Abstract:
A method to configure a loyalty points reward program, where the method configures a loyalty program server comprising computer readable program code to configure a loyalty point merchant consortium and a loyalty point customer consortium comprising a plurality of participating consumers. The method further dynamically sets a universal loyalty point value, and determines a quantity of universal loyalty points to allocate to the first customer based upon prior purchases made by the first consumer from the plurality of participating merchants.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present application relates generally to an improved data processing apparatus and method and more specifically to mechanisms for universal online loyalty reward program. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Loyalty programs are common marketing efforts that reward loyal buying behavior that is potentially of benefit to a business. Frequent flyer programs are examples of well known loyalty programs. In most cases, loyalty points gained from one business cannot be converted to loyalty points of different businesses. One may use loyalty points to purchase from a restricted set of loyalty partners that are part of a loyalty agreement between a business and its loyalty partners. 
         [0003]    If a customer does not have the required amount of loyalty points for a particular reward at a given time, then the points have no value to the customer at that time. In fact, a customer may have points in several loyalty programs at the same time; however, the customer may not have enough points to redeem for a desired reward in any one loyalty program. Thus, the customer may have unusable points in several loyalty programs, even though the loyalty programs may share common loyalty partners or may have different loyalty partners offering similar rewards. 
         [0004]    For example, a customer may have a first number of points in a loyalty program for an electronics retailer, a second number of points in a loyalty program for a soft drink, a third number of points in a loyalty program for a sandwich shop, a fourth number of points in a loyalty program for a clothing store, a fifth number of points in a loyalty program for an athletic shoe retailer, a sixth number of points in a loyalty program for a book store, and a seventh number of points in a loyalty program for a coffee shop. It is not uncommon for a customer to have a modest number of points in each of a plurality of loyalty programs. The customer may be very loyal to every one of the vendors or service providers, but the rewards that are attainable for the points in each separate loyalty program may be underwhelming. 
         [0005]    As a result of the above disadvantages, loyalty programs are seen by many customers as a nuisance. The low level rewards are not worth the time and effort to manage multiple loyalty programs. The high level rewards appear unattainable. With no easy and practical way to offer universal loyalty points by different merchants of different product and services offering, loyal buying behavior goes unrewarded, and the customers are not encouraged to repeat this behavior. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Applicant&#39;s loyalty point reward system comprises a program which includes participating merchants and participating customers. A participating customer accrues both local loyalty points and universal loyalty points based upon prior purchases from participating merchants. 
         [0007]    Each participating merchants allocates a certain number of local loyalty points to participating customers based upon those costumers&#39; prior purchase from that specific merchant. Applicant&#39;s loyalty point rewards system allocates universal loyalty points to a customer based upon that customer&#39;s aggregate purchases from all the participating merchants. A participating customer may partially or completely offset the price of a good or service sold by a first merchant using first merchant local loyalty points and/or universal loyalty points. 
         [0008]    A mechanism is provided for offering a universal loyalty program by a network of merchants. The mechanism forms a coalition of a plurality of merchants in a plurality of merchants who sell the same or different products or services. Each merchant within the plurality of merchants participate in the same loyalty program. Each merchant within the plurality of merchants offers products, services or both to plurality of customers participating in the same loyalty program. Each reward offered by a merchant to plurality of customers is offered for a balance of local loyalty points (merchant&#39;s specific points) or universal loyalty points or a combination of local and universal points. 
         [0009]    A plurality of customers can earn local loyalty points or universal loyalty points or both at plurality of participating merchants by visiting merchant location or purchasing products or services at merchant location or merchant online store. Each merchant within the plurality of merchants requests to calculate total universal and local loyalty points for a reward by submitting a dollar value of the offered reward in a loyalty program. The mechanism further calculates the optimal dollar value of a universal loyalty point among the plurality of merchants. The dollar value of a universal loyalty points will be known as the Universal Point Value (UPv). The dollar value of a local loyalty points will be known as the Local Point Value (LPv). 
         [0010]    In certain embodiments, if the consumer elects to redeem to awarded local loyalty point in combination with the awarded universal loyalty points when the offer is made by the merchant, then the combined monetary value of the local loyalty points and universal loyalty points may be sufficient to cover the entire cost of the good or service offered. If the combined monetary value of the local loyalty points and universal loyalty points is not sufficient to cover the entire cost of the good or service offered, then the customer may pay the remaining portion of the sales price using cash or credit. 
         [0011]    If the user does not purchase the proffered good or service on the day the merchant makes an offer of local loyalty points and/or universal loyalty points, but rat the customer returns to the merchant the next day to make a purchase, the value of the awarded local loyalty points and/or universal loyalty points may be different from the value determined the previous day. In certain embodiments, the UPv may be greater on the second day than the UPv was on the first day. In certain embodiments, the UPv may be less on the second day than the UPv was on the first day. In certain embodiments, the LPv may be greater on the second day than the UPv was on the first day. In certain embodiments, the LPv may be less on the second day than the UPv was on the first day. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference designators are used to designate like elements, and in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of Applicant&#39;s loyalty point rewards system; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates various modules comprising computer readable program code which when performed by a programmable computer processor implements Applicant&#39;s loyalty points reward method; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  summarizes certain steps in Applicant&#39;s loyalty points reward method; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  summarizes certain additional steps in Applicant&#39;s loyalty points reward method; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  summarizes certain additional steps in Applicant&#39;s loyalty points reward method; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  summarizes certain additional steps in Applicant&#39;s loyalty points reward method. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0020]    The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0021]    Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules (e.g., modules  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  FIG. 2 ) in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module (e.g., modules  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  FIG. 2 ) may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module (e.g., modules  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  FIG. 2 ) may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the like. 
         [0022]    Modules (e.g., modules  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  FIG. 2 ) may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module (e.g., modules  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  FIG. 2 ) need not be physically collocated, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. 
         [0023]    Indeed, a module of executable code (e.g., modules  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 ,  FIG. 2 ) may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. 
         [0024]    The schematic flow charts included are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , Applicant&#39;s system  100  comprises a plurality of merchant computing devices, shown in  FIG. 1  as computing devices  110 ,  112 , and  114 , a loyalty points server  120 , a network attached storage (“NAS”) controller  130 , and a non-transitory computer readable medium  140 . In certain embodiments, NAS controller  130  is integral with loyalty points server  120 . 
         [0026]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , merchant computing devices  110 ,  112 , and  113 , are in communication with loyalty points server  120 , NAS controller  130 , and computer readable medium  140  via a communication fabric  102 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , communication fabric  102  comprises one or more switches  105 . In certain embodiments, communication fabric  102  comprises the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a storage area network (SAN), a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network, a satellite communications network, an interactive television network, or any combination of the foregoing. In certain embodiments, communication fabric  102  utilizes either or both wired or wireless connections for the transmission of signals including electrical connections, magnetic connections, or a combination thereof. Examples of these types of connections include: radio frequency connections, optical connections, telephone links, a Digital Subscriber Line, or a cable link. Moreover, communication fabrics  120  and  140  utilize any of a variety of communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), for example. 
         [0027]    In certain embodiments, loyalty points server comprises processor  122  and a non-transitory computer readable medium  124 . In certain embodiments, loyalty points server  120  further comprises an operating system  126  and computer readable program code  128  encoded in the computer readable medium  124 . Processor  122  utilizes operating system  126  to operate loyalty points server  120 . Processor  122  utilizes computer readable program code  128  to implement Applicant&#39;s loyalty points method. 
         [0028]    In certain embodiments, merchant computing device  112  is owned and/or operated by a first merchant selling a first kind of goods and/or services in commerce. In certain embodiments, the first merchant owns and/or operates a single retail sales establishment. In certain embodiments, the first merchant operates a plurality of retail sales establishments in a same city or geographical location, such as and without limitation New York City, Clark County Nevada, the bay area of Northern California, and the like. In certain embodiments, the first merchant operates a plurality of retail sales establishments in a plurality of states within the United States. In certain embodiments, the first merchant operates a plurality of retail establishments throughout the world. 
         [0029]    In certain embodiments, the second merchant owns and/or operates a single retail sales establishment. In certain embodiments, the second merchant operates a plurality of retail sales establishments in a same city or geographical location, such as and without limitation New York City, Clark County Nevada, the bay area of Northern California, and the like. In certain embodiments, the second merchant operates a plurality of retail sales establishments in a plurality of states within the United States. In certain embodiments, the second merchant operates a plurality of retail establishments throughout the world. 
         [0030]    In certain embodiments, the third merchant owns and/or operates a single retail sales establishment. In certain embodiments, the third merchant operates a plurality of retail sales establishments in a same city or geographical location, such as and without limitation New York City, Clark County Nevada, the bay area of Northern California, and the like. In certain embodiments, the third merchant operates a plurality of retail sales establishments in a plurality of states within the United States. In certain embodiments, the third merchant operates a plurality of retail establishments throughout the world. 
         [0031]    In certain embodiments, the first merchant sells in commerce goods which fall under, for example and without limitation: Division G of the OSHA Standard Industrial Codes entitled “Retail Trade,” including goods covered by Major Group  52  Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply, And Mobile Home Dealers, Major Group  53 : General Merchandise Stores, Major Group  54 : Food Stores, Major Group  55 : Automotive Dealers And Gasoline Service Stations, Major Group  56 : Apparel And Accessory Stores, Major Group  57 : Home Furniture, Furnishings, And Equipment Stores, Major Group  58 : Eating And Drinking Places, Major Group  59 : Miscellaneous Retail Establishments. In certain embodiments, the first merchant sells in commerce services which fall under, for example and without limitation: Division H of the OSHA Standard Industrial Codes entitled Finance, Insurance and Real Estate,” including services covered by Major Group  60 : Depository Institutions, Major Group  61 : Non-depository Credit Institutions, Major Group  62 : Security And Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges, And Services, Major Group  63 : Insurance Carriers, Major Group  64 : Insurance Agents, Brokers, And Service, Major Group  65 : Real Estate, Major Group  67 : Holding And Other Investment Offices. In certain embodiments, the first merchant sells in commerce services which fall under, for example and without limitation: Division I of the OSHA Standard Industrial Codes entitled Services, including for example and without limitation Major Group  70 : Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps, And Other Lodging Places, Major Group  72 : Personal Services, Major Group  73 : Business Services, Major Group  75 : Automotive Repair, Services, And Parking, Major Group  76 : Miscellaneous Repair Services, Major Group  78 : Motion Pictures, Major Group  79 : Amusement And Recreation Services, Major Group  80 : Health Services, Major Group  81 : Legal Services, Major Group  82 : Educational Services, Major Group  83 : Social Services, Major Group  84 : Museums, Art Galleries, And Botanical And Zoological Gardens, Major Group  86 : Membership Organizations, Major Group  87 : Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management, And Related Services, Major Group  88 : Private Households, and Major Group  89 : Miscellaneous Services. 
         [0032]    In certain embodiments, the second merchant sells in commerce goods which fall under, for example and without limitation: Division G entitled “Retail Trade,” including goods covered by Major Group  52  Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply, And Mobile Home Dealers, Major Group  53 : General Merchandise Stores, Major Group  54 : Food Stores, Major Group  55 : Automotive Dealers And Gasoline Service Stations, Major Group  56 : Apparel And Accessory Stores, Major Group  57 : Home Furniture, Furnishings, And Equipment Stores, Major Group  58 : Eating And Drinking Places, Major Group  59 : Miscellaneous Retail Establishments. In certain embodiments, the second merchant sells in commerce services which fall under, for example and without limitation: Division H of the OSHA Standard Industrial Codes entitled Finance, Insurance and Real Estate,” including services covered by Major Group  60 : Depository Institutions, Major Group  61 : Non-depository Credit Institutions, Major Group  62 : Security And Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges, And Services, Major Group  63 : Insurance Carriers, Major Group  64 : Insurance Agents, Brokers, And Service, Major Group  65 : Real Estate, Major Group  67 : Holding And Other Investment Offices. In certain embodiments, the second merchant sells in commerce services which fall under, for example and without limitation: Division I of the OSHA Standard Industrial Codes entitled Services, including for example and without limitation Major Group  70 : Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps, And Other Lodging Places, Major Group  72 : Personal Services, Major Group  73 : Business Services, Major Group  75 : Automotive Repair, Services, And Parking, Major Group  76 : Miscellaneous Repair Services, Major Group  78 : Motion Pictures, Major Group  79 : Amusement And Recreation Services, Major Group  80 : Health Services, Major Group  81 : Legal Services, Major Group  82 : Educational Services, Major Group  83 : Social Services, Major Group  84 : Museums, Art Galleries, And Botanical And Zoological Gardens, Major Group  86 : Membership Organizations, Major Group  87 : Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management, And Related Services, Major Group  88 : Private Households, and Major Group  89 : Miscellaneous Services. 
         [0033]    In certain embodiments, the third merchant sells in commerce goods which fall under, for example and without limitation: Division G entitled “Retail Trade,” including goods covered by Major Group  52  Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply, And Mobile Home Dealers, Major Group  53 : General Merchandise Stores, Major Group  54 : Food Stores, Major Group  55 : Automotive Dealers And Gasoline Service Stations, Major Group  56 : Apparel And Accessory Stores, Major Group  57 : Home Furniture, Furnishings, And Equipment Stores, Major Group  58 : Eating And Drinking Places, Major Group  59 : Miscellaneous Retail Establishments. In certain embodiments, the third merchant sells in commerce services which fall under, for example and without limitation: Division H of the OSHA Standard Industrial Codes entitled Finance, Insurance and Real Estate,” including services covered by Major Group  60 : Depository Institutions, Major Group  61 : Non-depository Credit Institutions, Major Group  62 : Security And Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges, And Services, Major Group  63 : Insurance Carriers, Major Group  64 : Insurance Agents, Brokers, And Service, Major Group  65 : Real Estate, Major Group  67 : Holding And Other Investment Offices. In certain embodiments, the third merchant sells in commerce services which fall under, for example and without limitation: Division I of the OSHA Standard Industrial Codes entitled Services, including for example and without limitation Major Group  70 : Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps, And Other Lodging Places, Major Group  72 : Personal Services, Major Group  73 : Business Services, Major Group  75 : Automotive Repair, Services, And Parking, Major Group  76 : Miscellaneous Repair Services, Major Group  78 : Motion Pictures, Major Group  79 : Amusement And Recreation Services, Major Group  80 : Health Services, Major Group  81 : Legal Services, Major Group  82 : Educational Services, Major Group  83 : Social Services, Major Group  84 : Museums, Art Galleries, And Botanical And Zoological Gardens, Major Group  86 : Membership Organizations, Major Group  87 : Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management, And Related Services, Major Group  88 : Private Households, and Major Group  89 : Miscellaneous Services. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , in certain embodiments computer readable program code  128  comprises a loyalty server module  210 , a loyalty merchant module  220 , a loyalty program module  230 , a loyalty points calculation module  240 , a loyalty merchant module  250 , and a mobile and email alerts module  260 . 
         [0035]    Applicant method utilizes Applicant&#39;s system  100  to form a consortium of merchants who sell the same or different products or services. Each merchant participates in the same loyalty program. Each merchant offers products, services or both to plurality of customers participating in that loyalty program. Each reward offered by a merchant to plurality of customers is offered for a balance of universal loyalty points or local loyalty points or both. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , in step  310  the method provides a loyalty program server comprising computer readable program code to configure a loyalty point merchant consortium. In certain embodiments, step  310  comprises utilizing Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120  ( FIG. 1 ). In step  320 , the method generates an offer to a selected merchant to join the loyalty point program. In certain embodiments, step  320  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  320  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  220 . 
         [0037]    In step  340 , the method determines if the selected merchant of step  320  accepted the offer to join the loyalty points program. In certain embodiments, step  340  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  340  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  220 . 
         [0038]    If the method determines in step  340  that the selected merchant of step  320  accepted the offer to join the loyalty points program, then the method transitions from step  340  to step  350  wherein the method adds selected merchant data to the loyalty merchant database module  350 . In certain embodiments, step  350  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  350  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  220 . In certain embodiments, the merchant data includes: 
         [0000]    1. merchant unique id
 
2. merchant unique chain id
 
3. merchant geographical data
 
4. merchant category
 
5. merchant social profile
 
6. merchant private and public authentication keys
 
7. merchant reward profile
 
8. merchant reward policy
 
9. merchant geographical boundary settings
 
10. merchant group id
 
11. merchant transaction data
 
12. merchant to customer cross reference
 
13. merchant marketing campaign settings
 
14. merchant status code
 
15. merchant reward stats
 
16. merchant live analytics
 
17. merchant analytics
 
18. merchant transactional data
 
19. merchant rewards template code
 
20. merchant social campaign id
 
21. merchant social campaign policy
 
22. merchant social campaign template
 
23. merchant device id(s)
 
24. merchant device profile
 
25. merchant third party plugins
 
         [0039]    A plurality of customers can earn local loyalty points or universal loyalty points or both at plurality of participating merchants by visiting participating merchant locations, or purchasing products or services at participating merchant locations, or participating merchant online stores. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , in step  360  the method provides a loyalty program server comprising computer readable program code to configure a loyalty point customer consortium. In certain embodiments, step  360  comprises utilizing Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120  ( FIG. 1 ). In step  370 , the method receives a request from a customer to join the loyalty point program. In certain embodiments, step  370  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  370  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  210 . 
         [0041]    In step  380 , the method determines if the requesting customer meets the requirements of loyalty points program. In certain embodiments, step  380  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  380  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  210 . 
         [0042]    In certain embodiments, customer requirements include: 
         [0000]    1. one account per customer (one time registration)
 
2. customer has a unique combination of id, email, and name
 
3. one customer&#39;s device per account
 
4. customer social links enable if applicable
 
5. customer geographical tracker enable if applicable
 
6. customer to track digital point records [local Points, Universal Point]
 
7. customer is able to make transaction at participant merchants
 
8. customer acceptance of terms and conditions.
 
         [0043]    If the method determines in step  380  that the requesting customer meets the requirements of loyalty points program, then the method transitions from step  380  to step  390  wherein the method adds the requesting customer data to the loyalty customer database module  230 . In certain embodiments, step  390  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  390  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  210 . 
         [0044]    Each merchant within the plurality of selected merchants requests to calculate total points requirement including universal and/or local loyalty points for a reward by submitting the a dollar value of the reward in a loyalty program. The mechanism further calculate the optimal dollar value of a universal loyalty point among the plurality of merchants. The dollar value of a universal loyalty points will be known as the universal point value (UPv). The dollar value of a local loyalty points will be known as the local point value (LPv). 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , in step  410  the method receives a point calculation request from a participating merchant having data stored in Loyalty Merchant Database Module  250 . In certain embodiments, step  410  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  410  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  220 . 
         [0046]    In step  420 , the method determines a loyalty points combination of Universal Loyalty Points and Local Loyalty Points that generates a maximal return to both participating merchants and approved customers. In certain embodiments, step  420  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  420  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . 
         [0047]    In step  430 , the method determines if the participating merchant of step  410  accepts the loyalty point calculation of step  420 . In certain embodiments, step  430  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  430  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . 
         [0048]    If the participating merchant does not in step  430  accept the loyalty point calculation of step  420 , then the method transitions from step  430  to step  450  and ends. In certain embodiments, step  450  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  450  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . 
         [0049]    Alternatively, if the participating merchant does accept in step  430  the loyalty point calculation of step  420 , then the method transitions from step  430  to step  440  wherein the method updates data in Loyalty Merchant Database Module  250  for the participating merchant. In certain embodiments, step  440  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  440  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . The method transitions from step  440  to step  450  and ends. 
         [0050]    In certain embodiments, step  420  comprises the steps recited in  FIG. 5 . Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in step  510  the merchant defines a specific product or service and proposed Local Loyalty Points associated therewith. In certain embodiments, the data of step  510  is received by Applicant&#39;s Loyalty Points Server  120 . In certain embodiments, the data of step  510  is provided to Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240 . In certain embodiments, step  510  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  510  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  220 . 
         [0051]    In step  520 , the method creates a Loyalty Reward Entry. In certain embodiments, step  520  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  520  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . 
         [0052]    In step  530 , the method determines whether the Loyalty Reward will utilize Universal Points. In certain embodiments, step  530  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  510  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . 
         [0053]    If the method determines in step  530  that the Loyalty Reward of step  520  will include Universal Points, then the method transitions from step  530  to step  540  wherein Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  calculates a number of proposed Universal Loyalty Points to be associated with the Loyalty Reward of step  520 . In certain embodiments, step  540  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  540  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . 
         [0054]    In certain embodiments, the Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  is constantly receiving data from participating merchants. In these embodiments, the Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  dynamically sets a value for Applicant&#39;s universal loyalty point. In certain embodiments, the value of a loyalty point is constantly changing. 
         [0055]    In certain embodiments, the Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  utilizes different input data to set the value of the system&#39;s universal loyalty points. A first aspect comprises a “supply side” analysis. For example, if the cost to the merchant of a particular good is high, then the system accommodates such a high supply side cost by setting a relatively low value for universal points used to redeem such a good. 
         [0056]    The other aspect used by Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  comprises a “demand side” analysis. For example, if the system wants to encourage customers to visit merchant establishments on a traditional “slow shopping day,” such as for example and without limitation Christmas day or Easter Sunday, then the system may set the value of universal points at a high value for that day only. Alternatively, on traditional “high shopping volume days,” such as without limitation Black Friday following Thanksgiving Day, the system may set the value of universal loyalty points at a low value for that day only. 
         [0057]    In certain embodiments, Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  bases the valuation of a loyalty point based upon customer trends. In these embodiments, if customer demand in a certain geographical area is traditional robust, i.e. high, for a specific good or service, then Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  tends to assign a relatively low value of a loyalty point awarded to a customer in conjunction with the purchase of that specific good or service. Alternatively, if customer demand in a certain geographical area is traditional low for a specific good or service, then Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  tends to assign a relatively high value of a loyalty point awarded to a customer in conjunction with the purchase of that specific good or service. In summary, the value of a universal loyalty point awarded in conjunction with the purchase of a specific good or service in a “high demand” geographical area is lower than the value for a universal loyalty point awarded in conjunction with the purchase of that same specific good or service in a “low demand” geographical area. 
         [0058]    The following Examples are The following Examples are presented to further illustrate to persons skilled in the art how to make and use the invention. These Examples are not intended as a limitation, however, upon the scope of the invention. 
       Example 1 
       [0059]    This Example 1 is directed to setting a value of universal loyalty points awarded to a consumer in conjunction with renting the same automobile (same make, model, year, and appointments) for the same period of time and at the same hour of day on June 15 in either Phoenix, Ariz. or San Diego, Calif. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  assigns a value of X US Dollars ($US X.00) for each universal loyalty point awarded to a consumer when renting the automobile in San Diego. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  assigns a value of 2X US Dollars ($US 2X.00) for each universal loyalty point awarded to a consumer when renting the automobile in Phoenix. 
       Example 2 
       [0060]    This Example 2 is directed to setting a value of universal loyalty points awarded to a consumer in conjunction with renting the same automobile (same make, model, year, and appointments) for the same period of time and at the same hour of day on January 15 in either Phoenix, Ariz. or San Diego, Calif. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  assigns a value of X US Dollars ($US X.00) for each universal loyalty point awarded to a consumer when renting the automobile Phoenix. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  assigns a value of 2X US Dollars ($US 2X.00) for each universal loyalty point awarded to a consumer when renting the automobile in San Diego. 
       Example 3 
       [0061]    This Example 1 is directed to setting a value of universal loyalty points awarded to a consumer in conjunction with purchasing the same cellular telephone (same make, model, year, and appointments) on a Saturday from a specific merchant. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  assigns a value of X US Dollars (SUS X.00) for each universal loyalty point awarded to a consumer purchasing the cellular telephone from that specific merchant. In certain embodiments, Applicant&#39;s Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240  assigns a value of 1.5X US Dollars (SUS 1.5X.00) for each universal loyalty point awarded to the same consumer when purchasing the same cellular telephone from the same merchant one day later on Sunday. 
         [0062]    The dollar value of a local loyalty points will be known as the Local Point Value (LPv). 
         [0063]    In certain embodiments, the dollar value of Universal Points (UPv) and Local Points (LPv) are driven by various factors such as:
       1. The total dollar value of all goods and services redeemed for a balance of Universal Points in a geographical location during a given period by plurality of participating customers.   2. The total dollar value of all goods and services redeemed for a balance of Local Points in a geographical location during a given period by plurality of participating customers.   3. The total dollar value of all goods and services currently offered for a balance of Local Points in a geographical location during a given period by plurality of participating merchants.   4. The total dollar value of all goods and services currently offered for a balance of Universal Points in a geographical location during a given period by plurality of participating merchants.   5. The timely indicator of the plurality of the participating customers&#39; spending patterns that is adjusted for seasonal variables.   6. Frequency/tendency to redeem those offers by the plurality of customers participating in the same loyalty program.   7. External factors like time of the year, holiday seasons, special events relative to a geographical location.       
 
         [0071]    In certain embodiments, a geographical location is defined by a metropolitan area, such as and without limitation metro New York City area, metro Chicago area, and the like. In certain embodiments, a geographical area includes portions of a plurality of different states, such as and without limitation New York City, Northern new Jersey, and Southern Connecticut, and the “QUAD CITIES” (Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois. 
         [0072]    In certain embodiments a geographical area includes the entirety of several states, such as and without limitation “DELMARVA,” meaning Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. In certain embodiments, a geographical location is defined by a well-known portion of a state, such as and without limitation SOCAL (Southern California), Bay Area (San Francisco and surrounding counties). 
         [0073]    In step  550 , the method displays calculation results on an information display device in communication with the merchant computer operated by the participating merchant of step  510 . In certain embodiments, step  550  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  550  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . 
         [0074]    In step  560 , the method determines if the merchant of step  510  accepts the proposed Universal Loyalty Points of step  540 . In certain embodiments, step  560  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  560  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . 
         [0075]    If the method determines in step  560  that the merchant of step  510  accepts the proposed Universal Point calculation of step  540 , then the method transitions from step  560  to step  580  wherein the method saves in Loyalty Merchant Database Module  250  the Loyalty Reward comprising the merchant&#39;s proposed Local Loyalty Points in combination with the proposed Universal Loyalty Points of step  540 . In certain embodiments, step  580  is performed by Applicant&#39;s loyalty server  120 . In certain embodiments, step  580  is performed by processor  122  utilizing module  240 . 
         [0076]    Alternatively, if the method determines in step  560  that the merchant of step  510  does not accept the proposed Universal Point calculation of step  540 , then the method transitions from step  560  to step  570  wherein the merchant of step  510  manually provides a Universal Loyalty Point count. In certain embodiments, the manually entered Universal Loyalty Point count of step  570  is received by Applicant&#39;s Loyalty Server  120 . In certain embodiments, the manually entered Universal Loyalty Point count of step  570  is provided to Loyalty Points Calculation Module  240 . The method transitions from step  570  to step  580 . 
         [0077]    In certain embodiments, Applicants&#39; invention includes computer readable program code, such as computer readable program code  128 , residing in a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as computer readable medium  124 , where that computer readable program code is executed by a processor, such as processor  122 , to perform one or more of steps  320 ,  340 , and/or  350 , recited in  FIG. 3A , and/or one or more of steps  370 ,  380 , and/or  390 , recited in  FIG. 3B , and/or one or more steps  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440 , and/or  450 , recited in  FIG. 4 , and/or one or more steps  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  540 ,  550 ,  560 ,  570 , and/or  580 , recited in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0078]    In other embodiments, Applicants&#39; invention includes instructions residing in any other computer program product, where those instructions are executed by a computer external to, or internal to, system  100 , to performs any of the steps  320 ,  340 , and/or  350 , recited in  FIG. 3A , and/or one or more of steps  370 ,  380 , and/or  390 , recited in  FIG. 3B , and/or one or more steps  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440 , and/or  450 , recited in  FIG. 4 , and/or one or more steps  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  540 ,  550 ,  560 ,  570 , and/or  580 , recited in  FIG. 5 . In either case, the computer readable program code may be encoded in an non-transitory computer readable medium comprising, for example, a magnetic information storage medium, an optical information storage medium, an electronic information storage medium, and the like. By “electronic storage medium,” Applicants mean, for example, a device such as a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash PROM, compactflash, smartmedia, and the like. 
         [0079]    While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth herein.