Abstract:
A computerized system for sale of products having non pre-catalogued parameters in a multi-lingual environment wherein a buyer and a seller communicate in different languages, the system including a non pre-catalogued parameter database, a listing engine operative to prompt in a first language a listing seller to enter multiple non pre-catalogued parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the non pre-catalogued parameters in the non pre-catalogued parameter database and a non pre-catalogued multiple language parameter description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the non pre-catalogued parameters in at least one language other than the first language.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to computerized systems and methodologies for sales of products. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The following patent publications are believed to represent the current state of the art: 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,219,632; 6,349,275; 6,559,861; and 7,047,182. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention seeks to provide improved computerized systems and methodologies for sales of products. 
         [0005]    There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for sale of products having non pre-catalogued parameters in a multi-lingual environment wherein a buyer and a seller communicate in different languages, the system including a non pre-catalogued parameter database, a listing engine operative to prompt in a first language a listing seller to enter multiple non pre-catalogued parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the non pre-catalogued parameters in the non pre-catalogued parameter database and a non pre-catalogued multiple language parameter description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the non pre-catalogued parameters in at least one language other than the first language. 
         [0006]    There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for sale of products having non pre-catalogued parameters, the system including a non pre-catalogued parameter database, a listing engine operative to prompt a listing seller to enter multiple non pre-catalogued parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the non pre-catalogued parameters in the non pre-catalogued parameter database and a non pre-catalogued multiple language parameter description engine which is operative to provide computer-generated human-readable descriptions of the non pre-catalogued parameters. 
         [0007]    There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for integrating multiple e-commerce marketplaces operating in different languages including a language-independent product parameter database storing product parameters of a multiplicity of products offered for sale on multiple e-commerce marketplaces, each operating in a different one of multiple languages and a multiple language description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the product parameters in the multiple languages. 
         [0008]    Preferably, the language-independent product parameter database is a non pre-catalogued parameter database. Additionally, the system also includes a listing engine operative to prompt in a first language a listing seller to enter multiple non pre-catalogued parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the non pre-catalogued parameters in the non pre-catalogued parameter database and a non pre-catalogued multiple language parameter description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the non pre-catalogued parameters in at least one language other than the first language. 
         [0009]    There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for operating at least one e-commerce marketplaces in multiple different languages including a language-independent product parameter database storing product parameters of a multiplicity of products offered for sale by sellers who communicate in different ones of multiple languages and a multiple language description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the product parameters in the multiple languages. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the language-independent product parameter database is a non pre-catalogued parameter database. Additionally, the system also includes a listing engine operative to prompt in a first language a listing seller to enter multiple non pre-catalogued parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the non pre-catalogued parameters in the non pre-catalogued parameter database and a non pre-catalogued multiple language parameter description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the non pre-catalogued parameters in at least one language other than the first language. 
         [0011]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the system also includes an automatic real time sale responsive engine for responding to a sale of a product on one of the multiple e-commerce marketplaces to other e-commerce marketplaces. Additionally or alternatively, the system also includes an automatic real time product parameter change responsive engine for responding to a change in a product parameter on one of the multiple e-commerce marketplaces in other e-commerce marketplaces. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the non pre-catalogued parameter database also stores pre-catalogued parameters. 
         [0013]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the non pre-catalogued parameter database stores inherent non pre-catalogued parameters and non-inherent non pre-catalogued parameters. 
         [0014]    There is still further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for sale of products in a multi-lingual environment wherein a buyer and a seller communicate in different languages, the system including a prompt-responsive parameter entry database, a translated free text phrase database, a listing engine operative to prompt in a first language a listing seller to enter multiple parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the parameters in the prompt-responsive parameter entry database and to accept parameter descriptive phases in free text, parameter descriptive phrase in free text translation functionality operative to translate the parameter descriptive phrases in free text from the first language into at least one other language and to store the translated free text phrases in the translated free text phrase database and a multiple language parameter description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the both the prompt responsive parameters and the translated parameter descriptive phrases in at least one language other than the first language. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the parameters include non pre-catalogued parameters. 
