Patent Publication Number: US-2005144083-A1

Title: Method and system for locating, selecting, purchasing and delivering small unit research information

Description:
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION  
      This invention generally relates to the field of market research, and more particularly, to a method and system to facilitate the acquisition of small unit research information.  
     BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART  
      There are many situations that require one party to acquire research information from another party. In this context, research information relates to material used to educate, understand, gain knowledge, comprehend, inform others or other criteria for which research information may be used. The most common example of this is when someone is writing or presenting material on a subject and to assist with their efforts they need to acquire information. For instance, a business professional may be preparing a business plan that requires information on the industry they operate in such as competitor information or market statistics. In addition to the business environment, there are many other situations in which research information is needed. Some examples may include: a medical doctor who is researching information on the number of occurrences of a particular disease in a certain geographic area, a magazine report who seeks statistics on the number of lawsuits filed against a certain party, a market research firm that is creating a market report that needs additional supporting evidence for the information they have produced, and a trade exporter who would like to know the value of a certain product category in another country. These are just a few of many ways in which research information may be used.  
      Until the advent of computer technology, most research information was obtained through either written methods, such as obtaining a research document, or through verbal means, such as having someone tell another person. For example, a university student who is writing a research paper for a class would visit the university library, possibly seek assistance from a reference librarian who would direct the student to one or more reference materials that may contain the information the student seeks. This process is often a difficult chore since it could be very time consuming and there is the chance the library does not own or have access to the required information. However, with improvements in computer technology and, in particular, the advent of computer networks such as the Internet, acquiring research information can now be carried out in electronic form. For example, the student can now locate the information over the Internet without the need to visit the library or, for students that visit the library, the library may now offer access via the Internet to many more materials which they previously could not afford to own.  
      Research information delivered electronically has generally followed a process in which the research item may be obtained free of charge or requires those seeking to obtain the information to pay a fee to acquire the information. For those situations in which material is obtained for a fee the research information supplier often requires the acquirer to purchase an entire report that may contain the information that is sought. For example, a marketing person who is preparing a marketing plan for their company and seeks information on the forecasted sales for the market over a three-year period may locate a research report produced by a marketing research company that contains the sales information within a larger report that also discusses many other aspects of the market. However, many times those seeking research only require a very small portion of the report or small unit research information.  
      Small unit research information is represented by information of singular subject matter extracted or otherwise existing within a larger body of information (e.g., information fragments). By itself the context of small unit research information would not be sufficient to offer the necessary detail to fully understand the body of work from which it was drawn. Examples include: a statistic for a product&#39;s market share within a category, a chart showing growth of a disease, a one sentence comment or quote from a country&#39;s leader, or a 15-second video segment from a news source.  
      Within currently available means for acquiring research items, if a person conducting research only wants to acquire a small amount of information from an expensive marketing research report, such as a sales forecast, then being required to purchase the entire report in order to get only the sales forecast may not be practical and could be expensive.  
      In some instances, research suppliers offering information have begun to address the problem associated with the need to purchase the entire report by offering those seeking information the option of purchasing smaller sections or “slices” of the report. However, these sections often still contain much more information than is needed by someone who seeks only small unit research information.  
      For situations in which electronically delivered research information is available for purchase an option has not existed in which research information suppliers allow small unit research information to be purchased. However, recent developments of small unit purchase systems for electronically delivered products, particularly micropayment systems, have now made it possible for small unit research information to be sold.  
      Micropayments for small unit items provide a mechanism for keeping the cost of transactions low and thus allowing for electronic purchase in small denominations. For instance, in one widely used purchase application, micropayments permit users to make purchases of single songs that may be included within a larger collection of music (e.g., album or CD) at a small percentage of the cost of the full collection. Micropayment systems can exist in several forms that include using previously purchased stored value methods (e.g., payment cards) where a purchase reduces value from the stored product or pre-established micropayment accounts that may have a purchaser pay after the purchase.  
      While a number of previous inventions and proposed inventions have dealt with other issues related to one or more aspects of micropayments (U.S. Pat. No. 5,999,919 and U.S. Pat. App. No. 20020156696) and previous inventions have also focused on electronic delivery of other products such as music (U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,596 and U.S. Pat. App. No. 20010034705) prior art is lacking in addressing the issues raised in this invention.  
      The object of the present invention then is to present a method and system utilizing electronic and/or communications channels that allow users to acquire small unit research information. Additionally, the invention will allow characteristics of the purchase and delivery of small unit research information to be controlled by the method and system presented here.  
      Other objects and features of the invention and the manner in which the invention achieves its purpose will be appreciated from the foregoing and the following description and the accompanying drawings, which exemplify the invention.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides a method and system that allows a user to locate, select, purchase and receive delivery of small unit research information. Small unit research information relates to material used by a party in an effort to educate, understand, gain knowledge, comprehend, inform others or other criteria such as when a business professional uses the information within a business report. However, the present invention can be used in a plurality of other situations where the purpose is to educate, understand, gain knowledge, comprehend, and/or inform others.  
      In the preferred embodiment a user will gain access, through an interface device, to a research item information system that includes components and materials for locating, selecting, purchasing and receiving delivery of small unit research information. Small unit research information comprises information of singular subject matter extracted or otherwise existing within a larger body of information but by itself is not sufficient to offer the necessary detail to fully understand the body of work from which it was drawn. This information can be either located internally within the research item information system or external to the system and accessible via electronic and/or communications channel(s).  
      In this invention, the user performs activity to acquire small unit research information via an interface device connected to an electronic and/or communications channel(s). In the preferred embodiment the research item information system manages delivery to the user&#39;s interface device of multiple components including: 1) a research item locator component for locating, selecting and otherwise providing information related to small unit research information; 2) a transaction component for handling purchase of selected small unit research information; 3) a user activity storage component for tracking and storing the activity of a user within the research item information system; and 4) a research item delivery component for providing means of delivery of purchased small unit research information.  
      To enable purchase of small unit research information the invention provides access to elements to allow purchase transactions using micropayment transactions. Micropayments for small unit items provide a mechanism for keeping the cost of transactions low and thus allowing for electronic purchase in small denominations. Upon purchase the system manages the delivery of purchased small unit research information from its electronic and/or communications channel(s) location. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  shows a flow diagram offering a basic overview of this invention.  
       FIG. 2  shows a diagram of an additional presentation of the invention represented within technology components.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates the presence of multiple components within a user&#39;s interface device.  
       FIGS. 4A through 4D  shows visual representations of components within a web browser.  
       FIG. 5  shows a flow diagram representing the initial steps involved in the process of locating, selecting, purchasing and receiving delivery of small unit research information.  
       FIG. 6  shows a flow diagram representing the steps involving the process of creating new stored user activity event.  
       FIG. 7  shows a flow diagram representing the steps in electronically purchasing small unit research information.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Explanation of Research Item Information System  
      In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements, there is illustrated in  FIG. 1 a  flow diagram offering a basic overview of this invention. In the preferred embodiment, a user  40  will use an interface device (ID)  20  to access a research item information system (RIIS)  10  in which materials are provided for locating, selecting, purchasing, and delivering research information including small unit research information (SURI)  12 .  
      SURI  12  is represented by information of singular subject matter extracted or otherwise existing within a larger body of information (e.g., information fragments). By itself the context of small unit research information would not be sufficient to offer the necessary detail to fully understand the body of work from which it was drawn. SURI  12  is provided by one party and delivered to another party, the user  40 , for purposes desired by the user  40  (e.g., researchers, business professionals, students, etc.). SURI  12  may exist in: 1) a plurality of information item types (e.g., figures, statements, etc., 2) a plurality of items within each information item type (e.g., one or more figures, one or more statements, etc.); and 3) in a plurality of electronic or communications formats such as, though not exclusively, text, graphics, animation, interactive communication, video, audio, over-the-air transmission such as television and radio, tactile materials, olfactory materials, and other information formats.  
      For the purpose of this invention, the functions of the RIIS  10  include, but are not limited to:  
      providing a research item locator system (RILS)  26  that assists in managing search and selection activities for SURI  12 ;  
      providing a transaction system (TS)  15  that assists in managing purchase activity and provides access to a small payment transaction system (SPTS)  32  for small unit purchases;  
      providing a user activity storage system (UASS)  19  for recording and storing activity related to a user  40  who is performing activity within the RIIS  10 ; and  
      providing a research item delivery system (RIDS)  14  for managing delivery of purchased small unit research information to the user  40 .  
      The functions of the RIIS  10  explained above are mentioned as these relate to the current invention. The RIIS  10  may by itself or as part of a system having greater functionality offer other functions most notably providing the necessary mechanisms to allow a user  40  to obtain large research items (e.g., full research reports).  
     INVENTION OVERVIEW  
      Again referring to  FIG. 1 , the user  40  will access the RIIS  10  via an ID  20  that connects  24  to one or more electronic and/or communications channels  30 , such as, but not exclusively, computer networks and sources such as Internet, Intranet, and other public and private networks; and/or digital and analog transmission networks and sources such as over-the-air broadcast sources, satellite sources and other wireless sources. Using the ID  20  a user  40 , will gain access to the RIIS  10 , which allows the user  40  to perform activities that include locating, selecting, purchasing and acquiring SURI  12 . The RIIS  10 , which connects  27  to one or more electronic and/or communication channels  30  may exist as a stand-alone item or may reside inside of other items such as software or sources used for assisting in research activities such as, but not limited to, libraries and online business websites, or may reside in software or at other sources that provide other purchase activity options such as, but not limited to, allowing for the purchase of other business items.  
      Locating and Selecting Small Unit Research Information  
      The process for acquiring SURI  12  begins with the RIIS  10  providing and managing delivery to the user&#39;s ID  20  of certain components including a component  23  containing the RILS  26  that includes features for locating and selecting the SURI  12 . In particular, the functionality of the RILS  26 , includes, but is not limited to, providing information regarding SURI  12  that are directly or indirectly created, referenced, linked or otherwise supplied by one party (e.g., research company) for the purpose of making available to another party (e.g., research user).  
      Upon user  40  search or location request the RILS  26  will locate information related to one or more SURI  12  that meets the requirements of the user&#39;s request. The information related to SURI  12  is contained within a small unit research information details (SURID)  38  component associated  18  with the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 . The SURID  38  contains information, references or characteristics related  39  to the SURI  12  including but not limited to information description, information format, the electronic and/or communications channel(s) location in which the SURI  12  resides, purchase availability and pricing. The user  40  will then have a choice to select from among the presented SURI  12  options or if no options are selected, the user  40  may choose to perform other activity such as, but not limited, to performing another search or location request.  
      Purchase and Delivery of SURI  
      The RIIS  10  contains 21 a TS  15  that includes features for allowing a user  40  to purchase or otherwise acquire one or more of the selected SURI  12 . Associated  22  with the TS  15  is a SPTS  32  to assist with small payment or micropayment transactions. The TS  15 , via the SPTS  32 , may possess all elements necessary to complete transactions including small payment or micropayment transactions. These elements may reside directly within the RIIS  10  and its related components or certain elements may reside external to the RIIS  10  within one or more external transaction systems (ETS)  31 . In situations in which ETS  31  is used, the RIIS  10 , via the TS  15 , which contains the SPTS  32 , manages the relationship with the ETS  31 . ETS  31  that may reside outside the RIIS  10  include but are not limited to micropayment service providers, financial transaction intermediaries, and other financial institutions.  
      Once the TS  15  has identified a completed transaction, the RIIS  10  provides delivery of the purchased SURI  12  via the RIDS  14  which is contained  28  within the RIIS  10 . The RIIS  10  may offer several methods of delivery, including via postal mail or package delivery, however, in the preferred embodiment a method of electronic delivery is identified.  
      There are two options that may be available through the RIIS  10  for managing the electronic delivery of the SURI  12  to the ID  20 . In option one, the SURI  12  follows a path  11  to  13  in which the SURI  12  is delivered directly through the RIIS  10  which then manages delivery of the SURI  12  through the RIIS&#39;s connection(s)  27  to an electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30  and then through this channel(s) to the user&#39;s ID  20  via the ID  20 &#39;s connection(s)  24  to the channel(s)  30 . In option two, the SURI  12  follows a path  11  to  16  in which the SURI  12  does not go through the RIIS  10  but goes through the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30  and then to the user&#39;s ID  20  via its connection(s)  24  to the channel  30 . It is important to note that with option two, it is possible that the SURI  12  will be delivered through an electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30  that differs from that to which the RIIS  10  is delivering other components.  
      The choice of delivery methods available to the RIIS  10 , via the RIDS  14 , depends on, but is not limited to: the electronic and/or communications channel(s) location(s) of the SURI  12 ; electronic and/or communication channel(s) or system conditions; or, if more than one option is available, the RIIS  10  may offer the user  40  a choice of delivery methods.  
      Within each delivery method the RIIS  10  may offer the user  40  additional delivery options. For example, the user could accept electronic delivery in the form that is visual within the same ID  20  option used to locate, select and purchase the SURI  12  (e.g., via web browser) or may choose a different method of delivery (e.g., file attachment to electronic mail delivery). Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other options are available.  
      Creating Stored User Activity Event  
      Once a user  40  has completed the actions required within the TS  15 , containing the SPTS  32 , (e.g., completed purchase), the RIIS  10  via the UASS  19  creates a stored user activity event (SUAE)  17  that stores  34  information related to the activities of the user  40  including user activity within the TC  15 , the RILS  26  and the RIDS  14 . Each SUAE  17  is assigned a unique identifier by the RIIS  10  and is stored by the RIIS  10 , via the UASS  19 , in a storage area that is associated with the RIIS  10 .  
      Accessing and Modifying Stored User Activity Event  
      It is possible that the RIIS  10 , via the UASS  19 , will store user  40  information related to selected but not purchased SURI  12  made within the RILS  26 . For instance, the SURI  12  may be selected at one point in time but the purchase is not made until a later point in time (e.g., days or weeks later). In this case the RIIS  10  will have required the user  40  be uniquely identify (e.g., user creates or enters username and password, web browser creates session identifier, etc.) at a point prior to exiting the RIIS  10 . In this case the RIIS  10  via the UASS  19  will create a SUAE  17 . The RIIS  10  may then allow the user  40  to retrieve the particular SUAE  17  or, upon a user&#39;s next accessing the RIIS  10 , the RIIS  10  may automatically present to the user  40  one or more SUAE  17  that did not end in a purchase. The RIIS  10 , via RILS  26 , may then allow the user  40  to make modifications to the SUAE  17  including, but not limited to, adding additional SURI  12 , deleting selected SURI  12  or changing other aspects of the SUAE  17  such has changing delivery options.  
      In this situation the RIIS  10  via the UASS  19  first locates the SUAE  17  and then the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 , manages delivery of information contained within the SUAE  17  through the RIIS&#39;s connection(s)  27  to an electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30  and then through this channel(s) to the user&#39;s ID  20  via the ID  20 &#39;s connection(s)  24  to the channel(s)  30 .  
      Overview Using Technology Components  
       FIG. 2  offers an additional presentation of this invention represented within technology components. The user  40 , through an ID  20  accesses, via an electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 , the RIIS  10  that resides within equipment containing an information technology processor  35 . The RIIS  10  contains the required electronic components and tools for allowing a party to locate, select, purchase and receive delivery of SURI  12  including the RILS  26  and the TS  15 .  
      The process that allows a user  40  to acquire SURI  12  includes the RIIS  10  providing and managing delivery to the user&#39;s ID  20  of a component containing the RILS  26 , which allows the user  40  to locate and select information related to SURI  12 . Information related to SURI  12  is contained within a SURID  38  and is delivered from its electronic and/or communications channel(s) location(s) that is associated  18  with the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 . The SURID  38  contains information, references or characteristics related  39  to the SURI  12 . This information, references or characteristics allow the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 , to offer functionality that will enable the user  40  to locate (e.g., search) SURI  12  and then select the desired SURI  12 . However, the actual SURI  12  may reside in other locations.  
      Locations of Small Unit Research Information  
      There are numerous sources in which the SURI  12  may reside. These sources include, but are not limited to: a file location(s) that is (are) directly associated with the RIIS  10  such as files stored on data storage devices  12   c  associated  50  with the RIIS  10  or its related programs and applications; a file location(s) that is (are) outside the location(s) of the RIIS  10  such as, but not exclusively, those located on Local Area Networks, Internet, Intranets, and/or Extranets  12   d ; communication or frequency location(s)  12   b , such as, but not exclusively, radio, television, cellular or other analog or digital communications that are either delivered directly over-air or by wireless means or through wireline hookup; or information provided via satellite communications  12   a  either delivered directly over-air or by wireless means or through wireline hookup.  
      Acquisition of Small Unit Research Information  
      Once the user  40  has located and selected the SURI  12  within the RILS  26 , the user may then acquire the SURI  12  via the TS  15 . The TS  15  includes a component that allows for electronic purchases of small unit research information via processes commonly referred to as micropayment transactions. Micropayments for small unit research information provide a mechanism for keeping the cost of electronic transactions low and thus allowing for electronic purchases in small denominations. Mechanisms for handling electronic micropayments are provided in several computer programming variations that are familiar to those skilled in the art and include but are not limited to XML and Java. Additionally, many financial vendors provide micropayment programming or financial service packages that can be associated with the current invention.  
      As shown in  FIG.2 , the options in which the TS  15  incorporates micropayment transactions include but are not limited to: 1) the TS  15 , via its associated  22  SPTS  32 , may handle all transaction related processing that is related to user  40  purchase activity, or 2) the TS  15 , via the SPTS  32 , may connect through the RIIS  10  connection(s)  27  to an electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30  and then through a connection  33  to an ETS  31 . The ETS  31  may handle some or all of the financial activities associated with user  40  purchase activities. Whether the ETS  31  handles some or all of the processing, the ETS  31  communicates the necessary information related to the purchase made by the user  40  back to the RIIS  10  through the ETS  31  connection  33  to the an electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30  and then through this channel(s) and the to the RIIS  10  via its connection  27  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 .  
      The RIIS  10 , via the TS  15 , may require the user to provide additional information in order to utilize the purchase processing capabilities contained within the TS  15 . For example, the user may be required to provide financial related information (e.g., micropayment account information, stored value product information, other financial information) that permits the user  40  to make purchases for small unit research information. Such information may be input via one of the input mechanisms that may be associated with the ID  20 .  
      It should be noted that during the process to acquire the selected SURI  12 , the RIIS  10  may require the user  40  to perform other activities to complete the purchase process. The activities may include but are not limited to: 1) having the user  40  review the selected items and de-select items that may no longer be of interest for purchase; 2) having the user  40  uniquely identify themselves (e.g, create new account, enter unique identifier for existing account), and 3) have user  40  make choices regarding account setup such as billing information. At some point during the transaction process the user  40  may be presented with options for receiving the purchased SURI  12 .  
      Delivery of Information Content  
      The RIIS  10 , via the RIDS  14 , manages delivery of the SURI  12 . In the preferred embodiment the RIIS  10 , via the RIDS  14 , manages delivery via an electronic or communication channel(s), however, other methods of delivery, such as but not exclusively, postal or package delivery are conceivably available. The path of delivery of the SURI  12  to the user&#39;s ID  20  may occur in one of the following ways:  
      having the SURI  12  delivered from an electronic and/or communications channel(s) location(s) stored on a data storage device(s)  12   c  associated  50  with the RIIS  10  or its related programs and applications, through a path that begins from the storage device(s)  12   c  through the association  50  between the RIIS  10  and the storage device  12   c , through the RIIS  10  located in the technology processor  35 , through a connection(s)  27  linking the technology processor  35  containing the RIIS  10  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 , and then to the user&#39;s ID  20  through a connection(s)  24  linking the ID  20  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 ;  
      having the SURI  12  delivered from an electronic and/or communications channel(s) location(s)  12   d  that include, but are not limited to those located on Local Area Networks, Internet, Intranets, and/or Extranets, through a path  41  to  48  linking the location(s)  12   d  of the SURI  12  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 , and then to the user&#39;s ID  20  through a connection(s)  24  linking the ID  20  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 ;  
      having the SURI  12  delivered from an electronic and/or communications channel(s) location(s)  12   d  that include, but are not limited to those located on Local Area Networks, Internet, Intranets, and/or Extranets, through a path  41  to  42  connecting the location(s) of the SURI  12  to the RIIS  10 , then through a connection(s)  27  linking the technology processor  35  containing the RIIS  10  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 , and then to the user&#39;s ID  20  through a connection(s)  24  linking the ID  20  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 ;  
      having the SURI  12  delivered from other electronic and/or communications channel(s) location(s)  12   a  and  12   b  such as, though not exclusively, satellite, broadcasting and wireless connections, through a path  43  to  44  connecting the location(s) of the SURI  12  to the RIIS  10 , then through a connection(s)  27  linking the technology processor  35  contain the RIIS  10  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 , and then to the user&#39;s ID  20  through a connection(s)  24  linking the ID  20  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 ; or  
      having the SURI  12  delivered from other electronic and/or communications channel(s) location(s)  12   a  and  12   b  such as, though not exclusively, satellite, broadcasting and wireless connections, through a path  43  to  46  linking the electronic and/or communications channel(s) location(s) of the SURI  12  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 , and then to the user&#39;s ID  20  through a connection(s)  24  linking the ID  20  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 .  
      Path of User Activity  
      Activity associated with a user  40  in locating, selecting, purchasing and receiving delivery of SURI  12  travels a path from the ID  20  through a connection(s)  24  between the ID  20  and the electronic and/or communication channel(s)  30 , then through a connection  27  linking the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30  with technology processor  35  containing the RIIS  10 . The RIIS  10  then directs the user&#39;s activity to the appropriate areas controlled by the RIIS  10 .  
      Information Related to User&#39;s Interface Device  
       FIG. 3  provides more detail on user  40  activity via the user&#39;s interface device  20  and on the RIIS&#39;s management of information delivery. The user&#39;s ID  20  can be thought of as all connected, interrelated or otherwise associated equipment or devices that allow a user to experience and/or interact with available, authorized and/or otherwise accessible resources available through an electronic and/or communications channel(s). The user&#39;s experience within the ID  20  can be divided into two distinct though interrelated  53  elements.  
      The user  40  can provide information to the RIIS  10  via input items  55  that connect the user  40  to the interface device. Such interactive items associated with the ID  20  generally fall, though not exclusively, into items that allow for user  40  interactivity such as those dealing with sight  55   a , speech  55   b , touch/motion  55   c  and biometrics  55   d . Such items may include, but are not limited to: computer keyboards; other computer input items such as a mouse, scanning devices, input pads or sticks; pupil or eye trackers; remote control devices; and touch sensors.  
      The ID  20  is also the mechanism through which components managed by the RIIS  10  and results of processes undertaken by these components are delivered to the user  40 . In the preferred embodiment the RIIS  10  manages the delivery of information within the ID  20 , though for delivery of user  40  purchased SURI  12  other delivery modes are possible such as, but not limited to, postal and package delivery. Information whose delivery is managed by the RIIS  10  can potentially exists in the form of one or more sensory stimuli  54  that the user  40  derives from simply being within the presence of the interface device. The sensory stimuli that impact the user&#39;s senses include the presence of one or more stimuli dealing with sight  54   a , sound  54   b , tactical/motion  54   c,  smell/olfactory  54   d,  and/or taste  54   e.  Consequently, the ID  20  through which the RIIS  10  manages delivery may include, but are not limited to: video screens such as computer, wireless devices and television screens; video projection machines; audio or sound apparatus; scent emitters; items producing vibration or motion; and taste providers.  
      Potential Other Items Within RIIS  
      Once again referring for  FIG. 2 , in addition to containing the components RILS  26 , TS  15 , UASS  19  and RIDS  14 , the RIIS  10  may also contain additional information and tools within each component, such as but not limited to: 1) tools or information that provide assistance, suggestions, instructions and descriptions to the user  40  as they experience the material presented within the ID  20 ; 2) details or other information regarding the SURI  12  including its electronic and/or communications channel(s) location(s); 3) providing access to translation tools for translating SURI  12  or other information; 4) summarization or tracking tools allowing for automatic summarization or categorization of material or activity that the user  40  experiences within the ID  20 ; 5) tools for providing user  40  with suggestions such as SURI  12  options, search assistance, financial information and reminders, and 6) information and tools for allowing user  40  to navigate to other areas within the RIIS  10 .  
      Performing Activity Within the Interface Device  
       FIG. 4A  through  FIG. 4D  presents a visual representation of the process for locating, selecting, purchasing and receiving delivery of SURI  12 . Now referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4A , the RIIS  10  manages delivery to the user&#39;s ID  20  of multiple components, with one component being the RILS  26  which assists a user  40  in locating and displaying results of a search for SURI  12 .  FIG. 4A  shows one embodiment for assisting a user  40  in locating SURI  12 . In this example the RIIS  10  manages delivery of components managed by the RIIS  10  through electronic and/or communications channel(s) that utilize protocols associated with the World Wide Web. In this environment the elements of the RILS  26  are presented within a web browser, though other methods may be available through which the RIIS  10  manages delivery of the RILS  26  or other components managed by the RIIS  10 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 4A , a web browser  56  is presented which contains information whose delivery is controlled by the RIIS  10 . The representation shows the RILS  26  and certain elements contained within the RILS  26 . For instance, in this representation a user  40  is offered several options for locating SURI  12  including an option  58  that allows the user to select alphabetically or an option  60  that allows a user  40  to enter search keywords. This representation is for demonstration purposes only and those skilled in the art will recognize that other representations may be possible for allowing a user  40  to locate or otherwise search for SURI  12 .  
       FIG. 4B  shows the results of the user&#39;s SURI  12  location or search activity within a web browser  56 . Now looking also at  FIG. 2 , in the representation in  FIG. 4B , the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26  and drawn from its associated  18  SURID  38  component, presents the user  40  with information resulting from the user&#39;s location or search activity. This information may include, but is not limited to, descriptive information related to the SURI  12  meeting the user&#39;s location or search criteria such as title  62 , SURI  12  supplier  63  and SURI  12  format  64  as well as acquisition information such as cost  65  for acquiring. Additionally the RILS  26  may present methods for: 1) allowing the user  40  to gain additional information  66  on each SURI  12  option (e.g., click on hyperlinks to see more detail), 2) allow user  40  to modify location and search activity  67  such as, but not limited to, performing a more narrow or broader search, and 3) allowing the user  40  to select  68  one or more of the presented SURI  12  for potential purchase.  FIG. 4B  shows the selection of a single item. If desired the user  40  could choose to add  69  this item for potential purchase. Once added the RIIS  10  will manage the process for allowing purchase of SURI  12 .  
       FIG. 4C  shows, within a web browser  56 , the results of the user&#39;s decision to move to the purchase stage of the process. In this representation the RIIS  10 , via the TS  15  and also via the RIDS  14 , presents the user  40  with information and options related to purchase and delivery. This information may include, but is not limited to, customer identification information  72 , details of the user&#39;s selection for purchase  73  and user selection for choice of delivery options  74 . It should be noted that it is also possible that information related to delivery may reside separately from purchase information, for instance, may appear on a different screen. Once the user  40  is satisfied with the selected SURI  12  they may proceed  79  with activities needed to complete the transaction.  
       FIG. 4D  shows, within a web browser  56 , the results of the electronic delivery of the purchased SURI  12  by the RIIS  10 , via RIDS  14 . Now looking also at  FIG. 2 , the RIIS  10 , via the RIDS  14 , has managed the electronic delivery of the SURI  12  from its location  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  or  12   d , to the user&#39;s ID  20 . The delivered SURI  12  appears in the user&#39;s web browser  56  since this delivery option was previously selected as shown in  FIG. 3C . However as noted, the delivery could also be accomplished using other electronic and non-electronic delivery methods.  
      The information presented in the electronic delivery may include, but is not limited to, customer identification information  78 , information related to the characteristics  79  of the purchased SURI  12 , and the SURI  12  itself. Also, it is possible additional information or options can be provided such as, but not limited to, the ability to provide details  80  related to the purchased item. Conceivably many more options could also be provided within the the process of delivering the SURI  12  including but not limited to: 1) links or references to other related SURI  12 ; 2) links or navigation to options within the RIIS  10 ; and 3) options to provide the SURI  12  in other formats.  
      The representation shown in  FIG. 4D  shows that the information presented to the user  40  within their ID  20  may consist of more than two separate sources. For instance looking at  FIG. 4D  and  FIG. 2 , the SURI  12  may be delivered from  12   d  through a path  41  to  48  linking the location(s) of the SURI  12  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 , and then to the user&#39;s ID  20  through a connection(s)  24  linking the ID  20  to the electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 . In this way the RIIS  10  manages the delivery of the SURI  12  within the user&#39;s ID  20  but the SURI  12  presented in the user&#39;s ID  20  resides at one location (e.g.,  12   d ) while the other information presented in the ID  20  such as but not limited to the customer information  78  and information characteristics  79  reside at another location (e.g., components associated with RIIS  10 ).  
      The representations using web browsers shown in  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B ,  FIG. 4C  and  FIG. 4D , while useful for effectively understanding the invention, is not limited to these embodiments since other methods may also be employed that do not use a web browser page  56  for delivering the information to the user  40 . The representation within the web browser  56  also assumes the possible presence of other items associated with the interface device that involve sensory experience and input. For instance, in this representation the user  40  is locating and purchasing SURI  12  using an interface device(s) connected to an electronic and/or communications channel(s). The user interacts with the interface device via input devices that include a keyboard and a computer mouse and, in addition to visual stimuli, may also receive stimuli from other sources such as via audio and motion.  
      These representations are not intended to show the entire process for locating, selecting, purchasing and receiving delivery of SURI  12 , rather, the intention of the representations is to isolate and describe certain aspects of the invention in order to convey basic understanding.  
      Other Arrangement of Components  
      It should be noted that in  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B ,  FIG. 4C  and  FIG. 4D  the arrangement of components controlled by the RIIS  10  provided within the user&#39;s ID  20  represent only one of a plurality of arrangements of components, which are potentially available since there are numerous interface device options that can handle a plurality of different stimuli types and offer a plurality of input devices. For instance, while  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B ,  FIG. 4C  and  FIG. 4D  show a horizontal arrangement with elements of components associated with the RIIS  10 , it is conceivable that components could be presented vertically. Clearly additional arrangements are possible including those that involve only partial or no visual stimuli. For instance, audio methods may be used to present the SURI  12 , with the audio being produced within the ID  20  through an audio producing device such as audio speakers. In this embodiment some elements of the SURI  12  may appear on a computer screen (e.g., identification information for an audio research item) while the main aspects of the SURI  12  is delivered through audio means (e.g., person speaking the research item). Or to extend this example further, the user could utilize voice recognition technology as an input method.  
      Creating Stored User Activity Event  
       FIG. 5  shows a flow diagram representing the initial stages in the creation of a stored user activity event. The stored user activity event results will occur based on activity performed by a user within the research item information system. The diagram shows several steps that reflect the flow of information that occurs in order to create or modify a stored user activity event. Now relating information in  FIG. 2  with the information in  FIG. 5 , the user  40  begins the process by gaining access  87 , via the ID  20 , to the system in which the RIIS  10  is contained.  
      The RIIS  10  may operate as a stand-alone item that is accessed directly or may reside within a more complex offering requiring the user  40  to maneuver to the section containing the RIIS  10 . In either situation the user  40  must locate  88  the RIIS  10 . It is possible that gaining access to the RIIS  10  may require the user  40  to first enter information that would uniquely identify the user  40  (e.g., username and password). However, while unique identification is required in order for the user  40  to purchase the SURI  12 , the location at which this process takes place does not necessarily occur at the steps shown in  FIG. 5 .  
      Once the user  40  has completed all tasks needed to gain access, the RIIS  10  may present the user  40  with certain options  89  which may include creating a new stored user activity event  90  or modifying an existing stored user activity event  92 . The action of locating existing stored user activity event may be passive, in that the RIIS  10  will identify the stored user activity event upon the user&#39;s entry into the system or may require user  40  action to locate the stored user activity event.  
      Creating New Stored User Activity Event  
       FIG. 6  shows a flow diagram representing the steps carried out in the process of creating a new stored user activity event  90  once the user has located the research item information system. Now relating  FIG. 2  with  FIG. 6 , to create new SUAE  17  the RIIS  10  manages delivery  101  of the RILS  26 . The RILS  26  contains information related to SURI  12  within a SURID  38  that is associated  18  with the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 . The information related to the SURI  12  contained in the SURID  38  includes, but is not limited to SURI  12  information description, SURI  12  information format, the electronic and/or communications channel(s) location in which the SURI  12  resides, purchase availability and pricing.  
      Next the RIIS  10  permits the user  40  to perform activity  102  within the RILS  26  for locating and otherwise searching for SURI  12 . The SURI  12  location efforts of the user  40  leads to the RIIS  10  managing delivery  103  to the user ID  20  of results of the user&#39;s SURI  12  location efforts. These results may exist in one experience within the ID  20  (e.g., on single page) or may exists within multiple ID  20  experiences (e.g., user may need to view several pages). The results provided within the delivery managed by the RIIS  10  within the RILS  26  may include information related to one or more SURI  12  but does not contain the SURI  12  itself.  
      With the basic information related to one or more SURI  12  available through the user&#39;s ID  20 , the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 , may present the user  40  with the option  105  to select one or more SURI  12  from the choices presented. If a user chooses not to select  106  from the presented options the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 , may allow  108  to  109  the user  40  to perform new SURI  12  location activities  102 .  
      If the user  40  chooses the option  110  to make a selection from the presented SURI  12  options, the RIIS  10 , through the RILS  26 , may offer the user  40  the option  111  to accept the selected SURI  12 . If the user  40  accepts  113  the selected SURI  12  the RIIS  10  begins the process for allowing the user  40  to purchase the selected SURI  12 . This process begins  120  with the RIIS  10 , via the UASS  19 , requiring the user  40  to be uniquely identified (e.g., username and password). For new users  40  this may mean creating new user information while existing users may simply need to enter an existing identifier. In either case the information is either added, retrieved or updated within a storage area  48  associated  51  with the RIIS  10 , via the UASS  19 . It should be noted that this storage area  48  may also be accessible  51  to the RIIS  10  for other purposes related to the customer. Once the user is uniquely identified the RIIS  10 , via the UASS  19  creates a SUAE  17  that is associated  51  with the uniquely identified user.  
      Alternatively, the user  40  who wishes not to accept  117  the selected SURI  12  may be permitted to modify the selections in which case the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26  will return  119  to  108  the user  40  to the point  105  at which SURI  12  was selected. The user  40  may then choose to modify selection decisions or the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 , may allow  119  to  109  the user  40  to perform new SURI  12  location activities  102 .  
      A third option  111  for the decision to accept the selected SURI  12  may allow the user to not accept  115  and instead continue with other activity or exit the system  170 .  
      Once again referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 , once the SUAE  17  is created  120 , the RIIS  10  provides the user  40  with several options. First, the user  40  may be permitted to purchase  125  the selected SURI  12 . Second the RIIS  10  may permit the user  40  to modify the selections contained within the SUAE  17  in which case the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26  will return  130  to  132  the user  40  to the point  105  at which SURI  12  was selected. The user  40  may then choose to modify selection decisions or the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 , may allow  130  to  134  the user  40  to perform new SURI  12  location activities  102 . It should be noted that modifications that occur to existing SUAE  17  would be reflected in an updated SUAE  17 . Third the user  40  may choose  121  not to perform modification or purchasing activities at this time and instead continue  121  with other activity or exit the system  170 .  
      Purchasing Selected Small Unit Research Information  
       FIG. 6  indicates that the RIIS  10  offers the user  40  the ability to electronically purchase  125  the selected SURI  12 . The process for electronically purchasing the SURI  12  is presented in  FIG. 7  which shows a flow diagram representing the steps carried out in the process of allowing the user  40  to make electronic purchases of small unit research information that are contained within a specified stored user activity event. Now referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7 , the RIIS  10  manages delivery  142  to the user&#39;s ID  20  of component TS  15  for handling purchase transactions. Contained within the TS  15 , is the SPTS  32 , which offers users  40  the ability to make electronic purchases of small unit research information. Next the TS  15  may offer the user  40  the ability to verify and adjust  143  the SUAE  17 , which contains information on the selected SURI  12 , for which a purchase is to be made. Here the RIIS  10  may allow the user  40  to not only adjust  146  the current SUAE  17  but if a uniquely identified user  40  is associated with more than one SUAE  17  for which a purchase as not previously been made then the RIIS  10 , via the TS  15 , may allow the user  40  to choose one, more than one or all unpurchased SUAE  17  for purchase within a single purchase transaction.  
      Once one or more SUAE  17  have been selected the RIIS  10 , via the TS  15 , allows for the user  40  to performs the necessary activity  150  to process the electronic purchase transaction. This activity involves user  40  input via the ID  20 . Input may include, but is not limited to, providing information to insure unique identification (e.g., creating new account, entering existing account information) and providing other transactional information (e.g., entering stored value card information, entering financial account information).  
      Once user  40  activities necessary for processing the electronic purchase transaction has been initiated, the RIIS  10 , via the SPTS  32  contained within the TS  15 , processes the transaction  151 . As previously discussed the RIIS  10  via the TS  15  which contains the SPTS  32 , may possess all elements necessary to complete transactions including small payment or micropayment transactions. These elements may reside directly within the RIIS  10  and its related components or certain elements may reside external to the RIIS  10  within one or more ETS  31 . In situations in which ETS  31  is used, the RIIS  10 , via the TS  15 , which contains the SPTS  32 , manages the relationship with the ETS  31 . ETS  31  that may reside outside the RIIS  10  include but are not limited to micropayment service providers, financial transaction intermediaries, and other financial institutions.  
      If the electronic transaction process is successful  154  the RIIS, via the UASS  19  updates  155  the SUAE  17  for which purchase is associated. Then the RIIS  10 , via the RIDS  14  manages the delivery  157  of the purchased SURI  12  to the user. In the preferred embodiment electronic methods are used to deliver the purchased SURI  12 , though other methods such as, but not limited to, postal and package delivery are possible. The selection of delivery methods may be identified by the user  40  in one of many areas of the process. Once the transaction is complete the user  40  may continue with other activity or exit the system  170 .  
      If the transaction process  151  is not successful the RIIS  10  may offer two options to the user  40 . One option if not successful  152  follows the path  160  that allows the user  40  to modify the purchase process activity  150  to correct potential error or problems that resulted in an unsuccessful transaction. A second option if the transaction process  151  is not successful  153  follows the path  158  that allows the user  40  to continue with other activity or exit the system  170 .  
      Modify Stored User Activity Event  
      Now referring to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 2 , a user who has created a stored user activity event may choose  121  to not purchase the selected SURI  12  at a point in time. However, the RIIS  10 , via the UASS  19 , may allow the user&#39;s information to be stored  48  and made accessible to the user  40  at a later time. As shown in  FIG. 5 , upon gaining access to the RIIS  10 , the user  40  will be presented with the option  89  to access previously stored  92  SUAE  17 , including those SURI  12  that were selected but not purchased.  
      The RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 , allows the user to make modifications to the selected, SUAE  17 . Now referring to  FIG. 6 , the RIIS  10 , via the RILS  26 , in effect presents the user  40  at step  111 . The process for completing the tasks follows the same process as was shown in  FIG. 6 . It should be noted that the user  40  may delete or remove the SUAE  17  at  117 . Also, the RIIS  10  may also contain mechanism that may under certain conditions (e.g., length of user inactivity) automatically delete a user&#39;s SUAE  17 .  
     OTHER EMBODIMENTS  
      It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the foregoing has set forth the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and an illustrative embodiment of the invention, but that numerous alternative embodiments. For example, in addition to the RILS  26 , the TS  15 , the RIDS  14  and the UASS  19 , the RIIS  10  may manage additional components that assist in the process of locating, selecting, purchasing, and delivering small unit research information. For instance, the RIIS  10  may contain a component that allows for advertising or promotional messages to be displayed within other components managed by the RIIS  10 .  
      Also, referring to  FIG. 2 , the current preferred embodiment shows the RIIS  10  resides within equipment containing an information technology processor  35  that is accessible via an electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 . In another embodiment, the RIIS  10  and its associated components such as, but not exclusively, the RILS  26  and the TS  15 , may reside within equipment containing an information technology processor that is associated with the user  40 . For example, the RIIS  10  may reside on the user&#39;s computer. In this case access to the RIIS  10  need not require access over an electronic and/or communications channel(s)  30 . However, while in this embodiment access to the RIIS  10  does not occur over an electronic and/or communications channel(s), access to an electronic and/or communications channel(s) may be required in order for the RIIS  10  to carry out certain functions, most notably, managing the delivery of the SURI  12 . This would be the case unless all SURI  12  rest on equipment or components that are associated with the equipment containing the RIIS  10  and that do not require the use of an electronic and/or communications channel(s) to access.  
      Also, an embodiment may exist in which the RIIS  10  must communicate with information related to the user&#39;s ID  20 . For instance, the user&#39;s ID  20  may contain information related to the micropayment transaction. For example, the RIIS  10 , via the TS  15  and it component the SPTS  32 , may provide an option that requires access to the user&#39;s ID  20  in order to complete the transaction. This might be the case if the user&#39;s ID  20  contains a stored value mechanism for assisting with purchase activity. Also, the RIIS  10  may communicate with the user&#39;s ID  20  for purposes of assisting with unique identification such as, but not limited to, writing and reading identifier information (e.g., cookies) to the user&#39;s ID  20 .  
      Also, an embodiment may exist in which the RIIS  10  tracks other user activity within the components managed by the RIIS  10 . Examples may include but are not limited to: 1) monitoring click behavior; 2) measuring usage time within a component; and 3) monitoring number of visits or re-visits to a component.  
      Also, an embodiment may exist in which the user may consist of multiple users that are working together or in a collaborative way to create stored user activity event. In this case the RIIS  10 , via its components, may offer collaboration tools and methods such as, but not limited to, file sharing, real-time discussion, and other interactive communication methods.  
      Also, an embodiment may exist in which the user may be classified as belonging to a group of other users, such as being members within a single large user. For example, a large user may be a corporation or library. In this case, the RIIS  10 , via its components, may track and store information related to individual users and combine or aggregate individual user information for information on the larger user to which the individual users are associated.  
      Also, an embodiment may exist in which the RIIS  10 , via the TS  15 , requires the user  40  to perform certain activities in a preplanned arrangement. For instance, the RIIS  10 , may require that the user  40  complete activity within the RIIS  10  and its related components (e.g., watch a video, affirm understanding of purchasing terms, etc.) prior to allowing the user to complete activity (e.g., make purchase).  
      Conclusion, Ramification and Scope  
      The present invention provides a method utilizing electronic and/or communications channel(s) for allowing a user to locate, select, purchase and receive delivery of small unit research information. Such a method takes advantage of methods of micropayment that allow a user to affordably purchase small unit research information while experiencing low costs of transactions. In the absence of such a method those locating, selecting, purchasing and receiving delivery of small unit research information over electronic and/or communications channel(s) face problems. These disadvantages primarily occur due to the requirement that users purchase larger units of research information often containing additional information that is not needed. For example, existing methods may require the user to spend large sums to purchase an entire report of which the user may only need one statistic. For many the cost of acquiring the needed research may be prohibitive. Consequently the required research may not be obtainable which potentially results in research problems for the user.  
      The current invention addresses the disadvantages of existing methods for locating, selecting, purchasing and receiving delivery of small unit research information over electronic and/or communications channel(s) by providing means for allowing purchase of selected small unit research information via micropayment transactions. Thus, potential advantages of this invention include, but are not limited to: access to only the research items needed, affordable transaction fees, increased convenience and greater satisfaction for users requiring the small unit research information. In addition, it is conceivable that the availability of the small unit research information for a relatively small cost will bolster research activities of wide range (e.g., socially, economically) of researchers, business professionals and students who otherwise would not have access to the research items.