[Ecommerce] Selected E-Commerce patents
James Love
love@cptech.org
Sun, 27 Feb 2000 10:38:54 -0500 (EST)
Here are selected marketing patents recently granted by the US PTO,
including several by Citibank, and patents by AOL, Amazon.com, IBM, NCR
and others.
Jamie
United States Patent 5,966,695
Melchione , et al. October 12, 1999
Sales and marketing support system using a graphical query prospect
database
Abstract
An electronic sales and service support system and method for
identifying sales targets using a centralized database to improve
marketing success. The system includes a central database that receives
comprehensive information from a variety of internal and external feeds,
and standardizes and households the information in a three-level
hierarchy (households, customers, and accounts) for use by a financial
institution. The comprehensive information stored on the central
database is accessed through micromarketing workstations to generate
lists of sales leads for marketing campaigns. A database engine is
provided for generating logical access paths for accessing data on the
central database to increase speed and efficiency of the central
database. The system distributes sales leads electronically to branch
networks, where the sales leads are used to target customers for
marketing campaigns. The central database is accessed by workstations of
a central customer information system for profiling customers, enhancing
customer relationships with the financial institution, and
electronically tracking sales performance during marketing campaigns.
Inventors: Melchione; Anthony R. (Bridgewater, NJ); Martinez; Rafael
(Fairfield, CT); Seifert; Eric (East Northport, NY);
Hirsch; Martin (Teaneck, NJ)
Assignee: Citibank, N.A. (New York, NY)
Appl. No.: 544102
Filed: October 17, 1995
<------------------------------------------------>
United States Patent 5,974,396
Anderson , et al. October 26, 1999
Method and system for gathering and analyzing consumer purchasing
information based on product and consumer clustering relationships
Abstract
A method and system for gathering and analyzing customer and purchasing
information permits a retailer or retail chain to process transactional
information involving large numbers of consumers and consumer products.
Product information is gathered that uniquely identifies a specific
product by type and manufacturer and grouped into generic product
clusters. Consumers are similarly grouped into consumer clusters based
on common consumer demographics and other characteristics. Consumer
retail transactions are analyzed in terms of product and/or consumer
clusters to determine relationships between the consumers and the
products. Product, consumer, and transactional data are maintained in a
relational database. Targeting of specific consumers with marketing and
other promotional literature is based on consumer buying habits, needs,
demographics, etc. A retailer queries the database using selected
criteria, accumulates data from the database in response to that query,
and makes prudent business and marketing decisions based on that
response. Queried information from the database may be communicated to a
printing subsystem for printing promotional literature directed to
particular customers based on cluster information stored in the
database.
Inventors:
Anderson; Michael W. (West Seneca, NY); Hargreaves; David
(North Tonawanda, NY); Hoellig; Susan M.
(Boston, NY); Johnson; Drew S. (Wexford, PA); Mischel; Blaine
D. (Buffalo, NY)
Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc. (Grand Island, NY)
Filed: July 19, 1996
<----------------------------------------------------->
United States Patent 6,009,407
Garg December 28, 1999
Integrated marketing and operations decisions-making under multi-brand
competition
Abstract
A computer-implemented method for merging product marketing control and
product inventory control, generates a segment-level consumer choice
model for a plurality of competing brands, and aggregates that to a
market-level consumer choice model, then generates a brand-level demand
probability distribution function based on the choice models. A
cost-minimized base stock level and a demand forecast for each of the
plurality of brands is generated based on the market level model
consumer choice model and on pricing, promotion, and other marketing
data for each of the brands. An inventory control receives inventory
subtraction data and inventory addition data and, using the
cost-minimized base stock levels, generates orders to replenish the
inventory.
Inventors:
Garg; Amit (White Plains, NY)
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, CA)
Appl. No.:
032527
Filed:
February 27, 1998
<-------------------------------------------------------------->
United States Patent 6,026,382
Kalthoff February 15, 2000
Computer-implemented system for relationship management for financial
institutions
Abstract
An apparatus, method, and article of manufacture for implementing a
financial system. The financial system comprises a computer for storing
a database describing operations of a financial institution. The
database comprises: (1) party data that identifies any individual or
external organization, (2) product data that identifies any marketable
product or service offered by the financial institution, (3) account
data that identifies an ongoing arrangement between the financial
institution and the party data, (4) internal organization data that
identifies a unit of the financial institution, (5) contact/transaction
event data that identifies any occurrence of an event that involves the
account data or party data, (6) location data that identifies an address
for the party data, (7) campaign data that identifies a marketing
strategy or promotional event for the financial institution, and (8)
channel data that identifies any vehicle by which any individual or
external organization interacts with the financial institution. A
database management system, performed by the computer, accesses the
database stored in the computer via relationships between the party
data, product data, account data, internal organization data,
contact/transaction event data, location data, campaign data, and
channel data.
Inventors:
Kalthoff; Nancy Yvonne (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA)
Assignee:
NCR Corporation (Dayton, OH)
Filed:
October 8, 1997
<--------------------------------------------------------->
United States Patent 6,009,415
Shurling , et al. December 28, 1999
Data processing technique for scoring bank customer relationships and
awarding incentive rewards
Abstract
A Relationship scoring and Incentive Reward awarding process determines
a Relationship score for the Relationships between a Bank and each of
its customers. Such Relationships may include deposit accounts, loan
accounts, and customer referrals. Customer data describing the
Relationship between the Bank and its customers is furnished by the
customers and extracted from a Bank customer information file. Incentive
Rewards, such as reduced loan rates or increased deposit account
interest, are awarded to customers based on the Relationship scores.
Management reports summarize the Relationships between the Bank and its
customers and provide marketing information.
Inventors:
Shurling; Larry W. (Barnesville, GA); Nimis; Gregory R. (St.
Paul, MN); Reagle; Granville S. (Littleton, CO);
Motschenbacher; Darlene M. (Burnsville, MN); Hansen; Wayne P.
(Shakopee, MN)
Assignee:
The Harrison Company, LLC (Denver, CO)
Appl. No.:
808324
Filed:
December 16, 1991
<------------------------------------------>
United States Patent 6,014,638
Burge , et al. January 11, 2000
System for customizing computer displays in accordance with user
preferences
Abstract
A system for customizing content and presentation of content for
computer users is disclosed. The system monitors and records a user's
navigational choices to determine the user's needs and preferences for
subsequent computer displays. Displays are customized in accordance with
the user's needs and preferences. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, an electronic marketing and shopping system
accessible via the WWW is described. The shopping environment--including
the opportunities presented to the shopper (content) and the appearance
of the displays (presentation of content)--is customized according to
the shopper's preferences. The functions of data collection and display
customization are performed automatically by the electronic shopping
system. To customize the environment, various attributes of Web pages or
other displays provided by participating merchants are modified as they
are accessed by shoppers using the system.
Inventors:
Burge; Gary L. (Powell, OH); Luddy; William A. (Columbus, OH)
Assignee:
America Online, Inc. (Dulles, VA)
Appl. No.:
654529
Filed:
May 29, 1996
<---------------------------------------------------->
United States Patent 6,029,141
Bezos , et al. February 22, 2000
Internet-based customer referral system
Abstract
Disclosed is an Internet-based referral system that enables individuals
and other business entities ("associates") to market products, in return
for a commission, that are sold from a merchant's Web site. The system
includes automated registration software that runs on the merchant's Web
site to allow entities to register as associates. Following
registration, the associate sets up a Web site (or other information
dissemination system) to distribute hypertextual catalog documents that
includes marketing information (product reviews, recommendations, etc.)
about selected products of the merchant. In association with each such
product, the catalog document includes a hypertextual "referral link"
that allows a user ("customer") to link to the merchant's site and
purchase the product. When a customer selects a referral link, the
customer's computer transmits unique IDs of the selected product and of
the associate to the merchant's site, allowing the merchant to identify
the product and the referring associate. If the customer subsequently
purchases the product from the merchant's site, a commission is
automatically credited to an account of the referring associate. The
merchant site also implements an electronic shopping cart that allows
the customer to select products from multiple different Web sites, and
then perform a single "check out" from the merchant's site.
Inventors:
Bezos; Jeffrey P. (Seattle, WA); Kaphan; Sheldon J. (Seattle,
WA); Ratajak; Ellen L. (Seattle, WA); Schonhoff;
Thomas K. (Seattle, WA)
Assignee:
Amazon.com, Inc. (Seattle, WA)
Appl. No.:
883770
Filed:
June 27, 1997
<------------------------------------------->
United States Patent 6,029,153
Bauchner , et al. February 22, 2000
Method and system for analyzing and handling the customer files of a
financial institution
Abstract
A system and method for identifying and communicating the availability
of additional products to at least one customer of a financial
institution is disclosed. A processor analyses data about the customer
and identifies characteristics indicative of financial products
compatible with the customer's financial needs. The customer's files are
appropriately electronically tagged and representatives of the financial
institution are alerted of the marketing opportunity and, in turn,
communicate the availability of the product to said customer. The
representative may be a teller, branch manager, telemarketer or direct
mail supervisor. Reporting of tagging is also provided.
Inventors:
Bauchner; Renee (New York, NY); Weinberger; Henry (New York,
NY); Wright; Wilbur E. (Elmsford, NY);
Newman; Al (Huntington, NY)
Assignee:
Citibank, N.A. (New York, NY)
Appl. No.:
927683
Filed:
September 11, 1997
<------------------------------------------------------->
United States Patent 5,907,830
Engel , et al. May 25, 1999
Electronic coupon distribution
Abstract
An electronic coupon distribution system providing on-line coupon
information for a potential consumer using a personal computer connected
to a host computer. A potential consumer using a personal computer and a
modem connects to a host computer via the Internet or directly. The
potential consumer may specify product preferences or search and view
coupons of interest to the consumer. The consumer may then download from
the host computer coupon information that may be printed on the
potential consumer's printer connected to his personal computer.
Information identifying the downloaded coupon is coded or encrypted onto
the printed coupon to prevent unauthorized reproduction. The coupon
distribution system may be used to obtain additional information about
the potential consumer for future marketing purposes. The present
invention greatly facilitates and makes economical distribution of
coupons or certificates.
Inventors:
Engel; Peter (144 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
90048-3102); Engel; Andrew (2392 Camino Capitan #4D,
Santa Fe, NM 87505)
Appl. No.:
600751
Filed:
February 13, 1996
<------------------------------------------->
United States Patent 5,961,151
Tung , et al. October 5, 1999
Pharmaceutical marketing device and method of use
Abstract
Sampling device for marketing a drug by a pharmaceutical company
includes multiple segments. One segment includes the drug to be sampled
and another segment includes preprinted indicia on one side providing
prescribing information for a prescriber of the drug and an adhesive
layer on the other side for attachment to a patient's medical chart
maintained by the prescriber of the drug. A method of sampling a drug
employing the above described sampling device also forms a part of this
invention.
Inventors:
Tung; James C. (Blue Bell, PA); Werther; Norman (Fort
Washington, PA)
Assignee:
Global Healthcomm, Inc. (Abington, PA)
Appl. No.:
082569
Filed:
May 21, 1998
<------------------------------->
United States Patent 5,930,764
Melchione , et al. July 27, 1999
Sales and marketing support system using a customer information database
Abstract
A sales process support system and method for identifying sales targets
using a centralized database to improve marketing success. The system
includes a central database that receives comprehensive information from
a variety of internal and external feeds, and standardizes and
households the information in a three-level hierarchy (households,
customers, and accounts) for use by a financial institution. The
comprehensive information stored on the central database is accessed
through micromarketing workstations to generate lists of sales leads for
marketing campaigns. A database engine is provided for generating
logical access paths for accessing data on the central database to
increase speed and efficiency of the central database. The system
distributes sales leads electronically to branch networks, where the
sales leads are used to target customers for marketing campaigns. The
central database is accessed by workstations of a central customer
information system for profiling customers, enhancing customer
relationships with the financial institution, and electronically
tracking sales and service performance during marketing campaigns. The
system can also include a system for opening an account in a single
session that is in communication with the central database,
micromarketing centers, central customer information systems and branch
systems of the present invention so that data can pass between these
systems where legal and appropriate.
Inventors:
Melchione; Anthony R. (Bridgewater, NJ); Martinez; Rafael
(Fairfield, CT); Seifert; Eric (East Northport, NY);
Hirsch; Martin (Teaneck, NJ)
Assignee:
Citibank, N.A. (New York, NY)
Appl. No.:
702039
Filed:
August 23, 1996
<------------------------>
United States Patent 5,950,171
Madell September 7, 1999
System for determining hypothetical book value
Abstract
A system for producing sets of competitive depreciation rates (CDRs) for
a high-cost plant based on the hypothetical book value of the plant,
such that the application of any set would result in the plant
generating electricity competitively. A CDR set consists of one or more
higher-than-standard depreciation rates first applied sometime prior to
the start of competition, and one or more lower-than-standard
depreciation rates first applied sometime after the start of the plant's
competitive operation and continued for the rest of its life. The system
also calculates the potential stranded assets (PSAs) and the
time-at-risk (TAR) associated with the power plant prior to its reaching
competitive operation. The system is designed to analyze the
competitiveness of an individual high-cost power plant, hereafter known
as the first plant, over its full lifetime under given assumptions and
conditions about the introduction of competitive marketing of
electricity.
ventors:
Madell; John T. (4351 Grand, Western Springs, IL 60558)
Appl. No.:
920075
Filed:
August 26, 1997
<------------------------------------------------------->
United States Patent 5,873,068
Beaumont , et al. February 16, 1999
Display based marketing message control system and method
Abstract
A marketing system for use in a public switched telephone system having
stored program controlled switches connected to customer premise
equipment having an Analog Display Service Interface, comprises a
storage device for storing predetermined information respecting each of
customer premise equipment, a device for assembling and managing
messages including creating a message to be delivered to one or more of
the customer premise equipment, linking each message with one or more of
the customer premise equipment, scheduling the delivery of the messages
at a predetermined time, and measuring the response of each customer
premise equipment to messages delivered thereto.
Inventors:
Beaumont; Robert M. (Saint John, CA); Doiron; Danny J.
(Westfield, CA); Keevill; Christopher G.
(Quispamsis, CA); Pomeroy; Trenton A. (Quispamsis, CA); Pond;
Gerald L. (East Riverside, CA); Thorburn;
Mark L. (Quispamsis, CA); Drummond; Douglas B. (Quispamsis,
CA); Bouchard; J. Marc (Saint John, CA)
Assignee:
New North Media Inc. (CA)
Appl. No.:
556981
Filed:
December 13, 1995
James Love, Consumer Project on Technology
P.O. Box 19367 | http://www.cptech.org
Washington, DC 20036 | love@cptech.org
Voice 202/387-8030 | Fax 202/234-5176