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US7725356B2 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Network-based system for selecting or purchasing hardware products

Assignee: National Instruments Corp
•
Filing: 2005-09-12
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Granted: 2010-05-25
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Expires: 2025-09-12
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Abstract

Abstract System and method for receiving purchase information for a client system, e.g., a measurement system. A configuration diagram visually representing a current configuration of the client system is displayed. Multiple product icons are displayed representing products (hardware and/or programs) available for use in the client system. User input is received graphically associating at least one first product icon with the configuration diagram, where the first product icon represents a first product, and the user input indicates a desire to purchase the first product. An updated configuration diagram is displayed representing the configuration of the client system after receiving the user input, including the first product icon. Pricing information for the first product is displayed in response to receiving the user input. User input initiating purchase of the first product may be received in response to displaying the pricing information, and the product may be provided to the user.

Inventors

  • 👤 Mohammed Kamran Shah
  • 👤 David W Fuller, III
  • 👤 Jeffrey N. Correll
  • 👤 Brian H. Sierer

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-06 11:26
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/445; G06F9/44505; G06F30/00; G06F30/30; G06F30/34; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/06; G06Q30/0601; G06Q30/0633; G06Q30/0641; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/04; H; H04; H04L; H04L67/00; H04L67/34; G01; G01R; G01R19/00; G01R19/28; G06F2111/00; G06F2111/02

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim 142 words
A computer-implemented method for configuring a measurement system, the method comprising: utilizing a computer to perform: sending information to a client computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that iconically represents a measurement system, wherein the information is useable for displaying the configuration diagram on a display of the client computer system; receiving information from the client computer system over the WAN based on user input to the client computer system selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and providing information over the WAN to a vendor based on the user input selecting the at least one device icon, wherein the information specifies the measurement device; wherein the provided information is useable by the vendor for providing the measurement device to the user.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 142 words
A computer-implemented method for configuring a measurement system, the method comprising: utilizing a computer to perform: sending information to a client computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that iconically represents a measurement system, wherein the information is useable for displaying the configuration diagram on a display of the client computer system; receiving information from the client computer system over the WAN based on user input to the client computer system selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and providing information over the WAN to a vendor based on the user input selecting the at least one device icon, wherein the information specifies the measurement device; wherein the provided information is useable by the vendor for providing the measurement device to the user.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 82 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: in response to said receiving information based on the user input, modifying the configuration diagram to include the at least one device icon; and sending information regarding the modified configuration diagram to the client computer system over the WAN, wherein the information regarding the modified configuration diagram is useable by the client computer system for displaying the modified configuration diagram on the display of the client computer system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: receiving payment information from the user for purchase of the measurement device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 70 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein said providing information over the WAN to a vendor is performed in response to: determining that the user does not have the measurement device by: determining installed measurement devices in the measurement system over the wide area network; and comparing the determined installed measurement devices to the measurement device to determine that the measurement device is not installed in the measurement system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 56 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the configuration diagram comprises: one or more device icons corresponding respectively to one or more measurement devices in the measurement system; and connections between the one or more device icons, wherein the displayed connections correspond to couplings between the one or more measurement devices in the measurement system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 100 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the configuration diagram is displayable in a graphical user interface (GUI) of the client computer system, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: receiving an indication of purchase from the GUI based on user input to the GUI specifying purchase of the measurement device; modifying the configuration diagram to reflect the purchase; and sending information regarding the modified configuration diagram reflecting the purchase to the client computer system over the WAN, wherein the information regarding the modified configuration diagram is useable by the GUI to display the modified configuration diagram.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 109 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 6 , wherein the modified configuration diagram reflecting the purchase comprises a virtual device icon representing the purchased measurement device, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: in response to receiving an indication of deployment of the at least one measurement device to the measurement system, modifying the configuration diagram representing the at least one measurement device to reflect said deploying, and sending information regarding the modified configuration diagram reflecting deployment to the client computer system over the WAN, wherein the information regarding the modified configuration diagram reflecting deployment is useable by the GUI to display the modified configuration diagram reflecting deployment.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 7 , wherein said modifying the display of the configuration diagram comprises replacing the virtual device icon with the device icon.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 46 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 7 , wherein the information regarding the modified configuration diagram reflecting deployment is useable by the GUI to animate the configuration diagram to visually illustrate to the user the deployment of the at least one measurement device to the measurement system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 98 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the measurement system includes the client computer system, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: providing a simulation program to the client system over the WAN, wherein the software program simulates operation of the at least one measurement device; wherein the simulation program is executable by the client computer system to perform at least a portion of the functionality of the at least one measurement device; and wherein use of the simulation program is discontinued when the at least one measurement device is deployed in the measurement system.