EVENT TRIGGERED PUSH DELIVERY AND ELECTRONIC REDEMPTION OF PROMOTIONAL
`INFORMATION
`CELLULAR COUPON SYSTEM
`
`Technical Field
`The invention relates to computers and computer networks. More particularly, the invention relates to
`distribution and redemption of promotionalpromotion information over a communications network.
`Background of the Invention
`Promotional information, i.e., advertisements, discount coupons, gift certificates, etc., have been used by
`retailers, distributors and/or manufacturers of goods and services as a way to attract, and to induce,
`customers to visit their store and buy their products and services. In particular, discount coupons have a
`potential to serve as a useful market planning tool by providing demographics information, e.g.,
`consumer preferences, peak demand periods, etc.
`The traditional paper coupons, however, are inefficient in achieving the above marketing objectives due
`at least in part to low utilization of such by consumers. Paper coupons require consumers to search
`newspapers, magazines, mailers, etc. to find, select and save relevant paper coupons for later
`redemption. The search for particular coupons takes a significant amount of time and, once gathered,
`quantities of paper coupons become bulky and are difficult to organize in a useful manner. Moreover,
`consumers may be further deterred from using discount coupons on a regular basis due to the extra time
`and/or embarrassment during redemption thereof at a retailer. Redemption may take a significant time
`when the check-out line is long, which may exacerbate a customer's embarrassment. Furthermore, the
`paper coupon industry suffers from an enormous problem of fraudulent redemption practices by
`unscrupulous individuals who trade and/or redeem a large number of coupons in bulk wholly unrelated to
`any sale of the products for which the coupons were meant to apply. These fraudulent redemption
`practices not only cost the manufacture'smanufacturer's an enormous amount of money in lost profits
`and wasted marketing expenses, but also result in a corruption of market research data by posting a
`large number of redemptions unrelated to any true purchasing activities of consumers. Thus, the paper
`coupon redemption patterns fail to serve as an accurate market indicatorsindicator.
`Recently, a small but growing number of Internet web sites have appeared that offer electronic discount
`coupons on-line have appeared. For example, Fig. 1 shows an example of an on-lineonline electronic
`coupon distribution network 100, which includes a wide area network (WAN) 103 (e.g., the Internet),
`through which a consumer PC 105 communicates with the coupon server 101. The consumer 105 "visits"
`(i.e., finds and initiates a communication to) the server 101, which may list a number of available discount
`coupons stored in storage 102. After downloading a selected discount coupon(s), the consumer 105 may
`print the coupon from the printer 106 connected to the consumer PC 105, and present the paper form
`coupon to an "off-line" merchant for redemption. The consumer 105 may also visit an on-line merchant
`104 (e.g., a web site) and redeem the coupon during an on-line purchase.
` Unfortunately, some of the conventional on-line electronic coupon distribution networkmethodology
`described above suffers from the same disadvantages of the traditional paper coupon. For example,
`consumers may be required to print the coupons and then present the printed coupons to a retail store at
`the time of purchase. Moreover, the conventional on-line redemption described above can be even more
`inconvenient than the paper coupons because of the limited number of available on-line merchants, and
`because the consumer is required to access a computer terminal. Conventional electronic coupons are
`not portable (i.e., cannot be stowed in pockets or wallets, etc.), and thus do not allow redemption during
`spontaneous, spur of the moment, purchases. This is particularly disadvantageous in
`modemdisadvantages in modern society, which is becoming increasingly mobile. Current consumer
`redemption of a conventional on-line electronic coupons is, as can be expected, even less than that of
`the traditional paper coupons. Furthermore, conventional discount coupons (both in paper and electronic
`form) suffer from a fundamental flaw in that they require consumers to "pull" the coupons (i.e., initiate the
`search and acquisition process). In other words, consumers are the active initiator, while the distribution
`system passively provides coupons on request from the consumers. Thus, conventional discount
`coupons are effective only to the extent consumers succeed in finding the particular coupons, and only
`when consumers already have the inclination for the purchases. Thus, conventional discount coupons
`are limited in their effectiveness in promoting new sales.
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`In addition, because the distribution process and the redemption process of the conventional discount
`coupons are, for the most part, disconnected from each other, a complete tracking of a coupon from the
`issuance to the redemption cannot be made.
` Thus, there is a need for more efficient method and device for promotional information delivery and
`redemption system, which promotes participation by a larger number of consumers.
` There is a There is also a need for a more efficient and faster method and device for promotional
`information delivery and redemption system, which makes it easier and more convenient for mobile
`consumers to participate.
`There is also a need for promotional information delivery and redemption system that is effective in
`creating new desires for purchases by actively "pushing" the promotional information to a targeted
`number of consumers.
`There is a further need for promotional information delivery and redemption system, which provides a
`seamless integration of delivery and redemption process to provide a secure redemption that prevents
`fraud.
`
`Summary of Invention
`A system and method are provided for promotional information distribution and/or redemption via a
`wireless communication network. Upon an occurrence of one or more triggering events, promotional
`information, such as a discount coupon, is automatically sent to the wireless communication device of a
`subscriber from a distribution server. In a preferred embodiment, promotional information can be sent to
`the wireless device even without a specific request from the device user. The distribution server has
`stored therein a subscriber profile, including buying preferences, personal, family and/or friends'
`biographical data, calendar/schedule information, etc.
` The distribution server preferably selects particular promotional information based, in part, on the type of
`triggering event and the subscriber profile. The received promotional information may be used (or
`redeemed) by the subscriber via an e-mail message, a facsimile or a telephone call (or by on-screen
`verification by a merchant) without necessarily printing the promotional information. The wireless
`communication device can also be equipped with an automatic scanner, such as a bar-code reader, to
`facilitate a seamlessly integrated completion of promotional information delivery and redemption without
`the need for a conventional point-of-sale (POS) station.
`In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a method of distributing promotional
`information is provided. At least one triggering event is provided and detected. Upon detection of such a
`triggering event, a push delivery of promotional information is initiated to a mobile unit at least in part via
`a wireless communications network.
`In addition, in accordance withwit the principles of the present invention, a promotional information
`distribution and redemption system comprises a distribution server, a mobile unituntil and a
`communication network, where the distribution server pushes the promotional information to the mobile
`unit through the communication network.
`
`Description of Drawings
`Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
`the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
`Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a conventional electronic coupon distribution/redemption network.
`Figure 2 is a block diagram showing relevant portions of an exemplary embodiment of the promotional
`information delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
`Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the mobile unituntil and the server of Figure 2 in more detail.
`Figure 4 is an exemplary flow diagram of the user sign-up process in the promotional information
`delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
` Figure 4a is an exemplary flow diagram of the user profile setup process in the promotional information
`delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
`Figure 4b is an exemplary flow diagram of the user option selection/change process in the promotional
`information delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
`Figure 5a is a block diagram showing relevant portions of the mobile unit and the server, and an
`illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the event triggered promotional information delivery process
`and system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
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`Figure 5b is a block diagram showing relevant portions of the mobile unit and the server, and an
`illustration of an alternative embodiment of the event triggered promotional information delivery process
`and system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
` Figure 6 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating the mobile unit software component of the promotional
`information delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
`Figure 7a is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating the user interface in the server of the promotional
`information delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
`Figure 7b is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating the redemption method selection process of the
`promotional information delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention.
` Figure 8 is an illustrative exemplary flow diagram of handling of a calendar event trigger in the
`promotional information delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention.
`Figure 9 is an illustrative exemplary flow diagram of handling of a location/favorite event trigger in the
`promotional information delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention.
`Figure 10 is an illustrative exemplary flow diagram of the friend notification feature of the
`promotionalpromotion information delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the
`present invention.
` Figure 11 is an illustrative exemplary flow diagram of the redemption through bar-code reader process of
`the promotional information delivery/redemption system in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention.
`
`Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
`In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an apparatus for and a method of promotional
`information distribution to (and/or redemption from) a wireless communication device, through a
`communication network are described. Upon an occurrence of one or more triggering event, promotional
`information (e.g., a discount coupon, advertisement messages, gift certificates, etc.) are automatically
`sent to the wireless communication device of a subscriber from a distribution server. Preferably, thethee
`promotional information can be sent even without a specific request from the subscriber. The distribution
`serversever has stored therein a subscriber profile, e.g., buying preferences, personal, family and/or
`friends biographic data, calendar/schedule information, etc. The distribution serversever selects
`particular promotional information based on the type of triggering event and/or the subscriber profile. The
`received promotional information may be used (or redeemed) by the subscriber via an e-mail message, a
`facsimile or a telephone call (or by on screen verification by a merchant). Optionally, redemption can be
`accomplished without requiring the user to print the promotional information. Alternatively, the
`promotional information could provide a unique code to be entered on a retailer's web site or a retailer's
`on-premises payment system. The wireless communication device can also be equipped with a bar-code
`reader or other scanning device to facilitate a seamlessly integrated completion of promotional
`information delivery and redemption transactional loop. This eliminates the need for a conventional point-
`of-sale (POS) station, thus ensuring a secured redemption of the promotional information.
`In particular, Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the promotional information delivery/redemption
`system 200 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The promotional information
`delivery/redemption system 200 preferably comprises a wide area network (WAN) 203, e.g., the Internet,
`the public switched telephone network (PSTN), and the like, through which awith a consumer PC 205
`communicates with a server 201. The network 203, however, could alternately also be a private network
`or intranet. The WAN 203, the consumer PC 205, printer 206 and the on-line merchant 204 each operate
`in similar manner as those of the conventional system shown in Fig. 1.
`In addition, , the inventive promotional information delivery/redemption system 200 comprises a wireless
`communication network 210, e.g., a cellular or PCS telephone network. The wireless communication
`network provides communications between various wireless communications devices, such as cellular
`phones 212a-212c, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 213, and a portable computer 214. The wireless
`communication devices are collectively referred herein as mobile units (MU), which can be any devices
`that may be utilized to effectuate communication through the wireless network 210. In some instances, as
`used herein, "mobile unit" may include stationary wireless devices, such as appliances using "blue tooth"
`wireless technology.
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` The wireless communication network 210 can be any network providing wireless communication
`channel(s), and may utilize any of the wireless communication standards and protocols, such as a
`personal communications service (PCS) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, a
`time division multiple access network (TDMA), the global system for mobile communications (GSM), or
`the like, each of which are known to those familiar with wireless communications.
`The base stations (BS) 211a and 211b act as wireless interfaces between the wireless network 210 and
`the mobile units 212a-212c, 213 and 214. The wireless communication network 210 may
`additionallyadditional comprise, one or more home location registers (HLR) (not shown), several visitor
`location registers (VLR) (also not shown), mobile switching center(s) (MSC) (also not shown), all of which
`are well known to those familiar with wireless telecommunication networks.
`Additionally, the inventive promotional information delivery/redemption system 200 includes a
`wireless/WANWAΝ gateway 207, which allows a mobile unit to communicatecommunication with the
`server 201 across the wireless network 210 and the WAN 203, by providing a translation between the
`wireless communications protocol 209 and the WAN protocol 208.
` In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communication protocol 209 utilizes the
`wireless markup language (WML) of the wireless applications protocol (WAP), the WAP protocol 208
`utilizes the hypertext transport protocol/Internet protocol (HTTP/IP). The wireless/WAN gateway of the
`preferred embodiment comprises a WAP/HTTP gateway, e.g., ones commercially available from the
`Phone.com, Inc. of Redwood City, California. It should, however, be readily apparent to one of ordinary
`skill that the wireless communication protocol 208 may comprise any other communications protocol,
`without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Shown in Fig. 3, are block
`diagrams of exemplary embodiments of the mobile unit 310 and the server 301, which may be utilized as
`the mobile units 212a-212c, 213 and 214 and the server 201 shown in Fig. 2, respectively. In accordance
`with the principles of the present invention, the server 301 may include a communication interface 302,
`through which messagemessages can be sent and received to and from the WAN 203. The user
`interface 303 enables a user/consumer to have access to the server 301 through the WAN 203 and the
`communication interface 302. Merchants who wish to place promotional information for their goods and
`services preferably access the server 301 through the WAN 203, the communication interface 302 and
`the merchant interface 304. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the server 301 accesses
`each of the merchants through the communication interface 302 and the WAN 203 to monitor the
`inventory of goods and/or services to provide a real time inventory control and/or inventory level based
`promotional events. For example, if the on-line merchant 204 has an excessive surplus in its inventory,
`the server 301 may generate and send promotional information to selected users in order to promote
`more sales. In the alternative, the server 301 may initiate an inventory level based promotional event
`when, e.g., a merchant reports via the merchant interface 304 an excessive surplus in its inventory.
`Preferably, the server 301 includes an inventory web site accessible by merchants. On-line inventory
`tracking services are knowknown in the art. By allowing merchants to keep track of their inventory on
`server 301, however, server 301 can provide additional information to users about how and where to
`redeem their coupons or other promotional materials. This is explained in greater depth hereinafter. The
`server 301 may also include a financial institution interface 305 in order to access and provide access to
`financial institutions, e.g., credit card companies and banks, to process transactions involving payments
`by consumers to the merchants. The Administration portion 306 includes the operating system (OS) for
`the server 301. This portion 306 controls the communication sessions and the database operations. The
`database storage 307, may be a disk array and stores a user profile database, promotional information
`from the merchants, and the like. An example is the AUTORAID available from Hewlett Packard
`Company of Fort Collins, CO, USA.
`The mobile unit 310 of the present invention may comprise a radio frequency (RF) front end 312 to
`communicate to and from the base station (BS) of the wireless network 210. The mobile unit may further
`include a memory 316 to store data, e.g., phone numbers, names, etc., and a CPU 314 and the operating
`system (OS) 315 to collectively control the overall operation of the mobile unit, in a manner well known to
`those familiar with operations of a cellular handset. The memory 316 can be RAM, ROM, disk, or other
`form of electronic storage, though it is preferred that memory 316 not erase its contents when mobile unit
`310 is turned off.
`In addition, the mobile unit 310 may include a programmable timer 318, which may be set to expire after
`a specified time duration, e.g., 10 minutes, etc. The mobile unit software component (MU SW) 317 is
`preferably a JAVA® applet downloaded from the server 301. Component 317 controls the promotional
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`information delivery/redemption portion of the mobile unit 310 as will be described in more detail below.
`The mobile unit 310 may optionally comprise a bar-code reader 311 for reading product information, e.g.,
`the UPC code and the like, from boxespackages of goods.
`In a preferred embodiment, each of the user interface 303, the merchant interface 304 and the financial
`institution interface 305 comprises at least a hypertext markup language (HTML) page and/or a wireless
`markup language (WML) page, also referred to as web pages, allowing the users, the merchants and the
`financial institutions to communicate with the server 301 through a web browser. Examples of acceptable
`browsers include the NAVIGATOR® from the Netscape Communications Corporation of Mountain View,
`CA, USA, or the INTERNET EXPLORER® from the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington,
`USA.
`For example, a consumer may access the user interface 303 (e.g., a web page) via consumer PC 205
`using a web browser and/or via a mobile unit 310 using a micro-browser, which is a version of web
`browser specifically made for wireless communication devices.
`Figure 4 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the user sign-upsigh-up procedure in
`accordance with the principles of the present invention. In step 401, a consumer chooses to sign up as a
`user by clicking on the selection link from the user interface web page, for example. The server 301
`determines whether the identification of the mobile unit of the new user is known in step 402. The mobile
`unit identification can be obtained by having the user enter an identifier such as the mobile-unit phone
`number, if the new user is communicating via a PC. Alternatively, if the new user is communicating via
`the mobile unit, the mobile unit identification can be obtained by obtaining a unique identifying number,
`such as the mobile-unit identification number (MIN) or the like directly from the mobile unit.
`If the mobile unit identification is known, in step 404, the server 301 preferably contacts the operator of
`the wireless network, to which the mobile unit subscribes, to obtain the personal biographical information.
`Information such as the user's name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers and the like can thus be
`obtained without requiring the new user to manually enter the information. This feature is particularly
`useful when the user is accessing the server web page via the mobile unit because the manual entry of
`information may be more difficult due to the limited input capabilities of the mobile unit.
`If on the other hand, in step 402, it is determined that the mobile unit identification is not readily available,
`or if the wireless network operator is unavailable or unwilling to provide the information, the new user is
`prompted to manually enter his/her personal biographical information in step 403. Once the preliminary
`biographical information is obtained, the new user is prompted, in step 405, to set user profile and select
`option settings, the processes of which isare described in detail below. After the user sets the user profile
`and the option settings, the server 301 determines, in step 406, if the mobile unit is currently turned on. If
`the mobile unit is on, the server sends a mobile unit software component, e.g., a JAVA® applet, to the
`mobile unit in step 408. If, on the other hand, the mobile unit is currently turned off, the server 301 places
`the mobile unit software component in a queue, in step 407, for later transmittal to the mobile unit the
`next time the mobile unit is turned on.
`Once the mobile unit 318 receives the mobile unit software component, the sign-up process is complete.
`In step 409, the server 301 may send a message (such as an e-mail and/or call) the mobile unit 310 to
`confirm the acceptance of the new user and the availability of the promotional delivery/redemption
`service.
` Figure 4a shows a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the user profile setup process. When a
`user wishes to set up a user profile as a part of the initial sign-up process, or to make a change in the
`user profile previously created, he/she selects the user profile set up menu by, e.g., clicking on the
`corresponding selection link from the user interface web page, the server 301 provides the user with
`three areas of the user profile to set-up and/or change, namely the personal profile 451, favorite profile
`452, and the calendar event profile 453.
`Within the personal profile menu, the user may set-up/change the personal data, e.g., the name, e-mail
`address, telephone numbers, credit card information, bank account information, etc. in steps 454 to 456
`as shown. In steps 457 to 459, the user may specify or change the default method of payment for future
`purchases that may be made through the promotional information delivery/redemption system of the
`present invention.
` In steps 460 to 463, within the favorite profile menu 452, the user may set-upsetup/change his
`preference data such as his favorite types and/or color of clothing, his favorite coffee shop, his favorite
`brand of cereal, etc. He may also be permitted to specify the date and times to be notified for the
`corresponding coupon categories. Finally, in steps 464 through 468, within the calendar event profile
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`menu 453, the user may specify one or more important dates. These dates might include wedding
`anniversaries, birthdays, etc. The user may also specify corresponding coupon categories for each date.
`For example, the user may specify toys for the birthday of a child. Figure 4b shows a flow diagram of an
`exemplary embodiment of the user option selection/change process, which is initiated when the user
`chooses the select/change option menu by clicking on the selection link from the user interface web page
`in step 470.
`In step 471, the server 301 queries the user if the user wishes to de-activate the promotional information
`delivery service, which is activated as a default. If the user answers yes, then the server sets the service
`disable flag in the option setting of the user in step 472474, and saves the change in the option setting in
`step 487. If the user answers no, the server 301 queries, in step 473, whether the user wishes to enable
`(or disable) any of the "event based triggers" - occurrences of which may initiate the promotional
`information delivery process.
`If the user answers yes, the enable/disable setting of the calendar event trigger and location/favorite
`event trigger, both of which are described in more detail below, may be modified in steps 474 to 484. If
`the question of step 473 is answered "no," then the process proceeds to step 475, in which the server
`prompts the user to decide whether the user wants to activate the "notify a friend" feature, which is
`described in more detail below. Similarly, in steps 477 through 482, the default display setting of the
`mobile unit and the user home page selection may be modified. The modification(s) made in steps 475 to
`482 are used by the server 301 to update the user profile.
`In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the promotional information is arranged in terms of
`the geographical location(s) of the merchants who offer the goods and services to which the promotional
`information relates. At step 481, the user is permitted to specify a web page listing promotional
`information that is limited to a particular geographical area of the offering merchants, as the home or log
`inlog-in web page from which to start the promotional information delivery service.
`Figure 5a shows a block diagram of the relevant portions of the mobile unit 501 and the server 507. The
`mobile unit 501 may include a memory 502501. Memory 502 stores the mobile unit software component
`(MUSW) 504, and a list of triggering events 503. In this example, the MUSW 504 updates the location of
`the mobile unit 501 and sends the updated location of the mobile unit to the server 508 via the signal
`path 505. The MUSW 504 according to this embodiment also determines if any of the triggering events
`have occurred, and, if so, sends a trigger signal to the server upon an occurrence of a triggering event
`via the signal path 505. In response to the trigger signal, the server 507, examines the trigger event type
`and selects the relevant promotional information based on the user profile 508.
`Figure 5b shows an alternative embodiment of the mobile unit 501a and the server 507a.
` Figure 5b shows the triggering event being stored at the server 507407a rather at the mobile unit 501a.
`The mobile unit 501a sends an update of the location of the mobile unit 501a to the server 507a via the
`signal path 505a, which may be across the various networks and gateways as previously described. The
`server 507a monitors for an occurrence of any of the triggering events 503a, and upon such occurrence
`503a, initiates a "push" of promotional information selected based on the user profile 508a. As used
`herein, a "push" of promotional information means the transmittal of promotional information without a
`specific request for such promotional information. This embodiment is preferable since the limited amount
`of the memory space of the mobile unit is not wasted for storing the triggering events. The MUSW 504a
`may be smaller in size than the MUSW 504 since it does not require the triggering event monitoring
`portion of the code.
`Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of the preferred embodiment of the mobile unit software component,
`MUSW 504a. The MUSW 504a detects the mobile unit being turned on in step 601.
` Then, in step 602, it initializes the current location of the mobile unit, and the mobile unit identification,
`e.g., the mobile identification number (MIN) or the like, and sets the timer (e.g., the timer 318) to expire
`after a predetermined time duration. This time duration can be specified by the user as one of the options
`through the select/change option menu previously described. In steps 603 and 604, the MUSW 504a re-
`determines the current mobile unit location after the elapse of the specified time duration, and sends the
`location update signal to the server 507a via the signal path 505a. The location update signal can be any
`parameter from which the geographical location of the mobile unit can be obtained. In a preferred
`embodiment of the present invention, the location update signal comprises the identification of the cell
`such as the cell number in the personal communications service (PCS) network, in which the mobile unit
`is currently located. The location update signal may alternatively be the identity of the base station (BS)
`nearest to the mobile unit (MU).
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`The current location of the mobile unit may be determined using one of the known radio location
`methodologies, including the strongest signal method, the time of arrival (TOA) method, the angle of
`arrival (AOA), the differential time of arrival (TDOA) method, etc., all of which are known to those familiar
`with wireless telecommunication technology. Alternatively, the location may also be determined by
`providing a global positioning system (GPS) receiver in the mobile unit itself.
` The home or log-inlong-in web page may be selected automatically based on the detected location of
`the mobile unit. That is, when the promotional information delivery/redemption system is accessed via a
`mobile unit, the mobile unit can be provided with an initial page that contains promotional information
`from merchants located in the same geographical location (or in the vicinity) of the location of the mobile
`unit.
`Unless the MUSW 504501a detects promotional information being pushed by the server 507a, the
`process of determining, and updating the server with, the current location of the mobile unit is repeated in
`steps 602 through 605. However, if in step 606, the MUSW 504a detects promotional information being
`pushed by the server 507407a, the MUSW 504a displays the received one or more pieces of the
`promotional information on the screen of the mobile unit 501a.
`The screen display is preferably based on the user profile and/or option setting and may be presented in
`several different formats. For example, if the user has chosen in the option setting, the display may be
`one of (or a combination of) text, graphical, animated, or multimedia. The text display provides the
`promotional information in a textual form allowing the user to read and scroll through listlists of texts. The
`graphical display allows display of the promotional information as still pictures allowing user to jump
`around between picture objects to make a selection. The animated display may provide, for example, a
`dynamically changing discount amount, based on, for example, time of the day, day of the week or a
`double coupon day, etc. The multimedia display allows the promotio