GB2487803A - Triggering redemptions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system for triggering a redemption output signal in respect of a selected predetermined redemption event having a target redemption level, redemption events being redeemed as a result of transactions in a merchant community. The method comprises selecting the predetermined redemption event from a stored pool of redemption events and associating the selected predetermined redemption event and the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event with a stored beneficiary user account, and initiating a transaction between a merchant and a contributory user having identification data linking the transaction to the selected predetermined redemption event. Transaction data 9 including at least the identification data is then compiled, and a transaction contribution 70 to be applied to a current redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event is generated to achieve redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event. The transaction contribution is allocated to the current redemption level stored in the beneficiary user account 7 associated with the selected predetermined redemption event and the new current redemption level is compared to the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event. A redemption output signal 4 in respect of the selected predetermined redemption event is triggered when the current redemption level meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event thus effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event. The method is particularly useful for independent retailers, who only need to register with the system and communicate the transaction information in some way.

Description

Title: A system and method for effecting a redemption event

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a system and method for effecting a redemption event.

Background of Invention

Independent and small chain retailers, services and venues are unable to track their users' visits or activity without using rudimentary systems or very expensive bespoke technology. Due to the expense, advanced services like loyalty programmes, electronic vouchers and analysis of user behaviour are largely limited to Tier I retailers and well funded venues and thus exclude a large and important majority of organ isations from offering and benefitting from these services. Moreover, as new technologies and services emerge, these smaller companies will suffer increasing isolation.

Consumers also suffer a lack of consistent service across places they visit.

There is no method for consumers to be valued for their continuing business at single or multiple independent locations, outside of a single transaction without the use of stamps or fiddly vouchers, relying on the memory of the person that served them, or using credit cards.

Consumer marketing schemes such as loyalty schemes are predominantly closed loop systems hosted within one or a small group of outlets. Currently the only way that independent or small chain merchants can offer the benefit of national member-based consumer schemes requires the customer to use credit cards. There is widespread concern about encouraging the use of credit cards and they are only available to a limited sector of the population.

One aspect of the present invention provides a method of triggering a redemption output signal in respect of a selected predetermined redemption event having a target redemption level, redemption events being redeemed as a result of transactions in a merchant community, the method comprising: selecting the predetermined redemption event from a stored pool of redemption events and associating the selected predetermined redemption event and the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event with a stored beneficiary user account; initiating a transaction between a merchant and a contributory user having identification data linking the transaction to the selected predetermined redemption event; compiling transaction data including at least the identification data; generating a transaction contribution to be applied to a current redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event to achieve redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event; allocating the transaction contribution to the current redemption level stored in the beneficiary user account associated with the selected predetermined redemption event; comparing the current redemption level to the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event; and triggering a redemption output signal in respect of the selected predetermined redemption event when the current redemption level meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event thus effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a system for triggering a redemption output signal in respect of a selected predetermined redemption event having a target redemption level, redemption events being redeemed as a result of transactions in a merchant community, the system comprising: identification data linking a transaction between a merchant and a contributory user to the selected predetermined redemption event; a stored pool of redemption events; a point of sale device operable to capture the identification data and compile transaction data relating to the transaction; a contribution calculator operable to derive a transaction contribution from at least the identification data from the transaction data; a beneficiary user account operable to store at least a current redemption level for the selected predetermined redemption event; a contribution allocator operable to apply the derived transaction contribution to the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account to progress towards redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event; a comparator operable to compare the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account to the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event and when the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event, then the comparator is operable to trigger a redemption output signal in respect of the selected predetermined redemption event thus effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a redemption management system for triggering a redemption output signal in respect of a selected predetermined redemption event having a target redemption level, redemption events being redeemed as a result of transactions in a merchant community, each transaction being linked by identification data to the selected predetermined redemption event, the redemption management system comprising: a contribution calculator operable to derive a transaction contribution from at least the identification data from the transaction data compiled from a transaction; a beneficiary user account operable to store at least a current redemption level for the selected predetermined redemption event; a contribution allocator operable to apply the derived transaction contribution to the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account to progress towards redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event; a comparator operable to compare the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account to the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event and when the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event, then the comparator is operable to trigger a redemption output signal in respect of the selected predetermined redemption event thus effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system embodying the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing further elements of a system embodying the present invention.

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the present invention.

Description

Referring to figure 1, an embodiment of the system for effecting the redemption of a redemption event is shown, which comprises a plurality of contributory users who enter into transactions with one or more merchants 2 that use a redemption management system 3 which will be described in greater detail below. The redemption management system 3 holds multiple beneficiary user accounts 7 and provides a redemption output signal 4 to a supplier 5 or one of the merchants 2 to effect subsequent delivery of a redemption item or service being redeemed. This redemption event is deliverable to a beneficiary user associated with the relevant beneficiary user account 7.

The holder of the beneficiary user account 7 has or has access to a communication device 6 such as a mobile telephone, PDA, personal computer tablet, web portal, or any other suitable device.

The transactions in the merchant community between merchant 2 and the contributory users are in respect of goods or services, usually having a monetary value. The contributory users enter into the transaction with a merchant 2 and pay for the goods or services at a point of sale (POS) or electronic point of sale (EPOS) terminal 10 usually on the premises of the merchant 2 or in the circumstances of an online transaction, remote from the contributory users or potentially also being offsite from the premises of the merchant 2.

Each contributory user has a redemption medium 1 as an identification card or other form of media carrying identification data 100, linking the redemption medium 1 to one or more of the beneficiary accounts 7 held in the redemption management system 3. In the transaction, the P05 terminal 10 captures the identification data 100 carried on the redemption medium 1.

The P05 terminal 10 runs an application which compiles transaction data 9 including at least transaction value and the identification data 100. The P05 terminal 10 transmits the transaction data 9 from the merchant P05 terminal or computer, through a communications network 8, to the redemption management system 3 which further processes the transaction data 9.

The transaction data 9 maintains the link to the contributory user redemption medium I and to the redemption event. The transaction data 9 provides a means to track a consumer (the contributory user) visits and any associated monetary value (i.e. amount spent) in the transaction using the application hosted on the POS terminal 10. The P05 terminal 10 links transactions to a central transaction processing host and is capable of logging the transaction data 9 and triggering electronic communication with the user or modifying their transaction records with respect to a given set of rules. The central transaction processing host can be incorporated in the redemption management system 3, or vice versa, and is not shown specifically in these figures for the sake of clarity.

The application can run on numerous different P05 terminals 10 enabling a range of independent retailers, services and organ isations (merchants 2) to use the same platform and thus take part in the same scheme. Data is collected from several different merchants 2 and this data may be interlinked using additional hardware in addition to the redemption management system 3. One advantage of such an open-loop' centralised system is that it also allows aggregation of user activity across multiple merchant sites. This means that an independent merchant site can gain information about its users' activity at other sites.

Providing a system that allows commonly used P05 terminal 10 transactions to trigger communications with consumers adds another dimension to consumer service and experience. The system can send a tailored SMS, email, RSS-based or other electronic message to the contributory users based on rules regarding the present as well as past transactions at one or more merchant locations. This means that after performing a transaction, the contributory users can receive confirmation of transactions, thank you messages, requests for feedback, bespoke offers and many of the multitudes of services available when a transaction is processed online.

The application can be triggered by a range of methods (such as magnetic stripe swipe, barcode, contactless and RFID). The central premise is that a contributory user can submit any form of account or identification data 100, and monetary value at the P08 terminal 10 which is then logged and compiled into the transaction data 9. The P08 terminal 10 thus captures the identification data 100. As well as allowing automatic capture of the identification data 100, the POS terminal 10 is also operable to capture the identification data manually, by manual data entry, for example, using a keypad. Manual data entry can be used in conjunction with cash payment and/or where a user is not carrying their redemption medium 1 upon which the identification data 100 is carried.

The transaction data 9 is transmitted via the telecommunication network 8 to the redemption management system 3. The transaction data 9 is processed centrally alongside the time, date, location and any other data related to the transaction. The system takes these submissions and logs them under the beneficiary user's account 7 which is identified, or linked to by the identification data 100 contained in the transaction data 9 and can also trigger a communication with any user and/or payment from a respective account. The logging of the transaction is determined by the identification data 100 and/or a set of rules or parameters stored against the beneficiary user account 7 linked to by the identification data 9.

By operating across multiple merchant locations, the log provides a source of information about user behaviour across sites as well as activity within a given site. Every submission received is linked to a comment or feedback field which can be populated by the user through the communication platform on the POS terminal 10. The user receives a printed confirmation of their submission if successful as well as optional responses via email I SMS I RSS technology.

The previously described central transaction processing host can also have a redemption management function or, the redemption management system 3 can have a central transaction processing function. The redemption management system 3 and its functionality are now described in greater detail.

Referring to figure 2, the infrastructure of the redemption management system 3 includes the following functional elements: a transaction processor 30; account storage 40 for a plurality of beneficiary user accounts 7; pool storage of a plurality of redemption events 51 each having their own associated target redemption level; and a comparator 60 for providing a redemption signal output 4 indicative that a target redemption level has been met or exceeded in respect of a selected predetermined redemption event 80.

The primary function of the processor 30 is to operate on the transaction data 9 received from the merchant 2 and generate a transaction contribution 70.

The processor 30 receives the transaction data 9 and calculates from at least the transaction data 9, information and the parameters stored in the beneficiary user account 7, the transaction contribution 70 to be allocated to the current redemption level for the selected predetermined redemption event specified in the beneficiary user account 7. The transaction contribution 70 is applied to the redemption level of the respective beneficiary user account 7 which is thereby credited and moved towards the associated target redemption level for the selected predetermined redemption event 80 stored in the respective beneficiary user account 7.

The beneficiary user accounts 7 held in the redemption management system 3 are established either by the holders of the beneficiary user accounts 7 themselves or by proxy by the contributory users or a third party user who need not be the same entity as the beneficiary user or any one of the contributory users. The beneficiary user can be one of the contributory users and vice versa. It is not essential that the contributory users or the beneficiary users establish the beneficiary user account 7.

A number of redemption events 51 are available in the redemption management system 3 in the pool storage 50 and each redemption event 51 has its own associated redemption level which can either be fixed because of the identity of the redemption event or can be variable in dependence on various parameters including those parameters held in the beneficiary user account 7, the entity selecting the redemption event or any other selection parameters such as incorporated in the identification data 100.

Upon selection of the predetermined redemption event 80 from the available events 51 in the pool storage 50 in the redemption management system 3, the selected predetermined redemption event 80 is added to the designated beneficiary user account 7. The selected redemption event 80 can be the purchase of a new mobile telephone, a top-up or credit plan of specified value for a mobile telephone or other telecommunication device; a donation to a charity; sponsorship of an event; an electronic file (media) or app; a monetary credit to be applied to a bank account or savings account; a gift to be despatched to an entity identified by the holder of the beneficiary user account 7 in the account who may or may not be the beneficiary user themselves; a life time experience event; and any other product or service.

The comparator 60 reviews the beneficiary user accounts 7 to compare the target redemption level for the selected predetermined redemption event 80 with the current redemption level or balance including all the transaction contributions 70 applied to the beneficiary user account 7. The comparator 60 compares the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account 7 with the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event 80 and, when the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account 7 meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event 80, the parameters provide a redemption output signal 4 in response to this trigger.

The redemption output signal 4 is generated by the comparator 60 to effect subsequent automatic redemption and delivery to the holder of the beneficiary user account 7 of the selected goods or services comprising the selected redemption event 80. At this stage, the target level is deducted from the redemption level of the beneficiary user account 7.

The redemption output signal 4 includes redemption data and is sent to a supplier, who may be a merchant 2, to complete the redemption process and deliver the redemption item or service which are the subject of the selected predetermined redemption event to the holder of the beneficiary user account 7.

The redemption output signal 4 may be sent via the supplier 5 or the merchant 2 and can be sent direct to the communication device 6 of the holder of the beneficiary user account 7. If the redemption item or service is a media file or application software for use on a computer, then the redemption output signal 4 can comprise the delivery of the media or app directly to the beneficiary user's communication device 20. The delivery of electronic material redemption items or services such as media or apps can be direct from the redemption management system 3 or via the merchant 2 or other supplier 5.

The supplier 5 may be an online digital media or service provider such as iTunesTM.

Typically loyalty schemes require users to manually check the loyalty value they have in their account which may be expressed as points, redemption units, or a cash value and then manually redeem a redemption item or service which they select at that stage. This requires time and interaction in management by the user. As a result of this, many redemption items or services for which sufficient totals have been achieved and are available for collection are never redeemed.

The redemption management system 3 can be interrogated by any user of the system such as the contributory users, the merchants 2 or the holder of the beneficiary user account 7. The redemption management system 3 can deliver reports on the accounts held, including currently selected predetermined events 80 the current target redemption level, the current redemption level on the account, an estimate of how long it may take the user to reach the target based on historical data from the same or other users, population data, comparisons to other user accounts and rankings. These reports may be displayed on the POS terminal 10, be accessible through the internet, for example by a secure web portal, be delivered by post, SMS, email, RSS or any other electronic or physical delivery method to a user or the communication device 6 of the holder of the beneficiary user account 7.

The holder of the beneficiary user account may be given an opportunity to select another redemption event 51 from the pool 50 or to continue with the presently selected redemption event 80. Any change of preference is notified by the redemption management system 3. Changes in preferences can be indicated by the holder of the beneficiary user account 7, managing the beneficiary user account 7 through their communication device 6, online or by sending text messages, email communication or other communication mechanisms.

The present system is able to operate in an open-loop centralised environment and allows users to predetermine the redemption item or service that they wish to collect when their account achieves the redemption level specified for that predetermined event 51. The selection of the predetermined events 51 can be effected by selecting a redemption-event-specific card or other form of identifier. The transaction contributions earned each time this redemption-event-specific card is swiped at a POS terminal 10 keeps accruing until the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account 7 meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event 80. The redemption level of the beneficiary user account 7 is monitored and audited to ensure that all the transaction contributions are bona fide. To this end a time delay is used to allow the redemption level to "settle" and determine that all of the logged transaction contributions qualify towards the redemption level. Without a settling time delay, there is a danger that, for example, an immediately preceding transaction could contribute to the redemption total but then the transaction could be voided by the merchant. The time delay is optional. The time delay can be a specified time period of one hour through to 31 days, preferably 14 days. The time delay can be adjusted to take into account the duration of a refund policy for the goods or service which are the subject of the initial transaction.

When the audited redemption target is reached, the redemption event is redeemable and flagged as such. Upon the next transaction or swipe occurring, the redemption event is automatically delivered to the holder of the beneficiary user account 7 and they may also be notified of the target being reached and/or the delivery of the redemption event by e-top-up, SMS notification, BACS payment, email, postal mail or as otherwise requested at registration and as indicated on the beneficiary user account 7.

In another example of the invention, as soon as the audited redemption target is reached, the redemption event is redeemed and automatically delivered to the holder of the beneficiary user account 7, without delay and without a further transaction being necessary.

A particularly useful form of redemption-event-specific membership card is a pre-registered pre-pay mobile telephone account (or SIM) which is automatically credited when a predetermined redemption event target redemption level is reached, completely removing the need for any user interaction to achieve top-up. The beneficiary user account 7 holding the pre-registered pre-pay mobile telephone SIM account to be automatically credited is the selected predetermined redemption event 80 for the holder of the beneficiary user account 7. The contributory users can also be allocated with the same card to top-up the redemption level of the beneficiary user account 7 and help the holder of the beneficiary user account 7 achieve their target redemption level so as to achieve redemption of the selected predetermined event 80 and be topped up or credited with the specified redemption event.

An example might be parents being the contributory users whose transactions with merchants 2 provide transaction contributions 70 to a specified beneficiary user account 7, the holder of the beneficiary user account 7 holding the account being the child of the contributory users 1. The holder of the beneficiary user account 7 can be one of the contributory users.

The redemption management system 3 can be used to credit other accounts such as utility bills or loan accounts.

The redemption management system 3 embodying the present invention is particularly well suited to allow any registered merchant 2 to become part of a joint consumer scheme without the need for payment to be made by credit card or other payment to the operator of the redemption management system.

Thus, independent traders such as plumbers, builders, milkmen can become merchants 2 who are party to the redemption management system 3 and can receive payment by any means including cash. All that is required is that the merchant 2 communicates the transaction data in some way to the redemption management system 3, be that by SMS, email or by a dedicated system such as P05 terminal 10 which must all be secure platforms running the application software which enables the transaction data to be created and sent from the merchant 2 to the redemption management system 3 through a communications network 8. Such independent merchants 2 or service providers are typically excluded from logging non-credit card transactions but this technical hurdle is overcome by the examples of the present invention which allow inclusion of independent merchants 2 by equipping them with the means to provide transaction data 9, such as a merchant computer or terminal, in a form accepted by the redemption management system 3.

The redemption management system 3 can operate across national borders with the processor in the redemption management system 3 calculating the transaction contribution 70 in response to the incoming transaction data 9, from whichever region or country the transaction data 9 might be provided from. Promotional codes obtained online or in packaging associated with a product the subject of a transaction or in periodicals or the like can be linked to a transaction either at the time of the transaction or within a specified time period after the transaction. The promotional codes can be entered by the contributory user into the redemption management system 3 where they are processed and the transaction contribution 70 recalculated in response to the promotional code. If the promotional code is submitted at the time of the transaction, then the transaction data 9 will incorporate the promotional code parameter which will be used by the processor 30 to determine the level of transaction contribution 70 to be applied to the beneficiary user account 7.

Embodiments of the present invention address the technical problem of maintaining anonymity of consumers whilst tracking and maintaining communication with consumers. There has been growing concern about the amount of personal information required by merchants and service providers and how the personal information is being used. By linking a member card to a predefined redemption event, the beneficiary account 7 is set up with redemption targets and with contact details of the holder of the beneficiary user account 7 so that purchases can be tracked and redeemed against delivered to otherwise anonymous users. However, the group consisting of the holder of the beneficiary user account 7 and the contributory users making transaction contributions 70 to the beneficiary user account 7 can still have their consumer tracking, spending and feedback analysed to tailor goods or services to the user or group of users associated with that beneficiary user account 7 or each user associated with the transactions contributing to the beneficiary user account 7.

In one example of the present invention, the system operates as shown in Figure 3: selecting a predetermined redemption event from a stored pool of redemption events associating the selected predetermined redemption event and a target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event with a stored beneficiary user account; initiating a transaction between a merchant and a contributory user having identification data linking the transaction to the selected predetermined redemption event; compiling transaction data including at least the identification data; generating a transaction contribution to be applied to a current redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event to achieve redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event; allocating the transaction contribution to the current redemption level stored in the beneficiary user account associated with the selected predetermined redemption event; comparing the current redemption level to the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event to determine when the current redemption level meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event; triggering a redemption output signal in respect of the selected predetermined redemption event; and effecting redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event.

An example of the redemption management system 3 embodying the present invention includes geo-tracking, geo-marketing and geo-tagged social networking functionality. It has not been possible for independent merchants and SME merchants to link consumer's presence at a geographical location, or their spending behaviour at a given location with their views, feedback or social networking profiles without continuous self-reporting by the user. The POS terminal 10 as well creating the transaction data 9 can report such information to the redemption management system 3 for integration in social networking sites if so authorised by the beneficiary user account 7 or the contributory users responsible for the transaction. This enables merchants 2 to use the functionality of their POS terminal 10 to track the presence and spending behaviour of contributory users both within and across venues and to link their behaviour with their feedback and social networking status.

User registration can be as simple as providing a method of communication or a method of delivering a redemption event together with some or all of the data carried in the card identification data 100. If the user carries a membership card this provides identification data 100, associating that user with either a particular beneficiary user account 7 or a predetermined redemption event 80 associated with the beneficiary user account 7, then transaction contributions 70 can be made and directed upon presentation of the member card to the selected predetermined redemption event 80 in that beneficiary user account 7.

Upon the redemption target being reached, the redemption events may be fulfilled by a third party supplier receiving the redemption output signal 4 from the redemption management system 3 or even in real time by the redemption output signal being directed to the merchant 2 at which the holder of the beneficiary user account 7 is presently involved in a transaction which meets or exceeds the target level. The merchant 2 can deliver the goods or services directly to the holder of the beneficiary user account 7.

The transactions effected at the POS terminal 10 can trigger subsequent communication with the contributory users after they have left the premises where the transaction took place. The communication can be delivery to the contributory users wherever they are in the world depending on rules held in their account in the redemption management system 3. It could be used for security purposes as well as providing feedback from the contributory user to the merchant 2 or to the operators of the redemption management system 3.

Contributory users can also provide feedback on a precise transaction without having to record details of the transaction because the transaction is taking place at the time at which the user is being asked to provide feedback about that transaction.

Embodiments of this invention allow a merchant at a given physical location to maintain communication with the contributory users outside of the premises of the merchant 2. Furthermore, the presence of an individual contributory user and their activity at a given time and location can be electronically logged and linked to communication with the contributory users, providing feedback or tracking activity at different times or locations without the need for bespoke systems or self-reporting by the contributory users.

Communications to the contributory users can be automatically generated on the basis of rules specific to that user held in the user's account on the redemption management system 3. Other parameters for the rules can include the transaction at the specified location, the nature of the goods or services comprising the transaction or the general nature of the merchant effecting the transaction, the monetary value of the transaction, the location of the transaction and the timing of past and present visits and activities to the merchant 2.

In one example of the present invention, when a card is swiped at a POS terminal 10 running the application embodying the invention and a monetary value is associated with the transaction, the transaction process sends the transaction data 9 to the redemption management system 3. The transaction data 9 in this example includes a POS terminal 10 identifier (linked to the merchant 2), a discount or redemption contribution value, the location of the transaction, the card number for the member presenting the card represents the identification data 100 and links to the selected predetermined redemption event 80 held in the specified beneficiary user account 7 and also the value of the entire transaction or parts of the transaction. The redemption management system 3 also maintains a database of merchants 2 and the P05 terminals 10.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (63)

1. Claims: 1. A method of triggering a redemption output signal in respect of a selected predetermined redemption event having a target redemption level, redemption events being redeemed as a result of transactions in a merchant community, the method comprising: selecting the predetermined redemption event from a stored pool of redemption events and associating the selected predetermined redemption event and the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event with a stored beneficiary user account; initiating a transaction between a merchant and a contributory user having identification data linking the transaction to the selected predetermined redemption event; compiling transaction data including at least the identification data; generating a transaction contribution to be applied to a current redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event to achieve redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event; allocating the transaction contribution to the current redemption level stored in the beneficiary user account associated with the selected predetermined redemption event; comparing the current redemption level to the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event; and triggering a redemption output signal in respect of the selected predetermined redemption event when the current redemption level meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event thus effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event.
2. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising reporting through a communications network the transaction data concerning the transaction.
3. 3. The method of claim I or 2, further comprising carrying the identification data on a redemption medium.
4. 4. The method of any of claims I to 3, further comprising compiling the identification data and an indicator of the transaction value to derive at least a part of the transaction data.
5. 5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event comprises the redemption output signal triggering delivery of the selected predetermined redemption event to the beneficiary user.
6. 6. The method of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event comprises the redemption output signal triggering delivery of the selected predetermined redemption event to a device associated with the beneficiary user account storing the selected predetermined redemption event.
7. 7. The method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the delivery is direct from the redemption management system to the device.
8. 8. The method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the delivery is from the redemption management system via a merchant computer to the device.
9. 9. The method of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the redemption event is delivery of one or more electronic files.
10. 10. The method of any of claims I to 9, wherein allocating the transaction contribution comprises allocating the transaction contributions generated from more than one transaction data and allocating the transaction contributions to the current redemption level of a single selected predetermined redemption event.
11. 11. The method of any of claims I to 10, wherein the holder of the beneficiary user account uses a communications device to determine the parameters of the beneficiary user account, including at least the current redemption level, the selected predetermined redemption event and the target redemption level for the selected predetermined redemption event.
12. 12. The method of any of claims I to 11, wherein the holder of the beneficiary user account is also a contributory user.
13. 13. The method of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the holder of the beneficiary user account is not a contributory user.
14. 14. The method of any of claims ito 13, wherein the selected predetermined redemption event is redeemed by the holder of the beneficiary user account.
15. 15. The method of any of claims ito 14, wherein the predetermined redemption event is a delivery to the holder of the beneficiary user account of a product.
16. 16. The method of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the predetermined redemption event is the furnishing of a service to the holder of the beneficiary user account.
17. 17. The method of any of claims I to 16, wherein the predetermined redemption event is a credit or cash value equivalent for the benefit of the holder of the beneficiary user account.
18. 18. The method of any of claims I to 17, wherein the predetermined redemption event is a top-up or credit to a telecommunication account held by the holder of the beneficiary user account.
19. 19. The method of any of claims I to 18, wherein the redemption management system automatically notifies the holder of the beneficiary user account when the redemption level of the beneficiary user account meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event.
20. 20. The method of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the redemption management system automatically redeems the selected predetermined redemption event when the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event.
21. 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the notification to the holder of the beneficiary user account is via SMS, email or RSS technology.
22. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the transaction data comprises one or more of the following: the identity of the merchant; the identity of the contributory user; a transaction cash value; the identity of the or each purchased product or service; the identity of the supplier of the or each purchased product or service; the time and/or date of the transaction; the location of the transaction, point of sale; the location of the contributory user; the location of the merchant; promotional code submitted by the contributory user; feedback from the contributory user; and quality of service feedback from the contributory user.
23. 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the status of the beneficiary account is reported to social networking sites.
24. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein the status of the beneficiary account is influenced by input from social networking sites.
25. 25. The method of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the transaction triggers communication with at least one of: the contributory user, the holder of the beneficiary account, the merchant and another party to the transaction.
26. 26. The method of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the transaction data is used to track the presence and spending behaviour of a contributory user and/or correlate with feedback and/or social networking status.
27. 27. The method of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the transaction data is used to track the behaviour of the group of entities contributing to the beneficiary account and/or the holder of the beneficiary account.
28. 28. A system for triggering a redemption output signal in respect of a selected predetermined redemption event having a target redemption level, redemption events being redeemed as a result of transactions in a merchant community, the system comprising: identification data linking a transaction between a merchant and a contributory user to the selected predetermined redemption event; a stored pool of redemption events; a point of sale device operable to capture the identification data and compile transaction data relating to the transaction; a contribution calculator operable to derive a transaction contribution from at least the identification data from the transaction data; a beneficiary user account operable to store at least a current redemption level for the selected predetermined redemption event; a contribution allocator operable to apply the derived transaction contribution to the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account to progress towards redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event; a comparator operable to compare the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account to the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event and when the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event, then the comparator is operable to trigger a redemption output signal in respect of the selected predetermined redemption event thus effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event.
29. 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the contribution calculator is operable to derive the transaction contribution from each transaction in accordance with a set of rules.
30. 30. The system of claim 28 or 29, wherein the contribution allocator is operable to apply the derived transaction contribution to the redemption level of the beneficiary user account in dependence on at least the identification data.
31. 31. The system of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein a redemption management system comprises at least the beneficiary user account and associates the selected predetermined redemption event with the beneficiary user account.
32. 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the redemption management system compares the current and target redemption levels of the beneficiary user account.
33. 33. The system of claim 31 or 32, wherein the redemption management system effects the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event when the current redemption level meets or exceeds the target redemption level.
34. 34. The system of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the redemption management system is accessible by any of the beneficiary or contributory users.
35. 35. The system of any one of claims 28 to 24, wherein the point of sale device is connected to the redemption management system by a communications network.
36. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the point of sale terminal reports through a communications network the transaction data concerning the transaction.
37. 37. The system of any one of claims 28 to 36, wherein the identification data is carried on a redemption medium.
38. 38. The system of any one of claims 28 to 37, wherein the identification data and an indicator of the transaction value are used to derive at least a part of the transaction data.
39. 39. The system of any one of claims 28 to 38, wherein the predetermined redemption event is a delivery to the holder of the beneficiary user account of a product.
40. 40. The system of any one of claims 28 to 39, wherein the predetermined redemption event is the furnishing of a service to the holder of the beneficiary user account.
41. 41. The system of any one of claims 28 to 40, wherein the predetermined redemption event is a credit or cash value equivalent for the benefit of the holder of the beneficiary user account.
42. 42. The system of any one of claims 28 to 41, wherein the predetermined redemption event is a top-up or credit to a telecommunication account held by the holder of the beneficiary user account.
43. 43. The system of any one of claims 31 to 42, wherein the redemption management system automatically redeems the selected predetermined redemption event when the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event.
44. 44. The system of any one of claims 31 to 43, wherein the redemption management system automatically notifies the holder of the beneficiary user account when the redemption level of the beneficiary user account meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event.
45. 45. The system of any one of claims 28 to 40, wherein effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event comprises the redemption output signal triggering delivery of the selected predetermined redemption event to a device associated with the beneficiary user account storing the selected predetermined redemption event.
46. 46. The system of claim 45, wherein the delivery is direct from the redemption management system to the device.
47. 47. The system of claim 45 or 46, wherein the delivery is from the redemption management system via a merchant computer to the device.
48. 48. The system of any one of claims 28 to 47, wherein the redemption event is delivery of one or more electronic files.
49. 49. The system of any one of claims 28 to 48, wherein the contribution allocator allocates the transaction contributions generated from more than one transaction data to the current redemption level of the same selected predetermined redemption event.
50. 50. The system of any one of claims 28 to 49, wherein the holder of the beneficiary user account is also a contributory user.
51. 51. The system of any one of claims 28 to 50, wherein the holder of the beneficiary user account is not a contributory user.
52. 52. The system of any one of claims 28 to 51, wherein the notification to the holder of the beneficiary user account is via SMS, email or RSS technology.
53. 53. The system of any one of claims 28 to 52, wherein the transaction data comprises one or more of the following: the identity of the merchant; the identity of the contributory user; a transaction cash value; the identity of the or each purchased product or service; the identity of the supplier of the or each purchased product or service; the time and/or date of the transaction; the location of the transaction, point of sale; the location of the contributory user; the location of the merchant; promotional code submitted by the contributory user; feedback from the contributory user; and quality of service feedback from the contributory user.
54. 54. The system of any one of claims 28 to 53, wherein the status of the beneficiary account is reported.
55. 55. The system of any one of claims 28 to 54, comprising reporting the status of the beneficiary account to social networking sites, via SMS, email or RSS technology.
56. 56. The system of any one of claims 28 to 55, wherein the system influences the status of the beneficiary account with input from social networking sites, via SMS, email or RSS technology.
57. 57. The system of any one of claims 28 to 56, wherein the transaction triggers communication with at least one of: the contributory user, the holder of the beneficiary account, the merchant and another party to the transaction.
58. 58. The system of any one of claims 28 to 57, wherein the transaction data tracks the presence and spending behaviour of a contributory user and/or correlates with feedback and/or social networking status.
59. 59. The system of any one of claims 28 to 58, wherein the transaction data is used to track the behaviour of the group of entities contributing to the beneficiary account and/or the holder of the beneficiary account.
60. 60. The system of any one of claims 28 to 59, wherein the beneficiary user account is operable also to store one or more of: i) a predetermined redemption event selected from the stored pool of redemption events; and ii) a target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event.
61. 61. A redemption management system for triggering a redemption output signal in respect of a selected predetermined redemption event having a target redemption level, redemption events being redeemed as a result of transactions in a merchant community, each transaction being linked by identification data to the selected predetermined redemption event, the redemption management system comprising: a contribution calculator operable to derive a transaction contribution from at least the identification data from the transaction data compiled from a transaction; a beneficiary user account operable to store at least a current redemption level for the selected predetermined redemption event; a contribution allocator operable to apply the derived transaction contribution to the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account to progress towards redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event; a comparator operable to compare the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account to the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event and when the current redemption level of the beneficiary user account meets or exceeds the target redemption level of the selected predetermined redemption event, then the comparator is operable to trigger a redemption output signal in respect of the selected predetermined redemption event thus effecting the redemption of the selected predetermined redemption event.
62. 62. The system or method of any preceding claim substantially as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
63. 63. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.