System and method for using cards for sponsored programs
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A computer implemented method comprising the steps of:
- storing a CID on a card;
activating, in a computer system of a third party, a consumer account associated with said card;
providing, in said computer system of said third party, said consumer account with an initial credit;
identifying, in a retail store computer system, said CID in a purchase transaction in a retail store associated with said retail store computer system;
debiting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account by the amount of said purchase transaction;
determining, in said retail store computer system, conditions for future credits associated with said CID;
storing, in said retail store computer system, said conditions in an account associated with said CID;
crediting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account, when said conditions are satisfied;
selling said card by said third party to a consumer at a card sale price; and
crediting, in said computer system of said third party, a retail store account of said retail store by an amount less than said initial credit when said computer system of said third party activates said account.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method, system, and computer program product for implementing a marketing application using a store card as a Reward Card, Rebate Card, Pre-paid Script Program Card, Incentive Card, and/or Gift Card, as well as a Frequent Shopper Card. A card provided in association with an initial credit is also associated with an identification and account stored in a computer database memory, and the identification in the card enables the retailer to subsequently allow the consumer to use the card for additional computer based marketing, debit, and credit activity.
202 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A computer implemented method comprising the steps of:
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storing a CID on a card; activating, in a computer system of a third party, a consumer account associated with said card; providing, in said computer system of said third party, said consumer account with an initial credit; identifying, in a retail store computer system, said CID in a purchase transaction in a retail store associated with said retail store computer system; debiting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account by the amount of said purchase transaction; determining, in said retail store computer system, conditions for future credits associated with said CID; storing, in said retail store computer system, said conditions in an account associated with said CID; crediting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account, when said conditions are satisfied; selling said card by said third party to a consumer at a card sale price; and crediting, in said computer system of said third party, a retail store account of said retail store by an amount less than said initial credit when said computer system of said third party activates said account. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer system, comprising computer readable medium storing instructions for performing the following functions:
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storing a CID on a card; activating, in a computer system of a third party, a consumer account associated with said card; providing, in said computer system of said third party, said consumer account with an initial credit; identifying, in a retail store computer system, said CID in a purchase transaction in a retail store associated with said retail store computer system; debiting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account by the amount of said purchase transaction; determining, in said retail store computer system, conditions for future credits associated with said CID; storing, in said retail store computer system, said conditions in an account associated with said CID; crediting, in said retail store computer system, said consumer account, costs of items purchased when said conditions are satisfied; selling said card by said third party to a consumer at a card sale price; and crediting, in said computer system of said third party, a retail store account of said retail store by an amount less than said initial credit when said computer system of said third party activates said account. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification