초록 ▼

A computer implemented consumer transaction point accumulation system in which a consumer earns and accumulates points immediately for immediate use during transactions at participating retailer outlets, wherein at each transaction, a customer's identification number is transmitted to a host data ba

A computer implemented consumer transaction point accumulation system in which a consumer earns and accumulates points immediately for immediate use during transactions at participating retailer outlets, wherein at each transaction, a customer's identification number is transmitted to a host data base which stores customer records including a customer balances of points accumulated to date. The system processing each consumer transaction during the consumer visit to the retailer outlet to determine points awarded for each transaction and to determine whether the item purchased is a redeemable item for which points may be redeemed for a reduction of the price of the redeemable item. The system updating said customer records immediately by adding points awarded or subtracting points redeemed from the customer balance of transaction points.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A computer implemented consumer transaction point accumulation system in which a consumer earns and accumulates points immediately in centralized data storage for each individual purchase of select items purchased during a consumer transaction at participating retailer outle

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A computer implemented consumer transaction point accumulation system in which a consumer earns and accumulates points immediately in centralized data storage for each individual purchase of select items purchased during a consumer transaction at participating retailer outlets, the system comprising:(a) at least one in-store system including:(i) a local processor;(ii) local data storage electrically coupled to said local processor,(iii) data input means electrically coupled to said local processor for receiving consumer account identity data and consumer account requests; and(iv) a local communicator electrically coupled to said local processor for transmitting requests for consumer account data;(b) a host system having at least:(i) a host processor;(ii) a host database eletrically coupled to said host processor, said host database including a plurality of consumer records, wherein each consumer record includes at least a consumer point balance;(iii) a host communicator electrically coupled to said host processor for receiving request for said consumer account data, said host communicator transmitting at least said point balance to said in-store system;(c) said local processor performing the following steps:(i) processing each individual purchase of an item during the consumer transaction at the participating retailer outlet to determine points earned on select items;(ii) updating said point balance in said in-store system by adding said points earned on said select items to said point balance;(iii) analyzing said updated point balance to determine if said updated point balance is greater than or equal to a cash credit point balance; and(iv) where said updated point balance is greater than or equal to said cash credit point balance, providing the consumer with an option to immediately reduce the price of one of a select item being purchased by a specified amount.