EXHIBIT 1007
`
`EXHIBIT 1007
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`I lllll llllllll II llllll lllll llll I II Ill lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`6 September 2002 (06.09.2002)
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 02/069078 A2
`
`(51) International Patent Classification7:
`
`G06F
`
`(74) Agents: WATANABE, Hisashi, David et al.; AN475, 600
`North U.S. Highway 45, Libertyville, IL 60048 (US).
`
`(21) International Application Number: PCT/USOl/51261
`
`(22) International Filing Date: 26 October 2001 (26.10.2001)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`091703,123
`
`31 October 2000 (31.10.2000) US
`
`(71) Applicant: MOTOROLA INC. [US/US]; 1303 East Al(cid:173)
`gonquin Road, Schaumburg, IL 60196 (US).
`
`(72) Inventors: AUSTIN, William; 1201 N. Lakeshore Drive,
`Chandler, AZ 85226 (US). MUNCASTER, George; 3301
`E. Rock Wren Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044 (US).
`
`(81) Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU,
`CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH,
`GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC,
`LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW,
`MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI,
`SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA,
`zw.
`
`(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian
`patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European
`patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE,
`IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF,
`CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD,
`TG).
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(54) Title: A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TICKET RESERVATION AND PAYMENT
`
`(57) Abstract: A method and apparatus for purchasing tickets to
`an event is disclosed. In the first step, a ticket broker is accessed.
`Then one or more seats are selected (310). Next, the option to buy
`tickets for the seats for a set period of time is secured (316). Then,
`the option to buy the tickets can be exercised if desired (318). This
`method and apparatus includes the ability to reserve seats while si(cid:173)
`multaneously searching for better seats.
`
`CONTACT REMOTE TICKET SERVER
`
`3DD
`
`SPECIFY EVENT ANO om
`
`ENTER SEATING SELECTION CRITERIA OR
`ENTER USER SEATING PREFERENCE OR
`ACCESS STOREO SEATING PREFERENCES OR
`OEFAULT TO BEST AVAILABLE SWING
`
`PROVIDE AVAILABLE SEATING BASED
`ON CRITERIA/PREFERENCE
`
`312
`
`318
`
`NO
`
`USER REFINES SEATING
`CRITERIA/PREFERENCES
`
`YES
`
`PAY FOR TICKET
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`302
`
`3o4
`
`308
`
`316
`
`322
`
`!!!!!!!! -
`--!!!!!!!!
`
`!!!!!!!! -iiiiiiii
`iiiiiiii ----
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078 A2
`
`I lllll llllllll II llllll lllll llll I II Ill lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`
`Published:
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
`without international search report and to be republished ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the begin-
`upon receipt of that report
`ning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TICKET
`RESERVATION AND PAYMENT
`
`Technical Field
`
`5
`
`This invention relates to the field of electronic commerce and more specifically to a
`
`method and apparatus for ticket reservation and payment.
`
`Background Art
`
`Fee-based entertainment is typically delivered via reserved seating. Ways currently
`
`10
`
`exist for a person to purchase tickets at an event, over the telephone or via a computer
`
`connected to a ticket broker over the Internet. Drawbacks to these current methods include:
`
`1) Seats are typically chosen by the ticket broker based on the ticket broker's determination of
`
`the best available seating; 2) Inefficiencies of customer service personnet which may
`
`contribute to customer frustration and higher ticket broker operating costs. The ticket
`
`15
`
`broker's choice of what is considered to be the best available seating may not be satisfactory
`
`for every purchaser. Also, typically the only choice is whether to purchase the ticket or not.
`
`There is no option to reserve seating for a period of time during which the user can look for
`
`other tickets or make other arrangements.
`
`Brief Description of Drawings
`
`20
`
`For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof,
`
`reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the following
`
`drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts, and in which:
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of personal devices coupled to a ticket server in accordance
`
`with the present invention;
`
`25
`
`FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of an exemplary personal device and
`
`ticket server of the FIG. 1 diagram:
`
`FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart illustrating the operation of a preferred method
`
`embodiment in accordance with the present invention;
`
`FIG. 4 is a flowchart with an expanded illustration of how a view from the seats is
`
`30
`
`provided according to the FIG. 3 method;
`
`FIG .. 5 is an exemplary illustration of how a view from a seat depends on the activity;
`
`FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating reserving a selected seat in accordance with a method
`
`embodiment of the present invention; and
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`-2-
`FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating procuring additional services according to the present
`
`invention.
`
`Disclosure of the Invention
`
`5
`
`Turning first to the nomenclature of the specification, the detailed description which
`
`follows is represented largely in terms of processes and symbolic representations of
`
`operations by conventional computer components, including a central processing unit
`
`("CPU") or processor associated with a general purpose computer system, memory storage
`
`devices for the CPU, and connected pixel-oriented display devices. These operations include
`
`10
`
`the manipulation of data bits by the CPU and the maintenance of these bits within data
`
`structures resident in one or more of the memory storage devices. Such data structures
`
`impose a physical organization upon the collection of data bits stored within computer
`
`memory and represent specific electrical or magnetic elements. These symbolic
`
`representations are the means used by those skilled in the art of computer programming and
`
`15
`
`computer construction to most effectively convey teachings and discoveri~s to others skilled
`
`in the art.
`
`In addition, it should be understood that the programs, processes, methods, etc.
`
`described herein are but an example of one implementation of the present invention and are
`
`not related or limited to any particular computer, apparatus or computer language. Rather,
`
`20
`
`various types of general purpose computing machines or devices may be used with programs
`
`constructed in accordance with the teachings described herein. Similarly, it may prove
`
`advantageous to construct a specialized apparatus to perform the method steps described
`
`herein by way of dedicated computer systems with hardwired logic or programs stored in
`
`non-volatile memory, such as read only memory.
`
`25
`
`Referring now in more detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagram in accordance with
`
`an embodiment of this invention illustrating a plurality of user devices 102 coupled to a
`
`remote ticket server 104 by communication links 110 (which can be a hard wired line or
`
`wireless means of communication). User devices 102 are connected to ticket server 104 in a
`
`variety of ways, based on the type of user devices.
`
`30
`
`User device 102 can be one of many different devices including, but not limited to, a
`
`standalone kiosk 112, a personal digital assistant 114, a user computer 116, an enhanced
`
`cellular phone 118, or any other device that is operable to connect, either wirelessly or
`
`through wired connections, to remote ticket server 104.
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`-3-
`Ticket server 104, in one embodiment, is a computer such as a personal computer, file
`
`server, workstation, minicomputer, mainframe, or any other computer capable of
`
`communicating and interconnecting with other computers. Ticket server 104 preferably
`
`includes a processor, input/ output device such as a mouse, modem, keyboard, monitor; as
`
`5 well as storage means such as a floppy and/ or hard disk drive, and memory. Communication
`
`line 110 may be any type of communication link capable of supporting data transfer. For
`
`example, communication lines 110 may include any combination a hard wired line, a dial-up
`
`telephone link or a wireless radio-frequency or infrared connection, depending on the user
`
`device that is accessing ticket server 104.
`
`10
`
`In operation, the various user devices 102, such as a personal digital assistant 114,
`
`communicate with ticket server 104. For example, personal digital assistant 114 connects to
`
`ticket server 104 in order to request ticket information and enable seat selection.
`
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating user device 102 (which may be, in this example, a
`
`personal digital assistant 114), and a remote ticket server 104. User device 102, in one
`
`15
`
`embodiment, includes a processor 208, input/ output ("I/O") devices 212, and memory 202.
`
`Processor 208, under the control of an operating system 204, controls the operation of user
`
`device 102 and is used to retrieve, process, store, and display data. Operating system 204 and
`
`a communication program 206 are stored in client memory 202. Client memory 202 may be a
`
`random access memory ("RAM"), Read-only memory ("ROM"), or other types of memory.
`
`20 Other programs may also be stored in client memory 202 such as a voice recognition program
`
`and a text to speech program.
`
`Processor 208 is typically implemented as a microprocessor, such as those
`
`manufactured by INTEL, MOTOROLA, or HITACHI. Processor 208 may include an
`
`arithmetic logic unit to assist in performing mathematical operations. Processor 208
`
`25
`
`communicates control, address, and data signals with operating system 204 and with the
`
`remaining components of user device 102. Processor 208 interprets and executes instructions
`
`that have been fetched or retrieved from client memory 202 and may be implemented as a
`
`single integrated circuit or as a combination of integrated circuits. Operating system 104 may
`
`be any operating system designed to operate on a handheld device.
`
`30
`
`I/O devices 212 may include any peripheral that allows data to be exchanged or
`
`entered into user device 102 and may i..'1.clude such devices as a keyboard, a monitor, a
`
`printer, a modem, a RF transmitter, a speaker, a microphone, a pointing device, such as a
`
`mouse, a floppy disk drive, a mass storage device, such as a hard disk drive, and the like.
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`-4-
`0p~rating system 204 includes a set of computer programs that control the internal
`
`functions of user device or client 102, thereby allowing client 102 to run application programs.
`
`Operating system 204 is typically stored in and provided from a mass storage device, such as
`
`a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD /ROM drive or a ROM chip. During start-up or
`
`5
`
`initialization of client 102, operating system 204 is loaded into client memory 202. Application
`
`programs, such as communication program 206, may also be loaded into client memory 202
`
`along with operating system 204.
`
`Communication program 206, in one embodiment, allows user device 102 to connect to
`
`and communicate with remote ticket server 104 in order to initiate a ticket transaction.
`
`10
`
`Remote ticket server 104 typically includes a server memory 223, a processor 224, and
`
`a mass storage device 226. Remote ticket server 104 also preferably includes various I/O
`
`devices 228.
`
`Operating system 220 and a ticket distribution program 222 are stored in mass storage
`
`device 226 and are shown loaded into server memory 223. Processor 224, in conjunction with
`
`15
`
`operating system 220, controls the operation of remote ticket server 104. Processor 224 fetches
`
`and executes various instructions stored in server memory 223. Operating system 220
`
`operates similarly to operating system 204 of user device 102 and includes a set of computer
`
`programs that control the internal functions of remote ticket server 104. Operating system 220
`
`controls the allocation and usage of hardware resources such as server memory 223,
`
`20
`
`processor 224, mass storage device 226, and optional I/ 0 devices 228. Operating system 220
`
`may be any of a variety of available operating systems depending on the hardware of ticket
`
`server 104. For example, operating system 220 may be implemented as MS-DOS, the
`
`Macintosh OS, OS/2, Windows NT, WINDOWS 95/98/2000, UNIX, LINUX or any of a
`
`variety of other operating systems.
`
`25
`
`Ticket distribution program 222 is an application program shown loaded into server
`
`memory 223. Ticket distribution program 222 is stored in mass storage device 226 and is then
`
`loaded into server memory 223 when initiated.
`
`In response to a request, ticketing
`
`information, including photos of the view from a particular seat or set of seats for each type of
`
`event hosted, can be sent to a user. The views from the seats may be stored in server memory
`
`30
`
`223 or in the mass storage device 226. Additionally, tickets for seats can be purchased or
`
`reserved.
`
`FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart illustrating the operation of a method in accordance with
`
`the present invention. In step 300 a user initiates contact with the remote ticket server. As
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`-5-
`discussed earlier in connection with FIG. 1 through 2, the user may be at a dedicated ticket
`
`kiosk, at a home computer, utilizing a personal digital assistant, utilizing an enhanced cellular
`
`phone, or another user device. After accessing the ticket server hence and ticket distribution
`
`program 222, the user enters the event and/ or date of the event in Step 302. In step 304, the
`
`5
`
`user enters seat selection criteria or recalls already stored seat selection criteria. Step 304
`
`encompasses the user presenting preferences to the ticket server as to any event of interest to
`
`the user and then criteria for selecting seats to that event. Example user criteria may include
`
`pricing, availability of a certain number of contiguous seats, venue section, etc. The selection
`
`of available seats by the ticket distribution program 222 for presentation to the user can be
`
`10
`
`accomplished in several ways. Available seats could be chosen for the user based on a
`
`prestored best-available seat determination by the ticket distribution program 222.
`
`Alternatively a user might choose seats based on an overhead view of the event's venue. Or,
`
`the user may enter selected seat numbers based on stored user preference criteria or
`
`recommendations from others. Additionally, preference criteria stored or entered by a user
`
`15
`
`can be used by the ticket distribution program 222 to pre-select seats that meet the user's
`
`preferences. Additionally, the user may request views from one or more representative
`
`available, alternative preliminary seating choices, which images/views portray the spatial
`
`geometry and visual scale of a selected event type visible from the preliminary seating
`
`choices, and this information may also contribute to the user's decision.
`
`In
`
`step
`
`306
`
`20
`
`available seats matching the criteria or selection process in step 304 are provided and the user
`
`can select the desired seats. In step 308, an image of the view that a person in those seats
`
`would see from those seats can be sent to the user. This is explained in FIG. 4 in detail. The
`
`user is asked in step 402 if he/ she wants to view a view from the seats. If yes, the view is
`
`provided in step 404. These images can be taken ahead of time and stored along with other
`
`25
`
`information relating to the event venue. For venues that host different events and where
`
`seating arrangements may vary for the different events, images corresponding to the view
`
`which a person in those seats would see for those different arrangements would be stored
`
`also. These images can be sent to the user or stored in local cache memory. Alternatively, the
`
`views can be generated in near-real time by a fast computer and appropriate application
`
`30
`
`program. After viewing the seats, the process continues in step 310 of FIG. 3. If the :user does
`
`not want to view the seats, the process continues in step 310 of FIG. 3.
`
`To illustrate the value of previewing seats, FIG. 5 illustrates a multi-event stadium 500
`
`showing layouts for baseball and football. Horizontal lines 502 represent the yard markers
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`-6-
`for football while curve 504 shows the outfield boundary for baseball and homeplate 506
`
`shows the homeplate. When seats are selected views for those available seats can be sent to
`
`the ust..~ in order for the user to see if the seats are desirable. The desirability of the seats
`
`depends greatly on the specific event. The best seat for baseball may not be the best seat for
`
`5
`
`football or for a music concert. For example, first seat 508 is near homeplate 506. This could
`
`be a good seat in baseball but is an end zone seat in football, which is usually not a good seat.
`
`On the other hand, second seat 510 is near the middle of the field for a football seat, typically
`
`a very good seat. However, it is towards the right field outfield for baseball, which is not
`
`considered a great seat. By allowing a user to select seats based on views from those seats for
`
`10
`
`each specific event type, a user can make a more informed and satisfactory decision
`
`concerning seat selection.
`
`Referring again to FIG. 3, after the user views the seats selected (in step 308) he or she
`
`can accept the seating assignment in step 310. If the user chooses not to accept the seats in
`
`step 310, the user is able to refine seating criteria or preferences in step 312 and the process
`
`15
`
`continues again at step 306. If the user chooses to accept the seats, then in step 314 the user
`
`can choose to immediately pay for the tickets in step 318, after which the process continues in
`
`step 320.
`
`Alternatively, the user can conditionally reserve seating in step 316 as addressed below
`
`for a time during which the user can consider other options, such as searching for other
`
`20
`
`available seats that may better satisfy the user's preferences or consult with others about the
`
`choice of seats, etc. For example, the user could reserve available seats that the user initially
`
`prefers and then may e-mail the images provided from step 308 to another individual to see if
`
`the other person concurs with the selection temporarily reserved. If so, then the user may
`
`purchase these tickets at any time within the conditional reservation period.
