Recursive method and system for accessing classification information

Abstract

A web based method and system that allows the users such as buyers and sellers to locate, purchase, and sell goods, items and services through instant notification. A method and system can include the steps of requesting at least one of an unlisted product, unlisted item and unlisted service from the online web based system. Next the online web based system can provide for matching the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlisted service when the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlisted service is listed with the online web based system. Next the method and system can provide for notifying by generating an instant notification from the online web based system to a portable wireless device, when at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, has been matched with the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlisted service on the online web based system. The user can use a portable wireless device such as a laptop computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cell phone, and a pager. The instant notification can be generated to the portable wireless device through at least one of an e-mail, a text message a voice message, an image message and a page.

Claims

1. A method of generating instant notification from a web based system, to a portable wireless device that supports accessing and viewing the web based system chosen to receive the notification, comprising the steps of: providing an online web based system for buyers and sellers to purchase and sell any one of products, items and services; requesting at least one of an unlisted product, unlisted item and unlisted service from the online web based system; matching the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service when the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service is listed with the online web based system; and notifying by generating an instant notification from the online web based system to a portable wireless device, when the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, has been matched with the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlisted service on the online web based system.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlisted service, from a buyer.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the at least one of the unlisted product, unlisted item and the unlisted service, from a seller.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the unlisted product from the online web based system.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the unlisted item from the online web based system.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the unlisted service from the online web based system.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, with the wireless portable device.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: providing the wireless portable device is selected from at least one of a laptop computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cell phone, and a pager.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of: providing the wireless portable device is selected from at least one of a laptop computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cell phone, and a pager.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the notifying the step includes the step of: generating the instant notification to the portable wireless device through at least one of an e-mail, a text message a voice message, an image message and a page.

11. A method of instantly notifying buyers when unlisted products, items and services become available from online web based systems, comprising the steps of: requesting at least one of an unlisted product, an unlisted item and an unlisted service, from an online web based system; matching the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, when the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service has been placed by a seller on the web based system instantly notifying a buyer through a portable wireless device when the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, has been matched with the seller placing the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service on the web based system; and allowing the buyer to purchase the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, when the buyer has been instantly notified.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the unlisted product from the online web based system.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the unlisted item from the online web based system.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the unlisted service from the online web based system.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, with the wireless portable device.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the requesting step includes the step of: requesting the at least one of the unlisted product, the unlisted item and the unlisted service, with the wireless portable device.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: providing the wireless portable device is selected from at least one of a laptop computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cell phone, and a pager.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of: providing the wireless portable device is selected from at least one of a laptop computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a cell phone, and a pager.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the notifying the step includes the step of: generating the instant notification to the portable wireless device through at least one of an e-mail, a text message a voice message, an image message and a page.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 shows a system block diagram of the invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a buyer navigating through the novel invention website.

(3) FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a seller navigating through the novel invention website.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a basic taxonomy structure of accessing classification information using menu pages of category, subcategory, types, subtype, makes, and model.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a Buyer main menu page embodiment of the invention with main category headings.

(6) FIG. 6 shows a Seller main menu page embodiment of the invention with main category headings.

(7) FIG. 7 shows a second menu page having first subcategory headings of the embodiment of FIG. 5 for picking the automobile category.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a third menu page having type headings based on FIG. 5.

(9) FIG. 9 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on FIG. 5.

(10) FIG. 10 shows a fifth menu page having make headings based on FIG. 5.

(11) FIG. 11 shows a sixth menu page having model headings based on FIG. 5.

(12) FIG. 12 shows a seventh page of the final ad list based on FIG. 5.

(13) FIG. 13 shows an eighth page of how user can sort the ad list of FIG. 12.

(14) FIGS. 14 and 15 show menu page embodiments of using the instant notification feature of the invention.

(15) FIG. 16 shows an ad form page a seller completes after passing through a similar series of pages as those shown by FIGS. 6 through 11.

(16) FIG. 17 shows a Buyer main menu page embodiment of the invention with main category headings for picking the agricultural category.

(17) FIG. 18 shows a second menu page having first subcategory headings of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

(18) FIG. 19 shows a third menu page having type headings based on FIG. 17.

(19) FIG. 20 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on FIG. 17.

(20) FIG. 21 shows a fifth menu page having origination(from) headings based on FIG. 17.

(21) FIG. 22 shows a sixth menu page having destination(to) headings based on FIG. 17.

(22) FIG. 23 shows a seventh page of the final ad list based on FIG. 17.

(23) FIG. 24 shows a detail description of ad of FIG. 23.

(24) FIG. 25 shows an eighth page of how user can sort the ad list of FIG. 24, similar FIG. 13.

(25) FIG. 26 shows a second menu page having first subcategory headings of the embodiment of FIG. 6 for picking the boats category.

(26) FIG. 27 shows a third menu page having type headings based on selecting Makes in FIG. 26.

(27) FIG. 28 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on selecting Powerboats, 43-53 feet in FIG. 26.

(28) FIG. 29 shows a fifth menu page having make headings based on selecting Motor Yacht in FIG. 28.

(29) FIG. 30 shows a sixth page form based on selecting CREATE OTHER in FIG. 29 for having a Seller submit an Ad that does not have a make heading in FIG. 29.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(30) Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

(31) The invention can be implemented in a distributed network architecture of servers, connected to the worldwide web. The software structure of the invention allows the system flexibility to distribute the computer processing and databases to multiple servers in order to facilitate speed and reliability of the site. This design also takes advantage of web caching, data replication, to different geographic regions, in order to avoid Internet communication bottlenecks. A system block diagram using the invention is shown in FIG. 1, wherein computer users using wired or wireless communications can access the software program via the world wide web. The information that describes the classification of the makes, items, and services, the active ads, the active notification requests and client information, is stored in the data stores shown on the left. The SQL (Structured Query Language) servers main function is to retrieve the information from the data stores. The Web server(s) then use the information retrieved via the SQL servers to create and send the web pages to the users via the worldwide web.

(32) The invention will now be described in reference to the following categories:

(33) TABLE-US-00001 I Database Design II Navigation III Client Administration IV Instant Notification V Customized Ad Presentation VI Banner Ad Placement VII Detailed Description of Embodiments

I Database Design:

(34) The database design of the invention is divided into two major components. The first component is a spreadsheet-like formatted table. This database is used as the main data source for program logic that transforms the database into the second component, a node-based structure that leads to the generation of a series of web server pages. Theoretically, the spreadsheet table can have an infinite number of rows and columns, but for the purposes of this description, the table is described with eight rows and six columns.

(35) While the descriptions used to describe the database architecture are specific to one application, the design is flexible enough to allow use in a broad range of environments. By simply changing the data content, an open-ended solution exists to categorize nearly any group of data into a logical path to a given end point. In our examples, the end point is an advertisement or a buyer notification that an advertisement was placed, but it could just as easily refer to a catalog ordering system or catalog order notification system, or many other systems that require the storage and retrieval of an organized set of data classification.

I(a) Spreadsheet Table Structure

(36) The classification of different types of goods and services requires a process to handle unlike and non-sequential items, which are contained in the database. The algorithm used in the invention introduces the concept of a Control ID that identifies the sequence in which the unlike items should be displayed, and how they are treated through the various levels of the menu system. The Control ID is a binary number representing the possible combinations of goods and services that are described using Type, Sub-Type, Make and Model.

(37) The Control ID is used to identify the next step of processing of the dynamically created menu lists as the user “drills down”, or clicks through the menu system. The processing, described in sections that follow, involves program logic that allows the database content to be expanded both vertically (rows) or horizontally (columns) at various points, and to prompt the user with input forms once the end of the “drill-down” has been reached. An example of the spreadsheet database used to describes goods, is shown below in TABLE 1.

(38) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 CONTROL ITEM TYPE SUB-TYPE MAKE MODEL ID Item-1 Type 1 Item-2 Type Sub-Type 2 Item-3 Type MAKE 3 Item-4 Type MODEL 4 Item-5 Type MAKE MODEL 5 Item-6 Type Sub-Type MAKE 6 Item-7 Type Sub-Type MODEL 7 Item-8 Type Sub-Type MAKE MODEL 8

(39) Given the control ID, one can then determine exactly which fields contain data and which fields will be NULL. This allows a grouping to be built, and displayed in a consistent and controlled manner for unlike goods. Additionally, by the specific formatting of the data, the program logic can be selected when it is appropriate for rows to be added (new makes or models, for example) as well as new columns (further classification of items such as the introduction of models for a specific make).

(40) Applying this principle, we discuss the process of generating menu-based web pages that lead the user through any combination of classifications and end up at a final destination for final processing. The Control ID allows the user to see the data represented as follows, where .fwdarw. is used to indicate user selection via mouse click, or other computer-pointing device(s) such as voice recognition.

(41) ITEM-1.fwdarw.Type-1.fwdarw.Form processing for Item 1

(42) ITEM-2.fwdarw.Type-2.fwdarw.Sub-Type-2.fwdarw.Form processing for Item 2

(43) ITEM-3.fwdarw.Type-3.fwdarw.MAKE-3.fwdarw.Form processing for Item 3

(44) ITEM-4.fwdarw.Type-4.fwdarw.MODEL 4.fwdarw.Form processing for Item 4

(45) ITEM-5.fwdarw.Type-5.fwdarw.MAKE-5.fwdarw.MODEL-5.fwdarw.Form processing for Item 5

(46) ITEM-6.fwdarw.Type-6.fwdarw.Sub-Type-6.fwdarw.MAKE 6.fwdarw.Form processing for Item 6

(47) ITEM-7.fwdarw.Type-7.fwdarw.SubType-7.fwdarw.MODEL 7.fwdarw.Form processing for Item 7

(48) ITEM-8.fwdarw.Type-8.fwdarw.Sub-Type 4.fwdarw.MAKE.fwdarw.MODEL.fwdarw.Form processing for Item 8

I(b) Node-Based Structure

(49) The node-based database in the invention is automatically generated from the spreadsheet table. Users providing further classification of the items in the database subsequently expand the node structure. The database is used to control the navigation process up, down and across the taxonomy of information.

(50) The organization of nodes to form a path to the end point object can be described by a series of tiers, which logically structure the data. The first tier is the parent node that consists of the main classification of objects. Some examples of a first tier node might include ‘Aircraft’, ‘Boats’, ‘Cars’, etc. Each of first tier nodes contains objects that can fall into distinct second tier categories.

(51) The second tier nodes link the first tier to the third and all subsequent tiers by describing the categories of objects that are related to the first tier. Examples of a second tier node might include the categories of ‘Makes’, ‘Items’, and ‘Services’. This node forms the ‘nodetype’ identifier that determines which node table that should be accessed during navigation of the database.

(52) The third and subsequent tiers sub classifies the parent object into further descriptive elements. Examples include ‘4×4 Extended Cab’, ‘Gas’, or ‘Diesel’ which might be used to describe a type of first tier ‘Makes’ node named ‘Pickup Truck’.

(53) Every node contains a unique node identifier, a node type identifier, and a reference to its parent node in addition to a node name identifier. All identifier fields are numerical indexed fields that allow for the fastest possible access to the data. The node path is the numerical accumulation of node identifiers that make up the combination of descriptive phrases that are selected by clicking on a series of ‘Hyperlinks’ to find the end point object.

(54) The node path can be reverse traversed via each nodes parent identifier. The node identifier field of the final node in the path is the only data that is needed to be stored with each individual ad placed in the database.

(55) By the same token, this node identifier is used when a Buyer whom is seeking to find a particular make, item, or service associated with any given category places a request for notification. The node identifier is a single point of reference that contains enough information to establish its point of origin and all elements in between.

(56) The nodenames table contains a single point of reference to every unique categorical name used in the navigation of the database. For example, while the name ‘Cessna’ may appear in many node path combinations, its text is only stored in a single table entry in the database table and is referenced by its numerical identifier to make access to the data quick and efficient.

(57) A single Advertisement table houses the details of the end point object. This table contains the information that is ultimately being searched. The use of the database with a web site that integrates the needs of Buyers and Sellers is described in reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

II Node Navigation

(58) The goods or information that is offered is located by navigating a series of ‘hyperlinks’ that take the end user to his/her desired selection in an orderly fashion. ‘Hyperlinks’ are simply words or groups of words that can be selected by mouse clicked, voice recognition or other pointing device inside a web browser. The ‘hyperlinks’ take the user to a more specific level of relevance associated with the word or groups of words.

(59) FIG. 2 shows a navigation flow chart for the buyer. FIG. 3 shows a navigation flow chart for a seller. The core processing of both the buyer and seller navigation flow is a similar recursive process. The recursive process searches the database to determine the next list of ‘hyperlinks’ to be built based on the previous series of menu selections. The following flow diagrams and block descriptions illustrate the core recursive process and processing that is specific to the buyer and seller navigation.

(60) A buyer navigating through the website will now be described in reference to FIG. 2.

(61) First Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 2:

(62) (1) Buyer enters the site— In block 1, the buyer enters the site using a browser that views web documents, such as an Internet web browser or Internet capable cell phone etc. (2) Is this the first pass?— Block 2 enters a recursive process that asks the question whether or not to create the main menu [categories] for buyer. (3) (Yes to block 2) Get the items to be displayed in the main menu— Block 3 retrieves the main menu items [categories] from the database to build the main page. (4) Build hyperlinks.sup.1 to second pass— Block 4 creates all the hyperlinks for the main page. The main page is split into a header, body, and footer. HEADER: The header is a fixed section with no scroll bar and contains the logo for the corporate site as well as other site related hyperlinks [to seller page, to corporate information etc.]. BODY: The body contains dynamic information, such as hyperlinks to the next group [menu] of information to be displayed. These links are considered the main/parent category objects. (5) Display main menu— In block 5, the main page is displayed which contains the main/parent category hyperlinks in the body. (6) Does Buyer want to login or submit an Ad?— Block 6 asks if the user clicked on the hyperlink that takes the buyer to the seller page. (7) (Yes to block 6) Go to Seller Processing— Block 7 leaves buyer processing and goes to seller processing [Block 30 in FIG. 3] (8) (No to block 6) Did the buyer click on a hyperlink?— Block 8 asks if the user clicked on any of the main/parent category hyperlinks.

(63) If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 2].

(64) Second Pass Leg Offlow in FIG. 2:

(65) (9) (No to block 2) Is this the second pass? Block 9 asks the question whether or not to create the sub-category menu selections for the buyer. (10) (Yes to block 9) Get the items to be displayed in the second pass— Specifically the second pass consists of the makes, items, and services subcategories. (11) Build the hyperlinks to the next pass— Block 11 creates the hyperlinks for the sub-category menu items. The hyperlinks contain information that results from the user's main menu selection. (12) Display the list of second pass items Block 12 displays the sub-category menu in the body of the page. (13) Does Buyer want to login or submit an Ad?— Block 6 asks if the user clicked on the hyperlink that takes the buyer to the seller page. If so, the buyer leaves buyer processing and enters seller processing [Block 7 and into FIG. 3]. (14) (No to block 13) Did buyer click on a hyperlink? Block 14 asks the question if the user clicked on a sub-category menu item. If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 2].
Next Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 2: (15) (No to block 9) Get the children— Using the information gained from previous menu selections the database is interrogated to build a record set of children [next menu items] belonging to the previous menu selection [parent]. (16) Were there any children found? Does the database contain any children of the previous menu selection [parent]. If the database query resulted in children [menu items] found that belonged to the previous menu selection [parent] then the YES branch is taken, otherwise NO is taken. (17) (Yes to block 16) Add to the list and create hyperlink for each child for each of the children found in the previous step a hyperlink is created with information about the child and the parent. (18) Display the list— Block 18 presents the menu list based on the previous series of menu selections. (19) Did buyer click on a hyperlink? Block 19 asks the question if the user clicked on a menu item. If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 2].
Ads Leg of Flow in FIG. 2: (20) (No to block 16) Does the parent have Ads? Block 20 interrogates the Ad database to create a record set of Ads belonging to the last menu selection [parent] of a menu selection series. (21) (Yes to block 20) Display Ad List Block 21 builds and provides the buyer with a list of Ads based on the user's series of menu selections (22) Does Buyer want to be notified? Block 22 asks if the user clicked on the hyperlink requesting Instant notification [buyer to be notified] when a new Ad is placed in this list. (23) (No to block 22) Buyer can view Ad details in block 23 the buyer is viewing the Ads for the user's series of menu selections. (24) Done Viewing? Block 24 asks if the buyer is done viewing the Ads. If not, the buyer continues to view Ads. If done, return to the recursive process starting at the main menu [Block 2] (25) (Yes to block 22) Is Buyer registered for instant notification? In block 25, go to the database to determine if the user has registered to use the instant notification feature. (26) (Yes to block 25) Store an entry for this selection in database for this Buyer— An entry in the database is created that indicates that this buyer is to be notified when an Ad is added to the current Ad list. (27) (No to block 25) Request user's name and password and enter in database— Present the user with a form to enter name and password. The buyer enters the information and goes to Block 26. (28) (No to block 20) Display sorry no Ads found in block 28 the buyer is informed that there were no Ads found. (29) Does Buyer want to login or submit an Ad?—
Block 29 asks if the user clicked on the hyperlink that takes the buyer to the seller page. If so, the buyer leaves buyer processing and enters seller processing [Block 7 and into FIG. 3]. If not, enter the recursive process starting at the main menu [Block 2].

(66) FIG. 3 shows a navigation flow chart for a seller, and will now be described.

(67) First Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 3:

(68) (30) Seller requests login from Buyers page Entry point into Seller page processing (31) Display login dialog Present the user with a dialog box to enter user name and password (32) Seller's name and password entered? Waiting for user to enter login information (33) (Yes to block 32) Does name and password exist in database? Interrogate database to determine if user's information matches the databases information for the user. If so, enter the recursive process starting at the main menu [Block 34]. Otherwise, present user with the dialog box to enter user name and password [Block 31]. (34) (Yes to block 33) Is this the first pass? Same as Block 2 in buyer processing of FIG. 2 [except for seller here]. (35) (Yes to block 34) Get the items to be displayed in the main menu— Same as Block 3 in buyer processing of FIG. 2 [except for seller here]. (36) Build hyperlinks to second pass— Same as Block 4 in buyer processing of FIG. 2 [except for seller here]. (37) Display main menu— Same as Block 5 in buyer processing of FIG. 2 [except for seller here]. (38) Did the seller click on a hyperlink? Same as Block 8 in buyer processing in FIG. 2 [except for seller]. If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 34].
Second Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 3: (39) (No to block 34) Is this the second pass? Same as Block 9 in buyer processing in FIG. 2 [except for seller here]. (40) (Yes to block 39) Get the items to be displayed in the second pass— Same as Block 10 in buyer processing in FIG. 2 [except for seller here]. (41) Build the hyperlinks to the next pass— Same as Block 11 in buyer processing in FIG. 2. (42) Display the list of second pass items— Same as Block 12 in buyer processing in FIG. 2. (43) Did seller click on a hyperlink? Same as Block 14 in buyer processing in FIG. 2. If so, enter the recursive processing [Block 34].
Next Pass Leg of Flow in FIG. 3: (44) (No of block 39) Get the children of the current pass— Same as Block 15 in buyer processing in FIG. 2. (45) Were there any children found? Same as Block 16 in buyer processing in FIG. 2. (46) (Yes to block 45) Add to the list and create hyperlink for each child— Same as Block 17 in buyer processing in FIG. 2. Except for seller processing— Set flag if any of the children indicate [based on Control id assigned] that the parent can create more children. (47) Do we allow the parent to create more children? Block 47 checks the flag to determine if the parent is allowed to create more children. If not, display the list [Block 49]. (48) (Yes to block 47) Adds ‘Create New Item [other]’ to the list— Add a hyperlink to the existing list for the menu selection called ‘Create Other’. Go Display the list [Block 49]. (49) Display the list— Same as Block 18 in buyer processing. (50) Did the seller click on a hyperlink? Block 50 asks the question if the user clicked on a menu item. (51) (Yes to block 50) Is this the link to create a new item? Block 51 asks if the user selected the ‘create other’ menu item. If not, enter recursive processing [Block 34]. (52) (Yes to block 51) Set expandable indicator— The expandable indicator [based on Control id assigned] tells the processor how to display the input form. It determines if some data is pre-filled with information from the database or whether or not the seller is allowed to supply new information that will be added to the database. This is the mechanism that the database gains intelligence from user interaction. Goes to Block 53.
Ad Input Leg of Flow in FIG. 3: (53) Display Input form— Block 53 presents the seller with the Ad input form that is dynamically determined by the Control ids assigned to the previous 2 menu selections. (54) Seller fills out form and submits it— In block 54 the seller fills out the Ad input form presented and submits the form. (55) Was expandable indicator set? Block 55 asks if the seller selected the hyperlink [′create other′] to create a new menu item [due to previous menu selection]. If not, go to Block 57. (56) (Yes for block 55) Create new node for the category— Block 56 adds database records based on the information provided by the seller for the new menu item. The new menu item is flagged for Administrative approval. Go to Block 57. (57) Display Confirmation Block 57 asks the seller to confirm data entered in the Ad input form. (58) Did Seller confirm Ad? Asking if the seller confirmed Ad. If not, re-display input form [Block 53]. (59) (Yes to block 58) Does the seller want to pay now? Block 59 asks the seller if completed entering Ads. (60) (Yes to block 59) Charge Seller for the Ad(s)— In block 60 the Ads are stored in the database. (61) Read the Buyers Instant Notification database Interrogate the database and create a record set of any buyers that need to be instantly notified of the addition of this Ad. (62) Any buyers looking for this item? Block 62 asks if any buyers need to be notified about this Ad. If not returns to the recursive process starting at the main menu [Block 34] (63) (Yes to block 62) Send instant notification to the buyers specified notification device. Block 63 sends an electronic notification to the buyer. The buyer is notified through the buyer's electronic contact device (e-mail, cell-phone, pager etc.) indicated in the database. Return to the recursive process starting at the main menu [Block 34](No to block 59) Add to sellers purchase cart— In block 64 go to the database and store the Ad in the database as a ‘purchase cart Ad’ for the seller. Return to the recursive process starting at the main menu [Block 34].

III Client Administration

(69) Client tables house information associated with users who wish to sell goods, and buyers whom are looking to be notified when ads for specific goods are placed. Users have the option, while editing their account information, to specify what information can be displayed to the rest of the site users. By default, all information and contacts are processed through the contact software located on the server system, and at no time is email information shown. If a user wishes for personal information such as phone, address or fax to be shown to the general public, the user places the information in the ad at the time of submission. New contact devices can be added to the accounts by website personnel. There is no limit to the number of available contact methods stored for a user. The user has the option to choose the notification device or devices used to contact them.

(70) The advantage of the client administration is the users ability to view and edit all ads, personal information, and instant notifications. In essence the user is able to view, edit and sort all information concerning their personal interaction with the web site. The program enters default data regarding the user, if and when the user has already provided the information to the client database.

(71) All information concerning client information, and site interaction will be stored via several tables linked by a unique client Id. The client id is used to get contact device information, personal information within ads, and personal information within the instant notification database.

IV Instant Notification

(72) FIGS. 14 and 15 show menu page embodiments of using the instant notification feature of the invention. If a user clicks on the instant notification button at the ad view level or lowest “click down” level in FIG. 12, a form (FIGS. 14 and 15) comes up filled in automatically with what the user is wanting depending on which subcategory and subsequent type, subtype(s), and (make and model) if applicable therefore, the placement of the button to click on instant notification eliminates human error since the information is automatically filled in the instant notification (wanted) form. Instant Notification is a (wanted) request form with criteria that has not been found in the database or has not been placed by a user as of yet.

(73) Up to this point, the user has not been required to use keyboard entry. They now have the option, if their account gives them access to the process, to add a request to be instantly notified. They still do not have to type anything to receive an instant notification. If they leave the form alone they receive all ads placed to the category of their choice. If they wish, they can limit the amount of notifications by choosing for example 3 zip codes, 3 phone area codes, mileage, maximum price willing to pay, country, province.

(74) If a user does not have the appropriate access to this section they will be required to provide information for the setup of an account. See FIGS. 14 and 15. After the user enters the information required to identify how the user is to be notified, the user has the option to input up to for example three states, one country, one province, year range and maximum price willing to pay, mileage, hours and color preference. The user must then type in their area Code, e-mail address and pager criteria, if applicable, and choose their country code. For the users of cell phones, pager and e mail addresses, the program automatically sends the specific data to the user in the format the user specified in the advanced notification form immediately upon ad placement and only display the exact results of the users requests for that specific criteria the user chooses.

(75) The user has the option in a specific box to personalize the Instant Notification criteria in their own alphanumeric terms that alert the users of Cell Phones, E-mail, Personal Digital Assistant (P.D.A.) devices, or pager of choice allowing certain devices that can not accept long strings of text over 25 characters.

(76) Once the client has placed an instant notification they have the option to view and edit all of their instant notification requests from within the client console. After they have been notified of all ads placed meeting their criteria, a flag can be displayed next to all their instant notification requests containing ads that they have not yet viewed.

V Customized Ad Presentation

(77) The user of the invention system can also customize their own view of the resulting data list through a sorted search. The user can focus on specific items of interest by sorting on a variety of factors in the dataset. If the user clicks on the sort ad button located on the buyers side ad view level or lowest “click down” level, a form can come up (similar to those of FIGS. 13 and 25 which are described in more detail later) with the results of the lowest level of “click down” criteria automatically filled in the filtered search request form, thereby eliminating human error. The user has the option to type in or utilize click down boxes with options of up to three area codes, up to three zip codes, up to three states, one country, or one province. The user can display the most recent ads first or last, or sort by maximum price willing to pay, mileage or hours or color preferences. Any combination or all of the sorted search criteria can be filled in by the user and the program displays the results of the users requests for that specific criteria at the end of the “Fluidity of Taxonomy” drill down the user chooses. At the lowest level of “click down” the user has eliminated all irrelevant choices at the ad display level. The final ad results can be displayed, up to 100 at a time, by the criteria the user has picked at the lowest level of click down eliminating human error.

VI Banner Ad Placement

(78) Target banner placement can also be done because of the nodes table structure previously described. This allows a client to purchase ad space from any node all the way down the node structure to the ad display level. Example 1: A Caterpillar dealer wishes to secure all banner ads pertaining to Caterpillar tractors and all nodes beyond. When a user clicks on the Agricultural category, on makes, Tractors and then Caterpillar, all pages displayed thereafter in the node tree will contain their banner advertisement. Example 2: If the Caterpillar dealer only wishes to place an ad on one page then they have the option to do so.

(79) As a basis for selling prices all nodes have counters to track the availability of impressions on each given node. If a client asks for a node tree price all node counters in the requested tree may be added together to calculate the appropriate pricing. If a client requests a specific placement, the information for that node is readily available.

VII Detailed Description of the Embodiments

(80) FIG. 4 shows a basic taxonomy structure of accessing classification information using menu pages of category, subcategory, types, subtype, makes, and model. The user can find a specific product, part, or service by using their mouse to click on selections in a series of menus that list everything organized by category, subcategory, type, subtype, make and model. This organization of primarily relying on menu pages allows the user to reach the list of desired information (such as the final ads) as efficiently as possible, without having to enter any user dependent search queries. Once a user has gotten to the end menus of makes and models for example, the site lists all relevant ads, displaying the year, make, model and price for every ad. To view the description of the ad the user clicks on a details heading next to the ad. No typing is necessary to view any of the ads, and the sequence of menus limits the list to the specific type the user is looking for.

(81) The user who wants to submit an ad is led through the same series of menus so that their ad is classified according to the existing menu structure. If the advertiser would like to list their ad under a type or subtype classification that isn't present in the existing menus, they can contact the website via email, telephone, and the like, to have that type or subtype classification added to the menus. If the make or model isn't present in the menus, the user can add them interactively during the ad submission process. Thus, makes and models are data driven and become more comprehensive through user interaction. Types and subtypes can be controlled and updated by the website personnel to prevent unstructured and unmanageable growth of the menu's hierarchy.

(82) The website invention avoids graphics that are common to most Internet sites, and which are also time-consuming to download. As the following figures of menu pages show, the only graphics are the company logo that only needs to be downloaded once, when the web site is accessed. Appealing banner ads targeted to the specific location in the taxonomy, pertaining to the specific product, goods or services the customer is seeking, are intended to be the only clutter on the screen as the user progresses in using the system.

(83) FIG. 5 shows a Buyer main menu page for the subject invention that, on the left side, lists main categories such as but not limited to Agricultural, Aircraft, Antiques, Automobiles, Boats, Heavy Equipment, Heavy Trucks, Industrial, Medical, Pickup Trucks, Recreational Vehicles, and Sport Utility Vehicles and Vans. Here the buyer has chosen the Automobiles category which is clicked on.

(84) Hyperlinks located on the upper section of the page can be clicked onto for submitting an ad. The “Submit an Ad” will take the Buyer to a login page that request previously submitted information such as a password and username. After filling in the password and username, the system will automatically revert back to the same webpage that the Buyer was previously on, but now the mode of accessing the classification information is as a Seller, which in this example, is FIG. 6 and in FIGS. 25-29 described below.

(85) FIG. 6 shows a Seller main menu page embodiment of the invention with main category headings, and will be described further in reference to FIGS. 26-30. Note that Seller web pages can have a Seller being listed in the backdrop of those pages in order to be able to tell the user which mode they are in.

(86) FIG. 7 shows a second menu page for a Buyer having subcategory headings of the embodiment of FIG. 5. After a user clicks on one of the main category headings (in this example: Automobiles), this second page lists subcategories of Makes, Items, or Services, each of which can then be clicked on.

(87) FIG. 8 shows a third menu page having type headings based on FIG. 5. (in this example, Makes). This third page lists different types of Automobiles. For example, American Cars, Antique Cars American, Antique Cars British, Antique Cars European, Antique Cars Foreign, Asian Cars, British Cars, European Cars, Exotic Cars, Hot Rods, Kit Cars, Limousines American, Limousines European, and Muscle Cars 1962-70. Clearly, sellers can place their goods in one or more appropriate places. On this page, a darkened type font is used to indicate there are goods under this type.

(88) FIG. 9 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on FIG. 5. (in this example, European Cars). The system automatically puts the previous heading picked on the page. This fourth page lists the subtypes of 2-door, 4-door, Convertible, Diesel, and Station Wagon.

(89) FIG. 10 shows a fifth menu page having make headings based FIG. 5. (in this example, Diesel). The system modifies the header to read Automobiles:European Cars:Diesel. This fifth menu page lists makes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagon, and Volvo.

(90) FIG. 11 shows a sixth menu page having model headings based on FIG. 5. subcategory headings in FIG. 1 (in this example, Mercedes). The system modifies the header to read Automobiles:European Cars:Diesel:Mercedes. This sixth menu page further lists the models of 190D, 190D Turbo, 300CD, 300D, 300SD, 300SDL, 300TD and 350D.

(91) FIG. 12 shows a seventh page of the final ad list based on FIG. 5. Finally, the user can click on the desired type of mercedes and receive ad information or further modify the display, to sort and/or filter by geographical location, price, year, and the like.

(92) FIG. 13 shows an eighth page of how the user can sort the ad list of FIG. 12.

(93) FIGS. 14 and 15 show menu page embodiments of using the instant notification feature of the invention, previously described under V above, which can be opened by the button identified as Instant Notification shown on FIG. 12.

(94) FIG. 16 shows an ad form page that a seller completes after passing through a similar series of pages as those shown by FIGS. 6 through 11. The location of goods information (Area Code, Zip Code, City, State, Country) is pre filled in from the sellers registration data. In FIG. 16 the seller has already reached the page having the header Automobiles:European Cars:Diesel:Mercedes:300D. The seller starts filling in fields such as but not limited to year, price, mileage, hours, serial number, color, description and can include the option to upload a photo from the seller's computer hard drive.

(95) FIG. 17 shows a Buyer main menu page embodiment of the invention with main category headings as compared to FIG. 5 where the buyer picked the Automobiles category. In FIG. 17, the Buyer has chosen the Agriculture category.

(96) FIG. 18 shows a second menu page having subcategory headings of the embodiment of FIG. 17 which lists the subcategory headers of Makes, Items, and Services. Here the buyer chooses Services.

(97) FIG. 19 shows a third menu page having type headings based on FIG. 17, and lists different types of Agricultural services for example from Auctions, Breeding through Trucking, Interstate, needed.

(98) FIG. 20 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on FIG. 17 after choosing Trucking interstate, needed. This fourth page lists subtypes for example from Low Boy through Semi, refrigerated and Straight Truck, Livestock.

(99) FIG. 21 shows a fifth menu page having from(origination) headings based on FIG. 17. FIG. 21 lists all states in the United States as originating locations and can include other locations such as but not limited to towns, cities, countries, and the like. Here, the invention is shown as being flexible to process diverse goods and services in one online classification system.

(100) FIG. 22 shows a sixth menu page having to (destination) headings based on FIG. 17. FIG. 22 lists all states in the United States as destination locations and can include other locations such as but not limited to towns, cities, countries, and the like.

(101) FIG. 23 shows a seventh page of the final ad list based on FIG. 17. FIG. 23 shows a service that is needed as compared to goods that were previously illustrated. Here, the buyer is viewing an ad that a seller previously posted requesting the service of Need Trucking to Orlando . . . . Similar to ads for goods, the service ads can also be sorted. Also, an instant notification button, similar to the ones for goods (FIG. 5 and see description in reference to FIGS. 14-15), can be used on this page.

(102) FIG. 24 shows a detailed description of one of the ads of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 shows an eighth page of how user can sort the ad list of FIG. 24, similar to that shown for FIG. 13.

(103) FIG. 26 shows a second menu page having first subcategory headings of the embodiment of FIG. 6 for picking the boats category. FIG. 27 shows a third menu page having type headings based on selecting Makes in FIG. 26. FIG. 28 shows a fourth menu page having subtype headings based on selecting Powerboats, 43-53 feet in FIG. 27. FIG. 29 shows a fifth menu page having make headings based on selecting Motor Yacht in FIG. 28.

(104) FIG. 30 shows a sixth page based on selecting CREATE OTHER in FIG. 29 for having a Seller submit an Ad that does not have a make heading in FIG. 29. The Seller user has the ability to create another make and model for the goods they wish to sell (also can be done for services). On the sixth page accessed in FIG. 29, the Seller can include information such as but not limited to Make, Model, Year, Price, Mileage, Hours(in-use), Serial No., Color, and a photograph that can be uploaded from the Seller's computer hard drive.

(105) Although not described in detail, the user accessing the Items on the subcategory webpages. For example, in FIG. 7, clicking on Items will eventually pull up any parts and pieces on automobiles such as but not limited to engines, engine parts (crankshafts, blocks, heads, camshafts, and the like). Also Items under Automobiles would pull up airconditioning parts, engines, engine parts (crankshafts, blocks, heads, camshafts, and the like, and including help wanted (mechanics, salesmen, and the like), real estate (carlots for sale and lease, paint and body shops for sale and lease, transmission shops for sale and lease, and the like). Items is the catch all subcategory for miscellaneous subcategories that do not come under Makes and Services. Thus, Buyers and Sellers can access goods and services for all types of Makes, Items, and Services.

(106) Although the embodiments describe the invention being used for goods and services, the invention can be used for any information having an orderly classification of objects and the like.

(107) For example, main categories can include areas of study such as Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Law and Medicine, and the like. If Engineering is chosen, the subcategory headings could include educational institutions such as 2-Year, Community College, Trade School, Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post Graduate (PHD). If Undergraduate School subcategory is chosen, the types headings could include types of engineering such as Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, and the like. If Electrical Engineering is picked, the subtype headings could include an alphabetical listing of the geographical regions of the Undergraduate Schools for Electrical Engineering such as but not limited to Asia, Europe, through Northeast United States, Southeast United States, and the like. Next, the user choosing a geographical region could get a list of educational institutions in those locations, which can be further sorted. Further subtypes can include courses of study, curriculum requirements, and the like. Instant Notification can occur when a scholarship is offered based on a student's requested aid need. Student acceptance, coming off a waiting list for acceptance can also come under Instant Notification as previously described.

(108) Other orderly classification information of objects that can use the invention can include cataloging of goods from a single online department store. Main category headings can include Apparel, Appliances, Electronics, Furniture, Gardening, Hardware, and the like. Subcategory headings under Furniture can include Bathroom, Bedroom, Dining Room, Livingroom, Kitchen, and the like. Picking Bedroom, would give a listing of different of types which can include Colonial, Contemporary, French Provincial, Victorian, and the like. Picking Contemporary would give a subtype list of furniture for the Contemporary Bedroom such as but not limited to Armoire, Bed, Dresser, Mirror, Nightstand, and the like. Picking on Dresser, would give a subtype list of two drawer, four drawer, and the like. Picking on two drawer would give a further subtype list of color which could include for example, Black, Cherry, Maple, Oak, White, and the like. Final lists can include photograph picture, price, dimensions, availability. Instant notification can include when order comes in, when item comes in stock, and the like.

(109) Further classification information that can use the invention can include scientific applications such as Zoology, Plants, Genetic Mapping and the like.

(110) While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.