ITMI20002381A1 - PROCEDURE AND SYSTEM FOR REWARDING THE DESIRED BEHAVIOR OF CONSUMERS WITH ISP SERVICE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION of the industrial invention having as title:

"PROCEDURE AND SYSTEM FOR REWARDING THE DESIRED BEHAVIOR OF CONSUMERS WITH ISP SERVICE"

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to the use of a computer system and, more specifically, a process and a system for rewarding consumers with free ISP service for showing desired loyalty to a retailer and / or a brand.

Background Discussion

An increasing number of families have at least one computer to access the Internet. Most home computers or "home computers" do not connect directly to the Internet; they access the Internet through an Internet Service Provider or "Internet Service Provider (ISP)". An ISP, also called an access provider or provider, or service provider, powers Internet connectivity services to individuals, businesses or offices, and other organizations. Typically, an ISP charges a fee or fee for these services.

Recent technological developments have enabled consumers to receive promotions from manufacturers and retailers on the Internet. These promotions include discount coupons or coupons, incentives, advertisements, and offers to encourage desired consumer behavior. An example of an online or online promotion service is the ValuePage provided by Supermarket s Online, Ine. Processes and systems for interconnecting offline or offline purchases in a store with the delivery or distribution of online promotions are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5970 469 and 6014 634, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. These systems use database network configuration and Internet communications techniques to provide consumers with online information relating to product promotions and / or retailers.

The design and implementation of various methods of configuring database networks and Internet communications are described by Liu et al., In "Managing Internet Information Services", O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1994; Corner, "Internet Working with TCP / IP Volume I: Principles, Protocols, and Architecture", 2 <nd> ed., Prentice-Hall, Ine., 1991; Corner and Stevens, "Internet Working with TCP / IP Volume II: Design, Implementation, and Internals", Prentice-Hall, Ine., 1991; Corner and Stevens, "Internet Working with TCP / lP Volume III: Client-Server Programming and Applications", Prentice-Hall, Ine., 1993; Khoshafian et al., "A Guide to Developing Client / Server SQL Applications", Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, Ine., Hamilton et al., "JDBC Database Access with java, A Tutorial and Annotated Reference", Addison-Wesley Pub. Co., 1997; and Francis et al., "Professional Active Server Pages 2.0," Wrox Press Ltd., 1998; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Despite the proliferation of Internet-related coupon or discount coupon services, and other online promotion services, no service provides promotions or incentives to create a focused link between the Internet access service and households and the offline shopping behavior of consumers. at retail locations. Furthermore, there are no promotions designed to encourage consumers without internet access to employ online services to promote products and retailers and designed to induce desired offline consumer behavior.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel computer program method, system and product for rewarding the desired behavior of consumers with free ISP service.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel computer program method, system and product for offering various amounts of free ISP service, based on the individual shopping histories of consumers.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel computer program method, system and product for inducing the use of online promotion services by consumers with Internet access as well as consumers without Internet access.

These and other purposes are achieved by providing a new method, system and computer program product for rewarding desired consumer behavior with ISP service. The process, on which the system and the computer program product are based, includes tracking a consumer's shopping history, the purchasing history corresponding to at least one purchase by a consumer; determine whether the consumer qualifies to receive free Internet service from an ISP based on the consumer's shopping history; and pay the consumer a premium, redeemable for the free service, if the consumer qualifies to receive the free service. If at least one consumer's purchase is an offline purchase, then the consumer's offline shopping story is used to determine whether the consumer should receive the free internet service. Additionally, consumers with larger shopping histories may be targeted for the free internet service, and therefore may be more likely to start employing online promotion services to receive coupons and other offers.

According to another aspect of the invention, an offer is made or distributed to a consumer. The offer includes a redeemable award for free internet service from an internet service provider or provider and a condition that must be met by the consumer in order for the consumer to be eligible to receive the prize. A computer then determines whether the consumer has met the condition, and the prize is distributed to the consumer if the consumer has met the condition. In this way, free ISP service is provided as a reward to consumers based on their future actions (i.e. by fulfilling the condition) as well as based on their current and / or past purchases if desired. Preferably, the condition requires a consumer to employ an online promotions service, which may require the consumer to purchase Internet accessibility from an ISP. Consequently, the free ISP service premium becomes more relevant to the consumer. Such a condition also encourages the use of specified online promotional services, which, in turn, may encourage desired consumer behavior with respect to specified products and / or specified retailers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete evaluation of the invention and many of the consequent advantages thereof will be readily obtained as it is better understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a computerized system for rewarding a desired behavior of consumers with ISP service, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2A is a table 201 of shopping histories for associating identifying information of consumers and / or households with their respective shopping histories;

Figure 2B is a classification table for associating consumer behavior classifications with purchase history criteria for each classification and with offers and rewards for each classification;

Figure 2C is an offer table for associating various offers and primes with consumer identification information;

Figure 2D is a table of points for associating a running total of points with consumer identification information;

Figure 3A illustrates an exemplary bonus for free ISP service;

Figure 3B illustrates an exemplary offer for free Internet service;

Figure 3C illustrates an exemplary discount voucher or coupon with coupon identification information;

Figure 4A illustrates a flowchart for explaining how a consumer's offline shopping information is tracked and how a consumer is classified and tracked, based on the consumer's offline shopping history, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4B illustrates a flowchart for explaining how a consumer's online purchases are tracked, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4C illustrates a flowchart explaining how consumers can be rewarded with free ISP service on the Internet, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart showing how a consumer is rewarded with free ISP service according to an embodiment of the invention; And