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 74 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 10 , wherein the configuration diagram further comprises: a device icon representing said simulation program, wherein the device icon is modified to indicate that functions of the at least one measurement device are performed by the simulation program, wherein after said at least one measurement device is deployed in the measurement system, the modified device icon is replaced with a device icon representing the at least one measurement device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 42 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: initiating provision by the vendor of the measurement device in response to the information received from the client computer system over the WAN based on the user input.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 27 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: automatically determining the at least one measurement device based on the received information.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 54 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one measurement device comprises a programmable hardware element, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: providing one or more hardware configuration programs to the client computer system which are usable to configure the programmable hardware element to perform a measurement function.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 71 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 14 , wherein said providing one or more hardware configuration programs comprises: providing the one or more hardware configuration programs to the vendor, wherein at least one of the one or more hardware configuration programs are useable by the vendor to configure the programmable hardware element of the at least one hardware device for provision of the configured at least one hardware device to the user.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 102 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 14 , wherein the measurement system includes the client computer system, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: prior to said providing the one or more hardware configuration programs to the client computer system, providing a simulation program to the client computer system which simulates operation of the hardware configuration program; wherein the simulation program is executable by the client computer system to perform the function of the hardware configuration program in the measurement system; and wherein use of the simulation program is discontinued when the hardware configuration program is deployed in the measurement system.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 50 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 14 , wherein the at least one measurement device comprises a CPU and a memory, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: providing at least one program file which is executable by the at least one measurement device to perform a measurement function.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 121 words
A memory medium that stores program instructions for configuring a measurement system, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to: send information to a client computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that conically represents a measurement system, wherein the information is useable for displaying the configuration diagram on a display of the client computer system; receive information from the client computer system over the WAN based on user input to the client computer system selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and initiate provision of the at least one measurement device to the user based on the received information.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 121 words
A memory medium that stores program instructions for configuring a measurement system, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to: send information to a client computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that conically represents a measurement system, wherein the information is useable for displaying the configuration diagram on a display of the client computer system; receive information from the client computer system over the WAN based on user input to the client computer system selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and initiate provision of the at least one measurement device to the user based on the received information.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 104 words
A computer-accessible memory medium for configuring a measurement system, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to: display a configuration diagram on a display that iconically represents a measurement system; receive user input selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein each device icon corresponds to a measurement device; providing information over a wide area network (WAN) based on the user input selecting the at least one device icon, wherein the information specifies the at least one measurement device; and wherein the at least one measurement device is provided to the user in response to said information.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 104 words
A computer-accessible memory medium for configuring a measurement system, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to: display a configuration diagram on a display that iconically represents a measurement system; receive user input selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein each device icon corresponds to a measurement device; providing information over a wide area network (WAN) based on the user input selecting the at least one device icon, wherein the information specifies the at least one measurement device; and wherein the at least one measurement device is provided to the user in response to said information.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 38 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein the program instructions are further executable to: modify the configuration diagram on the display to include the at least one device icon in response to said receiving user input.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 31 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein the program instructions are further executable to: receive payment information from the user for purchase of the at least one measurement device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 113 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein the program instructions are further executable to: determine if the user does not have the at least one measurement device by: determining installed measurement devices in the measurement system over the wide area network; and comparing the determined installed measurement devices to the at least one measurement device to determine if the at least one measurement device is not installed in the measurement system; wherein said determining if the user does not have the at least one measurement device is used to provide the at least one measurement device to the user if the user does not have the at least one measurement device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 69 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein to display the configuration diagram on the display, the program instructions are executable to: display one or more device icons corresponding respectively to one or more measurement devices in the measurement system; and display connections between the one or more device icons, wherein the displayed connections correspond to couplings between the one or more measurement devices in the measurement system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 52 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein the configuration diagram is comprised in a graphical user interface (GUI), wherein the program instructions are further executable to: receive user input to the GUI specifying purchase of the at least one measurement device; and modify the configuration diagram to reflect the purchase.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 71 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 24 , wherein the modified configuration diagram reflecting the purchase comprises at least one virtual device icon representing the purchased at least one measurement device, wherein the program instructions are further executable to: in response to deploying the at least one measurement device to the measurement system, modify the display of the configuration diagram representing the at least one measurement device to reflect said deploying.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 33 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 25 , wherein said modifying the display of the configuration diagram comprises replacing the at least one virtual device icon with the at least one device icon.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 110 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein the measurement system includes a client computer system, wherein the program instructions are further executable to: prior to a vendor sending the at least one measurement device to the user, receive a simulation program to the client computer system, wherein the software program simulates operation of the at least one measurement device; wherein the simulation program is executable by the client computer system to perform at least a portion of the functionality of the at least one measurement device; and wherein use of the simulation program is discontinued when the at least one measurement device is deployed in the measurement system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 83 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 27 , wherein to display the configuration diagram, the program instructions are further executable to: display a device icon representing said simulation program, wherein the device icon is modified to indicate that functions of the at least one measurement device are performed by the simulation program, wherein after said at least one measurement device is deployed in the measurement system, the modified device icon is replaced with a device icon representing the at least one measurement device.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 34 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 28 , wherein the measurement device is provided to the user in response to the server computer initiating said providing the measurement device in response to the information.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 22 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein the at least one measurement device is automatically determined based on the information.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 45 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein to receive user input selecting at least one device icon specifying inclusion of the at least one measurement device in the measurement system, the program instructions are executable to: receive user input to the configuration diagram.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 44 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein the at least one measurement device comprises a programmable hardware element, and wherein one or more hardware configuration programs are provided to the user to configure the programmable hardware element to perform a measurement function.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 102 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 32 , wherein the measurement system includes a client computer system; wherein the program instructions are further executable to: prior to said providing the one or more hardware configuration programs, receive a simulation program to the client system which simulates operation of the one or more hardware configuration programs; wherein the simulation program is executable by the client computer system to perform the function of the one or more hardware configuration programs in the measurement system; and wherein use of the simulation program is discontinued when the hardware configuration program is deployed in the measurement system.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 52 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 32 , wherein the at least one measurement device comprises a CPU and a memory, the program instructions are further executable to: receive at least one program file over the WAN which is executable by the at least one measurement device to perform a measurement function.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 30 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein the program instructions are further executable to: configure the at least one measurement device with the at least one program file.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 39 words
The computer-accessible memory medium of claim 19 , wherein the program instructions are further executable to: receive information from a server computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that iconically represents a measurement system.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 192 words
A computer-implemented method for configuring a measurement system, the method comprising: utilizing a computer to perform: sending information to a client computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that iconically represents a measurement system, wherein the information is configured for displaying the configuration diagram on a display of the client computer system; wherein the configuration diagram comprises one or more device icons corresponding respectively to one or more measurement devices in the measurement system, and connections between the one or more device icons, wherein the displayed connections correspond to physical couplings between the one or more measurement devices in the measurement system; receiving information from the client computer system over the WAN based on user input to the client computer system selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and providing information over the WAN to a vendor based on the user input selecting the at least one device icon, wherein the information specifies the measurement device; wherein the provided information is used by the vendor for providing the measurement device to the user.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 192 words
A computer-implemented method for configuring a measurement system, the method comprising: utilizing a computer to perform: sending information to a client computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that iconically represents a measurement system, wherein the information is configured for displaying the configuration diagram on a display of the client computer system; wherein the configuration diagram comprises one or more device icons corresponding respectively to one or more measurement devices in the measurement system, and connections between the one or more device icons, wherein the displayed connections correspond to physical couplings between the one or more measurement devices in the measurement system; receiving information from the client computer system over the WAN based on user input to the client computer system selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and providing information over the WAN to a vendor based on the user input selecting the at least one device icon, wherein the information specifies the measurement device; wherein the provided information is used by the vendor for providing the measurement device to the user.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 82 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: in response to said receiving information based on the user input, modifying the configuration diagram to include the at least one device icon; and sending information regarding the modified configuration diagram to the client computer system over the WAN, wherein the information regarding the modified configuration diagram is used by the client computer system for displaying the modified configuration diagram on the display of the client computer system.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: receiving payment information from the user for purchase of the measurement device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 70 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , wherein said providing information over the WAN to a vendor is performed in response to: determining that the user does not have the measurement device by: determining installed measurement devices in the measurement system over the wide area network; and comparing the determined installed measurement devices to the measurement device to determine that the measurement device is not installed in the measurement system.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 56 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , wherein the configuration diagram comprises: one or more device icons corresponding respectively to one or more measurement devices in the measurement system; and connections between the one or more device icons, wherein the displayed connections correspond to couplings between the one or more measurement devices in the measurement system.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 102 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , wherein the configuration diagram is configured for display in a graphical user interface (GUI) of the client computer system, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: receiving an indication of purchase from the GUI based on user input to the GUI specifying purchase of the measurement device; modifying the configuration diagram to reflect the purchase; and sending information regarding the modified configuration diagram reflecting the purchase to the client computer system over the WAN, wherein the information regarding the modified configuration diagram is used by the GUI to display the modified configuration diagram.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 109 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 42 , wherein the modified configuration diagram reflecting the purchase comprises a virtual device icon representing the purchased measurement device, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: in response to receiving an indication of deployment of the at least one measurement device to the measurement system, modifying the configuration diagram representing the at least one measurement device to reflect said deploying, and sending information regarding the modified configuration diagram reflecting deployment to the client computer system over the WAN, wherein the information regarding the modified configuration diagram reflecting deployment is used by the GUI to display the modified configuration diagram reflecting deployment.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 43 , wherein said modifying the display of the configuration diagram comprises replacing the virtual device icon with the device icon.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 46 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 43 , wherein the information regarding the modified configuration diagram reflecting deployment is used by the GUI to animate the configuration diagram to visually illustrate to the user the deployment of the at least one measurement device to the measurement system.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 98 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , wherein the measurement system includes the client computer system, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: providing a simulation program to the client system over the WAN, wherein the software program simulates operation of the at least one measurement device; wherein the simulation program is executable by the client computer system to perform at least a portion of the functionality of the at least one measurement device; and wherein use of the simulation program is discontinued when the at least one measurement device is deployed in the measurement system.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 74 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 46 , wherein the configuration diagram further comprises: a device icon representing said simulation program, wherein the device icon is modified to indicate that functions of the at least one measurement device are performed by the simulation program, wherein after said at least one measurement device is deployed in the measurement system, the modified device icon is replaced with a device icon representing the at least one measurement device.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 42 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: initiating provision by the vendor of the measurement device in response to the information received from the client computer system over the WAN based on the user input.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 27 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: automatically determining the at least one measurement device based on the received information.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 54 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , wherein the at least one measurement device comprises a programmable hardware element, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: providing one or more hardware configuration programs to the client computer system which are usable to configure the programmable hardware element to perform a measurement function.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 71 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 50 , wherein said providing one or more hardware configuration programs comprises: providing the one or more hardware configuration programs to the vendor, wherein at least one of the one or more hardware configuration programs are used by the vendor to configure the programmable hardware element of the at least one hardware device for provision of the configured at least one hardware device to the user.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 102 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 50 , wherein the measurement system includes the client computer system the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: prior to said providing the one or more hardware configuration programs to the client computer system, providing a simulation program to the client computer system which simulates operation of the hardware configuration program; wherein the simulation program is executable by the client computer system to perform the function of the hardware configuration program in the measurement system; and wherein use of the simulation program is discontinued when the hardware configuration program is deployed in the measurement system.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 50 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 50 , wherein the at least one measurement device comprises a CPU and a memory, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: providing at least one program file which is executable by the at least one measurement device to perform a measurement function.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 177 words
A memory medium that stores program instructions for configuring a measurement system, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to: send information to a client computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that iconically represents a measurement system, wherein the information is used for displaying the configuration diagram on a display of the client computer system; wherein the configuration diagram comprises one or more device icons and connections between the one or more device icons, the one or more device icons corresponding respectively to one or more measurement devices in the measurement system, and the displayed connections corresponding to physical couplings between the one or more measurement devices in the measurement system; receive information from the client computer system over the WAN based on user input to the client computer system selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and initiate provision of the at least one measurement device to the user based on the received information.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim 177 words
