Abstract:
A system and method for scanning paper coupons and coordinating their use with electronic coupons for the provided is a internet based electronic coupon searching system. Further provided, is a method and apparatus to combine electronic and paper coupons into a master coupon for secure redemption through an electronic coupon clearing house and offering coupon distribution system.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of coupon scanning devices and coupon redemption systems. A marketing coupon is a ticket or document that can be exchanged for a financial discount or rebate when purchasing a product. Typically, coupons are issued by manufacturers of package consumer goods to be used in retail stores as part of sales promotions. Coupons are widely distributed through mail, magazine, newspapers and the internet and more recently on mobile devices such as cell phones. 
         [0002]    Coupons first saw widespread use in the United States in the 1900&#39;s to sell carbonated beverages and other products. 
         [0003]    More recently, online retailers had developed “coupon codes” or “promotional codes” as an alternative to coupons. Printable coupons from the internet have also recently become popular. However, printable coupon fraud is rampant because the technology behind the concept was not sufficient to overcome technology minded counterfeiters. Also, while internet coupons typically provide reduced costs for various products, they do not coordinate well with more traditional paper coupons. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    U.S. Patent Application 2004/0112958 discloses a Coupon Scanner Organizer Device. The Device consists of a PDA with barcode reader. The consumer may scan bar codes for coupons and store the relevant information. Software on the PDA allows the consumer to organize the coupons by brand, product or amount. The PDA may redeem coupons by connecting to the cash register through a wireless or wired connection. Alternatively, the PDA may print the appropriate coupon. Additionally, product UPCs may be scanned to determine if they match coupons stored in the PDA. Finally, the PDA may read a consumer&#39;s store discount card information and pass that information to the register at checkout time. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent Application 2003/0024981 discloses an Automated Coupon Solution. A PDA is employed to scan consumer products. The PDA connects to the internet and searches for coupons or rebates matching the scanned item. The coupons are downloaded into the PDA. The coupons may be sent directly to the manufacturer, downloaded through wireless or wired connection to the stores computer or printed from the PDA. Information may be stored to fill in rebate forms to send directly to manufacturers or printed and mailed. Information from store preferred shopper cards may also be stored and sent to the store computer. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,854 to Counts discloses a Hand Held Coupon Scanner at a retail store. The Scanner stores information relevant to the coupon such as product, amount and expiration date. At checkout, the UPC of purchased products are scanned. The coupon scanner is connected to an Input/Output port of a store coupon recorder. The recorder compares the UPC of the products with the coupons to determine matches. Additionally, the recorder compares the coupons to a database to determine if they are authentic. If a coupon matches a product and is authentic, the customer receives the coupon amount. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,192 to Page et al. discloses a PDA with a Barcode Reader. A consumer scans in a UPC from a product. Software in the PDA determines the type of product, size, color, etc. The PDA connects to a website that has reviews of that product and similar products. Additionally, the website may contain information about cost, rebates and incentives offered by manufacturers. 
         [0008]    U.S. Patent Application 2007/028831 to Brodson et al. discloses an E-Coupon System and method. A consumer searches a website for coupons via a PDA. The coupons may be downloaded and sorted by brand, product and store. Alerts may notify the consumer of new or expiring coupons. A database may be created with consumer account information and the coupons downloaded by the consumer. 
         [0009]    U.S. Patent Application 2005/0010476 to Combs discloses a consumer specific marketing tool method and apparatus. Information on a customer is gathered at a point of sale or through a preferred shopper&#39;s card. Information may include items purchased, age, gender and existing health issues. Information regarding the consumer&#39;s specific demographic is produced along with coupons that reflect the consumer&#39;s preferences. i.e. a vegetarian may receive information about additional protein requirements and coupons that do not relate to meat items. The information and coupons may be sent to a PDA. The coupons may be printed from the PDA or the bar code scanned directly from the PDA&#39;s display. The store may track a customer&#39;s use of coupons. 
         [0010]    UK Patent Application GB 2,392,286 to Wu discloses a Method to Scan Bar Code from the screen of a PDA. The Bar Code may be scanned into the PDA. Alternatively, a picture of the bar code is taken by the PDA. Software then determines the proper bar code for the item and displays it on the PDA screen. 
         [0011]    Therefore, a need exists for a PDA that will store data from paper coupons as well as search for electronic coupons based on information scanned from a product&#39;s UPC or RFID code. Further, there is a need for a product that will exchange information between a consumer and a manufacturer to allow offers or coupons to be tailored to an individual consumer based on the consumer&#39;s purchases of competing products or loyalty to a manufacturer. Also, a need exists for a secure method and system for securely transferring paper coupons to any electronic form to prevent fraud. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0012]    The invention relates to a PDA that uses a barcode scanner to scan physical coupons. The PDA may note the expiration date of the coupon and notify the consumer. Additionally, websites may be searched for coupons that are then downloaded to the PDA. A computer PDA based web-browser may be used to perform the search. Websites are searched for electronic coupons corresponding to Uniform Product Code (UPC) of items that the consumer has scanned. 
         [0013]    One embodiment of the invention accelerates repayment of redeemed coupon value to the retail store. The PDA encodes the coupon data to create a single master bar code that is transmitted to the store computer. The store computer decodes the master bar code and provides the discounts appropriate to the individual coupons. The store then submits the master bar code to a coupon clearinghouse server. The server decodes the coupons, checks the validity of the coupons against a data base of valid coupons and notifies the appropriate manufacturer of the redemption of the coupon. The manufacturers pay the appropriate amount to the store based on the value of the coupon. The manufacture benefits from a reduced cost due to using an automated clearinghouse to redeem coupons and the store benefits from a quicker reimbursement of coupon payments made to customers. 
         [0014]    The device comprises a hand held PDA unit with a bar code scanner and an on-board printer capable of generating readable bar codes. The bar code scanner is in communication with the PDA. Information from physical coupons is read by the scanner and stored in the PDA. Software stored in the microprocessor of the PDA reads bar codes from physical coupons and identifies the product for which the coupon is generated, the value of the coupon, the date of expiration of the coupon and any other important information. The software on the PDA organizes and searches the coupon data. Additionally, the PDA communicates through a USB port or similar connection to a desktop computer which organizes coupon information and displays it in various reporting formats. 
         [0015]    A website interface is provided which accesses one or more databases containing electronic coupon information. The databases can be searched for categories such as product name, category, or company name. The website may be reached through the PDA itself or through a desktop computer and downloaded into the PDA through a USB or similar connection. The electronic coupon information may be sorted by the PDA or desktop computer, along with information stored from physical coupons. 
         [0016]    The PDA or desktop computer passes information about the consumer to various manufacturers. The information includes demographics such as the age, sex and location. Additionally, manufacturers receive information about coupons that have been redeemed or downloaded and not redeemed. This information is used by the manufacturers to customize coupons for that individual. As an example, a competing manufacturer may wish to offer a much larger discount coupon to someone that has purchased a competing product. Manufacturers may also use this information to reward loyal customers either through additional coupons or a reward/point system. 
         [0017]    Software in the PDA and computer allows the consumer to search through the coupons that have been used or downloaded. The consumer may examine the amount saved on coupons used, expiration date of coupons, date used, or by product. Additionally, the PDA will notify the consumer prior to the expiration of a coupon that has been downloaded. 
         [0018]    A wireless connection on the PDA allows searches for coupons while shopping. A consumer may scan a product&#39;s UPC while shopping. Software in the PDA will identify the manufacturer and type of product. The consumer may then access a website and search for electronic coupons for that product or similar products from competitors. Electronic coupons may be downloaded directly to the PDA enabling a customer discount. 
         [0019]    The PDA speeds coupon redemption by encoding all of the coupons to be redeemed into a secure and unique master bar code. Physical and electronic coupons may be redeemed using the master bar code at a store location by printing the master barcode, reading the master barcode from the PDA&#39;s screen, sending the master barcode data directly to the manufacturer or downloading directly into a store computer or sales register. The master barcode is printed and scanned into a store computer as a normal coupon. Similarly, the master barcode may be read directly from the PDA screen by the appropriate scanning device at the store. The master barcode data may be sent directly to a manufacturer that has an appropriate website or other access. The PDA may access the manufacturer by phone, WIFI or other similar means. Finally, the master barcode data may be downloaded directly into a store computer or registered using a wireless connection such as infrared or a wired connection such as a USB port. The store computer decodes the master barcode into the individual coupons, matches coupons to purchased products and reduces the customer&#39;s total by the appropriate amount. The store sends the master barcode data to a clearinghouse server through the internet. The clearinghouse server then decodes the data into individual coupons. The coupons are then verified against a database of valid coupon offers. If the coupons match a valid coupon offer, the appropriate company is notified of the redemption of the coupon and its amount. The use of a secure electronic coupon clearinghouse saves the manufacturer the handling charge that is generally associated with redeeming coupons. Additionally, the store benefits from quicker reimbursement of coupon payments made to customers. 
         [0020]    Similarly, the PDA is used to store manufacturer&#39;s rebate forms. The PDA or desktop computer stores consumer information such as name, address and phone number. This allows the PDA to fill out a rebate form automatically. The rebate form is sent directly to the manufacturer via a cell phone or WIFI connection. If a manufacturer does not have the appropriate connection, the rebate form may be printed and sent via paper mail. The PDA will automatically remind the consumer that a rebate should be received at an appropriate time, generally six to eight weeks. 
         [0021]    Embodiments of the invention offer an improvement of scanning existing physical coupons and searching for additional electronic coupons via the internet. Embodiments of the invention allow sorting both types of coupons by category; including product, expiration date and amount saved. The invention allows an interactive website where a consumer&#39;s demographics, purchases and downloaded coupons are visible to manufacturers. Manufacturers may use this information to send coupons to a consumer who uses a competitor&#39;s product or to a loyal consumer. The master barcode generated by the PDA is an improvement in that multiple coupons can be redeemed at one time, both by the consumer and by the store. Additionally, the master barcode data is in electronic form. This allows the coupons to be redeemed by a secure electronic coupon clearinghouse rather than be mailed and sorted by hand as is done with paper coupons. The result is a savings in time to the customer, coupon redemption costs to manufacturers and quicker repayment of redeemed coupons to the store. 
         [0022]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned features and advantages of the invention together with other important aspects thereof upon reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings provided. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment with a built in scanner. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment with a scanner attached by cable. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a schematic drawing of the system architecture used to input coupon data into the PDA. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing of the system architecture used to export coupon data to the store and manufacturer from the PDA. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing the preferred method of comparison between coupon data and data from purchased products. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of the preferred components that comprise the scanning unit. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing a preferred method performed when the invention is used with paper coupons. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a preferred method performed when the invention is used with paperless or electronic coupons. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a preferred method performed when the invention is used to redeem manufacturer&#39;s rebates. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a preferred method performed when a manufacturer customizes offers to a specific consumer based purchase history. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram showing the functional sections of a coupon search application that resides a server. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0035]    In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0036]    Personal digital assistant (PDA)  102  may be a cell phone, hand-held computer or similar device. In preferred embodiments, the PDA may be a Black Berry 3220® or an Apple iPhone®. Other similar devices may be used in the spirit of the invention. 
         [0037]    The PDA  102  contains a software application that allows it to communicate with memory and communication ports that reside on the PDA  102 . The software contains proper communication protocols such as tcp/ip, ftp, http, ftp, smtp and snmp as are well known in the industry. The communication protocols allow PDA  102  to communicate with external devices and networks. 
         [0038]    The software application that allows the PDA  102  to perform the storage, sorting and communication of the invention may be written in C++, Java, or a similar computer language. It is envisioned that the software application may be installed on the PDA  102  at the time of purchase, loaded to the PDA through a communication port or down loaded as an application from a website, such as the App Store from Apple®. 
         [0039]    The coupon scanning device is shown in reference to  FIGS. 1 and 6 . Coupon scanning device  100  consists of a PDA  102  and scanner  104 . A device screen  105  is incorporated into PDA  102 . PDA  102  is connected to a scanner  104 . Printer  340  may be integral with scanning device  100  or otherwise connected with a wired  205  or wireless connection. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , Scanner  104  may also be integrated into PDA  102 . Scanner  104  may also connect to PDA  102  via a CF expansion slot designed to enable peripheral attachments, such as the 221002 RFID reader from GAO RFID Inc. Scanner  104  may be connected via a serial, USB, or similar cable  205 . The IDTech EconoScan IDT4431-4UB is an example of a barcode scanner that attaches via a USB cable. Scanner  104  may also be connected wirelessly via cell phone, Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless connections as are well known in the art. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of the scanning device  100  as the scanner  104  gathers data from item  106 . Scanner  104  gathers information about item  106 . Item  106  may be a physical package or a physical coupon. The physical package or physical coupon may provide data related to item  106  by a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)  107  tag or a UPC barcode  108 . Scanner  104  converts the information of the barcode or RFID tag into digital data and communicates the data to PDA  102  where it is stored in memory. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  illustrates system architecture relating to inputting coupon data into the PDA. Scanning device  100  communicates with personal computer  310  and internet  300 . The connection may wired or wireless as known in the art. 
         [0043]    Server  370  is connected to internet  300 . A coupon webpage resides on server  370 . The server has a coupon database  380  including coupon images and data  311 ,  312  and  313 . The coupon webpage accesses the images and data. The webpage also searches internet  300  for additional coupon data. Coupon database  380  also stores customer demographic and product purchase information. 
         [0044]    Coupon images and data  311 - 313  include additional data regarding manufacturer&#39;s rebates, electronic offers residing on internet  300 , electronic offers sent directly to scanning device  100 , paper coupons, or other offers where information is passed by barcode or RFID tag. Coupon images and data  311 - 313  are redeemable directly from the manufacturers  301 - 303  via the internet  300 , at the point of sale, or via mail. Coupon images and data  311 - 313  may be redeemable for cash, goods or other benefits by consumer  350 . 
         [0045]    Database  309  resides on personal computer  310 . An example of a personal computer is a Dell Latitude D800 with a Windows 2000 operating system, but other computers may be used. Database  309  stores coupon data. Personal computer  310  accesses the coupon webpage residing on server  370 . Coupon images and data  311 - 313  are downloaded to database  309  via internet  300 . Coupon images and data  311 - 313  are then loaded from personal computer  310  into scanning device  100 . 
         [0046]    PDA  102  of scanning device  100  may also be used to access the coupon website residing on server  370 . Coupon images and data  311 - 313  are loaded directly to scanning device  100  via internet  330 . 
         [0047]    Manufacturers  301 - 303  are connected to internet  300  via servers  372 - 374 . Databases  304 - 306  are connected to manufacturers  301 - 303 . Databases  304 - 306  store customer information and coupon offers. 
         [0048]    Manufactured product  330  represents an item that is scanned by consumer  350  while shopping. Manufactured product  330  passes information to scanning device  100  through a barcode or RFID tag. 
         [0049]    Paper coupons  391 - 393  represent paper coupons scanned by consumer  350 . Coupon data from paper coupons  391 - 393  enters scanning device  100  through scanner  104 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates system architecture relating to exporting coupon data from the PDA to redeem coupons. Coupon data is stored in scanning device  100 . The data may be from scanned paper coupons or coupon images sent electronically. Store computer  420  is the electronic system a store uses to scan products and coupons. Scanning device  100  communicates with store computer  420 , printer  440  and internet  300 . The connection may wired or wireless as known in the art. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  shows a flowchart of the device in operation with paper coupons.  FIG. 7  is discussed with reference to elements of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . At step  700 , consumer  350  scans data from paper coupons  391 - 393  into scanning device  100 . 
         [0052]    At step  702 , scanning device  100  records data from paper coupons  391 - 393 . The data may include amount of discount, expiration date, manufacture, and product type. 
         [0053]    At step  704 , scanning device  100  records data from manufactured product  330  as purchased product data is scanned in by consumer  350 . 
         [0054]    At step  706 , PDA  102  of scanning device  100  matches stored coupon data to purchased product data, such as manufactured product  330 . 
         [0055]    At step  708 , scanning device  100  notifies consumer  350  of any matches between coupon data and purchased product data. 
         [0056]    At step  709 , consumer  350  signals scanning device  100  that all items have been purchased. PDA  102  of scanning device  100  uses data from stored coupons to create a single master barcode that identifies all of the coupon data that matches purchased product data. 
         [0057]    Consumer  350  may redeem coupons that match purchased products in three separate ways: print a copy of the master barcode, scan master barcode data directly from device screen  105 , and upload master barcode data directly to store computer  420 . 
         [0058]    The master barcode is printed using scanning device  100  attached to printer  440 , as shown in step  710 . 
         [0059]    At step  714 , coupons are redeemed by scanning the master barcode directly from device screen  105  of scanning device  100  into store computer  420 . Scanning device  100  displays the barcode on the device screen  105  of scanning device  100 . It is known in the art that CCD (charge coupled device) barcode scanners may read barcode images from computer screens. Thus, if a CCD barcode scanner is attached to store computer  420 , consumer  350  may redeem coupons by scanning the master barcode data directly from device screen  105  of scanning device  100  into store computer  420 . 
         [0060]    At step  712 , scanning device  100  may redeem coupons by uploading the master barcode data directly to store computer  420 . Scanning device  100  may communicate with store computer  420  wirelessly via WiFi, Bluetooth, or similar wireless connection. Scanning device  100  may communicate with store computer  420  using cables such as serial, USB or similar cables. Once scanning device  100  is communicatively connected with store computer  420 , scanning device  100  uploads coupon data to store computer  420 . 
         [0061]    At step  715 , store computer  420  decodes the master barcode into individual coupons. Store computer then matches the individual coupons to manufactured product  330  ensuring that the consumer  350  is entitled to a rebate. 
         [0062]    At step  716 , consumer  350  is credited with the appropriate benefit based on the coupons downloaded that match products purchased by consumer. 
         [0063]    Referencing element numbers from  FIGS. 3 and 4 ,  FIG. 8  shows how consumer  350  uses personal computer  310  or scanning device  100  to download coupon images and data  311 - 313  (paperless, e-coupons, virtual coupons) from internet  300 . 
         [0064]    At step  800 , consumer  350  uses personal computer  310  to search the server  370  for coupons via internet  300 . An application that enables coupon searches resides on server  370 . The application searches coupon database  380  and internet  300  to find coupon images and data  311 - 313 . Coupon images and data  311 - 313  are downloaded via the internet  300  to computer  310 . The operation of the application is described later in reference to  FIG. 11 . 
         [0065]    At step  802 , consumer  350  uses scanning device  100  to search the server  370  for coupons via internet  300 . An application that enables coupon searches resides on server  370 . The application searches a database of coupons and internet  300  to find coupon images and data  311 - 313 . The operation of the application is described later in reference to  FIG. 11 . 
         [0066]    At step  804 , data, related to items scanned in step  805 , from coupons images and data  311 - 313  is loaded into scanning device  100 . Coupon images and data  311 - 313  are downloaded directly to PDA  102  of scanning device  100  from the server  370  via Internet  300  as discussed in step  802 . Coupon images and data  311 - 313  are downloaded from personal computer  310  to PDA  102  of scanning device  100  as discussed in step  800 . 
         [0067]    At step  805 , consumer  350  scans manufactured item  330  which consumer intends to purchase or wishes to determine if a coupon is available. Consumer  350  inputs purchased item data into scanning device  100  as described in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0068]    At step  807 , with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , scanning device  100  initiates a search for coupons based on purchased product data, such as data from manufactured product  330 . The application that performs the coupon search is discussed further in  FIG. 11 . PDA  102  of scanning device  100  connects to internet  300  and server  370 . Scanning device  100  downloads the barcode or RFID data from manufactured product  330  to a coupon webpage residing on server  370 . Coupon data is downloaded from server  370  to scanning device  100  at step  804 . The series of steps  805 ,  807  and  804  may be repeated for each item purchased. 
         [0069]    At step  806 , scanning device  100  compares items the consumer has scanned to coupons recorded in its database. 
         [0070]    At step  808 , scanning device  100  notifies consumer  350  of any matches between coupon data and purchased product data. 
         [0071]    At step  809 , consumer  350  signals scanning device  100  that all items have been purchased. PDA  102  of scanning device  100  uses data from stored coupons to create a single master barcode that identifies all of the coupon data that matches purchased product data. 
         [0072]    The single master bar code is created by a mathematical hash of the several bar codes in the various coupons. The hash is comprised of a mathematical addition of the numbers of the product bar codes plus a serialization for the master bar code which is unique to the master bar code. Other hash techniques may be used. 
         [0073]    Consumer  350  may redeem coupons that match purchased products in three separate ways: print a copy of the master barcode, scan master barcode data directly from device screen  105 , and upload master barcode data directly to store computer  420 . 
         [0074]    The master barcode is printed using scanning device  100  attached to printer  440 , as shown in step  810 . 
         [0075]    At step  814 , coupons are redeemed by scanning the master barcode directly from device screen  105  of scanning device  100  into store computer  420 . Scanning device  100  displays the barcode on the device screen  105  of scanning device  100 . It is known in the art that CCD (charge coupled device) barcode scanners may read barcode images from computer screens. Thus, if a CCD barcode scanner is attached to store computer  420 , consumer  350  may redeem coupons by scanning the master barcode data directly from device screen  105  of scanning device  100  into store computer  420 . 
         [0076]    At step  812 , scanning device  100  may redeem coupons by uploading the master barcode data directly to store computer  420 . Scanning device  100  may communicate with store computer  420  wirelessly via WiFi, Bluetooth, or similar wireless connection. Scanning device  100  may communicate with store computer  420  using cables such as serial, USB or similar cables. Once scanning device  100  is communicatively connected with store computer  420 , scanning device  100  uploads coupon data to store computer  420 . 
         [0077]    At step  815 , store computer  420  decodes the master barcode into individual coupons. Store computer  420  then matches the individual coupons to manufactured product  330  ensuring that the consumer  350  is entitled to a rebate. 
         [0078]    At step  816 , Consumer  350  is credited with the appropriate benefit based on the coupons downloaded that match products purchased by consumer. 
         [0079]    Referencing element numbers from  FIGS. 3 and 4 ,  FIG. 8  shows how consumer  350  uses personal computer  310  or scanning device  100  to download coupon images and data  311 - 313  from internet  300 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 5  shows the preferred method of comparing coupon data and purchased product data. At step  500 , coupon data is entered from a paper or electronic offer or coupon. PDA  102  of scanning device  100  stores coupon data in a coupon data base at step  504 . Purchased product data is entered by scanning products at step  502 . PDA  102  of scanning device  100  stores product data in a purchased product data base at step  504 . A matching application resides on PDA  102  of scanning device  100  at step  508 . At step  510 , the matching application compares data from the coupon data base and the purchased product data base  506 . The consumer  350  is notified of matches between the data bases, representing redeemable coupons, at step  512 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 9  shows how manufacturer&#39;s rebates or other offers that are not redeemable at the point of sale are redeemed using scanning device  100 . Consumer  350  inputs personal information into PDA  102  of scanning device  100  at step  900 . Personal information may be name, address, phone number, or other identifying information. Data from offers are entered into scanning device  100  at step  902 . Offers may be paper or electronic and are stored in coupon database of scanning device  100 . At step  904 , the device determines that the requirements of the offers are met. This may include multiple purchases of a product over a period of time, purchase of several products simultaneously or a single purchase. Personal information that has been entered into scanning device  100  is integrated into the offers to be submitted. At step  905 , PDA  102  of scanning device creates a master barcode of all offers to be redeemed and consumer&#39;s  350  personal information. 
         [0082]    At step  908 , scanning device  100  connects to internet  300  to submit the offer details and consumer information to server  370 . 
         [0083]    At step  909 , server  370  decodes the master barcode data and verifies the offers against the valid coupon database. If an offer is valid, server  370  contacts the appropriate manufacturer  301 - 303 . The manufacturer  301 - 303  receives notice of the redeemed offer and the consumer&#39;s  350  personal information. 
         [0084]    At step  906 , scanning device  100  is used to print offers from printer  440 . Offers that include data to allow PDA  102  to determine the correct location for consumer&#39;s  350  personal information are filled out automatically using consumer&#39;s  350  personal information that is stored in scanning device  102 . Offers that do not allow the PDA  102  to identify the proper place to print consumer&#39;s  350  personal information are printed and filled out by consumer  350 . Consumer  350  then mails the completed offer to the appropriate manufacturer. 
         [0085]    At step  910 , the scanning device  100  sets a reminder to notify consumer  350  to inquire about the offer if a rebate has not been received, generally six to eight weeks. 
         [0086]      FIG. 10 , with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 11 , shows how consumer  350  and manufacturers  301 - 303  exchange information over the server  370 . Consumer  350  enters demographic information such as age, sex, zip code, etc. into scanning device  100  or directly into a coupon webpage residing on server  370  via scanning device  100  or personal computer  310 . At step  1000 , scanning device  100  connects to the coupon webpage residing on server  370  via internet  300 . At step  1010 , consumer demographic information is updated based on information residing on scanning device  100 . At step  1020 , coupon information is updated. Coupon information includes products that have been scanned, coupons that currently reside on scanning device  100  or coupons that have been redeemed by scanning device  100 . Scanning device  100  sends the information of steps  1010  and  1020  to be loaded onto coupon webpage residing on server  370  or sent directly to manufacturers  301 - 303  via servers  372 - 374  connected to internet  300 . At step  1030 , scanning device  100  searches for additional coupons. At step  1040 , manufacturers  301 - 303  make offers based on purchasing history of consumer  350 . These offers may be based on loyalty to the manufacturer, a frequent purchaser point system, or the purchase of a competing product. The offers may be sent from servers  372 - 374  to the coupon webpage residing on server  370  or sent directly to scanning device  100 . At step  1050 , the data from offers made directly to the consumer are stored in the coupon database of scanning device  100 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 11 , with reference to  FIG. 3  shows a schematic of a coupon webpage, residing on server  370 . Server  370  is connected to internet  300 . A consumer  350  accesses the consumer&#39;s reserved area  1120  residing on the coupon webpage by registering and creating a login. The consumer&#39;s reserved area  1120  stores demographic, purchase and coupon information about that individual consumer. Consumer  350  accesses webpage application  1130  through consumer reserved area  1120 . Webpage application  1130  is controlled by a graphical user interface (GUI). Application buttons  1140  reside on webpage application  1130 . Application buttons  1140  allows user searches  1150  based on product, manufacturer, amount of discount, or expiration date of offers. The webpage application  1130  returns coupon data found in the search  1160  to server  370 . Coupon data that is returned by webpage application  1130  may be stored in consumer&#39;s reserved area  1120 , sent directly to consumer&#39;s personal computer  310  or sent directly to scanning device  100 . 
         [0088]    In use, coupon data is entered into scanning device  100  as described in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 - 8 , and  1 . As consumer  350  shops, scanning device  100  compares data from scanned objects with coupon data as described in  FIGS. 5 ,  7  and  8 . Coupons or offers are then redeemed as products are purchased as described in  FIG. 7 .