Communicating with a computer based on an updated purchase behavior classification of a particular consumer

• US 6,055,573 A
• Filed: 01/07/1999
• Issued: 04/25/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Catalina Marketing Corporation
• Original Assignee: Supermarkets Online, Inc. (Catalina Marketing Corporation)
• Inventors: Banker, David W., Gardenswartz, Will H., Goidel, Melissa B.
• Primary Examiner(s): VU, VIET DUY
• Application Number:
  US09/226,174
• Time in Patent Office: 474 Days
• Field of Search: 709/201, 709/202, 709/206, 709/217, 709/218, 709/219, 709/223, 709/224, 705/26, 705/27, 705/10, 705/1, 707/10
• US Class Current: 709/224
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0224 based on user history
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0235 constrained by time limit or expiration date
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0255 based on user history
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0268 at point-of-sale [POS]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]

Abstract

A method, system, and computer program product for delivering a targeted advertisement. A first identifier, such as a cookie, corresponding to the a first computer is received from the first computer. A targeted advertisement is delivered to the first computer in response to receiving the first identifier from the first computer. The targeted advertisement is based on the observed offline purchase history of a consumer associated with the first identifier. The invention includes the delivery of a promotional incentive for a consumer to comply with a particular behavioral pattern. The behavioral pattern may be a predefined change in purchase behavior or continuance of an established purchase behavior. The targeted advertisements sent to consumers may be changed and/or refined based on changes in consumers'"'"' purchase history behaviors.

Claims

1. A method for delivering a targeted advertisement, comprising the steps of:

generating a first identifier corresponding to a first computer;

sending the first identifier to the first computer;

receiving a second identifier corresponding to a consumer from the first computer;

associating the first identifier with the consumer by linking the first identifier to the second identifier corresponding to the consumer;

classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier;

selecting a targeted advertisement to be delivered to the consumer, based on the purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer;

receiving from the first computer the first identifier corresponding to the first computer and associated with the observed offline purchase history of the consumer, the offline purchase history including information of an offline purchase of a consumer collected when the offline purchase transpired;

electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer at the first computer in response to receiving the first identifier from the first computer;

reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an updated observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier; and

reselecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the updated purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer.

2. A method for delivering a targeted advertisement, comprising the steps of:

generating a first identifier corresponding to a first computer;

sending the first identifier to the first computer;

receiving a second identifier corresponding to a consumer from the first computer;

associating the first identifier with the consumer by linking the first identifier to the second identifier corresponding to the consumer;

classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier;

selecting a targeted advertisement to be delivered to the consumer, based on the purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer;

wherein the targeted advertisement is a promotional incentive for the consumer to comply with a behavioral pattern selected from the group consisting of;

a predefined change in purchase behavior and continuance of an established purchase behavior;

receiving from the first computer the first identifier corresponding to the first computer and associated with the observed offline purchase history of the consumer, said purchase history including information of an offline purchase of a consumer collected when the offline purchase transpired; and

electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer at the first computer in response to receiving the first identifier from the first computer;

wherein the step of electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer comprises;

delivering the promotional incentive to the first computer;

wherein the method further comprises the steps of;

reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an updated observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier; and

reselecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the updated purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer.

3. A method for delivering a targeted advertisement, comprising the steps of:

monitoring a consumer'"'"'s offline purchase at a point of sale when the offline purchase transpires;

determining, using information of the offline purchase collected during the monitoring step, a targeted advertisement to be delivered to the consumer;

electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer;

wherein the targeted advertisement is a promotional incentive for the consumer to comply with a behavioral pattern selected from the group consisting of;

a predefined change in behavior and continuance of an established behavior; and

wherein the step of electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer comprises;

delivering the promotional incentive to the consumer;

classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an observed offline purchase history, said purchase history including information of the consumer'"'"'s offline purchase;

selecting the promotional incentive to be delivered, based on the purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer;

reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on the at least one selected purchase behavior cri terion and an updated observed offline purchase history, said updated purchase history including information of an additional offline purchase of the consumer; and

reselecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the updated purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer.

4. A method for delivering targeted messages, comprising the steps of:

monitoring a consumer'"'"'s offline purchase at a point of sale when the purchase transpires;

classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and information of the offline purchase collected during the monitoring step;

assigning to the consumer a personal identification number (PIN) associated with the purchase behavior classification; and

delivering a targeted message to the consumer in response to receiving the PIN from the consumer, based on the purchase behavior classification associated with the PIN;

wherein the targeted message is an interactive voice response message and the step of delivering a targeted message comprises;

playing the interactive voice response message over a telephone network to the consumer in response to receiving the PIN from the consumer, based on the purchase behavior classification associated with the PIN;

wherein the interactive voice response message is a targeted advertisement and the step of playing an interactive voice response message comprises;

delivering a targeted advertisement to the consumer based on the consumer'"'"'s purchase behavior classification;

wherein the targeted advertisement is a promotional incentive for the consumer to comply with a behavioral pattern selected from the group consisting of;

a predefined change in purchase behavior and continuance of an established behavior;

wherein the step of delivering the targeted advertisement comprises;

delivering the promotional incentive to the consumer;

and wherein the method further comprises the steps of;

reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on the at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an additional offline purchase of the consumer; and

assigning to the consumer another PIN associated with the updated purchase behavior classification.

5. A computer readable medium containing program instructions for execution on a computer system, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer system to perform method steps for delivering a targeted advertisement, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a first identifier corresponding to a first computer;

sending the first identifier to the first computer;

receiving a second identifier corresponding to a consumer from the first computer;

associating the first identifier with the consumer by linking the first identifier to the second identifier corresponding to the consumer;

classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier;

selecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer;

receiving from the first computer the first identifier corresponding to the first computer and associated with the observed offline purchase history of the consumer, said purchase history including information of an offline purchase collected at a point of sale when the purchase transpired;

electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer at the first computer in response to receiving the first identifier from the first computer;

reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an updated observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier; and

reselecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the updated purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer.

6. A computer readable medium containing program instructions for execution on a computer system, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer system to perform method steps for delivering a targeted advertisement, said method comprising the steps of:

generating a first identifier corresponding to a first computer;

sending the first identifier to the first computer;

receiving a second identifier corresponding to a consumer from the first computer;

associating the first identifier with the consumer by linking the first identifier to the second identifier corresponding to the consumer;

classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier;

selecting a targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer;

receiving from the first computer the first identifier corresponding to the first computer and associated with the observed offline purchase history of the consumer, said purchase history including information of an offline purchase collected at a point of sale when the purchase transpired;

electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer at the first computer in response to receiving the first identifier from the first computer;

wherein the targeted advertisement is a promotional incentive for the consumer to comply with a behavioral pattern selected from the group consisting of;

a predefined change in purchase behavior and continuance of an established purchase behavior; and

wherein the step of electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer comprises;

delivering the promotional incentive to the first computer;

reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an updated observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier; and

reselecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the updated purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer.

7. A computer readable medium containing program instructions for execution on a computer system, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer system to perform method steps for delivering a targeted advertisement, said method comprising the steps of:

monitoring a consumer'"'"'s offline purchase at a point of sale when the offline purchase transpires;

determining, using information of the offline purchase collected during the monitoring step, a targeted advertisement to be delivered to the consumer;

electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer;

wherein the targeted advertisement is a promotional incentive for the consumer to comply with a behavioral pattern selected from the group consisting of;

a predefined change in behavior and continuance of an established behavior; and

wherein the step of electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer comprises;

delivering the promotion to the consumer;

classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an observed offline purchase history, said purchase history including information of the consumer'"'"'s offline purchase;

selecting the promotional incentive to be delivered, based on the purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer;

reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on the at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an updated observed offline purchase history, said updated purchase history including information of an additional offline purchase of the consumer; and

reselecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the updated purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer.

8. A computer readable medium containing program instructions for execution on a computer system, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer system to perform method steps for delivering targeted messages, said method comprising the steps of:

monitoring a consumer'"'"'s offline purchase at a point of sale when the purchase transpires;

classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and using information of the offline purchase collected during the monitoring step;

assigning to the consumer a personal identification number (PIN) associated with the purchase behavior classification; and

delivering a targeted message to the consumer in response to receiving the PIN from the consumer, based on the purchase behavior classification associated with the PIN;

wherein the targeted message is an interactive voice response message and the step of delivering a targeted message comprises;

playing the interactive voice response message over a telephone network to the consumer in response to receiving the PIN from the consumer, based on the purchase behavior classification associated with the PIN;

wherein the interactive voice response message is a targeted advertisement and the step of playing an interactive voice response message comprises;

delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer based on the consumer'"'"'s purchase behavior classification;

wherein the targeted advertisement is a promotional incentive for the consumer to comply with a behavioral pattern selected from the group consisting of;

a predefined change in purchase behavior and continuance of an established behavior;

wherein the step of delivering the targeted advertisement comprises;

delivering the promotional incentive to the consumer;

and wherein the computer readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions for causing the computer system to perform the steps of;

reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on the at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an additional offline purchase of the consumer; and

assigning to the consumer another PIN associated with the updated purchase behavior classification.

