Registers – Systems controlled by data bearing records – Mechanized store
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-19
2004-07-27
Frech, Karl D. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Systems controlled by data bearing records
Mechanized store
C235S375000, C235S385000, C235S486000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06766947
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to the field of consumer purchasing. More particularly, the invention provides methods and systems that allow a user to obtain real time information about products observed while the products are being utilized and to purchase the products.
2. Related Information
Consumers often observe products while the products are being utilized. It is not uncommon for a consumer to desire to obtain more information about the product or even to purchase a product while observing the product. Generally, the consumer must try to remember information identifying the product and then conduct research at a later time to obtain more information about the product. For example, the consumer may go to a store or a visit a web site and attempt to locate information about the product. Unfortunately, it may be difficult for a consumer to remember that they observed a product that was of interest to them or to remember enough information to later identify the product.
Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a system that allows consumers to obtain information and purchase products in real time while observing the products as they are being utilized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides systems and methods that reduce the gap between where consumers use products and where consumers purchase products. The advantages of the present invention are provided by a method of obtaining information about a product. The method includes the steps of observing a product while the product is being utilized and reading a tag embedded in the product to obtain product identifying information. The product identifying information is transmitted to a computer connected to a computer network. Product specification information is then received from the computer.
In one implementation, the tag comprises a radio frequency identification tag and the reading step comprises scanning the tag with a radio frequency receiver.
The method may also include the step of purchasing the product by transmitting order information to the computer.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method of identifying and rewarding consumers who display products to other consumers is provided. The method includes the step of storing, in a database, an RFID code of a tag embedded in a product and the identification of a first consumer who purchased the product. A request for product specification information including the RFID code is received from a second consumer. The database is searched with the RFID code to identify the first consumer and a reward is provided to the first consumer. The reward may include a commission for sales made to the second consumer. Alternatively, the reward includes a discount on future purchases.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a mobile terminal configured to obtain product specification information is provided. The mobile terminal includes a receiver that detects radiation reflected by a tag embedded in a product and a communication circuit in wireless communication with a computer network. A controller is configured to receive tag information from the receiver and cause the communication circuit to transmit the tag information to a computer connected to the computer network.
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AiM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers), “Radio Frequency Identification—RFID, A basic primer”, AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers) website, pp. 1-20, Sep. 28, 1999.
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Brody Adam
Gershman Anatole V.
Wan Dadong
Accenture
Frech Karl D.
Kim Ahshik
LandOfFree
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