WO2018130911A1

WO2018130911A1 - Method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for location-based identification of goods and services

Info

Publication number: WO2018130911A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/000091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marios PAPADOPOULOS; Matthew PAPADOPOULOS
Original assignee: Dmp Investments Limited
Priority date: 2017-01-10
Filing date: 2018-01-10
Publication date: 2018-07-19

Abstract

A method includes: generating a directory including a plurality of suppliers, a plurality of goods and services supplied by the plurality of suppliers, and a location associated with each of the plurality of suppliers; tracking a plurality of locations of a user device over a period of time using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver equipped in the user device; receiving a search string from the user device indicating a desired good or service; identifying at least one good or service corresponding to the desired good or service using the directory; and transmitting the identified at least one good or service to the user device for display on a display screen of the user device. A location of each supplier supplying the identified at least one good or service is within a predetermined distance of a most recent location of the user device among the tracked plurality of locations of the user device.

Description

METHOD, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM FOR LOCATION- BASED IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/444,642, filed on January 10, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the invention are directed to identification of goods and services based on a location of a user device.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many entities, such as businesses, have mobile smart phone apps that they use to integrate with their customer's smart phones. Generally, these apps are custom designed and are built in an ad hoc manner that can be quite time consuming and expensive. Furthermore, users or customers need to download a different app for each individual business in order to interact with that particular business.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to identification of goods and services based on a location of a user device, on which an application ("app") platform, pertinent anywhere in the world, available in English and all local/different languages for simplified, may be installed. The techniques disclosed herein provide for easy searching and discovery of the best local sales and purchasing opportunities for any goods and services encompassing a full blown up-to-date and real-time directory of all local suppliers for all goods and services for all sectors covering the full spectrum of market, i.e., from the low end to the upper end of the market for individuals to corporate suppliers. The database of the app platform increases exponentially as the number of participants increase. Furthermore, the app is a "one-stop-shop" meaning that a user only needs to download this one app in order to search and find, purchasing or business opportunities and to and close the deal through real-time supplier offers as compared to current apps which are specific to one subscriber/supplier so that a different app is required for a different use or for a different business. Furthermore, most apps redirect a user to a web page.

[0005] The app is downloaded onto the user device. The user device will also include an operating system, which controls operation of the device and interfaces with the engines and modules resident on the device, a memory and a GPS chip set circuit or positioning circuit. The app is downloaded onto the device from a remote server. The app includes a plurality of customer-specific local procedures and rules, e.g., the search engine, that are executed locally under certain conditions by a software package. The software package includes a plurality of engines/processing elements, including: a locating engine that causes the device to detect its location; a communication module that is used for communicating data relative to the app with a server; and a rules module(s) that manage subscriber/suppliers' business rules relative to the app, a comparative analysis rules and a user's set of rules, for example, searching, finding, customization, filtering etc. The rules can also be integrated to provide a dynamic interaction between the subscriber/suppliers and the users. Accordingly, as a user is, for example, driving or walking down the street and has initiated a search for a particular good or service, the supplier can be notified if the user elects such a feature, allowing for the supplier to send coupons, pricing etc., to the user. This will also allow the user to be informed of the best deals and provide the user with the ability to bargain with the suppliers for the best deal available.

[0006] In addition the app allows the user/buyer to activate, when desired or when a user/buyer is interested in certain products or services, the feature for receiving notifications from desired suppliers/subscribers. The user/buyer can deactivate or prevent the receipt of any notifications from the supplier/subscriber at any time. When the notification feature is activated by the user, the user/buyer can also elect whether, for example, to receive any advertisements with, for example, promotional offers from the suppliers/subscribers selected by the user.

[0007] Other aspects are described infra. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The embodiments herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate identically or functionally similar elements, of which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a search page;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a supplier account creation page;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a user account creation page;

[0012] FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a supplier/user login and verification page;

[0013] FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a product listing page;

[0014] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a product information page;

[0015] FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a product information editing page;

[0016] FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a supplier dashboard page;

[0017] FIG. 9 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a customer profile page;

[0018] FIG. 10 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a registered products page;

[0019] FIG. 11 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a product registration page;

[0020] FIG. 12 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing an account administration page; [0021] FIG. 13 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a search page containing an example search string;

[0022] FIG. 14 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a search page containing an example search result in response to the search shown in FIG. 13;

[0023] FIG. 15 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface showing a user dashboard page; and

[0024] FIG. 16 is an exemplary flowchart showing a simplified procedure for location-based identification of goods and services according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] It should be understood that the above-referenced drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the disclosure. The specific design features of the present disclosure, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODFMENTS

[0026] Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "in" includes "in" and "on." Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0028] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "comprise" or "comprised," and variations thereof, in reference to defined or described elements of an item, composition, apparatus, method, process, system, etc. are meant to be inclusive or open ended, permitting additional elements, thereby indicating that the defined or described item, composition, apparatus, method, process, system, etc. includes those specified elements—or, as appropriate, equivalents thereof— and that other elements can be included and still fall within the scope/definition of the defined item, composition, apparatus, method, process, system, etc.

[0029] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] The term "app" means the application embodied herein that is run on a device.

[0031] The term "device," or "user device," is meant to include any device that has a computer storage medium desktop computer and/or mobile/portable data enabled devices.

Examples include: desk-tops, lap-tops, smart phones, portable media players, personal digital assistants, Wi-Fi mobile platforms, pad-tablet computers, portable e-Readers, personal computers, portable game players, game consoles and netbook computers which can be connected to via the Internet using a cellular network, Wi-Fi, wired or other wireless connection. The device includes, at least, a memory, a processor, a network interface, a display screen, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to assist in detecting a location of the device, and the like.

[0032] The term "global computer network" includes the Internet.

[0033] The term "radius" is a geographic zone within which a smart phone may be located.

[0034] The term "smart phone" means a cellular telephone with GPS tracking capability and a graphical user interface.

[0035] The term "subscriber/supplier/provider" includes any business, business owner, corporation, individual, local authority, government, etc.

[0036] A "user/buyer" includes any individual, client, customer, corporation, individual, business etc., using the application to search and find any good, service, marketing opportunity, tenders, etc.

[0037] It is understood that one or more of the below methods, or aspects thereof, may be executed by at least one control device. The term "control device" may refer to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store program instructions, and the processor is specifically programmed to execute the program instructions to perform one or more processes which are described further below. Moreover, it is understood that the below methods may be executed by an apparatus comprising the control device in conjunction with one or more other components, as would be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] Furthermore, the control device of the present disclosure may be embodied as non- transitory computer readable media containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller or the like. Examples of the computer readable mediums include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards and optical data storage devices. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed throughout a computer network so that the program instructions are stored and executed in a distributed fashion, e.g., by a telematics server or a Controller Area Network (CAN).

Eureka- Franchised Research Engine Mechanism (e-frem) application

[0039] Embodiments of the invention are directed to identifying goods or services based on a location of a user device on which a dynamic and flexible application (termed herein "app") is installed. As shown in FIG. 1, the app enables users (e.g., individuals or corporations) to search and find (hence "Eureka") sales and purchasing opportunities of any goods and services in their specific location/designated radius and at that specific point in time in all sectors and industries - strongly encouraging widespread internet usage - by both users/buyers in searching for anything and suppliers/subscribers in marketing their products and services- and local economic and commercial activity. Hence, a powerful all around tool for local suppliers, in real-time, offer and market their products and services and local authorities/governments to utilize/subsidize the data collection process of the app for political and economic benefits. The subscribers/suppliers can actively engage in utilizing the platform in real-time by also receiving thru the system user/buyer interest alerts, enabling the suppliers to then respond for marketing and sales purposes. The app will be applicable for any sectors of goods and services - both for low end value products or high end value products and services. Also will be readily available for use as a very detailed and realtime directory for searching for any products and services and for marketing and buying purposes including effect and issue requests for tenders, etc.

[0040] Suppliers/subscribers/providers may include any individual sellers or corporations of any size, e.g., small, medium or large businesses. As shown in FIG. 2, suppliers can create an account to enable the supplier to register goods, services, advertisements, coupons, and the like at a supplier account creation page. All products and services registered by suppliers will be listed at a first stage, as shown in FIG. 5, and a real-time powerful marketing platform will be made available for their perusal.

[0041] Users (e.g., individual buyers or corporations) of the app can download and use freely without disruptions, interruptions (unless the user initiated/activated through own choice and parameterization) at their leisure and need for searching and finding desired products and services for purchase. As shown in FIG. 3, users can create an account to enable location-based searching of goods and/or services at a user account creation page. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 12, all users can be displayed on an account administration page including a user status, role, membership duration, last (i.e., most recent) access, operations, and the like. The account administration page may, in some cases, be accessible only to a designated administrator.

[0042] The objectives of the app include, without limitation:

[0043] Directory: This lists by sectors/industries and subsectors/segments all suppliers of products and services (from the smallest to the biggest including one man shops and or chains and conglomerates/multinationals) and therefore have a complete up-to-date and real-time directory readily available (with all necessary details address, products offers etc.) by geographic area and designated locations. The directory is constantly updated the suppliers themselves and with the listing of new suppliers/subscribers.

[0044] Suppliers/subscribers/providers: The app makes available to suppliers of goods and services a free (to start with) marketing and promotional platform to list their products, goods, services and/or utilize the platform to offer special discounted products, coupons, marketing and selling activities, and other similar concept opportunities including carrying out marketing actions such as doing competitive analyses and other marketing tasks including utilizing the app's template for a mini website so that the user is not directed to a third party site but remains within the app. Push feeds/alerts/videos/sounds (cookies) can also be utilized for marketing and promotional purposes. Subscribers/suppliers are verified and certified, ranked and if the platform is misused or abused the subscriber/supplier is eliminated and blocked from further access. Once the platform is proven to be useful to subscribers a small fee can be charged for actively utilizing. Also a small fee/cost for advertising offers and opportunities, will be paid by the sub scrib er s/ provi ders/ suppli er s . [0045] As shown in FIG. 8, a supplier dashboard page enables a supplier to manage various types of information including customer profiles, discounts offered by the supplier, pending orders, products (i.e., goods or services) for sale, store settings and rules, and the like. A customer profile page, as shown in FIG. 9, allows a supplier to manage the supplier's past or current customers. The customer profile page may show a listing of customer profiles including fields such as, for example, a profile ID, name, username, type, status, operation (for the supplier to undertake), and the like. A registered product page, as shown in FIG. 10, allows a supplier to manage the supplier's registered goods or services. The registered product page may show a listing of registered products such as, for example, a product name, operation (such as edit, e.g., see FIG. 7), and the like. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, a product registration page allows a supplier to newly register a good or service, causing the directory described herein to be updated, upon which the registered good or service will be reflected in the directory. The product registration page may allow the supplier to enter information such as, for example, a product name, description, explanation or submission guidelines, and the like.

[0046] Users: The user will have at no cost to the user/buyer a lifetime free, unlimited usage and up to date/real-time buying platform - a powerful and easy anytime to use tool - to search and find opportunities for their needed or desired goods and services with useful features to compare and decide and even book/reserve deals. Users (and suppliers) can login to the app by way of a login and verification page, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0047] After successful login, useful functions will be provided to customize/parameterize configure and personalize preferences. This provides an incentive for the users to use the app in their search for goods and services and at the same time provides the

subscribers/providers/ suppliers with a large, untapped market with a fraction of costs associated with current mass-media advertising. As more users and subscribers/providers/suppliers use the app, the growth and market potential will exponentially increase.

[0048] Functions: Search engine with predetermined filters, which can be updated, amended, added to, subtracted from depending on the use and needs of the users and

subscribers/providers/ suppliers. Some features include favorites,

personalized/parameterizing/configuration features; geographical radius set by user; ranking of subscribers/ suppliers; ranking of goods and services, directions to get there (google map links) etc.

[0049] Comparative analysis features: Price and other; discounts, coupons, distance, rankings of subscribers/suppliers, rankings of goods and services, distances from directions to get there (e.g., google map links); certified and approved stores, etc., which aid the user in making a determination and/or decision as to which subscriber/supplier to use and which goods and/or services to purchase. Rankings of subscribers/suppliers, goods, services etc., can be ranked based on user reviews.

[0050] Accordingly, in embodiments, an app platform for searching and identifying tenders, selling and purchasing opportunities comprises: a directory, a subscribers' platform, a search engine or any combinations thereof. The app also features a number of operational and functionality screens. For instance, as shown in FIG. 6, a product information page can show details of a selected good or service, such as the name of the good/service, price, a description, seller information, and the like. A user may also have the option to add the good/service to a virtual shopping cart for purchase through the product information page. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 7, a product information editing page allows suppliers to register and/or edit a good or service, after which the good or service can be discovered by a nearby user using the search functionality described herein.

[0051] The app also enables users/buyers to access subscribers/suppliers from anywhere in the world regardless of their geographic location as well as close a sale/buy. The app may use a device's built-in GPS receiver and also includes can a positioning circuit which periodically causes the positioning circuit to determine a preferred location. The app operates in a global computer network environment which includes messaging infrastructure. The device can be connected to the internet over the cellular phone infrastructure using an SMS protocol, a data connection provided by OTA/WAP protocols, a Wi-Fi connection to the internet.

[0052] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a user may enter a search string in a search bar for a desired good or service. The user may also indicate a search radius within which the desired good or service will be searched. Alternatively, the search radius may be set automatically or by default. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, goods and/or services corresponding to the user's desired (i.e., searched) good or service can be identified and transmitted to the user device for display on a display screen of the device. The identified goods and/or services will be supplied by one or more suppliers located within the search radius (i.e., "predetermined distance") of the user's location. The user's location may be detected by tracking locations of the user device in realtime using the device's GPS receiver, and the most recently detected location among the tracked locations may be considered the user's current location. Thus, all suppliers supplying the identified goods and/or services may be located within the predetermined distance of the user's current location, thereby allowing the user to discover nearby goods or services for purchase.

[0053] Moreover, the identified goods and/or services corresponding to the user's desired (i.e., searched) good or service may be updated in real-time when the most recent location of the user device changes. Thus, the user may be presented with the most accurate and up-to-date information based on the user's current location.

[0054] In correspondence with the description provided above, FIG. 16 is an exemplary flowchart showing a simplified procedure for location-based identification of goods and services according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Firstly, a user and a supplier create an account as described hereinabove (e.g., see FIGS. 2 and 3). A location of the user and the supplier is determined. With respect to the supplier, the location can be inputted (and uploaded to the directory) manually by the supplier. The location may be edited by the supplier at any time. In addition, the supplier may register one or more of a good, a service, a discount, a coupon, an advertisement, an incentive, and the like, including detailed information thereof, such that the registered item(s) will be reflected in the directory.

[0055] On the other hand, the location of the user can be inputted manually by the user (e.g., a home address or a work address), or the location of the user may be detected by way of a GPS receiver installed in the user's device in real-time. The location of the user may be detected in real-time using other electronic techniques, such as cell tower tri angulation, and so forth.

[0056] Then, the user may search for a desired good or service within a predetermined radius or distance of the user's location (e.g., see FIG. 13). The previously generated directory, which includes a plurality of goods and services supplied by the plurality of suppliers, and a location associated with each of the plurality of suppliers, will be searched to identify goods and/or services corresponding to the user's desired good or service. Notably, a location of each supplier supplying the identified goods or services is within the predetermined radius or distance of the user. As explained above, the user's location may correspond to a most recent location of the user device among a plurality of tracked locations of the user device using the device's GPS receiver.

[0057] The identified goods or services may then be transmitted to the user device for display on a display screen of the user device. As shown in FIG. 14, the search results may be displayed as an icon or marker over a map visually indicating a location of the supplier, as well as the location of user. Detailed information of a particular good or service can be displayed in conjunction with the icon or marker visually indicating the supplier's location. Alternatively, the identified goods or services may be displayed in any other form, such as a list, thumbnails, and the like.

[0058] Additionally, the app can receive "push" notifications from a subscriber if user enables it (i.e., the user controls this to avoid overwhelming) and/or if user shows specific interest in a specific product and which then will include automatic activation, alerting local corresponding suppliers to real-time respond and offer deals and opportunities (discounts , vouchers, coupons etc.) with pop-up screen, banners, Short Message Service (SMS) and realtime bargaining buying and selling platform, a third party SMS aggregator (also referred to a SMS aggregator), social messaging gateways and a cellular phone infrastructure. Other components of the app include a billing and provisioning systems provided by additional mobile carrier service providers. The social messaging gateways include connections to instant messenger (IM) services, for example AOL instant messenger (AIM), Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Jabber, Skype, Tencent QQ, ICQ and Google Talk (gTalk), and other social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

[0059] In one embodiment, the app communicates with the systems in the messaging infrastructure using various network protocols including the Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP) protocol, Signaling Transport (SIGTRAN) protocol or SS7 protocol. The SMPP protocol is a telecommunications industry protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMS peer entities.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 15, a user dashboard page allows a user to quickly view

information such as, for example, recently viewed content (i.e., goods or services), a listing of "online" users (i.e., users who are currently using the app), and so forth. The layout and content of the user dashboard page may be customizable to the user's liking. [0061] The components of the app, can be developed in C, C++, JAVA™ or other suitable programming language, and include web servers, such as Apache, Microsoft Internet Information Services platform (IIS) or other suitable server systems operating on a UNIX, Microsoft or other operating system platform to store and communicate messages to Internet devices.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the app is resident on the computer readable memory of a device and can utilize a device's GPS receiver for location. A smartphone or other device, which is typically operated by an end user, is configured to be in communication with the cellular towers and short distance wireless communication devices (Wi-Fi). Most smart phones have global positioning satellite (GPS) capability. Such GPS capability is typically used in mapping apps and in proximity search functions. Therefore, it can locate itself through receiving a signal from a GPS satellite. It can also be located through cellular tower triangulation or local proximity devices triangulation.

[0063] In addition, the app can also comprise a positioning circuit which is configured to: (i) periodically cause the positioning circuit to determine a preferred location of the device; (ii) transmit the preferred location to a remote server via a network.

[0064] In some embodiments, the positioning circuit is configured to determine the preferred location based on triangulation between cell phone towers or on communication with short distance wireless communication devices. In other embodiments, the app periodically causes the positioning circuit and/or the device's GPS receiver to determine a location of the smart phone, the app will detect a plurality of locations that each comprise a latitude, a longitude and a position radius associated therewith, and where the app selects a location of the plurality of locations with the shortest radius as the preferred location.

[0065] The search and find mechanism (Eureka) of the app then allows for identification of real-time true opportunities (discounts, coupons, special offers) of any goods and services within a predetermined distance (radius) of the user device. The predetermined distance may be set by the user, or may be set as a default value. The app can execute a plurality of local rules based on the preferred location. The results produced are in real-time and location-specific content that is selected based on the location of the user. Accordingly, any offers, coupons, marketing, announcements etc., pertain to information at that point-in-time and location in which the user is searching. [0066] Since the app is dynamic and fluid, the app is configured to change location when the user transits from one point to another and the information available to the user is updated to include the subscribers in that particular location or radius set up by the user. The business (subscriber) has the option of "fluid" marketing as it can change the advertisement or goods and products it is selling based on real-time user input, number and type of users it is attracting or any other input that provides the subscriber with a knowledge of the users' profiles at that location at any given time, e.g., the type of goods and services they may be looking for, age, wealth, education etc. Accordingly, the subscriber is able to efficiently target users. For example, the location-specific and time-specific content can be a coupon that is redeemable at a preselected store during a preselected time range; a notification that a coupon has been posted to the device; a flash sale; and the like. In one example, if the device is within a range of one of the subscriber's business and if the time is during a period that the subscriber wants to increase business, a coupon for something of value can be transmitted to the device so that the patron can bring the device to the business and redeem the coupon. On the other hand the User can compare different opportunities in different geographic areas - hence encouraging further competitive activity.

[0067] The app is further configured to determine if the device e.g., smart phone, tablet, laptop etc., has moved to a new location in real-time that is a distance greater than a

predetermined threshold and upon detecting that the device has moved to the new location, transmit the new location to the remote server. The device then receives new location-specific content from the remote server when the device has moved to the new location. The location- specific content comprises content from a list of content types such as an electronic coupon that is redeemable at a business within a predetermined range of the device; an advertising video about a business within a predetermined range of the device; a visual advertisement about a business within a predetermined range of the device; an audible advertisement about a business within a predetermined range of the device; a tender for goods and services, or any combinations thereof. Furthermore, the location-specific content comprises content that is specific to a location during a predefined period of time, e.g., real-time. This allows for subscribers, e.g., small businesses, to advertise, market and attract clientele to its business without the costs associated with mass-media marketing whereby content is predetermined and local to potential clients. [0068] In operation, the app performs a plurality of operations, starting with establishing a secure communication with a server or other devices. When starting a communication with a given device, the server can use an authentication protocol (such as, for example, a nonce-based authentication process including both a server nonce and a client nonce) that ensures that each server/end user device communication is between the server and a single device. A nonce is an arbitrary number used only once in a cryptographic communication and is typically a pseudorandom number that is used only once in establishing a secure communication. Such an authentication protocol uses nonces to ensure that old communications cannot be reused.

However, any other type of security protocols can be used to prevent any unauthorized access or intrusion by third parties.

[0069] Once a secure communication is established, the server will detect a device's location repeatedly over a period of time. This locating routine will occur periodically, so as to determine the phone's location at any given time. Each location will include a latitude, a longitude and a radius. The radius is an indicator of the precision of the location, in which a smaller radius indicates a more precise location. The phone or an app locating engine will select the most precise location and will display it on the end user's phone and provide that information to the app. The app will perform an analysis based on the selected location and data describing geographic zones received from the server to determine if the phone is within a predetermined zone. Based on this analysis, the app will apply any local business rules received previously received from the server to the end user device and will manage, for example, redemption offers resulting from the application of such rules. The app will also transmit the selected location to the server, which will apply rules stored at the server to the phone based on its location.

Accordingly, when a user conducts a search and find, all rules would have been updated providing the user with the time-specific and location specific goods, services, coupons etc. If the app determines that the device has traveled more than a predetermined distance from a location, it can request from the server a new set of business rules that correspond to the new location. The app can estimate speed of the device and estimate a new location based on the speed, elapsed time and previous location. This can allow independent running of the app when the device is not locatable through GPS or when it is outside of cellular service range.

[0070] Business rules can be downloaded from the server to the device dynamically, depending on various factors. For example, when the device is near a first location, a first set of business rules relevant to the first location can be downloaded to the device. When the device moves away from the first location and closer to a second location, then a second set of business rules relevant to the second location can be downloaded to the device. For example, a subscriber is a chain of pizza shops with several stores around town and if the device is within range of a first store, then business rules specific to the first store can be downloaded to the device. If the device moves away from the first store and closer to a second store in the chain, then a set of business rules specific to the second store can be downloaded to the device.

[0071] The app also transmits new locations of the device to the server, which can keep a record of movement patterns. A subscriber can be alerted when a potential user or patron is within a certain distance from the store, the app will apply rules relative thereto to the patron's device, such as, for example, push notifications, banners, etc., which can provide marketing materials, coupons, discounts, announcements etc. The app can also provide directions to the store where, for example, a user can redeem the coupon.

[0072] The app also includes a user interface that includes a plurality of data entry fields that allow the user to search and find a desired good or service. With this type of interface, the user can generate a scenario that sets forth value ranges for such variables as: pricing, description of goods and/or services, reviews, etc. The rules of the app can also specify that when a user has inputted the desired search criteria of the variables and when the patron's device is within a predetermined range, then certain actions will be taken by the app on the patron's device, such as downloading advertising videos, downloading suggestions and downloading coupons etc., and always at the control of the User to enable or disable and filter which, if any, the user/buyer chooses.

[0073] When the device approaches an area of limited cellular service connectability, the system can download the set of rules to the device so that the device can execute the rules when it does not have cellular service and content can be "pushed" to the smart phone or other type of device executing a program. One example of a content which can be displayed on an end user device in response to a search, would be, for example, a coupon, advertising, etc. In this case, the system downloads content (such as a coupon) to the device that is specific to a location during a predetermined period of time. Typically, when location specific content is made available on the device, a notification such as a sound or vibration is generated by the device to notify the end user of the posting of the content on the device. The content could include the name and address of the subscriber/supplier's place of business, a statement of an offer to induce the patron to visit the place of business, a QR code or a bar code that can uniquely identify the deal being offered to the patron and that can be used to redeem the offer and buttons that connect to other

functionalities. For example, if the patron clicks on the "Directions" button, the app can connect with a GPS locating phone app that provides the patron with real-time directions to the customer's place of business.

[0074] While the coupon is used as an example of content "pushed" to the device, content can be any type of content (such as advertising, videos, songs, pod casts, etc.) may be sent to the device. Various types of location-specific content can be transmitted to the end user device, including: electronic coupons that are redeemable at a business within a predetermined range of the device; advertising videos about a business within a predetermined range of the device; visual advertisements about a business within a predetermined range of the device; audible advertisements about a business within a predetermined range of the device, etc. Furthermore, since the variety of types of content that may be downloaded to the device, the system can perform the functions of a loyalty card system without requiring the user to carry a physical loyalty card.

[0075] The comparative analysis mechanism of the app can analyze user response dynamically and adjust the business rules accordingly. If it notices that a given promotion has a low response rate, it can change the nature of the promotion. For example, if the server sends out coupons for a 10% discount for a given product, but the coupons have a low redemption rate, the app can request the coupons be changed to offer a 15% discount. The app can manage the use of the coupons, limiting then as to when they are valid and how many repeat uses of a coupon are allowed. The app can also provide dynamic suggestions to users. For example, when the app identifies that the location of the user is in a supermarket and determines that the user regularly buys dog food when visiting the supermarket, the app can download a reminder to buy dog food and can also offer a coupon for a specific brand of dog food. The app can also track coupon usage by the end user.

[0076] While the contents of the present disclosure have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A method comprising: generating a directory including a plurality of suppliers, a plurality of goods and services supplied by the plurality of suppliers, and a location associated with each of the plurality of suppliers; tracking a plurality of locations of a user device over a period of time using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver equipped in the user device; receiving a search string from the user device indicating a desired good or service; identifying at least one good or service registered in the directory corresponding to the desired good or service, wherein a location of each supplier supplying the identified at least one good or service is within a predetermined distance of a most recent location of the user device among the tracked plurality of locations of the user device; and transmitting the identified at least one good or service to the user device for display on a display screen of the user device.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: when the most recent location of the user device changes, identifying, in real-time, at least one additional good or service corresponding to the desired good or service using the directory, wherein a location of each supplier supplying the identified at least one additional good or service is within a predetermined distance of the changed most recent location of the user device; and transmitting the identified at least one additional good or service to the user device for display on the display screen of the user device.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting location-specific content corresponding to the identified at least one good or service to the user device for display on the display screen of the user device, wherein the location-specific content includes one or more of: an electronic coupon or discount voucher that is redeemable at a supplier within the predetermined distance of the user device, an advertising video about a supplier within the predetermined distance of the user device, a visual advertisement about a supplier within the predetermined distance of the user device, and an audible advertisement about a supplier within the predetermined distance of the user device.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a supplier portal in which a supplier registers at least one item from a group consisting of: a good, a service, a discount, a coupon, an advertisement, and an incentive; and updating the directory so as to include the at least one registered item.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the directory further includes one or more ratings associated with one or more of the plurality of goods and services.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: verifying a supplier prior to registering a good or a service supplied by the supplier in the directory.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving one or more search filter parameters from the user device; and filtering possible goods or services corresponding to the desired good or service according to the one or more search filter parameters.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more search filter parameters comprise one or more of: verified suppliers, types of goods or services, tenders, prices, coupons, and discounts.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an indication of two or more of the plurality of goods and services from the user device; executing a comparative analysis by comparing the two or more of the plurality of goods and services based at least one of: a type of good or service, a rating, a price, a quality, a distance from a user, a user review, and a supplier ranking; and transmitting information relating to the comparative analysis to the user device for display on the display screen of the user device.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: executing a consent process that requests input from the user device indicating that a user consents to the tracking of the user device.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein each tracked location of the user device includes at least a latitude, a longitude, and a precision indicator.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the identified at least one good or service is displayed on the display screen of the user device over a map visually indicating a location of each supplier supplying the identified at least one good or service and the most recent location of the user device.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving the predetermined distance from the user device.

14. An apparatus comprising: a memory configured to store program instructions; and a processor configured to execute the stored program instructions, which when executed cause the processor to: generate a directory including a plurality of suppliers, a plurality of goods and services supplied by the plurality of suppliers, and a location associated with each of the plurality of suppliers; track a plurality of locations of a user device over a period of time using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver equipped in the user device; receive a search string from the user device indicating a desired good or service; identify at least one good or service registered in the directory corresponding to the desired good or service, wherein a location of each supplier supplying the identified at least one good or service is within a predetermined distance of a most recent location of the user device among the tracked plurality of locations of the user device; and transmit the identified at least one good or service to the user device for display on a display screen of the user device.

14. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing program instructions for executing a process, the program instructions when executed by a processor causing the processor to: generate a directory including a plurality of suppliers, a plurality of goods and services supplied by the plurality of suppliers, and a location associated with each of the plurality of suppliers; track a plurality of locations of a user device over a period of time using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver equipped in the user device; receive a search string from the user device indicating a desired good or service; identify at least one good or service registered in the directory corresponding to the desired good or service, wherein a location of each supplier supplying the identified at least one good or service is within a predetermined distance of a most recent location of the user device among the tracked plurality of locations of the user device; and transmit the identified at least one good or service to the user device for display on a display screen of the user device.