WO2006123871A1

WO2006123871A1 - Electronic commerce method using wireless communication technology and system for implementing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2006123871A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/001762
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chang-Mo Kim
Original assignee: Chang-Mo Kim
Priority date: 2005-05-19
Filing date: 2006-05-11
Publication date: 2006-11-23

Abstract

Electronic commerce method and system using a wireless communication is provided. A transmission control station spreads and broadcasts a plurality of product data using identifying codes. A mobile station reversely spreads the broadcasted product data signal using an identifying code of a specific product selected by a user to extract a corresponding product data, and reads and outputs detailed product information included in the product data to the user. If the user requests purchase of the output product, the mobile station makes a payment request message including payment-related information and transmits it to the transmission control station via wireless Internet, and the transmission control station transmits a payment settlement result message to the mobile station in response to it. Selectively the mobile station may regenerate a target advertisement based on an inquiry frequency for the product classification.

Description

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE METHOD USING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an electronic commerce, and more particularly to method and system for providing an electronic commerce service using a wireless communication technology. Background Art

[2] In recent years, the economic paradigm is rapidly changed to the on-line along with the development of information communication technology. As an alternative example, various transactions are changed into electronic commerce. As well known in the art, one year selling of an on-line electronic commerce site such as Auction or G- market comes to several hundred billion or several trillion won. It shows that cyber transactions become another useful type of transaction.

[3] Meanwhile, there comes the era capable of receiving various on-line services under a mobile environment. Namely, so-called Internet era begins. A user may access a wireless Internet on a handset terminal (e.g., a cellular phone or a PDA) to execute banking works, electronic commerce, reading various multimedia contents, messaging, email-related works and so on.

[4] However, even though such innovate services are provided under a wireless environment, there are still many limits. First, in order to receive various wireless services, a user should access a wireless Internet in advance. However, a navigation interface of the handset terminal has a limited screen size, inferior to a wired Internet. Thus, much time is taken for a user to seek for a substantial service after accessing a wireless Internet. Since the current wireless Internet service is charged based on a use time, such time consumption results in serious cost burden to users.

[5] In particular, the electronic commerce using the wireless Internet gives much more cost burdens. It is because much time is taken for comparing prices or performances before one article is purchased due to the nature of the electronic commerce. Thus, the electronic commerce using the wireless Internet is not welcomed in the market, different from other kinds of services.

[6] Meanwhile, a spectrum spreading communication technique is evaluated as an optimal technique capable of providing bi-directional information transmission service under a mobile environment. This communication technique propagates a lot of information in the air by spreading using a PN (Pseudo Noise) code, and a user terminal then reversely spreads the propagated signal using the PN code to recover the signal transmitted to his/her own terminal. In addition, a lot of information is spread and reversely spread using different PN codes, thereby ensuring high security. The spectrum spreading communication technique may advantageously minimize influence of narrow-band noise or interference between information.

[7] Currently, the spectrum spreading communication technique is put in the market as

CDMA and W-CDMA, and it becomes the basis of Korean mobile communication environments. This spectrum spreading communication technique is generally utilized for wireless phoning, bi-directional data transmission service, or the like. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] The present invention is designed in consideration of the above problems, and therefore it is an object of the invention to provide a new electronic commerce method and system for providing an electronic commerce service using a wireless communication as an answer to the demand of the wireless era in a way that a user may buy and transact a desired article at any time and place though not accessing a wireless Internet. Technical Solution

[9] In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides an electronic commerce method using a wireless communication, which includes (a) a transmission control station spreading and broadcasting a plurality of product data using different identifying codes that keep mutual orthogonality; and (b) a mobile station (or, a fixed station) reversely spreading the broadcasted product data using an identifying code previously stored with respect to a specific product selected by a user to extract a corresponding product data, and then reading and outputting detailed product information from the product data.

[10] In one aspect of the present invention, before the step (b), the method may further include operating a product search engine; selecting a specific product classification from product classifications having a hierarchical category structure, provided by the product search engine; reversely spreading a broadcasted product data using the selected product classification code to extract a corresponding product data, and reading and outputting a product list included in the extracted product data; and receiving a selection of a specific product included in the product list.

[11] In another aspect of the present invention, before the step (b), the method may further include operating a product search engine; selecting a specific product brand from brands having a hierarchical category structure, provided by the product search engine; reversely spreading a broadcasted product data using the selected brand code to extract a corresponding product data, and reading and outputting a product list included in the extracted product data; and receiving a selection of a specific product included in the product list.

[12] Preferably, the present invention further includes: the mobile station making a payment request message including a mobile station identifying code, a product identifying code, a payment amount, a payment means kind and payment means information, and transmitting the payment request message to the transmission control station using the wireless communication; and the transmission control station processing the payment and transmitting a payment settlement result message to the mobile station through the wireless communication.

[13] In the present invention, the payment means may be a payment using a phone number endowed to the mobile station. In this case, the transmission control station stores payment details including a mobile station identifying code, a product identifying code, a payment amount and a payment date into a database.

[14] In the present invention, the payment means may be a credit card. In this case, the payment information includes a credit card number, a card kind, a valid term and a secret number, and the transmission control station settles the payment in connection with a credit card VAN (Value- Added Network) company.

[15] According to the present invention, the method may further include: the transmission control station making and broadcasting a message for updating a product identifying code when a product data to be broadcasted is added; and the mobile station reversely spreading the broadcasted product identifying code update message to extract a product identifying code, and then storing the product identifying code into a storage medium.

[16] According to the present invention, the method may further include: the transmission control station spreading and broadcasting an advertisement data using an advertisement identifying code; and the mobile station reversely spreading the broadcasted advertisement data using an advertisement identifying code previously stored, and then extracting and regenerating the advertisement data.

[17] In this case, the mobile station may previously store a data sample of an advertisement to be broadcasted, and the advertisement may be regenerated in a way of: regenerating the advertisement data sample to a predetermined point of time; and regenerating the advertisement data extracted by reverse spreading from a regeneration region of the sample after the point of time.

[18] According to the present invention, the method may further include: the mobile station accumulatively storing an inquiry frequency for a product classification whenever the detailed product information for a product included in the product classification is completely output; the transmission control station making and broadcasting a target advertisement identifying code update message including a target advertisement identifying code and a related product classification identifying code; the transmission control station spreading and transmitting the target advertisement data using the target advertisement identifying code; the mobile station reversely spreading the broadcasted target advertisement identifying code update message to extract and register the target advertisement identifying code and the related product classification identifying code; and the mobile station checking whether a target advertisement identifying code corresponding to a product classification identifying code with a greatest inquiry frequency is registered before the product search engine is operated, and, in case the target advertisement identifying code is registered, the mobile station reversely spreading the broadcasted target advertisement data using the target advertisement identifying code to extract and regenerate the advertisement data.

[19] In this case, the target advertisement identifying code update message may further include a data sample of a target advertisement to be updated, the data sample of the target advertisement may be registered together when the target advertisement identifying code and the product classification identifying code are registered, and the target advertisement may be broadcasted in a way of: regenerating the previously registered target advertisement data sample to a predetermined point of time; and regenerating the target advertisement data extracted by reverse spreading from a regeneration region of the sample after the point of time.

[20] Preferably, the product data is broadcasted from the transmission control station to the mobile station by means of CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access: A type and B type including EVDO reversion), W-CDMA, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (including all OFDMA methods such as OFDM-TDMA, OFDM-FDMA and OFDM-CDMA), or HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access).

[21] In order to accomplish the above object, there is also provided an electronic commerce system using a wireless communication, which includes: a product information storage means including a product data to be broadcasted, and an identifying code for distinguishing each product data with keeping mutual orthogonality; a transmission control station for spreading and broadcasting each product data recorded in the product information storage means using a corresponding identifying code; and a mobile station (or, a fixed station) including a product database for recording the identifying code and detailed information of each product data to be broadcasted, and a product information output means for reading an identifying code of a specific product when detailed information of the specific product selected in the product database is requested, and reversely spreading the broadcasted product data signal to extract and provide the detailed information of the specific product.

[22] Preferably, the mobile station further includes a payment request means for making a payment request message including a mobile station identifying code, a product identifying code, a payment amount, a payment means kind and payment means information and transmitting the payment request message to the transmission control station when there is a purchase request of a product whose detailed information is inquired, and the transmission control station includes a payment settlement means for receiving the payment request message, processing the payment, and giving the payment result. Brief Description of the Drawings

[23] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more fully described in the following detailed description, taken accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[24] FIG. 1 shows an electronic commerce system using wireless communication according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[25] FIGs. 2 to 4 are flowcharts illustrating various examples of outputting detailed article information in the electronic commerce method using wireless communication according to the embodiment of the present invention; and

[26] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of paying a product purchasing price in the electronic commerce method using wireless communication according to the embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[27] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the present invention on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define terms appropriately for the best explanation. Therefore, the description proposed herein is just a preferable example for the purpose of illustrations only, not intended to limit the scope of the invention, so it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications could be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[28] First, an electronic commerce system according to the present invention includes a transmission control station 10 for continuously and repeatedly broadcasting a plurality of product data as shown in FIG. 1. The product data includes a list of products belonging to a specific classification (including a product name, a product price, a manufacturer, and a product image); a list of products belonging to a specific brand (including a product name, a product price, a manufacturer, and a product image); and detailed information of an individual product (including a product name, a product price, a manufacturer, a product image, and detailed product description).

[29] For this purpose, the transmission control station 10 is connected with a transmission means 20. The product data to be broadcasted are recorded in a product information storage means 40 provided to the transmission control station 10. Or, the product data to be broadcasted may also be transmitted from an external large-capacity product data storage server connected to the transmission control station 10. The product data stored in the product information storage means 40 may be continuously added, updated or changed through a wired Internet. Addition, update or change of such product data may also be made using a portable storage medium, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and so on at any time.

[30] The product data to be broadcasted by the transmission control station 10 are spread using different identifying codes. A product list data belonging to a specific classification is spread using a classification identifying code, a product list data belonging to a specific brand is spread using a brand identifying code, and an individual product data is spread using a product identifying code. Hereinafter, the product list data and the individual product data are all called a product data, for convenience.

