Method, system and program product for communicating e-commerce content over-the-air to mobile devices

• US 20050131837A1
• Filed: 12/03/2004
• Published: 06/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Overstock.com Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Overstock.com Incorporated
• Inventors: Martin, Steve, Sanctis, Jeanne De
• Application Number:
  US11/004,526
• Publication Number:
  US 20050131837A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 7/00 Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled logic circuits H03K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/12 specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/1235 with control of digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/322 Aspects of commerce using mobile devices [M-devices]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/382 insuring higher security of transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42 Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers specially adapted for wireless communication networks H04W4/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/00 Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/18 Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data

Abstract

Product or service information in the form of selected wireless e-commerce content is transmitted from a server to a mobile device, such as mobile telephone or personal digital assistant. The e-commerce content is transmitted either in response to an explicit user request for communication of the e-commerce content, or, in the alternative, is “pushed” to the mobile device as permitted by a user but in the absence of a specific request. The e-commerce content received at the mobile device is presented to a user by the mobile device in textual or graphical format in conjunction with an indication of a communication needed to consummate an e-commerce transaction. If the user desires to purchase the good or service represented by the e-commerce content, the user initiates the communication indicated by the e-commerce content.

Claims

1. A method of facilitating wireless mobile e-commerce, the method comprising:

(a) permitting users to designate user preferences in a data storage associated with a server having a program product, the user preferences including contact information for mobile devices and designations of products about which the users are interested in receiving mobile e-commerce content via the mobile devices;

(b) selecting a product to be featured in a mobile e-commerce content responsive to the user preferences;

(c) forming a mobile e-commerce content comprising a mobile alert that gives users an option to view a graphics-enabled application launched from within the mobile alert such that an application programming interface at the mobile devices interfaces with the data storage and the program product on the server regarding product suppliers to permit access to the mobile devices and product information;

(d) selecting a user designating the product by reference to the user preferences in the data storage;

(e) transmitting the mobile e-commerce content from the server to the mobile device of the user;

(f) soliciting the user with the mobile e-commerce content on the mobile device regarding the product;

(g) indicating on the mobile device that a communication is needed from the user to consummate a mobile e-commerce transaction involving the product; and

(h) permitting the user to initiate the communication solicited by the mobile e-commerce content if the user desires to purchase the product and complete the mobile e-commerce transaction.

2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein step (e) comprises making the mobile e-commerce content a type of communication selected from the group consisting of an e-mail for display to the user on the mobile device, a webpage for display to the user on the mobile device, and a telephone call to the mobile device, and wherein step (h) comprises receiving a contact from the user selected from the group consisting of an e-mail, a telephone call, and a response wherein the user selects a website link in the mobile e-commerce content.

3. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein step (e) comprises transmitting to a mobile device selected from the group consisting of a mobile telephone, an e-mail communication device, and a personal digital assistant.

4. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein step (e) comprises one of:

transmitting in response to an explicit user request for communication of the mobile e-commerce content; and

transmitting to the mobile device and soliciting the user in an absence of a specific request for said mobile e-commerce content from the user, and prompting the user to browse selected categories of products.

5. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising transmitting a plurality of solicitations to the user for different products;

and wherein step (f) includes presenting on the mobile device information regarding the product, and prompting the user via the mobile device to make a purchase of the product in response to the mobile e-commerce content.

6. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein step (g) comprises presenting the mobile e-commerce content received at the mobile device to the user of the mobile device in textual or graphical format, and presenting a description, a price, and an image of the product.

7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein step (h) comprises prompting the user to actuate a purchasing key on the mobile device to indicate that the user wishes to purchase the product.

8. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising:

utilizing the server to provide a user interface through which the user can utilize the mobile device to establish a user account having a user login ID and associated password, a shipping address, and payment information; and

storing a commerce history of the user indicating what products have been solicited to and purchased by the user via the mobile device.

9. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein step (h) comprises the user clicking on an icon displayed on the mobile device to make a purchase transaction, and further comprising permitting the user to forward the mobile e-commerce content from the mobile device to another device that can receive and display the mobile e-commerce content.

10. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the server is an m-commerce server for serving the mobile e-commerce content, and step (c) comprises forming the mobile e-commerce content as an SMS message sent to a BREW-enabled mobile device, and upon receiving the SMS message, the mobile device prompts the user to view the SMS message and if the user views the SMS message, then a BREW application is opened so that the user can view more detailed information about the product described in the SMS message.

11. A method of facilitating wireless mobile e-commerce, the method comprising:

(a) transmitting mobile e-commerce content from a server to a wireless mobile device;

(b) soliciting a user of the wireless mobile device with the mobile e-commerce content on the wireless mobile device regarding a product;

(c) presenting to the user on the wireless mobile device information regarding the product;

(d) prompting the user on the wireless mobile device to make a purchase of the product in response to the mobile e-commerce content;

(e) indicating to the user on the wireless mobile device that a communication from the user is needed to consummate a mobile e-commerce transaction involving the product; and

(f) permitting the user to initiate the communication solicited by the mobile e-commerce content if the user desires to purchase the product represented by the mobile e-commerce content.

12. A method as defined in claim 11, further comprising, prior to step (a), downloading mobile device enhancement program product onto the wireless mobile device, selecting the product to be featured in the mobile e-commerce content, selecting a user designating the product by reference to a user preference, and permitting the user to designate user preferences that include contact information for at least one registered wireless mobile device, and to designate at least one group of products about which the user is interested in receiving mobile alerts via said at least one registered wireless mobile device.

13. A method as defined in claim 11, wherein step (a) comprises making the mobile e-commerce content a type of communication selected from the group consisting of an e-mail for display to the user on the wireless mobile device, a webpage for display to the user on the wireless mobile device, and a telephone call to the wireless mobile device, and wherein step (f) comprises receiving a contact from the user selected from the group consisting of an e-mail, a response wherein the user selects a website link in the mobile e-commerce content, and a telephone call.

14. A method as defined in claim 11, wherein step (a) comprises transmitting to a wireless mobile device selected from the group consisting of an e-mail communication device, a personal digital assistant, and a mobile telephone, and the method further comprising prior to step (a), downloading mobile device enhancement program product onto the wireless mobile device, the mobile device enhancement program product including application program interface program product and a set of instructions to enhance product purchase by the mobile device.

15. A method as defined in claim 11, wherein step (a) comprises one of:

transmitting in response to an explicit user request for communication of the mobile e-commerce content; and

transmitting to the wireless mobile device and soliciting the user in absence of a specific request for said mobile e-commerce content from the user.

16. A method as defined in claim 11, further comprising transmitting a plurality of solicitations to the user for different products, and prompting the user to browse selected categories of products.

17. A method as defined in claim 11, wherein step (c) comprises presenting the mobile e-commerce content received at the wireless mobile device to the user of the wireless mobile device in textual or graphical format, and presenting a description, a price, and an image of the product.

18. A method as defined in claim 11, wherein step (e) comprises prompting the user to actuate a purchasing key on the wireless mobile device to indicate that the user wishes to purchase the product.

19. A method as defined in claim 11, further comprising:

utilizing the server to provide a user interface through which the user can utilize the wireless mobile device to establish a user account having a user login ID and associated password, a shipping address, and payment information; and

storing a commerce history of the user indicating what products have been solicited to and purchased by the user via the wireless mobile device.

20. A method as defined in claim 11, further comprising permitting the user to forward the mobile e-commerce content from the wireless mobile device to another device that can receive, display, and enable the mobile e-commerce content to consummate the mobile e-commerce transaction.

21. A method as defined in claim 11, wherein the mobile e-commerce content comprises an SMS message sent to a BREW-enabled mobile device, and upon receiving the SMS message, the mobile device prompts the user to view the SMS message and if the user views the SMS message, then a BREW application is opened so that the user can view more detailed information about the product described in the SMS message.

22. A computer server presenting information as a mobile product selection service for mobile on-line product selection by users over a publicly accessible computer network, the computer server comprising:

a processor;

an interface connecting the processor to the publicly accessible computer network for mobile communication with users;

a storage medium containing information about products for selection by users;

said processor transmitting from the storage medium mobile e-commerce content relating to on-line products from a product selection website to solicit users with the mobile e-commerce content on mobile devices and forming in the storage medium records of the users'"'"' responses to the transmitted mobile e-commerce content;

the processor further prompting the users on the mobile devices to make purchases of the products in response to the mobile e-commerce content and forming records of user responses on the storage medium;

the processor further indicating to each user that a communication from said each user is needed to consummate a mobile e-commerce transaction involving the products; and

the processor further permitting the users to initiate the communications solicited by the mobile e-commerce content if the users desire to purchase the products represented by the mobile e-commerce content over the publicly accessible computer network.

23. A computer server as defined in claim 22, further including the processor permitting users to designate user preferences on the storage medium that include contact information for registered mobile devices, and to designate groups of products about which the users are interested in receiving mobile alerts via said registered mobile devices.

24. A computer server as defined in claim 22, further including the processor presenting the mobile e-commerce content as a type of communication selected from the group consisting of e-mails for display to the users on the mobile devices, web pages for display to the users on the mobile devices, and telephone calls to the mobile devices, and receiving contacts from the users selected from the group consisting of e-mails, responses wherein the users select website links in the mobile e-commerce content, and telephone calls.

25. A computer server as defined in claim 22, further including the processor transmitting in response to one of explicit user requests for communication of the mobile e-commerce content;

and an absence of specific requests for said mobile e-commerce content from the users.

26. A computer server as defined in claim 22, further including the processor transmitting a plurality of solicitations to the users for different products, and prompting the users to browse selected categories of products.

27. A computer server as defined in claim 22, further including the processor presenting the mobile e-commerce content received at the mobile devices in textual or graphical format, and presenting descriptions, prices, and images of the products.

28. A computer server as defined in claim 22, further including the processor:

providing user interfaces through which the users utilize the mobile devices to establish user accounts having user login IDs and associated passwords, shipping addresses, and payment information; and

storing commerce histories of the users indicating what products have been solicited to and purchased by the users via the mobile devices.

29. A computer server as defined in claim 22, wherein the mobile e-commerce content comprises an SMS message sent to a BREW-enabled mobile device, and upon receiving the SMS message, the mobile device prompts the user to view the SMS message and if the user views the SMS message, then a BREW application is opened so that the user can view more detailed information about the product described in the SMS message.

30. A system for providing a mobile product selection service for mobile on-line product selection by users over a publicly accessible computer network, the system comprising:

a server computer at a site accessible to the computer network, the server computer having a processor, memory coupled to the processor to store operating instructions therein, and a graphical display coupled to the processor for displaying graphical images;

a data storage accessible to the processor of the server computer and containing database records about product selection;

a mobile device accessible to the computer network, the mobile device having a processor, memory coupled to the processor to store client application software therein, and to receive database records therein, a graphic display coupled to the processor for displaying graphic images;

a mobile user interface for interfacing between the processor and the mobile device to provide user access over the computer network to manipulate the stored software and received database records; and

machine-readable instructions stored in the memory of the server computer for causing the processor to perform the following operations;

transmit from the server computer mobile e-commerce content relating to on-line products from a product selection website to solicit users with the mobile e-commerce content on mobile devices;

form at the server computer prompts to the users on the mobile devices to make purchases of the products in response to the mobile e-commerce content;

form at the server computer indications to the users that a communication from each user is needed to consummate a mobile e-commerce transaction involving the products;

receive at the server computer communications from the mobile devices of the users if the users desire to purchase the products represented by the mobile e-commerce content over the publicly accessible computer network; and

form at the server computer on the storage medium a record of the users'"'"' responses to the transmitted mobile e-commerce content.

31. A computer readable medium that is readable by a computer connected to a publicly accessible computer network to facilitate mobile e-commerce over the computer network with users, the computer readable medium comprising:

a set of instructions that, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to perform the following operations;

transmit from the computer mobile e-commerce content relating to on-line products from a product selection website to solicit users with the mobile e-commerce content on mobile devices;

form at the server computer prompts to the users on the mobile devices to make purchases of the products in response to the mobile e-commerce content;

form at the server computer indications to the users that a communication from each user is needed to consummate a mobile e-commerce transaction involving the products;

receive at the server computer communications from the mobile devices of the users if the users desire to purchase the products represented by the mobile e-commerce content over the publicly accessible computer network; and

form at the server computer on the storage medium a record of the users'"'"' responses to the transmitted mobile e-commerce content.

32. A computer memory element containing a stored in signal bearing media database, the database containing the following data in computer readable format:

data indicating transmission of mobile e-commerce content to a user of a mobile device that is wireless, the mobile e-commerce content relating to on-line products from a product selection website for transmission to users on a publicly accessible computer network;

data indicating solicitation of the user with the mobile e-commerce content on the mobile device regarding a product;

data indicating presentation to the user on the mobile device information regarding the product;

data indicating a prompt to the user on the mobile device to make a purchase of the product in response to the mobile e-commerce content;

data indicating to the user on the mobile device that a communication is needed to consummate a mobile e-commerce transaction involving the product; and

data indicating initiative by the user to respond to communication solicited by the mobile e-commerce content if the user desires to purchase the product represented by the mobile e-commerce content.

33. A computer system facilitating mobile e-commerce over a publicly accessible computer network, the computer system comprising:

a processor;

a storage medium having data accessible to the processor;

an input/output for transferring data to the processor;

the processor comprising;

means for transmitting mobile e-commerce content from a server to a user of a mobile device that is wireless;

means for soliciting the user with the mobile e-commerce content on the mobile device regarding a product;

means for presenting to the user on the mobile device information regarding the product;

means for prompting the user on the mobile device to make a purchase of the product in response to the mobile e-commerce content;

means for indicating to the user on the mobile device that a communication is needed to consummate a mobile e-commerce transaction involving the product; and

means for permitting the user to initiate the communication solicited by the mobile e-commerce content if the user desires to purchase the product represented by the mobile e-commerce content.

34. A method of facilitating wireless mobile e-commerce, the method comprising:

(a) starting an application on a mobile device, the application having an encrypted, direct link to a mobile server and automatically sizing a mobile e-commerce content for a display of the mobile device;

(b) communicating with the mobile server via the mobile device, the mobile server having access to a product website server for accessing product information therefrom regarding a product selection website;

(c) downloading product information from the mobile server to the mobile device;

(d) browsing the downloaded product information on the mobile device;

(e) indicating a desire to purchase a product from the mobile device to the mobile server based on the downloaded product information;

(f) entering the product selection website via the mobile device to consummate a purchase transaction; and

(g) receiving verification of registered use at the mobile device and of the purchase transaction such that an entirety of the purchase transaction is conducted at the mobile device.

35. A method as defined in claim 34, further comprising the steps of tracking a shipment of the product with the mobile server, and sending information regarding the purchase transaction to the product website server.

36. A method as defined in claim 34, wherein step (f) comprises one of initially registering with the product selection website for a first time, and logging into the product selection website as a previously registered user.

37. A method as defined in claim 34, wherein step (d) comprises browsing images, data, and pricing for products.

38. A method as defined in claim 34, wherein step (a) comprises utilizing an application programming interface at the mobile device and encrypting the mobile e-commerce content.

39. A method as defined in claim 34, further comprising the step of selecting the product to be featured in the mobile e-commerce content, and permitting a registered user to designate user preferences that include contact information for at least one registered mobile device, and to designate at least one group of products about which the registered user is interested in receiving mobile alerts via said at least one registered mobile device.

40. A method as defined in claim 34, wherein step (a) comprises making the mobile e-commerce content a type of communication selected from the group consisting of an e-mail for display on the mobile device, a webpage for display on the mobile device, and a telephone call to the mobile device, and wherein step (e) comprises receiving a contact from the user selected from the group consisting of an e-mail, a response wherein the user selects a website link in the mobile e-commerce content, and a telephone call.

41. A method as defined in claim 34, wherein step (a) comprises transmitting to a mobile device selected from the group consisting of an e-mail communication device, a personal digital assistant, and a mobile telephone.

42. A method as defined in claim 34, wherein step (a) comprises one of:

transmitting the mobile e-commerce content to the mobile device in response to an explicit user request for communication of the mobile e-commerce content; and

transmitting the mobile e-commerce content to the mobile device and soliciting the user in absence of a specific request for the mobile e-commerce content from the user.

43. A method as defined in claim 34, further comprising:

utilizing the mobile server via the mobile device to provide a registered user interface through which the user establishes a registered user account having a user login ID and associated password, a shipping address, and payment information; and

storing a commerce history of the registered user indicating what products have been solicited to and purchased by the registered user via the mobile device.

44. A method as defined in claim 34, wherein the mobile e-commerce content comprises an SMS message sent to a BREW-enabled mobile device, and upon receiving the SMS message, the mobile device prompts the user to view the SMS message and if the user views the SMS message, then a BREW application is opened so that the user can view more detailed information about the product described in the SMS message.

45. A method of facilitating wireless mobile e-commerce, the method comprising:

(a) registering a user at a mobile server via a mobile device to provide a registered user interface through which the user establishes a registered user account having a user login ID and associated password, a shipping address, payment information;

(b) using a mobile server to establish an encrypted, direct link with the registered user starting an application on the mobile device and automatically sizing a mobile e-commerce content for display on the mobile device;

(c) communicating with the mobile device via the mobile server, the mobile server having access to a product website server for accessing product information therefrom regarding a product selection website;

(d) downloading product information from the mobile server to the mobile device;

(e) permitting the registered user to browse the downloaded product information on the mobile device;

(f) receiving an initiative from the mobile device to purchase a product at the mobile server based on the downloaded product information;

(g) permitting the registered user to enter the product selection website via the mobile device to consummate a purchase transaction; and

(h) sending verification of registered use to the mobile device and of the purchase transaction such that an entirety of the purchase transaction is conducted at the mobile device.

46. A method as defined in claim 45, further comprising the steps of tracking a shipment of the product with the mobile server, and sending information regarding the purchase transaction to the product website server.

47. A method as defined in claim 45, wherein step (b) comprises utilizing an application programming interface at the mobile device and encrypting the mobile e-commerce content, and wherein step (d) comprises browsing images, data, and pricing for products.

48. A method as defined in claim 45, further comprising the step of selecting the product to be featured in the mobile e-commerce content, and permitting the registered user to designate user preferences that include contact information for at least one registered mobile device, and to designate at least one group of products about which the registered user is interested in receiving mobile alerts via said at least one registered mobile device.

49. A method as defined in claim 45, wherein step (b) comprises transmitting to a mobile device selected from the group consisting of an e-mail communication device, a personal digital assistant, and a mobile telephone, and making the mobile e-commerce content a type of communication selected from the group consisting of an e-mail for display on the mobile device, a webpage for display on the mobile device, and a telephone call to the mobile device, and wherein step (f) comprises receiving a contact from the registered user selected from the group consisting of an e-mail, a response wherein the registered user selects a website link in the mobile e-commerce content, and a telephone call.

50. A method as defined in claim 45, wherein step (b) comprises one of:

transmitting the mobile e-commerce content to the mobile device in response to an explicit request from the registered user for communication of the mobile e-commerce content; and

transmitting the mobile e-commerce content to the mobile device and soliciting the registered user in absence of a specific request for the mobile e-commerce content from the registered user.

51. A method as defined in claim 45, wherein the mobile e-commerce content comprises an SMS message sent to a BREW-enabled mobile device, and upon receiving the SMS message, the mobile device prompts the user to view the SMS message and if the user views the SMS message, then a BREW application is opened so that the user can view more detailed information about the product described in the SMS message.