Leslie E Cansler DeceasedPortland, OR

6725257, Apr 20, 2004

Nov 30, 1999

09/452726

Leslie Dean Cansler - Oregon City OR
Stephen A. Feiner - Portland OR

Chrome Data Corporation - Portland OR

G06F 1516

709219, 709203, 705 26, 705 27

The present invention provides a process for configuring a product using a server and a client connected by a computer network, wherein the product has multiple possible configurations, and wherein each configuration is defined by a set of standard attributes and a set of optional attributes. The process comprises receiving from the client a request for a base configuration comprising the set of standard attributes, transmitting to the client the standard attribute set for the base configuration, and transmitting to the client a plurality of Web pages containing an option data set including all possible optional attributes and a set of commands, the set of commands being executed on the client and allowing a user to select the set of optional attributes using the client. The present invention also provides an apparatus for configuring a product using a computer network, wherein the product has multiple possible configurations, and wherein each configuration defined by a set of standard attributes and a set of optional attributes. The apparatus comprises a server connected to the network, wherein the server comprises a processor, a memory, and a storage device, and wherein the processor and memory are operative with a program stored on the storage device to receive from a client a request for a base configuration comprising the standard set of attributes, transmit to the client the standard attribute set for the base configuration, and transmit to the client computer a plurality of Web pages containing an option data set including all possible optional attributes and a set of commands, wherein the set of commands is executed on the client and allows a user to select the set of optional attributes.