(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY(PCT)
`
`
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Burcau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`10 July 2008 (10.07.2008)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`G06Q 30/00 (2006.01)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`PCT/US2007/088687
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`21 December 2007 (21.12.2007)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/87 1,898
`11/960,173
`
`26 December 2006 (26.12.2006)
`19 December2007 (19.12.2007)
`
`US
`US
`
`(71) Applicants (for all designated States except US): VISA
`USA INC. [US/US]; P.O. Box 8999, M3-2B, San Fran-
`cisco, California 94128 (US). VISA INTERNATIONAL
`SERVICE CORPORATION[US/US]; 900 Metro Center
`Boulevard, Foster City, California 94404 (US).
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): CARLSON, Mark,
`
`(54) Title: MOBILE COUPON METHOD AND SYSTEM
`
`O Cellular Network
`—f
`
`
`
`Mobile Device
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2008/083115 Al
`
`(74)
`
`(81)
`
`Steven [US/US]; 153 Miramontes Avenue, Half Moon Bay,
`California 94019 (US). CIUREA, Peter [US/US]; 6352
`Greenridge Court, Martinez, California 94553 (US).
`
`Agents: TOBIN,Kent, J. et al.; Townsend And Townsend
`And Crew Llp, Two Embarcadero Center, 8th Floor, San
`Francisco, California 94111-3834 (US).
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH,
`CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG,
`ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU,ID,IL,
`IN,IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP, KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK,
`LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, Mw,
`MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PG, PH, PL,
`PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, SV, SY,
`TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA,
`ZM, ZW.
`
`(84)
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KF, 1.S, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, 7M,
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(57) Abstract: A system and a method for using a
`portable consumer device such as a mobile phone are
`disclosed.
`In one embodiment, a method according
`to the present invention comprises referencing data
`regarding an individual consumerstored as part of a
`payment processing network to generate an electronic
`coupon targeted to the individual consumer.
`The
`electronic coupon is transmitted to a mobile device
`of the individual consumer over a communications
`
`and purchase transaction utilizing the
`network,
`electronic coupon is processed over the payment
`processing network.
`In certain embodiments,
`the
`electronic coupon may be generated based upon
`temporal and/or geographic information of a prior
`purchase transaction conducted using the payment
`processing network.
`
`
`
`ISO 14443/
`NFC
`
`sa
`
`
`
`
`Mobile Device Circuitry
`39
`
`-
`47
`
`
`Contactless
`Element
`Interface
`38
`
`
`
`Secure
`Data Space
`41
`
`
`
`
`Contactless
`Chip
` “6
`(36(a))
`
`36
`
`
`
`
`Data Transfer
`Element
`(36(b)
`
`
`
`
`
`WO2008/083115AdINVENTENATNTINTINMTMUMATTCAARTA
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`

`

`WO 2008/083115 A _IIMIIMIINNININIIANNINTUTETAN TMET AY UMM AtMt
`
`Published:
`ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM),
`European (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, Fl, —~with international search report
`FR, GB, GR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV, MC, MT, NL, PL, — before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM,
`claims and to be republished in the event of receipt of
`GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`amendments
`
`

`

`WO 2008/083115
`
`PCT/US2007/088687
`
`MOBILE COUPON METHOD AND SYSTEM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
`
`[0001] The instant nonprovisional patent application claims priority to U.S.
`Provisional Patent Application No. 60/871 ,898, filed December 26, 2006 and
`
`incorporated by reference in its entirety herein for all purposes.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Coupons are a useful marketing tool to enhance brand loyalty and introduce
`new products. By allowing customization of the effective duration and value of an
`
`offer, a coupon providesa flexible incentive for a consumer to purchasea particular
`
`productor line of products.
`
`[0003] Conventionally, coupons have been available in printed form from sources
`
`such as newspapers.
`
`Increased adoption of electronic sources of information such
`
`as the world-wide-web, however, has led to the increase in popularity of electronic
`
`coupons.
`
`[0004]
`
`In addition, most consumers now own and operate a cell phone or other
`
`portable electronic device. This renders such consumers accessible to the
`
`distribution of electronic coupons as they do their shopping, and moreover allows
`
`such distributed electronic coupons to be redeemeddirectly at the store location.
`
`20
`
`[0005] Accordingly, there is a needin the art for methods and systemsallowing for
`the distribution and use of electronic coupons by mobile electronic devices.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY
`
`[0006] A system and a methodfor using a portable consumer device such as a
`
`mobile phone are disclosed.
`
`In one embodiment, a method according to the present
`
`25
`
`invention comprises referencing data regarding an individual consumer stored as
`
`part of a payment processing network to generate an electronic coupon targeted to
`the individual consumer. The electronic coupon is transmitted to a mobile device of
`
`the individual consumer over a communications network, and purchase transaction
`
`utilizing the electronic coupon is processed over the payment processing network.
`
`In
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`

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`WO 2008/083115
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`PCT/US2007/088687
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`certain embodiments, the electronic coupon may be generated based upon temporal
`and/or geographic information of a prior purchase transaction conducted using the
`
`payment processing network.
`
`[0007] These and other embodiments of the invention are described in further detail
`
`below.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0008] FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a payment processing system.
`
`[0009] FIG. 1A showsa block diagram of a portable consumer device for use with
`
`the payment processing system of FIG. 1.
`
`[0010] FIG. 2 showsa simplified block diagram of an embodimentof a system for
`
`implementing a mobile coupon program in accordance with an embodimentof the
`
`present invention.
`
`{0011} FIG. 3 showsa simplified flow diagram of a process for enrolling in a mobile
`
`coupon program according to an embodimentof the present invention.
`
`[0012] FIG. 4 shows a screen from a POS terminal.
`
`[0013] FIGS. 5(a)-5(c) show different screenshots on a phone. The screenshots
`
`include coupons.
`
`[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a computer system for usein
`
`accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
`
`20
`
`[0015] Figure 6Ais anillustration of basic subsystems the computer system of
`
`Figure 6.
`
`{0016} Figure 7 showsa simplified flow of a process of utilizing an embodimentof
`
`an electronic coupon according to the present invention.
`
`25
`
`[0017]
`
`I. Payment Processing Systems
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0018] Embodimenis of the invention are directed to the use of portable consumer
`
`devices, and methods and systems employing them. Preferred portable consumer
`
`devices are mobile phones. The mobile phones can be used in payment processing
`
`systems like those shownin FIG. 1.
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`[0019] FIG. 1 shows a system 20 that can be used in an embodiment of the
`
`invention. The system 20 includes a merchant 22 and an acquirer 24 associated
`
`In a typical paymenttransaction, a consumer 30 may
`with the merchant 22.
`purchase goods or services at the merchant 22 using a portable consumer device
`
`32. The acquirer 24 can communicate with an issuer 28 via a payment processing
`system 26.
`
`[0020] The acquirer 24 is typically a bank that has a merchant account. The issuer
`
`28 may also be a bank, but could also be business entity such asaretail store.
`
`Some entities are both acquirers and issuers, and embodiments of the invention
`
`include such entities. The issuer 28 may operate a server computer 21, which may
`have a computer readable medium comprising code for performing the functions that
`
`the issuer 28 performs. A database 23 comprising account number information and
`
`other information may be operatively coupled to the server computer 21.
`
`[0021] The consumer 30 maybe an individual, or an organization such as a
`
`business that is capable of purchasing goods or services.
`
`[0022] The portable consumer device 32 may be in any suitable form. For
`
`example, suitable portable consumer devices can be hand-held and compactso that
`they can fit into a consumer's wallet and/or pocket (e.g., pocket-sized). They may
`
`20
`
`include smart cards, ordinary credit or debit cards (with a magnetic strip and without
`a microprocessor), keychain devices (such as the Speedpass™ commercially
`available from Exxon-Mobil Corp.), etc. Other examples of portable consumer
`
`devicesinclude cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, payment
`cards, security cards, access cards, smart media, transponders, and the like. The
`
`portable consumer devices can also be debit devices (e.g., a debit card), credit
`devices (e.g., a credit card), or stored value devices (e.g., a stored value card).
`
`25
`
`[0023] The portabie consumer device 32 may comprise a computer readable
`
`medium 32(a) and a body 32(b). The computer readable medium 32(a) may be on
`the body 32(b). The body 32(b) may in the form a plastic substrate, housing, or
`other structure. The computer readable medium 32(a) may be a memory that stores
`
`30
`
`data and maybein any suitable form. Exemplary computer readable media 32(a)
`maybe in any suitable form including a magnetic stripe, a memory chip, etc.
`If the
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`portable consumer device 32 is in the form of a card, it may have an embossed
`
`region 32(a) which is embossed with a PAN (primary account number).
`
`[0024] Figure 1A shows an enlarged view of the portable (mobile) device. Device
`
`32 further includes a contactless element 36, typically implemented in the form of a
`
`semiconductor chip 36(a) (or other data storage element) with an associated
`
`wireless data transfer (e.g., data transmission) element 36(b), such as an antenna.
`
`Contactless element 36 ts associated with (e.g., embedded within) mobile device 32
`
`and data such as a coupon or control instructions transmitted via cellular network
`
`may be applied to contactless element 36 by means of contactless elementinterface
`
`38. Contactless element interface 38 functions to permit the exchange of data
`
`and/or control instructions between the mobile device circuitry 39 (and hence the
`
`cellular network) and contactless element 36.
`
`[0025] Mobile device 32 mayalso include a secure data space 41, which may be
`
`used by the device to store operating parameters and/or other data utilized in
`
`operation of the device. The secure data space 41 maybe in the form of a chip that
`
`is separate and apart from the chip in the contactless element 36, or alternatively,
`
`could be a section of memory in the chip that forms part of the contactless element
`
`36. Note that the chip in the contactless element 36 may include data storage
`
`capability in the form of a memory that may be accessed via interface 38 to permit
`
`20
`
`the implementation of read, write, and erase functions, for example.
`
`[0026]
`
`In accordancewithstill other embodiments, the mobile device mayfurther
`
`include a processor 45 and computer readable storage medium 46for storing code
`and configured to direct the processor to perform various tasks. For example, the
`
`computer readable storage medium may comprise a magnetic disk drive or a flash
`
`25
`
`memory chip.
`
`[0027] As discussed below, the computer readable storage medium may contain
`codethat is configured to cause a processorof the portable consumerdevice to
`
`receive and recognize a message including a coupon and codethatis delivered to
`
`the mobile device. The computer readable storage medium may also include code
`
`30
`
`that is configured to decrypt an encrypted messageincluding the code thatis
`
`received by the mobile device.
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`[0028] Contactless element 36 is capable of transferring and receiving data using a
`near field communications capability (or near field communications medium) typically
`in accordance with a standardized protocol or data transfer mechanism (identified as
`ISO 14443/NFCin the figure). Near field communications capability is a short-range
`communications capability, such as RFID, Bluetooth™, infra-red, or other data
`
`transfer capability that can be used to exchange data between the mobile device 32
`
`and a local apparatus, for example located a point-of-sale of a merchant or another
`
`location at which coupons are expected to be redeemed. Thus, mobile device 32 is
`
`capable of communicating and transferring data and/or control instructions via both
`
`cellular network and near field communications capability.
`
`[0029]
`
`In accordance with certain embodiments, the mobile device further includes
`
`a Global Positioning System (GPS) element 47. GPS element 47 is configured to
`
`allow determination of the location of the user at any time.
`
`In particular, GPS
`
`element 47 relies upon signals from a plurality of orbiting satellites in order to allow
`
`the user's location to be determined. Location information obtained from the GPS
`
`element 47 mayin turn be communicated through the antenna to allow monitoring of
`the user's position.
`
`[0030] Returning to Figure 1, the payment processing network 26 mayinclude data
`
`processing subsystems, networks, and operations used to support and deliver
`
`20
`
`authorization services, exception file services, and clearing and settlement services.
`
`An exemplary payment processing network may include VisaNet™. Payment
`
`processing networks such as VisaNet™are able to process credit card transactions,
`
`debit card transactions, and other types of commercial transactions. VisaNet™, in
`
`particular, includes a VIP system (Visa Integrated Payments system) which
`
`25
`
`processes authorization requests and a Base I} system which performs clearing and
`
`settlement services.
`
`[0031] The payment processing network 26 may include a server computer. A
`
`server computer is typically a powerful computer or cluster of computers. For
`
`example, the server computer can be a large mainframe, a minicomputer cluster, or
`
`30
`
`In one example, the server computer may
`a group of servers functioning as a unit.
`be a database server coupled to a Web server. The payment processing network 26
`
`may use any suitable wired or wireless network, including the Internet.
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`[0032] The merchant 22 may also have, or may receive communications from, an
`
`access device 34 that can interact with the portable consumer device 32.
`
`In
`
`embodiment of a system of FIG. 1, the access device 34 is located at the merchant
`
`22. However, it could be located at any other suitable location in other embodiments
`
`of the invention.
`
`[0033] The access devices according to embodiments of the invention can be in
`
`any suitable form. Examples of access devices include point of sale (POS) devices,
`cellular phones, PDAs, personal computers (PCs), tablet PCs, handheld specialized
`readers, set-top boxes, electronic cash registers (ECRs), automated teller machines
`(ATMs), virtual cash registers (VCRs), kiosks, security systems, access systems,
`and the like.
`
`[0034]
`
`If the access device 34 is a point of sale terminal, any suitable point of sale
`
`terminal mayinclude a reader 34(a), a processor 34(b) and a computer readable
`medium 34(c). The reader 34(b) may include any suitable contact or contactless
`
`mode of operation. For example, exemplary card readers can include RF (radio
`frequency) antennas, magnetic stripe readers, etc. to interact with the portable
`consumer device 32.
`
`[0035]
`
`In a typical purchase transaction, the consumer 30 purchases a good or
`
`service at the merchant 22 using a portable consumer device 32 such as a credit
`
`20
`
`card. The consumer's portable consumer device 32 can interact with an access
`
`device 34 such as a POS (point of sale) terminal at the merchant 22. For example,
`the consumer 30 maytake a credit card and may swipeit through an appropriate slot
`
`in the POS terminal.
`
`[0036] Alternatively, the POS terminal may be a contactless reader, and the
`
`25
`
`portable consumer device 32 may be a contactless device such as a contactless
`
`In certain embodiments, the portable consumer device may be a mobile
`card.
`device such as shown in FIG. 1A above. As described in detail below, the antenna
`
`of the mobile device may beutilized to communicate not only paymentinformation to
`the POS, but also may also communicate information (such as a code) from a mobile
`
`30
`
`coupon to a POSdevice.
`
`[0037] An authorization request messageis then forwarded to the acquirer 24.
`After receiving the authorization request message, the authorization request
`
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`PCT/US2007/088687
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`messageis then sent to the payment processing network 26. The payment
`
`processing network 26 then forwards the authorization request messageto the
`
`issuer 28 of the portable consumer device 32.
`
`[0038] After the issuer 28 receives the authorization request message, the issuer
`
`28 sends an authorization response message back to the payment processing
`
`network 26 to indicate whether or not the current transaction is authorized (or not
`
`authorized). The transaction processing network 26 then forwards the authorization
`
`response message back to the acquirer 24. The acquirer 24 then sends the
`
`response message back to the merchant 22.
`
`[0039] After the merchant 22 receives the authorization response message, the
`
`access device 34 at the merchant 22 may then provide the authorization response
`
`messagefor the consumer 30. The response message maybedisplayed by the
`
`access device 34, or may be printed out on a receipt.
`
`[0040] At the end of the day, a normal clearing and settlement process can be
`
`conducted by the transaction processing network 26. A clearing process is a
`
`process of exchanging financial details between and acquirer and an issuer to
`
`facilitate posting to a consumer's account and reconciliation of the consumer's
`
`settlement position.
`
`[0041] Some of the embodiments described below may use a payment processing
`
`20
`
`system like the one described above, or any suitable combination of componentsin
`
`the payment processing system.
`
`[0042]
`
`If. Mobile Coupon Method and System
`
`[0043] Particular embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to
`
`25
`
`methods and apparatuses which allow distribution and/or redemption of electronic
`coupons at a mobile personal device. Various embodiments of such a system are
`described in the following figures.
`
`[0044] Figure 2 shows an overall view of an embodimentof a system in accordance
`with the present invention for administering a mobile coupon program. A first entity
`
`200 (i.e. Visa) is responsible for operating a payment processing network. Under the
`
`30
`
`control of entity 200 are a number of different operational elements.
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`

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`PCT/US2007/088687
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`{0045} For exampie, mobile campaign server 202 functions as the interface
`
`between entity 200 and the outside world, here represented by the internet "cloud"
`
`204. Mobile campaign server 202 can include at least three components.
`
`[0046] Specifically, mobile enrollment server 206 provides a browser interface for
`
`potential users to enroll in the mobile coupon program using an enrollment webpage
`
`208. Mobile enrollment server 206 is configured to receive from potential users
`
`certain pieces of information allowing their participation in the program. For
`
`example, in an enrollment form supplied electronically to server 206, the prospective
`
`participant can provide information such as the telephone number of their portable
`
`device, a security password, and preferences regarding the types of mobile coupons
`
`that they wish to receive.
`
`[0047] Figure 3 provides a simplified flow chart of the steps for enrolling in a mobile
`
`coupon program.
`
`In step 302 of enrollment flow 300, a consumer navigates to the
`
`website of the enrollment server utilizing his or her browser.
`
`[0048]
`
`In the next step 304, the consumer creates a mobile coupon account by
`
`inputting identification and validation information. Examples of suchidentification
`
`information include the user's name, the telephone number of the user's mobile
`
`electronic device, financial account numbers, and optional aliases. At this stage, the
`
`consumer also verifies that they have read appropriate disclaimers and affirmatively
`
`20
`
`indicate that they seek to opt-into the mobile coupon program.
`
`[0049]
`
`In step 306 of enrollment flow 300, information entered by the consumer is
`
`verified. Examples of such verification include confirming that the consumer
`
`identified is actually in possession of the portable device, that the portable device
`
`belongs to the consumer, and that any identified account belongs to the consumer.
`
`25
`
`[0050] Returning to FIG. 2, mobile enrollment server 206is in turn in electronic
`
`communication with user database 210. Database 210 includes data relating to the
`
`user of the mobile coupon system, including the specific information provided during
`
`enrollment. Access to the contents of database 210 is shared with gateway server
`
`212.
`
`30
`
`[0051] Gateway server 212 serves asthe interface with outside entities responsible
`
`for implementing the mobile coupon program. For example, telecommunications
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`companies ("telecoms") 214 provide the infrastructure necessary to communicate the
`
`coupon to the user’s mobile device wherever they happen to be. The telecom
`
`entities must provide sufficient capacity to handle a sufficiently high volume of
`
`coupon messages outgoing to recipients.
`
`[0052} Where such volume of messagesis expected to be small (for example at the
`
`inception of the mobile coupon program), another type of companycalled an
`
`aggregator will secure sufficient bandwidth for all of the expected messages from the
`
`telecom, and then aggregate the messages from different sources.
`
`[0053]
`
`In an exemplary embodiment, a couponis sent to a user's phone or other
`
`portable device. The coupon may be sent in any one of a number of different forms,
`
`including but not limited to an short messaging service (SMS) message, a SMS link,
`
`a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, or e-mail message.
`
`[0054] The coupon may be communicated utilizing any one of several types of
`
`communications systems. For example, the coupon may be communicated to the
`
`cell phone utilizing SMS. Such an embodiment offers a number of possible
`
`advantages, including broad access as SMS is available on almost every cell phone.
`
`Possible disadvantages to mobile coupon distribution utilizing SMS is a weak
`
`mechanism for confirming receipt of the coupon by the designated recipient, and
`
`also a high transaction cost as charges are typically incurred for each SMS message
`
`20
`
`transmitted.
`
`[0055]
`
`In accordance with alternative embodiments, the mobile coupon could be
`
`distributed by a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system. Such
`
`GSM communication are cheap and secure, and would support confirmation of
`
`receipt of the coupon by a designated user.
`
`25
`
`[0056] Further alternatively, the coupons could be distributed utilizing a Near Field
`
`Communications (NFC) system. Such an embodiment would require the portable
`
`consumer device io be equipped with an NFC chip and programmed with a software
`
`application. The source of the near field signal providing the electronic coupon could
`be local kiosks, for example as present in a shopping mall. An alternative source of
`electronic coupons available utilizing such near field communication is the point of
`
`30
`
`sale itself. Other sources are possible.
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`[0057] The coupon may be communicated to the portable consumer device in
`encrypted form. Such encryption would prevent interception and unauthorized use
`of a couponby other than the intended recipient. A processor present in the portable
`consumer device could in turn decrypt the messageuponits receipt.
`
`[0058] FIG. 4 showsa screen 400 from a POS terminal. The screen 400 shows
`
`buttons 402 that a cashier might select in order to initiate a pre-arranged discount
`utilizing an electronic coupon. For example, button 402a allows the cashier to
`
`implement a 30%discount for employees etc. Button 402b allows the cashier to
`manually enter a number for numeric look-up (NLU) from an electronic coupon
`displayed on a user's portable electronic device.
`
`[0059] FIGS. 5A-5C are examplesof three screenshots showing graphical coupons
`in different forms. These screenshots are configured to be able to be displayed on
`the small screen of a mobile phone, personaldigital assistant (PDA), or other mobile
`device.
`
`15
`
`[0060] FIG. 5A showsa screenshot 500 which includes both a bar code 502 (which
`is an example of a machine readable code) and a seven digit number 504. The bar
`code 502 can be scanned with a scanner. One type of scanner which may be used
`to read a bar code on the screen of a cell phone is a charge coupled device (CCD)
`scanner. However, a laser-type scanner may not be able to read the bar code
`
`20
`
`displayed due to reflection from the screen.
`
`[0061]
`
`!n order to process the electronic coupon shownin FIG. 5A, the user
`
`accesses and displays the coupon on the screen of his or her portable device. The
`cashier then accesses the discount screen shown in FIG. 4, and either scans the bar
`codein directly or enters the seven-digit number utilizing a numeric key pad.
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`FIG. 5B illustrates a screenshot 520 showing a different embodiment of a
`[0062]
`mobile electronic coupon in accordance with the present invention, which includes a
`visual display 522 and a personalized message 523. This visual display may be
`related to the nature of the coupon, representing for example the purchase of
`flowers. Alternatively, the display may simplyillustrate the nature of the coupon, for
`example the display of flowers generically representing a gift.
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`Instead of a barcode, a six digit number "024248" is shownby the electronic
`[0063]
`coupon 520.
`In processing of coupon 520 by a cashier, this six digit number can be
`entered into a POS terminal to give the consumer a discount on a purchase.
`In
`accordance with one embodiment, the number can be entered by having the cashier
`type in the individual digits of the code on a numeric keypad.
`In accordance with an
`alternative embodiment, the number can be entered by having the cashier activate a
`predetermined key, or combination thereof, which allows recognition of the coupon
`and the discount.
`
`[0064] The embodiment of Figure 5B mayoffer certain advantages over a coupon
`employing a bar code as shownin Figure 5A. One advantage is ease of operation,
`as there is no requirementfor optical recognition/reading of a code from the screen
`of the phone. Another possible advantage is reduced cost of implementation, as a
`bar code scanner device is not required to be purchasedor rented by the merchant.
`In addition, software and hardware upgradesrelating to electronic scanning would
`not be required bythis alternative embodiment.
`
`[0065] Lastiy, FIG. 5C shows a screenshot 550 showing a "30%off" coupon. This
`electronic coupon includesa visual display 552 but lacks either a bar code or an
`
`identifying number.
`
`[0066] To usethis coupon, the user showsthe display to the cashier and the
`cashier selects a button on a POS terminal display (see FIG. 4) to provide the
`discount to the consumer. Accordingtostill further embodiments of the present
`invention, coupon information such as a code may be communicatedto a portable
`device in a proprietary format.
`
`[0067] Figure 7 showsa simplified flow of a processof utilizing a mobile coupon
`according to an embodimentof the present invention.
`In a first step 702 of process
`flow 700, a purchaser presents items to a cashier.
`In step 704, the cashier hits the
`purchase key and enters the items.
`In step 706, the coupon asksthe purchaser
`whether or not she intends to use coupons.
`In step 708, the purchaser responds
`that she intends to use a coupon.
`
`In step 710 of process flow 700, the cashier hits the couponskeyto alert the
`[0068]
`register to the use of coupons.
`In step 712, the cashier hits the accept coupon
`button on the back of the VISA terminal.
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`In step 714, the VISA terminal displays a message requesting the purchaser
`[0069]
`to wave the phone to enter a coupon.
`In step 716, the purchaser waves the phone
`
`and the terminal receives the scanned code.
`
`In step 718 the processor in
`
`communication with the terminal looks up the scanned code.
`
`In step 720, the
`
`In step 722,
`processor returns to the terminal, customer and branding information.
`the terminal displays a branding message customized to the particular purchaser.
`
`Finally, in step 724, the terminal sends to the register a numeric look up representing
`the bar code.
`
`[0070] A variation according to embodiments of the present invention mayutilize
`near field communication of the coupon or a code therein, to the cashier.
`In this
`
`variation, a multi-digit numerical code (i.e. six digits) can be transmitted to the POS
`
`terminal via a reader using a contactless device such as the mobile device of FIG.
`
`1A including an antenna. The coupon may be communicated in such a contactless
`
`manner using a short range communication method, such as a near field
`communications (NFC) capability. Examples of such NFC technologies include |!SO
`standard 14443, RFID, Bluetooth™ and Infra-red communications methods.
`In
`
`accordance with such embodiments, the six digit code may or may not be shown on
`
`the display of the phone. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are
`
`not limited to communicating coupon code information.
`
`In accordance with
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`alternative embodiments, coupon information communicated from a mobile device to
`
`a POS terminal may include other information, for example a product code limiting
`applicability of the mobile coupon to a particular product, or an expiration date/time
`
`of the mobile coupon.
`
`[0071]
`
`In certain embodiments, payment information (such as a credit card number,
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`debit card number, homezip code of the card holder, or a three digit card verification
`
`value code) may be communicated from a mobile device in a contactless manner to
`
`the POS terminal.
`
`In such embodiments, the coupon information from the mobile
`
`device may also be communicated to the POSterminal in a contactless manner.
`
`In
`
`some embodiments, such communication of mobile coupon information may take
`place as part of the same message communicating payment information to the POS
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`terminal. Alternatively, the coupon information may be communicatedprior to, or
`
`following, contactless communication of the payment information to the POS
`
`terminal.
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`[0072} The consumer mayreceive a text message, a phone call, or e-mail
`
`indicating that the consumer has received a coupon. The consumer maythen use
`his or her phone to transmit a code corresponding to the coupon, to a contactless
`
`reader coupled to a POS terminal. The near field communication can utilize, for
`
`example, infrared or an RF communication mode such as Bluetooth. The system
`shownin FIG.
`1 can be used in conjunction with such an embodiment.
`
`[0073] Returning to Figure 2, apart from the mobile campaign server, a number of
`
`other elements are also under the control of entity 200. Notification module 250is
`
`responsible for notifying participants in the program of particular events, for example
`limited time promotions or even the possibility of fraudulent transactions.
`
`[0074] Mobile targeting module 260 is responsible for generating coupons targeted
`to a user. According to certain embodiments, the coupons can be targeted based
`upon a location based services (LBS) approach, utilizing prior purchasing activity by
`a consumer as detected over a payment processing network.
`
`[0075] Specifically, where a paymenttransaction is conducted over a payment
`processing network, certain information is communicated that can be used for
`
`targeting of a mobile coupon. One piece of information that is potentially useful for
`targeting is the timing of the prior payment transaction.
`
`[0076]
`
`In particular, the very existence of the prior purchase transaction reveals the
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`consumer to be actively engaged in shopping rather than other activities (i.e.
`sleeping or working). Based upon this timing information, the