HK1015909A - Interactive marketing network and process using electronic certificates - Google Patents

Description

Interactive marketing network and process using electronic certificates

Background

The present invention relates generally to the application of interactive marketing networks. In particular, the invention relates to interactive applications on online networks by service providers and users of electronic credentials.

Increasingly, users access databases directly for information and entertainment over telephone lines and coaxial cables or through wireless communication from cellular systems to satellites. With this so-called "online" access, a user can actually use the database at any time to perform a series of activities. In addition to giving users access freedom, online access gives companies additional effects on goods and services (whether those products are purchased directly to customers by post, or in stores).

Meanwhile, various trades that currently use securities, such as coupons (vouchers), tickets (tickets), etc., are perfect. These securities generally comprise data (referred to as "trade data" in the claims) describing the specific trade (for example, in the case of a coupon, the trade data shall comprise a product description, a coupon amount and an expiration date). These securities typically also include data sufficient to uniquely identify each security (referred to as "identification data" in the claims), such as various numbers, letters, bar codes or other symbols.

The need to create online "electronic certificates" for promotional or trading purposes is growing, much like the use of coupons in such traditional marketing means, such as newspapers and mail. In addition to discounting to facilitate the purchase of specialty merchandise, coupons can be distributed, limited in print size by the issuer, and typically carry a unique serial number, expiration date, and "profile code" that represent the method of issuance (e.g., newspaper, mailing list, distributor in store, etc.), so the issuer can track the effectiveness of each marketing instrument.

For example, known coupon issuing systems are unable to establish interactive communication between a service center and a third party, as described in U.S. patent No. 5,303,197 to Axler. Although, the Axler patent allows an operator to periodically "visit" the publishing machine, it does not allow "real-time" interaction (e.g., it does not allow the operator to access and analyze demographic data concurrently with its input). Axler (or any other prior art system) also does not contemplate creating an online "electronic voucher" as will be described below.

In accordance with the data processing system and method of the present invention, coupon signatures (i.e., the generation of "electronic vouchers") are successfully emulated on an online network. In addition, giving the data processing system the ability to directly access the customer, allows the data processing system to exceed the capabilities of traditional coupons by providing the issuer a greater degree of control in targeting offers, limiting their applications, and tracking selections and reimbursements. The control of the data processing system also enables service providers (such as restaurants and hotels) to employ online electronic vouchers as a means of promoting and reducing the overhead of providing transactions such as eating, traveling, and ticketing.

Summary of The Invention

A data processing system and method for a user to access an online database and use electronic credentials. The data processing system identifies and marks each electronic certificate using a code that distinguishes it from other securities and another code that identifies the user. In addition, the data processing system also allows coupon issuers to surf the web to establish credentials and to specify controls to limit the total amount of credentials issued and the amount of credentials issued to individuals.

The data processing system preferably issues reports as soon as the user selects a credential from the database and unloads it to their resident storage system or "remote computer terminal". A report may be generated to show whether the user printed the credentials with the user's printer or had sent it back to the service database as a computer report. All of these reports may assist the issuer in research, warranty and purchase or subscription confirmation.

In a preferred embodiment, the data processing system of the present invention can issue electronic certificates created by an operator and allow the storage and retrieval of data on the certificates entered by users communicating with a first set of remote computer terminals. The embodiment includes a service system including a first computer processor for processing data and a first storage system for storing the data on a storage medium. Also included is a distribution system including a second computer processor for processing data and a second computer storage system for storing data on a storage medium. The issuing system allows an operator to provide a service system with commands to issue electronic vouchers of a predetermined type and number. The service system is in selective electronic communication with the distribution system and each of the remote computer terminals. Preselected identification data stored in the first or second computer storage system and usable by the first and second computer processors is used to provide the first computer processor with appropriate instructions to associate each issued electronic certificate with one or more identification symbols. The user of the remote computer terminal is then allowed to controllably access the electronic voucher.

A process also forms part of the invention which provides an interactive marketing system capable of employing electronic certificates which are accessible online by remote computer terminals linked to a computer network. In this embodiment, an online network is provided that includes a distribution site having a first computer processor and a first computer storage system, and a service site having a second computer processor and a second computer storage system. The publishing site is in electronic communication with the service site, and the service site is in electronic communication with each of the remote computer terminals. A command to issue a predetermined number of electronic vouchers is transmitted from an issuing location to the service location, each voucher including transaction data. Upon receiving these commands, the service site modifies the electronic certificate by providing the issued electronic certificate with unique identification data. The revised electronic voucher is then accessed by a user of the remote computer terminal. User data entered by a remote computer end user may be provided to the service location and then selectively transmitted to the distribution location. Each of these steps may optionally be repeated if desired.

In a second preferred processing embodiment of the present invention, selective storage, retrieval and transmission of predetermined data transactions is provided. First, a computer operating system is provided that includes an issuing location with an issuing computer having a set of initial predetermined commands, and a service location with a service computer having a set of initial predetermined commands. A publishing computer of the computer operating system is in electronic communication with a serving computer. The updated subscription data is then transmitted from a remote computer terminal electrically linked with the service computer. The service computer modifies the initial set of predetermined commands with the updated predetermined data resulting in a modified set of predetermined commands included in the service computer. Now, data regarding the revised set of predetermined commands is transferred from the service computer to the issuing computer. Data relating to the predetermined command may be included in the service computer in the form of an electronic predetermined coupon (printable by the user of the remote computer terminal). In addition, these steps may be selectively repeated if desired.

In its broadest embodiment, the system of the present invention is used to establish an electronic voucher. The system includes a computer system that can process and store data. The computer system is capable of establishing a plurality of electronic credentials. Each electronic voucher includes transaction data and unique identification data and is accessible by a remote user linked to a computer system.

Drawings

The novelty which characterize the invention is pointed out in the claims annexed hereto. However, a more complete understanding of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, as well as further objects and attendant advantages thereof, will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates the flow of information in a system for delivering online coupons to users;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a software program of a security issuer according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a software routine of an online coupon service provider according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a software program for a user employing a coupon service according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the flow of information in a system provided for restaurant reservations;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a restaurant software program according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a software routine of a reservation service provider in accordance with the present invention; and

fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a software program of a user who applies a predetermined service according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the first preferred embodiment

The present invention is directed to a data processing system and method for use in distributing and deploying electronic vouchers, such as coupons, in an online system. Fig. 1 shows how information and business activities flow from the generation of an electronic voucher to its selection and printing by a user, and eventual reimbursement. The process begins with a coupon issuer 1 that creates coupon commands (which typically include transaction data) and offloads (downloads) them to a service database 2 (which receives the commands and specifies identification data and issuance limits). The service database 2 may then display the active coupon document to the user and obtain the specified amount for offloading to the user's Personal Computer (PC)3 or other input device. The user's PC3 is unable to offload electronic credentials beyond the amount defined in the coupon issuer 1 command.

At any time prior to the deadline of the coupon document, the user may redeem it using one of two methods, as shown in FIG. 1. First, the electronic voucher may be printed using a printer or other input device attached to the user's PC 3. Since the document associated with the electronic voucher remains in the storage means of the user's PC, the user can quickly disconnect from the online system and then print the coupon at his/her free time, even after the user stops using the service database 2. Printed on the coupon 6 are the expiration date, a unique serial number (which distinguishes the coupon from all other coupons), and a bar code with the user's Personal Identification Number (PIN). Such identification data is preferably distributed by the service database 2; the PIN numbers may be pre-assigned to individual users when they are registered on the system. Then, upon payment at the participating retail outlet, that printed coupon may be submitted and the denomination (credit) deducted from the user's bill.

With the second method of redeeming a coupon, the user PC2 transfers the selected coupon document 5 to a database 7 designated by the issuer, where it is stored with the same information (including transaction and identification data) as the printed coupon. The checkout system at retail outlet 8 automatically discounts if the user presents a memory credit card or an escrow credit card and purchases a specified merchandise. Preferably, the electronic transfer of coupons from the user's PC to the database 7 can only be done in an online system. (this allows the service database 2 to accurately track the printing or presentation activity of coupons, as described below).

Information may be returned by the system, first to the service database 2 and then to the coupon issuer 1. The user PC3 may then offload information about the coupon document or other demographic information (e.g., ("user data")), and may transfer the coupon document to the user's printer 4 or to the issuer database 7. The redeemed printed coupons 6 may also have their bar codes scanned by the device to identify the user using the coupon for research purposes. (to enhance security, the bar code may be compared at checkout to ensure the identity of the user corresponding to the bar code.) such information may also be transmitted from the automatically redeemed coupon document 5.

FIG. 2 illustrates a software program that enables a coupon issuer to offload new coupon commands, change old commands, or load information about using coupons. The program starts 9 with the passing of the coupon device 10. The system issuer first enters the registration password (at which point a pre-assigned registration number may be required to be used) in order to access the system. Thus, the main menu 12 is displayed. A new coupon command is created in the menu selection, starting with the unload coupon template 13, and then commands the setting of the number of coupons to be issued (total number and number issued to each user) and the setting of expiration date 14. A command may also be sent to limit the coupons assigned according to the zone or the user's home profile 15. These coupon commands are added to pre-issued coupons. The issuer may review these electronic coupons 16 and then amend the commands regarding, for example, the issue quantity 17 or the expiration date 18. Pre-issued coupons may also be deleted from the system, as long as the issuer decides to do so. The coupon command 19 residing in the service database is updated with these changes (the coupon immediately following the expiration date will be automatically deleted from the system).

The issuer may also access the system of usage history 20 to determine the remaining number of pre-issued coupons. Further, the issuer may load the report 21 based on the number of coupons selected 22, the number of coupons printed 23, and the number of coupons redeemed 24. Another function of the software is to analyze usage based on shopping habits and demographic characteristics of the user. Such user data may be included in the family profile, submitted by the user to register on the system and periodically updated with additional questions and usage history. The issuer may display information about who selected the issuer's coupons, dividing its use into several shares by factors such as region and demographics 25. In addition, the issuer may load the user report 26, print command 28 and redeem 29 according to the selection 27.

The service database shown in FIG. 3 is a bridge between the coupon issuer 1 and the user 3, and allows for the flow of incoming and outgoing information. First, on the online network 33, the server receives the coupon command 19 transmitted by the coupon issuer 1. The service software takes the command and assigns the necessary sequence number 34 and issue limits. These new or changed coupons are then transferred (35) to update the valid service coupons (active service coupons)36 already stored in the issuer's disk storage. These active service coupons are part of the output information that is transmitted to the user over the online network 37. The user usage information is passed through the network 38 in another way. When the remaining number of valid service coupons is selected and updated, the service system retrieves usage information 39. Also incoming from the user side is the home profile 41. The server takes this information and updates the user report 42, which is sent back to the issuer via the network 44, completing the information circuit.

Fig. 4 shows a software program of a user. It begins 45 with the display of a main menu 46. The user may display coupons that have been unloaded and reside on the user's PC 55. There are two ways for users to create coupons. The first method is to transfer the coupon document 49 to the user's printer. In this way, the user's PIN50, which was retrieved from the home profile database 64, is bar coded. The user's printer 4 then prints out the coupon 6. At creation 48, the coupon may also be transmitted as a computer file 51 back to the database selected by the issuer via network 52. When creating the coupon 48, the user's resident software removes the printed coupon document 54, updates the database of unloaded electronic coupons 55, and the resident coupon display 47. The system also automatically removes the created expired coupon document 56. Another function of the resident software is to display 62 and update 63 a home profile 64 with information entered by the user in response to a question posed by the service.

To access the newly selected coupon, the user may dial through the service database 58, enter the PIN number 59, and view a display of all valid service coupons 60. These coupons may then be selected and offloaded 61 to the user's PC. When online, the user's software automatically sends back to the service database information about the user's selection and print history 57, as well as information about those unloaded coupon documents that have expired 56. The updated information about the user's home profile 65 is also returned. Detailed description of a second preferred embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention is directed to a data processing system and method for automatically booking restaurants, hotels or other services through an online system. Fig. 5 shows how information and activities flow from the initial designation of restaurant reservations to the user's selection thereof, and finally the confirmation form is printed by the user's printer.

The automatic reservation process begins with the host computer of the restaurant 66 setting the number, times and types of reservations available and offloading those commands to the reservation service 67 (which receives the commands and assigns the necessary confirmation numbers and issue limits). Subscription service 67 may display the subscriptions for services to the user and enable them to be accessed via the user's Personal Computer (PC)68 or other input device. Once the user selects the restaurant reservation, the time and type (i.e., two, four, etc.), the data processing system immediately notifies the restaurant of the specific contents of the reservation, the user's name and phone number, and the confirmation number. This information may be transmitted over an on-line computer network and is preferably transmitted by a designated fax machine (which is much more convenient than a computer for restaurant front office workers). The user may then print the confirmation order using the printer 69 or foreground input device connected to the user PC 68. The confirmation order may have a description of the reservation, the user's name and phone number, and the confirmation number. When the user arrives at the restaurant, the order is presented to the receptionist and certified with information previously transmitted to the restaurant through the system and facsimile machine. Through the system, information about reservations made by the user PC68 and profiles presented by the user as part of the service ("user data") registration process are first fed back to the service database 67 and then to the restaurant 66. This profile is continuously updated by the user, and also continuously updated by the system in response to additional questions in tracking the user's reservations.

Figure 6 shows a software program for a restaurant to cancel a reservation by the system, change an old reservation, and load information for the reservation. The routine starts 71 with the dialing of a subscription service 72. To access the system, the restaurant first enters the check-in password 73. The main menu 74 is then displayed. A new reservation 75 is set in each selection. The predetermined type and the predetermined number are confirmed by setting the number of available tables 76 (e.g., the number of available two seat 78, four seat 77, and six seat tables). The command also includes setting the date and time of the reservation 80. These predetermined commands may also be appended to issued, initial predetermined commands in disk storage 81.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the pre-issued reservations may also be changed in software. The restaurant may review these electronic reservation "coupons" 82 and then amend the commands regarding, for example, the number of available tables 83. During such operations, the restaurant may optionally delete pre-issued reservations from the system. The updated predetermined command 81 is then transmitted to the service database. The restaurant may access the system to look up the usage history 85 to see the names and telephone numbers of those who made the reservation 86 and to confirm that the reservation amount remains in the appointed hour 87. The restaurant may also load information 88 about those persons who are served to make reservations at particular locations. The user profile may be displayed 89 and the user table may be displayed 93, or the restaurant may print the user report 90 and hard copy the user profile 91 or the user table 92.

The reservation service is again a bridge between the restaurant 66 and the user 68, as shown in fig. 7, and handles incoming and outgoing information. First, the reservation service receives a reservation command 95 transmitted by the restaurant 66 over the online network 94. The service software takes the command and assigns the necessary confirmation number to each reservation 96. These new or changed reservations are then transferred to update 97 the active service reservations 98 already stored in disk storage at the restaurant. These active service subscriptions are part of the outgoing information that is transmitted to the user 68 over the online network 99.

Still referring to fig. 7, the user usage information is also moved from the user's PC back to the restaurant over the network 100. The service system takes the reservation made by the user 102 and updates the remaining effective service reservation amount. The restaurant 104 is also updated with this information by transmission to the restaurant fax machine 105 or through the computer network 106. Further, the incoming information from the user is user profile information 101 that is sent back to the restaurant over the computer network 106.

Fig. 8 shows a software program of a user. It begins 107 with the main menu 108 being displayed. The user may dial through the service database 109, enter the PIN number 110 and view a display of all valid service subscriptions 111. The reservation may then be selected and offloaded 112 to the user's PC where it is transferred to a printer 113. In this way, the user's name and telephone number are retrieved from the user profile information store 117 and added 114 to the print command of the confirmation form 116. The confirmation form 116 may be printed 115 with a printer attached to the user's PC.

Once online, the user's software sends information about the user's subscription 119 back to the subscription service to update the remaining service subscriptions. The subscription also updates the user profile of the user. The updated user profile information is also automatically returned to the subscription service when the user is online 120. The user may display a user profile 121 and update the profile 122 with answers to questions posed to the user during or after the enrollment process.

It should be understood that the present invention may be designed for use with a variety of online software, including american online , Prodigy  hsofmicrosoft .

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, while the preferred embodiment describes particular types of electronic vouchers (coupons and orders), a system designed in accordance with the present invention may use various other types of electronic vouchers, including certificates used as gifts, prizes, or proof of payment, and virtually any other type of certificate or voucher. As another example, while the service database 2 typically assigns identification data to electronic certificates, such data may be transmitted and assigned by the coupon issuer 1, or even a third remote location, along with the transaction data. Furthermore, rather than utilizing a distributed issuer and service computer, they are unified into a single computer for special purposes. Further, for special purposes, multiple issuer computers, multiple service computers, or a combination thereof may be used. In addition, while the preferred embodiment describes a user with a "remote computer terminal" (which includes a personal computer), the user may access the marketing network of the present invention through a variety of other access media, such as a telephone line, television, or personal access station (more like cash dispensers now in use) that use and distribute various credentials.

Claims (19)

1. A data processing system which issues electronic certificates created by an operator and allows the storage and retrieval of data relating to said certificates entered by a user communicating with a first set of remote computer terminals, comprising:

a service system including a first computer processor for processing data and a first computer storage system for storing data on a storage medium;

an issuing system including a second computer processor for processing data and a second computer storage system for storing data on a storage medium, said issuing system allowing an operator to provide commands to said service system to issue a predetermined type and amount of said electronic voucher;

said service system in selective electronic communication with said distribution system and each of said remote computer terminals;

preselected identification data, either stored in said first computer memory system or in said second computer memory system, and usable by said first or said second computer processor to provide said first computer processor with appropriate commands for associating each of said issued electronic certificates with one or more identification symbols; and

the remote computer terminal allowing the user to controllably access the electronic voucher.

2. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the remote computer terminal allows user data entered by the remote computer terminal to be transferred to the serving system or the distribution system.

3. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the first computer processor allows the electronic voucher previously associated with the identifier symbol to be transferred from the service system to the issuing system.

4. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the electronic voucher is a redeemable coupon.

5. A data processing system according to claim 4, wherein the remote computer terminal is connectable to a printer to allow printing of electronic vouchers forming redeemable coupons each corresponding to a particular product.

6. The data processing system of claim 5, further comprising a second set of remote computer terminals in electronic communication with the service system for selectively receiving the coupon transmitted from the service system, the second set of remote computer terminals providing commands indicating that the coupon may be redeemed once a user purchases the product corresponding to the coupon.

7. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the identification symbol associated with each electronic voucher includes an expiration date, a unique voucher serial number, and a personal identification number that can be reproduced in bar code form.

8. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the service system can automatically review, store, and provide to the publishing system: (I) preselected selected user data entered by a user of said remote computer terminal; or (ii) data regarding the use, issuance, or revision of the electronic voucher.

9. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the number of credentials accessible by the remote computer terminal can be defined by a control.

10. A system for creating an electronic credential accessible by a remote user, comprising:

a computer system linked to a remote user for processing and storing data, said computer system capable of establishing a plurality of electronic vouchers, each of said electronic vouchers including transaction data and unique identification data, said electronic vouchers being selectively accessible by said remote user.

11. A data processing system which issues electronic certificates created by an operator and allows to store and retrieve data relating to said certificates entered by a user communicating with a remote computer terminal, comprising:

a service system including means for processing data and storing the data;

an issuing system including means for processing data and storing data, said issuing system allowing an operator to provide commands to said service system for issuing a predetermined type and quantity of said electronic vouchers;

said service system in selective electronic communication with said distribution system and each of said remote computer terminals; and

preselected identification data stored at an issuer or within said service system which provides said service system with appropriate commands for associating each said issued electronic certificate with one or more identification symbols.

12. A system for creating an electronic voucher including transaction data and identification data, comprising:

a service system comprising means for processing data and storing data;

an issuing system including means for processing data and storing data, said issuing system transmitting an electronic voucher including said transaction data to said service system; and

said service system receiving said electronic vouchers containing said transaction data and associating each electronic voucher with said identification data.

13. A system for processing data issuing electronic certificates established by an operator and allowing the storage and retrieval of data relating to said certificates entered by a user communicating with a remote computer terminal, comprising:

an issuing system at an issuing location, comprising a first computer processor for processing data and a first computer storage system for storing data on a transmission medium, said second computer processor permitting the issuance of a predetermined number of said electronic vouchers, each of said electronic vouchers having transaction data;

an operator system located at the service site, including a second computer processor for processing data, and a second computer storage system for storing data on a storage medium, said operator system being in electronic communication with said issuing system and said remote computer terminal and allowing each of said electronic vouchers to be associated with identification data;

the operating system allowing the remote computer terminal user to access the electronic voucher and select a voucher for offloading at the remote computer terminal location;

the operator system, which substantially simultaneously stores user data transmitted from the remote computer end user and allows the issuing system to selectively access this data.

14. A process for providing an interactive marketing system capable of using electronic certificates accessed online by remote computer terminals linked in a computer network, comprising the steps of:

a. providing an online network comprising a distribution site having a first computer processor and a first computer storage system, and a service site having a second computer processor and a second computer storage system, said distribution site and said service site being in electronic communication, and said service site being in electronic communication with each of said remote computer terminals;

b. transmitting a command from said issuing location to said service location to issue a predetermined number of electronic vouchers, each of said vouchers including transaction data;

c. transmitting said data regarding said electronic voucher to said service location and providing identification data for said issued electronic voucher to create an updated electronic voucher;

d. transmitting data regarding the updated electronic credential to the service location.

15. The process of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

e. providing the service location with user data transmitted from the remote computer terminal;

f. communicating the user data from the service location to the release location; and

g. and repeating the steps b-f.

16. The process of claim 14, further comprising the step of selectively organizing said user data and selectively communicating such data to said distribution location or said service location.

17. A processing method for selectively storing, retrieving and transmitting predetermined data, comprising the steps of:

a. providing a computer operating system including an issuing location with an issuing computer having an initial set of predetermined commands and a service location with a service computer also having an initial set of predetermined commands, said issuing computer of the computer operating system in electronic communication with the service computer;

b. transmitting updated predetermined data from a remote computer terminal electrically linked with said service computer, said updated predetermined data being utilized by said service computer to modify said initial set of predetermined commands resulting in a modified set of predetermined commands included in said service computer;

c. transmitting said data relating to said revised set of predetermined commands from said service computer to said issuing computer; and

d. selectively repeating steps b and c.

18. The process of claim 17, wherein said data relating to said predetermined command is included in said service computer as an electronic predetermined coupon, and further comprising the step of printing said predetermined coupon.

19. A data processing system for issuing electronic vouchers by an operator and allowing the storage and retrieval of data relating to said vouchers entered by a user communicating with a remote computer terminal, comprising:

a service system comprising means for processing data and storing data;

an issuing system including means for processing data and storing data, said issuing system allowing said operator to provide commands to a service system for conditionally issuing a predetermined type and number of said electronic vouchers;

said service system in selective electronic communication with the issuing system and each of said remote computer terminals;

pre-selected identification data stored in said issuing or said service system, which provides said service system with appropriate commands to associate each of said issued electronic vouchers with one or more identification symbols; and

the service system conditionally issues the electronic voucher upon entry of specific user data requested by the remote computer end user of the service system.