초록 ▼

A system for dispensing and redeeming the electronic discount coupons. The system includes a personal computer (PC) having hardware and software for receiving an electronic coupon from the system of computer networks, translating the received coupon into a binary format, and sending the binary-forma

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

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system comprising:a plurality of portable cards;a first computer network including a first plurality of computers, each having a respective first network address, the first plurality of computers including a first computer for sending a first signal including a first ne

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system comprising:a plurality of portable cards;a first computer network including a first plurality of computers, each having a respective first network address, the first plurality of computers including a first computer for sending a first signal including a first network address, an inter-network address corresponding to a computer on another network, and a signal corresponding to a product;a second computer network including a second plurality of computers, each having a respective second network address;means, responsive to the inter-network address from the first signal, for sending a second signal including a second network address and the signal corresponding to the product;a first processor, responsive to the second signal, for sending a card signal to a portable card in the plurality of cards, the card signal corresponding to the product; anda second processor, spatially removed from the first processor, for receiving the card signal from the portable card.