JP2012022701A - Improved system and method for allowing mobile internet users to mutually adjust present and future action information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a seller to use the place and time of a user's present and future schedule while advertising an article and a service.SOLUTION: A method includes a step in which a user of a mobile Internet device and other users who communicate through the Internet adjust actions, and send present or future action information to a back-end database connected to the Internet, the back-end database being remote from the mobile Internet device. The method further includes a step of enabling at least one receiver to access the present or future action information through the Internet. The receiver is some of the users which are connected to the Internet and have the right to access information associated with present or future events including the users.

Description

Reference to related applications

  This application is a provisional application previously filed entitled “Improved System for Communicating Between Mobile Internet Users” by the same inventor Junji filed on December 14, 1999, Claims priority from provisional application 60 / 170,844. The provisional application is incorporated into the present application as related literature. Priority is claimed from US Patent Application No. 09 / 589,684, filed June 7, 2000, and US Patent Application No. 09 / 589,685, filed June 7, 2000. The contents of both applications are incorporated in this application as related documents.

  The present invention relates to a system and method for facilitating communication between mobile Internet users and facilitating electronic commerce tailored for communicated information. In particular, the present invention provides an Internet-enabled mobile device that takes into account the user's identity and profile, the user's status, the user's current and future / scheduled behavior, the user's current, future / scheduled location, and time zone. The present invention relates to a technology that enables a user to communicate. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a technology that enables sellers to sell goods and services in a more effective manner based on user communication information and behavior profiles.

  As the Internet has become more accepted and useful, there is considerable interest in equipping mobile devices such as cell phones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, etc. with wireless Internet functionality. . Access to email and web search engines is frequently cited as two Internet applications that users want to access while away from their desktop Internet terminals. As manufacturers are interested in the wireless Internet market, federations and standards have evolved to bring the power of the Internet to the wireless and miniature world of mobile devices. For example, technical proposals such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and Mobile Internet (Mobile IP) have attracted much interest in recent reports.

  Since the wireless mobile Internet domain is in the growth stage and market penetration is quite slow, much of the current interest is to achieve acceptable data transmission rates, data security, and reliability over wireless media It points to the problems that come along. It is also addressing the problems associated with moving desktop-type applications that users have enjoyed for a long time on desktop terminals to the small screens of typical mobile devices. However, interest in other significant impacts of wireless Internet access, particularly those that do not apply to Internet users who are stationary and not mobile, is diminishing.

  The inventor has inferred that one result of wireless Internet computer processing is that the location changes dynamically over time as mobile users move from day to day. Since mobile users access the Internet by means of portable mobile devices, mobile users basically carry everything on the Internet as they travel. Thus, wireless mobile Internet access is possible for a wide range of applications that are completely different from those applied to stationary desktop Internet access. With appropriate mobile Internet access, users can easily update their information towards the Internet and use the Internet to search for information about other users, for example. For mobile Internet users, time and location become a very important communication history.

  Furthermore, mobile users utilize wireless Internet access in a way that is integrated with their daily work rather than on the desk. Due to the small size, convenience, and portability of portable Internet access devices, it is anticipated that mobile users will integrate Internet technology into everyday behavior in ways that were not possible previously. For example, a user using an Internet-compatible mobile phone may access the Internet while shopping, commuting, eating, walking around the city, and the like. Mobile Internet users access the Internet to receive information, communicate, and engage in electronic commerce while moving while handling daily chores. In contrast, many users at desks are restricted to Internet access only when they are at home or at work or where there is Internet access via a desktop terminal, due to the lack of Internet access movement.

  Two of the most challenging but potentially useful areas in the wireless mobile Internet are mobile user coordination and e-commerce. Mobile user coordination refers to time-dependent, behavior-dependent, and location-dependent coordination among mobile Internet users, participating in certain behaviors at some point in the current or future time, or achieving certain goals. In order to allow adjustments by mobile users. As an example, a mobile Internet user may want to coordinate an immediate meeting with a selected friend, or use the Internet to collect information about the friend's convenience, current location, current / planned behavior, You may want to invite a friend to meet you at a particular time at a particular place. As another example, a mobile Internet user may represent that he is at a particular location in the future and is planning to invite or direct others to meet at that location. As a further example, a mobile internet user is interested in behavior (shopping, tennis, etc.) at a particular location at a particular time (near future or some time in the future) and uses the internet to post his intention And may invite you to join either the chosen person or someone who is interested.

  Electronic commerce based on user location and behavioral information is another area where sellers are highly interested. Knowing the user's current, past and future behavior and location, such information and the user's behavior and purchase profile allows sellers to more accurately adjust the provision of goods and services and You can expand your purchasing opportunities by informing them.

  In current technology, users are trying to inform others of their coordination efforts using email. However, even if e-mail becomes widely accessible by mobile Internet users, there are problems for mobile users to use e-mail for coordination purposes. For example, e-mail is partly due to the fact that users are interested in e-mail only when it is convenient. For the remaining time, the received mail is patiently waiting in the recipient's mailbox and waiting to be read. However, this method of use is not suitable for mobile user coordination of events that depend on location and whose value is lost over time. By the time the recipient reads the email, the event time may already be over. In addition, email is a “push” medium that interrupts the daily work of the recipient. This is particularly inconvenient for mobile phone users who wish to be notified by sound (bell) as soon as an e-mail arrives.

  Furthermore, electronic mail communication is annoying if it appears that the recipient wants to receive and review information sent by the sender. In fact, most Internet users today are flooded with email, many of which are bona fide, all of which require a significant amount of time every day to review and respond. The user finds this uncomfortable. For many users, the reply is to filter emails manually or automatically. Therefore, only urgent e-mail (eg, bosses, family members, work-related ones, etc.) is interested, and the rest is ignored until a convenient time (end of the day, weekend, etc.). Similarly, this method of use is not well suited for mobile user coordination needs related to special location and time-dependent events.

  In addition, if the user does not send or reply to e-mail, e-mail communication will ask for convenience, current location, mode, planned behavior, future location, etc. without disturbing others. Is not allowed. As an example, a user cannot inquire about another user's current location or convenience without sending an email or requesting a reply. Also, even when a reply from another user is requested, the user may be busy or not interested in the reason for the inquiry.

  Furthermore, email content tends to be free form, so it is difficult for sellers to easily use information contained in emails to determine a user's location, current and intended behavior, etc. . Since such information is of great interest to the seller, the difficulty of locating the information from free-form emails is a problem. Furthermore, the free form of e-mail makes e-mail inconvenient as a communication tool for mobile Internet users. This is because most mobile Internet users are reluctant to enter free-form data into the small keyboard or handwriting recognition pad that most modern mobile Internet devices have.

  For the need to provide time-related location information to mobile Internet users, the user's current location can be tracked using location technology such as Global Positioning System (GPS). In fact, it has been proposed that the GPS circuit be incorporated into a mobile internet device in the future. However, there are problems with this proposal. For one thing, GPS tracking seriously threatens the privacy of users of GPS-enabled mobile internet devices. This is because it makes it possible to track the user instantly. For most users, this is an unwelcome intervention that is equivalent to being tracked throughout the day. The integration of GPS technology into mobile Internet devices involves additional power requirements, complex circuitry, and cost issues for both the mobile Internet devices and the transmission networks that operate such devices. Mobile Internet devices, like their support infrastructure, are not GPS enabled today. Thus, it is not possible to provide services based on GPS technology until a significant number of users and service providers have updated their facilities to function with GPS.

  In addition, location technology such as GPS tracks the current location of a user, but does not know about the user's current behavior, future behavior, planned future location at any point in time, and the likelihood of participating. Information is not available. However, there is also information useful in mobile user adjustment applications.

  Group calendar programs are another class of desktop application programs that have been considered to coordinate mobile users. However, most group calendar programs target small, closed groups, ie, groups that are known and pre-formed for specific purposes, such as business employees. Available group calendar programs are often difficult to adapt for use over the Internet, where the number and identity of users are not known in advance and the range of suggested actions is infinite. For example, most group calendar programs are adapted to allow unknown users to sign on and perform searches, or to allow users to control privacy settings for each item of information about themselves. Not. As another example, group calendars tend to work by users posting information about other people's calendars; in fact, most group calendars are filled in because the group size is too large When the pure capacity of overwhelms most users, it becomes unmanageable (causing problems similar to the spam mail problem). This paradigm also tends not to work well on the small screens of most mobile internet devices.

  In addition, calendar programs tend to be used by users to plan user dates and behaviors, many of which do not involve other users in relation to personal behavior. Therefore, most records are unsuitable for use in mobile user coordination applications (which are designed to share information between mobile users by design). Also, since daily calendar information (as opposed to bulletin information designed to invite participants by others) is considered fairly private by most users, users are reluctant to disclose such information to others. (This is partly explained by the relative lack of use of such programs today. Where this program is used, work between small groups that know each other. Limited to purpose and business-related input). Most people tend to associate most privacy with a calendar, so using calendar information to sell goods and services by sellers can provoke negative reactions among users. is there.

  There are cases of maintaining multiple calendars. One is designated for public and semi-public access, so other users can review the information entered in the calendar to determine whether they want to participate. it can. However, such solutions tend to be impractical. That is, users usually keep a record of the calendar they use for this purpose, because the goal of calendar use is to focus information in one place for the purpose of eventually planning a day's action. I don't want to keep it.

  Furthermore, most group calendar programs are not suitable for the needs of mobile Internet users, where the original features are constantly changing. This is not surprising as the group calendar program has been developed primarily for desktop Internet users. In addition, most group calendar programs also involve untyped data entry, which tends to be unattractive for mobile Internet users. This mobile internet user, as first mentioned, must struggle with the limited screen and keyboard / handwriting recognition pad of the mobile internet device. In addition, currently available group calendar programs tend to be developed for desktop computers and require a lot of memory, permanent storage and processing power for operation. Many of these programs exist as executable code that is permanently stored on the desktop computer. Permanent and random access memory, as well as computer power and battery life, is a limited resource in mobile internet devices. Therefore, the current generation group calendar program is unsuitable for use with mobile Internet devices. Instant messaging is a technology that was developed when Internet access was made primarily through desktop terminals and has many similar problems. Internet messaging can notify other users of the user's current behavior and response status. However, instant messaging, as currently practiced, takes into account the user's mobile characteristics (such as when the user accesses the Internet wirelessly with a mobile Internet device) and the time-dependent nature of actions associated with instant messaging. Absent. For example, instant messaging does not have the ability for a user to invite others to a scheduled action that occurs at a predetermined location in the future at a predetermined time. Instant messaging applications also require conditions that are often unwelcome by mobile Internet users who are constantly challenged to download and execute more with less power, less processing and memory resources.

  Because of these issues, these technologies developed when desktop Internet access is an excellent mode of access do not work for the needs of mobile Internet users. As a front end for electronic commerce, this technology has many problems. In view of the above problems, mobile Internet users can communicate for the purpose of coordinating behavior, and while the seller advertises goods and services, the user's identity and behavior / shopping profile, user status, user's current There is also a need for improvements in technology that can utilize future / planned behavior, the user's current and future / planned locations, and time.

  The present invention, in one embodiment, relates to a computer-implemented method that is performed over the Internet to coordinate behavior between a user of a mobile Internet device and another user communicating over the Internet. The method includes a step of receiving behavior information regarding an event from a user via a mobile Internet device. This behavior relates to behavior that occurs in a time zone that overlaps when the behavior information is received. The method further includes the step of transmitting behavior information to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being remote from the mobile internet device. The method further includes the step of making the behavior information accessible to at least one recipient via the Internet. This recipient is part of the user who is connected to the Internet and has access to information related to the event involving the user.

  The invention further relates in another embodiment to a computer control system for coordinating behavior between a user of a first mobile internet device and another user communicating over the internet. This computer control system has a server device connected to the Internet. The server device includes a first code and a second code. The first code is configured to execute a first application program that uses a web-based paradigm on a first mobile internet device. The first application program is executed by the first code transmitted from the server device to the first Internet device. The first application program receives behavior information regarding behavior from the user. This behavior relates to behavior that occurs in a time zone that overlaps the time at which behavior information is received. This computer control system has a back-end database connected to a server device. The backend database is configured to communicate with the first application program via the Internet. The backend database is configured to receive behavior information from the first application program. The backend database is remote from the first mobile internet device. The second code is configured to execute a second application program that uses a web-based database on the second mobile internet device. The second application program is executed by the second code transmitted from the server device to the second mobile Internet device. The second application program is configured to provide behavior information to the recipient via the second mobile internet device. Recipients are some users who are connected to the Internet and have access to information about events related to the user.

  The present invention, in one embodiment, relates to a computer-implemented method that runs over the Internet and coordinates future events between a user of a mobile Internet device and other users communicating over the Internet. The method includes the step of receiving future behavioral information regarding future events from a user via a mobile internet device. Future behavior relates to behavior that occurs at a future time relative to when future behavior information is received. The method further includes the step of transmitting future behavior information to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being remote from the mobile internet device. The method further includes the step of making future behavior information accessible to at least one recipient over the Internet. Recipients are part of a user who is connected to the Internet and has access to information related to future events including the user.

  The invention, in another embodiment, relates to a computer control system that coordinates future events between a user of a first mobile internet device and other users communicating over the internet. This computer control system includes a server device connected to the Internet. The server device includes a first code and a second code. The first code is configured to execute a first application program that uses a web-based paradigm on a first mobile internet device. The first application program is executed by the first code transmitted from the server device to the first Internet device. The first application program is configured to receive future behavior information regarding future events from the user. Future behavior relates to behavior that occurs at a future time relative to the time at which future behavior information is received. The computer control system also includes a back-end database connected to the server device. The backend database is configured to communicate with the first application program via the Internet. The backend database is configured to receive future behavior information from the first application program. The backend database is remote from the first mobile internet device. The second code is configured to execute a second application program that uses a web-based database on the second mobile internet device. The second application program is executed by the second code transmitted from the server device to the second mobile Internet device. The second application program provides future behavior information to the recipient via the second mobile Internet device. Recipients represent a portion of a user who is connected to the Internet and has access to information about future events involved with the user.

  Another concept of the present invention is a computer-implemented method that is executed over the Internet to facilitate commercial marketing to users of mobile Internet devices. This commercial marketing relates to products and services provided by the seller. The method includes a step of receiving a first data set relating to behavior from a user via a mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior relates to behavior that occurs in a time zone that overlaps when behavior information is received, One data set includes action type and location information. The first data set is transmitted to a backend database connected to the Internet, which is geographically remote from the mobile Internet device. The first data set is compared with the second data set in the back-end database, but this second data set is the behavior received from the seller and the first data set prior to receiving it from the user. Includes location information. If the information in the first data set satisfies the conditions specified in the second data set, available commercial sales are provided to the user via the Internet and Internet devices.

  Preferably, the second data set includes time information, and commercial sales are provided to the user only if the time zone overlaps with the time defined by the time information.

  Preferably, the type of action is shopping.

  Preferably, the type of action is a meal.

  Preferably, the second data set includes age information, and commercial sales are provided to the user only if the user's age satisfies the conditions defined by the age information.

  Preferably, the commercial pitch is an electronic coupon collected at a store run by the seller.

  Another concept of the present invention is a computer-implemented method that is executed over the Internet to facilitate commercial marketing to users of mobile Internet devices. Note that commercial sales relate to products and services provided by the seller. The method includes a process of receiving a first data set related to an action from a user via a mobile Internet device, and the action is an action that occurs in a time zone that overlaps when the action information is received. The data set includes action type and location information. The first data set is transmitted to a backend database connected to the Internet, the backend database being geographically remote from the mobile Internet device. The parameters in the second data set are compared with the third data set in the back-end database, and the second data set is an action entered by the first data set and another user different from the user. The third data set includes behavior and location information received from the seller prior to receiving the first data set from the user. If the information in the second data set satisfies the conditions specified in the third data set, commercial sales available to the user are provided via the Internet device via the Internet.

  Preferably, the third data set includes time information, and commercial sales are provided to the user only if the time zone overlaps with the time defined by the time information.

  Preferably, the third data set includes age information, and commercial sales are provided to the user only if the user's age satisfies the conditions defined by the age information.

  A further concept of the present invention is a computer-implemented method that is executed over the Internet to facilitate commercial marketing to users of mobile internet devices, which relates to products and services offered by the seller. To do. The method includes a step of receiving a first data set relating to behavior from a user via a mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior relates to behavior that occurs in a time zone that overlaps when behavior information is received, One data set includes action type and location information. The first data set is transmitted to a backend database connected to the Internet, the backend database being geographically remote from the mobile Internet device. The parameters of the second data set are compared with the third data set in the back-end database, the second data set includes: the first data set and a record of shopping by the user; The set includes behavior and location information received from the seller prior to receiving the first data set from the user. If the information in the second data set satisfies the conditions specified in the third data set, commercial sales are made available to the user via the Internet and Internet devices.

  Preferably, when the electronic coupon is collected, the user's purchase record is updated in the backend database.

  Preferably, the first data set includes time information and a commercial pitch is provided to the user only if the time zone overlaps with the time defined by the time information.

  Preferably, the third data set includes age information, and commercial sales are provided to the user only if the user's age satisfies the conditions defined by the age information.

  A further concept of the invention includes a computer readable medium comprising computer program media and comprising instructions. These instructions allow one or more computers to perform the methods described above.

It is a figure which shows one Example. Three sample screens are shown. Two operation modes will be described. A system architecture example is proposed. Here is an example registration and login procedure. Provides details about the registration procedure. Fig. 4 shows an example of an application flow showing how a service is normally used. An example of public mode and private mode is shown. An example of a mate screen and a sign-on screen is shown. An example of the function of e coupon is shown.

  These and other features of the present invention are described in the detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the drawings.

  The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a plurality of preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous items are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these special items. In other embodiments, well-known process steps and structures have not been described in detail in order to avoid confusion with the understanding of the present invention.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a user of an internet-enabled mobile device (hereinafter referred to as a mobile internet user) can be used by the internet and can be used by the user himself (or another user) in various communication modes ( A communication system is provided that can control the sharing of information about usage status of a phone, e-mail, pager, etc., current or scheduled behavior, current or planned location, and active time zone of such current or planned behavior. Since the posting act may include information about not only the user profile, status, and current behavior, but also future scheduled behavior, current or planned location, and time components, the proposed communication system specifically It is suitable for mobile Internet usage in the field of mobile user coordination, where the validity of communication is highly dependent on state, action, location, and time information related to various users. Further, the proposed communication system allows a user to notify a plurality of users of the current or future location / action state simultaneously. A plurality of users can view the status from the system website when they select one. The proposed communication system also increases the chances of encountering opportunities, for example by using the public mode, and can convey simple invitations in a way that the user does not notice. This may be considered “spam” if such an invitation is issued by email. Furthermore, unlike a group calendar that works well for scheduled times but not for unexpected behavior, the proposed communication system finds other people unforeseen times and sudden leisure. It works well for users or groups of users who want to use their time.

  Initial considerations of the proposed communication system include acquisition of a significant number of user participants, ease of data entry for mobile Internet users, and reduction of resource requirements when executing applications. The ease of data entry is important for mobile Internet users. This is because mobile internet devices have their data entry capabilities (eg, most don't have a keyboard large enough to save space) and display capabilities (eg, easy to carry and reduce power usage). This is because most of them have a small screen in order to do so. Thus, the present invention uses an innovative interface to reduce the amount of data input and further reduces the number of screen jumps and scrolls that the user must perform while entering data. As will be seen in the examples below, drop-down lists are used extensively whenever data entry is possible using the point-and-click (or point-and-tap) method. As an example, the location may be input by tapping a map displayed on the screen. The current location is self-declared. In addition, selectable items in the drop-down list are arranged in an easy-to-understand manner, so items that tend to be selected frequently are displayed first to reduce scrolling. As an example, locations that users frequently visit may be listed in a drop-down list for location entry. As another example, context analysis may be used to display more straightforward choices. For example, when the action relates to lunch, instead of displaying the evening time option, the time option is displayed at 11:30 am, noon, and 12:30 pm.

  The reduction of resource requirements is addressed by the innovative method described in the present invention. This eliminates the use of new and high power technologies such as GPS for position measurement. As will be described later, the present invention is preferably to increase the chance that location descriptions from the user will be understood by the intended recipient, and further to assign multiple measures of control over the privacy of the input information to the user. Request a location description from the user. The location information is self-reported.

  Furthermore, unlike conventional group calendar programs, the technique of the present invention preferably requires little resident execution code, so there is a need to permanently store code for mobile Internet devices, and download such code. Reduce the need to install. All of these techniques reduce processing, memory, and I / O requirements. This reduces power consumption and makes the communication system of the present invention adaptable for use with mobile internet devices.

  In one embodiment, user profile, status, and bulletin information for mobile user adjustment purposes are stored in a back-end database system. The backend database system is connected to the Internet, is remote from the mobile Internet device, and reduces the need to store large amounts of data locally on the mobile Internet device. Next, to reduce the need to download executable code or store executable code on a mobile internet device, a database of user profiles, status, and bulletin information can be transmitted via a mobile internet device that uses a web-based paradigm. Accessed by a mobile Internet user (eg, by writing a web page provided to the user when accessing the service's web site).

  Preferably, user profile and status updates, as well as information postings, occur via web page entries and are updated to the backend system and remain on the Internet. Similarly, search parameters are entered via a web page data entry. To reduce power, memory, and processing requirements on the mobile Internet device side, memory processing intensive work such as database storage, database updates, database searches are preferably backed up rather than occurring locally on the mobile Internet device. Occurs at a distance in the end system. Communication between search results between the backend system and each user and other types of communication information also preferably occurs via a web page. Similar to searching for profiles, status updates, and bulletin information related to other users, user information, profile, and status data entry is performed using web-based forms. This then reduces or eliminates the need for local executable code and further facilitates the coexistence of various mobile Internet devices.

  A significant amount of user participation is necessary to make applications that trust users sharing data useful. To address this point, an innovative method is described in the present invention, as well as stimulating potential user requests to become part of the system to communicate with others. Is made easier to use for users.

  Privacy is protected by one concept of the present invention. This is because sharing of bulletin information is completely controlled by the user himself. In one embodiment, current or future location information is entered by the user himself / herself via the mobile Internet device, and thus has full control over whether the system (and others) is informed of the user's location information. Entrust to the user himself. This is an important effect of the present invention. As will be described later, even after the user inputs his / her location information, privacy can be protected by allowing the user to control the spread of the posted information.

  Another advantage of this information location entry mode is that the entered information can take any suitable form that can be understood by the intended recipient. The location information is descriptive enough for a reliable understanding, for example the restaurant “Mikasa” on the street, or understood only by selected friends, such as places where you always meet at lunch There is a secret mode that is a measure against further privacy. The function of controlling the content of the location information cannot be used with position measurement technology such as GPS, and the content is adjusted for better understanding and privacy, which is an important effect of the present invention.

  Another advantage of this location information entry mode is that the communication of the present invention does not require the use of complex positioning techniques such as GPS, which can increase the power consumption, price, and complexity of mobile internet devices. This function has and uses location information for communication purposes in the system. In this way, the proposed communication system can operate today without the need for updates to GPS technology by users and wireless service providers. Depending on the current method of information input, the user must provide his / her own location information whether he / she can receive or understand GPS information, either who posted the information or who has access to the posted information. Can do.

  Although this location information input method does not always have an instantaneous location update function, this is not a significant problem in most mobile user adjustment applications. Since time is another element of the information entered, other users may be aware of the nature of the action involved, elapsed time and / or common sense, postings from data regarding when the location information was updated. You can easily check if it exists. As an example, location data for a movie, such as watching a movie at a theater on 5th Avenue, is probably invalid if entered more than 6 hours ago. As another example, location data for lunch, such as meeting a friend at lunch at a restaurant restaurant at the street, is usually invalid if the current time is in the evening. Of course, if the entered action is performed with clear time zone information, such as watching a movie at a theater on 5th Avenue until 8:00 pm, other users accessing such information will still be posted It can be easily determined whether or not it is effective. In one embodiment, action inputs that have expired may not be displayed or may be clearly marked as “past state” as soon as the current time passes the action input end time.

  User input of location information is one of the effective operation modes, but since future automatic location technology has shifted to mobile Internet devices, users can also use location discovery information to find their current location information. It is expected to support the input of. For example, GPS coordinates, the location of the wireless transmitter that the user uses for wireless communication, the use of a wireless telephone network to measure the user's location, etc., instead of the current location information entered by the user, or Used as a supplement.

  An important concept of the present invention relates to the ability to provide future location information. This information is quite useful for mobile user coordination applications, especially in situations where the user is trying to coordinate events that occur in a future location. Also, future location information may be entered by the user in the same way as the current location information is entered, i.e. via the user interface of the mobile internet device. This is an important effect. This is because the position measurement technology is effective only for the measurement of the current location, and there is no simple method for inputting the future location by the position measurement technology such as GPS. There is an electronic database of locations, and theoretically users can search for information about locations other than their current location, which includes the transmission speed of most mobile internet devices, the screen size of the display, Due to memory or storage limitations, this cannot be done easily today.

  In addition to providing information about the likely effectiveness of posted actions / locations, including time components makes it easy to post information about future scheduled events at some future time or location Become. This is an important effect. This is because this enables the user to contact not only the current action / location but also the purpose and proposal regarding the future action / location. This has many applications in mobile user coordination applications. This is because it allows planning, soliciting and searching for upcoming events. As an example, a user posts information about a proposed meeting at a location at a certain time, and then makes this posting accessible to selected users and the public for planning purposes.

  In order for other users or groups of users to access such posting information, access rights need to be granted by the first posting user. Access rights are granted to each user, to all users in a given group, or to the public as a whole (for information that the first posted user does not consider private). In addition, various items of information about a particular user may have corresponding different access rights. For example, a user has the right to allow public access to his name and email address, but to check the user's current location and email address (eg, only available to selected friends). It may not be given to the public.

  In one embodiment, the Internet-enabled mobile device represents an Internet-enabled mobile phone. However, as described above, a device including a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a pager, etc. can also use the technology disclosed in the present invention. Preferably, although not necessarily required, the communication system can be accessed via a web browser such as an application that accesses a web site or web page, where the front end for posting information or reviewing posted information To be executed. In the case of Internet mobile phones, the front end is associated with a manufacturer-specific web browser or industry standard such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). More preferably, access to the communication system of the present invention (or other communication via the communication system of the present invention) for the purpose of posting information or access to posted information by others is performed using standard browser technology (for example, HTML, XML, Java (registered trademark), ActiveX, etc.), and therefore no download or installation is required.

  In general, users registered by the communication system of the present invention use the Internet to access the system and update information about themselves. As described above, this information can be profile information (eg, name, phone number, email address, hobby, 12 palace, blood type, favorite movie actor, etc.) and useful information (eg, valid for mobile phones, chat As well as current action, current location (if applicable), and current action period (if applicable). For example, a user may update his information to indicate that he is eating at a restaurant until 9pm. This information is made available to the selected person who has been previously authorized by the posted user. This information is easily updated towards the system backend so that it can be accessed by users with appropriate access rights. The system back end includes a web server subsystem and a database subsystem for storing and accessing user information in addition to the necessary gateway server as provided by the cellular service provider. In addition, by posting information, the posted information (or notification regarding the information) is automatically sent to the selected user in the form of a link to a web page or an e-mail.

  In the mobile user coordination context, ease of solicitation is provided to send invitations to other users (or the public) selected by the user to invite participation in current or scheduled events. For example, a user may invite other selected users to a movie or tennis by posting actions, time, and location related to the event and sending such information to an access back-end system. The event itself does not need to be happening or planned. Invitation takes the form of a visit, for example, and the user sending the invitation can confirm the identity, the degree of availability, or the will of the invited person in the proposed action. Invitation is a means of showing a person's current or suggested action / location / time to a close group of users so that others can react appropriately, or the person's current or suggested action / location / time It is used as a method for facilitating meeting new people by posting known or unknown users.

  Alternatively, the invitation may take the form of a request and may be a command depending on the relationship between the sender and the invited person. For example, an invitation between a boss and a subordinate at work means that there is no room for choice regarding the invited person, that is, participation on the subordinate's side. This is true if communication is used, for example, to facilitate coordination of work between employees.

  Once the invitation is sent to the backend system, the invitation is available for review by those who have been granted appropriate access rights. Or, a message is sent to the invited person to inform the invited person of the invitation and thus a quicker response is facilitated. Notification options are specified by the sender or automatically handled by the system. Alternatively, it may be specified as an option by the recipient based on the filter criteria.

  According to one concept of the present invention, there is provided a search facility in which a user searches for users and bulletins based on a plurality of search criteria among all users and bulletin information, or at least users and information to which a searcher has access rights. Is done. Substantially all user profiles and bulletin information are maintained in the database subsystem so that such data is available to those with appropriate access rights. For example, a user may perform a search among selected friends who are currently shopping or planning to go shopping. As another example, a user may search to check status, location, or behavior for a particular other user. As another example, a user may want to find people from the public who are interested in a particular behavior, who are in a particular place, or who have a certain profile characteristic. Since many items of information about user behavior are affected by time, the search preferably takes into account the time component whenever applicable (e.g. for currently occurring or future proposed behavior). ). In addition to user profiles and behaviors, the present invention allows users to control the privacy of user profiles and bulletin information, and find each other based on location and time.

  By allowing the proposed communication system to run on the web and the user can search a database of user profiles, status, and bulletin information, the present invention facilitates the gathering of people in ways that were not easily achieved previously. To do. The fact that the posted information relates to the mobile Internet user's current or proposed behavior and includes both the location and time dimensions, which means that a user looking for a partner for some behavior It means that the audience is as much interested and accessible as possible from a potentially large audience as the user base itself. Privacy is enhanced by the user selectively allowing or refusing access by other users to the posted information. A privacy control setting may be to allow one user to control whether other users or groups of users have access to all, some, or no information about this user. . For example, a user may determine that another user is allowed to access only certain types of postings or only a part of the posted information, or set privacy control settings corresponding to these items of information. May be set. Of course, the privacy control settings correspond to any of the user profile, status, location, time, etc., and are set individually for a specific user who wants to access a certain user's information (for example, for John (Allows access to the user's name and email, but not to the work address). That is, the privacy control setting is that the user can finely control access by another user, a group of users, or the public in accordance with an item of information related to a specific user, if necessary. However, for usefulness, groups of information are grouped together and have a common privacy control setting to simplify access control.

Exemplary Process Flow Exemplary process flows for user sign-up, login, private mode and public operations are shown below for users of internet-enabled mobile phones. The process flow described below is an example and may be changed. Accordingly, to those skilled in the art, the present invention may be practiced without performing certain steps of the process flow, or each of the conventional details of the process steps will be described in detail to avoid confusion with the understanding of the present invention. It is clear that they have not.

1. Sign up 1.1. Invite users by computer-implemented mobile user coordination system and other users.
1.1.1. Clicking on the invitation URL including the email address where the invitation was sent.
1.1.2. The user is greeted by a welcome screen on an internet-enabled mobile phone.
1.1.3. Show mate status information to the user. Or, when the mate status information is not available, such as when the user is invited by a computer control system on behalf of another user, public mode information is shown to the user.
1.1.4. Ask the user to sign up yes or no.
1.1.5. If yes, the user is prompted to select a password and to enter a phone number if the email address does not include a phone number.
1.1.6. If necessary, ask the user to save the next screen as a cached page for future logins.
1.1.7. Ask the user to grant rights to the mate who invited the user.
1.1.8. The user is prompted to invite three mates by entering an email address (score = 3). This optional step is performed to facilitate fast growth of the user's base.
1.1.9. The user is asked to input profile information such as age and sex. Request users to use the website as needed to submit photos.
1.1.10. Please enjoy. End of sign-up.

1.2. The user comes, for example, by inputting or clicking the URL of an Internet-compatible mobile phone.
1.2.1. The user enters or clicks on the URL.
1.2.2. The user is greeted by a welcome screen on an internet-enabled mobile phone.
1.2.3. Show public mode information to the user.
1.2.4. Ask the user to sign up yes or no.
1.2.5. Prompt user for email address, phone number, and password.
1.2.6. If necessary, the system sends an email address confirmation email (no reply required).
1.2.7. If necessary, ask the user to save the next screen as a cached page for future logins.
1.2.8. The user is prompted to invite three mates by entering an email address (score = 3). This optional step is performed to facilitate fast growth of the user's base.
1.2.9. Prompt the user for profile information such as age and gender, for example. Request users to use the website as needed to submit photos.
1.2.10. Please enjoy. End of sign-up.

2. Login 2.1. The user comes from the front entrance, for example using a page cached by a password procedure.
2.1.1. The user submits the cached page to the backend server (including the email address).
2.1.2. Ask the user to approve the “grant rights” request. Users can grant rights, and can also approve in advance that their information is shared with other users by the person they invite. In the case of a “permit right” request for a group, the user can grant the right to the person he or she invites.
2.1.3. If the last entry has expired, ask the user to update the status.
2.1.4. Shows the user the last used mode with the updated search results.
2.1.5. Please enjoy. End of login.

2.2. The user comes from the side entrance by using a bookmark or typing a URL.
2.2.1. The user inputs a URL.
2.2.2. Prompt the user for an email ID and password.
2.2.3. Ask the user to approve the “grant rights” request. Users can grant rights, and can also approve in advance that their information is shared with other users by the person they invite. In the case of a “permit right” request for a group, the user can grant the right to the person he or she invites.
2.2.4. If the last entry has expired, ask the user to update the status.
2.2.5. The user is shown the last used mode with the updated search results.
2.2.6. Please enjoy. End of login.

3. Private mode 3.1. Custom message check 3.1.1. Displays the “custom message waiting” icon. Custom messages are posted to the entire group for each person or by the user.
3.1.2. Clicking on the icon displays to the user a list of waiting messages that the user can selectively view. Custom messages may expire automatically because they are irrelevant to time.

3.2. Updating personal status 3.2.1. The user selects the current “location”, “action”, “until” from the customization options shown. Location and action option choices are dictated by frequency and novelty, and the last options in these two areas are “Custom”, “Custom by Mate”, “Custom by Group”. If the user selects "Custom", "Custom by Mate", or "Custom by Group", go to a screen where you can type a custom message. In the case of “custom by mate” or “custom by group”, a friend or group as a recipient is further selected from a drop-down box. The choice of time zone is any length of time such as 1, 2, 4, 12 hours.
3.2.2. Go! Click.
3.2.3. The user is shown the updated screen and the “custom message waiting” flag is set for the recipient.

3.3 Contact with friends 3.3.1. The user scrolls and clicks on a link to select one of the friend users that they want to contact.
3.3.2. Show all messages to the user (for custom messages or custom formats). You will then be given the option to send a phone call or e-mail (with no need to know the number) or issue a “change in available status” notification. This notification notifies the user by e-mail when the friend support status changes.

3.4. Execution of search 3.4.1. The user selects one or more search criteria from the drop-down box according to location, action, time, group, mate, and free form. When a plurality of search criteria are selected, an AND search is performed. Otherwise, an OR search is performed. The contents of the drop-down box, especially the location and action box, depend on the current data. For example, Shibuya is shown as an option only if the system has data about Shibuya.
3.4.2. Go! Press.
3.4.3. The system refreshes to a screen containing a result showing the matched mate information. The number of results displayed per page is a setting controlled by the user.

3.5. Sending invitations by clicking on “Mate”.
3.5.1. The user enters an email address and sends the invitation as an individual or group. The user customizes the invitation by entering a name, greeting message, or selecting a format. The format is a Christmas format or an arbitrary format. In addition, users can offer rights to their information, and at the same time can allow their information to be shared in a pre-approved state with others by the person they invite. In the case of a new user, if the new user cannot remember the phone number by forgetting the friend's name, the process of “inviting three friends” can be omitted. However, you may be asked to enter your phone number at the next login.
3.5.2. If the invited person is not the current user of the system, the system sends an invitation email. If the invited person is the current user of the system, the system saves the invitation message and displays the message as a dialog box at the next logon.
3.5.3. If there is no response to an invitation message to a potential user within 3 days, this message will be reset (and if no response is received within 7 days, notify the person who initiated the invitation Request to provide an email address). If the invitation message returns, notify the person who sent the invitation and request that you provide an alternative email address.
3.5.4. After sending the invitation, the user is returned to the “Mate” screen to allow the user to send further invitations.

3.6. Change rights by clicking on “Mate”.
3.6.1. The user selects a group or mate and changes the rights for that group or mate. The groups are listed according to newness and frequency, and the last option is “others”, “empty”, and “all”. Mates are listed by newness and frequency, and the last option is “others”. The user selects “Others” and Go! When clicking, the user is moved to another screen with a full list of groups or mates, each with a Y / N drop-down box of rights. Edit the links, and a new link is placed in front of each other.
3.6.2. User changes mate / group rights to go! After clicking, the rights are updated in the system and the “Mate” screen is redisplayed.
3, 6.3. Users can create new groups or edit existing group characteristics (ie shared Yes / No, member, name, voice channel on / off, delete) (user creates groups) (That is, it is allowed to delete only if it is the owner of the group).
3.6.4. The user can create a new mate. That is, return the user to the invitation section of the “Mate” screen. Or the user edits and deletes the characteristics of an existing mate (ie shared Yes / No, cross-path notification on / off, voice channel on / off, name, phone number, group membership) can do. The phone number is useful when a friend does not give a phone number.

3.7. Schedule Update 3.7.1 On the schedule screen, the user can create, edit, and delete new entries for the future state of the form location, action, and time. The user can view this schedule on a daily or weekly basis.

3.8. Change of setting 3.8.1. Owner information: Screen name, alternate contact phone number, alternate email address, location (work, school, home, playground), age, gender, blood type, 12 temples, occupation, hobbies / interests A certain area.
3.8.2 Preference: Search results for each screen (3/4/5), startup mode (last mode / private mode / public mode), for example, voice channel on / off for public mode, custom message waiting Customize Y / N and public mode search criteria for email notifications. As public mode search criteria, any two of age / sex, blood type, 12 temples, occupation, and hobby can be selected. Change email address, change password.

3.9. Special sales based on behavior, location and time 3.9.1. Suggested information to the user for the region-behavior-time zone in which the user is located (which may match the user's hobbies and interests collected from the user's profile, past behavior, etc.).
3.9.2. The user may click the recommendation and call the seller in advance.
3.9.3. The user may forward the recommended area entry to the mate / group as a custom message. When the user clicks on the “forward” link, the user is presented with a new screen in the form below the “Mate” screen. In this screen, the user can select a mate / group to transfer the recommended information.
3.9.4. Information about the user's shopping pattern is recorded by the system (in the form user-location-behavior-time-seller-product).

3.10. Event 3.10.1. The public event information for the region-behavior-time zone that matches the user's hobbies and interest fields collected from the profile, past behavior, etc. is shown to the user.
3.10.2. The user may click on the event or call the event organizer in advance.
3.10.3. The user may forward the input in the event section as a custom message to the mate / group. When the user clicks on the “Transfer” link, the user is presented with a new screen in the form below the “Mate” screen. In this screen, the user can select a mate / group to transfer the event information.
3.10.4. Information about the user's actions is recorded by the system (in the form user-location-action-time-event organizer-event).

3.11. Switch mode 3.11.1 Switches the user to another mode.

4). Public mode 4.1. Custom message check (same as private mode 3.1)

4.2. Updating bulletin 4.2.1. The user selects the desired “location”, “action”, “from” from the custom options shown. Location and behavior option choices are organized by frequency and freshness, with the last option being “custom”. If the user selects “Custom”, the user is taken to a screen where they can type a custom message. The time zone options are any period such as 1, 2, 4, or 12 hours.
4.2.2. Go! Click.
4.2.3. The desired content is registered in the database and the updated screen is shown to the user.

4.3. Contact with individuals 4.3.1. The user scrolls and selects the person he wants to contact by clicking on the link.
4.3.2. Give the user the option to send a message or email without showing the number by showing the profile and showing all messages in the case of custom messages and custom formats.

4.4. Execution of search 4.4.1. The user selects two or more search criteria such as age / sex, blood type, 12 palaces, occupation, hobbies, and also location, action, time, free form, and the like from the drop-down box. If multiple search criteria are selected, it is an AND search, otherwise an OR search. The context of the drop-down box, especially the location and action box, is “current data dependent”, eg Shibuya is shown as an option if the system has data about Shibuya.
4.4.2. Go! Press.
4.4.3. The system refreshes to a screen containing results showing the matched person's information. The number of results displayed per page is a setting controlled by the user.

4.5. Deletion of bulletin 4.5.1. Presents the user with a list of up-to-date information on all of their states The user may then selectively edit or delete. The bulletin board is automatically deleted as time passes.

4.6. Edit profile 4.6.1. The user may input free-form profile information such as preferences, self-introduction, and photos. The photos are optional and are only via the website and are of a predetermined size, file size, file type.

4.7. Setting change (same as private mode 3.8)
4.8. Recommended (same as private mode 3.9)
4.9. Event (same as private mode 3.10)
4.10. Switching mode (same as private mode 3.11)

  As noted above, the usefulness of user profiles, status, current and future behavior, current and future location, and associated time is not easily available in current systems, allowing sellers to manage their products and services. Being able to target makes it easier to target marketing. The seller is currently engaged in past actions (shopping, clicks, coupon responses, etc.), current behavior / location (eg shopping at a shopping center until 3pm), future behavior / location (eg 5pm tomorrow) From 8:00 am to 8:00 am), access to potential stakeholders and demographics. With this information, the seller has the products / services most likely to be needed / purchased / reviewed by the user, and this is sent to the user or group of users via direct mail, short message, instant message. Voice mail, e-coupon, etc. can be provided directly via the Internet. An example of a configuration that performs a special business based on the user's profile, status, current and future behavior, current and future location, time involved is shown below. The special process described below is an example, and can be changed as appropriate. Thus, for those skilled in the art, the present invention can be practiced without performing all the steps of the process flow, and conventional trivial process steps are described in detail to avoid confusion in understanding the present invention. It is clear that you do not.

Example of configuration The seller goes to the section of the website and uploads the pitch. The seller selects the target user profile by adjusting the provided options: age, gender, location, purpose / behavior, due date, single / multiple, past purchase records. Next, the seller confirms the sales and declares “10% off purchase at Gap” in Harajuku on Sunday evening. The system assigns a unique business ID to this sale. This business ID will be used later to issue an e-coupon.

  2. The user updates his / her location and state information (purpose, behavior, time). The user is presented with search results for the mate. At the same time, the user recommends the current action at the place that matches the desired behavior (shopping, meals, etc.), state (one person, with a male friend, with a female friend), and past reaction (coupon click or purchase). And events.

  3. At this time, the system uses these criteria, the criteria specified by the seller, and what was determined by the system based on the user's condition to combine the user with the seller. In one embodiment, the final list of events and recommendations presented to the user is categorized based on the cpm rate provided by the advertiser.

  4). The user clicks on the recommendation and displays an e-coupon with a unique number that is valid for the location-action-time zone. The user shows the displayed coupon to the cashier at the seller and gets the offered discount. The user may copy the number and show it to the seller. If the seller is good, the user is allowed to tell the seller, “I found your sales through a mobile user adjustment system,” to get discounts and giveaways. Other “codeword” systems can be used (such as “I like jeans”), or users can ensure recommendations by communicating their names to retailers by phone or email.

  5. The seller uploads a coupon number flat file to the website for a macro-level analysis of the customer according to the seller's sales. The seller then uses that information to define the customer's goals for future sales.

  6). The seller may provide further motivation to the user who collected the coupon through future discounts and other business promotions. This may be done by providing a regular customer ID to a user purchaser who can access the web page. That is, the user can click on the coupon link after doing this and gaining more sales of this type in the future.

  1 to 9 show an example of the embodiment of the present invention for a smartphone, that is, a mobile phone having an Internet function for accessing a web page or website. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 9, a service called “imahima” is provided, and the user can display his / her own information (including identity, profile, status) and posting (current / proposed action, current / future). You can register and update information about (including location, time of day), set access rights for other users, and users can search for behavior and meeting adjustments .

  FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment, along with an illustrative example of how the Imaima service is used. In FIG. 2, there are three sample screens, and the home screen is shown on the left side. This screen is in private mode. At the top of the page, the user is shown to be in private mode, to be in work (other possible choices are shown at the top), and location. Mate, i.e. interested friend / acquaintance information is also shown. A “Search” button is provided along with a “Prefs” button to set preferences for other selected users (“Mate”), schedule, owner information, and other general settings ( Relevant search options are shown for further explanation).

  The page view (center) is for displaying group information, setting access rights for members of the group, and controlling access to the information of the user “Niraji” by this member. In this example, the group is called “Friends” and has two access rights, yes / no. However, finer privacy control such as control of the personal item of the user “Niraji” is also performed as necessary. As shown in this page view, the group is edited and provided with a function (eg, “new”) that allows the creation of a new group.

  In the page view on the right, a page for setting the schedule for leek is prepared. The schedule is used to automatically update (or in response to a request for leek) information about leek so that other authorized users can see it. FIG. 3 shows examples of two operation modes. FIG. 4 proposes an example of a system architecture. This architecture is an example and is a unique technology. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various architectures are possible. FIG. 5 shows an example of a registration and login procedure. In this embodiment, a newly registered user is requested to input data relating to three other users in order to quickly expand the user database. However, this is optional and such input tends to be quite effective (and of course better) in expanding the scope and usefulness of the Imaima service, but is not absolutely necessary. FIG. 6 illustrates details regarding an example registration procedure. FIG. 7 is an application flow showing a normal usage method of the service. FIG. 8 shows examples of the public mode and the private mode. FIG. 9 shows examples of a mate screen and a sign-up screen.

  Another concept of the present invention is a barcode-based e-coupon. Using the current / future location, current / future behavior, the disclosed system enables new just-in-time commerce. Advertisers can reach customers shopping near the store, and event organizers can reach those who are interested in recently discounted tickets and have free time nearby. They see the ad, click on the ad to get more information, download an e-coupon containing a barcode, and bring the coupon to the store to get a discount. This is an example in which a barcode-based e-coupon is valid. The e-coupon provides the only and easy means of verifying the identity of the user of the disclosed system and the specific business activity that the e-coupon has been selected to react to. By scanning a barcode (part of the e-coupon) digitally displayed on the screen of the mobile device (mobile phone, PDA), the store clerk can easily know this unique coupon number at the store location. . Once the e-coupon information is known, available discounts are automatically provided to this user. Later, by uploading a flat file of these coupon numbers to the server, the seller can confirm the validity of the sales action and complete the macro analysis of the user who responded to the sales. FIG. 10 shows an overview of how this feature works.

  The bar code can be scanned by a conventional scanner available in most store cash registers, providing a simple mechanism for transferring e-coupon information from the user to the seller. Digital bar codes enable several new functions:

• User confirmation • Coupon and business conduct confirmation • Discount information confirmation Once this e-coupon number has been captured by the seller, a flat file of these coupon numbers is uploaded to the server for further analysis below. The
・ Analysis of sales promotion act ・ Macro analysis of user profile in response to sales act

  Thus, the mobile phone barcode closes the loop between the system and the seller associated with the user. It made it possible to examine the number of advertisements shown to us, the number of advertisements clicked, and the actual number of visitors generated thereby. The disclosed technology provides targeted new marketing tools that provide retailers unprecedented control and efficiency. It is the first system in marketing history to be able to target authorized individuals by proximity to a store or entertainment venue (or to be near a specific time frame) and for current purposes. is there. It has a street clerk who can predict and authorize predictions through demographic and psychographic profiles, identify objectives related to immediate behavior, and present each person with a sales pitch on custom-made sales practices. It ’s like that.

  The disclosed systems and techniques are best suited for business activities that are special actions / purposes, special places, or both. For example, the disclosed system may be used to provide e-coupons to users who are near a particular boutique or who are “shopping”. Or, e-coupons that can be used in fast food restaurant chains and pharmacies across large cities can be provided. On the other hand, a goal can be set only by purpose or time such that only a user who is currently planning a meal receives a coupon.

  This is possible. The reason is that the disclosed system has a perception of further status of each consumer's actions than those previously available. In addition to the normal consumer-supplied demographics obtained during sign-up, the disclosed system will show the past coupon responses and purchase records, the user's actual physical location, current or desired You can track behavior (shopping, eating, working, etc.) and the presence of nearby user friends.

  For consumers, this means receiving messages that are expected to be valuable. The reason is that this message is correlated, personalized, and responds with an accurate prediction of actual needs. The delivered message is dynamically integrated with the user's current behavior and current lifestyle. The user eventually leads to the advertiser's website, is free to click for more information, and is also free to receive e-coupons for discounts.

  Next, a method for performing a specific business activity targeted by the disclosed system will be described.

  1. The seller goes to the section of the website and uploads the pitch. The seller can select the desired user profile by handling all of the provided options, age, gender, location, purpose / action, time frame, single / multiple, past shopping records. Next, the seller declares “10% off Gap purchase” in Harajuku on Sunday evening. The system assigns a unique business ID for this sale. This ID is used later to generate an e-coupon number.

  2. The user updates his / her location and state (purpose / behavior) information, and the search result for the mate is shown. At the same time, the user recommends the place at that time that matches the desired behavior (shopping / meal), state (alone / with male friend / with female friend), past reaction (coupon click and purchase). And events.

  3. At this point, the system uses these criteria to combine the user with the seller. Some are specified by the seller and the rest are determined by the system based on the user's condition. The final list of events and recommendations presented to the user is categorized based on the cpm rate provided by the advertiser.

  4). The user clicks on the recommendation and displays an e-coupon with a unique number valid for that location-behavior-time zone. The user shows the displayed e-coupon to the cashier under the seller and gets the discount provided. The user may simply copy the number and show it to the seller. If the seller approves, the user may simply tell the seller that “I have found your sales with the disclosed system” to get discounts and giveaways. Other “code word” systems can also be used (for example, “I like jeans”). Alternatively, the user can leave a “Recommendation” by communicating the name to the retailer by phone or email.

  5. The seller uploads a coupon number flat file to the system website for analysis at the macro level of the customer who responds to the sale. The seller then uses this information to target customers for future sales.

  6). Sellers may provide additional motivation to users who collect coupons through future discounts or other promotional promotions.

  This can be done by giving a regular customer ID to a user / seller who can access the web page. Alternatively, the user can click on the coupon link after doing this and gaining more sales of this type in the future. Apart from systems and methods, computer program media are also included in the present invention. These computer program media consist of instructions residing on computer readable media that allow a computer to perform the methods disclosed in the present invention. Instructions include, but are not limited to, source code, object code, executable form. Computers that execute instructions include, but are not limited to, minis, macros, and mainframes. Computer readable media include, but are not limited to, floppy, RAM, ROM, hard drive, magnetic tape, cartridge, CD, DVD, Internet download.

Although the present invention has been described based on a plurality of preferred embodiments, there are variations, alternatives, and equalizations within the scope of the invention. For example, although point-and-click and visual interfaces have been discussed, it is anticipated that user interfaces including speech recognition and computer-generated speech for data input can also be used to exchange current and future locations and actions. Of course, other data input / output methods can also be used. There are many other ways to implement the method and apparatus of the present invention. Accordingly, the dependent claims are intended to be construed as including all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (76)

A computer-implemented method that runs over the Internet and coordinates future events between a user of a mobile internet device and other users communicating over the internet,
Including a step of receiving future behavior information regarding the future event from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the future behavior is a behavior occurring at a future time relative to a time when the future behavior information is received. Related to
Transmitting the future behavior information to a back-end database connected to the Internet, the back-end database being remote from the mobile Internet device;
Including the step of making the future behavior information accessible to at least one recipient over the Internet, the recipient connected to the Internet and accessing information related to the future event involved with the user A method of being part of the authorized user. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the step of making accessible includes the step of making the future behavior information accessible to another mobile internet device corresponding to the recipient. how to. The computer execution method according to claim 1, further comprising:
Including a process of receiving future location information about the future event from the user via the mobile Internet device, the future location information describing a location corresponding to the future behavior information;
Sending the future location information along with the future behavior information to the backend database;
And making the future location information accessible to the recipient via the Internet along with the future behavior information. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the future location information is manually input by the user. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the future location information is obtained without using an automatic positioning technique associated with the Internet-enabled mobile device. The computer execution method according to claim 3, further comprising:
Including a process of receiving future time information regarding the future event from the user via the mobile internet device, the future time information describing a time corresponding to the future behavior information;
Transmitting the future time information together with the future action information to the backend database;
Making the future time information accessible to the recipient via the Internet along with the future behavior information and the future location information. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein access rights by the recipient to the future event involved with the user are controlled by the user via private settings control in the back-end database. A method characterized by that. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the mobile internet device is an internet-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA). 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the mobile internet device is an internet-enabled mobile phone. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein access by the recipient to the future event involved with the user is controlled by the user via private settings control in the backend database. A method characterized by. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising the step of issuing a notification to the recipient when information about the future event is received from the user. 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the recipient is notified by an invitation to participate in the future event, the invitation being information about the future event entered by the user. And transmitting to the recipient in response to an access right corresponding to the recipient. The computer execution method according to claim 6, further comprising:
Receiving a search criterion from the recipient, the search criterion including filtering information for searching the backend database;
Searching the database using the search criteria;
A method comprising sending information about the future event to the recipient when the future event meets the search criteria and the recipient has the access. 7. The computer execution method according to claim 6, wherein the process of receiving the future action information and the process of transmitting the future action information are created specifically for the adjustment in the mobile Internet device. A method characterized in that it is implemented without using resident execution code. 7. The computer-implemented method according to claim 6, wherein the step of receiving the future action information is performed by a web-based form. A computer control system for coordinating future events between a user of a first mobile internet device and other users communicating over the internet,
A server device connected to the Internet, the server device including a first code and a second code, wherein the first code includes a first application program that uses a web-based paradigm; The first application program is executed by the first code transmitted from the server device to the first Internet device, and the first application program is executed by the first mobile Internet device. Receiving future behavior information about the future event from the user, the future behavior relating to behavior occurring at a future time relative to a time at which the future behavior information is received;
A back-end database connected to the server device; the back-end database communicates with the first application program via the Internet; and the back-end database receives the future application from the first application program. Receiving behavior information, the backend database is remote from the first mobile internet device;
The second code executes a second application program using a web-based database on a second mobile Internet device, and the second application program is executed from the server device to the second mobile Internet device. Executed by the second code transmitted to the second application program, the second application program provides the future behavior information to the recipient via the second mobile internet device, and the recipient A system that is connected and is part of the user who has access to information about the future event involved with the user. The computer control system of claim 16, comprising:
The first application program receives future location information regarding the future event from the user via the first mobile Internet device, the future location information being a location associated with the future behavior information. And
The second application program makes the future location information accessible to the recipient via the Internet together with the future action information. A computer control system according to claim 17, comprising:
The future location information can be obtained without using automatic positioning technology related to the Internet-enabled mobile device. A computer control system according to claim 17, comprising:
The first application program receives future time information about the future event from the user via the first mobile Internet device, the future time information being a time associated with the future behavior information. And
The second application program makes the future time information accessible to the recipient via the Internet together with the future action information. 20. The computer control system of claim 19, wherein access rights by the recipient to the future event involved with the user are controlled by the user via private settings control in the backend database. A system characterized by 20. The computer control system of claim 19, wherein the first mobile internet device is an internet-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA). 20. The computer control system of claim 19, wherein the first mobile internet device is an internet-enabled mobile phone. 23. The computer control system of claim 22, wherein access by the recipient to the future event involved with the user is controlled by the user via a private settings control in the backend database. Feature system. The computer control system of claim 19, further comprising:
Means for receiving search criteria from the recipient, the search criteria comprising filtering information for searching the backend database;
Means for searching the database using the search criteria;
A system comprising: means for sending information about the future event to the recipient when the future event meets the search criteria and the recipient has the access rights. 20. The computer control system according to claim 19, wherein the process of receiving the future action information and the process of transmitting the future action information are created specifically for the adjustment in the first mobile Internet device. A system that is implemented without using resident executable code. 20. The computer control system according to claim 19, wherein the step of receiving the future action information is performed by a web-based form. 17. The computer control system according to claim 16, wherein the second application program is executed by a second mobile internet device corresponding to the recipient. A computer-implemented method of running over the Internet to coordinate behavior between a user of a mobile internet device and another user communicating over the internet,
Including a process of receiving behavior information related to the behavior from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior is related to behavior that occurs in a period overlapped with reception of the behavior information,
Transmitting the behavior information to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being remote from the mobile internet device;
Including the step of making the behavioral information accessible to at least one recipient over the Internet on another mobile internet device, the recipient connected to the internet and connected to the user in the future event A method characterized in that it is part of the user who has access to relevant information. 29. A computer execution method according to claim 28, further comprising:
Including the process of receiving location information regarding the event from the user via the mobile Internet device, the location information describing a location associated with the behavior information;
Including the step of transmitting the location information to the backend database together with the behavior information;
A method comprising the step of making the location information accessible to the recipient via the Internet together with the behavior information. 30. The computer-implemented method of claim 29, wherein the location information is manually input by the user. 30. The computer-implemented method of claim 29, wherein the location information is obtained without using an automatic positioning technique associated with the internet-enabled mobile device. 30. A computer execution method according to claim 29, further comprising:
Including a process of receiving time information regarding the event from the user via the mobile Internet device, the time information describing a time corresponding to the behavior information,
Transmitting the time information together with the behavior information to the backend database;
Making the time information accessible to the recipient via the Internet along with the behavior information and the location information;
A method comprising the steps of: 33. The computer-implemented method of claim 32, wherein access rights by the recipient to the event with the user are controlled by the user via private settings control in the backend database. And how to. 33. The computer-implemented method of claim 32, wherein the mobile internet device is an internet-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA). 33. The computer-implemented method of claim 32, wherein the mobile internet device is an internet-enabled cell phone. 36. The computer-implemented method of claim 35, wherein access by the recipient to the event involved with the user is controlled by the user via private settings control in the backend database. And how to. 33. The computer-implemented method of claim 32, further comprising the step of issuing a notification to the recipient when information about the event is received from the user. 38. The computer-implemented method of claim 37, wherein the recipient is notified by an invitation to participate in the event, the invitation comprising information about the event entered by the user and the recipient. And transmitting to the recipient in response to an access right corresponding to. A computer execution method according to claim 32, further comprising:
Receiving a search criterion from the recipient, the search criterion including filtering information for searching the backend database;
Searching the database using the search criteria;
A method comprising sending information about the event to the recipient if the event meets the search criteria and the recipient has the access. 33. The computer execution method according to claim 32, wherein the step of receiving the behavior information and the step of transmitting the behavior information are resident execution codes created specifically for the adjustment in the mobile Internet device. A method characterized in that it is carried out without use. 33. The computer-implemented method according to claim 32, wherein the step of receiving the behavior information is performed by a web-based form. A computer control system for coordinating behavior between a user of a first mobile internet device and another user communicating over the internet,
A server device connected to the Internet, the server device including a first code and a second code, wherein the first code includes a first application program that uses a web-based paradigm; The first application program is executed by the first code transmitted from the server device to the first Internet device, and the first application program is executed by the first mobile Internet device. Receiving behavior information about the behavior from the user, the behavior being related to behavior that occurs in a time zone that overlaps the time at which the behavior information is received;
A back-end database connected to the server device; the back-end database communicates with the first application program via the Internet; and the back-end database receives the behavior information from the first application program. The backend database is remote from the first mobile Internet device;
The second code executes a second application program using a web-based database on a second mobile Internet device, and the second application program is executed from the server device to the second mobile Internet device. Executed by the second code transmitted to the second application program, the second application program providing the behavior information to a recipient via the second mobile internet device, the recipient being connected to the internet And a part of the user having access to information about the event involved with the user. A computer control system according to claim 42, comprising:
The first application program receives location information about the event from the user via the first mobile Internet device, the location information describes a location related to the behavior information,
The second application program makes the location information accessible to the recipient via the Internet together with the behavior information. 44. The computer control system of claim 43, wherein the location information is obtained without using an automatic positioning technique associated with the internet-enabled mobile device. 44. A computer control system according to claim 43, comprising:
The first application program receives time information related to the event from the user via the first mobile Internet device, the time information describes a time related to the behavior information,
The second application program makes the time information accessible to the recipient via the Internet together with the behavior information. 46. The computer control system of claim 45, wherein access rights by the recipient to the event with the user are controlled by the user via private settings control in the backend database. System. 46. The computer control system of claim 45, wherein the first mobile internet device is an internet-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA). 46. The computer control system of claim 45, wherein the first mobile internet device is an internet-enabled mobile phone. 49. The computer controlled system of claim 48, wherein access by the recipient to the event involved with the user is controlled by the user via private settings control in the backend database. System. The computer control system of claim 45, further comprising:
Receiving a search criterion from the recipient, the search criterion including filtering information for searching the backend database;
Searching the database using the search criteria;
A system comprising: sending information about the event to the recipient when the event meets the search criteria and the recipient has the access. 46. The computer control system according to claim 45, wherein the process of receiving the behavior information and the process of transmitting the behavior information are resident executions specially created for the adjustment in the first mobile Internet device. A system that is implemented without the use of code. 46. The computer control system according to claim 45, wherein the step of receiving the behavior information is performed via a web-based form. 43. The computer control system according to claim 42, wherein the second application program is executed by a second mobile Internet device corresponding to the recipient. A computer-implemented method that is executed over the Internet to facilitate commercial marketing to a user of a mobile Internet device, the commercial marketing relating to at least one of a product and a service provided by the seller,
Including a step of receiving a first data set relating to behavior from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior relates to behavior occurring in a time zone overlapping with when the behavior information is received, The first data set includes action type and location information,
Transmitting the first data set to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being geographically remote from the mobile internet device;
Comparing the first data set with a second data set in the back-end database, the second data set prior to the process of receiving the first data set from the user; Including behavior and location information received from the seller,
When the information of the first data set satisfies a condition defined in the second data set, the commercial sales can be made available to the user via the Internet and the Internet device. how to. 55. The computer-implemented method of claim 54, wherein the second data set includes time information, and the commercial sale is only if the time zone overlaps with a time defined by the time information. A method provided to the user. 55. The computer-implemented method of claim 54, wherein the action type is shopping. 55. The computer-implemented method of claim 54, wherein the action type is a meal. 55. The computer-implemented method of claim 54, wherein the second data set includes age information, and the commercial sale is only provided if the age of the user satisfies the conditions defined by the age information. A method provided to the user. 55. The computer-implemented method of claim 54, wherein the commercial pitch is an electronic coupon collected at a store run by the seller. A computer-implemented method that is executed over the Internet to facilitate commercial marketing to a user of a mobile Internet device, the commercial marketing relating to at least one of a product and a service provided by the seller,
Including a step of receiving a first data set relating to behavior from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior relates to behavior occurring in a time zone overlapping with when the behavior information is received, The first data set includes action type and location information,
Sending the first data set to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being geographically remote from the mobile internet device;
Comparing the parameters of the second data set with a third data set in the back-end database, the second data set being different from the first data set and the user; Data relating to behavior entered by a user, the third data set includes behavior and location information received from the seller prior to the step of receiving the first data set from the user;
When the information of the second data set satisfies the conditions defined in the third data set, the commercial sale is made available to the user via the Internet and the Internet device. how to. 61. The computer-implemented method of claim 60, wherein the third data set includes time information and the commercial sale is only if the time zone overlaps with a time defined by the time information. A method provided to the user. 61. The computer-implemented method of claim 60, wherein the action type is shopping. 61. The computer-implemented method of claim 60, wherein the action type is a meal. 61. The computer-implemented method of claim 60, wherein the third data set includes age information, and the commercial sale is only provided if the age of the user satisfies the conditions defined by the age information. A method provided to the user. 61. The computer-implemented method of claim 60, wherein the commercial pitch is an electronic coupon collected at a store run by the seller. A computer-implemented method that is executed over the Internet to facilitate commercial marketing to a user of a mobile Internet device, the commercial marketing relating to at least one of a product and a service provided by the seller,
Including a step of receiving a first data set relating to behavior from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior relates to behavior occurring in a time zone overlapping with when the behavior information is received, The first data set includes action type and location information,
Sending the first data set to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being geographically remote from the mobile internet device;
Comparing the parameters of the second data set with a third data set in the back-end database, the second data set comprising the first data set and a record of shopping by the user; The third data set includes action and location information received from the seller prior to the journey of receiving the first data set from the user;
When the information of the second data set satisfies the conditions defined in the third data set, the commercial sales can be made available to the user via the Internet and the Internet device. how to. The computer-implemented method of claim 66, wherein the commercial pitch represents an electronic coupon collected at a store run by the seller. 68. The computer-implemented method of claim 66, wherein when the electronic coupon is collected, the purchase history by the user is updated in the back-end database. 68. The computer-implemented method of claim 66, wherein the first data set includes time information, and the commercial sale is only performed if the time zone overlaps with a time defined by the time information. A method characterized by being provided to a user. The computer-implemented method of claim 66, wherein the action type is shopping. 68. The computer-implemented method of claim 66, wherein the third data set includes age information, and the commercial sale is only provided if the age of the user satisfies the conditions defined by the age information. A method provided to the user. A computer program medium comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions, wherein the instructions allow one or more computers to be used in the future between a user of a mobile internet device and other users communicating over the internet. A method for coordinating events of the Internet can be performed via the Internet,
Including a step of receiving future behavior information regarding the future event from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the future behavior is a behavior occurring at a future time relative to a time when the future behavior information is received. Related to
Transmitting the future behavior information to a back-end database connected to the Internet, the back-end database being remote from the mobile Internet device;
Including the step of making the future behavior information accessible to at least one recipient over the Internet, the recipient connected to the Internet and accessing information related to the future event involved with the user A computer program medium that is part of the authorized user. A computer program medium comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions, wherein the instructions allow one or more computers to be used in the future between a user of a mobile internet device and other users communicating over the internet. A method for coordinating events of the Internet can be performed via the Internet,
Including a process of receiving behavior information regarding the event from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior is related to behavior that occurs in a time zone that overlaps when the behavior information is received,
Transmitting the behavior information to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being remote from the mobile internet device;
Including the step of making the behavior information accessible to at least one recipient of another mobile internet device via the internet, wherein the recipient is connected to the internet and is related to the event involved with the user A computer program medium which is part of the user having access rights to A computer program medium comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions, wherein the instructions allow one or more computers to communicate via the Internet a method for facilitating commercial marketing to users of mobile internet devices. The commercial sale relates to at least one of a product and a service provided by the seller, the method comprising:
Including a step of receiving a first data set related to the behavior from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior is related to a behavior that occurs in a time zone when the behavior information is received and overlapped, One data set includes action type and location information,
Transmitting the first data set to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being remote from the mobile internet device;
Comparing the first data set with a second data set in the back-end database, the second data set prior to the process of receiving the first data set from the user; Including the behavior and location information received from the seller,
When the information of the first data set satisfies the conditions defined in the second data set, the commercial sales can be made available to the user via the Internet device via the Internet. A computer program medium characterized by the above. A computer program medium comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions, wherein the instructions allow one or more computers to communicate via the Internet a method for facilitating commercial marketing to users of mobile internet devices. The commercial sale relates to at least one of a product and a service provided by the seller, the method comprising:
Including a step of receiving a first data set related to the behavior from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior relates to a behavior that occurs in a time zone overlapping with a time when the behavior information is received; The first data set includes action type and location information;
Transmitting the first data set to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being remote from the mobile internet device;
Comparing the parameters of the second data set with a third data set in the backend database, wherein the second data set is different from the first data set and the user. And the third data set includes behavior and location information received from the seller prior to the step of receiving the first data set from the user. ,
When the information of the second data set satisfies the conditions defined in the third data set, the commercial sale is made available to the user via the Internet and the Internet device. A computer program medium. A computer program medium comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable instructions, wherein the instructions allow one or more computers to communicate via the Internet a method for facilitating commercial marketing to users of mobile internet devices. The commercial sale relates to at least one of a product and a service provided by the seller, the method comprising:
Including a step of receiving a first data set related to the behavior from the user via the mobile Internet device, wherein the behavior relates to a behavior that occurs in a time zone overlapping with a time when the behavior information is received; The first data set includes action type and location information;
Transmitting the first data set to a backend database connected to the internet, the backend database being geographically remote from the mobile internet device;
A step of comparing a parameter of the second data set with a third data set in the backend database, the second data set comprising the first data set and a record of shopping by the user; The third data set includes behavior and location information received from the seller prior to the journey of receiving the first data set from the user;
When the information of the second data set satisfies the conditions defined in the third data set, the commercial sale is made available to the user via the Internet and the Internet device. A computer program medium.

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