US6249772B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Systems and methods wherein a buyer purchases a product at a first price and acquires the product from a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price
Assignee: ByteDance Inc
•
Filing: 1997-07-08
•
Granted: 2001-06-19
•
Expires: 2017-07-08
Abstract
Abstract Systems and methods are provided wherein a buyer purchases a product at a first price and acquires the product from a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, the second price being different from the first price. Transaction information associated with the buyer and the merchant is received. Information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for providing payment of an amount based on the first price, such as by providing payment to a central controller, is transmitted. According to one embodiment, the central controller provides payment of an amount based on the second price to the merchant.
Inventors
- 👤 Jay S. Walker
- 👤 James A. Jorasch
- 👤 Andrew S. Van Luchene
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:47
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/04; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/12; G06Q30/06; G06Q30/0601; G06Q30/0609; G06Q30/0611; G06Q30/0613; G06Q30/0623; G06Q30/0625; G06Q30/0633; G06Q30/0635; G06Q30/0641; G07; G07F; G07F7/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 141
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the central controller of an amount based on the first price, wherein the central controller provides payment of an amount based on the second price to the merchant.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the central controller of an amount based on the first price, wherein the central controller provides payment of an amount based on the second price to the merchant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: arranging for the buyer to purchase the product at the first price.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a third party provides to the central controller payment of an amount based on the difference between the first price and the second price.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said receiving comprises receiving transaction information from the merchant, and said transmitting comprises transmitting information to the merchant.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the transaction information comprises a transaction identifier.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the transaction information comprises a product identifier.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the transaction information comprises a customer identifier.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the transaction information comprises a merchant identifier.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the transaction information comprises a credit card account number.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein said receiving and said transmitting are associated with a credit card processor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant comprises an indication of the first price.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with the central controller.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with a merchant device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 14 , wherein the merchant device comprises a point of sale terminal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with a payment account processor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the merchant.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with a payment account processor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the transaction information comprises at least one of: (i) a payment account number, (ii) a debit card account number and (iii) a checking account number.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
140 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to: receive transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmit information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the central controller of an amount based on the first price, wherein the central controller provides payment of an amount based on the second price to the merchant.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
140 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to: receive transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmit information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the central controller of an amount based on the first price, wherein the central controller provides payment of an amount based on the second price to the merchant.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein said processor arranges for the buyer to purchase the product at the first price.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein a third party provides to the central controller payment of an amount based on the difference between the first price and the second price.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein said processor receives transaction information from the merchant and transmits information to the merchant.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the transaction information comprises a transaction identifier.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the transaction information comprises a product identifier.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the transaction information comprises a customer identifier.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the transaction information comprises a merchant identifier.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the transaction information comprises a credit card account number.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein said processor is associated with the central controller.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein said processor is associated with a credit card processor.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant comprises an indication of the first price.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein said processor exchanges information with the central controller.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein said processor exchanges information with a merchant device.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the merchant device comprises a point of sale terminal.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein said processor exchanges information with a payment account processor.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 38 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein at least one of the receiving and the transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein at least one of the receiving and the transmitting are associated with the merchant.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein at least one of the receiving and the transmitting are associated with a payment account processor.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the transaction information comprises at least one of: (i) a payment account number, (ii) a debit card account number and (iii) a checking account number.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
138 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform a method for processing a transaction, said method comprising: receiving transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the central controller of an amount based on the first price, wherein the central controller provides payment of an amount based on the second price to the merchant.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
138 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform a method for processing a transaction, said method comprising: receiving transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the central controller of an amount based on the first price, wherein the central controller provides payment of an amount based on the second price to the merchant.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein said method further comprises: arranging for the buyer to purchase the product at the first price.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
31 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein a third party provides to the central controller payment of an amount based on the difference between the first price and the second price.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein said receiving comprises receiving transaction information from the merchant, and said transmitting comprises transmitting information to the merchant.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein the transaction information comprises a transaction identifier.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein the transaction information comprises a product identifier.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein the transaction information comprises a customer identifier.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein the transaction information comprises a merchant identifier.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein the transaction information comprises a credit card account number.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein said receiving and said transmitting are associated with a credit card processor.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
27 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein the information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant comprises an indication of the first price.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with the central controller.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with a merchant device.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medium of claim 58 , wherein the merchant device comprises a point of sale terminal.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
24 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with a payment account processor.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
32 words
The medium of claim 60 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
22 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the merchant.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with a payment account processor.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
32 words
The medium of claim 64 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
32 words
The medium of claim 45 , wherein the transaction information comprises at least one of: (i) a payment account number, (ii) a debit card account number and (iii) a checking account number.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
135 words
A computer implemented method, comprising: receiving transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the merchant of an amount based on the first price, wherein at least one of the central controller and a third party provides payment of an amount based on the difference between the first price and the second price to the merchant.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
135 words
A computer implemented method, comprising: receiving transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the merchant of an amount based on the first price, wherein at least one of the central controller and a third party provides payment of an amount based on the difference between the first price and the second price to the merchant.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 67 , further comprising: arranging for the buyer to purchase the product at the first price.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said receiving comprises receiving transaction information from the merchant, and said transmitting comprises transmitting information to the merchant.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the transaction information comprises a transaction identifier.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the transaction information comprises a product identifier.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the transaction information comprises a customer identifier.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the transaction information comprises a merchant identifier.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the transaction information comprises a credit card account number.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein said receiving and said transmitting are associated with a credit card processor.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant comprises an indication of the first price.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with the central controller.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with a merchant device.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 79 , wherein the merchant device comprises a point of sale terminal.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with a payment account processor.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 81 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the merchant.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with a payment account processor.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 85 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 67 , wherein the transaction information comprises at least one of: (i) a payment account number, (ii) a debit card account number and (iii) a checking account number.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
154 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to: receive transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the merchant of an amount based on the first price, wherein at least one of the central controller and a third party provides payment of an amount based on the difference between the first price and the second price to the merchant.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
154 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to: receive transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the merchant of an amount based on the first price, wherein at least one of the central controller and a third party provides payment of an amount based on the difference between the first price and the second price to the merchant.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein said processor arranges for the buyer to purchase the product at the first price.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein said processor receives transaction information from the merchant and transmits information to the merchant.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein the transaction information comprises a transaction identifier.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein the transaction information comprises a product identifier.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein the transaction information comprises a customer identifier.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein the transaction information comprises a merchant identifier.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein the transaction information comprises a credit card account number.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein said processor is associated with the central controller.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein said processor is associated with a credit card processor.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein the information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant comprises an indication of the first price.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein at least one of the receiving and the transmitting comprise exchanging information with the central controller.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein at least one of the receiving and the transmitting comprise exchanging information with a merchant device.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 100 , wherein the merchant device comprises a point of sale terminal.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein at least one of the receiving and the transmitting comprise exchanging information with a payment account processor.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 102 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein at least one of the receiving and the transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein at least one of the receiving and the transmitting are associated with the merchant.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein at least one of the receiving and the transmitting are associated with a payment account processor.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 106 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 88 , wherein the transaction information comprises at least one of: (i) a payment account number, (ii) a debit card account number and (iii) a checking account number.
Claim 114
Independent Claim
152 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform a method for processing a transaction, said method comprising: receiving transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the merchant of an amount based on the first price, wherein at least one of the central controller and a third party provides payment of an amount based on the difference between the first price and the second price to the merchant.