`
`In one
`
`25
`
`embodiment, the reservation price can be applied to the purchase price of the tickets. In any
`
`case, the ticket broker can determine the required payment and duration seats may be
`
`reserved based on, for example: Event popularity, time remaining before the event, desired
`
`profitability, or other criteria based on customary business rules. Alternative business
`
`operating practices may also be applied, in that reservation pricing may be partially or
`
`30 wholly applied to purchase of tickets, or alternatively may be forfeited whether or not a
`
`purchase is made. In another embodiment, once a reservation is made, it may be moved from
`
`one prospective seat to another, with or without a payment penalty. Seat reservation is
`
`further explained in FIG. 6.
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`-7-
`In step 602, the user is asked if he or she wants to reserve the selected seats. If the user
`
`chooses not to reserve the seats, then the process continues to step 320.
`
`If the user chooses to exercise the option to reserve the tickets, an optional reservation
`
`payment is accepted in step 604. As discussed above, the optional payment may be based on
`
`5
`
`the popularity of the event, the scarcity of tickets, the location of the tickets or some other
`
`factor. Once the optional reservation payment is paid in step 604, a reservation timer starts
`
`(step 606) and the seating is removed in step 608 from the list of seating available for purchase
`
`or reservation by another user. In step 610, it is determined if the reservations time has
`
`expired. If the reservations time has expired, the seating is restored in step 612 to the list of
`
`10
`
`available seating, and the process continues in step 320.
`
`If the time has not expired, the
`
`process continues at step ·310 of FIG. 3, wherein the user can decide whether or not to
`
`continue to search for better seats. If the reservation time has expired, seating is restored to
`
`the availability list at 612 and the process returns to step 320.
`
`Turning back to FIG. 3, step 314 is reached via step 310, wherein the user has either
`
`15
`
`accepted a seating choice in step 310 or has temporarily reserved a seat in step 602. In step
`
`314 it is determined if the user wishes to purchase the tickets. If so, the tickets are purchased
`
`in step 318. The tickets can be purchased by credit card, electronic payment, wire transfer or
`
`other payment method convenient for computer us.e. In step 320 it is determined if all
`
`transactions are completed for this event. If transactions for this event are not yet completed
`
`20
`
`in step 320, the process continues back to step 304. If transactions for this event are completed
`
`in step 320, the process continues on to step 322 wherein the user is provided the opportunity
`
`to procure related services (FIG. 7), since these related services, whether of a nature such as
`
`must be purchased or reserved in advance, may be of interest to a user whether or not the
`
`user actually purchases tickets to the related event.
`
`25
`
`In step 322 the user has the option to purchase or reserve additional services whether
`
`or not tickets have been purchased. This is explained in FIG. 7 which illustrates providing the
`
`opportunity to purchase additional services.
`
`In step 702, the opportunity to receive
`
`information regarding an opportunity to receive information regarding related services such
`
`as pre- or post-event dinner reservations, transportation to or from the event, admission to
`
`30
`
`nightclubs, offers to buy additional tickets and the like is provided to the user. In step 704 it
`
`is determined if the user desires to receive additional information on any related service. If
`
`not, then the process continues at step 708. If the user wants additional information, it is
`
`provided in step 706.
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`-8-
`In step 708 it is determined if the user wants to obtain, either by purchasing or
`
`reserving (or reserving and then purchasing), in accordance with the processes described
`
`above, additional related services. If so, the user purchases or reserves the related services in
`
`step 710. If not, then the process continues in step 712. In step 712 it is determined if the
`
`5
`
`related services transactions are completed. If not, the process continues again back to step
`
`704. If so, then the process continues to step 324 of FIG. 3.
`
`Turning back to FIG. 3, after the opportunity to purchase or reserve additional services
`
`is completed in step 322, it is determined in step 324 if another event transaction for this .
