U.S. patent application number 10/653769 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-25 for retail sales customer marketing system with electronic coupon processing.
Invention is credited to Barkan, Edward, Bianculli, Thomas D., Patel, Mehul, Sanders, Robert.
Application Number | 20040056101 10/653769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31999434 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040056101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barkan, Edward ; et
al. |
March 25, 2004 |
Retail sales customer marketing system with electronic coupon
processing
Abstract
A sales incentive system utilizing a portable handheld optical
code reader for use by a consumer for scanning bar code symbols
corresponding to product items to be purchased, including a memory
for storing symbol data of items scanned by the reader a computer
receives the stored data associated with the scanned items from the
memory of the reader, and selectively generates coupon information
based upon sales offers for specific products currently available
based upon an analysis of the stored data by the computer. A
printer may be coupled to the computer for printing at the
consumer's location a set of coupons corresponding to the coupon
information transferred from the computer to the consumer's
location.
Inventors: |
Barkan, Edward; (Miller
Place, NY) ; Bianculli, Thomas D.; (East Northport,
NY) ; Patel, Mehul; (Fort Salonga, NY) ;
Sanders, Robert; (St. James, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kirschstein, Ottinger, Israel & Schiffmiller, P.C.
489 Fifth Avenue
New York
NY
10017-6105
US
|
Family ID: |
31999434 |
Appl. No.: |
10/653769 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10653769 |
Sep 3, 2003 |
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10112102 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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6616049 |
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10112102 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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10005957 |
Nov 8, 2001 |
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60334816 |
Oct 31, 2001 |
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60282892 |
Apr 10, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/472.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 17/0022 20130101;
G06K 7/10881 20130101; G06Q 20/387 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06K 2207/1013 20130101; G06K 2207/1011 20130101; G06K 7/10851
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/472.03 |
International
Class: |
G06K 007/10 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method for using a bar code reader to facilitate a sales
transaction using a paper coupon comprising: providing a scanner to
a consumer; scanning bar code symbols on products to be purchased
by said consumer to generate a shopping list; transferring the
shopping list to a coupon information processing unit; processing
the shopping list by the processing unit to determine the set of
coupons for specific products to provide to the consumer; and
printing a set of paper coupons for the consumer's use in
purchasing such products.
2. A sales incentive system comprising: a portable handheld optical
code reader for use by a consumer for scanning bar code symbols
corresponding to product items to be purchased, including a memory
for storing symbol data of items scanned by the reader; a computer
for receiving the stored data associated with the scanned items
from the memory of the reader, and selectively generating coupon
information based upon sales offers for specific products currently
available based upon an analysis of the stored data by the
computer; and a printer coupled to said computer for printing at
the consumer's location a set of coupons corresponding to the
coupon information transferred from the computer to the consumer's
location.
3. A cellular telephone comprising a cellular telephone
communication handset; a bar code reader in the handset for reading
a bar code symbol disposed in the vicinity of the handset; and
means for determining the location of the handset with respect to
the aisles or other positional indicators in a retail
establishment.
4. A method of reading a bar code on a target comprising taking a
picture of the target including the bar code symbol with a digital
camera by the user; processing the image into a digital data packet
including the bar code image data; transferring the digital data
packet over a computer network to a remote server; performing a
decode on the bar code image data at the server; transmitting an
acknowledgement of a decode to the user over the network; and
storing the decoded data at the server.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/005,957, filed Nov. 8, 2001, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/334,816,
filed Oct. 31, 2001.
[0002] This application is also related to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/057,463, filed Jan. 24, 2002.
[0003] This application is also related to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/990,597, filed Nov. 21, 2001.
[0004] This application is also related to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 08/921,235, filed Sep. 29, 1997.
[0005] This application is also related to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 08/906,722, filed Aug. 5, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for
electronic coupon delivery systems for consumer promotional
purposes, including apparatus and processors for generating,
printing, and authenticating coupons to be redeemed for products,
especially products bearing symbols to be electro-optically read by
personal, consumer hand-held readers or fixed mounted displays and
auto-ID readers.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS
[0007] The present invention relates to retail marketing systems in
which small, personal bar-code readers are used by consumers are
part of their product selection and purchasing process.
[0008] Code readers are known in the prior art for reading various
symbols such as bar code symbols appearing on a label or on the
surfaces of an article. The bar code symbol itself is a coded
pattern of indicia comprised of a series of bars of various widths
spaced apart from one another to bound spaces of various widths,
the bars and spaces having different light reflecting
characteristics. The readers in scanning or imaging systems
electro-optically transform the graphic indicia into electrical
signals, which are decoded into information, typically descriptive
of the article or some characteristic thereof. Such characteristics
are conventionally represented in digital form and used as an input
to a data processing system for applications in point-of-sale
processing, inventory control and the like. Scanning systems of
this general type have been disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,251,798; 4,369,361; 4,387,297; 4,409,470; 4,760,248;
4,896,026 and 5,600,121, all of which have been assigned to the
same assignee as the instant application. As disclosed in some of
the above patents, such systems may employ a hand-held, portable
laser scanning device held by a user, which is configured to allow
the user to aim the device, and more particularly, a light bean, at
a targeted symbol to be read.
[0009] The light source in a laser scanner bar code reader is
typically a semiconductor laser. The use of semiconductor devices
as the light source is especially desirable because of their small
size, low cost and low voltage and current requirements. The laser
beam is optically modified, typically by an optical assembly, to
form a beam which is directed to the target. A spot of a certain
size, shape, and orientation is formed on the target, which varies
with the distance to the target. Normally, such spot has beam width
in its smallest cross-section from one to three times the size of
the minimum width between regions of different light reflectivity,
i.e., the bars and spaces.
[0010] In the laser beam scanning systems known in the art, the
laser light beam is directed by a lens or other optical components
along the light path toward a target that includes a bar code
symbol on the surface. The moving-beam scanner operates by
repetitively scanning the light beam in a line, pattern or series
of lines across the symbol by means of motion of a scanning
component, such as the light source itself or a mirror or mirrors
disposed in the path of the light beam. The scanning component may
either sweep the beam spot across the symbol and trace a scan line
across the pattern of the symbol, or scan the field of view of the
scanner, or both.
[0011] Bar code reading systems also include a sensor or
photodetector, which detects light reflected or scattered from the
symbol. The photodetector or sensor is positioned in the scanner in
an optical path so that it has a field of view which ensures the
capture of a portion of the light which is reflected or scattered
off the symbol. This light is detected and converted into an
electrical signal. Electronic circuitry and software decode the
electrical signal into a digital representation of the data
represented by the symbol that has been scanned. For example, the
analog electrical signal generated by the photodetector is
converted by a digitizer into a pulse or modulated digitized
signal, with the widths corresponding to the physical widths of the
bars and spaces. Such a digitized signal is then decoded, based on
the specific symbology used by the symbol, into a binary
representation of the data encoded in the symbol, and subsequently
to the information or alphanumeric characters so represented.
[0012] The decoding process of known bar code reading system
usually works in the following way. The decoder receives the pulse
width modulated digitized signal from the digitizer, and an
algorithm, implemented in the software, attempts to decode the
signal. If the start and stop characters and information between
them in the scan were decoded successfully, the decoding process
terminates and an indicator of a successful read (such as a green
light and/or an audible beep) is provided to the user. Otherwise,
the decoder receives the next scan, performs another decode attempt
on that scan, and so on, until a satisfactorily decoded scan is
achieved or no more scans are available.
[0013] Such a signal is then decoded according to the specific
symbology into a binary representation of the data encoded in the
symbol, and to the information or alphanumeric characters so
represented. The decoded information may be stored or subjected to
data processing.
[0014] Moving-beam laser scanners are not the only type of optical
instrument capable of reading bar code symbols. Another type of bar
code reader is one which incorporates detectors based on solid
state imaging arrays or charge coupled device (CCD) technology. In
such prior art readers the detector is typically smaller than the
symbol to be read. Accordingly, image reduction is performed by an
objective lens in front of the array or CCD. The symbol may be
illuminated with light from a light source such as light emitting
diodes (LED) in the scanning device, and each array cell is
sequentially read out to determine the presence of a bar or a
space. A code reading engine employing imager technology is
disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/096,578, filed Sep. 1,
1998, and assigned to applicant herein.
[0015] It is known to provide multiple actuators in hand-held
optical code readers. For example, a system disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,117,098, uses a multi-position trigger switch in a hand-held
laser scanner. The scanner is aimed at the symbol to be scanned
during a first operational state in which an aiming pattern is
emitted. Once the user had aligned the scanner properly with
respect to the location of the symbol, the trigger switch is
actuated again to put the device into a second operational state in
which the beam is scanned across the symbol in the normal scanning
or reading mode, and the symbol decoded. European Patent No.
0355355 describes a combination bar code reader and EAS tag
deactivator, including an embodiment with a multi-position
trigger.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,121, assigned to applicant, discloses,
inter alia, a system for reading indicia such as bar code symbols
having a scanner for generating a scanning light beam directed
toward a symbol to be read; a first actuator manually displaceable
from a first position to a second position for producing a first
light beam for aiming or positioning the reader; and a second
actuator manually displaceable from a first position to a second
position for initiating a scanning beam pattern for reading the
symbol. The actuators are independently operative of each other. A
detector receives the reflected light from the symbol and produces
electrical signals corresponding to data represented by the symbol.
A graphical user interface simplifies system control functions.
[0017] The known readers and scanners are generally employed to
identify a product involved in a sales transaction. Once the
product has been identified, its price can be retrieved from a
database in order to complete the sales transaction. Many
industries, especially food retailers, have offered redeemable
coupons as sales promotions to entitle the redeemers to discounts
or refunds from the prices of the products being purchased. These
coupons have typically been printed on paper and distributed in
newspapers, magazines, mass mailings and like publications.
Sometimes, they are simply made available in a retail store for a
shopper to pick up the paper coupon and present it to a check-out
clerk for redemption.
[0018] Recently, coupons have been made available on the Internet
due to the relatively low cost of on-line distribution of coupons,
as well as the capability of tracking the activity of users on the
Internet and targeting the users with coupons that they are most
likely to use. Such on-line coupons have to be printed out on the
printer of each user and thereupon presented to a check-out clerk
in the same manner as the paper coupons that were traditionally
clipped from publications.
[0019] However, on-line coupons have inherent risks and are
susceptible to duplication, multiple use, misuse and fraud. Some
coupons may be less readable and scannable depending on the quality
of the consumer's printer as compared to a professionally printed
coupon. Many consumers' printers print text in black and white,
rather than in color, and many retailers are trained not to accept
black and white coupons because of the concern that an authentic
professionally printed, color coupon has been copied on a copy
machine. Also, an on-line or electronic coupon may be easily
fraudulently altered before it is printed, thereby decreasing the
viability of on-line or Internet coupons.
