WO2001029740A2 - Hybrid horizontal sales system for bridging a gap between the online world and physical stores - Google Patents

Hybrid horizontal sales system for bridging a gap between the online world and physical stores Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001029740A2
WO2001029740A2 PCT/US2000/029198 US0029198W WO0129740A2 WO 2001029740 A2 WO2001029740 A2 WO 2001029740A2 US 0029198 W US0029198 W US 0029198W WO 0129740 A2 WO0129740 A2 WO 0129740A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
network device
merchant
central
programmed
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/029198
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2001029740A3 (en
Inventor
Leo J. Vastardis
Christopher R. Destefano
Joseph B. Murray
John I. Gayeski
Original Assignee
Hybrinet, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hybrinet, Inc. filed Critical Hybrinet, Inc.
Priority to AU12253/01A priority Critical patent/AU1225301A/en
Publication of WO2001029740A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001029740A2/en
Publication of WO2001029740A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001029740A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Definitions

  • Open networks transcend distance; a person from
  • the Internet essentially evens the playing field, diluting brand image and
  • one merchant network device at least one central network device, at least one user
  • network device at least one user request for information regarding at least one
  • the at least one central network device to communicate with the at least one central network device.
  • the invention includes a consumer purchase behavior
  • At least one user interactive network device at least one user interactive network device, and at least one identification system,
  • the at least one central network device is configured to communicate with the at least one central network device.
  • the at least one central network device is configured to communicate with the at least one central network device.
  • the at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
  • browsing record and at least one actual transaction record are stored in the at least
  • the at least one central network device the at least one merchant network device, the at least one
  • At least one online browsing record and the at least one actual transaction record are
  • FIG. 1 is an overall system block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a
  • FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an operation of the
  • present invention that includes rewarding a user and creating revenue sharing
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of information sharing
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing how another embodiment of information
  • FIG. 8 is an overall system block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a
  • FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting one preferred embodiment of an operation of
  • At least one merchant network device 103 which includes
  • FIG. 1 a solid line between two devices indicates that the two
  • 104 may be terrestrial systems including the Internet, phone lines, cable lines, and
  • Fiber optic cables or wireless communication systems One or more types of
  • networks may be used to connect the devices that comprise the hybrid sales system.
  • the user interactive network device may access the Internet using an
  • the identification device may communicate with each other via fiber optic cables.
  • system may use a telephone line to communicate with the central or merchant
  • the central network device 102 may grant an unregistered user an access, registration
  • Registration can be done in a variety of ways such as using the Internet, telephone or
  • the user interactive network device 101 may be a personal computer with an
  • Dummy terminals may be provided in a kiosk-like
  • the central network device 102 is programmed to receive a user request from
  • the central network device is programmed to communicate with the merchant
  • network device 103 to obtain information regarding physical stores.
  • the network device 103 to obtain information regarding physical stores.
  • the merchant network device 103 maintains a database containing
  • store may contain information regarding style, material, color, size, quantity, and
  • Database for a doctor's office may contain description of
  • the merchant network device 103 is programmed to communicate with the
  • central network device It may be programmed to periodically send information
  • central network may be programmed to accept a central information request from the central network
  • the merchant network device 103 may be programmed
  • the device may receive information regarding transactions at physical stores.
  • the identification system 104 is capable of communicating with the central
  • the identification system 104 also allows the registered user to identify
  • system 104 may be a wireless information device, a non- volatile area of memory of
  • the user interactive network device 101 a memory card and a card reader, a
  • microprocessor card and a card reader a magnetic card and a card reader, a finger
  • point-of-transaction network device or a voice recognition device and a point of
  • the identification system 104 also may require the user
  • network device 101 may function as the identification system 104.
  • the system shown in FIG. 1 may be set up to ensure security of transaction
  • This may be done, for example, by using a password based access limitation
  • the system can protect privacy of the
  • the present invention can be used to help a user locate a variety of products
  • FIGS. 2-5 are flow charts showing preferred embodiments of various uses of
  • charts may be implemented in a computer program that may be installed in the user
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a process using a hybrid
  • the process starts when a user accesses the
  • step 201 central network device using the user interactive network device in step 201.
  • the user sends a user information request from the user interactive network
  • the central network device constructs a
  • the central network device may communicate with the merchant network device, which will be described in detail later in
  • step 206 the user has an option of
  • step 207 the user decides whether to complete one or more of the
  • the user may choose to go to a physical store that is equipped with an identification
  • step 208 completes a transaction using the identification system in step 208.
  • the identification system notifies the central network device, the merchant
  • a user may be allowed to specify various parameters
  • the user may specifically identify that particular item or service provider,
  • a user may request the central network device to find
  • the user may ask the central network device to find all man's navy double-breasted wool jackets in
  • a user may be allowed to specify not only types of a product or
  • a user may require a physical store to be located within a certain distance
  • a user may wish to go to a store located at a certain shopping
  • a user requests a department store within 10
  • the central network device is further programmed to
  • step 401 the user accesses the central network device using the user interactive network device.
  • step 402 the user accesses the central network device using the user interactive network device.
  • step 406 the user has an option of repeating steps 402 through 405.
  • step 407 the user
  • a user completes a transaction using the identification system in step
  • Examples include conducting a transaction specified in
  • the central network device may be programmed to store
  • the merchant network device or the user interactive network device may be any suitable merchant network device or the user interactive network device.
  • Reward destinations in various forms.
  • Reward destinations include the central network
  • central network device may receive a reward in a form of electronic cash from the
  • the merchant network device may cause to have money
  • the user then sends a user
  • steps 507 through 508 the user decides to visit a
  • step 509 the identification system notifies the central network device
  • the merchant network device the user interactive network device, or any combination thereof
  • step 510 the
  • sharing information is created if the user completes a qualifying revenue sharing
  • the central network device and the merchant network device may share the central network device and the merchant network device.
  • FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of communication between the central network device 601 and the merchant network device 602.
  • the central network is not limited to the central network device 601 and the merchant network device 602.
  • device 601 may maintain database 603 containing information on physical stores
  • the database 603 is updated periodically
  • network device 602 also maintains database 604 containing information regarding
  • step 701 the user accesses the central network device using
  • the user then sends a user information request
  • step 702. the central network device constructs a central
  • Each of the merchant network devices then sends a
  • step 710 user decides whether to complete one or more transactions
  • steps 711 through 712 user completes a transaction using the
  • the hybrid sales system also may be used
  • merchant network device may communicate using a method described in
  • the central network device also may maintain a database
  • a step may be secured by using various
  • the user interactive network device, and the identification system also may
  • FIG. 8 is an over all system block diagram of one preferred embodiment of a
  • the system in FIG. 8 includes at least one user interactive network device 801 operated by a
  • At least one central network device 802 typically operated by a manager of the
  • the user interactive network includes at least one identification system 804.
  • the user interactive network includes at least one identification system 804.
  • the identification system 804 are interconnected by a network.
  • a solid line In FIG. 8, a solid line
  • the system may be set up to ensure security of transaction and data
  • Any one of the steps shown in FIG. 9 may be implemented to ensure security
  • a network connecting the merchant network device, the central network device, the user interactive network device, and the identification system also may

Abstract

A hybrid sales system that bridges a gap between the online world and physical stores includes at least one merchant network device, at least one central network device, at least one user interactive network device, and at least one identification system. The merchant network device, the central network device, the user interactive network device, and the identification system are interconnected by a network. The merchant network device contains information regarding physical stores and is programmed to communicate with the central network device. The central network device is programmed to receive from a registered user at the user interactive network device a user request relating to a transaction, to communicate with the merchant network device, and to provide to the registered user a summary response to the user request. The summary response includes a list of physical stores that satisfy the user request. The user interactive network device is programmed to communicate with the central network device. Lastly, the identification system notifies the central network device, the merchant network device, the user interactive network device, or any combination of the three devices, when the registered user completes a transaction at a physical store.

Description

Hybrid Horizontal Sales System for Bridging a Gap Between the Online World and Physical Stores
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hybrid sales system for bridging a gap
between online virtual presences accessible through open networks, such as the
Internet, and physical stores. The invention uses a plurality of devices, networks,
and software to achieve a convenient and secure environment for marketing goods
and services.
Discussion of the Related Art
Historically, an enormous amount of time, money, and effort has been
expended by companies and individuals in order to advertise and sell their products
and services. For generations, various media have been used to realize such business
matters.
Recently, the pervasive nature of open networks, such as the Internet, has
provided a global means to attract new customers and retain old customers.
Purchasing can now be linked to advertising in this age of technology and rapidly
evolving communications. Open networks transcend distance; a person from
Bombay can sell a Cashmere sweater to another individual in Butte, Montana using
a virtual storefront, also known as a "web page". All that is required to transition
from information gathering to purchasing is client software to select merchandise
and indicate the quantity, desired means of payment, and delivery options. There are several drawbacks related to the aforementioned methodology that
are becoming more apparent as organizations rush headlong to secure their stake in
this "online world."
The first disadvantage of this method is the overwhelming amount of
information that the customer must negotiate to find a particular item or service.
Locating a particular good or service is a time consuming process that often results
in the customer abandoning either the search or the completion of the transaction.
A second disadvantage is that the retailer and customers often have never had
a prior relationship on which to base trust and a mutually satisfactory level of
credibility. The customer may wonder: "If I complete this transaction, will I really
get my Cashmere sweater from this merchant in Bombay?" The retailer may ask:
"Is this customer using a valid form of payment or is the customer in fact attempting
to commit fraud?"
A third disadvantage is that several products and services do not lend
themselves to purchasing online; clothes and shoes are obvious examples as the
types of products that must be examined physically to qualify several attributes that
cannot be specified either by language or graphics.
The Internet-type business presents disadvantages for businesses such as
home improvement, brick and mortar physical retailers. For many traditional
retailers, their business strength is physical location and established brand image.
The Internet essentially evens the playing field, diluting brand image and
handicapping physical distribution power. Another major disadvantage for traditional retailers is the risk open networks
pose to foot traffic and impulse expenditures. Foot traffic is critical to many
traditional retailers, as impulse expenditures are responsible for generating up to
40% of total sales. Holding all else constant, the economics of online shopping
differ greatly from that of traditional commerce. For instance, if consumers go to
the Gap.com to purchase a pair of chinos, they are likely to only locate the chinos,
complete the transaction, and then log off. However, if these consumers physically
go to a local Gap store to purchase the same chinos, it is likely that the shoppers also
will purchase 1.5 additional items. Unfortunately, traditional retailers have not been
able to design an open network solution that will leverage their existing strengths
and protect their valuable foot traffic.
In short, what is required is a hybrid solution that takes advantage of the
information-centric nature of open networks combined with the recognized security
and tactile experience of physical store transactions.
Thus, there is a great need in the art for an over-arching, comprehensive
system and method for finding and procuring commercial product and service
information both on and off open networks, in a way which encompasses the
advantages and avoids the shortcomings of previous methodologies that were
concerned with solely addressing virtual storefronts or physical stores, but not both.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a hybrid sales system for bridging a gap between the online world and physical stores that substantially
obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the
related art.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of
the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the hybrid sales system
that bridges a gap between the online world and physical stores comprises at least
one merchant network device, at least one central network device, at least one user
interactive network device, and at least one identification system, which are
interconnected by a network. The at least one merchant network device contains
information regarding physical stores and is programmed to communicate with the
at least one central network device. The at least one central network device is
programmed to receive from a registered user at the at least one user interactive
network device at least one user request for information regarding at least one
transaction, to communicate with the at least one merchant network device, and to
provide the registered user at least one summary response to the at least one user
request including at least one list of physical stores that satisfy the at least one user
request. Moreover, the at least one user interactive network device is programmed
to communicate with the at least one central network device. Finally, the at least
one identification system notifies the at least one central network device, the at least
one merchant network device, or the at least one user interactive network device,
when the registered user completes the at least one transaction at a physical store. In another aspect, the invention includes a consumer purchase behavior
analysis system to distinguish impulse purchase from non-impulse purchase
including at least one merchant network device, at least one central network device,
at least one user interactive network device, and at least one identification system,
which are interconnected by a network. The at least one merchant network device
contains information regarding physical stores and is programmed to communicate
with the at least one central network device. The at least one central network device
is programmed to receive from a registered user at the at least one user interactive
network device at least one user request for information relating to at least one
transaction, to communicate with the at least one merchant network device, and to
provide to the registered user at least one summary response to the at least one user
request. The at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
communicate with the central network device. The at least one identification system
notifies the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant network
device, or the at least one user interactive network device, when the registered user
completes the at least one transaction at a physical store. At least one online
browsing record and at least one actual transaction record are stored in the at least
one central network device, the at least one merchant network device, the at least one
user interactive network device, or the at least one identification system. Finally, the
at least one online browsing record and the at least one actual transaction record are
compared with the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant network device, the at least one user interactive network device, or the at least one
identification system.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the
description, which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may
be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the
invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the
written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to
provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the
description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an overall system block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a
hybrid sales system of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an operation of the
present invention;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an operation of the
present invention that includes rewarding a user; FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an operation of the
present invention that includes creating revenue sharing information;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an operation of the
present invention that includes rewarding a user and creating revenue sharing
information;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of information sharing
between the central network device and the merchant network device;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing how another embodiment of information
sharing between the central network device and the merchant network device
operates; and
FIG. 8 is an overall system block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a
consumer purchase behavior analysis system of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting one preferred embodiment of an operation of
the consumer purchase behavior analysis system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
With reference to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a hybrid sales system in
accordance with the present invention includes at least one user interactive network
device 101 operated by a registered user desiring to conduct a transaction with a physical store, at least one merchant network device 103, which includes
information regarding physical stores, at least one central network device 102,
typically operated by a manager of the hybrid sales system, and at least one
identification system 104.
The user interactive network device 101, the merchant network device 103,
the central network device 102, and the identification system 104 are interconnected
by a network. In FIG. 1, a solid line between two devices indicates that the two
devices must be able to communicate with each other. A broken line between two
devices indicates that the two devices may or may not communicate directly with
each other.
Networks used to connect the user interactive network device 101, the central
network device 102, the merchant network device 103, and the identification system
104 may be terrestrial systems including the Internet, phone lines, cable lines, and
fiber optic cables or wireless communication systems. One or more types of
networks may be used to connect the devices that comprise the hybrid sales system.
For example, the user interactive network device may access the Internet using an
Internet service provider and communicate with the central network device by
accessing its web page. The central network device and the merchant network
device may communicate with each other via fiber optic cables. The identification
system may use a telephone line to communicate with the central or merchant
network device. This and other network configurations of the hybrid sales system will be known to those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of this invention.
A user of the hybrid sales system must register with the central network
device 102 before being able to make a full use of the hybrid sales system. While
the central network device 102 may grant an unregistered user an access, registration
is necessary, for example, to reward the user for using the hybrid sales system.
Registration can be done in a variety of ways such as using the Internet, telephone or
mail.
The user interactive network device 101 may be a personal computer with an
Internet access. Alternatively, it can be a dummy terminal with an access to the
Internet through a server machine or an information appliance such as a personal
data assistant or cellular phone. Dummy terminals may be provided in a kiosk-like
setting within a shopping mall or other public areas to grant a convenient access to
the central network device 102. Other user interactive network devices will be
known to those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the present invention.
The central network device 102 is programmed to receive a user request from
the user interactive network device 101, generate a summary response based on the
user request, and to send a summary response to the user interactive network device
101. The central network device is programmed to communicate with the merchant
network device 103 to obtain information regarding physical stores. In addition, the
central network device 102 may be programmed to communicate with the
identification system 104 so that the central network device can receive information regarding transactions at physical stores.
The merchant network device 103 contains information regarding physical
stores. Typically, the merchant network device 103 maintains a database containing
information regarding products or services. For example, database for a clothing
store may contain information regarding style, material, color, size, quantity, and
price. Database for a doctor's office, on the other hand, may contain description of
services provided, fees charged for each service, information on doctors, and types
of health insurances accepted.
The merchant network device 103 is programmed to communicate with the
central network device. It may be programmed to periodically send information
regarding physical stores to the central network device 102. Alternatively, it also
may be programmed to accept a central information request from the central network
device 102, construct a merchant response to the central information request, and
send the merchant response to the central network device 102. Communication
between the merchant network device 103 and the central network device 102
regarding information on physical stores is described in detail in conjunction with
FIGS. 6 and 7. In addition, the merchant network device 103 may be programmed
to communicate with the identification system 104 so that the merchant network
device may receive information regarding transactions at physical stores.
The identification system 104 is capable of communicating with the central
network device 102, the merchant network device 103, or the user interactive network device 101, when the registered user completes a transaction at a physical
store. The identification system 104 also allows the registered user to identify
himself or herself so that transactions can be tied to the user. The identification
system 104 may be a wireless information device, a non- volatile area of memory of
the user interactive network device 101, a memory card and a card reader, a
microprocessor card and a card reader, a magnetic card and a card reader, a finger
print scanning device and a point-of-transaction network device, an iris-scanning
device and a point-of-transaction network device, a face recognition device and a
point-of-transaction network device, or a voice recognition device and a point of
transaction network device. The identification system 104 can also be an
information appliance integrated with the user interactive network device 101, such
as a Personal Data Assistant, cellular telephone, interactive pager, and set-top box.
Other identification systems will be known to those skilled in the art, and are within
the scope of this invention. The identification system 104 also may require the user
to manually enter his or her identification code. Alternatively, the user interactive
network device 101 may function as the identification system 104.
The system shown in FIG. 1 may be set up to ensure security of transaction
and data, by securing the devices in the system and network interconnecting them.
This may be done, for example, by using a password based access limitation,
common encryption software or hardware, or common authentication/general
cryptographic software or hardware. Other security tools will be known to those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the present invention. In addition, by
encrypting data regarding users of the system, the system can protect privacy of the
users.
The present invention can be used to help a user locate a variety of products
and services available at physical stores. Products can be almost anything that is
sold at stores, including clothing, grocery, personal care items, books, jewelry,
bicycles, automobiles, and furniture. Types of services also may vary widely,
including medical care, personal care and dependent care. In other words, the
application of this invention is not limited to any particular product or service.
FIGS. 2-5 are flow charts showing preferred embodiments of various uses of
a hybrid sales system of the present invention. Some of the steps shown in the flow
charts may be implemented in a computer program that may be installed in the user
interactive network device, the central network device, the merchant network device,
or the identification system.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a process using a hybrid
sales system of the present invention. The process starts when a user accesses the
central network device using the user interactive network device in step 201. In step
202, the user sends a user information request from the user interactive network
device to the central network device. Then, the central network device constructs a
summary response to the user request and sends it to the user in steps 203 and 204.
In constructing a summary response, the central network device may communicate with the merchant network device, which will be described in detail later in
conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7. The summary response is displayed at the user
interactive network device in step 205. In step 206, the user has an option of
repeating steps 202 through 205.
In step 207, the user decides whether to complete one or more of the
transactions that he or she inquired about in steps 202 through 205 at one or more
physical stores. Generally, the user completes a transaction at a physical store listed
in one of the summary responses provided by the central network device. However,
the user may choose to go to a physical store that is equipped with an identification
system but was not listed in the summary responses. At a physical store, the user
completes a transaction using the identification system in step 208. Finally, in step
209, the identification system notifies the central network device, the merchant
network device, the user interactive network device, or any combination of the three
devices about the transaction completed by the user.
In a user request issued in step 202, a user may be allowed to specify various
characteristics of a product or a service provider. If a user knows exactly what he or
she wants, the user may specifically identify that particular item or service provider,
such as a man's navy double-breasted wool jacket by Burberry in size 40 or a female
pediatrician with at least 10 years of experience who belongs to a certain HMO
group. On the other hand, a user may request the central network device to find
items or service providers that meet certain criteria. For example, the user may ask the central network device to find all man's navy double-breasted wool jackets in
size 40 or all travel agencies that specialize in domestic business travel reservations.
Furthermore, a user may be allowed to specify not only types of a product or
service that he or she is interested in but also various criteria for physical stores. For
example, a user may require a physical store to be located within a certain distance
from his or her home. A user may wish to go to a store located at a certain shopping
center or specify a name of a particular chain, such as Sears, K-Mart,
Bloomingdale's, or American Express Travel Service. A user also may require
physical stores to carry the desired item or service at or below a certain price or offer
a certain level of customer service.
A summary response constructed by the central network device also may
include information other than a list of physical stores that meet user's criteria set
forth in the user request. For example, a user requests a department store within 10
miles of the user having a size 2 navy wool suit by Ellen Tracy, but the central
network device does not find any department store that has the desired product in
stock. The central network device may give a list of department stores outside the
10-mile range that carry similar items. Alternatively, it may prompt a user to enter
another user request in order to change one or more of the search criteria or to
request an entirely new search.
FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of a process that can be implemented
using the present invention. This process starts when a user accesses the central network device using the user interactive network device in step 301. In step 302,
the user sends a user information request from the user interactive network device to
the central network device. Then the central network device constructs a summary
response to the user information request and sends it to the user in steps 303 and
304. The summary response is displayed at the user interactive network device in
step 305. In step 306, the user has an option of repeating steps 302 through 305. In
step 307, the user decides whether to complete a transaction specified in the user
request at a physical store. At a physical store, the user completes a transaction
using the identification system in step 308. Then, in step 309, the identification
system notifies the central network device, the merchant network device, the user
interactive network device, or any combination of the three devices about the
transaction completed by the user. Finally, in step 310, a user is rewarded for
completing a qualifying user transaction.
The central network device can be programmed to flexibly define qualifying
user transactions to encourage its users to use a hybrid sales system. Examples of
qualifying user transactions include simply accessing the at least one central network
device to inquire about a certain transaction, completing a transaction specified in
the at least one user request issued in step 302, and completing a transaction
specified in the at least one user request issued in step 302 at a physical store listed
in a summary response provided to the user in steps 304 and 305. Other qualifying
user transactions are known to those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the present invention.
There are many types of user rewards that a hybrid sales system may provide
to its users. Examples of user rewards include electronic cash, a merchandise or
service selected from an online or physical catalog, a gift certificate redeemable at
certain stores in an electronic or paper form, airline frequent flyer miles, electronic
credits, and a cash refund. Other user rewards are known to those skilled in the art,
and are within the scope of the invention.
The central network device may be programmed to provide one or more
types of rewards. The central network device maintains a database containing
information necessary to compute user rewards and is programmed to calculate or
distribute user rewards. The merchant network device, the user interactive network
device or the identification system also may contain relevant information regarding
user rewards. In such cases, the central network device is further programmed to
communicate with the merchant network device, the user interactive network device,
or the identification system to collect user-reward related information and to
compute or to distribute rewards. The central network device may issue user
rewards to the user interactive network device, the merchant network device, or the
central network device itself, which is programmed to allow a user to redeem such
rewards.
FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart showing one embodiment of another use of a
hybrid sales system of the present invention. In step 401, the user accesses the central network device using the user interactive network device. In step 402, the
user sends a user information request from the user interactive network device to the
central network device. In steps 403 and 404, the central network device generates a
summary response and sends it to the user interactive network device. In step 405,
the summary response is displayed at the user interactive network device. In step
406, the user has an option of repeating steps 402 through 405. In step 407, the user
decides whether to complete a transaction specified in a user request by visiting a
physical store. A user completes a transaction using the identification system in step
408, and the identification system notifies the central network device, the merchant
network device, the user interactive network device, or any combination of the three
devices in step 409. In step 410, the central network device is rewarded when a user
completes a qualifying revenue sharing transaction.
A qualifying revenue sharing transaction may be defined to include one or
more types of transactions. Examples include conducting a transaction specified in
the at least one user request sent by the user to the central network device either at a
physical store or online, conducting a transaction specified in the at least one user
request at a physical store equipped with the identification system, and conducting a
transaction specified in a user request at a physical store listed in the summary
response. Other qualifying revenue sharing transactions will be apparent to those
skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the present invention.
The central network device, the merchant network device, the user interactive network device, and the identification system are programmed to support one or
more forms of desired qualifying revenue sharing transactions. For example, if one
chooses to define a qualifying revenue sharing transaction as completion of a
transaction specified in a user request at a physical store listed in the corresponding
summary response, the central network device may be programmed to store
summary responses provided to the user, obtain actual transaction records from the
merchant network device, the identification system, or the user interactive network
device, and compare the actual transaction records with summary responses stored in
the database to identify qualifying revenue sharing transactions. In this example,
information relating to revenue sharing is stored in the central network device.
Alternatively, the merchant network device or the user interactive network device
may be programmed to store and process a part or all of revenue sharing
information.
Revenue sharing information may be used to provide a reward to various
destinations in various forms. Reward destinations include the central network
device, a bank account, and certain individuals or corporations. For example, the
central network device may receive a reward in a form of electronic cash from the
merchant network device. The merchant network device may cause to have money
transferred to a certain bank account. Alternatively, an individual or company
associated with the merchant network device may send a paper check to an
individual or company associated with the central network device. Thus, there are many different ways of utilizing revenue sharing information. Other reward
destinations are known to those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the
invention.
FIG. 5 depicts yet another embodiment of a process using a hybrid sales
system of the present invention. In step 501, the user accesses the central network
device using the user interactive network device. The user then sends a user
information request to the central network device in step 502, causes the central
network device to construct and send a summary response to the user interactive
network device in steps 503 and 504, and views the summary response using the
user interactive network device in step 505. In step 506, the user decides whether to
repeat steps 502 through 505. In steps 507 through 508, the user decides to visit a
physical store and completes a transaction at a physical store using the identification
system. In step 509, the identification system notifies the central network device,
the merchant network device, the user interactive network device, or any
combination of the three devices about the completed transaction. In step 510, the
user is rewarded for completing a qualifying user transaction. Finally, revenue
sharing information is created if the user completes a qualifying revenue sharing
transaction in step 511.
The central network device and the merchant network device may
communicate information regarding physical stores in various ways.
Figures 6 shows one embodiment of communication between the central network device 601 and the merchant network device 602. The central network
device 601 may maintain database 603 containing information on physical stores
sent by the merchant network device 602. The database 603 is updated periodically
as new information is sent by the merchant network device 602. The merchant
network device 602 also maintains database 604 containing information regarding
physical stores.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an alternative embodiment of a
communication process between the central network device 101 and the merchant
network device 102. In step 701, the user accesses the central network device using
the user interactive network device. The user then sends a user information request
in step 702. In steps 703 and 704, the central network device constructs a central
information request based on the user information request and sends it to one or
more merchant network devices. Each of the merchant network devices then sends a
merchant response to the central network device in step 705. In steps 706 and 707,
the central network device constructs a summary response based on merchant
responses and sends it to the user interactive network device. In steps 708 and 709,
the user views the summary response and decides whether to repeat steps 702
through 708. In step 710, user decides whether to complete one or more transactions
at a physical store. In steps 711 through 712, user completes a transaction using the
identification system and the identification system notifies the completion of the
transaction to the central network device, the merchant network device, the user interactive network device, or any combination of the three devices.
A manner in which the central network device and the merchant network
device are programmed to communicate information regarding physical stores does
not affect how a hybrid sales system of the present invention may be utilized.
Specifically, although not shown in FIG. 7, the hybrid sales system also may be used
to reward the user for completing a qualifying user transaction and/or to create
revenue sharing information. In addition, the central network device and the
merchant network device may communicate using a method described in
conjunction with FIG. 7 but the central network device also may maintain a database
regarding information on physical stores.
Any one of the steps shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 7 may be implemented to
ensure security of that step. For example, a step may be secured by using various
data encryption or user authentication methods. Such security measures can be
implemented using software or by embedding security features on hardware. In
addition, a network connecting the merchant network device, the central network
device, the user interactive network device, and the identification system also may
be secured using various network security hardware and software. Other means for
securing the steps and system will be known to those skilled in the art, and are
within the scope of the invention.
FIG. 8 is an over all system block diagram of one preferred embodiment of a
consumer purchase behavior analysis system of the present invention. The system in FIG. 8 includes at least one user interactive network device 801 operated by a
registered user desiring to conduct a transaction with a physical store, at least one
merchant network device 803, which includes information regarding physical stores,
at least one central network device 802, typically operated by a manager of the
system, and at least one identification system 804. The user interactive network
device 801, the merchant network device 803, the central network device 802, and
the identification system 804 are interconnected by a network. In FIG. 8, a solid line
between two devices indicates that the two devices must be able to communicate
with each other. A broken line between two devices indicates that the two devices
may or may not communicate directly with each other.
Each of the devices in FIG. 8 is described in detail in conjunction with FIG.
1, including types of devices that can be used as the identification system 804.
In addition to the devices that are also used in the system depicted FIG. 1 , the
system in FIG. 8 includes database for storing online browsing records 805 and
actual transaction records 806. Online browsing records may include information
regarding user requests and summary responses. They also may include information
regarding items or services that the user has simply "browsed" or looked at without
asking for further information by issuing a user information request. Actual
transaction records may include information regarding a transaction performed by a
user at a physical store. While the preferred embodiment shows that both online
browsing and actual transaction records are kept by the central network device 802, the two records also can be maintained by the merchant network device 803, the user
interactive network device 801, or the identification system 804. The two records
may even be kept by two different devices. For example, in another embodiment,
online browsing records may be kept in the user interactive network device 801 and
is compared against actual transaction records in the central network device 802,
whenever a user accesses the central network device 802.
By comparing online browsing records against actual transaction records, it
is possible to distinguish an impulse purchase from a non-impulse purchase. For
example, a user uses the system to inquire about locations of physical stores that
carry a blue cotton t-shirt of a certain size. The online browsing record for this
transaction, which includes a description of the item requested and a list of stores
given to the user, is stored in the central network device 802. A few days after
accessing the central network device 802 to locate a store, the user goes to one of the
stores listed in the summary response to purchase the shirt. Once at the store, the
user decides to purchase not only the shirt but also a pair of jeans and socks to go
with the shirt. At the checkout, the identification system 804 identifies the user and
notifies the central network device 802, the merchant network device 803, the user
interactive network device 801, or any combination of the three devices. The record
of this transaction, which includes the identity of the user and items purchased, is
stored in the central network device 802. By comparing the online browsing record
and the actual transaction record, one can determine which items are planned purchases and which items are un-planned or impulse purchases.
