WO2001050392A2

WO2001050392A2 - Systems and methods for processing discount offers

Info

Publication number: WO2001050392A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/042672
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ken R. Powell; Eleanor B. Maxwell
Original assignee: Softcard Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-12-30
Filing date: 2000-12-08
Publication date: 2001-07-12
Also published as: AU4713501A

Abstract

Disclosed are electronic coupon systems and methods that do not require dedicated equipment in consumer homes.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING DISCOUNT OFFERS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a retail system and, more particularly, to a system and method for electronic processing of coupons.

Description of Related Art

Product promotions employing price discounts are a popular means to stimulate sales of products such as grocery store items. One type of product promotion is a discount coupon. Discount coupons are a popular means to stimulate sales of products such as grocery store items. A typical scheme involves printing coupons in a newspaper or inserting paper coupon into the newspaper, and allowing customers to bring the paper coupons to a store for redemption. Another scheme involves distributing paper coupons in the store, thereby avoiding the cost of distributing coupons in a newspaper. Other schemes include delivering paper coupons to customers through the mail, distributing paper coupons in or on the product package, and distributing paper coupons at store checkout.

These paper coupon schemes are susceptible to fraud by an unscrupulous retailer that requests reimbursement payments by presenting unredeemed coupons to the clearing house. Further, these schemes have an overhead cost of handling the paper coupons and of sending the redeemed coupons to a clearing house to enable product manufacturers to reimburse retailers for the reduction in proceeds resulting from coupon redemptions.

Electronic coupon systems have been proposed to reduce the overhead and fraud potential inherent in paper coupon systems. A problem with some of these proposed electronic systems, however, is that special, or cumbersome, equipment may be required in the home or the store. Such requirements make some electronic coupon system difficult to deploy on a wide scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic coupon system that diminishes requirements for dedicated equipment in consumer homes.

To achieve this and other objects of the present invention, there is a method in a system including a store, a plurality of homes, and a plurality of consumers, a method comprising the steps, performed for the plurality of consumers, of generating a second signal for the consumer, the second signal corresponding to the first product; determining an amount due depending on whether a product selected by the consumer corresponds to the second signal, the determining step being effected without using the first signal sent to the home.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a processing system in a first system including a store, a plurality of homes, and a plurality of consumers residing in the plurality of homes. The processing system comprises a sender that sends a first signal to a first home of a first consumer, the first signal corresponding to a first product; a generator that generates a second signal for the first consumer, the second signal corresponding to the first product; a determiner that determines an amount due depending on whether a product selected by the first consumer corresponds to the second signal, without depending on the first signal sent to the first home.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is a processing system in a first system including a store, a plurality of homes, and a plurality of consumer. The processing system comprises means for sending a first signal to a first home corresponding to a first consumer, the first signal corresponding to a first product; means for generating a second signal for the first consumer, the second signal corresponding to the first product; and means for determining an amount due depending on whether a product selected by the first consumer corresponds to the second signal, the determining means acting without using the first signal sent to the home. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is a in system including a store, a plurality of homes, and a plurality of consumers. The method comprises the steps, performed for the plurality of consumers, of sending a first signal to a home of a consumer via a first signal path, the first signal corresponding to a first product; generating a second signal for the consumer, the second signal corresponding to the first product; sending the second signal to via a second signal path, the second signal path excluding the first signal path; receiving the second signal from the second signal path; and determining, responsive to the receiving step, an amount due depending on whether a product selected by the consumer corresponds to the second signals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the first preferred embodiment of the present invention in more detail.

Fig. 3 is a letter generated by the system shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a store shown in Fig. 2.

Figs. 5A and 5B are a diagram of a part of the store shown in Fig. 4. Figs. 6A and 6B are a diagram of another part of the store shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart of a process performed by a preferred embodiment. Figs. 8A and 8B are a flow chart showing a step of the processing shown in Fig. 7 in more detail.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a second preferred embodiment of the present , invention.

Fig. 10 is a diagram emphasizing a portion of the system shown in Fig. 9 in more detail.

Figs. 11 A, 1 IB, and 1 IC are diagrams of messages sent in the portion of the system shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a diagram ofcomputer in one ofthe homes shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 13 is a diagram of a message displayed by the computer shown in Fig. 21. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a third preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Fig. 15 is a television set top unit in one ofthe home shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a fourth preferred embodiment ofthe present ■ invention.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a data flow in a preferred system. Fig. 18 is another letter generated by the system shown in Fig. 2. Figs 19A and 19B are diagrams of a card writing kiosk in the store shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 20 is block diagram showing some circuitry in the kiosk. Fig. 21 is a flow chart ofthe processing performed by a preferred system, including kiosk 39.

Fig. 22 is a block diagram of a card carried by one the customers of store 34. Fig. 23 is a diagram of coupons stored on the card shown in Fig. 22, after the card shown in Fig. 22 has been processed by kiosk 39.

Figs. 24A and 24B are diagrams of products in store 34.

Fig. 25 is a block diagram of some circuitry in one ofthe checkout stations.

Fig. 26 is a diagram of a table stored in the checkout station circuitry shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 27 is a store in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

Figs. 28 A and 28B are a diagram of a part ofthe store shown in Fig. 27.

Fig. 29 is a block diagram of some circuitry in one ofthe checkout stations ofthe store shown in Fig. 27.

Fig. 30 is a flow chart of a process performed by the fifth preferred system.

Fig. 31 is a flow chart of a processing performed by the fifth preferred system.

Fig. 32 is a flow chart of a processing performed in the sixth preferred system.

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and which constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments ofthe invention and, together with the description, explain the principles ofthe invention, and additional advantages thereof. Throughout the drawings, corresponding parts are labeled with corresponding reference numbers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment

Fig. 1 shows a discount processing system in accordance with a first preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Controller 5 causes the sending of a coupon to store 7 via electronic signal path 33. Controller 5 also caused the sending of a corresponding notification message to home 25 via signal path 24. Signal path 33 excludes signal path 24. The message sent via signal path 24 informs customer 210, residing in home25, that a coupon is available to customer 210. Subsequently, customer 210 visits store 34 to redeem the coupon by purchasing a product for the coupon. Store 34 then correlates the coupon with products selected by customer 210 to adjust a transaction price, without using the signal sent on path 24.

Fig. 2 shows the first preferred system in more detail. Building 20; stores 32, 34, and 36; homes 25, 27, and 29; are each different buildings.

Controller 5 includes company building 20. Computer 22 in company building 20 generates instructions to cause the mailing of letter 24 to house 25, letter 26 to house 27, and letter 28 to house 29. Letter 24 informs a customer resident in house 25 that he has received a coupon for a certain product or a class of products. Letter 26 informs a resident in house 27 that she has received a coupon for a certain product or class of products. Letter 28 informs a resident in house 29 that he has received a coupon for a certain product or a class of products.

Computer 22 also causes the coupon cited in letter 24, to be sent to store 34 via Wide Area Network (WAN) communication link 33. After the customer resident in house 25 reads letter 24, the customer may go to store 34 to redeem the coupon cited in letter 24. Fig. 3 shows letter 24 in more detail. Computer 22 also causes the coupon cited in letter 26, to be sent to store 34 via

Wide Area Network (WAN) communication link 33. After the customer resident in house 27 reads letter 24, the customer may go to store 34 to redeem the coupon cited in letter 26.

Computer 22 also causes the coupon cited in letter 28, to be sent to store 34 via Wide Area Network (WAN) communication link 33. After the customer resident in house 29 reads letter 28, the customer may go to store 34 to redeem the coupon cited in letter 28.

Fig. 4 shows store 34 including card writing kiosk 39, products 35, and checkout area 37 with checkout station 300.

Processes performed by the circuitry in each ofthe first through fourth preferred systems will now be described in more detail in connection with Fig. 7. In this Patent Application, the word circuitry encompasses dedicated hardware, and/or programmable hardware, such as a CPU or reconfigurable logic array, in combination with programming data, such as sequentially fetched CPU instructions or programming data for a reconfigurable array.

As shown in Fig. 7, the system informs a customer of a newly available coupon, using a signal path. In the first preferred system the signal path is a letter, such as letter 24. (step 5). An informed customer enables a new coupon cited in the signal path by, for example, inserting a customer into card writing kiosk 39, allowing kiosk 39 to write the coupon onto the card. In first preferred system, an informed customer, such as customer

210, enables a new coupon cited in the letter by, for example, inserting customer card 215 into card writing kiosk 39, allowing kiosk 39 to write the coupon onto the card, (step 10). The system adjusts the total amount due by, for example, deducting any coupon discounts corresponding to products selected by the customer, (step 15). Store 34 will now be described in more detail.

Figs. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B are each a partial view of store 34. Customers 210, 220, 230, 240, 280, 290, 390, and 490 shop in store 34. While shopping in store 34, some ofthe customers carry a card. For example, customer 210 carries card 215, customer 220 carries card 225, customer 230 carries card 235, customer 240 carries card 245, customer 280 carries card 285, and customer 290 carries card 295. Each customer tows a shopping cart to hold selected products. Customer 210 tows cart 212, customer 220 tows cart 222, customer 230 tow cart 232, customer 240 tows cart 242, customer 250 tows cart 252, customer 280 tows cart 282, and customer 290 tows cart 292.

Customer 210 is John Thrifty, the resident of home 25 that receives letter 24. To enable the electronic coupons cited in letter 24, customer 210 inserts card 215 into an interface slot of kiosk 39, and kiosk 39 then writes the coupons, cited in letter 24, onto card 215.

Store 34 has a plurality of product areas, each corresponding to a respective . product. Product Area 110 has Delta brand detergent. Product Area 120 has Old World brand pasta. Product Area 130 has Lighthouse brand light bulbs.

Upon completion of shopping, each customer brings selected products from the shelves to checkout stations 300, 301, or 302. After receiving an electronic coupon from kiosk 39 and completion of shopping, a customer may bring selected products from the shelves to checkout station 300, 301, or 302, as described above. A customer may redeem the electronic coupons received from kiosk 39 by presenting her customer card, allowing the store clerk to insert the presented card into smart card reader/writer 315. For example, a customer such as customer 290 completes the purchase of her selected products 293 by transferring products 293 from her cart 292 to station 300, and by presenting card 295 for insertion into card interface slot 314; customer 280 completes the purchase of her selected products 283 by transferring products 283 from her cart 282 to station 300, and by presenting card 285;customer 390 completes the purchase of her selected products 393 by transferring products 393 from her cart 392 to station 301, and by presenting card 395; customer 490 completes the purchase of his selected products 493 by transferring products 493 from his cart 492 to station 302, and by presenting card 495. Customer 210 (Fig. 5 A) completes the purchase of her selected products 214 by transferring products 214 from her cart 212 to station 300, and by presenting card 215 for insertion into card interface slot 314. To perform step 15 of Fig. 7, station 300, 301, or 302 then reads the coupon offers from the card. Station 300, for example, performs electronic coupon redemption, by processing the selected products with coupon data from the customer's card to determine discount eligibility. After station 300 determines a basic price for each product by processing a message received from computer 40, station 300 displays the description of the product and product price on display 317. Station 300 scans and processes each product 293 in a similar manner. Station 300 processes electronic coupons from a customer card, to deduct any discounts from the basic price to calculate and display a total amount due. Checkout station 300 determines a total amount due and prints the total amount due on display 317 and on the customer's paper receipt. At the conclusion ofthe checkout transaction, station 300 voids the redeemed coupons on the card and the clerk is notified to remove the customer's card from slot 314 and return it to the customer.

A checkout clerk (not shown) scans each selected product past bar code reader 310, or enters the product selection data manually via keyboard 318. Station 300 thus detects products selected by the customer. Figs. 8A and 8B show the processing of step 15 of Fig. 7 in more detail. Station

300 detects a product selected by a customer, by receiving a UPC product code from bar code reader 310 or keyboard 318. (step 5). Station 300 determines a price for the product, by processing a message from financial computer 40 via local area network (LAN) cable 8. (step 10). If the checkout transaction for the current customer is complete (step 25), station 300 writes any card memory modifications to the customer card, (step 30). Station 300 determines a total amount due depending on the sum ofthe product prices from the various executions of step 10, minus any coupon discounts from a customer card. Station 300 displays this total amount due on display 317 and the customer's receipt tape. (Step 35). In summary, the text of letter 24 is essentially a signal carried on a sheet of paper, which is a type of substrate. Computer 22 generates a coupon signal, corresponding to the products cited in the text of letter 24, and sends the coupon signal to store 34 via WAN link 33. Circuitry in store 34 then correlates the coupon signal with products selected by the customer residing in house 25 to adjust a transaction price, without using the text in letter 24.

If letter 24 is considered to be a type of communication path, WAN link 33 is another communication path excluding letter 24. Each of stores 32 and 36 has all the features of store 34, except that store 32 receives coupon signals from computer 22 via Wide Area Network (WAN) communication link 31, and store 36 receives coupon signals from computer 22 via WAN communication link 21. The coupon signals available to store 32, via WAN link 31, are the same as the coupon signals available to store 34 via WAN link 33. The coupon signals available to store 36, via WAN link 21, are the same as the coupon signals available to store 34 via

WAN link 33.

Second Preferred Embodiment

Fig. 9 shows a discount processing system in accordance with a second preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Building 20; stores 32, 34, and 36; homes 56, 57, 58,

59, 60, 61, and 62; are each different buildings.

Computer 22' in company building 20 generates instructions to cause computer 116 to send respective electronic mail messages to residents in homes 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, and 62 to inform residents that they have received a coupon for a certain product or a class ofproducts.

More specifically, computer networks 115, 111, 130, and 135 are interconnected. Each computer network includes a plurality of computers. Each of homes 56, 57, 58, 59,

60, 61, and 62 is coupled to one ofthe computers networks via a signal path 177 such as an optical cable or telephone wire.

Computer 116 within network 115 forwards coupon notification messages, originating at computer 22', to homes 56-62. A computer in each of homes 56-62 receives a notification message from computer 116, via one or more ofthe computer networks, and displays the notification message to a person in the home. For example, a computer in home 60 receives a notification message from computer 116 via networks 115, 130, and 135 and displays the notification message to a person in home 60.

Fig. 10 is a diagram for describing the second preferred system in more detail. Fig. 10 shows a section ofthe second preferred system, emphasizing a path between computer 116 and home 60, and between computer 116 and home 59. Customer 220 resides in home

60, and customer 390 resides in home 59.

Network 115 is a local area network (LAN), network 130 is a wide area network (WAN), network 135 is an LAN, and network 140 in a LAN. Network 115 includes a plurality of first computers, computers 234, 238, 116, 236, and 232. Each of these first computers has a respective network address uniquely identifying the computer on network

115. The first computers can communicate with each other by sending data packets in a certain format. Each network- 115 -packet has a field containing the destination address of the packet. Each network- 115 -packet is in a format conforming to the communication protocol of network 115, meaning, for example, that the packet has a destination address field offset a certain number of bits from the start ofthe packet, and that the destination address field has a certain number of bits. Computer 116 includes circuitry (hardware and software) for sending a data packet through transmission cable 117. The circuitry includes software for constructing a packet, having the packet format of network 115, containing notification information about a discount coupon for which a customer is entitled. Network 130 includes a second plurality of computers, computers 254, 250, 252,

258, 256, 262, 260, and 272. Computer 116 sends this product data message to home 60 via computer 238, as described in more detail below. Each of these second computers has a respective second network address uniquely identifying the computer on network 130. The second computers communicate with each other by sending a packet in the format for network 130.

The data packet from computer 116 includes a destination address field allowing computer 238 to recognize that the data packet is to be received by computer 238. Computer 238 has an address on both LAN 115 and WAN 130, meaning that computer 238 has circuitry for recognizing an its own address in a network- 115-formatted packet sent over network 115, and has circuitry for recognizing an its own address in a network- 130- formatted packet sent over network 130. Thus, computer 238 acts to route packets between networks 155 and 130. In other words, computer 238 includes circuitry, responsive to an address on network 115, for receiving a packet in the format of network 115, containing an electronic notification message identifying a certain product, and for sending a second packet in the format of network 130, the second packet containing a message identifying the certain product. When computer 238 receives a packet destined for computer 276, computer 238 constructs a packet addressed to computer 272, using the protocol for network 130.

Computer 272 has an address on both WAN 130 and LAN 135 and, therefore, computer 272 acts to route packets between networks 130 and 135. When computer 272 receives the packet, computer 272 constructs a packet addressed to computer 276, using the protocol of network 135. More specifically, computer 116 constructs an "IP" packet addressed to computer

276, using the Internet Protocol (IP). Computer 116 then embeds this IP packet within a network- 115-formatted packet addressed to computer 238, using the protocol of network 115. When computer 238 receives the packet, computer 238 reads the IP address, determines that the IP packet should be sent over network 130, and embeds the IP packet within an network- 130-formatted packet addressed to computer 272, using the protocol of network 130.

When computer 272 receives the packet, computer 272 reads the IP address, determines that the IP address corresponds to computer 276, and embeds the IP packet in a packet addressed to computer 276, using the protocol of network 135. Fig. 11 A shows data packet 3002 in the format of network 115, sent by computer

116 through cable 117. Header field 3010 includes a 20 bit destination address field 3011 identifying computer 238 on network 115. Destination address field 3011 is 16-bits removed from the beginning ofthe data package 3002. Header 3010 contains other fields, including a 20-bit field containing the address ofthe sender of packet 3002, and a field containing data correction bits. Field 3020 includes an Internet Protocol (IP) address field

3021 identifying computer 276. Field 3030 includes notification information about a coupon. The notification information is in ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) text form. Computer 238, which resides on both LAN 115 and WAN 130, includes circuitry to translate packet 3002 received from computer 116, into packet 3004 shown in Fig. 1 IB. Packet 3004 includes header field 3012. Header 3012 includes a 16 bit destination address field 3013 identifying computer 272 on WAN 130. Address field 3013 is 32-bits removed from the start of packet 3004. Header 3012 has other fields, including a field identifying the sender of packet 3004, and a field containing data correction bits.

Computer 238 determines that the packet should be sent to computer 272 on network 130 by reading a routing table. The routing table has an entry for network 135. The entry for network 135 identifies network 130 and computer 272 as the path to be used when computer 238 is sending a packet to a computer on network 135. Thus, computer

238 constructs packet 3004 in response to IP address field 3021 in packet 3002.

As shown in Fig. 10, computer 238 sends a packet to computer 272, via computers 250, 254, 258, and 260.

Computer 272, which resides on both WAN 130 and LAN 135, includes circuitry to translate packet 3004 received from computer 238, into packet 3006 shown in Fig. 1 IC.

Packet 3006 includes header field 3014. Header 3014 includes an address field 3015 identifying computer 276 on LAN 135. Header 3014 includes a 16 bit destination address field 3015 identifying computer 276 on LAN 135. Address field 3015 is 24-bits removed from the start of packet 3006. Header 3014 has other fields, including a field identifying the sender of packet 3006, and a field containing data correction bits.

Thus, a preferred system may include computers sending packets containing notification information about electronic coupons. The preferred system may also be conceptualized as programs, running on the computers, that send electronic mail (Email) notification messages to each other. Each Email message includes one or more ofthe packets described above. The programs include Mail Transfer Agents and a User Agent

(not shown) that route the Email notification messages between each other and ultimately store an Email notification message into an electronic mail box for the recipient ofthe message. An electronic mailbox is a memory area readable by the owner ofthe mail box. For example, Fig. 10 shows mail box 277 readable by personal computer 400 in home 60. Fig. 12 shows a personal computer 400 within home 60. Computer 400 includes a modem 410, a CRT display 420, a keyboard 425, and a mouse 423. To be informed about a coupon, the user establishes a telephone connection between computer 400 and computer 276 through modem 410. Subsequently, the user logs onto computer 276 and invokes a program to read Email stored in mailbox 277.

Fig. 13 shows CRT display 420 after the mail-reading program reads a coupon notification message from mailbox 277. Notification data 3030 (Fig. 20C) includes the ASCII text of an electronic mail (Email) notification message. Message field 53 identifies the sender and receiver ofthe message, "couponhouse@usretail.com" being the Email address ofthe a server on node 116 and "bsmith@aol.com" being the Email address ofthe customer residing in home 60. Notification message field 54 is user readable text identifying a coupon.

Thus, as shown in Fig. 7, the second preferred system informs a customer of a newly available coupon, using computer networks, (step 5). In second preferred system, an informed customer, such as customer 220, enables a new coupon cited in networks 130 and 135 by, for example, inserting customer card 225 into card writing kiosk 39, allowing kiosk 39 to write the coupon onto the card, (step 10). The second preferred system adjusts the total amount due by, for example, deducting any coupon discounts corresponding to products selected by the customer, (step 15).

In summary, computer networks 130 and 135 constitute a signal path for sending a notification message from computer 116 to a computer in home 60. Computer 22 generates a coupon signal, corresponding to product cited in the electronic mail message, to store 34 via WAN link 33. WAN link 33 excludes networks 130 and 135.

Third Preferred Embodiment

Fig. 14 shows a discount processing system in accordance with a third preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Building 20; stores 32, 34, and 36; homes 67, 68, 69, and 70; are each different buildings. Customer 280 resides in home 68. Computer 22" in company building 20 generates instructions to cause the sending of coupon notification information to homes 67, 68, 69, and 70.

More specifically, cable TV head end 64 receives respective coupon notification information for homes 67, 68, 69, and 70 from computer 22". TV head end 64 then sends the coupon notification information to homes 67, 68, 69, and 70, via addressed cable network packets 66 in cable TV network 65.

Fig. 15 shows set top unit 73 in home 68. Set top unit 73 includes circuitry for recognizing a packet addressed to home 68 on network 65. In response to recognizing a packet addressed to home 68, set top unit 73 causes the display of coupon notification message 74 on television 72 in home 68.

Thus, as shown in Fig. 7, the third preferred system informs a customer of a newly available coupon, using cable TV networks 65. (step 5). In the third preferred system, an informed customer, such as customer 280, enables a new coupon cited in cable TV networks 65 by, for example, inserting customer card 285 into card writing kiosk 39, allowing kiosk 39 to write the coupon onto the card, (step 10). The third preferred system adjusts the total amount due by, for example, deducting any coupon discounts corresponding to products selected by the customer, (step 15).

In summary, cable network 65 is essentially a signal path for sending a notification signal from computer 22 to home 67. Computer 22" generates a coupon signal, corresponding to products cited in addressed cable network packets 66 in network 65, and sends the coupon signal to store 34 via WAN link 33. WAN link 33 excludes cable TV network 65.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment

Fig.16 shows a discount processing system in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Building 20; stores 32, 34, and 36; homes 25, 27, 29, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 67, 68, 69, and 70; are each different buildings. Computer 22'" in company building 20 generates instructions to cause respective coupon notifications to be sent to each of homes 25, 27, 29, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 67, 68, 69, and 70, via various types of signal paths. Computer 22'" causes a corresponding coupon signal to be sent to a common store 34, via a signal path excluding the signal paths used for notification.

Computer 22'" generates instructions to cause the mailing of letter 24 to house 25, letter 26 to house 27, and letter 28 to house 29. Letter 24 informs a customer resident in house 25 that he has received a coupon for a certain product or a class of products. Letter

26 informs a resident in house 27 that she has received a coupon for a certain product or class of products. Letter 28 informs a resident in house 29 that he has received a coupon for a certain product or a class of products.

Computer 22'" also causes the coupon cited in letter 24, to be sent to store 34 via Wide Area Network (WAN) communication link 33, which is independent of letter 24.

Computer 22'" generates instructions to cause computer 116 to send respective electronic mail messages to residents in homes 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, and 62 to inform residents that they have received a coupon for a certain product or a class of products. Computer 22'" generates a coupon signal, corresponding to product cited in the electronic mail message, to store 34 via WAN link 33. WAN link 33 excludes networks 130 and 135.

Computer 22'" generates instructions to cause the sending of coupon notification information to homes 67, 68, 69, and 70 via cable TV head end 64. More specifically, cable TV head end 64 receives respective coupon notification information for homes 67,

68, 69, and 70 from computer 22'". TV head end 64 then sends the coupon notification information to homes 67, 68, 69, and 70, via addressed cable network packets 66 in cable TV network 65.

Computer 22'" generates a coupon signal, corresponding to products cited in ₄ addressed cable network packets 66 in network 65, and sends the coupon signal to store 34 via WAN link 33. WAN link 33 excludes cable TV network 65.

The fourth preferred embodiment ofthe present invention combines all the features of each ofthe first, second, and third embodiments. The fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention combines all the features of each ofthe first, second, and third embodiments, by sending a coupon signal to a common store 34.

More Detailed Description ofthe Fourth Preferred Embodiment

Fig. 17 shows an aspect ofthe fourth preferred system in more detail. Computer 22'" generates a coupon message that ultimately results in the generation of coupon data 14. ■ Coupon data 14 includes respective coupon sets for multiple customers. Coupon data 14 includes table 11 having a record for each of multiple customers. Each record in table 11 includes 3 fields: the customer identification number shown as the first row in each record, status data such as coupon expiration date shown as the second row in each record, and coupons shown as a reference in the third row in each record. The customer identification ^■ number is 12 hexadecimal digits. Table 11 is sorted by customer identification number. In the third row of each record in table 11, dotted lines represent a reference, such as a pointer, between the record and a list of coupons. These references are not necessarily direct memory address pointers. Instead, more generally, each reference is a data entity, stored in association with the record, that enables a processor to find a coupon list. To physically address the respective coupon list, the processor may subject the reference to various translations or mappings.

Record 75 is for the customer having ID 000000005012, record 76 is for the customer having ID 000000005026, record 77 is for the customer having ID 000000005027, record 78 is for the customer having ID 000000020011, and record 79 is for the customer having ID 00000002002B, and record 80 is for the customer having ID 000000020521

Thus, the customer with ID 000000005027 has the coupons in list 16. The customer with ID 000000005027 is customer 210 (Fig. 5A) with card 215. On card 210, customer identification number 467 (Fig. 22) is 000000005027.

The customer having ID 000000005012 has been issued the coupons in list 15. The customer with ID 000000005012 is customer 290 (Fig. 6A) with card 295. On card 295, customer identification number 467 is 000000005012. The customer having ID 000000005026 has been issued the coupons in list 19, the customer having ID 000000020011 has been issued the coupons in list 17, the customer having ID 00000002002B has been issued the coupons in list 18, and the customer having ID 000000020521 has been issued the coupons in list 19. Thus, the customer having ID 000000020521 shares coupon list 19 with the customer having ID 000000005026. Computer 22'" causes printer 23 to print letter 24 (Fig. 3) corresponding to coupon list 16 generated for customer 210 residing in home 25.

Computer 22'" causes printer 23 to print letter 26 corresponding to coupon list 15 generated for customer 290 residing in home 27. Fig. 18 shows letter 26 received by customer 290 residing in home 27. Figs. 19A shows a front view ofthe exterior of card writing kiosk 39, and Fig. 19B shows a side cut-away view taken along the line B--B shown in Fig. 19A. Kiosk 39 includes a cathode ray tube (CRT) display 41 for displaying notification information to a customer. When kiosk 39 detects a card presented by a customer, electric motive 46 moves converter belt 48, via chain 47, to move the card into kiosk 39. As shown in Fig. 19B, card interface 43 has a conductive contact 44 for touching a contact on the customer card in slot 45. Interface 43 has other contacts (not shown) for touching the other card contacts. As shown abstractly in Fig. 19B, contact interface 43 receives a coupon message from a signal path downstream from computer 22'".

After identifying the customer, kiosk 39 writes the new electronic coupons onto a customer card. After interface 43 writes electronic coupons to the card in slot 45, electric motor 46 moves conveyor belt 48, via chain 47, to eject the card from slot 45.

Fig. 20 is a block diagram of kiosk 39 shown in Figs. 4, 5A, 19A, and 19B. Magnetic disk drive 40 provides storage of programs and of product coupon data. CPU 42 executes program 49 in random access, addressable memory 50, to process coupon-related data. CPU 42 receives a customer identification message from a card in slot 45, via interface contact 44 and card interface electronics 43. CPU 42 uses this read customer ID to access new coupons for the customer whose card is in slot 45. CPU 42 receives these coupons via telecommunications hardware 52. CPU 42 writes these received coupons to the card in slot 45, via electronics 43 and contact 44.

Telecommunications hardware 52 is responsive to computer 22"' via the Internet and a wide area communications link. Hardware 52 may be coupled to the wide area communications link via an in-store local network, or may have a more direct connection independent of in-store networks. Communications hardware 52 may include a modem,

PSTN interface circuitry, or TI connection interface circuitry, for example. Telecommunication hardware 52 could also include a wireless transceiver for satellite communication.

To optimize response time to a customer inserting a card in kiosk 39, coupon data 14 may be stored locally in store 34, or several copies may be stored in respective stores, before the customer presents the card to a kiosk.

Thus, kiosk 39 includes interface circuitry 43 for writing a coupon message into the memory of a card in the plurality of cards, the coupon message corresponding to a product cited in a notification message, such as a letter, sent to the home ofthe card holder. Subsequently, motor 46 acts to eject the card from kiosk 39.

Fig. 21 shows a processing performed by the fourth preferred system, to implement the processing of step 10 of Fig. 7. When a person inserts a card into interface slot 45, a switch (not shown) in interface slot 45 alerts CPU 42 that a card has been inserted into the slot. In response, CPU 42 and program 49 activate motor 46 to draw the card into kiosk 39, and CPU 42 then causes contact interface electronic 43 to reset the card. CPU 42 then receives a record, including the card's 6 byte ID, from the card (step 10).

The fourth preferred system then analyzes the record to determine whether the card is a customer card that is eligible to receive paperless coupons in store 34. More specifically, the fourth preferred system searches for the ID ofthe card in coupon data 14. This search could be performed by having kiosk 39 send the card ID to computer 22'", allowing computer 22'" to perform the search and, if the search is successful, sending the coupon list associated with the card ID back to kiosk 39.

Alternately, coupon data 14 can be stored in store 34 and the search can be performed in 34 by kiosk 39, or other circuitry in store 34.

If the fourth preferred system finds the coupon ID (step 20), kiosk 39 writes the associated coupon list onto the customer card currently in kiosk 39. (Steps 35 and 40). CPU 42 then displays a message on CRT 41 to indicate that coupons were successfully stored on the card, and activates motor 46 to eject the card from kiosk 39. (Step 60).

If the fourth preferred system does not find the coupon ID ofthe card in coupon data 16, CPU 42 displays a message on CRT 41 indicating that the coupon ID was not found, and activates motor 46 to eject the card from kiosk 39. (Step 85).

Fig. 22 is a block diagram of customer card 215, including CPU 450, and memory 460. Memory 460 includes three addressable segments: nonvolatile read only memory

(ROM) 461; nonvolatile, electrically erasable memory (EEPROM) 462; and memory 463 for temporary storage. Station interface 425 transfers data messages between contacts, on the exterior of card 215, and CPU 450 over bus 452. ROM 461 stores a program 465 executed by CPU 450. EEPROM 462 stores customer card identification data 467. Customer card identification data 467 is a 6 byte field that uniquely identifies the card.

For example, in card 215 identification data 467 includes the number 000000005027, which uniquely identifies the card transported by customer 210.

EEPROM 462 also stores coupon table 435 (product pricing data) received from kiosk 39. When a customer inserts a customer card into kiosk 39, card CPU 450 may receive a coupon code for the product from kiosk 39 and add the code to table 435.

Each of customer cards 225, 235, 245, 285, 295, 395, and 495 has the same hardware and structure as card 215.

Fig. 23 shows a simplified, abstract, view of coupon table 435 after customer 210 inserts card 215 into kiosk 39. Coupon table 435 is a data structure within other data structures in EEPROM 462 of customer card 215. Each row in table 435 represents an entry in table 435. Each entry includes a 4 hexadecimal digit coupon number. Table 435 has three entries, reflecting the fact that customer 210 has received three electronic coupons. The entry having the coupon number 1317 corresponds to a coupon for purchase of a box of Old World Pasta 122. The entry having the coupon number 0054 corresponds to a coupon for purchase of a box of Lighthouse Light Bulbs 134. The entry having the number 3657 corresponds to a coupon for purchase of detergent bottles 112.

Fig. 24 A shows an enlarged view of some ofthe bottles of detergent 112. Each bottle of detergent has a common Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol 114. Symbol 114 encodes a 12-digit UPC number that is part of a product identification system documented by the Uniform Code Council, Inc., Dayton, OH. The first digit is a number system character, which in this case is 0. The next five digits are a company number, which is sometimes called a manufacturer ID. The next 5 digits are an item number. The last digit is a check digit.

Each UPC symbol 114 is a group of parallel lines that encodes a number (017075 42312 3) that uniquely identifies Delta Detergent, 017075 being the UPC company number ofthe Delta Corporation. In other words, symbol 114 is different from UPC symbols of units of other products. Each bottle of detergent 112 also has a common character label

113 that verbally describes the product. Character label 113 is "DELTA DETERGENT." Label 113 is different from labels of units of other products.

Product Area 120 has boxes of Old World brand pasta 122 contiguously grouped together on multiple shelves. Fig. 24B shows an enlarged view of some ofthe boxes of pasta 122. Each box of pasta 122 has a common UPC symbol 124, which is a group of parallel lines that encodes a number (017031 49873 3) that uniquely identifies Old World pasta, 017031 being the UPC company number ofthe Alpha Imports Corporation. In other words, symbol 124 is different from UPC symbols of units of other products. Each box of pasta 122 also has a common character label 123 that verbally describes the product. Character label 123 is "OLD WORLD PASTA." Label 123 is different from labels of units of other products.

Similarly, other product areas have a set of respective products contiguously grouped together. Respective units of a certain product have a common UPC symbol, different from UPC symbols on units of other products, that uniquely identifies the certain product. Respective units of a certain product have a common label, different from labels on units of other products, that uniquely identifies the certain product. Referring to Figs. 5A and 5B product area 140 has bottles of ABC brand ketchup 142 contiguously grouped together. Product area 150 has boxes of Faithful brand dog food 152 contiguously grouped together. Product area 160 has loaves of Boxer brand bread 162 contiguously grouped together. Product area 170 has cartons of Clover brand milk 172 contiguously grouped together. Product area 180 has packages of Chicago brand bacon 182. Product area of 190 has packages of Clover brand butter 192 contiguously grouped together. Fig. 25 is a block diagram of checkout station 300. Checkout station 300 has circuitry for reading coupon messages from a memory of a card, in response to a person presenting the card at interface slot 314 during checkout. UPC reader 310 acts to detect a UPC product message identifying a product. Checkout station 300 acts to determine a price depending on whether the UPC product message corresponds to one ofthe coupon messages read from the card.

Programmable hardware 339 executes software instructions 340 in memory hardware 303. Cash register keyboard 318 allows manual entry of alpha-numeric data. Bar code reader 310 generates a bar code message, and sends the bar code message to hardware 339. Poll display 317 displays product data in response to messages from hardware 339.

Hardware 339 and software instructions 340 act to receive electronic coupons from a customer card, via reader/writer 315. Memory hardware 303 stores redemption control table 347, which enables hardware 339 to determine if a product has a corresponding electronic coupon offer. When station 300 detects insertion of a customer card into reader/writer 315, station

300 reads coupon table 435 into temporary versions of tables 303 and 435 in memory hardware 303. After detecting a product selected by the customer (See Fig. 8 A step 5), hardware 339 determines a price for the product (See Fig. 8A step 10). At the conclusion ofthe checkout transaction, hardware 339 writes the temporary version of table 435, stored in memory hardware 303, to the customer card. (See Fig. 8B step 30).

Fig. 26 is a simplified diagram of redemption control table 347 stored in card interface station 300. Each row in Fig. 26 represents an entry in table 347, and each ofthe 4 columns shown represents an entry field. A redemption control table may include additional entries for additional coupon offers, and additional fields for recording other types of data.

The first field in Fig. 26 is a coupon ID stored as 4 hexadecimal digits. The second field is a UPC product code corresponding to the coupon ID. The UPC product code includes a company ID and a product number. The second field is stored as binary coded decimal. The third field is a reward type. A reward type of 2 represents a percent off coupon, and a reward type of 0 represents a cents off coupon.

The fourth field in Fig. 26 is the reward quantity. The first entry is for Old World Pasta, which has a UPC company ID of 017031 and a UPC product number of 49873. The first entry shows a reward of 50 cents off because the reward type is 0. The coupon code ofthe first entry is 1317.

The second entry is for ABC ketchup, which has a UPC company ID of 017031and a UPC product number of 49882. The second entry shows a reward of 60 cents off because the reward type is 0. The coupon code of the second entry is 0265.

The third entry is for Light House Light Bulbs, which has a UPC company ID of 017054 and a UPC product having a product number of 24943. The third entry shows a reward quantity of 75 cents off because the reward type is 0. The coupon code ofthe third entry is 0054. The fourth entry is for Delta Detergent, which has a UPC company ID of 017075 and a UPC product number of 42312. The company ID 017075 identifies the Delta Company. The fourth entry shows a reward quantity of 40 percent because the reward type field is 2. The coupon code ofthe fourth entry is 3657.

The fifth entry is for Faithful Dog Food, which has a UPC company ID of 017081 and a UPC product number of 00006. The fifth entry shows a reward of 200 cents off because the reward type is 0. The coupon code ofthe fifth entry is 0163.

The sixth entry is for Boxer Bread, which has a UPC company ID of 017101 and a UPC product number of 00015. The sixth entry shows a reward of 45 cents off because the reward type is 0. The coupon code ofthe sixth entry is 1213. The seventh entry is for Chicago Bacon, which has a UPC company ID of 017153 and a UPC product number of 02114. The seventh entry shows a reward of 50 cents off because the reward type is 0. The coupon code ofthe seventh entry is 0017.

The eighth entry is for Clover Milk, which has a UPC company ID of 017170 and a UPC product number of 00012. The eighth entry shows a reward of 25 cents off because the reward type is 0. The coupon code ofthe eighth entry is 1674.

The ninth entry is for Clover Butter, which has a UPC company ID of 017170 and a UPC product number of 00025. The ninth entry shows a reward of 55 cents off because the reward type is 0. The coupon code ofthe ninth entry is 1675.

Checkout stations 301 and 302 each have the same capabilities and hardware as checkout station 300, cash register systems 331 and 332 each have the same capabilities and hardware as cash register station 300, and card interface systems 301 and 302 each have the same capabilities and hardware as card interface station 300. Processing of step 35 of Figs. 8 A and 8B will now be described in more detail. When hardware 339 receives a valid UPC product code from reader 310 or keyboard 318, hardware 339 adds the product code to a basket list for the current customer. Hardware 339 searches for the received product code in the second field of redemption control table 347, which enables hardware 339 to determine if the product has a corresponding electronic coupon offer. If the product does have an electronic coupon offer, hardware 339 searches coupon table 435 from the customer card to confirm that the customer has the coupon on her card. If the customer has the coupon on her card and qualifier conditions are satisfied for the coupon, hardware 339 adjusts the total amount due by the discount amount ofthe coupon.

Programmable hardware may include an IBM 4680-4690 Point of Sale (POS) System. Programable hardware 339 may include two execution threads, as disclosed in copending Application Serial No. 09/301,749, of Ken R. Powell, Kevin W. Hartley, Eleanor B. Maxwell, and Corey C. Snook, filed April 29, 1999 for COMPUTER SYSTEM - CONFIGURATION AND METHOD FOR A STORE, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference; Application Serial No. 09/317,440 of Ken R. Powell, Eleanor B. Maxwell, and Corey C. Snook, filed May 24, 1999 for REGISTER SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS AND METHODS FOR A STORE, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference; and Application Serial No. 09/320,664, of Ken R. Powell, ^' Eleanor B. Maxwell, and Corey C. Snook, filed May 27, 1999 for COMPUTER SYSTEM WITH PROGRAM CONFIGURATIONS AND METHODS FOR A STORE, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Alternately, hardware 339 may be a single CPU having electronic coupon, or other discount, processing integrated with conventional UPC product scanning and price lookup. Memory hardware 303 may include two independent memories or may be an integrated memory.

Alternatives, to the disclosed coupon ID and matching of a product code in table 347 described above, include a wildcard scheme, or the family-code-based U.P.C. coupon-product(s) correspondence scheme promulgated by the Uniform Code Council Uniform Code Council, Inc., Dayton, Ohio. Referring again to Fig. 17, the customer having ID 000000020011 has been issued the coupons in list 17. The customer with ID 000000020011 is customer 220 (Fig. 5 A) with card 225. On card 225, customer identification number 467 is 000000020011. The customer with ID 000000005026 has the coupons in list 19. The customer with ID 000000005026 is customer 390 (Fig. 6A) with card 395. On card 395, customer identification number 467 is 000000005026.

Computer 22'" causes computer 116 to send an electronic mail (email) notification message corresponding to coupon list 17 generated for customer 220 residing in home 60.

Fig. 13 shows the email notification message displayed on CRT 420 in home 60.

Computer 22'" causes computer 116 to send an electronic mail (email) notification message corresponding to coupon list 19 generated for customer 390 residing in home 59.

Fifth Preferred Embodiment

The Fifth preferred embodiment differs from the fourth preferred embodiment in that the customer does not transact with a kiosk separate from the checkout station. Instead, coupons are made available and loaded onto a customer card at check out, after customer notification is sent to the home via paper mail, e-mail, or television, as described in connection with the fourth preferred embodiment.

Fig. 27 shows a store 34' including products 35, and checkout area 37' with checkout station 300'.

Figs. 28A and 28B are each a partial view of store 34'. Financial computer 40' receives coupons via telecommunications hardware 52, to enable station 300' to write these received coupons onto a card in slot 314. To optimize response time, coupon data 14 may be stored locally in store 34', before the customer presents a card at station 300'.

Fig. 29 is a block diagram of checkout station 300'. Checkout station 300' has all the features of checkout station 300. Additionally, software instructions 340' include logic for receiving coupon data from financial computer 40', to write coupons onto a card in slot 314 of reader/writer 315. Thus, station 300' includes interface circuitry for writing a coupon message into the memory of a card in the plurality of cards, the coupon message corresponding to a product cited in a notification message, such as a letter, sent to the home ofthe card holder.

Fig. 30 shows a processing performed in the fifth preferred system. The system informs a customer of a newly available coupon, using a signal path such as letter 24. (step

5). An informed customer, such as customer 210, enables a new coupon cited in the letter by, presenting card 215 for insertion into card interface slot 314 of station 300' (step 10). The system adjusts the total amount due by, for example, deducting any coupon discounts corresponding to products selected by the customer, (step 15).

Fig. 31 shows a processing performed by the fifth preferred system, to implement the processing of step 10 of Fig. 30. When station 300' detects insertion of a customer card into reader/writer 315, station 300' then receives a record, including the card's 6 byte ID, from the card (step 10). The fifth preferred system then analyzes the record to determine whether the card is a customer card that is eligible to receive paperless coupons in store 34'. More specifically, the second preferred system searches for the ID ofthe card in coupon data 14. This search could be performed by having station 300' send the card ID to computer 22'", allowing computer 22'" to perform the search and, if the search is successful, sending the coupon list associated with the card ID back to station 300'.

Alternately, coupon data 14 can be stored in store 34' and the search can be performed in store 34' by station 300', financial computer 40', or other circuitry in store 34'.

If the fifth preferred system finds the coupon ID (step 20), station 300' writes the associated coupon list onto the customer card currently in slot 314. (Steps 35 and 40). The processing performed by the fifth preferred system, to implement the processing of step 15 of Fig. 30, is identical to that of Fig. 8 A and 8B described in connection with the first through fourth preferred embodiments described above.

In the fifth preferred system, a coupon-issuing signal path from computer 22'" to station 300' includes financial computer 40' and network cable 8. In an alternate fifth embodiment, the coupon-issuing signal path from computer 22'" to station 300' could instead include a separate computer network, excluding financial computer 40' and cable 8.

Sixth Preferred Embodiment

The sixth preferred embodiment differs from the fifth preferred embodiment in that coupons are loaded onto a customer card at check out, before customer notification is sent to the home. Subsequently, customer notification is sent to the home via paper mail, e- mail, or television, as described in connection with the first preferred embodiment. Fig. 32 shows a processing performed in the sixth preferred system. At the conclusion of a checkout transaction (step 3), a checkout station in the third preferred system writes coupons to a customer's card in slot 314 of reader/writer 315. (step 5). The system then informs the customer of a newly available coupon, using a signal path such as letter 24. (step 10). On a subsequent visit to the store, the sixth preferred system adjusts the total amount due by reading coupons, written by step 5, from the card, and deducting any coupon discounts corresponding to products selected by the customer, (step 20).

Thus, the preferred systems act to stimulate and inform customers about product promotion discounts. A possible optimization is to issue certain coupons to a customer, without explicit selection ofthe coupons by the customer.

Another possible optimization is to transmit coupon notification messages to customer homes at a respective time for each customer. For each customer, the system calculates when the customer may be ready to purchase a certain kind of product, and transmits a notification message for that kind of product in time for customer behavior to be affected, but not so far in advance that the customer may be likely to forget the message.

Another possible optimization is to have notification and coupon issuance may be about and for a coupon for a different brand than the customer normally buys.

Conclusion

Of course the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments above. For example, although embodiments above send a notification message to a home to specifically identify a coupon, the notification message need only inform the customer, or household, that a discount offer is available. The notification message need not explicitly identify a coupon.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or the scope of Applicants' general inventive concept. The invention is defined in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. In a system including a store, a plurality of homes, and a plurality of consumers, a method comprising the steps, performed for the plurality of consumers, of sending a first signal to a home of a consumer, the first signal corresponding to a first product; generating a second signal for the consumer, the second signal corresponding to the first product; determining an amount due depending on whether a product selected by the consumer corresponds to the second signal, the determining step being effected without using the first signal sent to the home.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first signal includes text on a substrate, and sending includes sending the substrate to the home via a courier.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein sending includes sending an electronic signal.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the home includes a computer, and sending includes sending the first signal to the computer.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the home includes a television, and sending includes sending the first signal to the television.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of sending a first signal is performed via a first signal path and the method further includes sending the second signal to the determining step via a signal path that excludes the first signal path.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein sending includes sending a discount level.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein sending a discount level includes sending a currency quantity.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein sending a discount level includes sending a proportion quantity.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein sending a discount level includes sending a percentage quantity.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the consumer has an identifier and the method further includes using the identifier to access the second signal.

12. The method of claim 1 further including sending the second signal to a card transported by the consumer.

13. The method of claim 12 further including reading an identifier from the card; using the identifier to access the second signal.

14. The method of claim 1 further including reading an identifier from a card transported by the consumer; and using the identifier to access the second signal.

15. The method of claim 1 further including the step, performed before the step of sending a first signal, of sending the second signal to the store.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the system further includes a card transported by the consumer, wherein the sending step is performed at a time when the second signal is on the card.

17. In a first system including a store, a plurality of homes, and a plurality of consumers residing in the plurality of homes, a processing system comprising: a sender that sends a first signal to a first home of a first consumer, the first signal corresponding to a first product; a generator that generates a second signal for the first consumer, the second signal corresponding to the first product; a determiner that determines an amount due depending on whether a product selected by the first consumer corresponds to the second signal, without depending on the first signal sent to the first home.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the first signal includes text on a substrate.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the first signal includes an electronic signal.

20. The system of claim 17 wherein the first home includes a computer that receives the first signal.

21. The system of claim 17 wherein the first home includes a television that receives the first signal.

22. The system of claim 17 wherein the first home includes a computer that receives the first signal, and wherein the sender sends a second signal to a second home of a second consumer, and the second home includes a television that receives the second first signal.

23. A system of claim 17 wherein the sender sends a second first signal to a second home, the second first signal including text on a substrate, and sends a third first signal to a third home, the third first signal including an electronic signal.

24. The system of claim 17 wherein a first signal path carries the first signal and a second signal path carries the second signal from the generator to the determiner, the second signal path excluding the first signal path.

25. The system of claim 17 wherein the first signal includes a discount level.

26. The system of claim 17 wherein the first signal includes a currency quantity.

27. The system of claim 17 wherein the first signal includes a proportion quantity.

28. The system of claim 17 wherein the first signal includes a percentage quantity.

29. The system of claim 17 wherein the consumer has an identifier and the system further includes an identifier to access the second signal.

30. The system of claim 17 further including a card- writer for writing the second signal to a card transported by the consumer.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein the card writer is part of a card reader- writer that reads an identifier from the card and the system further includes circuitry that accesses the second signal using the identifier.

32. The system of claim 17 wherein the card writer is part of a card reader- writer that reads an identifier from the card and the system further includes circuitry that circuitry that accesses the second signal using the identifier.

33. The system of claim 17 further including a second sender, the second sender acting to send the second signal to the store.

34. The system of claim 17 wherein the first system further includes a card transported by the first consumer, wherein the sender is activated at a time when the second signal is on the card.

35. In a first system including a store, a plurality of homes, and a plurality of consumers, a processing system comprising: means for sending a first signal to a first home corresponding to a first consumer, the first signal corresponding to a first product; means for generating a second signal for the first consumer, the second signal corresponding to the first product; means for determining an amount due depending on whether a product selected by the first consumer corresponds to the second signal, the determining means acting without using the first signal sent to the home.

36. The processing system of claim 35 wherein sending means includes means for sending an electronic signal.

37. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the home includes a computer, and the sending means includes means for sending the first signal to the computer.

38. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the home includes a television, and means for sending includes means for sending the first signal to the television.

39. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first signal includes text on a substrate.

40. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first signal includes an electronic signal.

41. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first home includes a computer that receives the first signal.

42. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first home includes a television that receives the first signal.

43. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first home includes a computer that receives the first signal, and wherein the sender sends a second signal to a second home of a second consumer, and the second home includes a television that receives the second first signal.

44. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the sender sends a second first signal to a second home, the second first signal including text on a substrate, and sends a third first signal to a third home, the third first signal including an electronic signal.

45. The processing system of claim 35 wherein a first signal path carries the first signal and a second signal path carries the second signal from the generator to the determiner, the second signal path excluding the first signal path.

46. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first signal includes a discount level.

47. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first signal includes a currency quantity.

48. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first signal includes a proportion quantity.

49. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first signal includes a percentage quantity.

50. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the consumer in the first system has an identifier and the processing system further includes an accessor to access the second signal using the identifier.

51. The processing system of claim 35 further including a card- writer for writing the second signal to a card transported by the consumer.

52. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the card writer is part of a card reader-writer that reads an identifier from the card and the processing system further includes circuitry that accesses the second signal using the identifier.

53. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the card writer is part of a card reader-writer that reads an identifier from the card and the processing system further includes circuitry that accesses the second signal using the identifier.

54. The processing system of claim 35 further including a second sender, the second sender acting to send the second signal to the store.

55. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first system further includes a card transported by the first consumer, wherein the sender is activated at a time when the second signal is on the card.

56. The processing system of claim 35 wherein the first signal includes notification about a coupon.

57. In a system including a store, a plurality of homes, and a plurality of consumers, a method comprising the steps, performed for the plurality of consumers, of

sending a first signal to a home of a consumer via a first signal path, the first signal corresponding to a first product; generating a second signal for the consumer, the second signal corresponding to the first product; sending the second signal to via a second signal path, the second signal path excluding the first signal path; receiving the second signal from the second signal path; and determining, responsive to the receiving step, an amount due depending on whether a product selected by the consumer corresponds to the second signals.