GB2388695A - Targeting offers of goods or services to mobile users - Google Patents

Abstract

Mediation between suppliers and mobile users enables Just in Time eCommerce deals via wireless communication networks. End users can activate the system through the mobile phone by sending an SMS message or by email without prior registration, giving a mediator permission to send them selected offers, A supply chain process is specifically defined for last minute deals, to enable standardised offers using a template, and enable tracking, managing and updating of offers. Users can respond to the mediator for more information, or to the suppliers existing call centre to accept an offer. Costs and inconvenience of unwanted messages are minimised by good targeting of users based on permissions specifying type of goods/service, location, and time.

Description

/ l MEDIATION AND MULTICASTING TO MOBILE USERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

lo The invention relates to methods of mediating between suppliers of and users of perishable goods or services, to methods of managing targeted multicasting, to end to end supply chain processes for deals between suppliers of and users of goods or services, to methods of targeted multicasting of offers, to methods for a supplier using a multicasting service operated by a mediator, to methods of using a multicasting service Is to receive offers of goods or services via a mediator, to signals representing a permission from a mobile user to a mediator, suitable for authorismg the mediator to send selected information, to a terminal of a mobile user, to corresponding systems and software for carrying out the methods.

20 BACKGROUND

The concept of mobile eCommerce is well known. It involves access to mobile users, to facilitate commercial activities. This may involve using mobile handsets, or other devices such as laptop computers, linked to a radio network. Or it may involve fixed wireline connected terminals placed where mobile users can access them, such as hotels 25 or airports, and so on. In the following, the term mobile terminal is intended to encompass all these possibilities. For example, it promises consumers will be able to view or listen to details of product offers, and make purchases wherever they are, rather than only when they are logged on to a fixed internet access terminal. As widespread use of Internet access from mobile handsets has not yet occurred, current instantiations 30 of mobile eCommerce have initially focused on targeted advertising.

One example is PCT Patent publication W00208854, which shows providing context sensitive material to mobile users. It focuses on advertising only. The mobile users

( may be using Internet devices and the context sensitive advertising material may be relevant to the users current location, current weather conditions and include explicit preferences set by the mobile user on the type of advertising material. Historical data on users preferences for a particular mobile carrier are recorded and a processor selects 5 advertising material according to all these various conditions to provide a recommendation list of advertising to the mobile user It would be relatively cumbersome both for users and for advertisers to use.

Other examples are shown in PCT patent publications WO0111507 and WO0122748, lo which show automatically providing advertising messages to wireless communications devices. Each advertising message is attached to a Personal Information Services message which is of interest to a user. Both systems embody a user profile database which includes user records for each user, including the identity of Personal Information Services of interest to that user, the message capacity of the user's wireless device. The 5 rules in the database also include the demographic characteristics, geographic location, buying habits, and/or other selection criteria of the class of users that the advertiser wants to contact. Again it would be cumbersome to use both for the user and the advertiser. so US patent publication 2002013711 does not focus specifically on the mobile user but shows an alertngnotification system to announce to the user that preset criteria have been met. It describes a standalone notification system, including a notification server which generates electronic messages to registered customers upon their request or upon a host business request. The customer provides the system with his/her messaging :5 identification (t'ID"), e. g. e-mail address, GSM (global system for mobile communications) or other mobile phone numbers that are able to accept, e. g., short message service ("SMS") messages, facsimile number, and/or telephone number.

Customers can register with the host notification server without having any relationship, banking or otherwise, with the host. Customers can choose between different 30 notification channels such as e-mail, SMS message, fax or pager.

( 3 US patent 5428778 shows a database method and system for disseminating information to user, and for alerting users to the disseminated information, stores a plurality of parameters in association with information items. The plurality of parameters includes at least one keyword taken from a finite hierarchical set of keywords indicative of the 5 subject matter of the information items, and a priority level value indicative of the perceived importance of the information items. The finite hierarchical set of keywords has a tree structure relating broad keywords to progressively narrower keywords. An interest profile is created for each of the users and comprises a list of keywords, selected from the finite hierarchical set, and a priority level associated with each keyword. The lo parameters stored in association with each information item, and the stored interest profile for that user, are compared. Each user whose interest profile matches the parameters of the information item is alerted to the presence of the matching inforrnaton item.

It is also known to provide auction services over the Intemet, or by voice over mobile handsets though such services require pro registration, and so are cumbersome to use.

Any Intemet based service relies on the user being logged on, conventionally from a fixed terminal. The auction services assume the user already knows the goods or service on offer, for example by browsing a website. The only way to push information so to users of such services was via emails, but conventionally users are resistant to receiving unsolicited emails advertising offers, or other types of spamming.

It is also known to provide information in the form of SMS messages about a predetermined event as requested by a user. Examples include sports scores and share 25 price information. These are often paid for by the user, and so require some form of pre registration, and require specifying a specific event, or specific information, so that the user knows what they are paying for.

A variety of SMS services are offered by Mgenie, including targeted adverts, from a so number of advertisers sent to users according to a pre registered list of user preferences.

However this is relatively cumbersome and time consuming for the user to have to

register, and requires Internet access first, which reduces its availability for many mobile users.

Another known way of selecting information a user desires to receive by SMS is for the 5 provider to set up different phone numbers for each type of information. The user phones or sends a text message to the number and an automatic text reply containing the desired information is sent to the mobile handset of the user. A drawback with this is that it is hard for a user to find out the right number, which is a barrier to first time users. Also, costs of running and maintaining many such numbers can be high.

lo It is also known to provide premium rate SMS services which can be billed to the mobile number of the recipient of the message, for example the Q-700 services from Quios inc.

15 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention, to provide improved apparatus or methods. Another object is to provide a supply chain process for the management and delivery of deal offers through wireless devices and more specifically to the mediation of the supply of 20 goods or services through deals to users, suitable for time limited, "last minute" deals, by following Just in Time (J1T) principles. Deals may be made to wireless users in a time frame up to and as close as possible to the natural perishable date and time for the goods or services. An overall view of an example process is shown in Figure 1. Some of the notable features which will be explained below are: 25 a) the JIT approach, b) an end to end system for matching and delivering the users requirement, rather than merely presenting advertising, c) better targeting of likely users, to reduce costs for the supplier and reduce user inconvenience caused by receiving unwanted messages, Jo d) speed and ease of use for suppliers, to minimise transaction costs, and enable handling of last minute offers, and e) easy control by the user of the flow of messages, including fuming it on and off.

( - s According to a first aspect of the invention, an example of which is shown in Figure 2, there is provided a method of mediating between suppliers of and users of perishable goods or services, the method having the steps of: 5 receiving permissions from users to send selected offers to their mobile terminals, receiving from suppliers schedules for offer and delivery of their perishable goods or services, controlling multicasting of offers with delivery schedules to users' mobile terminals according to the permissions, enabling at least some users to respond to respective ones lo of the suppliers about the offers, and multicasting adjusted offers, according to the permissions, for remaining goods or services, under the control of the respective supplier, enabling further responses from users about the offers.

5 Advantages of this new application of JIT principles include potential for last minute deals to be found and agreed more conveniently for the user, while avoiding the problem of spamming. For the supplier, this can give more control of targeting of likely users than other methods. Perishable is defined here as encompassing any goods or services whose value can alter substantially downwards or upwards, or expire, with 20 time, including tickets for scheduled events or travel, opportunities to gamble, or limited availability items which may go up in value as more are sold and thus fewer are available. Multicasting is defined here as encompassing sending to more than one user, distinct from sending or broadcasting indiscriminately to all users. The term supplier is intended to encompass distributors and resellers.

2s Using mobile terminals enables users to be alerted more conveniently, reliably and immediately than other methods. Using permissions prevents unwanted spamming and gives users some control over how many offers they receive. Using permissions also enables the supplier to achieve much better targeting of users, and so reduce costs of so sending messages to users. The cost of multicasting the offers would normally be met by charging the supplier. Where the offer contains information valuable to the user, the

f 6 user could be charged for receiving the offers. An example of this is where the user is intending to sell on the goods or services.

A second aspect of the invention, an example of which is shown in Figure 3, provides a 5 method of managing targeted multicasting between suppliers of and users of goods or services, having the steps of: receiving offer information from the suppliers for multicasting to users mobile terminals, targeting which users to multicast the offer information tO, according to permissions 0 received from users allowing selected offers to be sent to their mobile terminals, and according to other targeting criteria, controlling the targeted multicasting of each offer and tracking each of the offers to enable respective suppliers to update or retarget their offers. Advantages of such targeting based on the permissions include giving users control over the messages they will receive, while suppliers are also able to control and refine the targeting. This can help minimise the critical factor of the cost (to the supplier) and the inconvenience (to the user) of unwanted mix-targeted messages.

A third aspect of the invention, an example of which is shown in Figure 4, provides an end to end supply chain process for deals between suppliers of and users of goods or services, having the steps of: providing an interface to enable the suppliers to input offer information in a :5 standardised format suitable for multicasting to mobile terminals of the users, targeting which of the users to multicast the offer information to, controlling the targeted multicasting of each offer to the respective mobile terminals and providing information about a respective one of the offers to sales agents of a supplier to facilitate making a deal with a user who has responded to a respective one of the 30 offers.

( - 7 Advantages of giving this more complete end to end support to suppliers from offer through to closure, include speed and ease of use for suppliers, to mimmise transaction costs, and easier handling of last minute offers. The standardised format can be a template. The use of templates can help create a structured message - a Targeted s Appropriate Deal (TAD) - to link the supply of goods to the deals put forvvard by the Reseller and hence to the selection of the targeted End User Group. The templates can formalise the description of the goods and the marketing of the goods to the benefit of a

Deal Agent. An advantage of this idea is that the job of the Deal Agent is substantially simplified. The Deal Agent is able to improve targeting and marketing by determining lo the appropriate price, availability and other chosen parameters. For last minute offers, these factors can be altered almost in real time. The Deal Agent populates the templates with a specific set of limited parameters such as price and availability to create a TAD.

The TAD can form a core component of the supply chain management process as it enables the description of supplied goods, additional text representing the goods-reseller

5 marketing pitch and finally, the last minute sales parameters prior to issuing a deal to customers. It also delivers the script and associated signature into a kernel database also containing details of the Service Groups and end user requirements.

A specific syntax can be used for defining the template, capturing pricing and activation zo period parameter for use by the supply chain process. An additional feature provides each template with a unique signature for future identification, the signature being in a standard format for automatic recognition.

A TAD multicast to the end user may be accompanied by an indicator, signalling that 2s further information Is available. deal reference code can be used to identify further information and a method is available to summon further information. The end user requirement may also specify that the user wishes to receive more general advertisements as distinct from offers of specific deals. The user requirement may elect to receive information elements by way of notification.

The deal reference code may also be used to help the end user specifically take advantage of the deal. The mobile user may ring a number specified in the message or

f 8 contact the Reseller or Supplier specifying the deal code as a means of securing the goods. The invention exploits the reference code in the message to both summon information on a good and agree on the deal.

Embodiments can manage an application environment that permits a combination of the 5 Supplier and Deal Agent to create templates using one of a number of protocols to describe goods and the deal. The interface to the user may be SMS based, HTML, XML, email or another other messaging scheme. A process that matches a TAD to a deposited end user requirements can be provided.

lo A management system that interacts with the database facility can permit a TAD to be multicast to multiple targeted end users from within the entire User Group. This can have two advantages; firstly, it permits a single multicast to service multiple end users and secondly' it ensures only active end users receive a TAD, thus avoiding spamming.

s Embodiments of the invention also provide a method for archivinglmodifying/updatng a TAD and adding the revised script to the Deal Agent group, replacing previous versions of the TAD This permits the terms of a deal to be rapidly and easily modified, whilst keeping an archive copy for reference purposes.

20 The deal reference code and the TAD and other parameters are stored. This allows the TAD to be recalled and offered again at a later stage. The old TAD may be modified, issued a new reference code and multicast. In this way, for example, the price of goods may be reduced closer to the sell-by date and time. The Reseller can automatically detect which version of the TAD the end user is responding to and hence the form of the 25 deal. This has the advantage of ensuring the Reseller does not inadvertently lose margin on the deal.

The database facility can enable TADs to be automatically received and deposited within the database. An advantage of this facility is that it reduces the need to have a so human involved in the Deal Agent process and also permits the Supplier to export TADs from an existing inventory control system. The database structure can also

permit Suppliers to be associated with one or more Reseller. This permits the Supplier freedom to participate in multiple supply chains and not be locked into a single Reseller.

A fourth aspect of the invention, an example of which is shown in Figure 5, provides a s method of managing targeted multicasting between suppliers of and users of goods or services, having the steps of: receiving offer information from the suppliers for multicasting to users mobile handsets, receiving permissions from users allowing selected offers to be sent to their mobile handsets, to controlling multicasting of the offer information to selected users, according to the permissions, and providing users with control of their permissions from their mobile handset.

Advantages of this include easy control and ongoing control by the user of the flow of 5 messages, including turning it on and off, pre-setting on and off times, adjusting other criteria such as type of goods or services, time when they are required and so on. This control can be achieved by blocking or filtering the messages at the handset, or by a message sent from the handset to the entity which records and manages the permissions, for example. The permission or the adjustment of the permission, can be sent from the 20 mobile handset using a text message, rather than conventional web page type prior registration, which can be more convenient for mobile users who do not have ready access to web pages. The text message can use predetermined keywords, which can be much easier for a first time user to remember or guess, than a number Again by making it easier for the first time user, market development can be speeded up. The 2s costs involved in such mediation can be kept low since the steps can be highly automated In particular, the keyword can be recognised automatically, the matching can be automated, and the multicasting can be automated.

A fifth aspect of the invention, an example of which is shown in Figure 6, provides a 30 method of targeted multicasting of offers from suppliers of, to users of, goods or services, the method having the steps of:

receiving permissions from the users to send offers to their mobile handsets, the permissions indicating a type of goods or service, a time for delivery, and a location of interest, receiving offer information from the suppliers, for multicasting to users' mobile 5 handsets, and controlling multicasting of offers to the mobile handsets of the users, according to which of the offers match the permissions.

Advantages of these types of indication in the permission include improved targeting, lo with the consequent benefit of improved convenience for the users, and reduced costs for suppliers. In particular, such targeting is suitable for last minute type offers.

A sixth aspect of the invention, an example of this aspect is shourn in Figure 7, provides a method of targeted multicasting of offers from suppliers of, to users of, goods or services, the method having the steps of: receiving permissions from the users to send selected offers to their mobile handsets, receiving offer information from the suppliers, for multicasting to users' mobile handsets, controlling multicasting of offers to the mobile handsets of the users, according to No which of the offers match the permissions, and, providing an automated dialogue to respond to queries from the users mobile handsets.

This can have the advantage of overcoming one of the apparent drawbacks with prior art SMS advertising, that SMS has no concept of a session, and so is not suited to do :5 more than one-way communication. Various ways of implementing the dialogue are conceivable, such as the use of a reference code included in the multicast offer, which can be used to recognise automatically messages of the same thread of dialogue. Such a code can also be used by the supplier to access more details of offer when closing a deal. The code can enable easier handling of the offer when the user contacts the so supplier, quoting the code, and so save time of the user and save transaction costs for the supplier. The dialogue can be about a particular offer or can be in the forth of

further information about controlling permissions, or helping new users, or other features for example.

Any combination of these first six aspects of the invention can be made, as would be s apparent to those skilled in the art.

Other additional features as set out in dependent claims, include that the users need not pre register with identity information before sending permissions. This can make the service significantly easier for users, particularly first time users, and thus speed up 0 market development. It is applicable to many types of information, not just information relating to offers of goods or services. An increased rate of market development can be a crucial commercial advantage.

As another preferred feature, users can use predetermined keywords to enter 15 permissions. This can make it quicker and easier for users to enter and control permissions, particularly if using their mobile handset' or using SMS messages.

Preferably the keywords are chosen to minimise the number of key presses needed to enter the permission.

20 As another preferred feature, there is the step of modelling the outcome of a proposed offer so that the supplier can adjust offer information before multicasting. Additionally, the offer information can be sent in the form of a message containing text. This is often more convenient than a voice message. Additionally the permissions can be received in the form of a message containing text, such as an SMS message. References to SMS 25 are intended to include similar types and derivatives such as EMS (enhanced message service) and MMS (multimedia messaging service).

As another preferred feature, the standardized format can be a template for formalising a description of the goods or services, and their marketing. There can be the additional

so step of providing further information to a handset of a user about a given offer in response to a user query.

Additionally there can be the step of providing a structured database interface with existing Customer Call Centres of one or more of the suppliers. This feature can permit rapid market entry and reduce or remove the need to modify both the operator processes and software associated with the Call Centre.

Monitoring deal behaviour of one or more end users can be a valuable marketing feature for recording and reporting. In particular it can enable better targeting by modifying the future contents of TADs, or for use as an additional parameter for selecting users.

lo The permission additionally can comprise location information, relating to the location of the goods or services desired. This can be key information for good targeting.

However progress in location based services using automatic location information about mobile users has been hampered by a lack of global standards, and by privacy concerns.

These are both overcome by this method of allowing the user to provide it. The format 5 can be a Postal or ZIP code for example.

A seventh aspect provides a method for a supplier using a multicasting service operated by a mediator, the method having the steps of: providing offer information to the mediator, for the mediator to multicast to mobile 20 handsets of selected users, if they have sent to the mediator a permission matching the offer information, the offer information indicating a type of goods or service to which an offer relates, and a time for which the offer is valid, receiving an indication from one of the mobile handset users that they wish to take up 25 the offer, and making an agreement with the user relating to the goods or services of the offer.

This reflects that the actions of the supplier alone can be commercially valuable as a significant component of the overall process of interaction with the mediator and users.

As an additional feature, the offer information comprises location information, relating to the location of the goods or services. As another additional feature, the offer

information as received by the user includes a reference identifying the offer, and the method has the step of receiving one of the references from a user, and determining which offer relates to the reference number. This can enable various advantages including avoiding the need to ask the user for all the details of the offer, at the time of s making the agreement. This can save the user time, and reduce transaction costs for the supplier. The method can additionally include the offer information being sent to the mediator in the form of a filled-in template. This can enable the offer information to be adapted 0 more easily by the mediator into a message for multicasting, having a common format, and a minimum of characters, to reduce transmission costs.

Additionally, the method can further have the steps of receiving feedback from the mediator regarding the number of users whose permissions match a given offer, and 5 sending revised offer information to the mediator for multicasting, based on the feedback. This can enable a supplier to improve its targeting or increase its expenditure on multicasting by adjusting the offer information, if not enough matching permissions are found for a given offer, or if too many are found, for example.

20 An eighth aspect of the invention provides a method of using a multicasting service to receive offers of goods or services via a mediator, the method having the steps of: sending a permission to the mediator, authorising the mediator to send selected offer information to a specified mobile handset of a user, and receiving from the mediator offer information which matches the permission, on the 2s mobile handset.

An additional preferred feature is the step of using a predetermined syntax for sending the permission. Another additional feature is the step of sending an acceptance of the offer. 30 Another aspect provides software for carrying out any of the methods set out above.

This reflects there can be considerable value in such software, as a separately tradable commodity, in supplying and maintaining it.

( Another aspect provides a system arranged to carry out any of the methods. Again this reflects that there can be significant value in such apparatus as a tradable corrunodity.

5 Another aspect provides a signal representing a permission from a mobile user to a mediator, suitable for authorising the mediator to send selected information, to a terminal of a mobile user, the signal having a keyword representing a type of goods or service, and a keyword representing a location.

lo An advantage of keywords is that they can be memorised more easily, and entered more quickly and easily, and be interpreted automatically. This helps make services easier for users.

Additional features include the signal being a text message compatible with mobile 5 handsets, the signal having a keyword indicating a reseller, the signal indicating a time, or the signal having a keyword indicating a query.

Embodiments of the present invention include the process elements required to selectively deliver Just in Time eCommerce deals via wireless communication networks so to one or more targeted sets of mobile endusers. End users can activate the eCommerce system through the mobile phone or fixed internet/intranet in order to be included in deals that are made through a mediation platform. An advantage of the arrangement is the simplicity of delivery of push deals to end users who have specifically requested the opportunity to trade, by sending permissions.

2s The supply chain process is specifically defined for the wireless market where the mobility of the user particularly suits the opportunities of last minute deals. End users may activate the service through the mobile phone or fixed internet/intranet. End users of the system indicate requirements for certain goods by stipulating their specific likes so and/or dislikes in a database. One embodiment of the system allows the user to very quickly establish requirements for specific goods. This can give users access to appropriate deals targeted to particular requirements defined in the database.

( The database facihty pennits end users to deposit permissions having requirements information without prior registration. This is advantageous to users who do not want to go through a lengthy web-based registration process prior to activation or who do not 5 have access to the interact or an mtranet due to their current location Instead in one embodiment of the invention the database facility permits end users to temporarily log into the system and deposit a permission with requirement information into the database with a single SMS transaction.

lo Use of location information can assist in targeting potential customers in their current, planned or predicted location. End users are able to enter location manually as part of the activation process or have location delivered using an automated positioning system such as that specified by the ITU LCS (International Telecommunications Union Location Services) or from a calendar/planning tool.

Embodiments can use a specific code, using keywords, syntax and associated parser for detecting the presence of a novice end user. This enables help information to be automatically multicast to the end user to provide guidance on how to activate the service effectively.

Delivering a help menu back to a novice end user has the advantage of this is that novice end users or expert end users may make activation requests. Help menus can provide additional assistance information for novice end users. A different code or syntax can be used for an experienced end user to economically deposit a requirement, :5 incorporating period of interest of activation, current or future location and Service Group. Embodiments can provide a means of mediating deals between the Supplier or Reseller of goods (the Deal Agent) and end users in a secure and user acceptable manner. The so end user is always in control as to how to receive deals. The embodiments can establish a requirement against which Deal Agents can target push deals. The parameters of the requirement and its lifetime of activation can be under the control of the user at all

( times. This is a particular advantage as the undesirable categorization of these methods as "spamming tools" is avoided and will thus promote its acceptability with end users.

There is support for multiple Suppliers and multiple branded Resellers against a s common set of managed end users. Suitable software for implementing embodiments can be hosted in an Application Service Provider environment but could alternatively be placed in any I:AN or hosting environment. The apphcation environment can permit the Reseller of goods from one or more Suppliers to define and create Service Groups and Service Subgroups.

The end user can be alerted of the availability of new Service Groups using a structured message with its own syntax. The advantage is that the end user may be informed in a consistent syntactical manner of new services to give end users the opportunity to activate these services.

Another feature is secure management of access to permissions having requirement information. Each requirement parameter is managed as a group membership for the information owner. Each profile parameter therefore has independent special access right and can be treated as a set function such as those considered in mathematical Venn 20 diagrams with the associated set theory mathematics. For example, location as a requirement parameter can be treated in a specifically secure manner.

A further feature is a method for linking the TAD multicast process to the internet or one or more intranets. This permits dissemination of TADs in both the public and :5 private network regimes. Embodiments can include arrangements permitting the end user to respond to a TAD to secure and arrange payment for the deal, and methods for the Reseller confirinmg to the end user the completion of a deal.

Other aspects provide for combinations or components of the above aspects. Other so advantages than those set out above may be apparent to those skilled in the art' particularly over other prior art of which the inventor is not yet aware. The features of

1,. 17

dependent claims within each aspect can be combined with each other or with other aspects of the invention as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TO FIGURES

s Embodiments of the invention will now be described to show how the invention can be implemented, with reference to the figures in which: Figure 1 provides an overall view of an embodiment of the invention whilst Figures 2 to 7 show embodiments of the above mentioned aspects 1 to 6 respectively, of the lo invention. Figure 1 - Process Overview Figure 2 a method of mediating between suppliers of and users of perishable goods or services - aspect I Figure 3 - a method of managing targeted multicasting between suppliers of and users s of goods or services aspect 2 Figure 4 - an end-to-end supply chain process for deals between suppliers of and users of goods or services - aspect 3 Figure 5 - a method of managing targeted multicasting between suppliers of and users of goods or services - aspect 4 20 Figure 6 - a method of targeted multicasting of offers from suppliers of, to users of, goods or services aspect 5 Figure 7 - a method of targeted multicasting of offers from suppliers of, to users of, goods or services - aspect 6 Figure 8 - An example of the supply chain according to an embodiment of the invention 2s Figure 9 - A simplified generic functional block diagram of an embodiment of the invention Figure 10 - Another embodiment ofthe Invention Figure 1 1 - A series of SMS messages used in an embodiment of the invention

( 18 Figure 12 - Activation process, message flow between functional blocks according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 13 - Deal making process, message flow between functional blocks according to an embodiment ofthe invention, and 5 Figure 14 - End User accepting deal, message flow between functional blocks according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

o Introduction

The embodiments of the various aspects of the invention described below can be used in many different combinations, with many possible additions. An example of an overall process, combining a number of embodiments of these aspects, is shown in Figure 8.

This will be used to explain where and how each of these aspects can fit into the overall process. A primary purpose is to combine two requirements in a real time flexible process.

These requirements are the need of a supplier to make a sale of goods or services and the requirement of a consumer (user) to obtain that good to a timescale and place do pertinent to him.

The process allows the supplier to load goods into Mediator to his parameters and for these to be matched to requirements predetermined by the user. On matching, the system multicasts to matched users who can then conclude a sale. The supplier has the :5 flexibility to modify his good parameters at any time. As can be seen in the subsequent detail the process operates in real time and allows time parameters to be set by the supplier and user as identified in the following example.

Embodiments of the system.

In one example embodiment (depicted in figure 8); Ticket Sales are offered through a reseller who nominates workers to become Deal Agents (102) who will try to get the

best deal for offers with the assistance of a Deal Administrator (101) who coordinates sales and prepares commonly used deal text templates. Thus End Users (104) may well be tourists or other people looking for things to do close to the theatre district of a town or city. The system gives End Users access to last minute ticket deals. The End User 5 activates the system by sending an SMS possibly with the following example text.

TICKET 9 WCI MIJS

Where "ticket" is the branding name of the service,9 is the period of activation, WCI is lo the location of the user, and MUS is a three-letter service group name. In this case it stands for musical. The period of activation sets the interval over which the user would like to see automatic deals. The user may switch off the service by sending an "off,' message such as: s TICKET OFF These messages are examples of permissions having a keyword representing a type of goods or service, and in the former example, a keyword representing a location.

The activated End User ( 104) has a temporary database record. The deal agents are able so to target deals to the currently activated users. The Deal Agent (104) goes through a GUI controlled process. The GUI may be a web page or stand alone application. The process will aim to 1) define the message to send to the targeted End Users. 2) Define the geographical area of search for the target group. 3) Search the activated users for those specifically requesting tickets of the type specified. 4) Calculating how many 2s users are targeted. 5) Possibly modifying the search criteria to narrow the target group.

6) Sending the message to the target groups. 7) Monitoring ticket sales. 8) Interrogating a deal history function and resending the deal text with a reduced price if there is remaining stock. The process is described in more detail.

so The Deal Agent (104) constructs SMS messages from a template. The template means that multiple deal agents are able to work from a common text but are able to populate the template with parameter text strings. For example the template might specify that

the deal agent should add the telephone number for the customer to call. The templates are constructed by a Deal Administrator (101) who is responsible for marketing the goods. The deal administrator takes descriptions of goods and adds sales and marketing

information. The supplier (100) is possibly the theatre box office. A scenario might 5 arise where the box office has 100 tickets to sell quickly and would like to go though the reseller to do so. The Supplier provides the description of goods as part of the

inventory management process. Information may be passed from supplier to deal administrator to deal agent using a protocol such as XML.

lo The Deal Agents are responsible for pitching ticket price information to appropriately targeted individuals. The deal agent constructs the SMS defines the target groups and uses the system to work out how many active users this will select. The deal agent is then able to decide whether the target group is too large. SMS transmission has a cost per message the deal agent should be able to judge whether it Is economic to make the 15 deal to the selected group. If not the selection group may be narrowed. A small geographic area or a smaller number of selection parameters may be taken to reduce the number. Closer to the performance start time the deal agent may wish to reduce the price of 20 tickets to improve take up odds. The target group may be reduced to those closer to the theatre and are able to get the theatre before the performance. Detailed description of

the embodiment with reference to a diagram is provided by Figure 8 and its script.

In a further embodiment of the idea the activation SMS message described above could 25 be charged at a premium rate. The user could then be given access to ticket offers as described before but the difference is that at an appropriate time before the performance the remaining tickets could be given away "free" to any user still activated. Remaining tickets will be randomly distributed to customers.

30 Second embodiment: Restaurant service.

In this embodiment of the system the reseller is tasked with filling spare table capacity in restaurants. The restaurants are the suppliers (100) who may pass details into the

r - - 21 reseller who in turn will create a template to the deal agent to offer services at perhaps a discounted rate. For example a restaurant may offer free desert. The system could also be used to avoid queues at the restaurant by allowing the restaurant to signal that a table is free. An individual customer may be the target of an information message.

By way of introduction to the specific embodiments, a brief explanation of various

distinctive principles behind the embodiments will be set out.

Just in Time (JIT) 10 Just in Time supply chain processes have existed for a number of years. The primary purpose for their existence has been to reduce the amount of inventory held by any of the participants in the chain, thus improving cash flow within the participants' businesses. A secondary purpose has been to prevent wastage should the demand for the finished product suddenly diminish. Typically, the processes have been applied to 5 the manufacturing industries, where the good is a tangible object. Its most obvious use is where the supplier is provided with a schedule of the product output and is told his deliveries have to match that schedule minus the lead-time for inserting the supplier's part into the product. As the schedule progresses adjustments can be made (to within agreed limits) by the manufacture, knowing the parts mill be available to meet his 20 requirements.

Although the outcome of the process is a Just in Time regime, frequently the processes themselves take a long time to develop, are expensive and difficult to implement within the participant's business and are relatively inflexible once in place. This latter 25 property, in particular, tends to restrict the adoption of the methodology to environments where long production runs for large numbers of items over long periods of time are expected.

It has become apparent to the inventors that in the mobile communications marketplace, Jo a more flexible corns of Just in Time approach exists. The ability to communicate with an individual about a topic, irrespective of their location or specific to their location, allows the interchange of verbal and/or text information to permit rapid decisions to be

( made. This activity may be construed as a form of Just in Time methodology, but previously it has not used a formal structure that integrates the use of location, time and end-user service, along with the supply chain participants' in a flexible, unambiguous process within which there is a clear definition of roles, responsibilities, deliverables 5 and financial accountability.

In the mobile communications market place, the absence of the latter structure, along with restrictive device interfaces, has limited the growth of even basic eCommerce, whilst Just in Time commerce is still in its infancy.

The embodiments of the invention described include ones involving the creation of a supply chain process and associated methodologies to permit the end to end delivery of commercial deals by Suppliers to meet an end user's specified requirement based upon the coincidence of time, place and service type. The process and method can deliver 5 Just in Time deals before their value diminishes to zero. The preferred method of striking the commercial deal is via a wireless communication network and mobile terminal, although the method also supports PC terminals on both wireline and wireless networks. This is effectively a reversal of conventional JIT roles because the supplier's deadline drives the schedule for presenting an offer or series of offers relating to a 20 perishable product to a pool of likely customers and agreeing a deal. This can work well because of the speed of the process and the fact it is an end-to-end system.

The supplier identifies his good (product) and transmits its parameters to the Mediator which matches customer needs with the good. He transmits the good details to the 25 customer who has previously identified his requirements to Mediator. The customer can now purchase the good if he wishes by a simple reply process. It can be fast, efficient and well targeted. The significance of some of the distinctive features and advantages will now be explained.

30 End-to End Integration

( 23 Previously known systems either present the good to the customer (some targeted some not) without the direct ability to purchase or he can purchase once he is either within a defined physical area or he uses a secondary system to contact the supplier. When previous systems did allow purchases to take place they relate to one supplier and/or to 5 be within a physically defined area.

The mediator allows many forms of goods from one or many suppliers to be presented to numerous likely customers and for them to make a direct purchase. The system does not require the customer to approach different suppliers dependent upon his requirement lo nor does it require him to enter another media to complete the transaction.

Speed This is a factor ansing from having a totally integrated end-to-end system where the 15 "good identification" to "sale of the good" timescale is very short. If for exnple any part of the system required intervention by another process or the entry into another media then obviously you would not only be reliant upon immediate access to the process or media but the interruption in any flow is bigger than the sum of access time; thinking time, reaction time, deviation time etch have to be added to the equation.

End user selection of connectivity The system can be turned on and off by the customer or he can select the timescale within which he wishes the system to operate. This is useful for temporary users such 25 as tourists or businessmen. The period of requirement can also be entered into the system. The customer has the choice of the following selection with respect to timescale: 30 a) Identify the duration of the requirement.

b) identify the time period over which he is contactable.

c) Switch the receiver off while still retaining contact, to remove possible interruption. Economy The previous factors of JIT, end-to-end, speed and end user selection of connectivity combines to make the system extremely efficient compared with other forms of selling a good. The following are some ofthe main contributors to its efficiency: Few people involved in the sale lo Targeted customers reduces multicasts Grouping of goods reduces multicasts More than one good per multicast reduces multicasts Speed of throughput Reduces time on shelf of good Integration of all activities to obtain good sale Can be turned on and off by the customer.

Defining period of requirement The various software modules can be implemented in well-known programming no languages such as C or Java or Ada, or others, as would be well known to those skilled in the art. The resulting code can be cross-compiled into a lower level language appropriate to run on a DSP, such as the fixed or floating-point types made by T] or Motorola or others, or on a general-purpose microprocessor, or any type of firmware, or programmable or fixed hardware, or any combination. The software can in principle be 25 implemented as instructions or as combinations of data, instructions, rules, objects and so on.

Figure descriptions

so Figure I - Process Overview showing the major elements and their relationship. As the same elements are referred to in the explanation of figures 2 to 7 below, for the sake of

raft 25 brevity, rather than repeating the description of each of the elements, the reader is

referred to the description of figures 2 to 7 below.

Figure 2 - a method of mediating between suppliers of and users of perishable goods or 5 services, involves receiving permissions(l) from users (2) to send selected offers (3) to their mobile terminals (4), and receiving from suppliers (5) schedules for offer and delivery (6) of their perishable goods or services. Multicasting (7) of offers (3) with delivery schedules (a) to users' mobile terminals (4) is controlled according to the permissions ( I), for example by sending appropriate corurnands to the network operator lo or operators. At least some users will respond (9) to respective ones of the suppliers (5) about the offers, to agree sales, or obtain more Information. Then, depending on sales levels, and other factors, suppliers can decide to adjust their offer, and multicast adjusted offers (11), according to the permissions (1), for remaining goods or services.

enabling further responses (a) from users (2) about the offers (3) (11). Clearly, many 5 variations and additions can be provided to this arrangement.

Figure 3 - a method of managing targeted multicasting between suppliers of and users of goods or services, involving receiving offer information (3) from the suppliers (S) for multicasting to users mobile terminals (4), targeting which users (14) to multicast (13) 20 the offer information to, according to permissions received (1) from users (2) allowing selected offers (3) to be sent to their mobile terminals (4), and according to other targeting criteria (14) (8), The targeted multicasting (7) of each offer (3) can be controlled as mentioned above. Then, each of the offers can be tracked (17) to enable respective suppliers (5) to update or retarget their offers (11). Again many variations 25 and additions can be envisaged.

Figure 4 - an end-to-end supply chain process for deals between suppliers of and users of goods or services, has significant advantages as mentioned above. An interface (12) enables the suppliers (5) to input offer information (6) in a standardized format (17) so suitable for multicasting to mobile terminals (4) of the users (2). This is followed by targeting which of the users (14) to multicast (13) the offer information to. The multicasting (7) of each offer to the respective mobile terminals (4) is camed out as

discussed above. At any time,inforrnation (17) about a respective one (3) of the offers is made available to a supplier(5). This is particularly useful for sales agents of the supplier, to facilitate making a deal with a user who has responded to a respective one of the offers (9). Again, many variations and additions can be envisaged.

Figure 5 - a method of managing targeted multicasting between suppliers of and users of goods or services, involves receiving offer information (6) from the suppliers (5) for multicasting (7) to users mobile handsets (4). Permissions (1) are received from users (2) allowing (14) selected offers (3) to be sent (8) to their mobile handsets (4). As 0 before, multicasting (7) of the offer information (6) to selected users (2), is carried out according to the permissions (1). Notably, users can control (18) their permissions (1) from their mobile handset (4). As before, many variations and additions are possible.

Figure 6 - a method of targeted multicasting of offers from suppliers of, to users of, 5 goods or services, involves receiving permissions (1) from the users (2) to send offers (3) to their mobile handsets (4), the permissions ( I) indicating a type of goods or service (6), a time for delivery (8), and a location of interest (19). Offer information from the suppliers (3) is then multicast (13) to users' mobile handsets (4), as discussed above, according to which of the offers (6) match the permissions (14). As before, many 20 variations and additions are possible.

Figure 7 - a method of targeted multicasting of offers from suppliers of, to users of, goods or services, involves receiving permissions ( I) from the users (2) to send selected offers(3) to their mobile handsets (4). As before, offer information (6) is received from as the suppliers (S), for multcasting (7) to users' mobile handsets (4), according to which of the offers (3) match the permissions ( 14). Notably there is provision for an automated dialogue (16) to respond to queries (9) from the users mobile handsets (4). As before, many variations and additions are possible.

( 27 Figure 8 - An example of the supply chain according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in the figure (8) inventory information is created by the goods Supplier (1) and passed to the Deal Template Administrator via the ('reate floods template process 5 (2). The inventory information is usually a description of the goods including purchase

information plus key descriptive words that can be used to help identify the appropriate End User group. The format of the information could be XML, (extensible Markup Language) HTML, (Hypertext markup language) XHTML, (extensible Hypertext Markup Language) cHTML (compact Hypertext Markup Language) or some other lo standardized or proprietary description language. The Deal Template Administrator

takes the goods description and processes this adding marketing information promoting

the goods (3). Processing might mean manual editing of good information or using a transcoding technique to automatically process the information. A Standard Deal Template is then generated and passed (4) onto the Deal Agent. At step (5) the Deal 5 Agent causes the generation of a Specific Deal Template which is passed (6) to a targeting database. The Deal Agent can then use the deal (7) to target a user group to which a deal may be pushed after setting the price(8). The deal message is now multicast (9). End users will state specific (9a) preferences for goods which are passed to a database. This can result in various marketed deals to be put forward based on the so deal. In one embodiment of the system the user with reference to a telephone number and a quoted reference contacts (10) the Sales Agent (11) and accepts the offer. Using this scenario it is possible for marketing propositions to be put forward where there is a very tight loop around the combination of the targeted deal, the take up of the deal and the inventory update on behalf of the Deal Agent.

Figure 9 - A simplified generic functional block diagram of an embodiment of the invention Figure 9 illustrates a generic embodiment of the invention and as such encompasses a range of possible embodiments. The external users of the system interact through 30 various interfaces. These include the Deal Agent Interface 201, the End User Interface 104(normally though a wireless device 2()7 with optional access through a Web

terminal Z06 zsmg Activation profile Engine 217), the Message Push Link 220 and the Supplier Interfaces 203.

In one embodiment of the generic system SMS is used as the basis of the messaging/push interface 220 In this case SMS alone is used as the means by which s the user registers with the system. It is also the means by which deals are communicated back.

Further embodiments of the system are described where SMS is used as the example notification method. However WAP push, XML and other forms of message delivery are also given as possible solutions lo There are two sets of databases for the system. The user database set 200 is a secure set of user resources. Access to the information stored is controlled through a secure access database 210 and is subject to high levels of security such as those imposed by European legislation on location-based services. The user database includes the Deal preference group list database 211 which stored the list of preference groups. The Deal 5 Administrator can edit and add to these. The current list may be relayed to users either explicitly through a request by the user or throughmarketing. The Activation Lifetime Timer 213 sets the period of activation of a user session and is primarily controlled by the End User whose requirements are contained in the User Preferences Database 212.

The aim of Lifetime Timer 213 is to avoid unwanted advertising messages. Thus, the 20 user can specify the time over which the targeted deals should be directed. It is not gettable by the Reseller. The Deal Agent has the capability to stop sending deals but not to activate on the users behalf. The Location database 214 is not really a database as it is likely to be viewed as an invasion of user's privacy to store locations. Instead, one embodiment of the system treats location as a database to its users. Location is 25 ascertained using one of a number of location- based servers 205.

The Target Group Selection Manager 215 is responsible for calculating the scope of the targeted user group. The Deal Manager 218 is responsible for coordinating the deal process. It coordinates the creation of the deal text, the calculation of the target group 30 and deal management activities. Deal text creation is done using component 219 and is passed as part of the deal management activity to the message push link 220. The push

( 29 link is also capable of parsing requests for activation from the End user and requests for help or activation status.

The second set of databases is the system databases 221. This set includes the Deal 5 Template database 222, which stores the deal templates created by the Deal Administrator using component 225. The Deal reference database 223 is used to store the deal history. Deals can be retrieved at any time and reissued, for example with a new price, as a new deal reference ID. The Inventory database 224 stores stock information and templates for describing the goods. The supply management lo component 226 is used to pass the supply information to the database and as a stock control database Figure] 0 - Another embodiment of the invention The components In Figure 10 are labelled as in the previous Figure 9 but some functions Is have been omitted to ease understanding.

Figure 10 shows one example embodiment. The end user 104 Interacts with the system through SMS alone, using Wireless device 207 into the Message Push Link 220. No prior registration with the system needed. The user issues an SMS message at once defining the parameters of the temporary profile and activating the profile 217 which 20 stores the data in the User Profile Database 212. One example message is shown in Figure I la.

Figure 11 - A series of SMS messages used in the example embodiment A further feature of this embodiment is that additional parameters may be established by Further SMS 25 messages The temporary profile may be built up in this fashion The registration message shown in lla begins with the Reseller identification. This identifier may be branded by replacing the "MED" text in the figure with the brand name. The mobile user may register with multiple resellers through the same interface because each Reseller will have a different identifier The Network operator is responsible for delivering SMS so messages the user using standard delivery techniques. The End User may send messages to the system Message Push Link 220 in Figure 10 via some appropriate SMS

technology. The user may also specify the groups for which the user wishes to receive SMS deal push messages. In the example "THE" might represent "THEatre". The user could also specify the area for which the user would like to receive location sensitive information. The user may specify a town, city or postcode area.

5 Figure 1 la shows how it is possible to specify the period of activation, the location and the gTOUp preference in a single message. The minimum the user needs to specify is the Reseller branding name. All other parameters may be assumed. For example, in the absence of an activation period a value of 8 hours may be assumed. This value is dependent on the application and may be set by the Deal Administrator.

lo An end user may use a message like the one in Figure I la to register with the system, thus a temporary profile will be established. The lifetime of the profile will be the specified period in the registration message or until the user explicitly switches off the service by sending an appropriate "END" message as shown in 1 lb. As shown in Figure 1 Ic an End User may request a list of available groups by issuing a Is "LIST" message. This provides the user with all groups of goods that the reseller has available. Shown in Figure lid is the screen a user can use to request a status report that will return current details held against the users identity such as the remaining period of activation, the currently selected groups and the place.

Figure 12 - Activation process, message flow between functional blocks The database numbering is the same as that used in Figure 9 The message sequence between each database is numbered and is used in the following explanatory text. The numbering of these steps should not be confused with the 25 reference numbers used to identify elements in figures 1 to 7.

(1) 104 (the End User) wishes to initiate the service and sends an SMS message to the service. This is picked up by 220 (the Message/Push Link Database) (2) which identifies the request and passes it to 217 (the Activation engine). The 30 data is formatted and (3) passed on to 212 (the User Preferences database). The data is recorded and the

(4) time period set by the user sent to 213 (the Activation Lifetime timer). If the parameters are within the limits of 213 data then (5) an OK message is passed to 212 who after canying out similar tests on its received data 5 (6) passes an OK response to 2 l 7.

(7) 104 user can send an SMS message to modify his details Which is received by 220 and (8) passed to 217 to update the user details which checks and (9) passes data to 212 which if within parameters lo (10) sends an OK message to 217 ( I I) If the time limit set by the user expires 213 is activated and ( 12) passes a message to 212 for the user to be removed. On removal 212 ( 13) sends a response to 213 that the End User has been deleted.

5 Figure 13 - Deal making process, message flow between functional blocks The database numbering is the same as that used in Figure 9 The message sequence between each database is numbered and is used in the following explanatory text. Again, the numbering of these steps should not be confused with the reference numbers used to identify elements in figures I to 7.

(1) The deal making process starts with the 102 (the Deal Agent) placing a request to start a deal session (2) through 201 (the Deal Agent Interface) to 218 (the Deal Manager).

(3) a response to get location is made to 201 who 25 (4) passes the request for location web page an (5) input of location is made by 102 which is (6) passed on to 2 l 8.

(7) 218 then requests get Group List (8) 215 (the Target Group Selection database) assembles list and

(9) passes it to218 who ( 10) passes it to 201 which ( 1 1) is picked up by 102.

(12) 102 selects Input Groups and s (13) passes through 201 to 218 (14) which when checked responds with an OK message.

(15) 102 can request through 201 a number of selected End Users which is (16) passed to 218 additional detail is (17) requested from 215 which also lo (18) contacts 212 (User Preferences database) which (19) responds with detail to 215 which (20) passes the data to 2 l 8 and is (21) passed on to 201 for (22) 102 to interrogate.

Is (23) With this data 102 can create a deal (24) through 201 by (25) asking for templates from 218 which Is (26) passed through 201 (27) to 1 02.

20 (28) 102 selects template on 201 which is (29) obtained from 218 (30) passed to 201 (31) for display to 102.

(32) The selected template is populated by 102 with details of the deal which is 2s (33) passed through 201 (34) to 218 for the deal to be completed.

(35) 218 registers the deal with 219 (Deal Text Creation) who checks and records deal and if parameters check it is recorded,

T - (36) passing confirmation to 218 who (37) updates the target group with 215 which (38) passes the response details for the deal to 218 for the complete deal to be (39) dispatched to 220 (the Messaging/push link) which s (40) multicasts the deal to the relevant users (41) sends confirmation of send to 218 who (42) passes it to 201 for flagging to the deal agent.

Figure 14 - End User accepting deal, message flow between functional blocks lo The database numbering is the same as that used in Figure 9 The message sequence between each database is numbered and is used in the following explanatory text.

(1) A deal is delivered from 220 (the Messaging/push link) to the 104 (the End User) who wishes to accept the deal. He will send a 5 (2) return message to 220 requesting an Intro+ (which will supply additional information such as supplier telephone number).

(3) The request is sent to 223 (the Deal reference Database) who (4) returns the Intro+ to 220 who (5) passes it to 104.

zo (6) 104 reads the intro who if wishing to make deal (7) phones 100 (the supplier) with deal reference Other Variations And Remarks 25 Other variations and implementations within the scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and are not intended to be excluded.

As has been described above, mediation between suppliers and mobile users enables Just in Time eCommerce deals via wireless communication networks. End users can so activate the system through the mobile phone by sending an SMS message or by email

without prior registration, giving a mediator permission to send them selected offers, A supply chain process is specifically defined for last minute deals, to enable standardised offers using a template, and enable tracking, managing and updating of offers. Users can respond to the mediator for more information, or to the suppliers existing call centre s to accept an offer. Costs and inconvenience of unwanted messages are minimised by good targeting of users based on permissions specifying type of goods/service, location, and time.

Claims (32)

f 3s CLAIMS

1. A method of mediating between suppliers of and users of perishable goods or services, the method having the steps of: s receiving permissions from users to send selected offers to their mobile terminals, receiving from suppliers schedules for offer and delivery of their perishable goods or services, controlling multicasting of offers with delivery schedules to users' mobile terminals according to the permissions, enabling at least some users to respond to respective ones l o of the suppliers about the offers, and multicasting adjusted offers, according to the permissions, for remaining goods or services, under the control of the respective supplier, enabling further responses from users about the offers.

2 A method of managing targeted multicasting between suppliers of and users of goods or services, having the steps of: receiving offer information from the suppliers for multicasting to users mobile terminals, targeting which users to multicast the offer information to, according to permissions 20 received from users allowing selected offers to be sent to their mobile terminals, and according to other targeting criteria, controlling the targeted multicasting of each offer and tracking each of the offers to enable respective suppliers to update or retarget their offers. 2s

3. An end-to-end supply chain process for deals between suppliers of and users of goods or services, having the steps of: providing an interface to enable the suppliers to input offer information in a standardised format suitable for multicasting to mobile terminals of the users, so targeting which of the users to multicast the offer information to, controlling the targeted multicasting of each offer to the respective mobile terminals and

( 36 providing information about a respective one of the offers to sales agents of a supplier to facilitate making a deal with a user who has responded to a respective one of the offers. 5

4. A method of managing targeted multicasting between suppliers of and users of goods or services, having the steps of: receiving offer information from the suppliers for multicasting to users mobile handsets, receiving permissions from users allowing selected offers to be sent to their mobile handsets, lo controlling multicasting of the offer information to selected users, according to the . permissions, and providing users with control of their permissions from their mobile handset.

5. A method of targeted multicasting of offers from suppliers of, to users of, goods or 5 services, the method having the steps of: receiving permissions from the users to send offers to their mobile handsets, the permissions indicating a type of goods or service, a time for delivery, and a location of interest, receiving offer information from the suppliers, for multicasting to users' mobile JO handsets, and controlling multicasting of offers to the mobile handsets of the users, according to which of the offers match the permissions.

6. A method of targeted multicasting of offers from suppliers of, to users of, goods or us services, the method having the steps of.

receiving permissions from the users to send selected offers to their mobile handsets, receiving offer information from the suppliers, for multicasting to users' mobile handsets, controlling multicasting of offers to the mobile handsets of the users, according to 30 which of the offers match the permissions, and, providing an automated dialogue to respond to queries from the users mobile handsets.

(

7. The method of any preceding claim, arranged such that the users need not pre register with identity information before sending permissions.

8 The method of any preceding claim, arranged such that users can use predetermined 5 keywords to enter permissions.

9. The method of any preceding claim, having the step of modelling the outcome of a proposed offer so that the supplier can adjust offer information before multicasting.

lo

l O. The method of any preceding claim, the offer information being sent in the form of a message containing text.

1 l. The method of any preceding claim, the permissions being received in the form of a message containing text.

12. The method of claim 10 or I l, the message being an SMS message.

13. The method of claim 4 or any claim depending on claim 4, the standardised format being a template for formalising a description of the goods or services, and their

20 marketing.

14. The method of any preceding claim, further having the step of providing further information to a handset of a user about a given offer in response to a user query.

25

15. The method of any preceding claim further having the step of providing a structured database interface with existing Customer Call Centres of one or more of the suppliers.

16. The method of any preceding claim having the step of monitoring deal behaviour of 30 one or more end users.

( 38

17. The method of any preceding claim other than claim 3, or claims depending on claim 3, wherein the permission comprises location information, relating to the location of the goods or services desired.

5

18. A method for a supplier using a multicasting service operated by a mediator, the method having the steps of: providing offer information to the mediator, for the mediator to multicast to mobile handsets of selected users, if they have sent to the mediator a permission matching the offer information, o the offer information indicating a type of goods or service to which an offer relates, and a time for which the offer is valid, receiving an indication from one of the mobile handset users that they wish to take up the offer, and making an agreement with the user relating to the goods or services of the offer.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the offer information comprises location information, relating to the location of the goods or services.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19 wherein the offer information as received by the user zo includes a reference identifying the offer, and the method has the step of receiving one of the references from a user, and determining which offer relates to the reference number.

21. The method of any of claims 18 to 20, the offer information being sent to the as mediator in the form of a filled-in template.

22. The method of any of claims 18 to 217 further having the steps of receiving feedback from the mediator regarding the number of users whose permissions match a given offer, and sending revised offer information to the mediator for multicasting, 30 based on the feedback.

( 39

23. A method of using a multicashng service to receive offers of goods or services via a mediator, the method having the steps of: sending a permission to the mediator, authorising the mediator to send selected offer information to a specified mobile handset of a user, and s receiving from the mediator offer information which matches the permission, on the mobile handset.

24. The method of claim 23 also having the step of using a predetermined syntax for 9 sending the permission.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, also having the step of sending an acceptance of the offer. -=

26. Software for carrying out the method of any preceding claim.

27. A system arranged to carry out the method of any of claims I to 25.

28. A signal representing a permission from a mobile user to a mediator, suitable for authonsing the mediator to send selected information, to a terminal of a mobile user, the 20 signal having a keyword representing a type of goods or service, and a keyword representing a location.

29. The signal of claim 28, being a text message compatible with mobile handsets.

25

30. The signal of claim 28 or 29, having a keyword indicating a reseller.

31. The signal of any of claims 28 to 30, indicating a time.

32. The signal of any of claims 28 to 31, having a keyword indicating a query.