System, method, and article of manufacture for targeting a promotion based on a user-input product identifier

• US 20020026357A1
• Filed: 02/14/2001
• Published: 02/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: NeoMedia Technologies Inc.
• Original Assignee: NeoMedia Technologies Inc.
• Inventors: Carpenter, William H. Jr., Miller, Michael Robert, Miller, Gregory Paul
• Application Number:
  US09/783,947
• Publication Number:
  US 20020026357A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0225 Avoiding frauds
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0226 Incentive systems for frequent usage, e.g. frequent flyer miles programs or point systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0234 Rebates after completed purchase
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0239 Online discounts or incentives
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0255 based on user history
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0257 User requested
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0269 based on user profile or attribute
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0271 Personalized advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0273 Determination of fees for advertising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0623 Item investigation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0625 Directed, with specific intent or strategy
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange

Abstract

A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for targeting a promotion to a user based on a user-entered product identifier. A product identifier is received from a client device of a user. The product identifier is associated with a particular product. A promotional offer for the product is retrieved, where the product is associated with the product identifier. The promotional offer is stored on a network data site. The user is allowed to access the promotional offer on the network data site using a user identifier.

Claims

1. A method for targeting a promotion to a user based on a user-entered product identifier, comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving a product identifier from a client device of a user, wherein the product identifier is associated with a particular product;

(b) retrieving a promotional offer for the product associated with the product identifier;

(c) storing the promotional offer on a network data site; and

(d) allowing the user to access the promotional offer on the network data site using a user identifier.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the product identifier is a representation of a bar code associated with the product.

3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein a data store is searched for matching the product identifier with information about the product.

4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the promotional offer is received from at least one vendor of the product.

5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the promotional offer is received from at least one manufacturer of the product.

6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the user is not required to enter any personal information to obtain the user identifier.

7. A computer program product for targeting a promotion to a user based on a user-entered product identifier, comprising:

(a) computer code for receiving a product identifier from a client device of a user, wherein the product identifier is associated with a particular product;

(b) computer code for retrieving a promotional offer for the product associated with the product identifier;

(c) computer code for storing the promotional offer on a network data site; and

(d) computer code for allowing the user to access the promotional offer on the network data site using a user identifier.

8. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the product identifier is a representation of a bar code associated with the product.

9. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein a data store is searched for matching the product identifier with information about the product.

10. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the promotional offer is received from at least one vendor of the product.

11. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the promotional offer is received from at least one manufacturer of the product.

12. A computer program product as recited in claim 7, wherein the user is not required to enter any personal information to obtain the user identifier.

14. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the product identifier is a representation of a bar code associated with the product.

15. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein a data store is searched for matching the product identifier with information about the product.

16. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the promotional offer is received from at least one vendor of the product.

17. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the promotional offer is received from at least one manufacturer of the product.

18. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the user is not required to enter any personal information to obtain the user identifier.

13. A system for targeting a promotion to a user based on a user-entered product identifier, comprising:

(a) logic for receiving a product identifier from a client device of a user, wherein the product identifier is associated with a particular product;

(b) logic for retrieving a promotional offer for the product associated with the product identifier;

(c) logic for storing the promotional offer on a network data site; and

(d) logic for allowing the user to access the promotional offer on the network data site using a user identifier.