[31] In the present invention, the term 'spreading and broadcasting' a product data is defined that a convolution operation is conducted for the product data using an identifying code having greater bits than the product data so as to extract a product data independently by means of 'reverse spreading' at a receiving side. Preferably, when product data are spread, different product data are spread by means of different identifying codes. Thus, if the classification of product is changed, a classification identifying code for spreading a product list data belonging to the corresponding product classification is changed. In addition, if the brand of product is changed, a brand identifying code for spreading a product list data belonging to the corresponding product brand is changed. Also, if an individual product is changed, a product identifying code for spreading the individual product data is changed.

[32] Meanwhile, while a product data is transmitted to the air, a carrier modulating process may be executed for the spread product data, separately from the product data spreading process.

[33] When the receiving side conducts the reverse spreading¹ for the product data, a convolution operation is made for the product data reaching the receiving side by using the same identifying source as being used when the product data is spread. After the reverse spreading of the broadcasted product data, it is possible to selectively extract a specific product data though a plurality of product data (being spread) are broadcasted and reach the receiving side together.

[34] The identifying code used for spreading or reverse spreading of a product data is a code of a predetermined length, composed of -1 and 1 (or, 0 and 1), and it is a re- generatable code row that keeps mutual orthogonality. Also, the identifying code has a nature similar to OVSF (Orthogonal Variable Spreading Factor) or PN (Pseudo Noise) code, called a code sequence or a spread code in the spectrum spreading communication.

[35] The present invention is characterized in that each product data is spread using an identifying code different from others when the transmission control station 10 broadcasts a plurality of product data, and the broadcasted product data is reversely spread using the same identifying code as being used in spreading the product data from the transmitting side when a receiving side restores the product data. In addition, the present invention is not limited to which communication technique is used for transmitting the spread product data from the transmitting side to the receiving side.

[36] Thus, when the transmission control station 10 spreads a product data using an identifying code and then the spread product data is broadcasted to the air through the transmission control station 10, various communication techniques, already known in the art or to be developed and put in the market in the future, may be applied.

[37] Communication techniques applicable in the present invention are CDMA (Code

Division Multiple Access: A type and B type including EVDO reversion), W-CDMA, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (including all OFDMA methods such as OFDM-TDMA, OFDM-FDMA and OFDM-CDMA), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), and so on, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[38] In the present invention, a product data spread using an identifying code different from others is broadcasted to all mobile communication regions controlled by the transmission control station 10. At this time, the spread product data may be carrier- modulated according to a communication technique applied to the broadcasting.

[39] Meanwhile, differently from that shown in FIG. 1 , there may exist several transmission means 20 with respect to one transmission control station 10. In addition, the regions to which the product data is broadcasted may be expanded as desired. Thus, the transmission control station 10 may be additionally installed as required. In case a plurality of transmission control stations 10 are provided, the product data is preferably broadcasted to a corresponding mobile communication service area controlled by each transmission control station 10.

[40] Meanwhile, as a configuration corresponding to the transmission control station 10, there is a mobile station (or, a fixed station) 30 of a user. The mobile station (or, the fixed station) 30 is a wireless-communicatable mobile station personally possessed, which is understood to include a terminal capable of receiving a mobile network service using a secondary connection device such as PCMCIA, USB or IEEE- 1394. This configuration will be illustrated and described as a mobile station 30 in the followings, for convenience of explanation. [41] Preferably, the mobile station 30 has a function of spread-spectrum multiple access.

This function is defined to reversely spread a broadcasted product data, broadcasted by the transmission control station 10, using the identifying code already used in spreading the product data so as to selectively extract a specific product data.

[42] In addition, the mobile station 30 has a communication chip set capable of receiving a spread product data in correspondence to a communication technique that is applied when a transmission side broadcasts the spread product data. This communication chip set includes a CDMA chip set, a W-CDMA chip set, an OFDM chip set, a HSDPA chip set, and so on. The mobile station 30 may be a cellular phone, a PDA, a digital set-top box for a vehicle (e.g., a navigator or a multimedia digital device loaded on the vehicle), and so on. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[43] The mobile station 30 includes a product database 50 loaded on its own memory.

This product database 50 includes product identifying codes, classification identifying codes, brand identifying codes, product names, product classification names, brand names, and inquiry frequency for a plurality of products. The product identifying code, the classification identifying code and the brand identifying code are mutually corresponding to an identifying code used for spreading a product data by the transmission control station 10, and their code rows are exactly matched with each other. That is to say, the transmission control station 10 and the mobile station 30 have the same identifying code system.

[44] The product database 50 is preferably loaded on a storage medium of the mobile station 30 when the mobile station 30 is launched. Here, the storage medium is preferably a nonvolatile memory, and a flash memory is preferred. However, it may be added to the mobile station 30 later by upgrading. Preferably, the product database 50 may be upgraded using a wireless Internet, or by visiting an agency dealing the mobile station. More preferably, the product database 50 may be also upgraded using the broadcasting of the present invention (it will be described in detail later).

[45] The mobile station 30 includes a product search engine 60 capable of searching a product using its own product database 50. This searching work is also possible by means of a combination of certain information recorded in the product database 50. For example, this searching work may be conducted based on individual products, product classifications and product brands. A user of the mobile station 30 may search and select a specific product and request for outputting information of the selected product by using this music source search engine 60. Similarly to a common search engine, the product search engine 60 gives a function of arranging a search result using search factors.

