Discount-instrument methods and systems
First Claim
1. A method for implementing a program of discount arrangements, the method comprising:
- maintaining discount-arrangement information relating to a plurality of discount arrangements, wherein each such discount arrangement is associated with one of a plurality of merchants;
receiving transaction information related to a transaction at a point of sale, the transaction information identifying a merchant party to the transaction;
receiving an identifier for a discount instrument presented at the point of sale during the transaction;
making a determination whether the merchant party is one of the plurality of merchants; and
returning validation information to the point of sale in accordance with the determination.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for implementing a program of discount arrangements. Discount-arrangement information relating to discount arrangements is maintained, with each discount arrangement being associated with one of multiple merchants. Transaction information related to a transaction at a point of sale is received, with the transaction information identifying a merchant party to the transaction. An identifier for a discount instrument presented at the point of sale during the transaction is received. A determination is made whether the merchant party is one of the multiple merchants is made. Validation information is then returned to the point of sale in accordance with the determination.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for implementing a program of discount arrangements, the method comprising:
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maintaining discount-arrangement information relating to a plurality of discount arrangements, wherein each such discount arrangement is associated with one of a plurality of merchants;
receiving transaction information related to a transaction at a point of sale, the transaction information identifying a merchant party to the transaction;
receiving an identifier for a discount instrument presented at the point of sale during the transaction;
making a determination whether the merchant party is one of the plurality of merchants; and
returning validation information to the point of sale in accordance with the determination. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A computer system comprising:
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a storage device;
a communications device;
a processor in communication with the storage device and the communications device; and
a memory coupled with the processor, the memory comprising a computer-readable storage medium having a computer-readable program embodied therein for operating the computer system to manage a discount arrangement, the computer readable program including;
instructions for maintaining on the storage device discount-arrangement information relating to a plurality of discount arrangements, wherein each such discount arrangement is associated with one of a plurality of merchants;
instructions for receiving with the communications device transaction information related to a transaction at a point of sale, the transaction information identifying a merchant party to the transaction;
instructions for receiving with the communications device an identifier for a discount instrument presented at the point of sale during the transaction;
instructions for making a determination with the processor whether the merchant party is one of the plurality of merchants; and
instructions for returning validation information to the point of sale with the communications device in accordance with the determination. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification