Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COMPUTERIZED PROCESS FOR DIFFERENTIAL
INCENTIVES BASED ON PAYMENT MODES
Related Applications
The present PCT International application claims priority to the US
application serial number 10/919,108 filed on 16 August 2004
(Publication No. US-2005-0021405-A1 of 27 January 2005), as a
continuation-in-part application of and claiming priority to PCT
International Application No. PCT/IN03/00026 filed February 14; 2003
which claimed priority to India Application No. 941CAL/2002 filed
February 19, 2002.
Introduction to the Field of Invention:
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented process
for effecting incentives on payments, through incentive points, stamps
and coupons interchangeably.
From another angle it relates to an improved financial process for
payment cards technology enabling accrual and disbursement of
incentives through a payment card, even on merchandise not bought
against the card but in cash.
Abstract
A computer-implemented process is presented for issuing different
levels of incentive rewards depending on the mode of payment. An
improved payment card enabling accrual of incentives even when the
payment is not through the card but with cash is disclosed. A novel
configuration of incentive points, trading stamps and coupons is
presented with interchangeability at the time of issuance and redemption,
in the computerized process.
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Prior Art and Drawbaclcs:
Consumer rewards, incentives, premiums and cash discounts are a
historically known practice of sellers to achieve the objectives of
maximizing sales, loyalty and liquidity. Merchants are known to award
incentives to the consumer patronizing them, by various ways like gifts,
discounts, reward coupons, and collectibles. It is well known to prepare
gift coupons and stamps also known as trading stamps, for promoting
sales and customer loyalty. These gift stamps or coupons have no value
to anybody after redemption. This type of trading stamp is cumbersome,
as it requires a lot of monotonous and manual handling. Handling and
disposal of trading stamps after the redemption has been a major
technical problem, which has even led to patented inventions and *use of
specialized incinerators and the likes.
Due to the above drawback, computer implemented automated
incentive programs became increasingly popular. Most of these programs
involve an accrual card issued to the customer, linked to customer's
purchase history recorded in a computer, to apply reward logic.
The common drawbacks of the card-based incentives are that they
require the consumers to keep and track a plethora of cards. As a result, a
large percentage of these rewards are never redeemed or cannot be
meaningfully redeemed due to small fragmentary values. Moreover,
there are studies that show these programs are disproportionately costly to
maintain and hence remain outside the reach of relatively smaller sellers.
This has led to a number of merchants coming together to form an
alliance, for example Airmiles of Canada, whereby the consumer can earn
and accumulate rewards across a number of establishments like airlines,
hotels, clubs, restaurants etc.
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Another drawback of card based points schemes is the exclusive
dependence on electronic and computer technology, rendering it
ineffective if the required infrastructure is not available. Yet another
drawback is faced when the consumer fails to produce the card.
Moreover, these points are not transferable and can not be combined with
other's points. Further drawbacks of the point systems in vogue are that
they require the consumer to go through some procedure of enrollment
into a program and identify at the time of each transaction by way of
some kind of a magnetic card or indicator of identification. Apart from
such procedures being time consuming, the reward points so awarded are
not in a transferable instrument for redemption. In all such programs, the
privacy of the consumer is invaded several times due to compulsory
identification at each level.
Yet another drawback of the prior art electronic point systems it
that the same points cannot be readily put in or on the package by the
manufacturer or an intermediary in the supply chain, leaving- these
programs limited in application at the last point of sale only.
The latest variety of incentive programs includes a computerized
network wide or Internet based points or tokens or mileage programs,
which provide benefits on purchases made through the network. They
have similar disadvantages as above. Moreover, no exclusively computer
dependant program teaches how to integrate a wide variety of
establishments including smaller merchants who would not like to
provide for computerized gadgets, into the program. Moreover, in
Internet based program there is little possibility for those who prefer to
pay in cash.
There are huge numbers of other incentive cards affiliated to one or
more of specified merchants that allow for rewards irrespective of mode
of payment. Many of these are exclusively based on computer networks
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for incentive accrual and thus suffer from some of the similar drawbacks
explained above. As these are not linked to mode of payment, most of the
other discrepancies discussed below remain.
The most popular practice amongst many sellers is to administer
frequent buying programs that offer monetary awards or incentives in the
form of points or miles. For example 'frequent flier' programs that most
airlines offer or 'points' schemes, generally linked to plastic payment
cards and the likes. There are some incentive programs linked to
payinent by cards whereby a monetary credit is awarded, by way of
'cash-back' discount or credit for future purchase or a deferred payment
as retirement benefits etc. These are generally funded by an affiliated
sponsor or merchant or financial service organizations like card issuer
banks, singly or jointly
The biggest drawback of incentive programs linked to payment
cards is that the incentives can be availed only if the card is used for
payment, because these are primarily funded out of the interchange
discount levied by the card network entities. As a result, a customer
having a payment card linked to the incentives or otherwise being eligible
for incentives can not avail the benefit if the payment is made with cash.
Moreover, a vast body of consumers and organizations, which pay with
cash instruments, remains out of the reach of such incentives programs.
Thus there is a disincentive for the payer to pay with cash instruments.
For this reason one is likely to pay with a card linked to incentive
program even when one has cash or checkbook. However, this is possible
only up to a limit imposed by the card issuer. Any payment beyond the
limit has to be paid with another instrument like cash or check on which
the buyer will not receive the incentive that was linked to the card
payment. As a result, the buyer may be reluctant to buy or defer his
purchase or defer his payment if the seller agrees. On the other hand, the
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seller shall prefer cash, as there is no deduction or no possibility of a
chargeback from the amount he receives from a cash instrument. In case
of payment card transaction he loses a percentage as interchange fees
generally ranging from 1.65% to 2.75% or even more in typical cases,
and there may be a chargeback in case of a transaction disputed by the
cardholder. For the same reasons some of the establishments especially
Government bodies like the US federal tax collector levy a surcharge on
payment card transactions. However, in general establishments are
contractually bound to not restrict use of cards honored by them, by
levying any surcharge or putting any limits other than those imposed by
card issuer, or otherwise not to discourage use of the card. In many
countries and states like in India and USA it is illegal to discriminate with
buyers with accepted cards, though in exceptions like Australia it is now
allowed to levy a surcharge equivalent of the interchange fees.
Nevertheless, issuing special benefits to those paying with cash
may be legally allowed, but there is no established process for this within
the existing payment card networks linked to the Point of Sale (POS)
transactions. Neither is there any known financial process for
automatically allowing the incentive a cardholder is eligible for if he pays
with card, but instead pays with cash.
Due to - the foregoing drawbacks of the incentive programs
exclusively linked to payment by cards, and other reasons like perceived
convenience of plastic payments and inconveniences of paper
transactions like possible delay at the checkout counter, there is a gradual
substitution of cash by card payments. This is undesirable for the public
economy as per mariy Economists. The money supply in the economy
may be unexpectedly buoyed, due to the artificial credit created by
multiple cards an increasingly large number of individuals hold. There
may be perverse implications in the interest rate policy also due to this.
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Overemphasis on plastic payments also leads to swelling of individual
debts. These are also prone to kind of frauds less likely in. paper
transactions.
Moreover, a huge expense is incurred by the sellers as interchange
fees and the like, which is saved in the case of cash and other cash based
paper transactions like through checks, which together account for more
than half of the total value even in the most developed countries. This
creates an inequity in effective pricing applicable to those transactions
paid for with cash, as the present processes of payment card networks do
not teach how to apply the interchange fee etc. saved, fully or partly, to
provide incentives on cash transactions of a card member on non-
meinber.
Various forms of Payment Cards like, Credit Card, Debit Card,
Charge Card, Stored Value/Cash Card, Commercial Card, Purchase Card
etc., sometimes collectively referred to as Plastics, are known. Many of
these cards have in-built incentive programs linked to the use of card, as
mentioned above. Often these payment card networks claim that
streamlining of Point of Sale (POS) accounting is an advantage, for both
the seller and buyers, while justifying their high interchange fees. In
reality, all of these fail to take into account cash based transactions
through the same apparatus and networks, to present an integrated
account of both, card and cash transactions of a consumer. As a result,
inconvenience and incidence of accounting costs for paper transactions
still remain on the sellers and buyers enrolled with the card. Likewise, the
card networlcs claim increased spending likelihood to justify their
interchange fees. As shown in the foregoing paragraphs, a drawback is
encountered in terms of this attribute too, when there is an incentive on
purchase through card only and a limit imposed by card issuer is reached.
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Thus a need exists for a broad based, cost-effective, improved
process for financial and incentive system that will be more equitable,
convenient, meaningful, and interesting for the consumers including for
those who prefer to pay with a cash instrument like currency notes or
checks. Further a need exists for applying such a program universally,
catering a wider range of buyers and sellers with varied interests and
preferences.
Objects of the Invention:
The object of this invention is to present an improved computerized
process for implementing a global incentive reward system wherein those
who use paper cash instruments do not miss out on the incentives
generally available to those who pay by plastic payment cards.
Another objective subsidiary to the above is to enable holder of an
existing payment card linked to an incentive program, accrue the
incentives through the same payment card, even when the payment is not
through the card but with cash.
Another objective is to enable a vast body of consumers paying through
paper instruments like cash and check, avail a different and higher
incentive than those who pay by plastic cards.
A wider objective of the invention is to meet long standing process needs
of POS cash registers, financial systems and incentive programs by
introducing an integrated computerized process with universal application
and with benefits to various interest groups including buyers, sellers and
various intermediaries.
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Other objectives to be achieved are to promote small savings in masses,
to add value to the existing purchasers, to increase purchasing power in
general, to promote use of cash and cash instruments to help public
economy in general, to promote sales, to promote communication of
information, and to promote other public causes and legitimate private
interests.
Yet another object of present invention is to present an improvenlent in
the known payment cards, by enabling its use as an incentive accrual
card, even when another means such as cash is used for payment.
Another object of the present invention is to provide and improved
incentive coupon and trading stamp that has numerous value additions
including interchangeability with electronic points, for implementing the
present invention.
These and other objects will be apparent from the following.
Brief Statement of the invention:
In brief, a computerized incentive reward process is disclosed, with
an added emphasis on purchase of merchandise with cash and other such
instruments on which there is no deduction by way of interchange fees
and the like, from the net amount the seller eventually receives, rather
than by plastic instruments like credit/debit/stored value payment cards
on which there is such deduction. By avoiding a percentage of the
purchase that would be received by the payment card organization in
response to a card purchase, the merchant can fund an incentive to those
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, CT
pE4
JL'1 LW
vho pay wkth cash znstru:ments, the quanturn of which Gar be preferab
?reater thax that in case of csard transactions. Thereby, two key advarxtags
ure achieved. The probability of more busin.ess from the custamers payi ~
with oash inGreases ~~-weii-as usc of cash and other such izistrumen.ts n
~
vhich there is no outgo af interchatge fee eto, from the merchant to
nternncdiary is promoted.
C
k
W.,) A unique p.I a~P1/,jcnt card and pomts accrual card is {Jraposed, as a
devr~ce r
.=,~.yr = A .
effecting the preseflt inven,tjon throu.gk~ a dedicated as well as ethti g
pa,ym.e~~ system networks, whereby an existing paymerit card hQlder is ae
cnabled to pay wzth cash without losixig the incentave Xinked to the c d
puxchasc. in a.dditaon a uniquc point, cvupon and stamp configuration is a o
pro\'ided for redernptiom purposes again8t apecified giits or for the fu e
paymcnt of mcxchandise, in a cornputcr impiomemted aprocess, The sps
pzovide for a cQ1i~Gti~n holab~rA pvsib llity of intejrohange o= ooupc4.
stamps and points haS::been piravided.
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Q :th ~.in, ~
. N
ffm~3
~
~ For a more com~plete un+ders~du~g of thc prese~it Ynverition, refc~rexzcis
'~ ., , = e . .. e , . e .. e .. .. .
now made ta th~ f~~~owxnge eadesGri~~on; takeri ia cvnjtrnction with khe
, e , . .. a ..... k . a
accomPanylng draw ings, wh;erein like xeference nume~a1s zeprescnt ~ikC
parx$; irx which: ~
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F{g1ue I i~ an arnpl~ cfa.piflatel:ic 4ra 4irig o~tamp caupon ~onfigur~aiot .
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Figure 2 is another. ~xarnpie af a p1.zlatelic tradiig staxnla coupn ~
i
configuration ~
. Figure 3 shcws an exa.rnp[e rxiethod far iasuing the xr~~entives; ~
Figure 4 shows a simple i~suanc"e and r~dempti~n 5cetwri4;
;
,
i
,
,
i
. 9
~~~~T
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Figure 5 shows another example scenario for the issuance and
redemption of $mile rewards that includes the entities for
conventional credit card processing;
Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show the issuance of rewards in different
buying circumstances;
Figures 7A-7B show two examples of computer networks for
implementing an incentive program.
Figures 8A, 8B and 8C respectively shows substitution of Stamps
by coupons, stamp cancellation on redemption and an accrual card
independently and in combination with a payment card.
Detailed Statement of the Invention with reference to the
AccompanyingDrawings:
Figure 3 shows an example method 200 for issuing the
incentive. A customer pays for merchandise from a merchant at block
202. A determination is made as to whether the customer pays by cash or
by card at block 204. In one scenario, the customer pays with cash, such
as $100. Since the customer has used cash instead of a credit card to pay
for the merchandise, the merchant has no obligation to pay to or get
deducted by the credit card company a certain percentage of the purchase
price as would be the case if the customer paid for the merchandise'with a
credit card. As a result, there is an incentive for the merchant to receive
payment in cash rather than by credit card. To provide the incentive for
customers to use cash instead of a credit card, the merchant can issue an
incentive to the customer at block 206 that may be redeemed towards the
purchase of other merchandise from the merchant at a future time. If
payment was by card, the merchant may still issue a lesser reward at
block 208. The merchant may then promote the use of cash rather than a
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card to potential customer by advertising that greater reward offerings
may be obtained if cash is used for payment instead of with credit cards.
In another situation an incentive may be exclusively offered if the
payment is through a cash instrument.
In a simple scenario, customers may enroll in the proposed
incentive program for a fee or as a result of some other performance
criteria. He- may be issued a card that will entitle him to get an incentive
directly from the merchant by way of a rebate, credit, or gifts, when he
pays with cash. A customer may have a non-affiliated payment card and
a proposed incentive membership card. If the customer buys with the
payment card, the merchant loses a percentage to credit card
administration. However, if payment is made with cash, the merchant
can let the customer have that percentage with the net being the same to
the merchant. Likewise, if the merchant offers an incentive to all
customers from a specific group such as the incentive cardholders, he can
afford to give a higher incentive to those who pay with cash, compared to
those who pay by card.
In another scenario, there can be a payment card affiliated to the
proposed incentive process that can cover both the situation i.e. payment
with cash or card in the above example. The merchant may disburse the
rewards on a different and preferably higher specified rate to those
consumers who pays with cash rather than through the card that may be a
credit or debit card or the like on which there is a deduction from the
amount the merchant eventually gets. Though the payment may be in
different modes like cash, check or card, and a different level of incentive
may be applied based on mode of payment; such incentives may be
applied and delivered through the same payment card affiliated with the
proposed incentive process, as explained in the following paragraphs.
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The incentive may be issued in the form of points, stamps, or
coupon. The common currency unit of the incentive is stylized as $mile.
Thus, the above may be referred to as $mile Points, $mile Stamp and
$mile Coupon, Each of these may denominate an exchangeable numerical
value such as 5.00 $smiles. For example, 2$mile points will also mean 2
$miles. Likewise, a $mile coupon or stamp may be of 5 or 10 $miles. To
further explain in terms of an analogy, if the $miles are like a currency
such as dollar; points, stamp and coupons are interchangeable instruments
lilce coins, notes and checks.
Each Point represents on $mile unit that can be awarded and
handled electronically. Stamp is an improved trading stamp with
philatelic configuration and electronic codes on it preferably. The coupon
is basically a substitute for points and stamps. The coupon may be
configured as a known manually imprinted draft in the conventional
offline credit card processing. The coupon may also be issued if the
merchant is out of stock of a specific or non-specific stamp the buyer is
looking for, because the buyer can always exchange one form of
incentive into another, before or at the time of redemption. Occasionally,
an online merchant may also use the coupon, for reasons lilce an
interruption in the network. Moreover a coupon may be printed in an
advertiselnent or inserted in or on a package label that does not allow for
insertion of stamps or electronic points.
An incentive accrual card may be issued against a fee and/or on the
basis of certain performance criteria, with or without a certain amount of
credit and/or points applied thereto in accordance with the customer's
purchase. An incentive may be applied by the merchant directly in
various otlier forms like a gift, rebate or deferred cash-back.
Alternatively, the customer has an amount of credit in an account that can
be used towards future purchases. Alternatively, a credit can be issued to
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a customer with an existing card and/or account. The credit may be in the
form of actual dollars or points that represent some sort of value for later
use towards future purchases or gift redemptions. The card may be a
simple accrual card or could be a combination accrual card and payment
card, like credit card, as shown in Figure 8C.
The $mile rewards may include an expiration date upon issuance as
desired by the merchant. The merchant may pay an existing or a different
clearing house acquirer for processing of the $mile rewards, probably at
an equal or different rate than that charged by the existing credit card
entities as interchange discount. If the acquirer is in an existing payment
card network, the payment from the merchant may be notified in the
existing clearing mechanism of the card. Depending on the other entities
involved in the transaction, the payment due from merchant may be
effected at the time of settlement by the acquirer and/or funding by the
issuer, through a debit like in case of a chargeback or transfer of funds
through ACH, from the existing deposit account of the merchant, or a net
settlement after reconciliation.
In another variation, there may be a different level of rewards on
transactions where the deduction from the merchant is lesser, like a PIN
based debit card payment. This reward can be lower than in case of paper
transactions but greater than conventional signature based payment card
transactions.
Though the term credit card and card is used herein, the present
invention contemplates the use of any type of payment card to include
credit card, charge card, debit card, stored value cash card, commercial
card, purchase card and the like. Likewise, payment in cash or with cash
is taken to mean payment by currency notes or checks including travelers
check, wire transfers or any other payment means where there is no
deduction from the amount the merchant eventually receives.
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The customer can redeem the $mile rewards in a variety of ways.
For example, the $mile rewards can be redeemed at the merchant towards
the purchase of additional merchandise at a future date. The $mile
rewards may be redeemed at a different merchant that also participates in
the program. The customer may also be able to accumulate $mile
rewards from various merchants within the program for redemption at
one of the merchants in the program. Alternatively, the customer may
redeem the $mile rewards through the clearing house issuer using a
catalog or website that offers merchandise for sale. $mile rewards may
also be redeemed into dollars or other currency and deposited into an
account for use by the customer.
Figure 4 shows a simple issuance and redemption scenario. In this
example, the customer has purchased merchandise from the merchant
using $100 cash. The merchant issues $mile rewards to customer
pursuant to the cash purchase. The merchant pays the clearing house for
the processing of the $mile rewards. The customer redeems the- $mile
rewards through the clearing house issuer towards the purchase of
merchandise provided by the clearing house through catalog or Internet
offerings. The clearing house issuer will provide the merchandise to the
customer upon verifying that the $mile rewards is valid for redemption.
There may also be an intermediate entity, an acquirer that is 'in the
processing loop to interface between the merchant and the clearing house
issuer for the issuance and use of an Accrual Card with or without added
features of a payment card. The acquirer may be an existing merchant
acquirer in the payment card processing networks.
Figure 5 shows another example scenario for the issuance and
redemption of $mile rewards that includes the entities for conventional
credit card processing. In this scenario, the customer pays for the
merchandise using cash instruments $100 and submits the accrual card.
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The merchant issues additional $mile rewards preferably by swiping the
accrual card, the processing of which being paid to the merchant acquirer
as discussed above, based on merchant agreement and the amount of cash
submitted by the customer for payment, exemplified here as $2. The
acquirer in turn pays to the card exchange after deducting acquirer~s fees,
shown here as $1.98 for example. The card exchange such as a bankcard
association deducts an interchange fee and transfers the balance, $1.95 for
example, to the card issuer that may be a bank in partnership with $miles
administration. If a card is used in paying for the merchandise, the
merchant will interface with the other entities as discussed above in a
conventional way. A similar or lesser reward may still be issued on card
transactions affiliated to $miles, fully or partly funded from a portion of
the interchange and other fees deducted from the net payment to the
merchant. The merchant may also provide additional funding even on the
card purchase. In case of the credit card purchase, processing includes
submitting the transaction through the credit card interchange to the
issuer bank that will fund the credit. When both types i.e. cash and credit
card transactions are encountered, the accounts may be reconciled and
settled in a conventional way with the only difference that the amount
payable from the merchant for funding the incentives are debited to him
like in- case of a chargeback or through net settlement technique..
In one scenario, the merchant may pay a different or similar
interchange discount to existing payment network entities, on cash
transactions of the card member and non members, that he gets deducted
on the credit transactions, and the existing card entities themselves
dispense with the amounts so collected a portion of which is preferably
used to fund an incentive different from or similar to that applied on card
payments, as explained above. This way, the existing payment network
preferably becomes the sole outsource for all POS transactions in a
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merchant establishment, including the accounting, handling and
rewarding various plastic and paper transactions. This may avoid bulk of
the accounting management costs and free many other resources of the
stores. It will be another direct benefit to the merchant, agairist the
additional cost in interchange discounts that may be paid on non-card
purchases as well, apart from all other benefits like increased patronage
of cash buyers.
In a typical situation, apart from the merchant and any other
sponsor, issuer bank may also contribute in funding the $mile rewards
from its interest earnings. As a result, in case of a typical customer who
makes use of extended credits, the rewards on credit transaction may
exceed those on cash transactions, due to the funding provided by the
acquirer bank from its interest earnings.
In yet another scenario, the card interchanges such as a bankcard
association like Visa or Mastercard may give a filtered list of transactions
pertaining to $mile members, in the form of a computer file sent to the
rewards server that applies logic through data processing, for
authentication, calculation and feedback to the other entities for eventual
reconciliation, clearing and settlement.
Figures 6A-6B show the issuance of $mile rewards in different
buying circumstances. In Figure 6A, a customer has paid for two items
using cash. The merchant issues $mile rewards in accordance with the
cash purchase for a certain number of points associated with the
transaction. In the example shown, $mile rewards was issued to the
customer as represented by the point values 9.0 and 7.0 for each item
purchased. The customer may then redeem the $mile rewards associated
with these point values for specific gifts or for future merchandise
purchases as described above. Figure 6B shows the circumstance-where
the same two items were purchased differently. As in Figure 6A, the first
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item was purchased with cash and thus has the same 9.0 point value
associated therewith. However, the second item in Figure 6B was
purchased by credit card. The processing of the credit card portion of the
purchase is performed in a conventional manner with the credit card
company receiving a percentage of the purchase price. As a result, a
lower point value of 3.5 has been awarded for this purchase as compared
to a similar purchase using cash. Therefore, a bigger reward is received
by the customer if payment is made by cash instead of by credit card.
Figure 6C shows an example scenario of redemption and interchange of
Stamps and Points.
Figures 7A-7B show two examples of a computer network for
implementing an incentive program. In Figure 7A, the incentive program
is implemented within an existing payment system network 700.
Networlc 700 includes merchant terminals 702, acquirer servers 704, card
exchange/interchange servers 706, issuer servers 708, redemption server
710, and rederiiption terminals 712. Terminals and servers may be 'linked
by any of various network access technologies including wire-line,
wireless, and fiber optic connection links. Information within databases
of the terminals and servers may be shared and distributed across the
network according to the desired network implementation.
In Figure 7B, an incentive system network 750 may be established
between the merchant terminals 702, the redemption server 7010, and
redemption terminals 712. In network 750, the acquirer, 'card exchange,
and issuer servers may be bypassed, if so desired, in order to establish a
merchant only issuance and redemption process when the other entities
are not needed to participate. Alternatively, one or more of the existing
entities of payment networks may still be retained, for example the
acquirer, as shown in figure 4. In one scenario, the acquirer may provide
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the POS terminal at merchant and or an issuer bank server may also act as
the central rewards server, in which case the redemption may also be
carried out by the issuer bank server preferably when the redemption is in
monetary terms. In any of the above combinations, a card exchange such
as a banlccard association may still be in the network, if desired.
Redemption server 710 includes one or more databases that store
information related to the program. For example, redemption server 710
may include a customer PNR database 752, a customer purchase history
database 754, a rate of incentive database 756, a $miles points database
758, a monetary database 760, a conversion database 762, and a account
reconciliation database 764. Customer PNR database 752 includes
information pertaining to the customer. Customer purchase history
database 754 includes information pertaining to the customer's buying
habits. Rate of incentive database 756 includes information pertaining to
the type and amount of incentive to be applied for a particular purchase.
