JP2004510220A - Method and apparatus for rewarding desired behavior of a consumer with an ISP service - Google Patents

Abstract

No abstract.

Description

[0001]
(Technical field)
The present invention relates generally to the use of computing devices, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for providing free ISP services to consumers for exhibiting desirable fidelity to retailers and / or brands.
[0002]
(Background technology)
An increasing number of households have at least one computer and access the Internet. Most home computers do not have a direct connection to the Internet, but access the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPs, also called access providers or service providers, provide Internet access services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations. Typically, ISPs charge for such services.
[0003]
Recent technology developments have enabled consumers to receive promotions from manufacturers and retailers over the Internet. These promotions include coupons, incentives, advertisements, and offers that encourage desirable consumer behavior. An example of an online promotion service is a value page provided by Supermarket Online. Methods and apparatus for correlating offline purchases in stores and distribution of online promotions are described in US Patent Nos. 5,970,469 and 6,014,634, each of which is incorporated by reference. Is incorporated herein by reference. These devices use database networking and Internet communication technologies to provide consumers with online information about product and / or retailer promotions.
[0004]
The design and implementation of the various methods of database networking and Internet communication were described in "Managing Internet Information Services" by Liu et al., O'Reilly & Associates, 1994, "Internet Working," 1991, by Commerciale-Hall, Inc. with TCP / IP Volume 1: Principles, Protocols, and Architecture, 2nd edition, 1991, "Commerce and Stephens of Prentice-Hall Company, Inc.," Internet Working with Digital / International Agency, Inc. "Internet Working with TCP / IP Vol. III: Client-Server Programming and Applications," by Commercial and Hall of Commercial-Hall, Inc., and "Korge, a company from Morgan Kaufmann, published by Morgan Kaufmann, Inc. "JDBC Database Access with Java (R), A Tutorial and Annotated Reference" by Hamilton et al., Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1997, and Wrox Press, 1998, by Wrox Press, Inc. It is described in the "Professional Active Server Pages 2.0", each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0005]
To create a relationship that focuses on Internet access services to homes and consumers' offline purchase behavior in retail stores, despite the increase in Internet-related coupon distribution services and other online promotion services No services offer promotions or incentives. In addition, to encourage consumers who do not have access to the Internet to use online services, to promote products and retailers designed to promote, and to encourage desirable offline consumer behavior There are no promotions designed.
[0006]
(Disclosure of the Invention)
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a novel method, apparatus, and computer program product that provide a free ISP service to the desired behavior of the consumer.
[0007]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing various amounts (amount, amount, amount) of free ISP service based on a consumer's individual purchase history. It is.
[0008]
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a novel method, apparatus, and computer program product that guides consumers accessing the Internet and those not accessing the Internet to use the services of online promotions.
[0009]
These and other objects are achieved by providing new methods, apparatus, and computer program products for providing ISP services to desired consumer behavior. The underlying method of the device and computer program product is to track a consumer's purchase history corresponding to at least one purchase of the consumer, and to determine the consumer's purchase history based on the consumer's purchase history. Will determine if they are entitled to receive free Internet services from the ISP and if the consumer is entitled to receive free services, will receive a reward (rewards, rewards, bounty, rewards) in exchange for the free services. Including distributing to consumers. If at least one purchase of the consumer is an offline purchase, the consumer's offline purchase history is used to determine whether the consumer receives free internet service. In addition, consumers with a high purchase history may be targeted for free Internet services, and may start using online promotion services to increase the likelihood of receiving coupons and other offers.
[0010]
According to another aspect of the invention, an offer is distributed to a consumer. The offer includes a reward that is redeemed for free internet service from an internet service provider and the conditions that the consumer must meet in order for the consumer to receive the reward. The computer then determines whether the consumer satisfies the condition and, if the consumer satisfies the condition, a reward is distributed to the consumer. In this way, a free ISP service is provided to the consumer, possibly at the same time as the consumer's current and / or past purchases, based on the consumer's future behavior (ie, by meeting conditions). Preferably, the condition may require the consumer to use an online promotion service, which may require the consumer to purchase Internet access from an ISP. As a result, the rewards for the free ISP service are more appropriate for consumers. Such conditions may also encourage the use of designated online promotion services and may further encourage the consumer's desired behavior with respect to designated products and / or retailers.
[0011]
A more complete understanding of the present invention and of the many advantages associated with the present invention will be readily obtained by better understanding the present invention by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0012]
(Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention)
In the following, like reference numerals refer to the drawings showing the same or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in particular with reference to FIG. 1, indicating a loyalty or other desired behavior with respect to the retailer or brand. With respect to the above, an apparatus using a computer that provides an ISP service to a consumer is shown. The device of FIG. 1 includes a host computer 101, a global database 103, and one or more retail stores 105. Each of the retail stores 105 includes one or more of the following: a store computer 107, 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 121. The apparatus of FIG. 1 also includes one or more computers associated with the consumer (eg, consumer computer 123), the Internet 121, an online retailer server 125, and a promotion server 127.
