Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method and centralized system established over the Internet for automatically generating information directed to products one or more suppliers in response to user request of criteria and collecting information of market research and user trend data directed to demographic information of the users of the system and user request criteria via the Internet. The market research and user trend data can be forwarded to suppliers registered with the system and matching the users request criteria. The system also provides for generating rebate certificates directed to products requested by the user, as marketing incentives. In particular, the method and system of the present invention can be used for automatically generating a selection of solvent products in response to user input criteria of characteristics of the solvents.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a method and centralized system for automated generation of information directed to products of one or more suppliers in response to user request criteria, collection of market trend data directed to users of the system and distribution of rebate certificates to the users as marketing incentives, through real time database creation and analysis over the Internet.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Conventionally, a user receives information directed to a particular product by contacting a sales or technical representative of the supplier of the product. For example, users interested in purchasing chemical solvent products may contact several sales representatives of different solvent manufacturers to obtain performance comparison pricing information. Accordingly, if the user was interested in evaluating different suppliers of products, the user would need to contact multiple representatives each representing a different supplier. In this scenario, marketing data such as information related to demographics of the users and information related to preferences of the users is retained, if at all, at each individual supplier representative.  
           [0005]    The use of and distribution of product samples is a common tool utilized by manufacturers in their marketing efforts. The distribution of samples has the disadvantage that it is difficult to limit delivery of samples to bona fide prospective purchasers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,362 describes an apparatus for automated distribution of samples in a retail environment to individuals determined to be eligible to receive such items. A data entry terminal at a point of sale scans UPC codes for identifying purchased products. The retailer&#39;s point of sale equipment includes pre-established criteria, which identifies each qualifier for which a given sample is dispersed. For example the pre-established criteria can include identification of the purchaser of certain quantities of particular products or particular brands and products. A data processor can record information related to the transaction such as each product purchased by a given customer and identity of the customer.  
           [0006]    It is desirable to provide a centralized system for providing information of several suppliers to a user over the Internet in order to satisfy a user project, collecting market trend data and issuing rebate certificates.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention relates to a method and centralized system established over the Internet for automatically generating information directed to products of one or more suppliers in response to user request criteria, and collecting information of market research and user trend data directed to demographic information of the users of the system and matching the user request criteria. The market research and user trend data can be forwarded to suppliers registered with the system and the users request criteria. The system also provides for generating rebate certificates directed to products requested by the user, as marketing incentives.  
           [0008]    In particular, the method and system of the present invention can be used for automatically generating a selection of solvent products in response to user input criteria of characteristics of the application requiring a solvent. The user&#39;s selection of a particular solvent can be forwarded to the suppliers of the particular solvent as a sales lead. Market research and user trend data, such as information directed to solvents selected or excluded by users, is forwarded to the registered suppliers to allow the suppliers to track customer preferences, thereby enhancing information used in supplier business and marketing decisions. Rebate certificates, directed to the particular solvent can be redeemed as an incentive to purchase solvent products from the registered suppliers. The system generated rebate certificates reduce the costs of acquiring new customers for the supplier.  
           [0009]    The present invention provides a system for collecting substantially real-time information regarding preferences, biases, usage, and market trend information from a large number of users of various products and services; the incentive to provide such information being the use of low, or no-cost software accessible over the Internet as an aid to the user in designing products and services for the users&#39;unique needs. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for product information generation, market research and user trend data collection and rebate certificate distribution.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for user registration and user input in a solvent selection process.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a user online registration form.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for managing user output processes.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for supplier registration and receipt of market research and user trend data.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a supplier online registration form.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for rewarding rebate certificates.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method for rewarding a rebate certificate after a literature request is performed and processing the literature request.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for rewarding a rebate certificate after a sample request is performed and filling the sample request.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for rewarding a rebate certificate after a request for a quote is performed.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for negotiation and redemption of a rebate certificate. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0021]    Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a product information generation, market research and user trend data collection and rebate certificate distribution system  10 . User  11  interacts with user registration module  12 . For example, user  11  can interact with user registration module  12  by contacting host  9  over the Internet. User registration module  12  performs user registration for obtaining information about user  11 . For example, user registration module  12  can use an online registration form, which can be completed by user  11  or can scan a completed user hard copy registration form. In one embodiment, templates of questions to be completed online by user  11  can be determined from one or more Web pages.  
         [0023]    Project input  13  is determined by user  11  for a project. Examples of project input  13  include requests for input related to chemical products, electronics, automotive and transportation, aerospace, building and construction, architecture, consumer product information, medical and pharmaceutical, and farming and agricultural products. Other examples of project input  13  include requests for information related to products such as chemical solvents, absorbents, additives, adhesives, aerosols, biocides, catalysts, ceramics, coatings, cosmetics, disinfectants, fabrics, fibers, flame retardants, flavors, formulations, fragrances, gases, heat transfer fluids, industrial gases, inks, insulations, lubricants, metal finishings, metals, nutraceuticals, papers, pesticides, pigments, plasticizers, plastic additives, pulps, papers, resins, sealants, surfactants, textiles, toiletries, vitamins, waste disposals and waxes that would be useful for the user&#39;s project. Other suitable examples of project input  13  can also include processing parameters such as temperatures, pressures, density, vapor pressure, evaporation rate, boiling point, and flash point.  
         [0024]    Project software module  14  determines from project input  13  a solution to the project as program output  15 . For example, software module  14  can determine a best match of solubility characteristics of a target solvent or solvent blend with project input  13  to provide project output  15  of a list of solvent and solvent blends. A solvent match can be determined, for example, by using parameter theory as described by Barton in “The Handbook of Solubility Parameters and Other Cohesion Parameters, (CRC Press). Program output  15  is forwarded to user  11 .  
         [0025]    Market research and user trend data is collected automatically during utilization of system  10 . User registration data determined by registration module  12  is entered into demographics, preferences and biases database  16 . Data collected in database  16  is forwarded to market trend data collection module  20 . Project input  13  is entered in operational and design constraint database  17 . Data collected in database  17  is forwarded to market trend data collection module  20 . Project output  15  is collected in project solution set database  18 . Project solution set database  18  can analyze program output to collect particular information such as the number of times that a product is recommended and the month/year that the product is recommended. Data from project solution set database  18  is forwarded to market trend data collection module  20 .  
         [0026]    Supplier registration module  21  performs supplier registration with system  10 . For example, supplier registration module  21  can use an online registration form, which is completed by the supplier or can scan a completed supplier hard copy registration form. Registered suppliers  22  have access to or are forwarded information from market trend data collection module  20 .  
         [0027]    Sales lead data for suppliers  23  is determined from project output  15 . Sales lead data for suppliers  23  can be forwarded to registered suppliers  22 . Rebate certificate module  24  generates rebates from program output  15 . Rebate certificates can be redeemed at registered supplier  22 , as described below.  
         [0028]    User  11  and supplier  22  can include a standard personal computer (“pc”) or other device possessing sufficient processing and memory for establishing a connection to the Internet. Preferably, user  11  also includes a user input device display unit and a printer for printing rebate certificates if necessary.  
         [0029]    Host  9  can include a computer comprising a standard personal computer (pc), including a central processing unit (cpu) for carrying out program instructions, a storage medium (i.e. hard disk, cdrom) for storing program instruction and database information, a user input device, such as a keyboard and at least one output device such as a display or printer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system can be developed in a variety of computers with a variety of programming languages.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for user registration and user input in a solvent selection project  30 . In block  31 , user registration information is entered via an online registration form. FIG. 3 is an example of an online registration form. Registration information can include identity information  50   a - 50   b , company information  51   a - 51   m , current solvents used  52 , annual quantity of solvents used  53 , login information  54 , password information  55  and one or more solvents to exclude from a solvent project  56 . The registration information directed to solvents to exclude for a solvent project is used to exclude one or more solvents when running the project software module. A mapping table can be used to include all related names of the solvent selected for exclusion.  
         [0031]    In block  32 , FIG. 2, an email is generated to notify a user of an accepted registration. In block  33  a user logs in to host  9 . It will be appreciated that block  33  may not be executed if user  11  has a connection with host  9  after execution of block  32 . Alternatively, if user  11  has previously registered, user input processing can be initiated by executing block  33  without executing blocks  31  and  32 . User registration information entered during registration, including one or more solvents to exclude from a solvent project  56 , can be edited in block  34 . An email to notify the user of modifications to the user registration information is generated and forwarded to user  11 , in block  35 .  
         [0032]    In block  36 , user  11  determines a project using an online template for entering project input  13 . For example, the template can provide a user the ability to identify a particular solvent for mandatory inclusion in a solvent model for calculation of solvent components or blends of two or three components, which would be useful for the user&#39;s defined project. The template can include help information such as a drop down list box including all solvents. In block  37 , user  11  runs a project software module directed to a solvent model with the user project input. In block  38 , user  11  obtains results for the solvent model.  
         [0033]    User  11  can modify a solvent project by changing project input, in block  39 . In block  40 , a decision is made to rerun the solvent module. If the solvent model is rerun, block  37  and block  38  are performed. After the passage of time during which the user evaluates the solvents suggested, user  11  can manually close the solvent project, in block  41 . Indication of failure of the solvent project is indicated in block  42 . Alternately, an indication of success of the project is indicated in block  43 . FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for managing user output processes  60 . Program output  15  is generated from execution of proj ect software module  14  during block  37 . Execution of block  37  is initiated in an “open” project mode indicating that user  11  is obtaining results and that user  11  has not yet been satisfied with program output  15 . Block  37  is also initiated in an “unlocked” mode indicating that user  11  is running solvent module in block  37  or modifying input to software module, in block  39 . Project output  15 , from running the solvent module in block  37  can be viewed, in block  62 . Preferably, for a solvent selection project, project output  15  is sorted in descending order of the degree of fit of the solvent to the user&#39;s project input criteria. Project output  15  can be sorted into a predetermined number of records for example the top five results for a type of solvent system, such as a one component solvent system, a two component blended solvent system or a three component blended solvent system. For example, an output Web page can be generated for each type of solvent system listing the predetermined number of records. A user can toggle between output Web pages of each type of solvent system.  
         [0034]    After obtaining project output  15  by running the solvent model in block  37  that user  11  is satisfied with, user  11  enters an evaluation mode of the project and the status of the solvent project is set to a “locked” status mode. During the “locked” status mode, user  11  can request literature directed to the program output in block  63 , such as solvent literature directed to the selected solvent or blend of solvents. The user can request a sample in block  64 , such as a sample of the selected solvent or blend of solvents. User  11  can request a price quotation from a supplier for the solvent in block  65 .  
         [0035]    In block  66 , a notification is forwarded to user  11  indicating that the project will enter the “evaluation” mode upon transmittal of a literature, sample, or price quotation request and the project will be locked. In block  67 , user  11  determines approval for locking of the project. If user  11  is not satisfied with the results of the project, or chooses not to have user&#39;s request(s) forwarded, user  11  can return to modify a solvent project by changing user input criteria, in block  39 . If the locking of the project is approved and a price quotation, sample, or literature was requested in block  65 , an email is generated to a registered supplier  22  in block  68 . In block  69 , a determination is made for acceptance of the email to the supplier. If the email is approved, the email to the supplier is submitted to registered supplier  22  in block  70 . After completion of the project, such as the user making a purchase or no longer being interested in making a purchase, project output is forwarded to collect and store market data module  20 . In block  71 , the user returns to registration module  12  to enter a “closed” status of the project. If the email to the supplier is not approved by the user, a decision is made to rerun the project or to close the project in block  72 . If the project is rerun, block  62  is executed to allow the user to make a subsequent quote request in block  65 . If the project is closed, block  71  is executed.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for supplier registration and supplier receipt of market trend data  80 . In block  82 , supplier information is entered via an online supplier registration form. FIG. 6 is an example of an online supplier registration form. Supplier registration information can include login information  90 , password information  91 , supplier name  92 , type of products and applications supplied  93   a - c , supplied region  94 ,/type of quantities supplied  95 , literature request information  96   a - b , quote request information  97  and sample request information  98   a - 98   d.    
         [0037]    In block  84 , an email is generated to the supplier to notify the supplier of activation of the supplier&#39;s registration, supplier identification and password. In block  85 , the supplier logs into host  9 . In block  86 , the password can be changed by the supplier. In block  87 , the user can edit supplier information. An email is generated confirming the changes to the supplier information, in block  88 . In block  89 , the supplier obtains market and trend data. The market and trend data can be in the form of a report. Example reports are as follows:  
         [0038]    1. Replaced Solvents as a graph of information to allows subscribers to view the users, by number and percent of total, who have accessed project software module  14  for solvent selection to replace the solvent in the supplier&#39;s channel subscription. This data can be broken down by reason (performance, cost, environmental or regulatory).  
         [0039]    2. Excluded Solvents as a graph of information to allows suppliers to view the users, by number and percent of total, that have requested that he supplier&#39;s solvent be excluded from consideration when using the solvent selection model.  
         [0040]    3. Included Solvents as a graph of information to allow suppliers to view the users, by number and percent of total, that have requested that the supplier&#39;s solvent be included in blend formulations when using the solvent selection model.  
         [0041]    4. Sample Requests for showing 24-month rolling totals of samples ordered by users. This information also reflects positive acceptance of the supplier&#39;s product by the user community  
         [0042]    5. Request for Quotes (RFQ) for showing 24-month rolling totals of requested quotes for solvents by users.  
         [0043]    6. Certificate Status for showing the status of rebate certificates offered to users. “Open” certificates reflect projects where the solvent is still in the testing and evaluation phase. “Closed” certificates reflect projects where the solvent has been eliminated from consideration, due to either the selection of an alternative solvent or the termination of the active project for other reasons. “Redeemed” certificates reflect the successful implementation of the supplier&#39;s solvent in the user&#39;s industrial application, and as such can be used to assist the supplier in quantifying the benefits of continued channel subscription, as described below.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for rewarding rebate certificates  100 . After each of blocks  63 ,  64  and  65  are performed, respective blocks  102 ,  103  and  104  are performed for certificate generation and notification of the generated certificate. In block  105 , the issued rebate certificate can be redeemed and negotiated related to the cost of purchase of a product at a supplier or at a central location supply house servicing products for a plurality of suppliers.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method for rewarding a rebate certificate after a literature request is performed in block  102  and processing the literature request. In block  110 , a supplier registers to offer rebate certificates for requests for literature of a product. A flag is set in a database of the suppliers requested information in block  111 . Block  110  can be performed before a literature request is performed by a user in block  63 . In block  112 , a check is made of the appropriate fields of a rebate database.  
         [0046]    In block  113 , a determination is made to see if the rebate certificate should be awarded. In block  112 , flags can be set in a rebate database for indicating the status of a users request. For example, the following flags can be used in the rebate database.  
         [0047]    User ID  
         [0048]    Solvent ID  
         [0049]    Supplier ID  
         [0050]    A certificate status flag can be used during the check to determine if a rebate certificate has ever been awarded to the user for a particular solvent.  
         [0051]    In block  113 , a decision is made for awarding a certificate. If a certificate is to be awarded, block  114  is performed for generating a rebate certificate. The following flags can be used to generate the rebate certificate.  
         [0052]    Certificate status (active, redeemed, inactive/expired)  
         [0053]    Certificate expiration date  
         [0054]    User purchase order number for redeemed certificate  
         [0055]    Supplier order number for redeemed certificate  
         [0056]    Quantity order  
         [0057]    Quantity unit of measure (pounds, kilograms, gallons, liters-can have automatic  
         [0058]    conversion routine to be used in calculations)  
         [0059]    Price  
         [0060]    Date redeemed or expired  
         [0061]    During block  114 , the rebate certificate is assigned a certificate ID. The certificate status flag is set to active. A value is determined for an expiration date of the rebate certificate. The information from the flags for the user ID, solvent and supplier ID can be added to the rebate certificate. In block  115 , a decision is made if a universal resource locator exists (URL). If a URL exists, an email is generated to the user indicating the references for obtaining literature information, in block  116 . The email can include the rebate certificate and details on redemption of the rebate certificate. If a URL does not exist, block  117  is performed to generate an email to the user indicating that the supplier will send literature to the user. The email can include the rebate certificate and details on redemption of the rebate certificate.  
         [0062]    If a certificate is not to be awarded, in block  118  a decision is made if a URL exists. If a URL exists, an email is generated to the user indicating URL references for obtaining literature information, in block  119 . If a URL does not exist, block  120  is performed to generate an email to the user indicating that the supplier will send literature to the user  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for rewarding a rebate certificate after a sample request is performed in block  103  and processing of the sample request. Blocks  112 ,  113  and  114  are performed as described above. In block  121 , a decision is made for a supplier to fill a sample request. If the supplier will fill the sample request, an email is generated to the user, including the rebate certificate and indicating that the supplier will fill the sample request, in block  122 . If the supplier will not fill the sample request, an email is generated to the user including the rebate certificate and indicating that the sample request can be filled at a central lab supply house, in block  123 .  
         [0064]    If a certificate is not to be awarded, block  124  is performed and a decision is made for a supplier to fill a sample request. If the supplier will fill the sample request, an email is generated to the user, including the rebate certificate indicating that the supplier will fill the sample request, in block  125 . If the supplier will not fill the sample request, an email is generated to the user including the rebate certificate and indicating that the sample request can be filled at a central lab supply house in block  126 .  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for rewarding a rebate certificate after a request for a price quotation is performed in block  104 . Blocks  112 ,  113  and  114  are performed as described above. In block  127 , an email is generated including the rebate certificate and a quote from the supplier.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of negotiation and rebate certificate redemption. In block  130 , user  11  negotiates a best price with a supplier. A purchase order is submitted from user  11  to supplier, in block  131 . In block  132 , a user receives an order number from the supplier. Blocks  130 - 132  are optional and can be performed by user  11  outside of system  10 .  
         [0067]    In block  133 , a user logs into host  9  and a decision is made for the user requesting certificate redemption. If the user requests certificate redemption, the user can be presented with a record and a request that the user fill in information such as a purchase order number, a supplier order number, quantity of solvent ordered and price. In block  135 , an email is sent to the supplier and the supplier determines a discount to be applied to the users account for crediting the rebate certificate. In block  136 , an email can be generated to the user informing the user of the discount and providing a supplier contact for mediating any disputes of the supplied discount. In block  137 , the certificate status flag is set indicating that the rebate certificate was redeemed. If the user does not request certificate redemption, a user negotiates directly with a supplier or lab supply house as appropriate for a users purchase of a selected product. It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.