Network for targeting individual operating a microcomputer regardless of his location
View Patent ↗A network adapted to target an individual operating a microcomputer that is linked to an Internet to offer this individual goods or services appropriate to his needs that are available at a place within reach of the individual's present location. The microcomputer is provided with a GPS receiver that indicates the present location of the individual, this location and the identity of the individual being transmitted from the microcomputer to a web site on the highway. At the web site, a computer associated with a data bank storing the profiles of a multitude of consumers is programmed to find out whether the identified individual is included in the data bank, and to determine from his profile whether there are available at a place reachable from his present location appropriate goods or services. If a match is found, an offer to supply such goods or services is conveyed from the web site to the microcomputer.
1. A computer-implemented method for communicating an offer of goods or services to an individual having a microcomputer wirelessly linked to the internet and provided with a GPS receiver, the method comprising:
receiving over the internet, from the microcomputer, location information derived from the GPS receiver and information identifying the individual;
using the location information and the identifying information in a programmed computer in communication with a data bank of goods and services and a data bank of consumer profiles to determine an appropriate offer of goods or services for the individual; and
thereupon, under the control of the programmed computer and without specific request by the individual, sending to the microcomputer over the internet using an identifier unique to the individual a message communicating the offer.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the programmed computer is a server.
3. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
connecting a provider of goods and services to the data bank of goods and services; and
updating the data bank through the provider.
4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the microcomputer is any portable computer that can be carried to a desired site and operated at that site.
5. A method according to claim 4 , wherein the microcomputer is a lap-top computer.
6. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the microcomputer is a cell phone.
7. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the microcomputer is a PDA.
8. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the microcomputer is a navigation system in an automobile.
9. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the microcomputer is a portable computer with e-mail capability using a Blackberry protocol.
10. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the offer includes a discounted price.
11. A computer-implemented. method for communicating an offer of goods or services to an individual having a microcomputer wirelessly linked to the internet and provided with a GPS receiver, the method comprising:
sending over the internet, from the microcomputer, location information derived from the GPS receiver and information identifying the individual; and
receiving over the internet without specific request by the individual, at the microcomputer, via a unique identifier for the individual, an appropriate offer of goods or services for the individual determined by and thereupon sent under control of a programmed computer in communication with a data bank of goods or services and a data bank of consumer profiles based on the location information and the identifying information.
12. A method according to claim 11 , further comprising:
receiving, from the individual, a desired category of goods and services;
comparing the desired category with the offer of goods and services; and
displaying the offer of goods and services if the desired category matches the offer.
13. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the programmed computer is a server.
14. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the microcomputer is any portable computer that can be carried to a desired site and operated at that site.
15. A method according to claim 14 , wherein the microcomputer is a lap-top computer.
16. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the microcomputer is a cell phone.
17. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the microcomputer is a PDA.
18. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the microcomputer is a navigation system in an automobile.
19. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the microcomputer is a portable computer with e-mail capability using a Blackberry protocol.
20. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the offer includes a discounted price.