U.S. patent application number 11/166410 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-27 for systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the sale of commodity-like goods/services.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZIPANDSHOP L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Grdina, Jerome M..
Application Number | 20050240492 11/166410 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24527484 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050240492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grdina, Jerome M. |
October 27, 2005 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the
sale of commodity-like goods/services
Abstract
The invention provides systems and methods for facilitating the
sale of commodity-like goods/services. The commodity-like
goods/services at which the invention is directed, are of a type
that are relatively indistinguishable from one brand, identity
and/or outlet to another in end-use functionality and features.
These types of goods/services are many times sold at retail under
various brands or identities at multiple locations, to the final
end user. Such goods/services may also or separately be of a type
that are repeatedly purchased at intervals, and/or for which the
price varies between purchases, from outlet to outlet or brand to
brand. The goods/services may also be of a character such that they
are not deliverable to the consumer, but require the consumer to
travel to the retailer outlet. The system and methods also provide
information relating to the consumers and competitors of a retailer
of such goods/services. The invention establishes methods and
procedures to define, organize, collect, distribute, and maintain
information that can be used by the owner of a business selling
commodity-like goods/services as well as by its customers. This
information may include, but is not limited to, name brand of the
product, location of the retailer, price of the product, other
related goods/services available and their prices, and promotions.
These processes may be performed and implemented on a computer
network that is accessible in real time via a suitable
communication device, such as a computer, wireless communication
device, telephone or the like. A database of such information is
created, allowing the consumer and other retailers to query the
database using various search criteria. The consumer has the
opportunity to obtain information about retailers of commodity-like
goods/services that meet the consumer's requirements, and pricing
may be guaranteed by the retailer.
Inventors: |
Grdina, Jerome M.; (Pepper
Pike, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAHN LOESER & PARKS, LLP
One GOJO Plaza
Suite 300
AKRON
OH
44311-1076
US
|
Assignee: |
ZIPANDSHOP L.L.C.
|
Family ID: |
24527484 |
Appl. No.: |
11/166410 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11166410 |
Jun 24, 2005 |
|
|
|
09630514 |
Aug 2, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/27.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0236 20130101;
G06Q 30/0277 20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101; G06Q 30/0225
20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101; G06Q 30/0238 20130101; G06Q 50/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/026 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for generating a database relating to goods/services
sold via retail outlets, comprising the steps of: a) prompting a
retailer to input its own information related to its own retail
outlet selected from the group consisting of vehicle fuel outlets,
vehicle servicing outlets, convenience food stores and combinations
thereof, b) storing said input information from the retailer,
wherein said database includes information, relating to individual
retailers within said plurality of retailers, selected from the
group consisting of location of retail outlet, brand information,
real-time price information, goods sold, services offered, special
promotions on goods/services, retailer guarantees for current
prices on goods/services or combinations thereof in a computer
readable storage medium, said real-time price information being
restricted to current price information input by said retailer.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of allowing a
user to pre-determine from said database a subset of outlets within
a geographical region, which subset is displayed to the user upon
entry of user-identifying information.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of allowing a
user to pre-determine from said database a subset of competitor
outlets within a geographical region, which subset is displayed to
the retailer upon entry of user-identifying information.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the source of said
input information is a retailer of vehicle fuel goods/services.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said input information
is directly downloaded by a retailer into an electronic
database.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said information is
input to said computer readable storage medium through a global
information system.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said information is
substantially real time information relating to vehicle fuel
goods/services supplied by said retailer.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said information is
real time price information relating to vehicle fuel
goods/services.
9. A method of providing a guaranteed price from a retailer in the
sale of goods/services, comprising the steps of: a) providing
predetermined information to a consumer relating to at least the
real-time price of goods/services presently being offered by a
predetermined retailer, b) providing to said consumer a
predetermined price guarantee from the predetermined retailer,
related to at least the real-time price of goods/services, which is
authenticated by the retailer at a predetermined retail location,
and c) the retailer honoring the predetermined price guarantee upon
purchase of the goods/services at the predetermined retail
locations.
10. A method for acquiring and disseminating information relating
to vehicle fuels, the method comprising the steps of: prompting a
retailer to input information related to current vehicle fuel
prices; restricting the retailer to inputting vehicle fuel price
information relating to only the retailer's vehicle fuel prices;
storing the current vehicle fuel price information inputted by a
plurality of retailers in a common database; prompting a consumer
to input search criteria; and displaying at least current retailer
vehicle fuel price information and retailer geographic information
in response to the consumer search criteria.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of prompting
a retailer includes prompting the retailer to input information
relating to a guaranteed vehicle fuel price, the guarantee being
provided by the retailer, and the step of displaying includes
displaying information relating to the price guarantees.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the price guarantees
are offered for a limited time.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application
Ser. No. 09/630,514, filed Aug. 2, 2000, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems and
methods for facilitating the sale of retail goods and/or services
that are not easily or readily delivered to the consumer, or where
the prices of such goods and/or services are not readily determined
except at the retail outlet, such as vehicle fuels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various retail goods/services cannot be purchased/performed
other than at the outlet of the retailer of such goods/services.
Goods such as gasoline, diesel fuel, propane and a variety of other
fuels, as well as services including vehicle repair or servicing,
laundry and dry cleaning services, food service and the like, must
generally be physically acquired at the retail outlet.
[0004] As with most items for sale, consumers of retail
goods/services that are generally not deliverable to the consumer
are interested in finding them at convenient and/or nearby
locations, and/or finding them while traveling for other reasons,
such as work, recreation, and/or other shopping. Unfortunately, the
consumer presently has only limited ways to determine if a
particular retailer of such goods/services has additional
goods/services that may be of interest. For example, vehicle fuel
or like retailers often have convenience store items available at
their outlet, or provide vehicle repair or servicing, but the
consumer may generally be unaware of these other goods/services
unless/until they actually visit the outlet. In addition, vehicle
fuel or like retailers have other features that are of interest to
consumers, such as hours of operation, acceptance of credit cards,
and automated teller machines (ATMs). From the point of view of
both consumers and retailers, it would be worthwhile to provide
consumers with information relating to the array of goods/services
provided by the retailer without the consumer having to visit the
outlet.
