Patent ID: 6321208
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
An online method for a user to view and print at a remote terminal user-specific coupons based on a user profile, the method comprising the steps of:(a) storing in a storage device at a central location electronic coupon information pertaining to a group of coupons available;(b) receiving a request from a user for access to stored coupon information;(c) determining if the user is a registered user, and if the user is not registered:i) transmitting a prompt to the remote terminal to electronicaly complete a user profile and transmit the user profile to the central location;ii) receiving and storing a user profile at the central location; andiii) downloading to the remote terminal a coupon data management software module for managing the printing of coupons, including unique user identification information;if the user is registered, accessing the stored user profile;(d) viewing, by a remote terminal, selected ones of the stored coupons, the selected coupons being based on user-specific information, which comprises user profile information and/or user usage history information;(e) receiving at the central location a request to transmit to the remote terminal at least one coupon data file, the coupon data file corresponding to a user selected coupon, the coupon data file comprising various fields, including a redemption amount field and other fields, the redemption amount field being indicative of a discount provided by the coupon, the redemption amount field and at least one other field being variable in accordance with user-specific information associated with the requesting user; and(f) transmitting to the remote terminal the at least one coupon data file to enable the user to print a coupon using the coupon data management software module.