U.S. patent application number 10/937312 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-05 for method and system for generating real-time directions associated with product promotions.
Invention is credited to Gregory B. Roberts, Scott Wills.
Application Number | 20060004631 10/937312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35515155 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060004631 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roberts; Gregory B. ; et
al. |
January 5, 2006 |
Method and system for generating real-time directions associated
with product promotions
Abstract
A method and system for generating customized incentives
involving electronic distribution of coupons to remote personal
computers based on proximity of the computer to a retail center are
disclosed. A repository, such as an online service provider or a
web site on the Internet, stores packages of incentive data for
downloading automatically or on demand to a user's computer. A
plurality of data fields is used to associate a user's location
with a specific incentive. The incentive data corresponds to remote
user computers in a predetermined geographic area. Means for
identifying remote user computers in a predetermined geographic
area and means for providing direction data, such as maps, etc. to
the remote user computer are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Roberts; Gregory B.;
(Alpharetta, GA) ; Wills; Scott; (Mountain View,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN, LLP
P.O. BOX 10500
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
35515155 |
Appl. No.: |
10/937312 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60501850 |
Sep 11, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.57 ;
705/14.58; 705/14.63; 705/14.64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0261 20130101;
G01C 21/362 20130101; G06Q 30/0267 20130101; G06Q 30/0207 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0259 20130101; G06Q 30/0266
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/014 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00 |
Claims
1. A system for generating real time directions associated with
product promotions for consumers comprising: a repository for
storing incentive data corresponding to predetermined geographic
area having at least one retail center; location means for
receiving or retrieving user location data corresponding to the
location of a remote user computer; association means for
associating the incentive data with the location of the remote user
computer and the location of the retail center; generation means
for generating or retrieving direction data corresponding to the
remote user computer and the retail center; and transmission means
for transmitting the incentive data and the direction data to the
remote user computer.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying
the direction data on the monitor of the remote user by selection
at a user interface.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the user interface comprises a
mouse or mouse-type selection device.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the direction data is displayed
on the monitor after a one click selection at the mouse or
mouse-type selection device.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said direction data is a textual
description of a route from the remote user computer to the retail
center.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said direction data is a map of a
route from the remote user computer to the retail center.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said location means comprises a
Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database for storing
distance data, time data, mileage data or combinations thereof and
means for associating the distance data, time data, mileage data or
combinations thereof with the location of the remote user computer
and the location of the retail center.
9. The system of claim 8, further comprising means for displaying
the distance data, time data, mileage data or combinations thereof
on the monitor of the remote user computer.
10. A method for generating real time directions associated with
product promotions for consumers comprising: storing incentive data
corresponding to predetermined geographic area having at least one
retail center; receiving or retrieving user location data
corresponding to the location of a remote user computer;
associating the incentive data with the location of the remote user
computer and the location of the retail center; generating or
retrieving direction data corresponding to the remote user computer
and the retail center; and transmitting the incentive data and the
direction data to the remote user computer.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying the
direction data on the monitor of the remote user by selection at a
user interface.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the user interface comprises a
mouse or mouse-type selection device.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the direction data is displayed
on the monitor after a one click selection at the mouse or
mouse-type selection device.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein said direction data is a
textual description of a route from the remote user computer to the
retail center.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein said direction data is a map of
a route from the remote user computer to the retail center.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the user location data is
obtained by a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system.
17. The method of claim 10, further comprising storing distance
data, time data, mileage data or combinations thereof and
associating the distance data, time data, mileage data or
combinations thereof with the location of the remote user computer
and the location of the retail center.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising displaying the
distance data, time data, mileage data or combinations thereof on
the monitor of the remote user computer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to the following applications
which are being filed concurrently: "Method and System for
Generating Intelligent Electronic Banners Based on User
Information", Attorney Docket No. 031792-0311895, filed Sep. 10,
2004; "Proximity-Based Method and System for Generating Customized
Incentives", Attorney Docket No. 031792-0311896, filed Sep. 10,
2004; "Method and System for Electronic Distribution of Incentives
Having Real-Time Consumer-Based Directions", Attorney Docket No.
031792-0311897, filed Sep. 10, 2004; "Method and System for
Electronic Delivery of Incentive Information Based on User
Proximity", Attorney Docket No. 031792-0311898, filed Sep. 10,
2004; "Method and System for Managing Inventory and Promotions
Campaign Based on Redemption Data", Attorney Docket No.
031792-0311899, filed Sep. 10, 2004; and "Method and System for
Presenting Banners Having Direct Link to user Profile Information",
Attorney Docket No. 031792-0311900, filed Sep. 10, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the electronic distribution of
incentives, such as secure money-saving or discount coupons and
other marketing incentives, for consumers within a particular
geographic area or proximity to a point of sale, and/or for
consumers within a particular proximity of a competitor or a
certain number of competitors. Further, the present invention
relates to means for providing consumers with directions, maps and
other travel information to assist consumers in reaching a
destination for redemption of incentives.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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.
[0004] Coupons are delivered to consumers through a variety of
media such as, for example, free standing inserts (FSIs), 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-off on-product coupons, direct
mail coupons, and/or other delivery media. In addition to
manufacturers' coupons, consumers use retail store coupons, such as
those issued by large retail chains on a weekly basis. 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 maintained
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 also has 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] Attempts have been made to meet the needs of the coupon
industry and the consumer. For example, attempts have included
television-based coupon reception system wherein coupon information
is transmitted along with program information to a broadcast
audience, electronic paperless coupon system where coupon signs are
placed near the related item and the discount is automatically
applied at the point of sale, kiosk type printer stations located
at a retail store linked to the manufacturer(s) in order to obtain
specific coupon information, and/or other attempts. While these
aforementioned 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.
[0009] Further, the aforementioned attempts at providing coupon
systems fail to provide coupons or promotions which are customized
according to user-specific information, such as user demographic
data, including, for example, location data, proximity data,
competitor data, time data and/or date data. Thus, prior attempts
do not provide electronic systems or methods which allow a marketer
of a product to customize a promotion in such a way as to maximize
the value of the promotion to both the marketer of the product and
a consumer of the product. In particular, the prior attempts do not
allow a promotion which is customized according to the proximity of
a consumer from a point of sale and which factors into
consideration the proximity of the consumer to a competitor or
competitors. Further, prior attempts do not address means for
providing directions or guidance to assist consumers in reaching a
retail center for redeeming incentives.
[0010] 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 above-described
references.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] 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 incentive 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 incentive data management
program. The incentive data management program is implemented by
the computer for requesting incentive data from the centrally
located repository, for storing in the memory incentive data
transmitted from the centrally located repository, and for
generating printable incentive data from the stored incentive data.
The remote user computer also comprises a coupon output buffer
operatively associated with the data management program for storing
the printable incentive data generated by said incentive data
management program.
[0012] The present invention additionally comprises a printer for
printing product redemption coupons from the printable incentive
data stored in the coupon output buffer. Alternatively, the system
may enable the user to transmit electronically the printable
incentive data from the coupon output buffer to the centrally
located repository or directly to the retailer for electronic
coupon redemption.
[0013] As a result of the present invention, a user of a remote
user computer is able to request incentive 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 incentive data.
In particular, the user's computer assembles product redemption
coupons for printing by using two data components; (1) fixed
incentive 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 incentive data which is transmitted to the user's computer
whenever the user requests incentive data from the repository.
Further, a coupon issuer, coupon distributor or online server may
transmit incentive data from the repository to the user's computer
as part of a promotion. The user may be targeted based upon
proximity to a retail center or a defined geographic area and/or
proximity to competitors. Incentive data may be automatically
downloaded when the user accesses the online server or at some
other specified time. In addition, the incentive data may be
selectively transmitted by any means based upon previous inputs by
the user. For example, the user could request that only incentive
data related to food based items be offered and that all such
incentive data be automatically downloaded or otherwise transmitted
or made available to the user's computer, without limitation.
[0014] Additionally, the incentive data management program of the
present invention operates in conjunction with the remote computer
to allow the user to select and store certain desired incentive
data from the incentive data transmitted by the centrally located
repository and print coupons as selected. The incentive data
management program also allows the user to generate a shopping list
which is correlated to the coupons printed for subsequent
redemption.
[0015] 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.
[0016] The data exchange capabilities are further advantageously
utilized in the present invention to allow, via the central
repository, the updating of incentive 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 incentive 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.
[0017] 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 DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the system of the
preferred embodiment for the electronic distribution of
coupons.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the remote personal
computer of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary data field formats of the
electronic incentive data as implemented in the present
invention.
[0021] 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.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a printed coupon resulting from the
electronic distribution in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the main
functional areas serviced by the online service provider of the
preferred embodiment system.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the use of an external cue to prompt
access by the user of the system.
[0025] 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.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the implementation
of the incentive data package generation.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a coupon
identification database of another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of the implementation
of coupon identification data of another embodiment system of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for generating promotions
with a unique identifier according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a system and method
for providing real time directions to a remote user computer
according to a remote user computer's proximity to a retail center
or a predetermined geographic area according to another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a system and method for providing
real time directions to a remote user computer according to a
remote user computer's proximity to a retail center or a
predetermined geographic area according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 16A and 16B are each a pictorial representation of a
display screen accessed by a coupon issuer to create, edit or
generate customized incentives in another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D are pictorial representations
depicting various scenarios involving the proximity-based
customization of incentives according to a user's proximity to a
retail center in another embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 18 is an exemplary data table illustrating
proximity-based customization of incentives according to the
general formula of the invention in another embodiment of the
invention.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a pictorial representation depicting the
proximity-based customization of incentives according to the
general formula of the invention in another embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] 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 repository of electronically
stored incentive data, which in one embodiment is an online service
provider 2. The repository is optionally a centrally located
repository. 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 incentive 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. Further, it is contemplated that the electronic
incentive data distribution may include GPS transmission. For
example, details and use of GPS transmission to determine the
location of a GPS receiver corresponding to a remote user computer
are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.
[0038] As used herein, the term "user" denotes an individual user
or a household of users linked through one account. The term
"incentive" as used herein, is any offer that causes an individual
to take a certain action. As used herein, the term "product
checkout means" denotes any device for processing sales
transactions, such as a cash register, a bar code reader, a credit
card machine or a debit card machine, without limitation.
[0039] The online service provider 2 has stored in its database 40
(see FIGS. 6 and 10) various packages of electronic incentive data,
the content of which will be further described below. The
electronic incentive data is provided, by a coupon distributor 16
or coupon issuer 14, by any 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, user demographics, including
user location, as will be described below, for subsequent
transmission to a coupon distributor 16 or a coupon issuer 14. The
coupon distributor 16 or coupon issuer 14 will utilize the
user-specific data and coupon redemption data in compiling
subsequent coupon packages targeted specifically at certain user
categories, including users located within a predetermined
geographic area or within a predetermined proximity range of a
retail center, without limitation.
[0040] The online service provider 2 optionally stores in its
database data corresponding to the location of a retail center 10
or a plurality of retail centers, as well as data corresponding to
the location of a competitor-retail centers or a plurality of
competitor-retail centers. The term "competitor-retail center"
refers to any particular place of business operated by a competitor
of the coupon issuer or at which a consumer may purchase and/or
receive the product other than a place of business operated by the
coupon issuer. As used herein, the term "product" denotes a good, a
service, or any combination thereof, without limitation. The
location of each retail center or competitor-retail center may be
represented by any such identifying means, including local street
address, city, township, county, state, country, zip-code,
telephone area-code, telephone prefix, zone or region, and the
like.
[0041] 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 incentive data, and also
in order to receive coupon requests and the user-specific data
mentioned above.
[0042] 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 incentive
data management routines 32 stored in the computer 6 in order to
print printed coupons 18, as will be described in detail below.
[0043] The printed coupons 18 are used in the normal fashion by a
consumer when shopping at a desired retail center 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] The coupon information includes customized incentive data,
proximity-based customized incentive data and the like.
Non-limiting exemplary incentive data includes an advertisement, a
WEB page, a promotion, a banner, a coupon, an offer of a gift, an
offer of a raffle or contest ticket, an offer of a free product
unit or free product units, a discounted product price, a discount
applicable to a product purchase or future product purchase, or
combinations thereof. Non-limiting exemplary coupons, include a
traditional paper coupon offering a discount on a product, a unit
or units of data stored in a magnetic strip on a card representing
a discount on the product price at a product checkout means, data
associated with a user and stored in a buffer at a product checkout
means which provides a discount to the user pursuant to completion
of a transaction at a product checkout means, without limitation.
The incentive data may be customized in various ways, for example,
customization according to a user's proximity to a retail center
and/or proximity to one or more competitor-retail centers. The
incentive data may be in the form of a proximity-based customized
coupon.
[0046] In one implementation, a first coupon having a first
redemption amount for a product is distributed to users in a first
predetermined geographic area or within a first predetermined
proximity range, and a second coupon having a second redemption
amount for the product is distributed to users in a second
predetermined geographic area or within a second predetermined
proximity range, without limitation. As used herein, the term
"predetermined proximity range" refers to a range of values
corresponding to a predetermined maximum distance from some object
of location associable with a product, such as a point-of-sale
(i.e., a retail center) and a predetermined minimum distance from
that object of location. In one implementation, the predetermined
proximity range represents a proximity to a retail center or store.
Non-limiting exemplary objects of location associable with a
product include, a retail center, a store, a distribution center, a
manufacturing facility, a factory outlet, the site of an event, or
a temporary or mobile facility.
[0047] Competitor data includes data corresponding to
competitor-retail centers, such as location of competitor-retail
centers and the number of competitor-retail centers within a
predetermined proximity range of a remote user computer. In one
implementation of the present invention, competitor data
corresponding to a remote user computer is obtained or received and
then associated with a predetermined competitor parameter. The
predetermined competitor parameter places conditions upon the
providing of an incentive to the remote user computer according to
the number of competitor-retail centers identified within a
predetermined proximity of the remote user computer. The
predetermined competitor parameter thus establishes a condition
upon the providing of an incentive to the remote user computer. For
example, a remote user computer is within a particular proximity
range of a retail center which has been designated for a particular
incentive offer, however, the incentive offer is not provided to
the remote user computer because only one competitor is identified
within a predetermined proximity of the user and the parameters of
the system had been set to require at least two competitors within
the predetermined proximity of the remote user computer specified
according to the competitor parameter.
[0048] In another implementation of the invention, the user
location may be associated with a specific retail center through
identification means in any manner, or alternatively, a condition
may be placed upon the proximity of the remote user computer to a
related-retail center or a plurality of related-retail centers. As
used herein, "related-retail center" refers to a retail center
defined in any way, including for example, retail centers in common
ownership, without limitation. For example, a remote user computer
is within a particular proximity range of a retail center which has
been designated for a particular incentive offer, however, the
incentive offer is not provided to the remote user computer because
a related-retail center is identified within a predetermined
proximity of the user and the parameters of the system had been set
to require exclude providing incentives to remote user computers
within a predetermined area of two or more related-retail
centers.
[0049] 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 retail center 10 is forwarded to the particular
coupon issuer 14 named on the coupon 18, which then credits the
redeeming retail center 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 retail 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 retail center 16 utilizes the user-specific
redemption data along with user-specific demographic data,
including user location data, supplied by the online service
provider 2 in order to compile subsequent incentive data download
packages for use by consumers once again. As used herein, "user
location data" refers to data which identifies the geographic
location of a remote user computer, such as a local street address,
city, township, county, state, country, zip-code, telephone
area-code, telephone prefix, zone, region, map coordinates, GPS
location identifier and the like, without limitation.
[0050] 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, including user location
data, from the user which will be used to target specific incentive
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 incentive
data requesting, downloading and processing. User location data may
also be obtained by any means other than user inputs, such as, for
example, by searching an online telephone directory. In this manner
inconvenience to the user may be minimized. Such user location data
could be subsequently presented to the user for confirmation.
[0051] 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.
[0052] The coupon packages file 40 comprises electronic incentive
data and other types of advertising materials supplied by the
various coupon issuers 14 through the coupon distributor 16.
Individual users' incentive data packages are drawn from this file
based on demographic data, including user location 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.
[0053] 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 incentive 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 incentive data file 30a in the coupon database
30.
[0054] The demographic data file 42 contains data representative of
demographic, including location, inquiries presented to a user at
the time that the user requests a download of incentive data from
the coupon package data file 40, as well as data representative of
the users' responses thereto.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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 incentive 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.
[0058] 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 incentive data
30a, which is the entire incentive data package downloaded from the
online service provider 2; selected incentive data 30b, which is a
subset of the downloaded data and represents specific coupons
electronically "clipped" and stored therein; sorted incentive data
30c, which is selected incentive 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 includes data fields for predetermined proximity
ranges, maximum proximity limitations and competitor parameters, as
will be further described below, as well as, information regarding
the product arrangement in a certain retail center 10 which will
allow the user to prepare a shopping list tailored to the
particular store.
[0059] The offline incentive data management routines 32 are
executed by the processor 26 in conjunction with the incentive
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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] Prior to downloading the requested coupon data package to
the computer 6, the demographic data file 42 provides certain
demographic, including location, 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] The coupon upload routine 32cc is called automatically and
without user request whenever 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] The system of the present invention also allows for
time-sensitive deletion of certain incentive data from the user
computer 6 which is unrelated to the expiration date. That is,
certain incentive 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.
[0076] 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 incentive data, the on-line service
provider 2 can update redemption amounts for coupons whose issuers
have decided to change the discount amount.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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. Also, a promotion may be customized based on a
combination of proximity ranges, competitor parameters and
marketing and targeting criteria and objectives.
[0080] In addition, coupon packages may be customized according to
marketing analysis relating to user location data and redemption
data for users within specified locations and specified proximity
ranges to retail centers and competitor-retail centers, as well as
other external data, such as data relating to non-coupon
transactions, inventory turnover, market conditions, cost of raw
materials, etc. In one example, redemption data indicates a 60%
coupon redemption rate for users located within a 1 to 2 mile
radius of a retail center and a 5% redemption rate for users
located within a 2.1 to 3 mile radius of the retail center. The
coupon packages may be adjusted by the coupon issuer to increase
the incentive offered to the users in the 2.1 to 3 mile radius.
[0081] Further, another implementation incorporates pre-established
responses to redemption data and/or marketing analysis to adjust a
customized promotion. Such pre-established responses are set when
the customized promotion is initially created or at some later
time. Such a system would not require input or manual analysis by
personnel. This minimizes labor intensive marketing activities and
results in a highly efficient system for use in a corporate
marketing and promotional strategy, particularly where numerous
fine adjustments to promotions can have a substantial impact on
redemption rates.
[0082] For example, redemption data for a product is compared
against location data of non-coupon purchasers of the product
obtained at the product checkout or by survey or any other means.
The marketing data indicates that in a 1 to 2 mile radius of a
retail center a promotion results in a 3% increase in gross sales
which when coupon redemption is factored results in only a 2%
increase in net sales, while in the 2.1 to 3 mile radius, the
promotion results in an 11% increase in gross sales at an increased
marketing cost of only 1% of the cost of goods sold. Consequently,
the incentive to users in the 1 to 2 mile radius may be
discontinued, increased or otherwise adjusted, either manually
based on a review by personnel or automatically based on
predetermined parameters programmed into the system which modify
the incentive data using marketing feedback or other collected
data.
[0083] 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.
[0084] In addition to mapping certain coupon data packages to
certain users, certain advertising packages may be mapped to the
users in a similar fashion.
[0085] 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 of practicality and
choice of the systems designer and does not impact the utility of
the present invention.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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 incentive 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 incentive 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.
[0091] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention,
all incentive 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.
[0092] FIG. 11 illustrates a coupon identification database of the
online service provider 2 according to another embodiment of the
present invention. Coupon Id Database 102 may be used in
conjunction with the files and data described in FIG. 6 (discussed
above). Coupon Id Database 102 may include one or more of the
following types of data associated with one another (e.g., through
data tables or another type of system): Promotional Id 110,
Consumer Id 112, Session Id 114, Date/Time Id 116, Redemption Id
118, and other information. Coupon Id Database 102 communicates
with the user via the data communications interface 48. Coupon Id
may also refer to incentives, rebates, sales notification and other
material.
[0093] When a user selects a desired coupon (or other incentive),
the user may request a print out, an electronic copy of the coupon,
or other modes of receiving the selected coupon. A unique
identification coupon id may be associated with each coupon. For
example, if the user requests a hard copy of the coupon, a unique
identification coupon id may be encoded on the coupon.
[0094] The unique coupon id may be in the form of symbols of other
identifying marks, such as a bar code, a series of numbers and/or
letters or any combination thereof or other method that indicates a
unique coupon id. A coupon is dispensed to the user when the user
selects a desired coupon and requests a print out, an electronic
copy, or other form of the coupon. When a coupon is dispensed to a
user, the unique Coupon Id is also recorded in Coupon ID Database
102 comprising a plurality of data tables, for example. For each
coupon dispensed, online service provider 2 may store to Coupon ID
Database 102 content into the various data tables Promotion Id 110,
Consumer Id 112, Session Id 114, Date/Time Id 116, Redemption Id
118, and other information associated with the coupon,
manufacturer, and/or user associated with the unique Coupon Id. At
least one of the data tables associates each Coupon Id with one or
more of a Promotion Id and a Consumer Id. Preferably, the Coupon Id
is also associated in a data table with a Session Id and
information regarding the date/time of printing.
[0095] Promotion Id 110 may include coupon/incentive information,
such as the item description (including model and manufacturer),
the amount of discount, the original retail price, issuer
information, expiration date, issue date, restrictions (e.g., buy
3, get one free), method of distribution, eligibility, and other
information. Consumer Id 112 may include the consumer's unique
identifier which may be associated with demographic information
submitted by the consumer. Session Id 114 may include information
regarding the user's online experience, such as when the user was
online, from what site the user selected the particular coupon, the
user's connection speed, the user's ISP provider, the
hardware/software used to establish the connection (e.g., PDA,
phone, PC, etc.) and other information. Date/Time Id 116 may
include the date, day of the week, time and other information
related to the user's selecting and printing process. Redemption Id
may be updated when the user redeems the selected coupon. This
information may include from what store and branch location the
user redeemed the coupon, when the user redeemed the coupon, and
other information related to the redemption process.
[0096] Demographic data 42 may include information related to the
user's personal information, buying habits, and other information.
Consumer Id 112 may be used to associate demographic data related
to a particular consumer. User information 130 may include the
user's residence information (e.g., address, whether the user rents
or owns), type of housing (e.g., townhouse, apartment, condominium,
stand alone house, etc.), income, interests (or hobbies), user
status (e.g., single, married, divorced), household information
(e.g., whether the user has children, how many, the age/gender of
each child), ethnic background, pets, and other personal
information. Buying habits 132 may include information regarding
the user's purchases, such as items purchased, selected stores,
selected brands, user loyalty to a particular brand or store,
coupons frequently used, redemption rate, and other information
This information may be gathered through the redemption process
(e.g., what coupons were redeemed by the user) or other
sources.
[0097] Coupon distributor 16, Coupon Issuer 14 and other authorized
entities may utilize Coupon Id data to track a consumer's
purchases, track a particular coupon, track the sales of a
particular item or line of items. Coupon Id data may also be used
to target a specific customer or group of customers. Coupon Id data
further provides advanced security features. Not only may the
unique coupon id prevent duplication of the downloaded coupon, but
the Coupon Id data provides specific information including consumer
id, session id, date/time id and other identifying information.
Detailed information also provides the ability to verify actual
sales and redemption.
[0098] FIG. 12 illustrates an implementation of unique coupon
identification data according to an embodiment of the present
invention. A user 104 may request a coupon from Online Service
Provider 2. Upon dispensing the coupon requested, unique coupon
identification data is stored in Coupon Id Database 102, as
detailed in FIG. 11. The Coupon Distributor 16 (or Coupon Issuer 14
through Coupon Distributor 16) may request coupon identification
data from Online Service Provider 2. Relevant Coupon Id data,
demographic data, and other information may be stored and sorted
accordingly in database 150 associated with Coupon Distributor 16.
Redemption information received from the redemption facilities may
also be stored in database 150.
[0099] For example, coupon distributor 16 may desire to track the
redemption of a coupon for a particular item through Track module
142. Coupon distributor 16 may also desire to track items selected
by a particular customer and/or the items redeemed by a particular
customer. This information may be used to determine consumer buying
habits, sales data for particular items or lines of items, and
other information.
[0100] In another example, coupon distributor 16 may request coupon
identification data to target users through Target module 144. A
coupon distributor or coupon issuer may segment coupon id data to
target a particular individual or groups of individuals. A
particular individual may be targeted by using a specific consumer
id. A group of consumers may be targeted by dividing customers by
characteristics, such as buying habits and demographics. For
example, a coupon distributor may want to target consumers who own
dogs and purchase a particular brand of dog food to try a new and
improved line of the same dog food. In another example, it may
become evident that a particular consumer is in the habit of buying
items in bulk. A coupon distributor may then target that particular
consumer (through the consumer id) and offer coupons that reward
bulk purchases. For example, that consumer may be offered a coupon
for $1.50 off of 5 rolls of paper towels or a coupon for a free
shampoo when 3 shampoos of a particular brand are purchased. In
addition, advertisements, promotions, and other marketing
strategies may also be targeted to a particular consumer or group
of consumers based on coupon id data, demographic data and other
information. Other variations exist.
[0101] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method 200 for
generating promotions with a unique identifier according to another
embodiment of the present invention. In step 202, a processing
system (e.g., an online service provider or other coupon service
provider) may receive a request for promotional information from a
user. Promotional information may include coupons, rebates, free
samples, sales notification and other information. At step 204, the
processing system may generate a promotion to be printed by the
user. The user may download the promotion, print the promotion to
obtain a hard copy, generate an electronic version of the
promotion, or obtain another form of the promotion. At step 206, a
unique identifier for that particular promotion may be encoded on
the promotion when the promotion is printed or otherwise obtained
by the user. At step 208, promotion related information associated
with the unique identifier is stored in a database. This
information stored in the database may be available to a coupon
distributor, coupon issuer or other authorized entity for tracking,
targeting and security purposes as well as other features.
[0102] According to an embodiment of the invention, the amount of
redemption discount included with a coupon downloaded to a user may
be varied depending on certain user location data that the system
has about the user. For instance, the system may provide a certain
value for users located within a 1 mile radius of a retail center
(which information it will obtain by inquiry, through previous
redemptions in the system, or through any other means), and it may
provide a higher value in order to provide an incentive to users
located within a range of 1 to 2 miles of the retail center. The
ability to vary the value of a discount offer in accordance with
such user location data is a unique advantage offered by the system
of the present invention and heretofore unavailable. In particular,
the advantages of the system include the ability to allow a
marketer of a product to maximize or optimize the value of a
promotion. Value to a user may also be maximized by associating an
incentive with the user's location. Another advantage involves the
ability to cross-market products to consumers in a specific area,
such as offering a customized incentive that involves the purchase
of different products from different marketers, for example, an
offer for automobile repair work which includes a discount on a
meal at a local restaurant or a discount on gasoline at a local gas
station.
[0103] The amount of redemption discount included with a coupon
downloaded to a user may be varied depending on competitor
parameters or competitor data which is stored in the system or
which the system can receive or retrieve. The amount of redemption
discount included with a coupon downloaded to a user may also be
varied depending upon a combination of factors including the
combination of user location data and competitor parameters or
data. As shown in the Figures, a coupon issuer 14 accesses a coupon
distributor 16 through an online server 2 and inputs various data,
including a predetermined proximity range and competitor parameters
corresponding to each specific incentive offer for a product. This
data is stored in the repository for the purpose of subsequent
association with a
[0104] Referring to the block diagrams of FIG. 1 and of FIG. 14, a
system and method for providing real time directions to a remote
user computer according to a remote user computer's proximity to a
retail center or a predetermined geographic area according to
another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 15, a flowchart of a system and method for
providing real time directions to a remote user computer according
to a remote user computer's proximity to a retail center or a
predetermined geographic area according to another embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated.
[0106] Optionally, the coupon issuer, upon accessing the online
server with a computer, or any server interface means, is presented
with a menu displaying various options, including an option to
create a proximity-based customized product promotion. The coupon
issuer, upon selecting this option, is prompted to enter various
data, including product data, an offer description, a minimum and a
maximum proximity range, and competitor parameter data, including a
value representing a maximum radius around each remote user
computer and a number of competitor-retail centers within each such
maximum radius of each remote user computer, as described
above.
[0107] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the generation of a
proximity-based customized promotion is illustrated. As shown in
the Figures, the coupon issuer, upon accessing the online server
with a computer, or any server interface means, is presented with a
menu displaying various options, including an option to create a
proximity-based customized product promotion. The coupon issuer,
upon selecting this option, is prompted to enter various data,
including product data, an offer description, a minimum and a
maximum proximity range, and competitor parameter data, including a
value representing a maximum radius around each remote user
computer and a number of competitor-retail centers within each such
maximum radius of each remote user computer, as described
above.
[0108] When the coupon distribution system involves a plurality of
retail centers, a predetermined proximity limitation may be
provided by the coupon issuer to denote a maximum radius from each
retail center of a plurality of retail centers. Remote user
computers located within the maximum radius are associated with
that retail center for the purpose of subsequent association with
predetermined proximity ranges and competitor parameters.
Alternatively, each retail center of a plurality of retail centers
is assigned a predetermined geographic area with which user
location data is associated by any means available to persons of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0109] User demographic data, including user location data, from
each user is associated with a predetermined proximity limitation
and a predetermined competitor parameter by any association means
known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Distances and radii
around set points may likewise be determined by any manner known to
persons of skill in the art. For example, an internal map may be
used to associate a user location with a particular distance from a
set point (e.g., a point of sale, retail center, etc.) and that
distance may be compared to the maximum and minimum distance
values, a range of distance values, mean distance values, or median
distance values, for the predetermined proximity ranges. In this
manner, each user is associated with the incentive data intended
for that user based on the user's location, and particularly the
user's location in reference to a specific retail center and a
number of competitor-retail centers. Accordingly, the incentive
data may thus be downloaded by the user intended by the coupon
issuer to receive such data.
[0110] Further, the incentive data optionally contains tracking
means to track redemption rates and obtain other marketing feedback
data for users in specific predetermined proximity ranges and/or
competitor parameters, such as a unique identifier which may be
detected at a product checkout and stored in a database of a coupon
distributor, coupon issuer or online service provider. Redemption
rates and other marketing feedback data may be used to generate
subsequent promotions or to modify incentive data for a certain
category or categories of users.
[0111] The incentive data may be in the form of a customized coupon
for distribution to a remote user computer. In a preferred
embodiment, the customized coupon comprises: a medium for storing
or displaying incentive data, said incentive data being customized
according to a predetermined proximity range or a predetermined
geographic area. Optionally, the incentive data is further
customized according to a competitor parameter. Any medium for
storing or displaying the product data may be used. Non-limiting
exemplary media for storing or displaying the product data,
include, without limitation, a cellulose-based medium, an
electronic medium, or combinations thereof. The customized coupon
may further comprise a unique identifier corresponding to the
remote user computer and/or an identifier for associating the
incentive data with the predetermined proximity range or the
predetermined geographic area.
[0112] Another implementation of the invention includes a method of
using the system of the invention, including a method for preparing
a customized coupon, comprising: (a) selecting incentive data
targeted to any user located in a predetermined proximity range or
a predetermined geographic area; and (b) identifying the incentive
data with indicia unique to the predetermined proximity range or
the predetermined geographic location. A customized coupon prepared
in this manner may be subsequently associated by any means with the
user located in the predetermined proximity range or predetermined
geographic area for transmission by any means to that user.
[0113] In another implementation of the invention, an incentive for
a consumer may be generated according to the general formula:
I.sub.Ux=P.sub.Rn when L.sub.n>x>L.sub.n-1 In this
implementation, an incentive, I, is provided to a remote user
computer, designated as Ux, wherein x identifies the location of a
remote user computer and wherein n is a value ranging from 1 to the
maximum number of predetermined regions, each of which said n
values defines an outer boundary, L.sub.n, of each of a plurality
of regions in which the remote user computer may be located, each
such region being designated as Rn. In accordance with the general
formula of the invention, the incentive I to be generated for
remote user computer Ux is determined by associating a
predetermined incentive (designated as P.sub.Rn) corresponding to a
specific region Rn, with that remote user computer Ux. This is
accomplished by comparing the location x to the geographic
boundaries L.sub.n and L.sub.n-1 for each of the plurality of
regions (R1 . . . Rn), and in this manner identifying the region
R.sub.n in which the remote user computer Ux is located. Thereby,
the remote user computer Ux is associated with the predetermined
incentive P.sub.Rn corresponding to the region Rn in which remote
user computer Ux is identified. Any means may be used for
generating the customized incentives in accordance with this
implementation of the invention.
[0114] The geographic boundary L.sub.n may be defined in any way,
including for example, as a certain distance from a predetermined
point, a specified radius of a circle around a predetermined point,
a line defined by map coordinates, a line forming a symmetrical or
non-symmetrical shape mathematically defined according to a
distance from a predetermined point, or a combination thereof,
without limitation.
[0115] In a further implementation of the invention, a competitor
parameter may be established to provide additional conditions upon
the creation of an incentive for Ux. In this implementation, an
incentive may be generated for a consumer according to the general
formula: I.sub.Ux=P.sub.Rn,C when L.sub.n>x>L.sub.n-1 and
y>C. For example, the location of a remote user computer Ux is
compared to each geographic boundary L.sub.n and identified as
being situated between L.sub.3 and L.sub.3-1(L.sub.2). In this
manner Ux is associated with region R.sub.3 which is subsequently
associated with P.sub.R3. Therefore, the incentive provided to a
remote user computer located in R3 will be the predetermined
incentive designated as P.sub.R3, provided the conditions of the
competitor parameter are satisfied. Each region may be defined in
any manner and may cover a geographic area of any size or shape,
for example, a region may be defined as having a certain specified
distance or radius from the retail center, having a certain
population or density, or having specific map coordinates, without
limitation.
[0116] FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D each illustrates various
possible scenarios that demonstrate an implementation of the
invention. In the examples illustrated by FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and
17D, a predetermined incentive P.sub.Rn is established for each of
the regions R1, R2 and R3 which surround a central point
representing the location of a retail center. Further, a competitor
parameter is also established. In these examples, the predetermined
incentive for R1, which is designated as P.sub.R1, is a 0% discount
for product X. The predetermined incentive for R2, designated as
P.sub.R2 is a 5% discount on Product X. The predetermined incentive
for region R3, designated as P.sub.R3, is a discount of 10% for
product X. The competitor parameter is set at C>1 for the region
Rn in which the remote user computer is located.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 17A, a remote user computer U3 is located
in region R3. Also located in region R3 are two competitor retail
centers. The predetermined incentives and a competitor parameter of
C=1 is also established as described above. Therefore, in this
example, the remote user computer Ux will be associated with the
predetermined incentive designated as P.sub.R3 which in this case
is a 10% discount on product X. As shown in the Figure, the
conditions of the competitor parameter are satisfied by the
presence of the two competitor retail centers in region R3.
Accordingly, the associated predetermined incentive for remote user
computers located within region R3 is provided to remote user
computer U3.
[0118] Referring to FIG. 17B, a remote user computer U3 is located
in region R3 along with one competitor retail center. In this case,
no incentive is provided to remote user computer U3 because the
conditions established by the competitor parameter are not
satisfied here. The competitor parameter requires the presence of
more than one competitor retail center within the region of the
remote user computer. In this example, there is only one competitor
retail center in region R3.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 17C, a remote user computer U2 is located
in region R2. Also located in region R2 are two competitor retail
centers. In accordance with the predetermined incentives for each
of the various regions as described above, the remote user computer
U2 is associated with a 5% discount, provided that the competitor
parameter conditions are satisfied. In this case, there are two
competitor retail centers in region R2. Therefore, the conditions
of the competitor parameter are satisfied in this case and the
predetermined incentive for R2 is provided to U2.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 17D, a remote user computer U1 is located
in region R1. Also located in region R1 are three competitor retail
centers. In this case, although the competitor parameter conditions
are satisfied by having three competitor retail centers within the
region in question, R1, a 0% discount has been established as the
predetermined incentive for that region. Accordingly, remote user
computers in region R1 will not be provided any incentive.
[0121] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the generation of proximity
based customized incentives according to the general formula of the
invention will be explained. Shown in FIG. 18 is a data table
having five columns with the first column being a product
identifier, the second column being the store identifier, the third
column being the n value, the fourth column being the geographic
boundary, which corresponds to a particular n value, and the fifth
column being the predetermined incentive corresponding to a
particular region as defined by the corresponding n value. In this
case, customized incentives are predetermined for a product X to be
purchased at a retail center A. Five discrete regions surrounding
the retail center A are defined by five circles of differing radii.
FIG. 18 shows the radius of each circle under the column labeled
L.sub.n, the corresponding n value to 1, and the corresponding
predetermined incentive for product X at retail center A. The
information in the data table may be inputted by the coupon issuer
or may be established as the result of marketing feedback data or a
combination thereof. The data in the data table may be stored in
any manner, provided said data may be accessed for the purpose of
associating said data with location data corresponding to a remote
user computer. In this manner, the general formula of the invention
may be used to generate an incentive for a particular remote user
computer by obtaining the location data for that remote user
computer and associating that location data with the data in the
exemplary data table of FIG. 18, for example without
limitation.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 19, a remote user computer, Ux is located
at a distance of 7.3 miles from the retail center A. In accordance
with the general formula of the invention, an incentive may be
customized for remote computer user Ux by associating relocation
data with the appropriate n value corresponding to a predetermined
incentive for the region in which the remote user computer is
located. In this case, the X value of 7.3 miles falls between 6
miles and 8 miles as shown on the data table of FIG. 18. Thus,
X<L.sub.4 and >L.sub.4-1 (L.sub.3). Accordingly, Ux
corresponds to an n value of 4 to identify the region in which the
remote user computer is located. As shown in the data table of FIG.
18, an n value of 4 corresponds to a 15% discount on product X at
retail center A. Accordingly, the incentive provided to the remote
user computer Ux is a 15% discount on product X at retail center A.
In this example, further conditions can be placed upon the
providing of an incentive to the remote user Ux. For example, a
competitor parameter is established specifying a minimum number of
competitors to be within a predetermined area as a condition
precedent to providing the incentive to the remote user computer
Ux, without limitation.
[0123] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, the present invention can be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
[0124] Optionally, hyperlinks are included in an implementation of
the present invention. The use of hyperlinks within an application
program interface enables selective, non-intrusive, recall of help
functions such as definitions of critical terms located within a
textual or graphical interface panel. Elements of a user interface
for an application program are predefined as help functions by the
programmer or developer. These predefined help functions are then
hyperlinked to the specified predefined element. When a user
traverses the interface, highlighted elements corresponding to the
predefined help functions may be selected by a mouse or mouse-type
function. Upon selection of a hyperlinked element, a window appears
providing maps, directions, etc., without limitation.
[0125] A user may select particular elements of interest by
selecting the element using a click of a mouse or equivalent user
input function, such as a magnified section of a map, without
limitation. The selection of an element retrieves the data desired.
The user has the ability to selectively retrieve immediate
functionality without having to stray from the interface of the
application program itself.
* * * * *