WO1991010216A1

WO1991010216A1 - A computerized merchandising system

Info

Publication number: WO1991010216A1
Application number: PCT/US1991/000046
Authority: WO
Inventors: Everett E. Schulze, Jr.
Original assignee: Es-Tech International, Inc.
Priority date: 1990-01-05
Filing date: 1991-01-02
Publication date: 1991-07-11
Also published as: AU7222291A

Abstract

A redeemable coupon dispensing, real-time closed loop system (10) is provided, preferably including a recycling machine (50) for accepting returnable containers, that has an on board computer (18) controlling an on board coupon printer (32) and coupon dispenser (28). The recycling machine is typically located near an establishment that accepts the redeemable coupons and dispenses one or more coupons (60) when it receives recyclable containers. Upon redemption, the coupon is scanned (read) and cancelled so that it cannot be reused. The read coupon information remains within the system and is transmitted for evaluation by the coupon issuer who modifies or updates information to be printed on subsequent coupons using the printer housed within the recycling machine. Updated information to be printed on coupons can be generated using a coupon distributor computer, which is located away from the recycling machine and which is accessible by one having authority to change information on the coupons.

Description

A COMPUTERIZED MERCHANDISING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a merchandising system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for use in a real-time, closed loop merchandising of products and/or services using coupons or other promotional devices that are part of the system as a means to motivate and reward a desired course of conduct. Even more particularly, the merchandising system preferably includes computer controlled reverse vending recycling machines at remote locations that also dispense coupons to encourage the recycling of containers.

Background of the Invention

For years, product manufacturers and retailers have promoted their products and themselves through the use of coupons which offer discounts on their products and/or services. Coupons are the promotional device of choice used to switch brand loyalties to new products, or, conversely, to retain market share and/or precious shelf space in stores when a competitor introduces a new product. Traditional methods of distributing coupons have included the print media by way of coupon supplements in Sunday newspapers, advertisements including coupons in magazines and newspapers, as well as direct mailings to consumers.

These methods, however, have several drawbacks. First, newspaper and magazine advertising and direct mailings can be expensive and the potential coupon return to a manufacturer is uncertain. The circulation of major magazines and newspapers numbers in the millions of copies. While coupon distributors or manufacturers anticipate that only a small percentage of the coupons distributed in a newspaper, magazine, or direct mail advertising campaign will actually ever be redeemed, that percentage cannot be completely ascertained until after the expiration date of the coupon. Once distributed, the coupons cannot be recalled. Should the actual percentage of coupons redeemed be higher than expected, the coupon campaign could cost the coupon distributor a considerably greater amount than anticipated. Unfortunately, this cost is unknown until after expiry of the coupons, and in many cases there is no expiration date. In such cases, a lower coupon value, say "15<? off" rather than "25φ off," would have brought the promotion into line with marketing goals. On the other hand, a redemption rate lower than anticipated presents another problem. With regard to the entry of new products into the marketplace, which entry usually depends on "cents-off" coupons to carve out a niche in the marketplace, a low redemption rate could result in the discontinuance of a product that could have ultimately been successful, if the coupon promotion had been done differently, e.g., 25φ off rather than 15? off. For older products, a low redemption rate often means no increase in sales and few new customers. In either case, the coupon distributor may determine that coupons giving a larger discount are required to entice consumers to buy the product. If so, the coupon distributor must mount an entirely new and costly coupon campaign. In many instances, 3-6 months advance planning is required.

Using the traditional methods, coupon distributors must place large quantities of coupons in circulation and thus expose themselves to unknown costs because current print media coupon campaigns are inefficient. Advertisements in the print media are commonly ignored, unless a consumer is motivated by a promotional device such as a coupon, game or sweepstakes to purchase a specific product and/or try a new or different retailer. Consumers often read newspapers and magazines in locations that are far removed from the participating advertiser's point(s) of purchase, where the advertisement would have the best effect. And, unless the consumers are at home, it will generally be inconvenient for them to clip or detach any coupons. As a result, the percentage of circulated coupons ever used is low.

Further, given that millions of a particular coupon may be distributed during even a localized newspaper or magazine coupon campaign, coupon distributors can be the victims of fraud. Unscrupulous retailers and other parties have been known to collect and redeem large quantities of coupons for products never purchased. On a smaller scale, consumers can sometimes redeem coupons for products that they do not actually purchase. It would be worthwhile therefore to cancel the coupon when it is redeemed wherein the coupon cycle terminates upon redemption at the checkout counter to ensure that the redeemed coupon is not able to be redeemed again. Further, to substantially eliminate coupon counterfeiting, it would be highly advantageous to be able to frequently change coded coupon information at times selected by the coupon distributor or sponsor so that only properly coded coupons could be redeemed, and counterfeiters would be unable to ascertain any pattern for the anti-fraud coding.

Lastly, redeemed coupons are generally sent to coupon clearinghouses, which determine how much the coupon distributors or manufacturers owe to particular retailers for redeeming their coupons. At best, if at all, manufacturers obtain only general information regarding where the coupons were redeemed, when they were redeemed and by whom they were redeemed. Under such circumstances, fraud is difficult to pinpoint and control. In addition, coupon distributors have no reasonable certainty as to whether the coupons ever reached their target groups.

Given these distribution methods and factors, it is difficult for a manufacturer to track, much less modify, the progress, success or failure of a coupon campaign with any degree of accuracy. Once a coupon campaign has started, a manufacturer has no power to alter its course. Targeting specific groups or local areas is virtually impossible in print media campaigns, and obtaining useful feedback concerning any characteristics of coupon redeemers is not done or is unavailable. What has been observed for coupons is also true for other promotional devices, principal among them being games, premiums and sweepstakes. In addition, each different such promotional "device" requires adhering to state and federal laws and regulations, including lottery laws, consumer deceptive acts and practices laws, pretense of price statutes, trading stamp laws, the FTC rule relating to games of chance 16, CFR 419, and many special product rules and statutes relating to tobacco, dairy products, liquor and the like. A most serious concern in such promotional programs is when, through some printing error or new regulatory interpretation, the promotional program goes "awry," typically there being a much higher percentage of winners than planned, requiring early termination of the program, which poses the unhappy dilemma for the sponsor of being either illegal or generating enormous adverse publicity. The larger the "prize" offered, the greater the incentive for consumer cheating. Yet, because of the enormous state lottery prizes, manufacturers and retailers find they must offer bigger prizes to have any promotional effect.

More recently, attempts have been made to address some of these problems using computer technology. U.S. Patent No. 3,959,624 to Kaslow discloses a method of reducing consumer fraud in connection with coupon redemption. In grocery stores having point of purchase systems utilizing optical scanners to read the UPC codes from products, the scanners are also used to read similar codes from any coupons presented by a customer. The point of purchase system then automatically checks the code from each coupon against the codes from the items being purchased to make sure that the item for which the coupon is valid is actually being purchased. The grocery bill is then automatically credited for the value of the coupon.

Attempts have also been made to limit the number of coupons distributed and to limit the number any given party can obtain. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,124,109 to Bissell et al. discloses an apparatus for dispensing preprinted coupons that is stationed at sales locations, such as grocery stores. Cards having magnetic stripes are direct-mailed to potential customers who take them to the store and run them through the dispenser to obtain the preprinted coupon. Each card may only be used once during a predetermined period of time to obtain a coupon from the coupon dispenser. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,674,041 to Lemon et al. discloses an apparatus for controlling the distribution of coupons. Using a terminal located at a sales location, a consumer selects the specific coupons he or she wants from a display screen. The consumer gains access to the apparatus by inserting a credit card into the terminal for reading by the terminal. The terminal prevents the same credit card from being used too often to gain access to the coupon dispenser. The terminal reports back to a host computer the number and type of coupons dispensed over a given period of time, but it cannot relate that information to actual use (redemption) . Both of these systems have drawbacks. Consumers must carry a special card with them to be able to obtain coupons from the Bissell dispenser. The Bissell dispenser must also include a potentially huge memory capacity to store data for each potential card-carrying customer. With regard to the Lemon system, consumers may hesitate before allowing such a device to read their personal credit card data and a large on-site memory capacity would also be required. Further, given that consumers can choose the coupons they want, they are likely to choose coupons associated with products that they intended to purchase anyway.

U.S. Patent No. 4,791,281 to Johnsen et al. discloses a method for validating, tracking, correlating and invalidating coupons. A packet of coupons is distributed by mail to a potential customer. Each coupon is encoded with customer information. Upon redemption, the coupons are guided through a scanner which obtains the customer information from the coupon and may physically invalidate the coupon. This patent indicates that the redeemed coupon need not be sent to the manufacturer or issuer in order to save time, expense and decrease fraud. However, it does not address promptly changing coded coupon information to reduce coupon counterfeiting. This method is also not concerned with providing a closed loop system in which redemption of the coupon terminates the loop, while redeemed coupon information can be immediately utilized to provide new or updated information into the closed loop system. U.S. Patent No. 4,723,212 to Mindrum et al. discloses an apparatus for dispensing coupons at the check-out terminal in a store having a point of purchase system. A coupon printer is attached to the store point of purchase system and the system is programmed to cause a specific coupon to be printed after a predetermined item is scanned at the checkout counter. The printed coupon is usually for a competitor's product and is to be provided to the customer with the receipt. While this method of coupon distribution does target a specific product group, the coupons are distributed after the competitive sale is completed and distributed coupons must be brought back to the store by the consumer on a later shopping trip for redemption. Typically, this will occur some time later, after the original product purchased is consumed. Often the coupon expires after that occurs, so the "switching" power of the coupon dispensed is nil.

To reduce marketing costs and the unwanted uncertainty relating to the current methods associated with promotional device (e.g. coupon) distribution and redemption, as well as provide promotional distributors with flexibility during a promotional campaign, together with the ability to distribute such promotional devices to target groups at a critical time, advances in dispensing of coupons and other promotional devices over the prior art are necessary.

Over recent years, as the earth's resources have dwindled, energy costs increased and landfill space become scarce, recycling of products, which had previously been refuse, has become important. Paper, glass, metal, particularly aluminum, bi-metal (steel and aluminum) and plastic products can all be recycled. Until recently, voluntary recycling has been the norm. However, the trend is shifting towards mandatory recycling laws. "Bottle bill" laws require the consumer to pay deposits on containers at the time of purchase in order to encourage their return by the consumer. An enormous burden is placed on the retailers to furnish appropriate collection systems. Because of labor costs, manual collection and sorting of recycled materials is so expensive as to be impractical on the scale necessary to effect any significant amount of recycling. Accordingly, a number of consumer-operable recycling machines have been developed to be located either inside or adjacent to supermarkets. These machines can reward consumers for returning containers in a number of ways, often depending on whether the local jurisdiction has a container deposit or redemption value law ("bottle bill") . If the jurisdiction has no deposit or redemption value law, consumers are paid for the number of containers returned or by the total weight of the containers returned. In jurisdictions having such laws, consumers usually receive their initial deposit back from the recycling machine. Because of the proximity of such machines to retail stores, some machines dispense preprinted coupons as an added incentive for recycling containers. However, the problems involved with traditional coupon and other promotional device distribution, as discussed above, have not been addressed. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,440,284 to DeWoolfson discloses an automated aluminum redemption center. A customer is paid in coin for the aluminum cans deposited into the machine. The machine also holds a roll of preprinted coupons, which may be issued to customers at predetermined or random intervals in addition to the coins.

U.S. Patent No. 4,510,857 to LaBarge discloses a compact recycling apparatus that may be located inside a grocery store. In exchange for aluminum cans, the apparatus issues coins, receipts or coupons. U.S. Patent No. 4,653,627 to Hampson et al. discloses an apparatus which pays customers for the weight of aluminum containers deposited therein. The apparatus includes a coupon printer or dispenser which can dispense coupons as an added incentive. These recycling systems do provide coupons to their users. However, none of the problems discussed above in reference to the traditional coupon distribution methods is addressed in any of these recycling systems. Coupon distribution is viewed as an added incentive to recycle. These systems do not address or resolve the marketing questions and problems associated with coupons.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a real-time, closed-loop system for motivating and rewarding desired conduct using coupons and other promotional devices. Information on the coupons is printed, and the coupons are dispensed, near a retail store that redeems the coupons. Preferably, the coupon printing and dispensing is part of a computer controlled reverse vending recycling machine for recycling containers. Based on information obtained when coupons are redeemed, real-time monitoring of consumer buying patterns is provided by the present system, together with the generation of valuable data bases relating to both recycling and consumer buying patterns, in response to the promotional devices offered by the system.

The obtained coupon information includes the source of the coupon, such as a recycling machine, store flyer, newspaper, direct mail and national magazine; the date and time each coupon was dispensed, the date and time each coupon was redeemed; the expiration date of the coupon; value that the customer receives when the coupon was redeemed; the identity of the product or service for which the value was received; the quantity, nature and/or identity of the container recycled for which one or more coupons was dispensed; and the location at which the redeemed coupon was dispensed and/or redeemed.

An important aspect of the present system is its ability to substantially instantaneously incorporate new or updated information on the coupons as they are being printed. Updated information is generated using the information obtained from the coupon when it is redeemed. The updated information enables the user of the present invention to better achieve the benefits of coupon usage, while avoiding or reducing the marketing risks associated with such usage. Preferably, the coupons are dispensed in a manner in which the customer or recipient of the dispensed coupon has essentially no control over the information printed on the dispensed coupon. Preferably also, each coupon has some pre-printed information, in addition to the updated or variable information. The pre-printed information is typically standard or predetermined information that is not expected to change for a predetermined time period or only after usage of a predetermined number of coupons, for example. When the coupon is redeemed it is cancelled or voided so that it cannot be redeemed again. This step reduces coupon fraud. When redeemed, it is preferably counted and identified, saving coupon clearinghouse costs, and providing valuable consumer buying pattern information that is accumulated in a data base for analysis and sale to sponsors and other market researchers. Such information is correlatable to store area demographics on a substantially and/or relatively real-time basis.

More particularly the present invention includes, in one embodiment, a recycling machine apparatus for receiving recyclable containers, such as plastic, glass, metal, including aluminum, and bi-metal (steel and aluminum) containers. The recycling machine apparatus includes hardware for determining the material from which the container is made. In a preferred embodiment, such hardware is able to determine whether each glass container is substantially transparent or colored, as well as the size of the container, using multiple sensors and appropriate logic hardware and/or software. The recycling machine apparatus is configured to appropriately prepare or handle the received containers, such as by crushing or shredding the containers for subsequent pickup and recycling. The apparatus is also able to dispense coins or other tokens of value in return for the received containers. Additionally, one or more coupons are dispensed to the recycling customer. The coupon contains coupon information or data indicating some value to the recipient, such as in connection with a product that can be obtained from a retail establishment, such as a supermarket or grocery store. In one embodiment, the coupon also includes sweepstakes information, directed to prize give-aways to winning coupon holders and stamps, which indicate bonus points relating to the purchase of products at reduced prices. Preferably, the recycling machine apparatus is located near the retail establishment.

The system includes one or more scanners which are found in the establishment that accepts the locally- dispensed redeemable coupons. Typically, a scanner is provided at one or more check-out locations in the establishment or store. When the customer uses the coupon and it is accepted by the store, the scanner is used to read the coupon information. The scanner also functions to cancel the coupon so that it cannot be properly redeemed again, to provide information for the consumer buying/redemption pattern data base, and to compare the coupon to the UPC scanner for misredemptions and/or recalls. The obtained or scanned coupon information is transmitted by the scanner to a multiplexer. The multiplexer electrically communicates with (from and/or to) the one or more scanners provided in the store and is able to control the subsequent transmission of coupon information that may be received, simultaneously or at different times, from each of the scanners (coupon and/or UPC) . The coupon information from the redeemed coupons is passed by the multiplexer to an on board computer, which is located within the housing of the recycling machine apparatus. The on board computer includes memory for storing the coupon information in a predetermined, programmed manner. The on board computer also communicates with an on-board printer, which is also located within the recycling machine apparatus, for printing the variable or updated information on one or more coupons. The coupon dispensing system further includes a pod computer communicating with the on board computer. The pod computer is typically found at a suitable location remote from the on board computer and recycling machine apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the pod computer communicates with a number of on board computers (and/or checkout coupon and/or UPC scanners) , each of which is associated with a different recycling machine apparatus. The pod computer may, for example, be associated with a particular geographic location, such as one or more states or a major metropolitan area. The pod computer is able to request coupon information from one or more on board computers and, in one embodiment, processes or analyzes the computer information. The processing of information is intended to place it in a desired or predetermined format so that it can be evaluated by an appropriate user of the system, such as a sponsor or co-sponsor whose product(s) is (are) identified on one or more of the coupons. Such information might also be analyzed by a food broker, who is responsible for marketing a number of products of different manufacturers. Typically, the pod computer has significantly greater computing capability than does the on board computer.

In the preferred system, there are a number of pod computers, each one of them being associated with a different geographic area or communicating with a number of different on board computers. Each of such pod computers communicates with a pod central computer. The pod central computer is able to "poll" (request and receive) coupon information from one or more of the pod computers (including scanner data) when it is desirable or suitable to do so. The pod central computer is able to correlate and/or further process the coupon information from the various pod computers. The programs of the pod central computer are able to analyze and/or compile coupon information from all of the pod computers for subsequent review and evaluation by the coupon distributors or issuers (sponsors) for the primary purpose of determining what step or steps, if any, should be taken regarding modifying or updating coupon information for one or more particular coupons or to determine whether additional or new coupons should be issued.

The system further includes a number of coupon distributor or sponsor computers, each of which is accessible to and used by one or more coupon distributors, such as food brokers, manufacturers, or other retail (chain) sponsors. Each coupon distributor computer preferably communicates with the pod central computer and may communicate with one or more of the pod computers. This communication link enables the coupon distributor computer to obtain controllably selected coupon information from the pod central computer, for example, evaluate the same and provide updated coupon information to a selected one or more of the pod computers. Updated coupon information provided by the coupon distributor or user of the system can then be transmitted by the selected pod computer to the desired or selected on board computer. The updated coupon information is printed on succeeding coupons that are dispensed and are directed to the particular product or service identified on the coupon. With regard to the transmission of updated coupon information, such information can be transmitted during virtually any desired time interval. Practically, because of the need to obtain sufficient evaluatable information to determine whether or not it is advisable or worthwhile to modify coupon information, it is likely that information received from redeemed coupons would be used to generate updated coupon information on about a daily basis, although a shorter time interval is feasible. This permits a hitherto unattainable feature of instantaneous, real-time consumer traffic and buying/redemption pattern analysis and instantaneous tailoring of promotional devices (such as coupons) on a broad area or an entirely local basis. A wide variety of cross-couponing, new product coupons, attack coupons, "bogos," cents-off, "piggy-back," and the like coupons can be used as market needs and consumer responses dictate, on a substantially and/or relatively real-time basis. While the term "coupon" is used by way of example throughout, it should be understood that the principles of the invention apply equally to other promotional devices generally including, but not limited to, games, sweepstakes, premium items or certificates, trading stamps, proofs of purchase (seals, etc.) and the like.

In view of the foregoing summary, a number of salient features of the present invention are readily discerned. A real-time input and feedback closed loop merchandising system is provided for motivating and rewarding desired conduct, which relies on more rapidly available information. In the preferred embodiment, the dispensing of coupons is associated with a container recycling machine for promoting and encouraging the return of containers made of plastic, glass, bi-metal, metal, including aluminum, and paper. Multiple promotional devices can be dispensed in yhe same "dispense," for example a typical coupon can include a sweepstakes entry or game card with the winner being entitled to a prize. The coupon may also include a separable trading stamp that identifies a number of bonus points, based on which products can be obtained at a lower price or, possibly, at no charge when a predetermined number of bonus points is accumulated (proof of purchase seal) . Information on the coupon can be changed substantially instantaneously to tailor the program to consumer demand and sponsor marketing needs while reducing the usual risks associated with coupon redemption by the ultimate consumer, i.e., fraud, misredemption, recall of product, early termination of a program gone awry, and avoid too great or too small a percentage of coupon redemption . Essentially, the ultimate consumer has no control over information printed on the coupons so that the coupon distributor is able to promote the sale of products and/or services that the consumer may not ordinarily purchase or use. The actual coupon dispensing preferably occurs in association with a "host" retail establishment that accepts at least some of the dispensed coupons for redemption. Consequently, the drawback associated with the consumer not being near the point of redemption when the coupon is dispensed is non-existent.

With regard to generating and providing updated coupon information for printing on one or more coupons, the coupon sponsor or distributor has prompt access to redeemed coupon information and is able to evaluate the same to generate the updated information, using an efficient computer network and its accompanying software. Additionally, the system cancels or invalidates the redeemed coupon to reduce possible coupon fraud. It also checks to make sure that the redeemed coupon has the proper code, which can be readily changed by the system to minimize redemption of counterfeit coupons.

Further, linking UPC code scanners at the checkout counters with the redeemed coupon scanners reduces misredemption, i.e. coupon A for product B purchased, and the coupon scanner of this invention may be programmed to refuse to credit the coupon value prior to cancelling if there is a misredemption. This calls further attention to the value of the coupon, encouraging product switching as late as at checkout. Another aspect of the invention is aid in product recall. With the UPC/coupon scanner linkup, a recall warning can be programmed into the system of this invention so that any product being recalled will be "beeped" at the time of checkout as if a coupon/UPC code mismatch occurred, to alert the checker and consumer to pull the product. Another important aspect of this invention is the "Target Approach." That is, the coupon vending recycling machine prints on board locally tailored coupons or generic (national distribution) coupons. It is directly linked (through the on board computer) or indirectly linked (through the pod or pod central computers) with the scanners in the retail establishment adjacent the site of the recycling machine (its host retailers) . The scanner data analysis can identify not only the coupons from the hosted recycling machine (the bullseye) , but also from other outlying recycling machines, (first ring) , other local media coupons (store flyers, local papers) , the second ring, and finally more outlying sources (national magazines) , third ring(s) . Ring data is extremely valuable information for advertisers to determine redemption rate sell-through from various media and will directly affect ad rates in various media.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following discussion, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the coupon dispensing system of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of the recycling machine with coupon dispensing;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates size and color sensor assemblies for determining the size and color of a container;

Fig. 4 illustrates one form of coupon that includes the coupon deal, a stamp with bonus points and lottery- type information; and

Figs. 5-6 are flow diagrams illustrating steps associated with the operation of the coupon dispensing system, particularly the providing of new or updated coupon information to be printed on succeeding coupons.

Detailed Description

In view of ongoing landfill space concerns and the greater cost associated with the manufacture of containers that do not include recycled materials, mandatory recycling continues to take on increased importance. Some states are already placing the burden on retail stores for collection of recyclable materials. Accordingly, retail stores have and will continue to become recycling centers from the point of view of the consumer. It may become routine for consumers to bring their recyclable containers to the grocery store when they go shopping.

From a marketing viewpoint, the most effective advertising is when the consumer is at or near the point of purchase (retail store) . Accordingly, it is preferable for coupon distributors or issuers to distribute coupons at or near a point of purchase, as opposed to the uncertain approach of distributing coupons in newspapers and magazines.

Dispensing coupons and other types of promotional devices in exchange for recycled containers has several advantages. First, as opposed to newspaper and magazine distribution, dispensing coupons from recycling machines enables the coupon distributor to have more efficient control over the number of coupons in circulation. Second, by* linking the recycling machines to a pod central computer, and linking a recycling machine to a point of purchase scanner system within an associated retail store, data relating to the redemption of dispensed and other source coupons, some issued just minutes earlier, can be monitored and useful consumer buying/redemption pattern information collected in a data base, analyzed and transmitted to coupon distributors on a relatively continuous and instantaneous basis, i.e. providing instant feedback. Printers associated with the recycling machines can be controlled to print information on the coupons, based on the coupon issuer's on going analysis of coupon redemption data. Third, the coupon recipient has the opportunity to obtain the coupon from the recycling machine before making his/her purchases so that redemption of the coupon is more likely at that visit. It can generate store traffic, not only for that item, but also for additional "impulse" purchases and/or other remembered items needed. In contrast, where the coupon is only printed on the back of a cash register receipt, for example, there is far less likelihood that such a coupon will be kept and redeemed when the customer next shops at that retail establishment not only because the use of the receipt as a coupon negates its use as a receipt which is often needed by the consumer, but also because the coupon may expire, be lost or forgotten before the need for the coupon item arises. Retail stores in areas having desired demographics can also be targeted for particular coupon campaigns, and the buying/redemption patterns correlated to the particular store, or wider area demographics.

Referring now to the drawing figures and to Fig. 1 initially, the coupon distribution system 10 of the present invention will now be described for achieving the aforesaid advantages. The system 10 includes a main or pod central computer 12. Preferably, the pod central computer 12, in one embodiment, is a UNIX-based Sequent computer, made by Sequent Computers, Inc. The pod central computer 12 is preferably responsible for centralized processing of coupon information and transfer of information between coupon distributors, e.g., manufacturers, food brokers, advertising or marketing agencies and retailers, and the more localized coupon distribution/data collecting portions of the system 10.

Communication from the pod central computer 12 to the coupon distributors can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Preferably, the communication is electronic, with the pod central computer 12 communicating directly with sponsor or coupon distributor computers 14, which are typically located at the facilities of distributors, ad agencies, food brokers or market information service organizations. The coupon distributor computers 14 can be personal computers or UNIX workstations, for example, so long as a coupon distributor computer 14 is able to exchange necessary data or information with the pod central computer 12. Preferably also, each coupon distributor computer 14 is able to directly communicate with a pod computer 16 so that the coupon distributor or issuer has more immediate or direct control over the information printed on coupons. The communication connection is carried out using known techniques, such as by means of modems and dial-up or direct telephone lines, or via any other convenient type of computer network.

Using a coupon distributor computer 14 to which it has access, a coupon distributor can program coupons for distribution, change an existing coupon campaign, such as by cancelling or changing existing coupons or by adding. changing or deleting geographic, demographic or marketing areas in which the coupons are distributed, and/or receive data from the pod central computer 12 confirming distribution and analyzing patterns of redemption of existing locally dispensed or alternative source coupons. Based on this distribution and redemption data, which can be supplied to coupon distributors in real time, but is typically provided to coupon distributors on a daily basis, decisions can be made regarding coupon information including the deletion or changing of existing coupons, such as by changing the monetary benefit or the identified product(s) itself, and/or the adding of new coupons. The operation of the overall system will be explained below.

With reference to Fig. 2, as well as Fig. 1, on the coupon distribution side of the system 10, a variety of hardware and software is used to print and dispense coupons, keep track of dispensed coupons, monitor redeemed coupons, and supply coupon redemption and distribution information to the pod central computer 12. Preferably, but not necessarily, as illustrated in Fig. 2, coupon dispensing is integrated with a container recycling apparatus 50, which is situated at a location remote from the pod central computer 12. It is preferred that the remote location be some type of retail establishment, such as a grocery store.

As discussed above, consumer oriented recycling machines are known in the art. For example, see U.S. Patent No. 4,265,170 to Schulze, Jr., which is hereby incorporated by reference. The present invention could utilize an existing or known mechanism for discriminating, crushing or compacting and storing aluminum containers, such as the apparatus disclosed in the Schulze, Jr. patent, as well as other apparatuses for discriminating, crushing, and storing glass, plastic and/or paper containers or packages, and/or optionally crushing, shredding or otherwise compacting them.

As seen in Fig. 2, the recycling apparatus 50 preferably includes individual units or machines for use in the recycling of different types of materials, such as plastic, aluminum, and glass. That is, an individual plastic collector 22, aluminum collector 24 and glass collector 26 are provided. Other collectors of recyclable materials could be utilized, including collectors for receiving bi-metal containers and paper packages or containers. Such machines can be controlled using an appropriate electronic controller, such as an IDEC FA2 JR Programmable Controller, which is part of the recycling hardware 28, preferably within a single housing, such as the recycling apparatus 50. Such hardware includes mechanisms for crushing, shredding or otherwise compacting the containers, as well as mechanical coupon dispensing equipment. Included also with each recycling unit is a separate coin, paper money, or token dispenser 30. A coin acceptor 36, which is able to trigger the coupon printer 32 to print one or more coupons, can also be provided together with the coupon dispenser 28 and the coupon printer 32. A customer would not have to deposit recyclable containers to obtain coupons, but could obtain coupons in exchange for deposited coins.

Monetary or other compensation from the recycling apparatus 50 can be dispensed to a customer based on different factors. The recycling apparatus 50 is preferably configured and controlled to accept any container which is identified as being made of the proper material, e.g., plastic, bi-metal, aluminum, glass or paper. When the recyclable container is glass, the recycling apparatus 50 preferably includes the capability of determining whether the glass is colored (brown or green, for example) or transparent. Once a container has been accepted, the recycling customer may be paid, for example, based on container size or by the weight of the container.

With reference to Fig. 3, a schematic representation of a sensor assembly for determining the size of a container 52 and a sensor assembly for determining the color of the container 52 is illustrated. The size determining assembly includes a number of length sensor pairs 54a,54a' ...54,54n' . Each of the length sensor pairs 54,54' is positioned along the length of the container 52 at an area or location in the recycling apparatus 50, which holds the container 52 until its size is determined. The outputs of the length sensors 54,54' are transmitted to the programmable controller 28 for determining the size of the container 52. In one embodiment, the length sensor pair 54a,54a', for example, provides a first output when a portion of the container 52 extends between the two sensors of the length sensor pair 54a,54a' and another output when there is no portion of the container 52 located between the two sensors of the sensor pair 54a,54a'. Such outputs to the programmable controller 28 are analyzed to determine the length of the container 52. As can be appreciated, the greater the number of length sensor pairs 54,54' spaced along possible lengths of a container, the greater is the accuracy of the determination of the container length. In accurately determining the size of the container 52, in addition to the length thereof, the diameter or width of the container 52 is also determined. In making this determination, sensor pairs 55,55' are located for obtaining diameter information. In particular, diameter sensor pairs 55a,55a' ...55n,55n* are disposed along the "lateral extent" of the container 52. Similar to the determination of the length of the container 52, the outputs of the diameter sensor pairs 55,55' are applied to the programmable controller 28 to analyze such sensor inputs in order to determine the diameter of the container 52. The greater the number of diameter sensor pairs 55,55' spaced along possible diameters of a container, the greater the accuracy of determination of the container diameter. The determined length and diameter of the container 52 are then utilized by the programmable controller 28 to determine the size of the container 52. Generally speaking, it is only necessary to determine that the container 52 is within a general size range using the length and the diameter. Consequently, an exact container size need not be determined.

The color sensor assembly includes a number of sensor pairs, such as color sensor pairs 56,56' and 58,58'. Each of the sensor pairs 56,56' and 58,58' has associated with it a different light filtering characteristic. That is, each sensor pair 56,56' and 58,58' provides a predetermined output, based on a predetermined range of light wavelength input. For example, when the container 52 is made of brown glass, all of the color sensor pairs including sensor pairs 56,56' and 58,58' would provide a predetermined output based on the input that each receives. On the other hand, if the glass were substantially clear or transparent, the color sensor pairs including sensor pairs 56,56' and 58,58' would generate an output indicative of the clear or transparent color. For example, in providing such an output, not all of the color sensor pairs 56,56' and 58,58' would provide an output to the controller 28, or a different output would be provided by one or more of the sensor pairs. The color sensor pairs 56,56' and 58,58' are, preferably, disposed in a direction perpendicular to the length of the container 52 so that the light reception is not impaired by paper or other matter that may be found on the container and which might interfere with accurate color determination if the color sensors were located along the length of the container 52. As can be appreciated, the variety of colors that can be sensed would be essentially controlled by a number of different color sensor pairs, each of which would be sensitive to a different wavelength. If it is desirable to sort containers by a number of different colors, more color sensors could be employed to insure that the color containers are properly sorted and directed to the next, desired path in the recycling apparatus 50. In addition to the dispensing of coins or other value tokens, in response to the receipt of recyclable containers, the coupon dispenser 28 is controllable to dispense a predetermined number of coupons based on, for example, the number of containers accepted, the weight of accepted containers, or the fact that a recycling transaction itself has occurred. With reference to Fig. 4, a representative coupon 60 of one embodiment is illustrated. The coupon 60 may include up to three separable sections, namely: coupon deal section 62, sweepstakes section 64 and stamp section 66. Each of these sections is connected to the other sections by perforations or other means so that they can be readily separated from each other. The coupon deal 62 typically includes coupon information that can be modified by the coupon issuer and relates to a particular product or service, e.g., a cents-off coupon. The coupon deal section 62 includes the identity of the product or service, the value to the customer associated with the product or service and the expiration date for the particular product or service. The coupon recipient would redeem the coupon deal section 62 at the time the product or service is obtained from the retail establishment. The sweepstakes section 64 might include a series of numbers or other information that the customer uses to determine if it correlates to a winning combination of numbers or other information. The winning combination could, for example, be displayed in the retail establishment, such as the recycling machine host grocery store. When entering the store, a customer can determine whether or not the sweepstakes section 64 includes a prize winning combination. The stamp section 66 may be any kind of trading stamp or proof of purchase stamp. For example, it may include a number identifying bonus points that the customer has received towards purchasing or obtaining available products or premium items that are identified in a separate catalog or other publication. For example, the stamp section 66 might indicate a value of 50 bonus points. The product catalog associated with the bonus points would indicate how many bonus points are required to obtain one or a number of available products, either at no charge or at a reduced price. After sufficient bonus points have been accumulated by the customer, the selected product can be ordered and the stamp section(s) redeemed. As can be understood, this form of coupon 60 is intended to increase the motivation of the customer to use the recycling apparatus 50 and return recyclable containers by rewarding the consumer for its use in value far in excess of the value of the beverage container(s) recycled. For example, 15φ off a given product far exceeds the value of a single can recycled. Other forms of coupon could be employed, which may or may not include one or more of the coupon deal section 62, sweepstakes section 64 and the stamp section 66. By way of example, the coupon 60 may include only a stamp section by which the customer is only provided with bonus points towards the purchase or receipt or a product or premium item.

Customers may also obtain coupons from the recycling apparatus 50, without returning or inputting a recyclable container into the recycling apparatus 50. In the recycling apparatus 50 equipped with coin acceptor 36, the coupon dispenser 28 is preferably controllable to dispense a predetermined number of promotional devices, such as coupons, in exchange for a particular value of coins deposited into the coin acceptor 36.

The recycling apparatus 50 including the coupon printer 32 is controlled by a computer, which is found within the housing of the recycling machine and will be hereafter referred to as the on board computer 18.

Preferably, the on board computer 18 is an industrial grade IBM PC AT or the equivalent, having static RAM backed by battery. Coupon data is stored in designated coupon files in the RAM. In one embodiment, the RAM has sufficient capacity to store coupon information for at least 24 different coupons in addition to other memory needs. Other memory devices, such as hard disks, CD ROMs or the like, may be employed.

Bar code scanners 40 at the checkout counter are also part of the system hardware. While the recycling apparatus 50 may be situated either indoors or outdoors at the desired site, the bar code scanners 40 are generally employed at check-out stations in the grocery store that is located near the recycling apparatus 50. The bar code scanners 40 may or may not be associated with a computerized point of purchase system employed by the grocery store. If the bar code scanners 40 are not associated with the point of purchase system, a check-out person will be required to use the bar code scanners 40 of the system 10 to read any coupons being redeemed which were printed by the coupon printer 32, as well as entering the coupon information into the point of purchase system. Preferably, all coupons received from consumers at the checkout counters are read and/or cancelled at the individual checkout counters, and the data regarding coupon source and type is also forwarded to computer memory for storage, recall and analysis.

Alternatively but less preferably, redeemed coupons printed by the coupon printer 32 can be collected from all of the check-out stations and read into a single bar code scanner 40 of the system 10 by an employee. However, unless this is done in a timely fashion, the efficiency of the overall system can be affected, as it is preferred that data from each on board computer 18 be transmitted in real time (e.g. daily) for use by the appropriate coupon distributors, ad agencies, food brokers, manufacturers or other coupon sponsors or controllers. In addition, the use of a single bar code scanner would increase the possibility of fraud. The validation feature of the system of this invention by which the point of purchase system automatically checks scanned coupon information against the customer order to make sure that the item was actually purchased could not be fully implemented. In such a case, coupons that should not be redeemable are improperly redeemed by the retailer. These concerns can be substantially reduced by distributing coupons that are only valid for a limited time period, e.g. only on the day they are dispensed. These coupons would employ a code such that credit will not be given to the retailer unless a coupon is read by one of the bar code scanners 40 of the system 10 during the predetermined limited time period. The scanner 40 also functions to cancel the read coupon so that it can no longer be properly redeemed again. The scanned coupon can be destroyed immediately after scanning and need not be returned to the coupon distributor. The reading of the scanned coupon and the cancelling thereof effectively close the loop for the system 10 in that the read coupon information is returned for analysis and updating of coupon information via on board, pod, pod central and/or coupon distributor computers.

Where more than one bar code scanner 40 is employed by the system, the bar code scanners 40 are connected to a multiplex collector 38. Bar code or other data from each scanned coupon is sent to the multiplex collector 38, which then transmits the collected data to the on board computer 18. Such a multiplex collector 38 is essential when an IBM PC AT or the equivalent is being used, since such computers have a limited number of input/output ports and are not themselves capable of multi-tasking. The connection between the bar code scanners 40 and the multiplex collector 38 is preferably hardwire, as is the connection between the multiplex collector 38 and the on board computer 18. However, depending upon the location of the on board computer 18 relative to the multiplex collector 38, a hardwire connection may not be possible, and modems may be required to link the two devices.

Preferably, the system 10 further includes a plurality of pod level computers 16. When the present invention is implemented on a regional basis or a national basis, the number of recycling apparatuses 50 and associated on board computers 18 is large. Interacting and communicating with each on board computer 18 would be difficult and inefficient for any single computer, as well as negatively affecting the ability of the coupon distributor or system user to access the same. Accordingly, more localized pod computers 16 are employed as intermediaries between the on board computers 18 and the pod central computer 12. Preferably, the pod computers 16 are IBM PC compatible and, in one embodiment, the pod computers can be Everex Step 386/33 computers, which are made by Everex Computers. Each pod computer 16 controls or communicates with a predetermined group of on board computers 18, e.g., about 25 on board computers and recycling apparatuses 50. On board computers 18 may be assigned to a particular pod computer 16 for any number of reasons. A particular pod computer 16 can be associated with all of the on board computers 18 in a number of ways, such as: in accordance with a predetermined geographic area; in connection with all of the on board computers 18 associated with a certain chain of grocery stores; in conjunction with all of the on board computers 18 associated with a particular type of retail outlet in a defined geographic area; or in connection with all of the on board computers 18 located in neighborhoods having certain demographics or other marketing characteristics. Cross-linking of the pod computers 16 is accomplished using remote computers, e.g., the pod central or coupon distributor computers 12, 14. Where the on board computers 18 controlled by a particular pod computer 16 are sited in recycle apparatuses 50 located in areas with known demographics, coupon distributors can target specific markets or consumer groups. This can also be accomplished if individual coupon distributor computers 14 can be addressed by the coupon distributors or sponsors where the demographics of the customers of specific grocery stores are known. In either case, this affords coupon distributors, issuers or sponsors a strategic advantage in any coupon campaign. As noted above, the pod computers 16 are responsible for the transfer of data, particularly coupon information, to and from the on board computers 18 under their control. Preferably, each pod computer 16 communicates with each of its associated on board computers 18 on at least a daily or more frequent basis. The communication is carried out via respective modems 34 associated with each of the pod computer 16 and the on board computers 18. When communication is established, the pod computer 16 transfers to the on board computer 18 any new or updated coupon information and receives from the on board computer 18 redeemed coupon or consumer information. As used herein, "updated coupon information" means changes to be made in coupons to be printed and dispensed and "consumer information" means information/data associated with dispensed coupons and/or scanned recycled containers, by location. When the pod computer 16 has collected consumer information data from all of its associated on board computers 18, the collected data is transferred to the pod central computer 12. The pod central computer 12 and the pod computer 16 may communicate via respective modems, over a proprietary network, for example. The pod central computer 12 may, alternatively, transfer to the pod computers 16 new or updated coupon information throughout the day, as the updated coupon information is obtained from the coupon distributors placing orders through their computers. Such updated coupon information is stored at the pod computer 16 until regularly scheduled communication times with the various on board computers 18. In addition to the communication with the pod central computer 12, each pod computer 16 may have direct electrical communication with one or more predetermined coupon distributor computers 14. In such a case, the coupon distributor has direct access to the desired pod computer 16 and can directly receive consumer information and also provide new or updated coupon information to the pod computer 16 using the coupon distributor computer 14. This can be accomplished using dial-up telephone lines from the coupon distributor computer 14 to the pod computer 16. When practical, direct telephone lines could be employed.

OPERATION The operation of the present invention will now be described with reference to the flow diagrams or charts of Figs. 5 and 6. At any given time, a coupon distributor may decide to begin a promotional campaign using coupons, for example, for a particular product or, based on redemption information received through the system 10, may decide to update or end a campaign already in progress. As noted above, the reference to coupons is by way of example and not by way of limitation of the principles of the invention, which apply equally to all types of promotional devices. To initiate this process, the coupon distributor accesses the pod central computer 12 via the coupon distributor computer 14 (step 100) . Alternatively, the appropriate pod computer 16 may be accessed directly using the appropriate coupon distributor computer 14. As discussed above, the coupon distributor computer 14 may be a dedicated terminal in constant communication with the pod central computer 12 or a personal computer which can access the pod central computer 12 via a modem, on a call- up ("polling") basis, for example. In any case, the coupon distributor would have previously opened an account with the organization that operates the overall recycling/coupon distribution system. Accordingly, for access, security and billing purposes, a coupon distributor identification code must be used to gain access to the pod central computer 12 for the purpose of adding, updating or cancelling a coupon.

When allowed access by the pod central computer 12, the coupon distributor has access to appropriate selected files resident in the pod central computer 12 (step 100) . The pod central computer 12 has, in memory files, the identity of each coupon distributor, who has access to the system 10. Coupon information or data for each coupon which has already been ordered is stored in one file. If the coupon distributor wants to modify a coupon having current or existing information (step 102) , by accessing an existing file, the coupon distributor may modify the coupon (step 104) . In this way, a coupon already in distribution can be modified in some way. Alternatively, if a new coupon is desired (step 106) , a new file may be created (step 108) . In either case, the coupon distributor, issuer, sponsor or other authorized user must input the appropriate coupon related information to the pod central computer 12, which information may be updated information and/or information/data that is used in generating updated information. The information must include information that will enable the coupon printer 32 to print both alphanumeric and bar code data on the printed coupon. A typical coupon will include some or all of the following alphanumeric information in an appropriate language (English or foreign language) : a description of the product or products for which the coupon is valid; the deal or value offered by the coupon, e.g., obtain a discount for purchasing one of an identified product (a "cents off" coupon) , buy two of a product and receive a third like item for free (a "bogo") , obtain a discount for purchasing two of an identified product, obtain a product at no cost up to a certain maximum retail value (a premium item) ; the expiration date of the coupon; and terms of redemption for the retailer. The bar code data can be generated by the pod central computer 12 based on input from the coupon distributor. The bar code to be printed on the coupon should include an acceptable code, such as UPC code, for the product or family of products for which the coupon is valid, and may include the issue date, the discount amount, and/or the expiration date. The bar code data could be utilized by a point of purchase system to validate a coupon and apply the appropriate discount to an order, and will be used by the system 10 to report back to the coupon distributor as part of the consumer information.

When ordering a new coupon, the coupon distributor essentially creates a new file in the pod central computer 12 and must input the necessary coupon information. When modifying an existing coupon, the appropriate file must be accessed and the changes to the above information made. Further, if a coupon distributor wants to cancel a particular coupon (step 110) , the coupon distributor would identify the coupon to be cancelled and indicate that cancellation is to occur (step 112) .

When a coupon distributor is requesting or ordering a particular coupon, those pod computer(s) and/or on board computers must be identified from which the coupon is to be dispensed. Identification of the appropriate computers can be done in a variety of ways, such as through an identification code for the pod computers 16 and the on board computers 18. Additional information may include the total number of coupons to be dispensed from one of the on board computers 18 in a predetermined time period and the total number of coupons to be dispensed, for example. Another example is the use in the pod central or coupon distributor computer of a random number program to randomly identify and print special coupons or the winning numbers on a game card or sweepstakes entry issued by the printer in the recycling machine. The precise features and options available to the coupon distributors or issuers depend upon the capabilities and features of the software, which is executed by the pod central computer 12 or the appropriate pod computer 16. In one embodiment, the necessary hardware and software can be provided, e.g. leased, to the user in order to establish the proper communication with the pod computer 16 for receiving and transmitting coupon information. Regardless of the particular method employed, the system 10 eliminates the need for coupon processing or clearing by a separate facility or operation (coupon clearinghouse) and reduces the time within which the retailer is reimbursed for its costs associated with redemption of the coupon. The coupon scanners 40 (Fig. 1) may also include means for voiding the coupons, as by printing voiding symbols, forming holes in the coupon, or otherwise mutilating it.

Whenever coupon information is entered into the pod central computer 12, coupon orders will be accompanied by a coupon distributor identification number and/or issue location (location of the recycling apparatus 50) . Areas in memory associated with the coupon distributor are then accessed, and these areas include files for individual coupons. Files can be added, deleted, or modified as required by the coupon distributor. A different file is required for each coupon having different coupon information, even though the product associated with the coupon may be the same. For example, a coupon distributor may require that a first coupon having a first value to be distributed at one set of on board computers 18 and second coupon for the same product having a second value distributed at a different set of on board computers 18. In this situation, a file for each coupon is required in the pod central computer 12.

During normal operation, the pod central computer 12 continuously scans for new or updated files (step 114) . When such a file is found, the pod and/or coupon distributor computer identification is read. The file is copied and a pod order is generated for the identified pod computer(s) 16. The copied files are then held in a designated memory area of the pod central computer 12 until communication is established with the appropriate pod computer(s) 16. When such communication is established, the coupon file with the appropriate on board computer identification is transferred to the pod computer 16 (step 116) .

Preferably on at least a daily or even more frequent basis, the pod central computer 12 communicates with each pod computer 16. When communication is established with a particular pod computer 16, coupon orders for the on board computers 18 associated with the pod computer 16 are communicated from the pod central computer 12 to the pod computer 16. This can be accomplished by transferring the appropriate coupon files to the pod computer 16. In conjunction with the transfer of coupon information, the software verifies or confirms that a proper coupon order has been received and that its ultimate destination is correct. Like the pod central computer 12, the pod computer 16 stores the coupon files together with the identification of each of the on board computers 18 to which each coupon file is to be sent (step 118) . When communication is established between the pod computer 16 and one or more on board computers 18, the pod computer 16 and the on board computer 18 exchange information. The on board computer 18 permits the pod computer 16 to access the resident coupon files in its memory. Depending upon the coupon orders sent to the specific on board computer 18, coupon files can be modified to effect desired changes to coupons on file, coupon files can be deleted altogether, and/or new coupon files can be created (step 120) .

The on board computer 18 also monitors the operation of the recycling apparatus 50 to provide warnings of actual or possible mechanical failures, a "full bin" condition, or to inform the system users or owners that preventative maintenance should be performed on certain of the mechanical parts of the recycling apparatus 50. It can also provide counts of each type of coupon dispensed and correlate that to the amounts and types of containers recycled.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps followed by each on board computer 18. Essentially, the on board computer 18 multi-tasks by performing its required operations in a continuous loop. From the point of view of a customer, when a customer deposits an aluminum can. for example, in the aluminum collector unit 24 of the recycling apparatus 50, the aluminum can is tested to make sure it is an acceptable container. If the can is acceptable, the programmable controller 28 informs the on board computer of this fact and causes the can to be accepted and crushed or otherwise compacted for storage. The process is similar for the glass collector unit 26 and the plastic collector unit 22. The glass need not be crushed but may be sorted by color. The plastic collector unit 26 may shred or otherwise compact accepted containers. For any of these units 22, 24, 26, when an item is accepted, the programmable controller 28 causes a coin to be distributed to the customer via the appropriate coin dispenser 30. As noted above, the on board computer 18 is informed that a transaction has taken place (step 200) , and the nature (type) and number of containers accepted by the recycling apparatus 50, as well as the time and date of acceptance if desired are stored in the memory of the on board computer 18.

The coupon files in the memory of the on board computer 18 have a predetermined sequential order. When the on board computer 18 is informed by the programmable controller 28 that a transaction has occurred, the on board computer 18 accesses a next sequential coupon file(s), and transfers the updated coupon information or data to the printer 32 to print and dispense the appropriate number and type of coupon(s) . Generally, the on board computer 18 will cause each separate coupon stored in memory to be printed once before any is printed a second time (step 202) . After depositing an aluminum container, which is accepted by the recycling apparatus 50, the customer receives coin(s) and coupon(s) from the recycling apparatus 50. By dispensing customized coupons to a customer at this time, it is anticipated that the customer will be influenced to purchase the item advertised on the coupons during the customer's trip to the associated "host" grocery store or other store. Should the customer redeem the coupon at the check-out station, the check-out person will cause the bar code data on the coupon to be read by the bar code reader or scanner 40. At this time, the redeemed coupon is cancelled (e.g., or printed or punched) and effectively removed from the system 10 so that it cannot be properly redeemed again since, if it is read by the scanner 40 again, an indication will be provided that the coupon is not valid and should not be redeemed. The cancelled coupon can then be destroyed, or otherwise properly disposed of, by the grocery store or by a system user or employee. Data from the product bar code scanner can also be collected at this time and misredemptions prevented.

The scanned data from the redeemed coupon scanner and/or product scanner 40 is sent to the multiplex collector 38, which sends the scanned data, such as bar code data, (for one coupon at a time) to the on board computer 18. In step 204, the on board computer 18 checks to see whether data has been received from the multiplex collector 38. If appropriate data has been received from the multiplex collector 38, that data is written into a file for future transfer to the pod computer 16 (step 206) .

Next, the on board computer 18 checks to see if the modem 34 associated therewith is signaling or ringing, indicative of the pod computer 16 attempting to communicate with the on board computer 18 (step 208) . If no signal is detected, the loop is repeated, with the processing returning to step 200. If the presence of a signal is detected, communication is established with the pod computer 16 (step 210) . The pod computer 16 determines whether data is to be sent or received by the on board computer 18 (step 212) . If data is to be transmitted, then the on board computer 18 switches to a transmit mode (step 214) and sends all of the consumer information, e.g., bar codes stored by the on board computer 18 in the bar code file, to the pod computer 16. After all the codes have been sent, the bar codes are erased from the bar code file in the on board computer 18. Any subsequent bar codes written into the bar code files are transferred to the pod computer 16 during the next communication. Additionally, for checking purposes, all current coupon files are sent to the pod computer 16 (step 216) .

Next, a determination is made as to whether the on board computer is to receive data (step 218) . If so, in step 220, all coupon orders or "updated coupon information" held by the pod computer 16 are sent to the on board computer 18 to be written in the coupon files. After all this data has been transferred, the communication is ended and the processing loop returns to step 200.

In the case where the pod computer 16 has decided that the receive mode is first to be entered, the on board computer 18 switches to the receive mode (step 222) and the above-described receive operation next occurs (step 224) . After this, a further determination is made as to whether the transmit mode should then be entered (step 226) . If so, the transmit operation next occurs (step 228) and then the processing loop returns to step 200. If not, there is an immediate return to step 200. It should be understood that "consumer information" as used herein is included in the information identified in steps 216 and 228 of Fig. 6.

If the on board computer 18 determines that the pod computer 16 has not contacted it after a predetermined period of time or determines that an internal fault exists, the on board computer may declare an alarm state. The on board computer 18 would then call an alarm computer 42 using the modem 34 to inform the alarm computer 42 (and a system operator) of the alarm state so that appropriate action can be taken to correct the fault. Preferably, the alarm computer 42 is at, or communicates via modem with, a local service company that can respond with a diagnostic/service call to the recycling apparatus 50 location.

During some convenient or pre-selected time, the pod computer 16 will accumulate consumer information data from each of its associated on board computers 18. Most importantly, the pod computer 16 processes the consumer information received from the on board computers 18 for transmission to the pod central computer 12. For example, the pod computer 16 totals the number of each type of coupon redeemed at each on board computer 18 and determines the total number of each particular coupon redeemed at all of its associated on board computers 18. This data, together with coupon file data from each individual on board computer 18, is sent to the pod central computer 12. At the pod central computer 12, the coupon redemption reports generated at each pod computer 16 can be combined as desired before the redemption data is sent to the coupon distributor computers 14, which are used by the coupon distributors. Preferably, this information is distributed to each coupon distributor or other authorized entity on at least a daily basis. Based on this information, the coupon distributor may identify trends relating to a particular coupon campaign. The coupon distributor may decide that the particular coupon campaign needs to be changed or ended. This immediately can be effected by making an appropriate coupon order via the coupon distributor computer 14 in the manner described above.

It should be understood that, although a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes one or more container recycling machines to be used for recycling one or more metals, particularly aluminum, glass, plastic and paper containers or other products, as part of the coupon dispensing system, such recycling machine(s) need not be used. The coupon dispensing system can be used by itself, apart from any recycling machine. Alternatively, the coupon dispensing features could be incorporated with any other suitable apparatus or system. Such a suitable apparatus may or may not be directed to promoting some other form of desirable conduct or activity by the coupon recipient. Furthermore, although the new or updated coupon and/or consumer information generated and used by the system is directed for use with a coupon, it should be appreciated such information generated using evaluatable information could be provided in some useful form, other than on or with a coupon.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments, and with the various modifications required by their particular applications or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A method of merchandising, comprising the steps in any sequence of: a) providing a promotional device dispenser relatively adjacent a point of purchase, said dispenser having first means for printing information on a first coupon; b) printing said first coupon using initial information; c) dispensing said first coupon from said dispenser to a consumer; d) obtaining evaluatable information when a coupon is redeemed; e) generating updated information using said evaluatable information; f) providing second means at a location remote from said first means; g) communicating said updated information to said first means for printing using said second means; h) printing a second coupon using said updated information with said first printer means; and i) dispensing said second coupon.

2. A method as in Claim 1, wherein: said step of generating includes generating said updated information at least on a weekly basis.

3. A method as in Claim 1, wherein: said step of printing said first coupon includes controlling the printing wherein the consumer receiving said dispensed first coupon has substantially no direct control over said initial information.

4. A method as in Claim 1, wherein: said step of printing said first coupon includes printing variable information on said first coupon in which said variable information is adapted to be changed using said updated information, and predetermined information is already provided on said first coupon when said variable information is printed.

5. A method as in Claim 1, wherein: said updated information relates to at least one product or service included in said initial information.

6. A method as in Claim 1, further including the step of: locating said promotional device dispenser as part of container recycling machine means.

7. A method as in Claim 6, further including the steps of: receiving in said recycling machine means from a consumer a deposit of at least one container made substantially of one of the following: plastic, glass, bi-metal, metal, aluminum or paper.

8. A method as in Claim 7, further including the steps of: ^• a) determining whether said one container includes substantially one of the following: plastic, glass, metal, bi-metal, aluminum and paper; and b) rejecting said one container when it does not substantially include one of the following: plastic, glass, metal, bi-metal, aluminum and paper.

9. A method as in Claim 7, further including the step of: determining at least whether the glass has color or is substantially transparent, when said one container is substantially made of glass.

10. A system for merchandising products and/or services, comprising in operative combination: a) a promotional device dispenser, located relatively adjacent a point of purchase, for outputting promotional devices and including first means for printing; b) second means, provided at a location different from said first means, for communicating with said first means; and c) third means for providing information using at least one dispensed promotional device and communicating with at least one of said first means and said second means; d) wherein said information is evaluated and updated information is generated using the evaluated information and in which said second means communicates said updated information to said first means whereby said updated information is used by said first means.

11. A system, as in Claim 10, wherein said first means includes: printer means for printing coupons; and on board computer means for controlling the printing by said printer means.

12. A system, as in Claim 10, wherein said first means includes: recycling machine means; and controlling means for controlling the operation of said recycling machine means.

13. A system, as in Claim 10, wherein: said second means includes at least one of coupon distributor computer means and processing means wherein said coupon distributor computer means transmits updated information and said processing means analyzes information received from said third means.

14. A system, as in Claim 10, wherein: said third means includes scanner means positioned at a location different from the location of said second means.

15. A system, as in Claim 10, wherein: said first means is adapted to print variable information on coupons.

16. A system, as in Claim 10, wherein: said second means includes coupon distributor computer means and processing means and said processing means includes at least one of pod central computer means and pod means and in which said one of said pod central computer means and said pod means communicates with said coupon distributor computer means.

17. A system, as in Claim 16, wherein: said one of said pod central computer means and said pod means communicates with a plurality of coupon distributor computer means.

18. A system, as in Claim 13, wherein: said processing means communicates with a plurality of first means, each of said plurality of first means being positioned at a different location.

19. A system, as in Claim 18, wherein: said processing means includes pod means communicating with pod central computer means and in which said pod means compiles information from each of said plurality of first means.

20. A system, as in Claim 10, wherein: said information includes at least a plurality of the following: date, time of day, location of said third means, product information, service information, value information and expiration information.