CA2744594A1 - Market research process via internet-enabled mobile communications devices - Google Patents

Market research process via internet-enabled mobile communications devices Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2744594A1
CA2744594A1 CA2744594A CA2744594A CA2744594A1 CA 2744594 A1 CA2744594 A1 CA 2744594A1 CA 2744594 A CA2744594 A CA 2744594A CA 2744594 A CA2744594 A CA 2744594A CA 2744594 A1 CA2744594 A1 CA 2744594A1
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
mobile communications
internet
data
code
communications device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA2744594A
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French (fr)
Inventor
Paul W. Austin-Menear
Scott Ramsay
Joshua Parkin
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7902255 CANADA Inc
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7902255 CANADA Inc
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Publication date
Application filed by 7902255 CANADA Inc filed Critical 7902255 CANADA Inc
Priority to CA2744594A priority Critical patent/CA2744594A1/en
Publication of CA2744594A1 publication Critical patent/CA2744594A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0201Market modelling; Market analysis; Collecting market data
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04WWIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02Services making use of location information

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
  • Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

A process for collecting data which utilizes one or more consumers with internet-enabled mobile communications devices and codes displayed in association with a product, a service or communications about a product or service, wherein each consumer scans the code with an internet-enabled mobile communications device thereby initiating the steps of:
the code instructing the mobile communications device to connect with an internet server; the mobile communications device sending information from the code to the internet server; the internet server sending questions to the mobile communications device for input by the consumer; the mobile communications device sending input to the internet server; and the internet server storing the information from the code and the input as data.

Description

MARKET RESEARCH PROCESS VIA INTERNET-ENABLED MOBILE
COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES

Field of the Invention This invention relates to a process for collecting consumer market research data, primarily within establishments conducting retail operations. More specifically, this invention relates to a process that utilizes internet-enabled mobile communications devices to enable the collection of market research data on said mobile communications devices and transmitting the resultant dataset via the internet to a central location for anonymous aggregation with other collected datasets and analysis.

Background of the Invention Canadian Patent No. 1330595, granted on July 5, 1994 to A. C. Nielsen Company discloses a method and system of collecting market research data using data collected by an in-store device.
The in-store device collects retail sales data and periodically transmits the collected data to a central location for interpretation and analysis. The system and method taught by this patent require that data be collected by the retailer, who may or may not choose to participate, at the time of purchase. This necessitates that the data is collected in-store. In addition, this patent does not provide real-time market research data on consumer reactions.

Thus there is a need for a process by which data about a product or service is combined with consumer reaction data and aggregated in an effective and efficient manner.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a process to collect and aggregate data about a product or service with real-time market reaction data direct from consumers in a cost effective manner. An aspect of the present invention utilizes consumers to collect retail data by way of a two dimensional matrix barcode containing same, and combines this data with data inputted by the consumer on their internet-enabled mobile communications device. Consumers can enter the data at the point of encountering or purchasing or otherwise interacting with a product or service rather than recalling the information at a later time. It is an object of the present invention to utilize consumers with their own internet-enabled mobile communications devices thus limiting any investment in capital required on the part of the retailer.

It is an object of the present invention to allow retail establishments to collect high-quality, relevant market research data combined with relevant in-store data (such as transactional sales data) in a cost effective manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a process that utilizes an internet-based consumer interface to input answers to queries designated by the retailer, and combine it with data encoded into a two-dimensional matrix which is displayed on print materials in-store (such as point-of-sale signage, sales receipts, and brochures/takeaways). This data set is then transmitted to an internet server for aggregation with other data sets and top-level analysis.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for collecting data which utilizes one or more consumers with internet-enabled mobile communications devices and codes displayed in association with a product, a service or communications about a product or service, wherein each consumer scans the code with an internet-enabled mobile communications device thereby initiating the steps of.
the code instructing the mobile communications device to connect with an internet server;
the mobile communications device sending information from the code to the internet server;
the internet server sending questions to the mobile communications device for input by the consumer;
the mobile communications device sending input to the internet server; and the internet server storing the information from the code and the input as data.
This process may comprise the further step of:
the internet server aggregating the data of multiple consumers.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for collecting data which utilizes one or more consumers with internet-enabled mobile communications devices and codes displayed in association with a product, a service or communications about a product or service wherein scanning a code activates the mobile communications device to send information in the code to an internet server which collects the information.
Scanning the code may additionally cause the mobile communications device to receive questions for input by the consumer and the mobile communications device sends the input to the internet server.

Brief Description of the Figure The above and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following figure and detailed description of the preferred embodiment wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of the steps in the invention utilizing information from a two dimensional data matrix and a data token and communications between a mobile communications device and an internet server.

Detailed Description Bar codes are commonly in use on products and provide information about a product in a different way than language. For example, a bar code of lines is a way in which to represent information as a one dimensional data matrix. A matrix code (or 2D code) is a two-dimensional way of representing information, and is capable of representing more data than a one dimensional data matrix. A two dimensional data barcode matrix (ISO/IEC
18004:2006 or another conceptually similar standard) may be displayed by a retailer on products, point-of-sale signage, a coupon, sales receipt, advertisements in publications, advertisement displays in malls, at street level and on public transportation, or other print or digital display. A 2D code is a preferred bar code matrix; however it is possible to use any bar code matrix or equivalent mechanism provided that information is represented in the code. As such, any code that is capable of being scanned by a mobile communications device and provide instructions as described herein could be utilized in the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Figure 1, a two dimensional data matrix (1), located for example, on a product, would contain relevant data about the product such as geo-location and transactional sales data.
In one aspect of the present invention, the 2D code would also include a data token. This data token represents information also found in the data matrix and the data token information would be unique to the retailer's specific location. For example, each specific location of a retailer is assigned an identifier code. Accordingly, the data token contains the internet location of the relevant query. The data token also provides a mobile communications device (3) which scans (4) the 2D code with the necessary access and retrieval instructions for communicating (5) with an internet server (2).

Within each barcode is encoded data and instructions to be executed by the internet-enabled mobile communications device. The instructions contain a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with unique properties (derived from the data token, described below); an internet address and protocol such as, but not limited to, secure hypertext transport protocol, and a data token consisting of a unique string of alphanumeric characters which is used to identify variables such as, but not limited to, geo-location, dataset type, client ID, transactional data..

The information and instructions in the barcode are retrieved when the user instructs his or her internet-enabled mobile communications device to scan the barcode (using native or third-party software installed on the device which is readily available). After the user executes the software's scan function, the device's image sensor (CMOS/CMOS APS, CCD, or other conceptually similar image sensor) reads the barcode, and the device interprets the barcode and executes the encoded instructions using native or third party software installed on the device.
Barcode scanning software applications are available from multiple vendors and differ in design and interface, but all share a common essential component, namely that they can actively decode information that has been encoded into a two dimensional barcode matrix, and interpret and execute an appropriate action based on said decoded data.

A consumer may be made aware of the availability of providing consumer research through signage and branding in stores, a note in an advertisement, through public awareness campaigns of such programs or other means of informing the public.

The code used in this system may be a code added by retailers or manufacturers and may be separate from the current UPC codes or may be incorporated so that there is one code in future on packaging or in-store displays or advertising.

The consumer may be motivated to participate in various ways, such as, brand loyalty or through a loyalty/rewards program (from the retailer, or manufacturer or third party).

The data token is then transmitted over the internet by the device via a communications protocol to an internet server configured to receive the information and in turn transmit a series of questions or an input form back to the device over the internet for review by the user of the device. This newly-transmitted data will prompt the user to input answers to specific queries via a constructed interface on the device (such as, but not limited to, built-in or third party internet browser software). These answers are then transmitted by the device back to the server via the internet, along with the unique data token, and are anonymously aggregated with other data sets on the internet server. The internet server actively aggregates and organizes data for easy retrieval by a third party, such as a market researcher.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an internet web server (2) is configured to communicate with mobile communications devices (3) such that the information from the data matrix (1) and data token is retrieved (4) and also so that survey questions are sent (6) to the mobile communications devices, and the consumer's answers are entered in the mobile communications device and then sent (7) to the internet web server. The collected data is also stored at the internet web server (2).

For example, the internet web server may be configured with a server-side scripting language (such as, PHP, Coldfusion, or ASP and any other configuration providing such a function) and Relational Database Management System (such as, MYSQLTM, ORACLETM, or POSTGRESTM
and any other system providing such a function) installed, which will allow for remote querying by mobile communications devices via the internet with an internet communications protocol (such as, secure hypertext transport protocol and any other protocol providing such a function) and storage of data submitted by mobile communications devices via said protocol. The internet server function may be provided by any internet site which is capable of accepting instructions and exchanging data and such a site is contemplated by the present invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile communications device is consumer-owned and internet enabled and may be a cellular `smart' telephone, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, or other similar mobile communications device. (In a further embodiment of the present invention, a third party such as a retailer or market research group may provide mobile communication devices for use by consumers.) In order to participate in the process effectively, the mobile communications device should be able to access the internet via its built-in web browser or other software application on a cellular network(s) conforming to the UMTS, WCDMA-FDD, WCDMA-TDD, ULTRA-TDD LCR, HSPA, HSPA+, LTE (E-UTRA), CDMA2000/1xEV-DO, IEEE 802.16e-2005, Flash-OFDM, IEEE 802.20, or more advanced standard. Alternatively, participation could be achieved if the mobile communications device is able to transmit and receive data via WiFi-B (IEEE 802.11b), WiFi-A (IEEE
802.11a), WiFi-G
(IEEE 802.11 g), WiFi-N (IEEE 802.11 n), or more advanced standard.
Accordingly, this would require that a retailer has a previously deployed wireless network made available for consumer use, popularly referred to as a wireless `hotspot' or the retailing location is served by an ultra-wide area network utilizing similar technology (such as WiMAX IEEE 802.16m or other similar technology, or via the use of satellite-access broadband internet).

Using the data token identifier encoded in the two dimensional barcode matrix, the mobile communications device queries the internet server using an internet communications protocol, such as, secure hypertext transport protocol (HTTPS), for the relevant input form to be provided to the consumer.

After the data has been input by the consumer, the consumer executes a send function so that the mobile communications device transmits this data back to the internet server via an internet communications protocol (such as, HTTPS). The send function consists of a button on the input form which when clicked or otherwise activated instructs the device to transmit the inputted data back to the internet server via the communications protocol (such as HTTPS).
The information from the 2D code and the answers to the input form constitute the market research data which is then aggregated with other data sets collected via the same methodology. This market research data may be collected so that there is no identification of the consumer and/or no connection between the consumer and the data, and such anonymity protects the consumer's privacy and may be preferred by the consumer. In other instances, the consumer may not want anonymity given the rewards of providing such data, such as loyalty program rewards.

The results of the aggregated data constitute market research data collected from consumers and may be analyzed by a retailer or researcher. There are a multitude of questions that can be asked of the consumer to obtain information relevant to the retailer, such as, their demographic, purchasing habits, and consumer preferences. In other words, the typical market consumer survey information can be obtained from the consumer in the input form.

Example One In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a process is provided in which relevant data instructions and token are encoded in a 2D barcode matrix conforming to the ISO/IEC
18004:2006 standard and displayed on a sales receipt provided to a customer of a retailer after the conclusion of a transaction in a physical location. The customer then scans the 2D barcode matrix at their leisure, which provides the encoded data and instructions to an internet-enabled mobile communications device that are decoded and executed by the native barcode scanner software. The device transmits the encoded data and the unique identifier data token over the internet to the internet server (via a secure hypertext transport protocol or HTTPS), which then identifies the data token and transmits the relevant data back to the device via the internet using the same communications protocol. The customer is prompted by the device to input his or her answers to the queries which are displayed on the device by the native internet browser software.
After completion of these inputs, the customer clicks or taps a button on the input form which executes a send function, instructing the device to transmit the collected data back to the internet server. This data is then anonymously aggregated (to protect the customer's privacy) with other similar datasets, and the internet server organizes all of the data for retrieval by a third party (such as a market researcher, the retailer, or their authorized agent).

Example Two In another embodiment of the present invention a code is printed or placed (such as with a sticker) on the product packaging of products sold at a concession stand to gauge the effectiveness of each stand Example Three In another embodiment of the present invention, a bar code may be placed on a ticket to a concert and the consumer would be asked various questions related to the concert going experience.

This invention provides a breakthrough process for market research since it utilizes consumers to provide a combination of market research answers and data in near real-time, and the process uses established industry-standard communications protocols and methodology, in order to completely eliminate any technical barriers to adoption that retailers or manufacturers et cetera might otherwise face, and in complementary fashion, to ensure that there are no barriers for consumer adoption and assistance.

From the above detailed description of the invention, the operation and construction of same should be apparent. While there are herein shown and described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is nevertheless understood that various changes may be made with respect thereto without departing from the principle and scope of the invention as measured by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (9)

1. A process for collecting data which utilizes one or more consumers with internet-enabled mobile communications devices and codes displayed in association with a product, a service or communications about a product or service, wherein each consumer scans the code with an internet-enabled mobile communications device thereby initiating the steps of:

the code instructing the mobile communications device to connect with an internet server;
the mobile communications device sending information from the code to the internet server;
the internet server sending questions to the mobile communications device for input by the consumer;
the mobile communications device sending input to the internet server; and the internet server storing the information from the code and the input as data.
2. The process of claim 1, comprising the further step of.
the internet server aggregating the data of multiple consumers.
3. The process of claim 2 in which the code is a two dimensional barcode matrix and is printed or digital.
4. The process of claim 3 in which the mobile communications devices connect with the internet server via an internet communications protocol.
5. The process of claim 4 in which the internet communications protocol is a secure hypertext transcript protocol.
6. The process of claim 5 in which the code is displayed in a retail environment.
7. The process of claim 5 in which the data does not identify the consumer or the mobile communications device.
8. A process for collecting data which utilizes one or more consumers with internet-enabled mobile communications devices and codes displayed in association with a product, a service or communications about a product or service wherein scanning a code activates the mobile communications device to send information in the code to an internet server which collects the information.
9. A process of claim 8, whereby scanning the code additionally causes the mobile communications device to receive questions for input by the consumer and the mobile communications device sends the input to the internet server.
CA2744594A 2011-06-27 2011-06-27 Market research process via internet-enabled mobile communications devices Abandoned CA2744594A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2744594A CA2744594A1 (en) 2011-06-27 2011-06-27 Market research process via internet-enabled mobile communications devices

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2744594A CA2744594A1 (en) 2011-06-27 2011-06-27 Market research process via internet-enabled mobile communications devices

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3196823A1 (en) * 2016-01-25 2017-07-26 Kik Interactive Inc. System and method for automatic data collection
CN107909406A (en) * 2017-11-24 2018-04-13 北京旷维万象科技有限公司 A kind of market survey service platform based on internet

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3196823A1 (en) * 2016-01-25 2017-07-26 Kik Interactive Inc. System and method for automatic data collection
CN107909406A (en) * 2017-11-24 2018-04-13 北京旷维万象科技有限公司 A kind of market survey service platform based on internet

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20160629