WO2001029737A2

WO2001029737A2 - Hybrid horizontal sales method for bridging a gap between the online world and physical stores

Info

Publication number: WO2001029737A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/029102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leo J. Vastardis; Christopher R. Destefano; Joseph B. Murray; John I. Gayeski
Original assignee: Hybrinet, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-10-21
Filing date: 2000-10-23
Publication date: 2001-04-26
Also published as: WO2001029737A3; AU1913001A

Abstract

A hybrid sales method that bridges a gap between the online world and physical stores uses a network of at least one user interactive network device for operation by a registered user desiring to conduct a transaction at a physical store, at least one central network device, and at least one merchant network device. The method includes the steps of allowing an access to the central network device by the registered user using the user interactive network device, allowing the registered user to send a user request for information relating to a transaction from the user interactive network device to the central network device, causing the merchant network device and the central network device to communicate, generating a summary response at the central network device in response to the user request, sending the summary response from the central network device to the user interactive network device, and displaying the summary response at the user interactive network device. The method further includes the step of notifying the central network device, the merchant network device, or the user interactive network device, when the registered user goes to a physical store to complete the transaction.

Description

Hybrid Horizontal Sales Method for Bridging A Gap Between the Online World and Physical Stores

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hybrid horizontal sales method for bridging a

gap between online virtual presences accessible through open networks, such as the

Internet, and physical stores. The invention uses a plurality of devices, networks, and

software to achieve a convenient and secure environment for marketing goods and

services.

Discussion of the Related Art

Historically, an enormous amount of time, money, and effort has been

expended by companies and individuals in order to advertise and sell their products

and services. For generations, various media have been used to realize such business

matters.

Recently, the pervasive nature of open networks, such as the Internet, has

provided a global means to attract new customers and retain old customers.

Purchasing can now be linked to advertising in this age of technology and rapidly

evolving commumcations. Open networks transcend distance; a person from Bombay

can sell a Cashmere sweater to another individual in Butte, Montana using a virtual

storefront, also known as a "web page". All that is required to transition from

information gathering to purchasing is client software to select merchandise and

indicate the quantity, desired means of payment, and delivery options.

There are several drawbacks related to the aforementioned methodology that are becoming more apparent as organizations rush headlong to secure their stake in

this "online world."

The first disadvantage of this method is the overwhelming amount of

information that the customer must negotiate to find a particular item or service.

Locating a particular good or service is a time consuming process that often results in

the customer abandoning either the search or the completion of the transaction.

A second disadvantage is that the retailer and customers often have never had

a prior relationship on which to base trust and a mutually satisfactory level of

credibility. The customer may wonder: "If I complete this transaction, will I really

get my Cashmere sweater from this merchant in Bombay?" The retailer may ask: "Is

this customer using a valid form of payment or is the customer in fact attempting to

commit fraud?"

A third disadvantage is that several products and services do not lend

themselves to purchasing online; clothes and shoes are obvious examples as the types

of products that must be examined physically to qualify several attributes that cannot

be specified either by language or graphics.

The Internet-type business presents disadvantages for businesses such as home

improvement, brick and mortar physical retailers. For many traditional retailers, their

business strength is physical location and established brand image. The Internet

essentially evens the playing field, diluting brand image and handicapping physical distribution power.

Another major disadvantage for traditional retailers is the risk open

networks pose to foot traffic and impulse expenditures. Foot traffic is critical to many traditional retailers, as impulse expenditures are responsible for generating up

to 40% of total sales. Holding all else constant, the economics of online shopping

differ greatly from that of traditional commerce. For instance, if consumers go to

the Gap.com to purchase a pair of chinos, they are likely to only locate the chinos,

complete the transaction, and then log off. However, if these consumers physically

go to a local Gap store to purchase the same chinos, it is likely that the shoppers

also will purchase 1.5 additional items. Unfortunately, traditional retailers have not

been able to design an open network solution that will leverage their existing

strengths and protect their valuable foot traffic. In short, what is required is a hybrid solution that takes advantage of the

information-centric nature of open networks combined with the recognized security

and tactile experience of physical store transactions.

Thus, there is a great need in the art for an over-arching, comprehensive

system and method for finding and procuring commercial product and service

information both on and off open networks, in a way which encompasses the

advantages and avoids the shortcomings of previous methodologies that were

concerned with solely addressing virtual storefronts or physical stores, but not both.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a hybrid horizontal sales

method for bridging a gap between the online world and physical stores that

substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of

the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the method that bridges a

gap between the online world and physical stores comprises a network of at least one

user interactive network device for operation by a registered user desiring to conduct

at least one transaction with at least one physical store, at least one central network

device, and at least one merchant network device. The method includes the steps of

allowing an access to the at least one central network device by the registered user

using the at least one user interactive network device, allowing the registered user to

send at least one user request for information relating to the at least one transaction

from the at least one user interactive network device to the at least one central network

device, causing the at least one merchant network device and the at least one central

network device to communicate, generating at least one summary response at the at

least one central network device in response to the at least one user request, sending

the at least one summary response from the at least one central network device to the

at least one user interactive network device, and displaying the at least one summary

response at the at least one user interactive network device. The method further

includes the step of notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one

merchant network device, or the at least one user interactive network device when the

registered user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction.

In another aspect, the invention includes a method of bridging a gap between

the online world and physical stores comprising a network of at least one user

interactive network device for operation by a registered user desiring to conduct at least one transaction with at least one physical store, at least one central network

response at the at least one user interactive network device. The method also includes

the steps of notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant

network device, or the at least one user interactive network device when the registered

user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction and rewarding the

registered user who completes at least one qualifying user transaction.

In another aspect, the invention includes a method of bridging a gap between

the online world and physical stores comprising a network of at least one user

interactive network device for operation by a registered user desiring to conduct at

least one transaction with at least one physical store, at least one central network

using the at least one user interactive network device, allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for information relating to the at least one transaction

response at the at least one user interactive network device. In addition, the method

includes the steps of notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one

registered user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction and

creating revenue sharing information when the registered user completes at least one

qualifying revenue sharing transaction.

In yet another aspect, the invention includes a method of bridging a gap

between the online world and physical stores comprising a network of at least one

device, and at least one merchant network device.

The method includes the steps of allowing an access to the at least one central

network device by the registered user using the at least one user interactive network

device, allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for information

relating to the at least one transaction from the at least one user interactive network

device to the at least one central network device, causing the at least one merchant network device and the at least one central network device to communicate,

generating at least one summary response at the at least one central network device in

response to the at least one user request, sending the at least one summary response

from the at least one central network device to the at least one user interactive network

device, and displaying the at least one summary response at the at least one user

interactive network device. The method further includes the steps of notifying the at

least one central network device, the at least one merchant network device, or the at

least one user interactive network device when the registered user goes to a physical

store to complete the at least one transaction, rewarding the registered user who

completes at least one qualifying user transaction, and creating revenue sharing

information when the registered user completes at least one qualifying revenue

sharing transaction.

In another aspect, the invention includes a method of bridging a gap between

the online world and physical stores comprising a network of at least one user

device, periodically sending at least one merchant response from the at least one

merchant network device to the at least one central network device, storing the at least one merchant response in the at least one central network device, generating at least

one summary response at the at least one central network device in response to the at

least one user request, sending the at least one summary response from the at least one

central network device to the at least one user interactive network device, displaying

the at least one summary response at the at least one user interactive network device,

and notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant

user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction.

In a further aspect, the invention includes a method of bridging a gap between

the online world and physical stores comprising a network of at least one user

device, constructing at least one central information request based on the at least one

user request, sending the at least one central information request from the at least one

central network device to the at least one merchant network device, sending at least

one merchant response from the at least one merchant network device to the at least

one central network device in response to the at least one central information request,

and receiving the at least one merchant response at the at least one central network device. The method also includes the steps of generating at least one summary

response based on the at least one merchant response at the at least one central

network device in response to the at least one user request, sending the at least one

summary response from the at least one central network device to the at least one user

interactive network device, and displaying the at least one summary response at the at

least one user interactive network device. In addition, the method includes the step of

notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant network

device, or the at least one user interactive network device when the registered user

goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction.

In yet another aspect, the invention includes a method for collecting consumer

information comprising a network of at least one user interactive network device for

operation by a registered user desiring to conduct at least one transaction with at least

one physical store, at least one central network device, and at least one merchant

network device. The method includes the steps of allowing the registered user to

access the at least one central network device using the at least one user interactive

network device, allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for

information relating to the at least one transaction from the at least one user

interactive network device to the at least central network device, allowing the at least

one merchant network device and the at least one central network device to

communicate, generating at least one summary response at the at least one central

interactive network device, and displaying the at least one summary response at the at least one user interactive network device. The method further includes the steps of

goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction, storing at least one

online browsing record, storing at least one actual transaction record when the

registered user completes the at least one transaction at a physical store, and

comparing the at least one online browsing record with the at least one actual

transaction record.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the

description, which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may

be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the

invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the

written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the

following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to

provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further

understanding of the invention and are incoφorated in and constitute a part of this

specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the

description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is an overall system block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a

hybrid horizontal sales system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an operation of the present

invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an operation of the present

invention that includes rewarding a user;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an operation of the present

invention that includes creating revenue sharing information;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an operation of the present

invention that includes rewarding a user and creating revenue sharing information;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of information sharing

between the central network device and the merchant network device;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing how another embodiment of information

sharing between the central network device and the merchant network device

operates; and

FIG. 8 is an overall system block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a

consumer purchase behavior analysis system of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting one preferred embodiment of an operation of

the consumer purchase behavior analysis system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

With reference to FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of a hybrid sales system in

accordance with the present invention includes at least one user interactive network

device 101 operated by a registered user desiring to conduct a transaction with a

physical store, at least one merchant network device 103, which includes information

regarding physical stores, at least one central network device 102, typically operated

by a manager of the hybrid sales system, and at least one identification system 104.

The user interactive network device 101, the merchant network device 103, the

central network device 102, and the identification system 104 are interconnected by a

network. In FIG. 1, a solid line between two devices indicates that the two devices

must be able to communicate with each other. A broken line between two devices

indicates that the two devices may or may not communicate directly with each other.

Networks used to connect the user interactive network device 101, the central

network device 102, the merchant network device 103, and the identification system

104 may be terrestrial systems including the Internet, phone lines, cable lines, and

fiber optic cables or wireless communication systems. One or more types of networks

may be used to connect the devices that comprise the hybrid sales system. For

example, the user interactive network device may access the Internet using an Internet

service provider and communicate with the central network device by accessing its

web page. The central network device and the merchant network device may

communicate with each other via fiber optic cables. The identification system may

use a telephone line to communicate with the central or merchant network device. This and other network configurations of the hybrid sales system will be known to

those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of this invention.

A user of the hybrid sales system must register with the central network device

102 before being able to make a full use of the hybrid sales system. While the central

network device 102 may grant an unregistered user an access, registration is

necessary, for example, to reward the user for using the hybrid sales system.

Registration can be done in a variety of ways such as using the Internet, telephone or

mail.

The user interactive network device 101 may be a personal computer with an

Internet access. Alternatively, it can be a dummy terminal with an access to the

Internet through a server machine or an information appliance such as a personal data

assistant or cellular phone. Dummy terminals may be provided in a kiosk-like setting

within a shopping mall or other public areas to grant a convenient access to the central

network device 102. Other user interactive network devices will be known to those

skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the present invention.

The central network device 102 is programmed to receive a user request from

the user interactive network device 101, generate a summary response based on the

user request, and to send a summary response to the user interactive network device

101. The central network device is programmed to communicate with the merchant

network device 103 to obtain information regarding physical stores. In addition, the

central network device 102 may be programmed to communicate with the

identification system 104 so that the central network device can receive information regarding transactions at physical stores.

The merchant network device 103 contains information regarding physical

stores. Typically, the merchant network device 103 maintains a database containing

information regarding products or services. For example, database for a clothing store

may contain information regarding style, material, color, size, quantity, and price.

Database for a doctor's office, on the other hand, may contain description of services

provided, fees charged for each service, information on doctors, and types of health

insurances accepted.

The merchant network device 103 is programmed to communicate with the

central network device. It may be programmed to periodically send information

regarding physical stores to the central network device 102. Alternatively, it also may

be programmed to accept a central information request from the central network

device 102, construct a merchant response to the central information request, and send

the merchant response to the central network device 102. Communication between

the merchant network device 103 and the central network device 102 regarding

information on physical stores is described in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and

7. In addition, the merchant network device 103 may be programmed to communicate

with the identification system 104 so that the merchant network device may receive

information regarding transactions at physical stores.

The identification system 104 is capable of communicating with the central

network device 102, the merchant network device 103, or the user interactive network

device 101, when the registered user completes a transaction at a physical store. The identification system 104 also allows the registered user to identify himself or herself

so that transactions can be tied to the user. The identification system 104 may be a

wireless information device, a non- volatile area of memory of the user interactive

network device 101, a memory card and a card reader, a microprocessor card and a

card reader, a magnetic card and a card reader, a finger print scanning device and a

point-of-transaction network device, an iris-scanning device and a point-of-transaction

network device, a face recognition device and a point-of-transaction network device,

or a voice recognition device and a point of transaction network device. The

identification system 104 can also be an information appliance integrated with the

user interactive network device 101, such as a Personal Data Assistant, cellular

telephone, interactive pager, and set-top box. Other identification systems will be

known to those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of this invention. The

identification system 104 also may require the user to manually enter his or her

identification code. Alternatively, the user interactive network device 101 may

function as the identification system 104.

The system shown in FIG. 1 may be set up to ensure security of transaction

and data, by securing the devices in the system and network interconnecting them.

This may be done, for example, by using a password based access limitation, common

encryption software or hardware, or common authentication/general cryptographic

software or hardware. Other security tools will be known to those skilled in the art,

and are within the scope of the present invention. In addition, by encrypting data

regarding users of the system, the system can protect privacy of the users. The present invention can be used to help a user locate a variety of products

and services available at physical stores. Products can be almost anything that is sold

at stores, including clothing, grocery, personal care items, books, jewelry, bicycles,

automobiles, and furniture. Types of services also may vary widely, including

medical care, personal care and dependent care. In other words, the application of this

invention is not limited to any particular product or service.

FIGS. 2-5 are flow charts showing preferred embodiments of various uses of a

hybrid sales system of the present invention. Some of the steps shown in the flow

charts may be implemented in a computer program that may be installed in the user

interactive network device, the central network device, the merchant network device,

or the identification system.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a process using a hybrid

sales system of the present invention. The process starts when a user accesses the

central network device using the user interactive network device in step 201. In step

202, the user sends a user information request from the user interactive network

device to the central network device. Then, the central network device constructs a

summary response to the user request and sends it to the user in steps 203 and 204. In

constructing a summary response, the central network device may communicate with

the merchant network device, which will be described in detail later in conjunction

with FIGS. 6 and 7. The summary response is displayed at the user interactive

network device in step 205. In step 206, the user has an option of repeating steps 202

through 205. In step 207, the user decides whether to complete one or more of the

transactions that he or she inquired about in steps 202 through 205 at one or more

physical stores. Generally, the user completes a transaction at a physical store listed

in one of the summary responses provided by the central network device. However,

the user may choose to go to a physical store that is equipped with an identification

system but was not listed in the summary responses. At a physical store, the user

completes a transaction using the identification system in step 208. Finally, in step

209, the identification system notifies the central network device, the merchant

network device, the user interactive network device, or any combination of the three

devices about the transaction completed by the user.

In a user request issued in step 202, a user may be allowed to specify various

characteristics of a product or a service provider. If a user knows exactly what he or

she wants, the user may specifically identify that particular item or service provider,

such as a man's navy double-breasted wool jacket by Burberry in size 40 or a female

pediatrician with at least 10 years of experience who belongs to a certain HMO group.

On the other hand, a user may request the central network device to find items or

service providers that meet certain criteria. For example, the user may ask the central

network device to find all man's navy double-breasted wool jackets in size 40 or all

travel agencies that specialize in domestic business travel reservations.

Furthermore, a user may be allowed to specify not only types of a product or

service that he or she is interested in but also various criteria for physical stores. For

example, a user may require a physical store to be located within a certain distance from his or her home. A user may wish to go to a store located at a certain shopping

center or specify a name of a particular chain, such as Sears, K-Mart, Bloomingdale's,

or American Express Travel Service. A user also may require physical stores to carry

the desired item or service at or below a certain price or offer a certain level of

customer service.

A summary response constructed by the central network device also may

include information other than a list of physical stores that meet user's criteria set

forth in the user request. For example, a user requests a department store within 10

miles of the user having a size 2 navy wool suit by Ellen Tracy, but the central

network device does not find any department store that has the desired product in

stock. The central network device may give a list of department stores outside the 10-

mile range that carry similar items. Alternatively, it may prompt a user to enter

another user request in order to change one or more of the search criteria or to request

an entirely new search.

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of a process that can be implemented

using the present invention. This process starts when a user accesses the central

network device using the user interactive network device in step 301. In step 302, the

user sends a user information request from the user interactive network device to the

central network device. Then the central network device constructs a summary

response to the user information request and sends it to the user in steps 303 and 304.

The summary response is displayed at the user interactive network device in step 305.

In step 306, the user has an option of repeating steps 302 through 305. In step 307, the user decides whether to complete a transaction specified in the user request at a

physical store. At a physical store, the user completes a transaction using the

identification system in step 308. Then, in step 309, the identification system notifies

the central network device, the merchant network device, the user interactive network

device, or any combination of the three devices about the transaction completed by the

user. Finally, in step 310, a user is rewarded for completing a qualifying user

transaction.

The central network device can be programmed to flexibly define qualifying

user transactions to encourage its users to use a hybrid sales system. Examples of

qualifying user transactions include simply accessing the at least one central network

device to inquire about a certain transaction, completing a transaction specified in the

at least one user request issued in step 302, and completing a transaction specified in

the at least one user request issued in step 302 at a physical store listed in a summary

response provided to the user in steps 304 and 305. Other qualifying user transactions

are known to those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the present invention.

There are many types of user rewards that a hybrid sales system may provide

to its users. Examples of user rewards include electronic cash, a merchandise or

service selected from an online or physical catalog, a gift certificate redeemable at

certain stores in an electronic or paper form, airline frequent flyer miles, electronic

credits, and a cash refund. Other user rewards are known to those skilled in the art,

and are within the scope of the invention.

The central network device may be programmed to provide one or more types of rewards. The central network device maintains a database containing information

necessary to compute user rewards and is programmed to calculate or distribute user

rewards. The merchant network device, the user interactive network device or the

identification system also may contain relevant information regarding user rewards.

In such cases, the central network device is further programmed to communicate with

the merchant network device, the user interactive network device, or the identification

system to collect user-reward related information and to compute or to distribute

rewards. The central network device may issue user rewards to the user interactive

network device, the merchant network device, or the central network device itself,

which is programmed to allow a user to redeem such rewards.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart showing one embodiment of another use of a

hybrid sales system of the present invention. In step 401, the user accesses the central

network device using the user interactive network device. In step 402, the user sends

a user information request from the user interactive network device to the central

network device. In steps 403 and 404, the central network device generates a

summary response and sends it to the user interactive network device. In step 405, the

summary response is displayed at the user interactive network device. In step 406, the

user has an option of repeating steps 402 through 405. In step 407, the user decides

whether to complete a transaction specified in a user request by visiting a physical

store. A user completes a transaction using the identification system in step 408, and

the identification system notifies the central network device, the merchant network

device, the user interactive network device, or any combination of the three devices in step 409. In step 410, the central network device is rewarded when a user completes a

qualifying revenue sharing transaction.

A qualifying revenue sharing transaction may be defined to include one or

more types of transactions. Examples include conducting a transaction specified in

the at least one user request sent by the user to the central network device either at a

physical store or online, conducting a transaction specified in the at least one user

request at a physical store equipped with the identification system, and conducting a

transaction specified in a user request at a physical store listed in the summary

response. Other qualifying revenue sharing transactions will be apparent to those

skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the present invention.

The central network device, the merchant network device, the user interactive

network device, and the identification system are programmed to support one or more

forms of desired qualifying revenue sharing transactions. For example, if one chooses

to define a qualifying revenue sharing transaction as completion of a transaction

specified in a user request at a physical store listed in the corresponding summary

response, the central network device may be programmed to store summary responses

provided to the user, obtain actual transaction records from the merchant network

device, the identification system, or the user interactive network device, and compare

the actual transaction records with summary responses stored in the database to

identify qualifying revenue sharing transactions. In this example, information relating

to revenue sharing is stored in the central network device. Alternatively, the merchant

network device or the user interactive network device may be programmed to store and process a part or all of revenue sharing information.

Revenue sharing information may be used to provide a reward to various

destinations in various forms. Reward destinations include the central network

device, a bank account, and certain individuals or coφorations. For example, the

central network device may receive a reward in a form of electronic cash from the

merchant network device. The merchant network device may cause to have money

transferred to a certain bank account. Alternatively, an individual or company

associated with the merchant network device may send a paper check to an individual

or company associated with the central network device. Thus, there are many

different ways of utilizing revenue sharing information. Other reward destinations are

known to those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts yet another embodiment of a process using a hybrid sales

system of the present invention. In step 501, the user accesses the central network

device using the user interactive network device. The user then sends a user

information request to the central network device in step 502, causes the central

network device to construct and send a summary response to the user interactive

network device in steps 503 and 504, and views the summary response using the user

interactive network device in step 505. In step 506, the user decides whether to repeat

steps 502 through 505. In steps 507 through 508, the user decides to visit a physical

store and completes a transaction at a physical store using the identification system.

In step 509, the identification system notifies the central network device, the merchant

network device, the user interactive network device, or any combination of the three devices about the completed transaction. In step 510, the user is rewarded for

completing a qualifying user transaction. Finally, revenue sharing information is

created if the user completes a qualifying revenue sharing transaction in step 511.

The central network device and the merchant network device may

communicate information regarding physical stores in various ways.

Figures 6 shows one embodiment of communication between the central

network device 601 and the merchant network device 602. The central network

device 601 may maintain database 603 containing information on physical stores sent

by the merchant network device 602. The database 603 is updated periodically as new

information is sent by the merchant network device 602. The merchant network

device 602 also maintains database 604 containing information regarding physical

stores.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an alternative embodiment of a communication

process between the central network device 101 and the merchant network device 102.

In step 701, the user accesses the central network device using the user interactive

network device. The user then sends a user information request in step 702. In steps

703 and 704, the central network device constructs a central information request based

on the user information request and sends it to one or more merchant network devices.

Each of the merchant network devices then sends a merchant response to the central

network device in step 705. In steps 706 and 707, the central network device

constructs a summary response based on merchant responses and sends it to the user

interactive network device. In steps 708 and 709, the user views the summary response and decides whether to repeat steps 702 through 708. In step 710, user

decides whether to complete one or more transactions at a physical store. In steps 711

through 712, user completes a transaction using the identification system and the

identification system notifies the completion of the transaction to the central network

device, the merchant network device, the user interactive network device, or any

combination of the three devices.

A manner in which the central network device and the merchant network

device are programmed to communicate information regarding physical stores does

not affect how a hybrid sales system of the present invention may be utilized.

Specifically, although not shown in FIG. 7, the hybrid sales system also may be used

to reward the user for completing a qualifying user transaction and/or to create

revenue sharing information. In addition, the central network device and the merchant

network device may communicate using a method described in conjunction with FIG.

7 but the central network device also may maintain a database regarding information

on physical stores.

Any one of the steps shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 7 may be implemented to ensure

security of that step. For example, a step may be secured by using various data

encryption or user authentication methods. Such security measures can be

implemented using software or by embedding security features on hardware. In

addition, a network connecting the merchant network device, the central network

device, the user interactive network device, and the identification system also may be

secured using various network security hardware and software. Other means for securing the steps and system will be known to those skilled in the art, and are within

the scope of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an over all system block diagram of one preferred embodiment of a

consumer purchase behavior analysis system of the present invention. The system in

FIG. 8 includes at least one user interactive network device 801 operated by a

registered user desiring to conduct a transaction with a physical store, at least one

merchant network device 803, which includes information regarding physical stores,

at least one central network device 802, typically operated by a manager of the

system, and at least one identification system 804. The user interactive network

device 801, the merchant network device 803, the central network device 802, and the

identification system 804 are interconnected by a network. In FIG. 8, a solid line

between two devices indicates that the two devices must be able to communicate with

each other. A broken line between two devices indicates that the two devices may or

may not communicate directly with each other.

Each of the devices in FIG. 8 is described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 1,

including types of devices that can be used as the identification system 804.

In addition to the devices that are also used in the system depicted FIG. 1, the

system in FIG. 8 includes database for storing online browsing records 805 and actual

transaction records 806. Online browsing records may include information regarding

user requests and summary responses. They also may include information regarding

items or services that the user has simply "browsed" or looked at without asking for

further information by issuing a user information request. Actual transaction records may include information regarding a transaction performed by a user at a physical

store. While the preferred embodiment shows that both online browsing and actual

transaction records are kept by the central network device 802, the two records also

can be maintained by the merchant network device 803, the user interactive network

device 801 , or the identification system 804. The two records may even be kept by

two different devices. For example, in another embodiment, online browsing records

may be kept in the user interactive network device 801 and is compared against actual

transaction records in the central network device 802, whenever a user accesses the

central network device 802.

By comparing online browsing records against actual transaction records, it is

possible to distinguish an impulse purchase from a non-impulse purchase. For

example, a user uses the system to inquire about locations of physical stores that carry

a blue cotton t-shirt of a certain size. The online browsing record for this transaction,

which includes a description of the item requested and a list of stores given to the

user, is stored in the central network device 802. A few days after accessing the

central network device 802 to locate a store, the user goes to one of the stores listed in

the summary response to purchase the shirt. Once at the store, the user decides to

purchase not only the shirt but also a pair of jeans and socks to go with the shirt. At .

the checkout, the identification system 804 identifies the user and notifies the central

network device 802, the merchant network device 803, the user interactive network

device 801, or any combination of the three devices. The record of this transaction,

which includes the identity of the user and items purchased, is stored in the central network device 802. By comparing the online browsing record and the actual

transaction record, one can determine which items are planned purchases and which

items are un-planned or impulse purchases.

While the above example applied the system to distinguish an impulse

purchase from an non-impulse purchase, various other types of useful information can

be obtained by comparing the two records. For example, such comparison may be

used to identify stores that the user is more likely to visit, factors that affect the user in

choosing a store, or an average spending per visit.

The system may be set up to ensure security of transaction and data, including

database containing online browsing records and actual transaction records, by

securing the devices and data in the system and by securing the network

interconnecting them. This may be done, for example, by using passwords and/or

encryption software or hardware. To protect the privacy of the users, it may be

necessary to encrypt database containing online browsing and actual transaction

records and to implement various measures to limit access to such database. Other

means for securing the system will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are

within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a process that uses a consumer purchase

behavior analysis system of the present invention. In step 901, a user accesses the

central network device using the user interactive network device. The user then sends

a user information request in the step 902. In steps 903 and 904, the central network

device constructs a summary response and sends it to the user. In step 905, the user views the summary response at the user interactive network device. The user may

then decide whether to repeat the steps 902 through 905 in step 906. In step 907, the

online transaction record is stored. In step 908, the user decides whether to go to a

physical store to complete one or more transactions at a physical store. At a physical

store, the user completes the transaction using the identification system in step 909

and the identification system notifies the central network device, the merchant

devices in step 910. The record of the actual transaction is stored in step 911. Finally

in step 912, the online transaction record and the actual transaction record are

compared.

During the comparison step 912, it is important not to limit the scope of the

comparison to the records corresponding to most recent online browsing and most

recent actual transaction. For example, a user might go to a store several weeks after

inquiring about a certain transaction to complete that transaction. Meanwhile, the user

might access the system to inquire about different transactions. Thus, it is advisable

to compare actual transaction records with online transaction records dated several

weeks or even months prior to the actual transaction.

Any one of the steps shown in FIG. 9 may be implemented to ensure security

of that step. For example, a step may be secured by using data encryption or user

authentication methods. Such security measures can be implemented using

passwords, encryption software, or hardware with embedded security features. In

addition, a network connecting the merchant network device, the central network device, the user interactive network device, and the identification system also may be

secured using various network security hardware and software. Other means of

securing the steps and system will be known to those skilled in the art, and are within

the scope of the invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and

variations can be made in the hybrid sales system for bridging a gap between the

online world and physical stores of the present invention without departing from the

spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover

the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the

scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A method of bridging a gap between the online world and physical

stores comprising a network of at least one user interactive network device for

network device, the method comprising the steps of:

allowing an access to the at least one central network device by the registered

user using the at least one user interactive network device;

allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for information

device to the at least one central network device;

causing the at least one merchant network device and the at least one central

network device to communicate;

generating at least one summary response at the at least one central network

device in response to the at least one user request;

sending the at least one summary response from the at least one central

network device to the at least one user interactive network device;

displaying the at least one summary response at the at least one user

interactive network device; and

notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant

user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one wireless information device is used during the notifying step.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one non- volatile

area of memory of the at least one user interactive network device is used during the

notifying step.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one memory card

and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one microprocessor

card and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one information

appliance is used during the notifying step.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one information

appliance used during the notifying step includes a Personal Data Assistant, cellular

telephone, interactive pager, and set-top-box.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one magnetic card

and at least one card reader are used during the notifying step.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one iris scanning

device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during the

notifying step.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one finger print

scanning device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during

the notifying step.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one face recognition

device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during the notifying step.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one voice

recognition device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used

during the notifying step.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one device that

allows the registered user to manually enter an identification code is used during the

notifying step.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one user

interactive network device is used during the notifying step.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein each step comprising claim

1 is secured.

16. A method of bridging a gap between the online world and physical

stores comprising a network of at least one user interactive network device for

network device, the method comprising the steps of:

allowing an access to the at least one central network device by the registered

user using the at least one user interactive network device;

allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for information

device to the at least one central network device;

causing the at least one merchant network device and the at least one central

network device to communicate;

generating at least one summary response at the at least one central network

device in response to the at least one user request;

sending the at least one summary response from the at least one central

network device to the at least one user interactive network device;

displaying the at least one summary response at the at least one user

interactive network device;

notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant

user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction; and

rewarding the registered user who completes at least one qualifying user

transaction.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one wireless

information device is used during the notifying step.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one non-volatile

notifying step.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one memory card

and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one microprocessor

card and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one information

appliance is used during the notifying step.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the at least one information

telephone, interactive pager, and set-top-box.

23. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one magnetic card and at least one card reader are used during the notifying step.

24. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one iris scanning

device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during the

notifying step.

25. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one finger print

the notifying step.

26. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one face recognition device and at least one point-of-transaction network device is used during

the notifying step.

27. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one voice

recognition device and at least one point-of-transaction network device is used during

the notifying step.

28. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one device that

notifying step.

29. The method according to claim 16, wherein the at least one user

interactive network device is used during the notifying step.

30. The method according to claim 16, wherein each step comprising claim

16 is secured.

31. A method of bridging a gap between the online world and physical

stores comprising a network of at least one user interactive network device for

network device, the method comprising the steps of:

allowing an access to the at least one central network device by the registered

user using the at least one user interactive network device;

allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for information

device to the at least one central network device;

causing the at least one merchant network device and the at least one central

network device to communicate;

generating at least one summary response at the at least one central network

device in response to the at least one user request;

sending the at least one summary response from the at least one central

network device to the at least one user interactive network device;

displaying the at least one summary response at the at least one user

interactive network device;

notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant

user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction; and

creating revenue sharing information when the registered user completes at

least one qualifying revenue sharing transaction.

32. The method according to claim 31 , wherein at least one wireless

information device is used during the notifying step.

33. The method according to claim 31, wherein at least one non- volatile

notifying step.

34. The method according to claim 31, wherein at least one memory card

and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

35. The method according to claim 31, wherein at least one microprocessor

card and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

36. The method according to claim 31 , wherein at least one information

appliance is used during the notifying step.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the at least one information

telephone, interactive pager, and set-top-box.

38. The method according to claim 31, wherein at least one magnetic card

and at least one card reader are used during the notifying step.

39. The method according to claim 31 , wherein at least one iris scanning

device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during the

notifying step.

40. The method according to claim 31 , wherein at least one finger print

the notifying step.

41. The method according to claim 31 , wherein at least one face recognition device and at least one point-of-transaction network device is used during

the notifying step.

42. The method according to claim 31 , wherein at least one voice

the notifying step.

43. The method according to claim 31, wherein at least one device that

notifying step.

44. The method according to claim 31 , wherein the at least one user

interactive network device is used during the notifying step.

45. The method according to claim 31, wherein each step comprising claim

31 is secured.

46. A method of bridging a gap between the online world and physical

stores comprising a network of at least one user interactive network device for

network device, the method comprising the steps of:

allowing an access to the at least one central network device by the registered

user using the at least one user interactive network device;

allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for information

device to the at least one central network device;

causing the at least one merchant network device and the at least one central

network device to communicate;

generating at least one summary response at the at least one central network

device in response to the at least one user request;

sending the at least one summary response from the at least one central

network device to the at least one user interactive network device;

displaying the at least one summary response at the at least one user

interactive network device;

notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant

user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction;

rewarding the registered user who completes at least one qualifying user

transaction; and creating revenue sharing information when the registered user completes at

least one qualifying revenue sharing transaction.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one wireless

information device is used during the notifying step.

48. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one non- volatile area of memory of the at least one user interactive network device is used during the

notifying step.

49. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one memory card

and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

50. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one microprocessor

card and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

51. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one information

appliance is used during the notifying step.

52. The method according to claim 51 , wherein the at least one information

telephone, interactive pager, and set-top-box.

53. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one magnetic card

and at least one card reader are used during the notifying step.

54. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one iris scanning

device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during the

notifying step.

55. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one finger print

scanning device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during the notifying step.

56. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one face

the notifying step.

57. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one voice

the notifying step.

58. The method according to claim 46, wherein at least one device that

notifying step.

59. The method according to claim 46, wherein the at least one user

interactive network device is used during the notifying step.

60. The method according to claim 46, wherein each step comprising claim

46 is secured.

61. A method of bridging a gap between the online world and physical

stores comprising a network of at least one user interactive network device for

network device, the method comprising the steps of:

allowing an access to the at least one central network device by the registered

user using the at least one user interactive network device;

allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for information

device to the at least one central network device;

periodically sending at least one merchant response from the at least one

merchant network device to the at least one central network device;

storing the at least one merchant response in the at least one central network

device;

generating at least one summary response at the at least one central network

device in response to the at least one user request;

sending the at least one summary response from the at least one central

network device to the at least one user interactive network device;

displaying the at least one summary response at the at least one user

interactive network device; and

notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant

user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction.

62. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one wireless

information device is used during the notifying step.

63. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one non- volatile

notifying step.

64. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one memory card

and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

65. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one microprocessor

card and at least one card reader is used during the notifying step.

66. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one information

appliance is used during the notifying step.

67. The method according to claim 66, wherein the at least one information

telephone, interactive pager, and set-top-box.

68. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one magnetic card and at least one card reader are used during the notifying step.

69. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one iris scanning

device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during the

notifying step.

70. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one finger print

the notifying step.

71. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one face recognition device and at least one point-of-transaction network device is used during

the notifying step.

72. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one voice

the notifying step.

73. The method according to claim 61, wherein at least one device that

notifying step.

74. The method according to claim 61 , wherein the at least one user

interactive network device is used during the notifying step.

75. The method according to claim 61, further comprising the step of

rewarding the registered user who completes at least one qualifying user transaction.

76. The method according to claim 61, further comprising the step of

qualifying revenue sharing transaction.

77. The method according to claim 76, further comprising the step of

78. The method according to claim 61, wherein each step comprising claim

61 is secured.

79. A method of bridging a gap between the online world and physical

stores comprising a network of at least one user interactive network device for

network device, the method comprising the steps of:

allowing an access to the at least one central network device by the registered

user using the at least one user interactive network device;

allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for information

device to the at least one central network device;

constructing at least one central information request based on the at least one

user request;

sending the at least one central information request from the at least one

central network device to the at least one merchant network device;

sending at least one merchant response from the at least one merchant network

device to the at least one central network device in response to the at least one central

information request;

receiving the at least one merchant response at the at least one central network

device;

generating at least one summary response based on the at least one merchant

response at the at least one central network device in response to the at least one user

request;

sending the at least one summary response from the at least one central network device to the at least one user interactive network device;

displaying the at least one summary response at the at least one user

interactive network device; and

notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant

user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction.

80. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one wireless

information device is used during the storing step.

81. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one non- volatile

storing step.

82. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one memory card

and at least one card reader is used during the storing step.

83. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one microprocessor

card and at least one card reader is used during the storing step.

84. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one information

appliance is used during the storing step.

85. The method according to claim 84, wherein the at least one information

appliance used during the storing step includes a Personal Data Assistant, cellular

telephone, interactive pager, and set-top-box.

86. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one magnetic card

and at least one card reader are used during the storing step.

87. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one iris scanning

device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during the storing

step.

88. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one finger print

the storing step.

89. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one face

the storing step.

90. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one voice

the storing step.

91. The method according to claim 79, wherein at least one device that

notifying step.

92. The method according to claim 79, wherein the at least one user

interactive network device is used during the notifying step.

93. The method according to claim 79, further comprising the step of

94. The method according to claim 79, further comprising the step of

qualifying revenue sharing transaction.

95. The method according to claim 94, further comprising the step of rewarding the registered user who completes at least one qualifying user transaction.

96. The method according to claim 79, wherein each step comprising claim

79 is secured.

97. A method for collecting consumer information, comprising a network

of at least one user interactive network device for operation by a registered user

desiring to conduct at least one transaction with at least one physical store, at least one

central network device, and at least one merchant network device, the method

comprising the steps of:

allowing the registered user to access the at least one central network device

using the at least one user interactive network device;

allowing the registered user to send at least one user request for information

device to the at least central network device;

allowing the at least one merchant network device and the at least one central

network device to communicate;

generating at least one summary response at the at least one central network

device in response to the at least one user request;

sending the at least one summary response from the at least one central

network device to the at least one user interactive network device;

displaying the at least one summary response at the at least one user

interactive network device;

notifying the at least one central network device, the at least one merchant

user goes to a physical store to complete the at least one transaction;

storing at least one online browsing record;

storing at least one actual transaction record when the registered user completes the at least one transaction at a physical store; and

comparing the at least one online browsing record with the at least one actual

transaction record.

98. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one wireless

information device is used during the storing step.

99. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one non-volatile

storing step.

100. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one memory card

and at least one card reader is used during the storing step.

101. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one microprocessor

card and at least one card reader is used during the storing step.

102. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one information

appliance is used during the storing step.

103. The method according to claim 102, wherein the at least one

information appliance used during the storing step includes a Personal Data Assistant,

cellular telephone, interactive pager, and set-top-box.

104. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one magnetic card

and at least one card reader are used during the storing step.

105. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one iris scanning

step.

106. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one finger print scanning device and at least one point-of-transaction network device are used during

the storing step.

107. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one face

the storing step.

108. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one voice

the storing step.

109. The method according to claim 97, wherein at least one device that

notifying step.

110. The method according to claim 97, wherein the at least one user

interactive network device is used during the notifying step.

111. The method according to claim 97, further comprising the step of

112. The method according to claim 97, further comprising the step of

qualifying revenue sharing fransaction.

113. The method according to claim 112, further comprising the step of

rewarding the registered user who completes at least one qualifying user fransaction.

method according to claim 97, wherein each step comprising claim 97 is secured.

114. The method according to claim 97, wherein each step comprising claim

97 is secured.