Abstract:
A method of implementing a computer readable program code on a computer network by providing an online discount to a user in order to access a coupon code for a business. The method provides a local server and a business server that are connected to a computer network. The business server provides a link which can he selected by a user. The local server provides a database containing data relating to coupon codes, including the codes themselves, expiration dates and other text or images. The user selects the link and the data is accessed from the local server and displayed on a target document to the user. The activity of the user is monitored in the target document and an online program manager allows a business to monitor and update the target document.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/616,635 filed on Mar. 28, 2012. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    This invention relates to the field of a computer-implemented method to assist an e-commerce business&#39; relationship with online shoppers to facilitate online sales. More specifically, the present invention comprises a method and system for allowing an online shopper to search and secure an online coupon without navigating away from a website, while permitting an online retailer to monitor and control their online coupons through a third party. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    Electronic retailing or “e-commerce” is rapidly expanding in popularity. Retailers around the world have active websites wherein a user can both shop and purchase a multitude of products and services online as opposed to entering a physical location. From a user/shopper standpoint, e-commerce eliminates the hassle and time of getting to and from a store to purchase items. From a retailer standpoint, an e-commerce site is a low-cost alternative to setting up a retail location or a low-maintenance supplement to its existing physical location. 
         [0008]    The advent of e-commerce has led to a new system and culture in which consumers and businesses operate. In the new system, marketing, selling, advertising and purchasing differs from traditional methods. One example is the ever-increasing usage of online coupons. Online coupons often consist of a simple alphanumeric code, which is entered by a consumer upon “check out” on a website. The code permits the consumer to take advantage of discounts that the retailer offers; for example, free shipping specials or a reduction in price of the purchased products. The codes can be e-mailed to a consumer, posted online by the retailer, handed out on cards at physical locations or events, or provided in advertisements on other websites. Additionally, there are currently many third-party websites that offer searchable online databases for consumers to view codes relating to thousands of e-commerce websites. 
         [0009]    E-commerce businesses hoping to encourage users to visit and purchase from their websites often work with these third party sites which offer “code databases.” This is often accomplished through affiliate marketing. Online affiliate marketing typically involves an e-commerce business engaging an affiliate directly or through an affiliate network. E-commerce businesses compensate the affiliates and networks by paying them commissions. While there are many methods for determining when a commission shall be paid, one common method is based on a percentage of each purchase made by a customer directed to an e-commerce site from an affiliate&#39;s site. An e-commerce business may pay a significant percentage of each sale to an affiliate. 
         [0010]    Thus, a consumer may search online for a particular coupon or discount and be directed to an affiliate web site by a search engine. When that consumer clicks on a link on the affiliate site he is directed to the e-commerce business&#39; website, and the affiliate receives a commission based on sales made following the re-direction. The common practice is for a consumer to go directly to an e-commerce business&#39; website to purchase a product. When this occurs the user may add a product to the shopping cart and proceed to the “check out.” During the check out process common graphic user interfaces offer an input box for an online coupon code. Typically, upon seeing the code input box, a consumer will open a new browser window to search for an online code to use. As discussed above, third party sites exist on which a user can search by business name for online codes to input. There are several problems with this process, both for the consumer and the business. First, a consumer who navigates away from an e-commerce business&#39; site, even to find a relevant coupon, is more likely to become distracted either by content on the new web page or some intervening event, which frequently results in the loss of a sale. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “cart abandonment.” Another problem results from consumers finding and using online coupon codes that are not valid, often due to expiration. This causes consumer frustration and dissatisfaction with the buyer&#39;s purchasing experience. However, because the consumer was redirected from the affiliate web site an affiliate commission is still paid where there has been a purchase even though the affiliate web site didn&#39;t provide a code used during the purchase. 
         [0011]    Therefore what is needed is (1) a system and method that provides an e-commerce business site with a reliable and efficient way to allow a consumer to make an online purchase using a valid coupon code without having to navigate away from the business&#39; web site and (2) a system and method that allows e-commerce businesses to monitor and efficiently update their codes via a third party website. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a flow chart, showing the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart, showing the step of providing the user with the online discount. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart, showing the step of alerting the business that the online discount was accessed. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view, showing the hardware and software components of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a screen shot, showing the e-commerce business&#39; check out cart. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a screen shot, showing the online discount list displayed to the user. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a screen shot, showing the sign on screen for the online program manager system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a screen shot, showing the user interface providing a summary page. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a screen shot, showing the user interface wherein new online coupon codes can be added. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a screen shot, showing the user interface wherein the online coupon codes can be managed. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a screen shot, showing the user interface wherein the e-commerce business manager can control the settings of the online coupon code management. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a screen shot showing messages from the provider to the online e-commerce business. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a screen shot, showing a live preview of the active coupons. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a screen shot, showing a simplified user interface for initiating contact to the third party affiliate provider. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 
       [0026]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 computer program product 
                 12 
                 business server 
               
               
                 14 
                 processor 
                 16 
                 local server 
               
               
                 18 
                 processor 
                 20 
                 use 
               
               
                 22 
                 cookie 
                 24 
                 link 
               
               
                 26 
                 database 
                 28 
                 graphical user interface 
               
               
                 30 
                 user computing device 
                 32 
                 web browser 
               
               
                 34 
                 shopping cart 
                 36 
                 item 
               
               
                 38 
                 code data input 
                 40 
                 target document 
               
               
                 42 
                 sign in graphical user interface 
                 44 
                 welcome graphical user 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 interface 
               
               
                 46 
                 notices 
                 48 
                 media links 
               
               
                 50 
                 functional user interface 
                 52 
                 data input 
               
               
                 54 
                 icon 
                 56 
                 coupon code 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0027]    The present method and system is a computer program product  10  for allowing a user to search and secure an online coupon or coupon code without navigating away from a web-site, while permitting a e-commerce business (retailer) to monitor and control the online coupons through a third party. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  represents the hardware and software components of the present method. As illustrated a first server, or business server  12 , is shown having a processor  14 . The second server, or local server  16 , also is shown as having a processor  18 . Both servers are connected to the internet. As further described below, the business server  12  interacts with the local server  16  in order to bring the user  20  information via the user&#39;s computing device  30 . Local server  16  is preferably an online server operated by the program covered by the present system and method. As described herein it is desirable that a third party, hired by the retailer (business owner), controls and manages the execution of the program and the data stored on local server  16 . 
         [0029]    A web browser  32  (software application) stored on user&#39;s computing device allows the user to interact with the intern or “World Wide Web,” and thus, permits user interaction with business server  12  and local server  16 . Business server  12  includes a link  24  which appears to the user on the graphical user interface as further described below. While link  24  can be any type of re-direction to a new document, it is preferable that link  24  causes a target document to open in a new window. Thus, the user, in effect, never navigates away from the site or business server  12 . The link  24  accesses information from local server  16 , bringing up a target document that shows the user information from database  26 , located on local server  16 . Database  26  provides data in the form of an online coupon list within the target document, such that the user can view and select choice coupons or codes. A cookie  22  is set by the business server for each user, when the user begins a session. The http cookie or web cookie interacts with the user&#39;s web browser  32  and stores text data on the user&#39;s computing device  30 . Once stored, the cookie  22  can report the user&#39;s progress through the site. This data is reported back to the business server  12  and stored. It is preferable that the cookie  22  is a “session cookie” which is temporary and only lasts for the time period in which the user is using the target website. The web browser  32  would delete the cookie  22  when the user quits. While a session cookie is desirable, the current method could also use any other type of tracking cookie which evaluates the user&#39;s progress through the site. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  are data flow diagrams illustrating the present method. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the user initiates a server request on the business server  12  via user&#39;s web browser  32  (illustrated in  FIG. 4 ). Cookie  22  is created within the user&#39;s web browser  32  by an application within business server  12 . Business server  12 , prompted by the user&#39;s server request, compiles and renders internal data via a computer readable code which provides user with an interactive graphical user interface. A user can browse the e-commerce business website and add products, with the click of a mouse, to the user&#39;s shopping cart  34 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a simplified graphical user interface  28  where an item  36  has been added to the user&#39;s shopping cart  34 . As illustrated in both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 , business server  12  provides link  24  to a third party site (local server  16 ) on graphical user interface  28 . Link  24  can be displayed as specific language or an image which invites the user to engage with local server fed data. Link  24  is preferably located proximate to code data input  38 , where a user would enter a code if the user had previously obtained a code. 
         [0031]    Upon activation of link  24  on business server  12 , business server  12  initiates a server request from local server  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , local server  16  presents user with relevant data to the web-page around the local server data. The business server  12  also request specific local server data from local server and queues the data in preparation for the user engagement. If the user activates link  24  the business server  12  launches the local server page, data, and images which can contain the sale items, discounts, offers, coupons, descriptions, expiration dates, savings, social media links and social media tools.  FIG. 6  illustrates graphical user interface upon activation of link  24 . A target document  40  opens in a new window, or “pop-up” window, displaying a list having data for the user. In the preferred embodiment, the list is comprised of “online coupons” having coupon codes  56 , expiration dates, text regarding the discount and a link to any exclusions (if relevant), and any data relating to coupon discounts. Simultaneously to the “pop-up” window opening, the website displaying the “cart” (illustrated in  FIG. 5 ) performs a redirect that pushes the existing cart page through the third party link  24  where the destination is again the cart page. This action tracks the action by the user of linking to the third party local server  16  (and thus, the local server data). In order to allow the third party (operating local server  16  and providing data to business server  12 ) to receive “credit” for the use of the data or coupon code  56 , it is important that the business server  12  is able to monitor the “clicks” of the user. The business server system could either be directed to monitor the “clicks” of users on the link  24  or specifically on a coupon code  56 . Thus, the third party or local server  16  would either get “credit” for use of the link  24  or only where a coupon code  56  provided by local server  16  was actually used by a user/consumer (clicked on to input into code data input  38 ). As described and illustrated further in the data flow diagram in  FIG. 3 , business server  12  receives a request from the local server  16  to perform a redirect (in the preferred embodiment, the simple “refresh” described above). The location of the redirect, housed by a SQL or MySQL database, is returned as an encrypted destination. The web-page performs a redirect as dictated by local server  16 . The business server  12  is redirected through a third-party. Next, the web browser either replaces the referring URL stored in the cookie with that of the local server  16  and then reloads all previous page data (the “refresh”) or goes directly to reload all previous page data. Then the user continues the session. The business server reads the cookie referral data (now overwritten). Again, this allows the business to identify that the user utilized either the link provided by the third party or the coupon code  56  provided by the third party. Finally, the user terminates the session. 
         [0032]    It is important to the present invention that local server  16  and business server  12  are two distinct components operated by two distinct entities. Due to the nature of the online environment, a third party operation of the coupon discount site is imperative in order to provide e-commerce businesses with the opportunity to continue to engage in the practice of affiliate marketing. Thus, the present method permits the e-commerce business to continue to utilize coupon codes through an affiliate marketing commission program but without the aforementioned detriment to the consumer and the e-commerce business. 
         [0033]    Additionally, the e-commerce business can easily and efficiently monitor the coupon codes provided by the third party affiliate.  FIGS. 7-14  illustrate the final step of the method, which includes providing an online program manager system such that the e-commerce business administrator can access, control and monitor the discounts they offer. This access occurs via a non-downloadable program preferably stored on local server  16 .  FIG. 7  illustrates a “sign on” screen or sign in graphical user interface  42 . The program provides for the storage of user names and passwords on a local database, such that each e-commerce business administrator can access their respective accounts. 
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a sample graphical user interface showing a summary of the data and relationship with the third party affiliate, welcome graphical user interface  44 . As illustrated the codes (active/inactive) are summarized in an alert  46 . An alert  46  can also be provided which relates to new notifications. Additionally, the marketing efforts or media outlet of the third party affiliate is shown as media links  48 . The alerts  46  and media links  48  provide a summary page for the online e-commerce business administrator viewing the page after sign in. The functional user interface  50  permitting the addition of a new coupon code  56  is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The e-commerce business manager can add data and validate the data, specifying the relevant dates, the description, where to promote the coupon, etc. The interface is simple to use, is accurate, timely and provides for any relevant exclusions. The manager can add data in any known manner of data entry or input, however it is preferable that data inputs  52  are provided to enter a code name and the option to choose the media outlets desired to advertise or market the particular code. The manager can add the code and validate by clicking on code icon  54 . Once the details of a coupon code  56  are added, it can be managed as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The administrator can instantly change, delete or add the coupons, such that a user could access the data in real time. This allows for flash sales, up-sells and/or inventory reductions. 
         [0035]      FIG. 11  is a screen shot showing a preferable method of offered system settings, which are primarily directed to providing the desired amount of communication from the third party affiliate, to the e-commerce business administrator. For example, some preferred system settings include providing the general time frame that the business offers coupons, whether notifications are requested upon expiration of a coupon and some options relating to the arrangement of the display that the user/consumer will ultimately view. For purposes of illustration the system settings are displayed as “options,” which would include an optional setting; and “answers,” which preferably include a drop down menu allowing the manager to set the preferred setting for each option. 
         [0036]    A screen shot illustrating a preferred method of providing notifications is shown in  FIG. 12 . While  FIG. 13  provides a “live preview” of how the user/consumer will view the “pop up” screen including coupons or coupon codes on the e-commerce businesses&#39; website. Finally,  FIG. 14  illustrates a common user interface for initiating contact from the administrator to the third party affiliate. 
         [0037]    The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention, it should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention.