TW583866B - Coupon systems and methods of use of coupons within a group communications system - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupon systems and methods for delivering and redeeming coupons comprise a communications network defined by at least a wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, where the communications network is associated with a plurality of communication devices that define a group communications net. A communications manager is operable to provide a group communication session by receiving a data packet from one member of the group communications net and transmitting the data packet through the computer network to at least one of the other members of the group communications net. A coupon module having a plurality of coupons is associated with the communications manager, and a delivery module is coupled to each of the coupon module, the communications manager, and the communications network. The delivery module is operable to monitor the group communication session and to deliver one of the plurality of coupons to the group communications net. Further, methods of delivering, authorizing and redeeming the coupons are disclosed.

Description

583866 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (1) Background of the invention. The present invention relates to a group or point to multi-point communication system, and more particularly to coupons in a group communication system. System and coupon usage. Group or point-to-multipoint communication systems have been used to generally provide communication between a central location and multiple users of the system. For example, dispatch systems using Land Mobile Radios (LMR) have been used in trucks, taxis, buses, and other vehicles to transfer schedule information to a central dispatch center and one or more corresponding services Communication between commuting vehicles. Communication can be performed on a specific vehicle in the service or on all vehicles simultaneously. · Another example of a point-to-multipoint communication system is a wireless drive-to-talk system. The system allows individuals in a group to communicate with other members of the group, and each individual has a wireless communication device. Typically, the drive communication system relies on a single frequency, or a dedicated channel, through which the communication of the wireless communication device is received. In most systems, only one member can transmit information to other members at any one time. However, all members can listen to the dedicated broadcast channel to receive communications from a single member who is transmitting. Members who want to transmit to other members of the system typically send an access request by pressing the drive talk key of their respective communication device, allowing the user to have unique access to the exclusive channel. Examples of driving communication system use include workgroup communications, security communications, construction site communications, and regional military communications. The group of people who need to communicate with each other is generally recognized as " Internet ", and the paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) binding

583866 A7 _B7 _._ 5. Description of the invention (2) Each member of the network may be called a "net member". Each network and network member represents a marketing opportunity for goods and service providers. However, in a typical group communication system, this market opportunity is inaccessible or definable. Furthermore, in a typical group communication system, there is no mechanism to force this market opportunity into the sale of goods or services. In addition, typical providers of group communication services have not yet recognized the value of this market opportunity for goods and service providers, and have therefore ignored potential revenue sources. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the coupon system and method of using coupons provided by the present invention overcome the disadvantages noted above. These coupon systems and methods provide the delivery of coupons within an I- * group communication system, as well as the authentication and redemption of coupons in the transaction of a product or service. A coupon module passes the coupon to a communication device combined with a group communication system. Coupons that are suitable for transmission with the group communication system in format include verifiable features for merchants to verify when redeeming a coupon related to a product or service. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a coupon system includes: a communication network defined by at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, and the communication network and a plurality of communications defining a group communication network Device; a communication manager is operable to receive a first type data packet from a member of the group communication network and transmit the first type data packet to the group communication network via the computer network At least one other member's mode to provide group communication connection; coupon module with several coupons, of which the paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) 583866 A7 B7 5 2. Description of the invention (3) Each coupon of a plurality of coupons includes a second type data packet; and a coupon module, a communication manager, and a delivery module of the communication network, and the delivery The module is operable to monitor the group communication connection and pass one of the coupons to at least one member of the group communication network. In another specific embodiment, a coupon system includes a communication network defined by at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, and the communication network is associated with a plurality of communication devices defining a group communication network. Combination; a coupon module with several coupons, each of which includes information with an identifying feature, so each coupon can be authorized; coupled to the coupon module and the communication network The controller module and the controller module are operable to receive a data packet from a member of the group communication network and transmit the data packet to at least one of the group communication network via the computer network. Other members to provide a group communication connection, and the controller module is further operable to monitor the group communication connection and pass one of the predetermined coupons to a combination of the group communication network At least one communication device; and a delivery manager coupled to the controller module, the delivery manager is operable to select the predetermined coupon from the plurality of coupons according to predetermined delivery characteristics . In a further specific embodiment, a coupon system includes a communication network defined by at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, the communication network and the definition. The number of a group communication network A communication module; a coupon module with several coupons; a controller module coupled to the message module and one of the communication networks; the controller module can operate by communicating from the group A network member receives a data packet and passes the data packet through

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583866 A7 ______B7__ V. Description of the invention (4) A method for providing a group communication connection by transmitting from the computer network to at least one other member of the group communication network, and the controller module can further operate to monitor the group The group communication connection and pass one of the predetermined coupons to the group communication network, and the controller module is further operable to track the number of participants participating in the group communication connection and reservation coupon reception Each communication device generates an activity record; and a biiling module is operable to receive the activity record and generate a billable amount payable to each of several communication devices, where the amount payable is based on The tracked receiving history of the predetermined coupon combined with the corresponding communication device is discounted. In still another specific embodiment, a communication network that can be combined with several communication devices that define a group member operates together. A coupon system includes: a communication manager that can be connected to the communication network and can be connected to at least two members of the group, the communication manager can To provide a group communication connection by receiving a transmission from a member of the group communication network and forwarding the transmission to at least one other member of the group via the computer network, wherein the communication network includes a computer coupled to a computer At least one wireless telephone network of the network, wherein the transmission includes a data packet; a coupon module having several coupons, each coupon including a data packet; and a control module can be connected to the message module And at least two members of the child group, the controller module is operable to monitor the communication connection of the group and pass a predetermined coupon of a plurality of coupons to the group according to a predetermined transmission instruction. In another embodiment, a method for transmitting a coupon includes the following steps: monitoring a group of communication devices combined with a communication network

583866 A7 B7 5. Description of the invention (5) Group communication connection, the communication network includes at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network; and one coupon of several coupons is passed to the number via the communication network. Communication devices. In a further specific embodiment, a method for transmitting a coupon includes the following steps: receiving identification of a plurality of communication devices to be included in a group communication connection, in which the plurality of communication devices Each device is combined with a communication network including at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network; by receiving a data packet from a communication device and transmitting the data packet to at least one via the telephone network Other communication devices to establish the group communication connection; and transmitting one of the plurality of coupons to the communication devices participating in the group communication connection through the communication network according to predetermined transmission characteristics. In still another specific embodiment, a system for transmitting a coupon includes: a device for network-connecting a plurality of communication devices, the network-link device including at least one wireless telephone coupled to a computer network Network, the plurality of communication devices define a group communication network; one device for storing a plurality of coupons; one device for controlling communication coupled to the storage device and the network connection device, the control communication device It is operable to provide a group communication connection, the control communication by receiving a data packet from a member of the group network and transmitting the data packet to at least one other member of the group communication network through a network connection device. The device is further operable to monitor the group communication connection and pass one of the predetermined coupons to the group communication network. In still another specific embodiment, it is used to pass coupons through a communication network. -8-This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm)

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k 583866 A7 _____ Ώ7_ V. Description of the Invention (6) The system of communication devices defined to define a group member includes: a device for transmitting communication that can be connected to the communication network and at least two members of the group, The transmission device is operable to provide a group communication connection by receiving a transmission from a member of the group network and forwarding the transmission to at least one other member of the group through the communication network, wherein the communication network includes Coupling to a computer network means one wireless telephone network, wherein the transmission includes a data packet in an internet protocol format; a device for storing several coupons, each coupon containing a data packet; And an information device connectable to the storage device and at least two members of the group, the information device is operable to monitor the communication link of the group and reserve one of the coupons according to a predetermined delivery instruction Securities are passed to this group. In a further specific embodiment, the method for authorizing a coupon includes the following steps: receiving a coupon identifier combined with the coupon, transmitting the coupon in an internet-formatted data packet, and transmitting the packet by the Received by a communication device combined with a group communication network operating in a communication network, the communication network including at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network; and authorizing the use of coupons based on the coupon identifier . Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a specific embodiment of a coupon system in a group communication system; Figure 2 is a centralized charging record server and its components combined with the system of Figure 1 Block diagram of a specific embodiment; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a network database and its components combined with the system of FIG. 1; -9- This paper standard is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications ( 210X297 mm)

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583866 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (7) Figure 4 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a profiling module and its components combined with the system of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a combination of the system of Figure 1. A block diagram of a specific embodiment of a coupon module and its components; FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a delivery module and its combined components combined with the system of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are functional block diagrams of a specific embodiment of a method for transmitting and delivering coupons in a group communication system; Functional block diagram of a specific embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a coupon system and method for transmitting coupons to a communication device within a communication network combined with a group communication system. From one aspect of the present invention, a coupon module stores coupons passed to communication devices in the network, which are managed by a control module or a coupon server that monitors the network activity. From another perspective, a delivery manager module schedules coupons based on predetermined characteristics, such as the time interval from when the final coupon is delivered or the match between the coupon characteristics and network members or network characteristics. Passing time schedule. In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a method for authenticating and redeeming a coupon to a communication device via a group communication system. With reference to FIG. 1 ′, in a specific embodiment, a system 10 for passing coupons to and used by a group communication system member 10 includes a device for passing coupons to several communication devices or network members 14, 16, 18 20 to define a group or network of coupon servers 12 within the communication network 22. Communication network two to

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583866 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (8) The distributed computer network 24 and wireless communication network 26 are rarely included. The coupon server 12 includes a coupon module 28 for storing a plurality of coupons and their combined coupon features, and a delivery module 30 for monitoring and controlling a predetermined coupon delivery within the network. The system 10 may further include a controller or communication manager 32 for establishing and controlling the network and group communication connections between the communication devices 14, 16, 18, and 20. Further, the communication manager 32 may include a centralized billing server 34 to track group or network activity and generate a combined user bill. The communication manager 32 may additionally include a network database 36 for storing information associated with each network and its network members, and a setting module 38 is configured to combine each network and / or network members with the setting information. Therefore, the coupon server 12 may interrupt a group communication connection based on a predetermined transfer characteristic such as based on a time interval from which the last coupon is delivered or a match between the characteristics of the coupon and the characteristics of the network or network members. Pass coupons to network members. Moreover, after receiving a coupon, the end user or network member can redeem the coupon at a merchant 39 in the transaction of goods or services. Merchant 39 includes any provider of goods or services, such as a retail outlet or distributor, or a manufacturer or provider of such goods or services. The merchant 39 may directly or indirectly link to the coupon server 12, such as via a distributed computer network 24, and any coupons such as those presented for certification redemption. Furthermore, the system 10 may include an administration or subscription site server 40 configured to provide an interface between the system 10 and users of the system, such as set-up or modify the group Or network. Although -11- This paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) 583866 A7 B7 V. Description of invention (9) Natural coupon server 12, communication manager 32 and management server 40 and its corresponding components are described separately in this article, but they can be integrated into a single computer system, such as a server of the system administrator type. Alternatively, the coupon server 12, the communication manager 32, the management server 40, and its components may be separated in any combination or decentralized manner throughout the system 10. The combination of the communication manager 32, the management server 40, the communication devices 14, 16, 18, 20, and the communication network 22 can define a group communication system, a well-known start call system, and a network broadcast service (net broadcast service, NBS). ) System, dispatch system, or point-to-multipoint communication system. One of the defining characteristics of this NBS system is that only one user can transmit information to other users at any point in time. For example, in an NBS system, a group of communication device users combined with a network, individually known as network members, use communication devices assigned to each network member to communicate with each other. The term " network " means that a group of communication device users are authorized to communicate with each other. The network operates on an existing communication system without requiring drastic changes to the existing infrastructure. In a specific embodiment, the network broadcast service (NBS) system enables an Internet Protocol (IP) communication device to participate in a conference of group voice and data. NBS can be a Voice over IP (VoIP) application. The voice communication is transmitted from a talker endpoint communication device to one or more listeners by encapsulating a voice frame in an IP datagram. Data with voice can also be transmitted in this way. For example, a suitable range of NBS system is -12- This paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (21 × 297 mm) 583866 A7. B7 V. Invention Description (10) Applied on March 3, 2000 No. 09 / 518,682, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Enabling Group Communication Services in an Existing Communication System", entitled "Method and Apparatus for Enabling Group Communication Services in an Existing Communication System", Commission Memorandum No. 000210 (Attorney Docket) US Patent Application, No. 09 / 518,776 filed on March 3, 2000, with "Method and Apparatus for Participating in Participating in Group Communication Services in Existing Communication Systems" Group Communication Services in an Existing Communication System), U.S. Patent Application No. 000211 for Appointment Memorandum, No. 09 / 518,985 filed on March 3, 2000, and used to provide groups in existing communication systems Method and Apparatus for Providing Group Communication Services in an Existing Communication Systerii Titled, described in US Patent Application No. 000212, Attorney Docket, and specifically incorporated herein by reference. Communication network 22 is provided on communication devices 14, 16, 18, and 20 and such as coupon servo Server 12, communication manager 32, and system manager type components of the management server 28. The communication links (communications network 22) include a plurality of network links to be combined with each individual network The communication devices are combined to form a group or network. The networks may be one or more of any kind of global network and / or any combination of local networks. Except for decentralized computer networks 24 And wireless communication network 26, communication network 22 may further include any other type of communication network capable of interfacing with decentralized communication network 24 and / or wireless communication network 26. For example, located in communication network-13- This paper standard applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm)

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583866 A7 B7 V. Suitable examples of the network in (11) 26 include any system that can use the Internet Protocol (IP) to transfer packet information, such as Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA) system, Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) system, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) system, global Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) system, satellite communication systems such as Globalstar ™ or Iradium ™, public switched telephone network (PSTN), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system (Prthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems, global decentralized computer networks such as the Internet, public carrier networks, private telecommunications operators or corporate networks, local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), wired Number of individuals in TV-type networks, optical networks, such as Bluetooth ™ technology networks Assistant (personal digital assistants) or smart appliances (smart appliances) network, other wireless systems and network application protocol (wireless application protocol, WAP) network, or variety. Using communication devices designated by communication devices (CD) 14, 16, 18, and 20, the network members communicate with each other through the communication network 22. CDs 14, 16, 18, and 20 include any device capable of transmitting and receiving packet information. Preferably, CDs 14, 16, 18, and 20 further include input, output, and processing mechanisms to achieve input, transmission, reception, and / or output of the packet information. CDs 14, 16, 18, and 20 can be wired or wireless communication devices, such as terrestrial radios. -14. This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210X 297 mm).

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583866 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (12) words, wired telephone with call activation capability, satellite phone equipped with call activation function, wireless video camera, still camera, such as a music recorder or player ( player) audio device, laptop or desktop computer, paging device, personal digital assistant, smart home appliance or any combination thereof. For example, CD 14 may include a wireless terrestrial telephone with an image camera and display connected to wireless network 42 or CD 14 may be a QUALCOMM QCP (R) -860 telephone; CD 16 may include a wireless connection to a satellite network 44 Satellite phones; CD 18 may include a wired telephone connected to a public switched telephone network 46; and CD 20 may include a personal computer directly connected to a decentralized computer network 24. Moreover, each CD can transmit and receive information in a secure mode or a non-secure (clear) mode. Through the following discussion, a reference to another CD can be expressed using a wirelessly activated call. However, it should be understood that the reference to a CD is not intended to be so limited and may include other communication devices having the ability to transmit and receive packet information in accordance with the Internet Protocol (IP). Although each communication device is described above with reference to a given, combined network, it should be understood that several communication devices can be combined with a single network and form a network. For example, a network may include several land phones connected to a wireless communication system. It should be further understood that several different types of communication devices can be further combined with a given network. For example, a network may include several land phones and several computers connected to a private or corporate network including wireless communication networks and decentralized computer networks. In System 10, transmission privilege is defined as usually -15- This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm)

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k 583866 A7 B7 V. Invention Description (13) Allows a single user to transmit information to other network members at any point in time. The transmission right may be agreed or rejected to the requesting network member, depending on whether the transmission right is now assigned to other network members when the request is received. The process of agreeing and rejecting transmission requirements is known as arbitration. Other arbitration schemes evaluate factors such as the priority level assigned to each CD when deciding whether to agree to a demand that network members can be granted the transmission right. To participate in the system 10, each of the communication devices 14, 16, 18, and 20 has the ability to request transmission rights from the controller or communication manager 32. Usually the communication manager 32 manages the real-time and administrative operations of the network. The communication manager 32 may be any type of computer device having at least one processor and a memory. In a specific embodiment, the communication manager 32 is a Sun Netra T1 ™ workstation. The communication manager 32 forms connections of individual communication devices to form a talk group or network. The communication manager contains various functional capabilities in hardware or software and is configured in a variety of different ways to suit different applications. Usually the communication manager provides management of immediate, administrative, and network authentication operations, initiation of call (PTT) requirements-arbitration, maintenance and dissemination of network membership and registration lists, necessary systems and The ability to call set-up and tear-down network resources, as well as the overall control of network status. Furthermore, the communication manager 32 maintains a list of defined network names, and defines them as clear or secure. A secure network relies on the encryption provided by individual CDs to provide authentication for eavesdropping • 16- This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm)