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a computer system programmed to perform one or more of the special purpose functions according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED DIRECTIONAL FORMS

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate identical or corresponding parts in all the various views, and referring more particularly to Figure 1 thereof, there is illustrated a computerized system for rewarding consumers with ISP service for demonstrating loyalty. or other desired behavior in relation to a retailer or brand. The system of Figure 1 includes a central or host computer 101, a global database 103, and one or more retail stores 105. Each retail store 105 includes one or more of the following: a computer 107 of the store, a store database 109, a store controller 111, a UPC database 113, and a point of sale (POS) 115. Preferably, each POS includes a printer 117, a terminal 119 and a scanner device 121. The system of Figure 1 also includes one or more computers associated with a consumer (e.g. the consumer computer 123), the Internet 121, an online retailer server 125, and a server 127 of the promotions.

The central or host computer 101 is any suitable workstation, server or other device such as the computer system 601 of Figure 6 for communicating with the store computer 107 and for storing information and retrieving information from the global database 103. Second One embodiment, the central computer 101 also communicates with the promotion server 127 and the online retailer vendor server 125. In a preferred embodiment, the central computer 101 and the store computer 107 communicate over a standard telephone network; however, any suitable communications medium may be employed.

Global database 103 is an archive that includes records containing information to provide invitations to targeted searches. This information includes information about each purchase made by a consumer in retail store 105. This information may include, but is not limited to, the shelf keeping unit (SKU), brand, size, weight, price, date and time of purchase, and a consumer identifier or "consumer identifier (CID)" of the consumer making the purchase, for example. In one embodiment, portions of this information are obtained from barcodes on purchase items, which are scanned by the scanner device 121 during a transaction. These barcodes preferably contain information from UPC, JAN, and EAN, which identifies the SKU. Records in the global database 103 contain fields along with a set of operations for search, classification, recombination, and other database functions. The global database 103 can be implemented as two or more databases, if desired, and can be an aggregate of various databases storing consumer purchase data obtained from different sources such as the Internet, grocery stores, hardware stores, pet supermarkets, video stores, and restaurants, for example. One or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 5832 457; 5649 114; 5 430 644; and 5 592 560 describe techniques for collecting consumer shopping history information and for storing this information in databases such as UPC's global database 103 and database 113, for example. US Patents No. 5832 457; 5649 114; 5430 644; and 5 592 560 are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, techniques for collecting consumer shopping information and for storing this information in databases, such as the global database 103 and the UPC database 113 are described in other patents owned by Catalina Marketing and / or Catalina. Marketing International. Each patent owned by Catalina Marketing and / or Catalina Marketing International is incorporated herein by reference.

Retail store 105 is generically called a retail location and is a place where goods are held for retail to consumers. As noted above, many retail stores 105 can be connected to the central computer 101.

The store computer 107 may be implemented using the computer system 601 of Figure 6, for example, or any other suitable PC, workstation, server or device. The store computer 107 communicates with the central computer 101, stores and retrieves information in the store database 109, monitors data transmitted between the terminal 119 and the store controller 111 (i.e. transaction data), and controls the printer 117.

The store database 109 is an archive that includes records containing information for providing invitations to targeted searches according to the present invention. The records in the store database 109 contain fields for associating barcodes with products in the retail store 105 (e.g. using UPC, JAN and / or EAN codes). The store database 109 also includes operations for search functions, classification, recombination and other functions of the database. The store database 109 can be implemented as two or more databases, if desired. Periodically (e.g. daily), sales transaction information stored in the store database 109 is retrieved from the store computer 107 and transmitted to the central computer 101, which uses this information to update the shopping history information stored in the store. of global data 103.

The store controller 111 is any computer or device for communicating with the terminal 119 and for using information stored in the UPC database 113 to perform transactions at the POS 115. An exemplary store controller 111 is described in U.S. Patent No. 5 173 851 which is incorporated herein by reference.

The UPC database 113 is an archive that includes records containing information to perform transactions at POS 105 by scanning barcodes printed on purchased items. The records in the UPC database 113 contain fields for associating barcodes with products and their corresponding prices. The UPC database 113 also includes operations for search, classification, recombination and other database functions, and can be implemented as two or more databases, if desired. In alternative embodiments, JAN and / or EAN codes can be used in place of, or in combination with, UPC codes.

In retail store 105 includes one or more POS 115. Printer 117 at POS 115 receives printing instructions from store computer 107. According to an embodiment of the present invention, invitations to targeted searches are printed by the printer 117 in response to receiving commands from the computer 107 of the store. Terminal 119 may be implemented as a standard cash register and may include a screen, credit card reader, and numeric keypad, for example. The terminal 119 communicates with the store controller 111 and the scanning device 121. The scanning device 121 can be implemented as a conventional scanning device for reading product information such as an item code (e.g. UPC, EAN, or JAN) from barcodes or other markings on the product. Information read by the scanner device 121 is transmitted to the store controller 111 via the terminal 119. The store controller 111 uses the scanned information and the information stored in the UPC database 113 to determine the transaction information including the SKU, price, quantity, and date and time of the transaction, for example.

If there are a plurality of POS 115 within the retail store 105, then each terminal 119 is preferably arranged in a ring with the store controller 111. The store computer 107 is positioned in front of the store controller 111 on the ring such that information transmitted from the terminals 119 to the store controller is monitored by the store computer 107. Internet 121 includes networks and controlled accesses or gateways "to connect an unlimited number of computers, such as central computer 101 to consumer computer 123, online retailers server 125, and promotions server 127. Alternatively, any suitable communications network may be employed in addition to or in place of the Internet 121.

Consumer computer 123 is a PC, laptop, personal data assistant device (for example a Palm VII ™ from Palm, Ine.), Or a palmtop, or handheld computer, for example, which is associated with a consumer. The consumer's computer 123 is used by the consumer to make online purchases through the online retailers server 125 and to participate in online promotions, incentives and offers online through the promotions server 127.

The online retailers server 125 is a computer for hosting an online shopping website, such as an online grocery store. Consumers can use their computers to access the online retailers server 125 through the Internet 121 and make purchases from the retailer associated with the online retailers server 125. Purchased items are delivered by post, courier, or through distribution or personal delivery. Thus, a consumer can order grocery items from their computer 123 by accessing the server 125 on the Internet 121 and have the grocery items delivered to the consumer's home for door-to-door reception.

The promotions server 127 is a computer for hosting a promotions website. These promotions include online coupons or discount vouchers, coupons that can be printed and redeemed in store 105, information about different retailers and products, as well as any other desirable promotions, offers, incentives and rewards. A consumer logs into the promotions server 127 with their computer 123 to participate in, and gather information about, various promotions.

It is to be understood that the system of Figure 1 is illustrated for exemplary purposes only, since many variations of the specific hardware and software employed to implement the present invention will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the functionality of the store computer 107 and the store controller 111 can be combined in a single device. As another example, the store database 109 and the UPC database 113 can be combined into a single database. These implementations and other implementations of retail computer systems are described in more detail in one or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 4723 212; 4 910 672; 5 612 868; and 6 026 370, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. To implement these variants as well as other variants, a single computer (e.g. computer system 601 of Figure 6) can be programmed to perform the special purpose functions of two or more of any of the devices illustrated in Figure 1. D ' on the other hand, two or more programmed computers can be replaced in place of any of the devices illustrated in Figure 1. Principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as redundancy and replication, can also be implemented as desired to increase system robustness and performance , for example.

The present invention stores information relating to various consumers who shop at retail store 105, shopping histories of those consumers, invitations to targeted searches, and consumer identification information, for example. This information is stored in one or more memories such as a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk and / or RAM, for example. One or more databases, such as the global database 103 and the store database 109, may store the information used to implement the present invention. Databases are organized using data structures (e.g. records, tables, matrices, fields, graphs, trees and / or lists) contained in one or more memories, such as the memories listed above or any of the storage devices listed later in the discussion of Figure 6, for example.

Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate data structures employed to implement a system for rewarding desired consumer behavior with ISP service according to an embodiment of the present invention. Data structures are illustrated in a relational format, using tables, whereby information stored in one column (i.e. a field) of one table is mapped or concatenated to information stored in the same row (i.e. record) via the other column or files. other columns of the table. These data structures are used by the central computer 101 and / or the computer 107 of the store to distribute or dispense offers, promotions, and prizes, to consumers according to the present invention. The data structures illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are stored in the global database 103, in the store database 109 and / or in any other suitable memory device or memory medium.

Figure 2A illustrates a shopping history table 201 which includes a field 203 for storing consumer identifiers (CID) and a field 204 for storing a purchase history for each consumer or family identified in field 203. A CID is any identifying element that is scanned, read or otherwise entered into a computer or terminal to identify a consumer. Each consumer can have a multiplicity of CIDs. Preferably, the CID is represented as a barcode whereby it can be quickly scanned at a check or check point by the scanning device 117, although any other type of machine-readable or non-machine-readable implementations for storing or displaying identifications can be used, including magnetic strips, memory chips or chips, and smart cards or so-called "smart cards". Examples of CIDs include credit card numbers, debit card numbers, social insurance card numbers, driver's license numbers, bank account numbers, street addresses, names, email or email addresses, telephone numbers , frequent consumer card numbers, shopper card identifiers (SCID), or shopper loyalty card numbers issued by retail store 105, although any other form of identification may be employed. For example, a CID may consist of a so-called "cookie" stored on the consumer's computer 123 and which identifies the consumer's computer or a Web browser software. As used herein, a "cookie" means any block of data that includes identifying information (ie a cookie ID) to identify a consumer's computer 123 or a Web browser software for a remote server or computer.

Preferably, field 204 is divided into various sub-fields to separately store purchase data such as the place of purchase, the SKU, the price of each item purchased, the date and time of the transaction, and / or any other desired information. of consumer transactions.

Figure 2B is a classification criteria table 205 which includes a field 207 for storing purchase history criteria for different classifications and a field 209 for storing the classifications. For example, the classification criteria table 205 can contain three records with field 207 respectively containing records corresponding to average monthly purchases of "less than 2 liters of Brand X soda", "between 2 and 5 liters of Brand X soda. ", and" more than 5 liters of Brand X soda ". The corresponding entries in fields 209 are "small user", "moderate user", and "strong user" in this example. According to one embodiment, the information used to fill the classification criteria table 205 is provided by a manufacturer, advertiser or retailer to establish purchase history criteria for different classifications to be used in delivering targeted service offers. Free ISP. However, a market research organization, advertising agency, or other entity may provide the information used to generate standardized classification criteria tables for different goods and services. The classification criteria table 205 also includes a field 210 for storing offers, awards, or other promotions corresponding to each classification. In the example above, the first entry in field 210 could be empty, indicating that there is no offer for small users, the second entry in field 210 could contain an offer requesting that the consumer have to increase their average monthly cola purchases. Brand X to receive a relatively small premium (e.g. one month of free ISP service), and the third registration in field 210 may contain a requesting offer that the heavy user has to increase their average monthly consumption of Brand X cola for receive a relatively large premium (e.g. one year of free ISP service). This example uses current shopping levels by brand to specifically target an ISP service offering; however, offers can also be targeted in a targeted manner based on average purchase levels for all products at a given retail store or chain of retail stores (e.g. a "modest shopper" spends an average between $ 100 and $ 150 per month at ABC supermarkets for the past twelve months).

