WO2009118740A1

WO2009118740A1 - Enhancing selling efforts by agents offering catalogued products

Info

Publication number: WO2009118740A1
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000343
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Zarubaev; Michael Ioffe
Original assignee: Nazarov, Alexander
Priority date: 2008-03-27
Filing date: 2009-03-26
Publication date: 2009-10-01

Abstract

A system for enhancing selling efforts by agents offering catalogued products from vendors to customers. One system comprises presentation devices and a server. Each presentation devices comprises a screen, a graphical user interface, a communication module and a database. The presentation devices are arranged to present graphically enhanced data relating to the catalogued products to customers. Server comprises a database with catalogue data relating to the catalogued products received from the vendors, and a communication module. The graphically enhanced data is derived from the catalogue data on the server. Each presentation device is connected to the server via a communication link, and arranged to receive data relating to the catalogued products and use the received data to update the database on the presentation device, whereby the system allows synchronizing all agents and keeping them up to date on new offers from the vendors.

Description

ENHANCING SELLING EFFORTS BY AGENTS OFFERING CATALOGUED PRODUCTS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/039,814 filed on March 27th, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to the field of data distribution, and more particularly to an electronically updated presentation device.

2. DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. US2004213271, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses methods, apparatuses, devices, and systems for digital device communications. U.S. Patent Publication No. US2004117390, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a portable media processing unit in a media exchange network.

[0004] Agents increasingly cany extensive product catalogues along long distances. As a consequence, updating necessities become acute due to the large information volume and the increasing intervals between update occasions. Although catalogues may be digitalized, digitalization of information also faces the difficulty of rapid updating over low bandwidths of communication networks. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for enhancing selling efforts by agents offering catalogued products from a plurality of vendors to customers. One system comprises a plurality of presentation devices and a server. Each presentation devices comprises a screen, a graphical user interface, a communication module and a database. The presentation devices are arranged to present graphically enhanced data relating to the catalogued products to a plurality of customers. Server comprises a database and a communication module. The database comprises catalogue data relating to the catalogued products received from the vendors. The graphically enhanced data on each presentation device is derived from the catalogue data on the server. Each of the plurality of presentation devices is connected to the server via a communication link, and arranged to receive data relating to the catalogued products and use the received data to update the database on the presentation device, whereby the system allows synchronizing all agents and keeping them up to date on new offers from the vendors.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of distributing graphically enhanced data from vendors to agents with presentation devices. One method comprises: transferring the graphically enhanced data from the vendors to a server; sending the graphically enhanced data from the server to the presentation devices over a cellular communication link; presenting the graphically enhanced data to the customers; receiving orders and sending the orders to the vendors; and updating the graphically enhanced data of the presentation devices. The method allows the agents to hold and present a large amount of the graphically enhanced data and keep the graphically enhanced data up to date.

[0007] These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

Fig. 1 is a high level schematic block diagram of a system for distributing graphically enhanced data according to some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a high level schematic flowchart illustrating a method of managing graphically enhanced data according to some embodiments of the invention; and Fig. 3 is a high level schematic flowchart illustrating additional stages of the method according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a high level schematic block diagram of a system for distributing graphically enhanced data according to some embodiments of the invention. Vendors 105 send their graphically enhanced data to a remote server 100. It should be noticed that server 100 may be located on a satellite or connected via a satellite. Server 100 is arranged to receive graphical enhanced data. Server 100 comprises databases 120 comprising the graphically enhanced data and data related to vendors 105, updates of graphical enhanced data, sell agents and customers 180. A management application 110 at server 100 manages databases 120. Server 100 sends via a communication link 99 some of graphically enhanced data and updates from databases 120 to presentation devices 150. Presentation devices 150 may be serving sell agents or customers 180. Presentation devices 150 are arranged to receive the graphically enhanced data from server 100 via communication link 99, e.g. cellular phone networks. Presentation device 150 comprises of a screen 155, preferably a touch screen, a graphical user interface (GUI) 160, a database 170 with the relevant graphically enhanced data and an application 165 controlling the updating of the graphical enhanced data, the communication with server 100 and the presentation by GUI 160. Presentation device 150 is utilized to present customers 180 with updated graphically enhanced data and receive their orders. [0011] According to some embodiments of the invention, communication link 99 is a multimedia messaging service of a telephony network, and sending the graphically enhanced data or the updates from server 100 to presentation device 150 is earned out via a multimedia messaging service. [0012] According to some embodiments of the invention, the system is utilized for enhancing selling efforts by agents offering catalogued products from a plurality of vendors 105 to customers 180. The system may comprise presentation devices 150 and server 100. Each presentation device 150 comprises screen 155, graphical user interface 160, a communication module 162 and a database 170. Presentation devices 150 are arranged to present graphically enhanced data relating to the catalogued products to customers 180. Server 100 comprises database 120 and a communication module 112. Database 120 comprises catalogue data relating to the catalogued products received from vendors 105. The graphically enhanced data on each presentation device 150 is derived from the catalogue data on server 100. Each presentation device 150 is connected to server 100 via communication link 99 by communication modules 112, 162. Presentation devices 150 are arranged to receive data relating to the catalogued products and to use the received data to update database 170 on presentation device 150. The system allows synchronizing all agents and keeping them up to date on new offers from vendors 105. [0013] _. According to some embodiments of the invention, communication link 99 may comprise a multimedia messaging service (MMS) of a telephony network. MMS messages may be used to communicate new or updated catalogue data from server 100 to presentation devices 150, as well as special offers and additional data. [0014] According to some embodiments of the invention, screen 155 may comprise a touch screen allowing an interactive selling process between the agent and customers 180. The interactive selling process may be utilized to increase customer 180 engagement and willingness to buy, as well as to enhance the personal element of the selling process. [0015] According to some embodiments of the invention, presentation devices 150 are further arranged to allow sending orders to- server 100 via communication link 99. Approvals and quotes may be sent back to presentation devices 150 via communication link 99 as well, and immediately upon purchasing.

5 [0016] According to some embodiments of the invention, the graphically enhanced data comprises both updated catalogue data and advertisements relating or not relating to the products. Additional files, such as multimedia files may be sent by server 100 to presentation device 150 as coupons to customers 180 or as free multimedia content such as music, video clips, news, subscriptions etc., that may be offered as a present for a

10 confirmed purchase.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the invention, communication module 162 of presentation device 150 is further arranged to connect via a second communication link 98 to a communication device (not shown) of customers 180 and allow display of additional data related to the catalogue data upon the communication device. For

15 example, second communication link 98 may comprise a local wireless communication link, and the communication device of customers 180 may be connected to the internet. Over second communication link 98, presentation device 150 may indirectly load an internet page onto the communication device to enhance selling and to provide further information. 0 [0018] According to some embodiments of the invention, server 100 and presentation devices 150 are further connected to a positioning system 190 providing positioning data relating to presentation device 150. The positioning data may be utilized to further

^{• •} enhance sales. For example, the positioning data may allow a better control over the agent, and may allow providing catalogue data in relation to the geographical area in which the. agent works. Moreover, the positioning data may allow rewarding customers 180 with locally restricted tips and offerings, such as game tickets and the like. [0019] According to some embodiments of the invention, the data received from server 100 comprises updates to the graphically enhanced data on each presentation device 150. These may allow keeping the data on presentation device 150 up to date and full without having to reload the whole database 170 from the start, and thus without having to engage in physical contact. Remote updating enhances and improves selling process by agents. [0020] According to some embodiments of the invention, the data received from server 100 may comprise customized data relating to customers 180. As the agent learns about the potential customer 180, he may request and receive personalized information from server 100 via communication link 99. Thus not all possible data must be stored on database 170, and more data is available to customers 180. For this end, the catalogue data and the graphically enhanced data may be organized into segments such that individual segments may be referred to by few received data.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a high level schematic flowchart illustrating a method of managing graphically enhanced data according to some embodiments of the invention. The method comprises transferring graphically enhanced data from vendors 105 to server 100 (stage 200); sending relevant graphically enhanced data from remote server 100 to presentation devices 150 (stage 210) over a cellular communication link; presenting the graphically enhanced data to customers 180 (stage 220); receiving orders and sending orders to vendors 105 (stage 230); and updating the graphically enhanced data of presentation devices 150 (stage 240), the database 170 of the presentation device 150 and the databases 120 at the server 100. Transferring graphically enhanced data may be carried out via a communication link. The method allows the agents to hold and present a large amount of the graphically enhanced data and keep the graphically enhanced data up to date. [0022] According to some embodiments of the invention, sending the graphically enhanced data or the updates from server 100 to presentation device 150 (stage 210) is carried out via a multimedia messaging service.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the invention, updating the graphically enhanced data (stage 240) is carried out via a multimedia messaging service of a telephony network. The method may further comprise organizing the graphically enhanced data in segments (stage 201), such that individual segments are referred to by updates carried out via a multimedia messaging service of a telephony network. Presenting the graphically enhanced data to the customers (stage 220) may comprise interactively presenting additional data upon customer request, and receiving the additional data from the server via a multimedia messaging service of a telephony network. Data may be organized such as to allow reference and updating by messages of a small size sent via a cellular communication link.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise inputting customer data (stage 215). The method may further relating updating the graphically enhanced data (stage 240) to the customer data. For example, customer data may allow customization of data, receiving additional data relating to relevant products. Customization not only increases the purchase probability, but also allow a more effective application of the method over communication links exhibiting a limited capacity or reaction times, such as a cellular network, in relation to the amount of data needed to be received.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention, presenting the graphically enhanced data to the customers (stage 220) comprises interactively presenting additional data upon customer request, and receiving the additional data from the server via a multimedia messaging service of a telephony network. In this way, catalogues may become interactive elements instead of being static entities.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise advertising products in relation to the graphically enhanced data (stage 225). Advertising may relate or connect products in the graphically enhanced data with other products, for which further information my or may not be presented via the presentation device. In addition, the method may comprise providing or redeeming coupons from the customer in relation to approved transactions.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a high level schematic flowchart illustrating additional stages of the method according to some embodiments of the invention. The method may further comprise connecting the presentation device via a second communication link to a communication device of the customer (stage 250); and allowing display of additional data related to the graphically enhanced data upon the communication device (stage 255).

In this way additional information and data may be available locally through the communication device of the customer, enhancing the customized character of the purchase process and allow larger information supply.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise providing a position of each presentation device to the server (stage 260); and relating the stage of updating the graphically enhanced data (stage 240) to the position. For example, available local offers may be presented as well as relevant advertising, coupons, etc.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the invention, the system and method may be utilized by agents such as travelling agents and allow them present the most up to date graphically enhanced data without having to carry heavy paperwork with them. The presentation of the graphically enhanced data may be elegant, carried out using a touch screen, enable the advantages of electronic presentation and allow immediate inputting the orders of customers 180. [0030] According to some embodiments of the invention, the system and method may be utilized to reduce the costs of advertizing by directly broadcasting sales promoting material to the potential clients and agents. The system and method thus cut the costs of using a computer, and travelling and communication costs for the agents. According to some embodiments of the invention, the system and method may be utilized to save personal time, reduce the time required for presentation and visiting exhibitions and also spares the physical effort of carrying catalogs.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the invention, the system and method may be utilized to allowing an easier ordering of items e.g. at a restaurant, and may also allow direct paying and ordering. Further, the system and method may allow advertising during another broadcasting, e.g. of a live transmission, utilizing a split screen technology. The user may be allowed to choose to see the advertisement or continue the transmission and view the advertisement later, in an offline mode. [0032] According to some embodiments of the invention, the system and method may be utilized for permitting retail marketing using an order screen. They may be connected to a GPS system for combining geographical data with the graphical enhanced data. The system and method may be exploited for remote learning, the graphically enhanced data comprising study materials and allow interactive teaching. According to some embodiments of the invention, the system and method may be utilized by security services, e.g. for broadcasting warnings and security actualizations. The system and method have the advantage of not being affected by computer viruses. [0033] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. [0034] Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

[0035] Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an embodiment", "one embodiment" or "other embodiments"^' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

[0036] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. [0037] The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples.

[0038] It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention. [0039] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

[0040] It is to be understood that the terms "including", "comprising", "consisting" and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

[0041] If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

[0042] It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

[0043] It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0044] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. [0045] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing.manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks. [0046] The term "method" may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

[0047] The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. [0048] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

[0049] The present invention may be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein. [0050] Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

[0051] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

. CLAIMS

What is claimed is: L A system for enhancing selling efforts by agents offering catalogued products from a plurality of vendors to customers, the system comprising: a plurality of presentation devices, each comprising a screen, a graphical user interface, a communication module and a database, the presentation devices arranged to present graphically enhanced data relating to the catalogued products to a plurality of customers; and a server comprising a database and a communication module, the database comprising catalogue data relating to the catalogued products received from the vendors, wherein the graphically enhanced data on each presentation device is derived from the catalogue data on the server, and wherein each of the plurality of presentation devices is connected to the server via a communication link, and arranged to receive data relating to the catalogued products and use the received data to update the database on the presentation device, whereby the system allows synchronizing all agents and keeping them up to date on new offers from the vendors.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication link comprises a multimedia messaging service of a telephony network.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the screen comprises a touch screen allowing an interactive selling process.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the presentation devices are further arranged to allow sending orders to the server via the communication link.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the graphically enhanced data comprises both updated catalogue data and advertisements.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication module of the presentation device is further arranged to connect via a second communication link to a communication device of the customers and allow display of additional data related to the catalogue data upon the communication device.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second communication link is a local wireless communication link, and the communication device of the customers is connected to the internet.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the server and the presentation devices are further connected to a positioning system providing positioning data relating to the presentation device, and wherein the positioning data is utilized to further enhance sales.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the data received from the server comprises updates to the graphically enhanced data on each presentation device.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the data received from the server comprises customized data relating to the customers.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the catalogue data and the graphically enhanced data are organized into segments such that individual segments are referred to by few received data.

12. A method of distributing graphically enhanced data from vendors to agents with presentation devices, the method comprising: transferring the graphically enhanced data from the vendors to a server; sending the graphically enhanced data from the server to the presentation devices over a cellular communication link; presenting the graphically enhanced data to the customers; receiving orders and sending the orders to the vendors; and updating the graphically enhanced data of the presentation devices, wherein the method allows the agents to hold and present a large amount of the graphically enhanced data and keep the graphically enhanced data up to date.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said updating the graphically enhanced data is carried out via a multimedia messaging service of a telephony network.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising organizing the graphically enhanced data in segments such that individual segments are referred to by updates carried out via a multimedia messaging service of a telephony network.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising inputting customer data, and wherein said updating the graphically enhanced data is carried out in relation to customer data.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein said presenting the graphically enhanced data to the customers comprises interactively presenting additional data upon customer request, and receiving the additional data from the server via a multimedia messaging service of a telephony network.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising advertising products in relation to the graphically enhanced data.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising: connecting the presentation device via a second communication link to a communication device of the customer; and allowing display of additional data related to the graphically enhanced data upon the communication device.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing a position of each presentation device to the server; and relating said updating the graphically enhanced data to the position.