WO2001001291A1

WO2001001291A1 - System for providing information to intending consumers

Info

Publication number: WO2001001291A1
Application number: PCT/AU2000/000721
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Robert Burnett
Original assignee: Jonathan Robert Burnett
Priority date: 1999-06-25
Filing date: 2000-06-23
Publication date: 2001-01-04

Abstract

The product information distribution system (20) comprises: a database (8) having records of user purchasable products, each of the records including fields for at least identification and geographical availability of a product, an input means (15) for receiving input data from a user related to a preferred product which is selected from one of said product identification fields of said records, a distance value and a preferred geographical location from which the preferred product is to be sourced, searching means (7) for searching the database according to the input data and for determining a search result, the search result relating to those of the records including products meeting the product identification fields and available within a boundary determined by the distance value of the preferred geographical location, and an output display means (14) for displaying the search result to the user.

Description

SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TO INTENDING CONSUMERS

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a computerised system for providing information to intending consumers of various commodity products and/or services. Background Art

Consumers of commodity products and/or services are often interested in obtaining specific, relevant information about their intending purchase. The process of seeking such information prior to making a purchase is sometimes referred to as "pre- shopping". There are two aspects to the concept of pre-shopping. One is the search for product information and the other is the search for retailer information. This is because consumers generally ask themselves two questions when pre-shopping: "What product meets my requirements?" and "Where can I buy it?"

The methods available for an intending consumer to obtain this information can be divided into: (i) "Offline" - in the traditional, physical sense, and

(ii) "Online" - using the Internet based World Wide Web ("WWW'). The Internet continues to grow in popularity as it provides users with a considerable amount of information which is available on demand. The introduction of the Internet has meant the process of pre-shopping, which was previously done on an ad- hoc basis, has become more systematic with the greater availability of information. Existing Internet pre-shopping facilities, however, tend to provide either a product search or a retailer search, but not both.

Product Selection: The goal in product selection is to answer the consumer's question: "What product meets my requirements?" This involves identifying the products that meet specific criteria and possibly comparing similar products.

Offline pre-shopping for product information: One known method in which an intending consumer can obtain product information "offline" is through browsing various media, such as newspapers and magazines for advertisements that have been placed by retailers or suppliers. Advertisements can also appear in these media as classified listings.

Another method in which an intending consumer can obtain the relevant information "offline" is through accessing test reports and the like, which are published in magazines or other publications associated with consumer interest groups. Both media advertisements and technical brochures can be limited in their usefulness and the consumer must spend time collecting and comparing the information which may be unavailable or out of date. Printed brochures are also limited in their space, and hence are also content limited, whilst also being expensive for retailers to produce and distribute.

Another method by which an intending consumer can obtain the relevant information "offline" is through locating and directly contacting or attending a store that sells the type of product being selected. Simply locating a relevant retailer presents problems on its own, which are considered below. Once an intending consumer has located a retailer they may not always be able to obtain the information they are seeking by attending the retail store. Printed product information may be unavailable or out of date, knowledgeable sales staff may not be available or the retail store may not be open at times convenient to the consumer.

Online pre-shopping for product information: The product search facilities that are currently available to consumers using the Internet can be divided into four broad categories: search engines, web directories, product comparison services and supplier websites.

Generic search engines include web sites such as Google(™) (google.com) and Alta Vista(™) (altavista.com). These search engines accept a keyword from the intending consumer and then return a list of websites that contain the keyword, with a brief synopsis of each website. Each search engine has its own mechanism for ranking the results but in general the results cannot be sorted by the user who must visit each suggested website individually to ascertain the relevance of the information contained in that website.

Web directories, such as Yahoo! (™) (yahoo.com) and LookSmart(™) (looksmart.com), use a hierarchical system to classify web pages according to predetermined categories which users are able to browse through. Some systems support keyword searching across all pages and some provide a keyword search which is restricted to a subset of pages. Search results are presented as a single list or grouped according to hierarchy categories, however the user must still visit each suggested website individually to obtain the required information.

Examples of product specific search and comparison websites include automotive comparison sites, such as Drive(™) (drive.com.au), and real estate search sites, such as realestate.com.au or property.com.au. Some on-line retailers, such as Amazon.com, provide product specific search facilities to assist consumers to browse within their website. Most web based product search facilities are based on fixed web pages, with predetermined search fields that are determined by the particular product featured. The majority of these product search facilities use forms that are specifically designed and only handle a particular type of product. For example, real estate search facilities have forms that include fields corresponding to features related to houses (such as number of bedrooms), but these forms cannot be used to search for a car. In these systems, any changes made to the underlying database, such as the inclusion of a new feature, will require changes to the forms used to query the database and to present the results. Search results can sometimes be ranked by limited criteria, such as price. There may also be a facility for comparison of products, although this is usually limited to only two or three products at a time.

Information about products can usually be found on the corresponding suppliers' website. Intending consumers will often have a short list of preferred brand names they will consider and they may go directly to the website associated with that brand in order to obtain more information on their products. Usually a consumer will need to browse through the website to obtain the information they are seeking. Some suppliers' websites include a limited keyword search facility. The majority of existing Internet based product search systems rely on some form of keyword matching to locate possible products. There are many problems with systems that rely on keyword matching, including:

- reliance on consumer "guessing" the same keyword used by the product definer,

- inability to handle synonyms, spelling mistakes or abbreviations, and - ambiguity caused by lack of context for the supplied keyword.

These problems can make it difficult to locate potentially relevant products, but the main problem confronting consumers is the difficulty of using keywords to refine a search. Even with systems that support "keyword algebra" it is often difficult to completely specify the required features. Retailer Selection: A consumer that has selected a specific product, or has prepared a short list of acceptable alternatives, will generally want to know where they can buy them and how much they will cost. They will want to know the availability and pricing of the desired product or service, preferably from several retailers so that comparisons can be made. In selecting a preferred retailer they may want to consider the retailer's location (physical or online address), the retailer's operating hours (if relevant) and the available payment options. The traditional source of this information is business directories, such as the Yellow Pages. On the Internet the sources of retailer information include business directories, reseller locators and bots or agents.

Offline business directories: Traditional business directories list businesses according to the type of product or service they provide. They are not necessarily able to confirm if a retailer stocks a particular brand or model. Because they are printed books, each listing is allocated a finite space which limits the amount of information that can be provided. They are also generally only printed once a year so information can be outdated and difficult to update. Although there is the opportunity for suppliers or retailers to pay for an expanded listing this does not significantly increase the information provided. The consumer must still telephone or otherwise enquire of the retailer to obtain further information such as product availability, pricing, trading hours or available payment options.

Online business directories: Online business directories, such as the online version of the Yellow Pages(™) (yellowpages.com) have the advantage over their offline equivalents of being more up to date and easier to search. Most online business directories provide keyword search or searches by product type. They do, however, present similar limitations to their offline equivalents in terms of the amount of information provided. Many existing business directory systems limit the ability of a consumer to differentiate between retailers. Some systems simply provide a list of retailers, with no mechanism for refining the list. Some location filtering systems rely on post code matching, others are constrained by the boundaries of a phone directory. Few systems support additional criteria for refining a list and even those that do, rely on keyword matching rather than providing the consumer with a list of the specific values that are available.

Online reseller locators: Reseller locators generally appear on supplier websites. They will list retailers that sell a particular brand of product but will not be able to confirm that the retailer stocks the particular model the consumer wants to buy. Suppliers tend to also list only their authorised or preferred resellers so the consumers may not necessarily obtain a comprehensive listing.

Online bots or agents: Internet shopping 'bots' and 'agents', such as MySimon(™) (mysimon.com), use computer programs to source and consolidate information from various retailer websites. Many existing shopping 'bot' or 'agent' systems rely exclusively on information that is already on the web. They have difficulty providing a consistent interface to the consumer because all the information is stored in different formats. Retailers dislike these systems because they tend to extract only the core pieces of information (such as price) from individual websites and do not provide other information that may assist the consumer to make an informed decision.

Existing Internet search methods are generally only able to locate products that are available for purchase 'on-line' and are generally restricted to products that are suitable for delivery by mail or other courier mechanism. This limits the types of products that can be efficiently handled by the existing methods. It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for providing information to intending consumers of commodity products and/or services and to at least ameliorate one or more shortcomings of the prior art.

Disclosure of the Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a product information distribution system comprising: a database having records of user purchasable products, each said record including fields for at least identification and geographical availability of said product, an input means for receiving input data from a user related to a preferred product which is selected from one of said product identification fields of said records, a distance value and a preferred geographical location from which said preferred product is to be sourced, searching means for searching said database according to said input data and for determining a search result, said search result relating to those of said records including products meeting said product identification fields and available within a boundary determined by said distance value of said preferred geographical location, and an output display means for displaying said search result to said user.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computerised system comprising: an input means for receiving input data including a user-selected market entity, a reference geographical location, and a maximum deviation from said reference geographical location, an output means for displaying information to the user, and a memory means including an executable user-interface program for operatively controlling said input means and said output means, a database of records including an identity and geographical availability for each of a plurality of market entities, and an executable searching program for searching said database for records that correlate with said input data and for enabling said records that correlate to be displayed as information on said output means.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of facilitating Internet-assisted commerce, said method comprising the steps of: collecting a plurality of retailer related records, each of said retailer related records including a product code, and a related geographical availability in longitudinal and latitudinal form, storing said plurality of retailer related records in searchable form, providing a means for selectively retrieving one or more particular retailer related records based upon a user entered product code and a maximum allowed deviation from said geographical availability. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for distributing information related to user purchasable products, said system comprising: a database of records including fields related to identification, pricing, characterisation and geographical availability of a plurality of user purchasable products, said records also including fields related to a plurality of suppliers of the user purchasable products, input means for receiving user input data related to at least a desired characterisation and geographical availability of a desired user purchasable product, searching means for searching said database on the basis of said user input data and for determining a search result, said search result having records including said fields related to identification, pricing and supplier, and an output display means for displaying said search result. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computerised method of distributing product information, said method comprising the steps of: tendering a plurality of product for selection of one desired product type by the user, tendering at least one or more relevant characterising product attributes, on the basis of the selected product type, for selection of one or more attribute preferences by the user, obtaining geographical data related to an acceptable geographical purchasing area by the user, and returning any of a plurality of pre-stored data records which correlate to all of said selections and said acceptable geographical purchasing area.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dynamically constructing a searchable index of valid identifiers, said method comprising the steps of:

(i) prompting a user for an initial word;

(ii) building a set of possible valid identifiers based on said initial word and previously mapped relationships with respect to said initial word;

(iii) displaying said set for selection by the user, (iv) adding the initial word to a list of unmatched words, prompting the user for a new initial word and repeating from step (ii), if a selection from said set has not been made by the user;

(v) providing a further mapped relationship for each of said list of unmatched words with a selected valid identifier, if a selection from said set is made by the user. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an indexing system comprising: means for obtaining an initial word of interest; a database for storing words and any related alternative words, each of said stored words being searchable on the basis of a mapped relationship with the initial word of interest; and means for mapping and storing newly related words to said database where a search of the database cannot be determine a mapped relationship with the initial word of interest. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for classifying information related to a plurality of identified entities, said method comprising the steps of: creating a uniquely identifiable record of information related to each of said entities; determining a rule for tagging each of said records, said rule including assignment of at least two indexable tags for each of said records; and searching for one or more of said indexable tags on the basis of desired values of said indexable tags. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of enabling a query to be performed on a database holding records of information related to marketable entities, said method comprising the steps of: receiving data related to a desired type of market entity, determining one or more searchable attribute fields of relevance to the desired product type, and generating a query form having data entry fields for each of said determined searchable attribute fields, said query form being arranged for entry of value data by a user of the database.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for classifying and subsequently retrieving product related information, said method comprising the steps of: displaying a product pick list to an intending consumer, receiving a product selection from said product pick list from the intending consumer, determining a set of attribute fields associated with said product selection, displaying an attribute field pick list to the intending consumer, receiving an attribute field selection and a value for one or more of said attribute fields, determining product related information in accordance with said received selection and value, and displaying said product relation information.

Several advantages arise from the ability of the preferred embodiment to perform a search based on the matching between the intending consumer's selection of pre-defined attributes (rather than key-words) of the desired product or service ("market entity"), and those records on a dedicated database that are stored in a format that is common for all participants who are usually a retailer or supplier/manufacturer. These advantages include:

(a) The intending consumer's ability to specify a specific product and/or service, and if necessary refine the search criteria based on preferred attributes, is enhanced over prior art key- word matching, and

(b) The intending consumer's ability to perform comparisons of price, value, availability, and other parameters of various commodity products and/or services, is enhanced over prior art key word matching, the results of which tend to make such a task difficult and/or time consuming.

Several advantages arise from the ability of the preferred embodiment to perform a search based upon retail outlets located within a specified geographical area:

(a) Products and services can be advertised on-line that had previously not been available on-line, since existing on-line shopping is usually restricted to products that are able to be delivered by mail, courier and the like. The products not suitable for delivery include for example, low value items, bulky items, or heavy items. Without this restriction, goods which, because of their nature dictate that the customer receive the goods in person, can also be offered. This could include goods such as petrol, groceries, hot food, clothing etc. This could also include services, such as automatic teller machines where it is desired for the consumer to know where the service outlet is located.

(b) The retailer of goods which are "ordinarily" purchased (as distinct to "on-line" purchased) can provide additional, computerised information and support for their customers which they previously may not have been able to offer.

The present invention has particular application for Internet-assisted shopping by consumers who intend to purchase and/or take delivery of the desired commodity product or service from a physical retail outlet.

Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a system block diagram of the main components required to implement the preferred embodiment,

Fig. 2 is a flow chart explaining the operation of the method of the preferred embodiment,

Fig. 3 is a diagram of data types used in a database of the preferred embodiment, Fig. 4 is a flow chart explaining the operation of an alternative method for obtaining the desired product selection from the user, being a series of alternative substeps of the preferred embodiment and referred to herein as "Smart Indexing System", Figs 5A to 5L is a series of display screen representations that could appear to a user when operating an embodiment of the present invention, and

Figs 6A to 6C is another series of display screen representations used when operating another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description including Best Mode Referring to Fig. 1, a system 20 for providing information to intending consumers includes a collection of consumer-owned equipment 1 connected by a telephone line 21 to a computer network 10, which is in turn connected by a network cable 22 to a host computer 60 operated by a central administrator.

