System and Methods for Fulfilling Loyalty Points Redemption Program Rewards

TECHNICAL FIELD

0001The present invention relates generally to aspects of a system for fulfillment of loyalty points redemption program rewards using loyalty points, more particularly to systems and methods that allow customers who are members of a loyalty points redemption program to fulfill their desire to redeem their loyalty points for eligible goods or services offered by eligible suppliers associated with the loyalty points redemption program, wherein the system enables customers to order and receive their fulfillment items either in real time while on premises within a supplier's retail establishment, or ordering remotely and then receiving their fulfillment items upon travel to a supplier's retail establishment.

BACKGROUND

0002As is known, many different business entities maintain “loyalty points redemption programs” for repeat and high volume customers, as an incentive etc. Such programs are believed to encourage customers to continue to purchase goods or services from the business entity or transact in specific ways such as the use of a specific credit card. These business entities are called “loyalty point issuers” or “loyalty point providers” (LPPs).

0003A LPP, typically a retailer or service provider, gives “points” to customers who do business with that loyalty point issuer, begin a new relationship with a loyalty point issuer, provide a referral, etc. Those loyalty points are issued by the LPP and accumulated by the issuer in response to repeated or high value transactions by the customer. For example, credit card companies have various loyalty points redemption programs associated with different credit cards. Customers who own a specific type of card that are associated with a particular loyalty points redemption program earn points every time the credit card is used. In another example, an airline company issues points to customers who are members of a particular loyalty points redemption program. Such customers earn points in the form of air miles for flying with the airline.

0004In many situations, business entities and corporate organizations also participate in “loyalty points redemption programs” for providing performance incentives to productive internal employees and external suppliers or dealers. For example, a car manufacturer can provide incentives in the form of “points” to car dealerships, or sales representatives for generating high sales.

0005The loyalty points associated with a particular program are recorded and accumulated in a database as part of a loyalty points management system (LPMS). Loyalty points may be redeemed to obtain goods or services, or obtain discounts from the business, etc. The LPMS handles transactions associated with the accumulation of loyalty points and subsequent redemption of such loyalty points for eligible goods and services from a variety of suppliers, merchants and retailers.

0006Generally, the LPMS maintains business relationships with wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, and merchants to provide goods or services in redemption of loyalty points. In some scenarios, the LPPs also have business relationships with the above-mentioned entities who provide goods and services that can be redeemed by customers using their loyalty points. A customer who is a member of a particular loyalty points redemption program typically receives a written notice about or logs into a web site that displays the details of the loyalty points redemption program and the loyalty points balance for that customer. In turn, the LPMSs allow a loyalty points redemption program member to view a catalog of eligible goods or services available for the redemption of loyalty points, and henceforth select goods or services in the catalog of goods or services.

0007Those skilled in the art will understand that eligible goods or services having a related dollar value cost that is usually converted by the entity that hosts the LPMS (in association with the LPP) into an equivalent loyalty points value. Members who wish to redeem their loyalty points may then select a particular item from eligible goods or services, and those item(s) are typically drop-shipped to an address selected by the member, via a known shipping service. After the item is redeemed by the customer, the customer's loyalty points are then decreased by an amount corresponding to the points value of the redeemed product.

0008In recent times, the unprecedented world-wide spread of the use of mobile devices and applications in our everyday life has had a significant effect in the ways in which people find, research, and purchase products and services. As a result of such a ubiquitous use of mobile devices and applications, businesses, merchants, retail establishments heavily rely on the power of mobile technologies in reaching out to customers. From consumers' perspective, the shopping experience becomes more convenient, easy and streamlined with the use of mobile technologies and applications that are designed for online shopping. However, most online shoppers have to wait for a few days (at least overnight under expedited shipping) and consequently do not obtain the benefit of a quick “in-store” pick-up of the purchased items. Even if online shoppers receive the benefit of in-store pick-up of the purchased items, their shopping options are restricted to specific retailers and merchants only who allow the in-store pickup at their retail outlets. To complicate things even further, combining the benefits of online shopping with in-store pickup for members of loyalty points redemption program who can redeem goods and services (using their loyalty points) across a variety of merchants and retailers is a challenging task. It is believed that prior to the present disclosure, no attempt has been in made in the prior art to combine aspects of an inventory management system with an online ordering system, and further in conjunction with a loyalty based system, thus in turn providing the benefit of in-store pickup to customers in a real time (or, virtually real time) manner.

0009Therefore, there is a long-felt but unresolved need to develop a consolidated approach in developing systems and methods that facilitate customers who are members of particular loyalty points redemption program to shop online by accessing online catalogs of available goods or services via the web or mobile device, across multiple retailers, and to select one or more eligible item(s) for redemption against loyalty points while “in store” in real time, or elect to pick up an item from a near-by store. Most of the prior art systems provide the functionality of in store pickup through specific retail outlets. In other words, businesses, merchants, retail establishments offer in store pickup that is limited mostly to their own retail outlets, and consequently the associated technologies are not versatile to different merchants and retailers.

0010Since a plurality of retailers or service providers can provide items of goods or services for use in redemption, it is desirable that the system presents to members of particular loyalty points redemption programs a single consolidated catalog containing goods and services across multiple merchants and retailers. Such a system will provide a customer the ability to select a particular item from a particular store, or select a particular item from different stores (even different retail establishments), or to select items from different retail establishments. Furthermore, the system should allow for redemption by customers of a plurality of different loyalty points redemption programs offered by the same or different business entities (LPPs), yet still provide the variety and capability of allowing a customer to redeem their loyalty points at one of a number of different retail or service businesses.

0011Even further, it is desirable that the system provides customers the ability to manually enter or scan a UPC bar code, SKU, QR code, RFID tag or other such identifiers on an item, using a camera on the mobile device while in-store to determine if that item is in the online catalog of eligible goods or services offered by a particular loyalty points redemption program.

BRIEF SUMMARY

0012Briefly described and generally stated, aspects of the present invention relate to a system and methods for allowing customers who are members of a particular loyalty points redemption program to redeem loyalty points for an eligible item of goods or services by looking up an online catalog maintained by a LPMS, and accessible to the customer and then selecting, ordering, and receiving one or more redeemable item(s) within that program catalog, while on premises in a retail establishment, or upon travel to a particular store. Customers who are members of a loyalty points redemption program can access the catalog associated with that loyalty points redemption program via a web browser on a customer's electronic device (such as desktops, laptops, PDAs, tablets, smart phones etc.) or through an app on a customer's mobile device. The system communicates with the LPMS to display the loyalty points available, and an online catalog maintained by the LPMS, and further allows the customer to view details of selected items that are available in the catalog for loyalty points fulfillment. If the customer selects one or more items and places an order, the LPMS communicates with one or more retail or other service establishments that provide fulfillment items (suppliers) to ensure that the item(s) are still available and begins processing the customer's order. Customers can elect via a web-based interface or a mobile device interface to pick up the item while in store (real time) or upon travel to that particular store.

0013Processing a customer's order usually involves the LPMS automatically communicating an order for the particular item(s) to a selected merchant (and/or to the store where the customer is present), and the customer then can pick up the item(s) while in store. After the order is placed, the LPMS deducts an appropriate predetermined number of loyalty points corresponding to the item(s) chosen by the customer. In turn, the merchant or retailer informs the respective store inventory system that the item is (a) deemed sold for POS and accounting purposes, and (b) for purpose of inventory management and reorder.

0014According to one aspect, a merchant or retailer can also provide the functionality of accessing an online catalog and looking up available goods or services to customers while customers are inside a store location. Such a look up is performed via a general purpose computer at the store, a smartphone device, a tablet PC, or any other computing device capable of communicating via the internet, or, linked through a merchant store's POS system.

0015According to another aspect, customers can scan a UPC bar code, SKU, QR code, RFID tag or other such identifiers on an item, using a camera on the mobile device while in-store to determine if that item is in the online catalog of eligible goods or services. As can be understood, a customer who is a member of a particular loyalty points redemption program can also redeem loyalty points for an eligible item of goods or services by looking up an online catalog while not inside a store and choosing to pick up the item later from a nearby store, or having it shipped to a convenient location via a shipping service. Customers can access the online catalog via a computer or a mobile device prior to pick-up of the item.

0016According to yet another aspect, a plurality of retailers or service providers may provide items of goods or services for use in redemption, so that a customer has the ability to select a particular item from a particular store, or select a particular item from different stores (even different retail establishments), or to select items from different retail establishments. Similarly, the sstem allows for redemption by customers of a plurality of different loyalty points redemption programs, for different business entities, yet still provide the variety and capability of allowing a customer to redeem their loyalty points at one of a number of different retail or service businesses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0017The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure, and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein:

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a high-level overview of an embodiment of a loyalty points management system (LPMS), in an exemplary loyalty points transaction environment.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows an exemplary LPMS architecture comprising various software modules, engines and other similar elements, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a sequence diagram illustrating computer-implemented method steps involving various components of an embodiment of the present system and their interactions with each other, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flowchart showing an exemplary computer-implemented process illustrating various steps performed by a loyalty points provider (LPP) in processing a loyalty points transaction, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> (consisting of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref>) is a flowchart showing details of computer-implemented steps performed by an embodiment of the LPMS in processing a loyalty points transaction.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is an exemplary catalog table illustrating a LPMS-maintained catalog related to redeemable goods and services available to members of loyalty points redemption programs, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is an exemplary merchant table illustrating a LPMS-maintained list of several merchants and retailers who supply goods and services to members of loyalty programs, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> is an exemplary LPMS-maintained loyalty points conversion table indicating various loyalty points providers, their rates of conversion of loyalty-points to dollars, and other exemplary representative details of their respective loyalty points redemption programs, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref> is an exemplary LPMS-maintained merchant eligibility table indicating various eligibility conditions for merchants and retailers who are suppliers of goods and services associated with respective loyalty points redemption programs, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref> is an exemplary LPMS-maintained catalog presentment table indicating various presentment criteria as displayed in connection with a redemption catalog to members of loyalty points redemption programs, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is an exemplary LPMS-maintained customer table illustrating customer information of members associated with a loyalty points redemption program, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an exemplary LPMS-maintained order history table illustrating transaction history information of members associated with a loyalty points redemption program administered by the LPMS, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a screenshot of an exemplary LPMS user interface for members to enter their login credentials.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a screenshot of an exemplary LPMS user interface displaying a catalog of eligible goods and services, associated with a particular loyalty points redemption program, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a screenshot of an exemplary LPMS user interface displaying various product sub-categories in a catalog of eligible goods and services, associated with a particular loyalty points redemption program, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a screenshot of an exemplary LPMS user interface displaying a list of items in a product sub-category in a catalog of eligible goods and services, associated with a particular loyalty points redemption program, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> consisting of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref> are screenshots of exemplary LPMS user interfaces showing detailed specifications (including features, summary and attributes respectively) of an item in a catalog of eligible goods and services, associated with a particular loyalty points redemption program, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a screenshot of an exemplary LPMS user interface illustrative of an online “shopping cart” prior to placement of an order by members of a particular loyalty points redemption program, in an exemplary transaction using loyalty points, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a screenshot of an exemplary LPMS user interface displaying a list of merchant store locations where an item is available to be picked up, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a screenshot of an exemplary LPMS user interface showing summary of an order in a transaction using loyalty points, according to one embodiment of the present system.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a screenshot of an exemplary LPMS user interface showing LPMS-provided final confirmation of an order to a customer, in a transaction using loyalty points, according to one embodiment of the present system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT

0039Prior to a detailed description of the disclosure, the following definitions are provided as an aid to understanding the subject matter and terminology of aspects of the present systems and methods, are exemplary, and not necessarily limiting of the aspects of the systems and methods, which are expressed in the claims.

DEFINITIONS/GLOSSARY

0040Customer: an entity (individual, business, etc.) that participates in one or more loyalty points redemption program (defined below), offered by one or more loyalty points provider (defined below), and completes transactions, earns loyalty points and places orders for redeeming loyalty points (defined below) from retailers and merchants who provide fulfillment items. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a customer performs transactions and places orders by interacting with an online portal hosted within an embodiment of the loyalty points management system (defined below). Generally synonymous with members of a loyalty points redemption program. <br /> Distributor: Generally synonymous with Merchant (defined below) or Supplier (defined below) of goods and services <br /> Loyalty Points: a form of an incentive reward currency offered by loyalty points providers (defined below) to customers, productive employees, suppliers, business partners and the like. As referred to herein, loyalty points are usually disbursed through a loyalty points redemption program (defined below), wherein loyalty points comprise a generic unit of reward currency in the form of numerical points, cash-back dollars, rebates, frequent flyer miles, gift cards, and the like. <br /> Loyalty points redemption program: a marketing and/or promotions utility to reward loyalty points to members of loyalty points redemption programs. Generally, a loyalty points redemption program comprises a predetermined criteria defined by the LPP in conjunction with the entity that hosts the LPMS. Such criteria generally determine eligibility conditions for redeeming loyalty points through eligible goods and services from suppliers (defined below). Loyalty points redemption programs can be further subdivided into different tiers or sub-programs that are offered by the same LPP, but are generally associated with slightly different criteria. As will be understood, customers can typically qualify to move from one tier to another based on various business or marketing criteria. <br /> Loyalty Points Provider (LPP): an entity that provides or issues loyalty points, according to one or more loyalty points redemption program (defined above). Examples of LPPs include (but not limited to) retailers, merchants, corporate organizations, car dealerships, banks or financial institutions, airline companies, hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, and the like. <br /> Loyalty Points Management Systems (LPMS): a system constructed as described in this document, that enables administering, management, monitoring, of one or more loyalty points redemption programs offered by loyalty points providers according to predefined criteria set by the loyalty points redemption programs. Generally, entities that host an embodiment of the LPMS maintains business relationships with multiple merchants and retailers who sell or provide goods and services in the redemption of loyalty points. <br /> Merchant: an entity or supplier that provides or sells goods and/or services to customers. As used herein, generally comprises an entity that provides a store location and/or a warehouse location for sale and/or storage and fulfillment of goods and services. Generally, merchants can also provide availability of shipping options to customers (defined above) as a method of delivery of sold items and products. As used herein, merchants communicate with the LPMS (defined above) for inventory management of goods and services that can be redeemed by customers who are members of a loyalty points redemption program. <br /> Redeem: an act of trading loyalty points via a loyalty points redemption program involving placing an order and receiving goods and services offered by merchants (defined above), wherein the loyalty points are usually redeemed for redeemable and available goods and services. <br /> Redemption: realization or fulfillment of a reward (usually in the form of goods and services) using loyalty points (defined above) offered by a loyalty points provider (defined above) through a loyalty points redemption program (defined above), i.e. this is the act of trading points for goods and/or services. <br /> Redemption item: a particular item of goods or services that are eligible for provision to a customer in redemption of a number of loyalty points via a loyalty points redemption program. <br /> Retailer: Generally synonymous with Merchant. <br /> Supplier: Generally synonymous with Merchant. <br /> Wholesaler: Generally synonymous with Merchant.

Overview

0041For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Reference throughout this specification to “one aspect” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, methodology or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, methodologies or characteristics may be combined, for example, into any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations as will occur to one skilled in the art. Nevertheless, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

0042Briefly described, one form of the present disclosure describes a system and method for the transformation of loyalty points (associated with loyalty points redemption programs) offered by a variety of LPPs, such as (but not limited to) airline companies, hotels, restaurants, credit card companies, financial institutions, etc. into fulfillment of rewards earned by members of loyalty points redemption programs, wherein members of the loyalty points redemption programs are able to select eligible goods and services from suppliers, merchants and retailers in real-time by the use of a mobile device while inside the premises of the establishments of suppliers, merchants and retailers. The system, herein referred to as the LPMS, determines the availability and eligibility of goods and services to members of loyalty points redemption programs. For example, in a particular loyalty points redemption program offered by an airline company, members of the loyalty program earn two (2) loyalty points to members for every mile flown by members. In another example, a credit card company can issue 5 (five) loyalty points for every dollar transaction performed using a particular type of credit card to members who use their credit cards.

0043Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for fulfilling loyalty points redemption program rewards using loyalty points, offered by loyalty points providers (LPPs) to members of a loyalty points redemption program through a loyalty points management system (LPMS). Loyalty points are typically redeemed for loyalty points redemption program eligible goods or services from multiple distributors, wholesalers, merchants and retailers who are suppliers of goods and services and who have business relations with the entity that hosts the LPMS, and/or with LPPs. As will be understood, these terms generally referring to suppliers of goods and services have been used synonymously in the present disclosure. It will be even further understood that although the description which follows is primarily discussed with the LPMS being a separate system than the LPP and suppliers of goods/services, embodiments of the disclosed LPMS have broader applicability that allow the LPMS to be housed in one or more LPPs, in alternate embodiments of the present system. Even further, embodiments of the present LPMS can be utilized in scenarios where the entity that hosts the LPMS can provide eligible goods/services to customers by itself, or in connection with loyalty points redemption programs offered by various LPPs.

0044Additional aspects of the disclosure include the ability of members of a loyalty points redemption program to browse an online catalog of eligible goods and services maintained by the LPMS, and offered by various merchants and retailers who are suppliers of eligible goods and services. Further aspects of the disclosure include storage of various kinds of information associated with members of a loyalty points redemption program. Examples of such information include names, addresses, loyalty points balance for respective members, history of previous orders, and several other member-related attributes. Even further, aspects of the disclosure include the ability to allow members of a loyalty points redemption program to select eligible goods and services across multiple retailers and merchants, for redemption against loyalty points while “in store,” or elect to pick up an item in a near-by store, or alternatively, have the item drop-shipped to a member-specified location.

0045Referring now to the figures, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an exemplary environment <b>100</b> wherein an embodiment of a loyalty points management system (LPMS) <b>117</b> manages a loyalty points redemption program for a loyalty points provider (LPP) <b>123</b>, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Also shown is an exemplary loyalty points transaction involving a customer <b>101</b> who is a member of a particular loyalty points redemption program offered by the LPP <b>123</b>, and a merchant <b>109</b> that offers eligible items (goods and services) redeemable by the customer's loyalty points. As will be understood, according to one aspect, a loyalty points transaction begins with a customer <b>101</b> logging into the LPMS <b>117</b> to redeem items using the customer's loyalty points, and eventually ends with the customer picking up the redeemed items from a store <b>113</b> (owned or operated by the merchant <b>109</b>). Further, it will be understood and appreciated that customers <b>101</b> can pick up redeemed items while inside the premises of a store <b>113</b> or, alternatively by traveling to the store <b>113</b>.

0046Generally, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, a high level summary of actions involved in an exemplary loyalty points transaction is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, with the help of a sequence of numbered steps indicated as steps “<b>1</b>” through “<b>7</b>”. The steps are annotated as circled numbers in the drawing itself, while actions corresponding to these steps are spelt out in the bottom of the drawing. As will be understood and appreciated by a person skilled in the art, because of the real-time nature of the transaction, steps involved in a loyalty points transaction can be performed while the customer is inside a store location, or alternatively, the customer can elect to pick up items by traveling to a store location. Detailed steps involved in the interactions between the various components involved such as customers <b>101</b>, an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b>, a LPP <b>123</b>, and a merchant <b>109</b> will be explained with a sequence diagram in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Furthermore, details of the computer-implemented method steps performed by an embodiment of the LPMS in processing a loyalty points transaction will be discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

0047According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a loyalty points transaction involves customers <b>101</b> accessing their loyalty points redemption program account administered by the LPMS <b>117</b>, through an exemplary LPMS user interface <b>103</b>. Management and administration of loyalty points redemption program account involves, among other things, keeping a balance of loyalty points balance (or, loyalty points accounts balance) for members of loyalty points redemption program. In connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the customer <b>101</b> exemplarily called “John Doe” is a member of a particular loyalty points redemption program offered by a fictitious LPP <b>123</b> called ABC Airline Inc., the loyalty points redemption program being managed and administered by the LPMS <b>117</b>. It can be further seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, an exemplary loyalty points table <b>115</b> (stored in LPP <b>123</b> and LPMS <b>117</b>) indicates that John Doe has a loyalty points balance of 50000 (fifty thousand) at the beginning of an exemplary loyalty points transaction. Eventually, when customer John Doe picks up items from store <b>113</b>, the loyalty points transaction is complete, the balance of John Doe's loyalty points reducing to 20000 (twenty thousand). Further details of the steps included in a loyalty points transaction will be described with a detailed sequence diagram and a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> respectively.

0048As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> includes a LPMS management module <b>119</b> and an LPMS database <b>121</b> for performing the tasks of managing loyalty points redemption programs of a plurality of LPPs <b>123</b>, and will be described in greater detail in this disclosure. Generally, the LPMS management module <b>119</b> includes various software algorithms and sub-modules for purposes of hosting/administration of LPMS user interfaces, management of customer information including authentication of valid customers, management of multiple catalogs of eligible goods and services for a variety of loyalty points redemption programs offered by various LPPs <b>123</b>, enablement of various real-time electronic status exchanges related to a customer's transaction involving the LPP <b>123</b> and the merchant <b>109</b>, and various other such aspects. Architectural details of one embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> showing constituent software modules/components of the LPMS management module <b>119</b> are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0049According to aspects of the present disclosure, data processed by various software modules/components of the LPMS management module <b>119</b> and pertaining to loyalty points transactions along with other information relating to the LPMS are stored in a LPMS database <b>121</b>. Examples of such data include (but are not limited to) various loyalty points redemption programs from a variety of LPPs <b>123</b>, item catalog related attributes such as item SKU number, technical specification, availability of items, pricing, customer information, history of previous transactions performed by customers, etc. Illustrative data tables stored in the LPMS database <b>121</b> and storing such exemplary data are indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. Additional details of the illustrative data tables will be discussed in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6-FIG</figref>. <b>10</b>.

0050According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a loyalty points transaction begins with customers <b>101</b> accessing the LPMS <b>117</b> using a LPMS user interface <b>103</b> hosted by the LPMS <b>117</b>, via network connections <b>107</b> using devices such as computers (e.g. laptops, desktops, severs, tablet computers, etc.) or mobile computing devices (e.g. smart phones) capable of accessing the world wide web. Generally speaking, and as will be understood by a person skilled in the art, the LPMS interface <b>103</b> is a webpage owned by the LPMS <b>117</b>, accessible through a software program such as a web browser by members of a loyalty points redemption program. Members of a loyalty points redemption program can review their loyalty points balance, history of previous transactions and can also perform transactions involving loyalty points, if they desire. Examples of commonly used web browsers include but are not limited to well known software programs such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Google Chrome, and others.

0051According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the LPMS interface <b>103</b> can also be configured as a mobile device application (app) such as that available for the popular Apple® iPhone® and Google® Android® mobile device operating systems, for allowing a customer to log on to their loyalty points redemption program account, and perform transactions involving loyalty points, if they desire. According to another embodiment, the LPMS user interface configured as a mobile device application can co-exist jointly with the LPMS user interface accessible through a web browser.

0052According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the LPMS user interface <b>103</b> is hosted in an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> that is installed on a physical server or a general purpose computer in a facility, the LPMS <b>117</b> being accessible via one or more network connections <b>107</b>. According to another embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> is hosted on a virtual computer (connected to one or more network connections <b>107</b>) housed in a facility. According to yet another embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> resides in a third party server in a cloud computing environment and communicates with LPPs <b>123</b>, merchants <b>109</b>, and customers <b>101</b> via one or more network connections <b>107</b>.

0053Furthermore, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that communication over network connections <b>107</b> typically involves the usage of one or the other services, e.g., a Web-deployed service with client/service architecture, a corporate Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN), or through a cloud-based system. Further, as will be understood and appreciated, various networking components like routers, switches, hubs etc., are typically involved in communications involving the customer <b>101</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b>, the LPP <b>123</b>, and the merchant <b>109</b>. Although not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, it can also be further understood that such communication may include one or more gateways/firewalls and encryption methods that provide information security from unwarranted intrusions and cyber attacks. Detailed steps included in the (possibly real-time) communications in connection with a loyalty points transaction involving customers <b>101</b>, an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b>, a LPP <b>123</b>, and a merchant <b>109</b> are explained with a sequence diagram in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Various actions described in connection with the exemplary loyalty points transaction of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> will now be described next.

0054As indicated by step <b>1</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, customers <b>101</b> access their loyalty points redemption program accounts administered by the LPMS <b>117</b>, through an exemplary LPMS user interface <b>103</b> for a loyalty points transaction. It will be understood that customers access their loyalty points redemption program account and can perform loyalty points transactions using Internet enabled computing devices such as laptops, desktops, smart phones etc. Moreover, it will also be understood that customers can access their loyalty points redemption program accounts and perform loyalty points transactions anywhere and anytime, and not limited to a store location as displayed exemplarily in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. For instance, customers can perform loyalty points transactions while at work, or from home, or other places and can later travel to a store location to pickup the goods/services redeemed by the loyalty points transaction. Alternatively, customers can have the goods/services delivered via a shipping service. Detailed steps of a process performed by an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> in an exemplary customer transaction involving loyalty points including options for in-store pickup and shipping delivery, are shown with a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. An exemplary login screen of a LPMS user interface <b>103</b> is shown with a screenshot in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. After successful login by a customer <b>101</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> displays (at step <b>2</b>) a webpage containing a catalog <b>105</b> of eligible goods and services to the customer <b>101</b>.

0055As will be understood and appreciated, a catalog of goods and services typically comprises a redemption catalog displaying a list of eligible goods and services, wherein the redemption catalog is associated with a particular loyalty points redemption program, and is dynamically assembled by the LPMS <b>117</b> in real-time. In other words, loyalty points redemption programs can have different catalogs of eligible goods and services, associated with different loyalty points redemption programs, offered by the same or different LPPs, wherein the goods and services are offered by a variety of suppliers, retailers and merchants. The catalog displayed to a customer is specific to a loyalty program and is associated with specific eligible merchants who provide specific eligible products via specific methods of delivery. According to one aspect, the LPMS <b>117</b> is equipped to handle different loyalty points redemption programs offered by a multitude of LPPs, wherein the loyalty programs can offer. Customers who are members of such loyalty points redemption programs can redeem eligible goods and services from a variety of suppliers, if such items are available from the respective suppliers.

0056It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the LPMS <b>117</b> allows selection of items (by customers) based upon their eligibility as well as their availability. Generally speaking, eligibility of an item is decided on the basis of various criteria or business rules (for example, discussed exemplarily in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>) that are predetermined by the LPP and/or the participating merchants (suppliers) associated with the loyalty programs offered by the LPPs. As refereed to herein, redeemable items are generally synonymous with eligible or program-eligible items. Further, eligibility also applies to merchants (suppliers) who are qualified (on the basis of business rules) as participating merchants (suppliers) to offer items to customers via a loyalty points program. On the other hand, it will be understood that the concept of availability applies to an eligible item being available from participating merchants (suppliers) to customers for in-store pickup or drop-ship delivery. Thus, as will be better understood from the discussions that follow, the LPMS <b>117</b> is involved in real time and non-real time communications with suppliers, merchants and retailers for updating the catalog at the LPMS, and also for inventory management at the suppliers, merchants and retailers. As will be further understood, the catalog <b>105</b> is updated by the LPMS <b>117</b> frequently to reflect changes in availability, quantity, pricing, or any inventory changes as communicated by the supplying merchants and retailers.

0057Although not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, it will be understood that in an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, customers <b>101</b> can access their loyalty points redemption program using a user interface hosted by the LPP <b>123</b> for a loyalty points transaction. In such a case, the LPP routes the customer session for the rest of the transaction to the LPMS <b>117</b> after successful authentication of the customer's login credentials. Steps involved in routing the customer session will be discussed in connection with a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. It will be further understood that the routing of a customer session is performed seamlessly in such a manner that the customer lands in a webpage displaying the catalog <b>105</b> of eligible goods and services, and thereafter the customer session is handled by the LPMS <b>117</b>.

0058Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, after the catalog <b>105</b> is displayed (at step <b>2</b>) to customers <b>101</b>, customers <b>101</b> browse through the catalog <b>105</b> by selecting one or more eligible items of goods and services. As will be understood by a person of ordinary skill, customers can review cost of items, detailed specification of items, opinions about items provided by other customers, and various other item related attributes displayed in the catalog. Exemplary screenshots showing a catalog of eligible goods and services, along with additional product information is shown in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12-FIG</figref>. <b>15</b> (including <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref>).

0059It will be appreciated that according to one aspect of the present disclosure, customers can be allowed to obtain additional product information through various other mechanisms as well. Such means include, for example, scanning inventory related attributes readable from a UPC bar code, SKU, QR code, RFID tag or other such identifiers on an item, using a camera on a mobile device or direct entry by customers into their mobile devices while in-store to determine if that item is in the online catalog <b>105</b> of eligible goods and services. According to another aspect, electronic readers provided by the store <b>113</b> provide additional product information.

0060As will be understood, after obtaining information about one or more products, a customer typically would select one or more such products to redeem, and would also provide quantity of items (from the selected products) desired, and a method of delivery of items in the customer's order. A customer can choose different options for delivery, including either in-store pick up or drop-ship to a suitable location. A screenshot showing an exemplary order prior to the order being placed, is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. Consequently, after selecting items, and the delivery methods of the selected item, a customer submits an order to the LPMS <b>117</b> for processing at step <b>3</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. (As will be understood, at step <b>3</b>, customers can alternatively choose to cancel an order, in which case the online catalog <b>105</b> will be re-displayed to the customer by the LPMS <b>117</b>.) It will be also understood that the total cost (in terms of loyalty points) of items in the customer's order cannot exceed the loyalty points balance (or, loyalty points accounts balance) of the customer, in which case the LPMS <b>117</b> will generate a message and inform the customer accordingly. In many scenarios, the customer can elect to pay the cost difference in dollars, usually with use of an accepted credit card or debit card, in the event that the number of customer's loyalty points are less the amount needed to redeem the item(s) in the customer's order.

0061As recited previously in step <b>3</b>, when placing an order a customer chooses a method of delivery for the order. If the customer chooses to drop-ship items in the order, the customer has to specify a location where the items will be shipped to. However, if the customer chooses an in-store pickup method of delivery, the customer specifies a preferred store location in the form of zip codes or a city/state corresponding to the customer's desired store pick-up location. According to one aspect, a location identification mechanism (such as GPS, or any other positioning technology) embedded in the mobile application associated with the LPMS user-interface <b>103</b> provides details of the customer's current location to the LPMS <b>117</b>. According to another aspect, if the customer uses a POS system at the store to access the LPMS <b>117</b>, then the POS system automatically provides the customer's current location. In yet another aspect, electronic tablet computing devices (such as an Apple® Ipad®) can also be used at the store to provide the customer's location to the LPMS <b>117</b>.

0062Accordingly, after receiving the customer's location, the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a list of stores around a fixed distance of the customer's selected location. According to one embodiment, a list of stores can be pre-stored in the LPMS <b>117</b> as available from suppliers, merchants and retailers, and such a list is updated intermittently or periodically. According to another embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> queries the merchant <b>109</b> in real time for a list of stores corresponding to the customer's location. An exemplary screenshot of a list of nearby stores corresponding to a customer's location is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>.

0063Although not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, it will be understood that upon reviewing the list of stores corresponding to the customer's location, the customer selects a store and confirms the order to be placed with the LPMS <b>117</b>. A screenshot showing an exemplary order placement page including a summary of the customer's order, is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>.

0064If customer places the order, then, after receiving the order from the customer, the LPMS <b>117</b> confirms (at step <b>4</b>) the customer's loyalty points balance corresponding to cost of items in customer's order, and thereafter submits the order with the respective merchant(s) <b>109</b> offering the items in the customer's order. It will be understood that submitting the order, in one embodiment, also entails the LPMS <b>117</b> exchanging item availability and order status detail information with the respective merchant (supplier). According to one alternate exemplary aspect, the LPMS places (at step <b>4</b>) a hold on an appropriate number of loyalty points from customer's loyalty points balance (or, loyalty points accounts balance), corresponding to cost of items in customer's order, and thereafter submits the order with the respective merchant(s) <b>109</b> offering the items in the customer's order. It will be understood that in alternate embodiments of the present system, the LPMS does not necessarily need to place a hold during a loyalty points transaction, as shown in step <b>4</b>. Alternately, the LPMS <b>117</b> can confirm with the LPP <b>123</b> that the customer has enough loyalty points corresponding to the cost of items in customer's order. Accordingly, the LPMS can update a customer's loyalty points while a transaction is in process, or alternately, after a transaction is complete.

0065According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the LPMS <b>117</b> submits the customer's order with suppliers <b>109</b> via supplier-provided APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). According to another embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> submits the order with suppliers by transmitting an email message containing details of the order. In yet another embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> transmits a formatted XML file containing details of the customer's order to the merchants. Detailed steps of a process performed by an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> in an exemplary customer's order involving loyalty points, will be shown with a flowchart in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

0066A merchant receives a real-time request related to the customer's order from the LPMS <b>117</b>, and thereby starts processing the order at step <b>5</b>. It will be understood that, if the customer <b>101</b> has indicated the delivery method for the items in the order to be picked up from a respective store location, then the merchant <b>109</b> first verifies that the items are available at the respective store location <b>113</b>, and subsequently submits the order to be picked up from the respective store location (say, for example store <b>113</b>). In turn, the store <b>113</b> processes the order, and responds back to the merchant <b>109</b> with availability information of items in the customer's order, along with pick up information if the items are available. Consequently, the merchant reverts back to an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> with the information provided by the store <b>113</b>.

0067If the customer <b>101</b> has chosen the item to be drop-shipped at step <b>3</b>, then in that case, the customer provides a shipping address when placing the order which is provided to the merchant <b>109</b> by the LPMS <b>117</b>, and the merchant <b>109</b> verifies availability of shipping option to the location specified in the customer's order. Additionally in that case, the merchant also verifies that the items are available at the warehouse locations from where the items are supposed to be shipped to the customer. Then, the merchant <b>109</b> reverts back to the LPMS <b>117</b> with the availability of shipping and additional tracking information.

0068In case the items are available (either for drop-ship or store pickup), the LPMS <b>117</b> deducts (at step <b>6</b>) the appropriate number of loyalty points from customer's loyalty points balance (or, loyalty points accounts balance). In case a hold was placed earlier, then, after the appropriate points are deducted from the customer's loyalty points balance, the hold is released. Further, the LPMS <b>117</b> informs the LPP <b>123</b> details relating to the customer's order and current loyalty points balance.

0069If the customer has specified in-store pickup as the method of delivery when placing the order at earlier step <b>3</b>, then in step <b>7</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> provides instructions to the customer related to store pickup information or shipping information, as applicable to the customer's order. It will be recalled that the pickup information was provided to the LPMS <b>117</b> by the merchant <b>109</b> at an earlier instance. (An exemplary screenshot illustrating instructions related to store pickup information of an exemplary order is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.) Upon receiving these instructions, customer picks up items from the store <b>113</b> and thereby a loyalty points transaction is completed. Although not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, according to one aspect, a final status of the customer's order and relevant loyalty points information is provided to the LPP <b>123</b> by the LPMS <b>117</b>, after the merchant (supplier) associated with the customer's order successfully processes the customer's order. In an exemplary loyalty points transaction involving a customer, an exemplary loyalty points table <b>115</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> indicates that customer John Doe had a balance of fifty thousand (50,000) loyalty points before a transaction, which reduces to twenty thousand (20,000) loyalty points after the transaction is completed.

0070It will be noted that in the event that the items are unavailable at the store where the customer desires to pick up the items in the order, or, are unable to be shipped for some reason, loyalty points are not deducted from the customer. According to one embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> queries the customer for providing alternate store locations, or alternate methods of delivery, and the process continues as recited previously. According to another embodiment, in case an item is unavailable, the LPMS <b>117</b> requests the customer <b>101</b> to provide alternate locations where the customer desires to pickup the item, and further after receiving the customer's input, the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates the customer's selection to the merchant (supplier). Detailed steps of a process performed by an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> in an exemplary loyalty points transaction involving loyalty points, is shown with a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

0071According to aspects of the present disclosure, loyalty points (a generic unit of currency) is converted into dollars according to predetermined conversion rates decided by the LPP and the entity that hosts the LPMS. For example, in one particular loyalty points redemption program offered by a particular LPP, the points-to-dollars conversion rate is 150 loyalty points per one dollar cost of goods and services, whereas in another loyalty points redemption program, the conversion rate is 250 loyalty points per one dollar cost of goods and services. Therefore, in the LPMS database <b>121</b> a loyalty points conversion table <b>215</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>) stores different points-to-dollars conversion rates for various loyalty points redemption programs offered by different LPPs. Dollars obtained from the conversion of members' loyalty points are provided by LPPs to the LPMS that in effect, enables the redemption of eligible goods and services from various merchants and retailers who are suppliers of goods and services associated with the respective loyalty points redemption programs. In one aspect, the LPMS <b>117</b> handles the conversion of loyalty points to dollars used for payment to such suppliers, merchants and retailers, and thereafter pays such suppliers, merchants and retailers using dollars obtained from the LPP after the conversion.

0072As recited previously, loyalty points redemption programs are associated with specific suppliers, merchants and retailers who offer eligible goods and services for sale to customers via the respective loyalty program. Data relating to such suppliers, merchants and retailers and the respective loyalty points redemption program they are associated with, in addition to eligible goods and services they offer to members of loyalty points redemption programs are stored in merchant eligibility table <b>221</b>, exemplarily shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>.

0073It will occur to one of ordinary skill that the same items of eligible goods and services can be offered by more than one merchant. Consequently, in such scenarios, the LPMS <b>117</b> then applies criteria on how to manage conflicts. A catalog presentment table <b>223</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>) contains criteria used in making a determination of which items to show members of loyalty programs when presenting a catalog, in what order, from which merchant, etc.

0074It will be understood and appreciated that in one embodiment of the present disclosure, customers can choose to redeem items using a combination of a dollar amount and redeemable loyalty points. An exemplary customer table <b>217</b> (stored in LPMS database <b>121</b>) showing pre-stored credit card information for customers who have redeemed program-eligible items using a combination of a dollar amount and loyalty points, is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

0075Additionally, it will be further understood that various other kinds of information can also be stored in the LPMS database <b>121</b>. Examples of such information includes customers' order history information in the LPMS database <b>121</b>. An exemplary order history table <b>219</b> showing customers' order history information is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

0076Exemplary screenshots of various embodiments of a LPMS interface are illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-19</figref>. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an exemplary screenshot displaying a login screen for members of a loyalty points redemption program to enter their login credentials. After successful login, members of a loyalty points redemption program, also referred to herein as customers, browse a catalog of eligible goods and services. Exemplary screenshots showing a catalog comprising categories and sub-categories therein, of eligible goods and services, along with additional product information are shown in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref>.

0077As will be understood and appreciated by one skilled in the art, if a customer decides to redeem one or more items listed in a catalog, then the customer begins a “checkout” process of those items. This entails the customer selecting the items and placing them in an online “shopping cart”. An exemplary screenshot illustrating an online shopping cart prior to placing an order is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. After the items are placed in a shopping cart, the customer specifies a method of delivery, including either pick-up from a store or drop-ship to a shipping location. If the customer specifies in-store pickup then the LPMS displays a list of nearby stores corresponding to a current location of the customer. An exemplary screenshot showing a list of nearby stores is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>. After the customer selects a store, then the LPMS verifies with the merchant associated with the customer's order that the item is available at the customer selected store. Upon successful verification, the LPMS displays an order placement page to the customer. An exemplary order placement page including a summary of the customer's order is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. After the customer places the order, the LPMS displays a final order confirmation page (exemplarily shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>) containing instructions for pickup.

0078As will be understood and appreciated, the screenshots displaying various LPMS user interfaces shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-19</figref> are for exemplary purposes only. Although the accompanying screenshots discuss an exemplary scenario wherein a customer is a member of a single loyalty points redemption program, it will be understood that a customer can be a member of multiple loyalty points redemption programs.

0079Furthermore as will be understood from the discussions in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6-FIG</figref>. <b>9</b>, merchants and suppliers associated with particular loyalty programs satisfy certain eligibility conditions imposed by the entity that hosts the LPMS <b>117</b> in conjunction with the LPP <b>123</b> to provide goods/services to customers of loyalty points redemption programs. Even further, such goods/services have to be available, and additionally have to satisfy certain criteria (for example, only goods from electronics products category are applicable, or goods that are available for in-store pick-up are eligible, etc.). Such criteria is decided by the eligible suppliers, the associated LPPs <b>123</b>, and the entity that hosts the LPMS <b>117</b>. The retail price of such available, program-eligible goods/services (a\k\a redemption items) are transformed into loyalty points based on different loyalty points conversion rates, predetermined by the LPP <b>123</b> and the entity that hosts the LPMS <b>117</b>, and consequently such goods/services are then available to be redeemed by members of loyalty points redemption programs.

0080The materials discussed above in association with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> merely provide an overview of an embodiment of the present system for loyalty points management and redemption, for purposes of fulfillment of loyalty points redemption program rewards. Hence, the discussions and accompanying drawings are not intended to limit in any way the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in an alternate embodiment customers can choose to have items drop-shipped to a convenient shipping location. Such an embodiment will be discussed in greater detail in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Accordingly, further embodiments of the systems and methods and more detailed discussions thereof is provided below and in the accompanying figures.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

0081Generally, one form of the present disclosure describes a system and method for the transformation of loyalty points (associated with loyalty points redemption programs) offered by a variety of LPPs, such as (but not limited to) airline companies, hotels, restaurants, credit card companies, financial institutions, etc. into fulfillment rewards earned by members of loyalty points redemption programs, wherein members of the loyalty points redemption programs are able to select eligible goods and services from suppliers, merchants and retailers in real-time by the use of a mobile device while inside the premises of the establishments of suppliers, merchants and retailers. It will be understood that the present system allows customers to access their loyalty points redemption program account and perform loyalty points transactions using Internet enabled computing devices such as laptops, desktops, smart phones etc. Moreover, it will also be understood that the system allows customers to access their loyalty points redemption program accounts and perform loyalty points transactions anywhere and anytime, and not limited to a store location as displayed exemplarily in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. For instance, customers can perform loyalty points transactions while at work, or from home, or other places and can later travel to a store location to pickup the goods/services redeemed by the loyalty points transaction. Alternatively, customers can have the goods/services delivered via a shipping service. The disclosed system, herein referred to as the LPMS, determines the availability and eligibility of goods and services to members of loyalty points redemption programs.

0082As will be understood and appreciated, the LPMS <b>117</b> administers and manages loyalty points redemption programs for multiple LPPs, each loyalty points redemption program subjected to predetermined rules and regulations that determine conditions for transactions involving loyalty points. Further, the LPMS can administer multiple loyalty points redemption programs offered by a LPP. Also, as can be understood, customers <b>101</b> can be members of more than one loyalty points redemption program, offered by the same or different LPPs. Generally, examples of LPPs may include (but not limited to) retailers, merchants, corporate organizations, car dealerships, banks or financial institutions, airline companies, and the like.

0083Turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, an exemplary LPMS architecture <b>200</b> is shown, comprising a LPMS management module <b>119</b> and an exemplary LPMS database <b>121</b>. The LPMS management module <b>119</b> further comprises various software modules and components involved in administering and managing loyalty points redemption program, and will be discussed in detail later. The LPMS database <b>121</b> stores exemplary data tables (which will be discussed in detail later) containing LPMS related data and manipulated/processed by software modules and components that comprise the LPMS <b>117</b>. Examples of LPMS data include (but are not limited to) multiple catalogs of eligible goods and services for a variety of loyalty points redemption programs offered by various LPPs <b>123</b>, history of previous transactions performed by customers, and the like. (Detailed steps of a process performed by an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> in an exemplary customer transaction involving loyalty points, will be discussed with a flowchart in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.)

0084In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, it is seen that the LPMS <b>117</b> further comprises a catalog module <b>205</b>, a transaction module <b>207</b>, and a user interface (UI) module <b>209</b>. Catalog module <b>205</b> is responsible for assimilating inventory information from various suppliers (merchants) to be sorted and combined into a single consolidated format. As will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, communication between the catalog module <b>205</b> and the merchants <b>109</b> typically proceeds via one of the following: supplier-provided APIs, email messages, or XML formatted messages. It will be understood that the catalog module is also responsible for normalizing the heterogeneous information received from a variety of suppliers in different formats and different merchant-identifying parameters into a single standardized format. Examples of such heterogeneous information include (but are not limited to) product name, product description, product price, product availability, shipping availability, product image, customer review/rating, and the like. The catalog module <b>205</b> operates in association with a transaction module <b>207</b> which will be described next.

0085Transaction module <b>207</b> interacts with LPPs and suppliers (of loyalty points redemption program eligible goods and services) for purposes of handling loyalty points transactions. In interacting with LPPs, the transaction module <b>207</b> performs various functions such as informing LPPs of customers' orders (and optionally, the loyalty points redeemed with the respective orders), creating orders based on inputs received from customers, etc. In addition to the above-mentioned tasks, the transaction module <b>207</b> interacts with suppliers to place customer's orders, monitoring the statuses of customer's orders while they are being processed by the suppliers in various stages. As will be understood, various other functions can be performed by the transaction module <b>207</b>, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Conversion rate is a critical function on this table however many business rules apply and are applied by the LPMS as they pertain to each individual LPP.

0086The functions of the UI module <b>209</b> generally include, among other things, serving the LPMS portal (and its associated pages, responses, data, and other content) to consumers <b>101</b> who access the LPMS <b>117</b> using the web, a mobile device or otherwise. Detailed steps and processes performed by the constituent modules of the LPMS <b>117</b> e.g., catalog module <b>205</b>, transaction module <b>207</b>, and UI module <b>209</b> will be further discussed in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Furthermore, various steps shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> have been annotated with the reference numerals <b>205</b>, <b>207</b>, and <b>209</b> to associate the steps with at least one of the software modules, e.g, catalog module <b>205</b>, transaction module <b>207</b>, and UI module <b>209</b>, in one exemplary embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b>. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, various other modules and components (different from the ones described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) can comprise the LPMS <b>117</b> in alternate embodiments.

0087Further, it can be seen that the LPMS database <b>121</b> comprises data tables such as a catalog table <b>211</b>, a merchant table <b>213</b>, a loyalty points conversion table <b>215</b>, a customer table <b>217</b>, an order history table <b>219</b>, a merchant eligibility table <b>221</b>, and a catalog presentment table <b>223</b>. Exemplary data entries stored in these data tables will be discussed in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> respectively. A brief description of the above-mentioned data table follows next.

0088Catalog table <b>211</b> stores product related information such as a list of eligible goods and services that are available through a particular loyalty program offered by a LPP, technical specification of products, pricing, name of merchant(s) who offers the products for sale, etc.

0089Merchant table <b>213</b> stores merchant related data such as local sales taxes charged in various states where the merchant operates, merchant's capability of providing shipping or in-store pick up of goods redeemable by loyalty points redemption programs, etc.

0090As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, different loyalty points redemption programs offer different rates of conversion of members' loyalty points into dollars that are used by members to redeem eligible goods or services. For example, in one particular loyalty points redemption program offered by a particular LPP, the points-to-dollars conversion rate is 150 loyalty points per one dollar cost of goods and services, whereas in another loyalty points redemption program, the conversion rate is 250 loyalty points per one dollar cost of goods and services. Therefore, in the LPMS database <b>121</b> a loyalty points conversion table <b>215</b> stores different points-to-dollars conversion rates for various loyalty points redemption programs offered by different LPPs. Furthermore, different rates of conversion of members' loyalty points into dollars or vice-versa, are typically applied in conjunction with various business rules that will be discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>.

0091As will be understood, loyalty points redemption programs are associated with specific suppliers, merchants and retailers who offer eligible goods and services for sale to customers via the respective loyalty program. Data relating to such suppliers, merchants and retailers and the respective loyalty points redemption program they are associated with, in addition to eligible goods and services they offer to members of loyalty points redemption programs are stored in merchant eligibility table <b>221</b>. In other words, (and as will be understood better from the discussions in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6-FIG</figref>. <b>9</b>), merchants and suppliers associated with particular loyalty programs satisfy certain eligibility conditions imposed by the entity that hosts the LPMS <b>117</b> in conjunction with the LPP <b>123</b> to provide goods/services to customers of loyalty points redemption programs. Even further, such goods/services have to be available, and additionally have to satisfy certain criteria (for example, only goods from electronics products category are applicable, or goods that are available for in-store pick-up are eligible, etc.). Such criteria is decided by the eligible suppliers, the associated LPPs <b>123</b>, and the entity that hosts the LPMS <b>117</b>. The retail price of such available, program-eligible goods/services (a\k\a redemption items) are transformed into loyalty points based on different loyalty points conversion rates, predetermined by the LPP <b>123</b> and the entity that hosts the LPMS <b>117</b>, and consequently such goods/services are then available to be redeemed by members of loyalty points redemption programs.

0092It will occur to one of ordinary skill that the same items of eligible goods and services can be offered by more than one merchant. Consequently, in such scenarios, the LPMS <b>117</b> then applies criteria on how to manage conflicts. A catalog presentment table <b>223</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>) contains criteria used in making a determination of which items to show members of loyalty programs when presenting a catalog, in what order, from which merchant, etc. For example, the LPMS is able to present an item from only one supplier when an item is available from multiple suppliers by utilizing predetermined business rules, or can present an item multiple times when the same item is available from more than one supplier. Furthermore, in another example, business rules associated with LPPs and merchants/suppliers, the LPMS also presents various options of delivery of redemption items to customers.

0093Information pertaining to members of loyalty points redemption programs are stored in a customer table <b>217</b>. Examples of such information include (but are not limited to) members' names, members' credit card numbers for members who obtained goods and services using a combination of redeemable loyalty points and a dollar amount, and several other member-related attributes. In one exemplary embodiment of the LPMS, transaction history information of members associated with a loyalty points redemption program are stored in a order history table <b>219</b> in the LPMS database <b>121</b>. As recited previously, additional details of loyalty points conversion table <b>215</b>, merchant eligibility table <b>221</b>, catalog presentment table <b>223</b>, customer table <b>217</b>, and order history table <b>219</b>, will be discussed later in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> respectively.

0094Also shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, is the LPP <b>123</b> which further comprises a LPP management module <b>225</b> and a LPP database <b>227</b>. It will be understood that the LPP <b>123</b> owns and operates a computer system called as the Loyalty Points Provider System (LPPS). For purposes of the discussions herein and the accompanying drawings, the terms LPP and LPPS have been used interchangeably. The functions of the LPP management module <b>225</b> include, among other things, monitoring and handling loyalty points accounts (including members' loyalty points balance, details of loyalty points transactions performed etc.) of individual members, tracking members' activities in connection with earning loyalty points and communicating the same to the LPMS <b>117</b>, and several other functions. Data pertaining to the functions of the LPP management module <b>225</b> is stored in the LPP database <b>227</b>.

0095As can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the architecture <b>200</b> includes the LPMS <b>117</b>, a merchant <b>109</b> (exemplarily called Walbuy), wherein the merchant <b>109</b> comprises a merchant inventory database <b>201</b> (that typically stores the merchant's inventory information such as pricing, quantity, availability, store locations, etc.) and a merchant transaction system <b>111</b> that processes customer orders communicated via the network <b>107</b> by the LPMS <b>117</b>, subsequent to the LPMS receiving such orders from customers <b>101</b> through their end devices (such as computers and smart phones, as shown for example in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>).

0096In other words, it will be understood that customers <b>101</b> use their end devices (generally shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> with the reference numeral <b>101</b>) over a network <b>107</b>, to access the LPMS <b>117</b> for a loyalty points transaction via a LPMS user interface <b>103</b> that is hosted in the UI module <b>209</b>. As will be understood, the communication protocol between the end devices and the LPMS, between the LPP <b>123</b> and the LPMS <b>117</b>, and also between the merchants <b>109</b> and the LPMS <b>117</b> as shown via networks <b>107</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> may vary depending on the type of network (cellular 3G, cellular 4G, Wimax, Wi-Fi, etc.), and the type of device (GSM technology based, CDMA technology based, or other various other communications standards based).

0097As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, various other modules, software engines, and data tables can comprise an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b>. The modules, software engines, and data tables discussed in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> are for exemplary purposes only, alternate embodiments are not limited to the specific modules and software engines discussed herein. It will be further understood and appreciated that the single merchant <b>109</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is for the purpose of illustration only. According to one aspect, functionalities of the Catalog module <b>205</b> and the Transaction Module <b>207</b> can be merged into a single module. According to another aspect, functionalities of the UI Module <b>209</b>, Catalog module <b>205</b>, and the Transaction Module <b>207</b> can be configured in a manner such that communications/processing involving the LPMS <b>117</b>, the LPPs <b>123</b>, and the merchants <b>109</b> are handled by a single module, whereas communications with the customer including display of various interfaces is handled by another module. Although the description in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> indicates a single LPP <b>123</b> and a single merchant <b>109</b>, it will be understood that the LPMS manages multiple loyalty points redemption programs offered by a plurality of LPPs, the loyalty points redemption programs being associated with a plurality suppliers, merchants and retailers, wherein members of one or more loyalty points redemption programs can redeem loyalty points to obtain loyalty points redemption program-eligible goods and services offered by multiple merchants who satisfy eligibility conditions determined by the LPMS and/or the LPPs. Additional details and exemplary eligibility conditions for merchants (suppliers) as well as various goods/services offered by them will be discussed with exemplary data tables in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6-FIG</figref>. <b>8</b> (including <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>).

0098<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an exemplary sequence diagram illustrating the steps involved in the interactions between various components of an embodiment of the present system, for purposes of fulfillment of loyalty points rewards to members of a loyalty points redemption program, wherein the present embodiment provides to customers the benefit of picking up the fulfillment items while the member is shopping inside the premises of a merchant store. In the embodiment discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a LPMS <b>117</b> provides manages and administers various aspects of a loyalty points redemption program offered by a LPP <b>123</b> in order to provide fulfillment of loyalty points rewards to customers <b>101</b> who are members of a loyalty points redemption program. Such fulfillment rewards include eligible goods and/or services offered by merchants <b>109</b> that are associated with particular loyalty points redemption programs.

0099As will be understood, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a single LPP, a single merchant and a single customer. Alternate embodiments can involve the LPMS managing multiple loyalty points redemption programs offered by a plurality of LPPs, the loyalty points redemption programs being associated with a plurality suppliers, merchants and retailers, wherein members of one or more loyalty points redemption programs can redeem loyalty points to obtain loyalty points redemption program-eligible goods and services. In the description that follows, various real-time electronic status exchanges related along with various computer implemented processes involved in a customer's transaction involving the customer <b>101</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b>, the LPP <b>123</b>, the merchant <b>109</b>, and the merchant store <b>113</b> will be explained with the help of a sequence diagram.

0100Starting at step <b>1</b><i>a </i>in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a customer <b>101</b> logs (using customer's login credentials) into the LPMS via a user interface (exemplarily shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>) using an end device such as a laptop computer or a smartphone. As will be understood, in an alternate instance customers may also log into the LPP <b>123</b> at step <b>1</b><i>b</i><b>1</b>, and thereafter the LPP <b>123</b> will handoff (at step <b>1</b><i>b</i><b>2</b>) the customer session to the LPMS <b>117</b> after successful login. It will be further understood that customers who log in to the LPMS <b>117</b> or the LPP <b>123</b> can perform loyalty points transaction to redeem eligible goods/services, or alternatively, customers can browse a catalog without redeeming goods/services, or even further, customers can review their loyalty points account to obtain information related to loyalty points balance, history of previous loyalty points transactions, etc. Detailed steps of a process performed by an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> in an exemplary loyalty points transaction to redeem eligible goods/services, are shown with a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

0101At step <b>2</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> displays to the customer a page containing a catalog (more specifically, a redemption catalog) of eligible goods/services associated with the loyalty points redemption program that the customer is a member of. In other words, loyalty points redemption programs can have different catalogs of eligible goods and services, associated with different loyalty points redemption programs (for example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>) offered by the same or different LPPs, wherein the goods and services are offered by a variety of suppliers, retailers and merchants. As will be further understood, the catalog is updated by the LPMS <b>117</b> frequently to reflect changes in availability, quantity, pricing, or any inventory changes as communicated by suppliers, merchants and retailers. Generally, the catalog is a products catalog stored as a data table in the LPMS database <b>121</b>, as shown exemplarily in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. It will be understood that the catalog displayed to a customer is a result of the application of various criteria or business rules (for example, discussed exemplarily in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>) on a products catalog.

0102After the catalog <b>105</b> is displayed, customers <b>101</b> browse through the catalog <b>105</b> and places an order (at step <b>3</b>) by selecting one or more items to redeem. In one embodiment, after the customer <b>101</b> selects an item, the LPMS <b>117</b> queries (at step <b>4</b>) the merchant <b>109</b> who offers the item selected by the customer for sale, for additional product information relating to the selected item. Examples of additional information include detailed specification, item eligibility of being fulfilled in-store, opinions and reviews on the selected item provided by other customers, item availability etc. Exemplary screenshots showing a catalog of eligible goods and services, along with additional product information is shown in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12-FIG</figref>. <b>15</b> (including <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref>).

0103Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, at step <b>5</b>, the merchant <b>109</b> provides additional product information in response to the LPMS's query at previous step <b>4</b>. At the next step <b>6</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> displays additional product information to the customer <b>101</b>, and waits for the customer's response. In turn, at step <b>7</b>, the customer indicates the desire to buy one or more items by placing an order for the item(s) in an online shopping cart. (An exemplary screenshot displaying an online shopping cart with options for in-store pickup as displayed to a customer is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>.) Consequently, on receiving the customer's order in the online shopping cart, the LPMS <b>117</b> begins (at step <b>8</b>) the checkout process.

0104In one embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b>, customers can browse items in a catalog without logging into the LPMS <b>117</b>. In such scenarios, the LPMS <b>117</b> verifies that the customer is a valid customer (by asking the customer to enter the customer's login credentials) during the checkout process. If the customer has already been successfully validated (for example, at step <b>1</b><i>b</i><b>1</b> or at step <b>1</b><i>a </i>in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), then no further validation is necessary.

0105At step <b>9</b>, customer <b>101</b> indicates to the LPMS <b>117</b> a preferred method of delivery of the item(s) selected earlier in step <b>3</b>. In one embodiment of the present system, the customer can pick up the item(s) while inside the premises of a merchant store location, or, can opt to pick up the item(s) by travelling to the store location at a later time. In another embodiment, the present system allows the customer to select a drop-ship method of delivery of the selected item(s), via a suitable shipping service. In the description of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> that follows, it will be assumed that the customer intends to pick-up item(s) in-store while inside the premises of a merchant store location, and indicates such an intention to the LPMS <b>117</b> at step <b>9</b>.

0106In one embodiment of in-store pickup of selected item(s), the customer further specifies a current location in the form of zip codes or a city/state corresponding to the customer's desired store pick-up location. According to one aspect, a location identification mechanism (such as GPS, or any other positioning technology) embedded in the mobile application associated with a LPMS user-interface provides details of the customer's selected location to the LPMS <b>117</b>. According to another aspect, if the customer uses a POS system at the store to access the LPMS <b>117</b>, then the POS system automatically provides the customer's current location.

0107Based on the customer's location obtained via customer's input or a location identification mechanism (such as GPS), the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a list of stores around a fixed distance of the customer's current location where the items are potentially available. According to one embodiment, a list of stores can be pre-stored in the LPMS <b>117</b> as available from suppliers, merchants and retailers, and such a list is updated intermittently or periodically.

0108According to another embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> queries (at step <b>10</b>) the merchant <b>109</b> in real-time for a list of store locations where the item(s) is (are) available. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it will be understood and appreciated that the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates with suppliers via supplier-provided APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

0109As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, at step <b>11</b>, the merchant <b>109</b> provides a response via a respective merchant API to the LPMS <b>117</b> with a list of store locations where the item(s) is (are) usually available. The LPMS <b>117</b> displays such a list to the customer <b>101</b> at step <b>12</b>. It will be understood and appreciated that if the selected item(s) are not available at any store location, then the merchant <b>109</b> would indicate the unavailability to the LPMS in step <b>10</b>, and the LPMS would further indicate that to the customer at step <b>12</b>. An exemplary screenshot illustrating a list of merchant store locations, as displayed to a customer is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>).

0110If the item(s) are available for in-store pickup at one or more store locations, at step <b>13</b>, then the customer <b>101</b> selects a corresponding store from the displayed list of stores. The LPMS receives the customer's response, and subsequently at step <b>14</b> the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a summary (exemplarily shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>) of the customer's order to the customer, and thereafter at step <b>15</b>, the customer <b>101</b> confirms the order.

0111After receiving the order from the customer, the LPMS <b>117</b> places (at step <b>16</b>) a hold on an appropriate number of loyalty points from customer's loyalty points balance, corresponding to cost of items in customer's order, and submits the order with the merchant <b>109</b> at step <b>17</b>. (Detailed steps of a process performed by an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> in an exemplary customer's order involving loyalty points, are shown with a flowchart in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.) It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that in alternate embodiments of the present system, the LPMS does not necessarily need to place a hold during a loyalty points transaction, as shown in step <b>17</b>. Alternately, the LPMS can confirm with the LPP that the customer has enough loyalty points corresponding to cost of items in customer's order. Accordingly, the LPMS can update a customer's loyalty points after a transaction is complete, or even, after an order has been processed successfully by a merchant (supplier).

0112Continuing with the description of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a merchant receives a real-time request related to the customer's order from the LPMS <b>117</b>, and thereby starts processing the order. Processing the customer's order by the merchant, involves among other things, the merchant <b>109</b> verifying that the items are available at the respective store location <b>113</b>. In case the items are available, at step <b>18</b>, the merchant <b>109</b> submits the order with the respective store <b>113</b>. In turn, the store <b>113</b> processes the order, and responds (at step <b>19</b>) back to the merchant <b>109</b> with availability information of items in the customer's order, alongwith pick up information if the items are available. Consequently, the merchant reverts back to an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> with the information provided by the store <b>113</b>, as shown in step <b>20</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0113In case the items are available, at following step <b>21</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> deducts the appropriate number of loyalty points from customer's loyalty points balance that were placed on hold earlier (at step <b>17</b>). Further, the LPMS <b>117</b> informs (at step <b>22</b>) the LPP <b>123</b> of the customer's order and current loyalty points balance. In one exemplary embodiment, the LPP <b>123</b> displays an order confirmation message to the customer <b>101</b> at step <b>23</b>. Then, in the next step <b>24</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> provides instructions to the customer related to pickup information of the selected items from the store <b>113</b>. It will be recalled that the pickup information was provided to the LPMS <b>117</b> by the merchant <b>109</b> at an earlier instance, for example at step <b>20</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. An exemplary screenshot illustrating instructions related to store pickup information of an exemplary order is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>. Upon receiving these instructions, customer picks up items from the store <b>113</b> and completes the loyalty points transaction at step <b>25</b>.

0114Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, at step <b>26</b>, the store <b>113</b> communicates to the merchant <b>109</b> that the customer has picked up the item(s). In turn, the merchant <b>109</b> informs (at step <b>27</b>) the LPMS <b>117</b> that the customer has picked up the item(s). A final status of the customer's order and current (updated) loyalty points balance is provided to the LPP <b>123</b> by the LPMS <b>117</b> at step <b>28</b>. Eventually, at step <b>29</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a message to the customer that the loyalty points transaction is complete. In one exemplary aspect, various status exchanges (and/or messages) related to a customer's transaction involving the LPMS <b>117</b>, the LPP <b>123</b>, the merchant <b>109</b>, and the customers are typically stored in a LPMS database.

0115As will be understood and appreciated, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific processes or sequences for loyalty points transaction as described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, and other embodiments may implement other processes as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. As will be understood and appreciated, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific processes or sequences for management of loyalty points redemption programs as discussed herein, and other embodiments may implement other sequences as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, various steps as shown in the sequence diagram are “sequence agnostic,” that is, various steps do not necessarily be carried out in particular order or sequence, but may be effected in varying orders and sequences for specific purposes, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Likewise, it will be appreciated that certain steps are optional, such as, for example, those involving determining or updating a customer's loyalty points balance, determining availability of a redemption item, retrieving detailed item information, determining a loyalty points price of an item, and the like. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in alternate embodiments of the present system, the LPMS does not necessarily need to place a hold during a loyalty points transaction, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Alternately, the LPMS can update a customer's loyalty points after a transaction is complete, or even, after the LPMS is informed by a merchant that the merchant has placed an order for the item. Additionally, the LPMS can communicate can with the LPP in real-time while a customer's transaction is in process, or alternately, after a transaction is complete.

0116Further, embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable on any number of loyalty points redemption programs offered by a variety of LPPs in association with different suppliers, merchants and retailers who offer their items for sale to customers who are members of one or several loyalty points redemption programs. Even further, various messages that are displayed to the customer can be in the form of email communication, on-screen display, text messages sent to a customer's phone or any combination of the above.

0117As recited previously, according to aspects of the present disclosure, customers can access their loyalty program account directly by logging into the LPMS <b>117</b> portal either using a mobile phone application software installed on a smart phone, or alternatively via a web browser on any Internet enabled computing device, including computers and smart phones.

0118Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a flowchart is shown illustrating computer-implemented steps <b>400</b> performed in an exemplary customer session with the LPP <b>123</b>, specifically from the perspective of the LPP Management Module <b>225</b>. Customers can choose to log into a web portal hosted by the LPMS <b>117</b> or by the LPP <b>123</b> for various tasks associated with their loyalty points account. Examples of such tasks include obtaining information related to their loyalty points balance, reviewing history of previous loyalty points transactions, performing a loyalty points transaction, and various other tasks. As recited previously, aspects of the present system allow for fulfillment of loyalty points rewards to members of loyalty points redemption programs offered by various LPPs, wherein customers can choose to pick up the fulfillment items while shopping inside the premises of a merchant store. Examples of LPPs include airline companies, hotels, restaurants, credit card companies, financial institutions, etc. In what follows, details of the computer-implemented steps <b>400</b> performed in an exemplary customer session will be described next.

0119Starting at step <b>402</b>, a network session is initiated with a customer during which the customer's credentials are received by the LPP <b>123</b>. As recited previously, customers can log into the LPP <b>123</b> portal either using a mobile phone application software installed on a smart phone, or alternatively via a web browser on any Internet enabled computing device, including computers and smart phones. After receiving the customer's credentials, the LPP <b>123</b> validates the customer's credentials at step <b>404</b>. Then, at step <b>406</b>, the LPP <b>123</b> determines whether the customer is a valid customer or not. If the LPP <b>123</b> determines that the customer is not a valid customer, then the LPP displays (at step <b>408</b>) a message to the customer indicating that the credentials provided by the customer are not valid.

0120If the LPP determines at step <b>406</b> that the customer's credentials are valid, then the LPP <b>123</b> hands off the customer's network session to the LPMS <b>117</b>. With reference to the disclosure as presented herein, the customer session after hand off continues to be handled by a LPP process, particularly onwards from step <b>509</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. As will be understood and will be described in greater detail in the next paragraph, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> indicates a flowchart showing details of computer-implemented steps performed by an embodiment of the LPMS in processing a loyalty points transaction, wherein at step <b>509</b> the LPMS <b>117</b> assembles a catalog of eligible goods and services associated with a particular loyalty program offered by a particular LPP, the catalog being the result of application of various business rules on a generic products catalog that is usually a master collection of goods and services from all suppliers affiliated with the LPMS. An exemplary products catalog and various exemplary business rules applicable on the items in a product catalog will be discussed in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref> respectively. Exemplary screenshots showing various goods and services associated with a particular loyalty program are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12-FIG</figref>. <b>14</b>. It will be further understood that the hand off of the customer session (at step <b>410</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) is performed seamlessly in such a manner that the customer lands in a webpage displaying (step <b>510</b> of the process described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) the catalog <b>105</b> of eligible goods and services, and thereafter the customer session is handled by the LPMS <b>117</b>. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various encryption methods and data transfer protocols are involved in a hand off of a customer session.

0121Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> (consisting of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref>), a flowchart <b>500</b> is shown illustrating steps and processes performed by various software modules and components of an embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b>. It will be recalled from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> that the LPMS <b>117</b> comprises a LPMS management module <b>119</b> which further comprises a catalog module <b>205</b>, a transaction module <b>207</b>, and a user interface (UI) module <b>209</b>. In the embodiment discussed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> a flowchart is shown wherein various steps of the flowchart have been annotated with either of the reference numerals <b>205</b>, <b>207</b>, <b>209</b> enclosed within parenthesis, indicative of the particular step being performed by one of the above-mentioned software modules, in an exemplary loyalty points transaction involving a customer, a LPP <b>123</b> and a merchant <b>109</b>.

0122It will be recalled from our previous discussions that a merchant <b>109</b> is a supplier of goods and services associated with the loyalty points redemption program that is offered by the LPP <b>123</b> to the customer, wherein the loyalty points redemption program is managed and administered by the LPMS <b>117</b>. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the LPMS maintains a catalog of eligible items of goods or services that are redeemable by customers' loyalty points. It will be understood that the LPMS (more particularly, the catalog module <b>205</b>) is also responsible for normalizing the heterogeneous information received from a variety of suppliers in different formats and different merchant-identifying parameters into a single standardized format before presenting as a catalog to customers. Examples of such heterogeneous information include (but are not limited to) product name, product description, product price in terms of a rewards currency, product availability, shipping availability, product image, customer review/rating, and the like.

0123Customers who are members of a loyalty points redemption program can access the catalog associated with the loyalty points redemption program via a browser on a customer's electronic device (such as laptops, desktops, tablets, smart phones, PDAs, etc.) or through an app on a customer's mobile device. The system, communicates with the LPMS to display the loyalty points available, and an online catalog maintained by the LPMS, and further allows the customer to view details of selected items that are available in the catalog for redemption using the customer's loyalty points. If the customer selects one or more items and places an order, the LPMS communicates with one or more merchants (suppliers) that provide such items (eligible goods and services) to ensure that the items are still available and begins processing the customer's order. Customers can elect via the mobile device to pick up the item while in store (real-time) or upon travel to that particular store. It will be noted that an entire loyalty points transaction takes place in real-time, allowing the customer the benefit of picking up redemption items while inside the premises of a merchant's store location, if the customer desires to do so and places the order while shopping at the merchant's store location. Alternately, customers can place an order via an electronic device and choose to have item(s) in the order drop-shipped to a convenient location.

0124In one embodiment, customers can access their loyalty points redemption program account via a web browser on a laptop, desktop or any computing device that is Internet-enabled. Subsequently, customers can select one or more items and place an order for fulfillment items, which the LPMS communicates to one or more merchants (suppliers) that provide the fulfillment items (eligible goods and services) to ensure that the items are still available and begins processing the customer's order. If the items are available, customers can elect to travel to the store and pickup their order, or can alternatively opt to have the items delivered via a shipping service. In what follows, detailed steps involved in management and redemption of loyalty points for purposes of fulfillment of loyalty points redemption program reward, as performed by an embodiment of the LPMS with options for in-store pickup or alternatively shipping delivery, will be described.

0125Starting at step <b>502</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, a network session is initiated with a customer during which the customer's credentials (for example, a login and a password combination) are received by the LPMS <b>117</b>. As recited previously, customers can log into the LPMS <b>117</b> portal either using a mobile phone application software installed on a smart phone, or alternatively via a web browser on any Internet enabled computing device, including computers as well as smart phones. It will be understood that customers can be at any place when logging into the LPMS portal, e.g., customer's home, place of work, on the road, a store location, or any other place. Although not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, it will be understood that the LPMS <b>117</b> identifies the loyalty points redemption program(s) (and, correspondingly the associated LPPs <b>123</b>) that a customer is associated with, based on the customer's unique login credentials.

0126After receiving (through an interface as shown exemplarily in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>) the customer's credentials, the LPMS <b>117</b> validates the customer's credentials at step <b>504</b>. Then, at step <b>506</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> determines whether the customer is a valid customer or not. If the LPMS <b>117</b> determines that the customer is not a valid customer, then the LPMS <b>117</b> displays (at step <b>508</b>) a message to the customer indicating that the credentials provided by the customer are not valid, and the process ends thereafter.

0127If the LPMS <b>117</b> determines at step <b>506</b> that the customer's credentials are valid, then at step <b>509</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> assembles a catalog (more, specifically a redemption catalog) of eligible goods and services associated with a particular loyalty program offered by a particular LPP, the redemption catalog being the result of application of various business rules on a generic products catalog, wherein a products catalog is usually a master collection of all goods and services offered by all suppliers affiliated with the LPMS. An exemplary products catalog and various exemplary business rules applicable on the items in a product catalog will be discussed in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref> respectively. Then at step <b>510</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, the LPMS displays a page containing the redemption catalog (or simply, catalog) of eligible goods and services to the customer, and further waits (at step <b>512</b>) for the customer's response. Although not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, it will be understood that in one embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> retrieves (from a LPMS database <b>121</b>) and further displays the customer's name and the customer's loyalty points balance (pre-stored in a LPMS database <b>121</b>), on the page wherein the catalog is displayed, as shown exemplarily in region <b>1202</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12-FIG</figref>. <b>18</b>. In another embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates in real-time with the LPP(s <b>123</b> associated with the loyalty points redemption program(s) that the customer is a member of, to retrieve the customer's loyalty points balance. In yet another embodiment, a customer is able to browse a catalog page and review loyalty points redemption program catalogs, maintained by the LPMS <b>117</b> without logging in to the LPMS portal, but cannot perform a loyalty points transaction unless the customer's login credentials are validated.

0128As will be recalled from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, loyalty points redemption program catalogs are updated by the LPMS <b>117</b> frequently to reflect changes in availability, quantity, pricing, or any inventory changes as communicated by suppliers, merchants, wholesalers, and retailers. Exemplary screenshots showing a catalog of eligible goods and services that are displayed to a customer who is performing a loyalty points transaction, along with additional product information are shown in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12-FIG</figref>. <b>14</b>.

0129Next, the customer provides a response which is received by the LPMS <b>117</b>. Thus, at step <b>514</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> determines whether the customer's response indicates customer has selected an item and further desires to obtain additional information for the selected item. If the LPMS <b>117</b> determines that the customer's response indicates the customer has selected an item and further desires to obtain additional information for the selected item, then at step <b>516</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates with the respective merchant (supplier) to obtain additional information for the item selected by the customer, wherein the selected item is offered for sale by the respective merchant. Such additional information comprises price of item, eligibility of item for in-store pickup, customer reviews, item availability, etc. Communication between the LPMS <b>117</b> and the merchants typically proceeds via merchant-provided APIs or via email, or even via formatted XML documents, as recited previously.

0130At step <b>518</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, the LPMS <b>117</b> receives additional information for the item selected by the customer from the merchant, then displays this additional information to the customer at step <b>520</b>, and subsequently waits for the customer's response at step <b>522</b>. (Exemplary screenshots displaying additional product information is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref>.) In turn, the customer reviews the additional information for the item, and provides a response. If the customer desires to redeem the selected item, then the customer inserts the selected item in an online shopping cart to indicate that the customer desires to redeem the selected item. Consequently, at step <b>524</b> the LPMS <b>117</b> determines from the customer's response if the customer desires to redeem the selected item. If the LPMS <b>117</b> determines that the customer does not desire to redeem the selected item, then the LPMS <b>117</b> goes back to the earlier step <b>510</b> in order to re-display the page containing the catalog of goods and services, to the customer.

0131However, if the LPMS <b>117</b> determines at step <b>524</b> that the customer's response indicates desire to redeem the selected item (in other words, the selected item is inserted in the online shopping car by the customer), then the process moves to next step <b>526</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>. At step <b>526</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> displays an online shopping cart along with a price of the selected item, as well as available method(s) of delivery available for the selected item, and then waits for the customer's response thereafter at step <b>528</b>. Screenshot of an exemplary LPMS user interface illustrative of an online shopping cart prior to placement of an order by customers, is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. As will be understood and appreciated, information displayed in the online shopping cart is retrieved from pre-stored information in the LPMS database <b>121</b> in addition to the additional information received from the merchant at earlier step <b>518</b>.

0132The customer reviews the online shopping cart (exemplarily shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>) prior to placing an order and selects a method of delivery for the selected item. As previously noted, according to aspects of the present disclosure, available methods of delivery for items offered for sale by merchants (suppliers) include an in-store pickup by the customer, or drop-ship via a suitable shipping service. According to one aspect, an order includes information comprising selection of a certain number of loyalty points, selection of an available method of delivery, and selection of one or more redemption items. For example, redemption items may be available for in-store pickup only, drop-ship only, or via both in-store as well as drop-ship delivery options. The price of a redemption items vary depending on the supplier, method of delivery, and various other factors. Typically, available methods of delivery for items offered for sale are decided by suppliers beforehand in time. Such decisions are provided to the LPMS <b>117</b>, and pre-stored in an exemplary merchant table in the LPMS database <b>121</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. However, in alternate embodiments, suppliers can make such a decision regarding available methods of delivery for items offered for sale, on the fly in real-time while a loyalty points transaction is being processed.

0133Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, at step <b>532</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> determines whether or not the customer's response indicates the preferred method of delivery as in-store pickup by the customer. It will be understood that according to an alternate aspect of the present disclosure and as recited previously, the customer can choose to have drop-ship of the item as the preferred method of delivery. Details of the steps implemented by the LPMS <b>117</b> if the customer chooses drop-ship as the preferred method of delivery will be described later (starting at step <b>567</b>) herein. In what follows, details of the steps implemented by the LPMS <b>117</b> if the customer chooses in-store pickup as the preferred method of delivery, will be described next.

0134If the customer's response indicates in-store pickup, then the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates (at step <b>534</b>) with the merchant to enquire about item availability and list of store locations where the item is available, and thereafter receives a corresponding response from the merchant at step <b>536</b>. Consequently, at step <b>538</b> the LPMS <b>117</b> determines whether the merchant's response indicates item availability. If the merchant's response indicates that the item is unavailable, then the LPMS <b>117</b> displays (at step <b>540</b>) a message to the customer indicating that the item is unavailable. As will be understood, an item is unavailable when the merchant is out of stock for the item selected by the customer.

0135As mentioned previously, if the customer chooses in-store pickup as the preferred method of delivery then the customer specifies a current location in the form of zip codes or a city/state corresponding to the customer's desired store pick-up location. According to one aspect, a location identification mechanism (such as GPS, or any other positioning technology) embedded in the mobile application associated with the LPMS user-interface <b>103</b> provides details of the customer's current location to the LPMS <b>117</b>. According to another aspect, if the customer uses a POS system at the store to access the LPMS <b>117</b>, then the POS system automatically provides the customer's current location. In yet another aspect, electronic tablet computing devices (such as an Apple® Ipad®) can also be used at the store to provide the customer's location to the LPMS <b>117</b>.

0136Continuing with the description of step <b>538</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, if the LPMS <b>117</b> determines that the item is available, then the process moves on to step <b>542</b> (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref>) in which the LPMS <b>117</b> displays the item's availability information to the customer along with a list of store locations, and waits for the customer's response thereafter at step <b>544</b> to select a particular store. As will be understood, the item's availability information to the customer along with a list of store locations, was provided to the LPMS <b>117</b> by the merchant at an earlier instance at step <b>536</b>. A screenshot of an interface displaying a list of store locations is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>.

0137As will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art, in many scenarios stores might undergo changes in inventory due to items being purchased or moved, and as a result, the list of store locations provided to the LPMS <b>117</b> by the merchant could potentially be outdated as it might not reflect the most recent inventory or item availability information. Consequently, it will be seen at a later step in the flowchart that the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates with the merchant again to verify that the item is available at the customer-selected store when submitting the final order.

0138Still continuing with the description of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref>, after the customer reviews a list of store locations where the selected item is available for pickup, the customer selects a particular store, which is received by the LPMS at step <b>546</b>. An exemplary LPMS interface used by the customer to select a particular store is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>. After receiving the customer's selection of a particular store, the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a summary of the order to the customer at step <b>548</b>, and waits for the customer's response thereafter at step <b>550</b>.

0139In turn the customer reviews the summary of the order, and provides a final confirmation of the order which is received by the LPMS <b>117</b> at step <b>552</b>. Upon receiving the customer's confirmation, the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates (at step <b>554</b>) with the LPP to place a hold on an appropriate number of loyalty points from the customer's loyalty points balance, corresponding to cost of items in customer's order. It will be understood that in alternate embodiments of the present system, the step <b>554</b> is an optional step which is usually performed at the discretion of the LPP, as indicated in the flowchart, and shown with a dotted rectangle. Next, at step <b>556</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> submits the order with the merchant (supplier) that is offering the items in the customer's order. After the order is placed with the merchant, the LPMS <b>117</b> waits for the merchant's response at step <b>557</b> in connection with the merchant's processing of the customer's order. In the following paragraph, various scenarios that govern the merchant's response in connection with the availability of the item will be described next.

0140It will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art that in many scenarios stores might undergo changes in inventory due to items being purchased or moved, and as a result, item availability information (received by the LPMS <b>117</b> at step <b>536</b>) from the merchant could potentially be outdated as it might not reflect the most recent inventory. Thus, at step <b>558</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> receives the merchant's response and determines from the merchant's response whether or not the merchant has successfully placed an order for the item selected by the customer with the store location selected by the customer.

0141Still continuing with the description of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref>, if the merchant's response indicates that the merchant has not placed an order for the item selected by the customer at the particular store selected by the customer, then at step <b>559</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates to the customer that the order has not been placed. According to one aspect, the LPMS <b>117</b> requests the customer to provide one or more alternate store locations where the customer desires to pickup the item. According to another aspect, the LPMS <b>117</b> reverts back to step <b>534</b> and communicates with the merchant requesting for an alternate list of store locations where the item is available.

0142If, however, the merchant's response indicates that the merchant has placed an order for the item selected by the customer at the particular store selected by the customer, then the LPMS redeems (deducts) loyalty points corresponding to the customer's order from the customer's loyalty points balance at step <b>560</b>, and thereby updates the customer's loyalty points balance for the customer's loyalty points account in the LPMS database <b>121</b>.

0143Further, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref>, at the next step <b>561</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates details of the customer's order (the confirmation of which was received from the customer at an earlier step <b>552</b>) and the customer's updated loyalty points balance, to the LPP, and whereby the LPP will update the customer's loyalty points balance in its database. According to one aspect, details of the customer's order that is communicated to the LPP is considered as an order placed transaction, or an order placed communication.

0144At step <b>562</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a message to the customer indicating that the item is ready to be picked up at the merchant's store location that was selected (and received by the LPMS at earlier step <b>546</b>) by the customer for pickup. Additionally, the LPMS <b>117</b> also provides to the customer instructions for pickup of the item. After the customer receives this message, the customer picks up the item from the store. It will be understood that the customer can be in premises of the store, browse a catalog, select an item, submit an order and thereby pickup the item in the order—the entire transaction taking place while the customer is inside the premises of the store. Alternatively, the customer can browse a catalog, select an item, submit an order earlier at a location other than the store, and then travel to the store for pickup later. It will be understood that the LPMS <b>117</b> waits (at step <b>563</b>) for the merchant's response indicating that the customer has picked up the items from the store. Accordingly, the LPMS <b>117</b> receives such a response at step <b>564</b> after the customer has picked up the items from the store. Eventually, a final status of the customer's order and current loyalty points balance is provided to the LPP <b>123</b> by the LPMS <b>117</b> at step <b>565</b>. Additionally, a message is also displayed (at step <b>566</b>) to the customer by the LPMS <b>117</b> indicating that the transaction is complete. According to one aspect, such a message is displayed as an order complete message. In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, there may be a time lag between the time an in-store pickup order is placed, and a subsequent time when the item is available for pickup. Generally, such a time lag can depend on various factors such as merchant policies, time necessary to prepare an item for pickup, etc. In such scenarios, the LPMS could also inform the customer that the customer's order has been placed successfully with the merchant. Additionally, the LPMS receives intermediate order status information from the merchant, and the LPMS also notifies the customer (and/or the LPP) of the intermediate order status information until the item is available for pickup.

0145In various alternate embodiments, the LPP also notifies the customer of the final status of the customer's order and loyalty points balance. Various modifications of the embodiment of the LPMS <b>117</b> described in the foregoing will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications will be apparent from, or suggested by, the description above without departing from the substance or scope of the present disclosure.

0146Now reverting back to the description of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, the steps implemented by the LPMS <b>117</b> when the customer chooses drop-ship as the preferred method delivery, will be described in greater detail. It will be recalled that at step <b>532</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> determines whether the customer's response indicates the preferred method of delivery as in-store pickup by the customer, or not. In other words, the customer can choose to have the selected items drop-shipped to a convenient location via a suitable shipping service, instead of choosing in-store pickup as the preferred method of delivery. Thus, after determining at step <b>532</b> that the customer has chosen drop-ship as the preferred method of delivery, at next step <b>567</b> the LPMS <b>117</b> waits for the customer's response to provide a shipping address where the selected item will be drop-shipped. Consequently, the customer provides a shipping address that is received by the LPMS <b>117</b> (at step <b>568</b>), and then the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates at step <b>569</b> the customer-provided address to the merchant who is offering the item selected by the customer, for sale. The merchant receives the address communicated by the LPMS <b>117</b> and then responds back to the LPMS <b>117</b> with the availability of drop-shipping to the customer-provided address. Response from the merchant related to availability of shipping option is received at step <b>570</b> from the merchant. If the merchant's response indicates that shipping option is unavailable, then this is further communicated to the customer by the LPMS <b>117</b> at step <b>572</b>, and the LPMS process reverts back to an earlier step <b>567</b> in which the customer has the option of providing an alternate shipping address, and the process continues as described previously.

0147Still referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, if however, the merchant's response (received by the LPMS <b>117</b> at step <b>571</b>) indicates that shipping option is available, then the process moves to next step <b>573</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref>) in which the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a summary of the order to the customer at step <b>573</b>, and waits for the customer's response thereafter at step <b>574</b>.

0148Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref>, in turn the customer reviews the summary of the order, and provides a final confirmation of the order which is received by the LPMS <b>117</b> at step <b>575</b>. Upon receiving the customer's confirmation, the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates (at optional step <b>576</b>) with the LPP to place a hold on an appropriate number of loyalty points from the customer's loyalty points balance, corresponding to cost of items in customer's order, and thereafter submits (at step <b>577</b>) the order with the merchant (supplier) offering the items in the customer's order. In the disclosed embodiment, the entity that hosts the LPMS <b>117</b> makes a payment to the merchant in real-time using a credit card. In a separate transaction, the LPP settles with the entity that hosts the LPMS, under pre-existing financial terms of agreement. It will be understood that in alternate embodiments, the LPMS can also make payments to the merchant in a batch mode, for example, on a weekly/monthly basis, or some other convenient time period.

0149After the order is placed with the merchant, the LPMS <b>117</b> waits for the merchant's response at step <b>578</b> indicating that the item in the customer's order has been placed. Accordingly, the LPMS <b>117</b> receives the merchant's response and determines from the response whether or not the item in the customer's order has been processed successfully by the merchant. If the LPMS <b>117</b> determines that the item in the customer's order has not yet been processed successfully by the merchant, then the LPMS <b>117</b> goes back to step <b>578</b> and waits for a response from the merchant indicating that the merchant has processed the customer's order.

0150On the other hand, if the LPMS <b>117</b> determines from the merchant's response at step <b>579</b> that the merchant has processed (placed) the customer's order, then the LPMS <b>117</b> redeems (deducts) loyalty points corresponding to the customer's order from the customer's loyalty points balance at step <b>580</b>, and thereby updates the customer's loyalty points balance for the customer's loyalty points account in the LPMS database <b>121</b>. Then, at the next step <b>581</b>, the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates details of the customer's order (the confirmation of which was received from the customer at an earlier step <b>552</b>) and the customer's updated loyalty points balance, to the LPP, and whereby the LPP will update the customer's loyalty points balance in its database. Then the LPMS <b>117</b> (at step <b>582</b>) displays a message to the customer indicating that the customer's order has been processed, and thereafter the LPMS <b>117</b> waits for the merchant's response indicating that the item in the customer's order has been shipped. Accordingly, the LPMS <b>117</b> receives such a response at step <b>583</b> that the item in the customer's order has been shipped. Eventually, a final status of the customer's order and current loyalty points balance is provided to the LPP <b>123</b> by the LPMS <b>117</b> at step <b>584</b>. Additionally, a message is also displayed (at step <b>585</b>) to the customer by the LPMS <b>117</b> indicating that the transaction is complete. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill that the time lag between the time an order is placed, and the time when the item is actually shipped may depend on several factors. Such factors can be related to item availability, merchant policies, chosen shipping carrier, type of shipping method chosen, etc. Therefore, in one aspect, merchants continue to update the LPMS with intermediate statuses of a customer's order, that in turn, is communicated by the LPMS to the LPP and/or the customer, until the item is shipped.

0151As will be understood and appreciated, the steps of the process shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> (consisting of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref>) are not necessarily completed in the order shown, and various processes of the LPMS <b>117</b> may operate concurrently and continuously. Accordingly, the steps shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> are generally asynchronous and independent, computer-implemented, tied to particular machines (including various modules/engines of the LPMS management module <b>119</b>, LPMS servers, and end devices), and not necessarily performed in the order shown. As will be understood and appreciated, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific processes or sequences for management of loyalty points redemption programs as discussed herein, and other embodiments may implement other processes as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, various steps as shown in the flowchart are sequence-agnostic, and even optional, such as those involving updating a customer's loyalty points balance. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in alternate embodiments of the present system, the LPMS does not necessarily need to place a hold during a loyalty points transaction, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Alternately, the LPMS can update a customer's loyalty points after a transaction is complete. Additionally, the LPMS can communicate with the LPP and/or the customer in real-time in an interim stage while a customer's transaction is in process, e.g. by providing an order status information such that the order has been placed, availability information, price information, incomplete order information, current stage of processing or delivery, and the like. As will be understood, steps indicated as optional in the flowchart (by dotted rectangles) are for exemplary purposes only. Various other steps in the flowchart can be sequence-agnostic and/or optional, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable on any number of customers, LPPs, suppliers, merchants and retailers.

0152Now referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, an exemplary catalog table <b>211</b> (stored in an LPMS database <b>121</b>) storing a collection of information related to goods and services available to members of loyalty points redemption programs, is shown. As recited previously, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the system presents to members of particular loyalty points redemption programs a single consolidated catalog containing goods and services across multiple suppliers, merchants and retailers. Such a catalog is updated by the LPMS <b>117</b> frequently to reflect changes in availability, quantity, pricing, or any inventory changes as communicated by suppliers who offer goods and services redeemable by loyalty points of customers. Customers who are members of a loyalty points redemption program can access the catalog associated with that loyalty points redemption program via a browser on a mobile device or through an app on the mobile device. Various columns and data stored in the catalog table will now be described.

0153As shown, catalog table <b>211</b> comprises the following exemplary columns: “Item Name”, “Item SKU”, “Merchant”, “Category”, “Sub-category”, “Item Price”, “Item Description”, “Review Rating”, “In-store Pickup Availability”. Various data stored in these columns will be better understood with the help of exemplary screenshots shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12-FIG</figref>. <b>15</b> (including <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> B, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref>). A brief description of the data stored in these columns follows next.

0154Item Name indicates name of an item that is available for redemption by members of loyalty points redemption programs, the item being identified uniquely by an Item SKU, wherein the item is associated with a supplier (additional details of suppliers are stored in merchant table <b>213</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>) and an item category and a sub-category. Price of the item is indicated in an Item Price column, and the specification for the item is described in an Item Description column. Reviews (rating) provided by other customers in connection with the item (identified by the Item SKU) are typically stored in the Review Rating column in the catalog table <b>211</b>. Since an item can be eligible for in-store pickup such information is usually stored in an In-store Pickup Availability.

0155In exemplary catalog table <b>211</b> it can be seen that an item having an Item SKU “135-789” with an Item Name “Sony Cyber-shot 16.1 Megapixel Digital Camera—Silver” with a Review Rating “5 Star”, the item being classified in category “Electronics”, sub-category “Digital Cameras”, offered by a merchant “Walbuy” at a price of “$199.99” and available for in-store pickup.

0156As will be understood, information relating to availability of an item from one or more suppliers can vary. According to one embodiment, an item can be available from multiple suppliers at different prices. For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, an item called “Sony Cyber-shot 16.1 Megapixel Digital Camera—Silver” is available with two different merchants called Walbuy and BestMart. However, it is also shown that the prices of the item is $199.99 at Walbuy and $309.00 at BestMart, and these items are identified with two different Item SKU. In such scenarios, wherein multiple merchants offer the same item at different prices, it will be understood that the LPMS typically applies various pre-specified criteria (conditions) pertaining to business rules prior to presenting a catalog for display to customers. Such business rules are usually specified by the LPMS, the participating merchants and/or the LPPs. Further discussions involving business rules will be recited again in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, the catalog table <b>211</b> is presented for illustrative purposes only, and embodiments of the present system <b>117</b> are not limited to data, information, and fields in the specific data table shown.

0157Now turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, an exemplary merchant table <b>213</b> for storing data relating to several suppliers, merchants and retailers who provide goods and services to members of loyalty programs, is shown. As shown, merchant table <b>213</b> stores various exemplary columns such as “Merchant ID”, “Merchant Name”, “Sales Tax Required States”, and “Shipping Eligibility”. A brief description of the data stored in these columns follows next.

0158Merchant ID column indicates a unique number identifying a merchant whose name is stored in the column titled Merchant Name. According to one aspect, suppliers, merchants and retailers who offer eligible goods and services to members of loyalty points redemption programs conduct business in various states which charge different local sales taxes. Thus, the Sales Tax Required States column stores local sales tax charged by different states, as a percentage of the price of the item. Additionally, it will be generally understood that merchants (suppliers) can be localized in some states and therefore have limited capabilities of shipping items to other states or regions. The Shipping Eligibility column specifies the merchant's ability to ship items to addresses (provided by customers).

0159For example, as can be seen, a merchant named Walbuy, having a Merchant ID <b>23</b> does not ship to Hawaii and Alaska. Further, it is also seen that the local sales tax for items sold by Walbuy are 8.25% and 4.95% in New York and Kentucky respectively.

0160As recited previously, dollars are converted into loyalty points (a generic unit of currency), or vice-versa, according to predetermined conversion rates decided by the LPP and the entity that hosts the LPMS. Therefore, in the LPMS database <b>121</b> a loyalty points conversion table <b>215</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> stores different points-to-dollars conversion rates for various loyalty points redemption programs offered by different LPPs, and will be discussed next.

0161As can be seen, loyalty points conversion table <b>215</b> comprises the following columns: “LPP ID”, “LPP Name”, “Loyalty points redemption program Name”, “Tier” “Loyalty points redemption program ID”, Conversion Rate”, and “Loyalty Points Applicability Details”. LPP ID is a unique identifying number indicating a particular LPP offering loyalty points redemption programs and having a name that is indicated in a corresponding LPP Name column. It will be understood and appreciated that loyalty points redemption programs can be further subdivided into different tiers or segments that are offered by the same LPP, but are generally associated with slightly different criteria, such as but not limited to differences in catalog availability, or different points-to-dollars conversion rates, as discussed herein. It will be further understood that the different tiers or segments are inherently loyalty points redemption programs in their own merit. Customers can typically qualify to move from one tier to another one based on their degree of business they generate for the LPP, or their amount of involvement with the LPP's growth or various other business/marketing specific criteria, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the Tier column lists various tiers or segments of a loyalty points redemption program. Loyalty points redemption programs are identified by a unique number, typically called the Loyalty points redemption program ID, and associated with a unique LPP (or, equivalently a unique LPP ID) in one embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be understood that various tiers of a loyalty points redemption program will have different Loyalty points redemption program IDs.

0162As recited previously, each loyalty points redemption program applies different conversion rates for converting member's loyalty points into a dollar value amount. Dollars obtained from the conversion of members' redeemable loyalty points are provided by LPPs to the LPMS that in effect, enables the redemption of eligible goods and services from various merchants and retailers who are suppliers of goods and services associated with the respective loyalty points redemption programs. In one aspect, the LPMS <b>117</b> handles the conversion of loyalty points to dollars used for payment to such merchants and retailers, and thereafter pays such merchants and retailers using dollars obtained from the LPP after conversion. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>, different conversion rates are stored in the Conversion Rate column. In addition to different conversion rates as discussed in the foregoing, different loyalty points redemption programs can apply specific rules that define eligibility of certain types of goods and services available to members of particular loyalty points redemption programs. Such rules are listed in the Loyalty Points Applicability Details column as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>. Exemplary data stored in connection with the loyalty points conversion table will be described next.

0163A hypothetical LPP called ABC Airline, identified by a LPP ID <b>10</b> with a Loyalty points redemption program Name called Sky Point having a Loyalty points redemption program ID <b>1001</b> that is single tiered, e.g. Silver Tier associated with a Conversion Rate of 150 points per one dollar cost of redeemable goods to members of Sky Point who are in the Silver tier. Further, the aforementioned loyalty points redemption program allows members to redeem all categories of goods and service from participating suppliers (which will be described in greater detail in connection with merchant eligibility table <b>221</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>), excluding home furnishings.

0164In another example, it can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> that a hypothetical LPP called USA Credit Bank, identified by a Loyalty points redemption program ID <b>1901</b> with a Loyalty points redemption program Name called Club Points that is double tiered, e.g., a Premier Tier having a Loyalty points redemption program ID <b>1901</b>, and a Champion Tier having a Loyalty points redemption program ID <b>1902</b>. In the aforementioned example, Conversion Rate for members of the Premier Tier is 150 points per one dollar cost of redeemable goods except for items in home and gardening categories. On the other hand, Conversion Rate for members of the Champion Tier is 200 points per dollar cost of redeemable goods excluding items in an electronics category.

0165It can also be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> that USA Credit Bank has another loyalty points redemption program name called Super Points, in addition to the Club Points loyalty points redemption program. Super Points is also a double tiered loyalty points redemption program, i.e. a Gold Tier having a Loyalty points redemption program ID <b>1903</b>, and a Silver Tier having a Loyalty points redemption program ID <b>1902</b>. The loyalty points conversion rate for these above-mentioned tiers are 250 and 300 points respectively per one dollar cost of redeemable goods, and are applicable to goods and services in all categories offered by suppliers who are associated with the loyalty points redemption program, including various tiers of the loyalty points redemption program (if any).

0166It will be understood that suppliers who offer eligible goods and services for sale to customers via a loyalty points redemption program (including the constituent tiers of the loyalty points redemption program), in certain scenarios are required to satisfy certain eligibility conditions based on specific business rules created by the LPP <b>123</b> and the LPMS <b>117</b>. For instance, some merchants (suppliers) are eligible to supply some specific kinds of goods and services, and even further, only to members of some particular loyalty points redemption programs (or the constituent tiers). A table storing a list of eligible merchants and suppliers who are associated with particular loyalty points redemption programs (and the constituent tiers) will be discussed next in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>.

0167In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>, a merchant eligibility table <b>221</b> storing various rules and conditions for eligibility of merchants and suppliers associated with particular loyalty points redemption programs, is shown. As shown, merchant eligibility table <b>221</b> comprises various columns entitled, “LPP ID”, “LPP Name”, “Loyalty points redemption program Name”, “Tier”, “Loyalty points redemption program ID”, “Merchant ID”, and “Categories”. A brief description of the data stored in these columns follows next.

0168LPP ID is a unique identifying number indicating a particular LPP offering loyalty points redemption programs and having a name that is listed in the LPP Name column, wherein the name of the loyalty points redemption program is indicated in the Loyalty points redemption program Name. As mentioned previously, loyalty points redemption programs can be further subdivided into different tiers or segments that are offered by the same LPP, but are generally associated with slightly different criteria. It will be understood that the different tiers or segments are inherently loyalty points redemption programs in their own merit. Thus, the Tier column lists various tiers or segments of a loyalty points redemption program. For example, a LPP called USA Credit Bank with a LPP ID <b>19</b>, offers two tiers called Gold and Champion tiers that are associated with loyalty points redemption programs called Super Points and Club Points respectively. Further details of the loyalty points conversion rates for these tiers was discussed previously in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>. Merchants offering specific types of goods and services to members of these tiers (loyalty points redemption programs) are described next.

0169As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>, loyalty points redemption programs are identified by a unique number, typically called the Loyalty points redemption program ID, and associated with a unique LPP (or, equivalently a unique LPP ID). Eligible merchants (suppliers) associated with particular loyalty programs are identified by a number indicated in the Merchant ID column. Further, specific goods and services offered by these merchants to members of loyalty points redemption programs are indicated in the Categories column of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>. It will be noted that more than one merchant can be associated with a single loyalty points redemption program. For example, it can be seen that merchants (suppliers) identified as <b>5090</b> and <b>621</b> both offer items in electronics and books categories to members of Gold Tier associated with the Super Points loyalty points redemption program offered by USA Credit Bank that is identified by a LPP ID <b>19</b>. On the other hand, it can also be seen that merchants (suppliers) identified as <b>621</b> and <b>23</b> both offer items in home goods, books and DVD categories to members of Champion Tier associated with the Club Points loyalty points redemption program offered by USA Credit Bank identified by a LPP ID <b>19</b>. It can further be verified from the merchant table <b>213</b> discussed previously in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> that the names of merchants (suppliers) identified as <b>5090</b>, <b>621</b>, and <b>23</b> are BestMart, SuperShop, and Walbuy respectively. As seen from the above illustrative example, the same items of eligible goods and services can be offered by more than one merchant. Consequently, in such scenarios, the LPMS <b>117</b> applies criteria on how to manage conflicts. Such criteria will be discussed in connection with a catalog presentment table <b>223</b> discussed next.

0170Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>, a catalog presentment table <b>223</b> containing various criteria in the form of filters in connection with display of items in a redemption catalog to members of loyalty points redemption programs, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It can be seen that catalog presentment table <b>223</b> contains several exemplary columns entitled “LPP ID”, “LPP Name”, “Loyalty points redemption program Name”, “Tier”, “Loyalty points redemption program ID”, “Filter”, and “Method of Delivery”. It will be recalled that data stored in some of the aforementioned columns e.g. “LPP ID”, “LPP Name”, “Loyalty points redemption program Name”, “Tier”, and “Loyalty points redemption program ID” have been explained in previously connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>. It is believed that further discussion on these columns is not necessary herein. Those skilled in the art will further understand that methods of construction of these data tables (and the data tables) are pretty standard practice in relational databases which can be used to construct various data tables as exemplarily discussed in the disclosure. It will be further understood that the aforementioned data tables share common data with each other and are mapped to each other by the same column names (a\k\a known as identifiers or records).

0171As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>, the catalog presentment table <b>223</b> contains a “Filter” column and a “Method of Delivery” column. It will be understood that the Filter column contains criteria used by the LPMS <b>117</b> in making a determination of which items to show members of loyalty points redemption programs when presenting a catalog, in what order, from which merchant, etc. For example, when the same item is available from multiple suppliers associated with the Silver tier of the Sky Point loyalty points redemption program offered by ABC Airline (identified as LPP ID <b>10</b>), then the Filter column indicates that only the item with the best price will be shown first.

0172Furthermore, it will be understood that the Method of Delivery column specifies the method of delivery of items that are redeemed by members of a loyalty points redemption program. Continuing with the previously mentioned example, members associated with the Silver tier of the Sky Point loyalty points redemption program are eligible to obtain standard shipping only. In a different example, it can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref> that members associated with the Gold tier of the Super Points loyalty points redemption program offered by USA Credit Bank are eligible to obtain standard shipping as well as in-store pickup, and no preset criteria is applied by the LPMS <b>117</b> for displaying items in a redemption catalog to Gold tier members of that loyalty points redemption program, i.e. all results are shown to Gold tier members of that loyalty points redemption program. From the above discussions, it will be generally understood that the Filter, Method of Delivery columns in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref> and/or other columns (for example, Category, Sub-category, Item Price, and In-Store Pickup Availability columns in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) are indicative of various criteria (conditions) pertaining to business rules that are implemented by the LPMS in connection with presentment of a catalog to customers. As will be generally understood, a (products) catalog is typically considered to be a collection of products from multiple merchants (suppliers). On the other hand, a redemption catalog is generally a subset of the products catalog, wherein a redemption catalog is dynamically assembled in real-time for presentment to customers, by the application of various business rules on a generic products catalog (displayed exemplarily in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>). In one embodiment of the present system, conditions associated with various business rules are pre-specified by a LPMS administrator (human being) through a LPMS user interface. In other embodiments, conditions associated with various business rules are pre-specified by merchants (suppliers) and/or the LPP.

0173Although not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>, it will be understood that according to one aspect, information relating to availability of an item from one or more suppliers can vary. According to one embodiment, an item can be available from multiple suppliers, however, the method of delivery of the item can differ from one supplier to another. For example, an item can be offered by one supplier for in-store pickup only, whereas the same item is available from another supplier for drop-ship delivery only. In such scenarios, wherein multiple merchants offer the same item with different methods of delivery, according to one aspect, the LPMS displays the same item twice to the customer, but with different methods of delivery. Accordingly, store location information where the item is available will also be displayed. It will be understood by one with ordinary skill in the art that the catalog presentment table <b>223</b> (and the accompanying discussions) presented herein are for illustrative purposes only, and embodiments of the present system are not limited to data, information, and fields in the specific data table shown.

0174Now turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, a customer table <b>217</b> is shown, storing information of members of loyalty points redemption programs. As will be recalled from the previous discussion, customers can choose to redeem items using a combination of a dollar amount and loyalty points. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the LPMS <b>117</b> stores credit card information for customers who have obtained items using a combination of a dollar amount and redeemable loyalty points. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the customer table <b>217</b> comprises “Customer ID”, “Customer Name”, “Total Loyalty Points”, “Credit Card Number”, and “Login/Password”. For example, it can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, a customer whose Name is John Doe, identified by a Customer ID <b>1509</b> has a Total Loyalty Points of 25,000. Further, it can also be seen that the last four digits of the credit card number of that customer are 1892 (the rest of the digits in the credit card number are masked for security purposes). Also, the login of that customer is john15, the password of the customer also being masked for security purposes.

0175Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, an exemplary order history table <b>219</b> indicating transaction history information of members associated with a loyalty points redemption program administered by the LPMS, is shown. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the order history table <b>219</b> comprises exemplary columns entitled “Column ID”, “Customer Name”, “Status History”, “Order Method”, “Customer's Payment Confirmation Number”, “Loyalty points redemption program ID”, “Loyalty Points Involved in Transaction”, and “Merchant ID”. Representative data stored in the above-mentioned columns will now be described next.

0176Customer ID column stores a unique ID for every customer identifying a member of a loyalty points redemption program and who has ordered one or more items through the LPMS <b>117</b> before. Customer Name indicates a name of a customer corresponding to the unique Customer ID. Status History column typically comprises dates, times and predetermined actions taken with respect to a customer's previous order. For example it can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, a customer with a Customer Name John Doe identified by Customer ID <b>1509</b> placed an order for in-store pickup at 8:41 pm on Apr. 21, 2011 as indicated in the Status History column. Further, Status History also indicates that the above order for processed at 8:45 μm on Apr. 21, 2011.

0177Order Method column indicates the way a customer placed an order. It will be recalled from the earlier discussions that a customer can place orders using any Internet enabled computing device such as desktops, laptops, smart phones etc. by logging into the LPMS portal through a web browser. Alternatively, customers can also place orders via a user interface of a smart phone application (app) program that communicates directly with the LPMS <b>117</b>. Accordingly, exemplary data in Order Method column indicates entries such as Mobile App, and Web Browser corresponding to two possible ways of placing orders, as discussed herein. As will be understood, other possible ways to place an order can include placing an order via a store kiosk or a retailer's POS system, utilizing the services of a customer services representative affiliated with the LPP or LPMS via phone, or any other mechanism that allows interfacing with a networked or web environment.

0178As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, a Customer's Payment Confirmation Number is an electronic identifier that uniquely represents confirmation of payment by a customer, either based on the customer's redeemable loyalty points, or a combination of dollar amounts and customer's redeemable loyalty points. Loyalty Program ID and Merchant ID column were previously discussed in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>. Loyalty Points Involved in Transaction column indicates the number of customer' redeemable loyalty points involved in a particular order transaction. For example, it can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> that customer John Doe associated with a loyalty program identified by Loyalty Program ID <b>1001</b> (i.e. exemplary ABC Airline as can be further verified from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>) performed a loyalty points transaction that involved 1500 loyalty points for obtaining goods/services from a supplier identified as Merchant ID <b>23</b>, wherein the Customer's Payment Confirmation Number associated with this exemplary transaction is DX7913.

0179Again, it will be understood that the types of data and information shown in connection with data tables as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> are presented merely for exemplary purposes only, and other types of data may be included. From the foregoing it will be understood and appreciated that the LPMS <b>117</b> is able to offer flexible loyalty points redemption programs, and further streamline such programs based on different eligibility conditions on merchants (suppliers), good/services offered by them, and even provide greater granularity by dividing a loyalty points redemption program into various tiers for different kinds of customers. In the discussions that follow, various user interfaces of the LPMS portal will be described with exemplary screenshots.

0180<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an exemplary login interface <b>1100</b> for the LPMS portal as displayed on a customer's computing device. As shown, customers can enter their credentials via a “User ID” and a “Password” field on this interface. Although the accompanying screenshots discuss an exemplary scenario wherein a customer is a member of a single loyalty points redemption program, it will be understood that customers can be members of multiple loyalty points redemption programs. Further, in one exemplary scenario, customers can use a single User ID/Password combination for logging into multiple loyalty points redemption programs.

0181After typing in their User ID and Password, customers click on a “Submit” button to submit their information to the LPMS <b>117</b>. As recited previously, customers can log into the LPMS portal either using a mobile phone application software installed on a smart phone, or alternatively via a web browser on any Internet enabled computing device, including computers and smart phones. It will be understood that customers can be at any place when logging into the LPMS portal, e.g., customer's home, place of work, on the road, a store location, or any other place.

0182As will be recalled from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, UI module <b>209</b> is responsible for hosting and serving the LPMS portal and interacting with the customer through this interface. After submitting their credentials, the UI module <b>209</b> validates the customer's credentials and upon successful validation the UI module <b>209</b> displays a page to the customer containing a catalog of eligible goods and services. An exemplary screenshot of such a page will be described next in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

0183Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, an exemplary catalog page <b>1200</b> is shown, as displayed to a customer. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, region <b>1201</b> displays a selection menu for various kinds of goods and services such as merchandise, event tickets, and activities that are available to members of a loyalty points redemption program. In screenshot <b>1200</b>, a “merchandise” menu is indicated as highlighted. It is seen from region <b>1202</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> that the LPMS <b>117</b> displays the catalog page <b>1200</b> to a customer called “Andy Althauser” who has a loyalty points balance of 10,000 (ten thousand). As will be understood, in the screenshots that follow in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> through <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, region <b>1202</b> will indicate that the customer associated with the screenshots is named “Andy Althauser” who has a loyalty points balance of 10,000 (ten thousand). However, it will be understood that such a customer is for exemplary purposes only, and different customer names and loyalty points balance will be displayed for other customers who log in to the LPMS portal.

0184In an embodiment of the present system, the LPMS stores a history of a customers interactive session with the LPMS portal. For example, in one scenario, customers who have clicked on one or more items displayed on the catalog page are able to review such items. Region <b>1204</b> displays a “My Viewed Items” menu that allows a customer to review items displayed on the catalog page that the customer has particularly shown interest in, by clicking on the respective items. It will be understood that allowing the customer to review such items usually implies that the LPMS <b>117</b> stores a history of items recently viewed by the customer.

0185As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, a first search box <b>1206</b> allows a customer to search for specific items under specific categories and sub-categories in the catalog. For example, if a customer chooses to search for digital cameras listed under sub-category Camera and Photo, wherein the sub-category is further listed under a category Electronics, a drop-down menu in the first search box <b>1206</b> provides such a functionality to the customer. In addition to the first search box <b>1206</b>, a second search box <b>1208</b> allows the customer to type in text corresponding to the item that the customer is searching for.

0186It will be recalled from the earlier discussions that according to one aspect, the present system provides the benefit of in-store pickup of items redeemed by customers. A check box or a selection box <b>1209</b> (as seen on screenshot <b>1200</b>) allows customers to select in-store pickup option only. Box <b>1209</b> allows customers to select redemption items (for example, cameras) that are available for in-store pickup only. Deselecting the box allows customers to review redemption items that are available for either, or both in-store pickup as well as drop-ship delivery options.

0187In addition to the search options discussed above in connection with screenshot <b>1200</b>, customers can further specify a minimum and a maximum price range that would filter the results of the customer's search according to the customer-specified minimum and maximum price ranges. Boxes <b>1210</b> and <b>1212</b> as displayed on the interface shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> are used by customers to specify a minimum and a maximum price range of the item that the customer is searching for.

0188As will be understood, screenshot <b>1200</b> displays a catalog of eligible goods and services, associated with a particular loyalty points redemption program. In one embodiment, such goods and services are listed under categories and sub-categories. Examples of categories (as displayed in region <b>1214</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) include apparel, automotive, baby, electronics and many more. It will be further understood that items under a category are further listed under sub-categories, and stored in an exemplary catalog table <b>211</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. Examples of sub-categories for the category electronics include TV and video, Ipod and mp3 players, camera and photo etc. Exemplary sub-categories and their corresponding categories are displayed in region <b>1216</b> of screenshot <b>1200</b>. As can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, region <b>1214</b> displays a listing of various categories. These categories along with the corresponding sub-categories are displayed in region <b>1216</b>. It will be understood that various attributes (categories, sub-categories, display boxes, etc.) indicated in screenshot <b>1200</b> are for exemplary purposes only. Various modifications of the attributes that are displayed can be possible, as will occur to one of ordinary skill. Next, further details of an exemplary sub-category listed under an exemplary category will now be discussed.

0189<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a screenshot <b>1300</b> of an exemplary LPMS user interface displaying various product sub-categories in a catalog of eligible goods and services, associated with a particular loyalty points redemption program, according to one embodiment of the present system. It will be understood that the screenshot <b>1300</b> will be displayed when a customer has clicked on the sub-category named camera and photo corresponding to an electronics category in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. Accordingly, the LPMS automatically populates the search box <b>1302</b> with camera and photo, and displays further details of the camera and photo sub-category in region <b>1306</b> and <b>1308</b> respectively. As can be seen from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, exemplary sub-categories include digital cameras, lenses, camcorders, digital slr's (single lens reflex) etc. It will be understood that when customers click on a sub-category, various items listed in the sub-category will be displayed to a customer. In the discussions that follow, a customer clicks on the sub-category digital cameras, and accordingly an exemplary page (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>) listing several digital cameras is displayed to the customer.

0190Turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, an exemplary screenshot <b>1400</b> is shown of an exemplary LPMS user interface displaying a list of items in a product sub-category in a catalog of eligible goods and services, associated with a particular loyalty points redemption program. As mentioned previously, a customer typically reviews such an interface after clicking on a product sub-category (for example, digital cameras) as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, region <b>1402</b> displays various brands of digital cameras, such as Panasonic, Casio and many others. A number enclosed in parenthesis next to the brand names indicates a number of items available for that particular brand. For example, there are 31 (thirty-one) digital cameras belonging to the Panasonic brand, and 24 (twenty-four) digital cameras belonging to the Casio brand. In one embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> allows customers to sort the items displayed based on several criteria such as best-selling items, price of items from a high price to a low price, average customer review, and various other criteria as will occur to one of ordinary skill. Therefore, it can be seen in screenshot <b>1400</b>, a sort box <b>1404</b> having a drop-down option for selection of various sort criteria, is provided. Further, customers also have the option of controlling the number of items displayed in a page based on a “Results Per Page” box <b>1406</b>. In screenshot <b>1400</b>, the results per page is indicated as 12 (twelve) items per page.

0191It will be recalled from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> that an exemplary catalog table (in LPMS database <b>121</b>) stores various item related information such as customer review, price etc. In one embodiment of the present system, such information is displayed in regions <b>1408</b> and <b>1410</b> respectively. It will be noted that the price as displayed to a customer is in terms of loyalty points, instead of the dollar value of the item. As will be understood and appreciated, there is a dollar to points conversion involved in the process of displaying price of an item in terms of loyalty points to customers of loyalty points redemption programs. As will be understood, merchants (suppliers) of goods and services first specify a dollar value cost of items. Then, the LPMS <b>117</b> applies loyalty points conversion criteria (for example, as displayed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>) to transform a dollar value cost to an equivalent loyalty points cost, that is eventually displayed to the customer. As will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art, the same item can be priced differently depending on the profit margins of different suppliers. Even if the item is priced identically at more than one supplier, different conversion rates of dollars-to-loyalty points can result in a scenario where the item is priced differently (in terms of loyalty points) at different merchants. It will be understood that suppliers have different business relationships with the LPPs and/or the entity that hosts the LPMS, thus resulting in different conversion rates of dollars-to-loyalty points.

0192It will be recalled from the previous discussion on loyalty points conversion, in the LPMS database <b>121</b> a loyalty points conversion table <b>215</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and FIG. <b>8</b>A) stores different points-to-dollars conversion rates for various loyalty points redemption programs offered by different LPPs. Dollars obtained from the conversion of members' loyalty points are provided by LPPs to the LPMS that in effect, enables customers to redeem eligible goods and services from various merchants and retailers who are suppliers of goods and services associated with the respective loyalty points redemption programs. In one aspect, the LPMS <b>117</b> handles the conversion of loyalty points to dollars used for payment to such suppliers, merchants and retailers, and thereafter pays such suppliers, merchants and retailers using dollars obtained from the LPP, such dollars being generated from the result of conversion of members' loyalty points.

0193It will be further recalled from the earlier discussions that merchants and suppliers associated with a loyalty points redemption program satisfy certain program eligibility conditions, for example as discussed in connection with a merchant eligibility table <b>221</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>. Thus, it will be understood and appreciated that items displayed to customers on a catalog page (for example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>) are the result of the transformation between item prices specified by merchants (suppliers) in dollars to loyalty points, based on the conversion rates in a loyalty points conversion table in conjunction with merchant eligibility conditions specified in a merchant eligibility table.

0194In many scenarios, the same items of eligible goods and services can be offered by more than one merchant. Consequently, and as noted previously, in such scenarios, the LPMS <b>117</b> then applies criteria on how to manage conflicts. A catalog presentment table <b>223</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>) contains criteria used in making a determination of which items to show members of loyalty points redemption programs when presenting a catalog, in what order, from which merchant, etc. Thus, it will be understood and appreciated that various items displayed to customers on a catalog page are the result of applying various presentment criteria to the items prior to them being displayed to customers. Examples of catalog present criteria can further include average customer reviews, price of an item etc. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, region <b>1408</b> displays average customer review (in terms of average number of stars, for example), and region <b>1410</b> displays various price ranges and the items in the respective price ranges. As shown in region <b>1410</b>, the number of digital cameras that cost between 0 (zero) and 50000 (fifty thousand) loyalty points are 9 (nine) in quantity.

0195It will be understood and appreciated that in one embodiment of the present disclosure, customers can choose to redeem items using a combination of a dollar amount and loyalty points. An exemplary customer table <b>217</b> (stored in LPMS database <b>121</b>) showing pre-stored credit card information for customers who have redeemed items using a combination of a dollar amount and loyalty points, is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

0196In many scenarios, customers obtain a discount on the retail price of an item when they redeem items through the LPMS portal using their loyalty points, as opposed to buying items directly from suppliers, merchants and retailers. Region <b>1412</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> displays that a customer obtains a discount of 13% (thirteen percent) of the actual retail price of an item called “Sony Cyber-Shot 16.1 Megapixel Zoom Digital Camera—Silver”, wherein the item costs 19,884 (nineteen thousand eight hundred and eighty four) loyalty points to a customer, the item being eligible for in-store pickup only. Moreover, it can be seen that region <b>1412</b> displays summarized item information for many other digital cameras, with some of the cameras being available for in-store pickup while some other cameras available for drop-ship only, while yet some other cameras are available via both in-store pickup as well as drop-ship delivery. Accordingly, it will be understood that box <b>1209</b> will allow customers to select redemption items (for example, cameras) that are available for in-store pickup only. Deselecting the box (as indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>) allows customers to review redemption items that are available for either, or both in-store pickup as well as drop-ship delivery options. It will be understood that when a customer clicks on an item from a list of displayed items in a sub-category, or alternatively a “View Details” button displayed next to the item, the customer will be directed to a page containing additional details of the item (for example, as shown next in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> that further consists of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref>).

0197In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, an exemplary screenshot <b>1504</b> indicating additional details of the item called “Sony Cyber-Shot 16.1 Megapixel Zoom Digital Camera—Silver” that was displayed in summary form in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, will be revealed. In one aspect, these details are indicated in various user-interface tabs, for example, a “Features” tab <b>1504</b>, a “Summary” tab <b>1506</b>, and an “Attributes” tab <b>1508</b>. As can be seen, region <b>1502</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref> displays model number of the item, customer rating, price in terms of loyalty points, eligibility for in-store pickup, estimated time to ship items via standard shipping service, and various other details. For example, the above-mentioned item has a model number DSCW570, costs 20,712 loyalty points and provides a savings of 13% to customers in comparison to the retail price of the item. It is further seen from region <b>1502</b> that a customer can add the above-mentioned item in an online shopping cart by clicking on an “Add to Cart” button. Those skilled in the art will understand that the default quantity of items in the customer's online shopping cart is 1 (one). If a customer wishes to insert more items in the customer's online shopping cart, then the customer can edit the “Quantity” box in region <b>1502</b>.

0198Features tab <b>1504</b> displays various features related to the above-mentioned item such as the item is a digital camera having 5× optical zoom and 2.7″ LCD display, and various other details. If a customer wishes to review further details of the item, then the customer clicks on a “Summary” tab <b>1506</b>, or alternatively, an “Attributes” tab <b>1508</b>. Details of the information displayed in these tabs will be described next in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref> respectively.

0199<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref> is an exemplary screenshot of a “Summary” tab <b>1506</b> showing a summary of the above-mentioned item. Exemplary details shown in the summary tab <b>1506</b> include 16.1 megapixel camera, ability to capture detailed images and 720P HD movies, ability of the item to have face detection, smile and anti-blink technologies and other information. In the following paragraph, an Attributes tab <b>1508</b> will be described in greater detail.

0200<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref> is an exemplary screenshot of an “Attributes” tab <b>1508</b> displaying various attributes of the above-mentioned item (specifically, the digital camera as shown in region <b>1502</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref>). Information displayed in the attributes tab include, the optical zoom, the digital zoom, the ISO equivalent and various other attributes of the above-mentioned item. It will be understood that region <b>1502</b> (and the information therein) is commonly displayed in Features tab <b>1504</b>, Summary tab <b>1506</b> as well as Attributes tab <b>1508</b>. A customer who wishes to redeem the exemplary, above-mentioned item clicks on “Add to Cart” button displayed in region <b>1502</b>. Upon clicking on the “Add to Cart” button, the item will be placed in customer's online shopping cart, and subsequently the LPMS <b>117</b> displays the customer's online shopping cart to the customer, as will be described next. It will be understood that in alternate embodiments of the present system, various other specifications of the item can be displayed (in separate tabs, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A-15C</figref>, or otherwise), as will occur to one skilled in the art.

0201Now turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, an exemplary screenshot <b>1600</b> of a customer's online shopping cart is shown. It will be understood that <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is illustrative of the customer's online shopping cart prior to placement of an order by customers, in an exemplary loyalty points transaction. As can be seen from region <b>1602</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, the total cost of items on the customer's online shopping cart is worth 41,424 (forty-one thousand four hundred and twenty-four) loyalty points in the loyalty points transaction. This is because the customer has chosen to redeem two (2) items as indicated in the Quantity region <b>1606</b>. Further, region <b>1604</b> indicates various consecutive stages in a typical checkout process. From region <b>1604</b> in the screenshot <b>1600</b>, it can be seen that the “Review” stage is highlighted indicating that the customer is presently reviewing the online shopping cart. It is also seen that subsequent stages of a typical checkout process include the following consecutive stages, “Shipping”, “Confirm”, and “Complete”. Region <b>1608</b> indicates that the number of loyalty points needed for the redemption of one (1) item is 20,712 (twenty-thousand seven hundred and twelve) as was noted previously from region <b>1502</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A-FIG</figref>. <b>15</b>C. Since the customer has chosen to redeem two (2) items as indicated in the Quantity region <b>1606</b>, the total number of loyalty points needed to place the order, or equivalently, the cost of the items in the customer's order is 41,424 (forty-one thousand four hundred and twenty four). If the customer decides to cancel the order, then the customer can do so by clicking on a “Remove” button in “Remove” region <b>1612</b> in screenshot <b>1600</b>. It will be understood that a customer can make changes to the quantity (Quantity region <b>1606</b>) of items by typing in a new quantity in place of the old quantity. Then, the customer clicks on an “Update Cart” button <b>1614</b> to update the changes to the quantity of items to be redeemed by the customer.

0202As mentioned in several places in this disclosure, a customer can opt for in-store pickup of items that are eligible for in-store pick up, or alternatively, the customer can opt for drop-ship method of delivery of the items. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> as well as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15C</figref>, the above-mentioned exemplary item is eligible for in-store pickup. Hence, if the customer chooses in-store pickup, the customer indicates such a desire to the LPMS <b>117</b> by clicking the “in-store pickup” option as shown in region <b>1616</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>.

0203Based on the quantity of items entered by the customer in region <b>1606</b>, and the cost of the item (in loyalty points), the LPMS <b>117</b> computes the total loyalty points needed to complete the order. In one embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> also displays the previous balance of the customer's loyalty points, and the future balance at end of the current loyalty points transaction. As shown in region <b>1618</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, the customer has a balance of 100,000 (one hundred thousand) loyalty points, and this will reduce to 58,576 (fifty-eight thousand five hundred and seventy-six) after the current loyalty points transaction is completed. This is because, and as will be recalled, the cost of the items in the customer's order is 41,424 (forty-one thousand four hundred and twenty four).

0204If the customer decides to continue shopping, then the customer clicks on the “Continue Shopping” button <b>1620</b>, in which case the items remain on the online shopping cart, and a final order is not placed. Further, upon clicking button <b>1620</b>, the customer is returned to the catalog page displaying various goods and services, for example as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. If, however, the customer decides to checkout, then the customer clicks on “Proceed with Purchase” button <b>1622</b>. As recited previously, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a LPMS user interface can be configured as a mobile device application, and therefore, a location identification mechanism (such as GPS, or any other positioning technology) embedded in the mobile device application associated with a LPMS user-interface provides details of the customer's current location to the LPMS <b>117</b>. Based on the customer's location obtained via customer's input or a location identification mechanism (such as GPS), the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a list of stores around a fixed distance of the customer's current location where the items in the customer's order (as displayed exemplarily in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>) are potentially available. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the customer uses a POS system at the store to access the LPMS user interface, then the POS system automatically provides the customer's current location.

0205In yet another aspect, and as recited previously, a customer accesses the LPMS user interface via a computing device such as a desktop or a laptop computer. In such a scenario, the customer further specifies a current location in the form of zip codes or a city/state corresponding to the customer's desired store pick-up location. In another example, the LPMS utilizes a location corresponding to a customer's default location that is pre-stored in the LPMS database, wherein the default location is stored as a part of a customer's profile information. Subsequently, a list of stores pre-stored in the LPMS <b>117</b> as available from suppliers, merchants and retailers, is displayed to the customer. It will be understood that such a list is updated intermittently or periodically.

0206According to one embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> queries the merchant involved in the customer's order in real-time for a list of store locations where the items are available. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, it will be understood and appreciated that the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates with merchants via merchant-provided APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). In turn, the merchant provides a response via a respective merchant API to the LPMS <b>117</b> with a list of store locations where the items are available. The LPMS <b>117</b> displays such a list to the customer. An exemplary screenshot illustrating a list of merchant store locations, as displayed to a customer is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, and will be described next.

0207Now turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, a screenshot <b>1700</b> is shown of an exemplary LPMS user interface displaying a list of merchant store locations where an item is available to be picked up. As shown in region <b>1702</b>, a customer can enter a zip code (“Zip Code” box), or, a city (“City” box) and a corresponding state (“State”) where the city is located. After the customer has entered any of a zip, or, a city in conjunction with a state, the customer clicks on a “Find Nearest Store” button to query the LPMS <b>117</b> for locations where the items are available for in-store pickup. Alternatively, the customer can cancel the search, and consequently will be redirected to the catalog page displaying various goods and services available via the loyalty points redemption program, for example as displayed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

0208If the customer clicks on the “Find Nearest Store” button in region <b>1702</b> (in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>), then the LPMS <b>117</b> displays of list of merchant store locations where an item is available to be picked up. Additionally, the LPMS <b>117</b> also provides customers a map and directions to the merchant store locations. According to one embodiment, a list of stores (where the item is potentially available) can be pre-stored in the LPMS <b>117</b> as available from suppliers, merchants and retailers, and such a list is updated intermittently or periodically.

0209In one aspect of the present disclosure, the LPMS <b>117</b> additionally allows customers to check availability of the items at a particular store location in real-time by clicking on “Check Availability” button <b>1704</b>. Consequently, the LPMS <b>117</b> queries the merchant in real-time enquiring about the availability of the items at the particular store locations selected by the customer (previously by clicking on “Check Availability” button <b>1704</b>). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it will be understood and appreciated that the LPMS <b>117</b> communicates with merchants via merchant-provided APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). The merchant provides a response to the LPMS <b>117</b> containing item availability at the particular store location, via a respective merchant API, and the LPMS <b>117</b> subsequently displays the availability information of the items to the customer. As shown in region <b>1706</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, if the items are available at the particular store location, then the LPMS <b>117</b> displays the availability information of the items to the customer with a message “All Items Available”.

0210If the items are available at the particular store location selected by the customer, then the customer clicks on the “Select” button shown in region <b>1706</b>, to finalize the selection of that particular store for in-store pickup of the items. (Although not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, it will be understood that if the items are not available at a store location selected by the customer, then the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a message to the customer indicating that the items are unavailable.) For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the merchant store location finalized by the customer is “Walbuy—North Lake” located at “4145 Lavista Road, North Lake Square, Tucker, Ga. 30084”.

0211Still continuing with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the LPMS <b>117</b> receives the customer's final selection of a store (for example, as shown in region <b>1706</b>) where the items are available for in-store pickup, and then displays a summary of the customer's order to the customer for a final confirmation, as will be described next in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>.

0212Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, a screenshot <b>1800</b> of an exemplary LPMS user interface showing summary of an order, prior to redemption of items in a transaction using loyalty points, is shown. As shown in region <b>1804</b>, the summary of the items to be redeemed by the customer, is displayed. It can be seen that the summary includes the item (for example, “Sony Cyber-Shot 16.1 Megapixel Zoom Digital Camera—Silver”), quantity (for example, “2”) of items, cost of item (for example, “20,712”) in terms of loyalty points, and the total cost (for example, “41,424”) of items in terms of loyalty points. Also, in region <b>1802</b>, the merchant store location where the items will be picked up, is also indicated by the LPMS <b>117</b> to the customer. For the example displayed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, and as will be understood from the previous discussion the merchant store location finalized by the customer is “Walbuy—North Lake” located at “4145 Lavista Road, North Lake Square, Tucker, Ga. 30084”.

0213Summary of the customer's loyalty points balance after the loyalty points transaction is completed, is displayed in region <b>1806</b>. It will be recalled that such information was displayed in region <b>1618</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, and is not repeated in the discussion herein. In certain instances, for in-store pickup of items, customers can get a discount of loyalty points on their order, depending on various factors. Such factors typically depend on the merchant that is offering the item for sale, the LPP that offers the loyalty points redemption program, the items that are on sale, and the like. Thus, in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, in region <b>1806</b>, it can be seen that the customer gets an in-store pickup discount of 828 (eight hundred and twenty-eight) loyalty points.

0214Additionally, the LPMS user interface notifies the customer that the customer will receive an email when the items are ready for pickup, and accordingly requests the customer to verify the customer's email address. In one embodiment, the customer's email is previously provided by the LPP to the LPMS, when the customer's loyalty points account is first created in the LPMS <b>117</b>. In another embodiment, the customer enters the customer's email address when asked by the LPMS to verify the customer's email address.

0215After reviewing the summary of the order, the customer can place the order to redeem the items by clicking on a “Purchase Now” button <b>1810</b>. Alternatively, the customer can choose to modify the order by updating the items in the customer's online shopping cart. An “Update Cart” button <b>1808</b> is provided on the LPMS user interface for that purpose.

0216If the customer clicks on the “Purchase Now” button <b>1810</b>, then the LPMS places a hold on an appropriate number of customer's loyalty balance and the order is successfully submitted with the merchant. In turn, and as mentioned previously, the merchant submits the order with the respective store location finalized by the customer for in-store pickup. Then, the merchant starts processing the order. In an exemplary embodiment, In another exemplary embodiment, the LPMS <b>117</b> displays a page showing final confirmation of the customer's order to the customer. Such a page will be described next in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.

0217Now turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, an exemplary screenshot <b>1900</b> of a LPMS user interface displaying a final order confirmation page, as displayed to a customer is shown. As will be recalled from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the LPMS <b>117</b> provides instructions to the customer related to store pickup information (or shipping information), as applicable to the customer's order. It will be further recalled that the pickup information was provided to the LPMS <b>117</b> by the merchant at an earlier instance. Therefore, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, region <b>1901</b> displays such information to the customer in an exemplary loyalty points transaction. As shown exemplarily in region <b>1901</b>, the customer Andy Althauser is informed that his order was successfully placed and is provided with an order number “13004529”.

0218Further, region <b>1901</b> also indicates that the customer could contact a customer service center (associated with the entity that hosts the LPMS <b>117</b>) if the customer has questions or comments regarding the customer's order. The customer service center's exemplary email address and phone number is displayed. Additionally, as shown in region <b>1901</b>, the customer is notified that legal terms and conditions defining rules and requirements pertaining to the customer's loyalty points redemption can be reviewed at a specific location of a page in the LPMS web interface, for example in the upper right hand corner of the catalog page.

0219Moreover, it can also be seen from region <b>1901</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> that the address of the store location where the customer will be picking up the order is also displayed. In the example shown, the address of the store location, as will be recalled from the earlier discussions is “4145 Lavista Road NorthLake Square, Tucker, Ga. 30084”, associated with the merchant store Walbuy.

0220Upon reviewing the information that is displayed to the customer and is discussed above, the customer can choose to continue shopping or, alternatively, can print confirmation information (comprising the order confirmation number and the address of the store location). If the customer chooses to continue shopping, then the customer will be redirected to the catalog page (shown exemplarily in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) that displays eligible goods and services available to the customer through the loyalty points redemption program that the customer is a member of. Hence, respective buttons <b>1902</b> and <b>1904</b> are provided on the user interface that when clicked would allow the customer to choose to continue shopping, or alternatively print the order confirmation information.

0221Along with the order confirmation information, and in the embodiment shown in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, the LPMS <b>117</b> notifies (as indicated in region <b>1906</b>) that the customer will receive an email informing when the item are ready to be picked up from the store. It can be appreciated that the LPMS <b>117</b> indicates that the customer will typically receive this email within the next forty-five minutes of receiving this notification. Moreover, the LPMS <b>117</b> also indicates that the customer should contact the customer service center (of the entity that hosts the LPMS <b>117</b>) in the event that the customer does not receive an email within the next ninety minutes of receiving this notification. From the foregoing, it will be understood and appreciated that a loyalty points transaction using the disclosed LPMS <b>117</b> is a real-time phenomenon, happening within a very short interval of time that allows customers to redeem items while on premises at a merchant store location. That is, in general, a customer shopping at the exemplary Walbuy store will be able to order and pick up the items while shopping on premises. Alternatively, in another aspect, a customer can order items using a laptop computer or a mobile device, and can subsequently travel to the store location and pickup items thereafter.

0222In region <b>1908</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, the balance of the customer's loyalty points (for example, 58,576) and the total cost of (for example, 41,424) the items in the cart are displayed. As will be understood, the screenshots discussed herein are for exemplary purposes only, and other embodiments of the LPMS <b>117</b> may have different LPMS user interfaces or they may display other information as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Although not shown in the screenshots displayed herein, it will be recalled (from the discussion of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) that according to alternate aspects of the present disclosure, a customer can choose to have the items shipped to a shipping location via a convenient shipping service.

0223As recited repeatedly throughout this disclosure, embodiments of the LPMS are able to communicate with numerous types of electronic devices remotely via predetermined communications algorithms (e.g., device proxies). This communication often entails sending instructions to the respective devices to initiate some action with respect to the power states of the devices. It will be understood and appreciated that, in one embodiment, this control is accomplished by providing instructions to IP-enabled devices that are pre-programmed to enable remote control and functioning based on the provided instructions. As will be understood, remote control of devices can occur via any specific mechanism as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.

0224As described in detail above, aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for managing and monitoring a plurality of assets (in real time as well as in non-real time) using an energy management system (EMS). Additional aspects relate to easily and efficiently installing (for example, with a simple plug-and-play mechanism) an EMS to manage, monitor, and control pre-existing assets at one or more facilities. Also, aspects of the present disclosure relate to normalizing asset information across varying vendors, makes, and models of assets that are located at various geographically distributed facilities, for management of heterogeneous, distributed assets via a single interactive dashboard interface. Further, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to generating various reports containing operational information relating to the assets, actual (and projected) cost savings and greenhouse emissions based on actions taken with respect to the assets, and analytics related to energy management that are utilized by organizations (entities) and private individuals to develop strategies for optimum energy efficiency management.

0225Accordingly, it will be understood that various embodiments of the present system described herein are generally implemented as a special purpose or general-purpose computer including various computer hardware as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, or downloadable through communication networks. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise physical storage media such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, any type of removable non-volatile memories such as secure digital (SD), flash memory, memory stick etc., or any other medium which can be used to carry or store computer program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, or a mobile device.

0226When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such a connection is properly termed and considered a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device such as a mobile device processor to perform one specific function or a group of functions.

0227Those skilled in the art will understand the features and aspects of a suitable computing environment in which aspects of the invention may be implemented. Although not required, the inventions are described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules or engines, as described earlier, being executed by computers in networked environments. Such program modules are often reflected and illustrated by flow charts, sequence diagrams, exemplary screen displays, and other techniques used by those skilled in the art to communicate how to make and use such computer program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types, within the computer. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represent examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.

0228Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, networked PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention is practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

0229An exemplary system for implementing the inventions, which is not illustrated, includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a conventional computer, including a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. The computer will typically include one or more magnetic hard disk drives (also called “data stores” or “data storage” or other names) for reading from and writing to. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computer. Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, removable optical disks, other types of computer readable media for storing data can be used, including magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, and the like.

0230Computer program code that implements most of the functionality described herein typically comprises one or more program modules may be stored on the hard disk or other storage medium. This program code, as is known to those skilled in the art, usually includes an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. A user may enter commands and information into the computer through keyboard, pointing device, a script containing computer program code written in a scripting language or other input devices (not shown), such as a microphone, etc. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit through known electrical, optical, or wireless connections.

0231The main computer that effects many aspects of the inventions will typically operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers or data sources, which are described further below. Remote computers may be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically include many or all of the elements described above relative to the main computer system in which the inventions are embodied. The logical connections between computers include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and wireless LANs (WLAN) that are presented here by way of example and not limitation. Such networking environments are commonplace in office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

0232When used in a LAN or WLAN networking environment, the main computer system implementing aspects of the invention is connected to the local network through a network interface or adapter. When used in a WAN or WLAN networking environment, the computer may include a modem, a wireless link, or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer, or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections described or shown are exemplary and other means of establishing communications over wide area networks or the Internet may be used.

0233In view of the foregoing detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, it readily will be understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application. While various aspects have been described in the context of a preferred embodiment, additional aspects, features, and methodologies of the present invention will be readily discernable from the description herein, by those of ordinary skill in the art. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements and methodologies, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Furthermore, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes described and claimed herein are those considered to be the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. It should also be understood that, although steps of various processes may be shown and described as being in a preferred sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent a specific indication of such to achieve a particular intended result. In most cases, the steps of such processes may be carried out in a variety of different sequences and orders, while still falling within the scope of the present inventions. In addition, some steps may be carried out simultaneously.

0234Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended nor is to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.