[0020] There is a need, therefore for retail marketing systems in
which a consumer has a bar code reader, which is simply and
inexpensively fabricated, which is easy to use, and which provides
user access and feedback for a broad range of functions, including
preparing shopping lists, having access to electronic coupons,
enables the printing of paper coupons, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In keeping with these objects and others which will become
apparent hereinafter, one feature of this invention resides,
briefly stated, in a method for using a bar code reader to
facilitate a sales transaction using a paper coupon by providing a
scanner to a consumer; scanning bar code symbols on products to be
purchased by said consumer to generate a shopping list; and
transferring the shopping list to a coupon information processing
unit. The processing unit processes the shopping list by the
processing unit to determine the set of coupons for specific
products to provide to the consumer; and prints a set of paper
coupons for the consumer's use in purchasing such products.
[0022] The present invention further provides a sales incentive
system including a portable handheld optical code reader for use by
a consumer for scanning bar code symbols corresponding to product
items to be purchased, including a memory for storing symbol data
of items scanned by the reader, and a computer for receiving the
stored data associated with the scanned items from the memory of
the reader, and selectively generating coupon information based
upon sales offers for specific products currently available based
upon an analysis of the stored data by the computer.
[0023] A printer may be further provided coupled to the computer
for printing at the consumer's location a set of coupons
corresponding to the coupon information transferred from the
computer to the consumer's location.
[0024] In anther embodiment, the invention provides a cellular
telephone with a bar code reader and position locating capability,
e.g. for determining the specific location of the telephone with
respect to the aisles or other positioned indicators in a retail
establishment, such as a supermarket, department store, mall,
etc.
[0025] The flow-chart of FIG. 15, the present invention also
provides a method of reading a bar code on a target by taking a
picture of the target including the bar code symbol with a digital
camera by the user; and processing the image into a digital data
packet including the bar code image data; and transferring the
digital data packet over a computer network to a remote server. At
the server, the server performs a decode on the bar code image data
and an acknowledgement of a decode is sent to the user over the
network. The decoded data may be stored at the server or sent to
the user, or to another user designated destination.
[0026] The electronic coupon can be read and stored into the memory
of the reader by various means. For example, a printed symbol
corresponding to the electronic coupon can be read by the reader
and stored as coupon data in the memory. Digital coupon data
corresponding to the electronic coupon can be downloaded from a
server on the Internet, or from a host computer at the site of the
sales transaction. Coupon data corresponding to the electronic
coupon can also be manually entered by keyboard entry. The coupon
data stored in the memory of the reader is downloaded into a memory
of a transaction system, typically a host computer located remotely
from the reader. The downloading is preferably performed by
wireless transmission at radio frequency.
[0027] In use, a bar code symbol identifying the product to be
purchased is read by the reader, and the identifying data is
downloaded to the memory of the transaction system. The coupon data
is then electronically matched with the identifying data at the
transaction system. Once a match is made, the coupon is redeemed,
and the adjustment to the purchase price is transmitted, preferably
by wireless transmission, to the transaction site for the economic
benefit of the consumer in order to complete the sales
transaction.
[0028] Preferably, the coupon data includes a time stamp and an
expiration date for the coupon. It is also desired if a customer
identifier and/or a reader identifier is stored in the reader
memory and downloaded to the memory of the transaction system,
together with the downloaded coupon data and product identifying
data. The electronic coupon, when printed out, has bar code symbols
preferably encoded in the UCC/EAN-128 coupon extended code format,
in which a second bar code symbol is printed to the right of the
standard bar code symbol that identifies the product. The second
symbol contains offer codes, household identification codes and
expiration dates.
[0029] The novel features which are considered as characteristic of
the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims.
The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its
method of operation, together with additional objects and
advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following
description of specific embodiments when read in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an optical code reader and
cradle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a side view of the code reader and cradle of FIG.
1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the optical code reader of
FIG. 1 removed from its cradle and held in the palm of the hand of
a user;
[0033] FIGS. 4a and 4b are cross-sectional side views of two
cradles employed in preferred embodiments of the present
invention;
[0034] FIGS. 5 and 6 are, respectively, a top view and a bottom
view of a top housing half of an optical code reader of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIGS. 7 and 8 are, respectively, top and bottom views of a
circuit board assembly used in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a top view of a bottom housing half of an optical
code reader of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in
partial cut away;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating various
electronic sub-systems usable in data collection systems in
accordance with aspects of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a timing diagram for the lock toggle function of
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a laser scan
module used in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0041] FIG. 14 is a sample coupon printed in a UCC/EAN-128 coupon
extended code format.
[0042] FIG. 15 is a diagram depicting another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Many aspects of the present invention are contained in or
useable in a preferred embodiment of the present invention whose
external construction and appearance are depicted in FIGS. 1-3.
[0044] This portable handheld optical code reader 30 is of a
generally elongate bar shape equal to or less than four and three
quarters inches in length having generally opposing upper and lower
broad faces 31 and shallow side faces 33. The circumference of the
code reader at its thickest portion 29 is about five inches, such
that it fits comfortably in the average human hand as shown in FIG.
3. The front end is truncated to form a face to accommodate a
scanner exit window 34. The rear end 35 is generally tapered and is
adapted to nest in a cradle 32. Overall the reader is shaped
generally elliptically when viewed from the angles shown in FIGS. 1
and 3.
[0045] It will be understood that many aspects of the present
invention described below may be adapted for use in this as well as
other hand-held or stationary optical code readers.
[0046] I. Housing, Actuators and Ergonomics of Code Reader
Embodiments
[0047] FIGS. 1 and 2 are, respectively, pictorial and side views of
the optical code reader 30 and cradle 32 configured in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The code
reader 30 is generally elliptical in shape with slightly rounded
upper and lower ends as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 2 is a right
side view of the code reader. The left side view is a mirror image
of FIG. 2.
[0048] A scanner exit window 34 is located at one end of the reader
(the top end in FIGS. 1 and 3). The actuators comprise a scan
button 36 and a delete button 38. Feedback to the user is provided
by a three-color LED display visible through LED window 40. A
removable battery cover 42 is located on the opposite side of the
reader from the buttons and LED window.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the optical code reader 30 of
FIGS. 1 and 2, shown removed from the cradle 32 and held in the
hand of the user. The FIG. illustrates, among other things, the
approximate size of the code reader. The FIG. also shows how the
code reader fits in one hand, where it can be easily and accurately
aimed. The scan button 36 may be pressed with the thumb to initiate
scanning. Access to the delete button 38 is partially obstructed by
a raised casing area 44, which reduces the possibility of
inadvertent actuation of the delete button 38.
[0050] II. Cradle, and Electrical and Optical Interfaces
[0051] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the code reader 30 also
may include a communication connector socket 46 at the rear end of
the device into which a plug 48 may be inserted. The plug and
socket may be used to electronically transfer collected optical
code data to a personal computer or other suitable data handling
terminal.
[0052] In a more preferred embodiment the plug 48 is a miniature
stereo phone plug located in the cradle 32. The structure of such a
cradle and plug is shown in greater detail in the cross-sectional
view of FIG. 4(a). The structure may be easily fabricated from a
pre-made miniature phone plug and cable assembly 50. The plug
portion 52 may have a molded casing 54 which snaps into and out of
corresponding walls 56 of the cradle 32. This construction has the
advantage that a stock cable can be used for communication either
by itself or in conjunction with the cradle 32. A switch in the
socket 46 may be used to detect insertion of the plug and to
disable the laser scanner when the plug is inserted in the code
reader.
[0053] An optional optical interface may also be conveniently
provided using a suitable cradle or docking station. The structure
of such a cradle 60 is shown in FIG. 4(b) in cross-section. A code
reader 30 of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown inserted in the cradle 60. When so inserted the LED display
window 40 of the reader is located adjacent to a photo detector 62.
A light emitting element or LED 64 is located on a optical path of
the code reader 30, to project an optical signal to the code reader
30 through the scanner exit window 34.
[0054] In operation an RS 232 output port of the reader 30 may be
electrically connected to the LED display and to a photo detector
employed in the scanning module of the reader. Data may be input
into the reader 30 by means of the LED 64 as indicated by signal
line 66. Light produced by the LED 64 is projected along an optical
input path which may be collinear with an optical input path of the
scanner during normal scanning operations. Detection input data may
be digitized and applied to a data receptor line of a
microcontroller of the reader. Advantageously, the input data may
be transmitted at about a 9600 baud rate, which approximates the
frequency band associated with light signals produced when a bar
code is scanned. Thus, the input electronics of the reader may be
optimized to one frequency band common to both bar code scanning
and optical interface signal input.
[0055] Data may be optically outputted from the code reader 30 by
employing the display LED. Light produced by a display LED for
example a red display LED may pass through LED display window 40
and be detected by the photo detector 62, where it is converted to
a electrical signal and passed to a host or terminal as indicated
by signal line 68.
[0056] It will be understood from the foregoing that the reader 30
may be provided with two modes of connectivity: electrical and
optical. The electrical communication mode may be implemented at
lower cost and may be more appropriate for home use, especially
where the reader host is a home personal computer. The optical
cradle requires electrical power for the LED 64. It may be more
appropriate in heavy use environments such as a centralized host
Kiosk in a store which exchanges data with many code readers and
which is always ready to accept data from the code readers it
services. It will be understood that while the optical interface
cradle or dock may be more expensive to fabricate, it is less
susceptible to wear and tear caused by, for example, electrical
contact degradation.
[0057] Further alternative types of cradles or docks may employ
either of the above described electrical or optical interfaces, but
contain further circuitry permitting direct access to and
communication with telephone, cable or internet lines.
[0058] III. Internal Construction
[0059] The internal construction of the optical code reader 30 of
FIGS. 1 through 3 will now be described. The top housing half 100
of the optical code reader is shown in plan view in FIG. 5, wherein
like features of the embodiment of the preceding figures are
identified by the same numerals. The underside of the top housing
half 100 is shown in plan view in FIG. 6. A flexible button pad
member 102 is attached to the housing half 100 at 104. The pad
assembly 102 includes a scan button portion 106 and a delete button
portion 108 integrally connected to each other by the elongated,
flexible, serpentine portion 110. Flange portion 112 and 114 of the
button portions are normally held against the housing half 100 by
internal protruding posts 116 which rest on an underlying circuit
board assembly 152 depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. Activation pillars
118 and 120 are integrally formed in their respective button
portions 106 and 108 respectively.
[0060] In operation, when the scan button 106 is depressed, it
triggers an electrical switch 150 located on an underlying circuit
board assembly 152 shown in FIG. 7. Likewise, when the delete
button 108 is depressed, it triggers an electrical switch 154, also
located on the circuit board assembly 152.
[0061] The circuit board assembly 152 will now be described in
greater detail in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8. The circuit board
assembly is shown in FIG. 7 positioned in a lower housing half 156
and held in position by post 157 and pressure tabs 159, both
carried by the lower housing half 156. The scanner exit window is
located at 158. A scanner module or engine 160 is located on the
underside of the circuit board assembly 152 and directs a laser
scanning beam outward through the exit window at 158.
[0062] A scanner module useful in the code reader of the present
invention is constructed in the shape of a rectangular solid and
known as an SE 900 scanner module. Such a scanner module is
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/275,858, filed
Mar. 24, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Alternatively, the scanner module may be a "scanner on a chip" such
as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/209,243 filed
Dec. 10, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,947, which is hereby
incorporated by reference. As a further alternate the scanner
module may be of a cylindrical type as discussed below in
connection with FIG. 13. Finally, the optical detection may be
performed by a code reading engine employing imager technology such
as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/096,578, filed
Sep. 1, 1998, and hereby incorporated by reference.
[0063] The circuit board assembly 152 includes a single main
circuit board 161 on which electrical components are mounted,
including switches 150 and 154, display LED 162, micro processor
chip 164, memory chip 166 and I/O communications chip 168.
Advantageously, the display LED is a conventional bi-color LED (red
and green) capable of producing red, green and yellow light (yellow
light being produced by combining red and green light). A
communication connector socket 170 and the scanner module may be
mounted on the underside of the circuit board 161 as shown in FIG.
8.
[0064] FIG. 9 illustrates the lower housing half of the optical
code reader, with an upper wall of a battery compartment 180 cut
away to reveal the location of the batteries 182 and 184, battery
compartment side walls and spring contacts. In a preferred
embodiment the batteries are AAA type batteries.
[0065] An outer side wall 186 of the battery compartment forms a
side wall which encircles the batteries. Inner end walls 188 and
190 are configured with small apertures 192 slightly larger than
the protruding contacts 194 (positive terminals) employed on
standard 1.5 volt batteries. In operation the contacts 194
penetrate in the apertures 192 and make electrical contact with
conductive spiral helical springs 196 and 198.
[0066] The opposite ends (negative terminals) 199 of the batteries
are formed substantially flat and rest against helical springs 200
and 202 which protrude through larger apertures 204 in the inner
side walls 188 and 190.
[0067] Spiral helical springs 196 and 200 are electrically
connected together. Spiral helical springs 198 and 202 end in
spring loaded arms 206 and 207, respectively. When the circuit
board assembly 152 is positioned in the lower housing half 156, the
spring arms maintain themselves in pressure contact with conductive
lands 208 on the underside of the circuit board 161 shown in FIG.
8. Thereby, the batteries are connected in series to provide an
appropriate voltage (typically 3V DC) to the circuit elements of
the optical code reader.
[0068] It is conventional to include at least one diode in the
power supply circuit of hand held battery powered scanners and
other battery powered devices to prevent damage to the circuitry if
a battery is inadvertently installed backwards (i.e., with its
positive and negative terminals reversed). The need for such
measures is obviated by the structures of FIG. 9. It will be
readily understood that the contact spring for the positive battery
terminal is accessible only if the protruding terminal 194 of the
battery is inserted into the small aperture 192. These same contact
springs are inaccessible to the wide, flat negative terminal of the
battery. Accordingly, if a battery is inserted backwards, the
circuit is not completed.
[0069] IV. Optical/Electronic Systems
[0070] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a preferred
embodiment of an optical code reading system of the present
invention. Portions of the systems of FIG. 10 are described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,801,371, the contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference herein. Generally speaking, the system elements
enclosed by the dotted line 209 may be housed in a hand-held
optical code reader 210, while the systems outside line 209 may be
resident in an external computer or terminal which communicates
with the reader through a communications link such as described
above.
[0071] The hand-held code reader 210 includes an optical code
reading module 211 which may be an imager or a laser scan module of
conventional construction or of the type described in detail below.
The bar code being read is indicated at 212.
[0072] The module is controlled by a controller 214, which may be
implemented in a microprocessor. The controller receives at least
three user signals: from the scan key switch 216; from the delete
key switch 218 and from the docking switch 220. The keys may be
actuated by the fingers of the user. The docking switch may be
actuated by insertion of a communication plug 222 into the docking
switch.
[0073] The optical code reader 210 provides feedback directly to
the user in at least two ways: through audible signals produced by
one or more audio enunciators 224 and through visual signals
produced by one or more light emitting diodes 226. In a preferred
embodiment, the code reader provides audio feedback in the form of
short or long beeps of two different frequency and warble beeps.
Visual feedback may include continuous (solid) or flashing red,
amber and/or green light signals from the LED. The audio
enunciator(s) and LED(s) are operated in response to the controller
214. Preferred techniques for providing the user feedback are
described below.
[0074] Signals from the module 211 may be processed in signal
processor 228 and decoded by decoder 230. Decoded signals may be
provided for storage in the memory 232 which may have, for example,
a capacity to store information of up to 500 scanned items (UPC
codes). Information concerning coupons (discussed below) may
preferably be stored in a separate memory or a distinct section of
an existing memory. This segregation reflects the fact that coupon
data may be stored for the duration of multiple scanning or
shopping sessions until used. Information in the memory or memories
may be communicated to an external terminal 234 through
communications unit 236, the plug 222, and cable 238.
[0075] A clock 240 may be included in the circuitry of the code
reader. The clock may be employed, for example, to periodically
awaken the code reader at scheduled times or intervals for data
downloading. The clock may also be connected to a display (not
shown) so that the code reader can be used as a timepiece.
[0076] V. Host Terminal Implementations and Uses for the Code
Reader
[0077] With continuing reference to FIG. 10, the optical code
reader 210 may communicate with the terminal 234 in the manner
described above. The type of terminal and communication used with
the code reader will depend on the use environment for the code
reader. Several examples will now be provided.
[0078] It will be understood that versions of the optical code
readers described may be very inexpensively fabricated. So much so
that it becomes feasible to sell the unit to store customers for
use in tallying their purchases in store and/or for use at home in
preparing shopping lists. As an alternate the code reader could be
leased to the customer. The rental can be based on time (for
example a monthly rental fee). More preferably, the rental may be
based on the number of decodes performed by the customer with the
unit. The numbers of decodes or accumulated rental charges can be
counted by software and hardware in the code reader or in a store
terminal with which the code reader periodically communicates. In
this system, the rental is based on use and can be conveniently
tallied and automatically collected when the code reader
communicates with a system terminal.
[0079] In one preferred embodiment, the system terminal may be a
personal computer. Through the appropriate selection of the
communication unit 236 and the cabling, the reader may communicate
directly with a serial port of the personal computer. The code
reader and cradle may be provided as an inexpensive preferred
component. Applications software installed on the computer enables
the upload of a data from the code reader to the computer. Such
software may be provided to the computer, for example, on magnetic
media, CDs or over the Internet.
[0080] With appropriate applications software the PC can recognize
when the code reader is docked in the cradle. The PC can, for
example, download information from the docked reader at a
predetermined time. Docking may automatically disable the scanning
mode of the code reader.
[0081] In other preferred embodiments, the system terminal may be a
highly capable point of sale terminal. The point of sale terminal
may bring together inputs and data from a variety of sources other
than the hand held optical code readers of customers and employees.
Such sources include a pen tablet, a fingerprint recognition pad, a
magnetic strip reader (e.g., for credit card verification), a smart
card reader (with or without contacts), a speech recognition
system, a global positioning system (GPS), an RF transceiver,
removable memory cards or discs, analog I/O, IrDA data or an
encryption/decryption system. Outputs of the terminal may include a
display, a speaker system and a printer.
[0082] In a shopping environment, the system may provide additional
functions such as aisle sorting the customer's shopping list or
providing price ranges for items on the list. Such information can
be obtained by connecting the code reader to the merchants' data
server to obtain product, price and/or location data on the items
which the merchant has for sale.
[0083] Advantageously, a portion of the internal memory of the code
reader can be allocated to a variety of applications other than
storing information on scanned items. For example, 128 bytes of
memory could be allocated to applications memory. Among the data
which could be stored in the applications memory are the customer's
name, the customer's telephone number, the identity of the issuing
store or owner of the scanner and the telephone number of the
store. The customer and the store identity and telephone numbers
provide convenient means by which a host terminal can greet and
identify the user of the code reader and indicate and access the
associated issuer or store. Alternatively or in addition, each code
reader may be provided with a memory of its unique serial number,
which a host terminal may use to look up, for example, the identity
of the customer or the issuing store. Such identification
information may be used in a key and lock system which enables only
authorized customers to use the scanner at authorized stores or for
authorized purchases.
[0084] The allocated applications memory may also be employed to
store transaction related data. For example, the memory may store
the number of decodes for billing as described above, or keep a
store-by-store log of the total dollar purchases (for example for
tallying up volume or patronage discounts).
[0085] Other memory internal to the code reader may be used for
storing coupon data. For example, an electronic coupon can be
uploaded by scanning the bar code of a printed coupon or by
electronically downloading the coupon from a web site or by simply
inputting the coupon into the code reader when the code reader is
connected to a merchant host terminal. For example, memory for 200
or 300 coupons might be provided including coupon values,
expiration dates and validity data.
[0086] An example of the operation of a coupon redemption process
is as follows. A customer could load electronic coupons into the
reader in one or more of the ways described above. The customer
could scan purchased items with the code reader. Data concerning
both the purchased item and the electronic coupon could be
downloaded by a merchant host terminal, which would pair valid
coupons with corresponding purchases. The host terminal would
discard expired coupons, delete used coupons, and return unexpired,
unused coupons to the memory of the code reader.
[0087] In other preferred embodiments, a method is provided for
using the bar code reader to facilitate a transaction between a
buyer and at least one of a plurality of merchants or sellers of a
product or service utilizing a computer network. In accordance with
that method, a product or service identification derived from
scanning a bar code symbol is in put into the bar code reader. A
customer identifier is provided in the bar code reader (for
example, a unique serial number permanently stored in the bar code
reader). The bar code reader is manually associated with a
transaction terminal linked to a computer network by, for example,
docking the code reader in a host terminal. The potential suppliers
on the network capable of providing the product or service are
determined. An inquiry is transmitted over the network to the
plurality of sellers to determine the price and availability of the
product or service. In some environments such as stock
transactions, price and availability change rapidly and, it will be
understood that, sales transactions can be performed in a timely
way with the present method. Also, the sellers can use the customer
identity to determine whether and under what terms to complete the
sale. Responses are received in the host terminal from one or more
sellers including a sales offer; an acceptance is transmitted
responsive to one of said sale offers; and a payment is provided to
the seller by using a payment identifier transmitted by the
transaction terminal. In this way the network is accessed by the
bar code reader to facilitate sales transactions.
[0088] In other preferred embodiments, a customized scanner is
employed which carries an identifier of a particular supplier or
distributor of a product or service, e.g., a sponsoring merchant.
The sponsoring merchant may itself distribute its bar code readers
to customers or potential customers. In this case the bar code
reader may be used to facilitate transactions between a customer
and the particular supplier to whom an inquiry is transmitted over
a computer network to determine the current price and availability
of a product or service from the supplier. The customer may receive
a response from the supplier over the computer network including a
current price. The customer may then transmit an acceptance
identifier to the supplier over the computer network.
[0089] In further, preferred embodiments, the code reader is
integrated with a wireless transceiver unit to facilitate a
transaction between a buyer and a seller. For example bar code
scanners of the present invention may be integrated into a cellular
telephone. In such a case, the need to dock the scanner with a host
terminal or home personal computer to upload or download data may
be obviated. The user of such a system may input an order or bid
request and directly transmit the order or bid request to a
supplier. It will be understood that a customer or supplier
identifier in the unit may be used for the purposes described
above, in order, for example to direct customers to a sponsoring
merchant, or to identify the customer to validate use, payment or
acceptance.
[0090] VI. Actuator States, Timing, Indicators and
Functionality.
[0091] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram, illustrating the
coordination of various functions of the optical codes reader/PC
system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the
diagram various code reader operation such as scan, dock and delete
are represented as circles. System states are represented as
squares. The PC operation of viewing a list of stored items is
shown in a rounded square accessible from the "dock" operation. The
diagram, indicates, among other things, the various options or
responses to the condition of full memory or low battery.
[0092] As noted above, the code reader of a preferred embodiment
has two user actuated keys and a number of audio and visual
feedback capabilities. These inputs and outputs are coordinated
with at least five basic functions: Scan (e.g., item input),
deletion of item, clearing memory, communicating with a host
terminal and actuating a lock out. The relationship of the user
action to function performed and audible/visual feedback are given
in the following Table I.
1TABLE I Code Reader Functions - User Action/Feedback Function LED
Feedback Beeper Performed User Action (Green, Red, Amber) Feedback
Other Scan Item bar code Press & hold scan key Flashing green
-> solid green Short beep, freq1 Laser Valid param bar code
Flashing green -> solid green 2 short beeps, freq1 Laser Invalid
param bar code Flashing green -> solid red 3 short beeps, freq1
Laser Delete (When enabled) Item barcode Press & hold delete
key Flashing amber->solid amber Short beep, freq2 Laser Item
doesn't exist Flashing amber-> solid red Warble beep. Laser
Param bar code Flashing amber-> solid red 3 short beeps Laser
(Delete disabled- Press & hold delete key Flashing amber None
Laser Clear All enabled) Fall through to Clear All (Delete &
Clear All Press & hold delete key None None None disabled)
Clear All (When enabled) Press & hold delete key Flashing
amber->solid amber Long beep, freq2 Laser on for scan time 3 sec
past scan time off (When disabled) Hold delete key past scan time
None None None Communication Successful Unit docked and awakened by
Flashing green->solid green Short beep on host connect, then
long None (Powerdown recv'd) host or push of scan or delete beep on
power down key Unsuccessful Flashing green-> solid red None
Child Lock Toggle (When enabled) Press & hold both scan and
None Hi low, Hi low None delete keys for 1 sec
[0093] Under the "Scan" function, three possibilities and their
user feedbacks are noted in Table I: scan of an item bar code, scan
of a valid param bar code and scan of an invalid param bar code.
Param bar codes are bar codes which change the behavior or basic
functionality of the code reader, rather than indicating the
identity of a particular item in the manner of a UPC code. As such
the param bar code may be used to effect or toggle higher level
operations such as for example converting the code reader to a
laser pointer.
[0094] Under the "Delete" function, three possibilities are noted
in Table I: scan of an item bar code previously entered in memory,
scan of a bar code not in memory, and scan of a param bar code.
When the delete function is enabled, the scanning of an item bar
code previously entered in memory, deletes one of the item from
memory. Repeated use of this delete function may be used to
decrement the quantity field in memory for the item, one unit at a
time. Scanning of the bar code of an item whose current count in
memory is zero while pressing and holding the delete key, provides
the user a feedback signal of the inability to delete. Param bar
codes may be scanned to enable or disable the Delete function and
Clear All function (described below).
[0095] Under the Clear All function, two possibilities are noted in
Table I: when Clear All function is enabled or when Clear All
function is disabled. When the Clear All function is enabled,
pressing and holding the delete key while scanning an item bar code
and holding the delete key 3 seconds past the scan time, deletes
all of the items memory (reduces the item count to zero) and
provides the indicated user feedbacks. In this way the memory can
be cleared of all of an item, and, if desired, one or more of the
item may then be reentered by using the Scan function for the item
bar code. Advantageously, the default setting of the code reader is
one in which both the Clear All and Delete functions are
enabled.
[0096] As shown in Table I a Lock Toggle is provided in the code
reader. The system may be employed to shut out unauthorized use to
protect data and to prevent inadvertent eye exposure to laser
light. As indicated in Table I the function is performed by
pressing and holding both the scan and delete keys for one second.
Because of the location of the two keys and the location of the
blocking ridge 44 around the delete key, accidental toggling of the
lock is minimized.
[0097] FIG. 12 is a switch timing diagram for the Lock Toggle
function. In the example, the state of a first key pressed (the
scan or delete key) is indicated by line 250. The state of the
other key is indicated by line 252. A delay of T occurs during
which the unit powers up and recognized the first key press at 254.
An additional interval of up to 200 milliseconds is provided for
pressing of the other key to toggle the lock out function. If the
second key is pressed within that interval (as it is at 256) and if
both keys remain depressed fro the remainder of the 1 second
interval, the lock is toggled. The requirement that actuation of
both keys be detected within the 200 millisecond period tends to
prevent lock out toggling except in situations where the user
intended to simultaneously press both buttons.
[0098] The code reader is also capable of communicating certain
special conditions such as MEMORY LOW (reader memory nearly filled
to capacity), MEMORY FULL, BATTERY LOW, LOCK ENABLED AND ON, and
UNEXPECTED FAILURE. (The BATTERY DEAD condition is implicitly
communicated because the system ceases to respond altogether when
the battery is dead). The relationship of user actions, the special
conditions, and the audible/visible feedback are given in the
following Table II.
2TABLE II Code Reader Functions-UserAction/Feedback Special Cases
LED Feedback Beeper Special Condition User Action (Green, Red,
Amber) Feedback Other Memory Low Scan Item Press & hold scan
key Flashing red->Normal operation Normal operation Laser or
param bar codes Delete/Clear All Press & hold delete key Normal
operation Normal operation Laser Memory Full Scan Press & hold
scan key Solid red Long beeps for 5 sec None Any bar code or until
scan released Delete/Clear All Press & hold delete key Normal
operation Normal operation Laser Battery Low Indication (When
enabled) Scan Press & hold scan key Solid red->normal
operation Normal operation Laser Item & param bar codes Delete
Press & hold delete key Solid red->normal operation Normal
operation Laser Item & param bar codes Clear All Press &
hold delete key Solid red->solid amber Long beep, freq2 Laser on
for scan time then 3 sec past scan time off Lock (Enabled & ON)
scan/delete/dock Rapidly flashing red None None Unexpected Failure
scan/delete/dock Flash red, green and amber for None None 5 sec
(Service Call) Battery Dead scan/delete/dock None None None
[0099] It will understood that the code reader of the
above-described embodiments in capable of performing its many
functions and provide user feedback without the need of an on board
display screen, thus reducing the cost and complexity of the code
reader.
[0100] VI. Opto-Mechanical Layout of Cylindrical Module
Embodiment
[0101] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a laser scan module for
use in generally cylindrical housings. The module of FIG. 13
employs a mirror mounted on a leaf spring. Alternative embodiments
may use spiral tape springs which permit the mirror to pivot about
a shaft about which the spiral tape spring is wrapped.
[0102] In FIG. 13, the laser scan module 500, includes a generally
circular planar base 502. It is adapted to be housed in a generally
cylindrical housing such as that indicated at 501. Alternatively
the module may be positioned on a code reader main circuit board
such as shown in FIG. 8. A semiconductor light source 504, such as
a laser diode 506 and lens 508 may be located on the base 502. The
light source 504 generates a light beam projected along a first
optical path indicated by arrows 510.
[0103] A generally planar, reciprocally oscillated reflector or
mirror 512 is positioned above the base and located in the first
optical path 510. The reflector directs the laser beam impinging on
it toward a code symbol located in the field indicated by arrow
514. A spring coupled to the reflector 512, pivotably supports the
reflector for oscillating movement. In the embodiment of FIG. 13,
the spring is a leaf spring 516, fixed to the module at 518.
[0104] A drive mechanism is also supported on the base 502 for
reciprocally oscillating the reflector 512. The drive may include a
permanent magnet 520 connected to the reflector and coupled to an
electromagnetic coil 522. When an alternating drive signal is
applied to the coil 522, an alternating magnetic field is produced
which acts to oscillate the permanent magnet and, in turn, to flex
the spring and reciprocally oscillate the reflector about an axis
generally perpendicular to the plane of the figure.
[0105] A photodetector 524, such as a semiconductor photodiode is
also mounted on the circular base under the reflector. The
photodetector generates an electrical signal indicative of light
reflected from a target code symbol. A one-piece optical element
526, includes a beam folding section (such as generally planar
section 528), and a collection mirror portion (such as curved
portion 530). The optical element 526 is designed to receive
retro-reflected light from the reflector and direct it to the
photodetector 524.
[0106] The electronic coupon redemption process discussed above is
enhanced by using additional information encoded as a second bar
code symbol in addition to the first bar code symbol 212. As shown
for a sample coupon 600 in FIG. 14, the first bar code symbol 212
contains the manufacturer's identity and the product identifying
information, as is standard. The second bar code symbol 610
contains the additional information arranged in a template or
format in which a four digit application identifier 612 gives the
format of the data to follow, a single digit number system
character code 614 gives a manufacturer's number for products of
the same manufacturer, a four digit offer code 616 gives a number
assigned by manufacturers to code coupon offers, and a four digit
expiration date 618, where the first two digits represents the
month, and the last two digits represents the year, gives the date
that the product expires. The extended symbol 610 can also include
a second two digit application identifier 620 followed by an eight
digit household identifier 622.
[0107] The portable user apparatus or optical code reader 30, 210
is capable of reading both symbols 212, 610 on the extended code
coupon 600. The coupon 600 was downloaded from a server on the
Internet, or from a host terminal at the transaction site, and was
printed on paper.
[0108] As previously described, an electronic coupon may be read
into the memory 232 of the portable reader by scanning a printed
symbol 610, by downloading data from an Internet server or from a
host computer, or by manual keyboard entry, to store coupon data.
The reader can also scan a product identifying code or symbol 212
associated with the product being purchased, preferably being
affixed directly on the product, to store product data. The coupon
data and the product data are transmitted, preferably by wireless
transmission at a radio frequency, to a transaction system or host
computer 234 remote from the portable reader. The coupon data and
the product data are electronically matched in a memory of the host
computer, which thereupon transmits an acknowledgment signal to the
portable reader, or to a check-out terminal at the site of the
sales transaction, again by wireless transmission. The
acknowledgment signal confirms that a match has been made and that
the coupon is valid and has been redeemed.
