WO2014000048A1

WO2014000048A1 - Method and system for asset centric communication

Info

Publication number: WO2014000048A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000705
Authority: WO
Inventors: Albin BUCHNER
Original assignee: Kantaya Pty Limited
Priority date: 2012-06-28
Filing date: 2013-06-28
Publication date: 2014-01-03

Abstract

A method and system is provided for asset centric communication. The method includes receiving, on a data interface, an input message, the input message associated with an asset identifier. A processor identifies one or more users associated with the asset identifier, and an output message is transmitted to at least one user of the one or more users. The output message is based upon the input message and the asset identifier identifies a physical asset.

Description

TITLE

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSET CENTRIC COMMUNICATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to data communication. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to asset centric data communication.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Digital communication, like most other communication, is traditionally address based. Such address based communication includes, for example, email, telephone and subscription based communication.

A communication can be between one individual and another, or sent to a large number of recipients. Mass communication often relies on users registering to receive a communication, which is then sent to all registered users when required.

A problem with digital communication of the prior art is that the contact details of the recipient must be disclosed, which are then stored for subsequent use. However, a user may not wish to share their contact details with the other party.

Certain communication systems of the prior art have attempted to overcome some problems of the prior art by providing a proxy service. In this case, a new address is associated with the user. When communication is initiated with the new address, it is forwarded to the old address.

A problem with proxy service is that the contact details of a user are rarely updated and can easily become outdated. Accordingly, these communication systems may not be reliable.

Another form of communication of the prior art is targeted advertising. Targeted advertising is popular because it provides advertising that is relevant to the user. A problem with targeted advertising of the prior art is that a user does not have any control over the advertising, and may feel that their privacy has been compromised in order to perform the targeting. This is due to the fact that emails and other communications are often analysed in order to be able to correctly target the advertising.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide consumers with improvements and advantages over the above described prior art, and/or overcome and alleviate one or more of the above described disadvantages of the prior art, and/or provide a useful commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the invention resides in a method of data communication, the method including:

receiving, on a data interface, an input message, the input message associated with an asset identifier;

identifying, by a processor, one or more users associated with the asset identifier; and

transmitting, on the data interface, an output message to at least one user of the one or more users,

wherein the output message is based upon the input message and wherein the asset identifier identifies one or more physical items.

Preferably, the asset identifier comprises a serial number identifying a single physical item. Alternatively, the asset identifier comprises one of: a type, a brand, a model number and a characteristic identifying the one or more physical items. The asset identifier can, for example, identify all apartments in a specific area, and thus the input message may be sent to several users associated with the apartments; or identify a specific motor vehicle by number plate or other means, and thus the input message may be sent to only the owner(s) of the motor vehicle. Examples of physical items include a house, a car, a boat, a truck, a bike, machinery, and electronic devices.

Preferably, the at least one user is selected from the one or more users by a filter. Preferably, the filter comprises applying preferences associated with the one or more users.

Preferably, the output message is displayed on a feed of the at least one user. Alternatively or additionally, the output message comprises an e-mail message.

Preferably, the method further includes:

receiving, on a data interface, ownership transfer information relating to a physical item associated with the asset identifier, wherein ownership transfer information describes a transfer of ownership from a first user to a second user;

removing, by the processor, an association between the first user and the asset identifier; and

generating, by the processor, an association between the second user and the asset identifier.

Preferably, the method further includes:

receiving, on a data interface, a further input message, the further input message associated with the asset identifier;

identifying, by the processor, one or more further users associated with the asset identifier; and

transmitting, on the data interface, a further output message to at least one user of the further one or more users;

wherein the further output message is based upon the further input message, and the one or more users includes the first user and not the second user, and the one or more further users includes the second user and not the first user. This enables the communication to be truly item/asset based, as the communication can be tied to ownership of the physical item rather than to a person.

Preferably, the method further comprises offering a physical item for sale. Preferably, the method further comprises:

associating a service provider with the physical item via the asset identifier; and

providing information associated with the physical item to the service provider.

According to a second aspect, the invention resides in a method of maintaining a historical record of a physical item, including:

receiving, on a data interface, a first record including an item identifier, wherein the asset identifier identifies the physical item;

storing, on a data storage device, the first record;

transmitting, on a data interface, the first record to a first user, wherein the first user is associated with the physical item;

associating, by the processor, the physical item with a second user; receiving, on a data interface, a second record including the item identifier;

storing, on the data storage device, the second record; and transmitting, on a data interface, the first record and the second record to the second user.

Preferably, the record is one of a receipt, a service history, a repair history, a photograph, colour codes, or any other suitable record value.

Preferably, the method further comprises presenting the first and second record on a timeline.

According to a third aspect, the invention resides in a method of providing a tender for a physical item, including:

receiving, on a data interface and from a first user, a request to receive a tender for a physical item, the physical item associated with an asset identifier;

setting, by a processor, a preference associated with the asset identifier that enables messages associated with the asset identifier to be received by the first user;

receiving, on a data interface, a tender message, the tender message associated with the asset identifier; transmitting, on the data interface, the tender message to the first user.

Preferably, the preference enables messages associated with the asset identifier to be received by the first user for a specified time limit. Alternatively, the preference enables a limited number of messages associated with the asset identifier to be received by the first user.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention resides in a computer implemented social networking system including:

a memory including:

a plurality of user profiles, each of the plurality of user profiles associated with a user; and

a plurality of item profiles, each of the plurality of item profiles associated with a physical item;

a linking module, for providing an association between each of the plurality of item profiles and at least one user profile of the plurality of user profiles; and

a messaging module, which enables communication from a first user having a first user profile to a second user having a second user profile, wherein the second user profile is associated with an item profile, and wherein the communication is addressed according to an identifier associated with the item profile.

According to a further aspect, the invention resides in a system for communicating, the system including:

a data interface;

a processor coupled to the data interface; and

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including instructions executable by the processor for:

receiving, on the data interface, an input message, the input message associated with an asset identifier;

identifying, by the processor, one or more users associated with the asset identifier; and transmitting, on the data interface, an output message to at least one user of the one or more users, wherein the output message is based upon the input message.

According to a further aspect, the invention resides in a system for maintaining a historical record of a physical item, the system including: a data interface;

a data storage device;

a processor coupled to the data interface and the data storage device;

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including computer readable instruction code for:

receiving, on the data interface, a first record including an item identifier, wherein the asset identifier identifies the physical item;

storing, on the data storage device, the first record;

transmitting, on the data interface, the first record to a first user, wherein the first user is associated with the physical item;

associating, by the processor, the physical item with a second user;

receiving, on the data interface, a second record including the item identifier;

storing, on the data storage device, the second record; and transmitting, on the data interface, the first record and the second record to the second user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for asset centric communication, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a screenshot of a user profile page of the system of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a further screenshot of the user profile page of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a screenshot of the user profile page of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a screenshot of the user profile page of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a screenshot of an add assets screen of the system of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a screenshot of an asset screen of the system of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a screenshot of an asset history screen of the system of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a screenshot of a market screen of the system of

FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a screenshot of an asset screen of the system of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a screenshot of a communications list page of the system of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a screenshot of a communications list generation page of the system of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of data communication, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of maintaining a historical record of a physical item, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a method of providing a tender for a physical item, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 diagrammatically illustrates a computing device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that minor deviations from the layout of components as illustrated in the drawings will not detract from the proper functioning of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise asset based communication systems and methods. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, front and back, top and bottom, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

According to one aspect, the invention resides in a method of communicating, the method including: receiving, on a data interface, an input message, the input message associated with an asset identifier; identifying, by a processor, one or more users associated with the asset identifier; transmitting, on the data interface, an output message to at least one user of the one or more users, wherein the output message is based upon the input message and where the asset identifier identifies a physical asset. Advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include an ability to facilitate communication between users without identifying a user's contact details, an ability to address item specific correspondence to the correct owner(s), an ability to track a history of an item independent of ownership, and an ability to provide an improved social networking system.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for asset centric communication, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system 100 includes a data interface 105, a processor 110 coupled to the data interface 105 and a memory 115 coupled to the processor 110. The memory 1 15 includes computer readable instruction code 120 for asset based communication as discussed further below.

The system 100 further includes a first user device 125 and a second user (device 130, the first and second user devices 125, 130 connected to the processor 1 10 via a data communications network 135 such as the internet.

The first and second user devices 125, 130 can be personal computers, smart phones, digital assistants, or any other suitable device.