[46] The mobile station 30 includes a product information output means 70 for outputting related information in case a specific product classification, a specific brand or an individual product is selected in the product search engine 60. If an output request of specific product information belonging to a specific product classification is received, the product information output means 70 reads an identifying code of the selected classification (recorded in the database 50) and then reversely spreads all spread product data signals reaching the mobile station 30. Then, only a product data spread by the same classification identifying code as the classification identifying code used in the reverse spreading is selectively restored, and the other product data are considered as noise and then removed. It follows a known spectrum spread communication principle, and it will be not explained in detail here. Meanwhile, according to the communication technique applied for broadcasting and transmitting a product data spread from the transmitting side to the receiving side, a demodulating process of the received product data may be executed prior to the reverse spreading of the product data.

[47] If the product data is restored as described above, the product information output means 70 extracts a plurality of product information (including name, price, image, manufacturer, brand, product identifying code and so on) belonging to the product classification from the restored product data and loads it on the memory, and then outputs it on a screen provided to the mobile station 30 using a graphic interface. At this time, a predetermined arrangement criterion may be applied. For example, the arrangement criterion may be a price order. However, the arrangement method may be changed as desired. The mobile station 30 includes a hardware memory having a buffer function for the purpose of outputting the product data. It is because buffering is required if an amount of the recovered product amount is great.

[48] Such a product information outputting process may be identically applied in case a request for outputting product information belonging to a specific brand is received or detailed information of an individual product is directly requested.

[49] In the former case, a product data signal to be broadcasted is reversely spread using an identifying code of the selected brand (recorded in the database 50). On the while, in the later case, a product data to be broadcasted is reversely spread using an identifying code of the selected individual product (recorded in the database 50).

[50] In the former case, the product information output means 70 extracts and outputs a plurality of product information (name, price, image, manufacturer, brand, product identifying code, and so on) belonging to the selected brand with reference to the product data extracted by means of reverse spreading. In addition, in the later case, the product information output means 70 outputs name, price, image, manufacturer, brand, image, detailed description and so on of the selected individual product with reference to the product data extracted by means of reverse spreading. A predetermined arrangement criterion may be applied in outputting the product information belonging to the brand.

[51] While the list of products belonging to a specific classification or a specific brand is displayed on the screen of the mobile station 30 by means of the product information output means 70 of the mobile station 30, a user may request detailed information of a specific product included in the list. Then, the product information output means 70 reads an identifying code of the selected product from the memory (included in the broadcasted product data). After that, the broadcasted product data is reversely spread using the read identifying code to extract a corresponding product data, and then detailed information of the product is displayed on the screen of the mobile station 30 with reference to the extracted data.

[52] As described above, a user of the mobile station 30 may search products and check detailed product information, which consumes most time in the electronic commerce procedure, without accessing a wireless Internet. After that, if a product to be purchased is determined, a price of the corresponding product is paid. The payment of the product price is made through the wireless Internet. That is to say, if a user requests settlement of the price, the mobile station 30 and the transmission control station 10 are connected through the wireless Internet, and they exchange data required for price settlement so that the product price is paid. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[53]

[54] Hereinafter, an embodiment implementing the present invention will be described.

[55] First, a format of a product data to be broadcasted through the transmission control station 10, and a process of outputting product information will be described in detail.

[56]

[57] 1. Definition of data format

[58] < Product data format broadcasted by the transmission control station 10 >

[59] φ CD CD

[60] ® Field in which a code for displaying whether the product list information is based on a specific classification or a specific brand is inserted.

[61] ® Field in which a classification identifying code or a brand identifying code is inserted.

[62] © Field in which detailed information of an individual product; product list information including names, prices, manufactures, brands and product identifying codes of products belonging to a specific classification; and product list information including names, prices, manufactures, brands and product identifying codes of products belonging to a specific brand is recorded. [63] Here, © and © have connection with ®.

[64]

[65] 2. First Process of Outputting Product Information (when an individual product is selected)

[66] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of outputting detailed product information to the mobile station 30 when detailed information for a specific product is requested through the product search engine 60 of the mobile station 30.

[67] First, a user operates the product search engine 60 in the mobile station 30 (SlO).

And then, the user executes the search by setting various search conditions. Then, the product search engine 60 inquires the product database 50 and outputs a product search result (S20). The product search result includes information such as a name, a price, a product classification, a brand, a manufacturer and so on of each product. Of course, the search result may be arranged based on the name or price of products. In this state, the user requests detailed product information by selecting a name of a specific product (S30). Then, the product information output means 60 inquires its own product database 50 and then reads a product identifying code by recognizing the product selected in the step S30 (S40). After that, the broadcasted product data signal is reversely spread using the read product identifying code so as to extract a corresponding product data (S50). The extracted product data includes information such as a product name, a price, a manufacturer, an image, a brand, an image, a detailed description and so on. Subsequently, the detailed product information from the extracted product data and outputs it on the screen of the mobile station 30 using a graphic interface (S60). Meanwhile, if the detailed product information is completely output, the product information output means 60 accumulatively stores an inquiry frequency of the product classification code, to which the corresponding product is belonging, into the memory (S70). For this purpose, the product database 50 preferably has a region capable of accumulatively recording an inquiry hit number of each product classification code. As a result, the outputting routine for the detailed product information is completed.

