WO2003056483A1

WO2003056483A1 - Consumer products information method and device

Info

Publication number: WO2003056483A1
Application number: PCT/GB2002/005929
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Hodgskiss
Original assignee: James Hodgskiss
Priority date: 2001-12-28
Filing date: 2002-12-27
Publication date: 2003-07-10
Also published as: GB0131013D0; GB0327808D0; GB2392530A; AU2002356329A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for the provision of information relating to consumer products to be provided in an efficient and effective manner to a user. The information which is provided can relate to a wide range of criteria which can be tailored to suit specific user profiles and/or requirements. An electronic device is used which typically includes a display screen and communication means to allow data to be transferred to and from a remote location. In a preferred embodiment the device can be hand held and includes data input means so as to be used in relation to specific identified products at the product location.

Description

Consumer Products Information Method and Device

The invention to which this application relates is to provide information to a user relating to a consumer product such as food and various criteria of said consumer products. Furthermore, the invention is to provide information in a manner which can be updated regularly and accessed by the user at various environmental locations.

At present, there is a wide range of information which is available for consumer products such as foodstuffs and which allows users of consumer products to specifically exclude or include consumer products in accordance with particular requirements such as health consciousness, moral, allergic or other reasons and in relation to various categories of consumer products such as GMO-free, organic, vegetarian, vegan, wheat- free, gluten-free, nut-free, lactose-free, milk-free, kosher, preservative-free, E-number-free, additive- free, yeast-free, Soya- free, egg-free, infant suitable, diabetic-suitable, ethical, ecological, price, availability, calorie content, fat content, or any other of a number of criteria.

For many consumers, the current problem is that while they may have information available in relation to consumer products, the information is either not complete enough to allow them to reach a decision as to the particular consumer product and/or may be out of date and/or may be not accurate with respect to the consumer product which is being offered for sale in front of them.

It is possible for the user to refer to guide books but the very nature of a book is that once the book has been published the information in the same is out of date and, in a relatively fast moving marketplace such as consumer products, consumer products which are offered for sale can be withdrawn, revised, improved or otherwise changed in a number of days, which lends the information in the book out-of-date and this can in some cases be dangerous to the user where there is a risk of allergic reaction.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a device and system which allows information to be updated regularly and for the updated information to be available for use by the user in different environments.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an electronic device, said device having a memory, a display screen and a means for inputting or accessing data from said memory, and a display panel and characterised in that said device includes in the memory information relating to criteria for a range of consumer products, said criteria displayed on screen in response to a user selected product, said selection made by the user via the input means and said device is selectively connectable to or provided with a communication means which allows the transfer of data to and/or from the device as required.

In one embodiment, the communication means allows the updating of information to the device so as to allow updated criteria relating to particular products and/or particular products in total to be added or deleted from the memory as required.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the communication means allows data from the device to be transmitted from the device to a remote location, perhaps said data for use in locating particular products, making queries to a remote source relating to particular products and/ or ordering said products. Typically, to locate particular products or to make queries, the user could transmit the request to a remote location or could consult the device's memory which is updated at frequent intervals.

In a further aspect of the invention the data input means can include a barcode scanner whereby the device can be carried by the user to a retail premises and the barcode applied to a particular product packaging can be scanned into the device to allow the device to identify the product and display to the user the specific criteria held in the database relating to that product.

In a further aspect of the invention the data input means can include a digital camera whereby the device can be carried by the user to a retail premises and the barcode image applied to a particular produce packaging can be captured into the device to allow the device to identify the product and display to the user the criteria held in the database relating to that product.

The barcode scanner and digital camera can be provided as an integral part of the device or as an optional peripheral device.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of determining information relating to a consumer product using an electronic device, said method comprising the step of generating a database in the memory, said database containing criteria for a range of identified products, said user identifying a particular product and entering details into the device which serve to identify the product to the device, and comparing the identified product with the database and if as a result of the comparison the product is found on the database, criteria relating to that product is displayed to the user via the device.

In one embodiment the method includes the step of updating the data held in the memory means from a remote location at regular intervals. Typically the method includes the generation of a user profile for a specified group or groups of products, said profile stored in the memory of the device, and when a product is identified in that particular product group, the profile is referred to and utilised to provide specific information to the user via the device. In one embodiment a series of profiles are generated for different users of the device and/or for different product groupings.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a device in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 2 illustrates an elevation view of one design of the device of the invention.

As an example of the invention the same is now described with the reference to consumer products in the form of foodstuffs, however it should be appreciated that many other forms of products can be substituted for the consumer products and the invention will operate in a similar manner and that said operation is within the scope of this invention.

Referring to the figures, the device typically comprises a central processing unit which is used to power and supply information 2, a display 4, through which data relating to a particular consumer product or consumer products, as well as the identity of consumer products, can be displayed to the user. Nonvolatile and volatile memory devices 6, 8 are provided to allow data relating to a whole range of consumer products to be stored therein. Data input means are provided in the form of a keyboard and/or barcode scanner 14, 16 and/or digital camera 17 which allow the user to interact with the central processing unit, demand information relating to specific consumer products, receive data from a remote location and/or transmit data and generally control the operation of the device. The device can typically be battery powered and/or mains powered, thus allowing the user the ability to transport the device to a number of different environments.

In addition, the device is provided with a modem 20 and communications port 22 which allow the device to be selectively connected to a communications link such as a telecommunications line in the user's premises. Alternatively, the user may be communicable to remote locations at any time in a manner similar to the operation of a mobile phone. In addition the device may be fitted with an infra red and/or Bluetooth port 19.

The device can also include any one, all or any combination of features such that if, for example, a consumer has created their particular consumer profile (i.e. specifying what shopping restrictions they have such that in one example, they are an ethical vegetarian and want to avoid GMO ingredients, in which case they select the Ethical Vegetarian and GMO-free categories. Multiple profiles can be created by the user, e.g., one for each member of the user's family. Device functions can then be performed for any particular profile, or for certain profile simultaneously - e.g., the user could create profiles for two people with different dietary restrictions, and use the Recommendations feature of the device to obtain, say, confectionery items that were suitable for both of them.

In a further feature of the invention the device can rate a product's suitability, compare products, make recommendations or calculating a specific shopping list in response to the user's profile. The profile is generated by the user entering how important each of the categories are to them (such as GMO-free, Organic, Vegan, Coeliac, etc). The user selects the importance for each individual category either: nil (0)% importance), low (25%), medium (50%), high (75%) or essential (100%) .

The user can use the device in accordance with the invention to perform any of the following:-

Obtain the suitability rating of a product so that a product may be selected by either using the on-screen manufacturer menu, followed by a product sub- menu. In one example this can be assisted by typing or part-typing in the name of the manufacturer and/or product, or alternatively by scanning or capturing the product packaging barcode image and thereby identifying the particular product by the device.

The device can also emit distinct audio and/or visual indication, such as for example, two distinct tones for whether a product is suitable or not. This is particularly beneficial for users that have poor eyesight and may not be able to read the display.

The user can compare two products ' suitability. The user can also obtain a recommendation for a more suitable product (once a product has been scanned/selected), and to provide information of which retailers stock it.

If the consumer's local retailer does not stock a desired product, they can request it from the store at the simple push of a button on the keyboard of the device and the request reaches the provider the next time the consumer performs an update of his device's database. At that stage, in addition to the updating of the data, the data relating to the order is transmitted to the desired destination. Before setting out shopping, the user can form a generic shopping list. Having also confirmed their profile (including details of where they prefer to shop), the unit can turn the generic shopping list into a specific shopping list, along with details of where each item can be obtained.

In addition to using the device at retailers, the device can be used to generate a shopping list which can sent be via the telecommunications link to the retailer and set the usual delivery date, etc. The order is sent from the user, either directly to the retailer or via a device administration service.

The user can also analyse their shopping list (or shopping, if it has already been bought) by seeing how much it would have cost in another store, whether they'd have got more suitable products in another store, and to provide a nutritional analysis on the foods purchased. Analysis can be made on general aspects, such as fat content, vitamin content or the like, but can also be based on more elaborate suitability requirements relating to specific bodily requirements/conditions such as, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, diabetes, obesity, cancer, arthritis, detoxification, fatigue, hay diet, fibroids, stomach ulcers, Candida, high cholesterol, stress, anti ageing, acne and complexion, biological age improvement and the like.

Product recommendations can also be made taking these factors into account, as well as previous meals , the users profile(s) and preferred outlet(s).

The device can also suggest recipes based on what they've bought and all aforementioned factors. It can also suggest specific natural remedies for certain ailments, along with where to obtain the remedy or ingredients from. All the user features are interwoven and there is also a dedicated "Help" key or button to allow assistance to be provided to the device user with the features and also provides general information regarding dietary and consumer restrictions and conditions. The help feature can also recommend a suitable profile for a user with a certain condition i.e. if the user has or is with a person with a heart condition, the device may recommend products that are vegan, low fat and low cholesterol. The user can then accept this profile or make their own adjustments.

In addition, an internet/WAP site can also be provided where users can enter (or recall) a generic shopping list (along with their personal profile) , or specific shopping list, and the goods can be ordered for them. The WAP service may allow consumers to perform all the usual analysis and comparisons functions whilst shopping, by using just their GSM mobile phone or other more suitable and/or user friendly devices as the mobile communication devices become more sophisticated, such as UMTS mobile phones.

In one embodiment, rather than buying a device, the user may have the option to purchase just the software that the device can be formed by the software and the installation of the same on PDA/palmtop computer apparatus/ computer apparatus, JAVA enabled mobile phone/ 3G phones, or indeed any suitable communication device which is enabled to be utilised for the communication of data in the manner as described with respect to this invention.

For a version which utilises a mobile phone version and other versions of the invention, location based functionality can be deployed. Device features, such as finding the nearest outlet that stocks a particular product, can be utilised by using the RF signals in GSM, UMTS, or other technologies to enable the device to know where it is, and thus make location specific recommendations accordingly.

The co-operation of a large number of manufacturers, retailers, dietary organisations and consumer organisations will improve the utility of the device and system. The incentives for the retailers are that they can learn which unstocked products consumers are going elsewhere for. The retailer receives important customer information and orders for special products that aren't available from a supermarket's home delivery service may be taken up by another home delivery service.

Such may be the benefit for the above companies, that an opportunity for funding from them may exist, to subsidise the device and/or device provision.

Also, retailers may "advertise" on the device display screens. When a product required by a consumer is not available in his current retail outlet, the device tells the user details of nearby advertising retailers, including location and telephone number, etc. Using the device, the user may also be able to order goods from such retailers, either for collection or home delivery where available.

Consumer products such as in this example, foodstuff products can be stored in the database in rows such as in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Examples of the types of data stored (and thus, the column headers) are: Barcode, GMO free; Organic; Vegetarian; Vegan, Ethical (Fair-trade, child/slave labour etc- for both manufacturer and product), calorie content, salt content, sodium content, fat content, sugar content, protein content, vitamins content, minerals content, Kosher, Infant suitable, diabetic suitable, preservative free, wheat free, gluten free, nut free, yeast free, Soya free, egg free, milk free, Acryl amide, sports banned substances, cost, fish free, shellfish free, sesame seed free, crustacean free, mollusc free, concentrate free, alcohol free, complex/carbohydrates, bad carbohydrates, hydrogenated, desiccated ingredients, ease of preparation, cosmetic toxins/ poisons, domestic cleaner toxins/poisons, refined sugars, refined flours, stocked by and other categories to suit.

In one example a product has the following data (corresponding to the aforementioned column headers):

91208610; Organic baked beans in tomato sauce; Baked beans; 10; 10; 10; 10; 10; 10; 10; 10; 10; 0; 10; 10; 10; 10; 6447869JS&T&CO&WA&HSFM 975.1 18.00.50.1 etc.

The database of the device is dynamic, so if new categories of public concern should arise then the device databases can have the corresponding data appended as a new category when an update is performed.

Manufacturers, retailers, dietary organisations and consumer organisations are in possession of the required data, and this is usually available to customers, and other organisations, an in accordance with the invention the information is supplied in electronic format at frequent intervals, to the device so as to update the same.

