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US6044362A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Electronic invoicing and payment system

Assignee: Emergis Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1997-09-08
•
Granted: 2000-03-28
•
Expires: 2017-09-08
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Abstract

Abstract A system for automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer. The system includes invoice presentment electronics having a control system and first communication electronics. The system also includes at least one remote authorization terminal having a customer interface, the terminal having second communication electronics adapted to operatively communicate with the first communication electronics. The control system of the invoice presentment electronics is adapted to provide billing data, regarding a customer invoice preauthorized for automated billing, to the first communication electronics for transmission to the second communication electronics. The customer interface of the remote authorization terminal is adapted to present the billing data to a customer and to receive a response relating to the billing data from the customer, the response indicating one of acceptance of the billing data for automated billing or modification of the billing data for modifying automated billing. Acceptance can either be an active response from the customer or a passive response, for example, automatic acceptance up to a preset limit.

Inventors

  • 👤 R. Alan Neely

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-26 04:38
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/04; G06Q20/042; G06Q20/0425; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/10; G06Q20/102; G06Q20/14; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/40; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/04; G06Q40/00

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 105
Claim 1
Independent Claim 155 words
An automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer, said system comprising: (a) invoice presentation electronics adapted to present customer billing data for customer review and to request payment instructions relating to automated billing to said customer; and (b) a remote electronic customer authorization interface adapted to: (i) receive the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentation electronics; (ii) provide the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions to the customer; (iii) receive customer payment instructions from the customer in response to the request for payment instructions; and (iv) transmit the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 155 words
An automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer, said system comprising: (a) invoice presentation electronics adapted to present customer billing data for customer review and to request payment instructions relating to automated billing to said customer; and (b) a remote electronic customer authorization interface adapted to: (i) receive the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentation electronics; (ii) provide the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions to the customer; (iii) receive customer payment instructions from the customer in response to the request for payment instructions; and (iv) transmit the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 28 words
The system according to claim 1 further including a payment source, said invoice presentment electronics adapted to transmit the payment instructions to the payment source after customer review.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 2, wherein said payment source is a clearing house.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 3, wherein said clearing house is a payment network.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 3, wherein said clearing house is a courier.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 2, wherein said payment instructions include transmission date.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 19 words
The system according to claim 2, wherein said payment instructions include amount to draft from customer associated financial institution.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 22 words
The system according to claim 2, wherein said payment instructions include account information associated with the customer from which to draft payment.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 22 words
The system according to claim 2, wherein said payment instructions include account information associated with the invoicer from which to deposit payment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said billing data includes invoicer billing information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 10, wherein said billing information includes a due date.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 10, wherein said billing information includes an amount due.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 22 words
The system according to claim 10, wherein said billing information includes a list of goods or services provided during a billing period.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 10, wherein said billing information includes a late charge.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 10, wherein said billing information includes account information.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said billing data includes customer information.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 16, wherein said customer information includes customer name.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 16, wherein said customer information includes customer address.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 16, wherein said customer information includes account information for the customer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said billing data includes a customer account identifier.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said billing data includes an invoice identifier.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 35 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said invoice presentment electronics includes invoice information relating to customer bills and account information relating to financial institutions associated with the customer from which payments may be drafted.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 38 words
The system according to claim 22, wherein said invoice presentment electronics further includes preauthorized payment instructions for automated payment of a billing amount set out in said billing information from an account set out in said account information.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 32 words
The system according to claim 23, wherein the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentment electronics query the customer if the preauthorized payment instructions are desired for the billing data presented.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 32 words
The system according to claim 23, wherein the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentment electronics query the customer if the preauthorized payment instructions need modification for the billing data presented.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 20 words
The system according to claim 23, wherein said customer authorization interface includes an editor for modifying the preauthorized payment instructions.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 43 words
The system according to claim 22, wherein the account information includes account information from a plurality of financial institutions and the request for payment instructions query the customer to select the financial institution from which to draft payment for an associated customer bill.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 29 words
The system according to claim 27, wherein said invoice presentment electronics includes a preauthorized default identifying the financial institution from which to draft payment for said associated customer bill.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 24 words
The system according to claim 28, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is adapted to receive a customer input to accept the preauthorized default.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 24 words
The system according to claim 28, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is adapted to receive a customer input to modify the preauthorized default.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 32 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said request for payment instructions include billing information selected from the group consisting of amount due, time of payment, account from which to draft payment.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 40 words
The system according to claim 31, wherein said customer authorization interface is adapted to modify the billing information to change one or more of the group consisting of amount due, time of payment and account from which to draft payment.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said billing data include notices for the customer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said billing data include advertising information directed towards the customer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said billing data include control information.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 115 words
A remote electronic customer authorization interface for an automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer said system comprising: (a) means for receiving customer billing data for customer review and a request for payment instructions from said invoicer; (b) means for receiving customer payment instructions from the customer in response to said request for payment instructions from said invoicer; and (c) means for transmitting the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 115 words
A remote electronic customer authorization interface for an automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer said system comprising: (a) means for receiving customer billing data for customer review and a request for payment instructions from said invoicer; (b) means for receiving customer payment instructions from the customer in response to said request for payment instructions from said invoicer; and (c) means for transmitting the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 36, wherein said payment instructions include a date to draft payment.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system according to claim 36, wherein said payment instructions include a amount of invoice.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 34 words
The system according to claim 36, wherein said invoicer provides a customer accessible site for receiving said billing data and said request for payment instructions, said site accessible from said electronic customer authorization interface.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 30 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said customer accessible site is an Internet site and said electronic customer authorization interface includes a browser for accessing said customer accessible site.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is an automated teller machine.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is a remote kiosk.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is a personal computer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is an interactive television.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is a telephone.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 42 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is a computer, said billing data and said request for payment instructions are presented by e-mail to the customer and the customer payment instructions are provided by a customer e-mail.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 36 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface includes a display for presenting said billing data and said request for payment instructions and a customer actuable input for receiving customer payment instructions.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 39 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface includes audio electronics and a speaker for presenting said billing data and said request for payment instructions and a customer actuable input for receiving customer payment instructions.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 35 words
The system according to claim 39, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is adapted to allow a customer to poll said invoice presentment electronics to receive said billing data and said request for payment instructions.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 234 words
An automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer, said system comprising: (a) invoice presentation electronics adapted to present customer billing data for customer review and to request payment instructions relating to automated billing to said customer; (b) a remote electronic customer authorization interface, said customer interface including: means for receiving customer billing data for customer review and a request for payment instructions from said invoicer; means for receiving customer payment instructions from the customer in response to said request for payment instructions from said invoicer; and means for transmitting the customer payment instructions from the customer to said invoicer, said interface adapted to: (i) receive the customer billing data for customer review and to request for payment instructions from said invoice presentation electronics; (ii) provide the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions to the customer, (iii) receive customer payment instructions from the customer in response to the request for payment instructions; and (iv) transmit the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account; and (c) a payment source, said invoice presentment electronics adapted to transmit the payment instructions to the payment source after customer review.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 234 words
An automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer, said system comprising: (a) invoice presentation electronics adapted to present customer billing data for customer review and to request payment instructions relating to automated billing to said customer; (b) a remote electronic customer authorization interface, said customer interface including: means for receiving customer billing data for customer review and a request for payment instructions from said invoicer; means for receiving customer payment instructions from the customer in response to said request for payment instructions from said invoicer; and means for transmitting the customer payment instructions from the customer to said invoicer, said interface adapted to: (i) receive the customer billing data for customer review and to request for payment instructions from said invoice presentation electronics; (ii) provide the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions to the customer, (iii) receive customer payment instructions from the customer in response to the request for payment instructions; and (iv) transmit the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account; and (c) a payment source, said invoice presentment electronics adapted to transmit the payment instructions to the payment source after customer review.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said payment source is a clearing house.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 51, wherein said clearing house is a courier.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 51, wherein said clearing house is a payment network.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said payment instructions include transmission date.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 19 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said payment instructions include amount to draft from customer associated financial institution.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim 22 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said payment instructions include account information associated with the customer from which to draft payment.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 22 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said payment instructions include account information associated with the invoicer from which to deposit payment.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said billing data includes invoicer billing information.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 58, wherein said billing information includes a due date.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 58, wherein said billing information includes an amount due.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 22 words
The system according to claim 58, wherein said billing information includes a list of goods or services provided during a billing period.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 58, wherein said billing information includes a late charge.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 58, wherein said billing information includes account information.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said billing data includes customer information.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 64, wherein said customer information includes customer name.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 64, wherein said customer information includes customer address.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 64, wherein said customer information includes account information for the customer.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said billing data includes a customer account identifier.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 14 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said billing data includes an invoice identifier.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 35 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said invoice presentment electronics includes invoice information relating to customer bills and account information relating to financial institutions associated with the customer from which payments may be drafted.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 43 words
The system according to claim 70, wherein the account information includes account information from a plurality of financial institutions and the request for payment instructions query the customer to select the financial institution from which to draft payment for an associated customer bill.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 29 words
The system according to claim 71, wherein said invoice presentment electronics includes a preauthorized default identifying the financial institution from which to draft payment for said associated customer bill.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim 24 words
The system according to claim 72, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is adapted to receive a customer input to accept the preauthorized default.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim 24 words
The system according to claim 72, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is adapted to receive a customer input to modify the preauthorized default.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim 38 words
The system according to claim 70, wherein said invoice presentment electronics further includes preauthorized payment instructions for automated payment of a billing amount set out in said billing information from an account set out in said account information.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim 32 words
The system according to claim 75, wherein the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentment electronics query the customer if the preauthorized payment instructions are desired for the billing data presented.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim 32 words
The system according to claim 75, wherein the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentment electronics query the customer if the preauthorized payment instructions need modification for the billing data presented.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim 20 words
The system according to claim 75, wherein said customer authorization interface includes an editor for modifying the preauthorized payment instructions.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim 32 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said request for payment instructions include billing information selected from the group consisting of amount due, time of payment, account from which to draft payment.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim 40 words
The system according to claim 79, wherein said customer authorization interface is adapted to modify the billing information to change one or more of the group consisting of amount due, time of payment and account from which to draft payment.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said billing data include notices for the customer.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said billing data include advertising information directed towards the customer.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim 13 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said billing data include control information.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said payment instructions include a date to draft payment.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said payment instructions include a amount of invoice.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim 34 words
The system according to claim 50, wherein said invoicer provides a customer accessible site for receiving said billing data and said request for payment instructions, said site accessible from said electronic customer authorization interface.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim 30 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said customer accessible site is an Internet site and said electronic customer authorization interface includes a browser for accessing said customer accessible site.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is an automated teller machine.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is a remote kiosk.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is a personal computer.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is an interactive television.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is a telephone.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim 42 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is a computer, said billing data and said request for payment instructions are presented by e-mail to the customer and the customer payment instructions are provided by a customer e-mail.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim 36 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface includes a display for presenting said billing data and said request for payment instructions and a customer actuable input for receiving customer payment instructions.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim 39 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface includes audio electronics and a speaker for presenting said billing data and said request for payment instructions and a customer actuable input for receiving customer payment instructions.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim 35 words
The system according to claim 86, wherein said electronic customer authorization interface is adapted to allow a customer to poll said invoice presentment electronics to receive said billing data and said request for payment instructions.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim 134 words
A computerized method for automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) presenting customer billing data for customer review and requesting payment instructions relating to automated billing to said customer using an invoice presentation electronics; and (b) receiving the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentation electronics to said customer using a remote electronic customer authorization interface; and (c) providing customer payment instructions from the customer in response to the request for payment instructions directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim 134 words
A computerized method for automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) presenting customer billing data for customer review and requesting payment instructions relating to automated billing to said customer using an invoice presentation electronics; and (b) receiving the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentation electronics to said customer using a remote electronic customer authorization interface; and (c) providing customer payment instructions from the customer in response to the request for payment instructions directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim 115 words
A computerized method for automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer using a remote electronic customer authorization interface, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving customer billing data for customer review and a request for payment instructions from said invoicer; (b) receiving customer payment instructions from the customer in response to said request for payment instructions from said invoicer; and (c) transmitting the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim 115 words
A computerized method for automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer using a remote electronic customer authorization interface, wherein the customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly to the invoicer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving customer billing data for customer review and a request for payment instructions from said invoicer; (b) receiving customer payment instructions from the customer in response to said request for payment instructions from said invoicer; and (c) transmitting the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim 236 words
A computerized method for automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly the invoicer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) presenting customer billing data for customer review and requesting payment instructions relating to automated billing to said customer using an invoice presentation electronics; (b) authorizing payment using a remote electronic customer authorization interface, said customer interface including: means for receiving customer billing data for customer review and a request for payment instructions from said invoicer, means for receiving customer payment instructions from the customer in response to said request for payment instructions from said invoicer; and means for transmitting the customer payment instructions from the customer to said invoicer, said interface adapted to: (i) receive the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentation electronics; (ii) provide the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions to the customer; (iii) receive customer payment instructions from the customer in response to the request for payment instructions; and (iv) transmit the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account; and (c) transmitting the payment instructions to a payment source after customer review using said invoice presentment electronics.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim 236 words
A computerized method for automated electronic invoicing and payment system for providing remote customer review of automated billing from an invoicer, wherein customer payment instructions are sent from the customer directly the invoicer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) presenting customer billing data for customer review and requesting payment instructions relating to automated billing to said customer using an invoice presentation electronics; (b) authorizing payment using a remote electronic customer authorization interface, said customer interface including: means for receiving customer billing data for customer review and a request for payment instructions from said invoicer, means for receiving customer payment instructions from the customer in response to said request for payment instructions from said invoicer; and means for transmitting the customer payment instructions from the customer to said invoicer, said interface adapted to: (i) receive the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions from said invoice presentation electronics; (ii) provide the customer billing data for customer review and the request for payment instructions to the customer; (iii) receive customer payment instructions from the customer in response to the request for payment instructions; and (iv) transmit the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to said invoicer, said payment instructions including at least a customer invoice account number and an associated customer payment account; and (c) transmitting the payment instructions to a payment source after customer review using said invoice presentment electronics.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2003-03-28 2003-09-27 2004-03-28 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2007-03-28 2007-09-27 2008-03-28 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2011-03-28 2011-09-27 2012-03-28 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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