According to a first embodiment, the system 100 enables implementation of a social networking system. The social networking system includes a plurality of user profiles, each of the plurality of user profiles associated with a user. A user of the first user device 125 can have a first user profile, and a user of the second user device 130 can have a second user profile. As the first and second user devices 125, 30 can be shared between users, there does note need to be a one to one relationship between user devices 125, 130 and user profiles.

FIG. 2 illustrates a screenshot 200 of a user profile page of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The user profile page includes a user details portion 205, and a plurality of connection identifiers 210, the connection identifiers 210 identifying connections of the user. The connections can, for example, include friends and family, or assets that are associated with the user. Upon selection of a connection identifier 210, a connection detail screen is provided, which provides further details of the corresponding connection.

The user profile page further includes a plurality of screen selection tabs 215, the plurality of screen selection tabs 215 including an assets tab 215a, a connections tab 215b, a feed tab 215c, an information tab 215d and a gallery tab 215e.

The feed tab 215c is illustrated as selected in FIG. 2 and a feed 220 is presented in the user profile page. The feed 220 includes entries for recent events and/or other relevant information relating to the connections of the user.

The feed 220 can be similar to social networking feeds, and according to certain embodiments (not shown) other social networking feeds are integrated with the feed 220. Similarly, functionality such as messaging, which is discussed in further detail below, can be provided as part of the feed 220 or in association with the feed 220.

The system 100 further includes a plurality of asset profiles, discussed below, each of which is associated with a physical item. An example of a physical item is a house or a car. The asset profile can be similar to the user profile page, but associated with a physical item rather than a person.

FIG. 3 illustrates a further screenshot 300 of the user profile page of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The screenshot 300 is similar to the screenshot 200 of FIG. 2, but with the information tab 215d selected.

The user profile page includes a personal information entry 305, including personal information of the user, such as name, date of birth or other personal information, and a contact information entry 310, including contact information of the user. As will be understood by the skilled addressee, the user profile page can include other relevant information relating to the user such as personal or professional affiliations, or the like. As mentioned earlier, the system 100 includes a plurality of asset profiles. The asset profiles can be similar in structure to the user profiles, but instead of relating to a user relate to a physical item.

A linking module is present in the system 100 for providing an association between profiles of the system 100. Each asset profile is, for example, associated with at least one user profile through the linking module.

Between user profiles, an association is often called a friendship or a connection. Between a user profile and an asset profile, the association can, for example, be based upon ownership, or through a lease or tenancy.

FIG. 4 illustrates a screenshot 400 of the user profile page of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The screenshot 400 is similar to the screenshot 200 of FIG. 2, but with the connections tab 215b selected. The connections tab is used to display the associations to other profiles provided by the linking module.

The profile page includes a plurality of connection identifiers 405, presented according to a category 410. The connection identifiers 405 are similar to the connection identifiers 210 of FiG. 2. The category 410 can, for example, include family, friends, entities or assets, service providers and companies, and events.

In association with each category 410 is an add connection button 415, which can be used to add a new connection in the relevant category 410. Alternatively or additionally, a general add connection button (not shown) may be provided for a user to add a new connection.

If there are more connection identifiers 405 than can be displayed on the profile page, a subset of the connection identifiers 405 are displayed together with a link 420 to the remaining connection identifiers 405. The subset of connection identifiers 405 can correspond with the connections with which the user has most recently interacted, or any other suitable subset. FIG. 5 illustrates a screenshot 500 of the user profile page of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The screenshot 500 is similar to the screenshot 200 of FIG. 2, but with the assets tab 215a selected. The assets tab is used to display asset profiles that are associated with the user.

The profile page includes a plurality of asset identifiers 505, presented according to a category 510. The asset identifiers 505 are similar to the connection identifiers 405 of FIG. 4, but relate to physical items. Some of the connection identifiers 405 of FIG. 4 can also be asset identifiers 505.

The categories 510 can, for example, include a real estate category, a vehicle category, a category for electronic devices and a general or Other' category.

In association with each category 510 is an add asset button 515, which can be used to add a new asset in the relevant category 510. Alternatively or additionally, a general add asset button (not shown) may be provided for a user to add a new connection.

Upon selection of an asset identifier 505, an asset page is opened providing further details of the associated asset, as discussed further below.

The profile page includes a total number of registered asset identifiers 520, identifying a number of assets registered to the user, and a total value identifier 525, identifying a total value of registered assets. The profile page further includes a reporting button 530, which can be used to generate a report of the total value of assets (or a part thereof). Such reports are useful when obtaining insurance, but also when making an insurance claim.

In addition to being able to navigate to an asset page by selection of the asset identifier 505, an asset menu 535 can be accessed by hovering over the asset identifier 505 with a cursor. The asset menu 535 enables a user to view a profile page associated with the asset identifier 505, using a view profile button 540, or perform a specific action relating to the asset, using an action button 545. The specific action could, for example, be used to report the asset as missing or stolen or to offer the asset for sale.

FIG. 6 illustrates a screenshot 600 of an add asset screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The add asset screen enables a user to add a new physical item to the system 100. Alternatively, a shop may add a new physical item to the system upon sale of the item to a user.

The add asset screen includes an asset type drop down menu 605, which can be used by the user to select an asset category. Upon selection of an asset category, the add asset screen is customised to suit that type of asset.

This customisation of the add asset screen is advantageous when differing types of assets/physical items are supported by the system 100. For example, details relating to a personal laptop will have little in common with details of a property.

The add asset screen includes a plurality of data fields 610 for specifying details of the asset/physical item. Examples of fields of the plurality of data fields 610 include a name field, a category field, a year field, a make field, a colour field, a series field and a product number field. The plurality of data fields 610 can also include a description free-text field, for entering general details of the asset/physical item.

The add asset screen further includes purchase information fields 615, which can be used to enter purchase and/or warranty information, and installation information fields 620, which can be used to enter installation information. This information can be used for warranty purposes, but also to connect the asset to repairers or other service providers.

Related products and services can be entered in related products fields 625. An example of a related product is software associated with a computer, or an extended warranty associated with an electrical asset. A status of the asset may be selected in asset status fields 630, and may include a connection to an owner, or include reporting the asset as stolen.

Media and attachments can be added by selecting the upload media button 635. Images of the asset can be uploaded, which may later be used if an insurance claim is necessary.

Finally, details of the asset can be saved using a save button 640, or discarded using a cancel button 645.

The system 100 may further include an edit asset screen (not shown), which may be similar to the add asset screen, but for the purpose of editing details of an existing asset rather than defining a new asset.

FIG. 7 illustrates a screenshot 700 of an asset screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The asset screen includes an asset profile, which is similar to a user profile, discussed above.

The asset screen includes a plurality of information fields 705, which correspond to the description, product details and purchase information entered using the add assets screen of FIG. 6.

The asset screen further includes an action menu 710, which can be used to perform an action associated with the asset. The action menu 710 includes a send to market button 715a, a report lost button 715b, a print summary button 7 5c, a post tender button 715d, and an edit asset information burton 715e.

The send item to market button 715a is used for listing the item for sale. The system 100 can include a sale portal, or the asset can be listed on an external sale portal upon selection of the send item to market button 715a.

The report lost button 715b can be used to report an item as lost, and may, for example, automatically notify a lost and found service or the police. Similarly, the system 100 can automatically generate any paperwork required for insurance. The print summary button 715c can also be used to generate a summary of the item which may be used for this purpose.

The post tender button 715d can be used to post a tender for a service associated with the asset. A tender can, for example, relate to service or repair of the asset.

The edit asset information button 715e can be used to edit details of the asset. This can be relevant where an error occurred when entering the details, or for when the details have changed.

Finally, the asset screen includes a view history button 720, which can be used to access the history of the item.

As will be readily understood by the skilled addressee, the asset need not be owned by the user. The asset can, for example, be associated with a house or unit the user is renting. In this case, posting a tender can comprise sending a message to an owner of the property or asset for approval, or to an agency handling the property, prior to posting the tender. Similarly, an owner or agent can send a message to a tenant through the system 100. The system 100 thus provides an interface between owners and tenants, where a change in tenant or owner is at the same time transparent to other parties involved.

As an illustrative example, a tenant of a rental property can use the system 100 to report a faulty appliance at the rental property. In such case, a message is sent to an owner of the rental property and/or a property manager of the rental property, using the system 100, requesting repair of the faulty appliance.

The owner and/or the property manager can then use the system

100 to post a tender for the repair of the faulty appliance, as described above. Upon receipt of responses to the tender, the owner and/or the property manager can select a service provider for the repair. Once the repair has been made, the system 100 can be updated by the service provider to include details of the repair. The system 100 can also be used to send an invoice of the repair to the owner and/or the property manager. In such case, all communication is performed using an identifier of the rental property, or an identifier of the faulty appliance. Thus a change of ownership of the rental property, a change in tenant, or even a change in service provider can be made while being transparent to all other parties involved in the communication. Furthermore, the system enables the owner to have all documentation in one place for tax and reference purposes.