9. A system for delivering a targeted advertisement, comprising:

means for generating a first identifier corresponding to a first computer;

means for sending the first identifier to the first computer;

means for receiving a second identifier corresponding to a consumer from the first computer;

means for associating the first identifier with the consumer by linking the first identifier to the second identifier corresponding to the consumer;

means for classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier;

means for selecting a targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer;

means for receiving from the first computer the first identifier corresponding to the first computer and associated with the observed offline purchase history of a consumer, said purchase history including information of an offline purchase of the consumer collected at a point of sale when the purchase transpired;

means for electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer at the first computer in response to receiving the first identifier from the first computer;

means for reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an updated observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier; and

means for reselecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the updated purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer.

10. A system for delivering a targeted advertisement, comprising:

means for generating a first identifier corresponding to a first computer;

means for sending the first identifier to the first computer;

means for receiving a second identifier corresponding to a consumer from the first computer;

means for associating the first identifier with the consumer by linking the first identifier to the second identifier corresponding to the consumer;

means for classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier;

means for selecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer;

means for receiving from the first computer the first identifier corresponding to the first computer and associated with the observed offline purchase history of the consumer, said purchase history including information of an offline purchase of the consumer collected at a point of sale when the purchase transpired;

means for electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer at the first computer in response to receiving the first identifier from the first computer;

wherein the targeted advertisement is a promotional incentive for the consumer to comply with a behavioral pattern selected from the group consisting of;

a predefined change in purchase behavior and continuance of an established purchase behavior; and

wherein the means for electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer comprises;

means for delivering the promotional incentive to the first computer;

means for reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an updated observed offline purchase history corresponding to the second identifier; and

means for reselecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the updated purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer.

11. A system for delivering a targeted advertisement, comprising:

means for monitoring a consumer'"'"'s offline purchase at a point of sale when the offline purchase transpires;

means for determining, using information of the offline purchase collected by the means for monitoring, a targeted advertisement to be delivered to the consumer;

means for electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer;

wherein the targeted advertisement is a promotional incentive for the consumer to comply with a behavioral pattern selected from the group consisting of;

a predefined change in behavior and continuance of an established behavior; and

wherein the means for electronically delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer comprises;

means for delivering the promotional incentive to the consumer;

means for classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an observed offline purchase history, said purchase history including information of the consumer'"'"'s offline purchase;

means for selecting the promotional incentive to be delivered, based on the purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer;

means for reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on the at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an updated observed offline purchase history, said updated purchase history including information of an additional offline purchase of the consumer; and

means for reselecting the targeted advertisement to be delivered, based on the updated purchase behavior classification assigned to the consumer.

12. A system for delivering targeted messages, comprising:

means for monitoring a consumer'"'"'s offline purchase at a point of sale when the purchase transpires;

means for classifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer a purchase behavior classification based on at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and using information of the offline purchase collected by the means for monitoring;

means for assigning to the consumer a personal identification number (PIN) associated with the purchase behavior classification; and

means for delivering an interactive voice response message to the consumer in response to receiving the PIN from the consumer, based on the purchase behavior classification associated with the PIN;

wherein the targeted message is an interactive voice response message and the means for delivering a targeted message comprises;

means for playing the interactive voice response message over a telephone network to the consumer in response to receiving the PIN from the consumer, based on the purchase behavior classification associated with the PIN;

wherein the interactive voice response message is a targeted advertisement and the means for playing an interactive voice response message comprises;

means for delivering the targeted advertisement to the consumer based on the consumer'"'"'s purchase behavior classification;

wherein the targeted advertisement is a promotional incentive for the consumer to comply with a behavioral pattern selected from the group consisting of;

a predefined change in purchase behavior and continuance of an established behavior;

wherein the means for delivering the targeted advertisement comprises;

means for delivering the promotional incentive to the consumer;

and wherein the system further comprises;

means for reclassifying the consumer by assigning to the consumer an updated purchase behavior classification based on the at least one selected purchase behavior criterion and an additional offline purchase of the consumer; and

means for assigning to the consumer another PIN associated with the updated purchase behavior classification.