Methods of obtaining and using manufacturer computer hardware configuration data
US7219081B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q40/04
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for determining the configuration of a hardware item use with an online auction system is disclosed. The configuration is determined by sending a unique code to the manufacturer that manufactured the hardware and receiving configuration data corresponding to the hardware. The configuration is further determined by executing configuration utility software that analyzes the hardware using diagnostic routines as well as analyzing the operating system registry for hardware information. Re-use of components in the old computer system in a new computer system is also disclosed for maximizing total value of the purchase of a new computer system by re-using high value components. The method retrieves the street price corresponding to the old computer system and subtracts the price from the new computer price without the reused components in order to minimize the cost of the transaction. A computer system for receiving configuration data and submitting an auction description to an online auction site is further disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.