Coupon systems and methods of use of coupons within a group communications system

Coupon system and method for using coupon in group communication system

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to a group or point to multi-point communication system, and more particularly relates to a coupon system and a method of using coupons in a group communication system.

Group or point-to-multipoint communication systems have been used to generally provide communication between a central location and multiple users of the system. For example, a dispatch system using Land Mobile Radios (LMR) has been used in trucks, taxis, buses, and other vehicles to transfer timetable information to the central dispatch center and one or more corresponding services. Inter-communication between regular vehicles. Communication can be carried out on a specific vehicle during service or for all vehicles at the same time.

Another example of a point-to-multipoint communication system is a push-to-talk system. The system allows individuals in a group to communicate with other members of the group, and each individual has a wireless communication device. Typically, the driving call system relies on a single frequency, or a dedicated channel, through which the communication of the wireless communication device is received. In most systems, only one member can transmit information to other members at any point in time. However, all members can listen to the dedicated broadcast channel to receive communications from a single member who is transmitting. Members who want to transmit to other members of the system typically send an access request by pressing the drive call button of their respective communication device, allowing the user to have unique access to the exclusive channel.

Examples of driving call systems include workgroup communications, security communications, construction site communications, and regional military communications. Groups of people who need to communicate with each other are usually recognized as "networks", and the Each member of the network may be referred to as a "net member" (net member).

Each network and network member represents a marketing opportunity for goods and service providers. However, in a typical group communication system, this market opportunity is inaccessible or definable. Furthermore, in a typical group communication system, there is no mechanism to force this market opportunity into the sale of goods or services. In addition, typical providers of group communication services have not yet realized the value of this market opportunity to commodity and service providers, and therefore ignore potential sources of revenue.

Summary of Invention

Therefore, the coupon system and the method for using coupons provided by the present invention overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings. These coupon systems and methods provide the delivery of coupons in a group communication system, as well as the authentication and redemption of coupons in a commodity or service transaction. A coupon module transmits the coupon to a communication device combined with a group communication system. The coupon format suitable for transmission with the group communication system contains verifiable features for the merchant to verify when redeeming the coupon related to a product or service.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a coupon system includes: a communication network defined by at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, the communication network communicating with a plurality of communication networks defining a group communication network Combination of devices; a communication manager can operate by receiving a first type data packet from a member of the group communication network and transmitting the first type data packet to the group communication network via the computer network At least one other member provides the group communication connection; a coupon module with several coupons, among which Each of the plurality of coupons includes a second-type data packet; and is coupled to the coupon module, the communication manager, and a delivery module of the communication network, and the delivery module is operable to monitor the The group communication is connected and one of the coupons is delivered to at least one member of the group communication network.

In another embodiment, a coupon system includes: a communication network defined by at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, and the communication network is associated with a plurality of communication devices defining a group communication network Combination; a coupon module with several coupons, where each coupon of the several coupons contains data with an identifying feature, so that each coupon can be authorized; coupled to the coupon module and the communication network One of the controller modules, the controller module is operable to receive a data packet from a member of the group communication network and transmit the data packet to the group communication network via the computer network at least one other A group communication connection is provided by means of a member, and the controller module can further operate to monitor the group communication connection and transmit one of the predetermined coupons to the group communication network combined with the group communication network. At least one communication device; and a transfer manager coupled to the controller module. The transfer manager is operable to select the predetermined coupon from the plurality of coupons according to predetermined transfer characteristics.

In a further embodiment, a coupon system includes: a communication network defined by at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, the communication network and several communication devices defining a group communication network Combination; a coupon module with several coupons; coupled to the message module and a controller module of the communication network, the controller module can be operated by receiving from a member of the group communication network A data packet and the data packet through A group communication connection is provided by transmitting from the computer network to at least one other member of the group communication network, and the controller module is further operable to monitor the group communication connection and to give One of the predetermined coupons is transmitted to the group communication network, and the controller module is further operable to track each of the several communication devices participating in the group communication connection and the reception of the predetermined coupon to generate an activity Records; and a billing module can be operated to receive the activity record and generate a bill of the amount payable for each of several communication devices, wherein the amount payable is based on a predetermined coupon combined with the corresponding communication device The tracked receiving process will be discounted.

In still another specific embodiment, a coupon system that can work together with a communication network that can be combined with a number of communication devices defining a group member includes: a communication manager connectable to the communication network and connectable to At least two members of the group, the communication manager is operable to provide a transmission by receiving a transmission from a member of the group communication network and forwarding the transmission to at least one other member of the group via the computer network Group communication connection, wherein the communication network includes at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, wherein the transmission includes a data packet; a coupon module with multiple coupons, each coupon includes a Data packet; and a control module can be connected to the message module and at least two members of the group, the controller module can be operated to monitor the group communication connection and according to predetermined delivery instructions to the number of coupons One of the scheduled coupons is delivered to the group.

