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Description  |
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FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention concerns a computerized, interactive classified ad system and method of operation for use on the Internet, the system and method featuring simple access, rapid response, and automated updating. Particularly, the system and method
include elements and steps for maintaining the ad system database during operation in predominantly numeric form disposed in RAM of a database server which an Internet, World Wide Web user can interrogate with a preparatory, category/subcategory,
pre-selection designation, the pre-selection designation narrowing the range of records to be examined, and a subsequent ad record selection sequence undertaken with a user-initiated, simplified message-based query. Yet additionally, the system and
method of operation further feature elements and steps for interrogating the originally placed classified ad text feed to automatically build database records that can be transported over the Internet to update the ad database.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Classified ads commonly appearing in local newspapers have long been the average person's first stop in attempting to satisfy just about any need that arises. Whether it be a matter of buying or selling, the "classifieds" not only provide a
broad range of goods and services, but also, make the existence of the items they concern known to the public at ad costs which, typically, are at least reasonable. When looking to buy, classifieds with their broad range, enable one to find things as
trivial as another putter to replace the one recently turned into a pretzel because of a triple bogey, or as important as a new house, job, or the right person to share them with. Additionally, in those situations where one wants to sell goods or
services, classifieds can be the most economical and efficient way of letting others know what one has to offer.
Regrettably, however, conventional, newspaper, print classified ads can be difficult and time consuming to work with. Ads when published are often numerous, invariably in small print and commonly lacking in uniform descriptions. Accordingly,
the ads become difficult to throughly search. Because of their small type, invariably items or their features are overlooked. Additionally, the newspapers, typically, are incapable of doing anything more than providing minimal classification for the
items advertised. As a result, it becomes necessary to wade through many ads which, though in an appropriate category, lack one or more features required to make the thing advertised suitable for the desired purpose. Still, further, because of the need
to maintain preparation cost low, classified ads tend to exhibit limited item-description standards, newspapers being unable to expend significant resources in preparing the ads in order to preserve narrow profit margins. As a result, item descriptions
tend to vary depending on the particular person placing the ad and the newspaper representative taking it.
As yet another problem, if on looking for an item of interest, one is unable to find it on the first day of search, if the search is continued into the next day, all the ads for the second day, including those previously appearing, will likely be
reviewed, thus duplicating a substantial portion of the prior days work, there typically being no way to distinguish one days ads from the next.
Still further, once ads of interest have been identified, it becomes necessary to either check or otherwise highlight them in the newspaper or prepare a list from which "follow-ups" can be undertaken to see if the items found appealing are still
available and whether agreement on their sale can be reached.
These requirements and shortcomings affect not only the people who must wade through the ads to select those of interest, but also, the people who place the ads and who worry over whether they will be seen and responded to. Still further, these
same requirements and shortcomings affect the newspapers that offer the classifieds, as the money newspapers are able to generate from them will depend on both the size and satisfaction of the audience that reads the classifieds and the audience that
places them.
While in the recent past, a number of automated classified ad systems have been proposed to ease some of these requirements and problems, the systems recommend not only continue to exhibit difficulties previously known, but also, present entirely
new problems not found with conventional, newspaper print classified ad systems.
As an illustration, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,731, issued to Lalonde et al., Lalonde et al. propose a hybrid, computer-telephone system that permits a would-be seller to call in a sell ad that will be loaded to a computer database and subsequently
computer searched by the system; as for example, using Standard Query Language (SQL), against want ads previously loaded. In the event of one or more matches, the system subsequently performs a "call back" to the seller in which voice synthesis is used
to relay the match information, the seller prompting playback of the match information with telephone keypad entries. Additionally, the system permits a would-be buyer to call in a want ad which, likewise, would be loaded in the computer database, but
here, searched against sell ads. As in the case of sell ads, in the event of one or more matches, the system performs a call back to the buyer in which voice synthesis is used to relay the match information in response to the buyers prompts entered at
the telephone keypad.
As proposed by Lalonde et al., in accord with their design, receipt of the sell or want ads is preferably undertaken with a human operator who loads the respective ad information to the computer database in accord with screen-driven database
menus. Lalonde et al., however, suggest that the ads may also be taken with computerized voice-recognition equipment that may be optionally included in their system.
Regrettably, though the Lalonde et al. system addresses some of the shortcoming associated with print ads searching, a number of new problems are presented, and, certain of the old problems remain. Specifically, though Lalonde et al. would
appear to reduce the burden of manual ad searching, it does so at the cost of a number of advantages associated with traditional print ad classifieds. By virtue of the reliance on automated telephone ad information entry and reporting equipment, the
Lalonde et al. system has the tendency to be impersonal and restrictive. Further, the Lalonde et al. system discourages buyer browsing by compelling would-be buyers to be sufficiently certain about what they are looking for as to provide specifications. Additionally, because buyers do not see listings of ads, the opportunities for associated or alterative buyer selections are substantially reduced.
Yet further, by virtue of the Lalonde et al. system's use of operators for receiving and entering ad information, uncertainty is presented as to language standards and the subsequent relevance of reported match information. Yet further, though
system call backs create the impression match information will lead to satisfaction of a placed ad, still follow-up calls are required with the attendant uncertainty of item availability. And, to the extent sellers are required to make calls to
potential buyers, not only is the seller placed in an awkward bargaining position, but, the potentials for adding to the seller's costs with unsuccessful follow-up calls and associated disappointments are increased.
Additionally, because the Lalonde system relies on conventional database search techniques, the search process can be time consuming and expensive to perform, particularly as the size of the ad database is increased. And, still further, the
Lalonde et al. system has the added disadvantage of requiring usage of sophisticated and expensive voice recognition and synthesis equipment, the convenience, reliability and public acceptability of which have yet to be confirmed in practice.
Yet another example of an automated classified ad system is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,385 issued to Cichelli et al. In their patent, Cichelli et al. describe a propriety system for broadcasting classified ads to the public. In accord
with their design, Cichelli et al. require that for the sake of speed and simplicity, information be communicated in only one direction; i.e., non-interactively, from their system transmitter to a special, computerized reception system which the user who
seeks to read the ads must maintain.
As required by Cichelli et al., since in accord with their design, information is communicated in only one direction, search requests can not be received from the user. As a result, the Cichelli et al. classified ads must be arranged in a
sequential database, so that the entire content of the database can be streamed past the user's reception system and desired ad records pulled from the transmitted information each time the user seeks to undertake an ad search. More specifically,
whenever a user desires to undertake a search for ads, he must navigate through a sequence of hierarchical menus presented at his reception system in which lists of various characteristics of the item searched for are presented. Following designation of
the item characteristics in the sequence of menus, the user's reception system generates a recognition code that configures the user's reception system so as to capture select ads as they stream past in the transmitted ad broadcast.
As is immediately apparent, though the Cichelli et al. system provides some relief for the drudgery of ad searching, it does so at a substantial cost in flexibility and equipment expense.
While navigation of hierarchical menus provides an attractive alternative to manual searching for the identification of ads of interest, the Cichelli et al. approach, however, requires newspaper and user to make substantial investments in
proprietary, limited purpose transmitting and reception equipment necessary for the Cichelli et al. design. Still further, as is also apparent, because the Cichelli et al. system is unidirectional and requires use of a sequential database which must be
continuously recycled to enable search of all ad records, search response time must increase as the size of the database is increased. Accordingly, there comes a point where increases in database size needed to generate revenues sufficient to offset
operating and equipment costs and maintain profit margins are foreclosed because of user dissatisfaction with unacceptable increases in system response time.
Still further, since the Cichelli et al. system is only broadcast, it is completely non-interactive. Accordingly, the user is not able to use his proprietary system to enter ads. Rather, where the user desires to enter an ad, a separate and
independent telephone call must be made to the database broadcaster. As well, because the Cichelli et al. system requires navigation of multiple menus to formulate each search query and cycling of the database for search results, the system has the
potential for being sluggish, thus discouraging ad browsing and diminishing the opportunity for associated or alterative ad selection.
Finally, a still further approach to automated classified ad systems is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,873 Chomet. As explained in his patent, Chomet proposes the public telephone network and personal computers be used for connecting to a
proprietary host computer at which a plurality of resources can be provided, among which is included a computerized classified ad system. As taught by Chomet, the user is required to dial up the central host over public telephone network with a personal
computer and modem, and once connected, enter an access code. Thereafter, and upon validation of the user's access code, the user is presented with menus having a variety of service, among which are included e-mail, catalogue purchasing, classified ads
and gatewaying to third-party databases.
Upon electing the classified ad service, the user is prompted to indicate whether he is interested in entering an ad or viewing existing ads. Where the user elects to view ads, he is subsequently required to enter an ad category as might
commonly be used in connection with print classified ads, and thereafter, is presented in newspaper fashion with ads in accord with the ZIP code associated with his access code. Subsequently, and as proposed by Chomet, the user's viewing of classifieds
would be timed and charges applied based on the amount of ad viewing time consumed.
Alternatively, where the user upon being prompted as to whether he wishes to enter an ad, elects to do so, he is merely asked to enter the category and ZIP code for the ad and the ad text.
On review of the Chomet teaching, it is clear that by proposing use of an interactive, computer network for presenting classified ads Chomet has suggested a system that provides greater ease for presenting and viewing ads. However, it is also
apparent from the description of his system that much of the search difficulty arising from limited ad organization and lack of standardization of item description associated with traditional classified ads remains in the Chomet system. Additionally, it
is also apparent that because Chomet relies on conventional techniques for searching the ad database; for example SQL, his system is susceptible to time consuming and costly search processes which can become objectionable to users, particularly as the
size of the ad database is increased. Still further, it is also apparent that in view of his suggestion that users be required to have access codes and be charged for ad viewing time, Chomet has proposed a system that departs from the long established
and widely accepted practice of not charging for classified ad review beyond the cost of the newspaper that presents them.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of present invention to provide an interactive classified ad system and method of operation which integrate advances made in automated classified ad systems, while overcoming associated shortcomings previously
encountered.
Additionally, it is an object of present invention to provide an interactive classified ad system and method of operation which reduce the burden of manual ad searching commonly associated with print classified ads.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive classified ad system and method of operation which provide rapid response to search queries.
Yet additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive classified ad system that may be automatically updated.
Still further, it is an object of the invention to provide an interactive classified ad system and method of operation which is simple to use.
Yet additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive classified ad system and method of operation that provide uniformity in the description of items advertised.
Additionally, it is an object of this invention to provide an interactive classified ad system and method of operation which are capable of receiving both requests to view classified ads and requests to place classified ads.
And, yet further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive classified ad system and method of operation that is accessible and open to use by the public without need for proprietary equipment.
Briefly, the classified ad system in accordance with the present invention achieves the above and other objectives by including apparatus elements and method steps for permitting the system to be offered in either wide-area or local-area,
interactive computer networks such as the Internet or intranets.
Particularly, the classified ad system and method of operation include and support:
One or more computer terminals at which, respectively, a user can request the selection of classified ads, view the ads selected, and/or additionally, request placement of classified ads authored by the user;
One or more computer application servers arranged to receive user requests for classified ads, return the classified ads selected to the user, and/or receive user requests for placements of classified ads;
A network for operationally connecting the user terminals to the application servers;
One or more databases including classified ads;
A record request message generator located at each of the application servers for generating classified ad request messages responsive to a user's ad selection desires for forwarding to the respective database at which the ads records are
provided;
A search processor associated with the respective database at which the ad records are provided for receiving the request message and locating the desired ad records and returning them; and
A report generator at the respective application server that originated the request, for reporting the results of the database ad search back to the user.
Additionally, the system and method of operation include and support:
An ad generator for each of the respective databases for receiving classified ad text and automatically creating classified ad database records from the text for the respective ad databases;
A collection server for receiving the ad database records created; and
A distribution processor for sorting and organizing the database records created and making them available to the respective ad databases.
In preferred form, the classified ad system of the present invention is adapted for use on the World Wide Web (Web) of the Internet and supports an international classified ad system specialized for regional markets. In this form, the system
includes a plurality of classified ad databases maintained for a plurality of regional newspapers located throughout the world. In accordance with this arrangement, each regional newspaper maintains an Internet Web site having a home page listing its
classified ad service and a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) linking to a central, application Web server facility at which all the respective regional newspaper classified ad databases for the system are kept. In preferred form, the application Web
server facility includes multiple application servers and multiple ad databases, the application servers and databases, respectively, including redundancy to provide improved functional reliability and allow for load balancing. In operation, users
interested in viewing the classified ads of a particular regional newspaper anywhere in the world connect to the Internet in conventional fashion and navigate with their Web browser to the newspaper's home page. On arrival, the user selects the
classified service from the newspaper's home page and undertakes a two-part record search process. In accordance with the invention, the two-part search process includes a first phase in which the user navigates in Web fashion to a category menu at the
newspaper Web site, where the user enters a record-narrowing, pre-selection subject-matter designation, followed by a navigation to a subcategory menu at the system application server where the user can enter a further subject-matter designation to
additionally narrow the range of records to be reviewed. Additionally the search procedure includes a second search phase in which a record-request message is generated based on ad selection parameters entered by the user, the request message being
submitted to the ad database for retrieval of the desired records which are subsequently reported to the user.
Also in preferred form, and relative to the method aspect of the invention, in order to effect rapid search of the respective ad databases so as to maintain system response time low in light of the time consuming nature of Internet communication,
the respective ad databases are designed to have a substantially numeric form and be retained in RAM of the respective database server. Additionally, the respective databases are also designed to have field lengths for the ad record variables equal to
the word length of the processing equipment so that field value comparisons undertaken during search steps can be executed in a single machine cycle.
Additionally, to further reduce search time and reduce machine resource overhead, the database query is undertaken as a message request to the respective databases rather than a conventional database query effected; as for example, with Standard
Query Language (SQL). This has the effect of transforming the ad selection process into a client-server event rather than a resource-intensive database search event.
Still further, in order to further speed and simplify the ad record search process, the respective ad databases are divided into two principal parts. A first part including ad record category and subcategory identifier tables and a second part
including tables having ad record identifiers associated with the field values for the respective ad database records. In preferred form, the record category/subcategory identifiers are indexed to the start and stop values for the ad record identifiers
and associated field values. Accordingly, when records are searched for, the system performs a pre-selection designation of the category/subcategory in order to identify a much smaller work portion of the database which is defined by the record
identification start-stop values for the records on which the record selection query will be performed.
Yet additionally, in the preferred form, the system includes elements and steps for providing and supporting automated ad record generation to both speed the database creation and update process and provide for uniformity in the ad item
descriptions. Specifically, the system includes a parser located at each of the regional newspapers for receiving a feed of proposed classified ad text together with overhead information. Once initialized with data including configuration and ad text
recognition information specific to a respective newspaper, the respective parser establishes a set of processing tables for the specific newspaper and compares the ad text to the tables in accordance with predetermined parsing rules to convert the ads
operative terms into a set of standard field values which the parser uses to create a substantially numeric database record information.
Also in preferred form, each regional newspaper ad generator includes an Internet server for receiving the database record information created by its respective parser. The respective ad generators are connected to the Internet in conventional
fashion and make the parsed ads available for Internet pickup and/or delivery.
Still further, the system in preferred form also includes a collection server connected to the Internet for collecting the newly created parsed ad records from the respective regional newspaper ad generator servers using a conventional Internet
FTP/IP process.
Finally, the system yet further includes a distribution processor which in preferred form is locally connected to the collection server for transferring by means of an FTP/IP process the collected new ad record information and arranging it in a
current-day directory of a multi-day directory system provided at the distribution processor for the respective newspapers. Following placement in the current-day directory, the ad record information is sorted by: category; subcategory; predetermined
preferences; and a predetermined sort order for the ad selection parameters to create the respective database ad records. Thereafter, the sorted ad records are forwarded to the respective database servers which separately maintains the respective
regional newspaper classified ad databases for access by the respective application servers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the international classified ad system in accordance with this invention;
FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of the classified ad system for a single ad source in accordance with this invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the database structure for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the record classification organization for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of the system elements associated with a user's search for ad records of the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram of the CGI process functional elements employed in connection with a user's search for ad records of the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 6 is a generalized flow diagram of the steps associated with a user's entry into the system and the pre-selection sequence of the ad search process for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 7 is a generalized flow diagram of the steps associated with the record selection Messaging and reporting steps of the ad search process for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the search process category designation menu for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the search process subcategory designation menu for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the search process record selection menu for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure for the request message generated in connection with the record selection query of the ad search process for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure for the response message generated in connection with the record selection query of the ad search process for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the system elements associated with ad database record creation for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the elements associated with operation of the parser used for creating ad database records for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of the steps associated with operation of the parser used for creating ad database records for the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 16a is a flow diagram of a first series of steps in the process by which a user can place an ad in the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 16b is a flow diagram of a second series of steps in the process by which a user can place an ad in the classified ad system in accordance with this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As noted above, while classified ads are an exceedingly valuable and helpful public resource, significant problems are associated with their use when in conventional, newspaper, print form. Due to their usually substantial numbers, lack of
descriptive uniformity and generally poor classification layout, print classifieds are difficult and time consuming to work with and, in particular, a problem to search. While, computerization has made some progress in dealing with certain of these
shortcomings, the systems thus far proposed, have failed to resolve a number of the traditional difficulties, and as noted, have introduced a whole series of new ones.
The system of the present invention, however, changes that, and for the first time offers an approach that simplifies and speeds the process of searching classified ads, and further, provides a facility for automatically creating and organizing
classified ads and providing them with a more uniform set of searchable item descriptions. In accordance with the present invention, the design of the current system achieves this by integrating the convenience and international scope of the Internet's
World Wide Web, the flexibility of a specially adapted classified ad database, the speed of a simplified database search protocol, and the uniformity associated with automated creation and supply of the ad database records.
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
More specifically, the classified ad system in accord with the present invention designated by the referenced numeral 10 is shown schematically in a first preferred form in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, ad system 10 is preferably configured
for world-wide operation and includes a plurality of regional newspaper servers 12 shown differentiated one from another by indexing 1 to M. As illustrated, each of the newspaper servers 12 are respectively connected in conventional fashion, as for
example, with dedicated telecommunication data lines, or dial-up telephone lines to the Internet designated 14. As will be appreciated, newspaper servers 12 may be located anyplace in the world where connection to the Internet may be effected. In
accord with the invention, servers 12 are conventional Internet, World Wide Web (Web) servers, and thus, support the hypertext markup language (HTML) and the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP). Accordingly, in preferred form, servers 12 support client
terminals equipped with a conventional Web browser; as for example, Navigator.RTM. available from Netscape Communications, Inc., or Moasic.RTM. from Spyglass, Inc., or the Web browsers respectively provided by certain of the propriety, commercial
services such as the Prodigy.RTM. Network, and others. In preferred form, newspaper servers 12 are preferably able to provide access to the classified ad service as well as other newspaper on-line features and, accordingly, should be capable of
supporting multi-processing and be able to manage on the order of a thousand concurrent users.
Continuing, ad system 10 is also seen to include a central ad application server 16 also connected in conventional fashion to the Internet 14. As shown, in the case o | | |
