program code that, when executed by the processing device, operates as follows:
(i) transferring a transaction ID to the consumer computer via the internetwork; and
(ii) the transaction ID that is sent back to the I Ri before Symbol billing server before Symbol consumer computer via said point-to-point connection, it sends to the company server via the internetwork: and
(c) a vendor server comprising a network interface for connecting to the internetwork, a processing unit connected to the network interface, and a storage medium connected to the processing unit, wherein the storage medium is Upon execution by the processing unit, program code is provided that:
(i) receive the transaction ID from the billing server; and
(ii) identify the order for the item to be delivered to the consumer. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the billing server is to connect the access key assigned to the transaction ID after the billing server receives the transaction ID from the consumer computer to the point-to-point connection. 11. The device of claim 10, comprising transferring to the consumer computer via a computer. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the billing server is such that when the order placed by the consumer computer included in the transaction ID is to be rejected, the transaction ID is transferred to the consumer computer. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus terminates the connection between the consumer computer and the billing server via the point-to-point connection before the connection. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the billing server is performed on the consumer computer via the internetwork before the consumer computer terminates connection to the billing server via the internetwork. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: transferring an encrypted version for the sales item identified by the transaction ID. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the consumer computer uses the access key sent by the billing server to the consumer computer via the point-to-point connection to encrypt the sales item. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is to decrypt the version. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a consumer is automatically billed by the point-to-point connection provider for an order by the consumer computer. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the billing server is further between the consumer computer and the billing server via the internetwork when an order by the consumer computer is to be rejected. The device according to claim 10, which terminates the connection. The vendor server includes a network interface for connecting to the internetwork, a processing device connected to the network interface, and a storage medium connected to the processing device. The apparatus of claim 10, comprising program code that, when executed, provides a sale item ordered by the consumer computer. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the order for the sale item includes the transaction ID. The execution of the program code by the processing device of the billing server is as follows:
(a) Toll phone number determined by the ordered product
(b) processing the order of the sale by transferring the ordered sale and the charged billing rate determined by the toll phone number to the consumer computer via the internetwork; Item 18. The apparatus according to Item 18. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the consumer computer is
(a) after the toll phone number and the toll billing rate are received from the billing server, terminate the internetwork connection to the billing server; and
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein (b) the pay telephone number is used to establish a pay communication connection to the billing server. The execution of the program code by the processing device of the billing server is as follows:
(a) after establishing a paid communication connection between the consumer computer and the billing server, establishing an internetwork connection to the merchant server;
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein (b) forwards an order to the merchant server via the internetwork connection. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the merchant server,
(a) the location of the item for sale on a plurality of computers and servers connected to form an internetwork; (b) a specific communication session during which the consumer computer can download the found item for sale; 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein (c) the order is provided by forwarding access information identifying the password for requesting the found sales item to the billing server. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein execution of the program code by the processing device of the billing server forwards the access information to the consumer computer via the pay communication connection. 24. Execution of the program code by the processing unit of the consumer computer uses the access information transferred by the billing server to locate and download the ordered item for sale. apparatus. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the consumer computer terminates the paid communication connection between the consumer computer and the billing server after the ordered sales product has been downloaded. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the order is terminated. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the consumer computer determines the price of the ordered sales item,
(a) the toll billing rate determined by the toll phone number and the ordered item for sale; and
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the calculation is based on (b) a connection time of the pay communication connection between the consumer computer and the billing server. Execution of the program code by the processing device of the billing server includes a request for rejecting an order by the consumer computer after the paid communication connection between the consumer computer and the billing server is terminated. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the apparatus transfers. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein execution of the program code by the processing device of the merchant server invalidates access information for the ordered sales item in response to a request transferred by the billing server. A computer-readable medium,
A computer-executable program stored on a consumer computer, the program being used by the consumer computer to order goods for sale to a merchant server;
The consumer computer and the merchant server are a part of a plurality of computers and servers connected to each other to form an internetwork,
The computer-executable program includes a plug-in program stored in the consumer computer, and the plug-in program is for ordering a product for sale to a merchant server by the consumer computer. Yes,
Here, the plug-in program orders the product for sale as follows:
(a) providing an internetwork communication link with the billing server, wherein the billing server is for processing orders for the item for sale;
(b) obtaining a transaction ID for identifying an order from the billing server via the Internet communication link;
(c) Disconnecting the internetwork communication link with the billing server
and (d) establishing a pay telephone communication link with the previous Ki請 determined server;
(e) sending an order for the sale item to the billing server for processing via the toll telephone communication link; and
(f) using the transaction ID to obtain access information from the billing server via the pay phone communication link, wherein the access information is used to request the ordered item for sale. It is used. The plug-in program is
(a) transfer the transaction ID to the billing server to identify the placed order; and
(b) an access key from the billing server (wherein the access key is assigned to the order identified by the transaction ID, and the access key is the ordered sales item) 30. The computer readable medium of claim 29 , wherein the access information is obtained by obtaining the access information. A computer-executable program comprising a billing program included in the billing server for ascertaining an order placed by the plug-in program, the billing program comprising:
(a) supplying the transaction ID to the plug-in program after the internetwork communication link with the billing server is provided by the plug-in program;
(b) the pay telephone communication link is the plug and the billing server - after being established by the in-program, the access key the plug - by supplying to the in-program, confirms an order has been made, according to claim 30 The computer-readable medium described. The billing program also provides the plug-in program with an encrypted version of the ordered item for sale before the plug-in program disconnects the internetwork communication link with the billing server. 31. The computer-readable medium according to 31 . 33. The computer readable medium of claim 32 , wherein the plug-in program decrypts an encrypted version of the ordered item for sale using the access key provided by the billing program. 30. The computer readable medium of claim 29, wherein the paid telephone communication link established by the plug-in program is provided by a telephone service provider that charges a flat fee for items ordered via the telephone communication link. The toll telephone communication link established with the billing server sets the duration of the toll telephone communication link with the billing server to a predetermined rate determined by the toll telephone communication link and the item ordered. 30. The computer readable medium of claim 29, managed by a telephone service provider that multiplies and calculates a fee for an ordered item for sale. A computer-executable program comprising a billing program included in the billing server for processing an order placed by the plug-in program, the billing program comprising:
(a) providing the plug-in program with a pay phone number used to establish the pay phone communication link between the consumer computer and the billing server;
(b) after providing the pay telephone communication link with the consumer computer;
(i) establishing an internetwork communication link with a merchant server connected to the internetwork that provides access information for the ordered sales item to the billing server; and
36. The computer readable medium of claim 35 , wherein the order is processed by transferring the order for the item for sale to the merchant server via the internetwork communication link. A further computer-executable program comprising a merchant program included in the merchant server for supplying the plug-in program with the access information for the ordered sales item, the merchant program comprising:
(a) assigning an access identifier to a specific communication session between the consumer computer and the merchant server;
(b) assign a password for billing the ordered item sold;
(c) generating a locator for the ordered sales item that identifies the position of the ordered sales item in the internetwork;
37. The computer readable medium of claim 36 , wherein (d) providing the access information by providing the access identifier, password, and locator to the billing program. 38. The computer readable medium of claim 37 , wherein the billing program further processes the order by transferring the access identifier, password, and locator received from the merchant program to the plug-in program. The plug-in program creates a bookmark of the ordered item for sale with the toll phone number used to establish the toll phone communication link with the billing server, thereby 37. The computer readable medium of claim 36 , further placing an order. A computer readable medium, the computer readable medium comprising:
(I) for executing orders for selling goods to the skilled server by a computer, computer executable program included in the billing server, wherein both of the skilled server and the computer, the internetwork between the computer and the server A plurality of computers and servers connected to form a computer-executable program,
(a) After an internetwork connection with the computer is established, a transaction ID assigned to the order is provided to the computer (where the transaction ID is provided via the internetwork connection). And)
(b) providing the computer with an access key assigned to the order identified by the transaction ID after a point-to-point connection with the computer is established and after the computer returns the transaction ID; (Where the access key is supplied via the point-to-point connection)
And have a billing program to execute the order by,
(Ii) a computer-executable program comprising a plug-in program included in the computer for placing an order for sale, wherein the plug-in program is
(a) establish an internetwork connection with the computer;
(b) receive the transaction ID supplied by the billing program;
(c) disconnect the internetwork connection with the computer;
(d) establish the point-to-point connection with the computer;
(e) return the transaction ID to the billing program;
(f) receiving the access key assigned to the order identified by the transaction ID used to charge the ordered item for sale;
In this way, the sales item is ordered . 41. The computer-readable medium of claim 40 , wherein the billing program also provides the computer with an encrypted version of the ordered item for sale before the plug-in program disconnects the internetwork connection with the computer. Medium. 42. The computer-readable medium of claim 41 , wherein the plug-in program decrypts an encrypted version of the sale item using the access key provided to the computer by the billing program. 41. The computer readable computer program product of claim 40 , wherein the telephony link established by the plug-in program is managed by a telephony service provider that bills for the sales items ordered via the telephony link. Medium. A computer readable medium having a computer- executable program for processing an order for a product for sale to a merchant server by a consumer computer, the merchant server and the consumer computer both comprising a plurality of computers and server internets. The computer-executable program connected to the work comprises :
(I) a billing program included in a billing server, wherein the billing server is also connected to an internetwork ,
(a) providing the consumer computer with a toll phone number for establishing a toll communication link between the consumer computer and the billing server; and
(b) an access identifier for a specific communication session between a merchant server connected to the internetwork and the consumer computer, a password for charging the ordered item for sale, and connected to the internetwork A locator for the ordered sale item that identifies the location of the ordered sale item on the merchant server, and wherein the consumer computer and the billing server are connected via the toll communication link Processing the order by providing the consumer computer with access information that enables the consumer computer to access the item ordered in between ;
(Ii) a plug-in program for ordering products for sale, wherein the plug-in program is:
(a) provide a graphical user interface that enables a consumer to select a sale item and to automatically make a payment request for that sale by the consumer's telephone service provider;
(b) Establishing a charged communication link with the billing server using the toll phone number supplied by the billing program
Thus, an order is made for the product for sale . The toll telephone communication link established between the consumer computer and the billing server is at a predetermined rate determined by the toll telephone communication link and ordered sales items, and the consumer computer and the billing server. 45. The computer readable medium of claim 44 , managed by a telephone service provider that calculates a charge for ordered sales by multiplying a duration of the toll telephony link to and from. A further computer-executable program comprising a merchant program for providing access to ordered consumer goods to the consumer computer;
The vendor program is
(a) assigning the access identifier to a specific communication session between the consumer computer and the merchant server;
(b) assign a password to charge the ordered item for sale;
(c) to the ordered sale by generating a locator for the ordered sale that identifies the location of the ordered sale on a particular merchant server connected to the internetwork; 45. The computer readable medium of claim 44 , wherein the computer readable medium provides access to the network. A merchant program for providing a consumer computer connected to an internetwork of computers and servers to a merchant server also connected to the internetwork to access the item ordered by the consumer computer A computer-readable medium comprising a further computer-executable program, the computer- executable program comprising :
(I) (a) Internet between a billing server also connected to the internetwork and the merchant server (where the billing server processes orders for merchandise made by the consumer computer). A work communication link,
(b) While the consumer computer and the billing server are connected via a paid communication link, the consumer has access to the ordered sales item from a particular server connected to the internetwork. For the computer to use
An access identifier for a specific communication session between the consumer computer and the merchant server;
A password to request the ordered item for sale;
Included in the merchant server for processing an order by providing the billing server with access information comprising a locator for the ordered sales item that identifies the position of the ordered sales item on the merchant server Supplier program
(Ii) a billing program for processing an order by the consumer computer, wherein the billing program is:
(a) providing the consumer computer with a toll phone number used by the consumer computer to establish the toll communication link between the consumer computer and the billing server;
(b) transferring the order by the consumer computer to the merchant program via the internetwork communication link between the merchant server and the billing server;
Process the order . The telephone communication between the consumer computer and the billing server at a predetermined rate determined by the paid communication link and the ordered sales item between the consumer computer and the billing server. 48. The computer readable medium of claim 47 , managed by a telephone service provider that calculates a charge for ordered sales by multiplying the duration of the link. 48. The computer readable medium of claim 47 , wherein the billing program further forwards the access information provided by the merchant program to the consumer computer. A further computer-executable program comprising a plug-in program for placing an order for the item for sale, the plug-in program comprising:
(a) enables consumers to place orders for the items for sale;
(b) establishing the toll communication link between the consumer computer and the billing server using the toll phone number supplied by the billing server;
48. The computer readable medium of claim 47 , wherein the order is placed by transferring the order to the billing server via the toll telephone communication link.

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