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k 583866 A7 B7 V. Description of invention (14) (authentication) and protection (guard). Encryption of the secure network is implemented on an end-to-end basis, which means that encryption and decryption are performed within each CD. The communication manager 32 usually operates in a way that does not know the security algorithms, keys, or policies. Assuming that a service provider provides authorization, the communication manager 32 can perform remote management via a communication system service provider, a network member, or both. The communication manager 32 may receive the network definition via an external management interface. For example, network members may require network management functions through their service providers or through defined systems, such as a security manager operated by the member or a management server compatible with the communication manager 32 management interface. The communication manager 32 may authenticate high-grade commercial standards to anyone who is trying to establish or modify a network. The communication manager 32 maintains one or more databases and servers, such as a centralized accounting record server 34, a network database 36, and a setting module 38, for managing related to individual network members and related to each network. Define information for the network. The centralized accounting record server 34 collects and processes data combined with charging or billing to users participating in a network. The network database 36 collects and processes information that combines network members with the network. And the setting module 38 collects and processes the setting data combined with the network members and / or the network. Referring to FIG. 2, for example, the centralized accounting record server 34 can track and process each network member's identification information and the active network or network within a given time interval such as a month as a period of the accounting cycle. Participation time in a group communication connection. Detailed record information of each user, such as which -17- This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X 297 mm)

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583866 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (15) Information on the network is in progress, how long it has been moving, where it is from, and when each CD is the speaker or listener and how long the call is being maintained. . This information may be collected in an activity log 48, for example. Furthermore, the activity record 48 can be used to collect and maintain data combined with the delivery and use of coupons, such as the number of coupons received in a given period of time and each network member listening to the coupon The total amount of informational information or advertising time. In addition, the centralized accounting record server 34 may include an accounting module 50, which includes hardware, software, memory, and a program for generating a bill payable by each network member during an accounting cycle. The accounting module 50 may include various forms that combine network calls in action and / or listening time with billable amounts or rates, combine with the number of coupons received, and / or receive and listen with the gift Coupons, informational messages combined with coupons, various forms of discounts or credit line amounts or rates, program plans with costs for each network member's participation time, programs that will participate in one or more networks The combination of the cost and the network plan of each network member, the program comparing the Zhengzheng network participation and the allowed plan network participation to determine the amount payable, and other types of forms and programs in between. Other methodologies (methodolo 用来 ies) can also be used to determine the amount of money charged to a network user for a network in a group communication connection and / or participation. Referring to FIG. 3, for example, for each network member, among other types of information 52, the network database 36 may contain a user name, account number, phone number, or a dial number combined with the member CD. 、 Assigned to -18-This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm)

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k 583866 A7 _B7 _._ V. Description of the invention (16) The mobile identification number of the CD, the status of existing members in the network such as whether the member is operating in the network, etc., is used to determine the transmission right How to specify the phone number of the data, the IP address combined with the CD, the identifier of the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to facilitate members' participation in the network. In addition, the network database 36 may further include identification of network operating characteristics such as network information identified by each CD combined with each network, restrictions on who can participate in the network, restrictions on the total number of network participants, Identification of sponsors and / or managers or originators of the network, whether the network operates in a paid or funded network, can change the characteristics of the network and / or approved external management of member data Device, etc. For each network and / or network member, other related types of information may also be stored by the setting module 38. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the setting module 38 may store setting data 56 associated with each network member or each network. The configuration data 56 contains information collected from each user or network member, such as during or during the registration or voucher process, or in combination with each user, such as via the activity log 48. For example, when an end user registers his CD to participate in a group communication system or to participate in a particular network, it can be presented with a series of questions to be answered. The answer to the question can be compulsory or voluntary to gain access to the system-to obtain authorization to participate in a network, or to continue participation in a network as through an instant questionnaire. For example, the setting data 56 may include a combination of group information and individual network member information, such as a composite group or individual members. -19 · This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X 297 mm)

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583866 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (17) Personal preference information, interests, hobbies, groups or individual topics or focus, marketing information, socioeconomic information, family information, personal information, purchasing habits information, Credit information, group participation information, communication device usage information, and any other type of information combined with a network member, which can have a number to help direct coupons to that network member or network, for example among other reasons , Target marketing, or assisting system operators in making access decisions or assisting the initiator of a network group in making member information decisions. In another specific embodiment, for example, the setting data 56 may be stored or composed using a part of the member information 52 and the network information 54 in the network database 36. In addition, the setting module 38 may include a profile generator 58 to compile, analyze, and classify the setting data 56 combined with each network member or each group / network. And, based on the analysis of the setting data or the activity record data of each network member or each network, the setting generator 58 may generate additional profile data 56. For example, the setting generator 58 may include software, hardware, firmware, etc. to present registration requirements or questionnaires to the user and collect responses to the questions and compile them into the setting data 56. And, for example, the setting generator software 58 may analyze the given setting data to classify it, or combine the given setting data with a predetermined classification that can be combined with the network member and the network. The characterization of the given setting data 56 may form additional setting data in combination with a network or network user. Or, in addition, the setting generator 58 can receive the activity record of each group or individual user. 4 8. There is other information combined with the use of a communication device, such as by -20 with each communication device. Standards apply to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210X297 mm)

