Process for the distribution and redemption of coupons

• US 7,401,032 B1
• Filed: 01/24/2000
• Issued: 07/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: News America Marketing Properties LLC (News Corporation)
• Original Assignee: News America Marketing Properties LLC (News Corporation)
• Inventors: Levin, Hillel, Barbour, James A., Schornberg, Albert, Anderson, Bradley A., Gentry, Gary D., Golden, Steven M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Alvarez; Raquel
• Application Number:
  US09/490,362
• Time in Patent Office: 3,095 Days
• Field of Search: 705/1, 705/10, 705/14, 705/26, 705/27
• US Class Current: 705/14.39
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/045 using payment protocols involving tickets
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/0457 the tickets being sent electronically
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/38215 Use of certificates or encrypted proofs of transaction rights
• 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: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0224 based on user history
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0233 Method of redeeming a frequent usage reward
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0236 Incentive or reward received by requiring registration or ID from user
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0238 at point-of-sale [POS]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0239 Online discounts or incentives
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0269 based on user profile or attribute
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0271 Personalized advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/42 for ticket printing or like apparatus , e.g. apparatus for dispensing of printed paper tickets or payment cards

Abstract

A data processing system issuing electronic certificates 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.

Claims

1. A process for distributing and redeeming coupons, comprising the steps of:

establishing electrical communication over the internet between a service system and a plurality of remote users having personal computers;

receiving at the service system from a plurality of issuer systems instructions for issuing the redeemable coupons;

receiving at the service system profile data input by the remote users over the internet;

the service system permitting remote user access to offers for redeemable coupons upon the entry of profile data requested of the remote users by the service system;

said offers being accessible over the Internet to selective remote users based on analysis of the profile data;

storing coupon files in a data base, said coupon files containing information relating to redeemable coupons offered to and selected by the remote users; and

automatically redeeming coupons contained in said stored data base when the remote users make transactions using a credit card.

2. The process for distributing and redeeming coupons as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coupon file is transmitted to said data base using the Internet.

3. The process for distributing and redeeming coupons as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coupon file is transmitted to said database via the service system using the Internet.