WO1997021200A2 - Hidden data transport electronic coupon system - Google Patents
Hidden data transport electronic coupon system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997021200A2 WO1997021200A2 PCT/US1996/019370 US9619370W WO9721200A2 WO 1997021200 A2 WO1997021200 A2 WO 1997021200A2 US 9619370 W US9619370 W US 9619370W WO 9721200 A2 WO9721200 A2 WO 9721200A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- electronic coupon
- information
- coupon information
- product
- segment
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/38—Payment protocols; Details thereof
- G06Q20/387—Payment using discounts or coupons
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
- G07G1/00—Cash registers
- G07G1/0036—Checkout procedures
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing coupons and other promotional offers to consumers via an electronic transmission medium such as radio or television.
- manufacturers often provide coupons which allow consumers to obtain a discount when purchasing the manufacturer's products or services.
- the coupon is typically printed in a newspaper, magazine, direct mail advertisement or other print media, and delivered to the consumer's home.
- the coupon is then carried to a retail store by the consumer where it is redeemed according to the terms printed on the coupon.
- the coupon may offer a cash discount on a purchase, a buy one, get one free offer, or the like, and may further entitle the consumer to some other benefit such as entry into a contest or membership in a shopper's club.
- a coupon distribution system which allows manufacturers to electronically transmit coupons to consumers through various means including broadcast means such as cable, satellite, and terrestrial television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, cellular phone and pager transmissions, wired networks such as telephone networks, computer networks, the Internet, and intranets, and by pre-recorded med;.a such as a compact disc (CD) , digital video disc (DVD) , or audio and audio/video cassettes.
- broadcast means such as cable, satellite, and terrestrial television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, cellular phone and pager transmissions, wired networks such as telephone networks, computer networks, the Internet, and intranets, and by pre-recorded med;.a such as a compact disc (CD) , digital video disc (DVD) , or audio and audio/video cassettes.
- CD compact disc
- DVD digital video disc
- audio and audio/video cassettes the system should provide the capability to carry the coupon data as an inaudible radio frequency signal in an audio data signal, and should be compatible with existing broadcast, recording and receiving equipment
- the electronic coupons should be comparable in function to coupons which are found in standard print media by providing a consumer with a discount on a specific product or service from the granting manufacturer or retailer.
- the system should provide or utilize an existing standardized format for usage across the aforementioned electronic media and communication networks, and should allow advertisements of varying length and content.
- the system should also provide feedback to advertisers regarding the effectiveness of the coupons, for instance, by indicating the time the coupon data was transmitted and when it was redeemed, and information regarding the consumer.
- the system should provide an incentive for a consumer to listen to a conventional audio or audio/video commercial which accompanies the electronic coupon.
- the system should provide an apparatus for a consumer to retrieve and store the coupon data for future use, including the capability to print the coupon, organize a number of coupons, delete coupons which have expired or are unwanted, prevent storage of duplicate coupons, and retrieve only specific types of coupons.
- the apparatus should be transportable and easy to use to allow the consumer to redeem the coupon at a retail store.
- the apparatus should include a removable memory element such as a smart card which is easily transportable.
- the apparatus should be cost-effective for the consumer to purchase and operate.
- the system should provide automatic verification of each redemption and authentication of the electronic coupon information, be compatible with commonly used scanner equipment, provide a database of transactions, and provide tne capability for automatic reimbursement by the manufacturer.
- the present invention provides a system having the above and other advantages.
- a method and apparatus are presented for providing electronic coupons via a pre-existing data stream.
- the electronic coupons may be received by a low cost, portable decoder unit which is located in a consumer' s home or carried by the consume .
- the decoder may optionally have a removable memory module. Either or both of the decoder and the memory module can be easily carried by the consumer to a retail store.
- the retail store the consumer selects products to purchase and brings them to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal at a checkout station.
- POS terminal the memory module or decoder interfaces with the POS terminal and a conventional scanner to determine which products are eligible for the discount described in the electronic coupons.
- a record of the transaction is stored in a database, and the retailer may transmit the database to the manufacturers to obtain reimbursement for the coupon amounts.
- an apparatus for processing electronic coupon information which is carried in a data stream comprises an interface (such as a microphone or audio/video input jack or other appropriate sensor) for receiving the data stream, a decoder for recovering the electronic coupon information from the received data stream, and a memory for storing the recovered electronic coupon information.
- the electronic coupon information may be carried inaudibly in an audio data stream or imperceptibly in a video data stream according to a hidden data transport scheme.
- the apparatus may also include a display for providing information regarding the electronic coupon information stored in the memory, and a user- activated control for selectively recovering and storing the electronic coupon information.
- the electronic coupon information may include various data segments, including a product code segment for identifying the product for which the coupon applies, a discount segment for identifying the discount offered by the coupon, and an expiration date segment for identifying when the coupon expires.
- the decoder may include a processor for automatically deleting coupons that have expired, or for replacing a coupon with another coupon for the same product which has a later expiration date.
- An apparatus including a point-of-sale (POS) terminal for processing electronic coupon information is also presented.
- the POS terminaL includes an interface for receiving the electronic coupon information from the decoder's memory, and a processor for determining whether the electronic coupon information is applicable to a particular product.
- the POS terminal may also retrieve additional information including a user profile, demographic data, audience survey information, or other consumer-related information.
- a database may be provided for storing the electronic coupon information and information associated with the particular product when the processor determines that there is a match between the coupon and the product being purchased.
- the POS processor may delete the electronic coupon from the decoder's memory when the coupon is redeemed. Furthermore, the processor may receive a signal from a scanner which includes the universal purchase code (UPC) (e.g. bar code) of the product. This bar code can be compared to the electronic coupon data to verify that the product designated by the coupon is being purchased.
- UPC universal purchase code
- FIGURE 1 illustrates a method for providing electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGURE 2 illustrates a data signal which carries electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGURE 3 illustrates another embodiment of a data signal which carries electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of a decoder for retrieving and storing electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGURE 5 illustrates a method for storing electronic coupon data in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGURE 6 is a block diagram of a point-of-sale apparatus for redeeming electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- a method and apparatus are presented for providing electronic coupon data to consumers via a communication network or pre-recorded media.
- the invention is particularly suitable for providing the electronic coupon data imperceptibly in an audio or video data signal .
- the present invention is compatible with the Hidden Data Transport (HDT) schemes described in U.S. Patent Application No. 08/524,132 to C. Lee, et al . , entitled “Method and Apparatus for Transmitting Auxiliary Data in Audio Signals", filed September 6,
- HDT Hidden Data Transport
- HDT and PC-HDT systems provide the capability to embed digital data into the waveform of a primary audio, video or other signal at a level that is below an interference noise threshold.
- this threshold may be at a level such that the embedded data is not substantially perceptible to a human who is listening to an audio signal in which the data is carried or viewing a video signal in which the data is carried. Essentially, this means that the quality of the reproduced sound or image is not noticeably degraded.
- the embedded data is carried in a primary signal that is itself not perceptible to a human, the data is carried in a manner such that it does not substantially interfsre with the primary signal.
- the embedded data is provided with a suitable power spectrum which may be shaped according to the power spectrum of the primary signal.
- the embedded digital data can be an undetectable identification code that provides copyright protection information or other data, such as a manufacturer's serial number.
- the electronic coupon (EC) system of the present invention uses the HDT scheme to embed information into an audio program which is immediately useful to the consumer.
- the EC system can provide the equivalent information found in a conventional printed coupon along with additional features not available with conventional coupons.
- FIGURE 1 illustrates a method for providing electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- recording of a program or advertisement is initiated.
- EC information is embedded into the audio stream of an advertisement or other program.
- the EC information may be encoded into the audio stream during a final production stage of a radio or television advertisement, or at the time of broadcast.
- EC information may be embedded into the audio stream of a musical performance which is recorded on a compact disc or the like.
- the EC information may be compressed according to various existing audio data compression schemes such as MPEG, Musicam, and Dolby AC-2 and AC-3.
- the information contained in the EC may include a universal product code (UPC) for the product being promoted, the type and amount of discount, the expiration date of the promotion, program identification which identifies the broadcast program such as a television or radio program in which the EC is carried, the time and date the EC was transmitted, and information which identifies the network or station which is broadcasting the EC data.
- UPC universal product code
- product denotes any product, goods, services, or the like which may be purchased, rented or otherwise acquired in a permanent or temporary manner.
- the EC information was embedded into material such as a CD or DVD, the material is distributed through conventional methods, for example, by shipping the goods to a retail outlet, where the goods are subsequently purchased by the consumer.
- the EC information may be transmitted with a television or radio broadcast or via another communication network.
- a broadcast site which may be a network radio station, for instance, the advertisement may be queued for play at a set time in a conventional manner. That is, since the EC information is embedded in an audio signal in a seamless manner, there are no special procedures or equipment required by the broadcaster when handling an EC advertisement.
- the broadcaster may wish to obtain an encoder such as an HDT or PC-HDT encoder in order to add additional information such as a station identifier, date and/or time stamp to the advertisement.
- additional information such as a station identifier, date and/or time stamp to the advertisement.
- Such information can be useful for marketing purposes since it will allow a broadcaster to verify that an EC which was carried in its programming was retrieved and redeemed by a particular number of consumers, thus allowing the broadcaster to set advertising rates accordingly.
- the EC information may be embedded in the audio signal in a real-time manner, for example, as the advertisement is being broadcast. That is, instead of requiring the EC information to be in place during the production of the advertisement, the EC information can be embedded at the time of the transmission.
- the real-time EC information does not necessarily have to correlate to the particular advertisement or program being transmitted. Further, this capability may be used by a particular broadcaster for promotions. Or, the broadcaster may wish to provide its own EC information for promotional purposes. For example, the EC information may allow a consumer to enter a sweepstakes contest offered by a radio station by shopping at a particular store.
- the EC information of the advertisement is intercepted (e.g. , retrieved) by a decoder of the present invention, described in greater detail in connection with FIGURE 4.
- the retrieval and decoding of the EC information may occur with a decoder located in a consumer's home, for instance.
- the decoder can intercept the audio portion of the advertisement and decode the relevant information.
- the decoder can include a microphone for sensing the audio signal after it is reproduced by a speaker, or an audio input jack may receive the audio signal directly from a conventional television or radio receiver.
- the EC information which was retrieved and decoded is stored in a memory of the decoder.
- the consumer may maintain a collection of ECs which may be organized and reviewed as desired.
- a consumer may organize the ECs according to the type of goods or services, the manufacturer, the expiration date, or the value of the discount.
- a display screen may also be provided for this purpose.
- the consumer may optionally print the EC on a printer to obtain a paper coupon which may be redeemed.
- the consumer may bring the decoder or a memory storage element of the decoder such as a smart card to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal at a retail store, as will be discussed in greater detail in connection with FIGURE 6.
- POS point-of-sale
- the consumer redeems either the printed paper coupon or the EC according to the terms of the EC.
- the EC information may interface with a retailer's scanner and cash register equipment to verify that the EC is applicable to the purchased goods.
- the EC information may include the UPC of the goods which are promoted.
- the UPC from the goods detected by the retailer's scanning equipment may be compared to the UPC from the EC. If there is a match, then the discount is tendered. If not, a message may be provided so that the consumer may be informed of the correct item to purchase.
- the consumer may have inadvertently selected a medium sized box of cereal when the EC applied only to a large box.
- the EC information is provided to the manufacturer so that the retailer may be reimbursed for the discount tendered.
- the EC information may be electronically transmitted to the manufacturer immediately after the EC is redeemed, or at a selected time thereafter, e.g., daily. This can relieve the retailer of the time consuming and expensive task of managing a large number of paper coupons.
- the EC information of the coupon that was used may be expunged (e.g., erased) from the decoder's memory. In this way, the consumer nay not redeem the EC again.
- the EC information may allow the consumer to redeem the EC a given number of times.
- the EC information may indicate that the EC may be redeemed again after a certain time interval, such as once a week.
- FIGURE 2 illustrates a data signal which carries electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- the data signal shown generally at 200, includes an audio program portion 210 and an EC information portion 220.
- the audio program portion 210 may include an advertisement which is, or, is not associated with the EC information.
- the audio program is associated with the EC information so the consumer will listen to the advertisement while receiving the EC information.
- the EC information is provided as a repetitive bit stream throughout the advertisement or program.
- the data signal portion 220 includes a plurality of data segments 222, 232 and 242 which, in this example, include the UPC, while data segments 224, 234 and 244 include expiration date information, and data segments 226, 236 and 246 include information of the discount or promotion being offered.
- the three data segments are continuously repeated throughout the data segment portion 220. This configuration allows the consumer to receive the EC information without listening to the entire audio program 210. Alternatively, the EC information may be repeated in a periodic manner (e.g., every three seconds) .
- FIGURE 3 illustrates another embodiment of a data signal which carries electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- the data signal shown generally at 300, includes an audio program portion 210 and an EC information portion 320.
- the EC information is provided as a non-repetitive bit stream throughout the advertisement or program.
- the data signal portion 320 includes UPC data segment
- data segment 222 is separated from data segment 224 by a segment 323, which may be blank or may contain other information.
- data segment 224 is separated from data segment 226 by segment 325.
- each segment, of the EC information (e.g., segments 222, 224 and 226) must be retrieved in order for the decoder to properly recover and decode the EC information.
- the data segment configurations set forth in FIGURES 2 and 3 are examples only, and that various data formats are possible.
- FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of a decoder for retrieving and storing electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- the decoder shown generally at 400, includes an interface 410, HDT decoder 420, memory module 425, processor 435, display 440 and power supply 430.
- the decoder 420 may be a PC-HDT decoder or operate according to some other compatible encoding scheme .
- the display 440 may be a small screen such as liquid crystal display (LCD) screen which allows the user to review each item which is stored in memory.
- the display may also generate a bar code for a coupon to be redeemed. In this case, the display itself is scanned by a conventional POS terminal scanner.
- the decoder may provide the capability for the consumer to sort and display the EC information according to, for instance, product or service type, expiration date, manufacturer, geographic location, and so forth.
- the power supply 430 may be a battery.
- the decoder 400 is connected to a printer 450 in the con iguration shown to allow printing of paper coupons using the EC information, or to print a summary list of the ECs.
- the UPC bar code can optionally be printed, along with information such as the product name and logo or other design, product description, and the discount or promotional offer.
- a printed coupon with a bar code may be scanned into a POS system at a retail store.
- the invention includes a number of decoder options.
- the decoder 400 may be a personal decoder, which is a small, light weight, low-cost unit which can be used by any person listening to EC encoded material.
- the decoder 400 captures and stores the EC information from any number of media channels, and can be carried into a participating and properly equipped retail establishment for redemption via a variety of means, including the POS apparatus discussed in connection with FIGURE 6.
- the decoder need not be portable, but may be a desk top unit, in which case the memory module 425 may be provided as a portable memory such as a smartcard or random access memory (RAM) personal computer (PC) card.
- the consumer can remove the memory module 425 from the decoder and bring it to the retail store to redeem the ECs stored in the module.
- the memory 425 is preferably non-volatile so that a battery or other power failure does not cause the decoder 400 to lose the EC information which has previously been recovered and stored.
- the primary functions of the decoder 400 are to capture the EC data stream, to decode that information, to store the appropriate information, and to allow the consumer to download the information to the POS system at a retail store. Furthermore, the decoder 400 or memory module 425 may interface with current POS equipment to access an in-store computer database which records all EC transactions.
- the interface 410 may comprise, for example, a microphone or audio input jack. A microphone is placed within range of a speaker which is playing the EC encoded signal, e.g., a radio advertisement, while an audio input jack may receive the EC encoded signal directly from a radio receiver.
- the interface 410 receives the audio segment of the advertisement and provides the audio data to the HDT decoder 420, where the audio data is decoded to recover the EC information.
- the recovered EC information is then provided to the memory module 425 and processor 435.
- the processor 435 may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) which sends control signals to the HDT decoder 420, memory module 425, display 440 and printer 450.
- the processor 435 may send write signals to the memory 425 to coordinate the writing of EC information recovered at the HDT decoder 420, and may send read signals to the memory 425 to obtain data for use by the display 440 or the printer 450.
- the printer 450 may receive signals from the decoder 400 via a wired or wireless path (e.g., infrared or wireless RF) .
- the time and date may also be recorded when an EC is stored in memory.
- the decoder may also include a button, switch, or other control (not shown) for allowing the consumer to manually accept a coupon instead of automatically capturing all coupon data.
- a corresponding visual or aural alert may notify the consumer that a coupon is present in an audio program and prompt him to push the button to accept the EC information. In this way, the decoder 400 will not process EC information in which the consumer may not be interested.
- such an interactive feature can allow the consumer to choose to recover EC information from a particular piece of music, a program, or other material such that a "memo" (e.g., recording) is taken as the material is being played.
- the memo is then taken to a retail establishment for recall (e.g., display or print) so that the noted segment can be identified to assist the consumer in making a purchase.
- the memo may include a number (e.g., International Standard Recording Code, ISRC) which identifies the material (e.g., a piece of music) from which the memo was taken.
- ISRC International Standard Recording Code
- the consumer may then bring the decoder to an information center at a retail store where the number is identified and additional information is provided to the consumer on the particular material (e.g., song) from a stored or on-line database of information.
- the decoder may include a hand ⁇ held scanner such as a wand for use in scanning the UPC of a product on the shelves of the retail store.
- the decoder then performs a comparison of the UPCs from the EC information to determine if there is a match. A visual or aural alert may be provided to inform the consumer accordingly.
- the decoder may recover only particular types of EC information.
- a manufacturer may distribute decoders free of charge to consumers, but the decoders may only retrieve ECs for products made by that manufacturer, and not ECs for products of other manufacturers.
- the decoder may be set by the consumer to recover particular types of products and services.
- the decoder may be set by the consumer or decoder distributor according to particular interests or demographic characteristics of the consumer. For example, families with school-aged children may belong to a particular group, while senior citizens may belong to another group.
- programs and other non-coupon information may be passively captured by the decoder 400, or downloaded at the time of coupon redemption (e.g., from the POS or EC information center) , or transmitted over a communication path such as a telephone line using a modem, a return link on an interactive television, cable, or satellite broadcast system, or a cellular or other wireless network.
- the decoder 400 may be integrated into a receiver system including, for example, a television, a cable system set-top box, a personal computer, and a radio, and may provide a direct feedback signal over an interactive return link. Furthermore, it is possible to use individually addressable decoders which may be selectively enabled or disabled by the EC information. Thus, the EC information may be used in an audience rating scheme, where EC information is transmitted to a particular group of subscribers, and information is obtained regarding the number of subscribers which have redeemed the ECs. This allows a manufacturer to target various demographic groups to enhance the effectiveness of their advertising programs.
- group or individual identifiers may be set in the decoders.
- an individual decoder unit identifier may comprise a decoder serial number or any other unique identifier.
- Such an individual identifier can be set at the factory at the time of manufacture, or during initial use of the unit.
- group addresses which define a group of decoders may also be set at the factory, and may be set or updated periodically during use based on purchase activities or other usage thresholds.
- the group identifiers may be set by various manufacturers or service providers as part of an incentive program.
- the consumer's decoder unit may be enabled in that period such that additional rewards are granted for providing feedback, e.g., via a telephone call, mail in survey, or usage of the ECs.
- additional rewards e.g., via a telephone call, mail in survey, or usage of the ECs.
- consumers who redeem many ECs may be assigned to frequent shopper groups which are provided with additional EC promotions, or given bonus points which may be accumulated to obtain a prize. This is analogous to so-called "frequent flier miles" which airline travelers may accumulate each time they fly on a specific airline.
- FIGURE 5 illustrates a method for storing electronic coupon data in accordance with the present invention.
- the EC information is received by a decoder such as the decoder 400 of FIGURE 4.
- the EC information is optionally authenticated (e.g., screened for validity) . This can prevent tampering and other fraudulent activities of pirates who seek to gain unauthorized EC information.
- the EC information may include encrypted data that can be authenticated with a cryptographic key.
- the EC information is further checked to determine if the user is authorized to receive the EC information. For example, a decoder sold or distributed to children may not be authorized to receive EC information for alcoholic beverages.
- the consumer is optionally prompted to accept the EC information. In this manner, the decoder's memory will not become filled with EC information that is not of interest to the consumer.
- the EC information is placed into a buffer for temporary storage.
- the existing coupons in the permanent memory are checked.
- a determination is made as to whether the EC information in the buffer corresponds to EC information which is already stored in the memory (e.g., there is a duplicate coupon) .
- the EC in the buffer has the later expiration date.
- the EC in the buffer is discarded.
- the EC in the memory which has the earlier expiration date is removed, and at block 535, the EC in the buffer i ⁇ then recorded in the permanent memory.
- the EC in the buffer is immediately stored in the memory.
- efficiency factors which should be considered include the need to minimize the amount of memory used, and to provide quick access by external interfaces such that expired coupons can be removed and UPCs can be easily matched at a POS terminal at a retail store.
- the consumer may be allowed to redeem more than one coupon of a specific product or service on a single shopping trip, or the consumer may be limited to redeeming one coupon of a given product or service in a specific time frame, for example, once a week.
- the consumer may have the capability to accept no new coupons, or to overwrite the coupons which are currently in memory according to their expiration date or other factor such as product category, or amount of discount.
- the decoder unit can automatically delete selected older or expired coupons. For example, ECs may be stored for a predetermined amount of time, e.g., one month befcre being deleted.
- FIGURE 6 is a block diagram of a point-of-sale (POS) apparatus for redeeming electronic coupons in accordance with the present invention.
- a POS terminal 600 is provided for receiving EC information from the consumer's decoder or transportable memory module 425. This information transfer may occur, for example, by swiping the smart card through a reader of the POS terminal, or by otherwise providing a wired or wireless communication path between the memory module 425 and the POS terminal 600.
- the POS terminal which includes an associated processor such as a CPU, may also communicate with an interface 610 of a bank or other financial institution to allow a consumer to pay for a purchase via a bank card which directly debits the account for the amount of the purchase .
- the POS terminal 600 may also communicate with a scanner 605 of the sort which is commonly used to read bar codes (e.g., UPCs) on goods.
- a scanner 605 of the sort which is commonly used to read bar codes (e.g., UPCs) on goods.
- the POS terminal 600 may automatically compare the UPC of the purchased goods with the UPCs of the ECs to determine if there is a match. If so, and further assuming the EC has not expired, the consumer is credited for the relevant discoun . This is advantageous for the retailer who may inadvertently redeem a conventional paper coupon improperly and may not be able to obtain a reimbursement from the manufacturer.
- a record of each EC which is redeemed may be kept in a database (e.g., memory) 615 which is maintained by the retail store. This allows the retailer to monitor the use of ECs and to better control inventory.
- the database 615 may communicate with an interface to manufacturers 620, which is a communication path such as a telephone line which allows the retailer to turn in the EC information to the manufacturers to obtain a reimbursement according to the terms of the EC.
- the EC redemption information may be provided to the manufacturer real-time as the transaction occurs, or the information may be accumulated, for example, over the course of a day or a week.
- the database information may be downloaded to a storage medium such as a floppy disk and mailed to the manufacturer.
- the present invention can significantly reduce the administrative costs of both the retailer and the manufacturer in handling coupons.
- the retailer must verify that the consumer has met the terms of the coupon to obtain the discount . This is often a difficult task where mistakes can easily occur, and which often causes inconvenient delays for other customers.
- the retailer has the time-consuming task of organizing various coupons, which are often torn or otherwise mutilated or illegible, submitting them to the proper manufacturer with proof of the purchase specified in the coupon, and waiting for a reimbursement.
- the manufacturer must also organize the paper coupons, and provide the appropriate reimbursement. Additionally, the manufacturer has the task of trying to verify that the coupons were redeemed properly in order to maintain the integrity of the system.
- the present invention also protects the manufacturers from providing a reimbursement for coupons that have been improperly redeemed.
- the EC module is used to download information directly into a POS terminal. This process is analogous to scanning the bar code found on a conventional paper coupon. At this time, the expired coupons may be expunged from the decoder if this has not already occurred.
- the POS terminal 600 process the EC data to expunge the expired EC information, it is possible to simplify the decoder by eliminating the need for the decoder to maintain accurate date and time information.
- a direct connection between the memory module 425 and the POS terminal 600 can be made, for example, with a hardware connection such as a computer or edge connector, or a wireless connection such as a radio frequency (RF) or infra-red (IR) transmitter/receiver system.
- RF radio frequency
- IR infra-red
- there is a single-direction connector which downloads all or part of the EC information from the memory module 425 to the POS terminal 600.
- a bi-directional link may be established between the POS terminal and the memory module such that, for every item scanned via the scanner 605 or otherwise entered into the POS system, a query is made for any ECs that apply, and the appropriate discount is given.
- the link provided may be a secure link to prevent tampering.
- various cryptographic processes may be used to authenticate the data which is transferred between the POS terminal 600 and the memory module 425.
- the query and discount process car occur real-time during the scanning process, or at the end of the transaction, when a total bill has been obtained.
- the bi-directional link can provide a confirmation that an EC has been used and can therefore be deleted from the memory module.
- the POS terminal can provide a time and date marker to the memory module for use in deleting expired ECs.
- the processing time for the downloading of the EC information and the comparison with the UPC information from the scanner 605 can be minimized by processing only the minimal required amount of data.
- the product name or description which may be carried by the EC decoder or memory module may not be necessary for the decoder or POS system to complete their required functions, and therefore need not be processed by the system.
- the bare minimum of EC information which the POS terminal must have is t e UPC of the EC and the amount of the discount .
- the probability of an error during processing by the POS terminal 600 should be relatively small.
- conventional error control and correction techniques may be employed to ensure error-free communication of the EC information
- the retailer may provide a coupon information center which assists the consumer in verifying the EC information
- the information station may be a stand-alone computer with an interface to the EC memory.
- the interface may be a control-level interface to the decoder's microcontroller
- the information station may provide all microcontroller functions, and treat the EC module as an ancillary memory
- the information station may include a screen for displaying the EC information, or a printer for providing a list of the EC products and printing a corresponding paper coupon
- the retailer may include information such as the location of the product m the store to further assist the consumer.
- the present invention provide an electronic coupon system which can replace conventional paper coupons, thereby producing significant savings for both retailers and manufacturers, while providing various promotional schemes for consumers .
- the system takes full advantage of various broadcast and electronic network infrastructures currently in place or planned.
- the infrastructure includes the conventional radio and/or television found in virtually all households.
- the fact that the EC information has been encoded into an advertisement using HDT has no impact on that infrastructure.
- the existing infrastructure is used to the greatest extent possible.
- the primary impact on this infrastructure has to do with the hardware interface between the decoder/memory unit and the POS equipment, and the software interface to download and delete the appropriate information from the EC decoder/memory unit.
- the system is believed to be economically feasible for retailers and manufacturers alike due to the potential savings with reduced handling of paper coupons and improved verification and record keeping of redemptions and reimbursements .
- the EC information was embedded inaudibly into a primary audio signal in some of the examples discussed herein, the EC information may be embedded into virtually any type of electromagnetic signal, whether in the sub-audio, audio, or supra- audio frequency bands.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP96943597A EP0871944A2 (en) | 1995-12-08 | 1996-12-06 | Hidden data transport electronic coupon system |
AU12798/97A AU1279897A (en) | 1995-12-08 | 1996-12-06 | Hidden data transport electronic coupon system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US836995P | 1995-12-08 | 1995-12-08 | |
US60/008,369 | 1995-12-08 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1997021200A2 true WO1997021200A2 (en) | 1997-06-12 |
WO1997021200A3 WO1997021200A3 (en) | 1997-07-17 |
WO1997021200B1 WO1997021200B1 (en) | 1997-09-18 |
Family
ID=21731247
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1996/019370 WO1997021200A2 (en) | 1995-12-08 | 1996-12-06 | Hidden data transport electronic coupon system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0871944A2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU1279897A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997021200A2 (en) |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6249772B1 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2001-06-19 | Walker Digital, Llc | Systems and methods wherein a buyer purchases a product at a first price and acquires the product from a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price |
WO2001045061A2 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2001-06-21 | Nokia Corporation | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
EP1151394A1 (en) * | 1998-07-10 | 2001-11-07 | Motorola, Inc. | Method and apparatus in a wireless communication system for using a selective call receiver to provide demographic information, redeem coupons, and emulate affinity cards |
WO2002029658A1 (en) | 2000-09-30 | 2002-04-11 | Sega Corporation | Service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service |
EP1248218A1 (en) * | 2000-12-04 | 2002-10-09 | Sony Corporation | Information processor |
EP1304637A2 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2003-04-23 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Coupon ticket issuing system |
US6754636B1 (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2004-06-22 | Walker Digital, Llc | Purchasing systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network |
EP1431895A1 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2004-06-23 | Lee S. Weinblatt | Method and apparatus for receiving, storing and redeeming electronic coupons with a portable device |
US6993284B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2006-01-31 | Lee Weinblatt | Interactive access to supplementary material related to a program being broadcast |
US7689468B2 (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2010-03-30 | Walker Digital, Llc | Purchasing, redemption and settlement systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network |
US8150735B2 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2012-04-03 | Groupon, Inc. | Retail system for selling products based on a flexible product description |
US8799100B2 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2014-08-05 | Groupon, Inc. | Retail system for selling products based on a flexible product description |
US8923766B2 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2014-12-30 | Nokia Corporation | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
CN104408618A (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2015-03-11 | 中国建设银行股份有限公司 | Bank card TP (Transaction Processing) method, device and system |
WO2015176019A1 (en) * | 2014-05-15 | 2015-11-19 | Aintu Inc. | Technique for encoding digital information in a carrier wave |
US10395269B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2019-08-27 | Inmar Clearing, Inc. | Message broker for redemption of digital incentives |
US10810625B1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2020-10-20 | Inmar Analytics, Inc. | System for providing a promotion at a point-of-sale terminal based upon an audible advertisement and related methods |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7233912B2 (en) | 1997-08-26 | 2007-06-19 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for vending a combination of products |
US7236942B1 (en) | 1997-12-19 | 2007-06-26 | Walker Digital, Llc | Pre-sale data broadcast system and method |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4882675A (en) * | 1984-11-26 | 1989-11-21 | Steven Nichtberger | Paperless system for distributing, redeeming and clearing merchandise coupons |
US4949256A (en) * | 1988-05-06 | 1990-08-14 | Humble David Raymond | Coupon validation network with storage of customer coupon data for credit on future purchases |
US5249044A (en) * | 1992-05-05 | 1993-09-28 | Kohorn H Von | Product information storage, display, and coupon dispensing system |
US5287181A (en) * | 1992-08-20 | 1994-02-15 | Holman Michael J | Electronic redeemable coupon system and television |
US5319735A (en) * | 1991-12-17 | 1994-06-07 | Bolt Beranek And Newman Inc. | Embedded signalling |
DE4433569A1 (en) * | 1993-09-20 | 1995-03-23 | Klever Kart Inc | Electronic coupon verification system |
US5488423A (en) * | 1994-11-17 | 1996-01-30 | U.S. Narrow Networks, Inc. | Home communication method and apparatus |
-
1996
- 1996-12-06 WO PCT/US1996/019370 patent/WO1997021200A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-12-06 AU AU12798/97A patent/AU1279897A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-12-06 EP EP96943597A patent/EP0871944A2/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4882675A (en) * | 1984-11-26 | 1989-11-21 | Steven Nichtberger | Paperless system for distributing, redeeming and clearing merchandise coupons |
US4949256A (en) * | 1988-05-06 | 1990-08-14 | Humble David Raymond | Coupon validation network with storage of customer coupon data for credit on future purchases |
US5319735A (en) * | 1991-12-17 | 1994-06-07 | Bolt Beranek And Newman Inc. | Embedded signalling |
US5249044A (en) * | 1992-05-05 | 1993-09-28 | Kohorn H Von | Product information storage, display, and coupon dispensing system |
US5287181A (en) * | 1992-08-20 | 1994-02-15 | Holman Michael J | Electronic redeemable coupon system and television |
DE4433569A1 (en) * | 1993-09-20 | 1995-03-23 | Klever Kart Inc | Electronic coupon verification system |
US5488423A (en) * | 1994-11-17 | 1996-01-30 | U.S. Narrow Networks, Inc. | Home communication method and apparatus |
Cited By (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6754636B1 (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2004-06-22 | Walker Digital, Llc | Purchasing systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network |
US7689468B2 (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2010-03-30 | Walker Digital, Llc | Purchasing, redemption and settlement systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network |
US8010417B2 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2011-08-30 | Walker Digital, Llc | System and process for local acquisition of products priced online |
US9684916B2 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2017-06-20 | Groupon, Inc. | Retail system for selling products based on a flexible product description |
US8150735B2 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2012-04-03 | Groupon, Inc. | Retail system for selling products based on a flexible product description |
US9754302B2 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2017-09-05 | Groupon, Inc. | Retail system for selling products based on a flexible product description |
US8799100B2 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2014-08-05 | Groupon, Inc. | Retail system for selling products based on a flexible product description |
US6249772B1 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2001-06-19 | Walker Digital, Llc | Systems and methods wherein a buyer purchases a product at a first price and acquires the product from a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price |
EP1151394A1 (en) * | 1998-07-10 | 2001-11-07 | Motorola, Inc. | Method and apparatus in a wireless communication system for using a selective call receiver to provide demographic information, redeem coupons, and emulate affinity cards |
EP1151394A4 (en) * | 1998-07-10 | 2004-04-07 | Motorola Inc | Method and apparatus in a wireless communication system for using a selective call receiver to provide demographic information, redeem coupons, and emulate affinity cards |
WO2001045061A3 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2002-04-18 | Nokia Corp | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
US10192232B2 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2019-01-29 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
US9483776B2 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2016-11-01 | Nokia Corporation | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
US8923766B2 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2014-12-30 | Nokia Corporation | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
US8090355B2 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2012-01-03 | Nokia Corporation | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
WO2001045061A2 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2001-06-21 | Nokia Corporation | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
EP1770664A3 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2007-05-09 | Nokia Corporation | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
US7308254B1 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2007-12-11 | Nokia Corporation | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
US7860450B2 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2010-12-28 | Nokia Corporation | Wireless electronic couponing technique |
EP1376419A4 (en) * | 2000-09-30 | 2005-05-11 | Sega Corp | Service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service |
CN100365633C (en) * | 2000-09-30 | 2008-01-30 | 世嘉股份有限公司 | Service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service |
US7066387B2 (en) | 2000-09-30 | 2006-06-27 | Kabushiki Kaisha Sega | Service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service |
EP1376419A1 (en) * | 2000-09-30 | 2004-01-02 | Sega Corporation | Service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service |
WO2002029658A1 (en) | 2000-09-30 | 2002-04-11 | Sega Corporation | Service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service |
EP1248218A4 (en) * | 2000-12-04 | 2007-05-02 | Sony Corp | Information processor |
EP1248218A1 (en) * | 2000-12-04 | 2002-10-09 | Sony Corporation | Information processor |
US6993284B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2006-01-31 | Lee Weinblatt | Interactive access to supplementary material related to a program being broadcast |
EP1304637A3 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2004-05-19 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Coupon ticket issuing system |
EP1304637A2 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2003-04-23 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Coupon ticket issuing system |
EP1431895A1 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2004-06-23 | Lee S. Weinblatt | Method and apparatus for receiving, storing and redeeming electronic coupons with a portable device |
US10395269B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2019-08-27 | Inmar Clearing, Inc. | Message broker for redemption of digital incentives |
US10402849B2 (en) | 2009-05-20 | 2019-09-03 | Inmar Clearing, Inc. | Digital incentives issuance, redemption, and reimbursement |
US10810625B1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2020-10-20 | Inmar Analytics, Inc. | System for providing a promotion at a point-of-sale terminal based upon an audible advertisement and related methods |
US10817908B1 (en) | 2014-01-24 | 2020-10-27 | Inmar Analytics, Inc. | System for providing a promotion at a point-of-sale terminal based upon an inaudible promotion signal and related methods |
WO2015176019A1 (en) * | 2014-05-15 | 2015-11-19 | Aintu Inc. | Technique for encoding digital information in a carrier wave |
CN104408618A (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2015-03-11 | 中国建设银行股份有限公司 | Bank card TP (Transaction Processing) method, device and system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU1279897A (en) | 1997-06-27 |
WO1997021200A3 (en) | 1997-07-17 |
EP0871944A2 (en) | 1998-10-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
WO1997021200A2 (en) | Hidden data transport electronic coupon system | |
US9143249B2 (en) | Method and system for digital coupons distributed via a television program | |
US20200076633A1 (en) | Broadcast response method and system | |
US5949492A (en) | Apparatus and methods for accessing information relating to radio television programs | |
EP0833511B1 (en) | A broadcasting system and an information broadcast receiving terminal apparatus used therein | |
US20050283401A1 (en) | Method and system for targeting incentives | |
USRE38600E1 (en) | Apparatus and methods for accessing information relating to radio television programs | |
CA2181705C (en) | Television signal activated interactive smart card system | |
TWI279100B (en) | Music distribution systems | |
US20100121766A1 (en) | Data processing system and data processing method | |
US20010021916A1 (en) | Method of advertising and selling articles and services using digital TV receiver and internet | |
EP1182879A2 (en) | Communication system | |
US20050287971A1 (en) | Broadcast response system | |
WO2003052664A2 (en) | Method and system for targeted incentives | |
WO1996016491A1 (en) | Apparatus and methods for accessing information relating to radio and television programs | |
JP2010525462A (en) | Method and apparatus for distribution and personalization of E-coupon | |
US20060100929A1 (en) | System for issuing short life coupons or other promotional devices | |
US8498897B2 (en) | Method and system for providing rewards for responses to broadcast programming | |
EP0964542A2 (en) | Wireless system for broadcasting, receiving and selectively printing packets of information | |
JP2003519983A (en) | Method and system for transmitting, storing and displaying coupon data using a horizontal overscan portion of a video signal | |
US20080319961A1 (en) | Apparatus and methods for accessing information relating to radio and television programs | |
US20030149665A1 (en) | Contents distribution system | |
US9124916B2 (en) | Interactive reward associated with a broadcast | |
US20060287922A1 (en) | System for Issuing Short Life Coupons or Other Promotional Devices | |
KR100573524B1 (en) | Method and system for on-line delivery of advertising release material and confirmation of on-ail transmission |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE HU IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): KE LS MW SD SZ UG AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA |
|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE HU IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): KE LS MW SD SZ UG AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 1996943597 Country of ref document: EP |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: JP Ref document number: 97521422 Format of ref document f/p: F |
|
REG | Reference to national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: 8642 |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 1996943597 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Ref document number: 1996943597 Country of ref document: EP |