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Patent 2336954 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

Any discrepancies in the text and image of the Claims and Abstract are due to differing posting times. Text of the Claims and Abstract are posted:

  • At the time the application is open to public inspection;
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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2336954
(54) English Title: METHOD AND APPARATUS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR USING A SELECTIVE CALL RECEIVER TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION, REDEEM COUPONS, AND EMULATE AFFINITY CARDS
(54) French Title: PROCEDE ET APPAREIL DANS UN SYSTEME DE TELECOMMUNICATION SANS FIL PERMETTANT L'UTILISATION D'UN RECEPTEUR D'APPEL SELECTIF POUR FOURNIR DES INFORMATIONS DEMOGRAPHIQUES, COUPONS DEREMBOURSEMENT ET POUR EMULER DES CARTES D'AFFINITE
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • G06F 17/00 (2006.01)
  • G06F 5/00 (2006.01)
  • G06F 7/08 (2006.01)
  • G06Q 30/00 (2006.01)
  • G07G 1/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • HYMEL, JAMES ALLEN (United States of America)
  • INDEKEU, JACK P. (United States of America)
  • BRIANCON, ALAIN CHARLES (United States of America)
  • LONG, CHRISTOPHER RICHARD (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • MOTOROLA, INC. (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • MOTOROLA, INC. (United States of America)
(74) Agent: GOWLING LAFLEUR HENDERSON LLP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 1999-06-24
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2000-01-20
Examination requested: 2001-01-09
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US1999/014343
(87) International Publication Number: WO2000/003328
(85) National Entry: 2001-01-09

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
09/113,633 United States of America 1998-07-10
09/123,291 United States of America 1998-07-28

Abstracts

English Abstract




Demographic information concerning the user of an SCR (Selective Call
Receiver) (10) is stored in the SCR (10). The demographic information (60) is
displayed on the SCR (10) in bar code format such that it can be read by a bar
code scanner (132), as in a store (130) or at a point-of-sale (154). In one
embodiment, a stored coupon is also displayed in bar code format so that it
can be read and redeemed at a point-of-sale. In another embodiment, a stored
affinity card code and a unique identifier are displayed in bar code format so
that they can be read to identify a selected affinity group and the customer
at the point-of-sale.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne des informations démographiques concernant l'utilisation d'un SCR (récepteur d'appel sélectif) (10) stockées dans le SCR (10). Les informations démographiques (60) sont affichées sur le SCR (10) en format de codes barres de manière à pouvoir être lues par un lecteur (132) de code barres, par exemple dans un magasin (130) ou à un point de vente (154). Selon un mode de réalisation, un coupon stocké est aussi affiché en format code barres de manière à pouvoir être lu et remboursé à un point de vente. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, un code de carte d'affinité stocké et un seul identificateur sont affichés en format code barres de manière à pouvoir être lus pour identifier un groupe d'affinité sélectionné et le client au point de vente.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.





What is claimed is:


CLAIMS


1. A method of providing information about a user of a selective call
receiver who uses coupons, comprising:
a) storing user information in the selective call receiver;
b) displaying a coupon on the selective call receiver in bar code format
such that the coupon can be read and redeemed at a point-of-sale; and
c) displaying the user information on the selective call receiver in bar
code format such that the information can be read at the point-of-sale.
2. A method as set forth in claim 1 including updating the user information
in the selective call receiver to reflect use of the selective call receiver.
3. A method as set forth in claim 1 including updating the user information
in the selective call receiver to reflect redemption of the coupon.
4. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the coupon is received by the
selective call receiver in the form of a transmitted message.
5. A method as set forth in claim 4 including the selective call receiver
alerting the user that the coupon has been received.
6. A method as set forth in claim 5 including displaying the coupon on the
selective call receiver in alpha-numeric form so that the coupon can be read
by the user.
7. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein step c) is executed after step b).




8. A method of providing information about a user of a selective call
receiver who uses coupons, comprising:
a) storing in the selective call receiver a coupon received in the form of
a transmitted message;
b) the selective call receiver alerting the user that the coupon has been
received;
c) displaying the coupon on the selective call receiver in bar code
format such that the coupon can be read and redeemed at a point-of-sale;
d) displaying stored user information on the selective call receiver in
bar code format such that the stored user information can be read at the
point-of-sale; and
e) updating the stored user information in the selective call receiver to
reflect use of the selective call receiver.
9. A method of providing information about a user of a selective call
receiver who uses coupons, comprising
a) storing user information in the selective call receiver;
b) displaying the user information on the selective call receiver in bar
code format such that the user information can be read;
c) receiving and storing in the selective call receiver a coupon that
was transmitted in response to the user information being read; and
d) displaying the coupon on the selective call receiver in bar code
format at a point-of-sale such that the coupon can be redeemed.
10. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein the coupon is unique to the
user.
11. A method as set forth in claim 10 including deleting the coupon from the
selective call receiver a predetermined time after the coupon has been
redeemed.
12. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein step b) occurs in a store,
wherein the user information is read in the store, and wherein the store
identifies the user by reference to a database of coupon users.



-17-




13. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein the transmitted coupon is
selected based, at least in part, on the identity of the user.
14. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein the transmitted coupon is
selected by the store, and wherein the store instructs a messaging system to
transmit the coupon to the user's selective call receiver.
15. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the coupon is received and
stored in the selective call receiver while the selective call receiver is in
the
store.
16. A method as set forth in claim 12 including updating the database to
reflect redemption of the coupon.
17. A method of collecting information about a user of a selective call
receiver who uses coupons in a store, comprising:
a) storing user information in the selective call receiver;
b) displaying the user information on the selective call receiver in bar
code format such that the user information can be read in the store;
c) identifying the user by comparing the user information to a
database;
d) while the selective call receiver is in the store, receiving and storing
in the selective call receiver a coupon that is unique to the user and that
was
transmitted in response to the user information being read; and
e) displaying the coupon on the selective call receiver in bar code
format such that the coupon can be redeemed in the store.



-18-




18. A method of providing information about a user of a selective call
receiver who uses coupons, comprising:
a) storing user information in the selective call receiver;
b) displaying on the selective call receiver the user information in bar
code format such that the user information can be read; c)
receiving and storing in the selective call receiver information concerning a
coupon that is made available for the user in response to the user
information being read; and
d) displaying the user information on the selective call receiver in bar
code format so that the user information can be read at a point-of-sale, and
the coupon can be applied to a purchase by the user.
19. A method as set forth in claim 18 wherein step b) occurs in a store,
wherein the user information is read in the store, and wherein a computer
generates the coupon based on the user information.
20. A method as set forth in claim 19 wherein bar codes on purchased items
are read at the point-of-sale, and wherein the computer applies applicable
coupons to the purchased items.
21. A method as set forth in claim 19 wherein the computer can access a data
base of coupon users, and wherein the computer updates the database to
reflect coupon use.
22. A method as set forth in claim 19 including transmitting to the selective
call receiver information indicating total coupon discounts available to the
user.
23. A method as set forth in claim 18 including deleting the coupon from the
selective call receiver a predetermined time after the coupon has been
redeemed.



-19-




24. A method of providing information about a user of a selective call
receiver who uses coupons, comprising:
a) storing user information in the selective call receiver;
b) displaying on the selective call receiver the user information in bar
code format such that the user information can be read in a store and
compared to information stored in a database; c) receiving and
storing in the selective call receiver information concerning an available
coupon that is selected based, at least in part, on the user information read
in
the store;
d) displaying the user information on the selective call receiver in bar
code format so that the user information can be read at a point-of-sale, and
the coupon can be applied. to a purchase by the user; and
e) updating the database to reflect use of the coupon by the user.
25. A method for emulating an affinity card in a wireless
communication system, the method comprising in a selective call receiver
the steps of:
storing an affinity code for identifying an affinity group to
which the selective call receiver belongs;
storing an identifier that uniquely identifies the selective call
receiver; and
generating a bar code on a display of the selective call receiver,
the bar code comprising the affinity code and the identifier, and able to be
read by a conventional bar code reader.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of
wirelessly downloading the affinity code from a server coupled
to the wireless communication system, to the selective call receiver.
27. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of
wirelessly controlling operability of the affinity code in
response to instructions from a server coupled to the wireless
communication system.



-20-




28. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of
maintaining a central database of affinity codes to ensure that
each affinity code activated is unique.
29. The method of claim 25,
wherein the step of storing an affinity code comprises the step
of storing a plurality of affinity codes, and
wherein the generating step comprises the steps of:
selecting, by a user of the selective call receiver, one of
the plurality of affinity codes, thereby determining a selected affinity code;
and
generating the bar code on the display, the bar code
comprising the selected affinity code and the identifier.
30. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of
transferring the affinity code from the selective call receiver to a
second selective call receiver.
31. A selective call receiver for emulating an affinity card in a wireless
communication system, the selective call receiver comprising:
an RF demodulator for receiving and demodulating a message;
a processor coupled to the RF demodulator for processing the
message; and
a display coupled to the processor for displaying the message
and for displaying a bar code,
wherein the processor is programmed to:
store an affinity code for identifying an affinity group to which
the selective call receiver belongs;
store an identifier that uniquely identifies the selective call
receiver; and
generate the bar code on the display, the bar code comprising
the affinity code and the identifier, and able to be read by a conventional
bar
code reader.