$mile points database 758 includes information pertaining to an amount
of $mile points that have been credited to the customer. Monetary
database 760 includes information pertaining to a currency amount
available to the customer. Conversion database 762 includes information
pertaining to a customer's ability to exchange certain incentives for other
incentives. Account reconciliation database 764 allows redemption
server 710 to apply incentives within the existing payment system
network of payment cards as sown in Figure 5. Though shown as
separate databases, the above-described information may be stored in
fewer or, more databases and can be accumulated together in one or more
databases as desired.
As shown above, an incentive point service process may be
implemented through the Internet. On a computer server, accounts of
each customer may be kept in a one database and the customer record
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with a unique Person Name Record (PNR) linked to a unique Personal
Identification Number (PIN). PNR and PIN are kept in a same or
different database. The server is linked to a Point of Sale (POS) terminal
of the merchant by means of the computer network and related software.
An incentive may be applied at the POS terminal upon a customer buying
merchandise associated with the incentive. The incentive may be
maintained in a same or different database. As before, a first incentive
may be applied if the payment is made through cash currency notes and a
second incentive may be applied if the payment is made through a
payment card. The incentive may be offered in the form of coupons or
stamps of innumerable designs of philatelic value. Alternatively, the
incentive may be credited as $mile points in a same or different database
linked to an accrual card with PIN, with or without the added features of
a payment card. The incentive may be applied interchangeably regardless
of form at the option of the consumer. One form of incentive can be
exchanged for another, at the option of the consumer. A customer, who
has been awarded incentives in the form of points, stamps or coupons,
may present them for redemption at a terminal linked to the server
through the computer network and related software. The redemption
terminal may connect to the server and check the customer's identity in
the database and update the account in the database while awarding the
incentive. The stamp may be cancelled like a used postage stamp and
returned to the customer for collection purposes. The incentive applied
may also be converted into monetary terms and credited into the database
in the server and represented as a monetary account of the customer. This
process may be carried out through existing payment system networks of
payment cards. A new form of payment card may be introduced for
facilitating the accrual of points as above, with or without in combination
with a conventionally known payment card like a credit, debit, charge, or
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stored value card. This may be achieved by collaborating and co-
branding the card with an existing entity in the existing payment systems,
including a Merchant, an Acquirer, a card Exchange including a banlccard
association, and an Issuer. The merchant may be an online merchant with
Electronic Data Capture apparatus or an offline Merchant using manual
Imprinters.
The merchant and/or redemption terminal may connect to an
Internet server provided by an ISP, intermittently or continuously,
through e-commerce software. The consumer can access his account on
the server connected to the Internet, through his computer terminal that
also connected to the Internet, through a browsing software means. The
consumer may transact some of the features mentioned above on his
computer terminal connected to the Internet. The consumer may order
for those transaction features that cannot be completed on the Internet for
delivery through other available means. For example, the consumer may,
after browsing through the available options as above, order over the
Internet through email or an e-commerce software a particular variety of
gifts or stamps in exchange of accumulated points, after deducting a
delivery charge from the incentive itself, and the same be delivered
through post or a specified courier service.
The present invention can be implemented as an incentive point
service process through computer network hardware and related software
means wherein, on a computer server, accounts of each customer are kept
in a database whereas the customer record with a unique Person Name
Record (PNR) linked to a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) is
kept in the same or a different secured database. The server is linked to
the Point of Sale (POS) terminal of the merchant by the means of a
computer network hardware and related software. An incentive is applied
through data processing means at the POS terminal, upon a customer
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buying merchandise associated with the incentive, as per a database. A
first incentive is applied through data processing means, if the payment is
made through cash currency notes and a second incentive is applied
through data processing means, if the payment is made through a
payment card including a credit card, a debit card, a charge card, or a
stored value cash card.
The incentive may be offered in the form of coupons or stam.ps of
innumerable designs of philatelic value, with a unique number or an
electronic code or is credited as $mile points in a database linked to an
accrual card with a PNR and PIN number, with or without the added
features of a payment card such as a credit, debit, charge, and a stored
value cash card.
A customer who has been awarded incentive as points, coupons or
stamps may present the same at a redemption terminal linked to the server
through a computer network and related software. The redemption
counter terminal connects to the server and through data processing
means checks the customer's identity in the first database and updates his
account in the database, while awarding the incentive voucher as per a
conversion table in the database. The coupons may be retained for
vouching. If desired, the stamps are cancelled like a used postage stamp
through application of a mark by manual or mechanical means and
returned to the customer for collection purposes.
The incentive is applied as above in the form of points, stamps or
coupons or a combination thereof interchangeably, at the option of the
consumer, as per a conversion database created through data processing
means. The consumer can also exchange one form of the reward for
another, at any stage including at the stage of redemption. For example,
before the redemption, the stamp can be exchanged for points credited in
the accrual account linked to a card. Alternatively, at the redemption
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stage, the customer may demand cancelled stamps for points or coupons
redeemed. Likewise, the customer may demand the coupons or stamps
be retained and exchanged for $mile points credited in his account. The
conversion may be demanded fully or partly.
This conversion may be effected utilizing a conversion table in the
database through data processing means. A conversion chart with various
options for the consumer, presenting a particular quantum of points or
coupons or stamps or all, may be generated and communicated to the
consumer through hardware means including a printer and an electronic
touch-screen. The consumer may use the chart to select his options and
the same may be serviced through data processing means and computer
peripheral hardware and software means like a Touch-screen Kiosk and
Optical Character Recognition (OCR). At the option of the consumer, the
incentive applied may be converted into monetary terms as per a
conversion table in the database and credited into a database in the-server
consisting of monetary accounts of customers, through data processing
means.
The above may be implemented through existing payment system
networlcs and payment card means including a credit card, a debit card, a
charge card, or a stored value cash card, wherein reconciliation accounts
of merchant, acquirer, card exchange, and issuer is stored in a database.
The incentive converted into monetary terms may be credited into
existing payment system accounts of the consumer.
An Accrual Card with a memory chip or a magnetic strip, with or
without in combination with one or more of existing payment card
devices including credit card, debit card, charge card, and stored value
cash card, is additionally provided for implementation in the
computerized process. The card as described above may have the full
PNR details or only the number to protect the privacy of the consumer.
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Added incentives may be applied through data processing means, on
reaching predetermined thresholds in terms of quantum of incentives
collected and/or redeemed. Offline merchant and redemption terminals
may be provided for implementing the process through batch data
processing.
The PNR linlced with a unique P1N number may be kept secured,
through computer encryption or other hardware and software security
means, in a separate database accessible only to a designated part of
system administration. All the other transaction data may be processed
on the basis of such unique PIN numbers accessible to the other part of
system administration, while the detailed PNR may remain in encrypted
form to protect the privacy of the customer.
Likewise, the above process may be modified for application
through the Electronic Fund Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) payment
networks wherein the incentive payment is transferred from merchants'
deposit accounts to the customers' savings account andlor the incentive
program administration account. Alternatively, where available, the
Automated Clearing House (ACH) of the Central Bank may be used for
the clearing and settlement, through a transfer of funds from merchant's
deposit account.
The process for issuing and redeeming a different and preferably
higher $mile rewards that encourages purchase of merchandise with cash
will serve many needs. For example, by avoiding a percentage of the
purchase that would be deducted as interchange fees by payment card
network in response to a card purchase, and by plough back of this saving
fully or partly to reward the cash customer, the merchant can increase the
business from the customer paying with cash, through this process.
$mile stamps may be printed in the form of attractive stamps of
infinite variety in various denominations like postage stamps, with the
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denomination and the city or country of issue and expiry date if any, with
or without a unique serial number. These may be printed in a variety of
shapes and sizes, using various material like paper, plastic, metallic foils,
etc. and are dispensed in various ways such as perforated sheets, sealed
envelopes containing specified variety and denomination, automated -
dispensers, and on-line printing option via internet, with or without a
unique number or a barcode. The material printed on the stamps may
include various themes of interest to various social strata. The themes
may be printed in limited number to make them rare. In addition, the
themes may be deliberately misprinted to make them rare. The back of
these reward stalnps may be used for printing any information. The
reward stamps can be bought and sold for legal tender, at specified rates.
The whole or the part of the information printed on or behind the stamp
may exclusively or partly relate to a particular seller or a particular
product. These may be printed with or without a unique number or a
computer readable barcode or magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)
for application in the computerized process. Additional information may
be embedded on the stamp itself in the form of an optical image or
electronic codes on a magnetic strip behind that can be read at a customer
terminal with special devices like an electronic reader. For example in a
series of stamps on specific encyclopedia items, the pictures can be on the
stamps whereas the respective text entries can be read encoded therein
electronically and read electronically by a customer terminal. These will
provide for a collection hobby for the customer as a result of the issuance
with value added features and subsequent cancellation and return of the
coupon/stamp to the customer.
The consumer may set up a membership account by signifying an
intention to set up a membership account of a particular type at the time
of exchange or redemption. Such account may be of a Philatelist or
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otherwise, signifying that whether the consumer would like to pursue
collecting the reward stamps as a hobby or not. A unique account
number is assigned to each of such consumers. There can be one
membership account for a plurality of individuals grouped as a family,
company, or a voluntary friend circle or several individual accounts may
be joined by a code for such a group. The Philatelist account holder will
be returned the reward stamps after redemption, duly cancelled like a
used postal stamp, by application of a cancellation mark using
cancellation dies or other such mechanical or hand-held devices, if so
desired.
The Philatelist consumer can exchange other kinds of reward
instruments like coupon or electronic points, for stamps, by signifying his
intention for such exchange for a specific or non-specific stock of stamps
in mint condition by surrendering other kind of instruments, before
redemption. Likewise he may signify his intention for such exchange for
a specific or non-specific stock of stamps in cancelled condition, from a
centralized depository, by surrendering other kind of instruments, on or
after redemption.
A Philatelic bureau may be provided for the members to offer the
following services: issue of inaugural covers for new stamps, organizing
exhibitions and contests, and education and promotion. Treasury or
depository services to members may be provided by acting as a bank for
safe custody of reward stamps. The cancelled stamps may also be bought
and sold at specified rates by the bureau. An alliance may be established
with postal services of various countries for reciprocal or otie-way
exchange and distribution arrangements of stamps in mint or cancelled
conditions. Services and any aspects of the universal program may be
administered through the Internet for global application.
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The consumer can collect rewards without any need for
identification or enrollment by making a purchase from a merchant
enrolled in the program and signifying an intention to be rewarded
directly without auy identification or enrollment. The merchant
calculates the value of the reward as per consideration received and issues
the reward value by any desired transferable instrument such as a coupon
or a stamp or an electronic code. A coupon with or without a computer
readable code may be issued to a consumer in a pre-printed format or
througll a coupon generating machine such as franking machine or a
digital printer, with alpha-numeric and or bar codes signifying its value
that can be traded for any other instrument viz. reward stamp or points, or
redeemed directly for consideration of such value.
The $miles reward points, stamps or coupons or points so awarded
may be collected by consuniers from a plurality of merchants enrolled in
the program universally, without any need for the consumer to identify or
enroll in any program. The reward instruments so collected are freely
exchangeable and transferable like currency and are redeemed against
consideration in kind or in cash as per catalogue published from time to
time, from a centralized redemption office, or selectively at the point of
purchase itself.
The computerized process may be implemented globally in
combination with a Credit, Debit or other payment card networks. The
rewards may be fully exchangeable, transferable and can be bought, sold,
gifted, or bequeathed. The reward may have a specified tenure for
redemption after which it is either forfeited or transferred to a specified
account or donated to an approved charity.
Consideration is expected to be received from the merchant
disbursing the rewards if administered by a clearinghouse separate from
the merchant. The merchant may be presented with various options for
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issuing rewards by way of a brochure. Online and offline merchants may
be seamlessly enrolled in the universal program. The offline merchants
may be authorized to issue points by way of imprinted coupons and/or
pre-printed stamps only. The offline merchants may send a periodic
account which is processed by the centralized system as a batch. The
offline merchants may have the option of contacting a call center to
obtain any information and voice authorization they may need. The
offline merchants may log on to a website on the Internet through any
computer including public networks, to do the same as above. If the
offline merchant is authorized to honor the accrual card with or without
the credit card features, he may use the known process of making a
manual draft with imprinter and settling through batch processing
technique. An offline merchant may choose the option or options most
suited to its business and provide the consideration in return for the
rewards disbursed. The merchant may replenish the stock of stamps by
reordering and remitting consideration. Alternatively, the merchant may
remit consideration through a deposit account established for this
purpose, or an existing deposit account of a payment card may be used.
The merchant may pay the consideration either in cash or in kind or a
combination, in advance or on credit, depending on a merchant agreement
with the $miles administration. If the offline merchant is exclusively
offering incentives on cash purchases, there may be no need for him for
any kind of interaction or authentication with any other entities, as he an
simply award the incentives on cash purchases, through a coupon or
stamps.