[68]

[69] 3. Second Process of Outputting Product Information (when an individual product is selected after a product classification is selected)

[70] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of outputting detailed product information on a screen of the mobile station 30 when a specific product is selected from the corresponding list after a product classification list is searched in advanced.

[71] First, a user operates the product search engine 60 in the mobile station 30 (S90).

After that, the user selects a specific product classification (SlOO). For example, the user selects a product classification 'blue jeans'. For this purpose, the product search engine 60 preferably provides a hierarchical category structure of product classifications. If any product classification is selected, the product information output means 70 inquires the product database 50 and reads a corresponding classification identifying code by recognizing the selected product classification (Sl 10). Subsequently, the broadcasted product data signal is reversely spread using the read classification identifying code so as to extract a corresponding product data (S 120). The extracted product data includes a list of various products belonging to the product classification selected by the user, and the product list includes product names, prices, manufacturers, brands and product identifying codes for the plurality of product.

[72] If the product data is extracted, the product information output means 70 extracts the product list from the product data and loads it on the memory, and then displays it on the screen of the mobile station 30 and then stands by a selection of a specific product by the user (S 130). In this state, if the user selects a specific product, its product identifying code is read from the memory, and the broadcasted product data signal is reversely spread using the product identifying code to extract a corresponding product data. The extracted product data includes detailed information of the product (e.g., product name, price, manufacturer, brand, image, detailed description and so on). The process after the product data is extracted is substantially the same as described with reference to FIG. 2, so it will be not described in detail again (see S 140).

[73]

[74] 4. Third Process of Outputting Product Information (when an individual product is selected after a brand is selected)

[75] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of outputting detailed product information on a screen of the mobile station 30 when a brand is searched first, and then a specific product is selected from a product list belonging to the corresponding brand.

[76] First, a user operates the product search engine 60 in the mobile station 30 (S 150).

After that, the user selects a specific brand (S 160). For example, the user selects a brand 'Samsung Digital Camera'. For this purpose, the product search engine 60 preferably provides a hierarchical category structure of product selection items according to the kind of products. If any brand is selected, the product information output means 70 inquires the product database 50 and reads a corresponding brand identifying code by recognizing the selected product brand (S 170). Subsequently, the broadcasted product data signal is reversely spread using the read brand identifying code so as to extract a corresponding product data (S 180). The extracted product data includes a list of various products belonging to the brand selected by the user, and the product list includes product names, prices, manufacturers, brands and product identifying codes for the plurality of product.

[77] If the product data is extracted, the product information output means 70 extracts the product list from the product data and loads it on the memory, and then displays it on the screen of the mobile station 30 and then stands by a selection of a specific product by the user (S 190). In this state, if the user selects a specific product, its product identifying code is read from the memory, and the broadcasted product data signal is reversely spread using the product identifying code to extract a corresponding product data. The extracted product data includes detailed information of the product (e.g., product name, price, manufacturer, brand, image, detailed description and so on). The process after the product data is extracted is substantially the same as described with reference to FIG. 2, so it will be not described in detail again (see S200).

[78]

[79] Now, the process for a user to purchase a product will be described. First, format of data exchanging between the transmission control station 10 and the mobile station 30 is defined, and the product purchasing process will be described in detail based on the definition.

[80]

[81] 1. Definition of Data Format

[82] < Format of data transmitted from the mobile station 30 to the transmission control station 10 for processing payment of a product price (hereinafter, referred to as a first format) >

[83]

[84] ® Field in which a code for displaying that it is a payment request data of a product price is inserted.

[85] © Field in which an identifying code of a mobile station (e.g., ESN) is inserted.

[86] ® Identifying code of a product to be purchased.

[87] ® Payment means kind information.

[88] © Payment means detail information.

[89] For reference, in case of payment using a credit card, the ® field includes information such as a credit card number, a valid term, a secret number and the kind of card.

[90]

[91] < Format of data transmitted from the transmission control station 10 to the mobile station 30 after the payment is completely settled (hereinafter, referred to as a second format) >

[92]

[93] ® Field in which a code for displaying that it is a payment result for a purchased product is inserted.

[94] © Field in which an identifying code of a mobile station (e.g., ESN) is inserted.

[95] © Payment identifying code of a paid product.

[96] ® Field in which a code for displaying that the payment is normally settled is inserted.

[97]

[98] 2. Payment Process according to Purchase of Product

[99] FIG. 5 is a flowchart subsequently illustrating processes when a payment for a specific product is requested in the mobile station 30.

[100] First, a user determines a product to be purchased with the use o the product search engine 60 (S210). And then, payment for a product price is requested (S220). Then, an interface for selecting a kind of payment means and inputting payment information according to the selected payment means is provided to the user (S230). The payment means may be a credit card payment or a payment using a phone number allocated to the mobile station 30. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[101] If a credit card is selected as the payment means, the user inputs a credit card number, a valid term, a card kind and a secret number in the interface. In addition, if a payment using a phone number is selected as the payment means, the user may not input the payment information separately.

[102] If information required for payment is completely input, the user requests settlement of the payment. Then, the mobile station 30 and the transmission control station 10 are interconnected using a wireless Internet (S240). After that, the mobile station 30 makes a payment request message according to the first format and then transmits it to the transmission control station 10. Then, the transmission control station 10 identifies the kind of payment means with reference to the © field of the message.

[103] If the kind of payment means is a phone number payment, the transmission control station 10 payment details including a mobile station identifying code, a product identifying code, a payment date and a payment amount into the database (S260), and then makes a payment settlement result message according to the second format and transmits it to the mobile station 30 (S270). Then, the mobile station 30 outputs a message informing of completion of payment settlement to the user (S280), and then ends the payment settlement routine for a product price. The paid amount is imposed with being added to a bill for the mobile station 30 issued to the user every month. For this purpose, a management company of the transmission control station 10 periodically adds a payment amount to the bill with reference to payment details stored in the database. [104] Meanwhile, if the kind of payment means is a credit card, the transmission control station 10 requests approval of payment to a credit card VAN (Value- Added Network) company connected through a wired communication network (S290). At this time, credit card-related information and payment information input by the user are transmitted to the VAN company. Then, the VAN company informs of a credit card payment approval result, and if the payment approval is made, the transmission control station 10 stores payment approval details in the database, and then makes a payment settlement result message according to the second format and transmits it to the mobile station (S300). The payment approval details include a payment approval amount, a mobile station identifying code, a payment approval date, a payment approval amount and so on. Then, the mobile station 30 outputs a message, informing that the payment is successfully settled using the credit card, to the user (S310). Thus, the payment settlement routine for a product price using a credit card is completed. In case a product price is paid using a credit card, the settlement process of a payment amount is substantially the same as known in the art.

[105] In the above description, a payment using a phone number and a payment using a credit card were mentioned as the payment means for a product price. However, there are just examples, and it should be understood that various kinds of payment means known in the art may be used.

[106]

[107] Now, the process of updating the product database 50 by the transmission control station 10 will be described. First, a data format for update of a product data is defined, and the process of updating a product data based on it will be described in detail.

[108] 1. Definition of Data Format

[109] < Format of data transmitted by the transmission control station 10 for updating the product database 50 (hereinafter, referred to as a third format) >

[110] φ CD CD

[111] ® Field in which a code for distinguishing an update data is inserted.

[113] © Product name, price, manufacturer, classification identifying code, brand identifying code, classification name, brand name.

[114]

[115] 2. Updating Process of Product Database 50

[116] If a product data to be broadcasted is added, the transmission control station 10 composes a data in a format defined in the third format and then broadcasts it. At this time, an update identifying code is spread, of course. Then, the mobile station 30 reversely spreads the update data using the same identifying code as the update identifying code to extract the product data, and then updates the product database 50.

The identifying code used in reverse spreading is preferably registered in a storage medium of the mobile station 30 in advance. [117] If the product database 50 is updated as mentioned above, a product may be easily searched in the mobile station 30 though a product data to be broadcasted is added. [118] [119] Meanwhile, the present invention may outputs an advertisement directed to a user before the product search engine 60 is operated. First, a format of data exchanging between the mobile station 30 and the transmission control station 10 for outputting an advertisement is defined, and an advertisement method will be described based on it. [120]

[121] 1. Definition of Data Format

[122] < Data format for transmitting a product classification inquiry frequency of a user to the transmission control station 10 from the mobile station 30 (hereinafter, referred to as a fourth format) > [123]

[124] ® Field in which a code for displaying that it is a data for transmitting a product classification inquiry frequency is inserted. [125] © Product identifying code.

[126] ® Inquiry frequency of the product classification.

[128] [129] <Data format transmitted from the transmission control station 10 to the mobile station 30 when updating an advertisement to be broadcasted (hereinafter, referred to as a fifth format) > [130]

[131] ® Field in which a code for displaying that tit is an update data for an advertisement identifying code to be broadcasted is inserted.

[136] 2. Detailed Advertisement Method [137] The transmission control station 10 broadcasts a plurality of advertisement data together with a product data. At this time, each advertisement data is spread using an advertisement identifying code different from others. Of course, the advertisement identifying codes are similar to OVSF (Orthogonal Variable Spreading Factor) or PN (Pseudo Noise) code, called a code sequence or a spread code, which keeps mutual orthogonality.

[138] The advertisement data is broadcasted using the following ways: transmitting several advertisement data at once; dividing each advertisement data into several parts and transmitting it over several times; and dividing a plurality of advertisement data into a predetermined number of groups and then transmitting each group. In addition, the advertisement data is repeatedly transmitted with a cycle of several or several ten D.

[139] Meanwhile, the advertisement identifying codes are identically registered in the mobile station 10. The advertisement identifying codes may be registered when the mobile station 30 is initially launched, registered later through a wireless Internet, or registered by means of broadcasting.

[140] If it is requested to execute the product search engine 60, an advertisement executing means is operated to extract any of the advertisement identifying codes registered in the mobile station 30 at random, and then an advertisement data signal to be broadcasted is reversely spread using the advertisement identifying code to extract and regenerate a corresponding advertisement data. If the advertisement is completely regenerated, the product search engine 60 is operated.

[141] Meanwhile, together with an advertisement identifying code for each advertisement data to be broadcasted, an advertisement data sample of a head portion (e.g., a portion for 10 seconds) of each advertisement may be further stored in the mobile station 30.

[142] This advertisement data sample is utilized as follows. That is to say, in case that a specific advertisement data reaching the mobile station 30 is not corresponding to a head portion of the advertisement at the point that the corresponding advertisement data is reversely spread and regenerated by means of the advertisement executing means, or in case that the advertisement data requires buffering for a predetermined time though the head portion corresponds to a desired one, the advertisement data is not instantly regenerated.

[143] In the above case, the advertisement executing means reads an advertisement data sample stored in the mobile station 30 to instantly regenerate the head portion of the advertisement, and then, if the advertisement data sample is completely regenerated, the advertisement executing means starts outputting the buffered advertisement data from a regeneration completion region of the sample. For example, if a sample regeneration time for the advertisement data is 10 seconds, the buffered advertisement data starts being regenerated after 10 seconds. Of course, the regeneration time for the advertisement data sample may be changed as desired. In this case, it is advantageous that regeneration of the advertisement data is not delayed.

[144] Separately from the advertisement regeneration process mentioned above, the mobile station 30 reads an inquiry frequency of the product classification registered in the product database in a standby state to compose a data according to the fourth format, and then transmits it to the transmission control station 10. For example, if the user inquires a product classification 'blue jeans' four times, a product classification code corresponding to the blue jeans and an inquiry frequency 4 are transmitted to the transmission control station 10.

[145] If receiving a data according to the fourth format from a plurality of mobile stations

30, the transmission control station 10 statistically analyzes popular product classifications. And then, advertisements in a product classification requiring advertisement (hereinafter, referred to as a target advertisement) starts being broadcasted. The advertisement may include a photograph list of red-hot products belonging to a product classification most inquired by the user, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, for the target advertisement starting broadcasting, a data according to the fifth format is broadcasted and registered in the mobile station 30. Thus, an identifying code of the broadcasted target advertisement and a related product classification code are updated in the mobile station 30. At this time, the product classification code most inquired by the user and the identifying code of the target advertisement are mutually linked.

[146] Meanwhile, when the data according to the fifth format is broadcasted, a field in which a sample of the target advertisement data is recorded may be added. In this case, together with the identifying code of the target advertisement, a sample of the corresponding target advertisement is registered in the mobile station 30. Here, the sample of the target advertisement data means a data sample for a head portion (e.g., for 10 seconds) of the target advertisement.

[147] In the above state, if it is requested to execute the product search engine 60, the advertisement executing means inquires the product database 50 first and then reads a product classification identifying code to which a product most inquired by the user belongs. And then, it is checked whether a target advertisement identifying code is registered for the read product classification identifying code.

[148] If there is a target advertisement identifying code, the broadcasted advertisement data is reversely spread using the target advertisement identifying code to extract and regenerate a corresponding target advertisement data. If there is no target advertisement identifying code, an advertisement identifying code is selected from the registered general advertisement identifying codes at random to regenerate a corresponding advertisement. [149] Meanwhile, in case that a specific target advertisement data reaching the mobile station 30 is not corresponding to a head portion of the advertisement at the point that the corresponding target advertisement data is reversely spread and regenerated, or in case that the target advertisement data requires buffering for a predetermined time though the head portion corresponds to a desired one, the target advertisement data is not instantly regenerated.

[150] In the above case, the advertisement executing means reads an advertisement data sample stored in the mobile station 30 to instantly regenerate the head portion of the target advertisement, and then, if the target advertisement data sample is completely regenerated, the advertisement executing means starts outputting the buffered target advertisement data from a regeneration completion region of the sample. For example, if a sample regeneration time for the target advertisement data is 10 seconds, the buffered target advertisement data starts being regenerated after 10 seconds. Of course, the regeneration time for the target advertisement data sample may be changed as desired. In this case, it is advantageous that regeneration of the target advertisement data is not delayed.

[151] If a target advertisement belonging to a product classification most inquired by the user is regenerated as mentioned above before the product search engine is executed, the user is naturally guided to search products related to the target advertisement during the product search process, thereby increasing a probability of product purchase.

[152] In the configuration of the present invention as mentioned above, the transmission control station 10 may be a base station controller, and the transmission means 20 may be a base station. As an alternative, in case the present invention is implemented by means of the satellite DMB technique, the transmission control station 10 may be a satellite DMB center, and the transmission means 20 become an artificial satellite communicating with the satellite DMB center. As another alternative, in case the present invention is implemented using the ground wave DMB technique, the transmission control station 10 may be a local DMB center positioned in a local area, and the transmission means 20 may be a transmitter controlled by the local DMB center.

[153] The present invention has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Industrial Applicability

[154] The present invention allows a user to electronically search products for transaction without accessing an wireless Internet. In addition, it is possible to minimize traffics of the wireless Internet in relation to electronic commerce by guiding access to the wireless Internet only during the payment process of a product price. As a result, a user may lessen a burden of expensive wireless Internet service fees, occurring when the user searches products for a long time in connection with the wireless Internet. In addition, the present invention may maximize a probability of product purchase by regenerating a target advertisement belonging to a product classification frequently inquired by the user before the user searches products to be electronically transacted.

Claims

[1] An electronic commerce method using a wireless communication, comprising:

(a) a transmission control station spreading and broadcasting a plurality of product data using different identifying codes that keep mutual orthogonality; and

(b) a mobile station (or, a fixed station) reversely spreading the broadcasted product data using an identifying code previously stored with respect to a specific product selected by a user to extract a corresponding product data, and then reading and outputting detailed product information from the product data.

[2] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein, before the step (b), the method further comprises: operating a product search engine; selecting a specific product classification from product classifications having a hierarchical category structure, provided by the product search engine; reversely spreading a broadcasted product data using the selected product classification code to extract a corresponding product data, and reading and outputting a product list included in the extracted product data; and receiving a selection of a specific product included in the product list.

[3] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein, before the step (b), the method further comprises: operating a product search engine; selecting a specific product brand from brands having a hierarchical category structure, provided by the product search engine; reversely spreading a broadcasted product data using the selected brand code to extract a corresponding product data, and reading and outputting a product list included in the extracted product data; and receiving a selection of a specific product included in the product list.

[4] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 1, further comprising: the mobile station making a payment request message including a mobile station identifying code, a product identifying code, a payment amount, a payment means kind and payment means information, and transmitting the payment request message to the transmission control station using the wireless communication; and the transmission control station processing the payment and transmitting a payment settlement result message to the mobile station through the wireless communication.

[5] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 4, wherein the payment means is a payment using a phone number endowed to the mobile station.

[6] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 5, wherein the transmission control station stores payment details including a mobile station identifying code, a product identifying code, a payment amount and a payment date into a database.

[7] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 4, wherein the payment means is a credit card.

[8] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 7, wherein the payment information includes a credit card number, a card kind, a valid term and a secret number, and wherein the transmission control station settles the payment in connection with a credit card VAN (Value- Added Network) company.

[9] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 1, further comprising: the transmission control station making and broadcasting a message for updating a product identifying code when a product data to be broadcasted is added; and the mobile station reversely spreading the broadcasted product identifying code update message to extract a product identifying code, and then storing the product identifying code into a storage medium.

[10] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 1, further comprising: the transmission control station spreading and broadcasting an advertisement data using an advertisement identifying code; and the mobile station reversely spreading the broadcasted advertisement data using an advertisement identifying code previously stored, and then extracting and regenerating the advertisement data.

[11] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 10, wherein the mobile station previously stores a data sample of an advertisement to be broadcasted, and wherein the advertisement is regenerated in a way of: regenerating the advertisement data sample to a predetermined point of time; and regenerating the advertisement data extracted by reverse spreading from a regeneration region of the sample after the point of time.

[12] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 1, further comprising: the mobile station accumulatively storing an inquiry frequency for a product classification whenever the detailed product information for a product included in the product classification is completely output; the transmission control station making and broadcasting a target advertisement identifying code update message including a target advertisement identifying code and a related product classification identifying code; the transmission control station spreading and transmitting the target advertisement data using the target advertisement identifying code; the mobile station reversely spreading the broadcasted target advertisement identifying code update message to extract and register the target advertisement identifying code and the related product classification identifying code; and the mobile station checking whether a target advertisement identifying code corresponding to a product classification identifying code with a greatest inquiry frequency is registered before the product search engine is operated, and, in case the target advertisement identifying code is registered, the mobile station reversely spreading the broadcasted target advertisement data using the target advertisement identifying code to extract and regenerate the advertisement data.

[13] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 12, wherein the target advertisement identifying code update message further includes a data sample of a target advertisement to be updated, wherein the data sample of the target advertisement is registered together when the target advertisement identifying code and the product classification identifying code are registered, and wherein the target advertisement is broadcasted in a way of: regenerating the previously registered target advertisement data sample to a predetermined point of time; and regenerating the target advertisement data extracted by reverse spreading from a regeneration region of the sample after the point of time.

[14] The electronic commerce method using a wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein the product data is broadcasted from the transmission control station to the mobile station by means of CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access: A type and B type including EVDO reversion), W-CDMA, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (including all OFDMA methods such as OFDM-TDMA, OFDM-FDMA and OFDM-CDMA), or HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access).

[15] An electronic commerce system using a wireless communication, comprising: a product information storage means including a product data to be broadcasted, and an identifying code for distinguishing each product data with keeping mutual orthogonality; a transmission control station for spreading and broadcasting each product data recorded in the product information storage means using a corresponding identifying code; and a mobile station (or, a fixed station) including a product database for recording the identifying code and detailed information of each product data to be broadcasted, and a product information output means for reading an identifying code of a specific product when detailed information of the specific product selected in the product database is requested, and reversely spreading the broadcasted product data signal to extract and provide the detailed information of the specific product.

[16] The electronic commerce system using a wireless communication according to claim 15, wherein the mobile station further includes a payment request means for making a payment request message including a mobile station identifying code, a product identifying code, a payment amount, a payment means kind and payment means information and transmitting the payment request message to the transmission control station when there is a purchase request of a product whose detailed information is inquired, and wherein the transmission control station includes a payment settlement means for receiving the payment request message, processing the payment, and giving the payment result.