While the above example applied the system to distinguish an impulse
purchase from an non-impulse purchase, various other types of useful information
can be obtained by comparing the two records. For example, such comparison may
be used to identify stores that the user is more likely to visit, factors that affect the
user in choosing a store, or an average spending per visit.
The system may be set up to ensure security of transaction and data,
including database containing online browsing records and actual transaction
records, by securing the devices and data in the system and by securing the network
interconnecting them. This may be done, for example, by using passwords and/or
encryption software or hardware. To protect the privacy of the users, it may be
necessary to encrypt database containing online browsing and actual transaction
records and to implement various measures to limit access to such database. Other
means for securing the system will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are
within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a process that uses a consumer purchase
behavior analysis system of the present invention. In step 901, a user accesses the
central network device using the user interactive network device. The user then
sends a user information request in the step 902. In steps 903 and 904, the central
network device constructs a summary response and sends it to the user. In step 905,
the user views the summary response at the user interactive network device. The user may then decide whether to repeat the steps 902 through 905 in step 906. In
step 907, the online transaction record is stored. In step 908, the user decides
whether to go to a physical store to complete one or more transactions at a physical
store. At a physical store, the user completes the transaction using the identification
system in step 909 and the identification system notifies the central network device,
the merchant network device, the user interactive network device, or any
combination of the three devices in step 910. The record of the actual transaction is
stored in step 911. Finally in step 912, the online transaction record and the actual
transaction record are compared.
During the comparison step 912, it is important not to limit the scope of the
comparison to the records corresponding to most recent online browsing and most
recent actual transaction. For example, a user might go to a store several weeks after
inquiring about a certain transaction to complete that transaction. Meanwhile, the
user might access the system to inquire about different transactions. Thus, it is
advisable to compare actual transaction records with online transaction records dated
several weeks or even months prior to the actual transaction.
Any one of the steps shown in FIG. 9 may be implemented to ensure security
of that step. For example, a step may be secured by using data encryption or user
authentication methods. Such security measures can be implemented using
passwords, encryption software, or hardware with embedded security features. In
addition, a network connecting the merchant network device, the central network device, the user interactive network device, and the identification system also may
be secured using various network security hardware and software. Other means of
securing the steps and system will be known to those skilled in the art, and are
within the scope of the invention.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the hybrid sales system for bridging a gap between the
online world and physical stores of the present invention without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover
the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:
1. A hybrid sales system that bridges a gap between the online world
and physical stores, comprising:
at least one merchant network device;
at least one central network device;
at least one user interactive network device; and
at least one identification system,
wherein the at least one merchant network device, the at least one central
network device, the at least one user interactive network device, and the at least one
identification system are interconnected by a network,
wherein the at least one merchant network device contains information
regarding physical stores and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device,
wherein the at least one central network device is programmed to receive
from a registered user at the at least one user interactive network device at least one
user request for information relating to at least one transaction, to communicate with
the at least one merchant network device, and to provide to the registered user at
least one summary response to the at least one user request including at least one list
of physical stores that satisfy the at least one user request,
wherein the at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device, and
wherein the at least one identification system notifies the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant network device, or the at least one user
interactive network device when the registered user completes the at least one
transaction at a physical store.
2. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
identification system comprises at least one wireless information device that
contains information regarding the registered user and is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
3. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
identification system comprises :
at least one non- volatile area of memory of the at least one user interactive
network device that is capable of storing information regarding the registered user,
wherein the at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
4. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one memory card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one memory card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
5. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one microprocessor card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one microprocessor card and is programmed to communicate with the at least
one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
6. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
identification system comprises at least one information appliance that is capable of
being integrated with the at least one user interactive network device, reads
information regarding the registered user stored in the at least one user interactive
network device, and is programmed to communicate with the at least one central
network device or the at least one merchant network device.
7. The hybrid sales system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one
information appliance includes a Personal Data Assistant, cellular telephone,
interactive pager, and set-top box.
8. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one
identification system comprises:
at least one magnetic card capable of storing information regarding the
registered user; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one magnetic card arid is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
9. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one finger print scanning device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
10. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
identification system comprises:
at least one iris scanning device that is used to identify the registered user;
and at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
11. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
identification system comprises:
at least one face recognition device that is used to identify the registered user;
and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
12. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
identification system comprises: at least one voice recognition device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
13. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
identification system allows the registered user to manually enter an identification
code and is capable of communicating with the at least one central network device or
the at least one merchant network device.
14. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
user interactive network device is also the at least one identification system.
15. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one
user interactive network device includes a personal computer, a dummy terminal,
and an information appliance such as a Personal Data Assistant or a cellular
telephone.
16. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding products at physical stores.
17. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding services at physical stores.
18. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1 , wherein the network interconnecting the at least one merchant network device, the at least one central
network device, the at least one user interactive network device, and the at least one
identification system is secured.
19. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of
the devices comprising the hybrid sales system is secured.
20. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, wherein the registered
user who completes at least one qualifying user transaction is rewarded.
21. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises at least one wireless information device that
contains information regarding the registered user and is programmed to
commumcate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
22.' The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one non- volatile area of memory of the at least one user interactive
network device that is capable of storing information regarding the registered user,
wherein the at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
23. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one memory card; and at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one memory card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
24. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one microprocessor card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one microprocessor card and is programmed to communicate with the at least
one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
25. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least one identification system comprises at least one information appliance that is
capable of being integrated with the at least one user interactive network device,
reads information regarding the registered user stored in the at least one user
interactive network device, and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
26. The hybrid sales system according to claim 25, wherein the at least
one information appliance includes a Personal Data Assistant, cellular telephone,
interactive pager, and set-top box.
27. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one magnetic card capable of storing information regarding the
registered user; and at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one magnetic card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
28. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one finger print scanning device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
29. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one iris scanning device that is used to identify the registered user;
and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
30. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one face recognition device that is used to identify the registered user;
and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
31. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one voice recognition device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
32. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one identification system allows the registered user to manually enter an
identification code and is capable of communicating with the at least one central
network device or the at least one merchant network device.
33. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one user interactive network device is also the at least one identification system.
34. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the at least
one user interactive network device includes a personal computer, a dummy
terminal, and an information appliance such as a Personal Data Assistant or a
cellular telephone.
35. They hybrid sales system according to claim 20, further comprising a
revenue sharing system based on a qualifying revenue sharing transaction.
36. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the network interconnecting the at least one merchant network device, the at least one central
network device, the at least one user interactive network device, and the at least one
identification system is secured.
37. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein one or more
of the devices comprising the hybrid sales system is secured.
38. The hybrid system according to claim 20,
wherein the at least one merchant network device is programmed to
periodically send at least one merchant response including information regarding
physical stores to the at least one central network device,
wherein the at least one central network device stores the at least one
merchant response sent by the at least one merchant network device, and
wherein the at least one summary response is based on the at least one
merchant response stored in the at least one central network device.
39. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20,
wherein the at least one merchant network device is programmed to receive
at least one central information request from the at least one central network device
and is programmed to provide at least one merchant response to the at least one
central information request to the at least one central network device,
wherein the central network device is programmed to construct the at least
one central information request based on the at least one user request, to send the at
least one central information request to the at least one merchant network device, to
receive the at least one merchant response from the at least one merchant network device, and
wherein the at least one summary response is based on the at least one
merchant response from the at least one merchant network device.
40. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding products at physical stores.
41. The hybrid sales system according to claim 20, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding services at physical stores.
42. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1, further comprising a
revenue sharing system based on a qualifying revenue sharing transaction.
43. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises at least one wireless information device that
contains information regarding the registered user and is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
44. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one non- volatile area of memory of the at least one user interactive
network device that is capable of storing information regarding the registered user,
wherein the at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
45. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one memory card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one memory card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
46. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one microprocessor card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one microprocessor card and is programmed to communicate with the at least
one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
47. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises at least one information appliance that is
capable of being integrated with the at least one user interactive network device,
reads information regarding the registered user stored in the at least one user
interactive network device, and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
48. The hybrid sales system according to claim 47, wherein the at least
one information appliance includes a Personal Data Assistant, cellular telephone,
interactive pager, and set-top box.
49. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one magnetic card capable of storing information regarding the
registered user; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one magnetic card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
50. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one finger print scanning device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
51. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one iris scanning device that is used to identify the registered user;
and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
52. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one face recognition device that is used to identify the registered user;
and at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
53. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one voice recognition device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
54. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one identification system allows the registered user to manually enter an
identification code and is capable of communicating with the at least one central
network device or the at least one merchant network device.
55. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one user interactive network device is also the at least one identification system.
56. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the at least
one user interactive network device includes a personal computer, a dummy
terminal, and an information appliance such as a Personal Data Assistant or a cellular telephone.
57. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the network
interconnecting the at least one merchant network device, the at least one central
network device, the at least one user interactive network device, and the at least one
identification system is secured.
58. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein one or more
of the devices comprising the hybrid sales system is secured.
59. The hybrid system according to claim 42,
wherein the at least one merchant network device is programmed to
periodically send at least one merchant response including information regarding
physical stores to the at least one central network device,
wherein the at least one central network device stores the at least one
merchant response sent by the at least one merchant network device, and
wherein the at least one summary response is based on the at least one
merchant response stored in the at least one central network device.
60. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42,
wherein the at least one merchant network device is programmed to receive
at least one central information request from the at least one central network device
and is programmed to provide at least one merchant response to the at least one
central information request to the at least one central network device,
wherein the central network device is programmed to construct the at least
one central information request based on the at least one user request, to send the at least one central information request to the at least one merchant network device, to
receive the at least one merchant response from the at least one merchant network
device, and wherein the at least one summary response is based on the at least one
merchant response from the at least one merchant network device.
61. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding products at physical stores.
62. The hybrid sales system according to claim 42, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding services at physical stores.
63. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one merchant network device is programmed to
periodically send at least one merchant response including information regarding
physical stores to the at least one central network device,
wherein the at least one central network device stores the at least one
merchant response sent by the at least one merchant network device, and
wherein the at least one summary response is based on the at least one
merchant response stored in the at least one central network device.
64. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises at least one wireless information device that
contains information regarding the registered user and is programmed to communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
65. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one non-volatile area of memory of the at least one user interactive
network device that is capable of storing information regarding the registered user,
wherein the at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
66. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one memory card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one memory card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
67. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one microprocessor card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one microprocessor card and is programmed to communicate with the at least
one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
68. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least one identification system comprises at least one information appliance that is
capable of being integrated with the at least one user interactive network device,
reads information regarding the registered user stored in the at least one user
interactive network device, and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
69. The hybrid sales system according to claim 68, wherein the at least
one information appliance includes a Personal Data Assistant, cellular telephone,
interactive pager, and set-top box.
70. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one magnetic card capable of storing information regarding the
registered user; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one magnetic card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
71. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one finger print scanning device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
72. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one iris scanning device that is used to identify the registered user;
and at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
73. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one face recognition device that is used to identify the registered user;
and at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
74. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one voice recognition device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
75. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least one identification system allows the registered user to manually enter an
identification code and is capable of communicating with the at least one central
network device or the at least one merchant network device.
76. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one user interactive network device is also the at least one identification system.
77. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the at least
one user interactive network device, includes a personal computer, a dummy
terminal, and an information appliance such as a Personal Data Assistant or a
cellular telephone.
78. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the network
interconnecting the at least one merchant network device, the at least one central
network device, the at least one user interactive network device, and the at least one
identification system is secured.
79. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein one or more
of the devices comprising the hybrid sales system is secured.
80. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding products at physical stores.
81. The hybrid sales system according to claim 63, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding services at physical stores.
82. The hybrid sales system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one merchant network device is programmed to receive
at least one central information request from the at least one central network device
and is programmed to provide at least one merchant response to the at least one
central information request to the at least one central network device,
wherein the central network device is programmed to construct the at least
one central information request based on the at least one user request, to send the at
least one central information request to the at least one merchant network device, to
receive the at least one merchant response from the at least one merchant network
device, and
wherein the at least one summary response is based on the at least one
merchant response from the at least one merchant network device.
83. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises at least one wireless information device that
contains information regarding the registered user and is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
84. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one non- volatile area of memory of the at least one user interactive
network device that is capable of storing information regarding the registered user,
wherein the at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
85. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one memory card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one memory card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
86. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one microprocessor card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one microprocessor card and is programmed to communicate with the at least
one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
87. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises at least one information appliance that is
capable of being integrated with the at least one user interactive network device,
reads information regarding the registered user stored in the at least one user
interactive network device, and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
88. The hybrid sales system according to claim 87, wherein the at least
one information appliance includes a Personal Data Assistant, cellular telephone,
interactive pager, and set-top box.
89. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one magnetic card capable of storing information regarding the
registered user; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one magnetic card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
90. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one finger print scanning device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
91. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one iris scanning device that is used to identify the registered user;
and at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
92. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one face recognition device that is used to identify the registered user;
and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
93. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system comprises:
at least one voice recognition device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
94. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one identification system allows the registered user to manually enter an
identification code and is capable of communicating with the at least one central
network device or the at least one merchant network device.
95. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one user interactive network device is also the at least one identification system.
96. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the at least
one user interactive network device includes a personal computer, a dummy
terminal, and an information appliance such as a Personal Data Assistant or a cellular telephone.
97. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the network
interconnecting the at least one merchant network device, the at least one central
network device, the at least one user interactive network device, and the at least one
identification system is secured.
98. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein one or more
of the devices comprising the hybrid sales system is secured.
99. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding products at physical stores.
100. The hybrid sales system according to claim 82, wherein the
information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one merchant network
device includes information regarding services at physical stores.
101. A consumer purchase behavior analysis system, comprising,
at least one merchant network device;
at least one central network device;
at least one user interactive network device; and
at least one identification system,
wherein the at least one merchant network device, the at least one central
network device, the at least one user interactive network device, and the at least one
identification system are interconnected by a network,
wherein the at least one merchant network device contains information
regarding physical stores and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device,
wherein the at least one central network device is programmed to receive
from a registered user at the at least one user interactive network device at least one
user request for information relating to at least one transaction, to communicate with
the at least one merchant network device, and to provide to the registered user at
least one summary response to the at least one user request including at a list of
physical stores that satisfy the at least one user request,
wherein the at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device,
wherein the at least one identification system notifies the at least one central
network device, the at least one merchant network device, or the at least one user
interactive network device when the registered user completes the at least one transaction at a physical store,
wherein at least one online browsing record and at least one actual
transaction record are stored in the at least one central network device, the at least
one merchant network device, the at least one user interactive network device, or the
at least one identification system, and
wherein the at least one online browsing record and the at least one actual
transaction record are compared using the at least one central network device, the at
least one merchant network device, the at least one user interactive network device,
or the at least one identification system.
102. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises at least one wireless
information device that contains information regarding the registered user and is
programmed to communicate with the at least one central network device or the at
least one merchant network device.
103. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one non- volatile area of memory of the at least one user interactive
network device that is capable of storing information regarding the registered user,
wherein the at least one user interactive network device is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
104. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim 101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one memory card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one memory card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
105. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one microprocessor card; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one microprocessor card and is programmed to communicate with the at least
one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
106. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises at least one
information appliance that is capable of being integrated with the at least one user
interactive network device, reads information regarding the registered user stored in
the at least one user interactive network device, and is programmed to communicate
with the at least one central network device or the at least one merchant network
device.
107. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
106, wherein the at least one information appliance includes a Personal Data
Assistant, cellular telephone, interactive pager, and set-top box.
108. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim 101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one magnetic card capable of storing information regarding the
registered user; and
at least one card reader that is capable of reading information stored in the at
least one magnetic card and is programmed to communicate with the at least one
central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
109. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one finger print scanning device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
110. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one iris scanning device that is used to identify the registered user;
and at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
111. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises: at least one face recognition device that is used to identify the registered user;
and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
112. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one identification system comprises:
at least one voice recognition device that is used to identify the registered
user; and
at least one point-of-transaction network device that is programmed to
communicate with the at least one central network device or the at least one
merchant network device.
113. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
1, wherein the at least one identification system allows the registered user to
manually enter an identification code and is capable of communicating with the at
least one central network device or the at least one merchant network device.
114. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one user interactive network device is also the at least one
identification system.
115. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one user interactive network device includes a personal
computer, a dummy terminal, and an information appliance such as a Personal Data Assistant or a cellular telephone.
116. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the network interconnecting the at least one merchant network device,
the at least one central network device, the at least one user interactive network
device, and the at least one identification system is secured.
117. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein one or more of the devices comprising the consumer purchase behavior
analysis system is secured.
118. The hybrid system according to claim 101,
wherein the at least one merchant network device is programmed to
periodically send at least one merchant response including information regarding
physical stores to the at least one central network device,
wherein the at least one central network device stores the at least one
merchant response sent by the at least one merchant network device, and
wherein the at least one summary response is based on the at least one
merchant response stored in the at least one central network device.
119. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the at least one merchant network device is programmed to receive
at least one central information request from the at least one central network device
and is programmed to provide at least one merchant response to the at least one
central information request to the at least one central network device, wherein the central network device is programmed to construct the at least
one central information request based on the at least one user request, to send the at
least one central information request to the at least one merchant network device, to
receive the at least one merchant response from the at least one merchant network
device, and
wherein the at least one summary response is based on the at least one
merchant response from the at least one merchant network device.
120. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one
merchant network device includes information regarding products at physical stores.
121. The consumer purchase behavior analysis system according to claim
101, wherein the information regarding physical stores contained in the at least one
merchant network device includes information regarding services at physical stores.
PCT/US2000/029198 1999-10-21 2000-10-23 Hybrid horizontal sales system for bridging a gap between the online world and physical stores WO2001029740A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU12253/01A AU1225301A (en) 1999-10-21 2000-10-23 Hybrid horizontal sales system for bridging a gap between the online world and physical stores

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US42206999A 1999-10-21 1999-10-21
US09/422,069 1999-10-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
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AU1225301A (en) 2001-04-30

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