System and Method for Providing Electronic Multi-Merchant Gift Registry Services Over a Distributed Network
A method of providing a gift registry service over a distributed network of computers. The method includes the steps of running a gift registrar application on at least one gift registry site, running a gift registration agent application on at least one goods or services provider (SP) site, a gift registrant accessing the at least one SP site and making a gift selection from the site, the gift registration agent application sending the gift selection to the gift registrar application, gift registrar application storing the gift selection as an update to a wish list in a wish list data memory structure accessible to the at least one gift registry site, and a gift purchaser accessing the stored wish list from a site on the distributed network remote from any gift registry site.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/684,224 filed Nov. 22, 2012, which was a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/634,627 filed Aug. 5, 2003, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,346,626 and which was a division of Ser. No. 09/307,166 filed May 7, 1999, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,106.
BACKGROUND1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to an online Gift Registry and reminder systems that allows consumer to register gifts or items of interest in a centralized “Wish List” database. These gifts can be open-ended or tied to a specific event such as a wedding.
2. Description of Prior Art
Traditionally, in the United States, there have been bridal registries available in department stores that allow couples to register gifts that they would like to receive for a wedding present, but there are no corresponding registries for other occasions. Some other occasions may be such as a) Baby Showers; b) Christmas; c) Graduations; d) Funerals; e) Father's Day; t) Mother's Day; g) Anniversaries; and other holiday or religious events.
The current practice is for a single store, usually a large department store to provide a bridal registry service, which are commonly known. The registrants typically register at more than one store to provide alternatives for potential gift-givers. Additionally, potential purchasers must visit these stores, wait in line, and then enter certain information to identify the registrant, only to be given a limited list of items of interest to the registrant that is offered at that particular store.
Currently, the larger stores are the only ones providing bridal registries due to the cost involved in developing and operating gift registry systems. Consequently, smaller stores don't have the funds or facilities to provide these services to their customers and thus have to do without. Additionally, potential purchasers may not like the store typically used for the registry, or may be able to find the same item at a different store for a lower price.
The present invention involves the problem of allowing individuals to register gifts from multiple online business entities, referred to herein as Service Providers, “SPs”, or Merchants. These gifts available from selected Service Providers are generally limited to wedding gifts, such as china, crystal, silver, and other household items.
A more recent partial solution, which exploits the low cost and wide availability of the Internet, has been for some bridal-registry specific Internet sites to host their own content as World Wide Web sites (“Web” or “WWW” sites) which can be accessed by consumers “directly” via the Internet. With this approach, the user (consumer) typically registers with the Bridal Web site and enters information for a single event. Family and friends visit this web site to view the list of items that are of interest to the couple, but once this event occurs (i.e. Wedding ceremony), there is no longer a need for this service. Another limitation of this approach is the limited integration with participating SPs or merchants.
While this kind of self-service bridal registry has met with tremendous acceptance in the marketplace, there is a continued need for a multi-merchant registry that allows for individuals to seamlessly register gifts for all occasions, even while browsing merchant sites. Furthermore, there is a great need to be automatically notified of future events related to the gift registration process.
SUMMARYThe present invention provides a system and method in which Service Providers host their own content as directly-accessible sites (referred to herein as “SP sites”) on a distributed network such as the Internet, while relying on a centralized Gift Registry site (which implements an Online Gift Registry Service) to handle the registration of individual “Wish” lists. The system advantageously allows users to register items from the SP sites while shopping, without having to access the centralized Gift Registry site directly.
This invention provides a system for registering items selected by a registrant from a plurality of participating merchants for subsequent communication to a prospective purchaser. In this way, a registrant can provide information about his or herself through a computer terminal, be assigned a unique identifier, and then identify items on participating SP web sites that they wish to add to their “Wish” list. These items may be traditional merchandize such as clothing, household items, etc. or may include digital products or services such as downloadable software, online publications (e.g. magazines and newspapers) and subscription services as well as travel-related and financial services.
In a preferred embodiment the SP sites are in the form of Web sites on the Internet, and the online services available on the Web sites provide mechanisms of sending the registrant's “Wish” list items back to the centralized Gift Registry site. Along with information related to the items chosen by the registrant, the SPs will provide additional information such as their unique identifier to be used as the preferred reseller of the item for the registrant.
The system and method of invention are advantageously suited for use over a unsecured public network such as the Internet. In general, however, the system and method can be used on any type of distributed network over which online services are provided by SPs to users. This may include both trusted and untrusted networks and public, private, or hybrid public-private networks.
One significant benefit of above-described approach is that the Service Providers need not be concerned with the problems of registering and maintaining user profiles and “Wish” lists for every potential shopper. In addition, they may provide a notice to a central location of a “Sale” event on an item, which may trigger notifications, or messages to individuals with an interest in that item resulting in new sales that would not have been generated otherwise. This would also allow them to reach potential new customers that may have never come in contact with their Web site accept through the notification process of this invention. The cost to an SP for this system, would be minimal in that server-side code would be provided
The major benefit to the individual is that they can store a complete “Wish” list of all items of interest in a central location that others may access for gift purchases and do so in a faster method than previous inventions. In addition, the registrants may wish to delay purchases to some future time or event and be notified automatically when that time or event occurs.
