CN101002222A - A shopping system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A shopping system and method is disclosed for providing an inducement to a shopper to purchase products. The inducement may be by way of a shopping list or a coupon providing benefits when products are purchased. A card reader (105, 515) is provided for reading a customer's card to identify the customer, and processors (P1, P2) are provided for containing databases which include customer information so that targeted offers can be made specific to a particular customer by way of a printed shopping list or coupon. A printer (112) is provided for printing the list and a printer (516) is provided for printing the coupons. Information relating to redeemed coupons is also obtained so that organisations making offers by way of the coupons can be built for the promotional offers included on the coupons.

Description

Shopping system and method

technical field

The present invention relates to systems and methods for motivating shoppers to purchase products. The present invention is specifically, but not exclusively, concerned with providing shopping lists or coupons with promotions for different products to directly advertise those products and motivate shoppers to purchase.

Background technique

There are generally 15,000 to 50,000 types of goods sold at retail outlets such as supermarkets. Running promotions for so many items is difficult and expensive. Traditional advertising methods include in-store advertising, coupon distribution at cash registers, and media broadcasts. But a certain type of people is usually only interested in one product, so these advertising methods may not be effective.

Over time, in-store advertisements will become the "wallpaper" of the store and be ignored by consumers.

The traditional way of advertising coupons is wasteful and expensive, and since they're issued at the checkout point, they don't immediately stimulate a purchase and are likely to be forgotten the next time the consumer comes to shop.

A coupon is usually an offer that can be redeemed at a specific location. The most common is a commodity price reduction, such as subtracting 1 yuan from the purchase price of a certain product, or it may be a gift of another product after buying one product.

Typically, the user presents a printed coupon in person at a specific location, such as a cash register at a supermarket or other store where customers pay for purchased products.

One problem associated with distributing coupons is deciding which consumers to distribute them to. Sometimes, coupons are sent to consumers who are not interested in the products on the coupons, so that the coupons are wasted, and the advertising effect expected by providing the coupons is not received.

Another issue is coupon handling and management. Since the physical coupons are presented at the checkout counter in the store, they need to be collected in order to redeem the face value of the coupons to the advertiser. Typically this entails sending the coupons to a designated coupon clearinghouse that collects and manages the coupons and charges for participating products.

Coupons are usually printed on paper, however, in this specification, the term "coupon" refers to any instrument that provides some kind of benefit to consumers. Coupons can thus be paper, or virtual, like a display on a video screen, such as a computer monitor, or a mobile phone, or otherwise.

The advertising method of traditional media broadcast also has the problem of being expensive and the time lag between seeing a promotional offer and actually buying it.

Compared with the mainstream media, modern fragmented media has lower coverage, less quantity and higher regional factors. Today, it is necessary to reach a wide range of shoppers with a multimedia strategy. Furthermore, as modern society becomes an environment of hypercommunication, challenges to attention lead to stimulus overload and shut down or selective retention. Traditional media is also challenged by other modern distractions such as the Internet, mobile phones, SMS, etc. Therefore, traditional media advertising is less effective.

Modern people are time-stressed. It is not enough to offer a variety of goods or products in a shopping environment. In a typical modern supermarket, an average shopper walks through 300 products every 10 seconds. The question is no longer offering more choice, but how retailers in this case can help shoppers decide what to buy and earn their loyalty.

Contents of the invention

Shopping system among the present invention comprises:

(a) an input device used to receive input to identify a shopper;

(b) a shopper database for storing data about shopper shopping characteristics;

(c) Processors that generate shopping cues for shoppers, shopping cues containing items that are believed to be of interest to shoppers based on relevant information in the shopper database, data including past shopping history, attitude segmentation, and regional demographic characteristics;

(d) An output device for outputting shopping inducements for shoppers.

In this way, the present invention enables the generation of specific shopping inducements for each shopper, including products considered to be of interest to him. Thus, specific products may be advertised through shopping inducements using the methods described above, or through specific promotional means, including discounts, or additional benefits associated with the purchase of a certain product.

The present invention is more targeted to consumers based not only on shopping history, but also on attitude segmentation to determine their likelihood of purchasing products they have not bought before, and regional demographic characteristics. In this way, future consumers can be selected and targeted according to their perspective, such as how they view the attributes and benefits of different brands, which represent market opportunities.

Moreover, the shopping inducement can be generated when the shopper starts shopping, so this method is more relevant to the shopper who is about to start shopping than the broadcast of a wide range of media advertisements for a considerable period of time before the start of the shopping event.

In one implementation example, the shopper database is contained within the processor. But in other instances the database may be separate from the processor, or contain an entirely separate processor.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processors include a first processor located at a central station and a second processor located at a retail terminal. Thus, the retail terminal running the shopping system has its own processor, and the system also includes a communication link connecting the first and second processors.

Preferably, the shopper database comprises a customer database in the first processor and a store database in the second processor.

Preferably, the first processor comprises a retail EPOS server.

Preferably, the first processor comprises a retail center server.

In one embodiment, the first processor is used to generate and manage offers applicable to all shoppers and offers applicable to specific shoppers, and may also be used to generate shoppers applicable to specific offers.

Preferably, the input device includes a card reader for reading a card in the possession of the shopper to thereby identify the shopper.

Preferably, the card reader is connected to the store database to provide data relating to the shopper to the store database.

In one embodiment, the output device is a printer coupled to the second processor for providing the shopping inducement in printed form.

Preferably, the store database is connected to the retail EPOS server to provide it with data identifying shoppers and items on shopping inducements made for them.

Preferably, the second input device is connected to the retail EPOS server for receiving input identifying the shopper so that the items on the purchased promotional inducement are offered to the shopper as the inducement passes through the cashier.

Preferably, the retail center server is used to receive the information of the shopper's shopping characteristics, and it is connected to the customer database, and the shopping characteristics of each shopper are stored in the shopping database.

A shopping inducement can be a printed list of purchases or a coupon.

The invention relates to a shopping method, which includes:

(a) receive input to identify shoppers;

(b) provide a shopper database that stores data about shopper shopping characteristics;

(c) generate shopping leads for shoppers that contain items believed to be of interest to shoppers based on relevant information in the shopper database, including past shopping history, attitude segmentation and demographic characteristics; and

(d) Outputting shopping inducements to shoppers.

In one embodiment, the invention also includes generating offers applicable to all shoppers and offers applicable to specific shoppers, and generating shoppers applicable to specific offers.

Preferably, the method further comprises providing data identifying the customer and providing a shopping inducement to the checkout so that as the shopper passes through the checkout, items purchased by the shopper associated with the shopping list are provided in accordance with the shopping list.

In one embodiment the shopping inducement includes a printed shopping list.

In another embodiment the shopping inducement includes a coupon.

The invention may relate to a system for providing coupons to consumers comprising:

Input devices for receiving input to identify consumers;

To store shopper databases about consumers' shopping characteristics, including past shopping history, attitude segmentation and demographic characteristics;

Processors that determine which consumers will receive coupons;

An output device for outputting coupons for consumers.

Like this, through this system according to the present invention, can decide according to the characteristic of consumer and the characteristic of offer which consumer gets coupon, and offer just relates to the people who gets coupon like this. The result is that the offer is more targeted, that the recipient of the coupon is more likely to accept the offer to benefit from it, and provides advertising awareness to the party offering the offer.

Preferably, the system further includes a second processor for electronically providing details of the offer on coupons presented to the consumer so that when the consumer pays at the checkout counter, the The product will be offered according to the coupon.

In this way, consumers may receive price discounts on related items, receive other benefits, and products offered at the checkout counter, or otherwise.

In one embodiment of the invention, the input device includes a card reader for reading a card owned by the customer and identifying the customer. The card may contain data identifying the consumer through a personal code or other data.

The card can be a smart card or an ordinary card with a magnetic stripe.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the database is located in the central station, and the processor is the first processor of the central station. The first processor receives information from the database and processes the data to generate a list of targeted coupons.

Preferably, the second processor is located at the retail terminal receiving the coupon list and is coupled to the output device to provide the coupons to the customer.

In one embodiment, the output device may include a printer for printing coupons that identify the consumer based on information entered by the consumer into the input device.

In another embodiment, the output device includes an EPOS at a checkout in a store for providing a coupon to be redeemed by the customer on the next store visit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a retail terminal has multiple input devices and multiple output devices. In this way, a customer can obtain a coupon containing all the products customized for him at different locations in the store, or a coupon containing only the products near the input and output devices, so as to provide support for the issuance of those products and coupons. More interaction.

In other embodiments, the output device may include other devices, such as providing coupons to consumers via text messages or phone calls to cell phones.

Preferably, the database also stores information identifying stores frequented by the consumer, and the first processor transmits the list of coupons to the second processor at the frequented stores.

Most preferably, a first processor carries said database therein, a processor that determines which products are to be included in the coupon, which consumers will receive the coupon, and a processor that generates a list of coupons for transmission to the second processor. application server.

Preferably, said second server is located in each store that allows the system and includes a database that receives the coupon list transmitted from the first server and controls an output device to provide the coupons to consumers.

The invention also relates to a method of providing coupons to consumers, the method comprising:

identify consumers;

Generate a coupon for the identified consumer based on data in the database (data including past shopping history, attitude segmentation and demographic characteristics); and

Output coupons for consumers.

In one embodiment of the invention, a card reader is used to read a card owned by the customer and identify the customer. The card may include data identifying the consumer through a personal code or other data.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the database of consumer characteristics is stored in the central station, and the method also includes processing the data in the database, and generating a coupon list according to the information processing data of the shopping characteristics stored in the database, including the coupons they want. The product.

Preferably, the method further comprises receiving a list of coupons at the retail terminal, processing the list and information identifying the customer, and providing an indication to the customer to receive the coupons.

In another embodiment, an instruction is provided at the store's EPOS checkout for the customer to receive the sample.

In other embodiments, this instruction may include other methods, such as a text message or phone call to a cell phone, to provide the consumer with a shopping voucher.

Preferably, the method further includes identifying stores where the consumer frequently shops and passing the sample list thereto.

Most preferably, the processing at the central station is performed by a first processor, which includes said database, a server that decides which products are advertised by coupons and consumers who receive free samples, and generates and communicates to a second processor a list of coupons application server.

Preferably, the processing at the retail terminal is performed by a second server which includes receiving a list of coupons transmitted from the first server and controlling the output device to provide the customer with a database of coupons.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to coupon issuance management in order to reduce the workload associated with coupon collection and to charge the payer in connection with promotions offered to consumers on coupons.

This aspect of the invention relates to a system for providing coupons to consumers comprising:

Processor to:

generate a coupon and provide the coupon to the consumer;

Electronically providing details of the offers on the coupons to the redemption station so that when the consumer accepts the offers on the coupon at the redemption station, the consumer receives those offers, and

Provide details of accepted offers on coupons electronically so that merchants who promote on coupons can be charged for the quantity used by consumers.

Thus, according to this aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to collect coupons to be sent to a clearing house for settlement or to charge an advertiser or the like for promotion on shopping coupons. In this way, at least the cost of shipping coupons is saved, and the infrastructure construction of the coupon settlement office is at least reduced, if not eliminated.

In one embodiment, the processor includes a store server that generates coupons and delivers them to the customer, an EPOS payment terminal that receives from the server the details of the coupons for a particular customer (this terminal constitutes a cashing station and is The product purchased at the payment terminal handles the offer on the coupon), and another processor is used to electronically receive details of the offer provided to the consumer, and is used to bill the merchant for participating in the offer.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system also includes an input device for identifying the customer.

In one embodiment, the system also includes an output device for providing coupons to consumers.

Preferably, the processors include a first processor having a database storing consumer characteristics, so that coupons with offers specific to him can be generated based on information about a consumer in the database.

In this way, the consumer can enjoy a discount on the price of the relevant item, receive and receive additional benefits or products at the checkout counter or similar.

In one embodiment of the invention, the input device is a card reader for reading a card owned by the customer and identifying the customer. The card may contain data identifying the consumer through a personal code or other data.

The card can be a smart card or an ordinary card with a magnetic stripe.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first processor is located in the central office. The first processor receives information from the database and processes the data to generate a list of targeted coupons.

Preferably, the processor also includes a second processor located at the retail terminal for receiving the coupon list and coupled to the output device to provide the coupons to the customer.

In one embodiment, the output device may include a printer for printing coupons based on the consumer's identity learned from the input device.

In another embodiment, the output device may include an EPOS cash register in a store for offering a coupon to be redeemed by the consumer the next time the store is visited.

In other embodiments, the output device may include other devices, such as a device that provides coupons to consumers via text messages or calls to cell phones.

Preferably, the database also stores information identifying stores frequented by the consumer, and preferably the first processor transmits the list of coupons to a second processor at the frequented stores.

A second aspect of the invention also relates to a method of providing coupons to consumers comprising:

generate and offer coupons to consumers;

The details of the offers are provided electronically on the coupon to the redemption station so that when the consumer accepts the offer on the coupon at the redemption station, the consumer receives these offers.

Provide details of accepted offers on coupons electronically so that merchants who promote on coupons can be charged for the quantity used by consumers.

Preferably, the coupon is provided to the customer by a server which also electronically provides the coupon details to the EPOS payment terminal which includes a redemption station which processes a customer's sale as detailed on the coupon and returns Details of the accepted offers are provided electronically to another processor so that it can bill the participant for the amount spent by the consumer.

Preferably, coupons are generated and provided according to data in a database storing characteristics of the consumer, the benefits on such coupons being a targeted selection according to the data about him in the database.

Preferably, the method further comprises identifying the customer to generate coupons associated with the particular customer.

Preferably, the method comprises receiving data from a database and processing the data to generate a targeted coupon list, which is transmitted to a retail store for printing based on customer information identified there.

Preferably, the method further comprises identifying the stores that the consumer frequents so that a targeted list can be communicated to stores associated with the particular consumer.

The present invention also provides a shopping system, including:

multiple shopping terminals;

an input device for receiving input identifying a shopper;

store database at each shopping terminal;

Output devices that output shopping inducements to shoppers;

Remotely connected to the central processing part of the database of each store with a communication link from the shopping terminal, the central database contains customer data on shopping characteristics;

a processor at the central processing section for processing information in the databases, generating shopping inducements, and transmitting them to the respective databases of the respective stores via communication links; and

Wherein, the shopper's identity is identified through the input device, and his shopping inducement is generated through the output device to induce the shopper to purchase the above items.

Preferably, the store processor is located at each shopping terminal, and is used for managing the store database, providing the center with data of shoppers' purchased items, and storing them in the customer database.

Preferably, the central part's processor comprises a server with the retailer's inventory system and its database.

Preferably, the store retail locations are physical stores, and said input means and said output means are located in each store.

The present invention also provides a shopping method, which includes:

Receive data from input devices for use in identifying shoppers;

providing a database of stores located at various locations of multiple shopping terminals;

Output shopping inducements to shoppers;

providing a central processing part remotely located from the shopping terminal and connected by a communication link to the database of each store, the central database containing customer data on shopping characteristics;

processing information in the database at the central processing section, generating shopping inducements and transmitting them to the respective store databases via communication links; and

Wherein, the shopper's identity is identified through the input device, and his shopping inducement is generated through the output device to induce the shopper to purchase the above items.

Preferably, the method further includes providing a store processor located at each shopping terminal for managing the store database, providing the center with data on items purchased by shoppers, and storing them in the customer database.

Preferably, the central part's processor comprises a server with the retailer's inventory system and its database.

Preferably, the shopping terminal is a physical store, and the above-mentioned input and output devices are located in each store.

Description of drawings

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example in conjunction with accompanying drawing below, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the system structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the input of shopper data to the system of FIG. 1;

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating generation of promotional campaigns according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a user interface of the system of FIG. 1; and

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Fig. 1 shows a shopping system, which will be apparent with reference to a shopping method according to a preferred embodiment.

The system in Figure 1 includes a processor P1 at a central station, which is connected by communication link 111 to store processors P2 (only one shown) at the retailer's premises.

The processor P1 is programmed with a promotional application software, schematically indicated by 101 in FIG. 1 , and a target application software, indicated schematically by 103 in FIG. 1 . Processor P1 may also consist of customer database 102 and retailer central server 108 .

Software 101 is used for general and targeted consumer promotions. General promotions apply to all shoppers using the system, and targeted promotions apply to specific groups of shoppers using the system. For example, a targeted promotion might target women with children aged 0 to 5.

In this way, promotional software 101 generates various promotions that are offered at specific retail outlets to shoppers using the system. To generate these promotions, a set of promotions is entered into software 101 by the central authority operating the system, which generates the required promotion files. The promotion file in XML format is uploaded from the software 101 to the store database 104 through an appropriate communication link, which may be a dedicated line, the Internet, the wide area network 120, or the like. Preferably, it is sent over a wide area network using a file transfer protocol. The promotional offers generated by the software 101 may be the same for each store using the system, or may vary depending on the characteristics of the store, its location, the type of people who shop there, and the like.

The customer database 102 contains data about each shopper's identity, such as a PIN, account number, or any other suitable identification data, as well as data about his shopping characteristics. These characteristics include personal data such as whether the shopper is male, female, age group, and specific characteristics about what types of products the shopper is interested in.

The database thus includes data about consumers' past shopping behavior, as well as attitudinal segmentation, regional demographics and other categories used to classify consumers. The benefit of including an attitude split is that it provides data on consumers' general attitudes. This makes it possible to select prospective customers and target them according to their perspectives (eg how they perceive the attitudes and benefits of brand advertisements, and what market opportunities these represent). In this way, products that would otherwise not be purchased or brand new products can be targeted to certain consumers based on consumer perspective analysis and analysis of what they are likely to buy according to their attitudes. Similarly, consumers can be segmented by attitudes, interests, opinions and lifestyles, which is better targeted than simply relying on past shopping history. Regional demographics are also better at targeting consumers based on family size, education, where people work and live, etc. than simply relying on past shopping history. In this way, this embodiment has better flexibility due to the use of data such as shopping behaviors, attitudes, lifestyles, psychological maps, and regional demographic characteristics or their combination, and is more targeted with the development of the selection category, because the selection The higher the standard, the stricter and more accurate the targeting. In addition, the scope of target selection is known, and the matching criteria are determined in advance, so that the cost, opportunity, and competition mechanism of promotion can be more clearly grasped. Therefore, targeting can be increased or decreased according to the expansion or contraction of the target range. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is much more expensive to focus on data mining, business analysis intelligence tools, and focused strategy development, and the data acquired to generate the target population and deliver it to the shopper-identifying store is in line with the target consumer Group of shopping list or shopping coupons. Not only that, but a comprehensive shopping list and coupon system can provide a combination of situations. For example, if a coupon is issued at a kiosk next to a shopping aisle or shelf, it could be conditional upon activation of a shopping list. For example, shoppers can be asked to enable both a shopping list and a coupon to get a bigger discount or offer, maximizing the effect of a merchant's promotion. For example, if you buy a product, you will be provided with a shopping list with specific discounts, and coupons that provide further discounts, such as a one-dollar discount on this product. The target system also supports cashback, that is, the shopper uses the cashback coupon to receive cash when he next purchases an item, and the shopping inducement is a cashback coupon at this time. Cashback coupons are pre-determined and can be offered as part of a shopping list or coupons that shoppers can accumulate to redeem at store entrances or kiosks after they have accumulated a certain amount.