An item may be provided to the person redeeming the rewards
instrument. The person presents the instrument for redemption at a
redemption counter, in person at the merchant, through a courier, or
through the Internet. The person may choose the item through a catalog
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offering. The rewards instrument is cancelled and the desired item is
provided. The person may choose to have the item delivered after
deducting delivery costs from the reward itself. The merchant enrolled in
the program can be at any level in the supply chain including: a
manufacturer; an intermediary lilce a whole-seller or an agent, a retailer,
or a meinber of a multi-level marketing chain. The incentive instrument
may be put in or on the package of merchandise.
There may be a clearinghouse that can handle and integrate other
incentive or loyalty programs. The clearing house may contract with
other incentive or loyalty programs to join the universal program
identified above by agreeing to mutually exchange each other's rewards
at a specified rate. The consumer may opt for such specific joint or co-
branded memberships in establishing the membership account. The so
contracted joint party may eventually extinguish its own program and
become s fully merged in the universal program. Reciprocal or one-way
alliances may be made with other rewards programs, wherein the alliance
partner agrees to issue and honor global rewardg points or stamps
interchangeably with their own points, on a reciprocal basis. The alliance
partner may completely outsource their rewards program to the universal
program disclosed herein. The alliance partner may also completely
merge their rewards program to the universal program disclosed herein.
The universal program may act as outsource for an existing or new
standalone rewards program, with or without any reciprocal or one-way
exchange of reward points. The universal program may be appointed as
an outsourced third party contractor for running the existing program of
standalone or limited alliance programs with all features intact, with or
without an exchange arrangement with the universal program. The
existing program operator transfers consideration as per reward points
issued, in favor of the universal program. The consideration is used for
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redemption by the consumers of the existing program, with or without an
option of exchanging their points into global currency and thus claiming a
different consideration. In the event of such an exchange taking place,
the consideration issued by the existing program is used in the universal
program if a two way exchange has been agreed upon by the standalone
program. The final step is a complete merger of the existing program into
the universal program if desired by the existing program. The
instruments of reward points may be specially made for alliance or
outsourced programs with or without specific declaration, pictures, or
coding to this effect.
Based on the premise outlined above, a method and system of
disbursing reward points and reward coupons or trading stamps as
incentive for purchases made or for rewarding the loyalty of consumers
may include having the merchant enroll in a global rewards program
wherein the merchant funds the rewards by paying a consideration in cash
or in kind or through an instrument of credit, to the incentive program
administration. Alternatively, the rewards may be partly funded by an
existing payment card entity to promote use of its payment card that also
has a capability to accrue rewards even when the payment is made with
cash or a different instrument. These points may be awarded in a variety
of forms like a coupon or stamps or electronic points on a magnetic
device, depending on the merchant's infrastructure and consumer's
choice if any.
Separate check-in and checkout counters may be provided for
consumers availing benefits under the present invention. The consumer
may have a facility of depositing paper instruments like cash or check and
obtain a receipt at the time of check-in if the amount of purchase is
known in advance, for faster clleckout through a common counter for all
customers including payment card holders. Through the past records of
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purchasing behavior including cash purchases of the customers in the
database, the customer may be rated on various parameters including
reliability of checks issued etc. and graded offers may be made.
Additionally, the present invention may be used to track the cash
purchasing behavior of a customer for offering him a credit line on
conforming predefined paranieters, to finance the past, present or future
purchases. The incentive program administration may set aside a portion
of the funds collected to insure against fraud in paper transactions.
Preferably existing check authorization/verification and guarantee service
outsource like the TeleCheck, and Nova Network based in USA may be
contracted. Additionally, payment systems outsource like the Global
Payments and the First Data Corporation may be contracted or partnered
with. Alternatively, Electronic Check Conversion also known as
Electronic Check Truncation services whereby the check is cleared
instantly through the ACH by electronic means may be deployed.
The merchant may also enroll with the central rewards office for
the redemption program, wherein a particular variety and quantity of gifts
may be given for spot redemption by the consumer. On giving effect to
such redemption the seller receives a consideration from the central
redeinption office.
The consumers who receives such points or miles may collect these
over a period of time to redeem on the spot if the merchant has in stock
the consideration desired by the consumer. The consumer may be offered
options to take the point or miles either in the form of coupons or stamps
or electronic points, depending on the availability of options with the
merchant and preference of the buyer. The points, stamps, coupons, or
miles so issued can always be changed from one form to another at the
central rewards office. The consumer can collect these points or miles for
later redemption from the central rewards office, against specified
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consideration according to a threshold quantity or variety. The consumer
can also approach the central rewards office for exchanging one form of
reward instrument into another. Safe custody of the reward instruments
may also be requested at the central reward office itself. The consumer
who decides to collect these stamps as a hobby, apart from taking the
benefit of redemption against a specified consideration, will signify so at
the time of claiming redemption so that the stamps could be returned to
the consumer after putting a cancellation mark on the same. There can be
further rewards associated with collection of a particular threshold
quantity or variety as announced from time to time. The merchant will
preferably offer higher points or mileage for cash purchasers to
compensate for the discount generally retained by the credit card
companies on credit card transactions. Co-branded credit cards may be
provided offering these global incentives at specified rates. Reciprocal
alliances with other rewards programs, to issue and honor one another's
points interchangeably, may be formed. The computerized process
disclosed herein can act as outsource for administering an existing or new
standalone program, with or without a one-way exchange. Such an
alliance can take the form of complete merger with the universal program
presented here.
The present invention is associated with computerized loyalty or
incentive reward programs on a global scale, devising a separate and
preferably greater benefit to cash buyers. Combining the points, coupon,
and trading stainps concepts in the computerized program, and improving
the trading stamps to philatelic stamps with computer readable
information has a further technical effect. Far reaching benefits in
consumer interest, aggregation of value, ease of operation, cost reduction
and industrial application is achieved.
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The present invention has, among others, the following unique
advantages. There is no known payment card, device or process for
accrual of benefits linked to the card even when the payment is not
through the card but is with cash. Neither is any known computerized
process of providing a different and higher incentive for those who, prefer
to pay with cash instruments like currency notes and checks at the Point
of Sale (POS). Making philatelic reward stamps in different
denominations, sizes and variety will add to ease of operations and joy
due to variety for the collector. A tremendous increase in ease and value
addition to receivers occurs due to the lack of any procedural hassle,
better protection of privacy, aggregation and accumulation of incentives
over a hugely wider base, joy of philatelic collection and greater
accountability due to third party involvement. A further value addition
occurs due to easy transferability of the incentive earned to whomever the
original user wants to gift, bequeath, or sell. In the system presented, one
can collect $lniles in the form of coupon or stamps or points for
redemption, each having the same currency value. Combination of
incentive points or coupons or stamps freely exchangeable for each other
is unique and has a dramatic effect of widest aggregation, application,
and ease for both the merchant and the consumer. This can reinvent
philately as a hobby as there is no other known system, except the post-
office, that issues stamps in an infinite variety, bringing joy for collectors
even after use. The conventional slow monotonous process of point
collection is transformed into a meaningful, colorful, and enjoyable
hobby of stamp collection. Alliances or merges can be readily formed
with existing rewards programs in a seamless manner. The present
invention can be used to streamline the cash register accounting and
tracking of a customer's card as well as cash based purchases recorded in
one place, through Electronic Data Capture (EDC) and such devices at
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the POS. Likewise, it enables a consumer to have a uniform account of all
transactions including plastic and paper transactions in one place. The
present invention provides scope for universal application in terms of
who can be a member establishment (giver) or user (collector), virtually
without any limitation as to reach of computer networks or carrying
electronic cards. It allows for joining both a manual and an electronic
system seamlessly, ,~. cutting across geographical, technical, and size
barriers for both giver and collector. There is ease and cost-reduction for
establishinents because the merchants will not have to maintain their own
incentive programs, which require sophisticated systems and more
manpower in administering the scheme. There is a further increase in
application because of the fact that the reward Stamps or Coupons can be
put in or on the paclcage of various products (electronic points can't be).
Conversely, the technical problems of the prior art sought to be
solved by the invention, among others, include enabling Cash purchasers
to get baclc their legitimate discount considering that effectively all card
purchases are discounted. A related problem solved is how to provide
incentives on cash based purchases also, of an existing payment card
holder who is eligible to receive incentives on card based purchases.
Enrolling establishments and consumers with or without access to
computer networks, in a global alliance program is made possible through
the present inventions. Consumers find both the existing systems - points
and trading stamps, mtindane, as no immediate joy can be derived
particularly from collecting these, except the imminent joy on redemption
perliaps. As a result a many of them don't keep track and don't redeem.
Sustained consumer interest is difficult to achieve in any loyalty program
due to (a) monotony and (b) slow aggregation. There are always
procedural hassles in present day loyalty programs, which expect
consumers to compulsorily enroll. These hassles include the privacy of
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consumers being frequently breached, the transferability of the incentive
earned to whomever the original earner wants to gift, bequeath, or. sell is
suppressed, resulting in a limitation on currency. With the advent of
franking machines increasingly used by the post offices and increasing
use of private courier service, philatelists' delight in collecting colorful
stamps with meaningful pictures of curios and educative value has
become limited. A system for allowing existing loyalty programs to
evolve into a global alliance is needed. Streamlining accounting process
at the POS to include both, card and cash based transactions of a
particular customer is another technical problem solved by the present
invention. Establishments have to plan, configure, and implement their
own incentive programs, which is costly and time consuming, due to
uneconomic scale. There are infrastructure limitation on very small
establishments who may not be able to afford the cost of instituting their
own loyalty program or participate in a limited alliance program due to
lack of resources. The reward points can't be put in or on the package of
products that might be sold through merchants and at various levels of the
supply chain.
Most merchants already pay several percentage points on credit
card transactions. The present invention contemplates paying back to
purchasers paying through a cash instrument, an incentive in lieu of this.
In fact, most payment card companies and other establishments like
airlines, retailers, etc. have their own incentive schemes, sometimes
jointly, linked to payment through a particular card. These incentives are
generally funded by the merchants and/or various entities of the payment
card networks, to he extent of a certain percentage or basis points, from
their various earnings on the transaction, like interchange fees, interest
charged etc. For exaniple, an issuer bank and/or a sponsoring company
like an airline may provide incentives on certain transactions jointly or
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independently, provided a specific payment card is used. The present
invention proposes a process for accrual of same or a different incentive,
funded preferably by the merchant, preferably on the same card, even
when the payment is not through the card but with cash. The present
invention also contemplates combining the concepts of points, stamps and
coupons, bringing about unexpected benefits of application on a much
larger industrial scale, through aggregation. The consumer derives much
greater value by aggregation, ease of use, and protection of privacy by
cutting down on formalities and enhanced delight for continued interest
by bringing in variety and other intellectual stimuli. A wider area of
application is provided by including relatively smaller entities that may
not be able to afford their own programs or form a limited alliance
program or join a computerized network. Value can be added to a vast
body of general consumers by making them avail incentives on a larger
scale, encouraging small saving in masses, and boost consumer demand.
Through the present invention, a global business method can be
established to promote the sale of merchandise.
Though the invention is titled as a Computerized Process for
Differential Incentives based on Payment Modes, and indeed a computer
network is central to implement the present invention, the nature of
interconnected patentable subject matters described herein may relate to
several fields such as payment card technology, automated cash registers,
financial transaction systems, banking technology, printed material of
incentive coupons and trading stamps etc. The computerized process
described hereinabove can be programmed into computer readable
instructions by a person skilled in the art, through various available
computer languages and techniques. As a result, the, known devices of
computer networks, the payment cards and the various printed forms etc.
when associated with the invented process through a computer program,
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will create an unexpected technical effect on the workings of these
devices. This will enable the related apparatus for a hugely increased
industrial and commercial application through the disclosed process, in a
way not ordinarily expected or presently known.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance
with the present invention, a unique industrial process and various
devices for issuing and redeeming $mile rewards that satisfies the
advantages set forth above. Unless used in a different context or
otherwise inentioned, terms like Clearing, Settlement, Reconciliation,
Funding, Acquirer, Issuer, Card Exchange or Interchange, Bankcard
Association, Trading Stamp, Imprint, Swipe, Card, Miles, Chargeback,
Plastic and Paper transaction etc. and many other such words, phrases,
expressions including acronyms refer to their technical meanings as per
commonly used terminology of those skilled in the art. Although the
present invention has been described in detail, various changes,
substitutions, and alterations may be readily ascertainable by those skilled
in the art and may be made herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.
Moreover, the present invention is not intended to be limited in any way
by any statement in the specification that is not otherwise reflected in the
appended claims.