         [0016]    There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for automated multi-lingual catalog building in a multi-lingual environment wherein a buyer and a seller may each communicate in a different language, the system including a parameter database, a first listing engine operative to prompt in a first language a listing seller to enter multiple parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the parameters in the parameter database, at least one second listing engine operative to prompt in at least one second language, different from the first language, a listing seller to enter multiple parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the parameters in the parameter database and a multiple language parameter description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the parameters in at least one language other than the first language. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the first and the at least one second listing engine are operative to accept parameter descriptive phases in free text and the system also includes a free text phrase database and parameter descriptive phrase in free text translation functionality operative to translate the parameter descriptive phrases in free text from into at least one other language and to store the translated free text phrases in the translated free text phrase database. 
         [0018]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the multiple language parameter description engine is automatically operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the parameters in a language corresponding to the location of a potential buyer. 
         [0019]    There is further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for sale of products in a multi-lingual environment wherein a buyer and a seller communicate in different languages, the system including a translated free text phrase database and phrase in free text translation functionality operative to translate customer service request and response phrases in free text from a first language into at least one other language and to store the translated free text phrases in the translated free text phrase database. 
         [0020]    There is yet further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for sale of products having non pre-catalogued parameters in a multi-lingual environment wherein a buyer and a seller communicate in different languages, the system including a question and/or answer parameter entry engine operative to prompt in a first language at least one of a buyer and a seller to enter multiple parameters relating to a product being listed and a question and/or answer generating engine which is operative to provide human-readable questions and/or answers based on the multiple parameters in at least one language other than the first language. 
         [0021]    There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for sale of products, the system including a listing engine operative to prompt in a first language a listing seller to enter multiple parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the parameters in the prompt-responsive parameter entry database and a graphical indicator indicating to the listing seller in a visible manner the extent to which he has completed entry of the multiple parameters required for listing. 
         [0022]    There is yet further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for sale of products in multiple currencies, the system including a listing engine operative to prompt a listing seller to enter an exchange rate threshold and an exchange rate threshold responsive engine automatically operative to vary pricing of a product or eliminate the listing in at least one currency in response to exceedance of the exchange rate threshold. 
         [0023]    There is also provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for automated catalog building in a multiple e-commerce platform environment, the system including a parameter database; a first listing engine operative to prompt a listing seller to enter multiple parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the parameters in the parameter database and a parameter description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the parameters in at least one language on multiple e-commerce platforms. 
         [0024]    There is yet further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a computerized system for automated catalog building, the system including a parameter database, a first listing engine operative to prompt a listing seller to enter multiple parameters relating to a product being listed and to store the parameters in the parameter database and a parameter description engine which is operative to provide human-readable descriptions of the parameters in at least one language. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
           [0026]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are together a simplified pictorial illustration of a preferred embodiment of a system and methodology for multiple language e-commerce, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1C  is a simplified illustration of a database system useful in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is a simplified pictorial illustration of a preferred embodiment of a system and methodology for integrating multiple marketplaces, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2B  is a simplified illustration of a database system useful in the embodiment of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  is a simplified pictorial illustration of a preferred embodiment of a system and methodology for catalog building, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 3B  is a simplified illustration of a database system useful in the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , which are together a simplified pictorial illustration of a preferred embodiment of a system and methodology constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to  FIG. 1C , which is a simplified illustration of a database system useful in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B . 
         [0033]    As seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a listing party, such as an individual or an owner of a business which is not the owner or operator of an e-commerce website, wishing to list his camera for sale, is prompted to enter information regarding his camera. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention this information may include various inherent parameters, such as category, sub category, brand, model number, lens and memory card, as well as non-inherent parameters relating, for example, to the current condition of the product, for how many years it has been in use and the presence of scratches, dents or other defects. It is appreciated that the inherent parameters may include pre-catalogued parameters, which appear in existing catalogs and other databases and non pre-catalogued parameters, which must be entered by the listing party, since available catalog information is highly limited or non-existent. In the specific case of cameras, typical inherent parameters, which may or may not be pre-catalogued, include the following: digital or film, resolution level, zoom features, autofocus features and model year, which when combined create a catalog level specification. 
         [0034]    The non-inherent parameters are by definition non pre-catalogued and must always be entered by the listing party. 
         [0035]    The non pre-catalogued parameters are conventionally communicated in prior art e-commerce marketplaces by a listing party in free text. It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that many or all of such non pre-catalogued parameters are entered in response to specific prompts in a structured manner, as opposed to free text. 
         [0036]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the listing information supplied by the listing party is supplied to a multi-language product listing system  100  which preferably includes a web server  102 , a listing server  104  and a database  106 . Multi-language product listing system  100  preferably is constructed and operative as illustrated in  FIG. 1C , described hereinbelow. 
         [0037]    Multi-language product listing system  100  preferably provides both the pre-cataloged parameters, such as those of category, sub category brand, model number, lens and memory card, which are available in existing catalogs, as well as the non pre-catalogued parameters, which are not available in existing catalogs, including, inter alia, the non-inherent parameters relating, for example to the current condition of the product, for how many years it has been in use and the presence of scratches, dents or other defects, in multiple languages, so as to be accessible to persons who communicate in languages other than the language in which the product is listed. Such persons may be within the same country, geographical or political region or in a different country or region. Alternatively, the operation of the multi-language product listing system  100  is limited to non pre-catalogued parameters. It is appreciated that this information may be made available in a template format as shown in  FIG. 1A , or in machine generated free text. 
         [0038]    Although it is desirable to eliminate the need for free text in the listing information, a provision may be made for limited free text entry. Such free text may be translated manually or by machine. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such translations, when suitably validated as to correctness, may be stored in a translated free-text phrase table of database  106 . It is noted that when the listing party enters numbers to indicate non-catalogued parameters, he may use free text input, since numbers do not require translation, even though units, such as inches and centimeters, require conversion. 
         [0039]    Turning now to  FIG. 1B , a further particular feature of the present invention is illustrated. A prospective buyer may wish to ask a question regarding the product, relating to information which was not included in the listing information. As seen in  FIG. 1B , the prospective buyer may enter the question in his own language, here Spanish, preferably by using a buyer question generation template, indicated in  FIG. 1B  at A. 
         [0040]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the question is rendered in machine generated free text in an appropriate language, here English. Alternatively a question may be generated in free text and translated manually or by machine. Such translation, when suitably validated as to correctness, may be stored in the translated free-text phrase table of database  106 . In either case, the translated question is displayed to the listing party in the listing party&#39;s language. The listing party may respond in his own language, as shown. The listing party may employ a buyer response generating template (not shown), which operates similarly to the buyer question generation template described above, or respond in free text. In the case of a free text response entry, the response is translated manually or by machine. Such translation, when suitably validated as to correctness, may be stored in the translated free-text phrase table of database  106 . 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIG. 1C , as noted above, multi-language product listing system  100  preferably includes web server  102 , listing server  104  and database  106 . Listing server  104  preferably communicates with web server  102  and preferably includes a listing module  120 , which is operative to facilitate listing of products on system  100  by sellers, an inventory management module  122 , operative to monitor the list of products listed on system  100 , and a customer service module  124 , operative to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers of products via system  100 . Modules  120 ,  122  and  124  preferably store information and utilize information stored in database  106 . 
         [0042]    Database  106  preferably includes a multiple language parameter table  108  which provides both pre-cataloged parameters and non pre-cataloged parameters in multiple languages, so as to be accessible to persons who communicate in languages other than the language in which the product is listed. Such persons may be within the same country, geographical or political region or in a different country or region. 
         [0043]    Database  106  preferably also includes a multiple language value table  109  which provides possible values of the pre-cataloged parameters in multiple languages, so as to be accessible to persons who communicate in languages other than the language in which the product is listed. A listing party, wishing to list a product for sale, may choose from a list of such possible values corresponding to any particular pre-catalogued parameter, as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         [0044]    Database  106  preferably also includes a translated free-text phrase table  110  for providing translations of limited free text entries. As described hereinabove with regard to  FIG. 1B , such free text may be translated manually or by machine. Additionally, database  106  preferably includes a listing table  112  which stores a list of products that have been listed by sellers using system  100 , including relevant parameters of product information. 
         [0045]    It is appreciated that by generating a listing using the present invention, new catalog data is synthesized for use by a future listing party using the listing data, whereby the next time a listing party wishes to list a similar item, the catalog data can be found in the catalog database. Such a synthesizing process can be automatic or can be controlled by the seller or by an operator of the system. This is indicated in  FIGS. 1A-1C  where it is shown that information in table  112  can be supplied to table  108 . 
         [0046]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 2A , which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a preferred embodiment of a system and methodology constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to  FIG. 2B , which is a simplified illustration of a database system useful in the embodiment of  FIG. 2A . It is appreciated that this embodiment may be combined with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
         [0047]    In this embodiment, a listing party, such as an individual or an owner of a business which is not the owner or operator of an e-commerce website, wishing to list his camera for sale, is prompted to enter information regarding his camera. As described above with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C , this information may include pre-catalogued parameters and non pre-catalogued parameters of the product. 
         [0048]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the listing information preferably supplied by the listing party is supplied to a multi-marketplace integration system  200  which preferably includes a web server  202 , a listing server  204  and a database  206 . Multi-marketplace integration system  200  preferably is constructed and operative as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , described hereinbelow. It is appreciated that multi-language product listing system  100  and multi-marketplace integration system  200  may be integrated into a single system. 
         [0049]    Multi-marketplace integration system  200  preferably provides the listed information, preferably including both the pre-cataloged parameters as well as non pre-catalogued parameters, to multiple marketplaces, such as e-commerce marketplaces, typically but not necessarily in multiple languages. Multi-marketplace integration system  200  preferably provides the information in the format characteristic of each marketplace. Thus, for example, it is seen in  FIG. 2A  that in the Mercado marketplace, the information is supplied in a template format while in the Marktplatz marketplace, it is provided in free text. 
         [0050]    The pre-cataloged and non pre-catalogued parameters are preferably stored in a multiple language parameter table of database  206 . 
         [0051]    Although it is desirable to eliminate the need for free text in the listing information, a provision may be made for limited free text entry. Such free text may be translated manually or by machine. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such translations, when suitably validated as to correctness, may be stored in a translated free-text phrase table of database  206 . It is noted that when the listing party enters numbers to indicate non-catalogued parameters, he may use free text input, since numbers do not require translation, even though units, such as inches and centimeters, require conversion. 
         [0052]    Queries and responses between potential buyers and sellers may be handled as described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1B . 
         [0053]    It is a particular feature of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A &amp; 2B , that, as shown, the multi-marketplace integration system  200  provides a real time or near real time indication of sale of the product on one of the multiple marketplaces and a corresponding real time or near real time notification of such sale on other ones of the multiple marketplaces, or withdrawal of the product from such marketplaces. 
         [0054]    Turning now to  FIG. 2B , as noted above, multi-language product listing system  200  preferably includes web server  202 , listing server  204  and database  206 . Listing server  204  preferably communicates with web server  202  and preferably includes a listing module  220  which is operative to facilitate listing of products on system  200  by sellers, an inventory management module  222  operative to monitor the list of products listed on system  200 , and a customer service module  224  operative to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers of products via system  200 . Modules  220 ,  222  and  224  preferably store information and utilize information stored in database  206 . 
         [0055]    Database  206  preferably includes a multiple language parameter table  208  which provides both pre-cataloged parameters and non pre-cataloged parameters in multiple languages, so as to be accessible to persons who communicate in languages other than the language in which the product is listed. Such persons may be within the same country, geographical or political region or in a different country or region. 
         [0056]    Database  206  preferably also includes a multiple language value table  209  which provides possible values of the pre-cataloged parameters in multiple languages, so as to be accessible to persons who communicate in languages other than the language in which the product is listed. A listing party, wishing to list a product for sale, may choose from a list of such possible values corresponding to any particular pre-catalogued parameter, as shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         [0057]    Database  206  preferably also includes a translated free-text phrase table  210  for providing translations of limited free text entries. As described hereinabove with regard to  FIG. 1B , such free text may be translated manually or by machine. Additionally, database  206  preferably includes a listing table  212  which stores a list of products that have been listed by sellers using system  200 , including relevant parameters of product information, as well as status information relating to whether the product has been sold or is still available for sale. 
         [0058]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 3A , which is a simplified pictorial illustration of a preferred embodiment of a system and methodology for catalog building constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and to  FIG. 3B , which is a simplified illustration of a database system useful in the embodiment of  FIG. 3A . It is appreciated that this embodiment may be combined with either or both of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  FIGS. 2A &amp; 2B . 
         [0059]    In this embodiment, listing parties, which may be owners or operators of e-commerce websites, or individuals or owners of businesses who do not own or operate an e-commerce website, wishing to list telephones for sale, are prompted to enter information regarding their telephones. As described above with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C , this information may include pre-catalogued parameters as well as non pre-catalogued parameters as described hereinabove. 
         [0060]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the listing information preferably supplied by the listing party is supplied to a catalog building system  300  which preferably includes a web server  302 , a listing server  304  and a database  306 . Catalog building system  300  preferably is constructed and operative as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , described hereinbelow. It is appreciated that either or both of multi-language product listing system  100  and multi-marketplace integration system  200  may be integrated together with catalog building system  300  into a single system. 
         [0061]    Catalog building system  300  preferably provides the listed parameters, preferably including both the cataloged parameters as well as non-catalogued parameters possibly in multiple formats to multiple marketplaces, such as e-commerce marketplaces, typically but not necessarily in multiple languages. The cataloged and non-catalogued parameters are preferably stored in a multiple language parameter table of database  306 . It is appreciated that this information may be made available in a template format as shown in  FIG. 3A , or in machine generated free text. 
         [0062]    Although it is desirable to eliminate the need for free text in the listing information, a provision may be made for limited free text entry. Such free text may be translated manually or by machine. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such translations, when suitably validated as to correctness, may be stored in a translated free-text phrase table of database  306 . 
         [0063]    Queries and responses between potential buyers and sellers may be handled as described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1B . 
         [0064]    It is a particular feature of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A &amp; 3B , that, as shown, the catalog building system  300  provides a potential buyer with multiple listings originating from multiple electronic marketplaces and thus integrates those marketplaces for the buyers and for the sellers. 
         [0065]    Turning now to  FIG. 3B , as noted above, multi-language product listing system  300  preferably includes web server  302 , listing server  304  and database  306 . Listing server  304  preferably communicates with web server  302  and preferably includes a listing module  320  which is operative to facilitate listing of products on system  300  by sellers, an inventory management module  322  operative to monitor the list of products listed on system  300 , and a customer service module  324  operative to facilitate communication between buyers and sellers of products via system  300 . Modules  320 ,  322  and  324  preferably store information and utilize information stored in database  306 . 
         [0066]    Database  306  preferably includes a multiple language parameter table  308  which provides both the cataloged parameters, such as category, sub category, brand, model number, lens and memory card, as well as non-catalogued parameters relating, for example, to the current condition of the product, for how many years it has been in use and the presence of scratches, dents or other defects in multiple languages, so as to be accessible to persons who communicate in languages other than the language in which the product is listed. Such persons may be within the same country, geographical or political region or in a different country or region. 
         [0067]    Database  306  preferably also includes a multiple language value table  309  which provides possible values of the pre-cataloged parameters in multiple languages, so as to be accessible to persons who communicate in languages other than the language in which the product is listed. A listing party, wishing to list a product for sale, may choose from a list of such possible values corresponding to any particular pre-catalogued parameter, as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0068]    Database  306  preferably also includes a translated free-text phrase table  310  for providing translations of limited free text entries. As described hereinabove with regard to  FIG. 1B , such free text may be translated manually or by machine. Additionally, database  306  preferably includes a listing table  312  which stores a list of products that have been listed by sellers using system  300 , including relevant parameters of product information, as well as information relating to available inventory of the product and to the source marketplace of the product. 
         [0069]    It is appreciated that the various embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for use on mobile devices operated both by buyers and sellers. This is particularly true due to the various parameter entry templates which minimize the entry of free text. 
         [0070]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of various features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing and which are not in the prior art.