U.S. patent application number 10/871381 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-18 for method and system for electronic distribution of product redemption coupons.
Invention is credited to Barnett, Craig W., Braunstein, Mark, Reisner, Karen R..
Application Number | 20040230485 10/871381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23685531 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040230485 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barnett, Craig W. ; et
al. |
November 18, 2004 |
Method and system for electronic distribution of product redemption
coupons
Abstract
Provided is a method and system for the electronic distribution
of product redemption coupons to remote personal computers located
at users' homes. A centrally located repository, such as an online
service provider or web site on the Internet, stores packages of
coupon data for downloading on demand to the user's computer. The
user may view, select, sort and print desired coupons from the
downloaded package. The user's demographic as well as coupon
selection data is provided back to the online service and coupon
distributor and issuers for subsequent marketing analysis. The
online service can perform subsequent coupon processing on
previously downloaded coupon packages such as variation of discount
amounts. The online service provider can also determine how many
times a particular coupon was viewed. When the printed coupons are
presented at a retail store, the discount is provided to the user.
Upon redemption by the store via a coupon redeeming center,
transaction data is also supplied to the coupon issuers and
distributor for integration into marketing analysis. The electronic
coupon system is secure due to the inclusion of user-specific
identification indicia printed thereon.
Inventors: |
Barnett, Craig W.;
(Princeton, NJ) ; Reisner, Karen R.; (Princeton,
NJ) ; Braunstein, Mark; (Yusef, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MINTZ LEVIN COHN FERRIS GLOVSKY AND POPEO PC
12010 SUNSET HILLS ROAD
SUITE 900
RESTON
VA
20190
US
|
Family ID: |
23685531 |
Appl. No.: |
10/871381 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10871381 |
Jun 21, 2004 |
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09879825 |
Jun 12, 2001 |
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09879825 |
Jun 12, 2001 |
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08425185 |
Apr 19, 1995 |
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6321208 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0235 20130101;
G06Q 30/0255 20130101; G06Q 20/387 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 30/0211 20130101; G06Q 30/0222 20130101; G06Q 30/0224
20130101; G06Q 30/0239 20130101; G06Q 30/0238 20130101; G06Q
30/0271 20130101; G06Q 20/108 20130101; G06Q 30/0251 20130101; G06Q
30/0236 20130101; G06Q 30/0269 20130101; G06Q 30/0225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/014 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
1-46. Cancel
47. A method of redeeming an electronic coupon in the course of an
online transaction, said electronic coupon having a data structure
resident in a computer-readable medium of a first computer
processor unit, said data structure being transferable between
computer-readable media of a plurality of computer processor units
over a communications channel and including information sufficient
for enabling one of said computer processor units to electronically
redeem said electronic coupon in the course of said online
transaction, the method comprising: A. establishing a connection
between said first computer processor unit and a second computer
processor unit; B. transferring said data structure resident in
said computer-readable medium of said first computer processor unit
to a computer-readable medium of said second computer processor
unit over said communications channel; C. establishing a connection
between said second computer processor unit and a further computer
processor unit for the purpose of initiating said online
transaction; D. in response to establishing a connection between
said second computer processor unit and a further computer
processor unit, said further computer processor unit detecting said
data structure in said computer-readable medium of said second
computer processor unit; E. automatically transferring said data
structure information over said communications channel from said
second computer processor unit to said further computer processor
unit during said online transaction; and F. said further computer
processor unit providing a benefit to said second computer
processor unit based on said data structure information in the
course of said online transaction.
48. The method according to claim 47, further including the step of
authenticating said electronic coupon as a function of said
information, so as to prevent the use of a counterfeit coupon by
said second computer processor unit.
49. The method of claim 47, wherein said first computer processor
unit and said further computer processor unit are the same computer
processor unit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the electronic distribution
of secure money saving or discount coupons and other marketing
incentives and in particular to use of a centrally located online
computer system for interactively distributing such coupons to
remotely connected consumer computers and for collecting
user-specific data regarding coupon usage and user demographic
information from the remote computers.
[0002] Millions of consumers regularly use product redemption
coupons and realize substantial savings as a result. Significant
time is spent clipping and sorting coupons, discarding expired
coupons and organizing current coupons for use on shopping trips.
Conventional coupon distribution results in significant wasted time
due to consumers' attempts to manage their coupon use.
[0003] Coupons are delivered to consumers through a variety of
media. The primary coupon distribution is via pull-out sections in
newspapers, which are known as free standing inserts (FSIs). This
accounts for just over 80% of coupons used. Other methods of
distribution include in-store shelf coupon dispensers, check-out
coupons (generally issued based on the customer's current
purchase), register receipt coupons, in-product coupons, instant
peel-bff on-product coupons and direct mail coupons. In addition to
manufacturers' coupons, consumers use retail store coupons, such as
those issued by large retail chains on a weekly basis.
[0004] Some consumers use coupons on a fairly random basis. These
consumers tend not to keep coupons for future use, but will review
coupons available just prior to shopping to see if any of them
cover products they plan to buy or if there are any for new or
improved products of interest.
[0005] More organized coupon users maintain some form of storage
system to keep coupons for future use. These consumers often clip
coupons regularly from all available sources, and often have coupon
filing systems by product category. They will also review their
coupons regularly, discarding unused coupons which have
expired.
[0006] For most consumers, attempts to maintain an organized coupon
file often fails. The "bother" and time required to maintain
organized coupon files often results in neglect of those files,
even though diligent shoppers know that a consistent significant
savings is easily achievable using coupons.
[0007] The notion of issuing product redemption coupons to
consumers was an innovative idea to entice consumers to try new
products in the hope that, after the first try of a new product at
a coupon discounted price, they would become repeat customers at
the regular price. Coupons are effective tools used in launching
new products. Manufacturers also find coupons can shore up flagging
sales, help reduce excess inventory or win back consumers' brand
loyalty, and so coupons for existing products have become
customary, so much so that today's consumers have come to expect
coupons. Often, coupon price incentives significantly reduce brand
loyalty, and manufacturers must issue more coupons than desired to
maintain market share. Market share has also been impacted by an
increase in the number and variety of competing "no-name" store
brands. The competitive nature of the retail industry does not
allow manufacturers to reduce coupon distribution, and in some
market sectors, such as cereals, the majority of purchases are made
with coupons.
[0008] Consumers are most familiar with FSIs as a source for
manufacturers' coupons. In 1993, the coupon redemption rate from
FSIs was 2.3%, and gradually declining. The primary factors which
keep the redemption rate low include consumers not needing or
wanting the product advertised, consumers not bothering to clip
coupons, losing clipped coupons or leaving them behind on shopping
trips, lack of 100% distribution of newspapers, overcouponing
within specific areas, and unavailability of new products when the
coupon is issued.
[0009] Free standing inserts currently represents the largest share
of the coupon distribution industry, roughly 80.2%. On average,
manufacturers who use FSIs for coupon distribution, spend
approximately $0.92 per coupon redeemed, which is the lowest
redeemed cost per coupon redeemed when compared with other current
coupon distribution methods. FSI coupon distribution results in
high costs per coupon because of the shear complexity of and volume
of materials involved in coupon distribution and redemption.
Charges to manufacturers by FSI producers cover set-up, paper,
printing, freight, newspaper insertion costs, sales and marketing,
overhead and profit.
[0010] Direct mail coupons accounted for approximately 4.4% of
coupon distribution in 1992. Direct mail coupons may be issued as
part of a nationwide campaign or a regional campaign, may be
cooperative or solo, and may be mass, zip-code/lifestyle/lifestage
segmented or household targeted. Regional direct mail coupons are
more common, and are usually limited to marketing the products
and/or services of local vendors. Companies who practice database
marketing make use of direct mail campaigns for delivering targeted
incentives.
[0011] Run-of-Press ("ROP") Coupons accounted for 4.1% of the
coupons distributed in 1992. These coupons consist primarily of
stand alone newspaper advertisements with clip-out coupons. Often
these advertisements are specifically placed to coincide with a
relevant feature article. This form or coupon is marketed directly
or through third party coupon issuers who have the nationwide
newspaper distribution channels through which to place ROP
coupons.
[0012] In/on pack coupons accounted for 3.5% of the coupons
distributed in 1992. On pack coupons consist of an attached coupon
which is removed and redeemed at the cash register at the time of
purchase. In pack coupons are found within the product and act as
an incentive to customers to repurchase the same product. It is
estimated that the actual cost per in/on pack coupon redeemed is
significantly less than that associated with other coupon
distribution methods. Most on-pack coupons are redeemed as
customers pay for their purchases. However, this also means that
all items are sold at the coupon discount, lowering a
manufacturer's overall revenues per product more so than other
types of coupons.
[0013] In 1992, various other coupon distribution methods
represented 5% of coupons distributed. Two important coupon
distribution methods in this category include shelf distribution
and custom prepared coupon distribution. Thousands of stores use
coupon dispensers which are attached to a product's shelf.
Customers can pull out one coupon from the dispenser for the
product advertised. This method of coupon distribution is designed
to reach the consumer at the point of making a purchase decision,
and has a redemption rate of approximately 18%.
[0014] Check-out coupons are printed at the check-out by a printer
installed at the cash register. A computer analyzes the purchases
made by each customer, and can print competitor's coupons or other
coupons related to items in the current purchase. This system has a
coupon redemption rate of approximately 9%.
[0015] The coupon industry expends a great deal of resources in
market research, printing, issuing, distributing and redeeming
coupons, yet produces an extremely low redemption rate. This is
attributed to the haphazard systems used by most consumers of
manually clipping, filing, sorting through, and ultimately using
the coupons, and to the high cost associated with targeting coupons
to each consumer.
[0016] Attempts have been made in the prior art to meet the needs
of the coupon industry and the consumer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,044 to
Von Kohorn describes a television-based coupon reception system
wherein coupon information is transmitted along with program
information to a broadcast audience. A member of the audience can
generate a coupon for subsequent redemption at a store.
[0017] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,285,278 and 5,287,181 to Holman also teach
a television-based coupon reception system. Coupon information is
encoded into a television broadcast signal and decoded at the
consumer's television by circuitry similar to that used for
closed-caption broadcast decoding. The extracted coupon information
is then recorded on a medium such as a magnetic stripe card or a
microprocessor-based "smart card". The user can then present the
medium at the supermarket in order to automatically receive the
appropriate discount
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,695 to Pruchniki discloses an electronic
paperless coupon system which obviates the need for a paper coupon
in order to save printing, processing and clearinghouse costs as
well as eliminating counterfeiting. Coupon redemption information
is transmitted from a central system to local retailers, where
coupon signs are placed near the related item. The discount is
automatically applied at the point of sale without the need for the
consumer to present a paper coupon.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,224 to Spector teaches a closed-loop
coupon system which consists of a kiosk type printer station
located at a retail store. The kiosk is linked to the
manufacturer(s) in order to obtain specific coupon information. The
consumer selects the desired coupon at the kiosk, and the coupon is
printed and dispensed. The consumer presents the coupon at the
register, where the discount is applied and the discount
transaction data is transmitted back to the manufacturer.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,041 to Lemon et al. discloses a system
with remotely located coupon printing stations capable of limiting
the number of coupons printed in a given time period. Each coupon
station has a display for indicating the available coupons,
selection means to allow the consumer to choose the desired coupon,
and a coupon printer. The system disables display of a particular
coupon when a preselected coupon limit has been reached.
[0021] While these aforementioned prior art attempts at providing
couponing systems are useful in their own right, they fail to
provide for a secure and interactive coupon generation system in
which the user can request, select, store, manipulate and print
coupons as desired, in which user-specific information such as
demographic data and data representative of those coupons so
requested, selected, printed and actually used may be provided back
to the coupon issuer and distributor for more efficient coupon
targeting in subsequent coupon issuance and distribution.
[0022] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide such a coupon distribution system which overcomes the
aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art.
[0023] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
electronic coupon distribution system which can be easily accessed
by masses of consumers by using a readily available personal
computer rather than needing to purchase special-purpose
equipment.
[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such an electronic coupon distribution system which allows a user
to request transmission of coupon data and select, store,
manipulate and print coupons from such coupon data.
[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such an electronic coupon distribution system which allows the
coupon issuing companies to access valuable information directly
from the consumer without requiring specific and additional action
by the consumer but rather by using the information from the user's
personal computer regarding the consumer's selection, printing and
actual redemption of coupons, as well as responses to demographic
queries posed to the users.
[0026] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such an electronic coupon distribution system which allows a
consumer to generate shopping lists associated with coupons
selected and printed, in order to simplify the shopping process and
promote the use of product coupons.
[0027] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such an electronic coupon distribution system which allows for
automatic deletion of expired coupons in the user's computer
database and the modification of redemption amounts of coupons in
the user's database, both of which can be transparent to the
user.
[0028] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide a secure coupon system which generates unique coupons with
user-identifying data and allows the printing of a coupon only
once, thus eliminating the possibility of fraud by both the
consumer and the retailer.
[0029] It is a still further object of the invention to provide an
efficient, low cost, zip-code/lifestyle/lifestage or household
targeted coupon distribution system to tailor the incentives to
each user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0030] In accordance with these and other objects, provided is a
system for distributing and generating at a remote site product
redemption coupons comprising a centrally located repository of
electronically stored product redemption coupon data, transmission
means operatively associated with said centrally located repository
for providing data communication between said repository and a
plurality of remote user computers, and a remote user computer
operatively associated with said transmission means. The remote
user computer in the present invention comprises interface means
for providing user interaction with the centrally located
repository, a memory, and a coupon data management program. The
coupon data management program is implemented by the computer for
requesting coupon data from the centrally located repository, for
storing in the memory coupon data transmitted from the centrally
located repository, and for generating printable coupon data from
the stored coupon data. The remote user computer also comprises a
coupon output buffer operatively associated with the data
management program for storing the printable coupon data generated
by said coupon data management program.
[0031] The present invention additionally comprises a printer for
printing product redemption coupons from the printable coupon data
stored in the coupon output buffer. Alternatively, the system may
enable the user to transmit electronically the printable coupon
data from the coupon output buffer to the centrally located
repository or directly to the retailer for electronic coupon
redemption.
[0032] As a result of the present invention, a user of the remote
computer is able to request coupon data to be transmitted from said
centrally located repository, and the user is able to instruct his
computer to print or electronically transfer product redemption
coupons generated from the transmitted coupon data. In particular,
the user's computer assembles product redemption coupons for
printing by using two data components; (1) fixed coupon data which
is transmitted to the user's computer during an initialization or
"sign-up" process and which remains stored on the user's computer
for subsequent coupon generation, and (2) variable coupon data
which is transmitted to the user's computer whenever he requests
coupon data from the central repository.