Data about a shopper is provided to the customer database 102 from the retail center server 108 that receives the data when the user joins. The central server 108 manages a retailer database 121 in which customer data is initially provided from the input 110 and the call center 109 . Central server 108 also manages retailer inventory system 111 which provides product data to customer database 102 .

Retailers can provide protection and security to their database 104 . Customer database 102 receives information from retailer inventory system 111 and store database 104 and reorganizes the information into a data structure that can be analyzed and targeted by the operating system. To protect privacy, the data from the retailer does not contain the customer's name and address. The retailer inventory system 111 contains product descriptions, EAN barcodes for stores, and long-term sales records over several years. The customer database 102 is matched and merged with the product data of the retailer's inventory system 111 according to customer identity and recent purchases. Distribution data is periodically updated and loaded.

Software 101 supports many different promotion methods, including simple discount method, buying product X to save Y yuan. Conditional discounts, such as buying product X to save Y yuan, and each customer is limited to Z. Reward bundles, such as buying product X and getting a second X for free. Joint bundles, such as buying product X and getting product Y as a gift. Sample promotions, such as picking up a free sample of product X at the cashier. Expenditure promotions, such as spending X yuan today can get Y yuan. Lottery promotions like getting a free movie ticket with 5 purchases of product X this month.

Software 101 typically generates promotional offers applicable to all shoppers and targeted offers for specific shoppers.

Software 103 selects shoppers for targeted offers. Once the targeted offer is determined, such as women with children aged 0 to 5, the software 103 extracts all shoppers who meet the criteria from the customer database 102, generates a list and sends it to the software 101. This customer-specific list and promotional offers are provided to the store database 104 of each retail store operating the system.

If the retail store is a physical store where shoppers go to shop in person, an input device 105 is provided at the store.

In one embodiment, the input device is a card reader 105, which forms part of a wide area network, and a shopper using the system is provided with a card 403 containing data identifying the shopper so that when card reader 105 reads the card , the data is provided to processor P2. In other embodiments, instead of a card reader, a keypad, biometric sensor, or other input device is used to enter a code identifying the shopper or a personal identification number.

If the retail store is a virtual store for online shopping through the Internet, the processor P2 is connected to a personal computer through the Internet, and the input may be a keyboard of the personal computer for inputting user codes and passwords to identify shoppers.

After identifying a certain shopper by swiping a card, entering a personal identification number or other means, extract the characteristic data about him from the customer database 102, and generate specific promotional offers through the software 101 and 103 accordingly.

In this way, a shopping list suitable for the shopper is generated, the list including all or part of the numerous promotional offers generated by the software 101 and 103 according to the information about the shopper's characteristics in the database 102 . The shopping list can be generated at processor P1 or processor P2 or both. However, in the preferred embodiment, the list is only generated in processor P2 and sent to printer 112 for printing to the shopper. The printer 112 may be conveniently located next to the input device 105 so that the shopper can grab the printed list and start shopping.

The store database 104 is connected to an EPOS server 106 at a checkout 107 for payment collection for shopping. Thus, the data containing the shopping list generated specifically for the shopper from the store database 104, together with the data identifying the shopper, forms a file that is sent to the retail EPOS server 106, and to the checkout counter 107, When the shopper shows up at the cashier 107, a comparison is made to what the customer actually purchased. The checkout station 107 is provided with a second input device for entering data identifying the shopper. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, a second card reader is located at the cash register 107. Card readers may include traditional card readers for paying for purchases with debit and credit cards. When collecting money, the customer swipes his card with the card reader at the cash register 107, and the card reader identifies his identity and the shopping list generated for him. The items purchased by the customer are compared with this shopping list, and those who are consistent with it are checked out according to the promotional offer. This way, customers can get discounts, freebies, etc. as discussed above.

As previously described, the retail center server 108 communicates with the shopping profile data input 110 and the call center input 109 located at the retail store to enter into the server 108 the shopping profile of a shopper. The server 108 is in turn connected to the customer database 102 to provide the shopper's shopping characteristics to the customer database 102 located at the central station.

The store database 104 also returns an active file to the database 102, including data about a personal shopping list generated in the processor P2 and printed out for a shopper. That's the way to make actual promotional offers, and those offers that shoppers actually take advantage of.

Usually shoppers can join this shopping system by filling out a membership application form. The application form enables shoppers to provide characteristics of their shopping, such as personal details, characteristics of products of interest. He was then issued a card with his identifying information. In other embodiments, a shopper is identified without a card, but with a personal identification number, account number, or other form of identifying the shopper. The data in the application form can be provided through the shopping feature input 110 located at the retail store. The data in the input 110 may be stored as a text file on disk for loading into the retail center server 108 . The data is provided to the customer database 102 by the server 108 after verification. Entering 109 allows shoppers to call a customer service line to request changes to their personal information if desired.

Like this, customer database 102 has just built up, and it contains the information that identifies customer and its shopping characteristics provided on the card that is provided to customer. In another embodiment, the card used by the customer may be a smart card as previously described. Unlike magnetic stripe cards, which only store a shopper's identity, smart cards have a smart chip with shopping characteristics such as items purchased, lifestyle, area demographics and other shopping behavior data. In this way, the smart card can be used to update consumer data on the card, for example, update transaction levels on the card to track eligibility criteria for promotional offers, such as a threshold level for a purchase (valued in dollars), "Spent this week You can get a reward of 100 yuan." Similarly, updated day-to-day shopping rates can be written to the card, so shoppers who shop multiple times a day can receive a new shopping list and targeted offers. In addition, smart cards can capture other data from multiple retailers.

As shown in FIG. 1, the retail EPOS server 106 also communicates with the central server 108, so that the shopper's shopping situation can be provided to the retail server through the communication link 116, adding the shopping feature of the customer. For example, if a customer always buys certain products, this information can be added to the customer shopping profile.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing how data is provided to the customer database 102 . The application form, indicated at 201 in FIG. 2, provides information about the shopper that can be entered through input 110, as previously described. Data in server 106 may also be provided to identify products purchased by the shopper. Retailer inventory system 202 and store server 108 also provide information, which is stored in database 102 .

FIG. 3 explains the operation of software 101 and 103 . As previously stated, software 103 generates and provides software 101 with a list of shoppers associated with a targeted promotion. The software 101 generates specific promotional offers and general promotional offers applicable to all shoppers. This information is passed to the database 104 associated with each store operating the system.

When a shopper shows up at the store and begins shopping, he is identified by swiping his card with the card reader 105, or by typing his pin number into a keypad, or by entering biometric data into a sensor, or otherwise . Processor P2 then extracts information from store database 104 which stores a list of target shoppers and overall promotional offers. The shopper's shopping characteristics are identified in the customer database 102, and items matching the shopper's characteristics are selected from the overall promotional offers in processor P2. In addition, if the shopper is in the targeted shopper list generated by the software 103, all items are identified and a shopping list is generated for the shopper containing the overall promotional offers and offers on the targeted list. The shopping list is printed out at the printer 112 connected to the card reader 105 so that the shopper can get the shopping list when he starts shopping. However, in other embodiments, the shopping list may be provided in other ways, such as by providing a web page if shopping in a virtual store. Other media can also be utilized to provide shoppers with some form of inventory when they begin shopping. The shopper then looks at the list, and during the shopping process at the store, can choose to purchase some of the products on the list, all of the products, or none of them.

After shopping, shoppers show up at the checkout counter to pay for their purchases. As previously mentioned, when a shopping list is generated for a shopper, the list is also sent to the server 106 so that its shopping benefits can be identified when payment is collected. When the shopper pays for his purchased item, he again enters his identity information into the second input device at the checkout 107 . Again, this could be by swiping a card, keying in a PIN, providing biometric data to a sensor, etc. In this way, the purchased items are compared with the list at checkout, and if one of them matches the promotional offer on the list, the shopper receives the corresponding offer as promised.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing shopper interaction with the system. As before, the shopper presents his card to the card reader 105, indicated at 401 in FIG. 4, in order to generate a shopping list, indicated at 402 in FIG. Items on shopping list 402 are provided to store server 108 and store EPOS server 106 . At the cash register 107, the shopper swipes his card again to verify his identity and ensure that the promotional offers customized for him on the list are implemented. Cashier 107 may generate a receipt for the shopper's purchases.

As noted above, the preferred embodiment of the present invention generates a personalized shopping list for the shopper after entering the store and before the shopper begins shopping. Shoppers swipe their cards to generate a shopping list of special personal offers tailored to them. Offers are linked to cash registers so that shoppers actually get those offers.

Products purchased by this shopper from the store may be used to establish shopping history and lifestyle regional demographic data for analysis to determine future purchases, along with lifestyle and preference data provided by the original shopper when they joined the program and promotional offers. In this way, the personalized shopping list provides direct promotional offers to shoppers who are believed to be attracted to and take advantage of these offers. And the discount is offered at the beginning of shopping. The system can change promotion strategies frequently and set different standards for different promotion strategies.

Processor P1 may also use target business information application software 103 to generate management reports 403 based on data stored in database 102 .

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment related to providing coupons. The first processor P1 is located in the central station, and the second processor P2 is located in the retail terminal R (only one retail terminal R and one processor P2 are shown in the figure). Processor P1 is connected to processor P2 by hard wiring for data transfer, network connection, Internet connection or otherwise.

Processor P1 includes a database 503, which contains a database of customers and their shopping characteristics. Characteristics include demographic information, product preferences based on a consumer's shopping history, and personal information such as whether a consumer has children, pets, or other personal information used to determine whether they might be interested in a certain type of product. This information can be obtained from consumers' shopping habits, or from providing some information when they fill in the application form when they join the system.

As shown in FIG. 5 , database 503 is connected to retailer server 500 . The retail server 500 may be connected to a plurality of retail terminals R operated by the same organization (only one is shown in the figure for convenience of illustration). Thus, a chain of retail terminals R may contain, for example, ten different retail stores. A single server 500 is associated with all stores of the same chain, and these stores may for example be located in a management office of the chain of stores. Another chain of stores would have their own server 500 . The retail server 500 includes a retailer inventory system 502 that holds all product information available at the retail terminal, and a customer database 501 that organizes information about customers shopping at the store, characteristics of purchased products, and store identification data. The database 501 collects information from the store EPOS collection system 520 about products purchased by a particular customer. Database 501 also contains data of the types of attitudes and demographics in FIGS. 1 and 4 . System 520 includes an EPOS cash register 513 and store database server 513 . In this way, the product details purchased by a specific consumer can be provided from the EPOS cashier 513 to the database 512, and then from the database 512 to the retailer's server 500 via dedicated line, wide area network, or other communication link 540. In this way, at each retail terminal R, a database about the identity of a certain consumer and the products purchased can be obtained. Products purchased by consumers are identified by scanning their barcodes when receiving payment, so that a database of products that specific consumers are interested in can be established. The data collected at each store of the chain is provided to the server 500 associated with the chain. Server 500 may be provided with information from stores via a communication link, or loaded with information collected at various stores. The data in the server 500 is transferred to a database 503 located at a central station for compiling data about customers and their characteristics from all stores running the system.

Data from retail server 500 is provided to database 503 via a communication link of some kind as described above.

Thus, database 503 includes identifying specific consumers, products in which those consumers are interested, attitudes, demographic characteristics, and other personal information about consumers.

Processor P1 also includes a server 504 including software for processing information about offered coupons and data in database 503 to identify consumers who would be interested in a certain product. The server 504 generates a list of targeted coupons and sorts the lists and categories according to the parameters of the advertiser's advertising with the coupons. That is, those who the product provider wants to attract, are interested in buying this product, and will be induced to buy by another offer. In this way, coupons can be used to directly advertise certain products through price discounts and giveaways. Or it might cause a customer to buy an item they haven't bought before because of a related offer, such as "Buy this product and get two movie tickets for free." The list of the server 504 is provided to the application server 505, and the application server generates a sample file to reclassify eligible consumers, and then generates a list of target coupons for the stores frequented by the target consumers. These lists are sent by communication link 514 to the various retail stores R. In this way, the list is forwarded for each frequented store, which list is then received at the store database 506 of the associated retail store R.

In this way, the system collects shopping data from consumers' past shopping, identifies shoppers, and matches shoppers with the stores they often go to. Then by further matching with the advertiser's market target parameters (i.e. suppliers of products advertised in the form of coupons), the coupon file is generated on the server 505, which usually includes the specific number of frequented stores for each participating consumer information. The relevance of receiving coupons depends on advertiser parameters, such as demographic data, purchasing behavior, and the like. The coupon file generated by the server 505 further identifies target consumers one by one, generates a list of target coupons, and electronically transmits it to the server 506 of each relevant frequented store R.

The lists received by the database 506 of each retail store R are loaded into computers 507 and 508 which are connected to an input device such as a card reader for receiving a customer card 511a which identifies the customer. Computers 507 and 508 also have printer 516 which prints coupon 509 and/or coupon 510, respectively, for a particular customer. Thus, when a customer shows up at the store, he inserts the card 511a into the card reader 515, and if there is a coupon applicable to that particular customer, the coupons 509, 510 are printed by one of the printers 516. This provides the consumer with coupons that he has the potential to redeem.

If the retail terminal is a virtual retail terminal accessed through the Internet, the data input to identify the user identity can use the method of typing in the personal identification number with a keyboard, and the coupons 509, 510 can be provided in the form of web pages. Obviously the product is not in the home of the person doing the virtual shopping, so he has to go to a specific retail terminal or other location to pick up the free sample.

The computer 507 and its software, with its associated card reader 515 and printer 516, are located not far from the store entrance so that the customer can access the system as soon as they enter the store. Thus, upon presentation of the user's card 511a, a personal coupon is printed by the printer 516 with benefits for that customer.

The computer 508 and its software are located elsewhere in the store, such as next to the aisle or shelves where certain products are placed, to interact with consumers as they select those products. Computer 508 may also have a television screen (not shown) that displays advertisements for products surrounding the television and computer 508 . The customer inserts his card 511a into the card reader 515 associated with the computer 508 and gets a personal coupon for the product advertised on the computer 508 and its screen, which coupon may or may not be related to the customer characteristics stored in the database. In this way, by interacting with the computer 508 to generate some purchase desires for nearby products, advertisers can draw consumers' attention to products that they are not familiar with or would not use. As such, the offers on the individual's choice coupon 510 may differ from those obtained at the entry, such as cross-category coupon offers such as bread and butter, meat and sauces, and the like.

The manifest generated by computer 508 may also contain a fully targeted manifest if not provided by computer 507.

The server 506 is connected to a retail store server 512 which in turn controls the store's EPOS cash register 513. Thus, the offers offered to consumers on coupons 509 and 510 are electronically communicated by server 506 to server 512 and provided to EPOS collection computer 513 . When the consumer appears at the checkout counter, he swipes his card at the card reader 517 of the computer 513 . The card reader 517 can be a common card reader that reads a debit card, a credit card, or other cards to complete a payment transaction to pay for goods, or it can be a separate card reader. In this way, the item on the coupon purchased by the consumer pays according to its discount.

Processor P2 also processes offers redeemed by consumers in order to bill advertisers who want to run promotions on coupons based on these offers. P2 calculates the charging demand and the units to be charged by adding up the total value charged by marketers or advertisers who offer benefits on coupons. In this way, the advertiser is charged for redemption provided at the store. Since these can be matched electronically with sales data, cashing out is simple and fast.

This eliminates the need to collect these coupons and physically send them to a clearinghouse to be counted and determine which coupons have been redeemed by the consumer in order to bill those marketers or advertisers who participated in the promotion.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the EPOS collection terminal 513 automatically determines discounts or other benefits, as the details of the coupons offered to the consumer are provided to the terminal 513, and the consumer validates the transaction by inserting the card 511b into the card reader 517. Know your identity. In this way, as long as the collection terminal processes any product related to the coupon offer, the consumer can obtain the corresponding offer, such as a price discount. The EPOS terminal determines all discounts related to a certain product and forwards them to the retail server 512 which in turn passes the data on to another processor P3. The other processor P3 may be the retailer's warehouse server 500, or it may be a completely separate processor or server. In this way, all the stores in the chain transmit the discount data determined by each EPOS cash collection terminal 513 to the server 500, and then the server 500 edits suitable discounts for each product and each advertiser participating in the promotion on the coupon. Participating advertisers are charged based on discounts or benefits provided by electronic invoices or other means, and participating advertisers simply remit money to the chain's main store, and then the main store remits money to it according to the specific amount of discount for each retail store.

In this way, the system of the preferred embodiment of the present invention manages the entire coupon operating system, including issuing coupons by computers 507, 508, and 513, cashing out benefits on coupons, and calculating and charging fees to marketers or advertisers participating in the event. This approach eliminates the need for costly physical coupon handling, not only reduces the cost of individually printing coupons, improves efficiencies by reducing collection processing time because physical coupons are not handled, but also eliminates the removal of returned coupons. structure. This keeps queues at cash registers short and operational and security measures kept to a minimum. All transactions are electronic, which is more accurate than physically counting printed coupons.

Additional coupons 514 may also be generated upon payment for the product at the cashier 513 . Or also can not use the coupon that above-mentioned computer 507 and 508 produce, and only use this coupon. In this case, the coupon 514 can be redeemed the next time the consumer visits the store, so that the coupon also provides an incentive to encourage the consumer to come back to the store because he is offered a new coupon when he is about to leave after shopping .

In the following claims as well as in the preceding specification, unless the context requires otherwise, "comprises" is used once to identify inclusion, i.e., to designate the presence of said features, but not to exclude Other additional features exist in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (64)

1. purchase system comprises:

(a) be used to receive the input equipment of input with the identification shopper;

(b) be used to store do shopping shopper's database of feature about the shopper;

(c) produce the processor that shopping is induced for described shopper, described shopping is induced to comprise based on the data relevant with described shopper of storing in described shopper's database and is thought that the interested article of described shopper, described data comprise that shopping was historical, attitude is cut apart and geodemographics in the past; And

(d) be used to described shopper to export the output device that described shopping is induced.

2. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shopper's database is included in the described processor.

3. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said processor comprise the first processor that is positioned at central station and are positioned at second processor of retail terminal.

4. system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said shopper's database comprises the customer database that is arranged in described first processor and is arranged in the shop database of described second processor.

5. system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first processor also comprises retailer EPOS server.

6. system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first processor also comprises retailer's central server.

7. system as claimed in claim 3, it is preferential and preferential at the targeted of particular shopper that wherein said first processor is used to produce and manage the sales promotion that is used for all shoppers, and be used to described targeted sales promotion to select particular shopper.

8. system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said input equipment comprises the card reader that reads the card that the shopper has and discern described shopper at this point.

9. system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said card reader is connected to described shop database, so that the data about described shopper to be provided to described shop database.

10. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said output device is to be connected to the printer that described second processor is induced with the described shopping that print form is provided.

11. system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said shop database are connected on the described retail EPOS server, being used for provides the described shopper of identification and the data of the article of inducing for the described shopping of its generation to described retail EPOS server.

12. system as claimed in claim 11, wherein second input equipment is connected on the described retail EPOS server, be used to receive the described shopper's of identification input, the article of buying with the described shopper of box lunch are during by cashier, induce according to described shopping at the article on the described shopping list that the sales promotion that provides is preferential checks out.

13. system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said retail central server is used to receive the do shopping information of feature about the shopper, described retail central server is connected to described shopper's database, is used for described shopping characteristic storage with described each shopper at described customer database.

14. the system as claimed in claim 1, the form that wherein said shopping is induced are the shopping lists of printing, or provide with the form of reward voucher.

15. a purchase method comprises:

(a) receive input with the identification consumer;

(b) provide storage about do shopping shopper's database of data of feature of shopper;

(c) induce for described shopper produces shopping, described shopping is induced and is comprised based on described

The data relevant with described shopper of storing in shopper's database think that the interested article of described shopper, described data comprise that shopping was historical in the past, attitude is cut apart and geodemographics; And

(d) for exporting described shopping, described shopper induces.

16. method as claimed in claim 15, wherein this method comprises further also that to produce the sales promotion be used for all shoppers preferential and preferential at the targeted of particular shopper, and be that described targeted sales promotion is from described database selection particular shopper.

17. method as claimed in claim 15, wherein this method also further comprises to cashier provides identification client's data and described shopping to induce, when described shopper passed through described cashier, the article relevant with described shopping list that described shopper buys can provide according to described shopping list like this.

18. method as claimed in claim 15, the shopping list that comprises printing is induced in wherein said shopping.

19. method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said shopping are induced and are comprised reward voucher.

20. a system that is used for providing to the consumer reward voucher comprises:

Be used to receive the input equipment of input with the identification consumer;

Be used to store the database about the data of consumers shopping feature, described data comprise that shopping was historical in the past, attitude is cut apart and geodemographics;

Be used for the definite processor that will receive the consumer of described reward voucher; And

Be used to the consumer to export the output device of described reward voucher.

21. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein this system further comprises second processor, be used for providing preferential details on described consumer's the reward voucher offering in the electronics mode, like this when described consumer be commodity when handing over money at cashier, the product on the described reward voucher of any purchase offers described consumer according to described reward voucher.

22. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said input equipment comprises card reader, is used for reading card that described consumer has to discern described consumer.

23. the system as claimed in claim 22, wherein said card can be smart card or the card that simply has magnetic stripe.

24. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said database is kept in the central station, and described processor comprises the first processor at described central station place.Described first processor receives described data of database and processing said data to produce targeted reward voucher inventory.

25. system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said second processor is positioned at the retail terminal that is used to receive described reward voucher inventory, and described second processor is connected on the described output device so that described output device provides described reward voucher to described consumer.

26. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said output device comprises printer, and it prints described reward voucher to described input equipment input information to discern described consumer in response to the consumer.

27. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said output device comprises the EPOS cashier in the shop, the described reward voucher of cashing when being used to described consumer shop next time is provided.

28. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein retail terminal provides a plurality of described input equipments and a plurality of described output device, like this, the consumer can obtain being included as the relevant reward voucher of these all consumer customized products in the different location in shop, perhaps only be included near the reward voucher of the product the input-output device, so that provide more how mutual for the distribution of those specific productss and reward voucher.

29. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said database is also stored the information in the shop often gone of identification consumer, and described first processor is transmitted to described reward voucher inventory and is positioned at described described second processor of often going shopping and locating.

30. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said first processor comprises described database, be used for determining being included in the application server that the product of described reward voucher and which consumer will receive the server of reward voucher and be used to produce the described reward voucher inventory that is sent to described second processor.

31. system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said second server is arranged in each shop of operating described system, and described second processor comprises the described reward voucher inventory that reception spreads out of from described first processor and controls described output device provides database from described reward voucher to described consumer.

32. a method that provides reward voucher to the consumer comprises:

The identification consumer;

In response to consumer's identity of being discerned, comprise that based on the data generation that comprises in the database the preferential reward voucher relevant with this shopper, these data comprise that shopping is historical in the past, attitude is cut apart and geodemographics;

For described consumer exports described reward voucher.

33. method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said identification consumer uses card reader to read card that the consumer has with the identification consumer.

34. method as claimed in claim 32, wherein consumer characteristic's database is kept in the central station, and the data that this method further comprises in the processing said data storehouse produce the reward voucher inventory to particular consumer to be supplied with the feature and the expectation of being stored according to described database by the product that the reward voucher advertisement is provided.

35. method as claimed in claim 32, wherein said method also are included in retail terminal and receive described reward voucher inventory, handle described reward voucher inventory and identification consumer's information, provide described consumer to receive the indication of described reward voucher.

36. method as claimed in claim 35 wherein provides described consumer to receive the indication of sample at the EPOS in shop cashier place.

37. method as claimed in claim 32, wherein this method also comprises the often shop of shopping of the described consumer of identification, and described sample inventory is forwarded to the shop of described frequent shopping.

38. method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the described processing of center position is undertaken by first processor, it comprises described database, determine which product of advertisement on the described reward voucher and receive free sample the target consumer server and produce and pass to the application server of the described reward voucher inventory of described second processor.

39. method as claimed in claim 35, the described processing that wherein is positioned at the retail terminal place is undertaken by second processor of the retail shop that is positioned at the described system of operation, and it comprises the described reward voucher inventory that reception spreads out of from described first processor and controls described output device provides database from reward voucher to described consumer.

40. a system that provides reward voucher to the consumer comprises:

Processor is used for:

Produce reward voucher, and provide this reward voucher to the consumer;

Provide preferential details to cashing the station in the electronics mode on reward voucher, cashing the station when accepting preferential on the described reward voucher as the consumer like this, described consumer obtains that these are preferential; And

The businessman of sales promotion on described reward voucher, provides received preferential details in the electronics mode, so that can be collected the charges according to the quantity of being used by the consumer on described reward voucher.

41. system as claimed in claim 40, wherein said processor comprises the shop server that produces described reward voucher and provide it to the consumer; Receive the EPOS cash receiving terminal of the preferential details of the described reward voucher relevant with particular consumer from described server, described EPOS cash receiving terminal constitutes describedly to be cashed the station and the product treatment of described cash receiving terminal place purchase and this consumer preferential on the individual described reward voucher is arranged by particular consumer; Be used for the electricity consumption submode with another and receive the processor of the preferential details offer described consumer, be used for to preferential participant charge is provided on reward voucher.

42. system as claimed in claim 40, wherein said system further comprises the input equipment that is used to discern the consumer.

43. system as claimed in claim 40, wherein said system further comprises the output device that is used for providing to described consumer described reward voucher.

44. system as claimed in claim 40, wherein said processor comprises first processor, described first processor has storage consumer characteristic's database, can be that described consumer's generation includes the preferential reward voucher relevant with described consumer according to the information relevant with particular consumer that comprises in the database so just.

45. system as claimed in claim 42, wherein said input equipment comprises card reader, is used for reading card that described consumer has to discern described consumer.

46. system as claimed in claim 44, wherein said first processor is positioned at central station, and described first processor receives from described data of database and processing said data to produce targeted reward voucher inventory.

47. system as claimed in claim 46, wherein said processor further comprises and is positioned at second processor that retail terminal is used to receive described reward voucher inventory, and described second processor is connected to and makes it provide described reward voucher to described consumer on the described output device.

48. system as claimed in claim 43, wherein said output device comprises printer, and it prints described reward voucher to the input equipment input information to discern described consumer in response to the consumer.

49. system as claimed in claim 43, wherein said output device comprises the EPOS cashier in the shop, the described reward voucher of cashing when being used to described consumer shop next time is provided.

50. system as claimed in claim 40, wherein said database is also stored the information in the shop that the described consumer of the identification relevant with the consumer often goes, and preferably, described first processor is transmitted described reward voucher inventory described second processor at the place that often goes shopping.

51. one provides the method for reward voucher to the consumer, it comprises:

Produce reward voucher at the consumer, and provide this reward voucher to it;

On described reward voucher, provide preferential details in the electronics mode to cashing the station, like this when the consumer at the described station of cashing when accepting preferential on the described reward voucher, described consumer obtains that these are preferential; And

On described reward voucher, provide received preferential details in the electronics mode, so that on described reward voucher, provide preferential participant to be collected the charges according to the quantity of being used by described consumer.

52. method as claimed in claim 51, described reward voucher offers described consumer by server, and described server also provides described reward voucher details in the electronics mode to the EPOS cash receiving terminal; Described cash receiving terminal comprises the described station of cashing, by the treatment of details sale relevant on the described reward voucher that offers the consumer with the consumer, and provide accepted preferential details to another processor in the electronics mode, it can be charged to participant according to the quantity that the consumer uses up.

53. method as claimed in claim 51, wherein generate and provide described reward voucher according to the data in storage consumer characteristic's the database, like this can be for particular consumer produce described reward voucher, it is preferential that described reward voucher comprises is relevant with described consumer according to the data about described consumer in the database.

54. further comprising the identification consumer, method as claimed in claim 51, wherein said method produce the reward voucher relevant with described consumer.

55. method as claimed in claim 53, wherein said method comprises from described database reception data and processing said data, to produce targeted reward voucher inventory, and described targeted reward voucher inventory is forwarded to retail shop, with in response to printing the described identification consumer of retail shop.

56. method as claimed in claim 51, wherein said method also comprise the shop that the described consumer of identification often goes shopping, so that described targeted inventory biography is forwarded to the described shop that often go shopping relevant with particular consumer.

57. a purchase system comprises:

A plurality of shopping terminals;

Be used to receive the input equipment of the input of discerning the shopper;

Be positioned at the shop database at each shopping terminals place;

Export the output device that shopping is induced to described shopper;

With the center processing part that described shopping terminals is separated by and far is connected via communication links to each shop database, described central database comprises the customer data of relevant shopper's shopping feature;

Be positioned at the processor of described center processing part, be used for the information in processing said data storehouse, generate shopping and induces, and by described communication link described shopping is induced and to be forwarded to each shop database; And

Wherein, when the shopper by in its identity of described input equipment input identification the time, any relevant his described shopping is induced to produce for described shopper at described output device and is collected, and buys the article that described shopping is induced to induce described shopper.

58. system as claimed in claim 57, wherein the shop processor is positioned at each described shopping terminals, be used to manage described shop database, and provide the purchase of having carried out with the shopper relevant data, to be kept in the described customer database to described core.

59. system as claimed in claim 57, the described processor of wherein said core comprises the server that has retailer's inventory system and retailer's database.

60. system as claimed in claim 57, wherein said shopping terminals is the entity shop, and described input equipment and described output device are positioned at each shop.

61. a purchase method comprises:

Receive data from input equipment, be used to discern the shopper;

The shop database at each shopping terminals place that is positioned at a plurality of shopping terminals is provided;

For producing shopping, described shopper induces;

The center processing part of being separated by and far being connected via communication links to each shop database with described shopping terminals is provided, and described central database comprises the do shopping customer data of feature of relevant shopper;

Information in the described database of described center processing section processes generates shopping and induces, and by described communication link described shopping is induced and to be forwarded to each shop database; And

Wherein, when the shopper by in its identity of described input equipment input identification the time, any relevant his described shopping is induced to produce for described shopper at described output device and is collected, and buys the article that described shopping is induced to induce described shopper.

62. method as claimed in claim 61, further comprise the shop processor that is positioned at each described shopping terminals, be used to manage described shop database, and provide the purchase of having carried out with the shopper relevant data, to be kept in the described customer database to described core.

63. method as claimed in claim 61, the described processor of wherein said core comprises the server that has retailer's inventory system and retailer's database.

64. system as claimed in claim 57, wherein said shopping terminals is the entity shop, and described input equipment and described output device are positioned at each shop.

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