[0005] Additionally, retail consumers of goods/services that are
subject to frequent, volatile, and/or asynchronous (meaning
non-uniform over time or without a consistent pattern between
various retailers) price fluctuations, are interested in finding
the most attractive price for such goods/services. For example, a
vehicle owner typically purchases fuel about 1.2 times per week,
and the price of the fuel may vary within this period. The most
attractive price is not necessarily the lowest price, but it is
that price which the consumer judges to be best in terms of a
variety of factors, including those such as quality, convenience,
and other subjective factors. Unfortunately, in the case of these
types of goods/services, the consumer often has to drive around to
assess the prices of competing retailers in order to determine
which retailer has the most attractive price. As a result, much
time, vehicle operating expense, and effort can be expended in
trying to determine the most attractive price. Further, because of
the frequent, volatile, and/or asynchronous price fluctuations of
such goods/services, consumers find that prices can change between
the time that they are observed and the time that the purchase is
consummated. From the point of view of both consumers and
retailers, it would be worthwhile to have the ability to provide
consumers with information relating to the pricing of the
goods/services without the consumer having to visit the outlet, and
to assure that the price information communicated to consumers was
honored by the outlet, for at least a specified period of time.
[0006] Further, retailers attempt to attract customers through
costly advertising on television, radio, or in print, but again
limitations exist as to what information can be conveyed to the
consumer. In some cases, the prices of these goods/services are so
volatile that it is impractical to advertise them other than at the
outlet where they are purchased. A retailer must also promote and
advertise its other secondary goods/services such as convenience
store items or vehicle repair, which are often purchased in tandem
with a product such as vehicle fuel. It would be worthwhile to
retailers to have other media, and/or lowest cost media, for
communicating with consumers.
[0007] However, advertising is a passive form of communication and
it does not allow the retailer of these commodity-like goods or
services to compile current, actual demographic data of its
customers. Without this data, a retailer can only infer what the
needs of his consumers are. As a result, the retailer may offer
goods/services that do not precisely meet the needs of the
consumer, or the retailer may miss out on revenue opportunities by
not providing the goods/services that consumers are interested in
purchasing. It would be worthwhile to retailers to be able to
collect better information about the interests of their
consumers.
[0008] It is also difficult for retailers, relative to their
competition, to assess pricing and other variables for these types
of goods/services. Retailers of these types of goods/services incur
additional expenses, such as the labor and vehicle expense
associated with driving around, in order to ascertain the current
prices of such goods/services sold by their competitors. This is
particularly true when the price of such goods/services may be
subject to rapid, volatile, and asynchronous price fluctuations in
the marketplace. Further, retailers are sometimes limited in
collecting this information because of work schedules, distances
between competitors, traffic, and other factors. It would be
worthwhile to retailers to reduce the expenses associated with
gathering information about the current prices of such
goods/services sold by their competitors, and/or to be able to
collect such information more frequently and/or more easily.
[0009] It would thus be of great value to provide systems and
methods which better allow the consumers and retailers of such
goods/services to communicate and acquire information relating to
such goods/services without having to travel to the retail
outlet(s).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Based upon the foregoing deficiencies in the prior art, it
is an object of the present invention to provide systems and
methods for facilitating the sale of commodity-like goods/services.
The commodity-like goods/services at which the invention is
directed, are of a type that are relatively indistinguishable from
one brand, identity and/or outlet to another in end-use
functionality and features. These types of goods/services are many
times sold at retail under various brands or identities at multiple
locations, to the final end user. Such goods/services may also or
separately be of a type that are repeatedly purchased at intervals,
and/or for which the price varies between purchases, from outlet to
outlet or brand to brand. The goods/services may also be of a
character such that they are not deliverable to the consumer, but
require the consumer to travel to the retailer outlet.
[0011] It is also an object of the invention to provide systems and
methods for facilitating the sale of goods/services which are
subject to rapid, volatile, and/or asynchronous price
fluctuations.
[0012] The present invention is also directed to providing
information relating to the consumers and competitors of a retailer
of such goods/services.
[0013] The present invention establishes methods and procedures to
define, organize, collect, distribute, and maintain information
that can be used by the owner of a business selling commodity-like
goods/services as well as by its customers. This information may
include, but is not limited to, name brand of the product, location
of the retailer, price of the product, other related goods/services
available and their prices, and promotions. These processes may be
performed and implemented on a computer network that is accessible
in real time via a suitable communication device, such as a
computer, wireless communication device, telephone or the like. The
invention is directed to creating a database of such information,
and allowing the consumer and other retailers to query the database
using various search criteria. The consumer has the opportunity to
obtain information about retailers of commodity-like goods/services
that meet the consumer's requirements. The consumer then has the
opportunity to evaluate which retailer to purchase items from. The
pricing information the consumer is presented with for such
goods/services may be guaranteed by the retailer. Other retailers
have the opportunity to obtain information about retailers of
commodity-like goods/services with whom they compete. They then
have the opportunity to evaluate the scope of goods/services that
the other retailers offer, their prices, and other terms and
conditions.
[0014] Based upon the foregoing, in one aspect of the invention,
there is provided a system for acquiring and disseminating
information related to goods/services comprising a user interface
having at least one input device to enable a user to input
predetermined information relating to predetermined goods or
services. The predetermined goods/services may have pricing which
is subject to substantial variations, or are not deliverable to a
consumer. There is also provided a method for generating a database
relating to goods/services sold via retail outlets, comprising the
steps of prompting a user to input information related to a retail
outlet selected from the group of vehicle fuel outlets, vehicle
servicing outlets, convenience food stores and combinations
thereof. The input information is selected from the group
consisting of location of the retail outlet, brand information,
price information, goods sold, services offered, special promotions
on goods or services, price guarantees on goods or services or
combinations thereof.
[0015] Additionally, a method of providing a guaranteed price in
the sale of goods/services is set forth. Firstly, the consumer is
provided with predetermined information relating to at least the
price of goods/services presently being offered. The consumer is
also provided with a predetermined guarantee related to at least
the price of goods/services, for some pre-authorized period of
time, which guarantee can be authenticated and redeemed at the
outlet where said goods/services are offered for sale. Other
methods and a computer program product are also set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Other aspects, advantages and attributes of the invention
will become apparent upon a reading of the description of
embodiments thereof along with the figures, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
present invention, implemented via a site on a global information
system, i.e. a website on the World Wide Web.
[0018] FIGS. 2-9 show pages associated with a site on a global
information system such as shown in FIG. 1, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an Interactive Voice
Response (IVR) subsystem according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIGS. 11-15 show further pages associated with a site on a
global information system according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of a further embodiment
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] The present invention is fully described hereinafter with
reference to the drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the
invention are shown. The invention may also be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to only the
disclosed embodiments. The provided embodiments are included so the
disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to persons of ordinary skill in the art.
[0023] A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that
the present invention may be embodied as a method, data processing
or acquisition system, or computer program product. As such, the
present invention may take the form of an embodiment comprised
entirely of hardware; an embodiment comprised entirely of software
or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. In
addition, the present invention may take the form of a computer
program product on a computer-readable storage medium having
computer-readable program code means embodied in the medium. Any
suitable computer readable medium may be utilized including hard
disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage
devices.
[0024] The present invention is described with reference to
flowcharts and/or diagrams that illustrate methods, apparatus or
systems and computer program product. It should be understood that
each block of the various flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in
the flowcharts, can be implemented by computer program
instructions. Such computer program instructions can be loaded onto
a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other
programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that
the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable
data processing apparatus create means for implementing the
functions specified in the flowcharts. The computer program
instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that
directs a computer or other programmable data processing device to
function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored
in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture
including instruction means which implement the function specified
in the flowcharts or diagrams. The computer program instructions
may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data
processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be
performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to
produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions
which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus
provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the
flowcharts or diagrams.
[0025] It will be understood that blocks of the flowcharts support
combinations of systems for performing the specified functions,
combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and
program instructions for performing the specified functions. It is
also to be understood that each block of the flowcharts or
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts or diagrams,
can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer
systems which perform the specified functions or steps, or
combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
[0026] The present invention could be written in a number of
computer languages including, but not limited to, C++, Basic,
Visual Basic, Fortran, Cobol, Smalltalk, Java, and other
conventional programming languages. It is to be understood that
various computers and/or processors may be used to carry out the
present invention without being limited to those described herein.
The present invention runs on standard computers such as IBM or
IBM-compatible or Apple/Macintosh personal computers, utilizing
suitable operating systems. However, it should be understood that
the present invention could be implemented using other computers
and/or processors, including, but not limited to, mainframe
computers and mini-computers.
[0027] Currently consumers of price sensitive or commodity-like
retail goods/services often drive to the outlet at which the
commodity-like goods/services are being sold in order to determine
the current selling price of the particular item or service.
Specifically, both private and commercial consumers are interested
in the price of commodity-like goods/services such as vehicle fuels
because the product's price is often subject to rapid, volatile,
and asynchronous fluctuations. Furthermore, operators of fleet and
cargo transportation companies must constantly scrutinize the price
of these fuels because of the impact that vehicle fuel prices have
on their cost structure. However, even though fuel prices affect a
vast array of business and personal decisions, there is presently
no method or system for tracking prices in real-time, reserving a
price in advance for commodity-like goods/services, such as vehicle
fuels, and/or accessing competitor information relating to such
commodity-like goods/services. Commercial and private consumers of
these and similar goods/services often drive to the outlet at which
the commodity-like goods/services are sold to determine the price,
expending valuable time, effort, and resources. It would therefore
be desirable to provide a method and system for compiling prices of
commodity-like goods/services in one central location, such as a
web site or other easily accessible location. The present invention
provides this ability, by allowing a user to determine the current
price of commodity-like goods/services among various competitors.
This creates a tremendous breakthrough from a buyer's perspective.
However, the invention builds on its foundation of centralized
commodity-like goods/services price data and has increased the
utility of its system to the user, by creating a method where a
consumer can receive a price guarantee on particular commodity-like
goods/services for a fixed amount of time. Commercial and private
consumers of vehicle fuel as an example, would then be able to save
time, money and effort by simply accessing the interface of the
invention, such as a web site, comparing the prices of the
commodity-like goods/services among various retailers, and then
printing a price guarantee for that item. Furthermore, by allowing
a commercial consumer to be able to "lock into" commodity-like
goods/services at a specific price, the business can take advantage
of market conditions to make a large purchase for its entire fleet.
As a result, the invention can be an essential tool in the
competitive fleet and transportation industries which purchase
hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel each year. By having the
ability to instantly determine the most attractive vehicle fuel
price among competing vehicle fuel retailers prior to purchasing,
commercial entities can budget and reduce costs. Thus, the
invention can be/can become a valuable tool for accessing price
information of commodity-like goods/services, that is easy to use
and will save both private and commercial consumers time, effort
and money.
[0028] As a further aspect of the invention, fleet operators have
the ability to plan a route in which fleet trucks will be able to
get extended term fuel price guarantees to provide for the long
distance that the trucks will be traveling. Therefore, as the truck
goes from vehicle fuel retailer to retailer, the truck operator
will have in advance, established a guaranteed price along the
travel route.
[0029] It is also a distinct advantage of the present invention to
provide the retailer with an enhanced ability to monitor its
competition. This enhanced ability will allow the business owner to
monitor price movement of a product or service over time, and
trends relating to competitors and consumer purchasing activities.
Additionally, the business owner now has a tool to inform the
consumer of its attributes, specials or other information, which
will facilitate drawing the consumer to their facility.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, a diagram of a preferred embodiment
of an interactive commodity-like goods/services price reservation
and data collection/dissemination system and computer network is
shown. The system may be embodied in a computer network comprising
an input/output system 10 that allows consumers a simple and
convenient method of determining what the price of certain
commodity-like goods/services in a certain user-defined area.
Retailers of commodity-like goods/services are also able to input
current price data and other advertising or service information
into the system as well as receive information on what price
competitors are selling their goods/services. This input/output
system 10 may comprise any modality of communication, such as a
telephone 11, a computer 12, and a wireless type of communication
device 13 (e.g., a personal data assistant, in-vehicle
communication device or cell phone as merely examples), or
combination of any of these. Further devices such as in-vehicle
wireless communication devices may provide a communication link by
which data can be entered and/or received from the system,
including possibly location information. The computer 12 and
wireless communication device 13 may use a global information
network, such as the Internet, to present an interface to the user,
such as a web site having web pages 14 to allow the users to access
the system. The web pages 14 provide information and access to
information for the computer user, with the information stored or
accessed via a web server 16. The user of a wireless device has
their information transferred through a Wireless Application
Protocol Service Provider 15 via the web server 16. The system may
further include a network application server 17 which coordinates
access to the Structured Query Logic (SQL) backup server 18 that
accesses an SQL database 19. The SQL backup server may be utilized
to store and retrieve data in the event that SQL server 20 goes
offline. The network server 17 may also communicate with a (SQL)
server 20 which uses an (SQL) database 21 to store and retrieve
queried data. In the embodiment shown, web server 16 and network
application server 17 may coordinate information through a
Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS) 30. The network application
server 17 may communicate via an encrypt/decrypt connection 22 and
through an Internet Server Applications Protocol Interface (ISAPI)
23, which utilizes a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) security protocol in
order to interface with the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system
24, which may include an IVR processor 24(a), an encrypt/decrypt
connection 24(b) and an IVR database 24(c). The IVR system 24 may
be supplied by an outside vendor as shown in FIG. 1, or could be
made part of the system if desired. The IVR capability allows
interface with the system via a normal telephone connection or the
like, wherein voice data is interpreted and recognized via the IVR
system 24. Thus, even a business owner or consumer who does not own
a computer may access and use the system and methods according to
the invention to their advantage. As a further aspect of the
invention which could be provided by an outside vendor, the system
according to the invention desirably obtains location specific
information for a consumer and/or business owner. Commercial
mapping databases already exist, which could be easily accessed via
the system according to the invention, or alternatively such
information could be resident upon the system in the invention. As
shown in FIG. 1, the web server 16 communicates through ISAPI 27
which uses Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) 28 to communicate
with the mapping process or 29(a). The mapping process or 29(a) has
the capability of accessing mapping database 29(b) in order to
retrieve map data concerning a specified location.
[0031] FIG. 2 refers to the interface with a user, such as a web
site, and more particularly the welcome page 40 that will greet
users of the invention. This graphical user interface provides
several features to increase the user's efficiency in finding
commodity-like goods/services, such as vehicle fuels, in the user's
target area. More specifically, the system allows the owners of
businesses offering commodity-like goods/services to communicate
information about price or the like, as well as location
information to a consumer. In addition, this page provides a method
in which the user can store information for future access so that a
search of relevant businesses may be stored and more easily
accessed later. Welcome page 40 consists of menu bar 41 which spans
horizontally across the top of the web page. This menu bar 41 may
comprise convenient options that allow the user to easily navigate
and locate appropriate information, as well as manipulate
information where needed. These buttons may include home 42,
retailers profile 43, motorist profile 44, customer service 45,
public interest 46, tutorial 47, and site map 48 links to further
information or pages in the system. These options may be active
HTTP links that take the user of the site to the corresponding area
when the user places his mouse cursor over the hypertext option and
clicks the left mouse button.
[0032] More specifically, the options in the menu bar 41 allow both
retail and consumer users to build user profiles, gain access to
customer service information, access information concerning public
interest, and complete a tutorial of how to use the invention. The
hypertext button entitled "Home" 42 allows the user to return to
the welcome page 40 from any web page that the user is currently
viewing. Customer service option 45 provides the user a wide
variety of resources in the event a problem arises when using the
system. This information will include items such as the site
mailing address, phone numbers to access both general and technical
information, email addresses to access general and technical
information, a privacy statement, and a Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) section with the most commonly asked questions regarding the
use of the system. The public interest option 46 will provide
Internet links to various web sites associated with travel and
vehicle maintenance, such as motel/hotel web sites, car enthusiast
web sites, tourist information or other information. The tutorial
option 47 will contain information and assistance on the protocol
and procedures required in establishing registration on the system,
how to receive and print a price guarantee in addition to basic
general tips for novice computer users. The site map option 48 will
transfer the user to the site map web page 70 as shown in FIG. 3.
Referring to FIG. 3, the site map page may comprise a complete set
of links that will allow an experienced user to directly access a
specific web page on the web site. Some specific links that will be
included on the site map web page include customer service 71,
contact information 72, forget password 73, public interest 75,
motorist registration 76, retailers registration 77, and tutorial
78.
[0033] Returning to FIG. 2, on the left side of the welcome web
page 40 resides an area for registered users or those
retailers/consumers that wish to become registered users. In this
embodiment, a registered user may store, retrieve, and/or update
information in their user profiles. A registered user may access
the system via a Username 49, and Password 50. The username text
box 49 and password textbox 50 allow the user of the system to
enter their unique username and password into the web site. After
entering this data, the user then clicks their mouse cursor on the
"GO" button 51 in order to gain access to their user profile, which
is displayed on search results page 110 as shown in FIG. 6, that
comprises the information contained in the user's profile. The user
registration area may also contain active hypertext transfer
protocol links entitled "Forget Password?" 52 and "Register Here"
53. Upon clicking on the "Forget Password?" link 52 the registered
user is transferred to a web page as shown in FIG. 4. This page
allows the user that has forgotten their unique password to be
prompted with a short key phrase that the user has specified in his
user profile as a clue in remembering the user's password. In order
to do this, the user must enter their user name in the username
text box 90, and then click the "Submit" button 91 with his
computer mouse. The user will then be prompted with his key phase
92 that the user has previously defined in his user profile. The
user is then required to enter the answer to the key phrase in the
"key phrase value" text box 93 and then click the "KeyPhrase"
button 94. After completing these steps successfully, the user's
password will be displayed. The "Register Here" link 53 transfers
the web site user to a user registration web site called "motorist
profile" 85 where the user will be given a unique user
identification and password and asked to enter other specified
information. Unregistered users who attempt to access a feature
reserved exclusively for registered users will be transferred to a
web page as shown in FIG. 5. This web page gives the user two
options; registered users must use their computer mouse and
clicking the link "here" 100 and be transferred to a web page where
they can log into the system to access features reserved for
registered users. Unregistered users are given the hypertext link
"here" 101 to be transferred to a web page to initiate the
registration process.
[0034] Returning to FIG. 2, located in the center of the welcome
web page 40, are text boxes that include address 54, city 55, state
56, zip code 57, intersection 58(a) and 58(b), radius 59, and a
"go" button 60. These text boxes allow any user of the system to
enter their corresponding information and search for locations of
vehicle fuel stations or other commodity-like goods/services
retailers that meet these criteria. After entering the search
criteria, the user clicks on the "go" button 60 to initiate the
search. Upon completion of the search, the user is taken to a
search results page 110, as shown in FIG. 6, that comprises the
information found in relation to the user's search.
[0035] FIG. 6 refers to a search results web page 110. The search
results page 110 contains a tremendous wealth of information of
interest to both consumers and retailers, particularly in times
where prices are subject to rapid, volatile, and asynchronous
fluctuations. Keeping ease of use in mind, the menu bar 41 is
conveniently placed horizontally at the top of the web page as well
as all of the web pages in the web site. Furthermore, the search
results page 110 consists of a web site path 111 that shows the
user the path of web sites that he has come through in arriving at
the currently viewed web page. Just below the site path 111, is a
search term area 112, which indicates what criteria were used in
order to complete the search on the web site. A graphical map
window 113 is located in the center of the search results page 110.
This map 113 provides a visual depiction of where the vehicle fuel
stations that met the user's search criteria are located.
Alternatively, or in addition, written or spoken directions may be
provided to any desired location. In addition, the map window 113
provides selection arrows 114(a), 114(b), 114(c), and 114(d) in
which the map may be moved in the North, South, East, and West
directions to further locate vehicle fuel stations or the like,
that are not readily viewable in the map window 113. Below the map
window 113, there may be provided zoom buttons 115(a) and 115(b),
that allow the user to zoom in 115(a) on a specified area contained
in the map window or to zoom out 115(1b) from an area delimited by
the map window 113. After a search has been completed, information
pertaining to brand name 116, miles 117, grade 118 or other desired
information elating to various retailers are shown in chart or
other suitable form at the bottom of the search results page 110.
The brand name 116 is a section that contains hypertext links that
will transfer the consumer to the retailer's web page (FIG. 7). The
retailer page may contain other helpful information that will
facilitate determining what promotions, and services that the
retailer is offering. The miles section 117 refers to the distance
between the user's searched location and that of the retail outlet.
The grade section 118 lists the price per gallon of a specific type
or grade of vehicle fuel. This allows the user to easily compare
and select the retailer that has the most attractive price while
simultaneously determining how far from the consumer the retailer
is. Finally, a consumer may also choose to add a particular
retailer to their user profile by clicking his mouse cursor on the
"+" symbol 119 located in the "Add to Profile" column. This feature
of the site is beneficial in that a registered consumer does not
have to complete a new search to retrieve the same retailer's
information when the consumer wants to locate the retailer on a
subsequent visit to the web site.
[0036] FIG. 7 refers a specific retailer page 139 that is accessed
when a consumer selects and clicks on a particular brand name
hypertext link 116. This page contains brand information 71 and the
corresponding grade price for each specific grade of fuel or the
like at 72. The customer also has the option of clicking on the
"Refresh Prices" hypertext link 131 to update the prices that are
presently being viewed on the web page to reflect the most up to
date prices that have been specified by the retailer. After viewing
the retailer's web page, the consumer can add the retailer into
their personal profile by clicking on the "Add to Profile"
hypertext link 132.
[0037] Another feature of the system and methods herein relates to
the ability of being able to provide a price guarantee for specific
commodity-like goods/services, where price is sensitive and
volatile, such as with the purchase of fuel according to this
embodiment. Thus, when a consumer using the invention finds a
particular brand, grade, and price of vehicle fuel that they wish
to purchase, the consumer will get a guarantee on that price for a
specific period of time set by the retailer. The consumer may
receive the price guarantee by selecting the "Print Guarantee"
hypertext option 133 with his mouse, or other suitable methods. By
selecting "Print Guarantee" 133 the consumer is transferred to the
price guarantee web page to be described hereafter. The page shown
in FIG. 7 may also be provided with a section entitled "Features"
134 that details any special services that the retailer may have to
offer a consumer such as an ATM, Car Wash, Oil Change, Credit
Cards, etc. Located in the center of the web page is the retailer's
"Address" 135 that includes items such as outlet address, phone
number, email address, and world wide web address if available.
Just below the retailer's address 135, is a "Special Messages"
section 136 that gives information concerning promotions and items
for sale by the retailer. This "Special Messages" section 136 could
allow the consumer to click on the promotional hypertext bulletin
and print out a money saving coupon for an item or service.
[0038] Other features that could be offered to a consumer as a
further aspect of the invention, such as the ability to schedule
automotive services on the retailers page on the web site. A
consumer that is interested in a particular service could click his
mouse on the applicable service in either the "Features" section
134 or "Special Messages" section 136 and be transferred to a
service scheduling web page. This scheduling web page may contain
the openings for when the consumer could bring his car in for
service (i.e., tune-up, oil change, etc.). Upon selecting a
convenient time, the consumer would enter their personal
information into the scheduling web page to complete the
reservation for those services.
[0039] Turning to FIG. 8, the price guarantee 150 in this
embodiment contains specific information about the retailer from
which the consumer has selected to purchase vehicle fuel or other
commodity-like goods/services or the like. The form of the
guarantee may be of any suitable type, and that shown in this Fig.
is merely an example. In the upper left corner the retailer's name
151, address 152, and phone number 153 are indicated. The grades of
vehicle fuel 155 and corresponding prices per gallon 156 are shown
as they occurred in the market when the consumer received the price
guarantee. The price guarantee also indicates the date and time 157
in which the consumer printed the price guarantee 150. The price
guarantee 150 also states when the guarantee will expire 158. If
desired, the retailer could also place other limits or conditions
on the guarantee, such as with respect to the volume of vehicle
fuel which can be purchased at the guaranteed price as an
example
[0040] Other methods of providing the price guarantee are also
contemplated, such as through the use of barcode scanning
technology. After the consumer has selected the particular brand
and type of vehicle fuel, they will be given the opportunity to
print a barcode that will contain the consumer's unique user ID,
the location of the retail outlet, the time at which the consumer
selected the vehicle fuel, and the guaranteed price itself. The
consumer would then take this printed bar code to a bar code
scanner that is placed on the retailer's vehicle fuel pump. The bar
code would then charge the consumer's credit card with the
applicable guaranteed price. This would drastically decrease the
time that it would take to have a printed price guarantee verified
by a retail associate. Furthermore, the bar code scanning
technology would increase the traffic at the pump, which is at a
premium when vehicle fuel prices are at higher than typical prices
and the retailer has an attractive price. Finally, this technology
provides speed and efficiency that many consumers demand because
people do not enjoy waiting in lines to pay for basic, essential
commodity-like goods/services. Other suitable methods are also
contemplated, such as through the use of smart cards, flash memory
cards or other suitable interfaces.
[0041] Turning to FIG. 9, the "Motorist Profile" web page 160 is
shown. This page is accessed through the motorist profile hypertext
button 44 or "Register Here" hypertext link 53. The consumer is
then prompted to enter basic user information 161 into the
following text boxes that may include for example: first name 162,
last name 163, consumer's street address 164, street address #2
165, city 166, state 167, zip code 168, phone number 169, email
address 170. Next, the user is prompted to enter login information
170, which may comprise username 172, password 173, and verify
password 174 text boxes. These pieces of information are unique to
the user and provide a means to keep the consumer's user profile
private. The next section is the key phrase information section
175. This information is collected to assist a person that has
forgotten their password. The key phrase information section 175
contains the Key Phrase text window 176 and Key Phrase Value window
177. The consumer is prompted to enter a key phrase that will
trigger the consumer's memory into remembering his correct key
phrase value 177. Upon entering this value, the consumer will be
given his password, so that they may access their user profile. The
next element of the motorist profile 160 is the list of stored
outlets 178 which contains a listing of retail outlets that the
consumer has chosen to keep in their user profile. The information
stored on retail outlets may be comprised of the outlet's address
179, brand name 180, and types of vehicle fuel and corresponding
price 182 of the competing retailers. The consumer can also choose
to remove a specific retailer from his stored outlets section by
using his mouse and clicking on the "Remove" button 183. The
consumer can also choose how he wishes to sort the stored outlets
list 178 by choosing an option in the sorting preference selection
box 184. The motorist profile web page 160 also allows the consumer
to use the IVR listening preference box 185, to select what brand
and grade of vehicle fuel that the consumer wishes to get
information on over the IVR telephone system. Once the user has
selected or updated the information on the motorist profile 160,
the user selects and click the submit button 186.
[0042] In FIG. 10, there is shown a flow chart that describes the
steps in which a consumer that has registered with system uses the
IVR system. The IVR system allows a consumer to use their phone,
such as by use of the touch tone phone keypad as an input device,
as a means to answer pre-defined questions posed by the system.
This system affords registered consumers the ability to use a
standard telephone to ascertain the price of a particular brand and
grade of vehicle fuel or other commodity-like goods/services which
the consumer has previously selected by using the IVR Listening
Preference drop box 185 via the motorist profile web page 160. To
access the IVR system, the consumer must dial a telephone number
190 that is determined by the system. Upon accessing the system,
the consumer is required to enter their unique user identification
and password 191. The IVR system then determines what type of user
that the caller is at 192. This is done by either asking the caller
to identify themselves as either a consumer or a retailer or by
using the user's ID. After the caller is determined to be a
customer 194, the IVR system may be used to retrieve the specific
brand, type, and price of vehicle fuel 195 that the consumer has
selected in their IVR listening preference drop box 185 which
resides on the system data store 200. Finally, after the price
information is retrieved, it is replayed over the phone to the
customer in the form of an automated voice 196 or other suitable
method.
[0043] Alternatively, the consumer IVR user could be given a unique
numerical code that could be used to identify the consumer, verify
the outlet where the consumer wants the price guarantee, and the
time at which the consumer received the price guarantee. Now the
consumer can proceed to the retail store, where many vehicle fuel
pumps have numeric touch pads at the pump (point of purchase), and
input this code and receive the vehicle fuel at the guaranteed
price which in turn is charged to the consumer's credit card. This
process may again accelerate the transaction process at the pumps
and allows greater turnover or throughput for each pump. Other
commodity-like goods/services could also be purchased or arranged
in a suitable fashion to that described with reference to vehicle
fuel. The capabilities offered by the system to the retailer are
also made available through the telephone via an IVR system as
shown in FIG. 10, and detailed later in this document.
[0044] FIG. 11 refers to the retailer profile web page 205. This
page is provided in order to allow retailers to register as
subscribers to the system. The retailer profile page 205 consists
of basic user information 206 that is to be entered by the
retailer. This information may include the following as an example:
first name 207, last name 208, retail outlet name 209, vehicle fuel
name 210, brand name 211, street address 212, street address #2
213, city 214, state 215, zip code 216, phone number 217, fax
number 218, and email address 219. The retailer is further prompted
to choose whether to display their email address 220, and/or
prompted to enter his web site address 221, and their retail
outlet/company motto 222. Next, the user may be prompted to enter
his login information 223, comprising username 224 and clerk's
username 225. These pieces of information provide security for the
retailer so that only authorized personnel are able to update or
change information that is contained in the retailer's profile. The
retailer is also required to enter key phrase information so that
if the retailer or retailer's clerk forgets their password, can be
recalled it after giving an answer to a user determined question.
Thus, the retailer must enter their key phrase 227, such as a short
question that only the retailer should know the answer to. The key
phrase value 228 is the answer to the key phrase 227. A key phrase
is also provided for the retail clerk so that they can access the
retailer's user profile so that they can update the content of the
retailer's web page if the retailer desires such access. The
clerk's key phrase data is entered in the clerk's key phrase text
box 229 and the answer to the key phrase is made in the clerk's key
phrase value text box 230.
[0045] FIG. 12 is a continuation of the retailer profile web page
205 that contains a section called "Billing Info" 231 which must be
completed before a retailer can be registered with the inventive
service. This section requires the retailer to select the type of
method in which the retailer will pay the site for the services
provided. This is done by clicking with left mouse button one of
two options; either credit card 232, or electronic funds transfer
241. If the retailer selects credit card billing 232, the retailer
is prompted to select from a drop box entitled "credit card type"
233 the type of credit card that the retailer is going to use as
payment. The retailer is also prompted to enter the credit card
number 234, the card's expiration date 235, and the name on the
credit card 236. The user is also prompted to specify which address
the billing information should be sent. This task is completed by
clicking the mouse on either the "above address" option 237 or on
"new address" option 238. If the "new address" option 238 is
selected, then the retailer is required to input the new billing
address 239 and the new billing zip code 240. However, if the
retailer selects electronic fund transfer 241, then the retailer
must input the bank routing number 242, bank account number 243,
bank name 244, name on the bank account 245, and customer security
code 246.
[0046] The next section of the retailer profile web page 205 is
called retail outlet information 247. This section allows the
retailer to enter information about goods/services that it
provides, which the retailer wants posted on its site web page 139
to be viewed by consumers. Further, this section provides boxes in
which the retailer can identify the amenities and services that the
retailer offers to the consumer. These items may include an ATM
249, car wash 250, auto repair 251, restaurant 252, bathrooms 253,
etc. This information will be shown on the retailers web page if
the retailer clicks the corresponding check box. The retailer also
has the opportunity to place advertisements 256 on their web page
by entering a title 257 and a message 258 in the retailer
advertisements section 256 of the retailer profile web page 205.
This feature of the service allows competitors to be highly
responsive to another competitor's business decisions. The retailer
is also given the opportunity to post special messages 259 to its
customers regarding specials or limited offers by entering a title
for the message 260, and entering a message 261. FIG. 13 is a
continuation of the retail outlet information section that is
contained in the retailer profile web page 205. The next section of
retail outlet information pertains to the commodity-like
goods/services that are being sold by the retailer and price
guarantee information. This section allows the retailer to enter
the number of hours or other time increment that the consumer has
to redeem a price guarantee starting from the time the price
guarantee is issued until the price guarantee expires. This is done
by entering the length of time that the retailer wants to make the
guarantee valid in the price guarantee box 262. Next, the retailer
is prompted to select what type or grade of vehicle fuel 265 that a
price will be provided for on the web site by clicking on the
corresponding "selection" box 264. After selecting a type of
good/service, such as vehicle fuel, the retailer must enter the
corresponding price 266 for the particular commodity-like
goods/services.
[0047] The method and system according to the invention also
provides a unique opportunity for retailers to access real-time
data relating to selling of commodity-like goods/services and
particularly which may relate to data of competitors. The invention
provides registered retailers a means of collecting and sorting
current real-time data as well as the capability to access
historical trend data of competitors. The system also collects raw
price and purchasing data and can be used to produce custom
marketing trend reports for retailers. This data may include
information such as the brand name of goods, grades of
goods/services, the location of goods, and the timing and frequency
in which a consumer has purchased the goods/services.
Traditionally, retailers must physically obtain the price data
first hand or pay various third parties to gather the data, which
is not often comprehensive in scope. Therefore, the system and
methods are a tremendous asset to any business that participates in
the competitive commodity-like goods/services market or in other
business environments. The retailer profile web page 205 also
allows the retailer to store and track a list of competitors. By
selecting which competitors the retailer wishes to track, the
retailer can view the competitors' prices for each grade or type of
vehicle fuel 271, the distance that a competitor is from the
retailer 270, the name brand of the competitor 269, and the address
of the competitor 268, or other information. However, if a retailer
is no longer interested in tracking a competitor then the retailer
may remove the corresponding competitor by selecting the remove
button 272. This remove button 272 could bring up a further web
page to finalize the removal of a competitor or it could
instantaneously remove the competitor's listing that is
correspondingly adjacent to a particular remove button 272. Once a
retailer has selected all of the competitors that it wishes to
track, they may sort them according to various criteria such as
price, competitor name, and distance from retailer by selecting a
criteria using the sorting preference drop box 273. The retailer is
also given the option of which types of vehicle fuel that it wishes
to hear on the IVR telephone system by choosing an option in the
IVR listening preference drop box 274. Once the retailer has
entered all applicable information into the retailer profile 205,
the "Submit" button 275 will forward the information to the web
site and store the information for subsequent access.
[0048] The information compiled by the site relating to information
on possible competitors and demographic information relating to
customers may also be analyzed using appropriate software products.
This information can then be presented in a useful fashion on an
updated basis, such as reports, graphs or other forms to allow the
user to use the data in their business planning. In this manner,
the retailer can obtain information on their consumers and
competitors, as well as trends or other market factors that will
facilitate business operations. The capabilities offered by the
system to the retailer are also made available through the
telephone via an IVR as shown in FIG. 10. In order for a registered
retailer to access the IVR system, they must dial a predetermined
access number 190. The retailer is then prompted for his user ID
and password 191. Next, the IVR system determines whether the user
is a retailer or a consumer 192. After ascertaining that the IVR
user is a retailer 193, the IVR system retrieves all of the types
and prices of vehicle fuel that the retailer specified in the IVR
listening preference drop box 274 on the retailer profile web page
205. This data is accessed from the IVR data store 197 and the
system data store 200, which utilizes corresponding database update
tools 198 and 199. Once the retailer's IVR preferences are
retrieved, the corresponding types and prices of vehicle fuel are
transmitted over the phone line by using an automated voice 201. If
the retailer chooses, they may change or edit their web page, such
as the prices of the types of vehicle fuel they sell, by using the
telephone touch pad to enter the new price information. This new,
updated information is automatically updated on the retailer's web
page 139.
[0049] FIG. 14 refers to the "Clerk Profile" web page 281. This web
page requires that the clerk enter the following information as an
example: clerk's first name 282, last name 283, retail outlet name
284, vehicle fuel name 285, brand name 286, retailer's street
address 287, street address #2 288, city 289, state 290, zip code
291, phone number 292, fax number 293, and email address 294. Next,
the clerk is asked to click a "yes" or "no" button 295 with his
mouse to determine whether the clerk wishes to display his email
address on their web page 139. In addition, the clerk is prompted
to enter his web site address 296, and retail outlet/company motto
297. The next section of the clerk profile web page is called
"login information" 298 which consists of the clerk's user name
299, clerk's password 300, and a second text window called verify
clerk's password 301. This information is required to establish and
maintain security on the retailer's web page 139 so that an
unauthorized user cannot access the retailer's web page and make
unwanted changes. In the event that a retail clerk has forgotten
their password, the clerk can answer a predetermined question that
is established by the retail clerk which the clerk enters into the
text window entitled clerk's key phrase 303. The clerk must then
enter the corresponding answer or key phrase value 304.
[0050] FIG. 15 is a continuation to the clerk's profile web page
281. In the text box entitled price guarantee 306, the retailer may
enter how long he wishes the price guarantee to be in effect. The
retailer can also select which types of vehicle fuel he wants
displayed on the system. The retail does this by using his mouse
button and clicking a specific check box 308 in the column entitled
"select" that is adjacent to the corresponding type of vehicle fuel
309. In addition, the retailer may change or update the prices of
commodity-like goods/services; or as in the embodiment shown, the
price of vehicle fuels. These prices will be automatically updated
on the retailer's web page 139. A final section of the clerk
profile web page 281 called "stored outlets" 311 contains the
address 312, the brand name 313, the miles the competitor is from
the retailer in the "miles" column 314, and the corresponding price
for each type of vehicle fuel 315 sold by each competing retailer
that the clerk has chosen to add to his clerk profile 281. In
addition, the clerk can sort the chart of competitors by various
criteria that are listed in the sorting preference drop box 316.
The clerk may also update or change the types of vehicle fuel that
are posted on the IVR telephone system by choosing the appropriate
option in the IVR listening preference drop box 317. After all
changes or updates have been made to the clerk profile 281, the
clerk must then use his computer mouse and click a button entitled
"submit" 318 so that the changes can take effect to the retailer's
web page 139.
[0051] An alternate embodiment of the present invention may be
implemented using a combination of a user locating system, such as
the Global Positioning System (GPS), cell phone locating or other
suitable method, and mobile web browsing electronics as shown in
FIG. 16. In this embodiment, a consumer that is navigating their
vehicle can determine the location of vehicle fuel stations,
service stations, convenience stores, hotel, restaurants, auto
supply stores or other desired locations that are in proximity to
the user. Specifically, the consumer will have a locating system,
such as GPS navigation receiver 326 on-board the vehicle that will
ascertain the consumer's location coordinates from GPS satellites
327. The system may then use a wireless method of transmission to
access the system or other network 328 and upload the user's GPS
location coordinates. The system may then transmit the consumer's
positional data via the Internet to a mapping service 329, which
has access to a system database 330 that contains the locations of
various vehicle fuel stations, hotels, restaurants or other desired
locations. The mapping service queries the system database 330 for
the specific entity being searched and then places the locations
that meet the consumer's requirements (such as distance) on a
user-friendly electronic map. This map information is then
transferred back to the system at 332 in HTTP form where it is then
transmitted through a wireless application service provider to the
customer's in-vehicle wireless device for display 331.
[0052] Furthermore, the system and methods of the invention can be
easily applied and adapted to a host of other business models such
as the hotel, restaurant, and medical industries. The retail
consumer's ability to search, find, and locate various commercial
entities which are in a close proximity to the consumer is of a
very high utility. As wireless communication advances, the system
of the present invention can be used by consumers and retailers or
other entities to facilitate locating, selecting and purchasing
goods/services.
[0053] Although the principles, particular embodiments and
operation of the present invention have been described in detail,
the foregoing should not be construed as being limited to the
particular illustrative forms of the invention as disclosed. It
will become apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications of the embodiment shown herein can be made without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in
the following claims.
* * * * *