Alternative selections for compound price quoting

[0001] The present application is a continuation and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/705,328 filed on Feb. 12, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/475,368 filed on May 29, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/215,940 filed on Jun. 30, 2008, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/937,856 filed Jun. 30, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to price quoting. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to automating the selection of alternatives for compound price quotes.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] When making purchases, one of the most important considerations for a buyer is price. However, pricing can be dependent on multiple factors: including type of item, specifications and features of the item, age, demand, degree of use (i.e., used, new), location, seller/dealer, etc. Such factors may affect the price dramatically and further complicate the process of determining, analyzing, and comparing prices for a desired product. Automobiles, for example, may come in various makes, models, trims, colors, features (standard equipment, options, and upgrades), etc. Such options and upgrades, or removal thereof, may increase or decrease the price of the final product.

[0006] Another consideration when customers are shopping for a particular product is availability, specifically availability within a certain geographic region. Many customers wish to see, touch, and test a product before committing to a purchase, especially costly purchases. Some items, due to size, weight, rarity, etc., may be difficult, costly, or time-consuming to transport to the customer. As such, the customer may wish to find a seller or dealer of the product within a certain geographic region that is convenient to the customer. The geographic location of a car dealer, for example, may be an important factor to a car-buyer, since transporting an automobile from a distant location may be either costly, time-consuming, or both. Determining availability within a geographic region therefore becomes very important to the customer.

[0007] In some instances, a customer may request a particular vehicle, but may be open to considering alternatives, particularly if the alternative has a more attractive price point or has a different set of desirable features. Such alternatives may include vehicles that share some similarities to the requested vehicle, but may not turn up in a search for the requested vehicle. For example, a customer who requests a particular make and model of truck may be open to purchasing alternative trucks, either of the same make, model, year, trim, color, body style, usage level, etc. Because customers generally lack the ability to review dealer inventories, however, they may not know to ask whether such alternatives exist or are available.

[0008] As such, there is therefore a need in the art for improved systems and methods for selection of alternatives and generation of compound price quotes, including quotes for alternatives.

[0009] Exemplary methods and systems for automated alternative selection for compound price quotes are provided. A database is maintained regarding a variety of vehicles and the features associated with each. A requesting party submits a request that includes information regarding at least one specification. A database is searched based on the information provided by the request. The search results are evaluated to determine whether they meet a predefined target. When the search results do not meet a predefined target, an alternative specification is identified. At least a second set of search results is retrieved from the database that may be used to meet the target. Vehicles are selected for inclusion in a compound price quote. A compound price quote concerning multiple vehicles each with a price quote is generated. Such price quotes may then be provided to consumer 110. The requesting party may be a potential customer, a dealer, or a third party acting on behalf of the potential customer or dealer.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention include methods for automated alternatives selection for compound price quotes. Such methods may include maintaining a database concerning vehicles and their features, receiving a price quote request from a requesting party, the price quote request comprising information concerning at least one specification, searching a database based on the specification, determining that the first set of search results do not meet a predefined target, determining an alternative specification, searching a database based on the alternative, selecting a plurality of vehicles in order to meet the target, and generating a response including a compound price quote regarding a price for each selected vehicle. For vehicles, specifications may include make, model, year, trim, color, body style, vehicle segment, duty type, option, use level, inventory age, equipment level, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

[0011] Further embodiments of the present invention may further include computer-readable storage media having embodied thereon programs executable by a processor to perform a method for automated alternatives selection for compound price quotes. Such computer-readable storage media may provide for performance via integration into existing client systems and/or via plug-in.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for alternatives selection for compound price quotes. A database is maintained regarding a variety of vehicles and the features associated with each. A requesting party submits a request that includes information regarding at least one specification. Search results are retrieved from the database regarding the specification provided by the request. It is determined that the search results do not meet a predefined target, and an alternative specification is identified. At least one other set of search results is retrieved from the database. Vehicles are selected from the first set or subsequent sets of search results in order to meet the target. A price quotes is generated for each of the selected vehicles. The automated nature of such price quotes provides a customer with information that is timely, detailed, and accurate with respect to features, pricing, and availability. In addition, identifying alternatives and providing quotes for such alternatives provides the requesting party with choice and variety. Such price quoting also provides dealers with speed of response to the requesting party, more pricing flexibility, greater accuracy, and significant time savings.

[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary architecture for generating an automated price quote. The parties involved may include the customer 110, dealer (or seller) 120 of a product, and the quoting engine 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the customer 110 communicates with quoting engine 200, which in turn, can convey information to the dealer 120 through the dealer's customer relationship management (CRM)/Internet lead management (ILM) system.

[0022] FIG. 1B illustrates an alternative architecture for generating a price quote according to another embodiment of the present invention. Such an architecture may result from a plug-in model, in which price quoting in integrated into the CRM/ILM system of the dealer. As such, the customer communicates with the dealer's 120 CRM/ILM system, the CRM/ILM system communicates the issuance of the price quote to the quoting engine 200, the quoting engine 200 issues the price quote to consumer 120.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a quoting engine system 200 for generating a price quote. The quoting engine 200 includes a database 210, a matching engine 220, and a price quote preparation engine 230. Database 210 stores information concerning various product specifications. If the product is a vehicle, for example, database 210 may store vehicle mappings 210A, vehicle configurations 210B, vehicle information 210C, information from dealer inventory feeds 210D, dealer pricing rules 210E, manufacturer incentives 210F, and communication templates 210G, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0024] Vehicle mappings database 210A includes various translations understood to be a particular vehicle by the quoting engine 200. For example, a customer 110 may request a particular vehicle (e.g., 2009 Toyota Corolla LE 4-door sedan), while the quoting engine 200 understands the same vehicle as a 2009 Toyota Corolla LE 4-dr SDN. Because the descriptions are slightly different, quoting engine 200 may map, translate, or otherwise understand that both descriptions apply to the same vehicle based on information stored under vehicle mappings database 210A:
2009 Toyota Corolla LE 4-dr SDN=2009 Toyota Corolla LE 4-Door Sedan

[0025] The matching is performed by matching engine 220. Once an incoming price quote request is received from the customer 110, a product description may be identified in the request and matched to a product description of one or more dealers 120 by matching engine 220. Matching engine 220 uses the information stored in vehicle mappings 210A to determine what product is being requested by the customer 110. In some embodiments, new and updated vehicle mappings may be added manually, automatically, or both, to vehicle mappings database 210A. Some embodiments may track manual mappings, determine that manual mappings have occurred a certain number of times, and store the particular mappings under mappings 210A for automatic mapping in the future.

[0026] Vehicle configurations database 210B includes information concerning specific products. Such information may be expressed as any combination of options or features associated with a vehicle identified by matching engine 220. The configurations may be stored in the form of a specific vehicle as uniquely identified by its VIN number (very specific) or vehicle configurations available at a given dealership or dealerships in a geographic region (less specific). For a given combination of “Year, Make, Model” or “Year, Make, Model, Trim,” vehicle configurations database 210B may list multiple vehicle configurations that will be included in the price quote. In some embodiments, new and updated configurations may be added to vehicle configurations database 210B due to the use of the quoting engine 200, just as new mappings may be added to vehicle mappings 210A.

[0027] Vehicle information database 210C includes further information and specifications for a given vehicle type. The information in 210C provides customer 110 of the vehicle price quote with the vehicle's description as well as the descriptions of the options, features, and equipment available and/or included on the quoted vehicles. For example, a customer 110 may request a particular make and model, but be unaware of what further options and features are available. Such information may be accessed from vehicle information 210C of the database 210 and provided to the customer 110, for each vehicle within the compound price quote.

[0028] Exemplary specifications may include make, model, year, trim, color, body style, vehicle segment, duty type, option, use level, inventory age, equipment level, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Make may refer to a manufacturer branded line of vehicles (e.g., Ford, Toyota, Nissan). Model may refer to a specific branded model of vehicle within the line (e.g., Focus (Ford), Camry (Toyota)). Trim may refer to a style of vehicle for the model (e.g., DX, EX, LX). Body style may refer to a classification of vehicles based on a type of vehicle body (e.g., sedan, truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV)) independent of the particular manufacturer. Vehicle segment may refer to another generalized classification of vehicles (e.g., compact, mid-sized, luxury, all-wheel drive (AWD)). Duty type may refer to any sub-classification within a body style or vehicle segment (e.g., light duty, heavy duty).

[0029] In addition, options may include any additional features or accessories that may be included or added to a vehicle (e.g., sound system, security system, global positioning system (GPS)). Use level may refer to whether the vehicle is new, pre-owned, and indicators regarding extent of usage, such as mileage. Inventory age may refer to a length of time the dealer has had the particular vehicle in inventory. Equipment level may refer to a generalized classification regarding the various features or options included in a vehicle (e.g., conservatively equipped, comfortably equipped, generously equipped). A VIN is a unique identifier associated with each vehicle. Within a dealership, the vehicle may also be referred to by a stock number.

[0030] Dealer inventory feed database 210D includes lists of vehicles currently at a given dealer 120 along with information that may be obtained by decoding the vehicle identification number (VIN) number associated with each vehicle. This database is used to provide information relating to actual new and used vehicles available from a particular dealer 120 that may match the price quote request submitted by the customer 110. In some embodiments, available alternatives to the new vehicle may be determined and presented to the customer 110. Such alternatives may include higher-end models/trims, lower-end models/trims, as well as used/new alternatives. For example, a customer 110 requesting a price quote for a used vehicle may also be presented with price quotes for new vehicles with the same (or similar) specifications, and vice versa. The information stored in dealer inventory feed database 210D may be received from multiple dealers in any geographic region. FIG. 3, described in further detail below, illustrate one way that information may be provided to data inventory feed database 210D.

[0031] Dealer pricing rules database 210E includes rules and the pricing values by which the dealer 120 arrives at the final price of a given vehicle. These rules are stored in advance of an incoming vehicle price quote request.

[0032] Manufacturer incentive database 210F contains manufacturer incentives offered directly to customer 110. These incentives may include cash back rebates, special financing rates, or special lease rates to influence a customer's purchase decision.

[0033] Communication template database 210G is stored in advance of the issuance of a price quote. The template may contain information layout, copy, graphics or the like that may be used at the time a vehicle price quote request is issued. The communication method used to inform the customer 110 of a vehicle price quote may be e-mail, webpage, text message, mobile communication, and other forms of communication commonly used in the art.

[0034] Searching the information available in database 210 A-G allows for determination of answers to the following questions:

• • [0035] What is the specified product,
  • [0036] Whether the specified product is available in the specified geographical region and from what dealers,
  • [0037] What other specifications are available for the specified product,
  • [0038] How many units of the specified product are available from a dealer,
  • [0039] How much the dealer is quoting for the specified product,
  • [0040] Whether any alternatives exist and any cost adjustment for each alternative,
  • [0041] Whether the specified product qualifies for any manufacturer incentives (e.g., cashback rebates, special financing options, special lease rates),
  • [0042] Which sales representative at a dealership is issuing the price quote,
  • [0043] How the price quote will appear to consumer 110 and the means of delivery.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary architecture for receiving dealer information. The availability of a product by configuration, as well as by dealer 120 or dealers 120 in a geographic region, may need to be determined before generation of a price quote. In some cases such as the customer 110 calling the dealer 120 by telephone or requesting an updated/refined price quote based on new information provided to the dealer 120, a dealer 120 may request the issuance of a price quote on behalf of a customer 110.

[0045] The dealer 120 as part of requesting the issuance of a price quote to consumer 110 may select an existing vehicle configuration from the vehicle configurations database 210B or create a new vehicle configuration if needed. Alternatively, the request for issuing a price quote by dealer 120 may be based on a regional vehicle search using a tool such as a regional vehicle locator 310 provided by, for example, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), prior to submitting the price quote request. Regional vehicle locator 310 operates in conjunction with inventory supply management (ISM) systems at one or more dealers 120 to provide dealer cost and inventory availability of a vehicle manufactured by the OEM. Multiple uses of the regional vehicle locator 130 provides frequent updates 311-314 concerning such dealer cost and inventory of one or more dealers 120 in a geographic region. As such, the information concerning inventory of vehicles available across dealerships within a particular region may be continuously provided to quoting engine 200. Upon locating a vehicle in the region, the dealer 120 may submit a price quote request on behalf of the customer 110 based on the configuration of the vehicle retrieved from the regional vehicle locator 130. As such, the particular vehicle configuration is passed along to the quoting engine 200 and stored in vehicle configurations database 210B.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method 400 for alternatives selection for compound price quotes. Method 400 may include maintaining a database of vehicles and their respective features, receiving a quote request indicating a specification, retrieving a set of search results from the database based on the specification, determining that the set of search results does not meet a target, determining an alternative to the specification, retrieving a set of search results based on the alternative, selecting a plurality of vehicles in order to meet the target, the selections coming from the first set or subsequent sets of search results, and generating a compound price quote including quotes for a plurality of vehicles in a response to the request.

[0047] In step 410, a database is maintained regarding multiple vehicles and the features associated with each vehicle. Each vehicle in database 210 may be associated with a dealer/location and described in terms of its specifications such as make, model, year, trim, color, body style, vehicle segment, duty type, option, use level, inventory age, equipment level, price, and vehicle identification number (VIN). The database may be searched based on a variety of parameters. For example, a search may be based on geographic location such that the vehicles available from one or more dealers in a particular geographic location may be identified. The available vehicles may further be filtered based on one or more specifications (e.g., make, model). Changing the specifications allows for different results to be retrieved.

[0048] In step 420, a price quote request is received. Such a price quote request may be sent directly from a customer 110 or from a dealer 120, who may be submitting the price quote request on behalf of one or more customers 110. The price quote request may indicate a particular product of interest and at least one specification indicating a feature. For example, a price quote request may be as broad as “Blue Honda Civic” or as specific as indicating an exact vehicle by VIN. The price quote request may further specify preferences with respect to any feature of the requested vehicle. Such preferences may specify a particular model, trim level, body style, price range, equipment level, presence of a particular option, etc. Alternatively, the preference may indicate a minimum level of a feature (e.g., at least LX trim), such that higher levels may be acceptable and of interest to the requesting party. The preference may also indicate a maximum level (e.g., no more than $40,000) to allow for lower levels to be retrieved for consideration.

[0049] In step 430, a set of search results is retrieved from database 210 based on the specification(s) indicated in the request. As part of the search, the specification provided in the price quote request is compared to the information stored in mappings 210A. For example, a price quote request concerning a particular make and model is automatically mapped/translated to the description understood by quoting engine 200. Specifically, availability information regarding one or more dealers in or around a particular location may be determined. If a search is based on make and model (e.g., Toyota Camry), for example, a set of search results may include information regarding the twenty Toyota Camry vehicles available from the local Toyota dealer.

[0050] In step 440, it is determined whether the predefined target is met when including alternatives in the compound price quote. The target may include one or more parameters predefined by a dealer, an administrator, the user, or a combination of the foregoing. The target may refer to the type(s) of search results desired. For example, a target may refer to a desired number of results (e.g., different vehicle configurations, different price quotes), a desired range of results (e.g., price range), etc. Rather than just giving just one quote for one vehicle or one average quote, a dealer may wish to provide its customers with specific price quotes for multiple vehicles, for example, representing a range of prices and/or features. Additionally, the dealer may want to include alternative pre-owned vehicles within the compound price quote when the request is for a new vehicle and vice versa (i.e., including alternative new vehicles within the compound price quote in response to a request for a pre-owned vehicle).

[0051] For example, a dealer may specify that its customers receive at least three price quotes in low, medium, and high ranges that are at least $2000 apart. A customer of that dealer who searches for a 2010 Toyota Camry CE may therefore receive price quotes for three 2010 Toyota Camry CE vehicles with price quotes of $25,000, $30,000, and $35,000. Where a request does not specify trim or the dealer wants to include alternative trims within the compound price quote, the differences in the price quotes may be based on differing trim (e.g., DX, LX, EX). The difference in price quotes may further be based on differences in other features not specifically enumerated in the request (e.g., options, duty level, equipment level). If the search results meet the target, then the method may proceed to step 480 for price quote generation.

[0052] If the search results do not meet the target, the method may proceed to step 450. Depending on how specific the specifications of the search are, a dealer may not have any or enough vehicles in inventory that meet the requested specification. Where search results based solely on a request fails to meet a target number, close alternatives may be identified. As such, in step 450, an alternative specification may be determined. Selection of the alternative specification may be based on default parameters and/or be defined based on preferences of a dealer, administrator, etc. Depending on the target specified, the alternative specification may be chosen to substitute or supplement the requested specification to broaden, narrow, or otherwise supplement the search.

[0053] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a compound price quote according to one embodiment. Specifically, the illustrated compound price quote is based on a price quote request for a specific VIN of a 2008 Chevrolet Impala LT. Based on the dealer inventory, a search based on a particular VIN number may not retrieve any results or only retrieves one result, despite the target specifying at least four results. To find alternatives to include in the price quote, an alternative specification may be substituted, specifying a different year, make, model, trim, etc.

[0054] An alternative specification may pertain to a feature not specified in the request, but identified from the retrieved search results. For example, a search may refer to a vehicle having a particular VIN. Information regarding that vehicle may be retrieved, and the make, model, and other features of the vehicle having that VIN number may be determined. Referring to the previous example, a particular 2008 Chevrolet Impala LT may be identified from the VIN number. In selecting alternatives to meet the target, the determined alternative specification may broaden the search to find vehicles having the same or similar vehicle configuration or combination of features. A subsequent search may retrieve other Chevrolet Impala LT vehicles (e.g., same make/model/trim), other Chevrolet Impala vehicles (e.g., same make/model), other sedans (e.g., same body style), etc., based on alternate and/or broader specifications.

[0055] Similarly, where the retrieved vehicle has a particular usage status (e.g., pre-owned), an alternative specification may be a different usage status (e.g., new). Requests for a pre-owned vehicle may therefore result in quotes for not only the pre-owned vehicles, but also new alternatives matching other features of the requested vehicle. The same logic may apply to determination of an alternative specification for any other feature or combination of features specifying make, model, year, trim, color, body style, vehicle segment, duty type, option, use level, inventory age, equipment level, etc.

[0056] In step 460, a set of search results is retrieved based on the alternative specification. Referring again to FIG. 5A, a search for a particular 2008 Chevrolet Impala LT may retrieve that vehicle. Alternatives may include a 2008 Chevrolet Impala LS (e.g., different trim), a 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan, and a 2009 Camry SE sedan ((e.g., different make/model, similar body style).

[0057] Additionally, FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a compound price quote according to alternative embodiments of the invention. With respect to the heavy-duty 2008 Ford Expedition, the alternatives may include additional options within the same year, make, model and trim (e.g., “air suspension read—load leveling” and “rear seat entertainment DVD”). While it is possible for customer 110 to specify a desired product configuration, the product manufacturer (e.g., OEM) may not have built such a configuration. In such a case, an alternative/equivalent product may be selected. For example in the case of the 2008 Ford Expedition, the price quote request may have contained the desire for a heavy duty radiator which was not built for Expeditions within the customer 110's region. FIG. 5B illustrates the alternatives available which do not include the heavy duty radiator. The particular product configuration (or alternative/equivalent) can then be determined based on a preprogrammed selection algorithm. Preprogramming may be based on default configurations and/or customized by dealer 120, OEM, etc.

[0058] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a compound price quote according to alternative embodiments of the invention. With respect to the 2009 Honda Civic, the price quote request may be for the LX 5-Speed Automatic 4 dr Sedan and the alternatives are based on differing trims of the same Civic model (i.e., the LX-S and the EX) each of which have varying levels of equipment, ranging from a “conservatively equipped” unit to a “comfortably equipped unit” to a “generously equipped” unit.

[0059] In step 470 for some embodiments of the invention, representative vehicles are selected from the first set of search results based on the requested specification or the second set of search results based on the alternative specification. In some instances, the search incorporating the requested specification may retrieve too many vehicles to meet the target. As such, representative vehicles may need to be selected to comply with the target. For example, the search may need to be filtered to meet the target based on an alternative specification. The alternative specification may therefore supplement the requested specification in narrowing down the search results to meet the target. For example, a request for a “2010 Toyota Camry CE sedan” may result in 10 matches from a dealer who has defined a target to provide one vehicle each for a high price range, a middle price range, and a low price range. The ranges may be determined by taking the difference between the highest price (e.g., $40,000) and lowest price (e.g., $31,000) and dividing into thirds (e.g., $40,000−$31,000=$9000; $9000/3=$3000). The low range would be $31,000-$34,000; the middle range would be $34,000-$37,000; and the high range would be $37,000-$40,000. A dealer may specify any number of ranges as part of defining their respective targets for price quoting.

[0060] In this embodiment, the alternative specification may refer to a count of vehicle configurations (e.g., vehicles with the same features) identified for each price range. A vehicle having a configuration with the highest count within each price range (e.g., 2010 Toyota Camry CE sedans with leather seats, GPS, leather seats and GPS) would be selected for inclusion in the price quote. Where there are ties in number of configurations within each price range, additional factors may come into play. For example, depending on which range the vehicle configuration falls into, a vehicle with the cheapest, median, or priciest vehicle configuration may be selected. Another factor in the selection is whether the prices of the selected vehicle configuration represent enough of a range for comparison.

[0061] Once the vehicles have been selected, the method may return to step 440 for determination of whether the target has been met. If so, the method proceeds to step 480 for generation of each price quote for the selected vehicles.

[0062] In step 480, a compound price quote is generated for the vehicles retrieved in steps 430 and/or 460. The compound price quote includes a price quote for each of a plurality of vehicles, each calculated according to the particular pricing scheme of the dealer(s) 120. A pricing scheme is a set of one or more pricing rules for a particular vehicle configuration. The pricing rules specified by a particular dealer 120 may refer to absolute selling price, pricing relative to the product's manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP), or pricing relative to the dealer's invoice price. Dealer invoice pricing may be obtained from the dealership in absolute fashion or through a formulaic calculation. The dealer 120 may also specify different rules for different configurations. As such, multiple pricing schemes may be associated with a particular dealer 120. For each vehicle, a pricing scheme may be identified from possibly multiple pricing schemes by dealer 120 and determined as being relevant to the specified product and customer.

[0063] Further, customer incentive information may also be provided by manufacturer incentives 210F in database 210 and applied to generate the price quote. This information may include but is not limited to cash back rebates, special financing rates, or special lease rates. In some instances, special pricing rules may apply. For example, a dealer 120 may be having a sale during a particular weekend in which a friends-and-family discount is available. Such special pricing rules may also be taken into account in the generation of the price quote.

[0064] The identified pricing scheme is applied to determine a price quote for each vehicle. A response may be prepared including the multiple price quotes and sent to the requesting party, which may be a customer 110 or a dealer 120. In addition to the price quote, other information may be provided to assist the customer 110 in making a decision. For example, a detailed description of each vehicle (including various other specifications available) may be provided from vehicle information 210C stored in database 210.

[0065] Further, if the dealership wishes to indicate that the compound price quote has been sent on behalf of a particular individual (i.e., a sales representative), such information may also be sent along with the price quote. Such information, along with dealer-specific information (i.e., address, operating hours) may be provided by communication template 210G stored in database 210. The information for the vehicle price quote is incorporated into the template dynamically to produce the desired vehicle price quote communication. The compound price quote (and any accompanying information) may then be issued via e-mail, web, SMS, text, mobile communication and others known in the art. If the compound price quote is issued to a customer 110, a copy may also be provided to the identified dealer 120.

[0066] Some of the above-described functions can be composed of instructions that are stored on storage media (e.g., computer-readable medium). The instructions may be retrieved and executed by the processor. Some examples of storage media are memory devices, tapes, disks, integrated circuits, and servers. The instructions are operational when executed by the processor to direct the processor to operate in accord with the invention. Those skilled in the art are familiar with instructions, processor(s), and storage media.

[0067] It is noteworthy that any hardware platform suitable for performing the processing described herein is suitable for use with the invention. The terms “computer-readable medium” and “computer-readable media” as used herein refer to any medium or media that participate in providing instructions to a CPU for execution. Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as a fixed disk. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as system RAM. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, among others, including the wires that comprise one embodiment of a bus. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD), any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of marks or holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a FLASHEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0068] Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a CPU for execution. A bus carries the data to system RAM, from which a CPU retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by system RAM can optionally be stored on a fixed disk either before or after execution by a CPU.

[0069] The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

[0070] While the present invention has been described in connection with a series of preferred embodiment, these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth herein. It will be further understood that the methods of the invention are not necessarily limited to the discrete steps or the order of the steps described. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.