FIG. 8 illustrates a screenshot 800 of an asset history screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The asset history screen includes a plurality of event identifiers

805, identifying events associated with the item, presented on a timeline 810.

Examples of events can include the purchase of the item new, any subsequent ownership transfers of the item, servicing or repair information, or communication relating to the item.

As the addressing of the system 100 can be based upon an item identifier, the addressing can follow to a new owner when ownership is transferred. For example, if a first user wishes to contact an owner of a vehicle having a specific registration number in order to invite them to join a car club, it is advantageous that the message is sent to the current owner of the vehicle even if ownership has recently changed.

The system 100 thus updates its records when ownership of the item is transferred from a first user to a second user. This is done by removing any association between the first user and the asset identifier, and generating an association between the second user and the asset identifier. This is additionally registered as an event in the asset history screen.

Any further input messages associated with the asset identifier will then be sent to the new owner, i.e. the second user.

The system 100 enables general communication from the first user having the first user profile to the second user having the second user profile through a messaging module. The communication is addressed according to an identifier associated with the item. As discussed above, the identifier can be a serial number associated with the item, or any other suitable identifier.

The system 100 enables the first user to contact the second user, based upon knowledge of the item, and without necessarily knowing an identity or address of the second user. This can be advantageous when the second user does not wish to disclose his or her contact details to the first user, or if the first user simply does not know the contact details of the second user.

In such case, an input message is received, on the data interface

105 and from a first user. The input message is associated with an asset identifier, which can defines a destination of the communication.

One or more users associated with the asset identifier are identified, by the processor. This can, for example, be through an ownership association between an item page associated with the asset identifier and a user page of the user, or by any other suitable association.

An output message is transmitted, on the data interface, to at least one user of the one or more users. According to certain embodiments, the at least one user is the one or more users. Alternatively, the at least one user is a subset of the one or more users, wherein the subset are chosen based upon one or more rules.

The output message is based upon the input message. The output message can be the input message verbatim, or a modification of the input message.

The output message can be displayed on a feed of the at least one user using the social networking system. Alternatively or additionally, the output message comprises an e-mail message or any other suitable message.

FIG. 9 illustrates a screenshot 900 of a market screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The market screen includes a plurality of asset identifiers 905, which identify assets that are available for sale. Each asset identifier 905 is associated with a price field 910 and a details field 915. Upon selection of an asset identifier 905, a user is presented with an asset screen, discussed further below, providing further details of the asset.

The market screen further includes a search box 920, which enables a user to search among all assets for sale. The search box 920 includes a free text search field 925, a category field 930, a sub-category field 935, a location drag bar 940, a price range drag bar 945, a specific price range selector 950, and a date listed drag bar 955.

The free text search field 925 enables a user to enter any search term relating to the asset, which could be a model number, a number plate of a vehicle the user has seen, or simply a category.

The category field 930 can be used to select a category of the asset, such as vehicle, computer, real estate or similar. The sub-category field 935 can then be adapted according to the category field 930. The sub-category field 935 can accordingly be updated based upon the selected category such that only relevant subcategories are chosen. Examples of subcategories include number plate searches for the vehicle category, or notebook computers for the electronics category.

The location drag bar 940 allows selection of assets within a radius of the user's location. Similarly, the price range drag bar 945 can be used to select a maximum price of the asset. The specific price range selector 950 can also be used to select a minimum and maximum price of the asset, and the date listed drag bar 955 can be used to select assets based upon the date they were listed.

The asset identifier can be used to identify items for sale in the system, but also to communicate with an owner of the item as discussed earlier.

The system 100 can include pages associated with a predefined search, such as a latest items page (not shown) presenting asset identifiers corresponding to the latest assets that have been listed.

FIG. 10 illustrates a screenshot 1000 of an asset screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The asset screen is similar to the profile page of FIG. 2, but presentation of the asset details is tailored for sale. Accordingly, the asset screen is an example of a profile screen.

The asset screen includes a price information field 1005, displayed in association with a contact owner button 1010, for enabling the user to contact the owner of the asset, a make offer button 1015, for enabling the user to make an offer on the asset, and a connect button 1020, for enabling the user to connect with the asset.

The asset screen further includes an encumbrance check button 1025, for checking for an encumbrance associated with the asset, and an apply for loan button 1030, for applying for a loan in order to purchase the asset.

Finally, the asset screen further includes a feed 1035, which displays information relating to the asset in a similar way to the feed 220 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 illustrates a screenshot 1 100 of a communications list page of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The communications list page includes a plurality of target lists 1105, which enable a company or other entity to correspond to a group of users based upon one or more assets. This is done using an action menu 1 110.

The action menu 11 0 includes a send message button 1115, for sending a message to the users of the target list, a start marketing campaign button 1120, for starting an advertising campaign targeting the communications list, and an edit list button 1125, for editing the communications list.

FIG. 12 illustrates a screenshot 1200 of a communications list generation page of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The communications list generation page includes personal detail fields 1205 for entering personal details of the target audience, such as location and date of birth, and connection detail fields 1210, for entering connection details of the target audience. An example of a connection rule is selecting that a user must own a particular asset, such as a type of car, or a more general asset based rule such as the user owning their own home.

The communications list page enables corporate or business users to target advertising and information to a specific target audience, based for example on ownership of an asset.

Advertising may then be purchased and displayed, as will be understood by a person skilled in the art, for presentation to the specific target audience.

The advertising is then sent to the users as a message in a similar manner to that described earlier, and can be displayed in a news feed, or in association with a news feed.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 of data communication, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In block 1305, an input message is received on a data interface, the input message associated with an asset identifier. The asset identifier identifies one or more physical items, and the input message is associated with an asset, by the asset identifier, rather than directly to a recipient.

In block 1310, one or more users associated with the asset identifier are identified by the processor. The one or more users can be associated with the asset identifier according to an ownership relationship between the user and the corresponding asset, or any other suitable relationship.

In block 1315, an output message is transmitted, on the data interface, to at least one user of the one or more users. The output message is based upon the input message. The output message can, for example, be identical to the input message, or a modification of the input message.

As discussed above, the method 1300 can be used to enable communication between users that is cantered around a physical item. As the physical item changes ownership, for example, the communication between the users can be automatically updated accordingly.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of maintaining a historical record of a physical item, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

At block 1405, a first record including an item identifier is received, on a data interface. The first record can include a service receipt, warranty information, or any other suitable record associated with the physical item. The asset identifier identifies the physical item, and can, for example, comprise a number plate of a car, a serial number of a device.

At block 1410, the first record is stored on a data storage device.

The data storage device can include a database including records of a plurality of physical items.

At block 1415, the first record is transmitted, on a data interface, to a first user, wherein the first user is associated with the physical item by the asset identifier. As discussed above, the first user can, for example, be an owner of the physical item.

At block 1420, the physical item is associated with a second user. This can, for example, be a result of the physical item changing ownership from the first user to the second user.

At block 1425, a second record including the item identifier is received on a data interface. The second record can also be a service receipt, or any other suitable record information, as discussed above.

At block 1430, the second record is stored on the data storage device.

At block 1435, the first record and the second record are transmitted to the second user.

By storing records on the data storage device, wherein the records are associated with a physical item, historical records are able to be maintained for the physical item, without any reliance on previous owners to pass on such records.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method 1500 of providing a tender for a physical item, according to an embodiment of the present invention. At block 1505, a request to receive a tender for a physical item is received. The request is received on a data interface and from a first user. The physical item is associated with an asset identifier, which is used as an identifier for receiving tender messages, as discussed below.

At block 1510, a preference associated with the asset identifier is set that enables messages associated with the asset identifier to be received by the first user. The preference can, for example, allow all messages associated with the asset identifier to be received by the first user, or a limited number of messages. By limiting the number of messages, a user can ensure that he or she is not swamped by messages.

At block 1515, a tender message is received on the data interface. The tender message associated with the asset identifier, as discussed above.

At block 1520, the tender message is transmitted to the first user.

The tender message can be sent to the first user unchanged, or can be modified to include, for example, advertising or other details.

The method 500 enables an owner of a item to efficiently and securely compare tenders for repair and servicing of the item.

FIG. 16 diagrammatically illustrates a computing device 1600, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 can be implemented using the computing device 600.