In the context of this description, the ambit of "information to intending consumers" includes the provision of information both to assist intending consumers with their purchasing decisions, and in the form of advertisements.

The consumer-owned equipment 1 includes a desktop personal computer (PC) 9, typically connected to each of a printer 11, a monitor 14, a keyboard 15 and a modem 5 to provide access to the computer network 10, which in this case is the Internet. The PC 9 is loaded with software programs including a WWW browser 2, a browser controller 3 and network or Internet connection software 4.

The host computer 60, which is connected to the Internet 10, includes a web server 61 for communication with each of the consumer owned equipment 1 via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and the applications server 63 via Common Gateway Interface (CGI) protocol. The applications server 63 includes a user-interface memory area 19, a user interface program 12, a searching program 7, a database 8, a executable database retrieval program 8a (e.g., "Access" or "Oracle"), a specialised spatial searching application 13a (eg. "Map Info"), a geographical data conversion program 13 (eg. "GeoLoc"), an administration-interface memory area 25 and an administration interface program 26. Fig. 2 shows a method 30 for providing information related to various goods and services, using the system 20 described in relation to Fig. 1 and commences with a start step 30 at which the user interface program 12 on the applications server 63 is executed.

Reference is also made to the display screen representations of Figs. 5A to 5M for this example. In step 31, the initial product type is selected by the intending consumer and entered into the PC 1. In one embodiment, step 31 includes the following sub-steps.

In sub-step 31a, the intending consumer is prompted by the PC 1 using a menu displayed on an output means, which in this case is the monitor 14, to make a selection from an initial "Product Type Pick List". Referring to Fig. 5A, an example of a display screen which is presented to the intending consumer is shown. In Fig. 5A, the "Product

Type Pick List" is in the form of a drop-down menu 50.

In sub-step 31b, the intending consumer enters data corresponding to a selected product type into the input means of the PC 1, which in this case is the keyboard 15. For the purpose of illustration in this description, an example of an initial product type could be "liquor", taken from an initial "Product Type Pick List" having for example, "liquor", "services", "petrol", "motor vehicles" and "fast food".

In sub-step 31c, the intending consumer is prompted to select a product sub-type from another "Product Pick List", which is generated (to be described later) by the system and is based on the earlier selected product type. Referring to Fig. 5C, an example of a display screen which is presented to the intending consumer is shown. In Fig. 5C, the

"Product Pick List" is in the form of a drop-down menu 51.

For the purpose of illustration in this description, an example of a product subtype could be "beer", taken from a "Liquor Pick List" having for example, "beer", "wine" and "spirits".

The process of refining the required product type continues for as many levels of product types as are determined by the central administrator. For example there may not be any further sub-types for the "beer" product type, but the "spirits" product type may lead to a "Spirit Pick List" having for example, "gin", "scotch whisky" and "vodka". An example of a display screen which is presented to the intending consumer in this step is shown in Fig. 5F.

In sub-step 3 Id, the selection of the required product type from the intended consumer is completed.

In step 32, the intending consumer is prompted to make one or more selections from a set of "Product Attribute Pick Lists", which are generated (to be later described) by the system. Referring to Figs 5B, 5D and 5F, examples of various display screens which could be presented to the intending consumer in this step are shown. In Fig 5B, each attribute selection can be made with the use of a corresponding drop down menu 52a-52f. Similarly, in Fig 5D, each attribute selection can be made with the use of a corresponding drop down menu 53a-53f. Similarly, in Fig 5F, each attribute selection can be made with the use of a corresponding drop down menu 54a-54f.

Some of the available product attributes are common to a number of related product types and are therefore considered to be "Generic Attributes" to those particular product types. Other product attributes are only common to a specific product type. Required values for one or more of these attributes can be selected for use as search criteria. One or more of these attributes can also be selected for display in the results of a subsequent search.

For example, one generic attribute associated with the product type of liquor could be "container type" which provides preference options such as cans, large bottles, small bottles ("stubbies") and the like. Another attribute associated with the product type of beer could be "alcohol content" which provides preference options such as high alcohol content or low alcohol content. Yet still another attribute could be "manufacturer" which provides preference options such as various of the different manufacturers of beer. For each product, some of the available attributes are classified as "key" attributes, and others are classified as "non-key" attributes. Although "key" attributes are those that are required to uniquely identify a particular product, the user can select any combination of "key" and "non-key" attributes. No attributes are essential to be specified by the user for the system 20 to operate, but a query with no specified attributes would return a full list of products of a particular type.

In step 33, the search criteria is completed and is entered as such by the intending consumer on the keyboard 15. Referring to Fig 5G. an examples of a display screen which could be presented to the intending consumer in this step is shown. In Fig. 5G, the selection of either the "Locate Retailer" button 56 or the "Get Result" button 57 completes this step. This search criteria information is then stored in the user interface memory area 19.

In step 34, the intending consumer is prompted by the PC 1 to enter information regarding geographical location. Referring to Fig. 5H, an example of a display screen which is presented to the intending consumer is shown. In Fig 5H, a reference suburb is entered by the user at field 80. This could be a current, or reference physical address, for example, "5 Smith Street, Smithville" . In the example of Fig 5H, a reference suburb is entered by the user at field 80. The intending consumer is then also prompted to enter a radius corresponding to a maximum distance that they would be prepared to physically travel in order to purchase the commodity product of interest. In the example of Fig 5H, a radius is entered by the user at field 81.

In step 35, the search program 7 on the applications server 63 is executed. In the example of Fig 5H, this is executed upon the user selecting button 82. The search program 7 calls the geographical data conversion program 13 which converts the physical address data entered at step 34 relating to the consumer's geographical location to latitude and longitude. The geographical data conversion program 13, for this example, is a commercially available program entitled "GeoLoc" which is supplied by Maplnfo Australia Pty Limited. The search program 7 then calls the database retrieval program 8a of the database

8 is carried out by a searching application for example Access(™) or Oracle(™), to determine a list of records various types (to be later described) that fulfil the intending consumer's search criteria. Referring to Fig. 5J, an example of a display screen which is presented to the intending consumer is shown. In Fig 5J, such results are listed in box 91. Hyperlinks 92 are also provided which, once selected can cause a display such as that shown in Fig. 5K. The search program 7 also calls the specialised spatial searching application 13a, such as MapInfo(™).

The search program 7 returns a dynamic document having records from the database 8 that match all of the search criteria, including the physical address data, back to the web server 61.

Referring to Fig. 5K, an example of a display screen which is presented to the intending consumer is shown. In Fig 5K, a hyperlink 93 can be selected which then returns a map as shown in Fig 5L.

In step 36, the search program 7 causes a display on the monitor 14 of the PC 1 in two sections; as follows:

(i) Search Summary: This is a summary of the product related inputs specified by the user and is constructed by concatenating the values (ie specific preferences) of each product attribute that were specified in the search criteria, and

(ii) Results List: This is a list of database records constructed by concatenating the values of the product attributes that were not specified in the search criteria. Hence, if no attributes were specified, then a full list of database records of products of the selected type would be returned in the Results List. The more detailed the Search Summary, the less detail provided in the Results List, and the less number of products in the Results List The Results Lists can identify a unique product or a class of products The fields displayed in the results list may also be specified by the user

The ranking of each of the database records in the Results List can be controlled by the user selecting an attribute and then specifying ascending or descending order In step 37, the system 20 logs the result of the executed search program 7

Although step 37 is not directly related to providing information to assist intending consumers with their purchasing decisions, it is relevant to the overall operation of the system 20, since it provides the information necessary for generating revenue for the system administrator by selling advertising space on the system 20 In step 38, the intending consumer is prompted as to whether they desire to refine the Search Summary and therefore, refine the Results Lists If "yes" is entered into the PC 1, then step 35 is returned to However, if "no" is entered into the PC 1, then step 39 is proceeded to This feature of step 38 allows the intending consumer to interactively adjust the search cπteπa in order to identify the desired product or class of products In step 39, the intending consumer is provided with an option to pπnt out the final result on the pπnter 11 and the method is then completed at step 40

The execution of the user interface program 12 as descπbed includes not only the preceding method steps but also the presentation of advertisements to the intending consumer at appropπate points The advertising can take the form of banner advertising, the display of which can be dependent on the type of product/service in the search request, or can be dependent on the values specified in the input search summary

Similarly, the advertising can take the form of appropπate hyperlinks to other websites, such as those belonging to a particular retailer or supplier/manufacturer or to additional information on a particular product in the form of video clips or other multimedia attπbutes

The system 20 is provided and maintained by the central administrator who has made contact with a selection of retailers or supplier/manufacturers with a participation proposal Such a proposal can include either participation by advertising of their products/services on the system 20, or participation by having their products/services listed on the database 8

A retailer or supplier/manufacturer can also be persuaded to advertise on the system 20 by virtue of its usefulness to intending consumers, which in turn leads to potential exposure to advertisements whilst the intending consumer is using the system 20.

The advertisements are stored in the user interface memory area 19 of the applications server 63 are retrieved with the execution of the user interface program 12 where appropriate, in return for payment from the retailer or supplier/manufacturer.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the database 8 on the applications server 63 includes a compilation of records, as follows:

(I) A table of records of the Supplier data type 70, each record of this type having fields for at least: (a) a unique supplier identifier code (ID) for a particular one of a group of suppliers/manufacturers that have a product or products selected for inclusion in the database 8 by the central administrator; and

(b) a supplier's name corresponding to the unique supplier identifier code mentioned above in (a). (II) A table of records of the Product data type 71, each record of this type having fields for at least:

(a) a unique product identifier code (ID) for a particular commodity product that has been selected for inclusion in the database 8 by the central administrator; (b) a barcode number, which can be used if the particular commodity product mentioned above in (a) has a barcode number;

(c) a product name, which may not be unique

(d) a brief product description, which may be used to differentiate products with the same name but which may, for example, be packaged differently

(e) a pointer to a record of the data type Supplier; and

(f) a pointer to a record of the data type Product Type.

(El) A table of records of the Product Type data type 72, each record of this type having fields for at least: (a) a unique product type identifier code (ID) for a particular set of similar products that have been selected for inclusion on the database 8 by the central administrator;

(b) a descriptive name for the product type; and (c) the name of a table within the database 8 used to store the attribute information related to products that can be classified within the product type related to this particular record.

(d) a pointer to a record of the data type Product Type. (TV) A table of records of the Product Definition data type 74, each record of this type having fields for at least:

(a) a pointer to a record of the data type Product Type that identifies the product type that an attribute description in this record relates to;

(b) the field name that this record relates to; (c) a caption to be used when constructing forms that include the field that this record relates to;

(d) a control type to be used when constructing forms that include the field that this record relates to; and

(e) a control source to be used when constructing forms that include the field that this record relates to.

(V) A table of records of the Retailer data type 75, each record of this type having fields for at least:

(a) a unique location identifier code (ID) for a particular retail store that has entered into a participation agreement with the central administrator of the system 20;

(b) a flag to indicate if the retailer is a physical or an on-line retailer; (c)-(d) the geographical location (if applicable) of the retail store in a latitude and longitude format; (e)-(l) other details related to the particular retail store, for example street address, website URL, hours of opening, payment methods, and the like;

(m) a pointer to a record of the type Retail Group that is used to determine the price scale; (VI) A table of records of the Retail Group data type 76, each record of this type having fields for at least: (a) a unique retail group identifier code (ID) for a group of retailers that have entered into a participation agreement with the central administrator of the system 20; and (b) retail group name. (Vπ) A table of records of the Price data type 77, each record of this data type having fields for at least:

(a) a pointer to a record of the data type Retail Group;

(b) a pointer to a record of the data type Product; (c) a start date field;

(d) a finish date field;

(e) a unit price field;

(f) a normalised price field;

(g) a normalised quantity field; (h) an "on-special" flag field; and

(i) a time stamp field.

(Vπi) A table of records of the Stock data type 78. each record of this data type having fields for at least:

(a) a pointer to a record of the type Location; (b) a pointer to a record of the type Product;

(c) an "in stock" flag denoting availability of the particular product;

(d) a stock level code denoting availability of the particular product;

(e) a field containing the date the last update was generated; and

(f) a time stamp field. Further data structures are provided, which are specific to each of the types chosen by the system administrator to be available.

For each product type, a table of records of a data type specific to the product type is provided. Each record of this "custom" data type is related to a uniquely identified product. The foregoing records and their relationships to one another take into account modern commercial arrangements for the sale of some products or services. For instance, a particular Product that is manufactured or imported by a specific Supplier may be available through a chain of Retailers belonging to a Retail Group.

The foregoing records and their relationships also supports the capability of the system to provide comprehensive results, in terms of availability of a particular product, since the user is not required to know the actual stockists of the required product as would be the case for instance if a telephone directory were being used to obtain the required information. The use of the product definitions contained within the database 8 to dynamically construct the user interface when the user interface program 12 is executed will now be described.

The system 20 queries the records in the database 8 to obtain a cuπent list of top level product types. The results are used to populate the available options in the initial "Product Pick List" that is presented to the user in step 31.

After the user has selected an option from the initial "Product Pick List" in step 32, the system uses the selected option to query the records in the database 8 to obtain a current list of valid product sub-types related to the selected initial product type. The results are used to populate the available options in a second "Product Pick List" that is presented to the user in step 33. The process of refining the required product type continues for as many levels of product types as have been determined by the system operator. However, it is noted that only a minimum of one product pick list need be provided to provide a context for the search. Each time the user selects an option from a "Product Pick List" the system uses the selected option to determine attribute fields (if any) that are associated with products of the specified product type. This information is then used to retrieve the corresponding field definitions from the coπesponding Product Definition records.

The field definitions for the set of attributes accumulated from each level of product type are used to construct the user interface presented in step 30 to 36. This mechanism enables the system to dynamically generate the appropriate interface for the product criteria selected.

It will be appreciated that the use of the product definitions contained within the database 8 to dynamically construct the user interface, combines the flexibility of a generic search engine with the power of a product specific comparison facility. Some differences between such prior art searching systems and the present disclosure can be summarised as follows.

The system 20 can also be used to select retailers (store location) using a wider range of criteria than those of the prior art. Some differences between prior art store locator technologies and the present disclosure can be summarised as follows.

The system 20 of the present disclosure is very different from product search facilities of the prior art, in that it:

- can handle a very wide range of products and is not restricted to a specific set of product types, and - uses attribute matching to locate relevant products and to reduce the number of results to a manageable size. In alternative configurations, the system 20 can be used to classify a wide range of different entities, besides product types.

The system 20 provides a two-stage classification system that comprises: - hierarchical tree of categories and sub-categories for entity types, and additional attributes for each entity type. The system uses an 'inheritance' mechanism so that attributes that are common to a sub-category only need to be defined once for all entities included in the sub-tree corresponding to that sub-category. The use of the hierarchical classification system provides a mechanism for dividing entities into mutually exclusive sub-groups. In the absence of separate entity attributes, this would provide a classification scheme that can differentiate between different groups of entities, but cannot differentiate between entities in the same group.

The use of the attribute scheme enables the system 20 to classify entities that have different properties, but which belong to the same entity group. Differentiation can be made on the basis of attributes that do not lead to the identification of mutually exclusive subgroups. It is difficult to use attribute classification without the corresponding hierarchical classification system, since it is the hierarchical classification system that divides the entities into groups that have the same sets of attributes. The system 20 uses a 'data dictionary' to define an entity type. The definition includes the position in a 'entity type hierarchy' and the relevant attributes. The use of the data dictionary enables the system to store entity definitions in a format that can be understood by a computer program. This enables the system to dynamically control each stage of the query process, including: - generating a query screen for the user to select required attributes, formulating and conducting the actual query, and presenting and formatting the results The use of the data dictionary to define entity types introduces a level of abstraction into the query system that enables it to handle a very wide range of entity types without the need for a programmer to be aware of the attributes associated with each entity.

The system 20 can be used to define and manipulate a large range of entities. Examples of the different types of entities that can be modelled using the system according to the present disclosure are presented in the table below.

The system 20 can store information about any group of entities that can be described using an entity type hierarchy that divides entities into groups of entities with common attributes. Once the entities have been defined within the data dictionary, they can be manipulated using the dynamically generated interface.

The maintenance and updating of the database 8 will now be described. Each retailer that wishes to participate is required to provide, for example, pricing and stock details for each listed product. Each listed product must match with a listed record of the type Product 70, which includes the unique product identifier code, the product barcode (if allocated), a Supplier code, and a corresponding Product Type. The product type identifies the corresponding records in the Product Definition and identify the table containing the relevant product attributes, for example Liquor Products. Retailers who have records on the database 8 can supply updated information for their pricing and stock levels, based on either the unique product identifier or barcode identification. The information on pricing and stock can be provided from the retailer to the central administrator in several ways. One way is in paper form, where the retailer fills in a pro-forma document provided by the central administrator. Alternatively, where computerised facilities are available the retailer can transfer the information electronically. The central administrator can then perform the required data entry into the database 8 with the aid of computerised input. For retailers having such computerised facilities, they will have their own database containing product/price information, together with utilities for querying the database and for exporting the necessary data.

The exporting of the necessary data and submission of the updated price list or stock levels can be implemented using an Internet protocol based mechanism, although a browser based system can also be used. The retailer can request the appropriate submission form by specifying a coπesponding URL (Uniform Resource Location). The associated submission form then prompts the retailer for the full path for the updated price list and the file is then submitted. Optionally, the system 20 can include mechanisms such as cookies for storing the file path. Also, a dedicated client (non-browser) can be provided for submitting price lists or stock levels.

The data for exporting Price information can be arranged as follows:

A file header including retailer identification, date of creation and default settings for start and finish date if required. The start date can be specified, although a default value is applied if necessary. The finish date only needs to be specified if a definite final date is known, which could be relevant for "specials".

Pricing records for each product, including mandatory fields related to (for instance) product identification and price, and optional fields related to (for instance) products being "on special". The optional fields will vary from product to product. After the retailer has submitted an updated price list as described above, the system 20 adds the new price listing to the database 8. The information contained in the updated price list is added to a temporary table in the database 8. The system uses some information from the file header to complete the fields for the database. The system also includes a date and time stamp with each record as it is added to the database. In the event of a problem with differentiating between two records the time stamp will be used to identify the most recent record.

After a new record is added to the database 8, the system 20 modifies any preexisting records for the same retailer/product combination. These modifications can involve: 1. splitting pre-existing records that start before and finish after the new record,

2. resetting the finish date for any pre-existing records that start before the new record, and 3. resetting the start date for any pre-existing records that finish after the new record.

It should be noted that these modifications do not occur on records with finish dates that have been set prior to a new start date, or records with start dates already set to dates after the new finish date. The new records for updated price information are copied from the temporary table and appended to the price table in the database. Records within the database are not modified in order to update prices, rather, existing records are always superseded by new records.

Finally, the system 20 removes obsolete records from the database 8. Such obsolete records are those which have finish dates that have expired, or have finish dates that are prior to this start date (logically superseded). The system 20 checks that at least one valid retailer/price entry remains and will raise a warning if no valid entries are present after this last step. Obviously, as products are discontinued these warnings will be generated but will not indicate an actual problem. The data for exporting Stock information can be arranged as follows:

A file header including retailer identification and date of creation. Stock records for each product, including fields related to product identification and a keyword to indicate the action to be taken. The keywords for stock operations are 'Add', 'Update', and 'Delete'. Other fields are optional and may vary from product to product, including fields indicating products being "in stock" or "out of stock" or current stock levels. The date updated must be specified if either of these fields is supplied.

After the retailer has submitted an updated stock listing as described above, the system 20 adds the new stock listing to the database 8. The updated stock information is used to modify existing records in the stock table in the database. New records are only appended if required to indicate a new product being stocked by a retailer. Old records are deleted if required. Most housekeeping is taken care of by the update process. The exception is housekeeping related to changes in the products database, such as when a particular product is discontinued. The foregoing computerised updating has the advantage in that the database 8 can be made "live", so as to provide constantly updated information, which is of particular use in relation to stock levels and items that are "on special".

Although it will generally not be necessary for retailers to export all price information for every update, if dynamic monitoring of stock levels is provided, it will be only necessary to supply a price update for a single product. Although such "incremental" updates can be implemented, a "full" update can also be completed on a regular basis.

A number of enhancements to the preferred embodiment described above, will now be described. Price Normalisation: The result returned by the search program 7 can include the calculation of a normalised price. The normalised price is determined by dividing the item price by the net quantity. This provides a method for comparing the same, or similar products, that are packaged in different size units.

Distance Factor: The results returned by the search program 7 can include the calculation of an adjusted price based on the distance of the retail outlet from the specified origin of the search. The adjusted price may be determined using a distance factor, specified as cost per unit distance, that is supplied by the user. This provides a method for discriminating between retail outlets that are different distances from the search origin.

Cost Adjustment: The results returned by the search program 7 can include the calculation of an adjusted price based on other associated costs or savings. The adjusted price can include allowances for additional costs such as delivery or taxes, and can be adjusted to allow for savings associated with staff or shareholder discounts or other loyalty or benefit programs. This provides a method for discriminating between different retail outlets and also facilitates comparison between on-line and off-line purchases. Currency Conversion: The results returned by the search program 7 can include the calculation of an adjusted price based on conversion of c rencies. This provides a method for discriminating between retail outlets in different countries and further facilitates comparison between on-line purchases and off-line purchases. This feature requires that currency exchange information also be maintained. Identification of Specials: The association of product and price for a particular retailer may also include support for an additional attribute that can be used to indicate when the particular item is "on special". The identification of a product as "on special" can be subject to verification before being displayed to the user, with clearly defined rules regarding specials that minimise misuse of the attribute. For example, a rule may require that the "special" price be at least a certain percentage, say 10%, less than the last used "standard" price from the same retailer. Alternative methods of calculating a "standard" price may include averaging of all prices from all retailers. A product would then be "on special" if it is 10% cheaper than the average price. These rules may be also be used to indicate any price that was a certain amount below average. In other words, the system would identify "good buys" even if the relevant retailer did not identify the item as being "on special".

Shopping Lists: An extension to the system (20) involves the preparation of a price comparison for a combination of products, rather than a single item. The user supplies a shopping list and the system then calculates a total price for purchasing the specified items from a number of retail outlets. This process may involve further interaction with the user in order to identify unique products for each item on the list. Whilst some items on the list may be more expensive, the user may select the retail outlet with the cheapest total price. E-mail Notification: The system (20) can also be enhanced to support e-mail notification of changes in product status within the database 8 to consumers. Examples of situations where can notification may be used include notification when a particular product:

• goes on special; • drops below a specified price;

• becomes available after being released; and

• becomes available after being out of stock

Users would register the product(s) they were interested in by specifying their e- mail address and the product identifier. As the system is updated the register is checked and e-mails sent to the various users. A variation to this scheme may involve registration of a "query" that if satisfied then generates an e-mail notification. Examples where this may be of use include notification of the release of a new book by a particular author or an audio CD by a particular artist.

Stock Levels: The association of product and price for a particular retailer may also include support for an additional attribute to indicate stock levels at particular stores. This assists consumers in identifying which retail outlet to visit. Such analysis may also be used to indicate when stock that is not currently available, is expected to become available. Analysis: An extension to the system (20) involves the calculation of prices that involve more sophisticated calculations based on a set of specified parameters. Examples of price comparisons involving more sophisticated analysis include:

• mobile phone plans; • long distance phone calls carriers;

• mortgage costs; and

• insurance policies

These types of price comparison typically involve evaluation of specific financial models. Product Information: Product specific information that is additional to the attributes maintained in the database 8 can be stored, for example, video clips from advertisements, reviews of books or CD's, tasting notes for wines. Optionally, a separate search mechanism can be provided to search through this additional information.

Coupons: The effectiveness of the system 20 in converting "queries" into "sales" can be monitored using coupons. Coupons can be used to monitor the impact of the system. Users would print out a "coupon" when they had finished their query. It may contain some details on the query performed. Presentation of the coupon at the time of purchase can then provide a discount on the final purchase price thus enticing users to further use the system 20. Delivery Service: In order to provide a complete on-line service to consumers it may be appropriate to provide a delivery service that works closely with the system. The delivery service can operate in specific areas and collect orders from regular retail outlets and deliver them to the household. The delivery service may be operated on a franchise basis. This may be combined with an on-line payment system and would effectively make current retailers the "distribution warehouse" for what would become an essentially online system.

Smart Indexing System: The initial product type can be selected by the user with the aid of a smart indexing system, instead of step 31 as earlier discussed. Such a system incorporates a method of dynamically constructing an index that maps one word to a list of alternative words. Construction of the index is facilitated by a database that contains searchable words and their alternatives and includes a procedure for adding words to the database.

Firstly, to assist with understanding the smart indexing system, the following serves as a background explanation. Business directories use a classification system to assist users locate the business service they require. This approach is used by most hardcopy business directories and online business directories. In order to locate a business the consumer must know the name of the category the business is listed under. However, there can be a number of possible problems that consumers will experience in determining the correct category, particularly when using an on-line directory.

The most common problems with both hard copy and on-line directories is that the most appropriate category for a particular business is not always obvious. For example, a legal practise may be classified under "Attorneys", "Lawyers", "Legal Services", or "Solicitors" depending on the classification system.

Some directories provide an index to assist consumers to identify the most appropriate category based on a set of synonyms. Other directories, particularly on-line systems, use a hierarchy of categories through which the consumer can browse to locate the required category. The interactive nature of on-line directories makes it possible for them to support keyword searching. This may cause problems when a keyword can relate to multiple categories. For example, the keyword "coffee" may locate categories of "Coffee beans", "Coffee machines", and "Coffee mugs". Some systems would present all three categories and request a selection from the consumer. Other systems would stop at the first category that matches. The keyword matching systems are also generally intolerant of spelling eπors. For example, the keyword "Optometrist" would not locate the category for "Optometrists".

In summary, there are three types of problems that consumers may have when determining a category using existing business directories: problems associated with synonyms, problems caused by ambiguous keywords and problems caused by spelling errors. Although some systems handle some of these problems, no system appears to handle all three in a consistent manner. Furthermore, the underlying data structures are generally relatively static and require external intervention for new connections between words to be added. The smart indexing system seeks to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the foregoing drawbacks.

The smart indexing system includes a database and a means for manipulating the information in the database. In one embodiment, the smart indexing system supports a set of 'valid' identifiers, and a set of 'alternate' identifiers that are mapped to the 'valid' identifiers. In the case of a business directory, the valid identifiers would be the actual categories used by the directory and the alternative identifiers would be the 'synonyms' for these categories. However, the term 'synonym' in this context means not only identifiers with similar meanings, but those identifiers which are associated to the valid identifier in any manner.

The system can handle identifiers which are spelling mistakes in the same way it handles identifiers which are words of a similar meaning.

The system supports a many-to-many relationship between alternate and valid identifiers: one alternate identifier can map to multiple valid identifiers and each valid identifier can have multiple alternate identifiers.

An embodiment of the smart indexing system will now be described with reference to Fig. 4 which commences with a start step 310a. Reference is also made to the display screen representations of Figs 6A to 6H for this embodiment.

In step 310b, the user is prompted to enter an initial word. Referring to Fig. 6A, an example of a display screen which is presented to the intending consumer is shown. In Fig. 6A a field 100 is provided in which the consumer can enter the desired term, in this example "corrs".

In step 310c, the initial word that had been entered by the user is used to search a list of valid identifiers that correspond with a valid category. In Fig. 6 A, the search button 101 is selected to initiate this search.

Step 310d determines whether the user's initial word can provide a valid identifier or whether the search should continue.

In step 310e which is proceeded to in the case of the latter, the initial word that had been entered by the user is used to search a list of alternate identifiers, each of which have been previously mapped as such, with one or more valid identifiers.

Step 31 Of determines whether the user's initial word can provide a valid identifier or whether the search should continue.

If the outcome of step 31 Of is that a valid identifier has been provided, then step 31 Oh is proceeded to, wherein the system maps each of the unmatched (if any) initial words to the eventual selected valid identifier. This mapping can then be used for future searching. An example of a display screen which is presented to the intending consumer after this step is shown in Fig. 6C. The display screens presented to the consumer can then continue in a similar fashion to that described in relation to Figs 5J to 5L. If the outcome of step 31 Of is that a valid identifier has not been provided, then step 310g is proceeded to, wherein the user is requested to enter a new initial word This cycle repeats until a valid identifier is selected An example of a display screen which is presented to the intending consumer dunng such a cycle is shown in Fig 6B As with Fig 6A, a field 100 is provided m Fig 6B, within which the user can enter the new term

In an embodiment, the following pseudocode descπbes the selection of a valid identifier from a given initial word

While valid identifier not confirmed User requested to specify initial word

Current initial word added to a list of unmatched words

System retrieves list of valid identifiers which have initial word as an alternate

If list contains at least one entry then

User requested to select/confirm required valid identifier Else

While valid identifier is not found

System builds set of possible valid identifiers based on initial word System adds set of possible valid identifiers to database If set contains at least one entry User requested to select/confirm required valid identifier

End If Wend End If Wend For all entries in list of unmatched words

Map unmatched word to selected valid identifier If pair not already in database then add as new entry to database Increase use count for pair of identifiers Next System returns selected valid identifier

An advantage of the smart indexing system is that the mapping from alternate identifiers to valid identifiers occurs dynamically m response to the user's specified word There are two distinct mechanisms involved m generating new mappings 1) System builds mapping based on the set of valid identifiers and some specific production rules

2) System generates a mapping based on the list of unmatched words and the final valid identifier There are a number of production rules that can be used to build a list of possible valid identifiers from a given word. The simplest of these is to use string matching to find valid identifiers that contain the supplied word as a substring. For example, in a business directory system the word "Beer" may return a set of possible valid identifiers corresponding to the categories "Beer brewing equipment", "Packaged beer", and "Wholesale beer supplies". All of the resulting valid identifiers would be added to the database and would therefore be available to the next person who submits the same initial word. More sophisticated production rules could include using knowledge of category hierarchies to retrieve not only a valid identifier but the set of valid identifiers corresponding to the related sub-categories as well. For example, the initial word "Liquor" may return "Beer", "Wine" and "Spirits" in addition to the actual category of "Liquor". This enables the user to refine their search as part of the process of selecting the required category. Even more sophisticated production rules could involve the use of an external thesaurus or spelling checker to assist with identifying relevant valid identifiers. The mechanism for mapping unmatched words to the valid identifier that is eventually selected is intended to act as a user oriented synonym generator and spell checker. It assumes that the unmatched words are somehow related to the eventual selection and that the user is able to come up with alternatives when their previous attempts at specifying a valid identifier have been unsuccessful. An example of this approach would be a user that accidentally typed "Optomitrist" instead of "Optometrist", when the system fails to find a match the user may realise their mistake and correct it. The system would then add "Optomitrist" as an alternative for "Optometrist" in the database, so that the next user that makes the same mistake would automatically be presented with the correct identifier as an option. Similarly, a user who was unsuccessful with "Glazier" may try "Window" and have more success.

Refinements to the smart indexing system will now be discussed. The basic system assumes that the list of valid identifiers are from a single set, such as the set of category names in a business directory. The system can be extended to support sets of keywords from multiple sources or contexts. For example, many business directories allow users to search for a category or a business name. In the revised form of the SIM these two sets of valid identifiers (the set of categories and the set of business names) can be combined, with an additional type flag to indicate the context to which an identifier belongs. The production rules used to build a list of potential identifiers for a given word can be different for each context. For example, the build from the category context can make use of the category hierarchy, but the build from the business name context would only use string matching. There is no theoretical limit on the number of contexts of identifiers that can be combined.

Another refinement that can be made to the system is the inclusion of counters in the database. Each time an alternate-valid identifier combination was used the use count for that combination would be incremented. When the list of possible identifiers was built the counters would be initialised to zero. As the different combinations were selected the use counts would increase. The inclusion of counters allows the combinations to be weighted, so that the list of possible identifiers presented to the user can be ordered.

Another refinement that can be made to the user interface is the ability for a user to select 'advanced options' as part of their search. These advanced options may include the ability for the user to specify the context in which the supplied word is to be considered. This may be used to improve the response time of a search or to reduce the number of alternatives that are presented.

Other advanced search options can include the ability to use the supplied keyword to search in other contexts that are not included in the set of contexts automatically handled by the mechanism. For example, in a business directory situation a user may specify that the system undertake a full database search using the keyword rather than restricting the search to the category or business name contexts, even though such a search may take a significant amount of time.

The smart indexing system actively generates new mappings in response to the keywords submitted by the users. In some situations the mechanism may generate inappropriate synonyms for some of the valid identifiers. Maintenance of the system could therefore involve the periodic review of the database and removal of any serious discrepancies. As part of the review process it may also be appropriate to check for deliberate manipulation of the system, such as the introduction of inappropriate alternatives or manipulation of counts for commercial advantage. In summary, features andVor advantages of the smart indexing system include the following:

Dynamic generation of mapping between user submitted words and potential valid identifiers, - Handling of a variety of relationships between words, including synonyms and spelling variations.

Effective mechanism for resolving ambiguous user submitted words by presentation of list of likely alternatives for valid identifiers.

Capability for refining a query as part of the confirmation process. - Ability to generate lists of valid identifiers from a variety of contexts and to handle them in a consistent manner without requiring the user to specify the context of their search.

Ability to incorporate different production rules for each context. Ability to incorporate use counters to assist with ranking of likely valid identifiers.

The foregoing describes only a number of embodiments of the present invention, and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the system could be implemented using software running on a server on a wide area network or a local area network, or on software supplied for instance on compact disc, running on a personal computer. Also, access to the system by the consumer could be had with the help of a third party operating, for instance, a central call centre.

Although the method is primarily intended to provide price comparisons for products that the consumer will subsequently purchase from physical retail outlets, it can also include prices for products that can be purchased from virtual retail outlets. In this way, most of the features of existing methods can be provided, plus additional features that relate to the location of products that meet geographical criteria.

Further, whilst the foregoing description is focused upon products such as retail goods for domestic consumption, other goods such as those for commercial consumption may be handled. Further, the products need not be specific goods, but for example services to be provided to the user. Such services may include legal, medical and dental services, and many others. A number of aspects of the present invention, which are intended to identify, but not necessary limit, the scope of the present disclosure, are summarised in the following claims:

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A product information distribution system comprising: a database having records of user purchasable products, each said record including fields for at least identification and geographical availability of said product, an input means for receiving input data from a user related to a preferred product which is selected from one of said product identification fields of said records, a distance value and a preferred geographical location from which said preferred product is to be sourced, searching means for searching said database according to said input data and for determining a search result, said search result relating to those of said records including products meeting said product identification fields and available within a boundary determined by said distance value of said preferred geographical location, and an output display means for displaying said search result to said user.

2. A product information distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said preferred geographical location is a co-ordinate value and said boundary is determined by a radius thereabouts corresponding with said distance value.

3. A product information distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said geographical location is in longitudinal and latitudinal form.

4. A product information distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said record of user purchasable products further includes at least one product attribute field and said input data is further related to said product attribute field.

5. A product information distribution system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said search result can be sorted by the user on the basis of said product attribute field.

6. A product information distribution system as recited in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said record of user purchasable products further includes a pricing field and said input data is further related to said pricing field.

7. A product information distribution system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said search result can be sorted by the user on the basis of said pricing field.

8. A product information distribution system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said database and said searching means is accessible over the

Internet by a user of said input means.

9. A product information distribution system as recited in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said search result can be sorted by the user on the basis of said distance value.

10. A computerised system comprising: an input means for receiving input data including a user-selected market entity, a reference geographical location, and a maximum deviation from said reference geographical location, an output means for displaying information to the user, and a memory means including an executable user-interface program for operatively controlling said input means and said output means, a database of records including an identity and geographical availability for each of a plurality of market entities, and an executable searching program for searching said database for records that correlate with said input data and for enabling said records that correlate to be displayed as information on said output means.

11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said database of records further includes current pricing information for each of said plurality of market entities, said current pricing information being outputted from a temporal test program being executed prior to an execution of said searching program.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said database of records further includes temporally independent pricing information for each of said plurality of market entities, said temporally independent pricing information being inputted to said temporal test program and being transparent to said searching program.

13. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said temporally independent pricing information is accessible by said suppliers of said of the user purchasable products.

14. A method of facilitating Internet-assisted commerce, said method comprising the steps of: collecting a plurality of retailer related records, each of said retailer related records including a product code, and a related geographical availability in longitudinal and latitudinal form, storing said plurality of retailer related records in searchable form, providing a means for selectively retrieving one or more particular retailer related records based upon a user entered product code and a maximum allowed deviation from said geographical availability.

15. A system for distributing information related to user purchasable products, said system comprising: a database of records including fields related to identification, pricing, characterisation and geographical availability of a plurality of user purchasable products, said records also including fields related to a plurality of suppliers of the user purchasable products, input means for receiving user input data related to at least a desired characterisation and geographical availability of a desired user purchasable product, searching means for searching said database on the basis of said user input data and for determining a search result, said search result having records including said fields related to identification, pricing and supplier, and an output display means for displaying said search result.

16. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein said fields relating to pricing are associated with a temporary storage element, the data within which is periodically checked according to temporal statement and if said check is true, then said data is loaded into said associated field related to pricing.

17. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein an authorised supplier can access one or more temporary storage elements.

18. A computerised method of distributing product information, said method comprising the steps of: tendering a plurality of product types, for selection of one desired product type by a user, tendering a plurality of product sub-types on the basis of the selected product type, for selection of one desired product type by the user, tendering at least one or more relevant characterising product attributes, on the basis of the selected product type, for selection of one or more attribute preferences by the user, obtaining geographical data related to an acceptable geographical purchasing area by the user, and returning any of a plurality of pre-stored data records which correlate to all of said selections and said acceptable geographical purchasing area.

19. A method of dynamically constructing a searchable index of valid identifiers, said method comprising the steps of:

(i) prompting a user for an initial word;

(ii) building a set of possible valid identifiers based on said initial word and previously mapped relationships with respect to said initial word; (iii) displaying said set for selection by the user,

(iv) adding the initial word to a list of unmatched words, prompting the user for a new initial word and repeating from step (ii), if a selection from said set has not been made by the user; (v) providing a further mapped relationship for each of said list of unmatched words with a selected valid identifier, if a selection from said set is made by the user.

20. A method of facilitating Internet-assisted commerce as claimed in claim 14, wherein the user entered product code is taken from a searchable index of valid identifiers dynamically constructed with the steps of: (i) prompting a user for an initial word;

(ii) building a set of possible valid identifiers based on said initial word and previously mapped relationships with respect to said initial word; (iii) displaying said set for selection by the user, (iv) adding the initial word to a list of unmatched words, prompting the user for a new initial word and repeating from step (ii), if a selection from said set has not been made by the user;

(v) providing a further mapped relationship for each of said list of unmatched words with a selected valid identifier, if a selection from said set is made by the user.

21. An indexing system comprising: means for obtaining an initial word of interest; a database for storing words and any related alternative words, each of said stored words being searchable on the basis of a mapped relationship with the initial word of interest; and means for mapping and storing newly related words to said database where a search of the database cannot be determine a mapped relationship with the initial word of interest.

22. A method for classifying information related to a plurality of identified entities, said method comprising the steps of: creating a uniquely identifiable record of information related to each of said entities; determining a rule for tagging each of said records, said rule including assignment of at least two indexable tags for each of said records; and searching for one or more of said indexable tags on the basis of desired values of said indexable tags.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein at least one of said indexable tags relates to an attribute of said entity.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein at least one of said indexable tags relates to an identification type of said entity.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein a common rule is determined for entities having a common identity type.

26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein said entities are market entities comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of consumer products, organisations, services, people, documents and media.

27. A method of enabling a query to be performed on a database holding records of information related to marketable entities, said method comprising the steps of: receiving data related to a desired type of market entity, determining one or more searchable attribute fields of relevance to the desired product type, and generating a query form having data entry fields for each of said determined searchable attribute fields, said query form being arranged for entry of value data by a user of the database.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising the steps of: receiving value data from at least one of said data entry fields on said query form having been filled by a user of the database, and executing a coπesponding query on the records of the database.

29. A method for classifying and subsequently retrieving product related information, said method comprising the steps of: displaying a product pick list to an intending consumer, receiving a product selection from said product pick list from the intending consumer, determining a set of attribute fields associated with said product selection, displaying an attribute field pick list to the intending consumer, receiving an attribute field selection and a value for one or more of said attribute fields, determining product related information in accordance with said received selection and value, and displaying said product relation information.

30. A product information distribution system substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments as that embodiment is illustrated in the drawings.

31. A method of facilitating Internet-assisted commerce, said method being substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments as that embodiment is illustrated in the drawings.

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32. A method of dynamically constructing a searchable index of valid identifiers, said method being substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments as that embodiment is illustrated in the drawings.

o 33. A method for classifying information related to a plurality of identified entities, said method being substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments as that embodiment is illustrated in the drawings.

34. A method of enabling a query to be performed on a database holding 5 records of information related to marketable entities, said method being substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments as that embodiment is illustrated in the drawings.

o DATED this Twenty-third Day of June, 2000

Jonathan Robert Burnett

Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON & FERGUSON