WO2012112052A1

WO2012112052A1 - Method and system for processing information carriers

Info

Publication number: WO2012112052A1
Application number: PCT/NL2012/050096
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hubertus Johannes Paul MAIJERS; Andries Johannes Robin MAIJERS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-18
Filing date: 2012-02-20
Publication date: 2012-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2013-08-18
Also published as: BE1019829A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing information carriers, comprising of: reading a first machine-readable code using a cash register system and determining the price of each of the articles on the basis of the read code and price information pre-associated therewith and stored; reading a second machine-readable code from an information carrier; sending transaction data representative of the read first and second machine-readable codes to an external processing unit; releasing on the basis of received transaction data the discount information associated with the relevant information carrier and prestored on the processing unit; determining a discount amount for the articles (together or for each article separately); sending transaction data representative of the discount amount for the articles to the cash register system; receiving the transaction data and determining the total price for the articles, including the discount amount.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING INFORMATION CARRIERS

The present invention relates to a method and a system for processing information carriers, in particular electronic discount coupons, when paying for articles.

In order to measure and be able to influence the behaviour of consumers during the purchase of articles so-called discount coupons or vouchers are often used which, when redeemed in a shop during payment of the articles, give entitlement to a discount on the purchase price. These discount coupons often consist of a piece of paper which can for instance be cut out of a newspaper or magazine and which is provided with a determined code, for instance a barcode, more particularly an EA code, with which the discount can be determined in the shop. The EAN code here indicates the discount amount and a second code, for instance a PDF417 barcode, is used to guarantee the unicity of the discount coupon. The EAN code can be read by a point-of-sale (POS) cash register, since such an EAN code is likewise arranged on the articles for purchase. The code with which the unicity of the discount coupon can be determined, for instance the above stated PDF417 barcode, can generally not be read by the cash register. This means that a separate scanner has to be placed with which the code can be read from the discount coupon in order to enable checking of the unicity of the discount coupon.

Even if the code on the discount coupon can be read, this is still no guarantee that the discount coupon is unique. The discount is nevertheless given by the cash register. Only afterwards does a check of the unicity of the discount coupon take place. For this purpose the check-out assistant, after having read the EAN code with which the discount amount is defined, keeps the discount coupons and sends them by post to a clearing house. Each discount coupon is here checked manually for authenticity by reading the above stated unique code (for instance a PDF417 barcode) and comparing this code to pre-compiled lists of codes of the issued (and not yet redeemed) discount coupons .

A drawback here is that this method of operation requires a great deal of time and entails high costs. The coupons must after all be collected, sent and manually checked. In addition, fraud is simple since the entitlement of a customer to the discount is only checked at a later time. If this is not the case, it is usually no longer possible to discover the identity of the customer. Furthermore, insight into the effectiveness of the campaign in the context of which the discount coupons were issued is only gained after some considerable time, for instance after several months .

An additional drawback is the administrative and financial processing during daily checking of the cash (when making the daily balance) . Every discount coupon has to be processed manually by the check-out assistant in order to prevent possible cash discrepancies in the daily balance. This is because the discount is paid directly from the cash register. The paid amount must in practice correspond to the number of discount coupons and the overall discount which may be given.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for processing such discount coupons, more particularly for processing information carriers, wherein at least one of the above stated drawbacks of the prior art is obviated.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for this purpose for processing of information carriers by a cash register system, wherein the cash register system comprises a storage medium on which price information for possible purchasable products is stored, the method comprising of:

- the cash register system reading a first machine -readable code provided on one or more articles;

- the cash register system comparing the read first machine-readable code to the price information stored on the storage medium and determining on the basis of the comparison the price of each of the articles associated with the read first machine-readable codes;

- determining a second machine- readable code of an information carrier;

- sending first transaction data representative of the read first and second machine-readable codes via a communication connection to an external processing unit;

- the external processing unit releasing, on the basis of received transaction data, the information associated with the relevant information carrier and prestored on the processing unit ;

- the external processing unit determining second transaction data on the basis of the released information;

- the external processing unit sending the second transaction data via the communication connection to the cash register system;

- the second transaction data being received by the cash register system.

The second machine-readable code can be read by the check-out assistant and entered manually into the cash register system. As will be elucidated below, the second machine-readable code is however read. When the information carrier comprises a savings card or loyalty card, the cash register system can, on the basis of the received second transaction data, determine the number of points which can be credited to the savings card or loyalty card. The information carrier can also form a physical or electronic discount coupon for giving discount when articles are paid for. In other embodiments the second transaction data are for instance representative of the discount which can be given on the associated transaction. On the basis of the second transaction data the cash register system can then determine the total amount payable, including the discount.

According to an embodiment the method comprises of : - reading with a cash register system a first

machine-readable code provided on one or more articles and determining the price of each of the articles on the basis of the read, at least one first machine-readable code and price information pre-associated therewith and stored;

- reading a second machine-readable code from an information carrier;

- the external processing unit releasing, on the basis of received transaction data, the discount information associated with the relevant information carrier and prestored on the processing unit;

- the external processing unit determining an amount for the articles on the basis of the released discount information;

- the external processing unit sending second transaction data representative of the discount amount for the articles via the communication connection to the cash register system;

- the cash register system receiving the second transaction data and determining the total price for the articles, including the discount amount.

A signal can then be generated by the cash register system which is representative of the total price, including discount amount, of the articles. On the basis of this (electronic) signal the printer of the cash register system can print a receipt (on which are printed the total amount and the discount amount, optionally itemized per article) and/or the screen of the cash register system can display the relevant information.

Determining a discount amount for the articles and sending transaction data relating thereto can otherwise relate to the total discount amount for all articles (within a single transaction) , but can also relate to the discount amounts for each of the articles individually. As described above, the first machine-readable code is associated with a determined article (wherein the article may occur several times in the transaction) . Information (for instance price information) about this article can be incorporated in the cash register system (and can optionally be stored on an external processing unit forming part of the cash register system) . The first machine-readable code can comprise a code unique to an article, but can also comprise a code which is unique for only the type of article. Additional (sub-) codes, for instance the sell-by date of the article, can also be incorporated in the machine-readable code.

The cash register system can be embodied such that it determines the discount independently after the first machine-readable code has been read and the specific article or the type of article has been determined therefrom. According to an embodiment of the invention, determining of the discount can however also be performed by a processing unit which is separated functionally (but not necessarily physically) from the cash register system. It is hereby relatively simple to make an already existing (type of) cash register system suitable for determining the discounts. This is because the hardware and/or software of such a cash register system need not be modified, or hardly so .

The cash register system is connected to an external payment processing network for effecting a financial transaction.

Effecting a financial transaction is understood here to mean the electronic clearing and settlement of the transaction amount with a bank or similar financial institution. The financial transaction can for instance be realized via a cash transaction with an Electronic Cash Register (ECR) or via a cash card transaction, credit card transaction or via a transaction with any other payment means with a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

In determined embodiments the above stated payment processing network is an Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, such as the PE-ACH, for financial transactions. In the case the second transaction data comprises information about discounts, the financial transaction is based on the prices of the articles retrieved via the cash register system and on the discount retrieved via the external processing unit. In a determined embodiment the method comprises of:

- after receiving the second transaction data, performing the associated financial transaction via the external payment processing network. After the second transaction data have been received, the payment of the total price for the articles can for instance be effected via the external payment processing network .

According to embodiments of the invention the discount can further be made dependent on which specific articles (type and/or number of articles) are purchased, without the check-out assistant having to perform manual checks or the like. This reduces the chance of fraud and makes it possible to perform the processing of the discount, and more generally the settlement of the whole transaction, quickly and efficiently. The processing operation can moreover be completed for two or more cash registers using a single processing unit and the check for use of fake discount coupons can be carried out better than if processing of discount coupons were to be carried out by the respective cash register systems themselves.

The communication connection can be any random, optionally wireless data connection. In a determined preferred embodiment at least a part of the connection is realised via the internet. Instead of an internet connection, or in addition to an internet connection, use can also be made of a non-public connection, for instance an internal company communication network. The machine- readable code can for instance be a 1-D or 2-D barcode, although the invention is not limited hereto. A code stored in an RFID can also be used in determined embodiments of the invention. In a preferred embodiment the machine -readable code is however a barcode, in particular a GSl barcode, in which a relatively large amount of information can be stored compared to other barcodes, for instance the EAN code much used in the retail market .

In a further embodiment of the invention the

machine-readable code of the information carrier comprises a unique sub-code representative of the individual information carrier. When a link between this unique sub-code and the discount information associated with the relevant information carrier is now stored on the external processing unit, the discount information itself need not be stored in the machine- readable code (barcode) . The discount information can be stored and processed simultaneously for a large number of cash register systems on an external processing unit, for instance a central server which is accessible via a data network and which can be disposed a random distance from the relevant cash register system. This makes administration of the discount information simple. The cash register systems need not for instance be modified each time a changed discount promotion is imminent. This requires a change only in the external processing unit.

In some embodiments the machine-readable code otherwise also comprises a designation of the type of information carrier, for instance a determined character combination. These characters ensure that, when they are detected, the cash register system will make contact with the external processing unit. Once contact has been made, (e.g. login via a data communication channel) the unique code or a derivative thereof is sent to the external processing unit. On the basis of the received code the external processing unit can then search for the associated discount information stored on the storage medium of the processing unit. According to further embodiments of the invention, the method comprises of determining on the basis of the sent transaction data which discount information may be released by the processing unit. On the basis of the information from the second barcode it is for instance possible to determine which discount information is associated with the information carrier. This discount information can comprise a prestored set of rules on the basis of which the discount amount can be calculated.

A check can for instance be performed as to whether the information carrier is presented to a cash register system in the correct geographical area and/or within a predetermined time interval of issue of the information carrier or on a determined date .

In a further embodiment the method comprises of :

- storing on the external processing unit or a processing unit coupled thereto user information representative of the user of an information carrier in addition to a link between the user information and the second machine-readable code associated with the relevant information carrier.

A relation can hereby be established between the specific person (user) and the discount obtained by him or her upon purchase of determined articles. In determined embodiments it can also be made possible to establish a relation between a person and the articles specifically purchased by this person.

According to a further embodiment, the transaction data also comprise at least one of the time and/or date of reading of a first machine-readable code and the geographical location and/or the person operating the cash register system with which the first machine- readable code was read. These data can be sent by the cash register system, or by a computer system and/or mobile communication system operating separately thereof (but coupled via a communication connection (such as the internet to the external processing unit) , to the external processing unit and there used in determining the discount to be given (if for instance the above stated rules use these data to determine the discount) . In determined embodiments the data can however also be used to gain more insight into the purchasing behaviour of the user, certainly when a link is stored between the personal details of the user and the information carrier redeemed by this user.

As already stated above, the external processing unit releases the discount information associated with an information carrier and prestored on the processing unit when the received transaction data give rise to this, for instance if the transaction data show that the read second barcode corresponds to a code prestored on the processing unit (when the information carrier is issued) . According to a further embodiment, the method also comprises of blocking release of the information for other information carriers when information associated with the code of an information carrier is released. This prevents the possible use of more than one information carrier with the same barcode (for instance one real information carrier and one copy) . In other embodiments there is no blocking and the information carrier can be "redeemed" several times, for instance when the information carrier is used in a loyalty system.

The information carrier can otherwise be embodied in numerous different ways. The information carrier can be a discount voucher or discount coupon (including any substrate on which information can be displayed, such as a beer mat, an advert, a coffee cup, a packaging and the like) which is sent for instance by post to the user. In other embodiments the information carrier is printed version (on paper, for instance a QR code on promotional material) of an electronic discount voucher (coupon) , wherein the coupon has reached the user by electronic means. In other embodiments the information carrier is a screen on which an image of a code, for instance a QR code, is displayed. It is even possible for the information carrier to have a code which is not visible but which can nevertheless be read. The information carrier can for instance be an RFID, a mobile phone with NFC option or similar electronic carrier, in which a code is stored which can be read remotely using suitable equipment. Digital information is then provided to the user on the basis of which the user can create one or more information carriers, for instance by printing data such as a machine -readable code on a paper carrier or by displaying data, such as a

machine-readable code, on an electronic screen of for instance a telephone. The digital information can for instance be provided via a website, but can also be made available to the user via search machines, a newsletter or similar communication. Not only does this save transport costs, it also makes it simpler to find and reach potential interested users (in small groups or even individually) in more targeted manner.

The information carrier can also be an electronic loyalty or customer card. Relevant information such as discount information, savings points, bonus points and the like, or at least a reference to such information on an external storage medium, can be stored on such a card. On the basis of a stored code unique to the relevant card the identity of the card, and thereby of the user, can be determined when the card is read at the cash register.

It is for instance also possible to store the discount information of two or more discount coupons on a single card. At the cash register it is then possible to suffice with a single reading of the card instead of reading two or more different coupons. In similar manner the machine-readable codes of two or more discount coupons can be merged to a single composite machine-readable code, so that only one read action need take place at the cash register. Alternatively, the two

machine-readable codes are not merged, but a machine-readable code (proxy barcode) is applied which provides for a reference on the storage medium to the two or more machine-readable codes of the discount coupons .

According to embodiments of the invention, the method therefore comprises of printing one or more machine-readable codes on a paper coupon with a printer and/or displaying on an electronic screen one or more machine-readable codes on which the second machine- readable code is shown. The screen can for instance be the screen of a mobile telecommunication device such as a mobile phone and/or a so-called smart phone. It is also possible for the user to place the coupon online on a savings card/loyalty card (e.g. a bonus card). The savings card then comprises the code which can be read at the location of the cash register. When the savings card is used the coupon is then processed in indirect manner at the cash register without being printed out physically, being taken to the shop and being scanned at the cash register.

As stated above, determining of the discount amount comprises of applying a set of rules to the transaction data. In determined embodiments these transaction data are associated with a single article or type of article (depending on whether the first code is representative of a determined type of article or of an individual article) . In other embodiments the transaction data relate to two or more different articles. It is for instance possible to first store transaction data of two or more different articles on a storage medium and to then apply a set of rules to the transaction data of the two or more different articles in order to determine the discount amount. The discount is for instance given only when the user has purchased a combination of different articles.

According to another aspect of the invention, an assembly is provided for processing information carriers, in particular electronic discount coupons, for the purpose of giving discount during payment for articles, the assembly comprising:

- a cash register system comprising one or more cash registers, wherein a cash register is embodied with a code reader, in particular a barcode reader, for reading a first machine-readable code provided on one or more articles, and wherein the cash register is also embodied to determine the price of each of the articles on the basis of the at least one first machine-readable code read by the code reader and price information pre-associated therewith and stored;

- an external processing unit comprising a processor and a storage medium;

- a first communication connection between one or more of the cash registers of the cash register system and the external processing unit;

- a read element for reading a second machine-readable code of an information carrier;

- a second communication connection between the read element and the external processing unit, wherein the read element is adapted to send transaction data representative of the read first and second machine -readable codes via a second communication connection to the external processing unit, and wherein at least one cash register of the cash register system is adapted to receive transaction data via the first communication connection and to determine a total price for the articles including a discount amoun ;

wherein the external processing unit is adapted to release, on the basis of received transaction data, the discount information associated with the relevant information carrier and prestored on the processing unit, to determine a discount amount for each of the articles on the basis of the released discount information and to send transaction data representative of the discount amount for each of the articles via the first communication connection to the cash register system.

In determined embodiments of the invention the read element forms part of the cash register system. The read element can then for instance be formed by the code reader with which the first codes on the articles themselves can also be read, or by a separate code reader such as a reader for barcodes, RFID codes, NFC codes and the like, or even a reader for codes obtained via a (wireless) internet connection. In other embodiments the read element is a mobile communication device, in particular a mobile phone device, which can receive codes from another mobile communication device (e.g. of the customer). This can for instance be realized by displaying a code on the screen of the communication device and having this code read in visual manner (for instance by a camera provided in the device) by the read unit. The code can also be sent via a wireless connection, for instance a Bluetooth connection, from the telephone to the read unit of the cash register system. In other embodiments the check-out assistant him/herself reads the code displayed on a discount coupon and then enters this code manually via the read element.

In other embodiments the read element itself comprises a mobile communication device, in particular a mobile phone device. In further embodiments the cash register system is formed by a mobile communication device, in particular a mobile (smart) phone. In this embodiment the communication device is preferably not only suitable for reading the codes from the information carrier and the articles but also for performing a financial transaction. The device can be adapted in this embodiment to effect a financial transaction via a payment processing network, for instance the automated clearing house (ACH) , coupled thereto .

According to an embodiment the assembly is adapted to determine the discount amount for the relevant article substantially in real-time, in each case immediately after reading of a first machine-readable code. When for instance a self-scanner is used, the user will see almost immediately the discount associated with the article or the articles for which the first machine-readable code has been determined. In other embodiments all articles are first scanned and the discount for all articles together is determined immediately before the financial transaction is about to take place.

Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be elucidated on the basis of the following description of several embodiments thereof. Reference is made in the description to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention;

Figures 2-5 are flow diagrams showing the method steps according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein:

- Figure 2 shows a general overview; and

- Figures 3-5 show respectively an overview of the method for determining the subtotal, the method for completing a transaction and the method for cancelling a transaction.

The method and the system according to the invention are described hereinbelow on the basis of exemplary embodiments. The consumers (users) must first of all be provided with information carriers with which they can retrieve the discount. This is possible in numerous ways. The information carriers can be paper coupons or vouchers sent in the usual manner by post to potential consumers. It is however recommended to distribute and/or generate the information carriers by electronic means.

The issuer of the information carriers can for instance determine beforehand how many electronic coupons may be created, via which channels the coupons are distributed, where (which shops, bodies etc.) and under what conditions the coupons may be redeemed, the discount entitlement of each coupon and the like.

The electronic (digital) information carriers are then distributed via for instance an online communication channel. The information carriers can for instance be offered via a website (such as via a banner) but can also be offered to consumers via search machines (for instance via Google Adwords) , a newsletter or similar communication means. A number of information carriers can for instance be created by printing an e-coupon offered via a website on a piece of paper. Another option is for instance to display the e-coupon on the screen of a portable communication means, for instance a telephone, PDA or the like. In the first case the information carrier is a piece of paper, in the other case the information carrier is the communication means itself. The information carrier is provided with a machine-readable code such as a barcode. This barcode comprises information with which this barcode can be made unique in the information carrier. Use can for instance be made of a unique serial number of the barcode with which it can be identified. In specific cases, for instance when the e-coupon is sent to a specific person, an electronic link can be made between the relevant coupon and the consumer who has for instance printed the e-coupon or has displayed it on his/her mobile phone. This provides the option of finding out by means of tracking and tracing which person has used the e-coupon, starting at the online channel with which the e-coupons are offered and ending at the off-line channel consisting of the physical shops where the products are purchased.

Figure 1 shows a schematic example of the system with which such a method can be realized. Figure 1 shows a consumer (P) who has in his/her possession an information carrier 1, for instance an e-coupon printed by means of a printer. A barcode 2 is provided on the information carrier. The user (P) goes with this information carrier 1 to a shop and pays for a number of articles in the shop. Use can be made for this purpose of one or more cash registers 5, 5¹. Each of the cash registers is provided in the usual manner with, among other parts, a screen 6, a receipt printer 7, a keyboard 8 and a connecting cable 9 to which a barcode scanner 10 is coupled. Cash register 5 is further coupled to a central server 16 via a communication connection 15 (shown schematically) using a communication terminal 23, 23'. Central server 16, which is deemed here to form part of the cash register system, can be a server placed in the relevant shop, but can also be placed remotely, for instance when the cash register systems of a chain of shops are all controlled at a central location. This server can be located at any random distance and has a storage medium on which price information for all possible purchasable articles is stored. On the basis of this price information it is possible to transmit to cash register 5 what price can be charged for each of the purchased articles . In other embodiments this price information is stored in each of the local cash registers 5 instead of at central server 16.

Figure 1 also shows that cash registers 5,5' are connected via a terminal 18 to the internet 20. A cash register is further adapted to establish contact with a processing platform 21 via networks 15 and 18. Platform 21 can be embodied as a server provided in usual manner with a communication terminal 22, a processor 24, a storage medium 25 (such as a hard disc) and the like. Platform 21 is adapted to control processing of the information carriers and to calculate the discount which can be given to the consumer.

When consumer P purchases a number of articles (ai-a₂) , the barcode (b) provided on the articles is read using barcode scanner 10. The barcode (b) generally comprises information with which the relevant article can be identified so that cash register 5 can determine what price can be charged for the article. For this purpose information from barcode (b) is compared to the price information stored on a storage medium in cash register 5 and/or on a storage medium of central server 16. The cash register can then produce an invoice in the usual manner for the articles to be purchased.

The method according to an embodiment of the invention can be applied before, during or after reading of the barcodes on the different articles (ai-a₂) and producing an invoice for purchase of the articles in the above stated manner. When for instance a number of articles have been scanned and a total or subtotal calculated in known manner for the scanned articles, according to an embodiment of the invention the relevant cash register can start the method for processing an information carrier (procedure 100, figure 2) . The processing of the information carrier will or will not result in a discount amount. Once the subtotal for the products to be purchased, including the possible discount amount, has been calculated, a check is made (101) as to whether the transaction has or has not been cancelled. If the transaction is cancelled, a cancellation procedure 102 is run, while if the transaction continues and the user pays the invoice, a completion procedure is run.

Determining the subtotal (100) is shown in more detail in figure 3, cancellation is shown in more detail in figure 5 and completion of the transaction is shown in more detail in figure 4.

Referring to figure 3, cash register 5, following the usual transaction process resulting in a signal from the cash register that a (sub) total has been calculated and that the cash register is ready to receive the money, begins (step 200) processing the information carrier in order to find out whether a discount may be given.

Cash register 5 first of all checks whether one or more information carriers have been read (step 201) . If this is not the case, the process continues to step 250 in which calculation of the subtotal is completed and in which there is a wait for the actual payment by the user or for cancellation of the transaction. If one or more information carriers have indeed been scanned, the process continues to step 203.

When cash register 5 has made contact with platform 21, a login procedure is started (step 204) . The platform checks whether the cash register which is making contact is known to the platform and whether the cash register may log into the platform. When the login procedure 204 has been successfully completed, the processing operation can begin at the platform. Platform 21 receives information about the information carrier via said communication connection. This information about the information carrier comes from a machine-readable code (for instance a barcode 2) arranged on the information carrier.

Programmed in barcode 2 are inter alia a number of sub-codes incorporating information about the issuer of the information carrier, information about the information carrier itself and check digit. A first sub-code is for instance a prefix which designates the issuer of the information carrier and which ensures that during reading the cash register knows that an information carrier of the relevant issuer has been read. This sub-code initiates for instance the above stated login procedure. A second sub-code can for instance be an information carrier reference number generated by the issuer. This reference number is unique to the associated information carrier. The reference number (or a sub-code related thereto) is likewise stored at platform 21 so that a link can be made between the information carrier and possible price information stored at the platform and associated with this information carrier. In order to enable better verification of the unicity of the information carrier it is possible to optionally also provide a third sub-code, such as a serial number unique to the information carrier, and a fourth sub- code, such as a check number for a checksum check.

The barcode is read by scanner 10 and the cash register makes contact with platform 21 on the basis of the first sub-code and the identification carrier is identified on the basis of the second sub- code.

The second sub-code (and optional further sub-codes) is sent, together with the previously read information from the barcodes of the articles, as transaction data to platform 21. These transaction data can comprise, in addition to the above stated information from the barcodes of the articles and the barcode of the information carrier, additional data such as a designation of the relevant cash register 5, of the shop in which this cash register is located, of the retailer, of the time and date of the transaction and/or a designation of the check-out assistant at the cash register. The transaction data can also comprise information about which (other) products have been bought and the total transaction value of the transaction.

The information about the cash register can for instance be compared to information prestored on the storage medium of platform 21. If the relevant cash register and/or retailer (step 205) is not found, the process continues to step 250 in which the subtotal process is completed. If the relevant cash register and/or retailer are found, the unique code (for instance the second or third sub-code) of the information carrier is distilled from the transaction data and this code is compared to codes prestored on storage medium 23 (step 206) . If a match occurs, the platform establishes that a valid information carrier 1 has been scanned. At that moment the associated code on storage medium 23 is modified, in particular disabled, so as to ensure that the same code cannot be processed at the same moment or later. If for instance information carrier 1 is printed two or more times or if information carrier 1 has been copied, the situation could otherwise occur that discount is erroneously given two or more times.

A check is subsequently made in step 207 as to whether there are unprocessed information carriers. The first time this stage of the process is reached there are of course no processed information carriers and the process continues to step 211.

On the basis of the unique code read from barcode 2 of information carrier 1 and sent as transaction data to platform 21 a search can be made in determined embodiments for the details of the relevant consumer (P) to whom the information carrier 1 has been provided. When information carrier 1 is issued a link is already stored for this purpose on storage medium 23 between the user details (for instance NAW data of consumer (P) or other data such as date, time and place of issue of the information carrier) and the second (and/or third) sub-code incorporated in barcode 2 of the information carrier. In this way the user of information carrier 1 can later be found (211) .

In a subsequent step (step 212) is determined whether the conditions applying to the relevant information carrier are satisfied. On the basis of pre- formulated rules incorporated in software running on platform 21 it is for instance possible to determine whether the relevant consumer (P) is entitled to any discount. Use is made here of the transaction details sent via the above-mentioned transaction data to platform 21. The transaction data do after all comprise, in addition to the above stated code of information carrier 1, an indication of which articles have been scanned by the scanner. The rules according to which the discount is determined can be preset as desired. The rules can for instance comprise diverse types of discount rules, such as "buy x, pay y for product z" or "x% discount on product y" or "x% discount on product y" when product y is purchased before a determined date and/or in a shop in a particular geographical area, or "x purchase of product p, y% discount on product q" , and so on.

Based on the transaction data and the rules a list of discounts for the articles separately or for the whole transaction is determined in step 230 and subsequently stored on the storage medium (step 214) . A check is then again made for information carriers which are still unprocessed (step 207) and this process is repeated until all information carriers have been processed. As soon as all information carriers have been processed, the process continues to step 210 in which details concerning the discounts provided are summarized and sent back as transaction data to cash register 5 via the network (20, 15) . Cash register 5 now adds the discount obtained in step 210 from platform 21 to the above stated subtotal (without discount) and presents the total amount (i.e. the price of the articles including discount) to the user. The subtotal process (step 250) ends here and the cash register waits for payment by the user or cancellation of the transaction.

Referring to figure 2, when the subtotal calculation process 100 is completed, the user has the option of breaking off the transaction (101) . If the user wishes to break off the transaction, procedure 102 is implemented. An example of this procedure is shown in more detail in figure 5.

Figure 5 shows that, following the start (step 300) of the cancellation process, for instance because an indication is given via the cash register system that the user does not wish to continue with his/her transaction, a check is first made as to whether platform 21 has or has not been called in the previous subtotal procedure 100. If this is not the case, the process ends (step 320) and no discount is given. When platform 21 has been called, the cash register renews contact with platform 21 (302) . Once contact has been renewed, the cash register logs in on the platform, similarly to be above-mentioned steps 204 and 205, and an authentication takes place (step 303) , and a check is made as to whether this information corresponds to the information previously stored at platform 21. If there is no match, a message is sent from the platform to the cash register with the notification that the process can be completed (309) .

If the relevant cash register and/or shop does produce a match, the information is retrieved in respect of all information carriers related to the relevant transaction (step 305) . For each information character associated with the relevant transaction the status is then reset to "enabled" (step 307) . This process is repeated for all information carriers associated with the relevant transaction process. When all information carriers have been processed, platform 21 establishes that there are no further information carriers available (306) and the process continues to step 310 in which platform 21 once again makes contact with cash register 5 with the notification that the process can be completed (step 320) and that no discount is given. In this way the transaction process can be closed without the information carriers remaining invalid. The information carriers can thus be used again for a subsequent transaction.

If the transaction process does not have to be cancelled, the transaction completion procedure 303 comes into effect. Figure 4 shows an example of such a completion procedure in more detail.

When cash register 1 has established (400) that the transaction has been completed, i.e. payment has been made, the cash register checks (401) whether the cash register made contact with the platform at the first stage of the transaction. If this is found not to be the case, the process is completed (step 420) . If this is the case, the cash register once again makes contact with the platform (402) .

Similarly to the steps 204, 205 and 303 , 404 , a login procedure takes place wherein a search is made for inter alia information concerning the relevant cash register system and/or the shop from which the transaction was performed (step 403) . Once the cash register and/or shop has been found, the process continues to step 420.

If the cash register and/or shop are found, a search is first made for the coupons which have been processed and are associated with the relevant transaction (step 405) . An indication is then given for each of the information carriers on storage medium 23 that the relevant information carrier has been processed and can therefore no longer be valid (step 407) . If after checking (406) it is found that there are no longer any unprocessed information carriers, the process continues to step 408 and platform 21 makes contact with cash register 5 in order to inform this cash register that the process can be completed (step 420) .

Described in the foregoing is a determined embodiment of the invention in which for instance determining of the discount is performed on the basis of the discount rules at the platform 21 located remotely from cash register 5 and connected via a network (internal network and internet) to the cash register. In other embodiments at least a part of this process is not performed at platform 21 but at another platform to which platform 21 is coupled via a wired connection or wireless connection. In other embodiments at least a part of the process is performed at cash register 5 and/or on the internal server 16 of the shop (chain) .

An advantage of the above described embodiment is however that the cash register system itself can in general be made suitable, with minimum modification, to perform the method according to the invention. In a determined embodiment practically all calculations and checks are performed at the platform and not by the cash register itself. In this embodiment the cash register itself need therefore do little more than subtract the discount amount from the previously calculated total amount .

The proposed technique according to the embodiment of the invention has a great number of advantages. The information carrier need comprise only one machine-readable code in order to identify an identification carrier and to determine the discount options. This means that use can be made of a single barcode scanner (instead of two barcode scanners for reading two different types of code) and that the scanning process entails only scanning of a single code, so that it is possible to save time. In addition, the unicity of the information carrier is checked directly at the cash register, for instance via web servers, even before the transaction has been wholly completed. The chance of fraud is therefore greatly reduced. It is also possible to check directly whether the consumer satisfies the conditions of the promotional campaign. While at this moment the check often still takes place by the check-out assistant concerned, the check can now be carried out by the system itself. This means not only time-saving in the transaction process, but also that the chance of fraud is reduced. The information carrier, for instance when it is formed by a paper e-coupon, can further be discarded after completion of the transaction and so need not be kept and collected. Nor in such an embodiment need the information carrier be sent to a clearing house for subsequent verification via a lengthy process. Numerous advantages can also be gained for the shop owner using the proposed technique. It is for instance possible to immediately show how many information carriers have been redeemed, what has been the effectiveness of the campaign for which the information carriers were issued, and the like.

It is further possible to provide for an automated administrative and financial processing of the information carriers. This can be an improvement in respect of cash management . The system can further be easily linked to an online distribution network for the purpose of an online distribution of the information carriers, or at least of information with which the information carriers can be produced (printed) . Consumers can hereby be specifically targeted using the information carriers, wherein it is possible to monitor whether the relevant consumer makes use of a discount voucher offered to him or her and how he or she does this (at which shop, within what time and so on) .

The preparation time and processing time of the information carrier can further be reduced. Coupons need not be preprinted and distributed off-line.

There is further the possibility of researching the loyalty of the consumer. When the consumer has obtained an information carrier and has taken further action to use it (for instance by making a printout, i.e. when the consumer has claimed the information carrier) , the information carrier is linked to this consumer as described above. The information carrier is then redeemed at a shop. Because there is a link between the cash register system and the processing platform as well as between the processing platform and optionally a platform with which the information carriers are issued, it is possible to determine that consumer A has actually also redeemed this information carrier and that consumer A has purchased the product B. As follow-up action a new information carrier can be sent via the platform to this consumer A for a repeat purchase of the product B or an information carrier for purchase of product C (for instance as an additional product) .

Loyalty can go further than merely measuring the behaviour and sending an e-coupon for the purpose of stimulating a repeat purchase. It is for instance also possible to send savings points once the user has redeemed an e-coupon. An e-coupon need not always carry discount, but for instance also involve saving points or a combination of saving points and/or discount when the user redeems a determined product and the e-coupon. Although in determined embodiments the sending of transaction data back and forth, preferably in combination with the other steps of the method, such as processing the machine-readable codes and determining the (discount) information associated with the codes, takes place in real-time, for instance via the internet when the system is connected to the internet (i.e. is online), batchwise transmission of the transaction data (for instance once a day) is likewise possible. The system can function in similar manner as described above. A drawback of this embodiment is that the immediate check of the validity of an information carrier cannot always be carried out. When the transaction data are for instance transmitted only once a day, it is possible for this information carrier (or a copy thereof) to be used a number of times within this day, at least in the shop (chain) concerned. An advantage of this embodiment is however that the system can be simplified and a permanent connection via the internet need not be realized. An advantage of the real-time embodiment is however that, when the user makes use of a self -scanner with which he or she can scan the articles him/herself when shopping, real-time discount information can be offered to the user. It is hereby possible for the user to already know while shopping (and so before the final financial transaction) what discount he/she has meanwhile accumulated.

The present invention is otherwise not limited to the embodiments thereof described herein. The rights sought are determined rather by the following claims, within the scope of which numerous modifications, adjustments and additions can be envisaged.

Claims

1. Method for processing of information carriers by a cash register system, wherein the cash register system comprises a storage medium on which price information for possible purchasable products is stored, the method comprising of:

- reading with the cash register system a first

machine- eadable code provided on one or more articles;

- the cash register system comparing the read first machine- readable code to the price information stored on the storage medium and determining on the basis of the comparison the price of each of the articles associated with the read first machine- readable codes;

- determining a second machine-readable code of an information carrier;

- the second transaction data being received by the cash register system.

2. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information carriers are electronic discount coupons for giving discount when paying for articles, the method comprising of:

- reading with a cash register system a first

machine-readable code provided on one or more articles and determining the price of each of the articles on the basis of the read, at least one first machine -readable code and price information pre-associated therewith and stored;

- reading a second machine-readable code from an information carrier;

- the second transaction data being received and the total price for the articles, including the discount amount, being determined by the cash register system.

3. Method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cash register system is connected to an external payment processing network for effecting a financial transaction, the method preferably further comprising of:

- after receiving the second transaction data, performing the associated financial transaction via the external payment processing network.

4. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising of waiting for payment of the articles after the second transaction data have been received by the cash register system.

5. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the sending of the transaction data back and forth is carried out in real-time.

6. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the storage medium of the cash register system forms part of a cash register of the cash register system and/or of a central server to which a cash register is coupled.

7. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the machine-readable code of the information carrier comprises a unique sub-code representative of the individual information carrier, and wherein a link between the unique sub-code and the discount information associated with the relevant information carrier is stored on the external processing unit.

8. Method as claimed in claim 7, comprising of determining on the basis of the sent transaction data which discount information may be released by the processing unit and calculating the discount amount associated therewith on the basis of a prestored set of rules.

9. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising of:

10. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising of determining at least one of the time and/or date of reading of a first machine-readable code and the geographical location and/or the person operating the cash register system with which the first machine-readable code was read, and sending these transaction data to the external processing unit.

11. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising of blocking release of the information for other information carriers when information associated with the code of an information carrier is released.

12. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein determining of the discount amount comprises of applying a set of rules to the transaction data of two or more different articles .

13. Assembly for processing information carriers, the assembly comprising:

- a cash register system with a price information storage medium on which price information for possible purchasable products is stored, a cash register unit embodied with a code reader for reading a first machine-readable code provided on one or more articles, and a read element for reading a second machine-readable code from an information carrier;

- an external processing unit comprising a processor and a storage medium on which discount information for possible purchasable products is stored;

- a communication connection between the cash register system and the external processing unit;

wherein the assembly is adapted for:

- comparing the read first machine-readable code to the price information stored on the price information storage medium and determining on the basis of the comparison the price of each of the articles associated with the read first machine-readable code ;

- sending transaction data representative of the read first and second machine-readable codes via the communication connection to the external processing unit; - the external processing unit releasing, on the basis of received transaction data, the information associated with the relevant information carrier and prestored on the processing unit ;

- the processing unit sending the second transaction data to the cash register system via the communication connection.

14. Assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the assembly is adapted for:

- reading with a cash register system a first

- reading a second machine-readable code from an information carrier;

15. System as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the cash register system is connected electronically to an external payment processing network for effecting a financial transaction via this network on the basis of the received second transaction data.

16. System as claimed in any of the claims 13-15, wherein determining of the discount amount is performed by the cash register unit or by the external processing unit.

17. System as claimed in any of the claims 13-16, wherein the storage medium of the cash register system forms part of the cash register unit of the cash register system and/or of a processing unit, for instance a central server to which the cash register is coupled.

18. System as claimed in any of the claims 13-17, wherein the read element forms part of the cash register system and/or wherein the first and second communication connection are combined to form a single communication connection.

19. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-18, wherein the read element is adapted to receive the second code from a mobile communication device, in particular a mobile phone device.

20. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-19, wherein the read element and/or the code reader comprises a mobile communication device, in particular a mobile phone device.

21. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-20, wherein the code reader comprises a self-scanner .

22. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-21, wherein the assembly is adapted to determine the discount amount for the relevant article substantially in real-time, in each case immediately after reading of a first machine-readable code.

23. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-22, wherein the cash register system comprises a mobile communication device, for instance a (smart) phone or tablet computer, preferably provided with a read element .

24. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-23, wherein the read element is formed by the code reader.

25. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-24, wherein the read element and/or the code reader is a barcode scanner.

26. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-25, wherein the code reader and/or the read element comprise a radiofrequency identification (RFID) element reader, a Near Field Communication (NFC) reader, a Bluetooth reader and/or a WiFi internet connection.

27. Assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-26, adapted to perform the method according to any of the claims 1-12.

28. External processing unit adapted to process transaction data in the assembly as claimed in any of the claims 13-27.

29. Computer program product adapted to perform at least a part of the method as claimed in any of the claims 1-12 when the product is run on electronic processing means such as a computer.