Figure 2C illustrates an offer table 211 including a field 213 for storing CIDs of consumers who qualify to receive offers, rewards, and other promotions, which are stored in field 215 of the offers table 211. Therefore, the offers table 211 stores and / or identifies targeted offers and promotions in field 215 that are associated with specific consumers and / or specific families identified by the CIDs stored in field 214. According to one embodiment, tables 211 of offers are generated by the central computer 101, which transmits one or more tables of generated offers 211 to selected computers 107 of the shop for storage in corresponding databases 109 of the shop.

Figure 2D is a point table 217 including a field 219 for storing CID and a field 221 for storing points associated with each CID in field 219. When consumers are provided with offers requiring that they have to accumulate a certain number of points to receive a reward, the total points of each consumer and / or each household are stored in field 221 for each corresponding CID in field 219. Using point table 217, central computer 101 or another computer, such as computer 107 of the store, can determine whether a consumer qualifies for a reward.

Figure 3A illustrates an exemplary bonus 301 for free ISP service, according to an embodiment of the invention. A 301 award includes a 303 field designating the amount of the ISP service, (e.g. one month, one hundred hours, one year), as well as promotional information identifying the retailer and / or manufacturer providing the free ISP service (e.g. ABC Supermarkets ), if desired. Prize 301 includes a field 305 identifying a username and a field 307 indicating a password or so-called "password". The username and password are used to register the free ISP service and can also be used to identify the consumer receiving the service as well as the particular 301 reward. A 309 field includes instructions for receiving the free service. In this case, the instructions instruct a consumer to dial a specific telephone number with their modem. However, these instructions may also include a uniform resource locator or "uniform resurce locator (URL", a website, an Internet protocol or "Internet protocol (IP)" address, or any other information to contain the ISP to provide Free Service A 311 field on the 301 prize provides information for receiving customer support for receiving free ISP service.

Figure 3B illustrates an exemplary offer 313 for the free ISP service, according to an embodiment of the invention. Offer 313 includes a field 315 with instructions to participate in a promotion, in this case a free ISP service offer. Field 315 can be used to indicate what actions or conditions a consumer must meet to receive points, which accumulate and can be redeemed for varying amounts of free ISP service or other rewards. In example field 315, a user receives 100 points for purchasing over fifty dollars worth of online grocery items from ABC Supermarkets.com, receives twenty-five points for presenting a printout of the consumer's personal Web page at an ABC Supermarket location, and receives one hundred points to purchase over seventy-five dollars worth of grocery items at ABC Supermarket s. According to one embodiment, the consumer employs Web browser software running on the consumer's computer 123 to retrieve his personal Web page from the promotions server 127. The consumer may also be rewarded for making online purchases from the online retailers' server 125. A 317 field on the 313 offer identifies the number of points required to receive different amounts of ISP service. Field 319 of offer 313 includes registration instructions for entering the promotion so that points can be accumulated. Field 319 may also include information such as a URL, or a telephone number, allowing a registered user to check how many points the user or customer has accumulated and / or redeem points for different rewards, including free ISP service.

Figure 3C illustrates an exemplary coupon 321 that can be dispensed to a consumer's computer. Coupon 321 includes a 323 field with coupon information identifying the brand, size and discount amount for one or more products. Coupon 321 also includes a field 325 with machine-readable information that can be used to identify the particular coupon (thus preventing coupon fraud) as well as information relating to the consumer from whom the coupon was sent (including the consumer's CID). , the retail location (s) where the coupon can be redeemed, and / or any other desired information. The coupon 321 forms all or a portion of a personal web page of the consumer, according to an embodiment.

Therefore, it can be seen that promotions, rewards, offers, advertisements and / or coupons can be flexibly designed to include or exclude any information as desired. Thus, it is to be understood that prize 301, offer 313, and POS 321 are illustrated for exemplary purposes only since a virtually unlimited number of coupons can be created in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Figure 4A is a flowchart explaining how shopping stories are tracked, how consumers are categorized into spending categories, and how consumers are rewarded. In step 401, a consumer loyalty card is scanned by the scanner device 121 during a transaction at the POS 115. The consumer's CID is read from the loyalty card and sent to the store computer 107 through the terminal 119. Alternatively, the The consumer's CID is read in the terminal 119 by reading a magnetic stripe on the loyalty card or by manually keyboarding the consumer's CID using a keyboard on the terminal 119.

In step 403, the computer 107 of the store associates the consumer's CID with offline purchase information corresponding to the purchases made by the consumer in the current transaction. In step 405, information relating to the current purchase and the consumer's CID is stored in the store database 109. Then, in step 407, the purchase information and the consumer CIDs are sent to the host computer 101. In step 409, the host computer 101 stores the purchase information in a purchase history table 201 in the global database 103. The central or host computer 101 uses the CID received from the store computer 107 to determine the appropriate record (i.e. the corresponding record to the consumer associated with the purchase information) in the shopping history table 201 in the global database 301 in to store the information of the purchase history of the consumer's purchase. Preferably, steps 401, 403 and 405 are performed for each consumer during each purchase transaction at POS 115.

According to an embodiment, the step 407 is performed daily when the central computer 101 cyclically queries the computer 107 of the store for information in the database 109 of the store with which to update the table 201 of the history of purchases in the global database 103.

In step 411, the central computer 101 classifies each consumer or each family corresponding to a CID in the purchase history table 201 in the global database 103 into an expense or spend category. This classification is based on criteria established by a market agency, manufacturer, retailer or other advertiser or other entity, for example. As noted above, the criteria for each classification are stored in the classification criteria table 205 in field 207, and corresponding ratings are stored in field 209. Each classification in field 209 corresponds to an offer or reward stored in field 210. Subsequently, in step 413 the central computer 101 determines an offer or a premium for each consumer, based on the consumer's category or classification of expenses. Offers and rewards are determined by field 210 where offers and rewards are stored for each classification in field 209 and the corresponding purchase history criteria in field 207.

In step 415, the central computer 101 delivers the free ISP service offer to the consumer and stores the information of the offer's rewards for future use to determine whether the consumer has met the conditions of the offer and should be rewarded. with free ISP service.

In place of an offer, rewards (e.g. reward 301 in Figure 3A) can be stored in field 210, determined in step 413, and paid to the consumer in step 415. In this case, the consumer need not have to satisfy a condition of receiving free ISP service. In another embodiment, both offers and prizes are stored in field 210.

According to one embodiment, free ISP service rewards are provided to consumers in step 415. The ISP service quantity is based on the consumers' offline shopping history. For example, if a consumer (or their family) is classified as a strong purchaser of ABC Supermarkets in step 411, then in step 415 the printer 117 automatically prints the 301 premium for one year of free ISP service. In this example, "strong purchaser of ABC Supermarkets" may correspond to the user's purchase of at least two hundred dollars worth of grocery items per month for the past twelve months at ABC Supermarkets. Another consumer classified as a "modest or moderate buyer" (one hundred dollars a month for the past three months) can only receive one month of free ISP service. Thus, modest buyers have an incentive to become strong buyers and receive larger amounts of free ISP service. In this embodiment, the rewards may conveniently be printed in the printer 117 in step 415 in response to receiving the customer's CID in step 401.

Figure 4B is a flowchart to explain how consumer online shopping stories are being tracked. In step 417, the online retailers server 125 receives the consumer's online shopping information along with the consumer's CID and / or other identifying information, such as a cookie or Internet data block. This information received from the online retailers' server 125 may be transmitted from the consumer's computer 123 as part of an online shopping transaction (for example, "backdoor pickup" or door-to-door reception of grocery items ordered online and delivered to the consumer's home) on the Internet 121, according to one embodiment. In step 419, the online retailers' server 125 associates the consumer identification information with the online shopping information. This information is stored in a local database for the online retailers' server 125. Periodically, the online shopping information and the identification information stored in the local database for the online retailers server 125 is transmitted to the central computer 101 in step 423. Then, in step 409 (Figure 4A), the central computer 101 stores the information of purchases in the database 103 of the global purchases in association with the CID of the consumer. Alternatively, step 421 can be skipped, and information can be transmitted directly to the central computer 101 from the consumer 123 or from the server 125 of the online retailers.

Figure 4C illustrates a flowchart to explain how offers to receive free ISP service can be provided electronically to a consumer through the consumer's computer 123. In step 425, the consumer is provided with an offer to participate in an ISP service program. Such an offer preferably requires the consumer to register with the program. Such an offer may also appear as the 313 offer of Figure 3B, for example. In step 427, the consumer uses computer 123 to register with the promotion server 127. During registration, the consumer provides registration information including the consumer's preferred retail stores, brands, geographic information and other demographic information, as well as consumer identification information such as the consumer's CID. The registration information is received and stored on the server 127. Additionally, the server 127 can store a data block or Internet "cookie" on the consumer's computer 123 in such a way that the consumer's computer 123 is recognized whenever the consumer uses your computer 123 to access a website corresponding to the server 127. One or more types of consumer identification training can be stored in one or more fields of a table which can be used to identify a consumer based on different information of identification of the consumer himself.

In step 429, the promotion server 127 receives identification information of the consumer's personal web page when the consumer re-registers at a website hosted by the promotions server 127 and / or provides identification information that was concatenated with the consumer as a result of the registration. The identification information is preferably based on registration information such as the consumer's CID, his name, e-mail or e-mail address, username, password, and / or a cookie that the promotion server 127 stores. on the consumer's computer 123. The promotions server 127 concatenates each similar cookie with other consumer identification information, so the consumer is "recognized" when the consumer's computer 123 sends the cookie to the promotions server 127.

In step 431, the promotion server 127 generates a personal web page and delivers the personal web page to the consumer. The personal Web page is customized or customized based on the registration information provided to the promotion server 127 by the consumer's computer 123 in step 427. The personal Web page may also be delivered to the consumer's computer 123 automatically in response to the information of the consumer. incoming registration, to a cookie, or other identification information every time the consumer accesses the promotions server 127. In a preferred embodiment, the consumer's personal web pages include promotions, offers and / or coupons (e.g. coupon 321 of Figure 3C) which the consumer can print on a computer, such as the consumer's computer 123.

In step 433, the consumer is rewarded with points for accessing their personal web page. Points accumulate and are redeemable for free ISP service. If desired, step 433 can be selectively skipped so that the consumer will not receive points for accessing their web page more than once a month.

In step 435, if the consumer presents the coupon 321 in the shop 105, the scanning device 121 reads the barcode 325. The computer 107 of the shop receives the barcode and rewards the consumer with points instead of real money, in based on the items the consumer buys. In this example, coupon 321 would entitle the consumer to receive 10 points (instead of ten cents) for the purchase of a 2-ounce can of Brand X, 30 points for the purchase of a 2-ounce bottle. liters of Brand Y, and 50 points for the purchase of a 30oz box of Brand Z. The consumer can also be rewarded with points for simply presenting the 321 coupon in the 105 store, regardless of the consumer's purchases. In one embodiment, the central computer 101 maintains record or trace of points for each consumer in the point table 217 in the global database 103.

Figure 5 is a flowchart to explain how a consumer who has received an offer can receive a free ISP service. In step 501, a computer, such as the promotion server 127, the online retailers server 125, the central computer 101 and / or the store computer 107 receives bidding information from the consumer. The offer information is any information identifying the offer, such as the bar code 325 in Figure 3C, a string of alphanumeric characters unique to the offer, and / or any other identifying information. According to an embodiment, the scanning device 121 scans the bar code 325 which identifies the coupon 321 as well as the consumer presenting the coupon 321 at the POS 115. Alternatively, the scanner 121 scans the consumer's CID to identify the consumer and to determine which promotions the consumer is participating in, or is eligible for participation.

In step 503, the computer (for example, central computer 101 or computer 107 of the store) determines whether the consumer has met or requirements to receive free service from an ISP. Step 503 is performed using the offer identification information received in step 501 to determine what the condition of the offer is. Additionally, the consumer's shopping history, stored in the global database 103 and / or the store database 109, for example, can be compared with the conditions of the offer to determine if the consumer fulfills the conditions. According to one embodiment, the central computer 101 checks the global database 103 to determine whether the consumer fulfills the conditions of any offer that has been delivered to the consumer. If the consumer has satisfied the conditions of any offer, then the consumer's CID is delivered to one or more of the online retailers' server 125, the promotions server 127, and the store's computer 107, which receives the CID of the consumer and automatically causes the consumer to be rewarded upon receiving the consumer's CID in step 505.

Thus, the consumer is automatically rewarded when the computer 107 of the store, the server 127 of the promotions and / or the server 125 of the online retailers receives information identifying the consumer. In this embodiment, the central computer 101 determines whether the consumer has satisfied the conditions of the offer and then transmits information to the store computer 107, the promotions server 127 and / or the online retailers' server 125 indicating that consumers they must be rewarded the next time the consumer identification information is received. If the condition is a fixed number of points that the consumer must accumulate, then the condition is checked by determining whether the total of the consumer points in field 221 of Figure 2D is at least equal to the minimum required points, according to one embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the consumer is rewarded with the prize 301 at the computer 123 and the prize is printed or redeemed electronically, or the prize 301 is printed through the printer 117 at the POS when the consumer is identified at the POS by the computer 107 of the store, based on the consumer's CID. Step 505 may also include electronic distribution or delivery of ISP software (e.g. AOL 4.0) to the consumer's computer 123 on the Internet 121 from the promotion server 127 or any other remote computer, such as a server maintained by the ISP.

All or part of the invention may be conveniently implemented using conventional general purpose or universal computers, or microprocessors programmed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the computer field. Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of ordinary experience based on the teachings of this disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the field of software.

Figure 6 illustrates a computer system 601 on which an embodiment according to the present invention can be implemented. Computer system 601 includes a bus 603 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, a processor 605 coupled to the bus or bus 603 for processing the information. Computer system 601 also includes main memory 607, such as random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic memory device (e.g. dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Flash RAM) coupled to bus 603 to store information and instructions to be executed by the processor 605. In addition, main memory 607 can be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by the processor. 605. The 601 computer system also includes a 609 read-only memory (ROM) or other static storage device (e.g. a programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM)), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM) coupled to the 603 bus for storing static information and instructions for the 605 processor. A 611 storage device, such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk, is in this case provided and coupled to bus 603 to store information and instructions.

Computer system 601 may also include special purpose logic devices (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) or logic or configurable devices (e.g., a generic logic matrix (GAL) or a programmable gate matrix on the place reprogrammable (FPGA)). Other removable media devices (e.g. compact discs, tape, and removable magneto-optical media), or high density fixed media drives may be added to the 601 computer system using an appropriate device bus (e.g. small computer system interface (SCSI), an enhanced integrated device electronics (IDE) bus, or an ultra-direct memory access (DMA) bus). Computer system 601 may additionally include a compact disc player, a compact disc read-write unit, or a compact disc jukebox, each of which may be connected to the same bus as the device or to another bus on the device. device.

Computer system 601 can be coupled via bus 603 to a display 613, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) for displaying information to a computer user. The display 613 can be controlled by a display card or graphics card. The computer system includes input devices, such as a keyboard 615, and a cursor control 617, for communicating information and command selection to the processor 605. The cursor control 617, for example, consists of a mouse, a trackball, or directional cursor keys for communicating directional information and command selection to the processor 605 and for controlling the movement of the cursor on the display 613. In addition, a printer can provide printed lists of the data structures illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D or any other data stored and / or generated by the 601 computer system.

Computer system 601 executes a portion of or all of the processing steps of the invention in response to the execution by processor 605 of one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in a memory, such as main memory 607. These instructions can be read into main memory 607 from another computer readable medium, such as storage device 611. One or more processors in a multiprocessing arrangement may also be used to execute the instruction sequences contained in main memory 607. In Alternate embodiments, hard-wired circuitry can be employed in place of or in conjunction with software instructions. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software circuitry.

As indicated above, system 601 includes at least one computer readable medium or memory programmed in accordance with the teachings of the invention and for holding data structures, tables, records or other data described herein. Stored on any of or a combination of computer readable media, the present invention includes software for controlling computer system 601, for operating one or more devices to implement the invention, and for allowing computer system 601 to interact with a human user (e.g. a consumer). This software may include, but is not limited to, piloting elements or device drivers, operating systems, development tools, and application software. These computer readable media further include the computer program product of the present invention for performing all or a portion (if the processing is distributed) of the processing performed in implementing the invention.

The computer code devices of the present invention may be any interpreted or executable code mechanism, including, but not limited to, writings, interpreters, dynamic link libraries, Java classes, and complete executable programs. Furthermore, parts of the processing of the present invention can be deployed for better performance, reliability and / or cost.

The term "computer readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium participating in providing instructions to processor 605 for execution. Computer readable media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media and broadcast media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical, magnetic, and magneto-optical disks, such as the 611 storage device. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as 607 main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and optical fibers, including the wires that make up bus 603. Transmission media may also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

Common forms of computer readable media include, for example, hard disks, flexible disks (floppy disks), tape, magneto-optical disks, PROMs (EPROM, EEPROM, Flash EPROM), DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, or any other magnetic media, compact discs (e.g. CD-ROMs), or any other optical media, punched cards, paper tape, or other physical media with hole patterns, a carrier wave (described below) or any other media from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 605 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be brought to a remote computer's magnetic disk. The remote computer can load the instructions to implement all or a portion of the present invention remotely in a dynamic memory and transmit the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A local modem for the 601 computer system can receive data over the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data into an infrared signal. An infrared detector connected to the 603 bus can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on the 603 bus. The 603 bus carries the data to a main memory 607, from which the 605 processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received from the main memory 607 may optionally be stored on the storage device 611 either before or after execution by the processor 605.

Computer system 601 also includes a communications interface 619 coupled to bus 603. Communications interface 619 provides a bi-directional data communications coupling to a network link 621 which is connected to a local network (e.g. LAN 623) . For example, the communications interface 619 may be a network interface card for attachment to any packet-switched local area network (LAN). As another example, the communications interface 619 may be an asymmetric digital subscriber line card (ADSL), an integrated services digital network card (ISDN), or a modem for providing a data communication connection to a matching type of telephone line. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communications interface 619 transmits and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals carrying digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link 621 typically provides data communication across one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link 621 may provide connection through the LAN 623 to a central or guest computer 625 or to data equipment operated by a service provider or provider, which provides communication services over an IP (Internet Protocol 627) network. ) (e.g. Internet 621). The LAN 623 and the IP 627 network both employ electromagnetic or optical signals to carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link 621 and through the communications interface 619, which carry digital data to and from the computer system 601, are exemplary forms of carrier waves carrying the information. The computer system 601 may transmit signals or notifications and receive data, including program code, over the network or networks, the network link 621 and the communications interface 819.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the previous teachings. It must therefore be borne in mind that, within the protective scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practically implemented differently from what is specifically described herein.

Claims (46)

CLAIMS 1. Process comprising: stalking a consumer's shopping history, the purchasing history corresponding to at least one consumer's purchase; determine whether the consumer qualifies to receive free internet access from an internet service provider, based on the consumer's shopping history; And provide the consumer with a reward, redeemable for free access, if the consumer qualifies to receive the free service. 2. Process according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: classify the consumer in a category of expenses, based on the consumer's purchase history; assign a quantity of the free Internet service corresponding to the category of expenses in which the consumer is classified. Method according to claim 1, wherein the tracking step comprises tracking the consumer's offline purchases, the offline purchases including at least one consumer purchase. Process according to claim 1, wherein the tracking step comprises tracking the consumer's Online purchases, the Online purchases including at least one consumer purchase. 5. Process according to claim 1, wherein the prize consists of points and the process further comprises the steps of: follow the points assigned to the consumer; and award the consumer the free service in response to the consumer's redemption of points. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of electronically delivering to the consumer software of the Internet service provider for the free service, in response to the redemption of the premium by the consumer. 7. Process according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: provide the consumer with an offer to receive free internet access, based on the consumer's shopping history, the offer including a condition that the consumer must meet in order to qualify to receive the award. 8. Process comprising: providing a consumer with an offer including a redeemable bonus for free Internet service from an Internet service provider and a condition that must be met by the consumer in order for the consumer to receive the reward; determine whether the consumer has fulfilled the condition; And pay the premium to the consumer if the consumer has satisfied the condition. The process according to claim 8, wherein the reward includes points, the condition specifies a number of points necessary to receive the reward, and the process further comprises the step of awarding the consumer the free service when the consumer redeems the number of points required to receive the award. 10. Process according to claim 9, further comprising the step of tracking the points assigned to the consumer. The method of claim 9, wherein the condition specifies an online grocery store to be used by the consumer to receive points. The method according to claim 9, wherein the condition specifies a personal web page service to be used by the consumer to receive points. 13. Process according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of: transmit a personal web page to the consumer; receive identification information of the personal web page; in which the phase of disbursing the premium to the consumer includes: deliver the reward to the consumer in response to the receipt of personal web page identification information. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of delivering the offer to the consumer comprises printing the offer at a sales point. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of delivering the offer to the consumer comprises electronically delivering the offer to a computer of a consumer. 16. Computer readable medium containing program instructions for execution on a computer system, which, when executed from a computer, cause the computer system to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15. 17. System comprising: a memory having information about a promotion incorporated therein; And a processor communicating with the memory, the processor being configured to: stalking a consumer's shopping history, the purchasing history corresponding to at least one consumer's purchase; determine whether the consumer qualifies to receive free internet access from an internet service provider, based on the consumer's shopping history; And provide the consumer with a reward, redeemable for free access, if the consumer qualifies to receive the free service. A system according to claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to: classify the consumer in a category of expenses, based on the consumer's purchase history; And assign a quantity of the free Internet service corresponding to the category of expenses in which the consumer is classified. A system according to claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to track the consumer's offline purchases, the offline purchases including at least one consumer purchase. A system according to claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to track the consumer's online purchases, the online purchases including at least one consumer purchase. 21. System according to claim 17, wherein the prize consists of points and the processor is further configured for: follow the points assigned to the consumer; and award the consumer the free service in response to the consumer's redemption of points. 22. The system of claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to electronically deliver to the consumer software of the Internet service provider for the free service, in response to the redemption of the premium by the consumer. 23. System according to claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to provide the consumer with an offer to receive free Internet access, based on the consumer's purchase history, the offer including a condition that the consumer must satisfy to qualify to receive the award. 24. System comprising: a memory having information about a promotion incorporated therein; And a processor communicating with the memory, the processor being configured to: providing a consumer with an offer including a redeemable premium for free internet service from an internet service provider and a condition that must be met by the consumer in order for the consumer to receive the prize; determine whether the consumer has fulfilled the condition; And pay the premium to the consumer if the consumer has satisfied the condition. 25. A system according to claim 24, wherein the reward includes points, the condition specifies a number of points necessary to receive the reward, and the processor is further configured to award the consumer free service when the consumer redeems the number of points necessary to receive the award. A system according to claim 25, the processor being further configured to track the points assigned to the consumer. A system according to claim 25, wherein the condition specifies an online grocery store to be used by the consumer to receive points. A system according to claim 25, wherein the condition specifies a personal web page service to be used by the consumer to receive points. System according to claim 28, the processor being further configured to: transmit a personal web page to the consumer; receive identification information of the personal web page; And deliver the reward to the consumer in response to the receipt of personal web page identification information. A system according to claim 24 further comprising a printer positioned at a sales point and coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the printer to print the offer. A system according to claim 24, wherein the processor is further configured to electronically deliver the offer to a computer of a consumer. 32. System comprising: means of tracking a consumer's shopping history, the shopping history corresponding to at least one consumer's purchase; means of determining whether the consumer qualifies to receive free internet access from an internet service provider, based on the consumer's shopping history; And means to provide the consumer with a premium, redeemable for free access, if the consumer qualifies to receive the free service. A system according to claim 32, further comprising: means of classifying the consumer into a category of expenses, based on the consumer's purchasing history; And means to assign a quantity of free Internet services corresponding to the category of expenses in which the consumer is classified. A system according to claim 32, wherein the means for tracking includes offline tracking of consumer purchases, offline purchases including at least one consumer purchase. A system according to claim 32, wherein the means for tracking includes tracking the consumer's online purchases, online purchases including at least one consumer purchase. 36. System according to claim 32, wherein the reward consists of points and the system further comprises: means for tracking the points assigned to the consumer; And means to award the consumer the free service in response to the consumer's redemption of points. A system according to claim 32, further comprising means for electronically delivering to the consumer software of the Internet service provider for the free service, in response to the redemption of the premium by the consumer. 38. A system according to claim 32, further comprising means for providing the consumer with an offer to receive free internet access, based on the consumer's shopping history, the offer including a condition that the consumer must meet in order to qualify for receive the award. 39. system comprising: means for providing a consumer with an offer including a redeemable bonus for free Internet service from the Internet service provider and a condition that must be met by the consumer in order for the consumer to receive the reward; means of determining whether the consumer has fulfilled the condition; And means to pay the premium to the consumer, if the consumer has satisfied the condition. The system according to claim 39, wherein the reward includes points, the condition specifies a number of points necessary to receive the reward, and the system further comprises means for awarding the consumer the free service when the consumer redeems the necessary number of points to receive the award. 41. A system according to claim 40, further comprising means for tracking the points assigned to the consumer. 42. A system according to claim 40, wherein the condition specifies an online grocery store to be used by the consumer to receive points. A system according to claim 40, wherein the condition specifies a personal web page service to be used by the consumer to receive points. System according to claim 43, further comprising: means of transmitting a personal web page to the consumer; And means for receiving personal web page identification information; where the means of delivering the premium to the consumer include: means of delivering the reward to the consumer in response to the receipt of personal web page identifying information. A system according to claim 39, wherein the means for delivering the offer to the consumer comprises means for printing the offer at a sales point. A system according to claim 39, wherein the means for delivering the offer to the consumer comprises means for electronically delivering the offer to a computer of a consumer.