Softcard Systems, Inc.

Other

Ken R Powell

Corey C Snook

Eleanor B Maxwell

Kevin W Hartley

Thomas M Hintz

A system for dispensing and redeeming the electronic discount coupons. The system includes a personal computer (PC) having hardware and software for receiving an electronic coupon from the system of computer networks, translating the received coupon into a binary format, and sending the binary-formatted coupon to a card-writing device. The card-writing device writes the coupon data onto a portable customer card ('smart card') approximately the size of a credit card. Subsequently, the customer goes to the store with the card. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, the customer is credited with the value of a coupon when UPC data from a bar code reader corresponds to a coupon stored on the card.

System and method for distributing coupons through a system of computer networks

Disclosed are computer system configurations and methods for a retail store. In an exemplary system, a CPU and program in a checkout station make a list of the products selected by the customer. The CPU and program processes paper coupon information in the context of the selected products to determine discount eligibility. Another CPU and program in the checkout station perform electronic coupon redemption, by processing the selected products in the context of electronic coupon information.

Computer system configuration and method for a store

A store system for a commercial system with multiple products. The store system includes multiple register stations. Each register station includes a bar code reader that generates a first signal identifying a product selected by a customer, a register computer, and a cable that transfers the first signal to the register computer. Each register station is associated with a respective second computer that sends a second signal to the register computer. A cable transfers the first signal to the second computer. The register computer includes logic that determines a total amount due from the customer, by receiving the first and second signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the second computer interfaces to a customer card that stores discount information.

Transaction systems and methods sending product identification signals to two processors in each register station

A system for creating, dispensing, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a &ldquo;smart card&rdquo;, product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, and a checkout station in the checkout area. To create an electronic coupon, the customer inserts the card into the product station adjacent to an product the customer wishes to purchase, and the product station then writes an electronic coupon onto the card. The customer thus shops throughout the store collecting electronic coupons for products of interest. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data matches data stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon. Periodically, the electronic coupon data is transferred to a remote clearing house.

Retail store configured for bidirectional communication between a plurality of product shelf areas and a plurality of portable cards

Disclosed are systems and methods employing a portable card to configure a commercial system. An exemplary system acts to read from the card at a first location in the store, to process a signal corresponding to a first promotion set stored on the card. The exemplary system also acts to read from the card at a second location in the store, to process a signal corresponding to a second promotion set stored on the card.

System and method employing a portable card to configure a store for product promotion

Retail store efficiently configured to distribute electronic coupons at multiple product locations

A system and method employing portable cards, carried by consumers, to monitor a commercial system. In one exemplary embodiment, when a consumer uses a card at a vending machine, the vending machine may write data, reflecting a condition of the vending machine, onto the card. Subsequently, when the consumer uses the card at another machine, the other machine may read the condition data from the card.

System and method employing portable cards to monitor a commercial system

A system for dispensing and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. A card-dispensing kiosk collects information from a customer and subsequently issues a &ldquo;smart card&rdquo; for storing electronic coupons. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC product data corresponds to coupons stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon.

Kiosk systems and methods for issuing a card storing electronic coupons, after receiving data about a customer

A system for creating, dispensing, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a 'smart card', product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, and a checkout station in the checkout area. To create an electronic coupon, the customer inserts the card into the product station adjacent to an product the customer wishes to purchase, and the product station then writes an electronic coupon onto the card. The customer thus shops throughout the store collecting electronic coupons for products of interest. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data snatches data stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon. Periodically, the electronic coupon data is transferred to a remote clearing house.

Retail store configured for bidirectional communication between a

A system for creating, dispensing, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a 'smart card', product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, and a checkout station in the checkout area. To create an electronic coupon, the customer inserts the card into the product station adjacent to an product the customer wishes to purchase, and the product station then writes an electronic coupon onto the card. The customer thus shops throughout the store collecting electronic coupons for products of interest. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data matches data stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon. Periodically, the electronic coupon data is transferred to a remote clearing house.

Retail store efficiently configured to distribute electronic coupons at

System and method for distributing coupons through a system of computer

A system for auditing coupon distribution in a retail store. The system includes a plurality of retail stores, each having a coupon-dispensing unit for writing electronic coupons onto portable IC cards carried by each customer. To audit the system, store personnel insert an auditing card into the coupon-dispensing units, to collect the dates and recipients of coupon-dispensing transactions.

System and method for transferring identification information between

System and method for controlling distribution of coupons

A system for dispensing and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. A card-dispensing collects information from a customer and subsequently issues a 'smart card' for storing electronic coupons. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC product data corresponds to coupons stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon.

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Athens, GA, United States of America

Ken R Powell