ITMI992301A1 - IN-VEHICLE PROMOTION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION of the industrial invention entitled:

"SYSTEM FOR IN-VEHICLE PROMOTIONS"

DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for promotions or promotional in vehicles and, in particular, it relates to a promotional system installed in a vehicle for displaying advertising messages, including information on coupons or discount coupons, and the optional printing of the displayed or related advertising messages. discount vouchers or coupons.

Background Discussion

Many manufacturers and commercial enterprises distribute discount coupons or coupons or advertisements offering discount or sale prices for merchandise items, such as by trading or selling by direct mailing of catalogs or advertising brochures, printing advertising messages or coupons in newspapers and magazines or, recently, through the Internet. A customer will either collect the discount coupon or coupon and present it at the time of purchase to get a discount, or bring along the advertisement offering the discounted prices. The retail store will redeem the coupon, which is typically bar-coded for reading by an optical scanning device, or the store's processing system will already be programmed with the discounted price of the items.

These methods of selling to consumers have the drawback that the customer may not actually know the coupon or item that is being offered at a discounted price. Unless the customer is inclined to usually shop in a commercial enterprise, or has a specific reason to visit that commercial enterprise, the sales campaign will be ineffective. The sales campaign is ineffective from another point of view, as a common goal in a sales campaign is to increase the number of customers who buy a particular product or to add new customers. People who are inclined to visit the commercial enterprise do not constitute new customers. Furthermore, a customer who collects such coupons may belong to a small group and may not even be a new customer.

With the advent of electronic and digital communications, new ways of reaching existing and potential customers are being explored. These ways often attempt to employ intelligent systems that automatically perform tasks such as finding information and then transmitting it to a user or potential customer so that the customer can exploit the information according to their wishes. An example of such a system is that of personalized Internet newspapers which automatically search for articles on the basis of a profile prepared by the subscriber. The Internet newspaper then, with a certain interval, usually every day, will prepare a personalized newspaper accessible according to the wishes of the subscriber.

Another aspect of a sales advertising campaign is to reach people at times when their work or personal obligations do not command their attention. These solutions are exemplified by television monitors in airport waiting areas, monitors in commuter train wagons, etc. What is required is a system capable of delivering information in the form of advertisements, discount vouchers or coupons, etc., at a time that is convenient for a person, in an intelligent way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a promotional system that can be installed in a vehicle, in which a person can receive promotional information, i.e. information concerning promotional advantages offered to the customer, such as service and / or commercial product reporting, advertising messages, information about discounts or related to discount vouchers or coupons, in their vehicle, automatically.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for vehicle promotions in which promotional information is distributed based on whether the vehicle arrives in the vicinity of a commercial enterprise or other commercial location where the promotional information is associated.

A further object of the invention is to provide an in-vehicle promotional system adaptable to be used with existing navigation and display instruments.

Another object of the invention is to allow a person, who is in his own vehicle, to optionally print information relating to coupons or discount vouchers of a commercial enterprise or in the vicinity of the vehicle or in a manner selected by the persons occupying the vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a promotional system in vehicles that is capable of automatically crediting promotional benefits to passers-by at a commercial enterprise, by communicating to the commercial enterprise personal identification information, stored in the system in -vehicle, capable of identifying the customer for the commercial enterprise.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for displaying promotional information in the vehicle, in which the promotional information is displayed after the vehicle has arrived within a defined proximity to a commercial building enterprise with which the information promotions are associated.

Yet another object of the invention is to enable retailers and manufacturers to reach customers when they could not otherwise be reached, at a time and place when the customer or potential customer is inclined to visit a business. commercial or retailer or manufacturer and to make a purchase.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by an in-vehicle promotions or promotional system having a position receiver, and a controller, a wireless communication device, a display adapted to be installed in the vehicle, and an optional printer, each connected to the controller. The receiver can be a Loran-based or GPS-based receiver, and the wireless communications system can be a radio modem or a cellular modem, or a paging or paging system.

The controller can be connected to a memory storing a search or consultation table linking a position of the vehicle with a memorization position of promotional information. Promotional information can be stored in the memory connected to the controller, or it can be stored in a memory in a central system wirelessly connected to the system in the vehicle. The system may also include means for storing information linking an area close to the commercial enterprise with the promotional information associated with the commercial enterprise itself.

The viewer or display device may have touch control areas for controlling the viewing and optional printing of the displayed promotional information. The promotional information displayed may include discount coupon or coupon information, and such viewers may have means to enable printing of the coupon information.

The receiver may output a location of the vehicle, and the controller may have means for retrieving promotional information based on the location of the vehicle. The controller can also retrieve the promotional information associated with a zone close to the commercial enterprise, with which the promotional information is associated, based on the fact that the vehicle enters the zone.

The system may also include a central system or "host system" wirelessly connected to the system in the vehicle, preferably to the wireless communications device. The central system may include a second controller, and a second wireless communications device and promotional information storage device connected to the second controller. The receiver in the in-vehicle system can output a location of the vehicle to the controller of the in-vehicle system, and the controller may include means for retrieving promotional information from the central system based on that location. A memory may be connected to the controller storing information linking a location of the vehicle and a memory location of corresponding promotional information, and the controller may comprise means for automatically retrieving updated information linking the location and location of corresponding promotional information from the central system.

The in-vehicle promotional system can signal to the commercial enterprise or host system the proximity of the vehicle to the commercial enterprise itself, thus allowing the commercial enterprise to automatically provide promotional benefits to the customer. The store may have an account for customers with systems in vehicles, and the system in-vehicle will have identification data identifying one or more persons associated with the vehicle to the commercial enterprise. The report provided to the commercial enterprise will include this identification, allowing the commercial enterprise to reflect the promotional benefits in the account corresponding to the person associated with the vehicle.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the promotional system in the vehicle may include an RF receiver receiving transmitted promotional information, a controller connected to the receiver, and a display adapted to be installed in the vehicle and a printer, both connected to the ticket inspector.

The second embodiment may also include a central or host system having a second controller and an RF transmitter for transmitting promotional information to the RF receiver in the in-vehicle system. The central system may also include a promotional information storage device connected to the second controller. The RF transmitter can be placed in the commercial enterprise building, and the RF transmitter has a transmission field near the commercial enterprise building. The RF receiver receives promotional information when the vehicle is in range or range of the RF transmitter.

The second embodiment may also include an RF transmitter in the vehicle for signaling to commercial enterprises when the vehicle is in the vicinity of the commercial enterprise. This RF transmitter will transmit personally identifiable information to enable the commercial enterprise to provide automatic promotional benefits to the identified person or persons associated with the vehicle.

These and other objects are also achieved by a method for displaying promotional information in a vehicle including the steps of storing data corresponding to the promotional information in the vehicle, and displaying the data after the vehicle has moved within a defined proximity to an enterprise. commercial with which the promotional information is associated. The method may also include the steps of storing data linking a vehicle location with promotional information, monitoring the vehicle's location, and displaying data corresponding to the promotional information using the location linking data and promotional information after the vehicle's location has occurred. carried within the defined proximity or proximity to the commercial enterprise. The method may also include printing the data in the vehicle and printing discount coupon or coupon information when the data includes coupon information.

Promotional data can also be transmitted by the commercial company and received in the vehicle. Promotional information can be stored in the vehicle for a predetermined period of time and the data can be updated with data transmitted from a central system. The update can be done automatically.

The objects of the invention can also be achieved with a method for distributing promotional information including the steps of forming a promotional information database of at least one commercial enterprise, wirelessly distributing data corresponding to the promotional information to a vehicle, and view the data when the vehicle is within a defined area of the commercial enterprise. The data can only be viewed after the vehicle has moved within the defined range or range. The process may also include printing data corresponding to promotional information, printing discount vouchers or coupons when the data is data relating to discount vouchers or coupons, and reporting to the commercial enterprise the identity of persons associated with the vehicle when the vehicle is located. in the vicinity of the commercial enterprise.

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:

FIG. 1 is a general view of the system of the method according to the invention;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a shop system according to the invention;

FIG. 2B is a simplified block diagram of the processor depicted in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an in-vehicle promotional device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a central or host system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of a GPS-based in-vehicle system;

FIG. 5B is a block diagram of a Loran-based in-vehicle system;

FIG. 6A-6D are diagrams of data formats used in the invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a display device according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the method and system according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the central system in the second embodiment of the system according to the invention; And

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the in-vehicle system according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED DIRECTIONALIZATION FORMS

Reference is now made to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, illustrating a general operation of the system and of the method according to the invention. An in-vehicle display system 10 is installed in a vehicle 1. The vehicle is moving near or near a retail store 2. The retail store 2 may be a standalone store or a shopping center or "shopping" containing a number of vendors, such as a so-called "mali or shopping strip", other retail store, or commercial enterprise. The following description will use the term "shop" to refer to any such commercial enterprise. or all the businesses themselves. Represented by dotted lines around shop 2 there is a proximity zone 3 defining an area assigned to the shop (a group of shops in the case of a shopping center). When vehicle 1 enters zone 3, the system 10 displays information about sales, advertising, discounts or relating to coupons or vouchers ("promotional information") of the shop or shops corresponding to zone 3. The next zone ty 3 can be defined by a radial field centered on the shop 2, such as a distance of 100 m, or it could be an area defined as a parking zone or an area bounded by neighboring streets. Thus, when the vehicle enters the parking zone of a retail store, any available information related to that store will be available for viewing and / or printing by the occupant (s) of the vehicle. The proximity of other shops may also have been taken into consideration with respect to the size and shape of zone 3.

Store 2 may have a store system 4 performing various operations in connection with product sales and promotions. The shop system 4 is shown in block form in FIG.

2A. The system 4 comprises a controller 5, a communications port or terminal 5 and a database 7. The communications port or terminal 5 may include a wireless communications device, such as a cellular or radio modem or a transceiver. paging "or paging type. The database 7 may contain a database of frequent shoppers allowing promotions to be targeted in a targeted manner to frequent customers, as will be described in more detail below, and / or a database of information promotional to distribute or disseminate to customers. System 4 may form part of a point-of-sale or "point-of-sale" system for the sale of products.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of the information display system 10 according to the invention. Such a system is designed to be installed in a motor vehicle and preferably to cooperate with existing electronics. The system of FIG. 3 includes a control or controller 11 which may include a processor for performing data processing, memory access and retrieval, and memory management. Connected to the controller 11 is a wireless telecommunication device 12. The device 12 enables wireless communication between the system and a distant central or host system, which will be described in more detail below.

The wireless telecommunications device 12 may be a wireless modem such as a cellular modem or a radio modem. These modems are manufactured by companies such as the Motorola company.

There are currently systems, such as the ARDIS wireless (semiconductor) network that can work with the Motorola radio modems discussed above, which it charges based on usage. Alternatively, a cellular modem could form a "toll-free" number connecting to the host or central system 20. The wireless communications system may also be a paging or paging type system. In this case, the system in the vehicle can query or search the host system 20 to transmit and receive information.

In the preferred embodiment, a printer 13 is also connected to the controller 11. The invention can also be implemented in embodiments without printers, but with only a viewer or display. Printer 13 might consist of a small thermal printer for printing coupons or discount coupons or other promotional information.

Coupons and other promotional information may also be displayed on the viewer or display 14. The display 14 could be a touch screen having touch control areas allowing printing of coupon or advertising information using the printer 13. type currently installed in vehicles and used to display vehicle operational information, route or guide maps, etc. The system 10 may also include an indicator 15 for alerting a driver or passenger of the vehicle regarding the receipt of promotional information, plus promotional information being awaited for display, the system being activated or remote communication taking place. Some of the functions of the indicator 15 can be performed on the display 14 in the form of the touch control areas.

An example of promotional information is illustrated in FIG. 7. Screen 70 contains the promotion display area 71, which displays advertising, sales, discount or coupon information. Area 71 displays the details of the promotion, the effective dates of the promotion, and so on. At the bottom of the screen 70 are touch control areas 72-75 for performing functions on the promotional information. An area such as area 72 may be included indicating both additional information is to be displayed and allowing access to the next information screen. A previous screen command 73, a print command 74 and output 75 (or return to vehicle operation display or travel directions display) may also be included. The areas can be different for different screens. For example, the display may include an area indicating that the system 10 is communicating with the host system 20, or that memory upgrade is taking place (which will be described later).

In the case of retail stores located close to each other, overlapping fields may occur 3. In this case, multiple information may be displayed for different stores, preferably in the different screens where the user could scroll or scan through the screens using the areas of touch display control 13.

Indicator 15 may be a light on the instrument panel near the display employed in a similar manner, alerting the occupants of the vehicle to operations such as those described above for display 14.

The system also includes a receiver 16 for producing vehicle position information used by the processor to determine the information to be displayed and a data terminal or port 17. The system can also receive identifying information, or that can be used to identify, the store 2 through the device 12. The processor 11 then concatenates the identifying information with the promotional information, displaying them on the display 14. The processor could also notify the occupant or occupants of the vehicle using the indicator 15 or on the display 14 relative to the presence of promotional information, allowing the occupant or occupants to view or print the information as desired, and to switch between the display of promotions and, for example , the vehicle operation display. Port 17 allows access to system 10 to store or modify system parameters, and for diagnosis and for any maintenance required. The port or terminal 17 may also include an optical or magnetic disc drive to allow information to be applied to or extracted from the system 10 using optical or magnetic discs.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the controller 11 can be configured as a CPU 31 connected to memory 30 and / or to I / O circuitry 32. Memory 30 represents both internal memory and external memory (to the CPU) with the internal memory containing the code that is executed by part of the CPU and possibly other frequently used information, while the external memory is typically of higher capacity and stores other information such as additional code executed by the CPU and a specified amount of promotional information. The external memory can be implemented as one or more semiconductor memories, a magnetic memory or an optical memory.

