Integrated system for gathering commerce information and distributing advertising using a global computer network

摘要

The present invention is an integrated system for gathering commerce information and distributing advertising using a global computer network in order to improve and enhance the efficiency of commerce in retail stores. The first component of this integrated system is a local area network (LAN) in retail stores that interconnects all of the cash registers. The LAN that interconnects each cash register is also interconnected to an array of electronic billboards that are mounted to the checkout aisles near the cash registers. Sales data is registered by the cash register, recorded as a customer record, and electronically transferred to a main server connected to the LAN. Periodically, this main server uploads this sales data to a central data server through using a global computer network. The central data server then stores the individual customer purchase record in the customer purchase database. The commercial information stored in this customer purchase database is accessible through using a global computer network to access a central web-site. This web-site is directly connected to the central data server. Based upon the information stored in this customer purchase database, it is possible purchase advertising through the same web-site by accessing the advertising purchase system. The purchased advertisements are uploaded and transmitted to the individual stores through the global computer network. The advertising is shown on electronic billboards that are fixed to the checkout aisles in retail stores. A computer system selects specific advertisements to show specific customers based upon the recorded purchase history of the specific customer and a product profile of the specific product in the advertisement. Customers may select products from advertisements while at the checkout aisles via touchscreen displays. Store clerks would bring these selected products directly to the shoppers.