The retailers can also supply information relating to where, physically, items are located in their store, to enable users to locate specific items more easily. The update of data can occur automatically when the user connects the device to the communication link of can press the dedicated "Update" button. The user is prompted to connect his device to the phone line, then press the update button again. In another embodiment the memory can be updated by connecting the device to the internet, such as via a PC or mobile phone, or yet further by replacing the memory or connecting the unit to a fixed in-store updating device.

After the second press of the Update button, connection is initiated, and the user is then advised of how long the update (call) is expected to take. If the update products is particularly long, the user can narrow down the types of products being downloaded. (For example, a vegetarian may untick the 'meat' product group before be performs and update.) Consequently, the selective download consists of less data and would be therefore quicker.

Database updates can also be performed using remote wireless communication systems such as for example the commercial system Bluetooth (RTM) . When configured, this performed by the user's home PC receiving an e-mail or web database update. On receipt of this, the device is alerted by Bluetooth. The device is then connected to the PC (by cable, infrared or Bluetooth), and the update data is then transferred from the PC to the device.

For the mobile phone Java software, updates can be performed by the user being sent an SMS, telling them that than update is required. It may also be done automatically, by the system server making a data call to the device to update the database by the download of the required data. Alternatively the download can be activated manually by the user connecting to a WAP site to perform the update. As well as downloading updates, the communication link can also be used to acquire information from the user's device such as: Requested products, Products recommended to user in one store but bought in another, Home Shopping Orders, and User profiles & Generic/Specific shopping lists.

When the data transfer is complete, the device can make a noise to alert the user, and the connection will terminate. The user's device is now up-to-date and ready to use.

In addition to the consumer- owned devices, a variation of the device can exist where the operation of the device is dedicated to one particular outlet. Such devices would be deployed, e.g., in supermarkets where the user would obtain a dedicated device upon entering the store and use it to perform all the usual aforementioned user features of the invention, but the database of the device would be limited to containing only the products sold by that outlet. The update procedure for these, dedicated, devices could be performed in the usual manner, or by connecting the devices to the outlet's own data networ The device (either dedicated or general version) could be used to facilitate 'self- checkout' whereby the user scans each item as they are placed into their shopping trolley/ basket, with a log being recorded by the device. When the user has finished shopping, they then swipe their credit card or debit card to pay for the goods.

Claims

1 An electronic device, said device having a memory, a display screen and a means for inputting or accessing data from said memory, and a display panel and characterised in that said device includes in the memory information relating to criteria for a range of consumer products, said criteria displayed on screen in response to a user selected product, said selection made by the user via the input means and said device is selectively connectable to or provided with a communication means which allows the transfer of data to and/or from the device as required.

2 An electronic device according to claim 1 characterised in that the communication means allows the updating of information to the device at intervals so as to allow updated criteria relating to particular products to be added or deleted from the memory as required.

3 An electronic device according to claim 1 characterised in that communication means allows data from the device to be transmitted from the device at the product location to a remote location and vice versa.

4 An electronic device according to claim 1 characterised in that the device includes a barcode scanner and/or digital camera whereby the barcode applied to a particular product packaging can be scanned into the device to allow the device to identify the product and display to the user specific criteria held in the memory means database relating to that product.

5 An electronic device according to claim 1 characterised in that the memory means further includes at least one user profile, said profile prepared in relation to a particular group or groups of consumer products .

6 A method of determining information relating to a consumer product using an electronic device as defined in claim 1, said method comprising the step of generating a database in the memory, said database containing criteria for a range of identified products, said user identifying a particular product and entering details into the device which serve to identify the product to the device, and comparing the identified product with the database and if as a result of the comparison the product is found on the database, criteria relating to that product is displayed to the user via the device.

7 A method according to claim 6 characterised in that the method includes the step of updating the data held in the memory means from a remote location at regular intervals.

8 A method according to claim 6 characterised in that the method includes the generation of a user profile for a specified group or groups of products, said profile stored in the memory of the device, and when a product is identified in that particular product group, the profile is referred to and utilised to provide specific information to the user via the device.

9 A method according to claim 8 characterised in that a series of profiles are generated for different users of the device and/or for different product groupings.