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583866 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (18) The global positioning system (GPS) combined with the position is used to measure the user's position, and the setting data is compiled, analyzed, and generated based on this information56. In other words, the setting generator 58 may receive and analyze data combined with individual users or groups / networks to characterize the data and combine this characterization with the user or group as one of the setting data 56. Part, so for example the user or group can be targeted for coupon delivery with matching characteristics. With reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the coupon server 12 stores a plurality of coupons 60 in the coupon module 28, and selects and delivers one according to the characteristics 64 in the transfer manager 62 in the transfer module 30. Book coupons to a network or network member. With reference to FIG. 5, the coupon module 28 includes a database for storing a number of coupons 60 and a coupon feature 66 associated with each coupon. Each coupon 60 may include voice data, audio data, alphanumeric data, media data such as images or combinations thereof, and any content that can be copied and / or transmitted over a communication network as defined herein Other type information. In a specific embodiment, each coupon 60 is a prerecorded medium that can be stored later, and can be distributed to each member of the network simultaneously or immediately, or in other words, in one action In a timely manner during a group communication connection. In addition, each coupon 60 has a combined informational message with a period, time interval, or play length. For example, several coupons may include advertisements and information related to discounts combined with specific goods or services. Typically, although not a requirement, each coupon 60 is combined with one or more coupon features 66. The coupon feature 66 includes information combined with a special coupon 60 to define, classify, or advance -21- This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X 297 mm)

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583866 A7 _ B7 V. Description of the invention (19) Step to characterize the coupon. In this manner, the coupon feature 66 is similar to the profile 56 associated with each network member or network. For example, the coupon feature 66 may include information that defines the topic of the service or service or the subject item, the provider of the goods or services, combined with the coupon to be used to direct the coupon to a user or to Coupon content interested in the network. In addition, the coupon feature 66 may include, for example, the coupon expiration date, the coupon redemption price, and the coupon identification code. The security identifier may include a predetermined code for identifying, authorizing, and redeeming the coupon 60. A suitable example of a coupon identifier includes an electronic code such as a serial number, a UPC code, a bar code, such as a keypad or a signature. Therefore, for example, a coupon for receiving a car rental discount may have the characteristics of combining the coupon with a car, driving, etc., which may be matched to a network group of similar setting data combining the group with the coupon. With regard to Fig. 6, as previously described, the delivery module 30 includes a delivery manager 62 to manage delivery of coupons 60 to networks and network members based on delivery characteristics 64. Delivery manager 62 may include hardware and software to monitor the activity of a network and / or network members and apply delivery features 64 to decide when to deliver coupons, and / or select a particular coupon for delivery. The pass-through feature 64 contains a predetermined set of commands that can be applied to a coupon or to a particular network or network member to decide when to pass the coupon and / or what kind of coupon to be passed. The delivery feature 64 may include one or a combination of the following: the time interval since the final coupon was delivered or from the beginning of the group communication connection; the timing status or time sensitivity of a coupon; and the coupon characteristics Matching with network or network member settings. In this way, the delivery manager 62 monitors or receives the report of the group activity and can disconnect the group connection. With this paper size, the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) is applied.

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583866 A7 ______ Β7 ____ 5. Description of the Invention (20) The machine passes a coupon to a network, such as according to the duration of a group connection or the timing status of the coupon. Alternatively, the delivery manager 62 may selectively deliver a coupon to a network, such as combining the network and the coupon based on the match between its setting data 56 and the coupon feature 66, respectively. In order to determine a match, the delivery module 30 can access the coupon module 28 and the setting module 36 to compare the coupon characteristics of an informational message with the setting characteristics of a network or network member in order to set the gift. Set goals for coupon delivery. In operation, regarding FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a specific embodiment of a method 70 for transmitting information in a group communication system, using the specific embodiment of the above-mentioned (FIG. 1) system 10, including from a user or The group initiator receives a request via an communication device through an initial group call (gr0Up call) or a group communication connection (block 72). For example, the user or group initiator can contact the communication manager by dialing a preset number on a wireless phone, where the preset number is combined with software in the communication manager to initialize Group communication connection. Further, for example, the communication manager may receive set-up instructions from the user, such as parameters for establishing the group communication connection (block 74). For example, group communication connection parameters that can be set by the user include selecting a sponsorship mode, selecting a payment mode, naming the group or connection, providing information that is interesting to the group or to be discussed during the connection period. Topics or issues, etc. A sponsorship model can include group communication connections where the user or group initiator wants to be sponsored or funded by an entity outside the communication network, rather than being fully paid by each network participant. For example, in the mode, the coupons stored in the St coupon server can be automatically transferred to the network member during the group communication connection period and each network member can -23-

Description of the Invention The cost of having them participate in the connection is reduced according to the number of coupons they receive and the listening time,% 6; In other cases, each of the coupons ... 6, such as merchant 39 or a provider of goods and services, can pay for the coupons they pass to the network. The fees paid by the entity either burden or compensate the cost of each network member in the group communication connection, or may not compensate the cost of the group communication system provider. The payment model may include a group communication connection model in which each network member pays directly for his participation in the group connection. Typically, but not necessarily always, by selecting the 泫 pay mode, the user or group initiator can prevent the group from receiving coupons during the group communication connection period in the action. However, it should be noted that coupons can be passed to network members regardless of the mode of the group communication connection. Further, the method includes receiving identification of additional communication devices to form the communication network and participate in the group communication connection. Line (block 76). For example, a user or group initiator may select a predefined group of communication devices and is also recognized as a communication network, or the user may create a new, impromptu hoc) group or communication network, or the user may Select certain combinations of predefined groups and individual communication devices. The communication network may be from a pre-defined network or a user / communication device, such as, for example, stored in the user communication device or in the communication manager, from a telephone book or a directory. ry) is selected among the services. The method may include verifying that a user setting including configuration data exists for each identified user or a communication device integrated with the communication network. If user settings do not exist, selected users can be directed

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583866 A7 ___B7 V. Description of the invention (22) To set its own settings (block 80). An identified user without a setting can set its configuration data in various ways, such as accessing the communication manager and responding to a profiling questionnaire (block 82) passed by the configuration module. For example, the identified user may be on his communication device, such as a wireless telephone through a wireless telephone network or a personal computer through a computer network, through the management server, or a device that can be used to communicate with the communication manager. Any other method should set a profiling request. If the setup questionnaire is incomplete, the identified users can be designated as a payment model (block 84). Once the identified user has established a user setting, the system then determines the mode to be combined with the identified user of the group call and specifies the mode (block 86). For example, the user can specify a pattern to override the group pattern created when the group was established, or vice versa. The communications manager then adds the identified users to the group or network (block 88). If the identified user has not set up a mutual setting, as mentioned earlier, the identified user is combined with the payment model (block 84) and the communication manager will identify the user to the group or network (block 88) ). In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the communication group or the network may require all members to have the same designated mode, that is, the payment mode or the sponsorship mode, or the network members may have different modes. For example, if the network includes members who are combined with both paid and sponsored models, the communications manager may require members of the sponsored model to receive coupons and combined informational messages before joining the group connection, or may simply Disconnect the group to pass the coupon to those members. If the coupon and the optional informational message are delivered in advance, the communication manager can track each component-__- 25- This standard is applicable to the Chinese suka standard (CNS) A4 specification (21GX297 public love)- -583866 A7 _B7 _._ V. Description of the Invention (23) The previous group connection length of the members and an average group connection length is estimated to determine the number of coupons and optional informational messages that are passed to members of the sponsorship model in advance length. Furthermore, the communication manager can track the connection of each individual member group and the received coupons or informational messages, and then, depending on the individual statistics combined with each member, pass more or less gifts in advance Vouchers are given to each member. Either the group mode or the individually-identified mode with priority can set a function of predetermined rules for the system, the group, or the individual user. Once the entire group has been identified, the setting module then determines a group setting (block 90). For example, the group setting includes the synthetic characteristics of the group based on the configuration data combined with each individual user and / or according to the group characteristics defined by the group's initiator, such as group discussion issues. According to a predetermined set of instructions by the setting module, such as a user setting program (profiling program) and the received setting data, the individual setting data may include data provided by each individual or generated by the setting module. Similarly, the group setting data can be generated by the setting module according to other predetermined set of instructions, such as a group setting program, and according to the received and generated user-defined data. Further, after the entire group is identified, the group call is initiated by the communication manager transmitting an invitation to the identified users to require them to participate in a group communication connection (block 92). For example, the invitation can include information such as identification of the group's initiator, other group members, patterns and identification of the topic or topics of interest, and so on. Each identified user can respond to the request, and if it is not complete, provide setting data to participate in the sponsorship model. The communication manager looks like Dang Dang. -26- This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210X 297 mm)

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583866 A7-^ __ B7 V. Invention) " When receiving the first acceptance of an invitation, the group is initially connected (block 94). In this way, the group connection includes at least a connection initiator and another communication device. If the group connection is a sponsored mode connection, or if individual participants are combined with the sponsored mode, the group connection is monitored and coupons are passed to one or more network members (block 96). As previously discussed, the coupon may be delivered according to a predetermined delivery feature, which feature G is listed below] one or a combination thereof: the time interval from which the last coupon was delivered; the time sensitivity of the coupon; the coupon Matching of features with features set by the network or network members. For example, at the time when the coupon is delivered, the communication manager can give the coupon server the highest transmission priority. Therefore, the information server needs to transmit a coupon and optional informational information to the transmission product. Overriding any other transmission needs. In this way, at the indicated time point, once the pre-existing transmission priority network member completes their communication, the coupon server obtains the transmission priority and transmits a predetermined coupon, thereby inserting the coupon into the group communication company. line. Or, there may be a situation, such as a time-sensitive coupon, in which the communication manager terminates the priority of a communication device in the middle of a communication to allow the coupon server to transmit the coupon to the network. Furthermore, the system monitors the receipt of each coupon and each combined informational message for each communication device (block 98). For example, the system tracks the receipt of coupons in a record and combines this information, such as the number of coupons received and the time interval during which informational messages are listened to, with each communication device. Once the coupons and optional informational messages have been received, the group connection can continue in the normal way. Again, it should be noted that coupons can be passed before or after a group communication connection. _________- 27- This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210X297 mm)

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泫 Group connection can be terminated by the group's initiator or by any network member'like 疋 by transmitting a predetermined termination signal to the communication manager or simply hanging up or ending by the last person Their participation in the group connection (block 100). And, according to the monitoring and recording of each user's participation in any group connection and the receipt of coupons and optional informational messages, the communication manager can generate a group communication connection with end users or network members. Combined billing and fees, and the communications manager may issue a credit to the billing discount or based on receipt of coupons and optional informational messages by members of the network and / or the network (block 102). This bill can be transmitted to the appropriate network member in any manner, such as electronically through the communication network or physically via a mail delivery service such as the United States Post Office (block 104). When supplied with group calls and coupon receipts from this system, typical bill generation and collection services can be used. Once a coupon is received, network members can use the coupon in the transaction of a product or service. With respect to Figure 9, a specific embodiment of a method of redeeming a coupon includes presenting the coupon to a merchant or other goods or service provider combined with the coupon (block 106). The coupon can be presented to the merchant or supplier in text, picture, sound, electronic or any other suitable format to confirm that the coupon is valid. For example, the network member may display the coupon on the graphic display of his communication device, or the network member may inform the merchant of the code number associated with the coupon. The merchant or provider may optionally authorize the coupon by receiving a coupon identifier combined with the coupon (block 108) and identifying the coupon identifier with at least one reference coupon -28- This paper size applies to Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) 583866 A7 B7 5. Whether the invention description (26) meets (block 110). For example, the merchant or provider can communicate with the coupon server through the communication network to authorize the presented coupon identifier with several coupon identifiers or with a coupon in the re-coupon server. Compare with coupon recognizer. Thus, according to the coupon identifier or simply based on the presentation of the coupon, 'the merchant or provider can authorize the use of the coupon (block 112)' and perform the merchandise with the terms combined with the coupon. Transaction of service (block 114). Accordingly, the present invention includes a system for communicating coupons to a defined group member via a communication network. The system includes a device for transmitting communications connectable to the communication network and at least two members of the group, wherein the transmitting device is operable to receive a transmission from a member of the group and forward the transmission via the communication network Go to at least one other member of the group to provide a group communication connection. The communication network includes at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, and the transmission includes a data packet in an Internet protocol format. The system further includes a device for storing a plurality of coupons, each coupon including a data packet, and a messaging device connectable to each storage device and at least two members of the group. The message device is operable to monitor the group communication connection and one of the plurality of coupons is scheduled to be delivered to the group according to a predetermined transfer instruction. Therefore, a communication device establishes the group communication connection between members of the network combined with a communication network including at least a wireless network and a decentralized computer network. The communications manager monitors or receives reports of group activity and may randomly or selectively pass a coupon to a network or network member. Network members' communications and the coupon include voice over IP based on Internet protocols _ -29- This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) 583866 A7 B7

V. Description of the invention (27) (voice over IP) protocol formatted data packets. For example, the random delivery of coupons can be based on the duration of a group connection or the timing of a coupon. For example, the selective delivery of coupons can be based on the corresponding information of the corresponding network or network member ^ Matching is based on a combination of the network or network members and one of several coupons selected into the coupon. For example, to determine & a match 'communication manager or coupon server can access the coupon module and configuration module to compare the coupon characteristics of a coupon with the configuration characteristics of a network or network member to order Set the goal of passing a coupon to the network or network members. A network member's participation in the group's communication connection, and the receipt of coupons and optional informational messages are monitored and recorded, and they calculate the appropriate amount due based on predetermined billing parameters. After receiving a coupon, the network member can redeem the coupon at the merchant. The merchant may authenticate the coupon to determine compliance by comparing the coupon identifier, such as a code number, with at least one authorized coupon identifier, and therefore determine the authorization of the coupon. In this way, members of the network can receive the benefits of a valid coupon in the transaction of goods or services. Thus, the system and method of the present invention provides the delivery of coupons within a group communication system and methods of using the coupons. The previous description of a more suitable specific embodiment is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make use of the invention. Various modifications to these specific embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other specific embodiments without the use of the capabilities of the present invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments shown herein, but is to be agreed upon in a broader scope consistent with the principles and new features of this 7F disclosed. Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the scope of the following patent applications.

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Claims (1)

583866 Patent Application No. 091107404 Chinese Patent Application Replacement (February 1993) A B c D Scope of Patent Application 1. A coupon system comprising: a communication network defined by at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, the communication network and a plurality of communication devices defining a group communication network In combination, a communication manager may be used to receive a first type of data packet from a member of the group communication network, and transmit the first type of data packet to the group communication network via the computer network A group communication connection provided by at least one other member; a coupon module having a plurality of coupons, wherein each of the plurality of coupons includes a second type of data packet; and a coupling to The coupon module, the communication manager, and a transmission module of the communication network. The transmission module can be used to monitor the group communication connection and transmit one of the plurality of coupons to the group communication network. At least one member. 2. The system of item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the data packet of the first type and the data packet of the second type include data packets formatted according to a predetermined protocol suitable for transmission on the computer network. 3. The system of claim 2 in which the predetermined agreement includes an Internet agreement. 4. If the system of claim 2 is applied, the computer network includes the Internet, and the predetermined protocol includes an Internet protocol. 5. If the system of item 1 of the patent scope is applied, each coupon of the plurality of coupons includes a feature that can be verified, so each coupon can be recognized. The paper size applies to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification. (210 X 297 mm) 583866 A BCD 93. 2 · 10 Revised date; date of patent application certificate. 6. If the system of claim 5 is applied for, the verifiable feature includes a numeric code. 7. The system according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the plurality of coupon packages are data selected from the group consisting of promotion data, text data and multimedia data. 8. If the system of item 1 of the scope of patent application, the communication manager can be used to transmit and receive the first type of data packet or the second type of data packet in real time. t & 9. The system is referred to as the first item in the patent scope, wherein the communication network further includes selecting from a group consisting of a public switched telephone network, a land mobile radio network, and a satellite communication network. Out of the network. 10. A coupon system comprising: a communication network defined by at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, the communication network being combined with a plurality of communication devices defining a group communication network; a A coupon module having a plurality of coupons, wherein each coupon in the plurality of coupons contains information having an identifying characteristic, so each coupon can be authorized; a coupon coupled to the coupon module and the communication network A controller module, which can be used to receive a data packet from a member of the group communication network and transmit the data packet to the group communication via the computer network to at least one other member , And provide a group of paper standards applicable to Chinese National Standards (CNS) A4 specifications (210X297 public yellow) patent application scope A8 B8 C8 D8 month δ correction supplement, and communication connection, and the controller module can further be used to monitor The group, and the communication connection, and passing one of the predetermined coupons to at least one communication device combined with the child group communication network; and a coupling to the group The module is manufactured by delivery manager, the delivery manager, the selected coupon from a predetermined plurality of coupons to be used for transmitting according to a predetermined characteristic. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the predetermined delivery characteristic includes a predetermined time interval measured from the time when the coupon was last delivered or from the start time of the group communication connection. 12. The system according to item 10 of the patent application scope, wherein the predetermined delivery characteristic includes a match between a group communication network setting characteristic and a coupon characteristic. 13. The system according to item 12 of the patent application, wherein the predetermined delivery feature is included in a match between a member setting feature and a coupon feature. 14. A coupon system comprising: a communication network defined by at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, the communication network being combined with a plurality of communication devices defining a group communication network; having a plurality of One of the coupons is a coupon module; the Xiaozhi 5 to Yuan coupon module and the controller module of the communication network; and the child controller module can be used to receive one from a member of the group communication network. The data packet, and the data packet is transmitted to the group communication link via the computer copper circuit to at least one other member to provide the group paper size applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) Α4 specification (210 X 297 public envy) 583866 The scope of the patent application in September of 9a supplements the group communication connection, and the controller module can further be used to monitor the group communication connection, and pass a plurality of coupons among them-a predetermined coupon is passed to the group communication network Moreover, the controller module can further be used to generate an activity record for each device of the plurality of communication devices, so as to track the participation in the Wei group communication connection and the connection of the predetermined coupon. , And an account module, which can be used to receive the activity record and generate a bill for the amount payable by each device of the plurality of communication devices, wherein the amount payable is based on a predetermined coupon combined with the corresponding communication device Tracking received discounts. 15. —A coupon system that can operate with a communication network that is defined by a plurality of communication devices defining a group member, including a communication manager that can be connected to the communication network and at least two members of the group, The communication manager can be used to provide a group communication connection by receiving a transmission from a member of the group and forwarding the transmission to at least one other member of the group via the communication network, wherein the communication network Including at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, wherein the transmission includes a data packet; a coupon module having a plurality of coupons, each coupon including a data packet; and can be connected to the gift Voucher module and a controller module of at least two members of the group, the controller module can be used to monitor the communication connection of the group, and pass a predetermined coupon to one of the plurality of coupons according to a predetermined transfer instruction The group. -4-This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) Α4 size (210 X 297 mm) 583866 16. —A method for passing coupons, including the following steps: Monitoring between a plurality of communication devices combined with a communication network — a group communication connection, the communication network includes at least a light to a computer network A wireless telephone network; and transmitting one of the plurality of coupons to the plurality of communication devices via the communication network. π. The method of claim 16 further includes formatting one of the plurality of coupons according to a predetermined format suitable for transmission through the computer network. 18. The method according to claim 17 in which the predetermined format includes an Internet protocol. 19. The method according to item 17 of the patent application scope, wherein the computer network includes the Internet, and wherein the predetermined format includes an Internet protocol. 20. The method according to item 16 of the patent application scope, wherein at least one of the plurality of coupons includes a data packet with a sound resource. 21. The method of claim 16 in the scope of patent application, wherein at least one of the plurality of coupons includes a data packet with graphic data. 22. The method according to item 16 of the patent application scope, wherein at least one of the plurality of coupons includes a data packet with textual information. 23. The method of claim 16 in the scope of patent application, wherein the method of transmitting at least one of the plurality of coupons includes interrupting communication between the communication devices and simultaneously passing the coupons to the communication device. 24. If the method of applying for item 16 of the scope of patent application, wherein the plurality of gift paper sizes are transmitted, the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X 297 public directors) 583866 AB c D positive 0, Β ix September 93, year 6. The method of applying for at least one of the coupons in the patent application scope further includes setting a priority order for the delivery of the coupons transmitted through other communications between the communication devices. 25. A method for transmitting coupons, including the following steps: receiving identification of a plurality of communication devices to be included in a group communication connection, wherein each device of the plurality of communication devices and a device including a coupling to a computer A communication network combining at least one wireless telephone network of the network; establishing the group communication by receiving a data packet from a communication device and transmitting the data packet to at least one other communication device via the computer network Connection; and according to a predetermined transmission characteristic, transmitting one of the plurality of coupons to the communication device participating in the group communication connection through the communication network. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the predetermined delivery feature includes a match between a coupon feature and a set feature combined with at least one member of the group communication link. 27. A system for passing coupons, comprising: a device for network connection of one of a plurality of communication devices, the network connection device comprising at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, the plurality of A communication device defines a group communication network; a device for storing a plurality of coupons; and a device for controlling communication coupled to the storage device and the network connection device, and the communication control device may be used for A member of the group receives a data packet and passes the data packet through the network --- J This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) The connecting device is forwarded to at least one other member of the group communication network to provide a group communication connection. The communication control device can be further used to monitor the group communication connection, and one of the plurality of coupons is scheduled for coupon delivery. To the group communication network. 28. —A system for transmitting coupons to a plurality of communication devices defining a group member through a communication network, including: a device for transmitting communication that can be connected to the communication network and at least two members of the group The transmission device can be used to provide a group communication connection by receiving a transmission from a member of the group and forwarding the transmission to at least one other member of the group via the communication network, wherein the communication network includes At least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, wherein the transmission includes a data packet in an Internet protocol format; a device for storing a plurality of coupons, each coupon including a data packet; and It can be connected to the remote storage device and the information device of at least two members of the group. The information device can be used to monitor the communication connection of the group and to pass one of the plurality of coupons to a predetermined coupon according to a pre-completed transmission instruction The group. 29 · —A method for authorizing a coupon, including the following steps: receiving a coupon identifier combined with the coupon, such as data transmission in the format of an Internet protocol, and by a communication network One of the communication devices that operates within the group communication network is connected to this paper. The standard of the paper is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (21〇X 297 public directors) 583866 8 8 8 8 A BCD 2 T-i charge 6. Application The patent scope includes that the communication network includes at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network; and the use of the coupon is authorized according to the coupon identifier. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the authorized use of the coupon further comprises comparing the coupon identifier with at least one reference coupon identifier to determine a match. 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the authorized use of the coupon further includes a method of communicating with a coupon server via the communication network, the coupon server including a plurality of coupons, each coupon Having an authorized coupon identifier; and comparing the coupon identifier with at least one reference coupon identifier to determine a match. This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm)