| US Patents: | |||||
| 7,062,510 | 6,925,441 | 6,334,108 | 6,307,958 | 6,236,975 | 6,055,510 |
| 6,026,370 | 6,012,051 | 5,687,322 | 5,592,560 | ||
| US Patent Applications: | |
| US Application 2003/0037041 | US Application 2003/0004810 |
| Foreign Patents: | |||||
| WO 9922328 | WO 03091926 | WO 0217202 | WO 0199004 | WO 0137152 | EP 1653324 |
| EP 1027673 | |||||
- A link to the Patent Family information is included within each patent abstract
Abstracts of patents relating to "Targeted Marketing"
| Patent Number: | 7,062,510 |
| Title: | Consumer Profiling And Advertisement Selection System |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 7,062,510 |
| Inventor(s): | Eldering, Charles (Doylestown, PA) |
| Assignee: | Prime Research Alliance E., Inc., A Corporation Of British Virgin Islands |
| Application Number: | 09/807,887 |
| Abstract: | Computer network method and apparatus provides targeting of appropriate audience based on psychographic or behavioral profiles of end users. The psychographic profile is formed by recording computer activity and viewing habits of the end user. Content of categories of interest and display format in each category are revealed by the psychographic profile, based on user viewing of agate information. Using the profile (with or without additional user demographics), advertisements are displayed to appropriately selected users. Based on regression analysis of recorded responses of a first set of users viewing the advertisements, the target user profile is refined. Viewing by and regression analysis of recorded responses of subsequent sets of users continually auto-targets and customizes ads for the optimal end user audience. |
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| Patent Number: | 6,925,441 |
| Title: | System And Method Of Targeted Marketing |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 6,925,441 |
| Inventor(s): | Jones, III, Charles L. (Marblehead, MA), Eginton, William A. (Philomont, VA) |
| Assignee: | Marketswitch Corp. |
| Application Number: | 08/958,675 |
| Abstract: | A system and method of targeted marketing to consumers, including businesses and associates, based upon the financial characteristics of the consumer, type offer being made and the channel of communication for delivery of the offer. The consumer is characterized based upon financial, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. The offer is characterized based upon the consumer and the potential for the consumer accepting the offer. The channel of communication for delivery of the offer is also characterized and combined with the consumer and consumer-offer characteristics to arrive at a net present value of the offer to be made. If the net present value is sufficient the offer is processed and presented to the consumer. If the net present value is not sufficient, the offer is revised to present a better value to the consumer (or discarded if the required offer value can not be created) thereby enhancing the chances that the consumer will accept the offer in question. In this way the system and method of the target marketing creates value in both releasing, and not releasing, specific offers. |
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| Patent Number: | 6,334,108 |
| Title: | Method And System For Selective Incentive Point-of-sale Marketing In Response To Customer Shopping Histories |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 6,334,108 |
| Inventor(s): | Deaton, David W. (Abilene, TX), Gabriel, Rodney G. (Abilene, TX) |
| Assignee: | Catalina Marketing Corporation |
| Application Number: | 08/734,675 |
| Abstract: | A system and method is disclosed for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at the point-of-sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transactions data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal. |
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| Patent Number: | 6,307,958 |
| Title: | Method And System For Building A Database For Use With Selective Incentive Marketing In Response To Customer Shopping Histories |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 6,307,958 |
| Inventor(s): | Deaton, David W. (Abilene, TX), Gabriel, Rodney G. (Abilene, TX) |
| Assignee: | Catalina Marketing Corporation |
| Application Number: | 08/896,840 |
| Abstract: | A system and method is disclosed for retail store marketing. A memory stores a database of existing customers of the retail store. The database includes a unique customer identification code for each customer. A memory stores a list of unique identification codes for prospective customers of the store who reside in a predetermined geographical area relative to the store. Circuitry compares the unique identification codes in the stored database of existing customers with the stored list of unique identification codes of prospective customers. Circuitry eliminates data from the list of prospective customers relating to the store's existing customers, such that a non-customer database is produced for use in marketing. |
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| Patent Number: | 6,236,975 |
| Title: | System And Method For Profiling Customers For Targeted Marketing |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 6,236,975 |
| Inventor(s): | Boe, Barbara J. (Frisco, TX), Hamrick, Julia M. (Dallas, TX), Aarant, Marjorie L. (Dallas, TX) |
| Assignee: | Ignite Sales, Inc. |
| Application Number: | 09/162,825 |
| Abstract: | A targeted marketing system and method are provided that provide a customer with customer questions, receive responses to the customer questions from the customer, and store data associated with the responses. The customer is provided with a feedback page that graphically illustrates data associated with the customer's standing in a selected peer group. The customer is provided with options operable to adjust the customer's actual demographic to a hypothetical demographic, and data associated with hypothetical demographic changes from the customer is received and processed. Hypothetical feedback information is then displayed that graphically illustrates the hypothetical standing of the customer within the selected peer group such that the customer can see the effect of the hypothetical demographic changes. |
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| Patent Number: | 6,055,510 |
| Title: | Method For Performing Targeted Marketing Over A Large Computer Network |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 6,055,510 |
| Inventor(s): | Henrick, Robert F. (Basking Ridge, NJ), Jain, Ajay (Holmdel, NJ) |
| Assignee: | At&t Corp. |
| Application Number: | 08/957,469 |
| Abstract: | A method for enabling targeted marketing of users on the Internet maintains the privacy of the users. The present invention takes advantage of the unique customer knowledge of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) with respect to both the customers identity and their likes and dislikes, while preserving the privacy of those customers. Data mining is performed on customers, including the sites that they visit. For example, customers with children are identified by visits to the Disney site. The availability of this list is then used to attract businesses with interest in this customer base. An offer, perhaps with enticements such as coupons or contests, is prepared on a Web site. The ISP then makes the customer aware of that offer via an E-mail with short text describing that offer and a Hypertext link to that page. The customer is informed that they may take advantage of the offer and as a convenience and service to the customer and the advertiser, the ISP will provide their identity to the advertiser. Only when the customer selects the embedded URL is their identity disclosed. The ISP will then identify the customer to the advertiser by associating the customer's temporary IP address with their true identity as a service to the advertiser. Billing will be determined by both the total number of E-mails delivered and the number of responses generated. |
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| Patent Number: | 6,026,370 |
| Title: | Method And Apparatus For Generating Purchase Incentive Mailing Based On Prior Purchase History |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 6,026,370 |
| Inventor(s): | Jermyn, Michael G. (New York, NY) |
| Assignee: | Catalina Marketing Corporation |
| Application Number: | 08/920,355 |
| Abstract: | A technique for customizing mailed purchase incentives for selected consumer households, based on a detailed purchasing history of the consumers. Purchase transactions of many consumers, generally in different stores, are accumulated in a purchase history database over a long period of time and then used to generate customized incentive offers for selected consumers. For a selected product category, usually related to a promotional theme, the purchase history database is scanned to select consumers who have made purchases in the same product area as the selected product category. Then each selected consumer's purchase transactions are analyzed to determine a profile for the consumer, such as loyal to the promoted brand, loyal to a competitive brand, or new to the selected product category, although a purchaser of related products. The consumer profile is then used to customize a purchase incentive package generated for each consumer household. The package also includes other printed materials to enhance the purchase incentives. Post-processing provides results reports of response and redemption rates, and retention analysis is used to track the targeted consumers' shopping behavior to assess the long-term effects of a promotion. |
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| Patent Number: | 6,012,051 |
| Title: | Consumer Profiling System With Analytic Decision Processor |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 6,012,051 |
| Inventor(s): | Sammon, Jr., Thomas M. (San Diego, CA), Scurlock, Bradley W. (San Diego, CA) |
| Assignee: | America Online, Inc. |
| Application Number: | 08/794,387 |
| Abstract: | A system which processes information to identify product choices within a product domain for a user, presents structured data concerning attributes of products in the product domain to the user in a readily understandable and efficient manner, allowing the user to make the best choice according to his or her own personal profile. A user interface presents a sequence of input prompts to the user to gather preference and requirement data for a plurality of attributes of products in the product domain. A decision engine is coupled to the user interface and filters the product domain to present a set of products according to the gathered preference and requirement data as product choices to the user. The preference data comprises a variable associated with particular attributes specified by the user to have a degree of relevance to a product choice in the product domain but not an absolute requirement. The requirement data comprises a variable associated with a particular attribute specified by the user to be required or not required for a product choice in the product domain. |
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| Patent Number: | 5,687,322 |
| Title: | Method And System For Selective Incentive Point-of-sale Marketing In Response To Customer Shopping Histories |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 5,687,322 |
| Inventor(s): | Deaton, David W. (Abilene, TX), Gabriel, Rodney G. (Abilene, TX) |
| Assignee: | Catalina Marketing Corporation |
| Application Number: | 08/457,300 |
| Abstract: | A system and method is disclosed for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at the point-of-sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transactions data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal. |
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| Patent Number: | 5,592,560 |
| Title: | Method And System For Building A Database And Performing Marketing Based Upon Prior Shopping History |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for 5,592,560 |
| Inventor(s): | Deaton, David W. (Abilene, TX), Gabriel, Rodney G. (Abilene, TX) |
| Assignee: | Catalina Marketing Corporation |
| Application Number: | 08/303,631 |
| Abstract: | The present invention includes a system for performing retail targeted marketing on customers. The system comprises a terminal for entering selected indicia from identification presented by customers at a point-of-sale in order to generate an identification code for each customer. A reader detects the machine readable product code on products purchased by the customers. A processor responsive to the terminal and the reader creates a centralized database of the store's customers' data relating to product codes of products previously purchased by the customers during previous visits, in association with the customer's unique identification codes. The processor generates a signal upon entry of the identification codes of customers whose transactions meet predetermined product purchasing history criteria. Circuitry responsive to the processor and the database dispenses a sales promotion at the point-of-sale to the customers who meet the predetermined product purchasing history criteria with the sales promotion including a product infrequently purchased by the customers so that the customers are incented to return to the retail establishment to purchase the product in a future transaction. |
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| Patent Number: | US Application 2003/0037041 |
| Title: | System For Automatic Determination Of Customized Prices And Promotions |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for US Application 2003/0037041 |
| Inventor(s): | Hertz, Frederick S. M. (Davis, WV) |
| Assignee: | Pinpoint Incorporated |
| Application Number: | 20030037041 |
| Abstract: | This invention relates to customized electronic identification of desirable objects, such as news articles, in an electronic media environment, and in particular to a system that automatically constructs both a "target profile" for each target object in the electronic media based, for example, on the frequency with which each word appears in an article relative to its overall frequency of use in all articles, as well as a "target profile interest summary" for each user, which target profile interest summary describes the user's interest level in various types of target objects. The system then evaluates the target profiles against the users' target profile interest summaries to generate a user-customized rank ordered listing of target objects most likely to be of interest to each user so that the user can select from among these potentially relevant target objects, which were automatically selected by this system from the plethora of target objects that are profiled on the electronic media. Users' target profile interest summaries can be used to efficiently organize the distribution of information in a large scale system consisting of many users interconnected by means of a communication network. Additionally, a cryptographically-based pseudonym proxy server is provided to ensure the privacy of a user's target profile interest summary, by giving the user control over the ability of third parties to access this summary and to identify or contact the user. |
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| Patent Number: | US Application 2003/0004810 |
| Title: | Advertisement Selection System Supporting Discretionary Target Market Characteristics |
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for US Application 2003/0004810 |
| Inventor(s): | Eldering, Charles A. (Doylestown, PA) |
| Assignee: | Prime Research Alliance E., Inc., A Corporation Of British Virgin Islands |
| Application Number: | 20030004810 |
| Abstract: | An advertisement selection system is presented in which vectors describing an actual or hypothetical market for a product or desired viewing audience can be determined. An ad characterization vector is transmitted along with a consumer ID. The consumer ID is used to retrieve a consumer characterization vector which is correlated with the ad characterization vector to determine the suitability of the advertisement to the consumer. The consumer characterization vector describes statistical information regarding the demographics and product purchase preferences of a consumer, and is developed from previous purchases or viewing habits. A price for displaying the advertisement can be determined based on the results of the correlation of the ad characterization vector with the consumer characterization vector. |
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| Patent Number: | WO 9922328 | ||||
| Title: | System And Method Of Targeted Marketing | ||||
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for WO 9922328 | ||||
| Inventor(s): | Jones Charles L Iii (US); Eginton William A (US) | ||||
| Assignee: | Jones Charles L Iii (US); Eginton William A (US) Jones, Charles, L., Iii; Eginton, William, A; Marketswitch Corporation | ||||
| Publication Number: | WO9922328 | ||||
| Application Number: | WO1998US22613
| Abstract: | A system and method of targeted marketing to consumers, including businesses and associates, based upon the financial characteristics of the consumer, type offer being made and the channel of communication for delivery of the offer. The consumer is characterized based upon financial, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. The offer is characterized based upon the consumer and the potential for the consumer accepting the offer. The channel of communication for delivery of the offer is also characterized and combined with the consumer and consumer-offer characteristics to arrive at a net present value of the offer to be made. If the net present value is sufficient the offer is processed and presented to the consumer.
| If the net present value is not sufficient, the offer is revised to present a better value to the consumer (or discarded if the required offer value can not be created) thereby enhancing the chances that the consumer will accept the offer in question. In this way the system and method of the target marketing creates value in both releasing, and not releasing specific offers. Return to Top | | |
| Patent Number: | WO 03091926 | ||||
| Title: | A Computer System For Targeted Marketing | ||||
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for WO 03091926 | ||||
| Inventor(s): | Oytac Engin (TR) | ||||
| Assignee: | Koc Holding Anonim Sirketi (TR); Oytac Engin (TR) Koc Holding Anonim Sirketi; Oytac, Engin | ||||
| Publication Number: | WO03091926 | ||||
| Application Number: | WO2002TR00045
| Abstract: | A method, system, and computer-readable medium for assisting in targeting information to users while protecting the privacy of those users is described. Various transaction and/or other user-specific information may first be obtained from one or more of a variety of information sources, and can then be provided to user targeters that desire to target information to other users that match specified criteria. Information about the matching users is provided to the user targeters in a manner that obscures the identity of those users. After a user targeter selects identity-obscured users to which targeted information is to be provided, the information is provided to those targeted users in various ways.
| In some situations, the targeted information is marketing information such as an advertisement and/or information about a discount or other promotional benefit that is available, and is provided to users at a POS location. Return to Top | | |
| Patent Number: | WO 0217202 | ||||
| Title: | Targeted Marketing System And Method | ||||
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for WO 0217202 | ||||
| Inventor(s): | Smith Linda M (US); Lu Darren D (US) | ||||
| Assignee: | Facecake Inc (US); Smith Linda M (US); Lu Darren D (US) Facecake, Inc; Smith, Linda, M; Lu, Darren, D | ||||
| Publication Number: | WO0217202 | ||||
| Application Number: | WO2001US26620
| Abstract: | A computer-implemented method for targeting marketing content to an online user, includes the steps of collecting data describing the user in a user profile, comparing the user profile with a target profile and presenting the user with content based on the comparison. The user profile includes a photographic likeness of the user, as well as information derived from the user's photographic likeness. Certain content may be dynamically created for the user based on the user profile and may include the photographic likeness of the user, which may be altered to incorporate a portion of the content into the photographic likeness. In this manner, personalized advertisements for cosmetics, jewelry, clothing and other items may be created. The user profile also includes data describing the user's browsing habits and responses to context-specific survey questions.
| In one embodiment, metrics are assigned to the user profile data, and a data index identifying the user's preferences and purchasing habits is calculated for the user based on the assigned metrics. Each metric may also have an associated confidence factor, which causes the metric value to decay over time. Return to Top | | |
| Patent Number: | WO 0199004 | ||
| Title: | Method And System For Targeted Marketing Promotions | ||
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for WO 0199004 | ||
| Inventor(s): | Roche Jim | ||
| Assignee: | Carabunga Com Inc (US) Carabunga.com, Inc | ||
| Publication Number: | WO0199004 | ||
| Application Number: | WO2001US19358
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| Patent Number: | WO 0137152 | ||||
| Title: | Targeted Marketing System With Third Party Confidential Database | ||||
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for WO 0137152 | ||||
| Inventor(s): | Harmelech Dvir; Ben Ovadia David; Dikstein Eliezer; Rakavy Yuval | ||||
| Assignee: | Talmai Ltd (IL) Talmai, Ltd | ||||
| Publication Number: | WO0137152 | ||||
| Application Number: | WO2000IB01844
| Abstract: | A marketing system has a potential offeree database, a campaign director user interface, and a campaign server. The potential offeree database has multiple records, each record having information relevant to a specific person. The campaign director user interface allows a user to generate a marketing offer to enable qualified offerees to receive user-specified marketing treatment. The campaign server is in communication with the potential offeree database and in partial communication with the campaign director user interface.
| The campaign server allows the user to determine the number of records in the potential offeree database meeting at least one user-defined criterion, while preventing user access to individual records, and communicates a message presenting the offer to at least one offeree having a record in the potential offeree database meeting the at least one user-defined criterion. Return to Top | | |
| Patent Number: | EP 1653324 | ||||
| Title: | Method And System For Selective Incentive Point-of-sale Marketing In Response To Customer Shopping Histories | ||||
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for EP 1653324 | ||||
| Inventor(s): | Deaton David M (US); Gabriel Rodney G (US) | ||||
| Assignee: | Catalina Marketing Int (US) Catalina Marketing International, Inc | ||||
| Publication Number: | EP1653324 | ||||
| Application Number: | EP20050019799
| Abstract: | The present invention relates to a system of customer promotion comprising a memory for storing data representative of a customer's prior purchases of products at a store in association with a customer's unique identification; circuitry responsive to said data stored in said memory for generating indications of a product freque | Return to Top | | |
| Patent Number: | EP 1027673 | ||
| Title: | System And Method Of Targeted Marketing | ||
| Family: | Patent family and legal status for EP 1027673 | ||
| Inventor(s): | Jones Charles L Iii (US); Eginton William A (US) | ||
| Assignee: | Jones Charles L Iii (US); Eginton William A (US); Marketswitch Corp (US) Jones, Charles L. Iii; Eginton, William A; Marketswitch Corporation | ||
| Publication Number: | EP1027673 | ||
| Application Number: | EP19980955114
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