System and method for conducting product configuration research over a computer-based network

摘要

A system for conducting product configuration research at computer systems over a network for a product having multiple features and for each feature a plurality of possible subfeatures is disclosed. The system comprises at least one first computer system connected to the network and at least one second computer system capable of connecting to the first computer system through the network. The first computer system sends an executable program via the network to the second computer system. The program is executed by the second computer system and comprises: means for enabling a respondent at the second computer system to configure the product by selecting at least one subfeature for each of the features of the product, and allowing the selected subfeatures to be changed by the respondent until the product is configured with final ones of the selected subfeatures. Each of the possible subfeatures of the features of the product has a price value, and at least one of the features when selected enables selection of multiple selectable subfeatures for the one of the features. The program also comprises: means for determining a total price value of the product in accordance with the price value of the selected subfeature for each of the features of the product as the respondent selects or changes the selection of the subfeatures for each of the features of the product, and displaying the total price value; means for determining the time for the respondent to configure the product with the final ones of the selected subfeature for each of the features of the product and means for sending configuration information to the first computer system when the respondent has configured the product having at least the final selected subfeatures for the features of the product, all selected subfeatures for the features of the product until the final ones of the selected subfeatures and the determined time. The configuration information is unassociated with any real purchase of the product; and the first computer system having means for storing the configuration information received from the second computer system.