The benefit to the gift-giver or purchaser is that they have a wider selection of items and SPs to choose from. In addition, they can choose to be shown items in a given price range or category on the gift-receiver's “Wish” list. Thus they are not limited to a single merchant and may shop for a comparable item or even the same item at a reduced cost at a different merchant than the preferred reseller. Another major benefit to the purchaser is that of convenience and ease of use. From the comfort of their own home, they can access the system, find a desired item to purchase, and place an order with a participating reseller through a computer system in a very short amount of time as opposed to going to a retail establishment, waiting in line, and purchasing the item. Thus there is a significant time savings.
The various embodiments and method will become more apparent on consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
Objects and AdvantagesAccordingly, the objects and advantages of the present invention are:
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- (a) to provide a system and method which allows for a centralized online gift registry.
- (b) to provide a system and method that provides a gift registry for all occasions—not just bridal events.
- (c) to provide a system and method that allows all online stores, both large and small, to participate.
- (d) to provide a system and method whereby multiple online stores can participate.
- (e) to provide a system and method whereby any kind of item of interest can be registered including digital products and information services.
- (f) to provide a system that allows for a quick registration process which can take place in the user's home at their convenience.
- (g) to provide a system that automatically notifies a registered user if an item on their “Wish” list is offered for sale by a registered merchant.
- (h) to provide a system and method whereby the registrant can maintain event distribution lists.
- (i) to provide a system and method that a gift purchaser can find an item of interest for a registrant and be shown the registrant's preferred reseller.
- (j) to provide a system and method whereby the gift purchaser can filter the registrant's “Wish” list based on criteria.
- (k) to provide a system and method whereby the gift purchaser can quickly find an item of interest for a registrant and order the item online in a quick and convenient manner.
- (l) to provide a system and method whereby the Service Providers and Users can register to be automatically notified upon the triggering of different events.
- (m) to provide a system and method whereby the Service Providers can register “sale” events, which will automatically notify users that have an interest in the item being advertised “on sale”.
- (n) to provide a system and method whereby the Service Providers may obtain generalized marketing information on the registrants to tailor their own system or to offer services to a targeted audience.
- (o) to provide a system and method whereby individuals can participate in discussion groups with others interested in the same topic.
- (p) to provide a system and method whereby recommendations can be made for an individual based on past buying habits and desires.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of certain preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention, and in which:
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- 40 Internet (Or Other Public Network)
- 50 User Computer
- 52 Client Application
- 60 SP Site
- 62 Server Application
- 64 Local “Wish” List Database
- 66 Gift Purchase Database
- 68 Gift Registration Agent
- 70 Gift Registry Site
- 71 User Database
- 72 SP Database
- 73 Occasion Database
- 74 Gift Registrar
- 76 Centralized “Wish” List Database
- 77 Reminder Database
- 78 Notification Database
- 80 User/SP Locates Gift Registry Site
- 82 User/SP Makes a Request to Register
- 84 Determine if User or SP is registering?
- 90 Gift Registry Displays User Registration Form
- 92 User Provides Profile Information and Desired Authentication Information
- 94 Gift Registry site assigns Unique Identifier for the Registrant
- 96 Gift Registry sends E-Mail Confirmation of Registration to User
- 100 Gift Registry Displays SP Registration Form
- 102 SP Provides Profile Information and Desired Authentication Information
- 104 Gift Registry site assigns Unique Identifier for the SP
- 106 Gift Registry sends Email Confirmation of Registration to SP Contact
- 110 User Locates $P Site
- 112 User Tags Items of Interest
- 114 User Requests SP Site to Transfer Items of Interest to Gift Registry site
- 116 SP Site Displays Form for Gift Registry Information
- 118 User Provides Gift Registry Information
- 120 SP Site Stores Gift Registration Information for later sending to Gift Registry site
- 130 User access their Secured Profile
- 132 User chooses to add an Item to their “Wish” List
- 134 Gift Registry Site Provides a Form For Adding an Item to the User's “Wish” List
- 136 User Provides Item Information to Add to Their “Wish” List
- 138 Gift Registry Site Stores Item Information in the Centralized “Wish” List Database
- 140 Determine if additional items to register?
- 142 End Gift Registration Process
- 150 User Chooses to add a Reminder to their Profile
- 152 Gift Registry Site Provides a Form for adding a Reminder
- 154 User Provides Reminder Information to add to their Profile
- 156 Gift Registry Site Stores Reminder Information with the User's Profile
- 158 Determine if more Reminder to Register?
- 159 End Reminder Registration Process
- 160 Gift Registry System Checks 1st Record in Reminder Database
- 162 Determine if the Appropriate Event has Triggered?
- 164 Initialize # of Attempts to Zero
- 166 Notify User
- 168 Determine if Notification was Successful?
- 170 Add 1 to # of Attempts
- 172 Determine if less than 3 Attempts?
- 174 Write Notification to Error Log
- 176 Determine if there are more ReminderS?
- 178 Gift Registry System Checks Next Reminder
- 180 End Notification Process
- 190 User Receives Reminder and Clicks on Specified Link if Given
- 192 Gift Registry Site Displays Appropriate Information Related to Reminder
- 194 User Chooses Preferred Reseller and is Re-directed to appropriate SP Site
- 196 User Chooses Alternate Reseller and is Re-directed to appropriate SP Site
- 198 Gift Registry Site Transfers Gift Purchase Information
- 200 SP Site Pre-populates the Checkout Form
- 202 User Purchases Registered Gift
- 204 SP Stores Gift Purchase Information for Later Sending to Gift Registry Site
- 210 User Locates Desired Gift Registrant
- 212 User Locates Desired Registered Occasion
- 214 User Identifies Criteria to Filter Gift Registrant's “Wish” List
- 216 Gift Registry Site Displays the Appropriate “Wish” List Items
- 218 User Selects Item of Interest and is Shown More Detailed Information
- 220 SP Accesses Their Secured Profile
- 222 SP Chooses to View Marketing Statistics
- 224 Gift Registry Site Provides a Marketing Statistics Page
- 226 SP Selects Marketing Report Type
- 228 Gift Registry Site Displays Selected Marketing Report
- 230 SP Site Establishes Communication Link with Online Gift Registry Site
- 232 SP Site Sends Gift Registration Package to Online Gift Registry Site
- 234 SP Site Sends Gift Purchase Package to Online Gift Registry Site
- 236 Gift Registry Site Sends Acknowledgement of Receipt to SP Site
- 238 SP Registers Notification Event
- 240 Gift Registry Site Sends Notification Event on Trigger
- 242 SP Registers “Sale” Event
- 244 Gift Registry Site Notifies Interested Registrants of “Sale” Event
- 250 User Registration Link
- 255 Merchant Registration Link
- 260 Log On Link
- 265 Choose a Gift for Someone Link
- 270 View Registered Occasion Link
- 275 Domain Drop-down Menu
- 280 State Drop-down Menu
- 285 Country Drop-down Menu
- 290 User Registration Reset Button
- 295 User Registration Submit Button
- 300 Home Page Link
- 305 System Communication Password Edit Box
- 310 SP Registration Reset Button
- 315 SP Registration Submit Button
- 320 Cancel Authentication Button
- 325 Submit Authentication Button
- 330 E-Mail Password Button
- 335 User Profile Maintenance Link
- 340 User Reminders Link
- 345 User Occasion Registration Link
- 350 User “Wish” List Maintenance Link
- 355 User Discussion Groups Link
- 360 SP Profile Maintenance Link
- 365 SP Notification Events Link
- 370 SP Marketing Statistics Link
- 375 SP Discussion Groups Link
- 380 User Profile Maintenance Reset Button
- 385 User Profile Maintenance Submit Button
- 390 SP Profile Maintenance Reset Button
- 395 SP Profile Maintenance Submit Button
- 400 Event Type Drop-down Menu
- 405 Month Drop-down Menu
- 410 Day Drop-down Menu
- 415 Year Drop-down Menu
- 420 Event Description Edit Box
- 425 Save Reminders Button
- 430 Notification Method Type Drop-down Menu
- 435 Event Type Drop-down Menu
- 440 Condition Type Drop-down Menu
- 445 Condition Value Edit Box
- 450 Item Category Drop-down Menu
- 455 Item Name Filter Edit Box
- 460 Item UPC Filter Edit Box
- 465 Preferred Reseller Filter Checkbox
- 470 SP Notification Submit Button
- 475 Event Distribution List Section
- 480 Add Distribution List Button
- 485 Delete Distribution List Button
- 490 Modify Distribution List Button
- 495 Send Notifications Button
- 500 Gift Registration List Box
- 505 Add Gift Item Button
- 510 Modify Gift Item Button
- 515 Delete Gift Item Button
- 520 Expand Outline Arrow
- 525 Collapse Outline Arrow
- 530 Gift Registrant ID Edit Box
- 535 Gift Recipient Search Method Radio Group
- 540 Gift Recipient Search Button
- 545 Try Gift Recipient Search Again Button
- 550 Return to Home Button
- 555 Show Wish List Button
- 560 Item Details Button
- 565 Purchase Item Button
- 570 Find Alternate Reseller Button
- 575 Recommend Alternate Gift Button
- 580 Item Name/Description
- 585 Return to Registrant's “Wish” List Button
- 590 Item Quanitity Edit Box
- 595 Shipping Method Drop-down Menu
- 600 Recalculate Basket Button
- 605 Credit Card Type Drop-down Menu
- 610 Credit Card Expiration Month Drop-down Menu
- 615 Credit Card Expiration Year Drop-down Menu
- 620 Credit Card Name Edit Box
- 625 Credit Card Number Edit Box
- 630 Submit Order Button
- 635 Add to My Basket Button
- 640 Add to My “Wish” List Button
- 645 Transfer My “Wish” List Items Button
- 650 Gift Registry Promotion Link
- 655 Gift Registry ID Edit Box
- 660 Reseller Register “Wish” List Button
- 665 E-Mail Address Edit Box
- 670 Look up Gift Registry ID Button
- 675 Associated Last Name Edit Box
- 680 City Edit Box
- 685 Find Occasion Button
A preferred embodiment of the system architecture of the present invention is illustrated in
1. Overview
The present invention involves a system and method for enabling consumers to register “Wish” list items or items of interest from multiple Service Providers (SPs) over a distributed network. The distributed network may be a unsecured public network such as the Internet. In accordance with the invention, a third-party gift registry provider provides gift registration services for registered Service Providers via an Online Gift Registry Service, eliminating the need for the Service Providers to handle such matters. To make use of the Online Gift Registry, users and Service Providers initially register with the Online Gift Registrar, and are in-turn provided with the software components needed to make use of the services offered by the registrar. These software components, in combination with the Online Gift Registry Service, preferably provide the following features:
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- 1. A single centralized repository of individual “Wish” list items.
- 2. A registration system used by the SP to send the items of interest to the Gift Registrar for inclusion in the individual's “Wish” list and to associate the SP as the preferred reseller.
- 3. A reminder system to be used by registrants for automatic messages triggered by user-defined events.
- 4. A notification system to be used by Service Providers for automatic system notifications triggered by pre-defined events.
- 5. A “Wish” list viewing system that allows for filtering of items based on, but not limited to, such criteria as category, price range, date of entry, or preferred reseller.
- 6. A communication system to streamline the purchase process for the gift with the registered and desired SP.
- 7. A special event “Sale” event used by SPs to market to target audiences that have expressed a desire in the item of interest.
- 8. A system that can be used to perform marketing queries by the registered Service Providers.
In addition, the Online Gift Registry Service may provide an online user directory of the services of registered Service Providers. This allows users to conveniently determine the identities of the Service Providers that have registered with the Online Gift Registry Service, and reduces the need for the Service Providers to publicly promote their respective online services.
Prior to using the Online Gift Registry Service, users and Service Providers, must register with the Online Registrar. This involves the following steps.
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- 1. The user registers with the Gift Registrar by providing user information (name, address, phone number, etc.) and notice trigger events (holidays, special events, etc.) to the Registrar. The user additionally agrees to a contract, and establishes a personal password that is known only by the user and the Registrar. Additionally, the Registrar assigns a unique ID that will be used by the user to add items of interest to their “Wish” list.
- 2. The Service Provider registers with the Registrar by providing various business information, and by entering into a contract with the Registrar. The Registrar may investigate the Service Provider on behalf of its registered users prior to accepting the registration. The Registrar issues a password to the Service Provider and provides the Service Provider with the server-side software components of the system.
- 3. The Service Provider maintains a list of items of interest on behalf of the user and allows the user to either purchase these items or have them transferred to the Online Gift Registry to be added to the user's “Wish” list. The preferred embodiment would make use of online shopping cart technology, which is well known in the field, to maintain these items. The “Wish” list items and the items for immediate purchase may be kept in a single shopping basket or separate shopping baskets. The unique user identifier assigned by the Gift Registrar would be given to the SP and stored with their items of interest.
- 4. The Service Provider establishes a session with the Online Gift Registry Service, when requested to do so by the user to transfer items of interest to the Gift Registrar. This session may be established over the same distributed network (e.g. the Internet) on which the SP services are provided to registered users, or may be established over a separate private network or communications channel. As described below, the Service Providers and the Online Gift Registry exchange encrypted messages throughout the session for the purposes of updating the users centralized “Wish” list and tagging the item with the SPs unique identifier to establish the SP as the preferred reseller. Alternatively, multiple user items of interest may be accumulated and sent in a batch mode during pre-defined times or set intervals. Another session may be established by the SPs to register “sale” events with the Online Gift Registry Service.
In comparison to existing systems for registering gifts and purchasing registered gifts over the Internet, the present invention provides the following significant advantages:
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- 1. The user registers their “Wish” list of multiple items from multiple merchants in a single centralized location.
- 2. The user is able to tag items of interest while shopping at SP sites and have the SP transfer the items to their centralized “Wish” list on their behalf.
- 3. The method of individuals adding items to their “Wish” list is faster and more streamlined.
- 4. Registrants may be automatically notified upon some future date or event.
- 5. Purchasers have a wider variety of SPs to chose from when making a gift purchase.
- 6. Purchasers can filter items in the registrant's “Wish” list based on different criteria such as reseller and cost among others.
- 7. Merchants can target “sale” items to an interested audience.
The system and method of the present invention are advantageously suited for use over a public network such as the Internet due to its widespread availability. (When used in herein in conjunction with “network”, the term “public” is intended to imply that user access to the network is not controlled by or limited to a particular business entity or group of business entities. Likewise, the term “distributed” implies that processing capabilities and services are spread out among different nodes of the network—as opposed to being centralized within a single host, server or LAN—with different nodes providing different services.) In general, however, the system and method can be used on any type of distributed network over which online services are provided by Service Providers to end users, including both public and private, and hybrid public-private networks.
To facilitate a complete understanding of invention, the remainder of the detailed description is arranged as follows: The basic components and features of the preferred embodiments will be initially be described with reference to
8. General Architecture (
The registered users may connect to the Internet 40 in any known manner. For example, the users may use a suitable online services network to obtain access to the Internet, or may connect by establishing an account with an Internet Service Provider (not shown). Each user computer 50 includes at least one client application 52 (such as a World Wide Web browser) for communicating with server applications on the Internet 40.
The SP services are provided on the individual SP sites 60 of registered Service Providers. Each SP site 60 will typically comprise one or more physical servers that are connected to the Internet 40. Each SP site 60 runs at least one server application 62 for providing an online service. A given Service Provider or SP site 60 may, of course, provide multiple online services. Some of these services may be non-commerce-related services that are provided for free. For purposes of the following description, it may be assumed that the term “SP service” refers only to fee-based services. Additionally, it may be assumed that the term “registrant” and the term “Service Provider” refers only to registered users and Service Providers respectively. The term “gift purchasers” may refer to registered users or non-registered users.
Although the user computers 50 and the SP sites 60 are shown as being directly connected to the Internet 40, it should be understood that such connection may be via one or more private networks. For example, a user computer 50 may connect to the Internet 40 via a wireless connection or via a private cable televisions network using a cable modem. Likewise, an SP site may connect to the Internet via a private network of the Service Provider's organization.
SP sites 60 may offer various types of services. These services may include retail merchandise, as well as digital products and/or informational or subscription-based services. For example, one Service Provider may offer clothing products for sell, another one sporting goods, while still another one downloadable software. Other SP services may include, for example, investment advice services, electronic publications, travel-related services, or consultation. It is anticipated that as user access speeds to the Internet increase, higher bandwidth services such as interactive games, movies-on-demand, and hi-fi audio will be made available.
The Service Providers are free to offer any product or service that they desire and are free to select any appropriate method of payment for their services rendered. For example, items of interest may include a given amount of time on a given service, or, in the case of a publication subscription or software download, a one-time fee.
With further reference to
Upon the user's request for the transfer of the items of interest to their centralized “Wish” list, the SPs Gift Registration Agent 68 sends the items of interest from the Local “Wish” list database 64 to the Gift Registry site 70. The Gift Registration Agent 68 server components are preferable in the form of software modules which include the necessary logic for sending the items in an encrypted format, and for forwarding “sale” events (generated by the server application) to the Gift Registry Site 70.
These items are then added by the Gift Registrar 74 to the record associated with the user identified by the unique pre-assigned identifier in the Centralized “Wish” List Database 76.
The Gift Registry site 70 preferably comprises one or more physical servers that run a Gift Registrar application 74 to implement the Gift Registry Service. The site 70 is preferably operated by a single business, or a small collection of businesses, that are qualified to perform gift registration and notification services on behalf of users and Service Providers. As described below, the Gift Registry Site 70 may communicate with the SP sites 60 (to provide targeted audiences interested in items of interest) either via the Internet (or other public network), a private network, a private communications channel, or a combination thereof.
Although a single Gift Registry site 70 is shown in
The Gift Registry site 70 includes one or more physical databases for storing various account information with respect to the users and Service providers. This information preferably includes the passwords and profiles.
Reminders are stored in the Reminder Database 77 of the Gift Registry site 70 and are associated with the registrants that registered them.
Notification events are stored in the Notification Database 78 of the Gift Registry site 70 and are associated with the Service Providers that registered them.
Upon the purchase of a gift item, the SP server application 62 stores the associated information in the Gift Purchase Database 66 for later transferring by the Gift Registration Agent 68 to the Gift Registrar 74 at the Gift Registry Site 70. The Gift Registrar 74 would be responsible for updating the appropriate registrant's profile of the purchase information.
Finally, the brokering site 70 may store, and make available to the service Providers, certain user-specific customization information that can be used by the Service Providers to tailor their respective services to individual users. This information may include, for example the number of users that registered an item of interest. In addition, target audience lists may be automatically sent to the Service Providers upon reaching some threshold for an item of interest. For example, an SP may register to be notified when 100 individuals register a particular item of interest. The SP may then use this list to perform marketing activities to those individuals who did not opt out of agreeing to receive marketing information. Such information may be specified by the user upon registration with the Online Gift Registry, and/or may be interactively specified or updated by the user via a connection between the user computer 50 and the Gift Registry site 70.
The marketing information may be provided to the Service Providers (by the Gift Registry Site 70z) either automatically by registering a notification event, or in response to queries from the Service Providers or canned reports available online. The Service Providers can use this information to customize their respective online services to individual users. For example, a SP site my use the marketing information to make highly popular items more visible on their site and offer special rates to entice customers to buy. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the Gift Registry Site 70 can store many different types of customized and marketing information.
9. User and Service Provider Registration Process (
With reference to block 80 in
With reference to block 82, if a user makes a request to register with the Gift Registry system, the system displays 90 the User Registration Page
The Service Provider follows an identical registration process as the user except the system displays 100 the SP Registration Page
10. User “Wish” List Updating Pr Cesses (
The preferred gift registration process is illustrated in
An alternate gift registration process is illustrated in
11. Reminder and Notification Event Processes (FIGS. 5,6,7)
Users register to be notified of events by first locating 80 the Gift Registry site. The user accesses 130 their secured profile by providing their Gift Registry Identifier and associated password, and is then able to add a reminder to their profile 150 by clicking on an appropriate link. They will then be provided 152 the User Reminder Page
With reference to
The preferred embodiment for a notification is an email message, but this invention is not limited to that method of notification. Some other methods of notification may be faxes, pagers, telephones, or postal telegrams.
In regards to
Once the user chooses the appropriate reseller and clicks on the provided link, the gift information and the associated gift registrant identification are transferred 198 to the SP site 60. The SP site then provides 200 a checkout form such as depicted in
The process for checking SP notifications is identical to
12. Gift Purchasing Process (
In
13. Marketing Processes (
With reference to
14. Communication Processes (
A SP site must first establish 230 a communication link with the Gift Registry site. This involves the transmission of a “negotiate” message from the SP Site Server 60 to the Gift Registry site 70. This negotiate message includes the SP's unique ID, which may be in the form of a digital certificate. The Gift Registrar 74 on the Gift Registry Site 70 responds to the negotiate message by sending a pseudo-random “challenge” message to the SP's Gift Registrant Agent 68.
In response to the challenge message, the Gift Registration Agent 68 software generates and returns a cryptographic “response” message, which is based on both the challenge message and the SP's password.
The above-described method of requesting authentication is commonly referred to as a “challenge-response authentication” protocol and is widely understood in the industry. For more detailed information, see Rivest, R., “The MD4 Message Digest Algorithm,” Proceedings, Cryptop '90, Springer-Verlag, Aug. 1990. For a description of other cryptographic algorithms which may be used, see Stallings, W., Network and Internetwork Security, Prentice Hall, 1995.)
With reference to
If a SP registers 238 to be notified if an event occurs, and after a passage of time that event occurs, they will be sent 240 a notification event that the SP server application 62 may use for targeted marketing.
If a SP registers 242 a “sale” event with the Gift Registry site, then all registered users interested in that event will be automatically notified of that event 244 occurs. The preferred embodiment would be an email notification with the appropriate item information and a link to the preferred reseller sent by the Gift Registry site 70. This link would display the SP's checkout page as defined above. An alternative embodiment may be a list of interested individuals, who haven't opted out, sent to the SP server application 62, which can then be used for special marketing email servers at the SP site 60.
In
The operation of the invention is shown in
1. Basic Process Flow (
The basic operational process flow of the Gift Registry site is shown in
Note that the following screen layouts are the minimum functionality for this invention and are not to be construed as the exact layout and functionality of the production system. The screen layouts are categorized below under the basic functions of the system. These screens may also have additional functionality in the production system but will provide the basics for the discussion of the operation of this invention.
With regards to
Likewise, the Service provider performs a similar process except they are provided with the SP Registration Form
In
Process Flow 1 represents the log on process for the user, which takes them to the User Main Page
Similarly to process flow 1, process flow 11 allows the SP to log onto their secured profile and be shown the SP Main Page
In reference to
Upon selecting a desired item for purchase, the user may either choose the preferred reseller or choose to search for an alternate reseller. If the preferred reseller is chosen, then the user is shown the Reseller Checkout Page
Once a reseller is chosen from either the Gift Registrant Wish List Page
An alternate method of purchasing a gift item is to begin on the Reseller Product Catalog Page
Upon confirming the order on the SPs site, the gift purchaser will receive the Reseller Order Confirmation Page
With regards to
Also in regards to
2. Home Page (
Upon visiting the Gift Registry Site, the User/SP will be shown the Home Page
3. Registration (
With regards to
Also with regards to
4. Logon Authentication (
With regards to
If the User successfully logs on, they will be greeted with the User Main Page
Likewise, a Service Provider will be greeted with SP Main Page
5. Main Page (
The User Main Page
Similarly to the User Main Page
6. Profile Maintenance (
The User Profile Maintenance Page
7. Reminders and Notification Events (
With regards to User Reminders Page
The merchant has a more sophisticated notification mechanism as defined in the SP Notification Events Page
Some event types that may appear in the Event Type Drop-down menu 435 are “User Threshold”, and “New Registrants for Month”. Others will be defined at a later time.
Some conditions that may appear in the Condition Type Drop-down Menu 440 are “greater than”, “greater than or equal”, “equal”, “less than”, and “less than or equal”.
Optionally, filters can be applied so that only registrants that have registered gifts that match the name identified in the Item Name Filter Edit Box 455 and/or that match the Item UPC Filter Edit Box 460 and/or that match the SP as the Preferred Reseller if the Preferred Reseller Filter Checkbox 465 is checked, will be shown.
Once the merchant is satisfied with their entry, they can click the SP Notification Submit Button 470 to have the entry saved in the Notification database 78.
8. Occasion Registration Page (
The Occasion Registration Page
The user begins by defining the type of event in the Event Type Drop-down Menu 400 and setting the appropriate date of the event using the Month Drop-down Menu 405, Day Drop-down Menu 410, and Year Drop-down Menu 415. An optional description may be entered in the Event Description Edit Box 420.
In the Event Distribution List Section 475, Event Distribution lists can be created, modified and deleted. In addition, a reminder can be sent to the entire distribution list. The Gift Registry site will have preformatted email notifications based on the event type. The process to do this is obvious to someone knowledgeable in the field.
Likewise, the Gift Registration List Box 500 allows the user to add, modify, and delete gifts that they would like to receive in conjunction with the event. Again the specifics on how to do this is obvious to someone knowledgeable in the field. Although these gift registrations are for a one-time event, any gift requests not received by the events date may later be transferred to the user's general “Wish” list.
An alternate embodiment of this page may provide multiple registration pages that are specific to the different types of events such as weddings, baby showers, etc.
9. “Wish” List Maintenance (
The “Wish” List Maintenance Page
10. Service Provider Marketing Statistics (
The Marketing Statistics Page
11. Choosing a Gift for Purchase (
With regards to
If no matches were found, then the No Gift Registrants Found Page
If matches were found, then the Gift Registrants Found Page
On the Gift Registrant Wish List Page
If the visitor prefers to find an alternate reseller for an item, they must first select the item and then click the Find Alternate Reseller Button 570, which results in either the Alternate Resellers Page
If the visitor is not satisfied with the gifts that were registered by the gift registrant, they may choose the Recommend Alternate Gift Button 575. The preferred embodiment of this feature would recommend alternate gifts based on likes and desires of the gift registrant and preferred resellers. An alternative embodiment may be canned recommendations based on the event type. Another alternative embodiment may be a “live” expert that provides consultation.
With regards to the Alternate Resellers Page
If no alternate resellers were found, then the No Alternate Resellers Page
Upon reaching the Reseller Checkout Page
The appropriate payment information must be entered before an order is accepted. Otherwise error messages are displayed notifying the user what information is required. Payment Information is entered using the Credit Card Type Drop-down Menu 605, Credit Card Expiration Month Drop-down Menu 610, and Credit Card Expiration Year Drop-down Menu 615. In addition, the gift purchaser must enter the name on the credit card in the Credit Card Name Edit Box 620 and the actual credit card number in the Credit Card Number Edit Box 625.
Upon clicking the Submit Order Button 630, the server application 62 performs a credit card prefix check and then a mod 10-validation check before committing the order. Both of these procedures are well known in the industry. If these initial checks pass, then a credit card authorization check is made and optionally a fraud check depending upon the type and value of the purchase. If the credit card authorization fails, the gift purchaser is shown a Credit Card Error page. Otherwise, the Reseller Order Confirmation Page
12. Reseller Function (
With regards to
The third option is to request the Gift Registration Agent 66 to transfer the shopper's local wish list to the Gift Registry site 70. This is accomplished by clicking the Transfer My “Wish” List Items Button 645 and having Gift Registration Agent 66 communicate with Gift Registrar 74 on the user's behalf. If the gift registrant's ID is not already known then the Wish List Registration Page
The final option is to find out more information about the Gift Registry Service by clicking the Gift Registry Promotion Link 650 and being re-directed back to an appropriate page on the Gift Registry site 70.
13. Viewing a Registered Occasion (
With regards to
If no registered occasions are found, then an error message is displayed. Otherwise, the Registered Occasion Page
Thus the reader will see that the Gift Registry site defined in this invention provides a highly efficient and economical method of registering items of interest in a timely manner by individuals of all ages. Furthermore, this invention has the additional advantages in that
-
- It permits alternate methods of payment to be accepted by different Service Providers.
- It allows Electronic Gift Certificates to be used that are tracked by the Gift Registry site and honored as a form of payment at participating merchants.
- It allows for in-store Gift Registry Kiosks to link directly to the Gift Registry site.
- It allows reminders to occur on a repeating basis such as weekly, monthly, or yearly or other schedules defined by the user.
- It permits email notifications in advance of yearly events such as Mother's Day or Father's Day reminding individuals of the event and suggesting gifts. These email notifications may display previous purchases and provide links to member SP sites. An example may be an online flower merchant for Mother's Day.
- It permits the handling of the entire event including local halls for rent, consultants and related items. For example, for a wedding, a choice of designs may be provided for wedding invitations which may be personalized with the receiver's name. In addition, registered halls may be searched based on criteria such as location, dates available, and accommodation size.
- It permits a frequent shopper program whereby gift registrants may obtain credit towards future purchases for all purchases they make or a gift purchaser makes on their behalf.
Although the description above contains much specificity, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this inventions. Many variations are possible. For example, the graphical look and feel and screen layout will periodically change to provide fresh content.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
Claims
1. A system for providing an online multi-merchant gift registry service over a distributed network, with the capability to support multiple online merchants of any size and from any net-accessible location in the world, the system comprising:
- a plurality of service provider (SP) sites connected to the distributed network, each SP site running at least one service application to provide an online service to users over the distributed network;
- a plurality of user computers connected to the distributed network, each user computer running at least one client application for accessing online services of the SP sites;
- a gift registry site connected to the plurality of SP sites, the gift registry site running at least one gift registry service, the gift registry site including a user database containing authentication information of users that have registered to use the gift registry service, and an SP database containing authentication information of service providers that have registered to participate in the gift registry service, the registered users accessing the SP sites from the user computers over the distributed network;
- a database which stores user-specific customization data, the customization data specifying preferences of the registered users with respect to online services of the SP sites, the customization data provided to the SP sites by the online multi-merchant gift registry service to enable the SP sites to customize the online services to the preferences of individual registered users;
- a database which stores service provider information, the service provider information specifying communication information necessary for establishing secure connections between the service providers and the gift registry site;
- a database which stores registered events, the registered event database maintaining for each event a list of gift items and distribution lists associated with said event; a database which stores wish list items;
- a database which stores user reminders;
- a database which stores SP notifications, the SP notifications being triggered by registered events, the SP notifications causing the SP sites to perform site-specific actions; and
- an authentication protocol for enabling the gift registry service to authenticate users and service providers, and communication links with service providers' systems, the authentication protocol implemented by software components of the service providers' sites and the gift registry site.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein each SP site enables a wish list item or a gift purchase to be registered on behalf of a user.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein a gift purchaser purchases a gift for a registrant.
4. The system of claim 3, comprising a search mechanism for accessing a gift registrant's wish list.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the gift registry site refers a gift purchaser to an SP site with gift information that will pre-populate a virtual shopping basket of the gift purchaser, and present a checkout page to the gift purchaser to enable a speedy purchase;
- and wherein said SP site may be either a preferred reseller specified by the gift registrant or an alternate reseller chosen by the gift purchaser.
6. The system of claim 3, comprising means wherein gift so recommendations are provided based on individuals' past buying habits and desires.
7. The system of claim 1, comprising means for sending automatic reminder messages to users, the sending of said automatic reminder messages being triggered by the occurrence of pre-registered events.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein a service provider registers a sale event, and wherein said sale event triggers automatic notifications to registrants who have registered an interest in at least one item upon which said service provider registers a sale event.
9. The system of claim 1, comprising means for enabling users to register major events of multiple types, and be provided event services, the event services comprising the registration of event-specific gift desires, distribution lists, discussion groups, or other related resources.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein users are enabled to select from multiple styles of stationery for mailings.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein users reserve halls and meeting rooms for the registered events.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein users contract with other event-related business.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein said event-related businesses comprise caterers, photographers, videographers, consultants, florists, clowns, comedians, musicians, dj's, or other entertainers.
14. The system of claim 9, wherein users send out pre-canned templates with customized information as email notices to all users identified in distribution lists.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein service providers obtain marketing information.
16. A gift registry service apparatus for enabling gift registrants to register wish lists of items desired as gifts for weddings or other occasions, the gift registry service facilitating seamless connection among gift registrants, purchasers, and registered merchants for the registering of user wish list items and the purchasing of items, the apparatus comprising:
- a gift registry server operatively connected to a computer network, the server having a processor and a computer readable memory, the memory storing gift registry implementation software, including database management software, customer access software, and artificial intelligence software;
- at least one data structure including a list of gift registrants along with corresponding ID and profile information, and including a list of participating merchants, with their corresponding communication information, the list of participating merchants being a subset of the sites available to users of the computer network, the at least one data structure further including data regarding the registration of occasions, wish lists, reminders, and notifications;
- a first data entry system through which first information about gift registrants is entered into the computer system, the first information for each registrant including at least a first name, last name, and e-mail address;
- wherein a unique identifier is assigned to each registrant, the unique identifier comprising the registrant's first name, last name, and e-mail address;
- a second data entry system capable of receiving second information, the second information including a list of potential gifts or wish list items which the registrant has identified as desired, and a unique identifier associated with a preferred reseller of those gifts;
- a database storage system that stores and retrieves the first and second information about the registrant and the unique identifier associated with the preferred reseller of the desired potential gifts;
- a third data entry system through which information about service providers/merchants is entered into the computer system, the third information for each service provider including at least a contact name and e-mail address; and
- a fourth data entry system capable of receiving fourth information, the fourth information including marketing reports which can be used to tailor individualized services or products to present or potential customers;
- and wherein the database storage system includes data regarding occasions, in addition to wish list items.
17. The gift registry apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth data entry systems comprise a client application running on a user computer.
18. The gift registry apparatus of claim 16, further comprising updating means for updating data in the database storage system as a prospective purchaser buys a gift from a participating service provider, the gift being on the list of potential gifts for a particular registrant, and the participating service provider registers the gift purchase on the registrant's behalf.
19. The gift registry apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a database storage system which resides on more than one computer at one or more sites, the computers working in tandem.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 8, 2015
Publication Date: Feb 11, 2016
Inventor: Steven C. Robertson (Kent, WA)
Application Number: 14/847,481