Personal merchandise cataloguing system with item tracking and social network functionality

US10037582B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Walmart Apollo, LLC · US

Inventors

• Michael Lawrence Carey · Halifax, US
• Benjamin Tucker · Pleasant Valley, US
• Jimmie Bond · Rogers, US
• Andrew Weaver · Seattle, US
• Chad Michael Helms · Berryville, US
• Terry Osbon · Fayetteville, US
• Mark Holmes · Woodside, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 8, 2013
• Grant date: Jul 31, 2018
• Expiry date: Oct 25, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0625
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An online personal merchandise cataloguing system is equipped with integrated item tracking and hosted (or imported) social network functionality. The system comprises an internet application with a supporting backend network, the pertinent configuration and operation of both being substantially under the control of an individual retailer. Accessible through an internet browser or a smartphone “app”, the internet application is configured to provide a user with means for listing or otherwise cataloguing items of merchandise. In combination with and supported by the retailer's backend computer network, the internet application enables the user to share his online catalog with an extrinsic social network and to track cataloged items.