`
`account is needed. If so, the process returns to step 302. If not, then the process terminates.
`
`10
`
`Although several embodiments in accordance with the present invention have been
`
`described, a myriad of changes, variations, alterations, transformations and modifications
`
`may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present invention
`
`encompasses such changes, variations, alternations, transformations and modifications and
`
`that they fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
`
`15
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`-9-
`Claims
`
`What is claimed is:
`
`5
`
`1.
`
`A method for purchasing tickets to an event comprising:
`
`accessing a ticket server;
`
`selecting one or more seats;
`
`reserving an option to buy tickets for seats for a set period of time.
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`10
`
`The method of Claim 1, further comprising the step of exercising the option if desired.
`
`The method of Claim 1, wherein the step of selecting one or more seats further
`
`comprises viewing an image of the view of the event from the selected seats.
`
`4.
`
`The method of Claim 1, wherein the step of accessing a ticket server further comprises
`
`connecting to the ticket server using one of a personal digital assistant, a stand-alone kiosk, a
`
`personal computer, and an enhanced cellular phone.
`
`15
`
`5.
`
`The method of Claim 1, wherein the step of reserving an option to purchase tickets for
`
`the selected seats further comprises transferring an electronic payment to reserve the option.
`
`6.
`
`7.
`
`The method of Claim 1, further comprising the step of obtaining related services.
`
`The method of Claim 1, wherein the step of selecting one or more seats further
`
`comprising reserving a spot on a waiting list if the desired seats have been previously sold or
`
`20
`
`reserved.
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`The method of Claim 3, wherein the view is computer generated.
`
`An apparatus for reserving tickets to an event comprising:
`
`a ticket server operable to:
`
`receive a request to reserve tickets;
`
`25
`
`send ticket information to a remote user;
`
`receive a request to reserve an option to purchase tickets; reserve the tickets for
`
`a set time; and receive payment in exchange for the ticket.
`
`10.
`
`The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the ticket server is further operable to provide an
`
`image of the view of the event from the selected seats.
`
`30
`
`11.
`
`The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the ticket server is accessed using one of a personal
`
`digital assistant, a stand-alone kiosk, a personal computer, and an enhanced cellular phone.
`
`12.
`
`The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein an electronic payment is transferred to reserve the
`
`tickets for a set time.
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`-10-
`
`13.
`
`The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the ticket server is further operable to offer related
`
`services.
`
`14.
`
`The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the ticket server is further operable to reserve a spot
`
`5
`
`on a waiting list if the desired seats have been previously sold or reserved.
`
`15.
`
`The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein the image is computer generated.
`
`16. A method for purchasing tickets comprising:
`
`receiving a request to search for tickets from a user;
`
`sending ticket information to the user;
`
`10
`
`receiving a request to reserve an option to purchase tickets; and reserving the tickets for a
`
`set period of time.
`
`17.
`
`The method of Claim 16, wherein the step of sending ticket information further
`
`comprises sending an image of the view of the event from selected seats.
`
`18.
`
`The method of Claim 16, wherein the request to search for tickets is sent using a
`
`15
`
`personal digital assistant, a stand alone kiosk, a personal computer, and an enhanced cell
`
`phone.
`
`19.
`
`The method of Claim 16, wherein the step of reserving the tickets further comprises
`
`receiving and processing an electronic payment to reserve the option.
`
`20.
`
`21.
`
`20
`
`The method of Claim 16, further comprising the step of obtaining related services.
`
`T..l1.e method of Claim 16, further comprising the step of reserving a spot on a waiting
`
`list if the desired seats have been previously sold or reserved.
`
`22. An apparatus for reserving tickets comprising a remote device operable to:
`
`send a ticket request;
`
`receive information regarding the ticket request;
`
`25
`
`request an option to buy tickets for the seats; and
`
`send an electronic payment to purchase and reserve tickets.
`
`23.
`
`The. apparatus of Claim 22, wherein the remote device is further operable to receive an
`
`image of the view from the events from a particular seat.
