Interactive exploded view diagram ordering tool

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and computer-readable medium for executing a method of placing an order for a sub-component (part) of a product, including generally three steps: displaying a diagram depicting sub-components of a product in an exploded view on a user screen; receiving a user selection of a sub-component to be ordered; and processing the selection of a sub-component to be ordered. Optionally, the method may allow the user to selectively view further information pertinent to displayed sub-components, such as their prices and specifications, or to selectively zoom in on and zoom out of the exploded view or to scroll the exploded view. The method thus assists the user when attempting to identify and/or order a sub-component for the product. The method may also be implemented in a stand-alone computer system.

1 - 49 . (canceled)  
     
     
         50 . A method of placing an order for a sub-component of a product, comprising: 
 displaying a digital image depicting sub-components of a product-in an exploded view on a user system;    receiving a user selection of a sub-component to be ordered from the user system; and    processing the selection of a sub-component to be ordered.    
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50  wherein the digital image is a photographic image.  
     
     
         52 . A system for ordering a sub-component of a product, comprising: 
 means for displaying a digital image depicting sub-components of a product in an exploded view on a system screen;    means for receiving a user selection of a sub-component to be ordered; and    means for processing the selection of a sub-component to be ordered.    
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 52  wherein the digital image is a photographic image.  
     
     
         54 . A system for ordering a sub-component of a product, comprising: 
 means for displaying a digital image depicting sub-components of a product in an exploded view on a system screen;    means for receiving a user selection of a sub-component to be ordered;    means for displaying an order summary list on the system screen, the order summary list showing sub-components that have been selected to be ordered; and    means for processing the selection of a sub-component to be ordered.    
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 54  wherein the digital image is a photographic image.  
     
     
         56 . A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for placing an order for a sub-component of a product, the instructions when loaded into a computer causing the computer to execute the steps of: 
 displaying a digital image depicting sub-components of a product in an exploded view on a user screen;    receiving a user selection of a sub-component to be ordered; and    processing the selection of a sub-component to be ordered.    
     
     
         57 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 56  wherein the digital image is a photographic image.