US Patent:
20030074267, Apr 17, 2003
Inventors:
Kamal Acharya - Los Altos CA, US
Vincent Tong - Alameda CA, US
Peter Gremett - Sunnyvale CA, US
Matthew Crampton - Mountain View CA, US
Srinivas Lingutla - Pittsfield MA, US
Ellen Butler - San Francisco CA, US
International Classification:
G06F017/60
Abstract:
The method and system of the present invention provides a comparison shopping experience that enables online shoppers to shop online confidently and conveniently, knowing that they are getting the best deal for a product/service based on online comparison information about both online and offline providers of a product/service. The system and method of the present invention provides a multi-channel search result, an integrated list of online and offline providers, and comparison information about providers of a selected product or service. Thus, the system and method of the present invention saves shopping time for bargain-seeker shoppers, attracts more physical product/service retail outlets to join online shopping services, and retains the existing online product/service providers.