`
`24.
`
`The apparatus of Claim 22, wherein the remote device is one of a personal computer, a
`
`30
`
`stand alone kiosk, a personal digital assistant, and an enhanced cellular phone.
`
`25.
`
`The apparatus of Claim 22, wherein the remote device is further operable to send a
`
`request to obtain additional services.
`
`

`
`W0 02/069073
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`PCT/US01/51261
`
`1/6
`
`i/flflfl
`
`1//////1///1/11/11////11/////
`///////////////////////////////////////
`/==:J LJ a
`
`•
`
`r - - - -L - - - - - - - -----------..,
`
`L------------------------~
`
`

`
`102
`
`/"202
`
`USER DEVICE
`CLIENT MEMORY
`206'\
`COMMUNICATION
`PROGRAM
`
`204,
`OPERATING
`SYSTEM
`
`' '
`, ,
`PROCESSOR
`2oaJ
`
`j '
`
`, ,
`I/O
`DEVICE
`'212
`
`110
`)
`
`-
`-
`
`-
`-
`
`104
`
`.
`
`/"223
`
`TICKET SERVER
`SERVER MEMORY
`222'\
`TICKET DISTRIBUTION
`PROGRAM
`
`220,
`OPERATING
`SYSTEM
`
`~
`a:>
`
`j~
`
`PROCESSOR
`224...J
`
`j~
`
`,,
`STORAGE
`226_,)
`
`j '
`
`,.
`I/0
`DEVICE
`'228
`
`I
`
`F JG. 2
`
`:.;;
`0
`0
`N
`
`0 a-,
`
`l.O
`0
`-l
`QC)
`
`'"Cl
`
`l'."'l g
`
`en
`0 ......
`Ui
`......
`N
`a-,
`......
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`3/6
`
`CONTACT REMOTE TICKET SERVER
`
`SPECIFY EVENT AND DATA
`
`ENTER SEA TING SELECTION CRITERIA OR
`ENTER USER SEA TING PREFERENCE OR
`ACCESS STORED SEATING PREFERENCES OR
`DEFAULT TO BEST AVAILABLE SEATING
`
`PROVIDE AVAILABLE SEATING BASED
`ON CRITERIA/PREFERENCE
`
`PROVIDE REPRESENTATIVE EVENT
`VIEW FROM SEA TING
`
`JOO
`
`J02
`
`4
`JO
`
`306
`
`JOB
`
`NO
`
`USER REFINES SEATING
`CRITERIA/PREFERENCES
`
`YES
`
`J12
`
`J18
`
`PAY FOR TICKET
`
`NO
`
`CONDITIONALLY RESERVE SEATING
`
`316
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY TO PROCURE
`RELATED SERVICES
`
`322
`
`F JG. 3
`
`END
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`4/6
`
`FROM STEP 306
`
`NO
`
`PROVIDE EVENT VIEW FROM SEA TING
`
`404
`
`TO STEP 310
`F JG. 4
`
`--502
`
`508
`
`506
`
`510
`F IC. 5
`
`500
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`5/6
`
`FROM STEP 314
`
`NO
`
`(OPTIONAL) PAY RESERVATION FEE
`
`START RESERVATION TIMER
`
`604
`
`606
`
`REMOVE SEATING FROM AVAILABLE LIST
`
`606
`
`=::..-N_O_•TO STEP 310
`
`RESTORE SEATING TO AVAILABLE LIST
`
`612
`
`TO STEP 320
`
`F IC. 6
`
`

`
`WO 02/069078
`
`PCT/USOl/51261
`
`6/6
`
`FROM STEP 320
`
`PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE
`INFORMATION ON RELATED SERVICES
`
`702
`
`PROVIDE INFORMATION ON
`RELATED SERVICES
`
`NO
`
`NO
`
`701
`
`PURCHASE/RESERVE
`RELATED SERVICES
`
`710
`
`NO
`
`TO STEP 324
`F JG. 7