Electronic discount couponing method and apparatus for generating an electronic list of coupons
US6035280A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0236
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for distributing, generating, and redeeming discount Virtual Coupons.TM., rebate or gift certificates or the like which may be used on conjunction with a frequency card program or the like. Virtual Coupons.TM. may be distributed electronically, for example, in the form of a diskette or CD-ROM software. Software on the diskette or CD-ROM may prompt a consumer to call a 1-800 number for a validation number or code. During the phone call, telemarketing personnel may request consumer demographic and or identification information which may be entered into a centralized database. Once the software is validated, a consumer may print out a list selected Virtual Coupons.TM. displayed on a Graphical User Interface (GUI). When a product is purchased, the UPC code of the product may be compared electronically with a list of Virtual Coupons.TM. authorized for a particular consumer. An appropriate coupon discount may then be applied and the Virtual Coupon.TM. may be considered "redeemed". Once redeemed, consumer ID information and Virtual Coupon.TM. information may be retrieved electronically and used to update a central database. Accurate data may then be produced illustr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.