-21-



32. The selective call receiver of claim 31, wherein the processor is
further programmed to cooperate with a server coupled to the wireless
communication system to
wirelessly download the affinity code from the server.
33. The selective call receiver of claim 31, wherein the processor is
further programmed to cooperate with a server coupled to the wireless
communication system to
wirelessly control operability of the affinity code in response to
instructions from the server.
34. The selective call receiver of claim 31, further comprising
a button interface coupled to the processor for providing
control of the selective col receiver by a user,
wherein the processor is further programmed to:
store a plurality of affinity codes, and
cooperate with the button interface to allow selection, by the
user of the selective call receiver, of one of the plurality of affinity
codes,
thereby determining a selected affinity code; and
generate the bar code on the display, the bar code comprising
the selected affinity code and the identifier.
35. The selective call receiver of claim 31, further comprising
a communication port coupled to the processor for
communicating with a second selective call receiver,
wherein the processor is further programmed to:
transfer the affinity code through the communication port to
the second selective call receiver.



-22-

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02336954 2001-O1-09
WO 00/03328 PCT/US99/14343
METHOD AND APPARATUS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
SYSTEM FOR USING A SELECTIVE CALL RECEIVER TO PROVIDE
DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION, REDEEM COUPONS, AND
EMULATE AFFINITY CARDS
Related Application
This application is a continuation-in-part of Attorney Docket No.
PT02940U, mailed July 8, 1998, by Hymel et al., entitled "METHOD OF
io USING A SELECTIVE CALL RECEIVER TO PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHIC
INFORMATION AND REDEEM COUPONS."
Field of the Invention
This invention is generally directed to methods and an apparatus for
~s using portable Selective Call. Receivers (SCRs) to redeem coupons, emulate
affinity cards, and provide demographic data on the users of the SCRs.
Background of the Invention
SCRs such as pagers and other forms of wireless message receivers are
2o capable of receiving more than personal messages from their messaging
services. News, stock quotes, advertisements and other information services
can now be transmitted to subscribers.
The sponsors of the advertisements and certain other commercial
messages would like to know who is receiving and reading their messages.
2s Some of this information ca.n be obtained using the techniques disclosed in
U.S. Application Serial No. 08/627642, filed April 4, 1996 and entitled
"Advertiser Pays Information and Messaging System and Apparatus".
It is also possible to send to SCRs coupons that can be used to
purchase products or services at reduced prices. These coupons can be sent
3o to a large number of people by group messaging, but the sponsor of the
coupons will not readily kn.aw who received the coupons and who used
them. That type of information, plus certain other demographic information
concerning recipients of the coupons, can be difficult to obtain. Users of the
coupons do not desire to spend much of their own time supplying that
s5 information; and stores where the coupons are redeemed are likewise
reluctant to provide the resources required to collect this information.


CA 02336954 2001-O1-09
WO 00/03328 PCT/L1S99/14343
In addition, affinity cards are becoming increasingly popular. Such
cards typically are issued by a sponsor, e.g., a grocery store chain, and
typically have an encoded magnetic stripe which can be read at checkout to
identify the user. The sponsor's computer then collects and stores
s information about the user's purchases. In return, the affinity card
entitles
the user to various discounts determined by the sponsor. As the number of
different affinity cards carried by the user increases, the need to
consolidate
the cards into a single entii:y becomes apparent.
A convenient and cost effective way of collecting demographic
io information concerning people who receive and use coupons can benefit not
only the sponsors of coupons, but also the people who use SCRs by
providing them with coupons that they will want to use. In addition, a
convenient and cost effective way of consolidating affinity cards can benefit
both sponsors and users by eliminating card clutter, thereby making the
~s affinity cards more convenient to use.
-2-


CA 02336954 2001-O1-09
WO 00/03328 PCTNS99/14343
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an SCR that operates according to the
invention;
FIG. 2 shows the display area of an SCR that is displaying a bar coded
coupon;
FIG. 3 shows the display area of the same SCR that is displaying
demographic information .about the user of the SCR;
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are Flow charts illustrating how the SCR of FIG. 3 :is
io programmed to operate in accordance with one aspect of the invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates how an SCR is used in a store to redeem coupons and
provide demographic information in accordance with another aspect of the
invention;
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing how the SCR is used to redeem coupons
~s and to provide demographic information in the environment shown in FIG.
7;
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an alternate method for using the SCR
to redeem coupons and to provide demographic information in accordance
with the invention;
2o FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a flow chart depicting operations of the SCR for emulating
an affinity card in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a flow chart depicting an operation of the SCR for
25 transferring affinity codes to a second SCR in accordance with the present
invention; and
FIG. 13 illustrates how an SCR is used in a store to emulate an affinity
card to obtain discounts and to provide information about purchases in
accordance with the present invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
With this invention, advantage is taken of an SCR's ability to reliably
receive, store and display information; this ability, in conjunction with the
3s efficiency and reliability of bar code scanners, is used according to the
invention to provide information about a user of an SCR who uses coupons,
-3-


CA 02336954 2001-O1-09
WO 00/03328 PCT/US99/14343
and to provide a method for the SCR user to efficiently receive and redeem
coupons, as well as to emulate affinity cards.
According to the invention, the user's SCR stores information about
the user, and that inforrrtation is displayed in bar code format, at a point-
of-
a sale where the user desires to redeem a coupon, such as in a store where
purchased items are paid far. A bar code scanner located at the point-of sale
reads the user information displayed by the SCR, thereby enabling the
sponsor of the redeemed coupon to learn demographic information,
including buying habits, albout the person who redeemed the coupon. This
io allows the coupon's sponsor to adapt his marketing plans to actual consumer
preferences, and to send, t~o the SCR user, coupons that the user is likely to
want. In the case of affinity card emulation, the information about the user
can be as simple as a unique identification number, which the store's
computer cross-references to the user's identity and buying habits, which
15 have been collected and stored from previous shopping trips to the store.
An SCR 10 that operates according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1
in the form of a pager. The illustrated SCR has circuitry including an
antenna 12, a conventional RF demodulator 14 and a digital decoder 16 for
receiving and decoding in<:oming messages, including coupons and affinity
2o codes. Messages received by the antenna 12 are demodulated by the RF
demodulator 14 to provide demodulated analog data as an input to the
decoder 16 which may also be of conventional construction.
The signal output from the decoder 16 is decoded digital data that is
applied as an input to a processor 18 which may be, for example, a
25 MC68HC05 made by Motorola, Inc. The processor 28 may also be
conventional, but it is programmed to cause the SCR 10 to operate according
the invention, as discussed in more detail later.
The processor 18 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20 and a
ROM (Read Only Memory] 22 which stores the instruction program for the
so CPU. The ROM 22 preferably also stores an identifier, e.g. a serial number,
for uniquely identifying the SCR during affinity card emulation. The
processor also includes an external port interface 24 for coupling signals
from the CPU 20 to a display driver 26. The latter device drives a display 28,
which may be a conventional liquid crystal display, for displaying decoded
ss messages (including coupons and affinity card codes), menus,
advertisements, prompts, e~tc. The display 28 has a pixel resolution that is
-4-


CA 02336954 2001-O1-09
WO 00/03328 PCT/US99/14343
small enough to display bar codes that can be accurately read by
conventional bar code scanners.
To generate a user alert upon receipt of a message, the CPU is coupled
to an alert generator 30 whose output is coupled to the input of a speaker.
driver 32. A speaker 34 is coupled to the output of the driver 32 for
generating an audible alert upon receipt of a message that is directed to the
SCR 10.
Timers 36 are coupled to the CPU 20 to give a time base for collecting
data from the digital decodler (16) at precise intervals. They also keep time
io duration for alerts and possibly a real time clock for the user interface.
The user can control various functions of the SCR by means of user
actuatable buttons 38 that are coupled to the CPU via a button interface 40
and an external port interface 42. The buttons may be used to cause a
received coupon or other form of message to be shown on the display 28, to
is scroll through messages, and to input information. The CPU 20 is also
coupled to a communication. port 27 for communicating with a second SC:R.
The communication port 27 preferably communicates wirelessly, using well-
known techniques, e.g., raalio or infra-red techniques. It will be appreciated
that, alternatively, the communication port 27 can communicate through a
2o wired connection to the second SCR, as well.
The processor 18 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 44
that comprises a message memory 46, a demographic database 48 and a
program memory 50. The demographic database 48 is a memory which
stores demographic information about the user of the SCR. That
25 demographic information i;s displayed in bar code format as discussed
later.
The RAM 44 also includes a coupon memory 51 for storing received
coupons, and an affinity code memory 49 for storing affinity codes. It will be
appreciated that the RAM 44 preferably is of a non-volatile type, such as
FLASH memory, to prevent loss of coupons and affinity codes should power
so be interrupted to the SCR 10.
The program memory 50 acts as a scratch pad memory for temporary
storage of new messages (before they are stored in the message memory 46)
or the results of computations made by the CPU 20.
The SCR 10 is used in a process that can be implemented in a number
35 Of ways to achieve the objectives of the invention. In a first way, a
coupon is
stored in the SCR, and that coupon is redeemed when it is displayed at a
point-of-sale and read by a bar code scanner. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of
-5-


CA 02336954 2001-O1-09
WO 00/03328 PCT/US99/14343
what the SCR display lool~;s like when a coupon is being displayed. In this
example, the display 28 shows the coupon in bar code format at 52, a
numeric equivalent of the coupon at 54, and alpha-numeric information 56
which gives user-readable information concerning the coupon. The alpha-
s numeric information 56 allows the SCR user to identify the displayed coupon
52 and to understand how it is to be used. Alternatively, in the case of
affinity card emulation, the bar code format at 52 identifies a unique code
assigned to the affinity group being emulated. In addition, the numeric
equivalent of the unique code is displayed at 54, and the name of the affinity
io group is displayed by the alpha-numeric information 56.
In FIG. 3, the user's demographic information is shown on the display
28. That information is shown in user-readable form at 58, in a bar code
format at 60, and as a numeric equivalent at 62. Although only a single bar
code is shown in FIG. 3, it should be understood that multiple bar codes may
~ s be desirable to present additional or more detailed demographic
information. Also, it is noi: necessary that the coupon and the demographic
information 60 be presented separately on the display 28. The coupon arid
the information 60 may be displayed side-by-side, simultaneously if the
display 28 is large enough to accommodate both of them.
2o A preferred way of .operating an SCR with the bar coded displays of
FIGs. 2 and 3 will now be explained with reference to the flow charts shown
in FIGs. 4, 5 and 6.
Referring first to FIC~. 4, step 70, demographic data concerning the
user is loaded into the SCR:'s demographic data base 48 (FIG. 1), and/or the
2s demographic data base 48 is updated with new or additional demographic
information. An initial loading of demographic information preferably
occurs when the user signs up for messaging service. The demographic
information can include the user's age, sex, location, interests, etc. Updates
to the initially loaded information can occur through an over-the-air
so question-and-answer dialog with the user if the SCR is a two-way device. In
this manner, a more complete demographic database is built into the SCR.
Additional updates ~of the demographic database preferably occur as
the SCR is used to redeem coupons or to otherwise make purchases. Each
such use of the SCR preferably causes the SCR's demographic database to be
ss updated to reflect the use of the SCR, thereby to accurately indicate the
user's buying habits.
-6-


CA 02336954 2001-O1-09
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In the next step 72, the SCR waits for an "event" to occur. Such events
include receipt of a message (FIG. 5), and the user reading a message (FTG.
6). The activities associated with the event are processed at step 74, after
which the program returns to step 72 to await the next event. The details of
step 74 are shown in FIG. 5 for the case where the event is receipt of a
message, and in FIG. 6 for the case where the event is the user requesting to
read a message.
Referring now to FIG. 5, at the first step 76 an "event" occurs in the
form of a message being received by the SCR. At the next step 78, a
To determination is made as i:o whether the received message is a personal
message. If the answer is affirmative, the program proceeds to step 80 where
the SCR alerts the user that a message has arrived, and the message is saved
in a personal memory which may be a segment of the message memory 46 or
a separate memory reserved for personal messages. The program then
returns to step 72, via mode A, to await the next event.
If the received message is determined not to be a personal message at
step 76, the program proceeds to step 82 to indicate that a maildrop message
has arrived. If the maildro~p message is determined not to be a coupon or
affinity code (step 84), the program advances to step 86 where the maildrop
2o message is saved in a maildrop memory that may be a segment of the
message memory 46 or a separate memory reserved for maildrop messages.
Maildrop messages that become saved per step 86 are typically
advertisements, news items,, and the like.
If a bar coded coupon or affinity code is identified at step 84, the
2s program proceeds to step F38. At this point, the SCR generates an alert for
the
user and saves the coupon in the coupon memory 51 or the affinity code in
the affinity code memory 49, as appropriate. The program then returns to
step 72 (FIG. 4) to await the next event.
Referring now to FI(:,. 6, step 90, the "event" which now occurs is that
so the user requests to read a message. The next step 92 asks whether the user
wishes to read a personal nnessage and, if the answer is affirmative, a
personal message is displayed (step 94), and the program returns to step 72
via node A .
If the requested message is not a personal message, step 96 asks
as whether the requested message is an advertisement. If the answer is
affirmative, step 98 causes the advertisement to be displayed and the


CA 02336954 2001-O1-09
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demographic database 48 to be updated to reflect the user's interest in this
particular advertisement. 'Che program then returns to step 72.
If step 96 finds that the requested message is not an advertisement, the
program proceeds to step 100 to determine if the requested message is a
s content message. A content or maildrop message may include sports,
weather, stock, etc. information. If the answer is affirmative, the next step
102
causes the content message to be displayed and the demographic database to
be updated to reflect the user's interest in the displayed message. The
program then returns to setep 72.
~o If the answer to step 100 is negative, the SCR asks the user whether he
wishes to view a coupon. An affirmative answer causes the coupon
information to be displayed (step 106) in alpha-numeric form as at 56 in FIG.
2. No bar code is displayed per this step. Preferably, steps 104 and 106 are
implemented in a loop such that the user can view each stored coupon. The
15 program then returns to si:ep 72.
If the user does not wish to view a coupon at step 104, the program
proceeds to step 108 where the user is asked if he wishes to redeem a
coupon. A negative answer returns the program to step 72, while an
affirmative answer causes the program to advance to step 110.
2o The demographics i:hat are stored in database 48 are accessed at step
110. At the next step 112, the SCR generates a bar code for the coupon that is
to be redeemed, and another bar code for the demographic information that
is to be displayed. These bar codes are generated using conventional
techniques, such as those described in "The Bar Code Book", third edition,
25 published by Helmers Publishing, Inc., copyright 1989,1991,1995.
The next step 114 causes the bar coded coupon and the bar coded
demographic information to be displayed. If they are displayed separately,
as shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, it is preferred that the coupon be displayed first.
The coupon is then scanned so that its value can be automatically credited to
so the user. The bar code demographics are then displayed and scanned so
they can be stored and used to identify the person, or the demographic
characteristics of the person, who used the coupon. The bar coded coupons
and the bar coded demographics information may also be displayed
simultaneously.
35 After the bar codes have been displayed, the program proceeds to step
116 where the demographics database 48 is updated to reflect the user's
redemption of the coupon. tn the next step 118, the user is alerted so that he
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can select an additional coupon to redeem, and the SCR displays a prompt
(step 120) asking the user if he desires to see the next coupon. If the answer
is negative, this cycle of coupon processing is complete, and the program
returns to step 72. If the answer is affirmative, the old coupon is deleted
s (step 122) and the next coupon is displayed (step 124) in alpha-numeric form
to permit the user to read it. Then the program proceeds to step 126 where
the SCR asks the user if he wishes to redeem the displayed coupon. If the
answer is affirmative, the program returns to step 110 to go through the
coupon redemption cycle again. If the answer is negative, the program loops
~o through steps 124 and 12E~ until all stored coupons have been displayed.
A second way of using the SCR to redeem coupons and to provide
information about the SCR's user involves first storing user information
(demographics) in the SCR. This can be done as described above. When the
user desires to receive a coupon, such as when he enters a store to make a
15 purchase, the user causes the demographic information to be displayed on
the SCR in bar code format. A bar code scanner, preferably located in or
near the store, reads the b<~r coded demographic information and transmits
the information to a computer that may be located in the store. The
computer accesses a database of users, identifies the user who's bar code was
2o read, and determines the user's purchasing habits, as revealed by the
information in the database. One or more bar coded coupons, selected
according to the user's demographic information, are sent to the SCR, thus
providing the user with coupons) that his buying habits predict he will be
likely to use. A bar coded coupon is displayed on the SCR at a point-of-sale,
2s preferably in the same store, such that the coupon can be redeemed.
The method described immediately above will now be discussed in
more detail with reference to FIGs. 7 and 8. In step 128, FIG. 8, the SCR
user's demographics are stored in the SCR. As discussed previously, this
may initially occur when tile user signs up for messaging service, and
so updates preferably occur as the SCR is used to redeem coupons, make
purchases, etc.
Assume now that th.e user enters a store with his SCR 10 to make a
purchase or to shop. The store 130 (FIG. 7) preferably includes a bar code
scanner 132 in or near the store in a location that makes it convenient for
the
ss user to have his SCR's display scanned. If the user wishes to receive one
or
more coupons for possible use in the store 130 (or in another store), he
causes
his SCR 10 to display his demographic information in bar code format, and
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the scanner 132 reads those demographics (step 134). The scanned
information is passed via a communication link 136 to a computer 138 that
may be located within the store or in another location.
A demographic data base is stored in association with the computer
138 so that, upon receiving the user's demographics via link 136, the
computer can access the database to identify the user and his purchasing
habits (steps 140 and 142). Per the next step 144, the computer issues a
coupon that is preferably unique to the user and that reflects the user's
buying preferences, as determined by the computer 138. That coupon is
~o issued as a bar code message for the user's SCR and is forwarded by a
communication link 146 to a messaging system 148 (step 150). That system
transmits the coupon message to the SCR 10, and the SCR 10 receives the
coupon or coupons (step 152).
When the user reaches a point-of-sale 154, he causes the SCR to
i5 display, in bar code format, each coupon that he intends to redeem (step
156). A scanner 157, preferably located at the point-of-sale, reads the bar
coded coupons displayed by the SCR, chooses to accept or not accept a
coupon that has been used previously, and applies any applicable discount
to the purchases made by the user (step 158).
2o At the next step 160, the computer 138 is notified of the coupon
redemption by the user. This information is forwarded to the computer 138
via a communication link 162. The computer uses this information to update
its associated demographics database (step 164}. Preferably, any coupons
redeemed by the user are deleted from the SCR's memory after a
25 predetermined period of time, such as 24 hours (step 168).
A third way of redeeming coupons and collecting demographic
information does not require that the SCR display a coupon in bar code
format. This third way also involves storing user information
(demographics) in the SCI;. This can be done as described above. When the
so user desires to receive a coupon, such as when he enters a store to make a
purchase, the user causes his stored demographic information to be
displayed on the SCR in bar code format. A bar code scanner, preferably
located in or near the store, reads the bar coded demographic information
and transmits the information to a computer that may be located in the store.
35 The computer accesses a database of users, identifies the user who's bar
code
was read, and determines the user's purchasing habits, as revealed by the
information in the database. The computer selects one or more coupons, and
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information concerning them is sent to the user's SCR. In this case, the
coupons are not sent in bar code format, but in alpha-numeric form so the
user can read the transmiti:ed information and understand which coupons
have been selected for him. Information concerning the selected coupons is
s also stored by the computer which is in communication with the point-o:f-
sale. When the user reachEls the point-of-sale, he again displays his
demographic information .and, responsive to that information, the selected
coupons are automatically applied to the user's purchase. This technique is
demonstrated by the flow chart of FIG. 9.
~o In step 170, the user's demographics are stored in the SCR. As
discussed previously, this may initially occur when the user signs up for
messaging service, and updates preferably occur as the SCR is used to
redeem coupons, make purchases, etc.
Assume now that the user enters a store with his SCR 10 to make a
~s purchase or to shop. If the user wishes to receive one or more coupons for
possible use in the store 130 (or in another store), he causes his SCR 10 to
display his demographic information in bar code format at the scanner 132
which reads those demographics {step 172). The scanned information is
passed via a communication link 136 to a computer 138 that may be located
2o within the store or in another location.
Upon receiving the user's demographics via link 136, the computer
accesses its associated database to identify the user and his purchasing
habits
(step 176). Based on the inl.-'ormation in the database, the computer selects
one or more coupons for th.e identified user and sends information
2s concerning the selected coupons to the SCR 10. This information is
preferably not in bar code format; it is in alpha-numeric form, much like the
coupon information 56 in FIG. 2. This information is preferably sent to the
SCR 10 by the computer 138 sending an appropriate instruction to the
messaging system 148 via the link 146. The messaging system 148 then
so transmits a message containing the coupon information to the SCR 10. A
record of the selected coupons is retained by the computer (step 180).
When the user reaches the point-of-sale 154, he causes the SCR to
again display, in bar code format, his stored demographic information that is
then read by a bar code scanner (step 182). This identifies the user who is at
35 the point-of-sale, such as at a checkout register, and allows the computer
to
recall the coupons that it previously selected for this user. The bar codes on
any items purchased by they user at this time are also scanned (step 184).
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In the next step 186, the checkout register at the point-of-sale contacts
the computer 138 to retrieve the coupons previously selected for this user.
These coupons are then applied toward the user's purchases (step 188), and
the computer's associated database is updated to reflect the user's use of the
s coupons and his purchases that were scanned in step 184.
The computer 138 may then, per step 190, instruct the messaging
system 148 to send a message to the user's SCR to notify the user of the total
coupon discounts that were applied in step 188. Information relating to the
coupons that were used is deleted from the user's SCR within a
~o predetermined time period, such as 24 hours, by means of programming
within the SCR or by an instruction sent by the messaging system (step 192).
Referring to FIG. 10, .an electrical block diagram depicts an exemplary
wireless communication system in accordance with the present invention
comprising an infrastructure portion 202 including a controller 212 and a
plurality
~s of conventional base staticms 216, the communication system also including
a
plurality of selective call receivers 10. The base stations 216 preferably
communicate with the selective call receivers 10 utilizing conventional radio
frequency {RF) techniques, and are coupled by conventional communication links
214 to the controller 212, mhich controls the base stations 216.
2o The controller 212 is preferably a combination of the Wireless Messaging
Gateway (WMGTM) Administrator! paging terminal, and the RF-Conductor!TM
message distributor manufactured by Motorola, Inc. The base stations 216 are
preferably a combination of the RF-Orchestra! transmitter and RF-Audience~TM
receiver manufactured by Motorola, Inc. The selective call receivers 10 are
2s preferably similar to PageWriterTM 2000 data messaging units, also
manufactured
by Motorola, Inc., and having software modified in accordance with the present
invention. It will be appreciated that other similar hardware can be utilized
as
well for the controller 212, the base stations 216, and the selective call
receivers 10.
Each of the base stations 216 transmits RF signals to the selective call
so receivers 10 via an antenna 218. The base stations 216 preferably each
receive RF
signals from the plurality of selective call receivers 10 via the antenna 218.
The RF
signals transmitted by the hase stations 216 to the selective call receivers
'10
(outbound messages) comprise selective call addresses identifying the
selective
call receivers 10, and data messages originated by a caller, as well as
commands
ss originated by the controller 212 for adjusting operating parameters of the
radio
communication system. The RF signals preferably transmitted by the selective
call receivers 10 to the base stations 216 (inbound messages) comprise
responses
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that include scheduled messages, such as positive acknowledgments (ACKs) and
negative acknowledgments (NAKs), and unscheduled messages, such as
registration requests. It will be appreciated that the present invention also
can be
utilized in a one-way messaging system, which transmits outbound messages but
s does not handle inbound messages.
The controller 212 preferably is coupled by telephone links 201 to a public
switched telephone network (PSTN) 210 for receiving selective call message
originations therefrom. Selective call originations comprising data messages
from
