Abstract:
Data to define a travel rewards promotion is received over a network. The travel rewards promotion comprises traveler eligibility criteria and travel rewards criteria. At least one traveler is selected where the travel itinerary of the respective traveler matches traveler eligibility criteria for the promotion. The traveler is notified that he or she is eligible for the travel rewards promotion, the notification comprising a representation of the travel rewards criteria. A travel rewards promotion total is then compiled for the traveler and the traveler is notified of his or her respective promotion rewards total. In one embodiment, the traveler&#39;s current context is determined and matched to promotion alert criteria. The traveler is then altered, over the network, that a travel rewards promotion is available to the respective traveler in the respective traveler&#39;s current context, the alert comprising a representation of the travel rewards criteria.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “System and Method for Offering, Tracking and Promoting Loyalty Rewards Including Geographic Focus”, Ser. No. 61/174,445, that was filed Apr. 30, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
       [0002]    This application includes material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to systems and methods for loyalty rewards programs, and more particularly, to systems and methods for system and methods for offering, tracking and promoting loyalty rewards including geographic focus. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    When a credit card company sponsors a promotion offering extra “reward” points for certain credit card transactions, the current promotional process is very slow and cumbersome and has very limited dynamics. For example, a credit card provider must send out inserts or must print on the body of its statements, or must send out an email to all customers, notifying all customers about the promotion. Then it takes some time for this promotional message to propagate. Also, typically, to keep it simple, such promotions are limited to just one category of good or service, such as, for example, automobile fuel, groceries, certain types of house wares, etc. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a system and method that allows card issuers to manipulate or control rewards based on time, geography, context of use, and type of merchandise or merchant, each singly or in any combination. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one embodiment, the invention is a method. Data to define a travel rewards promotion is received over a network. The travel rewards promotion comprises traveler eligibility criteria and travel rewards criteria. At least one traveler is selected, using at least one computing device, where the travel itinerary of the respective traveler matches traveler eligibility criteria for the promotion. The traveler is notified that he or she is eligible for the travel rewards promotion, the notification comprising a representation of the travel rewards criteria. A travel rewards promotion total is then compiled for the traveler and the traveler is notified of his or her respective promotion rewards total. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the method additionally comprises determining, using the computing device, the traveler&#39;s current context. The traveler&#39;s current context is then matched to promotion alert criteria. The traveler is then altered, over the network, that a travel rewards promotion is available to the traveler in the traveler&#39;s current context, the alert comprising a representation of the travel rewards criteria. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the invention is a system comprising a plurality of modules each comprising one or more processors programmed to execute software code retrieved from a computer readable storage medium storing software for various functions. The system comprises: a promotion data receiving module for receiving, over a network, data to define travel rewards promotions comprising traveler eligibility criteria and travel rewards criteria; a traveler selection module for selecting travelers wherein a travel itinerary of the respective travelers matches traveler eligibility criteria; an eligibility notification module for notifying, over the network, travelers that the respective travelers are eligible for the travel rewards promotions, the notifications comprising a representation of the travel rewards criteria; a travel rewards compilation module for compiling, a travel rewards promotion total for travelers; and a travel rewards notification module for notifying, over the network, travelers of the respective travelers&#39; promotion rewards travel rewards promotion total. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the system additionally comprises: a context determination module for determining traveler&#39;s current context; a context matching module for matching travelers&#39; current context to promotion alert criteria; and a promotion alert module for alerting, over the network, travelers that travel rewards promotions are available to the respective traveler in the respective traveler&#39;s current context, the alerts comprising a representation of travel rewards criteria. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary system according to one embodiment of the current system and method. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows a simplified architectural diagram of an exemplary computer such as server. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows an overview of a map that illustrates an exemplary reward trip where three cities have been chosen. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a process for offering, tracking and promoting loyalty rewards, including geographic focus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Various embodiments of the current system and method provide improved tools with faster response and flexible controls for offering, tracking and promoting loyalty rewards. For example, rather than doing a promotion for a certain category of merchandise, a company could target individuals who plan to travel, charging travel tickets and other travel goods and services on his credit card. The company already knows that the trip is planned, because travel reservations have been made and charged to the credit card. The company can notify the cardholder of a promotion keyed to his known travel plans. For example, the company could offer double points on any transaction during the trip, in the region of the cardholder&#39;s planned travel. Transactions could be tracked by using terminal location data (where the card is swiped) that is passed in the data from the merchant back to the card issuer. In particular, this approach is useful for reward trips, because it allows the company issuing the reward to recover some of the value of the reward by increasing sales revenue during the rewarded trip. 
         [0016]    For the purposes of this disclosure the term “server” should be understood to refer to a service point which provides processing, database, and communication facilities. By way of example, and not limitation, the term “server” can refer to a single, physical processor with associated communications and data storage and database facilities, or it can refer to a networked or clustered complex of processors and associated network and storage devices, as well as operating software and one or more database systems and applications software which support the services provided by the server. 
         [0017]    For the purposes of this disclosure, a computer readable medium stores computer data in machine readable form. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer readable medium can comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid-state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other mass storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer. 
         [0018]    For the purposes of this disclosure a module is a software, hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof) system, process or functionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates the processes, features, and/or functions described herein (with or without human interaction or augmentation). A module can include sub-modules. Software components of a module may be stored on a computer readable medium. Modules may be integral to one or more servers, or be loaded and executed by one or more servers. One or more modules may grouped into an engine or an application. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a system  100  capable of supporting at various embodiments of processes for offering, tracking and promoting loyalty rewards. An electronic services portal ESP  102  is connected connect to at least one server  103  and at least one data repository  104 . The server can host software instances, each comprising one or more modules,  105   a - n  implementing various embodiments of methods presented below, plus basic elements of the overall system, such as the operating system, as well as any other inherently needed or present software, which, depending on the implementation of the system, may be one, several, or many instances. These software are purely exemplary, and various other configurations are possible, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the system  102  connects via Internet  101  to system users  106   a - n  and suppliers  107   a - n . These connections could also be through direct connection, through a phone system, or through any other suitable networking method, known or to be invented. In one embodiment, the system is further capable of connecting to Personal Information Managers (PIMs, not shown) for the purpose of delivering various types of content to the PIMs. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the electronic services portal ESP  102  provides travel-planning services. Such travel planning services could provide facilities to plan and coordinate travel itineraries for a large number of users. Such travel itineraries could include reservations for common carriers (e.g. airline reservations), ground transportation, accommodations, various rental services (e.g. car rental services), and dining. The system could further include profile information for users, including demographic information, travel preferences, relationships to other users and credit card, banking and other types of financial information. The electronic services portal ESP  102  could further be aware of the user&#39;s current context and predicted future contexts. A users context could include the user&#39;s geographical location (determined via GPS or implied from travel the data and time and the user&#39;s itinerary), and the presence or collocation of other users, various services (restaurants) within a given proximity (e.g. 0.1 miles). The electronic services portal ESP  102  may further be aware of the user&#39;s historical travel itineraries. The services provided by the electronic services portal ESP  102  could also include promotion creation and tracking services for tracking and promoting loyalty rewards programs as described in greater detail below 
         [0021]      FIG. 2  shows a simplified architectural diagram of an exemplary computer such as server  103 . Server  103  contains a CPU  201 ; a system bus  202 ; power supply unit  203 ; network interface  204 ; input/output (I/O) unit  205 ; a human interface device  206 , which may or may not be present; removable media drive  207 , which may be used to load software into the computer; hard drive  208 , on which the software may be installed; and memory  209 , which may include both RAM and nonvolatile memory for software such as a basic input output system (BIOS) and other system software, such as an operating system, for example MICROSOFT WINDOWS, LINUX, or any other, similar suitable software. In a networked environment, many of these elements could be moved to one or more other computer(s) and could communicate over a network (as connected to by network interface  204 , for example, typically an Ethernet or similar type of network) with system  103 . All these elements can be used operate a computer and to run the software instances  105   a - n , which can be installed on the hard drive, even if said hard drive is not a local hard drive. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  shows an overview of a map  300  that illustrates an exemplary reward trip, where three cities have been chosen: New York,  301   a , Miami,  301   b , and Denver  301   c . The locations together comprise a travel pattern for an individual traveler. A card issuer could target a specific reward traveler based on this specific travel itinerary, rather than on a country-wide promotion. For example, the reward trip may have been paid with points of a card-specific loyalty program. By enticing the card holder to maximize his use of the same card during the trip, additional revenue can be secured by encouraging to continue to use the same card. 
         [0023]    In other cases, however, some local government or private agency, such as a Chamber of Commerce, for example, may sponsor a promotion to attract travelers to their own region, to a certain event or attraction, etc., so the promotion may not be limited to a specific reward traveler, but may extend to all card-holding travelers eligible for one or more rewards programs. Thus a credit card company could reward users with bonus points, such as, for example, double points on all transactions, during the time period of their trip. For example, if a user books a trip to New York for Christmas, all purchases made between the time of the outbound and the return flight would be eligible. 
         [0024]    In some cases, narrow or broader promotion definitions may apply. A user may be informed via a map, or interactively via GPS, as discussed further below, as to what situation may apply. For example, if a user is in New York City, his bonus could extend to Queens, Long Island, or even Newark Airport. Depending on the bank, and on the accuracy of GPS and other system components, different rules might apply, but the user could find out ahead of time. In some cases, promotions might apply to a state or collection of states far enough away from the user&#39;s home address to provide a simple solution to make a determination of applicability of bonuses. Also, in some cases, certain types of merchandise may be excluded (i.e., furniture, computers, etc.) based on published rules. In yet other cases, all purchases made between the time of user&#39;s outbound and return flight would be eligible. 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a process for offering, tracking and promoting loyalty rewards. In step  401 , the system compiles a list of travel destinations or other targets for reward promotions. In step  402 , the relevant customers are notified. In one embodiment, travelers are selected based on promotion targeting criteria, which could include specific travel itineraries, user profile information, current user context and/or a user&#39;s predicted future context, or the collocation of related users. A travel itinerary could comprise a pattern of destinations, or could additional include more detailed aspects of a travel plan, such as hotel reservations, ground transportation reservations or reservations. 
         [0026]    Relevant profile information for a user could comprise demographic information for the user, specific credit cards used and/or preferred by the user, and specific rewards programs a user is enrolled in. Targeting criteria could additionally comprise specific types of purchases made by users, such as, for example, purchases made with rewards points, purchases made by users using a specific credit card, and/or purchases made using one or credit cards that qualify for a specific rewards. Targeting criteria could specify that at least a portion of the itinerary was booked using a particular credit card or using some or all of the reward points available on such a credit card. Targeting criteria could specify that the timing of providing the promotion is based on travelers travel itinerary. More than one customer may participate in the promotion. For example, if a couple travels on the reward miles of one, but the other has a credit card by the same issuer, both of them may be notified, even though mileage from only one of them is used. 
         [0027]    In step  403 , emails or some other type of messages are sent, according to each customer&#39;s preferences (which may be stored in a user profile). Messages may be sent as call messages, text messages, IMs, emails, web site postings, and other types of messages that may be well known at present or in the future. In step  404  the system checks to determine whether the user has registered devices for receiving real-time or near real-time communication. If the system determines that a user has no registered devices (no), the process moves to step  406 , where the system offers to register devices for the user, again, using the same methodology for messages. 
         [0028]    Then in step  407  daily reward point totals are compiled and sent in step  413  to the user&#39;s registered device. In some cases, a user may be notified on a daily basis; in other cases, he may be notified of a total only at the end of a trip. The rewards points totals are determined according to the requirements of reward criteria within specific promotions, which could include, for example, the use of specific credit cards or the purchase of specific products or service, either generally, or in a specific context (e.g. a geographical location with a specific date range). 
         [0029]    If the system determines in step  405  that the user has registered device(s) (yes), the process moves to step  408 , where it again branches. In the case of a user device that has GPS capabilities (yes) the process branches to step  411 . Devices having GPS capabilities should be broadly construed to include devices that can be geographically located by any means now known or later to be developed. For example, a user cell phone could be geo-located by triangulation, nearest cell tower, or an actual GPS device. The user GPS device can have software or hardware element that interfaces with a promotion tracking system using various techniques. There could be, for example an icon, for example, on the GPS device screen indicating to the user that he is in a “hot” zone for a promotion. This indicator icon could, in some cases, run continuously; while in other cases, the user could click on the icon for a fresh update. If the user&#39;s geographical location is known, the user&#39;s current context can be determined, which may trigger targeted promotions. If the user is, for example, near a specific participating merchant there may be opportunities to allow the merchant to offer additional bonuses as well. 
         [0030]    If the user has no GPS device (no) and the user&#39;s location cannot be known or otherwise predicted with sufficient accuracy, the system may, alternatively, in step  409  send reminders to the user about promotions the user has been selected for. In step  410 , messages with web links could be offered allowing the user to access an interactive map, showing the area of the promotion. Then the process moves to step  407 , described above. Throughout this process, data may be retrieved from or saved to data repository (DR)  104  as needed (not shown). 
         [0031]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems of the present disclosure may be implemented in many manners and as such are not to be limited by the foregoing exemplary embodiments and examples. In other words, functional elements being performed by single or multiple components, in various combinations of hardware and software or firmware, and individual functions, may be distributed among software applications at either the client level or server level or both. In this regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into single or multiple embodiments, and alternate embodiments having fewer than, or more than, all of the features described herein are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known. Thus, myriad software/hardware/firmware combinations are possible in achieving the functions, features, interfaces and preferences described herein. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure covers conventionally known manners for carrying out the described features and functions and interfaces, as well as those variations and modifications that may be made to the hardware or software or firmware components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art now and hereafter. 
         [0032]    Furthermore, the embodiments of methods presented and described as flowcharts in this disclosure are provided by way of example in order to provide a more complete understanding of the technology. The disclosed methods are not limited to the operations and logical flow presented herein. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the order of the various operations is altered and in which sub-operations described as being part of a larger operation are performed independently. 
         [0033]    While various embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, such embodiments should not be deemed to limit the teaching of this disclosure to those embodiments. Various changes and modifications may be made to the elements and operations described above to obtain a result that remains within the scope of the systems and processes described in this disclosure.