System and method for distributing coupons through a system of computer networks
US6067526A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0241
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for dispensing and redeeming the electronic discount coupons. The system includes a personal computer (PC) having hardware and software for receiving an electronic coupon from the system of computer networks, translating the received coupon into a binary format, and sending the binary-formatted coupon to a card-writing device. The card-writing device writes the coupon data onto a portable customer card ("smart card") approximately the size of a credit card. Subsequently, the customer goes to the store with the card. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, the customer is credited with the value of a coupon when UPC data from a bar code reader corresponds to a coupon stored on the card.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.