Abstract:
A system and method which enables anyone possessing collectible items to trade, and exchange these collectable items with each other and document the transaction via the internet from anywhere around the world. The present invention enables users to identify which collectible items available for trade and assists in the coordination of the exchange/trade process. Currently collectors maintain a collection of items including but not limited to stamps, comic books, trading cards, dolls, watches, trading pins, luxury cars, etc.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This application relates to a method and system which facilitates anyone possessing collectible items to trade these items with each other via an internet based service from an internet connection anywhere around the world. 
         [0003]    Many collectors attend trade shows, conventions and other meeting events to view and trade their collectible items. Oftentimes, after the meetings/conventions are completed, which are sometimes annually or every four to five years, the opportunity to review other collector&#39;s collection is ended until next time. If there was a way to keep in touch with other collectors, view their collection, see what items they are willing to trade, that would be a great benefit. Collections include but not limited to stamps, comic books, trading cards, trading pins, art, dolls, jewelry, watches, etc. are commonplace today. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Use of the internet to purchase products, communicate with others, trade stocks are commonplace today. Thee prior arts do not focus on trading or exchanging of collectible items between collectors. They focus on the sale of products or the trading of items such as stocks, where the buyer purchases stock from brokerage firms or in the sale of products within groups of users. In U.S. Pat. No. 8,812,392 B2 to Shahghasemi, there is shown a method and system for interacting and trading among users of online social commercial network, for currency. In U.S. Pat. No. 8,832,060 B2 to Sundaresan et al, there is shown a shopping context engine where there is use identifiable context data as a ranking methodology for identify user interests. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is a method and system which enables anyone possessing collectible items to execute a trade of these items and document the transactions in a shared repository. An objective of the present invention is to enable users to log onto a website, or use an App to view existing collectible items. Additionally, enable the user to establish a personal collection profile reflecting of their existing collection. Another objective is to enable the user to trade/exchange items with others. 
         [0007]    A further object of this invention is to enable authenticated users to select items from a Collections Items List (CIL) and add those items to the user&#39;s own collection profile, representing their current personal physical holdings. 
         [0008]    Yet another object of this invention is to enable users to view the collection profile (or holdings) of other users when other user personal collection views are available. 
         [0009]    Still another objective of this invention is to enable users to identify and change the status of items in their holdings reflecting their willingness to trade those items. 
         [0010]    A further objective if this invention is to enable users to view items for trade by other users, and the option of making an offer for trade. 
         [0011]    A still further object of this invention is to enable users to select from a Collections Items Menu (CIM), the name of a desired Collection. These Collections include but not limited to stamps, comic books, trading cards, trading pins, art, jewelry, watches, etc. 
         [0012]    Still a further objective of this invention is to enable users to propose items to be added to the CIL and CIM. 
         [0013]    Still another objective is to enable users to view their trading history and rate the exchange experience with other users. 
         [0014]    Yet another objective is to ensure confirmation of exchange between the trading parties. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a representation of a global perspective view of the connectivity between users of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a view of the initial computer browser options of the main user screen before and after login of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a sample table view reflecting a user&#39;s Landing Page after login; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a view of the Collections Items Menu (CIM); 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a sample table view showing all available offers from the various users of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a sample table view showing a user&#39;s personal collection profile; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a sample table view reflecting a user&#39;s acceptance of the exchange between the parties of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , users are able to gain access  3 , via network connectivity to the present invention deployed on a web server on the internet  1 . This enable users such as  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4  and all others users from all over the world to gain access and use the services of the present invention. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2 , shows access to the present invention by users entering their user credentials at the User Login  20  screen. By entering the correct username  20   a  and password  20   b,  the user gains access to the features of the present invention&#39;s menu  21 - 29 . If incorrect user credentials are entered, the user will receive an error message. For new users  20   c,  they have the opportunity to enter their desired username and password. This username and password is stored in the database  37  for future access. After entering the correct login credentials, the user lands on the home/landing page  30 , containing the Header Menu  21 - 29 . 
         [0024]    Additionally, the user will see the list of existing collections items (the CIL)  31 , reflecting all items in the current collection. The CIL provides a display of item including; graphic, description, name, quantity  34 , and groupings  33 , and an opportunity to select a given collection item. Further, using keywords, users may search the collections database for targeted output, as well as obtaining a display to reflect the popularity of such collectible items. 
         [0025]    By selecting the desired Item Selection  32 , the user is able to choose items from the CIL to be added to their personal collection profile. 
         [0026]    Using a similar process, users are able to delete items from their collections in the event the item is no longer in their possession; such as being lost, etc. 
         [0027]    Further referring to  FIG. 2 , the user selects any of the main web pages  21 - 29 . Initially, the My-Collection  23 , My-Offers  24 , the My-Shopping-Cart  26 , and My-Trading-History  27 , are empty, however, the All-Offers  25  page, reflects all available items identified by other users to be available for trade. 
         [0028]    By selecting the Collections Item Menu (CIM)  22 , the user is able to view and select any of the available Collection Names of the present invention, including but not limited to stamps, comic books, trading cards, trading pins, art, jewelry, watches, luxury cars, etc. 
         [0029]    By selecting the My-Collection  23 , the user is able to view items that they have identified to be in their personal possession. 
         [0030]    By selecting the My-Offers  24 , the user is able to view items they have identified that they are willing to trade/exchange with other users. 
         [0031]    Additionally, by selecting Suggested-Items  24   a,  enables the user to propose items for possible inclusion to the CIL and CIM. Users may recommend items including uploading graphic, providing description, and item collection definitions. 
         [0032]    By selecting the All-Offers  25 , the user is able to view CIL identified by all other users, which they are willing to trade/exchange. 
         [0033]    By selecting the All-Offers  25   a,  the user is able to view the status of exchange transactions; 
         [0034]    By selecting the Shopping-Cart  26 , the user is able to view both the items they are trading and the item they hoping to receive from the exchange. By clicking a submit button, an email is sent to both parties reflection a committed offer to trade/exchange. As an example, if UserA  1  wishes to trade a collection item with userB  2 , then UserA, selects the proposed item  52  and makes a committed offer to userB. If B clicks and accepts the offer, an email is then sent automatically to both userA &amp; userB reflecting the agreement to the exchange. Upon satisfaction, both userA and userB clicks on their respective Item-Acceptance  72  buttons, verifying the conclusion of the exchange process ensuring that both users are satisfied. Upon acceptance by both parties, the present invention updates both UserA and UserB&#39;s records reflecting completion of the exchange. 
         [0035]    By selecting the Trading-History  27 , the user is able to view a record of all previous trades/exchanges. 
         [0036]    Selecting the Profile  28 , enables the user to set user preferences; such as reset password, change default Collection Name, and setup payment method. 
         [0037]    By selecting the Logout  29 , enables the user to close the session and exit the services of the present invention. Subsequently a Login  20  is required for further access. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4 , shows a sample breakout of the CIM  41 - 46 . By selecting a Collection Name, the collection selected becomes the default collection name.  FIG. 4 , also provides a database  47  for storing all usernames, passwords and transactions. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5 , shows a list of All-Offers  50 , where all CIL items for trade/exchange identified by users of the present invention are presented. A user is able to select a desired item  52 , and begin the process of proposing a trade/exchange. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , users are able to view their personal collection profile, reflecting their current personal holdings online; additionally, the user  64  is able to update an item&#39;s availability for trade  63  with a Y or N by toggling the item selection  62 ; 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , both users/partners of an exchange are able upon satisfactory exchange of an item, clicks on their respective Item-Acceptance  72  selectors, indicating the conclusion of the exchange process between the users. This ensures that both users are satisfied. Additionally, the present invention automatically updates the user personal collection profiles, reflecting the completed exchange between the parties. 
         [0042]    While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it is apparent that changes may be made to the components and their arrangements without departing from the scope of the invention as hereafter claimed. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover both the specific and generic features of the embodiment.