System and method for distributing and processing discount coupons
US5956694A · kind A · utility
166Cited by
8References
8Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q40/123
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for dispensing and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. A card-dispensing collects information from a customer and subsequently issues a "smart card" for storing electronic coupons. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC product data corresponds to coupons stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.