Method and apparatus for dispensing discount coupons in response to the purchase of one or more products
US5173851A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07G5/00
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for creating discount coupons in response to the purchases of products. Improvements disclosed include the printing of a "negative" coupon in response to the failure to purchase a particular product, and the printing of a coupon in response to the purchase of multiple triggering items, either without limitation as to the identification of the items, or with the requirement that the items fall into a predefined trade group. Other features of the invention permit the use of instantly redeemable "coupons," such that an instant discount is applied to a customer bill rather than having a coupon printed, and the logging, without printing, of possible coupon printings for statistical purposes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.