Claim 115
Independent Claim
152 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform a method for processing a transaction, said method comprising: receiving transaction information, the transaction information being associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant in exchange for the buyer providing payment to the merchant of an amount based on the first price, wherein at least one of the central controller and a third party provides payment of an amount based on the difference between the first price and the second price to the merchant.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein said method further comprises: arranging for the buyer to purchase the product at the first price.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
25 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein said receiving comprises receiving transaction information from the merchant, and said transmitting comprises transmitting information to the merchant.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein the transaction information comprises a transaction identifier.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein the transaction information comprises a product identifier.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein the transaction information comprises a customer identifier.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
14 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein the transaction information comprises a merchant identifier.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein the transaction information comprises a credit card account number.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
18 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
19 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein said receiving and said transmitting are associated with a credit card processor.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
27 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein the information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant comprises an indication of the first price.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with the central controller.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with a merchant device.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medium of claim 121 , wherein the merchant device comprises a point of sale terminal.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
24 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting comprise exchanging information with a payment account processor.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
32 words
The medium of claim 123 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
22 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the central controller.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
21 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with the merchant.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein at least one of said receiving and said transmitting are associated with a payment account processor.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
32 words
The medium of claim 127 , wherein the payment account processor comprises at least one of: (i) a credit card processor, (ii) a debit card processor and (iii) a checking account processor.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
32 words
The medium of claim 109 , wherein the transaction information comprises at least one of: (i) a payment account number, (ii) a debit card account number and (iii) a checking account number.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
134 words
A computer implemented method, comprising: receiving from a buyer a selection of a product via a Web site; establishing for the buyer a first price for the product, wherein a merchant offers the product for sale at a second price different from the first price; receiving a credit card number via a point of sale terminal; receiving a product identifier that identifies the product; determining whether the credit card number is associated with the product; arranging for the buyer to provide the first price for the product if the credit card number is associated with the product; arranging for the buyer to provide the second price for the product if the credit card number is not associated with the product; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
134 words
A computer implemented method, comprising: receiving from a buyer a selection of a product via a Web site; establishing for the buyer a first price for the product, wherein a merchant offers the product for sale at a second price different from the first price; receiving a credit card number via a point of sale terminal; receiving a product identifier that identifies the product; determining whether the credit card number is associated with the product; arranging for the buyer to provide the first price for the product if the credit card number is associated with the product; arranging for the buyer to provide the second price for the product if the credit card number is not associated with the product; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant.
Claim 138
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to: receive from a buyer a selection of a product via a Web site; establish for the buyer a first price for the product, wherein a merchant offers the product for sale at a second price different from the first price; receive a credit card number via a point of sale terminal; receive a product identifier that identifies the product; determine whether the credit card number is associated with the product; arrange for the buyer to provide the first price for the product if the credit card number is associated with the product; arrange for the buyer to provide the second price for the product if the credit card number is not associated with the product; and transmit information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant.
Claim 139
Independent Claim
153 words
An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to said processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to: receive from a buyer a selection of a product via a Web site; establish for the buyer a first price for the product, wherein a merchant offers the product for sale at a second price different from the first price; receive a credit card number via a point of sale terminal; receive a product identifier that identifies the product; determine whether the credit card number is associated with the product; arrange for the buyer to provide the first price for the product if the credit card number is associated with the product; arrange for the buyer to provide the second price for the product if the credit card number is not associated with the product; and transmit information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant.
Claim 140
Independent Claim
151 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform a method for processing a transaction, said method comprising: receiving from a buyer a selection of a product via a Web site; establishing for the buyer a first price for the product, wherein a merchant offers the product for sale at a second price different from the first price; receiving a credit card number via a point of sale terminal; receiving a product identifier that identifies the product; determining whether the credit card number is associated with the product; arranging for the buyer to provide the first price for the product if the credit card number is associated with the product; arranging for the buyer to provide the second price for the product if the credit card number is not associated with the product; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant.
Claim 141
Independent Claim
151 words
A medium storing instructions adapted to be executed by a processor to perform a method for processing a transaction, said method comprising: receiving from a buyer a selection of a product via a Web site; establishing for the buyer a first price for the product, wherein a merchant offers the product for sale at a second price different from the first price; receiving a credit card number via a point of sale terminal; receiving a product identifier that identifies the product; determining whether the credit card number is associated with the product; arranging for the buyer to provide the first price for the product if the credit card number is associated with the product; arranging for the buyer to provide the second price for the product if the credit card number is not associated with the product; and transmitting information that allows the buyer to acquire the product from the merchant.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-06-18 | 2004-12-18 | 2005-06-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-06-18 | 2008-12-18 | 2009-06-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-06-18 | 2012-12-18 | 2013-06-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |