OFFER REDEMPTION RATE BASED SELECTION AND DISPLAY OF OFFERS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1). Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a transactions network and to a method and system for managing electronic transactions, in particular merchant offers such as voucher entries having discounts associated with them.

2). Discussion of Related Art

A customer who visits a store often uses a point-of-sale instrument such as a bank card or a credit card to pay for an item or items that are being purchased. The point-of-sale instrument communicates with a point-of-sale device such as a credit card reader. The point-of-sale device forms part of a point-of-sale network that communicates a charge request to a merchant acquirer computer system and the merchant acquirer computer system routes the charge to credit card and issuer computer systems forming part of the point-of-sale network. The credit card and issuer computer systems may for example include a credit card account to which an amount recorded on the point-of-sale device can be charged if sufficient funds or credit are available. The credit card and issuer computer systems then return a confirmation through the merchant acquirer computer system to the point-of-sale device that the transaction is good, whereafter an operator of the point-of-sale device will allow the customer to leave the store with the item or items that are being purchased.

Electronic transactions can be conducted in a similar manner. In the case of electronic transactions, a user can enter details of a point-of-sale instrument into an interface. Once the details are received, a charge request can be transmitted to a merchant acquirer computer system, and then be processed in a similar manner.

Server computer systems have also been established to manage offers by merchants. A merchant at a merchant computer system can create a merchant account on the server computer system and then enter one or more offers into the merchant account. An offer may for example be a voucher entry having a discount amount associated therewith. The discount amount can then be redeemed by a consumer. The consumer may for example download and print the vouchers and present the vouchers at a point-of-sale location. The merchant can in this manner increase foot traffic at the point-of-sale location.

A server computer system may be constructed to have the ability to redeem voucher entries. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/334,633 describes a system wherein the server computer system is located within the transaction flow. A plurality of consumer and merchant accounts are stored in the data store. Each consumer account has a first consumer account identifier. A communication and routing module receives a charge request, including an amount and a second consumer account identifier and identifies a selected one of the consumer accounts by associating one of the first consumer account identifiers with the second consumer account identifier. A merchant offer is received from the merchant computer system and stored in the data store. A voucher redemption system identifies a selected one of the voucher entries based on the charge request. A transaction processing adjusts the first amount to a second amount that is less than the first amount based on the discount of the selected voucher entry and processes the second amount based on the account detail of the selected consumer account.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/423,853 describes redemption where the server computer system is not in the transaction flow and the discount amount cannot be deducted from an amount in a charge request. A plurality of merchant accounts are stored in a data store. A voucher entry is received over from a merchant computer system and stored in the data store. A charge advisory is received and used to identify a selected one of the voucher entries. A notification is received from a server computer system bank account of settlement from a merchant account payment infrastructure of a discount amount of the voucher entry. A central account is updated based on the notification. A settlement instruction is transmitted for settlement based on the discount amount. The last one central account is updated based on the settlement instruction.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/439,527 describes a network having some functionality built into a network computer system as opposed to the server computer system. A list of consumer account identifiers maintained at the network computer system is checked to determine whether a consumer account identifier in a charge request matches any one of the consumer account identifiers in the list. Reserve checking is provided when in discount checking mode. A voucher redemption system matches a merchant account identifier in a discount checking call received from the network computer system to one of the merchant account identifiers to identify one of the voucher entries. The transaction clearing system transmits a response with a discount amount of the voucher entry to the network computer system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a computer system for managing electronic transactions, including a server computer system including a processor, a computer-readable medium connected to the processor, a network interface device connected to the processor and a set of instructions on the computer-readable medium, the set of instructions being executable by the processor. The set of instructions includes a data store, a voucher application module storing a record of each time that a respective voucher entry of a plurality of voucher entries stored in the data store is redeemed, a score calculator calculating a score that is at least in part based on a redemption rate at which the voucher entry is redeemed, a ranking module ranking the voucher entries based on the scores of voucher entries of a plurality of the merchant accounts and a notification module transmitting at least one preferential one of the voucher entries over the network interface device, said preferential voucher entry being preferentially transmitted due to the ranking of the voucher entries.

The invention further provides a computer-based method of managing electronic transactions, including calculating a score for each one of a plurality of voucher entries stored in a data store, including storing, with a processor, a record of each time that the respective voucher is redeemed and calculating, with the processor, a redemption rate at which the voucher entry is redeemed, selectively transmitting the voucher entries of the merchant accounts, including ranking, with the processor, the voucher entries based on the scores of the voucher entries of a plurality of the merchant accounts and transmitting, with the processor, at least one preferential one of the voucher entries over the network interface device said preferential voucher entry being preferentially transmitted due to the ranking of the voucher entries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a transactions network according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile device, consumer account setup module, and consumer account forming part of the transactions network;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a PAN list update system and a PAN list maintenance system of server and merchant acquirer computer systems forming part of the transactions network;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of components of a server computer system forming part of the transactions network and an offer network integration unit of the merchant acquirer computer system;

FIG. 5A is a view that is displayed in an interface of the mobile device to prompt a consumer to register a consumer account or to log into an existing account;

FIGS. 5B and 5C are views similar to FIG. 5A wherein the consumer registers a new account;

FIGS. 5D and 5E are views similar to FIG. 5A wherein the consumer logs into an existing consumer account;

FIG. 5F is a view similar to FIG. 5A wherein the consumer stores bank account details for the consumer account;

FIG. 5G is a view similar to FIG. 5A wherein the consumer can enter preferences and details;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a merchant account, a merchant account management system and a merchant computer system, forming part of the transactions network;

FIG. 7A is a screenshot that appears within a browser of the merchant computer system for the merchant to log into the account;

FIG. 7B is a view similar to FIG. 7A permitting the merchant to enter initial details of a voucher, including a discount amount and start and end date;

FIG. 7C is a view similar to FIG. 7B where the merchant can upload a voucher image;

FIG. 7D is a view similar to FIG. 7C where the merchant can select specific terminals or groups of terminals where the offer will be valid;

FIG. 7E is a view similar to FIG. 7D where the merchant can view the offer before approving the offer;

FIG. 7F is a view similar to FIG. 7E after the offer has been approved by the merchant;

FIG. 7G is a view similar to FIG. 7F displaying multiple campaigns based on the merchant account;

FIG. 7H is a view similar to FIG. 7F displaying selection of filter attributes by a merchant;

FIG. 7I is a view similar to FIG. 7H displaying entry of a bid by the merchant;

FIG. 7J is a view similar to FIG. 7I wherein a merchant can see bids by competing merchants for the same filter attributes;

FIG. 7K is a view similar to FIG. 7J where the merchant selects specific targeting goals;

FIG. 7L is a view similar to FIG. 7K displaying selection of a payment method by the merchant;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating multiple merchant accounts and a voucher management system for purposes of managing transactions based on voucher entries;

FIG. 9 is a view that is displayed in the mobile device after a consumer has logged the mobile device into a particular consumer account;

FIG. 10A is a time chart illustrating redemptions of a voucher entry of a particular merchant;

FIG. 10B is a time chart illustrating the calculation of a combined score of the voucher entry;

FIG. 10C is a time chart illustrating the combined scores of the voucher entry of the particular merchant and the combined scores of voucher entries of competing merchants;

FIG. 11 is a screenshot of an interface of a mobile device showing placement of images of voucher entries based on the ranking in FIG. 10C;

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate computer systems of a point-of-sale network forming part of the transactions network wherein one of the network computer systems operates respectively in a standard mode and in a discount checking mode;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a transaction clearing system of the server computer system;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the consumer account and other components of preceding drawings that are used for processing a transaction against the consumer account;

FIG. 15 illustrates a notification that is displayed on the interface of the mobile device after a voucher entry has been redeemed and a discount has been applied;

FIG. 16 is a view that is displayed in the mobile device of transactions for which the consumer account has been used;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 of categories of transactions;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16 of one category of transactions;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating components of the server computer system that are used for calculating a redemption rate and a combined score of a voucher entry;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating how voucher entries are ranked and transmitted to a consumer device based on their respective combined scores;

FIG. 21A is a time chart similar to FIG. 10A illustrating further redemptions of a particular voucher entry of a particular merchant;

FIG. 21B is a time chart similar to FIG. 10B illustrating the effect of a redemption rate on a combined score of the particular voucher entry of the particular merchant;

FIG. 21C is a time chart similar to FIG. 10C illustrating how the combined score of the of the particular voucher entry of the particular merchant changes a ranking of the of the particular voucher entry of the particular merchant among voucher entries of other merchants;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 11 illustrating how the of the particular voucher entry of the particular merchant has moved from fourth position to third position due to the redemptions and redemption rate calculation;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 7I wherein the particular merchant increases a bid price of the particular voucher entry;

FIG. 24A is a time chart similar to FIG. 20A illustrating further redemptions of the particular voucher entry of the particular merchant;

FIG. 24B is a time chart similar to FIG. 20B illustrating the effect of an increased price on the combined score of the particular voucher entry of the particular merchant;

FIG. 24C is a time chart similar to FIG. 20C illustrating how the combined score of the particular voucher entry of the particular merchant increases the ranking thereof to the first position;

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 22 illustrating how the voucher entry of the particular merchant is displayed in the first position at the top;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of a machine in the form of a computer system forming part of the transactions network; and

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the mobile device illustrating SmartPhone features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a transactions network 10, according to an embodiment of the invention, including a server computer system 12, a merchant computer system 20, a consumer device in the form of a mobile device 24, and a point-of-sale network 26.

The server computer system 12 includes a plurality of consumer accounts (only one consumer account 28 shown), a consumer account setup module 32, a plurality of merchant accounts (only one merchant account 36 shown), a merchant account management system 38, a transaction clearing system 40 and a voucher management system 42.

1). Mobile Application

As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile device 24 includes a mobile application 208. The mobile application 208 has an interface 210, a consumer account setup module 212, a vouchers viewing module 216, a notifications module 218, and a transaction viewing module 220.

2). Consumer Accounts

When the mobile application 208 is initially downloaded onto the mobile device 24, a consumer is provided access to the consumer account setup module 212. The consumer can enter a Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN) 222, a password 224 and a 16 digit primary account number (PAN) 300 into the interface 210. The MSISDN 222, the password 224 and PAN 300 are received as a MSISDN 226, a password 228 and a PAN 301 within the consumer account setup module 212 and are transmitted by the consumer account setup module 212 to the consumer account setup module 32.

The consumer account setup module 32 then establishes one consumer account 28 with a password 64 corresponding to the password 228, a MSISDN 66 corresponding to the MSISDN 226 and a PAN 303 corresponding to the PAN 301. The MSISDN 66 and the PAN 303 can either serve as consumer account identifier for the respective consumer account 28. Each consumer account 28 will therefore have a different MSISDN 66 and PAN 303. The consumer can also enter preferences and details 594 into the interface 210, which is received by the consumer account setup module 212 as preferences and details 596. The preferences and details 596 are transmitted to the consumer account setup module 32.

The system further includes a login module 70. A consumer at the mobile device 24 in FIG. 2 can enter a password and a MSISDN into the interface 210. The password and the MSISDN are transmitted from the mobile device 24 and are received by the login module 70. The login module 70 then compares the password with the password 64 of the consumer account 28 and compares the MSISDN with the MSISDN 66 of the consumer account 28. Upon a favorable comparison of the passwords and the MSISDN's, the login module 70 then authorizes access to the consumer account 28 having the respective MSISDN 66. The authorization is thus not provided to the mobile device 24 upon an unfavorable login through the login module 70.

FIG. 3 further shows a PAN list update system 400 and a clock 402 forming part of the server computer system 12. FIG. 3 also shows a PAN list maintenance system 404, a transaction processing system 406 and an offer network integration unit 502 forming part of a merchant acquirer computer system 280.

The PAN list update system 400 includes a registration detection module 408, a deregistration detection module 410, a PAN update log generation module 412, and a PAN update log push module 414.

Both the registration detection module 408 and deregistration detection module 410 are connected to the consumer account 28 and all other consumer accounts to detect when a PAN such as the PAN 303 is added to a consumer account, a second PAN is added to a consumer account, or when a new consumer account is registered with a respective PAN. The PAN update log generation module 412 is connected to the registration detection module 408 and the deregistration detection module 410. Immediately upon detection of a registration or deregistration of a PAN, the PAN update log generation module 412 records both the PAN and a flag to indicate that the PAN is registered or deregistered. Over a period of time, e.g. 60 seconds, a log is generated with a plurality of PANs, wherein each PAN is flagged with a registration or deregistration field.

The PAN update log push module 414 is connected to the PAN update log generation module 412 and the clock 402. The PAN update log push module 414 periodically, e.g. every 60 seconds, retrieves the log generated by the PAN update log generation module 412 and transmits the log over a network interface device of the server computer system 12 to the merchant acquirer computer system 280. The PAN update log push module 414 then clears the log within the PAN list update system 400.

The PAN list maintenance system 404 includes a PAN list 416, a PAN update log receiving module 418, and a PAN list update module 420. The PAN list 416 includes a list of PANs that are known to be registered within the consumer account 28 and other consumer accounts of the server computer system 12. In an alternative embodiment, the PAN list 416 may include all PANs that have in the past been registered with the server computer system 12, wherein each one of the PANs within the PAN list 416 is flagged as being active or not active. For purposes of further discussion, a PAN is considered to be active if it appears within the PAN list 416 and is considered to be not active if it does not appear within the PAN list 416.

The PAN update log receiving module 418 receives the log from the PAN update log push module 414 of the server computer system 12 via a network interface device of the merchant acquirer computer system 280. The PAN list update module 420 then uses the log received with the PAN update log receiving module 418 to update the PAN list 416. PANs that have been flagged as registered within the log are added to the PAN list 416. PANs that have been flagged as deregistered are removed from the PAN list 416.

It can thus be seen that the PAN list 416 includes all PANs that have been registered within the server computer system 12 and no other PANs. In another embodiment, the merchant acquirer computer system 280 may receive a list of PANs from another source such as a credit card or issuer computer system.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, PANs are used for purposes of consumer account identifiers. In another embodiment, another consumer account identifier, such as a MSISDN, may be pushed to the merchant acquirer computer system 280. The MSISDN can then be used for determining a PAN associated by the MSISDN by the merchant acquirer computer system 280. Alternatively, it may be possible to transmit the MSISDN to an issuer or credit card computer system and the issuer or credit card computer system then determines a PAN associated with a respective MSISDN. In a similar manner, another consumer account identifier, such as an email, social security number etc., can be pushed to any network computer system such as a merchant acquirer, credit card or issuer computer system.

Furthermore, the transaction processing system 406 will use PANs in the transaction flow to identify consumer accounts. In an alternative embodiment, the transaction processing system 406 may use another consumer account identifier such as a MSISDN, email, social security number, etc. in the transaction flow, in which case the PAN list 416 will be replaced by a list of consumer account identifiers of the type used by the transaction processing system 406.

FIG. 4 illustrates further details of the offer network integration unit 502 of the merchant acquirer computer system 280 shown in FIG. 3 and further details of the server computer system 12 as they relate to the transfer of transaction details from the merchant acquirer computer system 280 to the server computer system 12.

The offer network integration unit 502 includes a transaction details data store 504, a bulk transaction data push module 506, a transaction identifier module 508, and a consumer transaction data push module 510. All transactions that are received by the merchant acquirer computer system 280 are stored within the transaction details data store 504. The details of a particular transaction can include the PAN, time, amount, the merchant account ID and location.

The bulk transaction data push module 506 initially transmits details of all the transactions in the transaction details data store 504 to the server computer system 12. The only data that is removed are the PANs that are used for the respective transactions. As such, at 512, the bulk transaction data push module 506 transmits bulk data including the time, amount, merchant account ID and location of each transaction to the server computer system 12.

The server computer system 12 includes a bulk transaction data retrieval module 514, a bulk profile building module 516, and a bulk profile 518. The bulk transaction data retrieval module 514 receives the bulk data 512 from the bulk transaction data push module 506. The bulk profile building module 516 then utilizes the bulk data 512 received by the bulk transaction data retrieval module 514 to build the bulk profile 518. Because the bulk data 512 does not include any PANs, the identities of particular consumers cannot be identified by the server computer system 12 and within the bulk profile 518.

The transaction identifier module 508 is connected to the PAN list 416 and can select particular transactions within the transaction details data store 504 based on the PANs in the PAN list 416. Because the PAN list 416 includes only the PAN 303 in the consumer account 28 and other consumer accounts registered within the server computer system 12, the transaction identifier module 508 only identifies transactions within the transaction details data store 504 for PANs within the server computer system 12. The consumer transaction data push module 510 then transmits only the transactions for the PANs identified by the transaction identifier module 508 to be within the PAN list 416 to the server computer system 12. At 520, the consumer transaction data push module 510 thus transmits consumer transaction data including the PAN, time, amount, merchant account ID and location of all transactions within the transaction details data store 504 identified by the transaction identifier module 508 from the PAN list 416.

The server computer system 12 includes an account-specific transaction data retrieval module 522, a PAN mapping module 524, transaction details 526 within the consumer account 28, a consumer profile building module 528, and a consumer profile 530 within the consumer account 28.

The account-specific transaction data retrieval module 522 receives the consumer transaction data 520 from the consumer transaction data push module 510. The PAN mapping module 524 then utilizes the PANs within the consumer transaction data 520 to identify consumer accounts 28 having one or more PANs 303 corresponding to the PANs in the consumer transaction data 520. The PAN mapping module 524 then stores all and only the transactions for matching PANs within the transaction details 526. All transactions by a particular consumer are thus stored within the consumer account 28 of the particular consumer.

The consumer can also access the consumer account setup module 32 to enter preferences and details 532 within the particular consumer account 28. Preferences may include particular foods, bars, restaurants, apparel etc. Details may include gender, date of birth, home address, business address etc. The consumer profile building module 528 utilizes all the transaction details 526 and all the preferences and details 532 within the consumer account 28 to build the consumer profile 530 for the particular consumer account 28. The consumer profile 530 thus includes details of time, amount, merchant account ID and location of all transactions corresponding to the PAN 303 and any other PANs registered within the consumer account 28 and includes the preferences and details 532 of the particular consumer account 28.

The server computer system 12 further includes a target profile attribute system 531. The target profile attribute system 531 retrieves the bulk profile 518 and the consumer profile 530 of the consumer account 28 and all other consumer profiles of all other consumer accounts 28 registered within the server computer system 12. The target profile attribute system 531 thus includes a corpus of data of all the consumer accounts 28 in the server computer system 12, including all the preferences and details 532, plus all other transactions that went through the merchant acquirer computer system 280 in FIG. 3, but without any consumer-specific preferences and details. The corpus of data forms a representation of transactions by consumers.

FIG. 5A illustrates a screenshot on the interface 210 in FIG. 2 when the consumer first opens the mobile application 208 and is given an option to either login or create a new account. FIG. 5B is a view similar to FIG. 5A when the consumer first establishes an account using the consumer account setup module 212 in FIG. 2. FIG. 5C is a view similar to FIG. 5B for the consumer to enter further details of the account.

FIGS. 5D and 5E are views that are displayed on the interface 210 in FIG. 2 when the consumer enters the password and the MSISDN in order to log into the respective consumer account 28.

FIG. 5F is a view that allows for the consumer to add a bank account and a PAN (account number) such as the PAN 300 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5G is a view that allows the consumer to enter preferences and details as hereinbefore described.

3). Merchant Offers

As shown in FIG. 6, the merchant account 36 in FIG. 1 is established by assigning a merchant account identifier (ID) 130 and a password 132. Each merchant account 36 will thus have a different merchant account ID 130.

The merchant account management system 38 includes an interface 134, a login module 136, a voucher upload module 154, and a campaign management system 540.

A merchant at the merchant computer system 20 can log into the merchant account 36 by downloading the interface 134 and entering a merchant account ID 142 and a password 144 via the interface 134 into the merchant account management system 38. The login module 136 then compares the merchant account ID 142 and the password 144 with the merchant account ID 130 and password 132 to identify and provide access to the respective merchant account 36. The login module 136 then at 146 authorizes access to the voucher upload module 154 by the merchant computer system 20 only for purposes of the respective merchant account 36 having the merchant account ID 130 matching the merchant account ID 142. At 148, the login module 136 similarly authorizes access to the campaign management system 540 by the merchant computer system 20.

A merchant at the merchant computer system 20 uses the interface 134 to enter voucher information, including terminal numbers 160, items 162, discounts 164 and the total number available 166. The voucher upload module 154 then stores a respective voucher entry 168 in or associated with the merchant account 36 having the merchant account ID 130.

The voucher entry 168 includes terminal numbers 170 corresponding to the terminal numbers 160, a discount 174 corresponding to one of the discounts 164, and a total number available 176 corresponding to the total number available 166. By way of example, the terminal numbers 170 may be terminals 2 and 5, the discount 174 may be 50 cents and the total number available 176 may be 60. Similarly, additional voucher entries can be entered from the merchant computer system 20 through the interface 134 and the voucher upload module 154. Each voucher entry has a respective data set for terminal numbers 170, a discount 174 and the total number available 176. Each voucher entry also has a respective voucher ID 184.

The campaign management system 540 includes a bidding engine 550 with a filter and a dynamic pricing capabilities and a payment module 552. The bidding engine 550 receives the data from the target profile attribute system 531 and is accessible from the merchant computer system 20 through the interface 134. A merchant at the merchant computer system 20 enters filter attributes 554 through the interface 134 into the bidding engine 550. One filter attribute may for example be spend amount. In such an example, the merchant may select spend amount's of between $10 and $15. The filter of the bidding engine 550 then identifies which transactions within the target profile attribute system 531 will fall within the range of $10 to $15. If a transaction is for example $12, then the transaction would be identified as being potentially relevant for the particular merchant. As previously mentioned, the time of each transaction is also recorded within the target profile attribute system 531. The merchant can select a time range e.g. from 11 am until 1 pm and/or select frequency e.g. at least every day or at least once a week, whereafter the filter of the bidding engine 550 identifies particular consumers that have spending habits within the time-specific filter attribute specified by the merchant. The merchant can also select a filter attribute that corresponds to location. For example, the merchant can specify a particular address, namely street and number and specify a radius around the particular address. Alternatively, the merchant can specify a particular neighborhood. The filter of the bidding engine 550 then identifies transactions that occur at locations within the radius or neighborhood specified by the merchant. Other filter attributes that can be specified by the merchant include for example gender (e.g. male) or age (e.g. between 24 and 36 years old).

The pricing capabilities of the bidding engine 550 then calculates a price based on the filter attributes 554. The price is determined by comparing bids from other merchant computer systems for the same filter attributes 554 or overlapping filter attributes. An overlap may for example exist if one merchant bids for a price range of $7 to $12 and another merchant bids for a price range of $10 to $15. The bidding engine 550 then transmits a number of individuals 556 and a price 558 to the merchant computer system 20 for display within the interface 134 at the merchant computer system 20. Alternatively, the bidding engine 550 can calculate and transmit a number of different prices, wherein a high price will receive a more favorable placement or preferential transmission by a decision engine. Alternatively, the bidding engine 550 does not calculate a price but the price is instead entered by the merchant computer system 20 as part of a bid.

The merchant at the merchant computer system 20 transmits a payment instruction with a payment 560 through the interface 134 to the payment module 552. In the present example, the payment module 552 enters a price 562 as a price 600 within the voucher entry 168. The price 562 may be either a price calculated by the pricing capabilities of the bidding engine 550 or may be the bidding price as entered by the merchant at the merchant computer system 20.

The server computer system also includes a filter attribute storing module 568 that is connected to the bidding engine 550 and the payment module 552. The filter attribute storing module 568 has functionality that is activated by the payment module 552 when the payment 560 is received by the payment module 552. The filter attribute storing module 568 responds to the payment module 552 by extracting the filter attributes 554 from the bidding engine 550 and storing the filter attributes 554 as filter attributes 570 within the voucher entry 168.

FIG. 7A illustrates a screenshot that appears in the interface 134 when viewed within a browser window of a browser application at the merchant computer system 20 in FIG. 6. The merchant logs in using an email and a password.

FIG. 7B illustrates a screenshot that is displayed at the merchant computer system 20 after login and when a merchant begins to enter details of an offer. The interface 134 allows for entry of a discount (“Discount Amount”) and start and end dates of the offer. A preview of the offer is also displayed.

In FIG. 7C the merchant is given an opportunity to upload a photo or other image of the offer. The photo or image will then be displayed within the respective voucher entry, e.g. the voucher entry 168 in FIG. 6. The photo or image can be uploaded from the merchant computer system 20 or from another location on a network.

In FIG. 7D the merchant is given an opportunity to restrict the offer to certain locations, while excluding other locations.

In FIG. 7E the merchant is given an opportunity to preview the offer as it will appear before approving the offer. The merchant then selects a button “Run Campaign” to approve the offer.

FIG. 7F is a screenshot displaying to the merchant that the offer is successful. The consumer can then select a button “Campaigns.”

FIG. 7G illustrates a screenshot that is subsequently displayed to the merchant, illustrating the offer that has just been approved by the merchant and all other offers that are scheduled, completed or presently running based on the respective merchant account having the merchant account ID 130 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7H illustrates a screenshot that is displayed for the merchant to enter the filter attributes 554 if FIG. 6. In the present example, the merchant can select the gender, an age bracket and a location. The location can be selected in one of many manners. In the given example, the merchant can select an area on a map. In another example, the merchant can enter an address and a radius. In a further example, the merchant can enter the name of a neighborhood.

In FIG. 7I, the merchant selects a bid price. In the given example, the check box “Bid Your Own Amount” is checked. If the box “Bid Your Own Amount” is not checked then a price per customer page view is calculated by the bidding engine 550 in FIG. 6 and the merchant selects a number of customers that should be targeted. In the present example, the price per customer view is $5 and the merchant selects 100 customers, thereby bringing the total to $500 USD. Because the merchant has selected the box “Bid Your Own Amount” the merchant can manually enter an amount. Details are then displayed to the merchant showing the merchant how many customers will be targeted for the amount that the merchant has bid and/or where the advertisement will be placed in numerical order. The merchant can then select to increase or decrease the amount with a corresponding increase or decrease in the number of customers or the placement of the advertisement.

Each voucher entry has a combined score that is calculated according to the following three formulas:

$\begin{matrix} REDEMPTION RATE = \frac{TOTAL NUMBER OF REDEMPTIONS}{t_{n} - t_{1}} & (1) \\ REDEMPTION RATE = \frac{TOTAL NUMBER OF REDEMPTIONS (t_{n} - x)}{x} & (2) \\ COMBINED SCORE = a \times REDEMPTION RATE + b \times DISCOUNT + c \times PRICE PAID & (3) \end{matrix}$

Initially, a default redemption rate is assigned to a voucher entry. The combined score of the voucher entry is thus a factor of the discount and the price paid according to either equation 1 or 2 above.

As further illustrated in FIG. 7I, the top five competitor bids are also displayed to the merchant and the estimated position of the particular voucher entry. In the present example, the combined score is calculated according to equation 3 above as a function of the $5 bid entered by the merchant in FIG. 7I and the discount 174 entered by the merchant in FIG. 6.

When the merchant selects a “Next” button in FIG. 7I, the view in FIG. 7J is displayed to the merchant. The column “Offer” represents the discount 174 and the column “Bid” represents the price 600, respectively, in FIG. 6. The offer by the merchant and other merchants are ranked based on their combined scores. In the present example, the particular voucher entry by the particular merchant is ranked at number 4. What should be noted is that each one of the voucher entries has its own combined score that is calculated according to equation 3 above. One or more of the voucher entries may at this stage have a combined score that is in part based on the redemption rate of the particular voucher entry.

In FIG. 7K, the merchant can select specific targeting goals. The first targeting selection that can be made by the consumer is to target a basket size increase. The merchant may for example select consumers who routinely spend less than $10 for purposes of increasing the spend amount of such consumers to, for example at least $15. In such a scenario, the merchant may for example enter $15 as the amount above which the consumer will receive a discount and the server computer system 12 will have a module that extracts consumers that routinely spend less than $15, for example more than $3 less than $15 or less than 90% of $15.

The second targeting selection that can be made by the merchant is to target new customers. The server computer system 12 then only extracts consumers that have been registered with the server computer system 12 within the last week, two weeks or the like.

The third targeting selection that can be made by the merchant is to increase “footfall” for purposes of increasing traffic during slow hours. In such a scenario, the merchant may for example indicate that the merchant wishes to increase “footfall” between 1 pm and 3 pm. The server computer system 12 has a module that looks for consumers that routinely spend for similar items at the same or other stores outside of the time window specified by the merchant, for example at 10 am.

The fourth targeting option that is selectable by the merchant is to target loyalty. In such a scenario, the server computer system will look for consumers who have in the past made purchases at the particular merchant, but have not made any purchases for more than a predetermined amount of time such as two weeks. The server computer system will then automatically increase the number of push notifications to such consumers as opposed to other consumers.

In FIG. 7L the merchant selects a payment method that has previously been stored in association with the respective merchant account. The payment method forms part of the payment instruction that is received by the payment module 552 in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 8, the voucher management system 42 includes a voucher push module 196 and a voucher redemption system 198.

The voucher push module 196 at 200 receives all the voucher ID's 184 of the voucher entries. Referring again to FIG. 2, the voucher push module 196 at 202 then enters the voucher ID's 184 as voucher ID's 204 in the consumer account 28 and all other consumer accounts that have been targeted by a merchant. As such, merchant offers in the form of voucher ID's are associated with one of the consumer accounts 28 having a MSISDN 66 or PAN 303 as a consumer account ID.

The merchant offers in the form of the voucher ID's 204 can then be further processed based on the association of the voucher ID's 204 with the MSISDN 66 of the respective consumer account 28. In particular, the voucher ID's 204 can be transmitted to the mobile device 24 and be received by a mobile application that has been logged into the respective consumer account 28 by way of an identifier of the consumer account 28 having the MSISDN 66 as a consumer account identifier. Following login of the mobile application 208 into the consumer account 28, the vouchers viewing module 216 is accessible by a consumer operating the mobile device 24. The consumer then directs the vouchers viewing module 216 to download the voucher ID's 204 from the consumer account 28 as voucher ID's 260 received by the vouchers viewing module 216. Each voucher ID 260 has an associated image and the images are collectively displayed as voucher images 262 within the interface 210. Each voucher entry 168 within the merchant account 36 of FIG. 6 may for example have a respective voucher image and the voucher images are separately downloaded by the vouchers viewing module 216 of FIG. 2 based on the voucher ID's 260. What is important to note however, is that the voucher ID's 260 and the voucher images 262 are transmitted by the server computer system 12 in FIG. 1 and are received by the mobile device 24 based on a matching of the MSISDN transmitted by the mobile application 208 during login and the MSISDN 66 of the respective consumer account 28.

FIG. 9 is a home screen after login of the mobile application 208 in FIG. 2 where a balance is displayed. The home screen also includes links for viewing offers and merchants.

FIG. 10A illustrates that there are not redemptions for the particular voucher entry of the particular merchant at this stage. Time t0 is taken as the moment that the merchant has completed the bidding for the particular voucher entry.

FIG. 10B illustrates the starting points of the redemption rate, discount, price paid and the combined score. The redemption rate cannot at this stage be calculated using equations 1 or 2 because there are no redemptions. As such, a default value is provided for the redemption rate at Time t0. The combined score is calculated according to equation 3.

FIG. 10C illustrates the combined scores of the voucher entries of the particular merchant and competing merchants.

As discussed with reference to FIGS. 7I and 7J, the voucher entry of the particular merchant is ranked fourth. Additionally, it should be noted that the other four merchants have combined scores that predate t0 and that the combined scores of the other merchants may in part be based on redemption rates of the voucher entries of the other merchants. As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, the voucher push module 196 enters the voucher IDs 204 in the consumer account 28 and the voucher IDs 204 are then transmitted to the mobile device 24. The voucher viewing module 216 receives the voucher IDs 204 as the voucher IDs 260 and displays the voucher images 262. In addition, the voucher push module 196 selects the voucher entries preferentially based on their combined scores.

As shown in FIG. 11, only the voucher entries having the top scores are transmitted to the mobile device 24. In addition, a voucher entry having a higher combined score is preferentially displayed higher than a voucher entry with a lower combined score. The placement of the voucher images is thus the same as the ranking shown in FIG. 10C.

4). Transaction Processing

As shown in FIG. 12A, the point-of-sale network 26 includes a point-of-sale device 278, the merchant acquirer computer system 280, and credit card and issuer computer systems 282.

The consumer uses a single point-of-sale instrument to pay for an item that the consumer wishes to purchase. The point-of-sale instrument may for example be a credit card, a bank card or a Near Field Communication (NFC) device. The point-of-sale instrument includes a single 16 digit PAN. The first six digits of the PAN are an issuer identification number (IIN). The first digit of the UN is a major industry identifier (MII). The last ten digits of the PAN comprise an individual account identifier (IAI).

The consumer uses the point-of-sale instrument to communicate with the point-of-sale device 278. The point-of-sale device 278 receives the PAN from the point-of-sale instrument. In the case where the point-of-sale instrument is a credit card or a bank card, the PAN is located on a magnetic strip and the point-of-sale device is a device that has a magnetic strip reader. In the example where the point-of-sale instrument is an NFC device, the point-of-sale device 278 communicates with the point-of-sale instrument through electromagnetic waves to receive the PAN.

The point-of-sale device 278 transmits a charge request 284 to the merchant acquirer computer system 280. The charge request 284 includes the PAN, the terminal number of the point-of-sale device 278 and the total price of all the items.

FIG. 12A illustrates details of the transaction processing system 406, including a transaction receiving and confirmation module 430, a decision module 432, a PAN list checking module 434, a charge processing module 436, a charge forwarding module 438, a charge confirmation receiving module 440, a discount processing module 442, a reserve checking module 444, a reserve forwarding module 446, a reserve confirmation receiving module 448, a discount checking module 450, a discount receiving module 452 and a charge calculation module 454.

The charge request 284 is received from the point-of-sale device 278 by the transaction receiving and confirmation module 430. The charge request 284 is typically an International Standards Organization (ISO) 8583 message type indicator 200. For purposes of discussion, the charge request 284 includes the PAN serving as a consumer account identifier, the terminal number of the point-of-sale device 278, and a charge amount of $10.

The decision module 432 then decides whether the transaction processing system 406 should operate in a standard mode or in a discount checking mode. The decision module 432 utilizes the PAN received in the charge request 284 through the transaction receiving and confirmation module 430 and provides the PAN to the PAN list checking module 434. The PAN list checking module 434 then compares the PAN received from the decision module 432 with all PANs within the PAN list 416. The PAN list checking module 434 thus checks whether the PAN received from the decision module 432 exists within the PANs in the PAN list 416. If the PAN received from the decision module 432 exists within the PANs of the PAN list 416, the PAN is considered to be active within the PAN list 416. If the PAN does not exist within the PAN list 416, the PAN is considered to be not active in the PAN list 416. The PAN list checking module 434 then reports back to the decision module 432 with an indication whether the PAN is active or not active within the PAN list 416. If the PAN is not active within the PAN list 416, the decision module 432 operates the transaction processing system 406 in standard mode as illustrated in FIG. 12A. If the PAN is active within the PAN list 416, the decision module 432 operates the transaction processing system 406 in discount checking mode as illustrated in FIG. 12B.

Referring specifically to FIG. 11A, which illustrates the transaction processing system 406 operating in standard mode, the decision module 432 provides the charge request 284 to the charge processing module 436. The charge processing module 436, in turn, provides the charge request 284 to the charge forwarding module 438. The charge forwarding module 438 then transmits a charge request 286 via the network interface device of the merchant acquirer computer system 280 and over a network to the credit card and issuer computer systems 282. Because the transaction processing system 406 operates in standard mode, the charge request 286 is an ISO 8583 message type indicator 200, and therefore the same as the charge request 284 received from the point-of-sale device 278. The charge request 286 includes the PAN received in the charge request 284 and the charge amount of $10 which has not been reduced by any discounts.

The credit card and issuer computer systems 282 then return a charge confirmation 364, which is received over the network and via the network interface device of the transaction processing system 406 by the charge confirmation receiving module 440. The credit card and issuer computer systems 282 only transmit the charge confirmation 364 if sufficient funds are shown to be available within the credit card and issuer computer systems 282. If insufficient funds are available, then the charge confirmation 364 is replaced by a charge rejection (not shown). Because the charge request 286 includes a charge amount of $10, a minimum amount of funds that should be available within the credit card and issuer computer systems 282 should be at least $10 in order to receive the charge confirmation 364 when operating in standard mode. When operating in standard mode the charge confirmation 364 is an ISO 8583 message type indicator 210.

The charge confirmation receiving module 440 passes the charge confirmation 364 on to the transaction receiving and confirmation module 430. The transaction receiving and confirmation module 430 then transmits a confirmation 366 via the network interface device of the merchant acquirer computer system 280 and over the network to the point-of-sale device 278. The charge confirmation 366 is also an ISO 8583 message type indicator 210. The charge confirmation 366 includes a confirmation that sufficient funds are available for the charge amount of $10. The confirmation 366 will however be replaced by a charge rejection if insufficient funds are available.

The transaction receiving and confirmation module 430 is also connected to the transaction details data store 504 in FIG. 4. When the transaction receiving and confirmation module 430 receives the charge confirmation from the charge confirmation receiving module 440, the transaction receiving and confirmation receiving module 430 also stores details of the transaction within the transaction details data store 504. Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the transaction details data store 504 can then either transmit details of the transaction as the bulk data 512 or as the consumer transaction data 520 to the server computer system 12.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12B which illustrates the operation of the transaction processing system 406 in discount checking mode. As mentioned, the decision module 432 determines whether the PAN received in the charge request 284 is active within the PAN list 416. If the PAN is active within the PAN list 416, the decision module 432 does not immediately invoke the charge processing module 436 as described with reference to FIG. 12A. Instead, the decision module 432 invokes the discount processing module 442.

The discount processing module 442 first invokes the operation of the reserve checking module 444. The reserve checking module 444 provides both the PAN and the charge amount, in the present example $10, to the reserve forwarding module 446. The reserve forwarding module 446 then transmits a reserve request 460 over the network interface device and the network to the credit card and issuer computer systems 282. In discount checking mode, the reserve request 460 is typically an ISO 8583 message type indicator 100. The reserve request 460 includes the PAN received in the charge request 284 and the charge amount of $10 which has not been reduced by any discount.

The credit card and issuer computer systems 282 then return a reserve confirmation 462 over the network and is received via the network interface device of the merchant acquirer computer system 280 by the reserve confirmation receiving module 448. The credit card and issuer computer systems 282 only transmit the reserve confirmation 462 if sufficient funds are shown to be available within the credit card and issuer computer systems 282. If insufficient funds are available within the credit card and issuer computer systems 282, the reserve confirmation 462 is replaced by a reserve rejection (not shown). In the present example, funds equal or more than the charge amount of $10 should be available within the credit card and issuer computer systems 282 in order to receive the reserve confirmation 462. In discount checking mode, the reserve confirmation 462 is typically an ISO 8583 message type indicator 110.

The reserve confirmation receiving module 448 then passes the reserve confirmation 462 on to the reserve checking module 444. The reserve checking module 444 then provides the reserve confirmation 462 on to the transaction receiving and confirmation module 430. The transaction receiving and confirmation module 430 then transmits a confirmation 466 over the network interface device of the merchant acquirer computer system 280 and the network to the point-of-sale device 278. The confirmation 466 is the same as the reserve confirmation 462 and is therefore also an ISO 8583 message type indicator 110. The confirmation 466 includes a confirmation that sufficient funds of at least $10 are available. The confirmation 466 will however be replaced by a reserve rejection if insufficient funds are available.

The reserve checking module 444 also reports back to the discount processing module 442. If the reserve confirmation 462 has been received, the discount processing module 442 invokes operation of the discount checking module 450. The discount processing module 442 however does not invoke the operation of the discount checking module 450 if a reserve rejection is received instead of a reserve confirmation 462.

The discount checking module 450 then transmits a discount checking call 468 over the network interface device of the merchant acquirer computer system 280 to a point-of-sale gateway 294 forming part of the transaction clearing system 40 shown in FIG. 1. The discount checking call 468 includes a transaction identifier (ID), the terminal number of the point-of-sale device 278, a merchant account ID and the charge amount of $10 in the charge request 284. The merchant account ID is determined by the merchant acquirer computer system 280 by comparing a terminal number of the point-of-sale device 278 against a table that lists terminal numbers against merchant account ID's.

As shown in FIG. 13, the transaction clearing system 40 includes the point-of-sale gateway 294, an account lookup and debit module 310 and a voucher application module 312.

At 308, the point-of-sale gateway 294 provides a data set to an account lookup and debit module 310 forming part of the transaction clearing system 40, including the PAN, the terminal number, the amount, and the respective merchant account ID received in the discount checking call 468 of FIG. 12B.

The account lookup and debit module 310 receives the data set provided at 308 from the point-of-sale gateway 294. At 316, the account lookup and debit module 310 provides a data set to the voucher application module 312, including the PAN, terminal number, amount and merchant account ID. Referring again to FIG. 8, at 318 the voucher application module 312 provides a data set to the voucher management system 42 corresponding to the data set received from the account lookup and debit module 310 at 316. The purpose of the voucher application module 312 is to determine if, and if so, which voucher discounts may apply to the items identified in the data set received at 316. The voucher redemption system 198 includes a voucher lookup module 320, a voucher availability module 322 and a voucher cancel module 324.

The voucher lookup module 320 receives the data transmitted at 318 from the voucher application module 312. The voucher lookup module 320 then uses the data received at 318 to determine whether the data matches the data in the voucher entries 168. In each case, both the merchant account ID and the terminal number received in the data 318 are used to determine which ones of the voucher entries 168 have merchant account ID's 130 and matching terminal numbers 170.

The voucher lookup module 320 subsequently retrieves a set of data from an identified voucher entry 168, including the discount 174, in the present example $2, the voucher ID 184 and the total number available 176. The voucher lookup module 320 then makes a determination whether the total number available 176 of the respective voucher entry 168 is more than zero, in which case and only in that case, is the voucher entry 168 still valid. The voucher lookup module 320 also retrieves the merchant account ID 130. For purposes of further discussion, the voucher ID 184 of the identified voucher entry 168 is still valid and referred to herein as “voucher ID B.”

The voucher lookup module 320 at 326 submits the voucher ID of the identified voucher entry 168, now referred to as “voucher ID B” to the voucher availability module 322. Referring now to FIG. 14, the voucher availability module 322 at 328 determines whether voucher ID B is still valid within the voucher ID's 204 of the respective consumer account 28. Voucher ID B may for example not be valid, either because it has previously been used or the particular consumer account 28 having the MSISDN 66 has not been targeted by a merchant. In the present example, voucher ID B is found within the voucher ID's 204 and is determined to be valid. At 330, voucher ID B that is determined to be valid is returned to the voucher availability module 322.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the voucher lookup module 320 retrieves voucher ID B from the voucher availability module 322 because it is valid. At 334 the voucher lookup module 320 submits the voucher ID B together with its associated discount, in the present example $2, in a data set to the voucher application module 312. The data set received at 334 by the voucher application module 312 also includes the respective merchant account ID 130 retrieved by the voucher lookup module 320. At 372 the account lookup and debit module 310 initiates action by the voucher cancel module 324 to reduce the total number available 176 by one.

Referring again to FIG. 13, the voucher application module 312 subsequently provides the voucher ID and the discount of $2 to the account lookup and debit module 310. The account lookup and debit module 310 at 470 returns the amount of $2 to the point-of-sale gateway 294.

Referring again to FIG. 12B, the point-of-sale gateway 294 transmits a response 472 over a network interface device of the server computer system 12 (FIG. 1) and the network and is received via the network interface device of the merchant acquirer computer system 280 by the discount receiving module 452. The discount checking call 468 and the response 472 include identical transaction ID's so that the transaction processing system 406 knows that the response 472 is in response to the discount checking call 468. The response 472 also includes the discount, in the present example $2.

The discount receiving module 452 provides a discount, in the present example $2, to the charge calculation module 454. The charge calculation module 454 receives the charge amount of $10 from the transaction receiving and confirmation module 430. The charge calculation module 454 then calculates a discounted amount of $8 by subtracting the discount amount of $2 from the charge amount of $10. The charge calculation module 454 then reports the discounted amount of $8 to the charge processing module 436.

The charge processing module 436 provides the discounted amount $8 to the charge forwarding module 438. The charge forwarding module 438 then submits a charge request 474 via the network interface device of the merchant acquirer computer system 280 and the network to the credit card and issuer computer systems 282. The charge request 474 is typically and ISO 8583 message type indicator 220. The charge request 474 includes the PAN of the charge request 284 and the discount amount of $8.

The credit card and issuer computer systems 282 subsequently return a charge confirmation 476 over the network and is received over network interface device of the merchant acquirer computer system 280 by the charge confirmation receiving module 440. Because the charge request has a charge amount of $8, which is less than the $10 of the reserve confirmation 462, the charge confirmation 476 is typically never replaced by a charge rejection. A charge rejection will only be received if a long period of time has passed since receiving the reserve confirmation 462, which will typically not happen within the time frames required for communicating with the point-of-sale gateway 294 and retrieving the discount amount. Once the charge confirmation receiving module 440 has received the charge confirmation 476, it is recorded for later settlement between the merchant acquirer computer system 280 and the credit card and issuer computer systems 282. The charge confirmation 476 is typically and ISO 8583 message type indicator 230.

An example is provided where an interception point is created within the merchant acquirer computer system 280 and the merchant acquirer computer system 280 then communicates with the credit card and issuer computer systems 282. The interception point may alternatively be created within a credit card or an issuer computer system. In the present example, the merchant acquirer computer system 280 is a first network computer system and the credit card and issuer computer systems 282 serve as a second network computer system. In an alternate embodiment, the credit card computer system may be the first network computer system, in which case the issuer computer system will be a second network computer system such that the interception point is created at the credit card computer system and charge and reserve requests and confirmations are communicated between the credit card and issuer computer systems. In a further embodiment, the network computer system may be an issuer computer system and the interception point is created within the issuer computer system for checking a list of consumer account identifier's in the form of PANs, MSISDN's, email addresses, social security numbers and the like.

Referring again to FIG. 14, at 348, the account lookup and debit module 310 utilizes the PAN received at 308 to identify the respective consumer account 28 having a MSISDN 66 matching the MSISDN received at 308. The consumer account 28 also has a set of previous transactions 346. At 348, the account lookup and debit module 310 records the respective transaction within the transactions 346.

The voucher cancel module 324 proceeds at 376 to cancel the respective voucher ID's from the voucher ID's 204 in the consumer account 28. In one example, there may be only one voucher ID B among the voucher ID's 204 and only the single voucher ID B is cancelled. In another example, the voucher ID may have two or more numbers associated therewith, and only a single number is deducted from the numbers for voucher ID B, such that further numbers of the voucher ID are available until the number reaches zero. As further illustrated in FIG. 8, the voucher cancel module 324 at 374 reduces the respective number within the total number available 176 of the respective voucher entry 168.

As mentioned, the transaction is recorded within the transactions 346. Referring again to FIG. 2, the transaction viewing module 220 downloads the transactions 346 of FIG. 14 as transactions 380 and displays the transactions 380 as transactions 382 within the interface 210.

Voucher entries have been used by way of example to illustrate offers and the way that they are redeemed. The voucher entries may for example correspond to item level discounts. Alternatively, basket level discounts may be provided wherein a discount is given based on an entire purchase of a plurality of items as opposed to individual items of the purchase. It may also be possible that offers may be extended that are not redeemable at server level for any discounts, such as coupons that can be redeemed at a point of sale or advertisements.

As further illustrated in FIG. 14, the account lookup and debit module 310 initiates action by a notifications module 317 to transmit an Short Message Service (SMS) message to the mobile device 24 in FIG. 2. The mobile device 24 includes a notifications module 218 that receives the notification as a notification 302. The notification 302 received by the notifications module 317 is displayed as a notification 304 within the interface 210.

In FIG. 15, a notification 304 is received and displayed to the consumer, indicating a charge of $10.50 and that a credit of $1.00 has been applied.

The consumer can select “Go To App” in FIG. 15 and be shown a list of transactions as in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 also provides a link for the consumer to view categories of transactions. Should the consumer select the link for categories, a view such as in FIG. 17 is displayed to the consumer. Should the consumer then select one of the categories, for example the category for “Restaurants”, a view such as in FIG. 18 is displayed. In FIG. 17, transactions categorized as “Restaurants” are displayed to the consumer.

FIG. 19 illustrates the calculation of a combined score 602 during a live phase. As hereinbefore described, the voucher entry 168 also includes a redemption rate 604 that is initially set at a default value. The server computer system further includes a combined score calculator 610 that calculates the combined score 602 based on the discount 174, price 600 and redemption rate 604. The combined score 602 is calculated using equation 3 above.

The voucher cancel module 324 at 612 records redemption time stamps 614 every time that a voucher is redeemed as hereinbefore described. The server computer system further includes a redemption rate calculator 616 that periodically (e.g. every 60 seconds) recalculates a redemption rate based on the redemption time stamps 614. The redemption rate calculator 616 may for example use equations 1 or 2 to calculate a redemption rate. Alternatively, other numerical or differentiation formulas can be used to calculate a redemption rate based on the redemption time stamps 614. It may also be possible to first determine an acceleration curve of redemptions and then integrate the acceleration curve over time to determine an average redemption rate. Alternatively, redemption rate can simply be calculated by counting the number of redemptions since time t0. The redemption rate calculator 616 then stores the redemption rate calculated by the redemption rate calculator 616 as the redemption rate 604. The redemption rate 604 will thus continuously vary as the redemption time stamps 614 are recorded over time. Because the redemption rate 604 is continuously updated, the combined score 602 also changes over time without modifying the discount 174 or the price 600.

FIG. 20 illustrates two merchant accounts 36 of two different merchants and a ranking module 618. The ranking module 618 ranks voucher entries 168 of different merchant accounts 36 based on their respective combined scores 602. The voucher push module 196 then transmits the voucher entries 168 preferentially based on their combined scores 602. The voucher push module 196 first selects voucher entries 168 having similar filter attributes 570 and then selects a subset of the voucher entries 168 having the highest respective combined scores 602. The voucher push module 196 preferentially only transmits the voucher entries 168 of the subset having the respective highest combined scores 602. In addition, the voucher push module 196 preferentially transmits the voucher entries 168 in a manner so that they are displayed at the mobile device 24 in FIG. 2 with a voucher entry 168 having a highest combined score 602 being preferentially displayed over a voucher entry 168 having a lower combined score 602. In a list of voucher entries 168, the voucher entry 168 having the highest combined score 602 is preferentially displayed at the top, followed by the voucher entry 168 having the second highest combined score 602, and so on. Placement of the voucher entries 168 at the consumer device is thus at least in part based on redemption rate 604 of the voucher entries 168.

FIG. 21A illustrates redemptions r1 to r9 at Times t1 to t9 of a particular voucher entry 168. Redemptions are, by way of example, relatively slow between Times t1 and Time t4, accelerate from Times t4 to t8 and then slow down slightly up to Time t9.

FIG. 21B illustrates the effect of redemption rate on the combined score. The redemption rate drops slightly up to Time t5, then remains steady, and then increases up to Time t8 and then remains steady. The combined score, being based on a combination of the redemption rate, discount and price paid according to equation 3 has a similar profile as the redemption rate if the discount and price paid remain the same. If the discount is increased or decreased, the combined score will also increase or decrease. One merchant may provide higher discounts than another merchant, resulting in a higher combined score. Similarly, if the price is increased or decreased, the combined score also increases or decreases accordingly.

FIG. 21C illustrates the combined scores of all five merchants shown in FIG. 10C. The combined score of the particular merchant initially drops from fourth position to fifth position and then increases through the fourth position to the third position. The combined scores of the voucher entries of the other merchants also fluxuate based on their redemption rates. It is assumed that the respective price paid and respective discount of the voucher entries of the other merchants are also maintained constant. It can thus be seen that the voucher entry of the particular merchant has changed its position in the ranking among the merchant offers without any action by the particular merchant.

FIG. 22 illustrates how the voucher entries will be displayed at a mobile device shortly after t9 in FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C. When comparing FIGS. 11 and 22, it can be seen that the voucher entry of the particular merchant has shifted from fourth position to third position.

FIG. 23 illustrates how the particular merchant can artificially change the ranking and positioning of the voucher entry by adjusting the bid and therefore the price. In the given example, the merchant increases the bid price from $5 in FIG. 7I to $10 in FIG. 22. The bidding engine 550 in FIG. 6 utilizes the discount 174 and the updated redemption rate 604 in FIG. 19 together with the bid price of $10 entered in FIG. 22 to calculate an estimated combined score with equation 3 above. The bidding engine 550 then compares the estimated combined score with the combined scores of other voucher entries to determine an estimated position of the particular voucher entry. When the merchant completes the bidding process and provides payment, the payment module 552 in FIG. 6 at 562 enters a new price as the price 600. In FIG. 19, the combined score calculator 610 routinely recalculates the combined score using equation 3. The combined score calculator 610 recalculates a combined score based on the discount 174, redemption rate 604 and the updated price 600 and stores the updated combined score as the combined score 602.

As shown in FIG. 24A, further redemptions take place after t10. In FIG. 24B, the price is also increased as hereinbefore described. Because of the increase in the price, the combined score also increases correspondingly according to equation 3. In FIG. 24C, it can be seen that the increase in the combined score of the particular voucher entry of the particular merchant results in a ranking wherein the particular voucher entry is ranked first after t10.

FIG. 25 illustrates how the voucher entries will be displayed at a consumer device. When comparing FIG. 25 with FIG. 22, it can be seen that the voucher entry of the particular merchant has moved from third position to first position.

The inclusion of redemption rate as a factor in the preferential treatment of voucher entries that are transmitted to consumer devices results in a certain dynamic during bidding between merchants. If a merchant notices that the placement of a voucher entry of the particular merchant is lower than the voucher entry of another merchant, then the particular merchant may choose to increase the bid amount for the voucher entry of the particular merchant. The voucher entry will then be preferentially displayed in a position where it is more likely for the voucher entry to be redeemed. A voucher entry that is displayed in first place in a list will usually be redeemed more often than a voucher entry displayed lower in a list. When the voucher entry at the top in the list is redeemed more often, it will increase its combined score and it may then be possible for the merchant to reduce its bidding price while still maintaining the position at the top of the list. A merchant may also decide to increase the discount of a particular voucher entry and thereby be placed higher in the list.

5). Computer System

FIG. 26 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exemplary form of a computer system 900 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a network deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The exemplary computer system 900 includes a processor 930 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both), a main memory 932 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), and a static memory 934 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM, etc.), which communicate with each other via a bus 936.

The computer system 900 may further include a video display 938 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 900 also includes an alpha-numeric input device 940 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 942 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 944, a signal generation device 946 (e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device 948.

The disk drive unit 944 includes a machine-readable medium 950 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 952 (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 932 and/or within the processor 930 during execution thereof by the computer system 900, the memory 932 and the processor 930 also constituting machine readable media. The software may further be transmitted or received over a network 954 via the network interface device 948.

While the instructions 952 are shown in an exemplary embodiment to be on a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to understand a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database or data source and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories and optical and magnetic media.

6). Mobile Device

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating the mobile device 24, illustrating a touch-sensitive display 1120 or a “touch screen” for convenience. The mobile device 24 includes a memory 1020 (which may include one or more computer readable storage mediums), a memory controller 1220, one or more processing units (CPU's) 1200, a peripherals interface 1180, RF circuitry 1080, audio circuitry 1100, a speaker 1110, a microphone 1130, an input/output (I/O) subsystem 1060, other input or control devices 1160 and an external port 1240. These components communicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines 1030.

The various components shown in FIG. 27 may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

The memory 1020 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to the memory 1020 by other components of the mobile device 24, such as the CPU 1200 and the peripherals interface 1180, is controlled by the memory controller 1220.

The peripherals interface 1180 connects the input and output peripherals of the device to the CPU 1200 and memory 1020. The one or more processors 1200 run or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructions stored in the memory 1020 to perform various functions for the mobile device 24 and to process data.

The RF (radio frequency) circuitry 1080 receives and sends RF signals, also called electromagnetic signals. The RF circuitry 1080 converts electrical signals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates with communications networks and other communications devices via the electromagnetic signals. The RF circuitry 1080 includes well-known circuitry for performing these functions, including an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. The RF circuitry 1080 may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may use any of a plurality of communications standards, protocols and technologies that are known in the art.

The audio circuitry 1100, the speaker 1110, and the microphone 1130 provide an audio interface between a user and the mobile device 24. The audio circuitry 1100 receives audio data from the peripherals interface 1180, converts the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to the speaker 1110. The speaker 1110 converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves. The audio circuitry 1100 also receives electrical signals converted by the microphone 1130 from sound waves. The audio circuitry 1100 converts the electrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data to the peripherals interface 1180 for processing. The audio circuitry 1100 also includes a headset jack serving as an interface between the audio circuitry 1100 and removable audio input/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headset with both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input (e.g., a microphone).

The I/O subsystem 1060 connects input/output peripherals on the mobile device 24, such as the touch screen 1120 and other input/control devices 1160, to the peripherals interface 1180. The I/O subsystem 1060 includes a display controller 1560 and one or more input controllers 1600 for other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers 1600 receive/send electrical signals from/to other input or control devices 1160. The other input/control devices 1160 may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and so forth all serving as forming part of an interface. The input controllers 1600 may be connected to any of the following: a keyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons may include an up/down button for volume control of the speaker 1110 and/or the microphone 1130. The one or more buttons may include a push button. A quick press of the push button may disengage a lock of the touch screen 1120 or begin a process that uses gestures on the touch screen to unlock the device. A longer press of the push button may turn power to the mobile device 24 on or off. The touch screen 1120 is used to implement virtual or soft buttons and one or more soft keyboards.

The touch-sensitive touch screen 1120 provides an input interface and an output interface between the device and a user. The display controller 1560 receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to the touch screen 1120. The touch screen 1120 displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user-interface objects, further details of which are described below.

A touch screen 1120 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactile contact. The touch screen 1120 and the display controller 1560 (along with any associated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory 1020) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on the touch screen 1120 and converts the detected contact into interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) that are displayed on the touch screen. In an exemplary embodiment, a point of contact between a touch screen 1120 and the user corresponds to a finger of the user.

The touch screen 1120 may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, or LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, although other display technologies may be used in other embodiments. The touch screen 1120 and the display controller 1560 may detect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with a touch screen 1120.

The user may make contact with the touch screen 1120 using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, and so forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which are much less precise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of a finger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translates the rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position or command for performing the actions desired by the user.

The mobile device 24 also includes a power system 1620 for powering the various components. The power system 1620 may include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)) and any other components associated with the generation, management and distribution of power in portable devices.

The software components stored in memory 1020 include an operating system 1260, a communication module (or set of instructions) 1280, a contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 1300, a graphics module (or set of instructions) 1320, a text input module (or set of instructions) 1340, and applications (or set of instructions) 1360.

The operating system 1260 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes various software components and/or drivers for controlling and managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardware and software components.

The communication module 1280 facilitates communication with other devices over one or more external ports 1240 and also includes various software components for handling data received by the RF circuitry 1080 and/or the external port 1240. The external port 1240 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices or indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.).

The contact/motion module 1300 may detect contact with the touch screen 1120 (in conjunction with the display controller 1560) and other touch sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). The contact/motion module 1300 includes various software components for performing various operations related to detection of contact, such as determining if contact has occurred, determining if there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement across the touch screen 1120, and determining if the contact has been broken (i.e., if the contact has ceased). Determining movement of the point of contact may include determining speed (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and/or an acceleration (a change in magnitude and/or direction) of the point of contact. These operations may be applied to single contacts (e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g., “multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). The contact/motion module 1300 and the display controller 1560 also detects contact on a touchpad.

The graphics module 1320 includes various known software components for rendering and displaying graphics on the touch screen 1120, including components for changing the intensity of graphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term “graphics” includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys), digital images, videos, animations and the like.

The text input module 1340, which may be a component of graphics module 1320, provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications (e.g., contacts, e-mail, IM, blogging, browser, and any other application that needs text input). The applications 1360 may include the mobile application 208.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the current invention, and that this invention is not restricted to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described since modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

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