WO2011104689A1 - System and procedure of processing electronic coupons and checks - Google Patents

System and procedure of processing electronic coupons and checks Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011104689A1
WO2011104689A1 PCT/IB2011/050794 IB2011050794W WO2011104689A1 WO 2011104689 A1 WO2011104689 A1 WO 2011104689A1 IB 2011050794 W IB2011050794 W IB 2011050794W WO 2011104689 A1 WO2011104689 A1 WO 2011104689A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fact
customer
coupons
codes
merchant
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Application number
PCT/IB2011/050794
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert Masse
Erik Gray
Original Assignee
Robert Masse
Erik Gray
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Masse, Erik Gray filed Critical Robert Masse
Publication of WO2011104689A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011104689A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Definitions

  • the present invention consists of a system and a procedure of processing electronic equivalents to coupons and other paper checks of all kinds.
  • the coupons are often used by manufacturers and merchants in order to encourage the customer to try out their products and services, or to buy more.
  • the coupons are put at the customers' disposal in various ways, either by being printed in newspapers and magazines, or by being put on the products; they allow the customers who collect them and present them to the merchant at their next purchase, to benefit from a reduction on one or more products that they buy.
  • the customer presents the coupon during his purchase; the merchant keeps the coupon and presents it to the manufacturer of the product to which the coupon relates to, in order to get reimbursed by the latter for the discount, granted to the end user.
  • the coupons Since several years the coupons have been equipped with a special barcode, generally in the EAN13 format, to facilitate their processing.
  • the barcode can be read directly by the existing cash registers and allow the electronic cash register to subtract in real time the discount ad hoc from the bill of the customer.
  • More advanced cash register systems also allow verifying, thanks to the barcode with which the purchased product as well as the coupon are equipped, if the coupon the customer has presented corresponds with the products that he is actually buying now.
  • the barcode of the coupon is only accepted if the barcode of the corresponding product already has been scanned by the cash register system.
  • EAN13 barcodes there are some other formats that can or are being used, such as EAN8, UPC, etc., and the EAN13 barcodes which indicate the discount can also be accompanied by a second barcode which allows, for example, identification of the customer to whom the coupon has been issued.
  • the "paper” coupons generally don't allow neither to the merchant nor to the emitter, to obtain a lot of information about the use of the coupons. Except for the number of used coupons, they often don't have access to data such as the identity and/or the profile of the customer who has used them, the moment they have been used, etc.. Taking into account the recent technological improvements, especially on the domain of the internet, a lot of actors wish to emit “electronic” coupons rather than “paper” coupons, allowing a much easier processing, as well at the checkout of the merchant, as well at the reimbursement later on.
  • the present invention aims to allow to benefit from at least some of the
  • the "electronic" coupons by using them on the existing electronic cash registers, without or with a minimum change to the electronic cash register in question, and by remaining compatible with the paper coupons. And this irrespective of the fact that the coupon is a discount voucher, a gift certificate or any other similar tool.
  • One aim of the invention is to provide such a system and such a process that it allows either to use an electronic medium for storing the coupons and to use them directly at the checkout, or to connect to a database as to retrieve the coupons in question, and to be able to use them at the register, thus avoiding that the customer has to print his coupons by himself.
  • Another aim of the invention is to provide such a system and such a process that it allows the merchant to use dematerialized coupons, within the framework of his existing electronic cash register, without changing it, while at the same time still being able to continue accepting paper coupons.
  • Another aim of the invention is to provide such system and such process that it allows the customer to obtain automatically the coupons which are available for the products he is buying, without having to select the coupons by himself beforehand.
  • Another aim of the invention is to provide such a system and such a process that it enables the merchant who processes the coupon, as well as the emitter who emits the coupon, to reduce the costs for processing and reimbursing the coupons, and also to have better information about the customers who use them end the way the coupons are used.
  • the customer in order to reach the first goal the customer will be provided with a portable object equipped with a storage memory, which allows him to write information on it relating to the coupons that he disposes of and/or which he wants to use, such as, for example, a smartcard or an RFID card, as the system is equipped with a reader which can read the contents of the above mentioned memory.
  • the system will be equipped with at least one input device enabling the reading of a specific code, contained in or on a portable object and identifying the customer, such as a barcode scanner, a smartcard reader, an RFID reader.
  • the system will be equipped with at least one input device, such as a keyboard, which allows the input of a specific code, identifying the customer.
  • the system will be equipped with one or more buttons and/or a keyboard, allowing the user of the system to interact with it.
  • the system will be equipped with at least one biometric sensor allowing identification of the customer, such as a fingerprint scanner for example.
  • the system will be able to query at least one database in order to obtain information regarding the coupons.
  • the system will be able to consult the said database by several different communication channels, allowing it to guarantee a redundancy of access to the information.
  • the system will be equipped with an electronic input connected to the connection between the barcode scanner of the cash register and the register itself, allowing it to be informed of the codes scanned by the barcode scanner of the register.
  • the system will be equipped with an electronic output, which is connected to the connection between de barcode scanner of the cash register of the merchant, and the register itself, the output allowing to send to the register of the merchant the desired codes, as if they had been scanned by the barcode scanner at the register.
  • the system will be equipped with an electronic input and output, allowing it to be connected between the barcode scanner of the register and the register itself, to receive the codes scanned by the barcode scanner of the register, to send them to the register, and to also send to the register the desired codes, eventually by selecting the extra codes which are sent depending on the codes it received from the scanner of the register.
  • the system will be equipped with an electronic output, connected to an electronic input of the cash register, which allows it to send the desired codes to the register.
  • the system will be equipped with an electronic input, connected to an electronic output of the cash register, which allows it to receive the desired codes from the register.
  • the system will be equipped with a micro, to allow it to detect the sound signal issued by the barcode scanner of the register upon a successful reading of the barcode.
  • the system will be equipped with a least one printer, which allows it to print the barcodes which correspond to the coupons, in the form as accepted by the electronic cash register of the merchant for the standard print coupons.
  • the system will be equipped with at least one screen, allowing it to display at least one barcode which corresponds to the coupons, in the form accepted by the electronic cash register of the merchant, and readable by it.
  • the screen will be mobile, so that the system can be placed at the most suitable location, and the screen can be moved in order to present it to the barcode scanner of the cash register.
  • the system will be equipped with a sensor, such as a pushbutton, allowing it to say to the system to show the next barcode, if the screen does not allow showing all the barcodes of the coupons at once.
  • a sensor such as a pushbutton
  • the system will be equipped with one or more LED's, and/or a screen, which allows it to show information about its condition and functioning to the operator.
  • the system will be equipped with at least one printer, which allows it to print control documents regarding the codes of the submitted coupons, completed if applicable with codes and information regarding the customer and/or the purchase transaction.
  • the system will be able to communicate with an external server, in order to transmit information regarding the codes of the submitted coupons, regarding the customer and/or the purchase transaction. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be able to transmit to said external server via several different communication channels, allowing it to guarantee a redundancy of data sending.
  • the invention also relates to a procedure of processing the electronic coupons, including in particular the following steps: • obtaining a list of codes corresponding to coupons, either by reading the memory of a portable object of the customer, or by identifying the customer and querying a database;
  • the customer will be able to select coupons, whether on a website, or by scanning paper coupons with his mobile phone, or by receiving them by email, or by obtaining them automatically, for example by his employer, one or more merchants, emitters of various coupons and checks of all kinds.
  • each customer user of the system will be provided with a portable object, which has a memory, readable by the system.
  • the customer will then be able to write to the memory of the object one or more codes pertinent to the coupons, codes which are understandable by the electronic cash registers used by the merchants such as, for instant, the widely known EAN13 code.
  • the portable object could consist of a smartcard, or an RFID card, which can be writable by a reader ad hoc connected to a computer.
  • the customer could then, by means of an appropriate software, write to the memory of the object the desired codes, whether it be coupons, gift certificates, etc.
  • the codes written to the memory can consist either of only one EAN 13 code relative to the coupon, or a combination of this code and, for example, one or more EAN13 code(s) relative to the products to which the coupon refers.
  • the coupon can also be accompanied by information required for the verification of the validity of the certificate.
  • the portable object will then be presented to the cash register during payment of the purchases at the merchant's, and the system will be able to read the codes relating to the coupons in the memory of the object, possibly accompanied by additional information such as described above.
  • the customer will be equipped with a portable object containing one or more unique codes, specific to the customer. He will present this portable object when passing the checkout, and the system will read at least one of the codes allowing to identify the customer.
  • the customer will present the ad hoc part of his body to one or more biometric sensors of the system when passing at the checkout, thus allowing the system to identify him.
  • the system will connect to at least one database in order to retrieve the information relative to the coupons, which are either only available for the customer identified by one of the methods presented above, or are available for all customers whatever, or both.
  • the system will be able to use different channels to gain access to the database, such as a network connection, a radio connection, a telephone connection, a GPRS connection, etc., and it will use them successively until the connection has been successfully established.
  • the system will only retrieve the information relative to the coupons regarding the products purchased by the customer (and/or those that don't depend on the purchase of a specific product), and not to all available coupons.
  • the system will transmit the code(s) of the coupons retrieved from the memory of the portable object and/or of the consulted database(s), to the electronic cash register of the merchant, by means of a connection to the link between the barcode scanner of the merchant, and the register itself.
  • the system will receive from the merchant's barcode scanner the codes relating to the purchased products, and will transmit them to the register itself, and it will also by the same channel transmit to the register the codes relating to the coupons.
  • the system will only transmit the codes relating to the coupons which corrrespond to the products purchased by the customer, of the codes relative to the coupons of which the use does not depend on the purchase of a particular product (general discount, gift certificates, etc.).
  • the system will print a list of EAN13 barcodes (or in another barcode format understandable by the electronic cash register of the merchant) relative to the coupons of the customer, which then can be scanned by the merchant, as if they were traditional paper coupons.
  • the system will show on its LCD screen at least one barcode, EAN13 or another barcode format understandable by the electronic cash register, which corresponds to the coupons of the customer, so that it can be read by the barcode scanner of the electronic cash register of the merchant.
  • the system will show each barcode corresponding to the coupons of the user, during a period of time long enough for it being scanned by the electronic cash register of the merchant.
  • the system will show a barcode
  • the merchant will push a button (or other sensor) of the system, in order to trigger the display of the next barcode, as soon as the code in question has been duly scanned by the electronic cash register.
  • the system will be placed in such a fashion that the screen showing the barcodes relating to the coupons of the customer, can be read by the barcode scanner of the electronic cash register of the merchant.
  • the screen showing the barcodes relative to the coupons of the customer, will be connected to the system by a cable and will be mobile, so that it can be presented to a fixed barcode scanner of the electronic cash register of the merchant.
  • the senor which enables to control the display of the next barcode on the screen, will be placed on the screen so that it can be easily activated by the merchant.
  • the system will print a summary of the coupons presented by the system to the electronic cash register, including or not the codes in form of barcodes in EAN 13 format or other, and eventually including additional information to the codes of the coupons, such as a code identifying the customer and/or a code identifying the purchase transaction, a list which can be printed in one or more copies.
  • the printed list can be handed to the customer as proof of the coupons transmitted by the system, can be used as proof towards the emitter of one or more coupon(s), can be communicated to the coupon clearing center, etc.
  • the system will transmit a summary of the codes and possible information relating to the coupons presented to the electronic cash register by the system, towards a database, eventually supplemented with a code identifying the customer and/or a code identifying the purchase transaction.
  • the system will be able to use different channels for transmitting to the database, such as a network connection, a radio connection, a telephone connection, a GPRS connection, etc., and it will use them successively until the connection is successfully established.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a system of processing electronic coupons according to the invention, in a schematic way
  • FIG. 2 presents the procedure of processingf the electronic coupons according to the invention.
  • the system and the procedure according to the invention aim to allow for electronic coupons to be processed by the classic electronic cash registers of merchants, without changing them or with just a minimum of change.
  • the system is only connected to the existing infrastructure by a "reading" connection on the connection between barcode scanner of the register and the register itself, as well as by using a second electronic communication port available on the register.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the system according to the invention, where one can see the relation between a device (A), and a cash register (CE).
  • the cash register (CE) functions the classic way, by being connected to a barcode scanner, whether fixed (S1 ) or of a gun type (S2).
  • the system according to the invention contains a device (A) equipped (LIAISON 1 ) with ad hoc sensors for identifying a portable object, such as an RFID chip, or for executing a biometric measurement, such as a digital fingerprint, a connection (LIAISON2) towards an external database (BD1 ), a connection (LIAISON2) towards another external database, a connection (CONN2) to a link between the barcode scanner (CONN1 ) as well as a direct connection (CONN3) towards the cash register (CE).
  • the connection (CONN2) to the link (CONN1 ) between barcode scanner and cash register being in "listening" mode, and allowing the device (A) to read the codes transmitted by the barcode scanner (S1 or S2) towards the cash register (CE).
  • the advantage of this embodiment is that, in case of failure of the system, the cash register will continue to work as before, and the merchant equipped with the system will not be hindered in his sales.
  • the device (A) is equipped with two sensors, allowing for the identification of the customer, either by reading a code identifying the customer, contained in an RFID chip (11 ), for example glued to a mobile phone or contained within the latter, or by biometric measurement of the customer (I2) such as scanning a digital fingerprint.
  • the device (A) can transmit codes towards the cash register (CE), by means of a direct connection (CONN3).
  • CONN3 a direct connection
  • the connection (CONN 1 ) between the scanner (S1 or S2) and the cash register (CE) will be disconnected and directly connected to the device (A) via the input jack corresponding to connection CONN2.
  • the exit corresponding to the connection (CONN3) of the device (A) is then connected to the cash register (CE) instead of the connection CONN1 .
  • This alternative will be used in case only one input port can be used on the cash register (CE), in which case the device (A) must pass on to the cash register (CE) the codes it received from the scanner (S1 or S2), in order that the latter receives them also.
  • the "bridge" connection of the previous alternative is replaced by connecting the device to the connection CONN1 , thus allowing it on one hand to listen to the codes transmitted by the scanner (S1 or S2) to the cash register (CE) and, on the other hand, to write codes to it relating to the customer and the electronic coupons.
  • This latter embodiment makes it possible to only use one communication port on the cash register, while the electronic cash register can continue to function without disruption in case of failure of the system according to the invention, because the latter does not have to "repeat" the codes relating to the purchased products.
  • the first step (E1 ) consists of identifying the customer by reading the RFID chip (11 ) contained in his mobile phone, a chip that contains a unique code specific to the customer.
  • the code of the customer is presumed to be "CUST999"
  • the second step (E2) according to the procedure, consists of presenting to the barcode scanner (S1 ) of the cash register (CE) the barcodes of a product (P1 ) bought by the customer.
  • the code contained in the barcode of a product (P1 ) is supposed to be "359671021607".
  • the third step (E3) consists of the transmission of the code "3596710216079" of the product (P1 ) by the scanner (S1 ) to the cash register (CE), via de connection between the two of them.
  • the fourth step (E4) consists of the reading by the device (A) of the code "3596710216079" of the product (P1 ), during the
  • the fifth step (E5) consists of the query by the device (A) of the database (BD1 ), by sending to the database the information relating to the customer, here the code "CUST999", as well as the information relating to the purchased product (P1 ), here the code "3596710216079".
  • the sixth step (E6) consists of the answer of the database (BD1 ) to the query in the previous step (E5), which contains a code understandable by the cash register (CE) and which identifies the customer, here "54801 10000018", as well as a code understandable by the cash register (CE) and identifying the coupon relating to the code " 3596710216079" of the purchased product (P1 ).
  • the code of this coupon is "9810081001763".
  • the seventh step (E7) consists of the transmission by the device (A1 ) of the codes received from the database (BD1 ) towards the cash register (CE). According to figure 2, the device transmits here the codes
  • the eighth step (E8) consists of the transmission by the device (A) of information regarding the operation towards a database (BD2) in order to register it or process it later.
  • the fifth step (E5) can either consist of the sending at once of all the codes relative to the various purchased products towards the database (BD1 ), or can be repeated as many times as there are codes relative to the products.
  • the database (BD1 ) can also return codes relative to the coupons, of which the use does not depend on the purchase of a specific product, such as a gift certificate for instance.
  • the sending of codes relative to different coupons during the sixth step (E6) can consist of one transmission of several codes, of several transmissions of one code only. In an embodiment of the invention as shown in fig.2, it is not required to transmit towards the cash register the code relative to the customer.
  • the device (A) will limit itself to transmit only the codes relating to the coupons. This latter alternative will be preferable when the cash register (CE) is not able to manage the codes relating to the customers.
  • the code relative to the customer, returned by the database will be different upon each purchase transaction.
  • This code does not only allow the identification of the customer, but also of the purchase transaction, which can be useful especially for control and verification purpose.
  • one same code can be reused each day, once a day, thus making the exact identification of the customer and/or all customer transactions possible by looking for the code used and the date of that day.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a system of processing electronic coupons according to the invention, in a schematic way
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, where one sees the relation between a device (A) and a cash register (CE).
  • the cash register (CE) works the classic way, being connected to a barcode scanner gun-style (S1 ) via a connection (CONN1 ) of the serial (RS-232, RS-485 or other) or parallel type, or keyboard connection or USB.
  • the device (A) is equipped with a smartcard reader (LC1 ), enabling it to read the contents of the memory of a smartcard.
  • the device is equipped with a connection (CONN2) plugged into the connection (CONN1 ) between the barcode scanner (S1 ) of the cash register (CE), connection (CONN2) enabling it to write to the connection (CONN1 ) codes which will be received by the cash register (CE) as if they had been scanned by the barcode scanner (S1 ).
  • the device (A) does not have to be connected to a database, because the codes relating to the electronic coupons of the customer are stored on the electronic memory of a smartcard held by the customer.
  • the customer will have stored in advance all the code(s) in question, for example by means of a smartcard reader connected to his computer, which enable him by means of one or more ad hoc websites and by means of the necessary software program(s) to choose and write the corresponding codes to the card.
  • the card can also contain a for the customer specific code.
  • FIG 4 An embodiment of the procedure according to the invention is schematically illustrated by figure 4; this embodiment relates to the embodiment of the system according to the invention such as presented in figure 3.
  • the first step (E1 ) consists of scanning the code contained in the barcode of the product (P1 ) purchased by the customer on the barcode scanner (S1 ), the second step consists of the transmission of this code by the scanner (S1 ) towards the cash register (CE).
  • the code of the purchased product (P1 ) is "3596710216079".
  • the first and second step are repeated for each of the purchased items, as often as there are items.
  • the third step (E3) consists of inserting the smartcard (C1 ) of the customer into the smartcard reader (LC1 ) of the device (A), which then can read all of the code(s) of the electronic coupons of the customer, and also, if applicable, the code specific to the customer himself.
  • the code relating to the customer is "54801 10000018”
  • the codes of the electronic coupons of the customer are "9810081001763", “9810081013650” and "9810081027480”.
  • the fourth step (E4) consists of writing the codes to the connection between the barcode scanner (S1 ) and the cash register (CE), codes which will therefore be received by the latter as if they had been sent by the barcode scanner (S1 ).
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a system of processing electronic coupons according to the invention, in a schematic way
  • FIG. 6 presents the procedure of processing the electronic coupons according to the invention.
  • the system and the procedure according to the invention aim to enable the processing of the electronic coupons on the classic electronic cash registers of the merchants, without changing them or only to the minimum.
  • there is no physical connection between the system and the existing infrastructure of the merchant who in no way can be disturbed in his functioning, neither by the system, nor by any malfunction of the latter.
  • the transmission of codes of the electronic coupons is executed by the printing of a ticket which resumes those different codes in the form of barcodes readable by the cash register.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the system according to the invention, whereas one sees the relation between a device (A) and a cash register (CE).
  • the cash register (CE) functions the classic way, by being connected to a fixed barcode scanner (S2) by a connection (CONN2), for example a serial type (RS- 232, RS-485 or other), a parallel type, a keyboard connection or USB.
  • the device (A) is equipped with a barcode reader (S1 ) which enables it to read the code relating to the customer, from the portable object held by the customer, for instance a loyalty card.
  • the device is also equipped with a connection (CONN1 ) to a database (BD1 ) along with a printer (P1 ) which enables it to print on tickets barcodes, which are compatible to scanner S2.
  • FIG 6 An embodiment of the procedure according to the invention is schematically illustrated in figure 6, and this embodiment relates to the embodiment of the system according to the invention, such as presented in figure 5.
  • the first step (E1 ) consists, according to the procedure, of scanning on scanner S1 the code contained in the barcodes of the portable object held by the customer (11 ).
  • the code related to the customer is "54801 10000018”.
  • the second step (E2) consists of the transmission of a query request towards the database (BD1 ) by the device (A) that contains at least the code of the customer and, if applicable, an identification of the sales point where the terminal is installed and/or all other relevant information.
  • the third step (E3) consists of the returning by the database (BD1 ) towards the device (A) of a list with codes relating to the electronic coupons of the customer and of the printing of them by printer P1 , along with the code relating to the customer and/or all other useful information, on a ticket (T1 ).
  • the codes of the electronic coupons of the customer are "9810081001763"
  • the fourth step (E4) consists of scanning on the barcode scanner (S2) connected to the cash register (CE) the first barcode of the ticket (T1 ), so that in the fifth step (E5) it will be transmitted by the barcode scanner (S2) to the cash register (CE).
  • the fourth and fifth step are repeated for each of the barcodes printed on the ticket (T1 ).
  • one acts by printing barcodes on paper, which will be read by the cash register exactly as if they were traditional paper coupons, whilst at the same time limit the consumption of paper to a strict minimum and preventing the customer from having to select, cut out, etc.
  • An alternative embodiment of the invention consists of replacing the printing of the ticket by showing the barcodes on a screen, for example with liquid crystals, whereby the screen can be read by the barcode scanner connected to the cash register.
  • the display of the next barcode is triggered by either a sensor, such as a button, fixed to the device or to the screen, either by a micro which allows the device to detect the small "beep" sound made by the barcode scanner of the cash register upon a successful reading.
  • a sensor such as a button
  • the screen can be not fixed to the device, but connected to it by a flexible cable, enabling the operator to present easily the screen to the barcode scanner of the cash register, in case it is a fixed scanner.

Abstract

The invention concerns a system and a procedure of processing electronic coupons, such as discount vouchers, gift certificates or meal vouchers, whereas the merchant is equipped with an electronic terminal allowing him to benefit from the advantages of electronic coupons compared to paper coupons on the existing electronic cash registers. According to the invention, a customer can be identified based upon a portable object that he holds, a biometric measurement or a personal code, and the terminal can obtain the list of codes relating to the electronic coupons of which the customer disposes. These codes can then be transmitted to the electronic cash register of the merchant, as if they were paper coupons, without having to modify the infrastructure of the merchant, for example by the printing of a list of EAN 13 barcodes or by the direct transmission to the cash register.

Description

SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE OF PROCESSING ELECTRONIC COUPONS AND CHECKS
Description :
The present invention consists of a system and a procedure of processing electronic equivalents to coupons and other paper checks of all kinds.
The coupons are often used by manufacturers and merchants in order to encourage the customer to try out their products and services, or to buy more. The coupons are put at the customers' disposal in various ways, either by being printed in newspapers and magazines, or by being put on the products; they allow the customers who collect them and present them to the merchant at their next purchase, to benefit from a reduction on one or more products that they buy.
The customer presents the coupon during his purchase; the merchant keeps the coupon and presents it to the manufacturer of the product to which the coupon relates to, in order to get reimbursed by the latter for the discount, granted to the end user.
Since several years the coupons have been equipped with a special barcode, generally in the EAN13 format, to facilitate their processing. The barcode can be read directly by the existing cash registers and allow the electronic cash register to subtract in real time the discount ad hoc from the bill of the customer.
More advanced cash register systems also allow verifying, thanks to the barcode with which the purchased product as well as the coupon are equipped, if the coupon the customer has presented corresponds with the products that he is actually buying now. The barcode of the coupon is only accepted if the barcode of the corresponding product already has been scanned by the cash register system. Besides the EAN13 barcodes there are some other formats that can or are being used, such as EAN8, UPC, etc., and the EAN13 barcodes which indicate the discount can also be accompanied by a second barcode which allows, for example, identification of the customer to whom the coupon has been issued.
In parallel with the coupons, the customers very often use all kinds of checks, gift certificates, meal vouchers or restaurant tickets, etc., checks which allow paying the purchase price in total of a part of it, and are immediately subtracted at the checkout. In practice they are the equivalents of coupons as far as the impact at the cash register is concerned (subtraction from the amount that must be paid in cash), even if their purpose is not the same. These checks are nowadays also labeled with barcodes, which allow for the same kind of processing. So in the present document we will treat the various forms of tools labeled with a barcode and which enable a discount on the amount due in cash at the cash register in the same way, whether it relates to a coupon, a gift certificate, or all similar documents, and will call them "coupons", issued by an "emitter".
The use of barcodes for the processing of coupons has been a major improvement and allowed enormous gains of time and efficiency, but still is an expensive system, especially due to the processing operations which are required for the merchant in order to obtain the discount granted by the emitter of the coupon, whether this is by the direct presentation of the coupons by the merchant to the relevant emitter, or by intermediary of a clearing company which takes care of presenting the coupons and obtaining the discounts on behalf of the merchants who appeal to it.
Besides, the "paper" coupons generally don't allow neither to the merchant nor to the emitter, to obtain a lot of information about the use of the coupons. Except for the number of used coupons, they often don't have access to data such as the identity and/or the profile of the customer who has used them, the moment they have been used, etc.. Taking into account the recent technological improvements, especially on the domain of the internet, a lot of actors wish to emit "electronic" coupons rather than "paper" coupons, allowing a much easier processing, as well at the checkout of the merchant, as well at the reimbursement later on.
These "electronic" coupons, stored for instance on an electronic card, would allow for enormous gains of time and money, compared to the "paper" coupons, and would also prevent the use of enormous quantities of paper each year to print coupons, which very often are not used.
Unfortunately, the electronic cash registers installed at the merchants are not compatible with the "electronic" coupons, so they can only accept the barcodes on "paper" coupons, and although the merchants want to benefit from the advantages of a completely electronic processing of the coupons, they still want to continue treating the "paper" coupons in parallel, for they won't disappear from one day to the other, if they disappear altogether.
And not forgetting that merchants want to avoid potential problems related to changes in the infrastructure, because the processing speed at the cash register is a very important factor in the overall satisfaction of the customer, and want to avoid as much as possible the costs related to an important investment in new devices.
One solution would be the possibility for the customer to print by himself his coupons from an internet site, which would then carry the usual EAN13 (or other) barcodes, so that they would be processed on electronic cash registers just like standard paper coupons. These coupons would also contain one or more additional barcodes, which would for example allow the identification of the customer.
If this solution at the very least avoids the superfluous use of paper for unused coupons, by limiting the printing of coupons to those the customer really wants to use (this contrary to the coupons printed in newspaper for example), it forces the customer nevertheless to print the selected coupons on his printer, and to bring them to the shop where he wants to make his purchases.
The present invention aims to allow to benefit from at least some of the
advantages of the "electronic" coupons, by using them on the existing electronic cash registers, without or with a minimum change to the electronic cash register in question, and by remaining compatible with the paper coupons. And this irrespective of the fact that the coupon is a discount voucher, a gift certificate or any other similar tool.
One aim of the invention is to provide such a system and such a process that it allows either to use an electronic medium for storing the coupons and to use them directly at the checkout, or to connect to a database as to retrieve the coupons in question, and to be able to use them at the register, thus avoiding that the customer has to print his coupons by himself.
Another aim of the invention is to provide such a system and such a process that it allows the merchant to use dematerialized coupons, within the framework of his existing electronic cash register, without changing it, while at the same time still being able to continue accepting paper coupons.
Another aim of the invention is to provide such system and such process that it allows the customer to obtain automatically the coupons which are available for the products he is buying, without having to select the coupons by himself beforehand.
Another aim of the invention is to provide such a system and such a process that it enables the merchant who processes the coupon, as well as the emitter who emits the coupon, to reduce the costs for processing and reimbursing the coupons, and also to have better information about the customers who use them end the way the coupons are used.
These aims, as well as others which will be defined further on, are achieved according to the invention by means of a processing system for coupons which, on one hand, is able to obtain information from the customer regarding the coupons, by at least one of the following means:
• reading the information relating to the available coupons and contained in the memory of an electronic medium presented by the customer, such as a smartcard
• identifying the customer by reading a code which is specific for him and is contained in or on a portable object, presented by the customer and readable by the system, or by the input of a customer specific code on a keyboard, or by biometric identification of the customer, and by consulting at least one database in order to obtain the information regarding the coupons available for the customer and by, on the other hand, transmitting this information to the electronic cash register of the merchant, by at least one of the following means:
• printing the 1 D or 2D barcode(s) which correspond to the coupons
• showing the 1 D or 2D barcode(s) which correspond to the coupons on a screen, for example a small LCD screen
• direct transmission of the code(s) which correspond to the coupons by means of a direct connection to the transmission channel between the barcode scanner and the actual cash register
• direct transmission of the code(s) which correspond to the coupons by means of a direct connection to the electronic cash register, such as for instance a serial or parallel connection.
In one embodiment of the invention, in order to reach the first goal the customer will be provided with a portable object equipped with a storage memory, which allows him to write information on it relating to the coupons that he disposes of and/or which he wants to use, such as, for example, a smartcard or an RFID card, as the system is equipped with a reader which can read the contents of the above mentioned memory. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with at least one input device enabling the reading of a specific code, contained in or on a portable object and identifying the customer, such as a barcode scanner, a smartcard reader, an RFID reader. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with at least one input device, such as a keyboard, which allows the input of a specific code, identifying the customer.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with one or more buttons and/or a keyboard, allowing the user of the system to interact with it.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with at least one biometric sensor allowing identification of the customer, such as a fingerprint scanner for example.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be able to query at least one database in order to obtain information regarding the coupons.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be able to consult the said database by several different communication channels, allowing it to guarantee a redundancy of access to the information.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with an electronic input connected to the connection between the barcode scanner of the cash register and the register itself, allowing it to be informed of the codes scanned by the barcode scanner of the register. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with an electronic output, which is connected to the connection between de barcode scanner of the cash register of the merchant, and the register itself, the output allowing to send to the register of the merchant the desired codes, as if they had been scanned by the barcode scanner at the register.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with an electronic input and output, allowing it to be connected between the barcode scanner of the register and the register itself, to receive the codes scanned by the barcode scanner of the register, to send them to the register, and to also send to the register the desired codes, eventually by selecting the extra codes which are sent depending on the codes it received from the scanner of the register.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with an electronic output, connected to an electronic input of the cash register, which allows it to send the desired codes to the register.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with an electronic input, connected to an electronic output of the cash register, which allows it to receive the desired codes from the register.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with a micro, to allow it to detect the sound signal issued by the barcode scanner of the register upon a successful reading of the barcode.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with a least one printer, which allows it to print the barcodes which correspond to the coupons, in the form as accepted by the electronic cash register of the merchant for the standard print coupons.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with at least one screen, allowing it to display at least one barcode which corresponds to the coupons, in the form accepted by the electronic cash register of the merchant, and readable by it.
In one embodiment of the invention, the screen will be mobile, so that the system can be placed at the most suitable location, and the screen can be moved in order to present it to the barcode scanner of the cash register.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with a sensor, such as a pushbutton, allowing it to say to the system to show the next barcode, if the screen does not allow showing all the barcodes of the coupons at once.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with one or more LED's, and/or a screen, which allows it to show information about its condition and functioning to the operator.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be equipped with at least one printer, which allows it to print control documents regarding the codes of the submitted coupons, completed if applicable with codes and information regarding the customer and/or the purchase transaction.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be able to communicate with an external server, in order to transmit information regarding the codes of the submitted coupons, regarding the customer and/or the purchase transaction. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be able to transmit to said external server via several different communication channels, allowing it to guarantee a redundancy of data sending.
The invention also relates to a procedure of processing the electronic coupons, including in particular the following steps: • obtaining a list of codes corresponding to coupons, either by reading the memory of a portable object of the customer, or by identifying the customer and querying a database;
• transmitting towards the electronic cash register of the merchant the corresponding codes of these coupons, by means of a method accepted by the electronic cash register of the merchant.
In one embodiment of the invention, the customer will be able to select coupons, whether on a website, or by scanning paper coupons with his mobile phone, or by receiving them by email, or by obtaining them automatically, for example by his employer, one or more merchants, emitters of various coupons and checks of all kinds.
In one embodiment of the invention, each customer user of the system will be provided with a portable object, which has a memory, readable by the system. The customer will then be able to write to the memory of the object one or more codes pertinent to the coupons, codes which are understandable by the electronic cash registers used by the merchants such as, for instant, the widely known EAN13 code.
The portable object could consist of a smartcard, or an RFID card, which can be writable by a reader ad hoc connected to a computer. The customer could then, by means of an appropriate software, write to the memory of the object the desired codes, whether it be coupons, gift certificates, etc.
The codes written to the memory can consist either of only one EAN 13 code relative to the coupon, or a combination of this code and, for example, one or more EAN13 code(s) relative to the products to which the coupon refers. In the case of gift certificates for example, the coupon can also be accompanied by information required for the verification of the validity of the certificate. The portable object will then be presented to the cash register during payment of the purchases at the merchant's, and the system will be able to read the codes relating to the coupons in the memory of the object, possibly accompanied by additional information such as described above.
In one embodiment of the invention, the customer will be equipped with a portable object containing one or more unique codes, specific to the customer. He will present this portable object when passing the checkout, and the system will read at least one of the codes allowing to identify the customer.
In one embodiment of the invention, the customer will present the ad hoc part of his body to one or more biometric sensors of the system when passing at the checkout, thus allowing the system to identify him. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will connect to at least one database in order to retrieve the information relative to the coupons, which are either only available for the customer identified by one of the methods presented above, or are available for all customers whatever, or both. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be able to use different channels to gain access to the database, such as a network connection, a radio connection, a telephone connection, a GPRS connection, etc., and it will use them successively until the connection has been successfully established. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will only retrieve the information relative to the coupons regarding the products purchased by the customer (and/or those that don't depend on the purchase of a specific product), and not to all available coupons. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will transmit the code(s) of the coupons retrieved from the memory of the portable object and/or of the consulted database(s), to the electronic cash register of the merchant, by means of a connection to the link between the barcode scanner of the merchant, and the register itself.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will receive from the merchant's barcode scanner the codes relating to the purchased products, and will transmit them to the register itself, and it will also by the same channel transmit to the register the codes relating to the coupons.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will only transmit the codes relating to the coupons which corrrespond to the products purchased by the customer, of the codes relative to the coupons of which the use does not depend on the purchase of a particular product (general discount, gift certificates, etc.).
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will print a list of EAN13 barcodes (or in another barcode format understandable by the electronic cash register of the merchant) relative to the coupons of the customer, which then can be scanned by the merchant, as if they were traditional paper coupons.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will show on its LCD screen at least one barcode, EAN13 or another barcode format understandable by the electronic cash register, which corresponds to the coupons of the customer, so that it can be read by the barcode scanner of the electronic cash register of the merchant. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will show each barcode corresponding to the coupons of the user, during a period of time long enough for it being scanned by the electronic cash register of the merchant.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will show a barcode
corresponding to the coupons of the user, and the merchant will push a button (or other sensor) of the system, in order to trigger the display of the next barcode, as soon as the code in question has been duly scanned by the electronic cash register.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be placed in such a fashion that the screen showing the barcodes relating to the coupons of the customer, can be read by the barcode scanner of the electronic cash register of the merchant.
In one embodiment of the invention, the screen, showing the barcodes relative to the coupons of the customer, will be connected to the system by a cable and will be mobile, so that it can be presented to a fixed barcode scanner of the electronic cash register of the merchant.
In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor, which enables to control the display of the next barcode on the screen, will be placed on the screen so that it can be easily activated by the merchant.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will print a summary of the coupons presented by the system to the electronic cash register, including or not the codes in form of barcodes in EAN 13 format or other, and eventually including additional information to the codes of the coupons, such as a code identifying the customer and/or a code identifying the purchase transaction, a list which can be printed in one or more copies.
The printed list can be handed to the customer as proof of the coupons transmitted by the system, can be used as proof towards the emitter of one or more coupon(s), can be communicated to the coupon clearing center, etc.
In one embodiment of the invention, the system will transmit a summary of the codes and possible information relating to the coupons presented to the electronic cash register by the system, towards a database, eventually supplemented with a code identifying the customer and/or a code identifying the purchase transaction. In one embodiment of the invention, the system will be able to use different channels for transmitting to the database, such as a network connection, a radio connection, a telephone connection, a GPRS connection, etc., and it will use them successively until the connection is successfully established.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly when reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention, given as a simple illustrating example, and not limiting, and by the attached drawings, among which:
- Figure 1 illustrates a system of processing electronic coupons according to the invention, in a schematic way;
- Figure 2 presents the procedure of processingf the electronic coupons according to the invention. The system and the procedure according to the invention aim to allow for electronic coupons to be processed by the classic electronic cash registers of merchants, without changing them or with just a minimum of change. In the context of this embodiment, the system is only connected to the existing infrastructure by a "reading" connection on the connection between barcode scanner of the register and the register itself, as well as by using a second electronic communication port available on the register.
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the system according to the invention, where one can see the relation between a device (A), and a cash register (CE). The cash register (CE) functions the classic way, by being connected to a barcode scanner, whether fixed (S1 ) or of a gun type (S2). The system according to the invention contains a device (A) equipped (LIAISON 1 ) with ad hoc sensors for identifying a portable object, such as an RFID chip, or for executing a biometric measurement, such as a digital fingerprint, a connection (LIAISON2) towards an external database (BD1 ), a connection (LIAISON2) towards another external database, a connection (CONN2) to a link between the barcode scanner (CONN1 ) as well as a direct connection (CONN3) towards the cash register (CE). The connection (CONN2) to the link (CONN1 ) between barcode scanner and cash register being in "listening" mode, and allowing the device (A) to read the codes transmitted by the barcode scanner (S1 or S2) towards the cash register (CE). The advantage of this embodiment is that, in case of failure of the system, the cash register will continue to work as before, and the merchant equipped with the system will not be hindered in his sales.
According to this embodiment of the system according to the invention, the device (A) is equipped with two sensors, allowing for the identification of the customer, either by reading a code identifying the customer, contained in an RFID chip (11 ), for example glued to a mobile phone or contained within the latter, or by biometric measurement of the customer (I2) such as scanning a digital fingerprint.
According to this embodiment of the system according to the invention, the device (A) can transmit codes towards the cash register (CE), by means of a direct connection (CONN3). A lot of cash registers indeed are equipped with several available connections, such as serial ports RS-232, and can accept codes on several of them. In another embodiment of the system according to the invention, such as illustrated in figure 1 , the connection (CONN 1 ) between the scanner (S1 or S2) and the cash register (CE) will be disconnected and directly connected to the device (A) via the input jack corresponding to connection CONN2. The exit corresponding to the connection (CONN3) of the device (A) is then connected to the cash register (CE) instead of the connection CONN1 . This alternative will be used in case only one input port can be used on the cash register (CE), in which case the device (A) must pass on to the cash register (CE) the codes it received from the scanner (S1 or S2), in order that the latter receives them also. In another embodiment of the invention, the "bridge" connection of the previous alternative is replaced by connecting the device to the connection CONN1 , thus allowing it on one hand to listen to the codes transmitted by the scanner (S1 or S2) to the cash register (CE) and, on the other hand, to write codes to it relating to the customer and the electronic coupons. This latter embodiment makes it possible to only use one communication port on the cash register, while the electronic cash register can continue to function without disruption in case of failure of the system according to the invention, because the latter does not have to "repeat" the codes relating to the purchased products.
One embodiment of the invention is schematically illustrated in fig. 2; this form of embodiment relates to the embodiment of the system according to the invention such as presented in fig. 1 . The first step (E1 ), according to the procedure, consists of identifying the customer by reading the RFID chip (11 ) contained in his mobile phone, a chip that contains a unique code specific to the customer. In figure 2, the code of the customer is presumed to be "CUST999" The second step (E2), according to the procedure, consists of presenting to the barcode scanner (S1 ) of the cash register (CE) the barcodes of a product (P1 ) bought by the customer. In figure 2, the code contained in the barcode of a product (P1 ) is supposed to be "359671021607". The third step (E3), according to the procedure, consists of the transmission of the code "3596710216079" of the product (P1 ) by the scanner (S1 ) to the cash register (CE), via de connection between the two of them.
The fourth step (E4), according to the procedure, consists of the reading by the device (A) of the code "3596710216079" of the product (P1 ), during the
transmission of this code towards the cash register, via a connection in "reading" plugged into the connection between scanner (S1 ) and cash register (CE). The fifth step (E5), according to the procedure, consists of the query by the device (A) of the database (BD1 ), by sending to the database the information relating to the customer, here the code "CUST999", as well as the information relating to the purchased product (P1 ), here the code "3596710216079".
The sixth step (E6), according to the procedure, consists of the answer of the database (BD1 ) to the query in the previous step (E5), which contains a code understandable by the cash register (CE) and which identifies the customer, here "54801 10000018", as well as a code understandable by the cash register (CE) and identifying the coupon relating to the code " 3596710216079" of the purchased product (P1 ). In figure 2, the code of this coupon is "9810081001763".
The seventh step (E7), according to the procedure, consists of the transmission by the device (A1 ) of the codes received from the database (BD1 ) towards the cash register (CE). According to figure 2, the device transmits here the codes
"54801 10000018" and " 9810081001763", relative to the customer on one hand, and on the other hand to the coupon corresponding to the purchased product.
The eighth step (E8), according to the procedure, consists of the transmission by the device (A) of information regarding the operation towards a database (BD2) in order to register it or process it later.
One must remark that, if the customer buys not one but several products, the fifth step (E5) can either consist of the sending at once of all the codes relative to the various purchased products towards the database (BD1 ), or can be repeated as many times as there are codes relative to the products.
One also must remark that, during the sixth step (E6), the database (BD1 ) can also return codes relative to the coupons, of which the use does not depend on the purchase of a specific product, such as a gift certificate for instance. The sending of codes relative to different coupons during the sixth step (E6) can consist of one transmission of several codes, of several transmissions of one code only. In an embodiment of the invention as shown in fig.2, it is not required to transmit towards the cash register the code relative to the customer.
The device (A) will limit itself to transmit only the codes relating to the coupons. This latter alternative will be preferable when the cash register (CE) is not able to manage the codes relating to the customers.
In one embodiment of the invention, shown in figure 2, the code relative to the customer, returned by the database, will be different upon each purchase transaction. This code does not only allow the identification of the customer, but also of the purchase transaction, which can be useful especially for control and verification purpose. In the latter case, in order to avoid using too many different codes (the memory of some cash registers being very limited), one same code can be reused each day, once a day, thus making the exact identification of the customer and/or all customer transactions possible by looking for the code used and the date of that day.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become more clear when reading the following description of another embodiment of the invention, given as a simple illustrating but non limiting example, and by the attached drawings, amongst which:
- Figure 3 illustrates a system of processing electronic coupons according to the invention, in a schematic way;
- Figure 4 presents the procedure of processing the electronic coupons according to the invention.
The system and the procedure according to the invention aim to enable the processing of the electronic coupons on the classic electronic cash registers of merchants, without changing them or only to the minimum. In the context of this embodiment, the system is only connected to the existing infrastructure by a "writing" connection, plugged in on the connection between the barcode scanner of the register and the register itself. Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, where one sees the relation between a device (A) and a cash register (CE). The cash register (CE) works the classic way, being connected to a barcode scanner gun-style (S1 ) via a connection (CONN1 ) of the serial (RS-232, RS-485 or other) or parallel type, or keyboard connection or USB. The device (A) is equipped with a smartcard reader (LC1 ), enabling it to read the contents of the memory of a smartcard. The device is equipped with a connection (CONN2) plugged into the connection (CONN1 ) between the barcode scanner (S1 ) of the cash register (CE), connection (CONN2) enabling it to write to the connection (CONN1 ) codes which will be received by the cash register (CE) as if they had been scanned by the barcode scanner (S1 ).
In this case, the device (A) does not have to be connected to a database, because the codes relating to the electronic coupons of the customer are stored on the electronic memory of a smartcard held by the customer. The customer will have stored in advance all the code(s) in question, for example by means of a smartcard reader connected to his computer, which enable him by means of one or more ad hoc websites and by means of the necessary software program(s) to choose and write the corresponding codes to the card. The card can also contain a for the customer specific code.
An embodiment of the procedure according to the invention is schematically illustrated by figure 4; this embodiment relates to the embodiment of the system according to the invention such as presented in figure 3.
The first step (E1 ) according the procedure, consists of scanning the code contained in the barcode of the product (P1 ) purchased by the customer on the barcode scanner (S1 ), the second step consists of the transmission of this code by the scanner (S1 ) towards the cash register (CE). In Figure 4, the code of the purchased product (P1 ) is "3596710216079". The first and second step are repeated for each of the purchased items, as often as there are items.
The third step (E3) consists of inserting the smartcard (C1 ) of the customer into the smartcard reader (LC1 ) of the device (A), which then can read all of the code(s) of the electronic coupons of the customer, and also, if applicable, the code specific to the customer himself.
In figure 4, the code relating to the customer is "54801 10000018" , the codes of the electronic coupons of the customer are "9810081001763", "9810081013650" and "9810081027480".
The fourth step (E4) consists of writing the codes to the connection between the barcode scanner (S1 ) and the cash register (CE), codes which will therefore be received by the latter as if they had been sent by the barcode scanner (S1 ).
Other features and advantages of the invention will become more clear when reading the following description of another embodiment of the invention, given as a simple and non limiting sample, and the attached drawings, amongst which:
- Figure 5 illustrates a system of processing electronic coupons according to the invention, in a schematic way;
- Figure 6 presents the procedure of processing the electronic coupons according to the invention. The system and the procedure according to the invention aim to enable the processing of the electronic coupons on the classic electronic cash registers of the merchants, without changing them or only to the minimum. In the context of this embodiment, there is no physical connection between the system and the existing infrastructure of the merchant, who in no way can be disturbed in his functioning, neither by the system, nor by any malfunction of the latter. The transmission of codes of the electronic coupons is executed by the printing of a ticket which resumes those different codes in the form of barcodes readable by the cash register. Whereas this printing has the ecological disadvantage of requiring printing on a paper medium, it also has the advantage that on one hand it only uses the strictly required amount of paper (compared to the traditional paper coupons) and on the other hand the advantage that this paper ticket can be kept as proof, or as a way to enable or facilitate the processing of the coupons afterwards, especially in context of the reimbursement of them by their emitter. Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the system according to the invention, whereas one sees the relation between a device (A) and a cash register (CE). The cash register (CE) functions the classic way, by being connected to a fixed barcode scanner (S2) by a connection (CONN2), for example a serial type (RS- 232, RS-485 or other), a parallel type, a keyboard connection or USB.
The device (A) is equipped with a barcode reader (S1 ) which enables it to read the code relating to the customer, from the portable object held by the customer, for instance a loyalty card. The device is also equipped with a connection (CONN1 ) to a database (BD1 ) along with a printer (P1 ) which enables it to print on tickets barcodes, which are compatible to scanner S2.
An embodiment of the procedure according to the invention is schematically illustrated in figure 6, and this embodiment relates to the embodiment of the system according to the invention, such as presented in figure 5.
The first step (E1 ) consists, according to the procedure, of scanning on scanner S1 the code contained in the barcodes of the portable object held by the customer (11 ). In figure 6, the code related to the customer is "54801 10000018". The second step (E2) consists of the transmission of a query request towards the database (BD1 ) by the device (A) that contains at least the code of the customer and, if applicable, an identification of the sales point where the terminal is installed and/or all other relevant information.
The third step (E3) consists of the returning by the database (BD1 ) towards the device (A) of a list with codes relating to the electronic coupons of the customer and of the printing of them by printer P1 , along with the code relating to the customer and/or all other useful information, on a ticket (T1 ). In figure 6, the codes of the electronic coupons of the customer are "9810081001763",
"9810081013650" and "9810081027480".
The fourth step (E4) consists of scanning on the barcode scanner (S2) connected to the cash register (CE) the first barcode of the ticket (T1 ), so that in the fifth step (E5) it will be transmitted by the barcode scanner (S2) to the cash register (CE). The fourth and fifth step are repeated for each of the barcodes printed on the ticket (T1 ).
In fact, according to this embodiment, one acts by printing barcodes on paper, which will be read by the cash register exactly as if they were traditional paper coupons, whilst at the same time limit the consumption of paper to a strict minimum and preventing the customer from having to select, cut out, etc.
An alternative embodiment of the invention consists of replacing the printing of the ticket by showing the barcodes on a screen, for example with liquid crystals, whereby the screen can be read by the barcode scanner connected to the cash register.
The display of the next barcode is triggered by either a sensor, such as a button, fixed to the device or to the screen, either by a micro which allows the device to detect the small "beep" sound made by the barcode scanner of the cash register upon a successful reading. If useful the screen can be not fixed to the device, but connected to it by a flexible cable, enabling the operator to present easily the screen to the barcode scanner of the cash register, in case it is a fixed scanner. It is important to notice that the embodiments described above can have their features mixed, for example the part related to obtaining the code relative to the electronic coupons by reading a smartcard, illustrated in figures 3 and 4, can be combined with the part related to inputting to the cash register by means of printing a paper ticket, as illustrated in figures 5 and 6, etc.
The above described embodiments illustrate, in an illustrative and non limiting manner, the different ways of realizing the two main functions of the invention, that is on one hand to retrieve a list with codes of the electronic coupons of the customer, and on the other hand to transmit them to the cash register of the merchant.
It can be interesting to equip the system according to the invention with a keyboard, and to add to the procedure according to the invention a step, which for the customer consists of inputting a secret code on the keyboard, thus allowing to validate his identity, and to avoid that the coupons of the customer would be used in a fraudulent way.

Claims

Claims :
1 . System of processing electronic coupons characterized by the fact that on one hand it can obtain a list of one or more codes relating to the electronic coupons of the customer, and on the other hand, transmit this or these codes to the system of the cash register of the merchant.
2. System such as claimed in 1 and characterized by the fact that it is
equipped with a sensor capable of reading a code contained in or on a portable object held by the customer and identifying the said customer.
3. System such as claimed in 2 and characterized by the fact that the code of the customer is contained in a barcode.
4. System such as claimed in 2 and characterized by the fact that the code of the customer is contained in the memory of a smartcard.
5. System such as claimed in 2 and characterized by the fact that the code of the customer is contained in a magnetic strip.
6. System such as claimed in 2 and characterized by the fact that the code of the customer is contained in the memory of an RFID chip..
7. System such as claimed in 1 and characterized by the fact that it is
equipped with a biometric sensor capable of performing the measure of a physical characteristic of the customer, a measure identifying the said customer.
8. System such as claimed in 7 and characterized by the fact that the
biometric measure consists of the measure of a digital fingerprint of the customer.
9. System such as claimed in 7 and characterized by the fact that the
biometric measure consists of the measure of a retinal scan of the customer.
10. System such as claimed in 1 and characterized by the fact that it is
equipped with a digital or alphanumerical keyboard allowing it to capture a code identifying the customer.
1 1 . System according to one of the claims 2 to 10 and characterized by the fact that it can query a database.
12. System such as claimed in 1 1 and characterized by the fact that the database is internal to the system..
13. System such as claimed in 12 and characterized by the fact that it can also query one or more external database(s).
14. System such as claimed in 1 1 and characterized by the fact that the
database is external to the system.
15. System such as claimed in 13 or in 14 and characterized by the fact that this query is done via an Ethernet connection to the external
database.
16. System such as claimed in 13 or in 14 and characterized by the fact that this query is done via a GPRS, EDGE or UMTS connection to the external database.
17. System such as claimed in 13 or in 14 and characterized by the fact that this query is done via a modem connection towards the external database .
18. System such as claimed in 13 or in 14 and characterized by the fact that this query is done via a radio connection to the external
database.
19. System such as claimed in 13 or in 14 and characterized by the fact that this query is done by a Bluetooth or Zigbee connection to the external database.
20. System such as claimed in 13 or in 14 and characterized by the fact that this query can be done by several different kinds of connection, giving the system a redundancy of connectivity.
21 . System such as claimed in 1 and characterized by the fact that it is
equipped with a sensor capable of reading one or more codes relating to the electronic coupons contained in or on a portable object held by the customer.
22. System such as claimed in 21 and characterized by the fact that this/these code(s) are contained in a barcode, such as 2D barcodes, printed on the said portable object .
23. System such as claimed in 21 and characterized by the fact that the code(s) is/are contained in the memory of a smartcard.
24. System such as claimed in 21 and characterized by the fact that the code(s) is/are contained in the memory of an RFID chip.
25. System such as claimed by any of the claims 1 to 24 and characterized by the fact that it is equipped with a printer allowing to print the coupons in the form of a 1 D or 2D barcode..
26. System such as claimed by any of the claims 1 to 24 and characterized by the fact that it is equipped with a screen allowing to display the coupons in the form of a 1 D or 2D barcode readable by the barcode scanner of the merchant.
27. System such as claimed in 26 and characterized by the fact that it is
equipped by a button or a sensor allowing to trigger the display of the next barcode.
28. System such as claimed in 26 and characterized by the fact that it is
equipped with an audio sensor which allows it to identify the reading of the displayed barcode by the barcode scanner of the merchant and to trigger the display of the next barcode.
29. System such as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 24 and characterized by the fact that it is equipped with an electronic connection to the POS system of the merchant, allowing the direct sending of coupons to the cash register .
30. System such as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 24 and characterized by the fact that it is equipped with a connection plugged into the connection between barcode scanner and POS system of the merchant, allowing the sending of coupons to the register as if they had been scanned by the scanner
31 . System such as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 30 and characterized by the fact that it is equipped with a connection plugged into the connection between the barcode scanner and the POS system of the merchant, allowing it to receive the codes related to the products purchased by the customer and scanned by the merchant.
32. System such as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 30 and characterized by the fact that it is equipped with a direct connection to the POS system of the merchant, allowing it to receive the codes relating to the products purchased by the customer and scanned by the
merchant
33. Procedure of processing the electronic coupons characterized by the fact that it contains the following operations:
• reading the information relating to the electronic coupons of the customer from a portable object held by him, or by the identification of the customer and the query of a database
ad hoc;
• transmission of the codes of the electronic coupons of the customer towards the POS system of the merchant, either by printing or displaying the codes in a format readable by the barcode scanner of the merchant, or by direct transmission to the POS system of the merchant.
34. Procedure such as claimed in 33 and characterized by the fact that the query of the database is done by several different connections and tried successively until obtaining the codes.
35. Procedure such as claimed in 33 and characterized by the fact that it
receives from the POS system of the merchant the codes related to the products purchased by the customer.
36. Procedure such as claimed in 35 and characterized by the fact that the query of the database of the coupons is done based upon the codes relating to the products purchased.
37. Procedure such as claimed in 35 and characterized by the fact that only the codes of the coupons relating to the products purchased by the customer are sent to the POS system.
38. Procedure such as claimed in 33 and characterized by the fact that a code, identifying the customer, is also sent to the POS system of the merchant.
39. Procedure such as claimed in 38 and characterized by the fact that the code identifying the customer is of the same type as the codes identifying the products and the coupons.
40. Procedure such as claimed in 38 or in 39 and characterized by the fact that the code identifying the customer is chosen, for a determined period of time, out of a list of codes available in the POS system of the merchant, so that the identification of the customer depends upon the code and the period of time.
41 . Procedure such as claimed in 33 and characterized by the fact that the
codes relating to the products purchased and the coupons used, as well as the identification of the customers, are transmitted to an external database.
42. Procedure according to one of the claims 33 to 41 and characterized by the fact that the details of the operation, such as the identification of the customer, the codes relating to the products purchased and the codes relating to the coupons used are printed so they can be used for later processing of the codes..
43. Procedure according to the claim 42 and characterized by the fact that only a part of this information is printed in order to process it
afterwards
44. Procedure according to one of the claims 33 to 41 and characterized by the fact that the details of the operation such as identification of the customer, the codes relating to the products purchased and the codes relating to the coupons used are printed and handed to the customer as proof.
45. Procedure according to one of the claims 33 to 44 and characterized by the fact that the format of the code identifying a coupon or product is an EAN13.
PCT/IB2011/050794 2010-02-24 2011-02-24 System and procedure of processing electronic coupons and checks WO2011104689A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
LU91656A LU91656B1 (en) 2010-02-24 2010-02-24 System and method for processing electronic vouchers and checks
LU91656 2010-02-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
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