[0013]
The host computer 101 is any suitable workstation, server, or other device, such as the computer device 601 of FIG. 6, which communicates with the store computer 107, stores information in the global database 103, and retrieves information therefrom. I do. According to one embodiment, host computer 101 also communicates with promotion server 125 and online retailer server 125. In the preferred embodiment, host computer 101 and store computer 107 communicate over a standard telephone network, but any suitable communication medium may be used.
[0014]
The global database 103 is a file including a record including information for providing a targeted research invitation (research invitation, research guide, research incentive). This information includes information on each purchase made by the consumer at the retail store 105. Such information may include, for example, a minimum stock management unit (SKU), brand, size, weight, price, date and time of purchase, and consumer identifier (CID) of the consumer who made the purchase. However, the present invention is not limited to these. In one embodiment, some of this information is obtained from a barcode on the purchased item that scanner 121 scans during the transaction. These barcodes preferably include UPC information, JAN information, or EAN information that identifies the SKU. The records in the global database 103 include fields and sets of operations related to search, sort, recombination, and other database functions. In some cases, global database 103 may be implemented as more than one database, such as consumption from different sources, such as the Internet, a grocery store, a hardware store, a pet supply store, a video store, a restaurant, etc. It may be a set of several databases that store consumer purchase data. One or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,832,457, 5,649,114, 5,430,644, and 5,592,560 collect consumer purchase history information. A technique for storing such information in a database such as the global database 103 and the UPC database 113 is described. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,832,457, 5,649,144, 5,430,644, and 5,592,560 are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, techniques for collecting consumer purchase information and storing such information in databases such as global database 103 and UPC database 113 are described in Catalina Marketing and / or other patents owned by Catalina Marketing International. I have. Each patent owned by Catalina Marketing and / or Catalina Marketing International is incorporated herein by reference.
[0015]
The retail store 105 is generally referred to as a retail location and is a location where goods are stored and retail sold to consumers. As described above, many retail stores 105 may be connected to the host computer 101.
[0016]
The store computer 107 can be implemented using, for example, the computer device 601 of FIG. 6, or any suitable PC, workstation, server, or device. The store computer 107 communicates with the host computer 101, stores and retrieves information from the store database 109, and monitors data (ie, transaction data) transmitted between the terminal 119 and the store controller 111. , The printer 117.
[0017]
The store database 109 is a file containing records containing information for providing targeted survey invitations in accordance with the present invention. Records in the store database 109 include fields that associate the barcode with the merchandise at the retail store 105 (eg, by using UPC codes, JAN codes, and / or EAN codes). Store database 109 also includes operations related to searching, sorting, recombination, and other database functions. In some cases, store database 109 may be implemented as two or more databases. The sales transaction information stored in the store database 109 is periodically (for example, once a day) retrieved by the store computer 107 and transmitted to the host computer 101, and the host computer 101 uses this information to generate a global database. The purchase history information stored in 103 is updated.
[0018]
Store control 111 is any computer or device that communicates with terminal 119 and executes transactions at POS 115 using information stored in UPC database 113. An exemplary store controller 111 is described in US Pat. No. 5,173,851, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0019]
The UPC database 113 is a file containing a record containing information for executing a transaction at the POS 115 by scanning a barcode printed on a purchased product. The records in UPC database 113 include fields that relate the barcode to a product and a price corresponding to the product. UPC database 113 also includes operations related to search, categorization, recombination, and other database functions, and in some cases may be implemented as two or more databases. In alternative embodiments, JAN and / or EAN codes may be used instead of or in conjunction with UPC codes.
[0020]
Retail store 105 includes one or more POSs 115. The printer 117 in the POS 105 receives a print command from the store computer 107. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the targeted survey invitation is printed by printer 117 in response to receiving a command from store computer 107. Terminal 119 may be implemented as a standard cash register or may include, for example, a screen, a credit card reader, and a numeric keypad. The terminal 119 communicates with the control device 111 and the scanner 121 of the store. Scanner 121 may be implemented as any conventional scanning device that reads merchandise information, such as a merchandise code (eg, UPC, EAN, or JAN) from a barcode or other indicia on the merchandise. The information read by the scanner 121 is transmitted to the control device 111 of the shop via the terminal 119. The store controller 111 uses the scanned information and the information recorded in the UPC database 113 to determine transaction information including, for example, SKU, price, quantity, date and time of the transaction.
[0021]
If there are multiple POSs 115 in the retail store 105, each terminal 119 is preferably configured in a loop with the store controller 111. The shop computer 107 is located in front of the shop controller 111 in a loop, and information transmitted from the terminal 119 to the shop controller is monitored by the shop computer 107.
[0022]
The Internet 121 includes networks and gateways connecting countless computers, such as the host computer 101, consumer computers 123, online retailer servers 125, and promotion servers 127. Alternatively, any suitable communication network in addition to or in place of the Internet 121 may be used.
[0023]
The consumer's computer 123 may be associated with a consumer, for example, a PC, laptop, mobile terminal (eg, Palm VII by Palm). ^TM ) Or a palmtop. The consumer makes online purchases via the online retailer server 125 using the consumer's computer 123 and participates in online promotions, incentives and offers via the promotion server 127.
[0024]
Online retailer server 125 is a computer that hosts an online shopping website, such as an online grocery store. Consumers access the online retailer server 125 via the Internet 121 using their computers and make purchases from retailers associated with the online retailer server 125. Purchased goods are delivered by mail, courier, or personal delivery. In this way, the consumer can order groceries from his computer 123 by accessing the server 125 on the Internet 121 and have the groceries delivered to the home for receiving at the back door. .
[0025]
Promotion server 127 is a computer that hosts an online promotion website. Such promotions include online coupons, coupons that can be printed and redeemed at store 105, information on different retailers and merchandise, and any other desirable promotions, offers, incentives, and rewards. The consumer accesses the promotion server 127 using his computer 123, participates in various promotions, and collects information on the promotion.
[0026]
It should be understood that the apparatus of FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes only, as many variations of the particular hardware and software used to implement the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the functions of the store computer 107 and the store control device 111 may be combined into a single device. In another example, store database 109 and UPC database 113 can be combined into a single database. These and other implementations of retail computing devices are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,723,212, 4,910,672, 5,612,868, and 6,026,370. One or more are described in more detail, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. To implement these and other variations, a single computer (eg, the computer device of FIG. 6) may be used to perform any two or more of the special purpose functions of the device shown in FIG. 601) can also be programmed. Alternatively, two or more programmed computers may be replaced with any one of the devices shown in FIG. In some cases, the principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as redundancy and duplication, may be implemented to increase, for example, device robustness and performance.
[0027]
The present invention stores, for example, information about the various consumers shopping at the retail store 105, their purchase histories, targeted survey invitations, and consumer identification information. This information is stored in one or more memories, such as, for example, a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and / or RAM. One or more databases, such as global database 103 and store database 109, can store information used to implement the present invention. The database is a data structure (e.g., records, tables, columns) contained in one or more memories, such as, for example, the memory described above or any of the storage devices listed below in the discussion of FIG. , Fields, graphs, trees, and / or lists).
[0028]
2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D depict data structures used to implement a device that provides ISP services to a desired behavior of a consumer, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The data structure is depicted in a relational format using a table, where information stored in one column (ie, field) of the table is stored in the same row across another column (s) of the table. (Ie, a record). Host computer 101 and / or store computer 107 use these data structures to distribute offers, promotions, and rewards to consumers in accordance with the present invention. The data structures shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D may correspond to global database 103, store database 109, and / or any other suitable storage device (s) or storage medium (s). Is stored in
[0029]
FIG. 2A is a purchase history table 201 including a field 203 storing a consumer identifier (CID) and a field 204 storing the purchase history of each consumer or home identified in the field 203. A CID is any identifier that is scanned, read, or otherwise entered into a computer or terminal to identify a consumer. Each consumer may have multiple CIDs. Preferably, the CID is represented as a barcode so that the scanner 117 can quickly scan at checkout, but any other type of machine-readable or non-machine-readable implementation that stores and displays the identification. It can be used, including magnetic strips, memory chips, smart cards. Examples of CIDs are credit card numbers, debit card numbers, social security card numbers, driver's license numbers, check account numbers, postal addresses, names, email addresses, telephone numbers, customer card numbers, shopper card identification ( SCID), or a loyalty card number issued by the retail store 105, but any other suitable form of identification may be used. For example, the CID may be a cookie stored on the consumer's computer 123 and identifying the consumer's computer or web browser software. As used herein, the term "cookie" refers to data that includes identification information (ie, a cookie ID) that identifies a consumer's computer 123 or web browser software to a server or remote computer. Is an arbitrary block.
[0030]
Preferably, field 204 includes several sub-stores that separately store purchase data, such as the location of the purchase, the SKU, the price of each item purchased, the date and time of the transaction, and / or other desired information about the consumer's transaction. Divided into fields.
[0031]
FIG. 2B is a classification criterion table 205 including a field 207 storing a purchase history criterion for a different classification and a field 209 storing a classification. For example, the classification criteria table 205 indicates that “brand X soda is less than 2 liters”, “brand X soda is between 2 liters and 5 liters”, “brand X soda is 5 liters or more”, and the average purchase is monthly. Field 207 may include three records, each including a corresponding record. In this example, the corresponding records in field 209 are "light user", "average user", and "heavy user". In one embodiment, the information used to fill the classification criteria table 205 includes information from the manufacturer, to establish purchase history criteria for the different classifications used to distribute targeted offers for free ISP services. Provided by advertisers or retailers. However, marketing research firms, advertising agencies, or other entities can also provide information used to generate standardized taxonomy tables for different goods and services. The classification criteria table 205 also includes a field 210 for storing offers, rewards, or other promotions corresponding to each classification. In the above example, the first record in field 210 is empty and indicates that there is no offer to the light user, and the second record in field 210 provides the consumer with a relatively small reward (eg, The third record in field 210 includes an offer to increase the average monthly purchases of brand X cola to receive a one month free ISP service, and a relatively high reward (eg, May include an offer to increase the average monthly consumption of brand X cola to receive a one year free ISP service). This example uses the current purchase level per brand to target offers for free ISP services. However, offers can also be targeted based on the average purchase level of all products in a given retailer or chain (eg, "average shopper" has been using ABC for the last 12 months). Spending on average between $ 100 and $ 150 a month in supermarkets).
[0032]
FIG. 2C is an offer table 211 that includes a field 213 that stores the CID of a consumer eligible to receive offers, rewards, and other promotions, stored in field 215 of offer table 211. Accordingly, offer table 211 stores and / or identifies in field 215 targeted offers and promotions associated with a particular consumer and / or household identified by the CID stored in field 214. According to one embodiment, the offer table 211 is generated by the host computer 101, and the host computer 101 sends one or more of the generated offer tables 211 to the selected store computer 107 to respond. Store it in the store database 109.
[0033]
FIG. 2D is a point table 217 including a field 219 for storing a CID and a field 221 for storing a point associated with each CID in the field 219. If a consumer is offered an offer to earn a predetermined number of points to receive a reward, for each corresponding CID in field 219, the total points for each consumer and / or household are: Stored in field 221. Other computers, such as the host computer 101 or the store computer 107, can use the points table 217 to determine if the consumer is eligible to receive the reward.
[0034]
FIG. 3A is an example reward 301 for a free ISP service, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The reward 301 includes the amount of ISP service (eg, one month, 100 hours, one year) and, in some cases, promotional information identifying the retailer and / or manufacturer (eg, ABC supermarket) that provides the free ISP service. Field 303 is included. The reward 301 includes a field 305 for identifying a user name and a field 307 for identifying a password. The username and password can be used to register for the free ISP service and can also be used to identify the consumer receiving the service and the specific reward 301. Field 309 contains instructions to receive free service. In this case, the instructions instruct the consumer to dial a specific telephone number with a modem. However, such instructions may include a uniform resource locator (URL), a website, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, or any other information to contact an ISP that provides the free service. Field 311 for reward 301 provides information to receive customer support to receive free ISP services.
[0035]
FIG. 3B is an exemplary offer 313 of a free ISP service, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Offer 313 includes a field 315 with instructions to participate in a promotion, in this case a free ISP service offer. The field 315 is used to indicate the actions that the consumer must take or the conditions that must be met in order to receive points. Points can be collected and redeemed for various amounts of free ISP services or other rewards. In the example field 315, the user has access to ABC Supermarkets. com earned 100 points for purchasing more than $ 50 of grocery items online, 25 points for presenting a printed personal web page of a consumer at an ABC supermarket, and grocery at an ABC supermarket Earn 100 points for purchasing more than $ 75. In one embodiment, the consumer retrieves his or her personal web page from promotion server 127 using web browser software running on consumer computer 123. The consumer may be rewarded for purchasing online from the online retailer server 125. Field 317 of offer 313 identifies the number of points required to receive different amounts of ISP service. Field 319 of offer 313 contains instructions to register to enter the promotion so that points can be earned. Field 319 also contains information such as a URL or telephone number, allowing registered users to check the number of points they have earned and / or redeem for different rewards, including free ISP services.
[0036]
FIG. 3C is an example coupon 321 that can be distributed to consumer computers. Coupon 321 includes a field 323 with coupon information identifying one or more product brands, sizes, and discounts. The coupon 321 may also be used to identify a particular coupon (thus preventing fraud of the coupon), machine readable information about the consumer who sent the coupon (including the consumer's CID), the coupon. Includes a field 325 with the retail location (s) that can be redeemed and / or any other desired information. According to one embodiment, coupon 321 forms all or part of a consumer's personal web page.
[0037]
Thus, it will be appreciated that in some cases promotions, rewards, offers, advertisements, and / or coupons can be adjusted at will to include or exclude any information. It should be understood that rewards 301, offers 313, and coupons 321 are for illustrative purposes only, as a virtually unlimited number of promotions can be created in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
[0038]
FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating a method for tracking purchase histories, classifying consumers into spending categories, and providing a reward to consumers. In step 401, during a transaction at POS 115, scanner 121 scans the customer's loyalty card. The CID of the consumer is read from the customer card and transmitted to the store computer 107 via the terminal 119. Alternatively, the consumer's CID is read into terminal 119 by reading the magnetic strip on the loyalty card or by manually typing the consumer's CID using the terminal 119 keypad.
[0039]
At step 403, store computer 107 associates the consumer's CID with offline purchase information corresponding to the purchase made by the consumer in the current transaction. In step 405, the information of the current purchase and the CID of the consumer are stored in the store database 109. Next, in step 407, the purchase information and the CID of the consumer are transmitted to the host computer 101. In step 409, the host computer 101 stores the purchase information in the purchase history table 201 of the global database 103.
The host computer 101 uses the CID received from the store computer 107 to correctly record the purchase record (that is, the purchase information and the purchase information) in the purchase history table 201 in the global database 301 that stores the purchase history information of the consumer purchase. Record corresponding to the associated consumer). Preferably, steps 401, 403, 405 are performed for each consumer during each purchase transaction at POS 115.
In one embodiment, step 407 is performed daily when host computer 101 polls store computer 107 for information in store database 109 and updates purchase history table 201 in global database 103.
[0040]
In step 411, the host computer 101 classifies each consumer or household corresponding to the CID in the purchase history table 201 of the global database 103 into an expenditure category. This classification is based on criteria established by, for example, marketing agencies, manufacturers, retailers, or other advertisers or entities. As described above, the criteria for each classification are stored in the classification criteria table 205 in field 207, and the corresponding classification is stored in field 209. Each category in field 209 corresponds to an offer or reward in field 210. Next, at step 413, the host computer 101 determines an offer or reward for each consumer based on the consumer's spending category or classification. Offers and rewards are determined from fields 210, and offers and rewards are stored for each classification in field 209 and the corresponding purchase history criteria in field 207.
[0041]
In step 415, the host computer 101 distributes the offer regarding the free ISP service to the consumer, stores the reward information of the offer to be used in the future, and determines whether the consumer satisfies the condition of the offer and can receive the free ISP service. To determine. Instead of the offer, the reward determined in step 413 may be stored in field 210 (eg, reward 301 in FIG. 3A) and distributed to the consumer in step 415. In this case, the consumer does not need to meet the conditions for receiving a free ISP service. In another embodiment, both offers and rewards are stored in field 210.
[0042]
In one embodiment, the reward for the free ISP service is provided to the consumer at step 415. The amount of ISP service is based on the consumer's offline purchase history. For example, if in step 411 the consumer (or his or her home) is classified as an ABC supermarket patron, in step 415, the printer 117 automatically prints the one year free ISP service reward 301. I do. In this example, "ABC supermarket loyalty" may correspond to a user who has purchased groceries at ABC supermarkets for at least $ 200 per month during the last 12 months. Another consumer, categorized as an "ordinary shopper" ($ 100 per month during the last three months) can receive a one-month free ISP service. In this way, the average shopper will be an incentive to become a good customer and receive more free ISP services. In this embodiment, the printer 117 can conveniently print the reward at step 415 in response to receiving the customer's CID at step 401.
[0043]
FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating a method of tracking a consumer's online purchase history. In step 417, online retailer server 125 receives the consumer's online purchase information and the consumer's CID, and / or other identifying information, such as, for example, Internet cookies. According to one embodiment, this information received by the online retailer server 125 may be used for online purchase transactions on the Internet 121 (eg, "receipt of a back door" of grocery items ordered online and delivered to the consumer's home). ) Can be transmitted from the consumer computer 123. At step 419, online retailer server 125 associates the consumer's identity with the online purchase information. This information is stored in a local database on the online retailer server 125. The online purchase information and identification information stored in a database local to the online retailer server 125 are periodically transmitted to the host computer 101 in step 423. Next, in step 409 (FIG. 4A), the host computer 101 stores the purchase information in the global purchase database 103 in association with the CID of the consumer. Alternatively, step 421 may be omitted and the information may be sent directly from consumer computer 123 or online retailer server 125 to host computer 101.
[0044]
FIG. 4C is a flowchart illustrating a method for electronically distributing an offer to receive a free ISP service to consumers via the consumer's computer 123.
In step 425, an offer is distributed to the consumer to participate in the free ISP service program. Such offers preferably require the consumer to enroll in the program. Such an offer may also look like, for example, offer 313 of FIG. 3B. In step 427, the consumer uses computer 123 to register with a server, such as promotion server 127. Upon registration, the consumer provides registration information including his or her favorite retailer, brand, geographic and other demographic information, consumer identification information such as consumer CID. The server 127 receives and stores this registration information. In addition, the server 127 may place an Internet cookie on the consumer's computer 123 so that the consumer can recognize the consumer's computer 123 each time they access the website corresponding to the server 127 using their own computer 123. It may be stored. One or more types of identities of the consumer are stored in one or more fields of a table, which can be used to identify the consumer based on the different identities of the consumer.
[0045]
In step 429, the promotion server 127 displays the consumer's personal web page when the consumer logs back in to the website hosted by the promotion server 127 and / or provides the consumer with the linked identification information as a result of the registration. Receiving the identification information. The identification information is preferably based on the consumer's CID, name, email address, username, password, and / or registration information such as cookies stored by the promotion server 127 on the consumer's computer 123. The promotion server 127 links each such cookie with the consumer's other identifying information, so that when the consumer's computer 123 sends the cookie to the promotion server 127, the consumer is "recognized."
[0046]
In step 431, the promotion server 127 generates a personal web page and distributes the personal web page to consumers. The personal web page is customized based on the registration information provided by consumer computer 123 to promotion server 127 in step 427. The personal web page can also be automatically distributed to the consumer's computer 123 in response to login information, cookies, and other identifying information received each time the consumer accesses the promotion server 127. In a preferred embodiment, the consumer's personal web page includes promotions, offers, and / or coupons (eg, coupon 321 in FIG. 3C) that the consumer can print on a computer, such as consumer computer 123. Can be.
[0047]
At step 433, the consumer is rewarded for visiting his or her personal web page. Points are collected and redeemed for free ISP services. In some cases, step 433 may be selectively omitted so that consumers do not receive points if they visit their web page more than once a month.
[0048]
In step 435, when the consumer presents the coupon 321 at the store 105, the scanner 121 reads the barcode 325. The store computer 107 receives the barcode and provides points rather than actual money based on the item purchased by the consumer. In this example, coupon 321 allows the consumer to purchase 10 points (instead of 10 cents) for purchasing a 2 ounce can of Brand X, 30 points for purchasing a 2 liter bottle of Brand Y, and 30 points for purchasing Brand Z. You can get 50 points for purchasing a 30 ounce box. Further, regardless of the purchase by the consumer, the consumer may receive points only by presenting the coupon 321 at the store 105. In one embodiment, the host computer 101 tracks each consumer's points in the points table 217 of the global database 103.
[0049]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which the offered consumer receives a free ISP service. In step 501, a computer, such as promotion server 127, online retailer server 125, host computer 101, and / or store computer 107 receives offer information from a consumer. Offer information is any information that identifies the offer, such as the barcode 325 of FIG. 3C, an alphanumeric string unique to the offer, and / or any other identifying information. According to one embodiment, scanner 121 scans barcode 325 identifying coupon 321 and the consumer presenting coupon 321 at POS 115. Alternatively, the scanner 121 scans the consumer's CID to identify the consumer and determine the promotions in which the consumer is participating or eligible.
[0050]
In step 503, the computer (eg, host computer 101 or store computer 107) determines whether the consumer has met the requirements for receiving free service from the ISP. Step 503 is performed by using the identification information of the offer received in step 501 to determine the conditions of the offer. In addition, the consumer's purchase history stored in, for example, global database 103 and / or store database 109 may be compared to the terms of the offer to determine whether the consumer meets the criteria. According to one embodiment, the host computer 101 checks the global database 103 to determine whether the consumer satisfies the conditions of any offer being distributed to the consumer. If the consumer meets any of the conditions, the consumer's CID is distributed to one or more of the online retailer server 125, the promotion server 127, and the store's computer 107, which are responsible for the consumer's CID. And receiving the consumer's CID in step 505 to automatically provide the consumer with a reward.
[0051]
Thus, when the store computer 107, promotion server 127, and / or online retailer server 125 receives the consumer's identity, the consumer automatically receives a reward. In this embodiment, the host computer 101 determines whether the consumer satisfies the terms of the offer, and displays information indicating to provide the consumer with a reward the next time the consumer's identification is received. Send to store computer 107, promotion server 127, and / or online retailer server 125. In one embodiment, for the condition that the consumer must earn a fixed number of points, determine whether the total points of the consumer in field 221 of FIG. 2D is at least equal to the minimum required point. Check the condition by doing In an alternative embodiment, the consumer receives the reward 301 at the computer 123 and the reward is printed or redeemed electronically, or the store computer 107 identifies the consumer at the POS based on the CID of the consumer. Then, the printer 117 prints the reward 301 at the POS. Step 505 also includes electronically distributing the ISP software (eg, AOL 4.0) over the Internet 121 from the promotion server 127 or any other remote computer, such as a server maintained by the ISP, to the consumer computer 123. May be included.
[0052]
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, all or portions of the present invention may be conveniently implemented using a conventional general purpose computer or microprocessor programmed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, appropriate programmers can readily create suitable software based on the teachings of the present invention.
[0053]
FIG. 6 shows a computer device 601 on which an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented. Computer device 601 includes a bus 603 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 605 coupled with bus 603 for processing information. Computer device 601 also includes a main memory 607 such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device (eg, dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), flash RAM), Main memory 607 is coupled to bus 603 and stores information and instructions for processor 605 to execute. Further, main memory 607 may be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information while processor 605 is executing instructions. Computing device 601 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 609 or other static storage device (eg, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM ( EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM). A storage device 611, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and is coupled to bus 603 for storing information and instructions.
[0054]
The computing device 601 also includes a special purpose logic device (eg, a special purpose integrated circuit (ASIC)) or a configurable logic device (eg, a generic array of logic (GAL) or a reprogrammable field programmable gate array (FPGA)). Is also good. Other removable media devices (eg, compact disks, tapes, removable magneto-optical media), or fixed high-density media drives may be connected to a suitable device bus (eg, a small computer device interface (SCSI) bus, enhanced integrated device electronics (IDE) ) Bus or ultra direct memory access (DMA) bus). Computer device 601 may further include a compact disk reader, a compact disk read / write unit, or a compact disk jukebox, each of which may be connected to the same device bus or to another device bus. You may.
[0055]
Computer device 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 a graphics card. The computing device includes input devices such as a keyboard 615 and cursor control 617 that communicate information and command selections to the processor 605. For example, cursor control 617 is a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction key that communicates direction information and command selection to processor 605 and controls movement of the cursor on display 613. Further, the printer may provide the printed structure of the data structure of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, or any other data stored and / or generated by the computing device 601.
[0056]
Computer device 601 responds to processor 605 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in a memory, such as main memory 607, in response to processor 605 executing some of the processing steps of the present invention, or Do everything. Such instructions can be read into main memory 607 from another computer-readable storage medium, such as storage device 611. One or more processors in a multi-processing configuration may be used to execute the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 607. In an alternative embodiment, hard-wired circuitry can be used instead of or in conjunction with software instructions. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software.