[0033] Additionally, the coupon data management program of the
present invention operates in conjunction with the remote computer
to allow the user to select and store certain desired coupon data
from the coupon data transmitted by the centrally located
repository and print coupons as selected. The coupon data
management program also allows the user to generate a shopping list
which is correlated to the coupons printed for subsequent
redemption.
[0034] In the present invention, the data exchange capabilities
provided by the transmission medium between the remote computer and
the central repository allow the automatic transfer of valuable
information from the remote computer to the central repository and,
ultimately, to the coupon distributing and issuing centers.
Information related to the coupons selected and printed can be
supplied to the coupon distributors and issuers, which can also use
information obtained from the various retail stores as to which
coupons were actually redeemed in order to more intelligently
market subsequent coupons and target coupon issuance in a more cost
effective manner.
[0035] The data exchange capabilities are further advantageously
utilized in the present invention to allow, via the central
repository, the updating of coupon data stored in the user's remote
computer without required interaction from the user if the user is
online. In particular, the central repository can delete expired
coupons from the remote computer's coupon database and can vary the
amount of redemption value of a non-expired coupon if so desired.
The capability for the updating and deleting of coupons within a
user's computer is programmed in the user's computer such that no
further interaction with the central repository is required for
such coupons to be deleted or updated.
[0036] Finally, the present invention provides for secure coupon
generation by allowing the printing of a particular coupon only
once. Further, and quite importantly, the present invention
provides for the printing on each coupon of certain user-specific
data, thus making each coupon printed unique. Thus, two different
users with access to printing a particular coupon will each print
coupons with the same product, discount, and expiration date data,
yet each will be unique since printed thereon will be user-specific
data, preferably in the form of a user-specific bar code. Thus, any
attempts to duplicate via photocopying techniques any particular
coupon will be discouraged since the coupon redemption center will
detect when a particular coupon has been redeemed, will identify
the user who redeems a particular coupon, and will disallow any
attempt at redemption of a second coupon with identical product and
user-specific data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematic of the system of the
preferred embodiment for the electronic distribution of
coupons.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the remote personal
computer of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary data field formats of the
electronic coupon data as implemented in the present invention.
[0040] FIGS. 4a and 4b is a pictorial representations of the online
and offline display screens, respectively, which are exhibited to a
user in the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a printed coupon resulting from the
electronic distribution in accordance with the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the main
functional areas serviced by the online service provider of the
preferred embodiment system.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the use of an external cue to prompt
access by the user of the system.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention in which data is transmitted between the
central repository and personal computer by satellite.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the implementation
of the coupon data package generation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0047] Referring to the system block diagram of FIG. 1 and the
flowchart of FIG. 9, the electronic coupon distribution system of
the preferred embodiment comprises a central located repository of
electronically stored coupon data, which in the preferred
embodiment is an online service provider 2. The term online service
provider refers herein to any computer-based information service
provider which is accessible by a remote personal computer user via
a communications data link such as the public switched telephone
network (PSTN) or the like, such as PRODIGY, COMPUSERVE, or AMERICA
ONLINE. In addition, it is contemplated that the electronic coupon
data distribution may be carried out by connection to any readily
accessible Internet site such as the World Wide Web. Referring to
FIG. 8, it is further contemplated that electronic coupon
distribution may also be carried out via digital satellite
communication links, thus avoiding the need for hardwired (i.e.
PSTN) connectivity between the repository and the remote user
computer. Thus, any centrally located computer system which is
accessible to the public by any transmission means is contemplated
as being within the scope of this invention. As used herein, the
term "user" denotes an individual user or a household of users
linked through one account.
[0048] The online service provider has stored in its database 40
(see FIGS. 6 and 10) various packages of electronic coupon data,
the content of which will be further described below. The
electronic coupon data is provided, by a coupon distributor 16 or
coupon issuer 14, by any of various means such as electronic
transmission via the PSTN or satellite data exchange. The online
service provider also stores in a demographic data file 42
user-specific data, including coupons selected data, coupons
deleted data, coupons printed data and user demographics, as will
be described below, for subsequent transmission to a coupon
distributor 16. The coupon distributor 16 will utilize the
user-specific data and coupon redemption data in compiling
subsequent coupon packages targeted specifically at certain user
categories.
[0049] The online service provider 2 is connected with the data
link 4 and is thus accessible by any remote personal computer 6
having a data communications interface 20 such as a modem (see FIG.
2). The online service provider communicates with the personal
computer 6 in order to transmit requested coupon data, and also in
order to receive coupon requests and the user-specific data
mentioned above.
[0050] The remote personal computer 6 has connected thereto a
printer 8, which may be any type of computer printer capable of
printing graphics. The printer 8 is instructed by the coupon data
management routines 32 stored in the computer 6 in order to print
printed coupons 18, as will be described in detail below.
[0051] The printed coupons 18 are used in the normal fashion by a
consumer when shopping at a desired retail store 10. That is, the
coupons 18 are presented to a product checkout station 11 along
with the associated products for purchase, and the discount amount
shown on the coupon 18 is credited to the consumer at the point of
sale. The redeemed coupons 18 are transmitted to a coupon
redemption center 13 where they are electronically read, and
user-specific data is stored in a coupon redemption database
12.
[0052] In addition to the usual coupon information found in prior
art coupons (e.g. redemption amount, company and product name,
expiration date, etc.), the coupons 18 of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention contain user-specific data in the form of
a unique user bar code 90, as shown graphically in FIG. 5. The user
bar code 90 is encoded with user-specific information such as the
user name and/or other unique identification criteria such as a
social security number or online service address. This information
renders each printed coupon 18 unique, since an otherwise similar
coupon presented by a different consumer will comprise a different
user bar code 90. The use of a unique coupon 18 is but one aspect
of the secure nature of the present invention as will be described
in detail below.
[0053] The coupon redemption center 13 receives from a number of
stores 10 the coupons redeemed, verifies the value of the redeemed
coupons, determines the identification of users who redeemed the
coupons, and distributes the information read from the coupons 18
to the individual coupon issuer 14 and to the coupon distributor
16. In particular, information regarding the redemption amount and
the redeeming store 10 is forwarded to the particular coupon issuer
14 named on the coupon 18, which then credits the redeeming store
10 with the total amount of discounts given. Of particular value in
the present invention is the distribution of user-specific data to
the coupon distribution center 16, which collates such user
information and performs marketing analysis via a marketing
analysis means 17 in order to compile subsequent coupon packages
targeted specifically at certain user categories. The coupon
distribution center 16 utilizes the user-specific redemption data
along with user-specific demographic data supplied by the online
service provider 2 in order to compile subsequent coupon data
download packages for use by consumers once again.
[0054] An online display screen 60 is shown in FIG. 4a, which is
provided to a user on a display 24 of his remote computer 6
whenever he is in online communication with the service provider 2.
The online display screen 60 comprises a join service function
button 62, a download coupons function button 64, a help function
button 66, and an online communications button 68. When the user
desires to initially register for the electronic coupon
distribution service, he selects the join service function button
62 which initiates a dialog with the online service provider 2 in
order to request certain demographic data from the user which will
be used to target specific coupon data packages for subsequent
downloading. The user has the option of providing the requested
information if he so desires. In addition, an offline coupon
management program is transmitted electronically to the user's
computer 6 for subsequent coupon data requesting, downloading and
processing.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates the functional aspects of the online
service provider 2 in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The main features provided by the online service
provider 2 are the coupon packages file 40, the demographic data
file 42, the online communications server 44, and the help file 46.
Each of the aforementioned features communicates with the user via
the data communications interface 48.
[0056] The coupon packages file 40 comprises electronic coupon data
and other types of advertising materials supplied by the various
coupon issuers 14 through the coupon distributor 16. Individual
users' coupon data packages are drawn from this file based on
demographic data and historic buying profiles stored in the
demographic data file 42. Advertisements may consist of graphics,
text, recipes, competitions or other inducements or a combination
thereof.
[0057] After joining the electronic coupon service, the user can
order a package of electronic coupons from the online service
provider 2 by selecting the download coupon function button 64.
When this button is selected, commands are generated and
transmitted via the data communications interface 20, through the
data link 4, and up to the coupon package file 40 resident at the
online service provider 2. The requested coupon data package and
associated advertising materials are transmitted by the online
service provider 2 to the personal computer 6, where it is stored
in the downloaded coupon data file 30a in the coupon database
30.
[0058] The demographic data file 42 contains data representative of
demographic inquiries presented to a user at the time that the user
requests a download of coupon data from the coupon package data
file 40, as well as data representative of the users' responses
thereto.
[0059] The online communication server 44 is accessed by the user
selecting the online communication button 68. The online
communication server is a bulletin board type file where users can
post messages to a coupon distributor or issuer regarding any issue
of interest. The message data is transferred to the appropriate
destination by the online service provider 2, which also collects
the responses thereto and posts them on the online communication
server 44, thus allowing the user to fetch the response when logged
on at a subsequent time.
[0060] By selecting the help function button 66, the help file 46
is used as a means for providing standard help and other useful
information to a user.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the remote personal computer 6 of the
preferred embodiment comprises a data communications interface 20
(such as a modem) for connecting the computer to the data link 4
(such as a PSTN), a user input device 22 such as a keyboard and
mouse or other type pointing device, a display 24, and a processor
26, all of which are common to personal computers and are well
known in the art. The computer 6 also comprises an output buffer
28, which typically resides in random access memory. The computer 6
is configured to operate in accordance with the present invention
via a coupon database file 30 and an offline coupon data management
routine file 32 loaded onto a fixed memory such as a hard disk
drive. All of these internal components and files are connected to
a data bus 21 for communication therebetween in accordance with
techniques well known in the art.
[0062] The coupon database file 30 is segmented into various
sections as shown in the memory map of FIG. 2. The coupon database
of the preferred embodiment comprises downloaded coupon data 30a,
which is the entire coupon data package downloaded from the online
service provider 2; selected coupon data 30b, which is a subset of
the downloaded data and represents specific coupons electronically
"clipped" and stored therein; sorted coupon data 30c, which is
selected coupon data sorted in accordance with a particular set of
criteria (e.g. all fruits together, then all dairy products, etc.);
fixed coupon parameters and user-specific data 30d, which is
certain unvarying data used in printing the coupons as will be
described in detail below; and store-specific data 30e, which is
information regarding the product arrangement in a certain retail
store 10 which will allow the user to prepare a shopping list
tailored to the particular store.
[0063] The offline coupon data management routines 32 are executed
by the processor 26 in conjunction with the coupon database 30 in
order to request, obtain, store, select, sort, and print coupons as
desired. The offline coupon data management routines 32 are
executed by selecting a desired function button 52, 54, 56, or 58
as shown in the offline display screen 50 in FIG. 4b. The offline
display screen 50 is shown on the display 24 when the user runs the
coupon data management program on his or her personal computer 6.
The offline coupon data management routines 32 are executed in an
offline fashion; that is, the user does not need to first be in
online communication with the service provider 2. If a particular
function button 52, 54, 56, or 58 chosen by the user initiates a
routine 32 which requires online communication, that routine will
initiate, control and terminate an online session with the service
provider 2 automatically.
[0064] The request coupon download routine 32a is executed when the
user desires to order a package of electronic coupons from the
online service provider 2. This routine is called when the user
selects the download coupon function button 54. When this routine
is called, commands generated by this routine are transmitted via
the data communications interface 20, through the data link 4, and
up to the coupon package file 40 resident at the online service
provider 2. The requested coupon data package and associated
advertising materials are transmitted by the online service
provider 2 to the personal computer 6, where it is stored in the
downloaded coupon data file 30a in the coupon database 30.
[0065] Prior to downloading the requested coupon data package to
the computer 6, the demographic data file 42 provides certain
demographic queries to the user in order to obtain valuable
information for use in marketing analysis and subsequent coupon
package generation. The users' responses to the queries are
transmitted to the online service provider 2 and stored in the
demographic data file 42 for subsequent processing.
[0066] The user may select the view function button 52 in order to
view the coupons and advertisements previously downloaded. This
selection will call the view coupons routine 32b, which will access
the downloaded coupon data file 30a and present it to the user via
the display 24.
[0067] While viewing the coupons and advertisement, the user may
select a desired coupon for further sorting, storage, printing or
deleting and/or shopping list generation by selecting or "clipping"
the coupon with the mouse or keyboard input 22. Coupons are clipped
by scrolling through related advertisements. In order to avoid the
need for clipping, the user may print or delete a desired coupon.
The coupons selected in this function are stored for further
processing in the selected coupon data file 30b.
[0068] The coupon file function button 56 enables the user to
perform several operations on his selected coupon data file 30b.
The user may view the coupons selected (from the selected coupon
data file 30b), and may choose any of them for printing. Further, a
sortation option is provided which logically sorts, by category and
subcategory, the coupons stored. Thus, the management program
automatically places all the dairy coupons together, and may also
place all the milk coupons together within the dairy category. This
is carried out by the coupon sortation routine 32c, and is akin to
the manual filing system used in the prior art and will aid the
user in viewing his selected but unprinted coupons in an efficient
manner. The sorted coupons may be loaded into the sorted coupon
data file 30c for subsequent viewing and printing. The user may
optionally sort the coupons manually by his own classification.
[0069] The shopping list function button 58 calls the shopping list
generation routine 32g when selected by the user. This routine will
allow the user to generate a list from a menu presented on the
screen whichever items the user desires to purchase, and the user
can store and/or print this list as desired. The items on the list
are compared against coupon data stored in the coupon database 30
and the user is informed of their existence. The user may then
print out those coupons along with the shopping list.
Alternatively, the user may select certain coupons for printing,
and the item associated therewith is automatically placed on the
shopping list. Thus, in either fashion, the user's shopping list
generation and coupon "clipping" tasks are conveniently merged in a
timesaving manner.
[0070] The shopping list generation routine 32g may also
advantageously use data stored in the store-specific data file 30e
in order to prepare a shopping list tailored to an individual
retail store. Thus, data regarding the layout of the store, the
food items available at the store, and the like, are used by the
list generation routine 32g in order to organize the purchase items
accordingly. The data stored in the store-specific data file 30e
may be obtained by any of several methods; by downloading from the
online service provider 2, by inputting via a floppy disk memory
supplied by the store, or even manually input by the user. Data for
different stores can be kept in the file 30e and the user simply
selects the store he intends on using at that particular time. The
user may select a standard pre-programmed shopping list, his last
generated shopping list, or a blank shopping list from which to
commence his shopping list preparation.
[0071] The coupon upload routine 32cc is called automatically and
without user request whenever the user requests a coupon download
package from the online service provider 2. A record is kept by the
upload routine 32cc indicative of each coupon selected by the user
and each coupon printed by the user. This record is sent to the
demographic data file 42 in the online service provider 2, and is
used for marketing analysis along with data regarding which coupons
were actually redeemed, which information is obtained from the
manufacturers' redemption agency or center.
[0072] Coupons are printed by the printable coupon data generation
routine 32d, which is invoked by a user when he selects a print
command from the coupon file function 56. This routine obtains data
from two sources in the coupon database 30: the fixed coupon
parameters and user-specific data file 30d, and the variable coupon
data associated with the particular coupon selected for
printing.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 3, the data format of the fixed coupon
parameters and user-specific data are set forth and include
predefined border graphics which are the same for every coupon
printed, redemption instructions, and a user identification bar
code number. The user identification bar code number is a unique
number assigned to that user, e.g. his social security number or
online identification number. This number will be encoded by the
printable coupon data generation routine 32d and printed as a bar
code 90 on each coupon 18 printed for the particular user. This
information will thus be obtained by the coupon redemption center
and provided to the coupon distributor 16 for demographic analysis
and the like.
[0074] The unique user bar code 90 also renders the electronic
coupon system of the present invention secure and virtually
fraud-proof. Although a user is able to print out a particular
coupon 18 only once (to be described in detail below), the coupon
issuer 14 could still be defrauded by a user or retailer who might
photocopy a printed coupon numerous times and fraudulently and
repeatedly present it for redemption. However, in accordance with
the present invention, each coupon printed by a user is unique, and
the scanning of a coupon presented for redemption will be stored at
the coupon redemption center. Thus, the coupon issuer will know if
a particular user has redeemed a particular coupon and thus
disallow further redemption of a photocopied coupon bearing the
same indicia.
[0075] Referring again to FIG. 3, the data format of the variable
coupon parameters are set forth and include the coupon expiration
date, the redemption amount, the company and product information,
the UPC code, the redemption address, and the description of the
coupon offer.
[0076] Thus, the printable coupon data generation routine 32d
combines all this information and generates a record indicative of
the unique coupon to be printed. This record is temporarily stored
in the output buffer 28, where it is subsequently sent to the
printer 8 for printing. In the alternative, the coupon may be
redeemed electronically by sending the coupon data in the output
buffer via the data communications interface 20 back to the online
service provider 2. This is especially useful in the "electronic
shopping mall" environment now found in many online services. The
electronic coupon data could also be routed via the data
communications interface 20 to a retail store where the user will
be shopping, where the coupon data is held in a buffer pending
purchase by the user of the matching product.
[0077] As described above, the electronic coupon distribution
system of the present invention allows the printing of a particular
coupon only once, thus providing for security and guarding against
fraudulent redemption. This is accomplished by the coupon deletion
routine 32e, which is called whenever a coupon is printed and
deletes the coupon from the database 30 or renders it unprintable
by setting an appropriate flag. In addition, the coupon deletion
routine 32e allows for automatic deletion of expired coupons by
periodically checking the expiration date field of each coupon
against a real-time clock found in the computer 6. Optionally, the
user may voluntarily delete any coupon which is expired if the
real-time clock is not set to the correct date. For the user's
convenience, the online service provider 2 can check the system
clock of the user's computer 6 during a communications session and,
if the date is incorrect, can ask the user if he would like the
date adjusted automatically.
[0078] Since the actual expiration date is always printed as part
of the coupon, the function of deleting expired coupon data from
the user's computer 6 is for the convenience of the user rather
than for security purposes.
[0079] The system of the present invention also allows for
time-sensitive deletion of certain coupon data from the user
computer 6 which is unrelated to the expiration date. That is,
certain coupon data may be automatically deleted from the user's
computer after, e.g., one month, notwithstanding that the coupon,
if printed, might have an expiration date in six months. This
feature is included to prompt users who know of the time-sensitive
autodeletion to promptly print (and use) coupons rather than risk
having them deleted from their database.
[0080] The coupon management program also can vary the redemption
value of any coupon already downloaded to the user's computer 6
without the need for specific user interaction. A coupon variation
routine 32f is called which aids in this task. Again, any time that
a user initiates a download of coupon data, the on-line service
provider 2 can update redemption amounts for coupons whose issuers
have decided to change the discount amount.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, the secure coupon 70 generated and
printed in the preferred embodiment is illustrated in detail. The
secure coupon 70 comprises the following fixed components taken
from the fixed coupon parameter and user-specific data file 30d:
border graphics 72, redemption instructions 88, and user
identification bar code 90. The secure coupon 70 also comprises the
following variable components which change for each coupon
selected: expiration date 78, redemption amount 74, description of
the offer 76, company and/or product information 80, the item's UPC
number 82 and the associated UPC bar code 84, and the redemption
address 86.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 10, the generation of coupon data packages
by the coupon distributor 16 will be explained. The information
collected by the coupon distributor 16 from the online service
provider 2 regarding the coupon data selected by the user, the
coupon data printed by the user, and the requested demographic
information is stored in a database 11. The database 11 also stores
information from the coupon redemption center 13 regarding the
coupons actually redeemed by the user. The database 11 further
stores information regarding all coupons which are made available
by the various coupon issuers 14 from which it will generate coupon
data packages for subsequent downloading to users.
[0083] The information stored in the database 11 is input to the
marketing and targeting analysis means 17, which carries out the
function of analyzing the aforementioned, information in a manner
known in the art to arrive at different coupon packages. That is,
it may be determined by the analysis means 17 that users with dogs
in their household (which is known by the demographic responses)
will get a certain package comprising dog food coupons. It may be
further determined that users who select, print and redeem dog food
coupons of Brand X will get coupons issued by Brand Y, or will get
only low value coupons since they are already dog food coupon
users, etc. That is, depending on the marketing and targeting
criteria and objectives, the analysis means will generate coupon
packages as desired.
[0084] Thus, the analysis means generates a number of differing
coupon data packages for transmittal to the online service provider
2. The analysis means also provides specific mapping information
which will instruct the online service provider as to which user
should be provided with which package(s). For example, user 1 may
be mapped to coupon data packages 2 and 3; user no. 2 to packages 3
and 6, etc. This mapping function may be carried out by the coupon
distributor and provided to the online service provider at regular
intervals, e.g. once per week. Thus, the coupon selection, printing
and redemption habits may be analyzed over a time period and used
to determine the subsequent targeted packages.
[0085] In addition to mapping certain coupon data packages to
certain users, certain advertising packages may be mapped to the
users in a similar fashion.
[0086] In accordance with the present invention, the marketing
analysis, coupon packaging, and coupon package distribution
functions carried out by the coupon distributor 16 may be carried
out at the central data repository, i.e. Internet web site.
Further, the coupon redemption and user redemption information
processing functions individually carried out by the coupon
redemption center 13 and the individual retail stores 10 may be
combined into a single redemption center, as shown by the dotted
line in FIG. 1. The physical layout of the functions within the
system of the present invention is a matter a practicality and
choice of the systems designer and does not impact the utility of
the present invention.
[0087] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
user is provided with a visual or auditory stimulus or cue to
suggest an access of the electronic coupon distribution system.
Referring to FIG. 7, a message or logo may be included along with
the advertising material normally provided on television, in the
newspapers, and the like. This will indicate to a user that he
should access the online service provider 2 in order to obtain
coupon data related to the advertised product. The availability of
the coupon could be time-sensitive, which would provide further
incentive to the user to use the system in a prompt and efficient
manner. When the radio media is used, a tonal or spoken cue may be
included during the advertising message to accomplish the same
result.
[0088] The amount of redemption discount included with a coupon
downloaded to a user may be varied depending on certain demographic
information that the system has about the user. For instance, the
system may provide a certain value for known users of a brand
(which information it will obtain by demographic inquiry or through
previous redemptions in the system), and it may provider a higher
discount in order to provide an incentive to users of a competitive
brand. The ability to vary the value of a discount offer in
accordance with such demographic and usage data is a unique
advantage offered by the system of the present invention and
heretofore unavailable in the prior art.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative means of communication
between the online service provider 2 or the coupon distributor 16
and the remote computer 6 is illustrated. A satellite
communications apparatus 94 is advantageously used to provide a
wireless data link 4. In this embodiment, the data communications
interface 20 is a satellite antenna dish or other transceiver unit
which provides operative communication between the remote computer
6 and the satellite 94. A similar unit is located at the online
service provider 2 in order for full wireless data communications
to be achieved.
[0090] The flowchart of FIG. 9 illustrates the flow of information
in the system of the present invention. The information flow
illustrated therein has been described in detail in connection with
the implementing system.
[0091] In a further alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the functions of the online service provider 2 are
carried out at a site on the Internet. That is, a user may access
the coupon data repository by accessing an appropriate Internet
site. In this embodiment, the downloaded coupon management routines
are encoded with a unique user identification number, which may be
for example the user's e-mail Internet address. When the user
requests coupon data packages to be transmitted, the user
identification number is encrypted and sent to the Internet site
along with the request. Appropriate routines are implemented at the
Internet site to decrypt the user's identification number and
compare it against a list of valid members in order to ensure the
validity of the user.
[0092] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention,
all coupon data management functions are carried out by the online
service provider 2 rather than by the offline coupon data
management routines 32. In this case, the speed of access of the
online service provider 2 must be high, for example on the order of
28.8 kbps. When high speed communications are used, the need for
offline data manipulation is eliminated and all processing can be
carried out in an efficient manner while connected to the online
provider 2.
* * * * *