US5621812A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for building a database for use with selective incentive marketing in response to customer shopping histories
Assignee: Catalina Marketing Corp
•
Filing: 1993-05-17
•
Granted: 1997-04-15
•
Expires: 2013-05-17
Abstract
Abstract A system and method is disclosed for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at a point of sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transaction data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal.
Inventors
- 👤 David W. Deaton
- 👤 Rodney G. Gabriel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 02:05
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07G; G07G1/00; G07G1/12; G07G1/14; G07G1/145; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/387; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q30/0207; G06Q30/0224; G06Q30/0238; G06Q30/0241; G06Q30/0251; G06Q30/0255; G06Q30/0268; G06Q30/0269; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/02; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/42; G07G1/0036
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 96
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for performing targeted marketing on shopping customers comprising: a device for entering a customer's account number as a unique customer identification code; a terminal for entering data relating to the customer's shopping transactions, said transaction data including at least each customer's purchased products; means for creating a database of the store's customers' account and transaction data in response to said device and terminal; circuitry for generating a signal upon entry of the account number of customers whose previously purchased products at the store meet predetermined shopping history criteria; and a coupon printer for dispensing a sales promotion to the customer at the point of sale during a customer's checkout in response to said signal, said sales promotion being efficiently directed toward only the class of customers who meet said predetermined shopping history criteria, and such that validity of said sales promotion is contingent upon a customer meeting a predetermined future shopping criteria.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for performing targeted marketing on shopping customers comprising: a device for entering a customer's account number as a unique customer identification code; a terminal for entering data relating to the customer's shopping transactions, said transaction data including at least each customer's purchased products; means for creating a database of the store's customers' account and transaction data in response to said device and terminal; circuitry for generating a signal upon entry of the account number of customers whose previously purchased products at the store meet predetermined shopping history criteria; and a coupon printer for dispensing a sales promotion to the customer at the point of sale during a customer's checkout in response to said signal, said sales promotion being efficiently directed toward only the class of customers who meet said predetermined shopping history criteria, and such that validity of said sales promotion is contingent upon a customer meeting a predetermined future shopping criteria.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said device comprises a check reader for automatically reading the MICR code of a plurality of checks drawn on a plurality of different banking institutions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 2 and further comprising circuitry for detecting the customers checking account number in the MICR code of said check.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 2 and further comprising apparatus for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer's check.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said shopping history criteria comprises the purchases from a department of the store.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 5 wherein transaction data includes information regarding previous purchases from departments within the store.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 6 and further comprising apparatus for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer's check.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 3 and further comprising apparatus for entering bar code data of the products being purchased and storing said data in said database.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said transaction data includes information regarding previous purchases of specific products.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 9 and further comprising apparatus for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer's check.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
149 words
A system for performing targeted marketing on shopping customers comprising: means for entering a customer's account number as a unique customer identification code: a terminal for entering data relating to the customer's shopping transactions, said data including at least each customer's purchased products: means for creating a database of the store's customers' account number and transaction data in response to said entering means and terminal: circuitry for generating a signal upon entry of the account number of customers whose previously purchased products at the store meet predetermined shopping history criteria; and means responsive to said signal for dispensing a sales promotion to the customers at the point of sale during a customer's checkout, wherein said sales promotion is efficiently directed toward only the customers who meet said predetermined shopping history criteria, and wherein validity of said sales promotion is contingent upon a customer meeting a predetermined future shopping criteria.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
149 words
A system for performing targeted marketing on shopping customers comprising: means for entering a customer's account number as a unique customer identification code: a terminal for entering data relating to the customer's shopping transactions, said data including at least each customer's purchased products: means for creating a database of the store's customers' account number and transaction data in response to said entering means and terminal: circuitry for generating a signal upon entry of the account number of customers whose previously purchased products at the store meet predetermined shopping history criteria; and means responsive to said signal for dispensing a sales promotion to the customers at the point of sale during a customer's checkout, wherein said sales promotion is efficiently directed toward only the customers who meet said predetermined shopping history criteria, and wherein validity of said sales promotion is contingent upon a customer meeting a predetermined future shopping criteria.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said entering means comprises a check reader for automatically reading the MICR code of a plurality of checks drawn on a plurality of different banking institutions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 12 and further comprising circuitry for detecting the customers checking account number in the MICR code of said check.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 12 and further comprising apparatus for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer's check.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 13 wherein said shopping history criteria comprises the purchases from a department of the store.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 15 wherein said transaction data includes information regarding previous purchases from departments within the store.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 16 and further comprising apparatus for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer's check.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 13 and further comprising apparatus for entering bar code data of the products being purchases and storing said data in said database.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said transaction data includes information regarding previous purchases of specific products.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 19 and further comprising apparatus for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer's check.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for performing targeted marketing on shopping customers comprising: a device for entering the account code of a plurality of payment instruments from a plurality of different financial institutions for use as a unique customer identification code in response to the presentation of a customer's payment instrument at the point of sale; a terminal for entering data relating to the customer's shopping habits, said data including at least each customer's purchased products: a processor for creating a database of the store's customers' transaction data and account codes in response to said device and terminal; circuitry for generating a signal upon entry of account codes of customers whose previously purchased products at the store meet predetermined shopping history criteria in shopping visits prior to the current visit; and circuitry responsive to said signal for effecting sales promotion to said customers at the point of sale during a customer's checkout, wherein said sales promotion is efficiently directed toward the customers who meet said predetermined shopping history criteria.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for performing targeted marketing on shopping customers comprising: a device for entering the account code of a plurality of payment instruments from a plurality of different financial institutions for use as a unique customer identification code in response to the presentation of a customer's payment instrument at the point of sale; a terminal for entering data relating to the customer's shopping habits, said data including at least each customer's purchased products: a processor for creating a database of the store's customers' transaction data and account codes in response to said device and terminal; circuitry for generating a signal upon entry of account codes of customers whose previously purchased products at the store meet predetermined shopping history criteria in shopping visits prior to the current visit; and circuitry responsive to said signal for effecting sales promotion to said customers at the point of sale during a customer's checkout, wherein said sales promotion is efficiently directed toward the customers who meet said predetermined shopping history criteria.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 21 and further comprising apparatus for dispensing a sales promotion to the customer at the point of sale in response to said signal.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 22 wherein said apparatus for dispensing comprises a coupon printer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 23 wherein said sales promotion is redeemable on a future shopping transaction.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 24 wherein said device for entering comprises a reader automatically reading the account code of the payment instrument presented by the customer at the point of sale.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 25 wherein said reader reads a customer's account code by scanning the MICR code of a check and retaining the checking account number.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 26 wherein said reader omits the check sequence number from the MICR code.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 27 and further comprising circuitry for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 21 wherein said shopping history criteria comprises the purchases from a department of the store.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 29 wherein said shopping history criteria also includes information regarding previous purchases from departments within the store.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 30 and further comprising apparatus for dispensing a sales promotion to the customer at the point of sale in response to said signal.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said apparatus for dispensing comprises a coupon printer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 32 wherein said sales promotion is printed to be redeemable on a future shopping transaction.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 33 wherein said device for entering comprises a reader for automatically reading the account code of the payment instrument presented by the customer at the point of sale.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 34 wherein said reader reads a customer's account code by scanning the MICR code of a check and retaining the checking account number.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 35 wherein said reader omits the check sequence number from the MICR code.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 36 and further comprising circuitry for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 21 and further comprising apparatus for entering bar code data of the products being purchased and storing said data in said database.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 38 and further comprising apparatus for dispensing a sales promotion to the customer at the point of sale in response to said signal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 39 wherein said apparatus for dispensing comprises a coupon printer.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 40 wherein said sales promotion is printed to be redeemable on a future shopping transaction.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 41 wherein said device for entering comprises a reader for automatically reading the account code of the payment instrument presented by the customer at the point of sale.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 42 wherein said reader reads a customer's account code by scanning the MICR code of a check and retaining the checking account number.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 43 wherein said reader omits the check sequence number from the MICR code.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 44 and further comprising apparatus for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
105 words
A system for customer promotion comprising: a terminal for entering a customer's identification code from a payment instrument presented by the customer, along with customer transaction data, at the point of sale, wherein said transaction data includes at least each customer's purchased products; a memory for storing a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transaction data for a plurality of customers; and circuitry for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentives may be issued to customers during a current shopping visit whose transaction data includes previously purchased products that meet predetermined shopping history criteria as indicated by said signal.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
105 words
A system for customer promotion comprising: a terminal for entering a customer's identification code from a payment instrument presented by the customer, along with customer transaction data, at the point of sale, wherein said transaction data includes at least each customer's purchased products; a memory for storing a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transaction data for a plurality of customers; and circuitry for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentives may be issued to customers during a current shopping visit whose transaction data includes previously purchased products that meet predetermined shopping history criteria as indicated by said signal.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said terminal comprises a data entry device operated by a human operator.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said payment instrument comprises a check and said terminal comprises a check reader.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 48 wherein said check reader reads the MICR code of the customer's check.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 49 and further comprising means for omitting information within said MICR code except the customer's checking account number.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 49 and further comprising means for omitting information within said MICR Code except for the checking account and the bank transit number.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 49 and further comprising means for omitting the check sequence number from the MICR Code.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said terminal has a keyboard for entering said customer transactional data.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said database is continually updated with information from said terminal.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said database stores information about the prior transaction times and dollar amounts spent by each customer.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said signal is representative of the number of times each customer has previously shopped during a plurality of time intervals.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said signal is representative of the number of transactions the customer has had in a preselected time period.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said signal is representative of the dollar volume of purchases by the customer in a preselected time period.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 46 and further comprising means for printing said incentive coupons at the point of sale.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 46 and further comprising means for distributing said incentive coupons subsequent to the sale.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 46 wherein a plurality of different coupons are distributed in dependence upon said signal, such that customers with different shopping histories receive different incentive coupons.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 61 wherein said coupons are distributed at the point of sale.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for customer promotion comprising: a terminal located at the point of sale for entering a customer's account number and customer transaction data, wherein said transaction data includes at least each customer's purchased products; means for comparing said account number and said transaction data with a stored database of previously used account numbers and transaction data; circuitry responsive to said comparing means for generating an indication of the customer's whose previously purchased products meet predetermined shopping history criteria; and incentives having varying values for being disbursed to customers during a current shopping visit whose transaction data includes previously purchased products that meet said predetermined shopping history criteria.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for customer promotion comprising: a terminal located at the point of sale for entering a customer's account number and customer transaction data, wherein said transaction data includes at least each customer's purchased products; means for comparing said account number and said transaction data with a stored database of previously used account numbers and transaction data; circuitry responsive to said comparing means for generating an indication of the customer's whose previously purchased products meet predetermined shopping history criteria; and incentives having varying values for being disbursed to customers during a current shopping visit whose transaction data includes previously purchased products that meet said predetermined shopping history criteria.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 63 wherein said terminal includes a check reader.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 64 wherein said check reader reads the MICR code of the customer's check.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 65 and further comprising means for omitting information within said MICR code except the customer's checking account number.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 65 and further comprising omitting the check sequence number from the MICR Code.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 65 and further comprising means for entering the bank transit number for use with the checking account number as a unique customer identification code.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 63 wherein said terminal has a keyboard for entering said customer transactional data.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 69 wherein said database is continually updated with information from said terminal.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 63 wherein said terminal includes a bar code reader for reading the identity of products being purchased by the customer.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 63 and further comprising means for printing said incentive coupons at the point of sale.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 63 wherein said incentive coupons are preprinted and are disbursed at the point of sale by a store employee.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 63 wherein said incentive coupons are subsequently mailed to the purchaser.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 63 wherein coupons are issued to the customer for products which the customer has not previously frequently purchased.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 63 wherein coupons are issued to the customer for use in a store department not previously frequently shopped by the customer.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 63 and further comprising a display at the point of sale for generating an indication of the credit worthiness of the customer in dependence upon said stored database.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 73 wherein said predetermined criteria comprises frequency of prior purchases of a product.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 73 wherein said predetermined criteria comprises frequency of prior purchases from a department of the store.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 73 wherein said predetermined criteria comprises dollar volume of prior purchases.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 73 wherein said predetermined criteria comprises dollar volume of prior purchases from a department of the store.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said transaction data includes information regarding previous purchases from departments within the store.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said predetermined criteria comprises dollar volume of prior purchases.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said predetermined criteria comprises frequency of prior purchases from a department of the store.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said predetermined criteria comprises dollar volume of prior purchases from a department of the store.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 46 and further comprising means for printing said incentive coupons at the point of sale.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 86 wherein a plurality of different coupons are distributed in dependence upon said signal, such that customers with different shopping histories receive different incentive coupons at the point of sale.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 71 and further comprising means for printing said incentive coupons at the point of sale.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 88 wherein a plurality of different coupons are distributed in dependence upon said signal, such that customers with different shopping histories receive different incentive coupons at the point of sale.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 88 wherein coupons are issued to the customer for products which the customer has not previously frequently purchased.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 21 wherein the payment instrument is a credit card.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-04-14 | 2000-10-14 | 2001-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-04-14 | 2004-10-14 | 2005-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-04-14 | 2008-10-14 | 2009-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |