U.S. patent application number 13/619743 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for multiple party reward system utilizing single account.
This patent application is currently assigned to Groupon, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Joshua D. Rogers, Daniel E. Tedesco, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Jay S. Walker. Invention is credited to Joshua D. Rogers, Daniel E. Tedesco, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Jay S. Walker.
Application Number | 20130211902 13/619743 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39319219 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130211902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Jay S. ; et
al. |
August 15, 2013 |
MULTIPLE PARTY REWARD SYSTEM UTILIZING SINGLE ACCOUNT
Abstract
A method enabling a frequent shopper reward system capable of
tracking performance data of a plurality of members or account
holders linked to a single frequent shopper account.
Inventors: |
Walker; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Van Luchene; Andrew S.; (New York, NY) ;
Tedesco; Daniel E.; (Huntington, CT) ; Rogers; Joshua
D.; (Gaithersburg, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walker; Jay S.
Van Luchene; Andrew S.
Tedesco; Daniel E.
Rogers; Joshua D. |
Ridgefield
New York
Huntington
Gaithersburg |
CT
NY
CT
MD |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Groupon, Inc.
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
39319219 |
Appl. No.: |
13/619743 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11958571 |
Dec 18, 2007 |
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13619743 |
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|
10037143 |
Nov 7, 2001 |
7318041 |
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11958571 |
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09223900 |
Dec 31, 1998 |
6327573 |
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10037143 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0236 20130101;
G06Q 30/0207 20130101; G06Q 30/0238 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 30/0225 20130101; G06Q 30/0226 20130101; G06Q 30/0234
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14.27 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20120101
G06Q030/02 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: receiving transaction data that includes
frequent shopper data and item or service data associated with a
customer transaction; determining, based on the frequent shopper
data, frequent shopper account data that includes information
identifying a primary account holder, at least one sub-account
holder, and at least one previous order; displaying the at least
one previous order associated with the frequent shopper account;
receiving an instruction to purchase another item or service
according to the at least one previous order; and processing the
customer transaction in accordance with the transaction data and
the received instruction.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving physical
presence information identifying the primary account holder and at
least one sub-account holder present during the transaction;
evaluating the customer transaction based on at least one of the
physical presence information, the transaction data, and the
instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at
least one previous order; and updating performance data of at least
one of the primary account holder and the at least one sub-account
holder.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein updating performance data
comprises at least one of adding reward points, subtracting reward
points, calculating a reward level, and allocating a calculated
award level to at least one of the primary account holder and to at
least one sub-account holder.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a reward to
at least one of the primary account holder and at least one
sub-account holder.
5. The method of claim 4, in which providing the reward comprises
providing at least one of an immediate discount associated with the
transaction, an increase in reward points, a future discount, a
coupon, and a monetary rebate.
6. The method of claim 4, in which providing the reward further
comprises allocating the reward between the primary account holder
and at least one sub-account holder account according to at least
one rule.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one rule comprises
at least one of transaction rules, reward rules, physical presence
rules, and affiliation rules.
8. A computer readable medium storing instructions configured to
direct a processor to: receive transaction data that includes
frequent shopper data and item or service data associated with a
customer transaction; determine, based on the frequent shopper
data, frequent shopper account data which includes information
identifying a primary account holder, at least one sub-account
holder, and at least one previous order; display the at least one
previous order associated with the frequent shopper account;
receive an instruction to purchase another item or service
according to the at least one previous order; and process the
customer transaction in accordance with the transaction data and
the received instruction.
9. The computer readable medium of claim 8, which further comprises
instructions configured to direct the processor to: receive
physical presence information identifying the primary account
holder and at least one sub-account holder present during the
transaction; evaluate the customer transaction based on at least
one of the physical presence information, the transaction data, and
the instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at
least one previous order; and update performance data of at least
one of the primary account holder and the at least one sub-account
holder.
10. The computer readable medium of claim 9, in which updating the
performance data further comprises instructions configured to
direct the processor to at least one of add reward points, subtract
reward points, calculate a reward level, and allocate a calculated
award level to at least one of the primary account holder and to at
least one sub-account holder.
11. The computer readable medium of claim 8, which further
comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to
provide a reward to at least one of the primary account holder and
at least one sub-account holder.
12. The computer readable medium of claim 11, in which providing
the reward comprises instructions configured to direct the
processor to at least one of issue an immediate discount associated
with the transaction, increase reward points, provide a future
discount, issue a coupon, and provide a monetary rebate.
13. The computer readable medium of claim 11, which further
comprises instructions configured to direct the processor to
allocate the reward between the primary account holder and at least
one sub-account holder account according to at least one rule.
14. A system, comprising: a transaction controller including a
microprocessor and a memory; and an input device operatively
connected to the transaction controller; wherein the input device
receives transaction data that includes frequent shopper data and
item or service data associated with a customer transaction, and
wherein the microprocessor determines, based on the frequent
shopper data, frequent shopper account data that includes
information identifying a primary account holder, at least one
sub-account holder, and at least one previous order, provides
instructions to display the at least one previous order, receives
an instruction to purchase an item or service according to the at
least one previous order, and processes the customer transaction in
accordance with the transaction data and the instruction to
purchase an item or service according to the at least one previous
order.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising at least one server
in communication with the transaction controller, wherein the
server comprises an input/output circuit, a microprocessor, and a
memory including at least one of an awards rules database, an
awards database, and entertainment programs.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the input device comprises at
least one of a biometric device, a voice recognition unit, a
license plate scanner, a handwriting recognition unit, a
fingerprint scanner, a retinal scanner, a barcode scanner, a
touchscreen, a keyboard, and a computer mouse.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the microprocessor is operable
to calculate a reward, allocate the reward among the primary
account holder and the sub-account holders, and to update an
account of at least one of the primary account holder and at least
one sub-account holder.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein the input device comprises a
card reader, and an account holder provides data by using at least
one of a frequent shopper card, bank card, credit card, debit card,
and an affinity card.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/037,143, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/223,900, filed Dec. 31, 1998
for "MULTIPLE PARTY REWARD SYSTEM UTILIZING SINGLE ACCOUNT", which
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,573, incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention generally relates to incentive reward systems
and, more specifically, to frequent shopper card programs.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] Frequent shopper cards are used in the retail industry to
reward customers for their loyalty and to create incentives for
customer patronage. Frequent shopper programs allow customers to
feel as though they are getting a fair deal or an added bonus when
they purchase more products. Furthermore, retail establishments
benefit from the revenue increase generated by the additional
purchasing that a reward program encourages. In effect, frequent
shopper cards are a constant companion for many buyers at retail
stores and more recently at quick service restaurants.
[0006] A frequent shopper card may comprise a non-intelligent card,
e.g., a credit card, or a "smart" card. A smart card typically
comprises memory suitable for holding information indicative of,
e.g., a present monetary value of the card, a processor for
controlling access to the memory such that the monetary value may
be increased or decreased in response to a transaction, an
interface to, e.g., point of sale terminals used to transact with
the bearer of the smart card. A PDA (Personal Data Assistant) or
other portable computer which may store electronic cash may
function as the frequent shopper card described herein.
[0007] Several quick service restaurants have begun to use frequent
shopper cards for purchase based reward programs. For example, one
such restaurant has tested a smart-card based frequent shopper
program that lets consumers go cash-free and earn bonus points
toward free meals when they use the card at designated restaurants.
A terminal located within a restaurant is used to increase a stored
monetary value of a card in exchange for cash. The terminals may
also be used to check the status of the card (i.e., operational or
malfunctioning) or determine the present value of the card.
Customers earn 1 point for each dollar of food purchased with the
card. For 10 points, customers receive, e.g., a free breakfast
value meal; for 15 points they receive a predefined meal, and for
20 points they earn a meal of their own choosing.
[0008] A second quick service restaurant rewards the frequent
customer with prizes that increase in value through a series of,
e.g., 16 visits, after which the cycle repeats. Prizes range from
simple discounts on food to offers from record and video stores.
The reward must be claimed after each cycle.
[0009] A third quick service restaurant distributes frequent
shopper cards to its Frequent Customer Club members. Members can
earn a credit for each visit plus credits based on the dollar value
of purchases. A five credit ticket is granted to the customer when
their card has accumulated five credits on five different
purchases. These tickets can be collected and exchanged for bonus
food or logo merchandise.
[0010] A fourth quick service restaurant tested a frequent shopper
rewards program card that lets customers collect points toward a
free sandwich each time they make a purchase using on-line and
off-line debit cards or credit cards issued by a participating
bank.
[0011] Unfortunately, the aforementioned frequent shopper programs
do not allow multiple users to utilize a single account card. That
is, these programs require that every program participant have an
individual frequent shopper card. Consequently, these programs do
not provide a mechanism for rewarding customers accompanying the
customer participating in the program.
[0012] Therefore, it is seen to be desirable to provide a frequent
shopper card program addressing the aforementioned disadvantages.
Specifically, it is seen to be desirable to provide a method for
rewarding multiple shoppers within a frequent shopper reward
program using a single frequent shopper card.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] This invention generally relates to incentive reward systems
and, more specifically, to a method enabling a frequent shopper
reward system capable of tracking performance data of a plurality
of members or account holders linked to a single frequent shopper
account.
[0014] Specifically, in a transaction environment, a reward method
according to the invention comprises the steps of: retrieving, in
response to an account identifier, a customer record associated
with the account identifier, the customer record including account
information identifying a plurality of sub-account holders;
determining which of the plurality of sub-account holders are
present; transacting with at least one of the present sub-account
holders; calculating a reward level; allocating, to at least one of
the present sub-account holders, at least a portion of the
determined reward level; and updating the retrieved customer
record.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The teachings of the present invention can be readily
understood by considering the following detailed description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a transaction system
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a flow diagram of a transaction reward method
according to the invention;
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3C depict a relational diagram useful in
understanding the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary frequent shopper database in
tabular form and suitable for use in the transaction system of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIGS. 4B and 4C depict an exemplary frequent shopper rules
database in tabular form and suitable for use in the transaction
system of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a customer identification
method suitable for use in the method of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a flow diagram of a reward
calculation and allocation method suitable for use in the method of
FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of a present member
determination method suitable for use in the method of FIG. 2;
and
[0024] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a flow diagram of a transaction
reward method according to a physical access embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals
have been used where possible to designate identical elements that
are common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present invention comprises a method and apparatus
enabling a frequent shopper reward system capable of tracking
performance data of a plurality of members or account holders
linked to a single frequent shopper account. In this manner, a
frequent shopper card of, e.g., a primary member or account holder,
may be used in virtually any transaction environment to identify a
plurality of sub-account holders and responsively update
performance data associated with the sub-account holders.
[0027] While the invention is primarily described herein within the
context of a retail sales and/or service transaction environment,
it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
invention has applicability beyond these transactional
environments. For example, a physical access transaction
environment embodiment will be disclosed in which physical access
via, e.g., a turnstile is granted or denied to a plurality of
present sub-account holders using a single frequent shopping card
(i.e., an access card).
[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a transaction system
according to one embodiment of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 1
depicts a block diagram of a transaction system 100 suitable for
transacting with consumers or shoppers utilizing a frequent shopper
card within, e.g. a shopping environment such as a fast food
restaurant.
[0029] The system 100 includes a transaction controller 150, an
output device 110, an input device 120, a server 160, an optional
voice recognition unit 130, an optional biometric identification
unit 140, an optional license plate scanning unit 145 and an
optional physical access unit 148. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the voice recognition unit 130 and the biometric
identification unit 140 may be the same device. For example, the
biometric identification device 140 may read and interpret signals
representing a person's voice, and thereby determine if the person
is to be granted access. Also, those skilled in the art will
understand that the biometric identification device 140 may be a
handwriting recognition and identification device, such as those
supported by Advanced Recognition Technologies, Inc.'s
smARTwriter.RTM. software.
[0030] The transaction controller 150, illustrative of a point of
sale (POS) terminal within a transactional environment such as a
restaurant, comprises an input/output (I/O) circuit 152, support
circuitry 153, a microprocessor 154 and memory 155. The
microprocessor 154 cooperates with conventional support circuitry
153 such as power supplies, clock circuits, cache memory and the
like, as well as circuits that assist in executing the various
software routines. The transaction controller 150 also contains
input/output circuitry 152 that forms an interface between the
transaction controller 150 and the display device, the input device
120, the server 160 and the various optional units 130-148.
Although the transaction controller 150 is depicted as a general
purpose computer that is programmed to perform specific functions
in accordance with the present invention, the invention can be
implemented in hardware as an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC). As such, the process steps described herein are
intended to be broadly interpreted as being equivalently performed
by software, hardware, or a combination thereof.
[0031] The output device 110, illustratively a computer or video
display device 111 or a printer 112, is operatively coupled to the
transaction controller 150 and displays information to, e.g., a
store clerk and/or a transacting customer. The input device 120,
illustratively a keyboard or pointing device, is operatively
coupled to the transaction controller 150 and receives information
from, e.g., a store clerk and/or a transacting customer. The
display unit 111 and input unit 120 may be combined into a single
functional unit comprising, e.g., a touch screen device.
[0032] The server 160, illustratively a central computer or server
within a transactional environment such as a restaurant, comprises
an input/output (I/O) circuit 162, support circuitry 163,
microprocessor 164 and memory 165. The input/output (I/O) circuit
162, support circuitry 163, a microprocessor 164 and memory 165
function in substantially the same manner as, respectively, the
input/output (I/O) circuit 152, support circuitry 153, a
microprocessor 154 and memory 155 described above with respect to
the transaction controller 150. The server 160 is operatively
coupled to the transaction controller 150 via a communications link
105, illustratively a local area network (LAN). In the case of a
remotely located server (not shown), the communications link 105
may comprise, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) or Internet
communications channel.
[0033] The memory 155 of the transaction controller 150 is depicted
as including a transaction reward method 200. The transaction
reward method 200 will be described in more detail below with
respect to FIG. 2. Briefly, the transaction reward method 200
operates in conjunction with the input devices (i.e., input device
120 and optional voice recognition unit 130, biometric
identification unit 140 and license plate scanning unit 145) and
output devices (display unit 111 and optional physical access unit
148) to transact with a shopper or consumer using a frequent
shopper card. An identifier that identifies the transacting
consumer associated with the frequent shopper card (i.e., the
account member), and information pertaining to that consumer, are
stored in a frequent shopper database 400A within, e.g., server
160. Additionally, the transaction reward method 200 assesses
reward points based upon transaction parameters defined within a
frequent shopper rules database 400B within, e.g., server 160. It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
transaction reward method 200 may be stored in memory 155 of
transaction controller 150, memory 165 of server 160 or another
remote memory location. All that is necessary is that the
transaction reward method 200 be operably engaged with the various
devices used to transact with a consumer or frequent shopper card
holder.
[0034] The memory 165 within the server 160 is depicted as
including a frequent shopper database 400A, a frequent shopper
rules database 400B and, optionally, entertainment programs 165-1.
The frequent shopper database 400A and frequent shopper rules
database 400B will be described in more detail below with respect
to FIG. 4A and FIGS. 4B and 4C, respectively. Additionally, a
relationship between the objects within the frequent shopper
database 400A and a transaction will be described in more detail
below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C. Briefly, the frequent shopper
database 400A comprises a plurality of data objects indicative of
the type and membership of a frequent shopper account, including
demographic profile data, transaction profile data, reward level
and other information associated with each member. The frequent
shopper rules database 400B comprises a plurality of data objects
indicative of the rules defining the reward level or reward points
assessed to a frequent shopper account in response to a transaction
or series of transactions. For example, the frequent shopper rules
database defines how many members must be present, the minimum
value of a transaction to earn a reward and other parameters.
[0035] The above-described databases may be centrally stored or, in
another embodiment, may be stored on the card itself. For example,
the data may be stored in memory on a smart card, encoded on a
magnetic strip on a card or stored in the cache or "cookie" on a
computer of the customer (e.g. a PDA).
[0036] The optional biometric identification unit 140 may comprise
any device useful in identifying a human being. For example, the
biometric identification unit 140 may comprise a fingerprint
scanner, a voice recognition unit or voice signature unit, a
retinal scanning unit or any other device suitable for identifying
a human. The biometric identification unit 140 is used as a means
of allowing the transaction controller 150 to assure that a
particular member or sub-account holder associated with the
frequent shopper card is actually present. In the case of a
transaction environment in which the actual identity or membership
status of a present customer is immaterial to a particular
transaction, then the biometric identification unit 140 may be used
to provide a mere indication that a specific person is present,
rather than providing identification information about that person.
Thus, the type of biometric identification unit 140 utilized may be
dependent primarily on non-technical factors, such as the marketing
objectives of a transacting establishment. For example, in one
embodiment of the invention it is only necessary to determine that
a person has traversed (or will traverse) a physical access point
such as a public transit turnstile, so that the value (cost and/or
reward) of such access is attributed to a particular frequent
shopper card.
[0037] The optional voice recognition unit 130, which may function
as a biometric identification device, comprises, illustratively, a
voice recognition unit (e.g., voice signature unit), audio analyzer
or voice stress analyzer, depending upon the purpose of the voice
recognition unit 130. For example, if the voice recognition unit
130 is used to determine whether a particular individual is
present, then the voice recognition unit may be a relatively
sophisticated hardware or software apparatus used to identify a
number of vocal characteristics such that a voice profile or
signature may be derived and matched to a stored signature, thereby
identifying a particular person. If the voice recognition unit 130
is used merely to count the number of people in a party, then the
unit may be a less sophisticated apparatus designed merely to
identify differences in voice patterns or spatial differences in
voice or audio sources. Optionally, the voice recognition unit 130
may comprise a voice stress analyzer that may be used, e.g., as a
marketing tool to help identify whether the speaker is having a
pleasant transaction experience or whether the transaction
environment should be adapted in some way to reduce the stress
level of the transacting parties.
[0038] The optional physical access unit 148, comprises,
illustratively, a gate at a members-only "warehouse" store (or
other members-only establishment such as a child-friendly
restaurant/play center), a public transit turnstile or any type of
physical barrier through which physical access may be gained. The
use of a frequent shopper card (i.e., a frequent rider card in a
public transit system) within a physical access transaction
environment may require that a primary account member transact for
all present sub-account members prior to gaining physical access
to, e.g., a train platform.
A. General Transaction Environment
[0039] FIGS. 3A-3C depict a relational diagram useful in
understanding the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 3A-3C
depict a relational diagram of transaction-related elements or
objects utilized in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] A frequent shopper reward system according to the invention
provides a single account that may be associated with a plurality
of sub-account holders or members. Referring to FIG. 3B, the single
account is identified by an account identifier 302. The account
identifier 302 is associated with a plurality of account members
304-1, 304-2, 304-3 and 304-N.
[0041] Each of the account members or account holders 304-1 through
304-N is associated with a plurality of respective data objects.
Specifically, referring now to account holder 304-1, an exemplary
grouping of account holder data objects comprises the following: a
transactional profile 306, a demographic profile 308, a reward
level 310, a primary member or account holder indication field 312,
a reward rules field 314 and an account type field 316. Each
account member or account holder 304 and the respective data
objects 306-316 are stored in a frequent shopper database 400A,
which will be described in more detail below with respect to FIG.
4A.
[0042] The transactional profile 306 contains information relating
to prior transactions by the account member 304. Specifically, the
transactional profile 306 comprises a purchase history 306A, a
reward history 306B, a relations history 306C, an average value
indicator 306D and a number of purchases indicator 306E. The
purchase history 306A comprises a list of some or all of the
purchases and/or transactions associated with the account member or
sub-account holder 304. The reward history 306B comprises a listing
of some or all of the rewards earned and/or redeemed by the account
member or sub-account holder 304 relating to, e.g., the purchases
or transactions identified within the purchase history 306A. The
relations history 306C includes historical data tracking the
various relations between the account member or sub-account holder
304 and other account members or sub-account holders associated
with account identifier 302 or, optionally, other accounts (e.g., a
frequent shopper participating in several programs offered by the
same or different promoters). The average value indicator 306D
represents the average value of an item or the average value of a
transaction associated with the account member or sub-account
holder 304. The number of purchases indicator 306E indicates the
number of discrete transactions entered into by the account member
or sub-account holder 304.
[0043] The demographic profile 308 comprises information relating
to the account member or sub-account holder. Specifically, the
demographic profile 308 includes the name 308A, age 308B, address
308C, relation 308D, and phone number 308E of the account member or
sub-account holder 304. Other demographic information may be
included in this profile, such as member entered information
indicative of member preferences, information derived from data
mining or other processing techniques and the like.
[0044] The relation object 308D represents a present or historic
relationship between this account member or sub-account holder
304-1 and other account members or sub-account holders exhibiting
similar demographic profiles and/or tendencies. For example,
through the aforementioned data mining techniques, it may be
determined that a particular member or account holder 304-1
exhibits demographic or transactional tendencies associated with
other members or account holders from the identified account 302 or
other accounts. By maintaining an active link between
demographically similar account members or sub-account holders,
regardless of actual account, it is possible to formulate incentive
programs tailored to particular demographic groupings, regardless
of the account affiliation of a particular member.
[0045] The reward level object 310 indicates a present reward level
of the account member or sub-account holder 304. The reward level
may be determined as, e.g., a number of reward points earned.
[0046] The primary holder indicative object 312 indicates whether
the particular account member or sub-account holder 304 is a
primary member or primary account holder (e.g., a parent or head of
household on a restaurant frequent purchaser card having a
plurality of children as sub-account holders).
[0047] The reward rules object 314 indicates whether any specific
reward rules are applicable to the account member or sub-account
holder 304 beyond those included in a frequent shoppers rules data
base 400B, which will be discussed in more detail below with
respect to FIG. 4B. For example, to encourage account usage by new
members, points or rewards accrued by a new member may be enhanced
(e.g., doubled) for an introductory period (e.g., six months).
Similarly, a predefined affinity card or program selected by the
member or sub-account holder 304-1 may impose particular reward
rules regarding the accrual of "co-reward" points for the two
programs. For example, an affinity frequent flyer program
associated with the account identified 302 and the member or
sub-account holder 304-1 may require the purchase of certain items
(e.g., garment bags, travel kits and the like) at certain minimum
value or cost levels before affinity reward points (e.g., frequent
flyer miles) are awarded to the member or account holder 304-1.
[0048] In addition to being associated with one or more members or
sub-account holders 304-1 through 304-N, the account identifier 302
of FIG. 3 is associated with a type of account object 316, and a
present transaction 320. The type of account object 316 indicates
whether the account is a single user account or multiple user
account. Optionally, the type of account object 316 may be used to
indicate whether the account is associated with affinity accounts,
a particular termination date, and other such information.
[0049] The transaction 320 is associated with, for each item sold,
a transaction date 322, an item number 324, an item value 326, an
item quantity 328, an item delivery term 330 and, optionally, an
inventory control system program 332. It must be noted that FIGS.
3A-3C depict a single item 324 related to a single transaction 320
that is associated with the account identifier 302. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the transaction 320
may be associated with multiple items having associated item
number, value, quantity and delivery terms. Moreover, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the identified account
302 may be associated by multiple transactions, each of which may
involve one or more items and other associated information.
[0050] The transaction data 322 indicates the date upon which a
particular transaction 320 is consummated. The item number 324
indicates a particular item that is purchased by a member or
sub-account holder 304 of the account 302. The item value term 326,
item quantity term 328 and item delivery term 330 are those
contractual terms associated with the purchase of the item 324
during the transaction 320. It is noted that a typical inventory
control program seeks to keep in stock a minimal number of items
necessary to satisfy consumer demand, while avoiding the
maintaining in inventory of more items than are necessary. That is,
an inventory control program typically seeks to reduce costs and
enhance customer satisfaction by carrying the minimum level of
inventory needed to substantially satisfy consumer expectations of
immediate or near term delivery of purchased items. Various demand
flow and value chain programs and techniques are available to
perform this task and may be operatively coupled to the
invention.
[0051] The transaction 320 is associated with a card identification
program 334, a frequent shoppers data base 400A, a frequent
shoppers rules database 400B and a reward program 340. The card
identification program 334 comprises a program that reads or
otherwise determines the account identifier associated with a
frequent shopper card. The card identification program may comprise
hardware and/or software suitable for reading a magnetic card,
interfacing to a smart card, scanning a license plate to identify a
vehicle belonging to a member or account holder 304-1, identifying
a particular present human being using a voice recognition unit
130, a biometric identification unit 140 or retrieving an account
identifier via any input means such as a keyboard or pointing
device.
[0052] The frequent shoppers database 400A contains information
associated with frequent shoppers (i.e., members/account holders)
as previously described with respect to the member or account
holder 304-1. That is, the frequent shoppers database 400A may
comprise a centralized database that stores information associated
with all frequent shoppers participating in a particular frequent
shopper program or promotion. The frequent shopper's rules database
400B comprises a database that provides all the rules associated
with a particular frequent shopper program or promotion that are
applicable to all participants in that program. The frequent
shoppers rules database 400B may also include those rules
associated with particular members or account holders (i.e., reward
rules 314 as described above), such that a centralized relational
database may be used to store all shopper and rules information.
The frequent shoppers database 400A and frequent shoppers rules
database 400B are used within the context of a transaction 320 to
assess reward points based upon the transaction itself and
appropriately credit those reward points to the proper member's or
account holder's account. The reward program 340 is used to
determine the actual reward level associated with a particular
transaction. For example, a transaction having a monetary value of
$100 may be assessed, e.g., one hundred points and in the case of
an affinity frequent flyer program, an additional one hundred
frequent flyer miles. The frequent shopper rules database 400B will
be described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 4B and
4C.
[0053] FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary frequent shopper database 400A
in tabular form. The frequent shopper database 400A of FIG. 4A
comprises a subset of the information previously described with
respect to FIGS. 3A-3C. Specifically, the frequent shopper database
400A as depicted in FIG. 4A comprises a tabular presentation of the
information related to member or account holder information 304 of
FIG. 3B. That is, the account identifier 302, member or account
holder 304, primary member indicator 312, demographic profile 308,
transactional profile 306, reward rules 314 and type of account
object 316 of FIG. 3B correspond to, respectively, account
identifier 402, member or account holder 404, primary member
indicator 412, demographic profile 408, transactional profile 406,
reward rules 414 and type of account object 416 of FIG. 4A.
[0054] Since each of these corresponding data objects, and any
corresponding sub-obj ects, operate in substantially the same
manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 3A-3C, the
corresponding data objects and sub-objects of FIG. 4A will not be
discussed in further detail.
[0055] FIGS. 4B and 4C depict an exemplary frequent shopper rules
database 400B. The rules database 400B is divided into physical
presence rules 450, transaction rules 460, reward rules 470 and
affiliation rules 480. The physical presence rules 450 refer to the
physical presence requirements imposed upon a transacting member or
members prior to the earning of a reward. The transaction rules 460
refer to the type of item purchased, value of items purchased and
other parameters associated with a reward-earning transaction. The
affiliation rules 480 (e.g., a co-brand reward "kicker") are
associated with rules governing transactions that are also
associated with an affiliated promotion or program, rules governing
co-promotion reward calculation, reward assessment and promoted
payment means (i.e., affinity credit cards, preferred bank credit
cards and the like).
[0056] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4B, the physical
presence rules 450 comprise a first field indicative of whether the
presence of a member is required prior to the member receiving a
reward; a second field AAA indicative of a number of members
required to be present prior to a reward being earned; a third
field indicative of whether a primary member must be present to
earn a reward (for those accounts utilizing a primary member or
account holder) and other physical presence rules.
[0057] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4B, the transaction
rules 460 comprise a first field indicative of a minimum total
transaction value BBB required to be reached prior to earning a
reward. A second field defines a list of enhanced value transaction
items (ER1-ERx), that is a list of items that are associated with
an enhanced reward value. A third field defines a list of degraded
value transaction items (DR1-DRx), that is a list of items that are
associated with an degraded reward value. A fourth field defines a
list of required transaction items (ER1-ERx), that is a list of
items that are associated with a required reward value. A fifth
field defines a time of day promotion, e.g., "early bird special."
A sixth field defines a day of the week promotion, e.g., a
promotion to boost sales on a traditionally low-volume day. A
seventh field defines a frequency of transaction promotion, e.g.,
the minimum number of visits within a pre-defined time period a
primary of sub-account holder must make, such as four visits per
month. An eighth field is used to define other transaction
rules.
[0058] It should be noted that enhanced reward items are those
items that, when purchased, earn a reward level above the level or
points normally awarded to an item of similar transaction value,
e.g., promotional items, clearance items, slow moving items and the
like. Similarly, degraded reward items are those items that, when
purchased, earn a reward level below the level or points normally
awarded to an item of similar transaction value, e.g., items that
are in short supply or so highly prized by consumers that no reward
is necessary to provide a consumer incentive, such as the most
popular new toy at Christmas. Finally, required reward items are
those items that must be purchased prior to a transaction being
able to generate a reward.
[0059] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4B, the reward rules 470
comprise a first field that defines reward accrual rules, such as
how many reward points must be earned prior to redemption of the
points for a reward. A second field defines reward tier rules, such
as disproportionately increasing redemption values as reward levels
increase beyond various threshold levels or tiers. A third field
defines reward allocation rules, such as whether a primary account
member or holder is entitled to a preferential allocation of reward
points. A fourth field defines the type of rewards that may be
provided, such as present or future transaction discounts,
merchandise or service coupons, "cash back" allowances, frequent
flier miles, long distance telephone call discounts or free minutes
and the like. A fifth field is used to define other reward rules
and rewards. In one embodiment, the reward points allocated to the
primary account holder and the sub-account holders may vary
depending on the total number of account and sub-account holders in
the transacting party. For example, for a given transaction, ten
points may be allocated to the primary account holder if no other
sub-account holders are present. But twenty points may be allocated
to both the primary account holder and a sub-account holder if both
are physically present for the transaction.
[0060] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4C, the affiliation
rules 480 include a first field defining a reward point increase
attributed to a transaction that includes the use of a credit card
from a particular bank. A second field defines a reward point
increase attributed to a transaction that includes the use of a
store credit card. A third field is indicative of whether the
transaction reward program includes an automatic link to a frequent
flier program (e.g., transaction reward points redeemable as
frequent flier miles). A fourth field is indicative of whether the
transaction reward program includes an automatic link to an
affiliated reward program. A fifth field is used to define other
affiliation rules.
[0061] In one embodiment of the invention the members or account
holders are divided into a plurality of classes, where each class
is associated with a respective reward structure. Class membership
denotes a particular demographic or transactional profile (or set
of profiles) that is associated with an appropriately tailored
reward structure. Classes may be defined in any manner appropriate
for the transaction environment. For example, in the case of a
restaurant transaction, environment classes may comprise adults,
children, high value purchasers, high volume purchasers, expense
account users, vegetarians and the like. The reward structure
associated with each class provides at least an incentive
appropriate to a member of that class. Optionally, the reward
structure also provides additional incentive to that member to
purchase higher quality, higher volume or other products or
services targeted by a merchant.
[0062] The reward structure associated with a respective class is
adapted to the transaction or demographic profile appropriate to
that class. For example, in the case of membership in the high
value purchaser class, the associated reward structure may
emphasize high value item rewards, luxury affinity program tie-ins
and other incentives appropriate to encourage purchases by a member
of that class. In the case of membership in the expense account
user class, the reward structure may include a corporate reward
component and a personal reward component. The corporate reward
component provides an incentive to the corporation to utilize the
products and/or services being purchased (advanced or detailed
expense account tracking, pooling of rewards or discounts with
other corporate users, corporate cash-back and the like), while the
personal reward component provides a more a direct incentive to the
expense account user (e.g., frequent flyer add-ons, luxury upgrades
and other enhancements of a more personal nature).
[0063] Class membership is determined with respect to a transaction
profile or demographic profile. The transaction or demographic
profile may evolve over time such that a member or sub-account
holder will migrate from one class into another class. This class
migration occurs in response to actual changes in the transaction
or demographic information associated with the member or account
holder. Additionally, this migration occurs in response to
refinements in the accuracy of the transaction or demographic
profile associated with the member or account holder. In either
case, the system continually updates and refines the information
related to each member or account holder. In this manner, the
reward structure associated with that member or account holder is
refined in a manner likely to induce loyalty in that member or
account holder to the products and/or services offered by a
participating merchant.
B. Retail Store Transaction Environment
[0064] An embodiment of the subject invention will now be described
within the context of a retail store environment. The retail store
environment may comprise, e.g., a restaurant, a department store, a
movie theater or any other retail establishment selling products
and/or services. The present invention allows a frequent shopper
card associated with a single customer to be used during a retail
transaction to identify a plurality of sub-account holders or
members and update performance data associated with the sub-account
holders or members according to the transaction or transactions
performed.
[0065] For purposes of this discussion it will be assumed that a
primary account holder or primary member having physical control of
a frequent shopper card is a head of a household (i.e., a parent)
comprising five members. In the retail store environment the parent
presents his or her frequent shopping card to the clerk operating
the transaction controller 150, i.e., a point of sale terminal. The
clerk "scans" or "swipes" the frequent shopper card using a card
reader or other input device 120 suitable for entering the frequent
shopper card data into the transaction controller 150. The
transaction controller 150, in response to the entry of an account
identifier via input device 120, retrieves the account data
associated with the frequent shopper account. The transaction
controller 150, in response to the retrieved account information,
prompts the clerk or primary account holder to identify all present
sub-account holders. That is, a prompt may be issued directly by
the transaction controller 150 via, e.g., a display device 110, to
indicate to either of the clerk or primary account holder which
sub-account holders or members are physically present. This prompt
may be communicated in several ways. For example, the prompt may be
communicated directly to the parent or primary account holder via
display 110, illustratively a touch screen. The prompt may be
communicated indirectly by outputting a "check-off" list to a
screen read by the clerk, who would then verbally ask the parent or
primary card holder which sub-account holders are present. The card
holder would then input the number and/or identity of those present
according to the response provided by the parent or primary account
holder.
[0066] After determining which sub-account holders are present, the
transaction controller 150 processes the transaction or
transactions of the present account holders or members. After
processing the instant transaction(s), the transaction controller
150 evaluates the transaction(s) based upon, e.g., subtotal,
particular items purchased, presence of sub-account holders and
other data as defined by the various rules within the frequent
shopper rules database 400B. The rules may specify, for example, a
minimum purchase amount (e.g., greater than $50), that at least one
of a particular item must be purchased, that greater than a
predetermined number of sub-account holders must be present, or
that a particular form of payment must be used (i.e., a credit card
from an affiliated or participating bank or credit union). Based
upon the evaluation of the transaction in accordance with the
reward rules, the account and/or sub-account holder performance
data is updated by, e.g., adding or subtracting reward points.
[0067] FIG. 2 depicts a flow diagram of a transaction reward method
200 according to the invention. Specifically, FIG. 2 depicts a flow
diagram of a method 200 for transacting and assessing reward points
to a plurality of members using a common account or frequent
shopper card.
[0068] The method 200 is entered at step 205 and proceeds to step
210, where a customer ID is received. A customer ID may be received
by, e.g., swiping or otherwise inputting into the transaction
controller 150 the account identification information from a
frequent shopper card. The method 200 then proceeds to step 215,
where the customer record associated with the received account
identification are retrieved from, e.g., the store server 160 or a
remote server (not shown). The method 200 then proceeds to step
220.
[0069] At step 220 a determination is made as to which account
members are physically present at the transaction point. For
example, in the case of a frequent customer club at a restaurant, a
determination is made as to which members are present in the
restaurant. This determination may be made in several ways, as
previously described. The determination may be made by a verbal
query from the clerk or wait person to primary member account
holder. The method 200 then proceeds to step 225. At step 225 a
transaction between one or more of the present account members and
the transaction controller 150 is consummated. For example, in the
case of the frequent customer card, a transaction may comprise a
selection of foods and beverages coupled with payment or a promise
to pay for those selected foods and beverages. The method 200 then
proceeds to step 230.
[0070] At step 230 a reward level is calculated based upon the
transaction performed at step 225, the number and/or identification
of the present numbers determined at step 220 and any additional
reward level parameters. For example, in the case of a frequent
customer card having an enhanced reward period for new frequent
dining program members, the reward level calculated at step 230 may
be enhanced in some manner. The method 200 then proceeds to step
235.
[0071] At step 235, the calculated reward level is allocated to one
or more of the account members. The reward may comprise an increase
in reward points that is allocated evenly between the present
members, allocated in a preferential manner to a primary member
with non-primary members (i.e., sub-account holders) receiving a
smaller portion or in any other manner. The reward may comprise an
immediate discount on the cost to the member(s) of the transaction
performed at step 225, a future discount, a coupon, a monetary
rebate (i.e., a "cash back" program) or other reward. In the case
of coupons, the transaction controller 150 may produce, via a
printing device 112, an appropriate coupon. The method 200 then
proceeds to step 240, where the customer record is updated, and to
step 245 where the method is exited.
[0072] With respect to step 220 of the method 200 of FIG. 2, the
inventors contemplate several methods for determining which account
members are present. A first method comprises the verbal prompting
of, e.g., the primary member or account holder by, e.g., a clerk
within a transaction environment such as a store. The clerk
optionally is provided a list via a display device of the members
of the frequent shopper account. Each of the members or sub-account
members may verbally indicate to the clerk their name, the clerk
may simply count the number present and assume all the people
present are related to the frequent shopper account, or the people
in the party may enter their initials, thumbprints, or some other
identifier into the transaction controller 150 via, e.g., biometric
identification unit 140.
[0073] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of a present member
determination method 220 suitable for use in the method 200 of FIG.
2. Specifically, FIG. 7 depicts a method 220 suitable for use in
implementing step 220 of the method 200 of FIG. 2.
[0074] The method 220 is entered at step 220-2 and proceeds to step
220-4, where the account members associated with the transacting
account are displayed on a display device, e.g., display unit 110.
The method 220 then proceeds to optional step 220-6.
[0075] An optional step 220-6 a prompt is issued to a clerk
requesting that the clerk ask for the names of present account
members from a customer transacting with the clerk. The method 220
then proceeds to step 220-8.
[0076] At step 220-8 input indicative of the present account
members is received. For example, in the case of optional step
220-6 being utilized, a clerk may type or otherwise input into the
transaction controller the names of the present account members as
indicated by the customer. Similarly, the present account members
may indicate their presence in any one of several means.
[0077] As indicated by task 220-7, the input may comprise typed
input, voice input, biometric identification, and/or audio-spatial
input. Additionally, it must be noted that the input step may be
performed after transaction items are determined by comparing the
transaction items with transaction history data to determine
whether one or more account members are present and, if so, which
sub-account members are likely present as well.
[0078] Referring to input step 220-7, the typed input may comprise
customer or clerk input to the transaction controller 150 via a
touch screen, a keypad or a pointing device. Voice input may be
provided via the voice recognition unit 130. The biometric
identification may be provided via biometric identification unit
140. Audio-spatial input may be provided via voice recognition unit
130 or biometric identification unit 140. The audio spatial input
comprises audio information sufficient to allow the transaction
controller to determine the number of audio sources. For example,
in the case of an enclosed area, such as a vehicle including
several potential account members, the audio spatial information
may comprise each of the members stating their names or the fact
that they are present. The transaction controller 150 processes the
audio information to determine how many audio point sources are
provided, thereby providing an indication as to the number of
people in the vehicle and, presumably, the number of account
members present. The method 220 then proceeds to step 220-10.
[0079] At step 220-10 a query is made as to whether a primary
account member must be present to transact on the account. That is,
a query is made as to whether a contemplated transaction requires
authorization for the physical presence of a primary account
member. If the query at step 220-10 is answered affirmatively, then
the method 220 proceeds to step 220-12. If the query at step 220-10
is answered negatively, then the method 220 proceeds to step
220-14.
[0080] At step 220-12 the primary account member authorization is
retrieved. The primary account member authorization may be inferred
based upon the presence of a primary account member or an
additional personal identification number (PIN) associated with the
primary account member. Upon retrieval of the primary account
member authorization, the method 220 proceeds to step 220-14. If
primary account member authorization is not received, then the
method 220 times out and the transaction is aborted.
[0081] At step 220-14 the transaction is enabled. The method 220
then proceeds to step 220-16 where it is exited.
[0082] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a flow diagram of a reward
calculation and allocation method 600 suitable for use in the
method 200 of FIG. 2. Specifically, FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a reward
calculation and allocation method 600 suitable for use in
implementing steps 230 and 235 of the method 200 of FIG. 2.
[0083] The method 600 is entered at step 602 and proceeds to step
604, where the reward level of present account members is increased
per the transaction rules. That is, in step 604 each of the
present, transacting account members receives a reward according to
the value, items selected and other transaction rules as applied to
the instant transaction. The method 600 then proceeds to step
606.
[0084] At step 606 the accumulated reward level of each present
account member is determined. That is, the reward level associated
with each account member plus any increase in reward level
performed at step 604 is determined. The method 600 then proceeds
to step 608.
[0085] At step 608 those present members having a respective reward
level exceeding a first threshold level are rewarded. That is, each
present member having a respective individual reward level
exceeding a first threshold level is rewarded by, e.g., a discount
on the transaction, a discount on a future transaction, free goods
and/or services, or other rewards as appropriate to the transacting
environment and described elsewhere in this disclosure. The method
600 then proceeds to step 610.
[0086] At step 610 the sum of accumulated reward levels for all
members is determined. That is, the sum of reward levels for each
account member present and, optionally, those account members not
present is accumulated to determine a total account reward level.
The method 600 then proceeds to step 612.
[0087] At step 612 the present account members are issued a reward
if the reward level determined at step 612 exceeds a second
threshold level. The method 600 then proceeds to step 614.
[0088] At step 614 a determination is made as to whether all of the
account members are present. The method then proceeds to step 616,
where, in the case of all account members being present, the
present account members are issued a reward. The method 600 then
proceeds to step 618.
[0089] At step 618 the number of transactions made by each account
member during a predetermined time interval is determined. That is,
a transaction rate associated with each account member is
determined for a predetermined period of time (e.g., five
transactions per week, two transactions per month, 15 transactions
per year). The method 600 then proceeds to step 620.
[0090] At step 620 the present account members having a transaction
rate exceeding a first transaction rate are issued a reward. The
method 600 then proceeds to step 622.
[0091] At step 622 the reward levels of members transacting at less
than a second transaction rate are adjusted. That is, those members
insufficiently utilizing a frequent shopper card as measured by
transactions per time or transaction rate are penalized in some
manner such as reward level deduction, increase in the tier
required in order to achieve a reward and the like. The method 600
then proceeds to step 624 where it is exited.
[0092] In one embodiment of the invention the number of people
within a party is determined with respect to the quantities and/or
value of an order placed by the frequent shopper card holder. In
this embodiment, rather than querying as to how many members or
sub-account members are present (step 220), the primary account
holder enters an entire order. After receiving the entire order,
the transaction controller 150 determines if the received order is
for one person or for many persons. If the received order is for
one person then the order is processed conventionally. If the
received order is for many persons, then the transaction controller
150 prompts the card holder to swipe the frequent shopper card (if
not entered already). The transaction controller 150 then outputs
via, e.g., the display unit 111, the names of sub-account holders
or members and a prompt is issued to the frequent shopper card
holder to indicate which of the displayed names is associated with
a shopper who is actually present. Frequent shopper or reward
points are assessed to those members or sub-account holders who are
actually present.
[0093] It should be noted that the above-described teachings of the
present invention are applicable to many transaction environments.
Specifically, the teachings of the present invention as defined
above with respect to the various methods and apparatus utilized in
the retail store transaction environment may be applied to other
transaction environments, as will now be described. Moreover, the
teachings of the invention as utilized by any one of the following
transaction environments may be advantageously employed in any of
the various transaction environments presented herein or known to
those skilled in the art.
C. Drive-Through Lane Transaction Environment
[0094] In a drive-through lane embodiment, the license plate
scanning unit 145 is used to determine the license number of a
vehicle. As used herein, "license number" means the characters
(e.g. letters and digits) of a license plate of a vehicle. The
license number is linked to an account number of a frequent shopper
account. The license plate scanning unit 145 is operationally
situated in or near the drive through lane such that it scans and
identifies the license plate of a vehicle within the lane.
[0095] In this embodiment, the display unit 111 may comprise a
digital menu board that may be viewed from the vehicle within the
drive-through lane. For example, in the case of a digital menu
board display, the name of the primary account holder and all
sub-account holders or members names may be displayed on a
checklist on the digital menu board. In this manner, the primary
card holder, illustratively a parent, may indicate by, e.g., voice
or other input means, that some, none or all of the sub-account
members are present in the vehicle. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the digital menu board may also be used in a more
traditional transaction environment e.g. a retail store, inside a
restaurant, inside a quick service restaurant, etc.
[0096] Optionally, in the case of a primary account holder who has
previously transacted using the frequent shopper account, the
digital menu board may be used to display one or more previous
orders of the account holder. For example, the previous orders may
include orders commonly made by the account holder, and/or the last
order made by the account holder. The driver of the vehicle may
then indicate, by a voice or other input means, which of the
displayed previous orders should be placed. In this manner, the
amount of time required to perform a drive-through lane transaction
is greatly reduced, since there is no need for the purchasing party
to remember precisely what orders he may have made previously.
[0097] FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of a customer identification
method suitable for use in the method 200 of FIG. 2. Specifically,
FIG. 5 depicts a customer identification method 210 suitable for
use in implementing step 210 of the method 200 of FIG. 2 in an
embodiment of the invention utilizing the optional license plate
scanning unit 145 of FIG. 1.
[0098] The method 210 is entered at step 210-2 and proceeds to step
210-4 where the presence of a vehicle is detected. That is, the
method 210 waits until a vehicle enters, e.g., a drive through lane
of a fast food restaurant. Upon detecting the presence of the
vehicle, the method 210 proceeds to step 210-6.
[0099] At step 210-6 the license plate of the vehicle within the
fast food lane is scanned and identified using, e.g., apparatus
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/166,339 entitled
"Method and System for Maintaining a Customer Database Using
License Plate Scanning Technology", filed on Oct. 5, 1998,
incorporated herein by reference. After scanning and identifying
the license plate, the method 210 proceeds to step 210-8.
[0100] At step 210-8 a query is made as to whether the identified
license plate is associated with a frequent shopper account. If the
query at step 210-8 is answered negatively, then the routine
proceeds to step 210-10. If the query at step 210-8 is answered
affirmatively, then the routine 210 proceeds to step 210-12.
[0101] At step 210-10 the transaction controller or clerk is
prompted to offer a frequent shopper card to the occupants of the
detected vehicle. The method 210 then proceeds to 210-4 to await
the next vehicle.
[0102] At step 210-12 the customer ID associated with the frequent
shopper card that is associated with the identified license plate
is sent to the transaction controller for further processing in
accordance with the method 200 of FIG. 2. The method 210 then
proceeds to step 210-14 where it is exited.
D. Self-ordering Transaction Environment
[0103] In another embodiment of the invention, a restaurant
includes self-ordering stations or touch screens, optionally built
into dining tables or accessible from the tables. In this
embodiment, a frequent shopper card is either passed through a card
reader or manually entered into a built-in table screen (e.g., a
touch screen). The customer information is retrieved and the
customer is brought through a confirmation process to determine the
present members or sub-account holders. Optionally, previously
ordered food and beverage items may be displayed on the table
screen (as with the digital menu board display of the drive through
lane transaction environment), thereby allowing rapid entry of an
order.
[0104] In addition to transacting, the built in table screens may
be used to play video games, video, music or other entertainment
programs 155-1, 165-1 (FIG. 1) stored in the transaction controller
memory 155, server memory 165 or other memory (e.g., a cable
television feed or pay per view feed). Such entertainment use of a
table screen may be offered on a coin operated or vending basis or,
optionally, by debiting reward points from the appropriate frequent
shopper account. It must be noted that these reward points may be
instantly assessed to the frequent shopper account upon ordering.
Therefore, a family may come into a restaurant, sit down at a table
having a table screen, enter their frequent shopper account number
and place their order (prompted or directly) and instantly be
assessed reward points based upon that order. These reward points
may then be used to provide rewards such as discounts on the
current food order or food ordered on a future visit.
Alternatively, the reward points may be used as credits to allow
entertainment uses of the table screens.
E. Physical Access Transaction Environment
[0105] In a physical access embodiment of the invention where the
card holder is not identified, e.g. an entrance to a public transit
comprising a turnstile, a method according to the invention
comprises the following steps. First, the primary account holder or
member passes an access card through a card reader utilized as
input device 120. If the card is an "individual" card, then there
is no consideration of additional users or fares. Thus, the card is
returned to the user (if the card reader is the type of card reader
that requires the card be drawn into a mechanism) and the physical
access unit 148, illustratively the turnstile, allows access to the
holder of the access card. If the access card is a "multiple user"
card then it is necessary to determine how many additional users
should be allowed access. In one embodiment of the invention this
determination is made by swiping the access card through the card
reader an additional number of times such that the additional
number plus one is equal to the number of fares to be purchased.
For each swipe of the access card through the card reader, one fare
is deducted from the card account. In one embodiment the primary
access card holder is queried as to how many fares are to be
purchased. The customer then enters the number of fares to be
purchased by, e.g., a touchpad or voice recognition command, then
the access card is debited accordingly. After determining how many
fares are to be purchased the physical access unit 148 allows a
determined number of fares to proceed to the restricted area.
(i.e., the public transit platform).
[0106] In a physical access embodiment of the invention where the
card holder is identified, e.g. an entrance to a members-only
wholesale club comprising a turnstile, a method according to the
invention comprises the following steps. First, the primary account
holder or member passes an access card (e.g. a frequent shopper or
membership card) through a card reader utilized as input device
120. If the card is an "individual" card, then there is no
consideration of additional users or fares. Thus, the card is
returned to the user (if the card reader is the type of card reader
that requires the card be drawn into a mechanism) and the physical
access unit 148, illustratively the turnstile, allows access to the
holder of the access card. If the access card is a "multiple user"
card, then it is necessary to determine how many additional
sub-account holders should be allowed access. In one embodiment of
the invention this determination is made by prompting the primary
account holder to indicate how many sub-account holders are
present. The primary account holder then enters the number of
sub-account holders present by, e.g., a touchpad or voice
recognition command. After determining how many sub-account holders
are present the sub-account holders are then prompted to identify
themselves by e.g. typed input, voice input, biometric
identification, and/or audio-spatial input. If the appropriate
number of sub-account holders are identified, the physical access
unit 148 allows the primary account holder and the determined
number of sub-account holders to proceed to the restricted area.
(i.e., the members-only wholesale club). After the group comprising
the primary account holder and the sub-account holders bring the
items selected for purchase to the POS terminal, in one embodiment
the primary account holder is then prompted to identify her/himself
by e.g. swiping the access card, a touchpad or voice recognition
command. Each of the sub-account holders linked to the primary
account holder who identified themselves at the turnstile are
registered as being physically present for the transaction, and
reward points are distributed accordingly.
[0107] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a flow diagram of a transaction
reward method 800 according to a physical access embodiment of the
invention. Specifically, FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a flow diagram of a
method 200 for transacting and assessing reward points to a
plurality of members using a common account associated with a
frequent shopper card. It must be noted that steps 205, 210, 215,
230, 235, 240 and 245 are performed in substantially the same
manner as described above with respect to FIG. 2 and, therefore,
will not be discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 8A
and 8B.
[0108] At step 805 a query is made as to whether the account is
linked to a single member. If the query at step 805 is answered
affirmatively (i.e., the account has only one member or account
holder), then the method 800 proceeds to step 810. If the query at
step 805 is answered negatively (i.e., the account has a plurality
of members or account holders), then the method 800 proceeds to
step 815.
[0109] At step 810 a single access through the physical access unit
148 (e.g., a public transit turnstile) is granted, and the method
800 proceeds to step 230.
[0110] At step 815 a query is made as to whether a "swipe" mode of
operation or a "prompt" mode of operation is to be used to
determine a number of accesses to be granted. If the answer to the
query at step 815 is the swipe mode, the method 800 proceeds to
step 820. If the answer to the query at step 815 is the prompt
mode, the method 800 proceeds to step 817.
[0111] At step 820 the number of accesses to be granted is
determined by counting a number of swipes of the frequent shopping
card through the card reader. Optionally, the number may be
displayed and altered via a keypad, touch screen, voice recognition
unit, etc. by the primary account holder prior to utilizing the
indicated number of accesses. The method 800 then proceeds to step
830.
[0112] At step 817 a query is made as to whether it is necessary to
identify the present members associated with the frequent shopper
or rider account/card. If the query at step 817 is answered
negatively, then the method 800 proceeds to step 825. If the query
at step 817 is answered affirmatively, then the method 800 proceeds
to step 820.
[0113] At step 220 a determination is made as to which account
members are physically present at the transaction point. This
determination may be made in several ways, as previously described.
The number of present account members comprises the determined
number of accesses to be granted. The method 800 proceeds to step
830.
[0114] At step 825 the number of accesses to be granted is
determined by prompting or interacting with the primary account
holder, e.g., prompting the primary account holder to enter a
number via a keypad or via voice recognition. The method 800 then
proceeds to step 830.
[0115] At step 830 the determined number of accesses is granted,
and the method 800 proceeds to step 230.
[0116] At step 230 a reward level is calculated. The method 800
then proceeds to step 235, where the calculated reward level is
allocated to the primary account holder and, if the prompt mode is
utilized, any other present sub-account members. The method 800
then proceeds to step 240, where the customer record is updated,
and to step 840 where the method is exited.
[0117] A benefit of the above described embodiment is that the
average transaction time is shorter for customers that utilize such
multi-party cards. Therefore, lines are shorter and service for all
customers is generally faster. Also, since the number of customers
who pass through the turnstile is recorded, it is possible to track
how many people are going to the store or using the public transit
in a given time period.
F. High Volume Transaction Environment
[0118] In a high volume transaction environment embodiment of the
invention, participants (i.e., members, account holders and
sub-account holders) can indicate their physical presence to the
transaction system 100 using other transaction controllers (not
shown). For example, in the case of a high volume fast food
establishment having a large number of point of sale (POS)
terminals, a primary account holder (e.g., a teacher) may transact
for a plurality of students at the first POS terminal. Each of the
plurality of students may then transact at any of the POS
terminals. In this manner, the restaurant avoids the annoyance of a
large line of students behind a teacher at a single POS terminal.
Rather, the students may disperse to multiple POS terminals,
thereby alleviating congestion at the one terminal and improving
the transaction experience for both the clerks and the customers.
Moreover, by utilizing a frequent shopper/frequent customer card
according to the invention, spending limits may be set and enforced
prior to the conclusion of individual transactions, thereby
excluding non-allowed purchases at the POS. The POS may also
determine the number of meals ordered for a given transaction or
set of transactions. By comparing the number of meals ordered to
the number of account holders and sub-account holders present, it
may be determined if there are more account holders and sub-account
holders present than there are meals ordered, in which case the
account holders and sub-account holders may be asked to re-identify
themselves and their orders. In another embodiment, primary and
sub-account holders can be reminded at the POS that their present
order does not include items usually ordered, or those items
usually ordered may be suggested before the order is taken.
G. Affiliated Reward Programs
[0119] In one embodiment of the invention the frequent shopper card
comprises a bank card, credit card or debit card. The bank credit
card or debit card may be an affinity card associated with a
particular establishment or a standard credit card or debit card.
This embodiment is attractive due to the cross branding or cross
leverage nature of promotional programs offered by, e.g., retail
establishments and banking or other financial establishments
offering credit/debit cards. Thus, in the case of a credit card
seeking to increase customer usage, retail or other transaction
environments may utilize that promotional impetus to help boost
their own sales. Similarly, in the case of affinity cards sponsored
by, e.g., airlines or other travel companies, rewards such as
frequent flyer miles may be leveraged into the standard rewards
program of a restaurant or other selling entity.
[0120] Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings
of the present invention have been shown and described in detail
herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other
varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings.
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