In the first example of the system according to the invention shown in FIG. 5A, the receiver 16 is a GPS-based receiver 50 receiving signals 53 from GPS satellites 51 and outputting an approximate location 52 of the vehicle. The position information is used by the controller 11 to determine whether information should be displayed. For example, the position information from the GPS-based receiver 16 is used by the controller 11 to display information based on the proximity of the vehicle to the shop 2, i.e. when vehicle 1 enters zone 3.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG.

5B, the receiver 16 may be a Loran-based receiver 55 producing position information 56, produced, for example, by Megapulse, Ine. Receiver 55 receives signals 57 from one or more antennas 58 to produce position information.

Information relating to the position of the vehicle and of the shop 2 can be stored in the memory 30 as in a search or consultation table. The controller 11 receiving the position information produced by the receiver 16 can compare the position information with data stored in the lookup table. The lookup table can be prepared by the system manufacturer and loaded into the system prior to installation in vehicle 2. The lookup table can also be updated with data received on the wireless communication device 12, or periodically through the port or terminal. 17 from an external device, or through a drive or disk drive, if included in port 17. Periodic updates via devices connected to port 17 or through port 17 itself can be accomplished by shipping a CD ROM or other supporting or carrier devices data in bulk.

The data may have the form shown in FIG. 6A, wherein memory locations contain a positional value or a positional field value 60 and memory address information 61 indicating a corresponding promotional information memory address with such store (or such stores). If any match is found, i.e. if the position is suitable or the received position is in one of the stored position fields, then the processor uses the memory address 61 to link with and retrieve display information 62 (FIG.6B) stored in the memory 31, or employs the wireless telecommunications device 12 for connection to the central system 20 to retrieve any promotional information stored in the host or central system 20 for the particular memory to be displayed by the system. In other words, when a driver is driving his vehicle and the vehicle arrives in a certain proximity to a shop, for example at a distance of 100 m, the system will display the current promotional information. This will present the promotional information to someone who is actually going to that particular store regarding current sale items, discounts or coupons, or may alert someone who does not intend to take you to the particular promotion store, but who may be attracted or interested, causing the person has to enter the store. If the information consists of coupons, then the person can instruct the system via the display 14 to print the coupons using the printer 13, or the system could be configured to automatically print the coupons.

As will be evident from the preceding discussion of the first example, the shops 2 do not necessarily have to have some equipment to take advantage of the system according to the invention. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, a store 2 having a store system 4 will provide additional features and functionality to those obtainable from the first example. The store system 4 may include a receiver, transmitter or transceiver for receiving and transmitting information such as promotional information or customer identification information. Such information can be transmitted to or received from vehicle 1 or from host system 20.

An alternative to printing coupons would be the provision of automatic promotional benefits such as discounts, to persons identified as passengers in Vehicle 1. This alternative would communicate the identification of persons who are passengers in or associated with Vehicle 1 to the stores and the promotional benefit would be available to the person following evidence of their identity at the store. Such identification could be based on a store's frequent shopper program or other accounts provided to the customer. The invention could also use the telephone number, social insurance number or equivalent markings to identify passengers in vehicle 1.

The preferred embodiment of the invention allows the person in the vehicle 1 to enter their personal identification information through a touch screen display 14. Alternative embodiments could pre-program the controller 11 with identification information or allow programming through the terminal 17.

When the vehicle 1 is being driven, the controller 11 will signal to the host or central system 20, through the wireless communications device 12, when the vehicle 1 and / or its associated passenger enters a zone 3 in the vicinity of a particular shop. The alert can be automatic using the stored identification information, or it can take place in response to a user action. The alert can be transmitted to a host system or central system 20 which is programmed to receive and process the identification information. and output the appropriate response to the vehicle. This flag may also identify the promotion 70 displayed on display 14 in order to provide the correct promotional benefit. The displayed promotion 70 will not need to be identified if the particular store is the only one employing a promotion. The central or host system 20 may report frequent promotional messages to the buyer's vehicle to alert the passenger or passengers of the need to provide their frequent shopper identification to the associated store. There would be no need to print a coupon in this case.

In a variant of the system just described, when a shop has a shop system 4, the central system 20 can release passenger identification information and promotional information displayed to the shop system 4 associated with the shop 2 through the port or terminal 5 for allow the shop system 4 to automatically provide the promotional benefit displayed to the person or persons identified as being in vehicle 1. The memory system 4 can also be programmed to signal the pending promotional benefit to the vehicle through the communication systems 12 without wires. The person or persons identified as being in the vehicle will then simply have to manifest the identification to the shop in order to receive the displayed promotion 70, again eliminating the need for a printed coupon. The controller 11 may also create a record field to keep track of how often access to promotional information is made for a particular location, whether the corresponding promotional information is displayed and for which shop, whether the corresponding promotional information is printed, etc. The record file can be stored in an assigned area of memory 31 or it can be transmitted to the host system 20. The processor 11 can be programmed to periodically transmit, for example weekly, information from the record file stored to the central system 20 to allow data analysis, tracking of coupons, etc. In the event that the promotional information is stored in and retrieved in the host or central system 20, the registration or prospecting activities could also be performed by the central system 20, except for printing coupons.

The amount of promotional information that may be available to processor 10 will be determined by the memory allocated to the system. In one version of the first embodiment, the processor 10 could contain minimum memory allocated to promotional information. Memory 30 contains the lookup table having positional information 60 and address information 61, and a certain amount of buffer memory allocated for holding promotional information. In this version, the memory 30 would preferably be a semiconductor memory. If an adaptation is made the processor 11 will then access a remote central system 20 using the wireless communications device 12 and download any appropriate information. Virtually whenever promotional information is to be displayed, it is retrieved through the wireless communications device 11 from the central system 20 and stored in the buffer memory. The information will then be shown on display 13 and can be printed through user interaction. It may also be possible to instruct the processor directly to print an appropriate coupon.

In a second version, the processor could hold a larger amount of memory and store both the lookup-consultation table and the corresponding promotional information. The memory 30 could be a magnetic disk or an optical disk. When a match between the GPS position and a store is determined by the processor 11, the corresponding promotional information is retrieved from the memory 30 and displayed.

In the event that all the promotional information cannot be stored in the memory 30, the second version of the system 10 would contact the central system 20, as described above, to retrieve the promotional information. The second version reduces the amount of distance communications and associated costs of employing wireless communications systems.

Retail stores typically currently distribute advertisements on a weekly basis in magazines and newspapers. The processor 11, in the first and second versions, at a given interval, such as every week, can be programmed to automatically use the wireless remote communication device 12 to access the central system 20 and update the consultation table. (first version) and both the consultation table and promotional data (in the second version), downloading the information (weekly). The wireless telecommunications device 12 could also be employed to update the lookup table and / or promotional data at any time desired by advertisers. The consultation or search table, and promotional data (in the second version) could also be updated through the use of a mass storage device connected to the port or terminal 17.

The cost of these systems could be borne by the advertising release. The system could therefore possibly be offered as a free option in the vehicle or as a standalone system or as a system that accesses a touch screen display already installed in the vehicle. GPS positioning systems providing driving information are already currently available in automobiles. The system according to the invention could easily be adapted to operate with existing GPS navigation systems and displays.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the central or guest system 20. The system 20 includes a receiver 21 for connecting with and for receiving information from the system 10 in the vehicle installed in the vehicle itself. Receiver 21 is connected to and transmits information to controller 23. As discussed above, the information could be store address information 61 which has been compared in a lookup table in system 10 to determine if there is a match between location information 60 and a store wishing to have promotional information displayed. The host or central system 20 compares the address 61 of the store to determine if there is a fit with promotional information 62. Under the control of the controller 23, promotional information can be retrieved from a coupon file 24, or from a promotions file 25. where data corresponding to coupon or advertising information, such as image data, is stored. The coupon file 24 and the promotions file 25 could be different memory locations in a single memory. The coupon data in the store 24 and the promotional data in the store 25 can be mixed together and stored by the name of the store or its location.

The controller 23 then transmits the information back to the system 10 in the vehicle using the transmitter 22. The transmitter 22 can consist of a modem connected to a cellular system or a radio system, or it could be a cellular modem or a radio modem. similar to and compatible with that of the modem employed by the system 10. The transmitter 22 and the receiver 21 could also be implemented as a single transceiver device.