In another embodiment, a method for transferring coupons includes the following steps: monitoring a group of communication devices combined with a communication network Group communication connection, the communication network includes at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network; and one coupon of the plurality of coupons is transferred to the plurality of communication devices via the communication network.

In a further specific embodiment, a method for delivering coupons includes the following steps: receiving identifications of a number of communication devices to be included in the group communication connection, among the number of communication devices Each device is combined with a communication network including at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network; by receiving a data packet from a communication device and transmitting the data packet to at least one other via the telephone network The communication device establishes the group communication connection; and transmits one of the coupons to the communication device participating in the group communication connection through the communication network according to predetermined delivery characteristics.

In still another embodiment, the system for transferring coupons includes: a device for networking a plurality of communication devices, the network connecting device includes at least one wireless phone coupled to a computer network The network and the communication devices define a group communication network; a device for storing a number of coupons; a device for controlling communication coupled to the storage device and the network connection device, the control communication device It can be operated to provide a group communication connection and the control communication by receiving a data packet from a member of the group network and transmitting the data packet to at least one other member of the group communication network through a network connection device The device can further be operated to monitor the group communication connection and transmit one of the predetermined coupons to the group communication network.

In still another specific embodiment, it is used to transmit the coupon via a communication network The system delivered to a number of communication devices that define a group member includes: a device for transmitting communication that can be connected to the communication network and at least two members of the group, the transmission device being operable to receive from the The transmission of a member of the group network and the forwarding of the transmission to at least one other member of the group through the communication network to provide a group communication connection, wherein the communication network includes a wireless link coupled to a computer network A telephone network, where the transmission includes a data packet in the Internet protocol format; a device for storing a number of coupons, each coupon containing a data packet; and can be connected to the storage device and the group A message device of at least two members, the message device can be operated to monitor the group communication connection and deliver a predetermined security of the plurality of coupons to the group according to a predetermined delivery instruction.

In a further specific embodiment, the method for authorizing a coupon includes the following steps: receiving a coupon recognizer combined with the coupon, the coupon is transmitted in a data packet in the Internet format, and the coupon can be transferred between A communication device combined with a group communication network operates in a communication network, the communication network includes at least one wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network; and the use of the coupon is authorized according to the coupon recognizer .

Schematic description

Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a specific embodiment of a coupon system in a group communication system; Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a centralized charging record server and its components combined with the system of Fig. 1 Block diagram; Figure 3 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a network database and its components combined with the system of Figure 1; 4 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a profiling module and its components combined with the system of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a specific implementation of a coupon module and its components combined with the system of FIG. 1 Example block diagram; Figure 6 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a transfer module combined with the system of Figure 1 and its combined components.

Figures 7 and 8 are functional block diagrams of a specific embodiment of a method for transferring coupons in a group communication system; Figure 9 is a specific implementation of a method for a coupon in the transaction of authorization and redemption of goods or services Example function block diagram.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention includes a coupon system and method for delivering coupons to a communication device in a communication network combined with a group communication system. From one aspect of the present invention, a coupon module stores the coupons delivered to the communication device in the network, which is managed by a control module or a coupon server that monitors the network activity. From another level, a delivery manager module schedules coupons based on predetermined features, such as the time interval from which the final coupon is delivered, or the match between coupon features and network members or network features. Pass the schedule. From yet another aspect, the present invention includes methods for authentication and redemption to pass coupons to communication devices via a group communication system.

Regarding FIG. 1, in a specific embodiment, a system 10 for delivering coupons to and used by a group communication system member includes a system for delivering coupons to a number of communication devices or network members 14, 16, 18 , 20 to define a coupon server 12 of a group or network within the communication network 22. Communication network 22 to Few include scattered computer networks 24 and wireless communication networks 26. The coupon server 12 includes a coupon module 28 for storing a number of coupons and their combined coupon features, and a delivery module 30 for monitoring the transmission within the network and controlling the delivery of a predetermined coupon. The system 10 may further include a controller or communication manager 32 for establishing and controlling the network and group communication connections among the communication devices 14, 16, 18, and 20. Furthermore, the communication manager 32 may include a centralized billing record server 34 to track group or network activities and generate a combined user bill. The communication manager 32 may additionally include a network database 36 for storing information combined with each network and its network members, and a setting module 38 is configured to combine each network and/or network member with the setting information. Therefore, according to predetermined delivery features such as the time interval from which the last coupon was delivered or the matching between the coupon feature and the network or network member feature, the coupon server 12 can interrupt a group communication connection to transfer Coupons are delivered to network members. Moreover, after receiving a coupon, the end user or network member can redeem the coupon at the merchant 39 in the transaction of goods or services.

The merchant 39 includes any provider of goods or services, such as a retail outlet or distributor or a manufacturer or provider of the goods or services. The merchant 39 can be directly or indirectly linked to the coupon server 12, such as via a distributed computer network 24, and any coupon presented when used for authentication and redemption.

In addition, the system 10 may include an administration or subscription site server 40 configured to provide an interface between the system 10 and users of the system, such as setting-up or modifying the group or network . although Although the coupon server 12, the communication manager 32, and the management server 40 and their corresponding components are described separately in this article, they can be integrated into a single computer system, such as a system manager-type server. Device. Or, the coupon server 12, the communication manager 32, the management server 40, and their components can be separated in any combination or decentralized manner throughout the system 10.

The combination of the communication manager 32, the management server 40, the communication devices 14, 16, 18, 20, and the communication network 22 can define a group communication system, and also activate a call system and a network broadcast service (net broadcast service, NBS). ) System, dispatch system, or point-to-multipoint communication system. One of the defining characteristics of the NBS system is usually that only one user can transmit information to other users at any one time. For example, in an NBS system, a group of communication device users combined with a network, individually known as network members, use communication devices assigned to each network member to communicate with each other. The term "network" represents a group of communication device users authorized to communicate with each other. The network operates on an existing communication system and does not need to drastically change the existing infrastructure. In a specific embodiment, the network broadcast service (NBS) system allows Internet Protocol (IP) communication devices to participate in group voice and data conferences. NBS can be Voice over IP (Voice over IP, VoIP) application. Voice communication is transmitted from a talker endpoint communication device to one or more listeners by encapsulating a voice frame in an IP datagram. Data with voice can also be transmitted in this way. For example, a suitable example of the NBS system is No. 09/518,682 filed on March 3, 2000, titled "Method and Apparatus for Enabling Group Communication Services in an Existing Communication System" (Method and Apparatus for Enabling Group Communication Services in an Existing Communication System), U.S. Patent Application No. 000210 Appointment Memorandum (Attorney Docket), No. 09/518,776 filed on March 3, 2000, for "Method and Device for Participating in Group Communication Service in Existing Communication System" (Method and Apparatus for Participating in Group Communication Services in an Existing Communication System), U.S. Patent Application No. 000211 Appointment Memorandum, No. 09/518,985 filed on March 3, 2000, to "Used to provide existing communication Method and Apparatus for Providing Group Communication Services in the system" (Method and Apparatus for Providing Group Communication Services in An Existing Communication System) is described in the US Patent Application No. 000212 Appointment Memorandum (Attorney Docket), and is specifically incorporated herein for reference.

The communication network 22 provides communication links between the communication devices 14, 16, 18, and 20 and system manager-type components such as the coupon server 12, the communication manager 32, and the management server 28. The communication network 22 includes several networks linked together to form a group or network by combining communication devices combined with each individual network. The multiple networks can be any combination of one or more global networks and/or local area networks. In addition to the distributed computer network 24 and the wireless communication network 26, the communication network 22 may further include any other types of communication networks that can interface with the distributed communication network 24 and/or the wireless communication network 26. For example, on the communication network Suitable examples of networks within 26 include any system that can use Internet Protocol (IP) to transfer packet information, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, and wide frequency division multiple access (CDMA) systems. Take (Wideband CDMA, WCDMA) system, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) system, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) ) System, such as Globalstar^TMOr Iradium^TMSatellite communication systems such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems, global decentralized computer networks such as the Internet, and the public Carrier network, private carrier or corporate network, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), cable television type network, optical network, such as Bluetooth^TM) Personal digital assistants (personal digital assistants) or smart appliances (smart appliances) networks such as technology networks, wireless application protocol (WAP) networks, or various other systems and networks.

Using communication devices designated by communication devices (CDs) 14, 16, 18, and 20, the members of the network communicate with each other through the communication network 22. CD 14, 16, 18, and 20 include any device capable of transmitting and receiving packet information. Preferably, CDs 14, 16, 18, and 20 further include input, output, and processing mechanisms to achieve the input, transmission, reception, and/or output of the packet information. CD 14, 16, 18, and 20 can be wired or wireless communication devices, such as terrestrial radio Phone, wired phones with the ability to initiate calls, satellite phones equipped with the ability to initiate calls, wireless video cameras, still cameras, audio devices such as music recorders or players, laptops On or desktop computers, paging devices, personal digital assistants, smart home appliances or any combination of these. For example, the CD 14 may include a wireless terrestrial telephone with a video camera and a display screen connected to the wireless network 42 or the CD 14 may be such as QUALCOMM QCP<img file="TW583866B_D0001.tif" />-860 phones; CD 16 may include wireless satellite phones connected to a satellite network 44; CD 18 may include wired phones connected to a public switched telephone network 46; and CD 20 may include direct connections to a distributed computer network 24 personal computers. Moreover, each CD can transmit and receive information in a security mode or a non-secure (clear) mode. Through the following discussion, a reference to a different CD can be expressed by a wireless activated call phone. However, it should be understood that the reference to a CD is not intended to be so limited, and may include other communication devices that have the ability to transmit and receive packet information according to the Internet Protocol (IP).

Although each communication device is as described above with reference to the given and combined network, it should be understood that several communication devices can be combined with a single network and form a network. For example, a network may include a number of land phones connected to a wireless communication system. It should be further understood that several different types of communication devices can be further combined with a given network. For example, a network may include several land phones and several computers connected to private or corporate networks including wireless communication networks and distributed computer networks.

In system 10, transmission privilege is defined as the usual Allow a single user to transmit information to other network members at any point in time. The transmission right can be approved or rejected by requesting network members, depending on whether the transmission right is now assigned to other network members when the request is received. The process of agreeing to and rejecting transmission requirements is known as arbitration. Other arbitration schemes will evaluate factors such as the priority level assigned to each CD when deciding whether to agree that a required network member can be granted the transmission right.

In order to participate in the system 10, each of the communication devices 14, 16, 18, and 20 has the ability to request transmission rights from the controller or communication manager 32. Generally, the communication manager 32 manages real-time and administrative operations of the network. The communication manager 32 can be any type of computer device having at least one processor and memory. In a specific embodiment, the communication manager 32 is Sun Netra T1^TMworkstation.

The communication manager 32 forms connections of individual communication devices to form a talk group or network. The communication manager includes various functional capabilities in hardware or software, and is configured in various ways to adapt to different applications. Usually the communication manager provides management real-time, manageability, and network authentication (authenticity) operations, start call (PTT) demand arbitration, network membership (membership) and registration lists (registration lists) maintenance and distribution, necessary systems and networks The call set-up and tear-down of road resources, as well as the overall control of the network status. Furthermore, the communication manager 32 maintains a list of the defined network names, and defines them as security or security. A secure network relies on encryption provided by individual CDs to provide authentication for eavesdropping (authentication) and protection (guard). The encryption of the secure network is implemented on an end-to-end basis, which means encrypting and decrypting in each CD. The communication manager 32 usually operates in a manner that does not know the security algorithm (algorithm), the key (keys), or the policy (policies).

Assuming authorization is provided by a service provider, the communication manager 32 can perform remote management via a communication system service provider, a network member, or both. The communication manager 32 can receive the network definition via an external management interface. For example, network members can request administrative activities through their service providers or manage network functions through a defined system, such as a security manager operated by the member, or a management server compatible with the management interface of the communication manager 32. The communication manager 32 can certify high-grade commercial standards for anyone trying to establish or modify a network.

The communication manager 32 maintains one or more databases and servers, such as the centralized accounting record server 34, the network database 36, and the setting module 38, for managing related to individual network members and related to each network member. Information that defines the network. The centralized accounting record server 34 collects and processes data combined with charging or billing for users participating in a network. The network database 36 collects and processes data that combines network members with the network. And the setting module 38 collects and processes the setting data combined with the network members and/or the network.

Referring to FIG. 2, for example, the centralized accounting recording server 34 can track and process the identification information and the active network or Participation time in the group chat connection. Detailed record information of each user, like where A communication device on the network is maintained for information such as how long it has been active, where it came from, when each CD was the speaker or listener and how long the conversation lasted. For example, this information can be collected in an activity log 48. Furthermore, the activity record 48 can be used to collect and maintain data combined with the delivery and use of the coupon, such as the number of coupons received in a given period of time and each network member listening to the coupons Informational information message) or the total amount of time for the advertisement. In addition, the centralized accounting record server 34 may include an accounting module 50, which includes hardware, software, memory, and a program for generating a bill for the amount payable by each network member in an accounting cycle. The accounting module 50 may include various forms that combine the network call and/or listening time in the action with the amount or rate that can be billed, combine with the number of coupons received, and/or receive and listen to the gift. Various forms of discounts or credit line amounts or rates for informational information combined with coupons or advertising combined with time, programs that have a cost for each network member's participation time, will participate in one or more networks The cost is combined with each network member of the network plan, the program that compares the participation of the Suzheng network and the allowed plan network participation to determine the amount payable, and a combination of other types of tables and programs in between. Other methodologies can also be used to determine the amount of money a network user needs to charge for a network in a group communication connection and/or participation.

Referring to FIG. 3, for each network member, among other type information 52, the network database 36 may include user names, account numbers, telephone numbers, or dial numbers combined with the member's CD. , Assigned to The mobile identification number of the CD, the status of the existing members in the network such as whether the member is operating in the network, the data phone number used to determine how the transmission right is assigned, and the combination of the CD IP address, Uniform Resource Locator (URL) identifier to facilitate members' participation in the network. In addition, the network database 36 may further include network information such as the network information 54 identified by each CD combined with each network, the identification of the network operation characteristics such as the restriction on who can participate in the network, the restriction on the total number of network participants, The identification of sponsors and/or managers or the originators of the network, whether the network operates in a paid mode or a funding mode network, can change the characteristics of the network and/or the approved external management of member data Devices, etc.

For each network and/or network member, other related types of information can also be stored by the setting module 38. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the setting module 38 can store the setting data 56 associated with each network member or each network. The setting data 56 includes information collected from each user or network member, for example, during the registration or coupon process or combined with each user, such as through the activity log 48. For example, when an end user registers his CD to participate in a group communication system or a specific network, it can be presented with a series of questions to be answered. The answer to the question can be compulsory or voluntary to obtain authorization to access the system, to obtain authorization to participate in a network, or to continue participation in a network as through an instant questionnaire. For example, the setting data 56 may include a combination of group information and individual network member information, such as a composite group or individual members Personal preference information, interests, hobbies, groups or individual topics (topics) or focus (focus), marketing information, socioeconomic information, family information, personal information, buying habits information, credit information, group participation information, communication devices Usage information, as well as any other type of information combined with a network member, may have a value to help direct the coupon to the network member or network, for example, for other reasons, target marketing, or assistance systems The operator makes an access decision or assists the initiator of a network group in the member information decision. In another specific embodiment, for example, the setting data 56 can be stored or composed using a part of the member information 52 and the network information 54 in the network database 36.

In addition, the configuration module 38 may include a profile generator 58 to compiling, analyze, and classify the configuration data 56 combined with each network member or each group/network. Furthermore, based on the analysis of the configuration data or the activity record data of each network member or each network, the configuration generator 58 can generate additional profile data 56. For example, the setting generator 58 may include software, hardware, firmware, etc. to present registration requirements or questionnaires to the user and collect answers to the questions and compile them into the setting data 56. And, for example, the setting generator software 58 can analyze the given setting data to classify it, or combine the given setting data with a predetermined classification that can be combined with the network member and the network. The characterization of the given setting data 56 can form additional setting data combined with a network or network user. Or, in addition, the setting generator 58 can receive the activity record 48 of each group or individual user, as well as other information combined with the use of a communication device, such as the information generated by each communication device. A global positioning system (GPS) is integrated to determine the location of the user, and the setting data 56 is compiled, analyzed, and generated based on this information. In other words, the setting generator 58 can receive and analyze the data combined with an individual user or group/network to characterize the data and combine the characterization with the user or group as one of the setting data 56 Part, so for example, the user or group can be used as a target for coupon delivery with matching characteristics.

Regarding FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the coupon server 12 stores a number of coupons 60 in the coupon module 28, and selects and transmits one in the delivery manager 62 in the delivery module 30 according to the delivery characteristics (characteristics) 64 Book a coupon to a network or network member. With respect to FIG. 5, the coupon module 28 includes a database for storing a number of coupons 60 and a coupon feature 66 combined with each coupon. Each coupon 60 may include voice data, audio data, alphanumeric data, media data such as images or combinations thereof, and any that can be copied and/or transmitted through the communication network defined herein. Other types of information. In a specific embodiment, each coupon 60 is a pre-recorded medium that can be stored later, and can be distributed to every member of the network at the same time or immediately, or in other words, in a The group communication in action is delivered in a timely manner during the connection period. In addition, each coupon 60 has a combined informational message, which has a period, a time interval, or a playing length. For example, several coupons may include advertisements and information related to discounts combined with specific goods or services. Typically, each coupon 60 is combined with one or more coupon features 66, even if it is not a requirement. The coupon feature 66 includes information combined with a special coupon 60 to define, classify, or enter Characterize the coupon in one step. In this way, the coupon feature 66 is similar to the setting data 56 combined with each network member or network. For example, the coupon feature 66 may include information that defines the service or service's topic or subject item, the product or service provider, and can be combined with the coupon so that it can be used to direct the coupon to a user or Coupon content is interested in the network. In addition, the coupon feature 66 may include, for example, the expiration date of the coupon, the redemption value of the coupon, and the coupon identification code. The securities identifier may include a predetermined code for identifying, authorizing, and redeeming the coupon 60. Suitable examples of a coupon recognizer include serial numbers, UPC codes, barcodes, electronic codes such as key values or signatures. Therefore, for example, a coupon for receiving a car rental discount may have the feature of combining the coupon with cars, driving, etc., and it can be matched to a network group with similar setting data that combines the group with the coupon.

Regarding FIG. 6, as described above, the delivery module 30 includes a delivery manager 62 to manage the delivery of the coupon 60 to the network and network members according to the delivery feature 64. The delivery manager 62 may include hardware and software to monitor the activities of a network and/or network members and apply the delivery feature 64 to determine when to deliver the coupon, and/or select a special coupon to deliver. The delivery feature 64 includes a predetermined set of commands that can be applied to a coupon or to a particular network or network member to determine when the coupon is to be delivered and/or what kind of coupon is to be delivered. The delivery feature 64 may include one or a combination of the following: the time interval since the final coupon was delivered or from the initiation of the group communication connection; the timing status or time sensitivity of a coupon; and the coupon feature Matching with the network or network member configuration data. In this way, the delivery manager 62 monitors or receives reports of the group activity and can disconnect the group connection and follow-up The machine ground transfers a coupon to a network, like according to the period of a group connection or the timing status of the coupon. Or the delivery manager 62 can selectively deliver a coupon to a network, such as combining the network and the coupon according to the matching between the setting data 56 and the coupon feature 66 respectively. In order to determine a match, the delivery module 30 can access the coupon module 28 and the setting module 36 to compare the coupon characteristics of an informational message with the set characteristics of a network or network members in order to determine the payment. Set the goal of coupon delivery.

In operation, with regard to FIGS. 7 and 8, a specific embodiment of the method 70 for transmitting information in a group communication system uses the specific embodiment of the system 10 described above (FIG. 1), including a user or group The group initiator receives a request through a communication device to initiate a group call or group communication connection (block 72). For example, the user or group initiator can contact the communication manager by dialing a preset number on a wireless phone, where the preset number is combined with the software in the communication manager for initializing Group chat connection. Further, for example, the communication manager can receive a group setting (set-up) instruction from the user, such as a parameter for establishing the group communication connection (block 74). For example, the group communication connection parameters that can be set by the user include selecting a sponsorship mode, selecting a payment mode, naming the group or connection, and providing information that will be discussed by the group or during the connection period. Theme or issue, etc. The sponsorship mode may include a group communication connection that the user or group initiator wants to be sponsored or funded by an external entity of the communication network instead of being completely paid by each network participant. For example, in the sponsorship mode, the coupons stored in the coupon server can be automatically delivered to the network members during the group communication connection period, and each network member can The cost of getting them to participate in the connection is reduced according to the number of coupons they receive and the duration of the combined informational message they listen to. In other cases, the entity associated with each coupon, such as the merchant 39 or the provider of goods and services, can pay for the coupon that it delivers to the network. The cost paid by the entity bears or compensates the cost of each network member in the group communication connection, or can compensate the cost of the group communication system provider. The payment mode may include a group communication connection mode, in which each network member directly pays for its participation in the group connection. Typically, but not always, by selecting the payment mode, the user or group initiator can prevent the group from receiving coupons during the group communication connection period in the action. However, it should be noted that the coupon can be delivered to network members regardless of the mode of the group communication connection.

Furthermore, the method includes receiving identifications of additional communication devices to form the communication network and participate in the group communication connection (block 76). For example, a user or group initiator can select a pre-defined group of communication devices that is also recognized as a communication network, or the user can create a new, ad hoc group or communication network, or the user Some combinations of predefined groups and individual communication devices can be selected. The communication network can be from a list of predefined networks or a list of users/communication devices, such as stored in the user communication device or in the communication manager, from a telephone book or in a directory Service comes to be selected. The method may include verifying that a user setting including setting data exists for each identified user or a communication device associated with the communication network. If the user setting does not exist, the selected user can be imported To set its own settings (block 80). An identified user who does not have a configuration can set its configuration data in various ways, such as accessing the communication manager and responding to a profiling questionnaire (block 82) sent by the configuration module. For example, the identified user can be on his communication device, such as a wireless phone through a wireless telephone network or a personal computer through a computer network, through the management server, or a communication device that can be used to communicate with the communication manager. Any other method should set requirements (profiling request). If the set questionnaire is incomplete, the identified user can be assigned to the payment mode (block 84). Once an identified user has created a user setting, the system then determines the mode to be combined with the identified user of the group call and specifies the mode (block 86). For example, the user can specify a mode to override the group mode created when the group is created, or vice versa. The communication manager then adds the identified user to the group or network (block 88). If the identified user does not create a setting, as described above, the identified user is combined with the payment mode (block 84) and the communication manager will add the identified user to the group or network (block 88) . In the specific embodiment of the present invention, the communication group or the network may require all members to have the same designated mode, that is, the payment mode or the sponsorship mode, or the network members may have different modes. For example, if the network contains members who are combined with two modes of payment and sponsorship, the communication manager can request sponsored mode members to receive coupons and combined informational messages before joining the group connection, or they can only Disconnect the group to pass the coupon to those members. If the coupon and optional informational messages are delivered in advance, the communication manager can track each The previous group connection length of the member and an average group connection length is estimated to determine the number of coupons and the length of the informational message that can be selected in advance to be delivered to the sponsorship mode members. Furthermore, the communication manager can track each individual member group connection and received coupons or informational messages, and then depending on the individual statistical value combined with each member, pre-deliver more or less gifts Voucher to each member. Either the group mode or the individual-identified mode with priority can be a function of a predetermined rule set by the system, the group, or the individual user.

Once the entire group has been identified, the setting module then determines a group setting (block 90). For example, the group setting includes the synthetic characteristics of the group according to the setting data combined with each individual user and/or according to the group characteristics defined by the group initiator, such as group discussion topics. According to a predetermined set of commands by the setting module, such as a user setting program (profiling program) and according to the received setting data, the individual setting data may include data provided by each individual or generated by the setting module. Similarly, the group setting data can be generated by the setting module according to other predetermined set of commands, such as group setting programs, and user-defined data received and generated. Furthermore, after the entire group is identified, the group call is initiated by the communication manager that transmits an invitation to the identified users to request them to participate in a group communication connection (block 92). For example, the invitation may include information such as the identification of the group initiator, other group members, and establishment information such as the pattern and identification of the topic or the topic of interest. Each identified user can respond to the needs, and if not complete, provide configuration information to participate in the sponsorship model. The communication manager seems to be connected First acceptance after receiving an invitation Upon acceptance), the group connection is initiated (block 94). In this way, the group connection includes at least a connection initiator and another communication device. If the group connection is a sponsored mode connection, or if an individual participant is combined with a sponsored mode, the group connection is monitored and the coupon is passed to one or more network members (block 96). As previously discussed, the coupon can be delivered according to predetermined delivery characteristics, which include one or a combination of the following: the time interval from which the last coupon was delivered; the time sensitivity of the coupon; the coupon characteristics and the network Or the matching between network members' setting features. For example, at the point when the coupon is delivered, the communication manager can give the coupon server the highest transmission priority. Therefore, the information server must transmit a coupon and optional informational message transmission requirements. Pass any other transmission requirements. In this way, at the indicated time point, once the network member with the pre-existing transmission priority completes its communication, the coupon server obtains the transmission priority and transmits the predetermined coupon, thereby inserting the coupon into the group communication connection. Wire. Or, there may be a situation, such as a time-sensitive coupon, in which the communication manager terminates the priority of a communication device in a communication to allow the coupon server to transmit the coupon to the network. Furthermore, the system monitors the receipt of each coupon and each combined informational message of each communication device (block 98). For example, the system tracks the receipt of coupons in a record and combines this data, such as the number of coupons received and the time interval during which informational messages are listened to, with each communication device. Once the coupons and optional informational messages are received, the group connection can continue in the normal way. Again, it should be noted that the coupon can be delivered before or after a group communication connection.

The group connection can be terminated by the group initiator or by any network member, such as by transmitting a predetermined termination signal to the communication manager or simply by the last person to hang up (hanging-up) or Is to end their participation in the group connection (block 100). In addition, based on the monitoring and recording of each user's participation in any group connection and coupons and optional informational message reception, the communication manager can generate a combination of end users or network members participating in group communication connections The communication manager can discount the bill or issue a credit line based on the receipt of coupons and optional informational messages from the network members and/or the network (block 102). The bill can be transmitted to the combined network members in any way, such as electronically via the communication network or physically via a letter delivery service such as the U.S. Post Office (block 104). Typical bill generation and collection services can be used when supplying with group calls and coupon receipt data from this system.

Once a coupon is received, the network member can use the coupon in a commodity or service transaction.

Regarding FIG. 9, a specific embodiment of a method of redeeming a coupon includes presenting the coupon to a merchant or other goods or service provider combined with the coupon (block 106). The coupon can be presented to the merchant or supplier in text, picture, sound, electronic or any other suitable format to confirm that the coupon is valid. For example, the network member can display the coupon on the graphic display of its communication device, or the network member can inform the merchant of the code number combined with the coupon. The merchant or provider can optionally authorize the coupon (block 108), for example, by receiving a coupon recognizer combined with the coupon and compare the coupon recognizer with at least one reference coupon recognizer to determine Whether it meets (block 110). For example, a merchant or provider can communicate with a coupon server through the communication network to combine the presented coupon recognizer with a number of coupon recognizers or a coupon in the coupon server to be authorized Compare with coupon recognizers. Thus, according to the coupon recognizer or simply according to the presentation of the coupon, the merchant or provider can authorize the use of the coupon (block 112), and execute the goods and services according to the terms combined with the coupon Service transaction (block 114).

Thus, the present invention includes a system for delivering coupons to one of several communication devices that define group members via a communication network. The system includes a device for transmitting communication that can be connected to the communication network and at least two members of the group, wherein the transmission device is operable to receive a transmission from a member of the group and forward the transmission via the communication network Go to at least one other member of the group to provide a group communication connection. The communication network includes at least a wireless telephone network coupled to a computer network, wherein the transmission includes data packets in Internet protocol format. The system further includes a device for storing a plurality of coupons, each coupon including a data packet and a messaging device connectable to each storage device and at least two members of the group. The message device can be operated to monitor the group communication connection and a predetermined coupon of a plurality of coupons is delivered to the group according to a predetermined delivery instruction.

Therefore, a communication device establishes the group communication connection between the network members combined with a communication network including at least a wireless network and a distributed computer network. The communication manager monitors or receives reports of group activities and can randomly or selectively deliver a coupon to a network or network members. The communication of the network members and the coupon includes the voice over IP according to the Internet protocol (voice over IP) protocol to format the data packet. For example, the random delivery of coupons can be based on the period of a group connection or the timing status of a coupon. For example, the selective delivery of the coupon can be based on the matching between the corresponding network or network member configuration data and the coupon feature based on the combination of the network or network member and one of several coupons selected to the coupon. For example, in order to determine a match, the communication manager or coupon server can access the coupon module and the configuration module to compare the coupon feature of a coupon with the configuration feature of a network or a network member to determine A coupon is delivered to the target of the network or network member. The participation of a network member in the group communication connection, and the receipt of their coupons and optional informational messages are monitored and recorded, and they calculate the appropriate amount due based on predetermined billing parameters. After receiving a coupon, the network member can redeem the coupon at the merchant. The merchant can authenticate the coupon by comparing the coupon recognizer, such as a code number, with at least one authorized coupon recognizer to determine whether the coupon is in compliance, and thus determine the authorization of the coupon. In this way, the network member can receive the benefit of a valid coupon in the transaction of goods or services. Therefore, the system and method of the present invention provide a method for transferring coupons and using the coupons in a group communication system.

The previous descriptions of more suitable specific embodiments are provided so that those skilled in the art can use the present invention. Various modifications of these specific embodiments will be very obvious to those familiar with the art, and the general principles in this text can be applied to other specific embodiments without using the capabilities of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments shown herein, but is to be agreed with a broader scope consistent with the principles and new features disclosed herein.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be stated in the scope of the following patent applications.

<p>10. . . Coupon system</p><p>12. . . Coupon server</p><p>14, 16, 18, 20. . . Communication device</p><p>twenty two. . . Communication network</p><p>twenty four. . . Decentralized computer network</p><p>26. . . Wireless communication network</p><p>28. . . Coupon module</p><p>30. . . Delivery module</p><p>32. . . Communication manager</p><p>34. . . Centralized billing record server</p><p>36. . . Network database</p><p>38. . . Configuration module</p><p>40. . . Management server</p><p>42. . . Terrestrial telephone network</p><p>44. . . Satellite telephone network</p><p>46. . . Public switched telephone network</p><p>48. . . Activity record</p><p>50. . . Accounting module</p><p>52. . . Member Information</p><p>54. . . Network Information</p><p>56. . . Setting data</p><p>58. . . Setting generator</p><p>60. . . Coupons</p><p>62. . . Delivery manager</p><p>64. . . Transfer characteristics</p><p>66. . . Coupon features</p><p>67. . . Informational message</p>