Method for mobile electronic commerce

• US 8,078,506 B1
• Filed: 10/02/2000
• Issued: 12/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: IP Holdings Incorporated (IP Holdings LLC)
• Original Assignee: IP Holdings Incorporated (IP Holdings LLC)
• Inventors: Rao, Raman K., Rao, Sunil K., Rao, Sanjay K.
• Primary Examiner(s): FADOK, MARK A
• Application Number:
  US09/677,954
• Time in Patent Office: 4,089 Days
• Field of Search: 705/26, 705/27, 705/14, 705/27.2, 705/26.62
• US Class Current: 705/27.2
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/951 Indexing; Web crawling techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/953 Querying, e.g. by the use of web search engines
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/023 Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/40 Processing or translation of natural language natural language analysis G06F40/20; semantic analysis G06F40/30
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0611 Request for offers or quotes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0625 Directed, with specific intent or strategy
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0643 Graphical representation of items or shoppers
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/12 Hotels or restaurants
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/20 in augmented reality scenes
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/30 Writer recognition; Reading and verifying signatures
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 13/00 Voting apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0092 Nutrition
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/0057 using diplexing or multiplexing filters for selecting the desired band
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/11 Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/04 using two or more spaced independent antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0404 the mobile station comprising multiple antennas, e.g. to provide uplink diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0413 : MIMO systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/15 : Active relay systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1827 : Network arrangements for conference optimisation or adaptation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1831 : Tracking arrangements for later retrieval, e.g. recording contents, participants activities or behavior, network status
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2867 : Physical combinations
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/00 : Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks routing or path finding in wireless networks H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/08 : each combination of signals in different channels being represented by a fixed frequency
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 : using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0861 : using biometrical features, e.g. fingerprint, retina-scan cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using biological data H04L9/3231
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/12 : Applying verification of the received information cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for data integrity or data verification H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/06 : specially adapted for file transfer, e.g. file transfer protocol [FTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1097 : for distributed storage of data in networks, e.g. transport arrangements for network file system [NFS], storage area networks [SAN] or network attached storage [NAS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/16 : Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0202 : Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. of speakers or microphones H04M1/03
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/026 : Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 : User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 : with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 : by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 : using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 : for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72463 : to restrict the functionality of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72466 : with selection means, e.g. keys, having functions defined by the mode or the status of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/58 : including a multilanguage function
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/74 : with voice recognition means voice activated dialling H04M1/271; voice recognition algorithms G10L15/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2007/145 : Handheld terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2353 : specifically adapted to content descriptors, e.g. coding, compressing or processing of metadata
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41407 : embedded in a portable device, e.g. video client on a mobile phone, PDA, laptop constructional details of equipment or arrangements specially adapted for portable computer application G06F1/1626; arrangements specially adapted for mobile receivers in broadcast systems H04H20/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43637 : involving a wireless protocol, e.g. Bluetooth, RF or wireless LAN [IEEE 802.11] arrangements for wireless networking or broadcasting of information in indoor or near-field type systems H04B10/114
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6131 : involving transmission via a mobile phone network wireless downlink channel access H04W74/006
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/14 : Systems for two-way working H04N7/12, H04N7/173 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0005 : Switch and router aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0062 : Network aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/069 : using certificates or pre-shared keys
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/65 : Environment-dependent, e.g. using captured environmental data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/68 : Gesture-dependent or behaviour-dependent
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/26 : Cell enhancers or enhancement, e.g. for tunnels, building shadow
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 36/22 : for handling the traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/00 : Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 : Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/02 : Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 80/04 : Network layer protocols, e.g. mobile IP [Internet Protocol]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/04 : Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/10 : adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode access points
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 : Inter-networking arrangements

Abstract

A method for having a mobile price transaction system including comparisons. The system obtains information about prices and transactions involving products and services in real time over a wireless link. The actions include making a price comparison inquiry to a central server for the product, service, or price information. The inquiry is formatted in the central server for transmission to sources of the information such as vendors or their web sites. After receiving a response from the sources, the response is suitably formatted and is displayed on the mobile unit. The information will often be available locally on the central server, but the present invention includes commanding remote sources to provide an action such as a response, including a response at a desired time or for desired conditions.

Claims

1. A method for real time mobile commerce transactions comprising:

receiving a selected transaction request transmitted from a mobile device to a central server, wherein the selected transaction request comprises an information search request, an information acquisition request, an information comparison request, a price request, a price comparison request, a transaction instruction request, and a transaction execution request, and wherein transmitting the selected transaction request comprises, transmitting using a keyboard, transmitting using audible speech, and transmitting visual data, comprising data in a touch screen enabled display panel format;

receiving in the mobile device information from a coupled wireless bar code reader, wherein the information comprises at least one of product identification information, product feature information, and price information, and wherein the wireless bar code reader reads the information from a bar code chosen from a group comprising a bar code on an item in proximity to the wireless bar code reader and a bar code referring to an item not in proximity to the wireless bar code reader, wherein the coupled wireless bar code reader is one of integrated in the mobile device, and collocated with the mobile device;

setting up at least one customized search engine table to conduct a search by selecting a parameter of interest from the table, wherein the search engine table is set up by a user of the mobile device;

querying at least one server regarding the selected transaction request in response to receiving the selected transaction request wherein the server uses a lookup table and a stored user profile to set an environment specific to the user for the selected transaction request;

receiving a response to the query from the at least one server;

processing the received response, including formatting the received response;

transmitting the processed response to the mobile device, such that the mobile device receives the response in one of a plurality of formats comprising an audible data format, and a visual data format including a touch screen enabled display panel format; and

executing a transaction in response to a received transaction execution request, including communicating with the at least one server using data received from the mobile device, and further comprising automatic payment using the wireless bar code reader device information, automatically entering an item in an inventory database as sold, enabling the item to be removed from a store, wherein the transaction execution request can be transmitted from a remote position and local position relative to the store.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the automatic payment includes payment directly charged to an account maintained by the user with a service provider or payment by debiting an amount from an account maintained by the user within the mobile device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device further comprises a user customizable list in the form of a configurable list which is imputed on a PC or other convenient input means and down loaded onto the mobile device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein a local server or internet server is programmed to learn search needs and patterns to artificially learn the user'"'"'s search behavior, preferences and search patterns and generate a customized and dynamically responsive artificial intelligence search engine function.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein value optimization factors of a user are inputted to generate an algorithm to drive individual satisfaction on all factors.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein at the server, a matching routine allows a desired action to be parsed into a more suitable-form for processing, including language conversion.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising auto adjusting and decreasing store inventory for a sold item and automatically notifying a supplier, placing an order for the item and scheduling delivery of the item.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating the user profile with information relating to the user.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one flag may be set for regularly interrogating a site and notifying the user of an event triggering a need which has been expressed by the user.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the wireless bar code reader device comprises at least one of an optical bar code reader and a radio frequency (RF) bar code reader.

10. A method for real time mobile commerce transactions comprising:

receiving a selected transaction request transmitted from a mobile device to a central server, wherein the selected transaction request comprises an information search request, an information acquisition request, an information comparison request, a price request, a price comparison request, a transaction instruction request, and a transaction execution request, and wherein transmitting the selected transaction request comprises, transmitting using a keyboard, transmitting using audible speech, and transmitting visual data, comprising data in a touch screen enabled display panel format;

receiving in the mobile device information from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein the information received from the RFID tag comprises at least one of product identification information, product feature information, price information, product availability information, shipping information and payment information;

setting up at least one customized search engine table to conduct a search by selecting a parameter of interest from the table, wherein the search engine table is set up by a user of the mobile device and wherein at least one flag may be set for regularly interrogating a site and notifying the user of an event triggering a need which has been expressed by the user;

querying at least one server regarding the selected transaction request in response to receiving the selected transaction request wherein the server uses a lookup table and a stored user profile to set an environment specific to the user for the selected transaction request;

receiving a response to the query from the at least one server;

processing the received response, including formatting the received response;

transmitting the processed response to the mobile device, such that the mobile device receives the response in one of a plurality of formats comprising an audible data format, an alpha numeric data format and a visual data format including a touch screen enabled display panel format; and

executing a transaction in response to a received transaction execution request, including communicating with the at least one server using data received from the mobile device, and further comprising automatic payment using the RFID tag information, automatically entering an RFID tagged item in an inventory database as sold, enabling the item to be removed from a store, wherein the transaction execution request can be transmitted from a remote position and local position relative to the store.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein a zone controller causes an audible or other notification to a sales clerk or vendor if a customer attempts to remove or add an item from a predefined control zone under the supervision of the zone controller.

12. A method for real time mobile commerce transactions comprising:

configuring a mobile device for computation, command, control and communication of voice and data information;

the mobile device communicating with a server to transmit and receive data via at least one network using at least one of wired and wireless communication methods using at least one communication protocol on at least one channel of the mobile device, wherein transmitting comprises, transmitting using a keyboard, transmitting using audible speech, and transmitting visual data that comprises data in a touch screen enabled display panel format; and

wherein receiving comprises, receiving using audible speech, using voice, using sound, and receiving using visual data that comprises data in a touch screen enabled display panel format;

receiving transaction information from a plurality of merchant web sites and associated merchant servers wherein the information comprises at least one of product description, product features, product configuration, pricing, shipping, delivery, inventory, payment terms and transaction terms, wherein receiving further comprises receiving in the mobile device information from a coupled RFID tag reader, wherein the information comprises at least one of product identification information, product feature information, and price information, and wherein the RFID tag reader reads the information from a RFID tag chosen from a group comprising an item in proximity to the RFID tag reader and referring to an item not in proximity to the RFID tag reader, wherein the coupled RFID tag reader is one of integrated in the mobile device, and collocated with the mobile device;

setting up at least one customized search engine table to conduct a search by selecting a parameter of interest from the table, wherein the search engine table is set up by a user of the mobile device;

communicating a first transaction request from the mobile device to at least one server related to a first item and archiving data related to the communication in at least one of a lookup table and a database in the mobile device wherein the server uses a lookup table and a stored user profile to set an environment specific to the user for the selected transaction request;

receiving at least one response to the first transaction request from the at least one server related to the first item and archiving data related to the at least one response in at least one of a lookup table and a database in the mobile device;

comparing the transaction request to the at least one server with the transaction response from the at least one server in conjunction with user defined rules, and storing resulting information in at least one of a lookup table and a database in the mobile device, wherein the comparing is executed in one or more of the mobile device and a server located on the at least one network;

comparing the information provided by the at least one server with information provided by at least one others server for a selected user defined utility, wherein the comparing is executed in one or more of the mobile device and a server located on the at least one network;

evaluating and selecting a server of the at least one servers based on the comparing for execution of a selected transaction related to a selected item, wherein the selection is based on user defined criteria of the comparing for acquisition of a particular item;

communicating a transaction request for the selected transaction to the selected server from the mobile device; and

executing the selected transaction request with the mobile device in conjunction with the selected server, wherein the execution includes at least one payment method selected from a list comprising payment by credit card, payment by a check, payment by debit card, payment via direct debit to a bank account, payment directly charged to an account maintained by the user with the service provider, and payment by debiting an amount from an account maintained by the user within the mobile device, executing further comprising automatic payment using the RFID tag reader device information, automatically entering an item in an inventory database as sold, enabling the item to be removed from a store, wherein a transaction execution request can be transmitted from a remote position and local position relative to the store.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the mobile device further comprises a camera for acquiring images of the user and goods, and the mobile devices sends the images to the server or a third party to assist in the purchasing process.