The central or host system 20 may also receive from the vehicle system 10 through the receiver the identification information associated with the person in the vehicle 1, identification of which promotion is displayed or has been displayed on the display 14, and signaling that the vehicle 1 is entered zone 3 associated with a particular store 2 as discussed above. The entry of vehicle 1 into a zone 3 associated with a shop 2 can be used to automatically provide promotional benefits to the person identified in vehicle 1. Automatic promotional benefits may include the discounts advertised on the display 14 in the vehicle. The controller 23 will communicate the personal identification and identify promotions displayed on the display in the vehicle to a shop j 4 who will then automatically provide the promotional benefit to the identified person, as described above. Shop 2 will provide the promotional benefit to the person identified in vehicle 1 for a limited time after vehicle 1 enters zone 3 associated with the particular shop 2. The person identified as being in vehicle 1 will self-identify to the shop for receive the promotional benefit displayed. Processes and systems structures for automatically providing promotions to people based on their identity are known to the technicians of the relevant branches.

The central or host system 20 stores promotional information from the retail stores. In the first version of the embodiment where the in-vehicle system contains minimal information, the central system 20 frequently communicates and transfers promotional information 62 residing in file 24 or file 25 to system 10. The controller 23 will then transmit to the system 10 in the vehicle an appropriate amount of promotional information in accordance with the memory capacity of the system 10 in the vehicle. During these communications, the lookup table of the system 10 can be updated. In the second version in which the system 10 in the vehicle contains a larger amount of memory, the central system 20 communicates less frequently with the system 10.

In the first embodiment, the in-vehicle system 10 displays information when the vehicle enters the vicinity of a particular store 2. When the vehicle enters another field of a second store, or when there is additional information to be displayed, the display 14 or indicator lamp 15 could be used to signal to the occupants of the vehicle that promotional information is pending and the current display can be cleared or printed, thereby allowing new or additional information to be displayed and / or printed as desired.

A second embodiment of the in-vehicle system employs an RF receiver, and is illustrated in FIGS. 8-10. In this embodiment, the central system 80 is installed in shop 2 and includes an RF transmitter. The central system 80 transmits a signal having a limited range (represented by dashed lines), i.e. in the vicinity of the shop 2. Such a field could be the same field used in the GPS or Loran system that has been previously described. The central system 80 includes a controller 83 connected to the coupon file 24 and a file 25, which contains promotional information unique to a shop 2 or a group of shops. Controller 83 controls the transfer and formatting of promotional information to the RF transmitter 82 which transmits a signal containing the promotional information. Different promotional information screens can be broadcast together, or separately.

The RF transmission from the host or host computer 80 is received by the RF receiver 91. The received signal is received by the processor 92 and processed for format recognition, display and / or printing. System 90 also includes a printer 93 and a display 94, and may also include an indicator 95, each operating in the manner described above for elements 13-15, respectively. In this embodiment, since an RF system 80 transmits the promotional information, the system 10 in the vehicle requires a smaller amount of memory since only data relating to the particular shop (or shops) need to be received and processed.

The system 90 could include an identification transmitter 96 to signal to the central system 80 regarding the entrance of the vehicle 1 in the vicinity of the shop 81. The identification would identify for the shop the identity of the person associated with the vehicle 1 and allow the shop to automatically provide promotional benefits to the person associated with vehicle 1, for example in the form of a frequent shopper discount as discussed above.

The sales or advertising information from the central system 80 will reach customers who are both inclined to reach the store and those who are close to the store. A person will then be able to know the promotional information whenever the person brings their vehicle into the shop field. The customer will therefore not have to spend time researching or retrieving and sifting information to determine if there is any interest in a store where the customer is heading and for a store in the vicinity of the customer.

The second embodiment could also include an RF receiver 84 of the central system 80 for receiving identification information or other information from vehicles 1 entering the area. Controller 83 is connected to system 85 in the store and provides identification information to system 85 in the store.

In a third embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system in the vehicle of the first embodiment contains features "customizable" or specifically addressable to specific customers. The system 10 contains a lookup table in the memory 30 containing the information of the locations or locations of the shops. This information could be expanded to include the store name field 64 depicted in FIG. 6D. The processor 11 can search the information in the lookup table both by location and by name of the store.

The display 13 is also modified to contain control areas allowing the user to access promotional information by location (such as postal code or "ZIP" code or street address) or by the name of the shop. The processor 11 receives the request for information from the display and scans or searches the lookup table to determine an adaptation. In the case of the GPS-based and Loran-based systems in the first embodiment, the postal code (ZIP) or street address can be converted by the processor 11 into a range of GPS values or Loran values. satisfactory shops the input parameters are shown on the display 13. The customer selects the particular shops of interest and the in-vehicle system 10 displays the corresponding promotional information retrieved through the wireless remote communication device 12 from the central system 20 (previously version), or information retrieved from memory 30 (second version). In this embodiment, a customer will not only be able to receive information due to the proximity of the vehicle to the various stores associated with the system, but could also view those stores that are of interest in the area or view only information from stores in the area. a larger area associated with or subscribed to the system.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the previous teachings. For example, although the foregoing embodiments illustrate both a receiver and a transmitter for receiving and transmitting information, a transceiver may be employed in their place. Although the invention has been described as having one of a 6PS, Loran or local receiver, the system according to the invention may include two of these receivers or all three receivers. Additionally, various data formats may be employed conforming to the needs of store subscribers or system constraints. The memory system may also contain various storage devices and I / O devices for storing and processing various information desired by subscribers, or required by system requirements. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be implemented other than as specifically described herein.

Claims (64)

CLAIMS 1. In-vehicle promotional system installed in a vehicle, comprising: a position receiver; a controller connected to said receiver; a wireless communications device connected to said controller; a display adapted to be installed in said vehicle connected to said controller. 2. System according to claim 1, comprising a printer connected to said controller. System according to claim 1, wherein said receiver comprises one of a GPS receiver and a Loran receiver. The system according to claim 1, wherein said wireless communications system comprises one of a radio modem, a cellular modem and a paging transceiver. 5. System according to claim 1, comprising: a memory connected to said controller having a lookup table linking a position of said vehicle with a memory position of promotional information. 6. System according to claim 5, comprising: means for updating said memory. System according to claim 5, wherein: said memory comprises an area for storing promotional information. System according to claim 2, wherein: said display comprises touch control areas for controlling the display and printing of promotional information displayed on said display. System according to claim 1, wherein: said receiver outputs a position of said vehicle; said controller comprises means for retrieving promotional information based on said position of said vehicle. System according to claim 1, comprising: means for storing information linking an area with promotional information; And said controller retrieving said promotional information associated with said zone based on the fact that said vehicle enters said zone. System according to claim 10, comprising: means for storing information linking an area in the vicinity of a store with promotional information associated with said store. System according to claim 10, comprising: said controller displaying said promotional information associated with said zone only after said vehicle has entered said zone. 13. System according to claim 1, comprising: means for storing information linking promotional information with a business entity; And said controller retrieving said promotional information associated with said commercial entity based on a user request for information related to said commercial entity. System according to claim 1, comprising: means for storing information linking an area with promotional information; And said controller retrieving said promotional information associated with said zone on the basis of a user request for information related to said commercial entity. System according to claim 1, wherein: said viewer displays promotional information including discount coupon or coupon information. 16. A system according to claim 15, wherein said display includes means for activating printing of said discount or coupon information using said printer. System according to claim 1, wherein said controller comprises means for recording activity related to the display of said promotional information. 18. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a shop system wirelessly connected to said wireless communications device, said shop system comprising: a second wireless communications device; a shop controller connected to said second wireless communications device; and said store controller providing automatic promotional benefits to identified persons. 19. System according to claim 18, wherein: said controller contains personally identifiable information identifying one or more persons associated with said vehicle; said controller is able to transmit said personal identification information to said shop controller; And said store controller is capable of providing automatic promotional benefits to said one or more persons. System according to claim 19, wherein said controller is further adapted to transmit to said store controller a promotion indication displayed on said display. 21. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a central system wirelessly connected to said wireless communications device, said central system comprising: a second controller; a second wireless communications device connected to said second controller; and a promotional information storage device connected to said second controller. System according to claim 21, wherein: said receiver is adapted to output a position of said vehicle to said controller; said controller comprises means for retrieving promotional information from said central system based on said position. 23. System according to claim 21, comprising: a memory connected to said controller storing position linking information and a memory location of corresponding promotional information; said controller comprises means for automatically retrieving from said central system updated information linking said position and said location of corresponding promotional information. 24. A system according to claim 21, further comprising a store controller in communication with said second controller and wherein said store controller provides automatic promotional benefits to identified persons. System according to claim 24, wherein: said controller contains personally identifiable information identifying one or more persons associated with said vehicle; said controller transmits passenger identification information to said store controller; And said store controller provides automatic promotional benefits to said one or more persons. A system according to claim 24, wherein said controller further transmits to said store controller a promotion indication displayed on said display. System according to claim 1, comprising: means for storing at least one of position data corresponding to a position of a shop with which promotional data are associated and identification data identifying said shop; said display includes means for displaying said data on the basis of at least one of said position data and said identification data. System according to claim 27, comprising: means for recovering said promotional data on the basis of at least one of said positional data and said identification data. 29. In-vehicle promotional system installed in a vehicle, comprising: an RF receiver receiving broadcast promotional information; a controller connected to said receiver; a display adapted to be installed in said vehicle connected to said controller for displaying said promotional information. 30. A system according to claim 29, comprising a printer connected to said controller. 31. System according to claim 29, wherein: said display comprises touch control areas for controlling the display and printing of said promotional information displayed on said display. 32. System according to claim 29, wherein: said display displays said promotional information including information of discount vouchers or coupons. A system according to claim 32, wherein said display includes means for activating the printing of said coupon information using said printer. 34. A system according to claim 29, further comprising a central system which comprises: a second controller; an RF transmitter for transmitting said promotional information to said RF receiver; and a promotional information storage device connected to said second controller. A system according to claim 34 comprising: means for updating said storage device. 36. System according to claim 29, wherein: said RF transmitter is positioned in a shop; said RF transmitter has a transmission field in proximity to said shop. 37. System according to claim 29, comprising: said RF receiver receiving said promotional information when said vehicle enters said field or range. 38. System according to claim 29, wherein: said promotional information is displayed in response to information provided following a user request. 39. System according to claim 29, further comprising: a wireless communications device installed in said vehicle and connected to said controller; a shop system wirelessly connected to said wireless communications device. System according to claim 39, wherein said shop system comprises: a second wireless controller; And a store controller that provides automatic promotional benefits to identified individuals. 41. System according to claim 40, wherein: said controller contains personally identifiable information identifying one or more persons associated with said vehicle; said controller transmits said Personal Identification information to said store controller; And said store controller is adapted to provide automatic promotional benefits to said one or more persons. 42. A system according to claim 41, wherein said controller further transmits to said store controller a promotion indication displayed on said display. 43. A process for displaying promotional information in a vehicle, comprising: storing data corresponding to said promotional information in said vehicle; and displaying said data after said vehicle has arrived within a defined proximity to a shop with which said promotional information is associated. 44 Process according to claim 43, comprising: update said data. A process according to claim 43, comprising: storing data linking a position of said vehicle with said promotional information; monitoring said position of said vehicle; And displaying said data corresponding to said promotional information using said data linking said position and said promotional information after said position of said vehicle has entered within said defined proximity to said store. 46. Process according to claim 43, comprising: printing said data in said vehicle. 47. Process according to claim 43, comprising: said data including information on discount vouchers or coupons. 48. A method according to claim 43, further comprising printing said discount voucher or coupon information in said vehicle. 49. Process according to claim 43, comprising: defining an area in the vicinity of said shop; determining a position of said vehicle; comparing said position with said zone; and determining whether to display said data based on said comparison. 50. A method according to claim 43, comprising; monitor a position of said vehicle using one of a GPS system and a Loran system. 51. Process according to claim 43, comprising: transmitting said data from the shop, and receiving said data in said vehicle. 52 Process according to claim 43, comprising: storing personal identification information of one or more persons associated with said vehicle; communicate said personal identification information to said shop and identification of said data after said data have been displayed; And provide one or more persons with an automatic promotional benefit corresponding to said data. 53. Process according to claim 43 comprising: transmitting said data from a central system; And receiving said data in said vehicle. 54 Process according to claim 53, comprising: using said data stored in said vehicle for a predetermined period of time; and updating said data with updated data transmitted by said central system. 55. Process according to claim 54, comprising: automatically update said data with said updated data. 56 A process according to claim 43, comprising: storing at least one of position data relating to a location of said shop and identification data identifying said shop; display said data corresponding to said promotional information on the basis of at least one of said position data and said identification data. 57. Process according to claim 56, comprising: retrieve said data corresponding to said promotional information on the basis of at least one of said position data and said identification data. 58. Process of displaying promotional information in a vehicle, comprising: storing data corresponding to said promotional information in said vehicle; associating said promotional information with a shop and with the location of said shop; accept a user request for a geographic field of interest; And display said data on the basis of the position or locality of said shop falling within said geographical field of interest. 59. A process for displaying promotional information in a vehicle, comprising: storing data corresponding to said promotional information in said vehicle; associate said promotional information with a shop; And view said data based on user request for information concerning said shop. 60. Process for distributing promotional information including: forming a database of promotional information of at least one shop; wirelessly distributing data corresponding to said promotional information to a vehicle; and displaying said data after said vehicle has entered a defined field of said shop. 61 Process according to claim 60, comprising: displaying said data only after said vehicle has entered a defined field of said shop. 62. A process according to claim 60, comprising: print said data corresponding to said promotional information. 63. Process according to claim 62, wherein said data comprises coupon data or discount vouchers. 64 Process according to claim 60, comprising: storing personal identification information of one or more persons associated with said vehicle; transmit said personal identification information and identification of said data to said shop after said data have been displayed; And provide one or more persons with an automatic promotional benefit corresponding to said data.