[0109] It is advantageous if the controller 214 includes circuitry
for limiting the number of coupons that are stored in the memory
232. The limiting circuitry could also be located in the host
computer 234. The limiting circuitry serves to insure that the
number of coupons that are redeemed does not exceed a maximum
approved by the manufacturer.
[0110] It is further advantageous if the wireless transmission is
initiated when the portable reader 30 is placed on the cradle 32,
or when an actuator on the reader is manually actuated, or
automatically after each reading of a product identifying code and
coupon. The customer identifier stored in the memory 232 is useful
in determining the origin and destination of each transmission.
Advantageously, the customer identifier is provided in the
household ID field 622 of the symbol 610.
[0111] VII. Electronic Coupon Delivery System
[0112] The system according to the present invention is designed to
give consumers who purchase their own scanners with an easier way
to save money on groceries, and other products, than is possible by
clipping coupons. Our research shows that the inconvenience of
clipping and managing coupons is the primary reason that coupons
are not more heavily used. The research also shows that consumers
would use coupons more heavily if they could simply scan them
instead of clipping them.
[0113] Various systems that use the Internet to deliver coupons or
other offers exist today, but none of them include the shopping
list feature described in the attached documents. This feature
provides several benefits. It enables the consumer to use the
scanner to create a shopping list easily with his scanner, and edit
it on his computer, helping him to avoid forgetting to purchase
needed items. The system also reminds him to buy staples that he
purchases periodically and automatically creates a list of all of
the products a consumer generally buys, allowing him to peruse this
list to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything. Perhaps more
importantly, the described system shows how this list can be used
with an Internet based coupon delivery engine to automatically
deliver coupons for items on the consumers shopping list, or that
are complimentary to items on his list etc. The system also can
automatically add items to the shopping list when a consumer
indicates that he is interested in taking advantage of an offer
associated with that product. As you will see, this feature adds
significant value, not only to the consumer, but to the packaged
goods manufacturers who issue the coupons. The integration of the
shopping list feature into the coupon delivery engine allows the
packaged goods manufacturers to target customers with customized
offers. The manufacturers are willing to pay more per delivered
coupon when targeted this way, so this system can bring in more
revenue from coupon delivery than other systems.
[0114] Another feature of the system is the Coupon Bank. This
system provides benefits to the consumer, but it also makes it
possible to keep track of which coupons are actually used by the
consumer, a feature of great value to the packaged goods
manufacturers. I believe this coupon bank is also unique.
[0115] The following embodiments describe various ways coupons can
be printed at home by the consumer for redemption in a store. We
also expect to eventually allow consumers to redeem coupons
received via a home scanning/couponing system according to the
present invention without taking any paper coupons to a store.
Instead, the consumer will only need to identify himself to the
store POS system with his customer card, and the POS system will
contact our system which will inform the POS system what coupons
are in the customers bank. Any products being purchased that have
corresponding coupons will automatically be discounted.
Alternatively, the customer can bring his scanner to the store,
with his available coupons in the scanners memory. There will be a
means of downloading available coupons to the POS system so the
consumer can receive the discounts. The system will also be able to
keep records of coupons delivered to consumers this way, which is
valuable information to the packaged goods manufacturers.
[0116] The system delivers discount coupons to a consumer over the
Internet. The system includes a bar code scanner that is used by
the consumer to create a shopping list by scanning the UPC symbol
on items in his house that need to be replenished. The system also
includes other capabilities which combine to offer significant
convenience and utility to the consumer, as well as enabling him to
save money with the delivered coupons. Below is a list of the
individual features and capabilities of the system. of the present
invention, any one or more of which may be incorporated in an
embodiment thereof.
[0117] 1. User scans grocery products as they are consumed, using a
portable memory scanner. When the contents of the scanners memory
are downloaded to the consumers P.C. a shopping list is
automatically created. The user can add items to the shopping list
at any time by scanning items and by than downloading the scanners
memory again.
[0118] 2. When user is planning to go to the store, he can examine
products in his kitchen, scanning items that will need to be
replenished soon, automatically adding them to his shopping
list.
[0119] 3. Items will also be automatically added to shopping list
whenever user scans a coupon in a newspaper, magazine etc.
[0120] 4. The user can print out the shopping list on his home
printer before going shopping. The system will search for available
coupons. If any items on the list have a coupon available, a coupon
will be printed out along with the list. Available coupons can be
from among those scanned, or from an on-line database. The printed
coupons are redeemed at the store in the same way as coupons that
were clipped out of a printed publication.
[0121] 5. Special paper for printing coupons can be made available.
This paper will have perforations, allowing the coupons to be
easily separated for easy scanning at the store.
[0122] 6. Items on the list which have coupons available will be
highlighted on the printed list to remind the user that coupons are
available, while shopping.
[0123] 7. The list can be examined on the computer screen before
printing, allowing the user to edit the list.
[0124] 8. The system can automatically examine the shopping list
and offer to provide coupons for products that are competitive with
items on the list. The user can choose to accept the offered
product. When he does this a coupon for the new product is sent and
the new product is added to the list. The product that was replaced
can be removed from the list. If there was a coupon available for
that product it can be saved for a future shopping trip. If the
consumer does not choose to purchase the substitute product at that
time, the coupon for that substitute product can be added to the
coupon bank for use in the future.
[0125] 9. The system can offer coupons for products that compliment
products on the list. For example, the system can offer a coupon
for hot dog rolls if hot dogs are on the list. If the consumer does
not choose to use that coupon at that time it can be saved in the
coupon bank.
[0126] 10. The system can monitor the frequency with which items
are purchased, and remind the user that he might need to buy an
item because he has usually replenished it by now. It can offer him
a coupon for that item, or for related items at that time.
[0127] 11. A coupon management system can be provided that allows
the user to browse the list of coupons he has collected. The list
will flag coupons that are nearing their expiration date, reminding
the consumer to use them before they expire. An icon can also pop
up on other screens that the consumer might use for other services.
For example, an Icon will pop up on his shopping list to indicate
that a coupon for an item not on the list is about to expire.
[0128] 12. The user can click on any coupon on his list and that
product will be added to his shopping list. The coupon will than be
printed when the shopping list is printed.
[0129] 13. Recipes for couponed products can be offered. Other
ingredients needed for a recipe can be automatically added to the
list if the consumer wishes to do so. Coupons can be offered for
those added ingredients.
[0130] 14. Users can collect "points" for using coupons collected
through this system. Free merchandise can be offered in exchange
for points.
[0131] 15. The user can take the scanner to the store and scan
items that he might want to buy on future shopping trips. These
items can be added to a special reminder list, or be brought up as
a reminder next time the user is examining his shopping list.
Coupons for these items, or for similar items can be offered.
[0132] 16. A staples list can be automatically compiled which
includes all items bought more frequently than a predetermined
interval. For example, it can include items bought at least once a
month, or at least one out of two shopping trips. User can use this
list to remind him to check his supply of these staples before
going to the store.
[0133] 17. Nutritional information can be made available for
products with coupons, or for other products on the shopping list,
even if coupons are not available.
[0134] 18. The system can be expanded to enable the user to take
the scanner, loaded with the edited shopping list and coupons, to
the store. The scanner can be placed into a kiosk, which can print
out an aisle sorted shopping list. The kiosk will also capture the
coupons and send them to the POS system when the user is checking
out, enabling paperless coupon redemption. Alternately, if
paperless redemption is not possible at that store, the kiosk can
print paper coupons that the user can redeem in the usual
manner.
[0135] Another embodiment would be to have the coupons downloaded
to the store directly from the service providers web server when
the consumer buys couponed products. This eliminates the need to
bring coupons to the store and for any printing of coupons, but
requires the presence of a paperless redemption system.
[0136] 19. The system will display the total amount a user has
saved to date, and how much he will be saving on his next shopping
trip (based on his present shopping list).
[0137] 20. The system can automatically offer coupons to the user
based on items in the staples list or in the reminder list (the
list of items due to be replenished, based on past history).
[0138] 21. The system can supply manufacturers coupons, as well as
retailers coupons. It can also be expanded to enable individual
retailers to make offers to selected customers. This can increase
loyalty to a particular store.
[0139] 22. The system can keep track of every product that a
consumer ever put on his shopping list, or keep track of everything
on the list for the last year or month etc. It will than be able to
offer coupons for any of these items, or complimentary items, or
competitive items when they become available.
[0140] 23. The system can remind users to change batteries on their
scanner, based on how many scans have been downloaded. New
batteries can be ordered by clicking on an Icon. Heavy users can be
offered free batteries, or batteries can be sent automatically
after a predetermined number of scans have been downloaded.
[0141] 24. If the user designates which store he generally intends
to shop at, the system can send offers from that store.
[0142] 25. If the consumer enters his zip code the system can send
offers from stores in his area.
[0143] A system can be created that will create incentive for
consumers to obtain inexpensive scanners, such as the Symbol
CS-1504. This system will provide enough utility to a consumer that
the consumer can justify purchasing the scanner.
[0144] In its simplest form, the only hardware the consumer needs
to use this system is a bar code scanner and a home computer. The
scanner will be shipped with information enabling the consumer to
download application software via the Internet. This software will
enable the consumer to have access, over the Internet, to several
services.
[0145] The most important service enables the consumer to easily
and conveniently collect coupons at home. This is important because
marketing studies show that this is perhaps the most attractive
service a scanner can provide to a consumer. Many consumers clip
coupons but find the clipping tedious and the management of the
coupons cumbersome. A service that makes coupon collection easy
will appeal to consumers because they will expect to use coupons
more frequently than they are presently willing to do, and
therefore save more money. It is easy for a consumer to decide to
purchase a scanner if he knows that he will be able to obtain
enough discount coupons to return more than the cost of the
scanner.
[0146] In addition, the packaged goods manufacturers, who issue the
coupons to promote their products, are willing to pay a fee to a
service provider who delivers the coupon to a consumer. A business
that creates this system will therefore be able to collect this fee
from the packaged goods manufacturer each time a consumer uses the
system. This enables the service provider to sell the scanner at a
very attractive price. For example, he might sell the scanner at
cost and make his profit from the packaged goods manufacturers each
time the consumer uses the scanner to obtain a coupon.
[0147] The system will only provide a scanner to a consumer who is
sufficiently interested in using the system to spend a small amount
on the scanner. This avoids the need to distribute large quantities
of free scanners, many of which will end up in the hands of people
who are not interested in using them. In addition, unlike prior art
systems the service provider who operates this system will be
entirely in control of the content and service he provides. This
avoids the problem experienced by prior art systems in which users
scan UPC symbols on various products, only to find there is no
offer or information related to that product available. This
greatly diminished the perceived usefulness of the prior art
systems. Another advantage of this new system is that there is no
need for the service provider to make arrangements with very large
numbers of other businesses to provide content. The business model
of prior art systems depended on the support of numerous other
companies to continually provide content that is up to date and
useful to the consumer. Without this cooperation, from companies
who had little motivation, there was no reason for the consumer to
use the scanner, and there was certainly no reason for the consumer
to pay anything for the scanner.
[0148] A consumer who obtains a scanner for use with this new
system can use it in several ways. Each of these ways will provide
a service in the form of increased convenience or increased
savings. One way is to use the scanner to create a shopping list by
scanning grocery products as they are consumed. When the consumer
is ready to go to the supermarket, he downloads the scanner memory
into his home computer, which sends the UPC numbers of the scanned
products to the service providers web server. The UPC numbers are
compared to a database, and a shopping list is created that
includes complete item descriptions. The system will compare the
items on this shopping list to another database that contains
available discount coupons. If any items on the list have a coupon
available, a coupon will be sent to the consumer (I will describe
how this can be done later). In addition, the system can send
coupons for complementary products, such as offering a coupon for
hot dog rolls if hot dogs are being purchased. Another possibility
is to send coupons for products that compete with a product on the
shopping list. For example, if Coke is on the list, Pepsi might
offer a coupon to change the consumers buying choice. The consumer
prints out the shopping list on his home computer. The list
highlights any item on the list for which a coupon is being
provided.
[0149] The consumer can also create a shopping list that includes
items that are not already on hand in his kitchen. To do this, he
can take the scanner to the store and scan items he might be
interested in buying on a future shopping trip. These items can be
stored in his home computers memory and displayed as a reminder
next time he is preparing a shopping list. The computer can also
monitor his buying habits to determine which items are purchased
frequently, at what intervals various items are generally purchased
etc, so as to enable the computer to create a list to remind the
consumer to buy commonly purchased items, even if he has not
scanned them recently, or to remind him that he is due to replenish
an item that is consumed regularly. Each time a consumer is
preparing his shopping list he can peruse this reminder list, and
can move items onto the shopping list as desired. The system can
offer coupons for items on the reminder list to motivate him to buy
them during his next shopping trip.
[0150] The system can be used to create separate shopping lists for
different stores. For example, it can create one list for the
supermarket, and another list for the drug store. Many items
purchased in drug stores can be identified by the system character
3 in the UPC number. Alternatively, the UPC database can contain
information about the kind of product it is, allowing it to
automatically be placed on the proper list. Coupons that are issued
by retailers, as opposed to by the packaged good manufacturers can
be offered to the consumer as items are placed on the list for a
particular kind of store.
[0151] The scanner can also be used to scan discount coupons
printed in newspapers, magazines etc. When the scanner memory is
downloaded the coupon bar codes will be compared to a database, and
coupons for the same products as the original printed coupons will
be sent to the consumer. It will also be possible to send coupons
for complimentary or competitive products, as described above.
Coupon codes and UPC codes from products can be intermixed in the
scanners memory. The system will be able to distinguish between
them and respond as is appropriate for each kind of coupon.
[0152] This system also enables a consumer to obtain discount
coupons without having to receive anything sent through the mail,
which might be desirable in these days of terrorist activities.
[0153] The service providers web sight can also display coupons
offered by various packaged goods manufacturers on a large variety
of products. The consumer can click on coupons he is interested in,
enabling him to obtain them as described below.
[0154] It will also be possible to create special promotions or
contests for users of this system. Subscribers can be sent periodic
notices of special offers via e-mail. They can than come to the
service providers web page to get coupons for the offer.
[0155] Packaged goods manufacturers might not want to send coupons
for a specific product to a given consumer more than one or two
times, or maybe not more than once per month, for example. The
system can keep track of how many coupons a consumer has receive
for any item, and when the coupon was last receive. This will allow
the system to prevent distributing coupons beyond limits set by the
packaged goods manufacturer.
[0156] There are various ways coupons can be delivered to the
consumer. If the consumer has a printer connected to his computer
he can print the coupon at home. In most cases consumers will have
a printer that prints only on 8.5.times.11 inch paper. Several
coupons can be printed on each sheet of paper. These coupons will
each have a bar code on them along with a description of the
product for which they provide a discount. They can be redeemed at
a supermarket in the same way as any other paper coupon. This may
be a little inconvenient because shoppers will still need to clip
the coupons apart, eliminating the convenience of scanning coupons.
There are several ways this can be handled. One way is to supply
special printer paper with the scanner that is perforated to make
it easy to tear apart individual coupons. Around 20 coupons can be
printed on each sheet of paper. This paper can be replenished by
mail when the consumer clicks on a designated symbol displayed when
they access the service providers web page. Another way is to make
a strip printer available to consumers who use the system
frequently. This printer, which can print out individual coupons,
can be offered at a minimum price because it will encourage the
consumer to use the system. Whichever type of printer is used, the
paper can be pre-printed with a logo to identify it as coupon
obtained through this service, or a logo can be printed along with
the rest of the coupon, allowing the consumer to use ordinary paper
if he prefers, or if he has run out of perforated paper.
[0157] Another way to provide coupons is to place kiosks in
supermarkets that include printers. The shopper places his scanner
in a download well in the kiosk, and his coupons are printed out.
Yet another way is to allow electronic redemption. To do this, the
consumers scanner would be downloaded at the point of sale, by
placing it into a download well. The coupon bar codes stored in the
scanner would be compared to the items actually purchased, and the
discounts would be provided. Any coupons that were used this way
would be subtracted from the scanners memory so they could not be
used again.
[0158] This system can also provide additional services to the
consumer. It can provide a coupon management function by allowing
the home computer to store any coupons until such time as the
consumer was ready to use them. Coupons can be stored if they were
obtained by scanning, or if they were obtained over the Internet
from the service providers web sight. Available coupons could be
displayed on the computer screen allowing the consumer to select
the ones wanted for a particular shopping trip. The selected
coupons could be provided to the consumer in any of the ways
described above. Others would be saved for future use. The system
would be able to automatically purge expired coupons, and it could
highlight coupons that would expire soon, to notify the consumer
that they should be used before they expire. Each time a consumer
selects a coupon for use for a particular shopping trip, coupons
for complimentary or competitive products can also be offered. When
the selected coupons are printed, the computer can display the
total savings that the consumer will realize when he redeems them.
The computer can also keep track of total savings over varying time
periods, such as savings per week, per month, or total savings
realized since the consumer originally acquired his scanner. This
can encourage him to continue to use his scanner frequently.
[0159] The system can also provide nutrition information and
recipes for items on the shopping list, or for complimentary or
competitive products.
[0160] It will, of course, be important to encourage consumers to
obtain and use the scanners. The biggest barrier will be to make
them want to make the initial investment in the scanner. A good way
to do this is to offer coupons worth as much or more than the cost
of the scanner to the consumer when he purchases a scanner. When a
consumer buys a scanner and contacts the service provider for the
first time he will be asked to provide some profile information. In
return for that he will be mailed coupons specifically selected to
be appropriate for him, based on this profile. This way he will be
able to quickly recover his investment in the scanning hardware.
The service provider will also immediately receive some revenue
from the packaged goods provider for sending these coupons to
individuals selected as likely customers for the packaged goods
manufacturers products.
[0161] The consumer goes on to accrue further savings as he uses
his scanner, and each time he does so the service provider also is
paid for providing the coupons to the consumer.
[0162] The scanner will be purchasable directly from the service
providers web page. When this is done, the consumer will fill out
his profile information at the same time that he orders his scanner
so his customized batch of coupons can be shipped to him along with
the scanner.
[0163] Some consumers might wish to take advantage of the coupon
services without wanting to buy a scanner. This will be less
convenient for him, but will still provide savings to the consumer
by offering him coupons related to items on his shopping list, and
it will still provide an income to the service provider. The web
sight should therefore be set up to allow manual entry of shopping
lists as well as the numbers encoded in the bar codes on coupons.
that the consumer may have from magazines or newspapers.
[0164] The service provider will be in possession of information
that will be valuable to the packaged goods manufacturers. His
information, for example, can be used to measure effectiveness of
advertising campaigns, or to determine who buys certain kinds of
products. This information can be sold for additional income.
[0165] The web portal will also be needed. Some advertising will be
necessary because consumers will not use this system if they don't
know that it exists. Beyond that, every scanner sold will be paid
for by a combination of the price paid by the consumer, and by
payment from packaged goods manufacturers for the initial batch of
coupons sent to the consumer upon initially signing up for the
service. Every time a consumer scans a coupon, or whenever coupons
are sent to the consumer to promote complimentary or competitive
products, the service provider gets paid by the packaged good
manufacturer, while incurring no additional expense.
[0166] We have devised a system that allows consumers to capture
discount coupons that can be redeemed for discounts on products
that can be purchased at retail stores such as supermarkets, drug
stores, convenience stores and department stores. These coupons are
provided by packaged goods manufacturers to entice consumers to
purchase their products. Coupons of this kind are commonly found in
inserts in newspapers, magazines etc.
[0167] Many consumers use these coupons, but most dislike the
processes of clipping the coupons out of printed publications,
storing the coupons, remembering to bring them to the store,
sorting coupons, discarding expired coupons, etc. The consumer
coupon scanning system described here addresses these issues,
making the process of obtaining and redeeming coupons much easier.
In addition, the system makes it easy for the consumer to obtain
additional coupons, beyond the ones available to them in printed
form. This allow the consumer to obtain discounts on a larger
percentage of the products he purchases.
[0168] This system also offers a service to the packaged goods
manufacturers who issue the coupons, because it allows them to
reach consumers who would otherwise not take advantage of their
offers. This means that the manufacturers get more opportunity to
promote their goods to the consumers, or can reward loyal
customers.
[0169] Retailers also offer coupons for store brand merchandise.
This system can also be used to obtain these coupons.
[0170] This system offers advantages to the consumer, to the
retailer, and to the packaged goods manufacturer. A company who
creates a system will also benefit because the manufacturers are
willing to pay a fee for every coupon delivered to a consumer. It
is therefore in the interest of such a company to provide as many
services as possible to a consumer, to encourage the consumer to
use this system to obtain and use coupons. These services should
include providing easy ways for the consumer to collect, organize
and use the coupons. We have created a group of services which,
when combined, in whole or in part, are compelling enough that
consumers will be willing to make use of the system.
[0171] Others have proposed various coupon gathering systems. These
systems have suffered from several drawbacks. In general, they
require that a consumer make an investment in hardware needed to
use the service or to join and pay dues to a club etc. Consumers
are naturally skeptical of these systems because they cannot know
if the value of the coupons and other services received will
justify the investment they must make. The more they invest up
front, the lower the likelihood that they will eventually recover
all that they have invested and begin to save, which is the primary
thing they are interested in doing. It is therefore advantageous to
minimize the investment a consumer must make.
[0172] Another disadvantage of previously proposed systems is that
they generally cannot function without significant infrastructural
change in the stores where the consumer will redeem the coupons.
Another problem with existing systems is that consumers can only
redeem coupons in stores that have installed this new
infrastructure, greatly reducing the usability of the coupons,
especially at the early stages of the development of the system.
This leads to a chicken and egg problem where a consumer is
unwilling to invest anything in the system because his ability to
use it is limited, and the store is unwilling to invest in the new
infrastructure because there are not enough consumers enrolled with
the system to justify the investment.
[0173] Yet another problem with existing systems is that they
require changes to the process by which retailers are reimbursed
for discounts they provide to coupon users. This requires the
implementation of new systems involving the packaged goods
manufacturers, the retailer and the coupon clearing houses. This is
an expensive and time consuming process that disrupts long
established ways of redeeming coupons. It is not in the interest of
the clearing houses to cooperate in these changes because it
threatens their income.
[0174] Another disadvantage of some existing systems is that
consumers can only obtain discount coupons by using kiosks in a
store. This is inconvenient, requiring them to operate the kiosk,
possibly while other consumers wait their turn. The coupons
obtained this way are not necessarily related to products the
consumer plans to buy on this particular trip, so they might not be
used.
[0175] As you can see, existing systems are capable of providing
discount coupons to consumers, but the consumer must make an
investment he might be unwilling to make. In addition, these
systems offer very little added convenience to the consumer, and in
some cases add significant inconvenience. In addition usability is
limited by lack of existing infrastructure, which reduces the value
to consumers and discourages them from making any initial
investment to obtain the use of these systems.
[0176] The improved system proposed herein overcomes all of these
problems. It works as follows.
[0177] This system is based around a small portable bar code
scanner, such as the CS-1504 which is built by Symbol Technologies.
A consumer can obtain this scanner and use it in several ways to
obtain coupons, and to perform other functions that make it easy
and convenient to use the coupons when purchasing products. The
consumer can than use the coupons in any store that normally honors
coupons because the store can be reimbursed for them using the
existing infrastructure.
[0178] The scanner can be purchased directly from the company that
operates this coupon scanning system, e.g. the service provider, by
going to the service providers web sight, which will sell the
scanners. Alternatively, the scanners can be purchased from a
retailer. In either case, the consumer who buys a scanner obtains
immediate access to a list of available discount coupons on the
service providers web sight. He is permitted to select coupons from
the list that are for products he would like to buy. He can select
coupons of a total combined value such that their value
substantially offsets the cost of the scanner. For example, if the
consumer paid 20 dollars for the scanner, he can select 15 dollars
worth of coupons. Alternatively, the service provider might wish to
provide greater motivation to get consumers to use his service, and
might actually offer coupons that have a value greater than what
the consumer paid for the scanner.
[0179] The coupons selected by the consumer will be sent
electronically, via the Internet, to the consumer so that they can
be printed out before the consumer goes to the store to buy the
couponed items. These printed coupons will have bar codes on them
allowing them to be scanned at the store, just as coupons clipped
out of printed publications would be. It is also possible to
include additional data in the bar code printed on these coupons.
For example, the bar code can indicate that the coupon was obtained
through this system, which can allow the packaged goods
manufacturer to verify that his coupon has been redeemed. The
coupon can also indicate who the consumer is, or the consumer can
be identified by scanning his frequent shopper card that was
provided to him by the retailer.
[0180] The system also provides several other ways for the consumer
to obtain coupons, and it also offers other services that offer
enough convenience to encourage him to use the system. For example,
the consumer can use the scanner to automatically create a shopping
list. To do this he uses the scanner to scan the UPC symbol on
products as they are consumed, before the package is discarded. The
scanner stores the UPC number in its memory. When the consumer is
ready to go to the store, he connects the scanner to his home
computer and the UPC numbers stored in the scanners memory are
downloaded to the computer. These numbers are sent to the service
providers web server and are compared to a database of UPC numbers
to determine what products they represent. The product descriptions
are than sent back to the consumers computer and are displayed in
the form of a shopping list. The consumer can edit the list if he
wants, ant than print it out so he can take it to the store. If the
consumer indicates which store he intends to shop in, the list can
be sorted by aisle, making it easier for the shopper to find the
things on his list. A map of the store can also be printed with the
locations of listed items marked on the map.
[0181] When the UPC numbers of items scanned in the consumers home
are sent to the service providers web server, it can compare those
items to another database of available coupons, to see if coupons
are available for any items on the list. If so, coupons can be sent
to the consumer for printing out with the shopping list. In
addition, the system can send coupons for complimentary products
that are not on the list. For example, the system can offer a
coupon for hot dog rolls to someone whose list includes hot dogs.
Alternatively, the system can send coupons for alternative
products. For example, if Coke is on the shopping list the system
can offer a coupon for Pepsi. The consumer can review these offers
and can designate the ones he is interested in. These items will be
added to the shopping list and the associated coupons will be sent
so that they can be printed out along with the shopping list.
[0182] Before going to the store, consumers generally look through
their refrigerator and pantry to determine what might need to be
replenished. If he has a scanner, he simply scans UPC on the item
and it will be added to his shopping list when the scanner is later
connected to his home computer. The system will also offer coupons
for these items, if coupons are available, as well as coupons for
complimentary or alternative products, as described above.
[0183] Another way the consumer can obtain coupons is by scanning
the bar codes on coupons in printed publications. The system will
be able to distinguish these bar codes from the bar codes on
packaged good items, and will recognize them as codes representing
coupons. These codes will be compared to a database of coupons, and
coupons equivalent to the scanned coupons will be sent to the
consumer. The consumer has scanned the coupon because he wants to
purchase the discounted product, so that product will be
automatically added to the shopping list.
[0184] Sometimes the consumer may not want to purchase a product
for which he has a coupon on his next shopping trip. In this case
he can store coupons in electronic form in a "coupon bank" for use
at a later date. This coupon bank can reside either on his computer
or at the service providers web sight. In the future, when the
consumer is creating his list for his next trip to the store the
system can remind him of what coupons he has available, allowing
him to add that item to his list if he wants to. Alternatively, if
an item with a coupon in the coupon bank is scanned while the
consumer is creating his shopping list, the coupon will be
transferred from the coupon bank so it can be printed out for
redemption.
[0185] When the shopping list is printed out, items for which
coupons were also printed will be highlighted on the list,
reminding the consumer that coupons are available. If any items
with associated coupons turn out not to be available in the store,
due to being out of stock, etc. The consumer can return unused
coupons to his coupon bank by scanning the bar code on the unused
coupon.
[0186] The system can also remind consumers when coupons are
nearing their expiration date, so the coupons can be used while
still valid.
[0187] One thing that consumers dislike most about using coupons is
the necessity to clip them out of printed publications. When this
system is used several coupons will be printed on a single page.
The consumer might need to separate these into individual coupons
before presenting them at a store (stores with hand held scanners
will not need the coupons to be separated). If so, he can tear or
clip them apart, which is still easier than tearing them out of the
newspaper or magazine, and eliminates the problem of destroying
whatever is printed on the other side of the page. Alternatively,
the consumer can obtain special printing paper, from the service
provider, that is pre-perforated such that it is easy to tear the
coupons apart. This paper can also be pre-marked on both sides,
making it difficult for these coupons to be reproduced with a
photocopy machine.
[0188] The system can monitor the frequency with which a consumer
normally purchases products and can remind him that it is time to
purchase that item again, It can offer a coupon for this item at
that time, or it can offer a coupon for an alternate or
complimentary product.
[0189] Users of this system can also make use of other services.
The system can provide recipes for items on the shopping list, or
coupons in the coupon bank. It can also supply nutritional
information about these products.
[0190] The system can keep track of all items that were ever on the
consumers shopping list. The consumer can browse this list as a
means of helping plan his shopping trip. Items on this list that
have coupons available can be highlighted, motivating the consumer
to add these items to his immediate shopping list so he can take
advantage of the coupon.
[0191] As an additional incentive and reward to users who obtain
coupons using this system, the service provider can offer "points"
to consumers for each coupon obtained from this system.
Alternatively, points can be offered for coupons obtained from this
system when they are redeemed.
[0192] Consumers can take the scanner with them when they go
shopping. If they see any item that they think they might want to
buy on their next trip they can scan the UPC code on that item.
When they get home, that item can be added to their next shopping
list. If a coupon is available for that item, it can be provided.
This will also allow consumers to obtain recipes or nutritional
information about products that were seen in the store.
[0193] Whenever the consumer is accessing the service providers web
sight, for any of the services mentioned above, the total amount of
savings accrued by the consumer to date can be displayed. This will
motivate him to continue using the system to receive further
savings. The amount that the consumer will be saving on his next
trip to the store, based on coupons that are available for items on
his shopping list can also be displayed.
[0194] As stated above, a significant advantage of this system over
other similar systems is that it does not require any special
equipment to be installed in a store to allow a consumer to redeem
coupons obtained by the use of this system. There are, however,
additional services that can be provided if hardware for this
purpose is installed in a store. Retailers will be motivated to
install this hardware, which can be made available from the service
provider, because the hardware can offer additional services to
consumers who shop at the retailers stores. For example, a kiosk
can be installed in a store. The consumer can bring his scanner
from home and download the contents of the scanner memory to the
kiosk. This enables the kiosk to print out an aisle sorted shopping
list and/or coupons, if the shopper does not have a computer at
home. Coupons stored in the scanner can also be sent to the store
POS system for paperless redemption, whenever systems are in place
to allow that. The consumers scanner can also be used for self
check-out by scanning the UPC symbol on items he places in his
shopping cart. Details of this system are disclosed in another
application.
[0195] A unique feature of this system is the shopping list
feature. It adds utility and convenience for the consumer and it
also is used by the service provider to verify that consumers are
actually intending to use the delivered coupons. This is of value
to the packaged goods manufacturers because it verifies that their
coupons were actually used. This greatly increases the value of
this system to the manufacturers because it enables them to use the
system to test the efficacy of promotions, determine who their best
customers are etc.
[0196] The coupon bank adds to the systems ability to monitor the
use of coupons. By allowing a consumer to leave coupons in the bank
until such time that he intends to use them, it greatly reduces the
likelihood that he simply printed out the coupon and than didn't
use it. A consumer is not likely to print out a coupon without
using it. If he prints one out, but doesn't use it, perhaps because
he didn't get to the store when he expected to, or because the item
was out of stock, he can return it to the bank by scanning its bar
code. The combination of the shopping list and coupon bank
therefore combine to create a system that can verify to a high
level of probability that the coupons delivered to a consumer were
actually used. All other systems that attempt to verify the use of
coupons do so by monitoring the flow of coupons from the retailers
back to the CPG's (consumer packaged goods manufacturer). There is
no universally existing infrastructure in place to do this, so it
is generally done on an ad hoc basis, each organization
implementing its own system. Our system eliminates the need to
install any additional systems or infrastructure to perform this
valuable service.
[0197] U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,789 of Edward L. Johnsen describes a
display/coupon organizing/shopping list system that is used in a
store mounted on a shopping cart. It also mentions that a scanner
can be attached to a home computer to create a shopping list that
will be sent to the store via modem for displaying on the cart
mounted display.
[0198] A primary difference between the present invention and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,250,789 is that the present invention does not require
any additional infrastructure in the store to enable a consumer to
use it. No cart mounted display or remote access to a stores UPC
database is necessary. These things could be added to my system,
and might provide some additional utility, but they are not
required. This is an important distinction because eliminating the
need for special hardware in each store, as well as eliminating the
need to connect to a stores UPC database allows users of my system
to shop, and get discounts, at any store they want, without any
requirement that the store be involved with my system in any way.
This means that consumers can use the present invention at any
store as soon as they obtain a scanner and sign up for the service.
There is no need to wait for their particular store to join my
system, install cart mounted displays in their store etc. It also
means that there is no issue of finding a source of financing to
pay for the design and installation of expensive hardware in every
store, allowing the operator of my proposed system to develop the
system at much lower expense and to expand the system across the
country, or the world much faster without having to sell the system
to each individual retailer.
[0199] The use of the home scanner is different in the present
invention than in the Johnsen system. The prior are patent
describes using a cash register printout with bar codes that can be
scanned at home to create a shopping list, e.g. a wand scanner that
would be tethered to a home computer, as opposed to a portable
laser scanner. A tethered wand would make it impractical to scan
actual product packages in the kitchen, as the products are
consumed. A wand scanner cannot read the bar codes on real world
grocery products very well, and it would be impractical to bring
the package for every consumed item to a room outside the kitchen
where the home computer might be located. It would, however, be
practical to bring a cash register tape to the room where the home
computer is located, and the bar codes printed on the tape would be
readable by a wand scanner.
[0200] A portable scanner that is used to scan the bar codes on
consumed products also relieves the consumer of the necessity of
saving the cash register print out with the bar codes on it, so he
can use it to generate the shopping list for his next trip, as
would be necessary with the Johnsen system. With the system of the
present invention, the shopper can throw the cash register print
out away, or loose it, and he can still generate the shopping list
for his next trip. The Johnsen system also doesn't provide a way
for consumers to add items to their shopping list that were not
originally purchased from a store that produces a bar coded cash
register printout. With my system any item can be scanned onto the
shopping list, by scanning its package, no matter where or when it
was purchased.
[0201] U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,789 discloses a printer mounted within
the cart mounted display unit for printing coupons. It does not
disclose the consumer using a printer at home to print coupons that
he will bring to the store with him. This patent also discloses the
cart mounted display sending an electronic coupon via R.F. to the
store computer so the consumer can get a discount without tendering
a paper coupon. It does not disclose sending an electronic coupon
to the store computer from the consumers home computer, or from a
remote computer operated by a service provider. These things are
both included in the couponing system of the present invention.
[0202] The Johnsen patent speaks of matching coupon bar codes to
product bar codes within the cart mounted display device. This is
different from the system of the present invention because the
invention does this matching before the consumer or his shopping
list comes to the store. Coupons and items on the shopping list are
matched either by the consumers home computer, or by the service
providers computer, which reads the shopping list and compares it
to a database of available coupons. Offers for alternate products,
or complementary products are also made to the consumer at home.
This allows him to edit his shopping list at home, to either accept
or reject these offers before he goes to the store. He therefore
goes to the store with all accepted offers already available to him
in the form of printed coupons and a printed shopping list that he
can use in any store he chooses. There is no need for him to go
only to a store that has the cart mounted display devices described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,789.
[0203] This prior are patent also describes that an aisle sorted
shopping list can be created by comparing items on the shopping
list to an item location database from the store to create an aisle
sorted shopping list, or a map of the store showing where each of
the items on the shopping list can be found. This can also be done
with my system, if the store is able to supply the item location
information to the home computer. A difference between system of
the present invention and the Johnsen system, however, is that the
Johnsen system contemplates bringing the aisle sorted shopping list
to the store on a floppy disk so it can be displayed on the cart
mounted display unit. With system of the present invention the
aisle sorted list would be printed out at the consumers home using
a printer connected to his home computer. This, again, eliminates
the need for the store to install the cart mounted display
units.
[0204] Various initiatives are under way, to provide information to
consumers who are shopping, in a supermarket or other kind of
store, with information about special promotions available in the
store. Some of these prior art systems display advertisements to
consumers who are moving around a store. These advertisements
change depending upon where the consumer and mobile device is
located at any particular time. For example, mobile device would
display an offer for a brand soda when the shopper is in the soda
aisle.
[0205] In some cases the mobile display device may also include a
bar code scanner and a radio. The bar code scanner can be used to
allow the shopper to identify himself to the system enabling the
system to send targeted offers. Alternatively, the scanner could be
used to scan items the shopper is purchasing, to allow the system
to offer a promotion of a complimentary product, etc. The scanner
also allows the system to be used for self check-out.
[0206] The radio allows the movable system to be in real time
communication with the store system so as to allow downloading of
offers and various promotional displays, or of the price or
description of items that are scanned.
[0207] Cellular phones may also be fitted with a bar code scanner,
either as an add-on attachment or with the scanner integrally
incorporated into the phone or by using an imager that is installed
in the phone for capturing and transmitting pictures. A
phone/scanner combination such as this would be capable of
performing all of the self check-out functions described above if
there was an easy way for the consumer to cause the phone to
communicate with the store POS system. This can be facilitated by
the creation of a service that interconnects the phone (over the
wide area network provided by the cell phone service provider) and
the store computer system.
[0208] A system like this can be enhanced according to another
embodiment of the present invention if the cell phone or the
scanner module connected to the phone also includes a means of
determining its location within the store. This will allow it to
display promotions that relate to the location in the store where
the consumer is presently located.
[0209] The present invention thus provides a phone, or the plug-in
module, that contains a sensor for the infra-red location beacons
known in the art. Short range R.F. beacons could also be used. If
the R.F. beacons had a range of only several feet, the Phone
position would be determined within this accuracy whenever the cell
phone received the signal from the beacon. The beacon (either R.F.
or I.R.) would be constantly transmitting a signal that identifies
itself. The phone would send this identification information to the
store system that contains the promotional information via the
phones wide area capability, and information would be sent back to
the phone causing it to display a promotion that is related to the
products that are near the beacon.
[0210] Other means of determining the phones location can also be
used, such as G.P.S., sensing or R.F. tags in the immediate
location, inertial guidance etc. However the location of the phone
is determined, the combination of a position sensing device, a bar
code reader and a cell phone offers some unique capabilities.
[0211] As shown in the diagram of FIG. 15, the present invention
also provides a method of reading a bar code on a target by taking
a picture of the target including the bar code symbol with a
digital camera by the user; processing the image into a digital
data packet including the bar code image data; and transferring the
digital data packet over a computer network to a remote server or
host computer. At the server, the server performs a decode on the
bar code image data and an acknowledgement of a decode is sent to
the user over the network. The decoded data may be stored at the
server or sent to the user, or to another user designated
destination. The present invention also provides a system for
decoding bar code symbols utilizing a remote host computer or
network server, as depicted in the Figure.
[0212] Although the invention has been discussed with reference to
certain personal bar code reader designs, housings, triggering
mechanisms, marketing and couponing printing and processing
systems, and other features of the disclosed embodiment it will be
understood that a variety of readers, printers, housing styles and
shapes, and triggering mechanisms could be used. Other conventional
features of bar code reading systems can also be included if so
desired. The invention is preferably implemented using miniaturized
components such as those described herein or in the materials
referenced herein, or otherwise known in the art. However, the
scanner of the present invention is not limited to use in portable
devices and can also be easily adapted for use in a stationary
housing either of the "desktop", "table top" or "projection"
variety, other systems, wherein the item on which the symbol
resides is moved across the scanner head.
[0213] Additionally, even though the present invention has been
described with respect to reading one dimensional bar codes, it is
not limited to such embodiments, but may also be applicable to more
complex indicia scanning or data acquisition applications such as
two dimensional bar codes and matrix array symbols comprised of
geometric shapes. It is conceivable that the present invention may
also find application for use with various machine vision or
optical character recognition applications in which information is
derived from indicia such as printed characters or symbols, or from
the surface or configurational characteristics of the article being
scanned.
[0214] In addition to being packaged in specific personal scanner
housings, the elements of the scanner may be implemented in a very
compact assembly or OEM subassembly such as a single integral
module or "scan engine". Such a module can interchangeably be used
as the dedicated scanning element for a variety of different
operating modalities and types of personal appliances or data
acquisition systems. For example, the module may be alternatively
used in a hand-held manner, in a table top goose neck scanner
attached to a flexible arm or mounting extending over the surface
of the table or attached to the underside of the table top, or as a
subcomponent or subassembly of a more sophisticated data
acquisition system.
[0215] Each of these different implementations may be associated
with a different modality of reading bar code or other symbols or
marketing systems. Thus, for example, the hand-held scanner is
typically operated by the user aiming the scanner at the target;
the table top scanner operated while the target is moved rapidly
through the scan field, or presented to a scan pattern which is
imaged on a background surface. Still other modalities within the
scope of the present invention envision the articles being moved
past a plurality of scan modules oriented in different directions
so the field of view allows at least one scan of a symbol which may
be arbitrarily positioned on the article.
[0216] The module could advantageously comprise various optic
subassemblies mounted on a support, and photodetection components,
such as a photodiode, charge coupled or solid state imaging device.
Control or data lines associated with such components may be
connected to an electrical connector mounted to enable the module
to be electrically connected to a mating connector associated with
other elements of the data acquisitions system.
[0217] An individual module may have specific scanning or decoding
characteristics associated with it, e.g. operability at a certain
working distance, or operability with one or more specific
symbologies or printing densities. The characteristics may also be
defined through the manual setting of control switches associated
with the module. The user may also adapt the data acquisition
system to scan different types of articles or the system may be
adapted for different applications by interchanging modules in the
data acquisition system through the use of a simple electrical
connector.
[0218] The scanning module described above may also be implemented
within a self-contained personal appliance unit including on or
more such components as keyboard, display, printer, data storage,
application software, and data bases. Such a unit may be a cellular
telephone, and also include a communications interface to permit
the data acquisition unit to communicate with a host computer, or
other components of a data processing system, or with remote
computers through a local or wide area network or with the
telephone exchange network, either through a modem; pca; area, wide
area, or an ISDN interface, or by low power radio broadcast from
the portable unit to a stationary or mobile receiver and thereafter
to other system components.
[0219] It will be understood that each of the features described
above, or two or more together, may find a useful application in
other types of scanners and readers and marketing systems differing
from the types described above.
[0220] While the invention has been illustrated and described as
embodied in it is not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
without departing in any way from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0221] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can readily adapt it
for various applications without omitting features that, from the
standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential
characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this
invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended
to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of
the following claims.
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