[0057]
As described above, the device 601 may include at least one computer-readable storage medium or memory that includes a data structure, table, record, or other data programmed according to the teachings of the present invention and described herein. including. The present invention is stored on any one computer readable recording medium or combination of computer readable recording media, controls a computer apparatus 601 and drives a device (s) implementing the present invention, It includes software that allows the computing device 601 to interact with a human user, for example, a consumer. Such software includes, but is not limited to, device drivers, operating systems, development tools, and application software. Such a computer-readable recording medium further includes the computer program product of the present invention, and executes all or a part of the processing (when the processing is distributed) performed when implementing the present invention. .
[0058]
The computer code device of the present invention is any interpreted or executable code mechanism, including, but not limited to, scripts, interpreters, dynamic link libraries, Java classes, and fully executable programs. It is not done. Further, portions of the processing of the present invention may be distributed to improve performance, reliability, and / or cost.
[0059]
The term "computer readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates 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 transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical disks such as storage device 611, magnetic disks, and magneto-optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 607. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 603. Transmission media may also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave data communication and infrared data communication.
[0060]
Common forms of computer readable storage media include, for example, a hard disk, floppy disk, tape, magneto-optical disk, PROM (EPROM, EEPROM, flash EPROM), DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, or any other Magnetic media, compact discs (e.g., CD-ROM) or any other optical media, punched cards, paper tape, or other physical media with a pattern of holes, a carrier wave (described below), or computer readable Includes any other media that can.
[0061]
Various forms of computer-readable storage media may be involved in executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions executed by processor 605. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can remotely load the instructions implementing all or part of the invention into dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer device 601 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupled to bus 603 can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on bus 603. Bus 603 carries data to main memory 607, and processor 605 retrieves and executes instructions from main memory 607. The instructions received by main memory 607 may optionally be stored on storage device 611 before or after execution by processor 605.
[0062]
Computer device 601 also includes a communication interface 619 coupled to bus 603. Communication interface 619 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 621 that is connected to a local network (eg, LAN 623). For example, communication interface 619 may be a network interface card connected to any packet-switched local area network (LAN). In another example, communication interface 619 may be an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) card, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any implementation, communication interface 619 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.
[0063]
Network link 621 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link 621 provides a connection via LAN 623 to a host computer 625 or a data device operated by a service provider providing data communication services via an IP (Internet Protocol) network 627 (eg, Internet 121). can do. Both LAN 623 and IP network 627 use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. Signals passing digital data to and from computer device 601 over various networks and over network link 621 via communication interface 619 are exemplary forms of carrier waves that carry information. Computing device 601 can send notifications and receive data including program code via network (s), network link 621, and communication interface 619.
[0064]
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein, within the scope of the appended claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG.
FIG. 3 illustrates a computer-based device for rewarding preferred consumer behavior with an ISP service, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A
It is a figure which shows the purchase history table 201 which relates the identification information of a consumer and / or a home, and each purchase history.
FIG. 2B
It is a figure which shows the classification | category which relates the classification | category of a consumer's action, the purchase history reference | standard about each classification, and the offer and reward with respect to each classification.
FIG. 2C
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an offer table that associates various offers and rewards with consumer identification information.
FIG. 2D
It is a figure showing the point table which links the current total of points and consumer identification information.
FIG. 3A
FIG. 7 illustrates an example reward for a free ISP service.
FIG. 3B
FIG. 4 illustrates an example offer for a free internet service.
FIG. 3C
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a coupon as an example accompanied by coupon identification information.
FIG. 4A
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of tracking consumer offline purchase information based on a consumer's offline purchase history and a method of classifying consumers and providing rewards, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4B
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for tracking a consumer's online purchases, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4C
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a free ISP service to consumers over the Internet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a consumer with a free ISP service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a computer device programmed to perform one or more of the special purpose functions of the present invention.

Claims (46)

Tracking a consumer's purchase history corresponding to at least one purchase of the consumer;
Determining whether the consumer is eligible for free internet access from an internet service provider based on the consumer's purchase history;
Distributing a reward to said consumer for said free access if said consumer is eligible for said free service. Classifying the consumer into an expenditure category based on the consumer's purchase history;
Providing the consumer with an amount of free internet service corresponding to the classified spending category. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of tracking comprises tracking the consumer's offline purchases, including tracking at least one purchase of the consumer. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of tracking comprises tracking the consumer's online purchases, including tracking at least one purchase of the consumer. The reward is a point, and the method further comprises:
Tracking the points given to the consumer;
Providing the consumer with a free service in response to the consumer redeeming the points. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of electronically distributing Internet service provider software for free services to the consumer in response to the consumer redeeming a reward. Distributing an offer to the consumer for free internet access based on the consumer's purchase history, the offer being a condition that the consumer must meet to be eligible for the reward The method of claim 1, comprising: Distributing an offer to the consumer that includes a reward that is exchanged for free internet service from an internet service provider and the conditions that the consumer must meet to receive the reward;
Determining whether the consumer meets the conditions;
Distributing a reward to the consumer if the consumer qualifies. The reward includes points, the condition specifies the number of points required to receive the reward,
The method further comprises:
9. The method of claim 8, comprising providing a free service to the consumer when the consumer redeems the required number of points to receive the reward. The method of claim 9, further comprising tracking points awarded to the consumer. The method of claim 9, wherein the condition specifies an online grocery store that the consumer uses to receive points. The method of claim 9, wherein the condition specifies a personal web page service that the consumer uses to receive points. Sending a personal web page to the consumer;
Receiving identification information of the personal web page,
Distributing the reward to the consumer,
13. The method of claim 12, comprising distributing the reward to the consumer in response to receiving the identity of the personal web page. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein distributing the offer to consumers comprises printing the offer point of sale. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein distributing the offer to a consumer includes electronically distributing the offer to the consumer's computer. A computer readable storage medium containing program instructions for execution on a computer device, the instructions including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer device to perform the method according to any of the preceding claims. Computer readable recording medium. A memory embodying promotion information;
A processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor comprises:
Track a consumer's purchase history for at least one purchase of the consumer,
Determining whether the consumer is eligible for free internet access from an internet service provider based on the consumer's purchase history;
An apparatus configured to distribute a reward to the consumer in exchange for the free access if the consumer is entitled to the free service. The processor further includes:
Classifying the consumer into a spending category based on the consumer's purchase history;
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the consumer is configured to provide an amount of free Internet service corresponding to the classified spending category. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to track the consumer's offline purchases, including at least one purchase of the consumer. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to track the consumer's online purchases, including the consumer's at least one purchase. The reward is a point, and the processor further comprises:
Tracking the points given to the consumer,
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide a free service to the consumer in response to the consumer redeeming points. The processor further includes:
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is configured to electronically distribute Internet service provider software for free services to the consumer in response to the consumer redeeming the reward. The processor further includes:
Configured to distribute to the consumer an offer to receive free internet access based on the consumer's purchase history, the offer including conditions that the consumer must meet to be eligible for the reward An apparatus according to claim 17. A memory embodying promotion information;
A processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor comprises:
Distributing to the consumer an offer that includes a reward that is redeemed for free internet service from an internet service provider and conditions that the consumer must meet to receive the reward;
Determining whether the consumer meets the conditions,
The processor configured to distribute rewards to the consumer if the consumer meets the condition. The reward includes points, the condition specifies the number of points required to receive the reward, and the processor further comprises:
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide a free service to the consumer when the consumer redeems the required number of points to receive the reward. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the processor is further configured to track points awarded to the consumer. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the condition specifies an online grocery store that the consumer uses to receive points. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the condition specifies a personal web page service that the consumer uses to receive points. The processor further includes:
Sending a personal web page to the consumer,
Receiving the identification information of the personal web page,
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the apparatus is configured to distribute a reward to the consumer in response to receiving the identity of the personal web page. Further comprising a printer located at the point of sale (point of sale, POS, point of sale device, point of sale) and coupled to the processor;
The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the printer to print the offer. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the processor is configured to distribute the offer electronically to the consumer's computer. Means for tracking a consumer's purchase history corresponding to the consumer's at least one purchase;
Means for determining whether the consumer is eligible for free internet access from an internet service provider based on the consumer's purchase history;
Means for distributing a reward to the consumer for the free access if the consumer is entitled to receive the free service. Means for classifying the consumer into an expenditure category based on the consumer's purchase history;
Means for the consumer to provide an amount of free internet service corresponding to the classified expenditure category. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the means for tracking includes tracking the consumer's offline purchases, including the consumer's at least one purchase. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the means for tracking includes tracking an online purchase of the consumer, including at least one purchase of the consumer. The reward is a point, and the device further comprises:
Means for tracking the points given to the consumer;
Means for providing said free service to said consumer in response to said consumer redeeming said points. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising means for electronically distributing Internet service provider software for the free service to the consumer in response to the consumer redeeming the reward. Further comprising means for distributing to the consumer an offer to receive the free Internet access based on the consumer's purchase history, wherein the offer satisfies conditions that the consumer must meet to be eligible for the reward. 33. The device of claim 32, comprising: Means for distributing to the consumer an offer comprising a reward in exchange for free internet service from an internet service provider and conditions that the consumer must meet in order for the consumer to receive the reward;
Means for determining whether the consumer satisfies the condition;
Means for distributing the reward to the consumer if the consumer meets the condition. The reward includes points, the condition specifies the number of points required to receive the reward,
The device further comprises:
40. The apparatus of claim 39, comprising means for providing a free service to the consumer when the consumer redeems the required number of points to receive the reward. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising means for tracking points awarded to the consumer. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the condition specifies an online grocery store that the consumer uses to earn points. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the condition specifies a personal web page service that the consumer uses to earn points. Means for transmitting a personal web page to the consumer;
Means for receiving identification information of the personal web page,
Means for distributing the reward to the consumer,
44. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising means for distributing the reward to the consumer in response to receiving the identity of the personal web page. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the means for distributing offers to consumers comprises means for printing the offers at the point of sale. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein means for distributing the offer to consumers comprises means for distributing the offer electronically to the consumer's computer.

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