Computer-driven information management system for selectively matching credit applicants with money lenders through a global communications network

Claim 2

A computer system for matching, through a global communications network, an applicant for financing for a vehicle acquisition, with a number of financial institutions providing vehicle financing, the computer system comprising: means for entering applicant data into the system, and for defining a digital applicant profile for the applicant; means for entering model data into the system, model data being specified by each financial institution, and defining a digital model profile representing characteristics desired by each financial institution for any applicant for financing; distribution filter means for electronically comparing the digital applicant profile with each digital model profile to filter the distribution of applicant data through the system to the financial institution; means for, when the applicant profile matches a model profile corresponding to a financial institution, transmitting the applicant profile to the financial institution, through the global communications network; means for retrieving credit information about the applicant from a credit bureau and incorporating the credit information into the applicant profile; means for electronically notifying the applicant of financing terms set by a financial institution for the applicant, where the applicant profile matches the model profile specified by that financial institution; means for simultaneously distributing the applicant profile to a number of further financial institutions, where each such financial institution specified a model profile that matches the applicant profile; means for further restricting the distribution of the applicant profile only to financial institutions selected by a member of the group comprising the applicant and a vehicle dealer; means for electronically recording the applicant profile transmitted to any financial institution; means for selecting by a member of the group comprising the applicant and the institutions; wherein the means for notifying notifies automatically, if the applicant profile matches a model profile; wherein the global communications network comprises a first computer with the dealer, and a plurality of other computers with one such other computer at each financial institution, the first computer communicating electronically with each of the other computers through the Internet and a Web site, using a Web browser; wherein the means for transmitting the applicant profile includes means for transmitting for preliminary consideration part of the data from the applicant profile to the financial institution corresponding to the model profile matching the applicant profile; wherein the financing is one of a type selected from the group comprising loans and leases; wherein the applicant profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising personal information, financial information, motor vehicle information, name, social security number, address, employment information, and financing information including desired monthly payment and desire amount to be financed; and wherein each model profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising minimum credit score, type of motor vehicle acceptable, minimum loan amount, minimum gross monthly income of applicant, dealer location, number of months the applicant has been employed at present job, and number of years the applicant has been residing at its present residence.

Claim 3

A computer system for matching, through a global communications network, an applicant for financing for a vehicle acquisition, with a financial institution providing vehicle financing, the computer system comprising: means for entering applicant data into the system, and for defining a digital applicant profile for the applicant; means for entering model data into the system, model data being specified by the financial institution, and defining a digital model profile representing characteristics desired by each financial institution for any applicant for financing; and distribution filter means for electronically comparing the digital applicant profile with the digital model profile to filter the distribution of applicant data through the system to the final institution; means for, when the applicant profile matches the model profile corresponding to the financial institution, transmitting the applicant profile to the financial institution, through the global communications network.

Claim 4

A computer system for matching, through a global communications network, an applicant for financing for a vehicle acquisition, with a financial institution providing vehicle financing, the computer system comprising: means for entering applicant data into the system, and for defining a digital applicant profile for the applicant; means for entering model data into the system, model data being specified by the financial institution, and defining a digital model profile representing characteristics desired by each financial institution for any applicant for financing; and distribution filter means for electronically comparing the digital applicant profile with the digital model profile to filter the distribution of applicant data through the system to the final institution; means for, when the applicant profile matches the model profile corresponding to the financial institution, transmitting the applicant profile to the financial institution, through the global communications network.

Claim 5

The computer system of claim 2 , wherein the global communications network comprises a first computer with the dealer, and a plurality of other computers with one such other computer at each financial institution, the first computer communicating electronically with each of the other computers through the Internet and a Web site, using a Web browser.

Claim 6

The computer system of claim 2 , wherein the means for transmitting the applicant profile includes means for transmitting for preliminary consideration part of the data from the applicant profile to the financial institution corresponding to the model profile matching the applicant profile.

Claim 7

The computer system of claim 2 , wherein the financing is one of a type selected from the group comprising loans and leases.

Claim 8

The computer system of claim 2 , further comprising means for retrieving credit information about the applicant from a credit bureau and incorporating the credit information into the applicant profile.

Claim 9

The computer system of claim 2 , further comprising means for electronically notifying the applicant of the financing terms set by each financial institution for the applicant, where the applicant profile matches the model profile specified by that financial institution.

Claim 10

The computer system of claim 7 , wherein the means for notifying notifies automatically, if the applicant profile matches a model profile.

Claim 11

The computer system of claim 2 , further comprising means for simultaneously distributing the applicant profile to a number of further financial institutions, where each such financial institution specified a model profile that matches the applicant profile.

Claim 12

The computer system of claim 9 , further comprising means for further restricting the distribution of the applicant profile only to financial institutions selected by a member of the group comprising the applicant and a vehicle dealer.

Claim 13

The computer system of claim 2 , further comprising means for electronically recording the applicant profile transmitted to any financial institution.

Claim 14

The computer system of claim 2 , further comprising means for selecting by a member of the group comprising the applicant and a vehicle dealer, a finance product from a group of finance products specified by the financial institution.

Claim 15

The computer system of claim 2 , wherein the applicant profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising: personal information, financial information, motor vehicle information, name, social security number, address, employment information, and financing information including desired monthly payment and desired amount to be financed.

Claim 16

The computer system of claim 2 , wherein the model profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising: minimum credit score, type of motor vehicle acceptable, minimum loan amount, minimum gross monthly income of applicant, dealer location, number of months the applicant has been employed at present job, and number of years the applicant has been residing at its present residence.

Claim 21

The method of claim 16 , wherein the global communications network comprises a first computer with the dealer, and a plurality of other computers with one such other computer at each financial institution, the first computer communicating electronically with each of the other computers through the Internet and a Web site, using a Web browser.

Claim 22

The method of claim 16 , wherein transmitting the applicant profile includes transmitting for preliminary consideration part of the data from the applicant profile to the financial institution corresponding to the model profile matching the applicant profile.

Claim 23

The method of claim 16 , wherein the financing is one of a type selected from the group comprising loans and leases.

Claim 24

The method of claim 16 , further comprising retrieving credit information about the applicant from a credit bureau and incorporating the credit information into the applicant profile.

Claim 25

The method of claim 16 , further comprising electronically notifying the applicant of the financing terms set by each financial institution for the applicant, where the applicant profile matches the model profile specified by that financial institution.

Claim 26

The method of claim 21 , wherein notifying automatically, if the applicant profile matches a model profile.

Claim 27

The method of claim 16 , further comprising simultaneously distributing the applicant profile to a number of further financial institutions, where each such financial institution specified a model profile that matches the applicant profile.

Claim 28

The method of claim 23 , further comprising further restricting the distribution of the applicant profile only to financial institutions selected by a member of the group comprising the applicant and a vehicle dealer.

Claim 29

The method of claim 16 , further comprising electronically recording the applicant profile transmitted to any financial institution.

Claim 30

The method of claim 16 , further comprising selecting by a member of the group comprising the applicant and a vehicle dealer, a finance product from a group of finance products specified by the financial institution.

Claim 31

The method of claim 16 , wherein the applicant profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising: personal information, financial information, motor vehicle information, name, social security number, address, employment information, and financing information including desired monthly payment and desire amount to be financed.

Claim 32

The method of claim 16 , wherein the model profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising: minimum credit score, type of motor vehicle acceptable, minimum loan amount, minimum gross monthly income of applicant, dealer location, number of months the applicant has been employed at present job, and number of years the applicant has been residing at its present residence.

Claim 33

A computer readable memory medium, encoded with data representing a computer program, that can be used by a computer system to direct the computer system to execute a method for matching, through a global communications network, an applicant for financing for a vehicle acquisition, with a number of financial institutions providing vehicle financing, the medium comprising: means for entering applicant data into the system, and for defining a digital applicant profile for the applicant; means for entering model data into the system, model data being specified by each financial institution, and defining a digital model profile representing characteristics desired by each financial institution for any applicant financing; distribution filter means for electronically comparing the digital applicant profile with each digital model profile to filter the distribution of applicant data through the system to the financial institution; means for, when the applicant profile matches a model profile corresponding to a financial institution, transmitting the applicant profile to the financial institution, through the global communications network; means for retrieving credit information about the applicant from a credit bureau and incorporating the credit information into the applicant profile; means for electronically notifying the applicant of financing terms set by a financial institution for the applicant, where the applicant profile matches the model profile specified by that financial institution; means for simultaneously distributing the applicant profile to a number of further financial institutions, where each such financial institution specified a model profile that matches the applicant profile; means for further restricting the distribution of the applicant profile only to financial institutions selected by a member of the group comprising the applicant and a vehicle dealer; means for electronically recording the applicant profile transmitted to any financial institution; means for selecting by a member of the group comprising the applicant and the vehicle dealer, a finance product from a group of finance products specified by the financial institutions; wherein the means for notifying notifies automatically, if the applicant profile matches a model profile; wherein the global communications network comprises a first computer with the dealer, and a plurality of other computers with one such other computer at each financial institution, the first computer communicating electronically with each of the other computers through the Internet and a Web site, using a Web browser; wherein the means for transmitting the applicant profile includes means for transmitting for preliminary consideration part of the data from the applicant profile to the financial institution corresponding to the model profile matching the applicant profile; wherein the financing is one of a type selected from the group comprising loans and leases; wherein the applicant profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising personal information, financial information, motor vehicle information, name, social security number, address, employment information, and financing information including desired monthly payment and desired amount to be financed; and wherein each model profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising minimum credit score, type of motor vehicle acceptable, minimum loan amount, minimum gross monthly income of applicant, dealer location, number of months the applicant has been employed at present job, and number of years the applicant has been residing at its present residence.

Claim 34

A computer readable memory medium, encoded with data representing a computer program, that can be used by a computer system to direct the computer system to execute a method for matching, through a global communications network, an applicant for financing for a vehicle acquisition, with a number of financial institutions providing vehicle financing, the medium comprising: means for entering applicant data into the system, and for defining a digital applicant profile for the applicant; means for entering model data into the system, model data being specified by each financial institution, and defining a digital model profile representing characteristics desired by each financial institution for any applicant financing; distribution filter means for electronically comparing the digital applicant profile with each digital model profile to filter the distribution of applicant data through the system to the financial institution; means for, when the applicant profile matches a model profile corresponding to a financial institution, transmitting the applicant profile to the financial institution, through the global communications network; means for retrieving credit information about the applicant from a credit bureau and incorporating the credit information into the applicant profile; means for electronically notifying the applicant of financing terms set by a financial institution for the applicant, where the applicant profile matches the model profile specified by that financial institution; means for simultaneously distributing the applicant profile to a number of further financial institutions, where each such financial institution specified a model profile that matches the applicant profile; means for further restricting the distribution of the applicant profile only to financial institutions selected by a member of the group comprising the applicant and a vehicle dealer; means for electronically recording the applicant profile transmitted to any financial institution; means for selecting by a member of the group comprising the applicant and the vehicle dealer, a finance product from a group of finance products specified by the financial institutions; wherein the means for notifying notifies automatically, if the applicant profile matches a model profile; wherein the global communications network comprises a first computer with the dealer, and a plurality of other computers with one such other computer at each financial institution, the first computer communicating electronically with each of the other computers through the Internet and a Web site, using a Web browser; wherein the means for transmitting the applicant profile includes means for transmitting for preliminary consideration part of the data from the applicant profile to the financial institution corresponding to the model profile matching the applicant profile; wherein the financing is one of a type selected from the group comprising loans and leases; wherein the applicant profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising personal information, financial information, motor vehicle information, name, social security number, address, employment information, and financing information including desired monthly payment and desired amount to be financed; and wherein each model profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising minimum credit score, type of motor vehicle acceptable, minimum loan amount, minimum gross monthly income of applicant, dealer location, number of months the applicant has been employed at present job, and number of years the applicant has been residing at its present residence.

Claim 35

A computer readable memory medium, encoded with data representing a computer program, that can be used by a computer system to direct the computer system to execute a method for matching, through a global communications network, an applicant for financing for a vehicle acquisition, with a financial institution providing vehicle financing, the medium comprising: means for entering applicant data into the system, and for defining a digital applicant profile for the applicant; means for entering model data into the system, model data being specified by the financial institution, and defining a digital model profile representing characteristics desired by each financial institution for any applicant for financing; and distribution filter means for electronically comparing the digital applicant profile with the digital model profile to filter the distribution of applicant data through the system to the financial institution; means for, when the applicant profile matches the model profile corresponding to the financial institution, transmitting the applicant profile to the financial institution, through the global communications network.

Claim 36

A computer readable memory medium, encoded with data representing a computer program, that can be used by a computer system to direct the computer system to execute a method for matching, through a global communications network, an applicant for financing for a vehicle acquisition, with a financial institution providing vehicle financing, the medium comprising: means for entering applicant data into the system, and for defining a digital applicant profile for the applicant; means for entering model data into the system, model data being specified by the financial institution, and defining a digital model profile representing characteristics desired by each financial institution for any applicant for financing; and distribution filter means for electronically comparing the digital applicant profile with the digital model profile to filter the distribution of applicant data through the system to the financial institution; means for, when the applicant profile matches the model profile corresponding to the financial institution, transmitting the applicant profile to the financial institution, through the global communications network.

Claim 37

The medium of claim 30 , wherein the global communications network comprises a first computer with the dealer, and a plurality of other computers with one such other computer at each financial institution, the first computer communicating electronically with each of the other computers through the Internet and a Web site, using a Web browser.

Claim 38

The medium of claim 30 , wherein the means for transmitting the applicant profile includes means for transmitting for preliminary consideration part of the data from the applicant profile to the financial institution corresponding to the model profile matching the applicant profile.

Claim 39

The medium of claim 30 , wherein the financing is one of a type selected from the group comprising loans and leases.

Claim 40

The medium of claim 30 , further comprising means for retrieving credit information about the applicant from a credit bureau and incorporating the credit information into the applicant profile.

Claim 41

The medium of claim 30 , further comprising means for electronically notifying the applicant of the financing terms set by each financial institution for the applicant, where the applicant profile matches the model profile specified by that financial institution.

Claim 42

The medium of claim 35 , wherein the means for notifying notifies automatically, if the applicant profile matches a model profile.

Claim 43

The medium of claim 30 , further comprising means for simultaneously distributing the applicant profile to a number of further financial institutions, where each such financial institution specified a model profile that matches the applicant profile.

Claim 44

The medium of claim 37 , further comprising means for further restricting the distribution of the applicant profile only to financial institutions selected by a member of the group comprising the applicant and a vehicle dealer.

Claim 45

The medium of claim 30 , further comprising means for electronically recording the applicant profile transmitted to any financial institution.

Claim 46

The medium of claim 30 , further comprising means for selecting by a member of the group comprising the applicant and a vehicle dealer, a finance product from a group of finance products specified by the financial institution.

Claim 47

The medium of claim 30 , wherein the applicant profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising: personal information, financial information, motor vehicle information, name social security number, address, employment information, and financing information including desired monthly payment and desired amount to be financed.

Claim 48

The medium of claim 30 , wherein the model profile includes information on a plurality of topics selected from the group comprising: minimum credit score, type of motor vehicle acceptable, minimum loan amount, minimum gross monthly income of applicant, dealer location, number of months the applicant has been employed at present job, and number of years the applicant has been residing at its present residence.