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GB2274349A - Retailing system - Google Patents

Retailing system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2274349A
GB2274349A GB9300682A GB9300682A GB2274349A GB 2274349 A GB2274349 A GB 2274349A GB 9300682 A GB9300682 A GB 9300682A GB 9300682 A GB9300682 A GB 9300682A GB 2274349 A GB2274349 A GB 2274349A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
data
token
operable
purchaser
terminal means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9300682A
Other versions
GB2274349B (en
GB9300682D0 (en
Inventor
David Willmore
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HTEC Ltd
Original Assignee
HTEC Ltd
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 HTEC Ltd filed Critical HTEC Ltd
Priority to GB9300682A priority Critical patent/GB2274349B/en
Publication of GB9300682D0 publication Critical patent/GB9300682D0/en
Publication of GB2274349A publication Critical patent/GB2274349A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2274349B publication Critical patent/GB2274349B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/02—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
    • 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
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/343—Cards including a counter
    • G06Q20/3437—Cards including a counter the counter having non-monetary units, e.g. trips
    • 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
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/38—Payment protocols; Details thereof
    • G06Q20/387—Payment using discounts or coupons
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00—Cash registers
    • G07G1/0036—Checkout procedures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00—Cash registers
    • G07G1/12—Cash registers electronically operated
    • G07G1/14—Systems including one or more distant stations co-operating with a central processing unit

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)

Abstract

The retailing system 10 intended to reward purchases for loyalty uses tokens 12 which represent a single purchaser. Storage means on the token 12, such as a magnetic stripe, store accumulated data derived from transactions executed by the purchaser. A terminal 14 has a read/write head 20 which can read the token 12 to identify the purchaser and can obtain information, such as from an EPOS system to determine how identifying data is to be modified in accordance with a transaction being executed by the purchaser. The accumulated data may be used to reward a purchaser with discounts or a refund. <IMAGE>

Description

Retailing Syste The present invention relates to a retailing system and particularly, but not exclusively, to the type of system commonly known as a "loyalty" scheme.
A loyalty scheme is a marketing technique in which purchasers obtain a reward by repeatedly buying products from a particular vendor. In one prior proposal, the purchaser is provided with a magnetic card which stores data representing a points score. The score is increased each time products are purchased from the vendor operating the scheme. Where a threshold value has been reached, the purchaser is given a reward, such as a prize or a discount on further purchases.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved retailing system of particular application to loyalty schemes.
The invention provides a retailing system comprising tokens which represent purchasers, storage means operable to store accumulated data derived from transactions executed by a purchaser, and terminal means comprising data processing means operable to receive data identifying a transaction and operable to determine how accumulated data is to be modified in accordance with identifying data which is received.
Each token may comprise storage means operable to store accumulated data corresponding to the purchaser represented by that token. The storage means may store data in machine readable form. The storage means may comprise a magnetic or electronic storage medium. The token may be a magnetic card, SMART card or a card bearing data in bar-coded form.
The terminal means may be operable to modify accumulated data stored by a token which is presented, in use, to the terminal means.
The storage means may be associated with the terminal means. The storage means may, in use, store accumulated data corresponding to a plurality of purchases and/or purchasers. The terminal means may be operable, in use, in cooperation with a token, to identify stored accumulated data corresponding to the purchaser represented by the token. The terminal may be operable to read data from the token, the data being unique to the purchaser represented by the token.
The accumulated data may represent a numerical value which may be modified by subsequent transactions in accordance with predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria may include one or more of the following: the nature or value of the or each product to which the transaction relates; the total value of products purchased from a predetermined group of products; the total value of the transaction; the method of payment used in the transaction; the number of units of each product in the transaction.
The terminal means may be operable to compare identifying data with predetermined data stored in second storage means associated with the terminal means, the result of the comparison being used to determine the required modification of the accumulated data.
The identifying data may identify a product being purchased and is preferably compared with predetermined data which indicates whether or not the accumulated data is to be modified in response to the purchase of the identified product. The predetermined data may comprise identifying data for comparison, and tariff data which determines how the accumulated data is to be modified.
The terminal may be operable to receive instructions from a purchaser to modify the details of the transaction and simultaneously to modify the accumulated data. The terminal means may be operable to provide a discount or other benefits in return for a corresponding modification of the accumulated data.
The terminal means may comprise means operable by a purchaser to effect at least some of the operations provided by the terminal means. The terminal means may be operable by a purchaser to cause a discount voucher or other document to be printed. This may be in return for a corresponding modification of the accumulated data.
The terminal means may form part of or be associated with an EPOS system. The terminal means may receive identifying data from an EPOS system. The identifying data may be derived from a bar-code reader.
The terminal means may comprise a read/write means operable to read data from a token and to write data to a token. The terminal means may comprise a history store operable to record details of all transactions identified to the terminal means.
The invention also provides a retailing method in which tokens are used to represent purchasers, storage means store accumulated data derived from transactions executed by a purchaser, and terminal means comprising data processing means receive data identifying a transaction and determine how accumulated data is to be modified in accordance with identifying data which is received.
Each token may comprise storage means operable to store accumulated data corresponding to the purchaser represented by that token. The storage means may store data in machine readable form. The storage means may comprise a magnetic or electronic storage medium. The token may be a magnetic card, SMART card or a card bearing data in bar-coded form.
The terminal means may be operable to modify accumulated data stored by a token which is presented, in use, to the terminal means.
The storage means may be associated with the terminal means. The storage means may, in use, store accumulated data corresponding to a plurality of purchases and/or purchasers. The terminal means may be operable, in use, in cooperation with a token, to identify stored accumulated data corresponding to the purchaser represented by the token. The terminal may be operable to read data from the token, the data being unique to the purchaser represented by the token.
The accumulated data may represent a numerical value which may be modified by subsequent transaction in accordance with predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria may include one or more of the following: the nature or value of the or each product to which the transaction relates; the total value of products purchased from a predetermined group of products; the total value of the transaction; the method of payment used in the transaction; the number of units of each product in the transaction.
The terminal means may compare identifying data with predetermined data stored in second storage means associated with the terminal means, the result of the comparison being used to determine the required modification of the accumulated data.
The identifying data may identify a product being purchased and is preferably compared with predetermined data which indicates whether or not the accumulated data is to be modified in response to the purchase of the identified product. The predetermined data may comprise identifying data for comparison, and tariff data which determines how the accumulated data is to be modified.
The terminal may be operable to receive instructions from a purchaser to modify the details of the transaction and simultaneously to modify the accumulated data. The terminal means may be operable to provide a discount or other benefits in return for a corresponding modification of the accumulated data.
The terminal means may comprise means operable by a purchaser to effect at least some of the operations provided by the terminal means. The terminal means may be operable by a purchaser to cause a discount voucher or other document to be printed. This may be in return for a corresponding modification of the accumulated data.
The terminal means may form part of or be associated with an EPOS system. The terminal means may receive identifying data from an EPOS system. The identifying data may be derived from a bar-code reader.
A read/write means may be used to read data from a token and to write data to a token. A history store may be operable to record details of all transactions identified to the terminal means.
One example of the implementation of the invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a schematic diagram of a retailing system according to the present invention.
The retailing system 10 illustrated in the drawing uses tokens 12, only one of which is shown. Each token will represent a single purchaser or group of related purchasers, but there may be more than one token representing a particular purchaser or group. The token 12 may be any form of token capable of identifying the corresponding purchaser but is preferably a portable token on which data can be written, such as a magnetic stripe card, SMART card, or bar-coded card. "SMART" cards are well known in themselves, and incorporate electronic data storage means to which data may be written or read.
The system also incorporates storage means which may be incorporated in the token 12, or provided elsewhere in the system, as will be described. The storage means are operable to store accumulated data derived from transactions executed by a purchaser.
Terminal means based around a loyalty terminal 14 comprises data processing means operable to receive data at 16, the data identifying a transaction being executed by a purchaser. The terminal 14 is also operable to determine how the accumulated data is to be modified in accordance with the identifying data which has been received.
In more detail, the loyalty terminal 14 provides data processing facilities and is associated with a keyboard 18, a read/write head 20 and an optional printer 22. The terminal 14 is connected at 16 to an EPOS (Electronic-Point-Of-Sale) system 24 which is conventional in itself and incorporates a bar-code reader 26 which can read bar-codes from purchased products 28.
A data store 30, preferably in the form of a look up table, provides data used by the system. The table 30 may be connected to the EPOS 24 or the loyalty terminal 14.
The other apparatus shown in the drawing allows the operation of the system to be embellished in various ways but it is helpful first to explain the basic operation of the apparatus so far described.
In this example, the token 12 incorporates a data store such as a magnetic or electronic store. The token is normally carried by the purchaser. When the purchasers wishes to make a purchase, the token is handed to the vendor who uses the read/write head 20 to allow the terminal 14 to read data from the token 12. This data is created as a result of previous transactions executed by the purchaser. For security and marketing reasons, the token or data will also usually identify the purchaser, but it is sufficient for the token merely to represent the purchaser, e.g. by containing or identifying accumulated data reflecting the purchasing history of that purchaser.
The bar-codes on the or each purchase 28 are then read by the bar-code reader 26 in conventional manner to allow the EPOS system to generate a bill for the purchaser, again in conventional manner. However, the EPOS system also provides data to the terminal 14, this data identifying the product or products being purchased.
For instance, the bar-code data may be passed directly to the terminal 14 by the EPOS system 24. The terminal 14 then makes a decision about how to modify the accumulated data on the token 12, as a result of the purchase being made. This decision is made by consulting the contents of the look-up table 30. This may simply convert the bar-code data to a points score to be added to the score represented by the accumulated data. Alternatively, the table 30 may identify a tariff rate for the product, that is, the rate at which points are to be awarded per monetary unit of the product value. Alternatively, the decision can be based on any other criteria appropriate to the aims of the retailing scheme, including one or more of the following: the nature or value of the or each product being purchased.
the total value of products purchased from a predetermined group of products.
the total value of the transaction; the method of payment used in the transaction; the number of units of each product purchased.
The choice of criteria will affect the nature of the information required to be provided from the EPOS system 24. Other information can be provided by the operator, from the keyboard 18.
Once the EPOS system 24 indicates that the transaction is complete, the terminal 14 writes the modified accumulated data to the token 12, which then includes data corresponding to a points score increased by the recent purchase in accordance with the various tariffs and values currently applying to the purchases which have been made. The system is therefore very flexible in allowing special promotions, such as bonus points for buying particular products on particular days, or for buying different sizes of product or for buying products in various catagories such as foodstuffs or non-foodstuffs, or products of particular manufacturers.
Thus, if the purchaser buys a particular product being promoted on that day, the terminal 14 will receive data identifying that product and will be informed by the look up table 30 that the appropriate tariff rate awards points at a high rate, or that a large number of bonus points are to be awarded. The accumulated data will therefore be modified by a substantial increase, to reward the purchaser for selecting that product. Another product may be less strongly promoted, in which case the table 30 will indicate a lower tariff rate, or lower number of bonus points. Other products may not be part of the promotional scheme at all, in which case the table 30 will indicate that no modification of the accumulated data is required. Changes to the scheme can be made simply by changing the data in the store 30.
In a basic arrangement, the purchaser will accumulate points stored on the token 12 until this points score reaches a predetermined threshold value at which point the token 12 may be redeemed for a prize, discount or other incentive.
Other embellishments to the system can be provided, as indicated in the drawings. A second terminal 14A can be provided for use by the purchaser, for instance when first entering the premises. The terminal 14A would provide a more limited range of functions than the terminal 14, but would include a read/write head 20A to allow the purchaser to have the terminal 14A read accumulated data on the token 12. A keyboard 18A allows the purchaser to instruct the terminal 14A to perform a selected function. This may be simply to print or display the points value represented by the accumulated data on the token 12, or details of particular promotional opportunities available at the time. A further alternative allows the purchaser to instruct the terminal 14A to modify the accumulated data by reducing the points value represented, in return for obtaining a discount on purchases made at that visit. In order to achieve this, the terminal 14A would be connected to the EPOS system 24 to instruct the system 24 to apply the appropriate discount when the same token is later presented by the purchaser.
In all of the above examples, the accumulated data has been carried by the token 12, which is in turn retained by the purchaser between visits to the vendors premises. Alternatively, the system may incorporate a loyalty controller 40 providing various functions, but incorporating a history store 42 which stores details of all events executed at either terminal 14,14A, including the current accumulated data corresponding to each purchaser. The basic operation of either terminal 14,14A can then be essentially the same as that described above, except that the accumulated data is read from the controller 40 once the identity of the purchaser has been determined from the token 12, rather than the accumulated data being read from the token 12. Once the accumulated data has been modified, it is sent back to the controller 40 for storage, rather than being stored on the token 12.
The use of the controller 40 and store 42 allows the operator of the system to gain valuable additional information. For instance, patterns in purchasing habits can be detected, such as repeat purchases of a particular product as part of a promotional scheme. The controller 40 could operate in conjunction with the terminal 14 to scan the purchasing history of the purchaser to provide additional bonuses such as bonus points when a particular product has been purchased a selected number of times.
The information stored in the controller 40 also allows full details of all operations to be analysed for sending bills to promoters using the scheme, such as manufacturers who have paid to have their products promoted by the award of bonus points.
The presence of the controller 40 and the storage of the past history also allows the terminal 14A to alert a purchaser to particular purchases which would be to his or her advantage, for instance by indicating that another purchase of a particular product would yield a multiple-purchase bonus, or to indicate the number of points required in the forthcoming purchase if the threshold for redeeming the token is to be reached.
Various modifications may be made to the system and apparatus described above, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the various elements of the system can be implemented in any appropriate technology. The look-up table 30 has been described in conjunction with the terminal 14, but could be incorporated in the EPOS system, for instance as an extension of the conventional price look-up file held in the EPOS system. In that case, the EPOS system would merely indicate to the terminal 14A how the accumulated data is to be modified, but it is expected to be easier to incorporate this system into existing retailed premise if the look-up table 30 is associated with the terminal 14, so that no modification of the EPOS system is required.
The system has been described solely in relation to bar-codes being used to identify products being purchased, but any other input device could be used instead, such as a manual keyboard through which identifying information can be entered by an operator.
Furthermore, the system has been described in relation to retailing, with reference to the user as a purchaser, but other applications may be appropriate.
For instance, bank customers could be given incentives according to the nature of transactions completed at the bank, even if these are not purchases.
Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims (55)

1. A retailing system comprising tokens which represent purchasers, storage means operable to store accumulated data derived from transactions executed by a purchaser, and terminal means comprising data processing means operable to receive data identifying a transaction and operable to determine how accumulated data is to be modified in accordance with identifying data which is received.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein each token comprises storage means operable to store accumulated data corresponding to the purchaser represented by that token.
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage means stores data in machine readable form.
4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprise a magnetic or electronic storage medium.
5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the token is a magnetic card, SMART card or a card bearing data in bar-coded form.
6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the terminal means is operable to modify accumulated data stored by a token which is presented, in use, to the terminal means.
7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the storage means are associated with the terminal means.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the storage means, in use, stores accumulated data corresponding to a plurality of purchases and/or purchasers.
9. A system according to claim 1, 7 or 8, wherein the terminal means is operable, in use, in cooperation with a token, to identify stored accumulated data corresponding to the purchaser represented by the token.
10. A system according to claim 1 or any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the terminal is operable to read data from the token, the data being unique to the purchaser represented by the token.
11. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the accumulated data represents a numerical value which may be modified by subsequent transactions in accordance with predetermined criteria.
12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined criteria include one or more of the following: the nature or value of the or each product to which the transaction relates; the total value of products purchased from a predetermined group of products; the total value of the transaction; the method of payment used in the transaction; the number of units of each product in the transaction.
13. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the terminal means is operable to compare identifying data with predetermined data stored in second storage means associated with the terminal means, the result of the comparison being used to determine the required modification of the accumulated data.
14. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the identifying data identifies a product being purchased.
15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the identifying data is compared with predetermined data which indicates whether or not the accumulated data is to be modified in response to the purchase of the identified product.
16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined data comprises identifying data for comparison, and tariff data which determines how the accumulated data is to be modified.
17. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the terminal is operable to receive instructions from a purchaser to modify the details of the transaction and simultaneously to modify the accumulated data.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the terminal means is operable to provide a discount or other benefits in return for a corresponding modification of the accumulated data.
19. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the terminal means comprise means operable by a purchaser to effect at least some of the operations provided by the terminal means.
20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the terminal means are operable by a purchaser to cause a discount voucher or other document to be printed.
21. A system according to claim 20 wherein printing occurs in return for a corresponding modification of the accumulated data.
22. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the terminal means form part of or be associated with an EPOS system.
23. A system according to claim 22, wherein the terminal means receive identifying data from an EPOS system.
24. A system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the identifying data is derived from a bar-code reader.
25. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the terminal means comprise a read/write means operable to read data from a token and to write data to a token.
26. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the terminal means comprises a history store operable to record details of all transactions identified to the terminal means.
27. A retailing system substantially as described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
28. A retailing method in which tokens are used to represent purchasers, storage means store accumulated data derived from transactions executed by a purchaser, and terminal means comprising data processing means receive data identifying a transaction and determine how accumulated data is to be modified in accordance with identifying data which is received.
29. A method according to claim 28, wherein each token comprises storage means operable to store accumulated data corresponding to the purchaser represented by that token.
30. A method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the storage means stores data in machine readable form.
31. A method according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the storage means comprise a magnetic or electronic storage medium.
32. A method according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the token may be a magnetic card, SMART card or a card bearing data in bar-coded form.
33. A method according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the terminal means is operable to modify accumulated data stored by a token which is presented, in use, to the terminal means.
34. A method according to claim 28, wherein the storage means are associated with the terminal means.
35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the storage means, in use, store accumulated data corresponding to a plurality of purchases and/or purchasers.
36. A method according to claim 28, 34 or 35, wherein the terminal means are operable, in use, in cooperation with a token, to identify stored accumulated data corresponding to the purchaser represented by the token.
37. A method according to claim 28 or any of claims 34 to 36, wherein the terminal is operable to read data from the tbken, the data being unique to the purchaser represented by the token.
38. A method according to any of claims 28 to 37, wherein the accumulated data represents a numerical value which may be modified by subsequent transaction in accordance with predetermined criteria.
39. A method according to claim 38, wherein the predetermined criteria include one or more of the following: the nature or value of the or each product to which the transaction relates; the total value of products purchased from a predetermined group of products; the total value of the transaction; the method of payment used in the transaction; the number of units of each product in the transaction.
40. A method according to any of claims 28 to 39, wherein the terminal means compare identifying data with predetermined data stored in second storage means associated with the terminal means, the result of the comparison being used to determine the required modification of the accumulated data.
41. A method according to any of claims 28 to 40, wherein the identifying data identifies a product being purchased.
42. A method according to claim 41, wherein the identifying data is compared with predetermined data which indicates whether or not the accumulated data is to be modified in response to the purchase of the identified product.
43. A method according to claim 42, wherein the predetermined data comprises identifying data for comparison, and tariff data which determines how the accumulated data is to be modified.
44. A method according to any of claims 28 to 43, wherein the terminal is operable to receive instructions from a purchaser to modify the details of the transaction and simultaneously to modify the accumulated data.
45. A method according to claim 44, wherein the terminal means is operable to provide a discount or other benefits in return for a corresponding modification of the accumulated data.
46. A method according to any of claims 28 to 45, wherein the terminal means comprise means operable by a purchaser to effect at least some of the operations provided by the terminal means.
47. A method according to claim 46, wherein the terminal means are operable by a purchaser to cause a discount voucher or other document to be printed.
48. A method according to claim 47, wherein printing is in return for a corresponding modification of the accumulated data.
49. A method according to any of claims 28 to 48, wherein the terminal means form part of or be associated with an EPOS system.
50. A method according to claim 49, wherein the terminal means may receive identifying data from an EPOS system.
51. A method according to any of claims 28 to 50, wherein the identifying data is derived from a bar-code reader.
52. A method according to any of claims 28 to 51, wherein a read/write means is used to read data from a token and to write data to a token.
53. A method according to any of claims 28 to 52, wherein a history store may be operable to record details of all transactions identified to the terminal means.
54. A retailing method substantially as described above.
55. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.
GB9300682A 1993-01-15 1993-01-15 Retailing system Expired - Fee Related GB2274349B (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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GB9300682D0 GB9300682D0 (en) 1993-03-03
GB2274349A true GB2274349A (en) 1994-07-20
GB2274349B GB2274349B (en) 1997-01-15

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EP0815524A1 (en) * 1995-03-21 1998-01-07 Maritz Inc. Debit card system and method for implementing incentive award program
GB2315351A (en) * 1996-07-11 1998-01-28 Fujitsu Ltd Point-service systems for online shopping malls
WO1998025242A1 (en) * 1996-12-03 1998-06-11 Carlson Companies, Inc. In-store points redemption system and method
FR2757656A1 (en) * 1996-12-20 1998-06-26 Guerin Jean System for sale of magazines by subscription
ES2116939A1 (en) * 1996-12-04 1998-07-16 Supermercats Supeco S L Method and device for generating vouchers from a purchase.
WO2000038088A1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2000-06-29 John Klayh System for distribution and redemption of loyalty points and coupons
US6364550B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2002-04-02 Zih Corp. Printer weighing less than two pounds with card reader and encoder
US6419161B1 (en) 1996-01-22 2002-07-16 Welcome Real-Time Apparatus and method for processing coded information stored on an integrated circuit card
US6549912B1 (en) 1998-09-23 2003-04-15 Visa International Service Association Loyalty file structure for smart card
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US7856376B2 (en) 1995-12-14 2010-12-21 Affinion Net Patents, Inc. Internet-based frequency and award redemption system and method
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US6889198B2 (en) * 1998-01-30 2005-05-03 Citicorp Development Center, Inc. Method and system for tracking smart card loyalty points
US6364550B1 (en) * 1998-09-11 2002-04-02 Zih Corp. Printer weighing less than two pounds with card reader and encoder
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US8498898B1 (en) 1999-03-19 2013-07-30 Citicorp Development Center, Inc. System and method for point of use reward determination
US7778868B2 (en) 2000-08-11 2010-08-17 Affinion Net Patents, Inc. System and method for determining the level of an authentication required for redeeming a customers award credits
US7430520B1 (en) 2000-08-11 2008-09-30 Affinion Net Patents, Inc. System and method for determining the level of a authentication required for redeeming a customer's award credits
US7620567B2 (en) 2002-02-19 2009-11-17 First Data Corporation Systems and methods for operating loyalty programs
US7424441B2 (en) 2002-02-19 2008-09-09 First Data Corporation Systems and methods for integrating loyalty and stored-value programs
GB2388233A (en) * 2002-03-25 2003-11-05 Applied Card Technologies Ltd Transaction system using a memory card
US10438222B2 (en) 2005-06-22 2019-10-08 Excentus Corporation System and method for influencing customer behavior
US10528967B2 (en) 2005-06-22 2020-01-07 Excentus Corporation System and method for discounting fuel
US8123125B2 (en) 2005-10-31 2012-02-28 The Kroger Co. Combined in-store and fuel center point-of-sale system
US7933835B2 (en) 2007-01-17 2011-04-26 The Western Union Company Secure money transfer systems and methods using biometric keys associated therewith
US8818904B2 (en) 2007-01-17 2014-08-26 The Western Union Company Generation systems and methods for transaction identifiers having biometric keys associated therewith
US9123044B2 (en) 2007-01-17 2015-09-01 The Western Union Company Generation systems and methods for transaction identifiers having biometric keys associated therewith
US10311410B2 (en) 2007-03-28 2019-06-04 The Western Union Company Money transfer system and messaging system
US8762267B2 (en) 2007-03-28 2014-06-24 The Western Union Company Money transfer system and messaging system
US8504473B2 (en) 2007-03-28 2013-08-06 The Western Union Company Money transfer system and messaging system

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