Gift intermediating system and method therefor

(54) GIFT INTERMEDIATING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR

(76) Inventor: Ichiro Oshima, Aichi-ken (JP)

Correspondence Address:

BEYER WEAVER & THOMAS LLP

P.O. BOX 778

BERKELEY, CA 94704-0778 (US)

(21) Appl. No.: 09/937,111

(22) PCT Filed: Jan. 18, 2001 (86) PCT No.: PCT/JP01/00318

(30) Foreign Application Priority Data

Jan. 19, 2000 (JP) 2000-10812

May 26, 2000 (JP) 2000-156927

Publication Classification

(51) Int. CI.7 G06F 17/60

(52) U.S. C I 705/26

In the case of bridal showers, for example, gift may not reflect the wish of a recipient who is expected to receive the gift. No proposed gift service systems succeed in matching the wish of the recipient of the gift with intention of a giver who desires to give the gift. The gift service system of the present invention provides a server SV having a storage device 34 that stores data regarding the gift therein. The recipient who is expected to receive the gift gains access from a first terminal 80 to the server SV and creates a registry. The recipient then selects desired items for the gift and registers a wish list of the selected items. A password to gain access to a site, in which the wish list is registered, and other required pieces of information are then transferred to one or plural potential givers who may give the gift. Each giver gains access from a second terminal 90 to the server SV with the password, selects one or a plurality of items for the gift among the items in the wish list, and offers payment for the selected gift items. The server SV receives the offer and sends the giver an invoice. Registry of the recipient and issuance of the password for the giver ensure the safe gift service of desired items via the network.