초록 ▼

Cents-off merchandise coupons are distributed and redeemed immediately and electronically. An electronic display of coupons valid for use in a particular store is presented to customers in that store. When a customer makes a selection of coupons from the display, the selection is recorded. The custo

Cents-off merchandise coupons are distributed and redeemed immediately and electronically. An electronic display of coupons valid for use in a particular store is presented to customers in that store. When a customer makes a selection of coupons from the display, the selection is recorded. The customer is subsequently identified at a store checkout station as the one who made the selection. In a preferred embodiment, the identification is made by scanning a special card adapted for use with the system. The items purchased in the store by the customer are recorded, and any matches between the coupons selected and the items purchased are determined electronically. The customer is immediately credited in accordance with the terms of the matched coupons. Redeemed coupons are periodically cleared electronically.

대표청구항 ▼

A paperless system for distributing and redeeming coupons and the like, said apparatus comprising display, selection and recording means for presenting to a customer a display of coupons, for enabling the customer to make a selection of coupons from the display, and for recording the selection, said

A paperless system for distributing and redeeming coupons and the like, said apparatus comprising display, selection and recording means for presenting to a customer a display of coupons, for enabling the customer to make a selection of coupons from the display, and for recording the selection, said display, selection and recording means further including means for generating a first signal identifying the customer and his/her coupon selection, identification and checkout means for identifying the customer at a store checkout station as the one who made the selection and for generating a second signal identifying items purchased in the store by the customer, matching means coupled to said display, selection and recording means and responsive to said first and second signals for determining any matches between the coupons selected and the items purchased, and means for crediting the customer in accordance with the terms of the matched coupons.