The computing device 1600 includes a central processor 1602, a system memory 1604 and a system bus 1606 that couples various system components, including coupling the system memory 1604 to the central processor 1602. The system bus 1606 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The structure of system memory 1604 is well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in a read only memory (ROM) and one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data stored in random access memory (RAM).

The computing device 1600 can also include a variety of interface units and drives for reading and writing data. The data can include, for example, asset and user profiles as discussed above.

In particular, the computing device 1600 includes a hard disk interface 1608 and a removable memory interface 1610, respectively coupling a hard disk drive 1612 and a removable memory drive 1614 to the system bus 1606. Examples of removable memory drives 1614 include magnetic disk drives and optical disk drives. The drives and their associated computer-readable media, such as a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) 1616 provide non-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer system 1600. A single hard disk drive 1612 and a single removable memory drive 1614 are shown for illustration purposes only and with the understanding that the computing device 1600 can include several similar drives. Furthermore, the computing device 1600 can include drives for interfacing with other types of computer readable media.

The computing device 1600 may include additional interfaces for connecting devices to the system bus 1606. FIG. 16 shows a universal serial bus (USB) interface 1618 which may be used to couple a device to the system bus 1606. For example, an IEEE 1394 interface 1620 may be used to couple additional devices to the computing device 1600. Examples of additional devices include cameras for receiving images or video, or microphones for recording audio.

The computing device 1600 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers or other devices, such as a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. The computing device 1600 includes a network interface 1622 that couples the system bus 1606 to a local area network (LAN) 1624. Networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks and home computer systems.

A wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, can also be accessed by the computing device, for example via a modem unit connected to a serial port interface 1626 or via the LAN 1624.

Transmission of data can be performed using the LAN 1624, the WAN, or a combination thereof.

It will be appreciated that the network connections shown and described are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between computers can be used. The existence of any of various well-known protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and the computing device 1600 can be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve data from, for example, a web-based server.

The operation of the computing device 1600 can be controlled by a variety of different program modules. Examples of program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The present invention may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal digital assistants and the like. Furthermore, the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In summary, advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include an ability to facilitate communication between users without identifying a user's contact details, an ability to address item specific correspondence to the correct owner(s), an ability to track a history of an item independent of ownership, and an ability to provide an improved social networking system.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are:

1. A method of data communication, the method including:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the asset identifier comprises a serial number identifying a single physical item.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the asset identifier comprises one of: a type, a brand, a model number and a characteristic identifying the one or more physical items.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one user is selected from the one or more users by a filter.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the filter comprises applying preferences associated with the one or more users.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the output message is displayed on a feed of the at least one user.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the output message comprises an e-mail message.

8. The method of claim 1 , further including: receiving, on a data interface, ownership transfer information relating to a physical item associated with the asset identifier, wherein ownership transfer information describes a transfer of ownership from a first user to a second user;

• 5 removing, by the processor, an association between the first user and the asset identifier; and

10 9. The method of claim 8, further including:

15 transmitting, on the data interface, a further output message to at least one user of the further one or more users;

wherein the further output message is based upon the further input message, and the one or more users includes the first user and not the second user, and the one or more further users includes the second user 0 and not the first user.

10. The method of claim 1 , further including offering a physical item for sale. 5

11. The method of claim 1 , further including:

0

12. A method of maintaining a historical record of a physical item, including: receiving, on a data interface, a first record including an item identifier, wherein the item identifier identifies the physical item;

storing, on a data storage device, the first record;

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the record is one of a receipt, a service history, a repair history, a photograph, and colour codes.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising presenting the first and second record on a timeline.

15. A method of providing a tender for a physical item, the method including:

receiving, on the data interface, a tender message, the tender message associated with the asset identifier; and

transmitting, on the data interface, the tender message to the first user.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the preference enables messages associated with the asset identifier to be received by the first user for a specified time limit.

17. The method of claim 5, wherein the preference enables a limited number of messages associated with the asset identifier to be received by the first user.

18. A computer implemented social networking system including:

a memory including:

19. A system for communicating, the system including:

a data interface;

a processor coupled to the data interface; and

20. A system for maintaining a historical record of a physical item, the system including:

a data interface;

a data storage device;

a processor coupled to the data interface and the data storage device;

storing, on the data storage device, the first record;

associating, by the processor, the physical item with a second user;

storing, on the data storage device, the second record; and transmitting, on the data interface, the first record and the second record to the second user.