PH26439A - Method and arrangements for validating coupons - Google Patents

Description

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Ee ; ! MEET AID ARRANGEMENT FOR VALIDATING COUPONS - BACKGROUND OF TIE PRESENT INVENILON ' Thia invention relates to a method and ar- Co i rangemant of machinery for use in the validating - or verification ol coupons. ‘ . In this day and age il is very popular for , ! manufac turers and retail outlets to distribute individual or Looks ol coupons which carry a pro- duct ldentity and ai amount which will be credited i 1.0 to the customer if and when the particular product js purchased. For example; newspapers or magazines : may carry a number of coupons. Such coupong would : usually be cul oul by a purchaser and then taken . i . . i to a loenl store where the product Ldentified on the coupon vould be purchased. on paying for the i : i product, the purchaser will receive a credit for | : the amount stated on the coupon; in relation to : that article purchased, This has been found to- i : -. be a very time consuming and expensive system to i 20 operate, in that Lt requires that stall in retail outlets and the Like must collate coupons and keep i . records thereof so that the retailer can in due . fo, 0 - 2 ! Ver . 0 ' : BAD ORIGINAL

Lo : Co , 1 . » ' course return the coupons to the manufacturer to obtain an appropriate refund against the / credits given to customers.

Thig procedure has been found to be labor- intensive and time consuming: As such there is : often retail resistance to involvement in such schemes. At the same time, many manufacturers . } are anxious to have guch schemes in operation, ak ot an incentive to have their particular products purchased. In other words, if the purchasing : : : public are aware that a refund is likely to be given following purchase of a particular product, {this is an incentive to purchase that particular product.

The present invention sels out to provide oo : a method and arrangement whereby the problems | : outlined above are hopefully overcome Or at least : minimized, while still allowing a coupon redemp-

So tion scheme to successfully operate. In particu= oo oo 20 jar, the present invention sets out to eliminate or at least minimize the involvement of retailers: - 3 - ) tL ita v

Ce eee BAD ORIGINAL 9

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BRIEF SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF TIE PRESENT. INVENTION

According to one aspect of this invention, ~ there is provided a method of coupon verification and validation, wherein at least two juxtaposed coupons each having a bar code printed or formed thereon, are passed substantially simultaneously through or relative to bar code reader means, such . “that said juxtaposed coupons, if accepted by said ; -e bar code reader means, cause matter to be dispensed from a holding and dispensing mechanism. .

According to a further aspect of this inven- tion, there is provided a machine for verifying coupons, wherein said coupons each carry bar code BN markings; comprising a housing having an inlet for : said coupons; bar code reader means being provided at or adjacent said inlet and within said housing; C holding and dispensing means and a programmed pro- =~ cessor being provided within said housing; the ar- rangement being such that on at least two coupons | : being passed substantially simultaneously, into and through said bar code reader means, and being accepted thereby, a predetermined or desired amount \ : .

J :

‘ . : y of matter will be dispensed from said holding

Co : and dispensing means.

According to a further aspect of this in- ! vention there is provided a coupon for use with a machine adapted to verify or validate at least : two coupons, passed substantially simultaneously - ) . into said machine relative to bar code reader oo . | means; advertising matter or indicia appearing on a first face of said coupon; a second face of said coupon being provided with a bar code mark- a co ing; a spacing or area being provided on said’ Co Co : second face and adjacent said bar code marking, such as to permit a further coupon with a bar : code marking thereon to be placed over or in jux- taposition with said spacing or area, such that a t sald bar code markings are positioned in juxta-

B | position one with the other to allow them to be - ~

EE | passed substantially simultaneously into said housing relative tb said bar code reader means. : )

Throughout the specification reference is TL oo : made. to the term “coupon” as applying to a coupon : carrying or incorporating a bar code marking. oo -5 - :

CL | oa ORIGINAL 9 oo ( : . oF

The term "coupon" is defined and used through=- out the specification as meaning a coupon caryying a bar code such as might be delivered by mail, cut from a magazine or newspaper, or provided by a ma- nufacturer and also includes a part of a package or container of product, as contains a bar code, and which may be removed, pulled or cut from such : . a container. The present invention provides that at least two such coupons carrying bar codes are used, and such coupons will carry product and/or , identification codes, such as to allow for acti- vation of the machine of the present invention. : BRIEF DESCRIFTION OF THE ACCOLPANYING DRAWINGS

This invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accom- panying drawings which are given by way of illus- tration only, and thus are not limitative’of the present invention, and whereint .

Fig. 1 is a general arrangement of a machine according to one form of the present invention;

Fig, 2 is a schematic flow diagram of the components and operation according to one form of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a view of a front face of a coupon according to one form of the present invention; and

Fig, 4 is a view of a reverse face of a coupon in juxtaposition with another coupon according to one ) aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIFIION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF

THE INVENTION

© Ag referred to hereinbefore, the present in- ) vention relates to a method and means for validating and verifying coupons. In particular, the invention relates to a method and means for validating coupons such as may be distributed on contained in newspapers, } or incorporated into, or forming a part of containers, packages and the like, to enable purchasers and mem- bers of the public to obtain .refunds on articles of merchandise advertised by manufacturers. For exampls, many manufacturers desire to encourage members of the public to purcahse their products. Accordingly, they prepare coupons which are either delivered to resi- dences, or alternatively are contained in newspapers, periodicals, magazines and the like. That is, how-

ever, by way of example. Such coupons are often associated with advertisements for a particular product and the advertisements indicate that if a particular product is purchased, there will be a refund of a certain amount of money. For exam- : ple, a number of cents (for example, only thirty cents) may be refunded. Up until this time, it . has been common for such coupons to be taken to retail outlets, and for the product to be purchased, such that when the product is presentd for payment, . the coupon is also presented and a credit is pro- vided for the amount concerned. As indicated ; above, this involves the retailer in some amount of trouble and time in so far as both money and time are concerned.

The present invention sets out to provide means and method, whereby such problems are over- come or minimized.

Thus, in the one preferred form of the in- vention, coupons are delivered or supplied to EE purchasers such as through the mail, by newspapers : or by home delivery. Such coupons are individually i printed coupons, sheets of coupons or alterna- tively coupons which are incorporated into pages of papers, magazines and the like. 'The coupons include, or have marked thereon, appropriate bar codes.

The advertisement associated with the coupon indicates that the coupon will be redeem- able for an appropriate amount of cash or goods, if a corresponding or complementary bar code is obtained from the goods concerned.

For example, if the advertisement relates to a packet of pota- . to chips, the coupon will relate to that product } and will have a bar code marked on it, At the same time, the matter or advertisement associated with the coupon in the newspaper, hand-out, maga- zine or the like, will indicate that a complemen- tary or corresponding coupon will be found on a | ve packet of the goods concerned, for example potato crisps.

Thus, on the purchaser buying a packet of potato crisps, it will be found that the pack- age thereof includes or incorporates a coupon, or carried on it a bar code which can be removed or cut from the package.

This will then form a

- second coupon carrying a bar code.

It should be appreciated that the reference : to potato crisps is by way of example only and that the reference can be to any particular package or container carryirig goods or products.

Thus, when the bar code is removed or cut , from the package, the purchaser will have the bar ' ’ code from the coupon and the bar code from the ” package, the bar. code from the package preferably being a product identifying bar code. ’

Both the advertisement and the package will preferably carry directions to the effect that : once both coupons have been obtained, they are capable of being redeemed for an amount of money or the like, Tor example, thirty cents. :

Thus, the invention of the present applica- tien provides that the two coupons are then taken to an aporopriate machine or apparatus, which is oo adapted to verify the bar codes and thereafter to cause appropriate means to dispense to a customer an appropriate amount of cash, disc or the like.

It is however envisaged, that while it is preferred to dispense cash, such as in the form of coins, ; ‘ disc, products or the like could also be dis- : pensed. oo 7 : The machine of the present invention in- oo cludes an outer housing 2 which incorporates an inlet means, a slot for example, through which appropriate coupons are inserted. Inwardly of, ’ , adjacent to, and associated with the inlet means : 3, is a bar code reading means adapted such that, at least two coupons, each having a par code prin- } » ted thereon, must pass through -the inlet 3 and re= lative to the bar code reader before the bar code : : reader will actuate or conse to be actuating &ppro- :

Co priate mechanisms (as will hereinafter be described) . | oo . 15 to result, for example, in coins being dispensed i from the housing. ~ : oo ‘The bar code reader is, in one form of the invention, so formed as to be adapted to read mul- tiple bar codes passed {therethrough or relative thereto. The bar code reader can be a reader adapted to process and read a plurality of bar codes at one time, or substantially simultaneously, - 11 - oo or alternatively can be formed from a plura- lity of juxtaposed bar code readers, each being adapted and programmed to read a specific bar code substantially simultaneously. Any other appropriate bar code reading means can also be used, : Within or in association with the housing . ’ 2, and adjacent the inlet means 3, are preferably provided means such as a plate slide 4 which is adapted to house and locate the coupons and to , pass the coupons substantially simultaneously, side by side or end on end, into the housing through the inlet 3. The slide 4 preferably has a base which slides or moves on rollers, or slide rails, to allow the juxtaposed coupons to pass into the housing and relative to the bar code reader means and if present, security reader means. In one form of the invention, means can be provided within the housing and in association with the slide 4, so that once the coupons have been read and accepted by at least the bar code : reader means, the coupons will be released from - 12 - ! \ \

N y | Ce the inlet slide 4 to prevent further use. For example, the slide plate I may move on slide members which are capable of pivoting about a horizontal axis. Thus, when the slide plate 4 is pushed fully into the housing, it will pivot about a horizontal axis to deposit the used coupons into an appropriate receptacle within . } the housing. It is envisaged that in at least one form of the invention such a pivotal mount- ing can be controlled from the. programmed proces-= s sor, so that once the programmed processor ac- knowledges that the coupons have been read and accepted, it will cause a release mechanism to be actuated thereby causing and allowing the slide plate 4 to pivot, in the manner referred to, sO as to place the coupons into the appropriate : Bh . container or receptacle. This is, however, by. way of example only and other means can be used if desired for retaining coupons within the hous- ing following use and acceptance by bar code reader means.

The machine of the present invention further

\ includes anappropriate programmed processor such as a computer, mini computer, micro-processor, or similar processor or computer. This is program- med in an appropriate manner, so as to allow for the functions of the machine to be carried out.

This will be further described hereinafter,

If the coupons are not accepted by the bar : . code reader (for example, if they are incorrect coupons), the coupons will not be retained within | the housing and will be returned to the operator. .

In a preferred form of the invention, the exterior of the housing 2 adjacent the inlet 3 carried ap- propriate directions, and instructions (such as at 5), as to the particular and required location ’ and positioning of the coupons. If for example, the coupons are inserted through the inlet 3 re- 7 lative to the bar code reader, and the bar code reader indicates to the programmed processor that they are incorrectly positioned, the processor will send a message to a screen 10, such as a VDU - screen, on the front 7 of the housing 2, which will in turn show a message to the user to the effect that the coupons have been incorrectly positioned or alternatively to the effect that incorrect cou~ pons are being used.

It is preferred that the processor of the present invention, and as located within the hous- ing 2 and connected to the various components, is permanently programmed as to the basic operations of the machinery.

Given, however, that the invention sets out : 10 to provide a means for validating coupons relating | Lo to specific products, the nature of the products and the amounts of refunds may well vary from time : to time ( for example, every week or two weeks or months). Thus, an auxiliary program in the form of a cartridge or floppy disk may be entered into or associated with the processor, for predetermined | Co ) periods. Such an ausiliary program will hold, for } the period concerned, data and information relating to the refunds available and the products concerned, oo and for which the various coupons will be inserted into the machine. For example, if over a one week period there are five or six different items of pro-

duct, in respect of which the coupons are offered, the auxiliary program will have that information entered onto it and the appropriate cartridge or floppy disk will be mounted into the programmed | - processor. The auxiliary disk can be replaced . - or varied (i.e. the information thereon can be varied or altered) as desired by a user or ope-

Co! rator.,

In use therefore, where at least two Jux-~ taposed coupons, each having a bar code thereon, . are passed through and accepted by the bar code : reader, this will send a message to the programmed processor, which in turn will activate appropriate means associated with the inlet so that the coupons Sn are retained within a coupon hopper. At the same time, if the coupons are accepted, the processor will forward a further signal to the screen 10 or

VDU associated with the housing 2, and using the information or data contained on the auxiliary prog- ram, will extract product information from one or both of the bar codes of the coupons, so that on the screen 10 or the video display unit, informa-

tion relating to the product in respect of which the user is seeking a refund, will appear. Simul- taneous therewith, the programmed processor will forward a signal to a coin holder and release or dispensing mechanism, whereby the predetermined number or amount of coins will be released through | ; , a coin outlet 12, at a position exterior the hous- : } ing, for collection by the user.

By way of example, a purchaser or user may cut out from a newspaper or magazine (or may have Co delivered to a household) a coupon relating to a. : packet of rood stuffs. The matter associated there- with might indicate that on production of the cou- ‘ pon(s) a refund of some thirty cents is available.

At the same time, the matter will indicate that a further coupon carrying a product bar code will have to be removed from a packet of the food-stuffs concerned. Thus, the purchaser will purchase a oo packet or container of that food-stuff and will remove Or cut a portion off the packet, said por=- Co tion including the -bar code. The two coupons - (veing the basic coupon and the additional matter - 17 ~

’ removed from or cut from the package or container) “are then passed into the machine 1 through the in- let 3, relative to the bar code reader which in turn (if the coupons are accepted by the bar code reader) will activate the processor to retain the coupons, place information on the screen 10, re- lating to the product concerned, and at the same : : . time activate the coin holding, dispensing and re- lease mechanism so that substantially simultaneous- ly with the appearance of information on the screen . 10, the predetermined number or value of coins will pass out of the machine through a coin outlet or a dispensing slot 12, or the like.

If the bar codes are not accepted by the bar " code reader (for example, they may be turned the wrong way or alternatively may be incorrect coupons), . this will be transmitted to the programmed processor, ‘and there will be no activation of the retaining means. In other words, the user will be free to remove the coupons. The coupons will not, therefore, be retained in the housing and will not find their way into the hopper. At the same time, the prog- . : - 18 - . = . \ . -..

A .

rammed processor will transmit to the screen or

VDU 10 information relating to the activities.

In other words, the processor will transmit in- formation such as "incorrect coupons entered" or "coupons entered incorrect way".

Referring specifically to Fig. 1 of the Ct accompanying drawings, the housing will be seen to be in the form of a dispensing machine 1, ha- ving a general body portion 2 with an inlet 3 into which the coupons can he inserted, and an oe outlet 12 through which predetermined numbers or amounts of coin can be dispensed. Preferably, the front 7 of the machine 1 is also provided with an appropriate screen or video display unit 10 so that information relative to the activities of the user or relative to products in respect of which a refund is being sought, can be displayed.

It should be appreciated that while the : ! invention has been described by way of example to using two such coupons, each containing a bar code, this is by way of example only. More than two such coupons can be used if desired. - 19 = v \ J)

BAD ORIGINAL >

In one preferred form of the invention, security means of an additional nature may be provided in addition to bar code reader means.

Thus, one or both of the coupons can be provi- ded with some additional form of security in- formation or insert, such as for example nag- netic ink, magnetic tape or the like. Such information is preferably incorporated into the coupons adjacent to the bar code. If desired, . ~ such information can be inserted into only one . coupon, : In such a form of the invention, the ma- chine 1 is also provided with appropriate secu- rity reading means, for example a magnetic reader. The bar code reader means and security reader means may, if desired, be combined into one component or alternatively can be separate : adjacent and juxtaposed components, | Lo

In one preferred form of the invention, at least one (and if desired both) coupons are pro- on vided with some security insert, such as for ex- ample magnetic ink. In such a case, a magnetic j - 20 =

BAD ORIGINAS I reader can be provided, so that the two coupons will only be accepted through the bar code rea- der and security reader, il the magnetic reader correctly reads the magnetic ink. In alternative forms of the invention, the security reader reads one or more appropriate security markings. If there is no appropriate reading, then a message : } will be forwarded to the programmed processor, which in turn will forward a message to the screen or video display unit 10, which will indicate that t, the coupons are unacceptable. If the coupons are passed through both the var code reader and the security reader (i.e. magnetic reader), the process will proceed as outlined above.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4 of the accom- panying drawings, these show examples of a coupon that can be used in association with the present invention. Fig. 3 shows the top or upper side 21 of a coupon 20, such as might be found in a magazine, 20 or in a sheet of coupons that might be delivered to i households and the like. The top face 21 of the coupon 20 carries appropriate advertising matter

. and information, for example the period during ' which the coupon is valid. It also preferably : includes an indication as to the product(s) to which the coupon relates.

Referring to Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings, this shows the reverse or underside 22 of a coupon 20 and it will be seen that in the } preferred form of the invention, at least one side portion of the reverse side or face 22 is | CL provided with a bar code 23. The reverse face 22 . is also provided with an area or space 25, outlined ‘ by a dotted line or border 26.

In use and when it is desired to present coupons to a machine according to one form of the } present invention, a coupon 20 such as that shown in Figi 3 of ‘the drawings is taken and placed up- per face 21 down with the bar code 23 facing up- Co wardly. In addition, a further coupon 27 incorpo- rating a bar code 28 and relating to the same pro- duct, is taken and placed over or adjacent the oo ‘area 25 at one side of the reverse or rear face 22 } of the coupon 20 so that the two bar codes 23, 28 bo are substantially juxtaposed or side by side, ' Preferably the bar codes 23, 28 both face upwardly.

In a preferred form of the invention, the further coupon 27 is provided by removing it such as by tearing or cutting, from a packet, such as, : for example, a packet of the product to which the first coupon 20 relates. For example, if the ' : } coupon 20 shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings relates to a particular brand of soft drink, this will be shown on the upper face 21 of the coupon 20. . : Further, the label or container of the soft drink when purchased will carry an additional coupon 27 incorporating a bar code 28, which can be removed : or cut from the label or container. This can then be placed in juxtaposition with and preferably : oo substantially side by side with the bar code 23 on co the underside 52 of the coupon 20 (as shown in Fig. vo ly of the accompanying drawings). In a further 7 form of the invention, the upper face 21 of the coupon could, for example, Show a particular brand ‘ of toothpaste, the second coupon 27 incorporating . 'a bar code can be cut from the package containing : - 23 - oo

( the toothpaste. These are however, by way of . example only.

In one preferred form of the invention, the two coupons 20,27 carrying upwardly facing bar codes 23, 28 are entered into the machine 1 through inlet 3, and relative to the bar code : ' reader, in a substantially juxtaposed and a : side~by-side position. This is however, by way of example only and the coupons and bar codes . could, for example, be entered into the machine . and through the bar code reader longitudinally or end-on-~end. For example, rather than provi- ding a slide insert plate 4 as descrived with re- ference to Fig. 1 of the drawings, appropriate

EE 15 feed rollers (not shown) could be provided to assist in feeding the coupons (be they located side-by-side or end-on-end) through the inlet 3 and relative to the bar code reader (and/or secu- rity reader).

While the invention has been described by way of example only with referenge to a predeter- mined number or amount of coins or cash being dis- i - 2h -

pensed, such as on coupons being accepted and verified, it should be appreciated that this is . by way of example. If desired, the dispensing means could for example dispense lottery tickets, : 5 monetary notes, vouchers, novelty gifts, or other matter. Thus, it should be aprreciated that the invention is not limited to the dispensing of : coins.

It is envisaged that rather than burdening retailers with the requirement to pay out money oo to purchasers and to then obtain refunds from sup- pliers or manufacturers, the present method and/or machine can be employed in various outlets or locations, without involving retainers in time : and expense, as has been the problem up until this * time. The party organizing the coupon redemption scheme can be responsible for maintaining the machines and maintaining the level of coins sup- plied. Further, the machines can be provided with appropriate modems and associated electronics.

The programmed processor in one form of the inven- ‘ tion being programmed in such a way that informa-

tion relating to the number of coupons being redeemed, can be fed back into the auxiliary , program which can be removed and translated by authorized personnel. In addition, or alter- natively, appropriate modems can be provided ~ and telephone lines and the like can be linked to the machines so that a regular update can be . obtained as to the level of redemption and the amount of coin remaining. This is however) by way of example only. .

It has been found that by requiring that at least two coupons be inserted into the machine (and be accepted by the reader prior to actuation of the coin release mechanism), the present inven- tion provides a straight-forward and e{ficient way of validating and redeeming coupons, which over- ) comes and substantially eliminates the time con- sumption and cost involved up until this time.

The use of two juxtaposed coupons, each having an appropriate bar code, provides an additional security block to fraudulent use of the machine, Ce such as by copying or photocopying a plurality

¥ of bar code coupons, and where in some forms of the invention the additional security means are provided, such as magnetic ink or strips, addi- tional security against fraudulent and unautho~ rized use is possible.

It should be appreciated that the present invention has been described by way of example : only and that improvements and modifications may ‘ be made to the invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof as defined by the ap- ' , pended claims.

Claims (13)

. . ’ . . , * 22 PATENTS, Joos TD fsx gEP 3/1991 7 \¥ peceffio % J copog srenod Co I CLAIM: '

1. A method of coupon verification, wherein at least two juxtaposed coupons each having a bar code printed or formed thereon, are passed substan- . tially simultaneously through or relative to bar , code reader means, such that said juxtaposed cou- : : pons if accepted by said bar code reader means

: . cause matter to be dispensed from a holding and dispensing means. :

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein | s : at least one of said coupons includes security means, and wherein said juxtaposed coupons are passed, substantially simultaneously, through or oo relative to said bar code reader means and security sensor means,

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein accepteance of sald coupons causes one or more ‘ coins to be dispensed from said holding and dis- - pensing means, Co I, A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein ’ said coupons are positioned substantially side-by- side. | ) -

a. . Lo

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said coupons are positioned substantially end-on-

end. .

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein one face of a first coupon has a bar code printed or formed thereon together with an adjacent area “or spacing; a second coupon having a bar code oo - printed or provided thereon being positioned ad- jacent, on or within said area or spacing, so that said bar codes are juxtaposed relative to each : , other in a side-by-side or end-on-end orientation.

:

7. A machine for verifying and validating - coupons, wherein said coupons each carry bar code Co markings; comprising a housing having an inlet . for said coupons, bar code reader means being pro- :

: . vided at or adjacent said inlet and within said : housing; holding and dispensing means and a prog- oo . rammed processor being provided within said housing; oo the arrangement being such that on at least two a 20 coupons being passed substantially simultaneously so : | into and through said bar code reader means, and : being accepted thereby, a predetermined or desired | .

. ] . amount of matter will be dispensed from said holding and dispensing means.

8, A machine as claimed in claim 7, fur- ther including security sensor means at or ad- I jacent said inlet, wherein at least one coupon carries or incorporates security means, the ar- rangement being such that said at least one coupon must pass relative to and be accepted by said security means before said dispensing and i holding means dispenses matter. ,

9. A machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein said housing intludes a screen, the arrangement being such that on said coupons being accepted, said programmed processor will cause product in- formation relative to at least one said coupons to appear on said screen at substantially the same time as matter is dispensed from said hold- ing and dispensing means.

10. A machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein said housing includes a screen, the arrangement be- ing such that on said coupons being rejected, said programmed processor will cause information or eT : ’ EE directions relative to said rejection to appear "on said screen.

11. A machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein an ancillary program is provided in association with said programmed processor to provide updated and refund information for a predetermined period of time.

12. A machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein said holding and dispensing means hold and dispenses , coins.

13. A coupon for use with a machine as claimed : in claim 7, wherein advertising matter or indicia - appears on a first face of said coupon; at least ) a second face of said coupon being provided with a bar code marking; a spacing or area being provided oo adjacent said bar code marking, such as to allow a } further coupon with a bar code marking thereon to pe be placed over or in juxtaposition with said spacing or area, such that said bar code markings are posi- So tioned in juxtaposition one with the other, so as to allow said juxtaposed coupons to pass substantial- ly simultaneously through or relative to said bar : code reader means.