Interactive marketing network and process using electronic certificates
First Claim
1. A method for issuing and processing electronic certificates having both transaction data and identification data, comprising the steps of:
- (a) establishing electrical communication between a service system and a plurality of issuer systems;
(b) establishing electrical communication between the service system and a plurality of remote user stations;
(c) transmitting to the service system from the plurality of issuer systems instructions for issuing the electronic certificates;
(d) the service system receiving remote user profile data from the plurality of remote user stations and developing correlation data which categorizes the remote user profile data;
(e) selectively transmitting to the plurality of issuer systems from the service system the correlation data;
(f) permitting the plurality of issuer systems to revise the electronic certificates on an interactive and nearly instantaneous basis; and
(g) selectively transmitting to the plurality of remote user stations specified electronic certificates based upon the correlation data developed by the service system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A data processing system issuing ECs through “online” networks of personal computers, televisions, or other devices with video monitors or telephones. Each electronic certificate includes transaction data and identification data, and can be printed out on a printing device linked to a consumer'"'"'s personal input device, or electronically stored in a designated data base until a specified expiration date. The certificate can be used for various purposes, including use as a coupon for a discounted price on a product or service, proof of a gift or award, proof of reservation, or proof of payment. Consumers access the data processing system online, browse among their choices, and make their selections. The data processing system provides reports on the selected certificates and their use following selection. Certificate issuers also have online access to the data processing system and can create or revise offers, and provide various instructions pertaining to the certificates, including limitations as to the number of certificates to be issued in total and to each individual consumer.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for issuing and processing electronic certificates having both transaction data and identification data, comprising the steps of:
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(a) establishing electrical communication between a service system and a plurality of issuer systems;
(b) establishing electrical communication between the service system and a plurality of remote user stations;
(c) transmitting to the service system from the plurality of issuer systems instructions for issuing the electronic certificates;
(d) the service system receiving remote user profile data from the plurality of remote user stations and developing correlation data which categorizes the remote user profile data;
(e) selectively transmitting to the plurality of issuer systems from the service system the correlation data;
(f) permitting the plurality of issuer systems to revise the electronic certificates on an interactive and nearly instantaneous basis; and
(g) selectively transmitting to the plurality of remote user stations specified electronic certificates based upon the correlation data developed by the service system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for issuing and processing electronic certificates, comprising the steps of:
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(a) establishing electrical communication between a service system and a plurality of issuer systems;
(b) establishing electrical communication between the service system and a plurality of remote user stations;
(c) transmitting to the service system from the plurality of issuer systems instructions for issuing a predetermined type and number of the electronic certificates;
(d) the service system receiving remote user profile data, including information sufficient to specifically identify the remote user, from the plurality of remote user stations and developing correlation data which categorizes the remote user profile data;
(e) selectively transmitting to the plurality of issuer systems from the service system the correlation data without also transmitting the specific remote user identification information; and
(f) selectively transmitting to the plurality of remote user stations specified electronic certificates based upon the correlation data developed by the service system. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for issuing and processing electronic certificates, comprising the steps of:
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(a) establishing electrical communication between a service system and a plurality of issuer systems;
(b) establishing electrical communication between the service system and a plurality of remote user stations;
(c) transmitting to the service system from the plurality of issuer systems instructions for issuing a predetermined type and number of the electronic certificates;
(d) the service system receiving remote user profile data, including information sufficient to specifically identify the remote user, from the plurality of remote user stations and developing correlation data which categorizes the remote user profile data;
(e) selectively transmitting to the plurality of issuer systems from the service system the correlation data without also transmitting the specific remote user identification information;
(f) selectively transmitting to the plurality of remote user stations specified electronic certificates based upon the correlation data developed by the service system; and
(g) wherein the issuance of the electronic certificates to the plurality of remote user stations is conditioned upon the entry of remote user profile data by the plurality of remote users to the service system.
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15. A method for issuing and processing electronic certificates containing reservation data and having both transaction data and identification data, comprising the steps of:
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(a) establishing electrical communication between a service system and a plurality of issuer systems, each issuer system including an issuing computer having an initial set of reservation instructions;
(b) establishing electrical communication between the service system and a plurality of remote user stations;
(c) transmitting to the service system from the plurality of issuer systems instructions for issuing number of the electronic certificates;
(d) the service system receiving remote user profile data containing reservation data, including information sufficient to specifically identify the remote user, from the plurality of remote user stations and developing correlation data which categorizes and revises the initial set of reservation instructions;
(e) selectively transmitting to the plurality of issuer systems from the service system the correlation data without also transmitting the specific remote user identification information; and
(f) selectively transmitting to the plurality of remote user stations specified electronic certificates based upon the correlation data developed by the service system. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification