Computer-controlled system including a printer-dispenser for merchandise coupons

• US 5,176,224 A
• Filed: 09/28/1989
• Issued: 01/05/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donald Spector
• Original Assignee: Donald Spector
• Inventors: Spector, Donald
• Primary Examiner(s): Bartuska, F. J.
• Application Number:
  US07/413,966
• Time in Patent Office: 1,195 Days
• Field of Search: 186/52, 221/2, 235/381, 235/383, 235/385, 364/405, 364/479
• US Class Current: 186/52
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 10/02 for self-service type systems, e.g. supermarkets A47F10/06 takes precedence; hand-carts B62B; baskets B65D
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/387 Payment using discounts or coupons relating to marketing G06Q30/02
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 1/00 Machines for printing and issuing tickets printing mechanisms per se B41; output mechanisms of digital computers G06C11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/0043 using barcodes
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/26 for printing, stamping, franking, typing or teleprinting apparatus ticket printing or the like apparatus G07F17/42
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/00 Cash registers alarm indicators G07G3/00

Abstract

A closed-loop computer-controlled merchandising coupon system which includes a coupon printer-dispenser installed at each supermarket, making it possible for a shopper to receive a merchandising coupon entitling him to a specified discount on the product identified in the coupon. The printer, which is computer-controlled, is linked to at least one manufacturer whose product is available in the supermarket, the manufacturer instructing the printer as to the data to be printed. The printer, when actuated by the shopper, prints on a universal coupon blank the identity of the manufacturer'"'"'s product and the discount to which the holder is entitled as then determined by the manufacturer, the printed coupon then being dispensed. When the shopper purchases this product and redeems the coupon at a checkout counter at the supermarket, he is accorded the specified discount. Checkout counters at the supermarkets having coupon dispenser installations are linked to each manufacturer, thereby completing the loop, the manufacturer being provided with a readout of discount coupon transactions so that on the basis of this readout, he can alter the discount amount to be printed on the blank coupon.

Claims

1. A merchandising system for supermarkets or other retail establishment comprising:

(a) a printer-dispenser installed at each supermarket serviced by the system, making it possible for a shopper to receive a coupon entitling him to a discount on a particular manufacturer'"'"'s product on sale at that market, the printer being computer-controllable and being adapted, when actuated by the shopper, to print on a universal coupon blank the identity of the product and the discount to which its purchaser is entitled, thereby providing a printed discount coupon which is discharged from the dispenser, said computer-controllable printer including a panel having a set of manufacturer-controllable electronic displays thereon adapted to selectively display any desired message to identify the respective products for which discount coupons are available, and a corresponding set of controllable electronic displays to indicate the discount accorded to each product, said panel including a corresponding set of push-buttons, each of which when actuated by the shopper, causes the printer to print a discount coupon for the related product, and causes the dispenser to discharge the printer coupon;

(b) computer means remotely controllable by the manufacturer having an interest in promoting the product and coupled to the printer to instruct the printer to print on the coupon blank the identity of the product and to print the amount of the discount; and

(c) an electronic sign adapted to selectively display any desired message installed in the supermarket and under the remote control of the manufacturer to announce to shoppers entering the supermarket that the product is on sale and that discount coupons therefor are obtainable from the printer-dispenser.

2. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said printer is adapted to print on the coupon a UPC symbol that identifies in bar code form the manufacturer and the manufacturer'"'"'s product subject to discount, and also the specified discount.

3. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said computer means is installed at the headquarters of the manufacturer and is linked by satellite to the printer.

4. A system as set forth in claim 1, further including means in the supermarket to derive at a checkout counter where the product is purchased information regarding each discount coupon transaction and to transmit this information to the computer means and headquarters whereby headquarters can then evaluate the volume of the transactions, and as a result change the discount to be printed.