the PSTN 210 can be generated, for example, from a conventional telephone 211
or a conventional computer 217 coupled to the PSTN 210. In addition, the
controller 212 preferably is coupled through a conventional communication link
221 to a server 224 for wirelessly downloading coupons and affinity card codes
to
the SCRs in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated
that,
alternatively, the server 224 can be incorporated into the controller 212. It
will be
5 further appreciated that a central database of affinity codes is preferably
maintained to ensure that each affinity code activated is unique. The central
database can be located, far example, in the server 224.
The over-the-air protocol utilized for outbound and inbound messages is
preferably selected from Wotorola's well-known FLEXTM family of digital
2o selective call signaling protocols. These protocols utilize well-known
error
detection and error correction techniques and are therefore tolerant to bit
errors
occurring during transmission, provided that the bit errors are not too
numerous.
It will be appreciated that other suitable protocols can be used as well.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart depicting operations of the SCR 10 for
2s emulating an affinity card in accordance with the present invention. First,
the SCR user joins 302 an affinity group, e.g., the affinity group of a
grocery
store. This typically involves providing personal information, such as name
and address, on an application card. Also, in accordance with the present
invention, the SCR user provides the unique identification number stored in
so the SCR 10. This information is then entered into a database in the store's
computer. Also, the affinity code assigned to the store is entered 304 into
the
SCR. This can be done, for example, by manual entry of the affinity code
through the buttons 38 of the SCR. Alternatively, the affinity code can be
entered through the communication port 27 from a compatible device, or can
35 be wirelessly downloaded from the server 224 using well-known over-the-air
{OTA) programming techniques. Next, the server 224 preferably wirelessly
activates 308 the affinity code. It will be appreciated that, alternatively,
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activation (and deactivation) of the affinity code by the server 224 can be
omitted in some systems.
If the SCR has more than one affinity code programmed therein, then
the SCR user uses the buttons 38 to select 310 an affinity code to emulate the
appropriate affinity card corresponding to the store. The SCR then generates
a bar code on the display 28, the bar code comprising the selected affinity
code and the unique identification number. This can be accomplished, for
example, by letting the first N digits of the bar code represent the unique
identification number, while the last M digits represent the affinity code. It
~o will be appreciated that, alternatively, the identification number and the
affinity code can be displayed separately in bar code format, either
simultaneously, when the display is large enough, or at different times on
smaller displays.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart depicting an operation of the SCR 10 for
transferring affinity codes to a second SCR in accordance with the present
invention. First, the SCR user initiates 402 an appropriate key sequence on
the buttons 38 to tell the processor 18 to transfer the affinity codes to the
second SCR. In response, the processor 18 accesses 404 the affinity code
memory 49 and the communication port 27 to transfer the affinity codes,
2o preferably using well-known wireless communication techniques. It will be
appreciated that, alternatively, wired techniques can be used by the
communication port 27 to communicate with the second SCR.
FIG. 13 illustrates how an SCR is used in a store to emulate an affinity
card for obtaining discounts and for providing information about the user's
2s purchases in accordance with the present invention. First, the SCR user (or
shopper) arrives 502 at the checkout. If the SCR contains more than one
affinity code, the SCR user then selects 504 the affinity card code
appropriate
for the store. The SCR the displays 506 the selected affinity card code and
the unique identifier in bar code format. A conventional checkout scanner
so then scans 508 the bar code to read the affinity code and the unique
identifier. The store computer checks 510 the affinity code to determine
whether it is the correct one for the store. If so, the store computer cross-
references 512 the identifier with the store computer's database to identify
the shopper and to record the shopper's purchases. The shopper then
s5 receives 514 discounts programmed into the store computer for the store's
affinity group members. The store computer then updates the database with
the shopper's current purchases. If, on the other hand, at step 510 the
affinity
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code is not the correct ones for the store, then the store computer causes 518
a
visible or audible alarm indication, and the flow returns to step 504, where
the SCR user selects the correct affinity code.
The techniques described herein are believed to benefit the users of
s SCRs by making coupons readily available to them, particularly coupons
that they are likely to desire. Sponsors of the coupons also benefit because
they can receive accurate demographic information without undue effort by
the SCR users or by personnel of the stores where the coupons are redeemed.
In addition, a convenient and cost effective way of consolidating affinity
~o cards benefits both sponsors and users by eliminating card clutter, thereby
making the affinity cards more convenient to use.
Although the invention has been described in terms of preferred
embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various
alterations and modifications may be made without departing from the
1s invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alterations and
modifications be considered as within the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
-15-

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 1999-06-24
(87) PCT Publication Date 2000-01-20
(85) National Entry 2001-01-09
Examination Requested 2001-01-09
Dead Application 2002-06-25

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2001-06-26 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $300.00 2001-01-09
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2001-01-09
Request for Examination $400.00 2001-01-09
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
MOTOROLA, INC.
Past Owners on Record
BRIANCON, ALAIN CHARLES
HYMEL, JAMES ALLEN
INDEKEU, JACK P.
LONG, CHRISTOPHER RICHARD
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Cover Page 2001-04-17 2 69
Claims 2001-01-10 2 85
Representative Drawing 2001-04-17 1 10
Abstract 2001-01-09 1 57
Description 2001-01-09 15 892
Claims 2001-01-09 7 272
Drawings 2001-01-09 10 265
Prosecution-Amendment 2001-01-09 3 119
Assignment 2001-01-09 9 321
PCT 2001-01-09 9 504