A memory medium that stores program instructions for configuring a measurement system, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor to: send information to a client computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that iconically represents a measurement system, wherein the information is used for displaying the configuration diagram on a display of the client computer system; wherein the configuration diagram comprises one or more device icons and connections between the one or more device icons, the one or more device icons corresponding respectively to one or more measurement devices in the measurement system, and the displayed connections corresponding to physical couplings between the one or more measurement devices in the measurement system; receive information from the client computer system over the WAN based on user input to the client computer system selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and initiate provision of the at least one measurement device to the user based on the received information.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 109 words
A computer-implemented method for configuring a measurement system, the method comprising: utilizing a computer to perform: receiving information from a server computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that iconically represents a measurement system; displaying the configuration diagram on a display; receiving user input selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and sending information regarding the selected at least one device icon to the server computer system over the WAN; wherein the information regarding the selected at least one device is used to provide the measurement device to the user.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 109 words
A computer-implemented method for configuring a measurement system, the method comprising: utilizing a computer to perform: receiving information from a server computer system over a wide area network (WAN) regarding a configuration diagram that iconically represents a measurement system; displaying the configuration diagram on a display; receiving user input selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and sending information regarding the selected at least one device icon to the server computer system over the WAN; wherein the information regarding the selected at least one device is used to provide the measurement device to the user.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 35 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 37 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: displaying a modified configuration diagram on the display, wherein the modified configuration diagram includes the selected at least one device icon.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 32 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 56 , wherein said displaying the configuration diagram is performed in response to receiving information from a server computer system over the WAN regarding the configuration diagram.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 71 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 57 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: in response to said sending information regarding the selected at least one device icon, receiving information from the server computer system over the WAN regarding a modified configuration diagram, wherein the modified configuration diagram iconically represents the measurement system and also includes the at least one device icon; and displaying the modified configuration diagram on the display.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 26 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 55 , further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: sending payment information over the WAN for purchase of the measurement device.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 93 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 55 , wherein said displaying the configuration diagram comprises displaying the configuration diagram in a graphical user interface (GUI), the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: receiving user input to the GUI specifying purchase of the measurement device; sending an indication of the specified purchase of the measurement device to the server computer system over the WAN; receiving information from the server computer system over the WAN regarding a modified configuration diagram reflecting the purchase; and displaying the modified configuration diagram based on the received information.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 84 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 55 , the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: after deploying the measurement device, sending an indication of deployment of the measurement device in the measurement system to the server computer system over the WAN; receiving information from the server computer system over the WAN regarding a modified configuration diagram reflecting the deployment to the server computer system over the WAN; and displaying the modified configuration diagram reflecting deployment on the display based on the received information.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 32 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 55 , wherein said receiving user input selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram comprises receiving user input to the configuration diagram.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 42 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 55 , wherein said receiving user input selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram comprises receiving user input dragging and dropping the user-selected at least one device icon onto the configuration diagram.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 92 words
The computer-implemented method of claim 55 , wherein the computer is comprised in the measurement system, the method further comprising: utilizing the computer to perform: receiving a simulation program from the server computer system over the WAN, wherein the software program simulates operation of the at least one measurement device; and executing the simulation program to perform at least a portion of the functionality of the at least one measurement device; wherein use of the simulation program is discontinued when the at least one measurement device is deployed in the measurement system.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 89 words
A memory medium that stores program instructions for configuring a measurement system, wherein the program instructions are executable to: display the configuration diagram on a display; receive user input selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and send information regarding the selected at least one device icon to the server computer system over the WAN; wherein the information regarding the selected at least one device is used to provide the measurement device to the user.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 89 words
A memory medium that stores program instructions for configuring a measurement system, wherein the program instructions are executable to: display the configuration diagram on a display; receive user input selecting at least one device icon for inclusion in the configuration diagram, wherein the device icon corresponds to a measurement device; and send information regarding the selected at least one device icon to the server computer system over the WAN; wherein the information regarding the selected at least one device is used to provide the measurement device to the user.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2013-05-24 2013-11-23 2014-05-25 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2017-05-24 2017-11-23 2018-05-25 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2021-05-24 2021-11-23 2022-05-25 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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