Electronic coupon dispensing system
First Claim
1. A coupon dispensing system, comprising:
- a point of sale system including a terminal having a data reader for reading coupon redemption data, and a point of sale system memory for storing said coupon redemption data;
an electronic coupon dispenser including a memory for electronically storing a plurality of coupons, a user interface for permitting selection from said plurality of coupons from a coupon menu, and a printer for printing coupons selected at said user interface;
said electronic coupon dispenser including means for recording and storing coupon-related data based on at least one of coupons viewed at said user interface, coupons printed by said printer, and coupons redeemed at said point of sale system;
a communication link between said point of sale system and said electronic coupon dispenser for transmitting said coupon redemption data from said point of sale system to said electronic coupon dispenser; and
a central data base operatively connected to said electronic coupon dispenser for transmitting said plurality of coupons and receiving said coupon-related data;
said central data base communicating with said electronic coupon dispenser in response to first predetermined parameters, with said point of sale system via said electronic coupon dispenser in response to second predetermined parameters.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A cost-effective, in-store coupon dispensing system that increases coupon redemption rates and product turns. The system includes a point of sale system including a terminal having a data reader for reading transaction data, and a system memory for storing read transaction data. An electronic coupon dispenser includes a memory for electronically storing a plurality of coupons, one or more user interfaces for permitting selection of any of the plurality of coupons from a coupon menu, and one or more printers for printing coupons elected at the user interface. The coupon dispenser generates coupon-related data based on user interface selections and coupons printed by the system. A central data base facility is operatively connected to the point of sale system for downloading coupon redemption data and to the electronic coupon dispenser for downloading the coupon-related data. The central data base facility communicates with the electronic coupon dispenser in response to first predetermined parameters and with the point of sale system in response to second predetermined parameters. The coupon dispensing system of the present invention finds particular utility in grocery stores or other stores having inventory having limited shelf life.
654 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A coupon dispensing system, comprising:
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a point of sale system including a terminal having a data reader for reading coupon redemption data, and a point of sale system memory for storing said coupon redemption data; an electronic coupon dispenser including a memory for electronically storing a plurality of coupons, a user interface for permitting selection from said plurality of coupons from a coupon menu, and a printer for printing coupons selected at said user interface; said electronic coupon dispenser including means for recording and storing coupon-related data based on at least one of coupons viewed at said user interface, coupons printed by said printer, and coupons redeemed at said point of sale system; a communication link between said point of sale system and said electronic coupon dispenser for transmitting said coupon redemption data from said point of sale system to said electronic coupon dispenser; and a central data base operatively connected to said electronic coupon dispenser for transmitting said plurality of coupons and receiving said coupon-related data; said central data base communicating with said electronic coupon dispenser in response to first predetermined parameters, with said point of sale system via said electronic coupon dispenser in response to second predetermined parameters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A coupon dispensing system, comprising:
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a point of sale system including a terminal having a data reader for reading coupon redemption data, and a point of sale system memory for storing said coupon redemption data; a coupon dispensing machine, comprising; a memory for electronically storing a plurality of coupons; a user interface including a coupon menu for permitting selection from said plurality of coupons stored in said memory; a printer for printing coupons selected from said coupon menu; said coupon dispensing machine including means for recording and storing coupon-related data based on coupons viewed at said user interface, coupons printed by said printer, and coupons redeemed at said point of sale system; and a central data base facility for permitting updating of said plurality of coupons; said central database for receiving said coupon redemption data from at least one of said coupon dispensing machine, said point of sale system via said coupon dispensing machine, and a central office processor connected to the point of sale system; said central data base facility communicating with said coupon dispensing machine in response to first predetermined parameters and with said point of sale system in response to second predetermined parameters.
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17. A method of dispensing coupons, comprising:
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electronically storing a plurality of coupons at a coupon dispensing apparatus; displaying a menu of said plurality of electronically stored coupons at said coupon dispensing apparatus; sensing selection of a coupon from said plurality of electronically stored coupons at said coupon dispensing apparatus; printing said selected coupon at said coupon dispensing apparatus; sensing redemption of said selected coupon at a coupon redemption apparatus;
said coupon dispensing apparatus including an algorithm for recording and storing coupon-related data based on coupons viewed through said menu of said coupon dispensing apparatus, coupons dispensed during said step of printing, and coupons redeemed at said coupon redemption apparatus; anddownloading data from said coupon redemption apparatus generated, in response to said step of sensing redemption of said selected coupon, directly to a central data base in response to first predetermined parameters, or to said central data base through said coupon dispensing apparatus in response to second predetermined parameters. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification