WO2009082577A1 - Method and system for encoding promotional data on a writable card - Google Patents

Abstract

A technique is providing for storing and transferring promotional information by encoding the promotional information into a data stream based on a promotional data protocol. The promotional data protocol directs the data stream to represent the promotional information as a series of data fields. Each field of the data stream comprises a portion of promotional information that when decoded and combined represents the promotional offer. The series of data may comprise a product/service identification field, a product/service category field, a quantity field, an offer discount field, a first promotional offer field, a second promotional offer field, a first associated product/service field, a second associated product/service field, a promotional offer starting date field, and/or a promotional offer ending date field.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENCODING PROMOTIONAL DATA ON A WRITABLE CARD

BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention relates generally to storing and transferring promotional data. In particular, the invention relates to encoding data in accordance with a promotional data protocol.

[0002] Businesses frequently use promotional offers to attract customers to purchase their goods or services. These promotional offers may take many forms, such as a discount on the purchase of a product or service, a reduced interest rate on credit card transactions, a cash-back offer on a purchase, a buy-one-get-one-free offer, etc. In addition, businesses provide promotional offers to potential customers in a variety of ways. For example, a promotional offer may be provided to a potential customer by placing a coupon in a newspaper purchased by the potential customer, in a postcard mailed to a potential customer, or in an e-mail sent to a customer's computer.

[0003] However, the responsibility lies with the customer to retain and utilize these promotional offers. For example, if the promotional offer is a coupon placed in a newspaper, the customer has to obtain the newspaper, find and remove the coupon from the newspaper, and then remember to take the coupon to a retail store to take advantage of the promotional offer provided in the coupon. Similarly, if the promotional offer is provided in a postcard mailed to the customer, the customer must remove the postcard from the mail, retain it for later use, and then remember to take the postcard to a retail store to use the promotional offer. Finally, when the promotional offer is provided in an e-mail, the customer has to take the additional step of printing out the promotional offer.

[0004] Therefore, a technique is desired that would reduce the demands on a customer to take advantage of promotional offers. In particular, there is a need for a technique that improves the ability of a business to provide potential customers with promotional information that may induce the potential customers to obtain products or services provided by the business. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] A technique is providing for storing and transferring promotional information by encoding the promotional information into a data stream based on a promotional data protocol. The promotional information may be any of a myriad of promotional offers or product/service information, such as a discount on a purchase of a good or service. The promotional data protocol directs the data stream to represent the promotional information as a series of data fields. Each field of the data stream comprises a portion of promotional information that when decoded and combined represents the promotional offer. The series of data may comprise a product/service identification field, a product/service category field, a quantity field, an offer discount field, a first promotional offer field, a second promotional offer field, a first associated product/service field, a second associated product/service field, a promotional offer starting date field, and/or a promotional offer ending date field. The promotional information may be personalized for the customer.

[0006] The promotional information contained within the encoded promotional data may be stored on a portable readable/writable device, such as a magnetic stripe card, a contact smart card, a contact-less smart card, or a portable communications device, such as a cell phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The encoded promotional data may be retrieved from the portable readable/writable device by a reader, such as at a kiosk or point of sale terminal. The encoded promotional data can be decoded based on the promotional data protocol to provide the promotional information contained within the encoded promotional data. The promotional information, such as a discount on the purchase of a product or service, may be provided to a customer at a kiosk or similar display. The promotional information may be applied toward a transaction, such as a purchase, at a point of sale terminal. DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a technique for providing a readable/writable card with encoded promotional data, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a technique for utilizing encoded promotional data stored in a readable/writable card, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a system for storing encoded promotional data on a readable/writable card, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0011] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a magnetic stripe card, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the magnetic stripe located on the magnetic stripe card of FIG. 4, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0013] FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of promotional data that is encoded according to a promotional data protocol, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0014] FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of promotional data that is encoded according to a promotional data protocol, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique; [0015] FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of promotional data that is encoded according to a promotional data protocol, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0016] FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of promotional data that is encoded according to a promotional data protocol, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0017] FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment of a contact smart card operable to store and transmit encoded promotional data, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0018] FIG. 11 is an exemplary embodiment of a system to store and transmit encoded promotional data using a contact-less smart card, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0019] FIG. 12 is an exemplary embodiment of a system to store and transmit encoded promotional data using wireless communications devices, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a system for storing encoded promotional data on a readable/writable card, in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present technique; and

[0021] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a system for storing encoded promotional data on a readable/writable card, in accordance with an additional alternative exemplary embodiment of the present technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention will be described as it might be applied in conjunction with an exemplary technique, in this case a technique for providing encoded promotional data to a readable/writable card, as represented generally by reference numeral 20. The purpose of providing the promotional data to a customer is to support the relationship between a business and the customer. The business could be a retailer, a bank, or any other organization that relies on or interacts with consumers. The promotional data may constitute any of a variety of customer centric activities with the objective of sustaining and enhancing the loyalty of customers and thereby increase sales and profits. These customer centric activities may include communication about products and/or services, general offers for inducing loyalty growth, offers for loyal customers, and personalized offers. In this embodiment, the promotional data is personalized for a customer. However, the promotional data may be provided to customers in general, as well.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, a customer's readable/writable card is read by a card reader/writer to obtain the customer's personal identification so that the promotional data that is provided to the customer is personalized for that particular customer, as represented generally by block 22. The readable/writable card may be any of a variety of different readable/writable cards, such as a magnetic stripe card, a contact smart card, or a contact-less smart card. In addition, the readable/writable card may be a mobile communications device, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a mobile pay device.

[0024] The customer's personal identification data is transmitted to a processor- based system containing promotional data, as represented by block 24. The processor-based system may be any of a variety of different systems and may be located locally or remotely. For example, the processor-based system may be a computer housed in a kiosk located in a store or mall. Alternatively, the processor- based system may be a server-based system located remotely and connected to the card reader via a communications network, such as the Internet. As discussed above, the promotional data may be any type of data that may be provided to the customer to enhance the loyalty of the customer to the business. For example, the promotional data may be a discount on the purchase of a particular product or service or products or services in general, a reduced interest rate on credit card transactions, a cash-back offer on a purchase, a buy-one-get-one-free offer, etc. In this embodiment, the promotional data stored in the processor-based system is stored in a manner to enable personalized promotional data to be provided to the customer based on the identity of the customer. For example, the specific promotional data provided to a customer may be based on the purchasing history of the customer. In this embodiment, personalized promotional data that is to be provided to the customer is generated within the processor-based system, as represented by block 26. The promotional data is then encoded for transmission to the readable/writable card based on a promotional data protocol, as represented generally by reference numeral 28. As will be discussed in more detail below, the promotional data protocol is applicable across various/different geographies encompassing multiple business locations. In addition, different types of promotions are supported.

[0025] The encoded promotional data is transmitted to the card reader/writer, as represented generally by reference numeral 30. The card reader/writer than writes the encoded promotional data onto the readable/writable card, as represented generally by reference numeral 32. The promotional data is then available for the customer to use at any time, or in accordance with the promotion or transaction terms. For example, the readable/writable card may be used at a point-of-sale terminal to apply any discounts represented in the encoded promotional data stored on the card towards a purchase. Alternatively, the customer may view the promotional data, such as product information, at a kiosk adapted to retrieve the encoded promotional data from the readable/writable card and display it on a monitor.

[0026] Referring generally to FIG. 2, a technique for retrieving encoded promotional data from a readable/writable card is presented, and represented generally by reference numeral 34. In the illustrated embodiment, a customer's readable/writable card is read by a card reader, as represented generally by block 36. As above, the readable/writable card may be any of a variety of different readable/writable cards, such as a magnetic stripe card, a contact smart card, a contact-less smart card, or a wireless communications device, such as a cell phone or PDA. [0027] The encoded promotional data stored on the readable/writable card is retrieved by the card reader, as represented generally by reference numeral 38. The encoded promotional data is decoded based on the promotional data protocol. This enables the promotional information contained within the fields of the encoded promotional data to be understood and conveyed.

[0028] The encoded promotional data may be retrieved from the readable/writable card to enable the promotional data to be provided to the customer, as represented generally by reference numeral 40. For example, the card reader may be coupled to a kiosk in a retail store or mall having a monitor that enables the promotional information represented by the encoded promotional data to be displayed to the customer so that the customer is aware of the promotional information stored on the readable/writable card.

[0029] In addition to or alternatively, the promotional data may be applied toward a transaction at the point of sale, as represented generally by reference numeral 42. In this embodiment, the encoded promotional data comprises data representative of a discount that may be applied toward the purchase of a specific product. In addition, in this example, the customer purchases the specific product to which the discount is directed. Furthermore, the card reader is coupled to a point of sale terminal so that the encoded promotional data can be transmitted to the point of sale terminal so that the promotional information may be applied toward the transaction. If applicable, the point of sale terminal applies the discount encoded in the promotional data towards the transaction.

[0030] Referring generally to FIG. 3, a system for storing encoded promotional data on a readable/writable card is presented, as represented generally by reference numeral 44. In this embodiment, the system is adapted to provide promotional data that is personalized for individual customers. However, the system may be adapted to provide standard promotional data to all customers or large groups of customers. [0031] The illustrated embodiment of the system 44 has a card reader/writer 46. The card reader/writer 46 may be adapted to read and write data on any of a variety of different readable/writable cards, such as a magnetic stripe card, a contact smart card, or a contact-less smart card. In addition, the card reader/writer 46 may be adapted to read and write data in a mobile communications device, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, or a mobile pay device.

[0032] In this embodiment, the card reader/writer 46 is connected by a communications network 48 to a server 50. The communications network 48 may be the Internet or some other type of communications network (e.g., cellular network, LAN, WAN, etc.). The readable/writable card has personal identification data stored on the card in this embodiment, so that promotional data may be personalized for individual customers. When the card reader/writer 46 reads a readable/writable card, the personal identification data is retrieved from the card and transmitted via the communications network 48 to the server 50. Stored within the server 50 is the promotional data personalized for individual customers. In this embodiment, the server 50 encodes the promotional data based on a promotional data protocol. The encoded promotional data is transmitted to the card reader/writer 46 via the communications network 48. The card reader/writer 46 is adapted to write the encoded promotional data onto the readable/writable card. The encoded promotional data stored on the readable/writable card may be retrieved and utilized at any time, or again, based upon the terms of the transaction, promotion, etc.

[0033] Referring generally to FIG. 4, an example of a readable/writable card 52 is presented. In this embodiment, the readable/writable card 52 is a magnetic stripe card, such as a credit card or a loyalty card, comprising a plastic card 54 having a magnetic stripe 56 located on the exterior of the plastic card 54. The magnetic stripe 56 enables data to be stored on and retrieved from the readable/writable card 52. Additional information may be located on the magnetic stripe card 52, such as a credit card number or a bar code. The magnetic stripe card 52 may adhere to standards for financial transaction cards, such as ISO (International Organization for Standards) standards.

[0034] Referring generally to FIG. 5, a diagrammatic view of the magnetic stripe card 52 is presented. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic stripe 56 of the magnetic stripe card 52 is delineated into three tracks in which data may be stored: "Track 1" 58, "Track 2" 60, and "Track 3" 62. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the promotional data is stored only on "Track 3" 62. Data may be stored in each track according to a different protocol. These protocols may define the recording density in bits per inch (or millimeter, centimeter, etc.), the character configuration, i.e., the number of bits per character, and the information content, i.e., the number and type of characters. The protocol for storing data on "Track 1" 58 was created by the International Air Transport Agency (IATA). The protocol for storing data on "Track 2" 60 was created by the American Banking Association (ABA). In the illustrated embodiment, data is stored on "Track 3" 62 is based on a promotional data protocol.

[0035] Referring generally to FIG. 6, an embodiment of promotional information encoded according to a promotional protocol to establish encoded promotional data is presented, as represented generally by reference numeral 64. However, the promotional protocol may take other forms and represent other promotional information. In the illustrated embodment, the encoded promotional data 64 is the number "2011001000001209200712112007." The promotional data protocol establishes the format for the promotional data. Encoded promotional data may be comprised of numbers or text. In the illustrated embodiment, the promotional data is divided into a series of fields based on the promotional data protocol. In this embodiment, the promotional data protocol is configured to separate the promotional data into ten fields. The promotional data protocol also establishes the number of data bits in the bit stream of the encoded promotional data that correspond to each field. For example, some fields may be comprised often bits of data, while another field may comprise only two bits of data. In addition, flags or spaces may be inserted into the encoded data stream to separate the fields. For example, the encoded promotional data 64 may be encoded as "2011 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 12092007 12112007."

[0036] Each field of the encoded promotional data 64 represents an element of information that may be communicated. In the illustrated promotional data protocol, the first field 66 of the encoded promotional data 64 corresponds to a product identification number. The second field 68 corresponds to a product category number. The third field 70 corresponds to the quantity required for the promotional offer. The fourth field corresponds to an offer discount for the purchase of the product identified by the product identification number in the first field 66 or second field 68. In this embodiment, the promotional protocol is set so that the offer discount provided in the fourth field 72 refers to a percent reduction in the price, rather than a specific cash discount amount. However, the protocol could be established so that the offer discount is in a cash value, rather than a percent reduction. The fifth field 74 and the sixth field 76 correspond to offer product identification numbers. These two fields are for promotions where up to two products may be provided free of charge to the customer if the customer purchases the product provided in the first field 66. The seventh field 78 and eighth field 80 represent the identification numbers of products that may be associated with the product in the first field 66 in a promotional offer. For example, if all three products are purchased, a discount specified in the fourth field 72 is applied towards their purchase. The ninth field 82 corresponds to the calendar date that marks the beginning date in which the promotional offer is valid. The tenth field 84 corresponds to the calendar date that marks the end of the validity of the promotional offer.

[0037] In the example provided in FIG. 6, the promotional information that is represented by the encoded promotional data is a promotional offer that a customer will receive a ten percent discount if the customer purchases a cappuccino coffee between December 9, 2007 and December 11, 2007. In the illustrated embodiment, the promotional information is encoded so that the first field 66 of the encoded promotional data 64 represents the number "2011". In the promotional data protocol, this number refers to a specific product, cappuccino coffee. The numbers in the promotional data may be based on text or any numeric system, Arabic, binary, hexadecimal, etc. In addition, the promotional information as been encoded so that the fourth field 72 of the encoded promotional data 64 represents the number "10". In this example, the number "10" represents a ten percent reduction in the price of the product identified in the first field 66. In addition, the promotional information has been encoded so that the fourth field 72 of the encoded promotional data represents the date "12/9/2007". As with numbers, the promotional data protocol established the format in which date information is encoded. The promotional data 64 is encoded to represent the date "12/11/2007" in the tenth field. The other fields in the encoded promotional data have the number "0", which means that they will be interpreted as not being applicable to this promotional offer. Thus, the promotional data has been encoded to represent that the customer will receive a ten percent discount in the price of a cappuccino coffee by using the promotional offer stored in the encoded readable/writable card to purchase the cappuccino coffee between December 9, 2007 and December 11, 2007.

[0038] Referring generally to FIG. 7, an additional embodiment of promotional information encoded based on a promotional data protocol is provided, as represented generally by reference numeral 86. In the example provided in FIG. 7, the promotional information that is represented by the encoded promotional data is a promotional offer that a customer will receive a fifteen percent discount on the purchase of two cappuccino coffees if the customer purchases the two cappuccino coffees on a date between December 9, 2007 and December 11, 2007. In the illustrated embodiment, the promotional information is encoded so that the first field 66 of the encoded promotional data 64 represents the number "2011". In the promotional data protocol, this number refers to cappuccino coffee. The third field 70 of the promotional data has been encoded with the number "2". As noted above, the third field 70 refers to the quantity of the item presented in the first field 66 that is required for the promotional offer. In addition, the promotional information as been encoded so that the fourth field 72 of the encoded promotional data 64 represents the number "15". In this example, the number "15" represents a fifteen percent reduction in the price of the product identified in the first field 66. In addition, the promotional information has been encoded so that the fourth field 72 of the encoded promotional data represents the date "12/9/2007". The promotional data 64 is encoded to represent the date "12/11/2007" in the tenth field. The other fields in the encoded promotional data have the number "0", which means that they are not applicable to this promotional offer. Thus, the promotional data has been encoded to represent that if the customer purchases two cappuccino coffees on a date between December 9, 2007 and December 11, 2007 they will receive a fifteen percent discount in the price of the two cappuccino coffees by presenting the encoded readable/writable card containing the encoded promotional data at the time of purchase.

[0039] Referring generally to FIG. 8, an additional embodiment of promotional information encoded based on a promotional data protocol is provided, as represented generally by reference numeral 88. In this example, the promotional information that is represented by the encoded promotional data is a promotional offer that a customer will receive a ten percent discount on the purchase of any coffee, not just a specific coffee, such as cappuccino coffee, between December 9, 2007 and December 11, 2007. In the illustrated embodiment, the promotional information is encoded so that the second field 68 of the encoded promotional data 64 represents the number "2". In the system, this number refers to the category of coffee. The promotional information as been encoded so that the fourth field 72 of the encoded promotional data 64 represents the number "10". In this example, the number "10" represents a ten percent reduction in the price of the product identified in the second field 68. In addition, the promotional information has been encoded so that the ninth field 82 of the encoded promotional data represents the date "12/9/2007". The promotional data 64 is encoded to represent the date "12/11/2007" in the tenth field. The other fields in the encoded promotional data represent the number "0", which means that they are not applicable to this promotional offer. Thus, the promotional data has been encoded to represent that if the customer purchases any coffee on a date between December 9, 2007 and December 11 , 2007 they will receive a ten percent discount in the price of the coffee by presenting the encoded readable/writable card containing the encoded promotional data at the time of purchase.

[0040] Referring generally to FIG. 9, still another example of promotional information encoded based on a promotional data protocol is provided, as represented generally by reference numeral 90. In this example, the promotional information that is represented by the encoded promotional data is a promotional offer that a customer will receive a twenty-five percent discount when the customer purchases a cappuccino coffee, a cheese sandwich, and a chocolate candy bar on a date between December 9, 2007 and December 11, 2007. In the illustrated embodiment, the promotional information is encoded so that the first field 66 of the encoded promotional data 90 represents the number "2011". In the system, this number refers to cappuccino coffee. The encoded promotional data 90 has the number "12" in the seventh field 78, a first associated product. This number refers to a cheese sandwich in this version of the promotional data protocol. In addition, the eighth field 80 has the number "13" which refers to a chocolate candy bar. The promotional information as been encoded so that the fourth field 72 of the encoded promotional data 64 represents the number "25". This represents a twenty-five percent reduction in the price of the products identified in the encoded promotional data 90. In addition, the promotional information has been encoded so that the ninth field 82 of the encoded promotional data represents the date "12/9/2007". The promotional data 64 is encoded to represent the date "12/11/2007" in the tenth field. The other fields in the encoded promotional data represent the number "0", which means that they are not applicable to this promotional offer. Thus, the promotional data has been encoded to represent that if the customer purchases a cappuccino coffee, a cheese sandwich, and a chocolate candy bar on a date between December 9, 2007 and December 11, 2007 they will receive a twenty- five percent discount in the price of the cappuccino coffee, a cheese sandwich, and a chocolate candy bar by presenting the encoded readable/writable card containing the encoded promotional data at the time of purchase. [0041] Referring generally to FIG. 10, a contact smart card is presented, as represented generally by reference numeral 92. A smart card, chip card, or integrated circuit card (ICC) is a pocket-sized card with an embedded integrated circuit which can process information. Smart cards may be used as credit cards or ATM cards, in a fuel card, as Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) for mobile phones, as authorization cards for pay television, pre-pay utilities in household, high-security identification and access-control cards, and as public transport and public telephone payment cards. Smart cards may also be used as electronic wallets. The smart card chip can be loaded with funds which can be spent in parking meters and vending machines or at various merchants.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact smart card 92 has an integrated circuit 94 that is embedded within a plastic card 96. Like the magnetic stripe card 52, encoded promotional data may be stored within and retrieved from the integrated circuit 94 of the contact smart card 92. The integrated circuit 94 is coupled electrically through the plastic card 96 to electrical contacts 98. The contacts 98 are used to make electrical contact with corresponding contacts within a card reader/writer to enable encoded promotional data to be transferred between the integrated circuit 94 within the contact smart card 92 and the card reader/writer.

[0043] Referring generally to FIG. 11, a system for transmitting and receiving encoded promotional data to and from a contact-less smart card 100 is presented. The contact-less smart card 100 has an integrated circuit 102 and a RFID transceiver 104 encased within a plastic card 106. Encoded promotional data may be transmitted to the contact-less smart card 100 using a wireless card reader/writer 108. The RFID transceiver 104 receives the encoded promotional data from the wireless card reader/writer 108 and couples it to the integrated circuit 102 for storage. The encoded promotional data stored within the integrated circuit 102 may be retrieved from the contact-less smart card 100 by placing the contact-less smart card 100 within range of a wireless card reader/writer 108. [0044] Referring generally to FIG. 12, a system for transmitting and receiving encoded promotional data to and from wireless communication devices is presented. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication devices are a cell phone 110 and a personal digital assistant (PDA) 112. Encoded promotional data may be transmitted to the cell phone 110 and PDA 112 using a wireless communications system 114. The encoded promotional data stored within the cell phone 110 and PDA 112 may be retrieved by placing the cell phone 110 and PDA 112 within range of a wireless communications system 114.

[0045] Referring generally to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of a system for storing encoded promotional data on a readable/writable card is presented, as represented generally by reference numeral 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 116 comprises a point of sale terminal having a card reader/writer 118. As noted above, the card reader/writer 118 may be operable to interact with a magnetic stripe card 52, a contact smart card 92, a contact-less smart card 100, a cell phone 110, a PDA 112, or any other device operable to store and transmit encoded promotional data. In this embodiment, the system is operable to provide personalized promotional data to the customer and receive personalized promotional data from the customer. In this embodiment, the card reader/writer 118 is operable to retrieve a personal identifier from a readable/writable card. The personal identifier is coupled over a communications network 120 to a merchant bank server 122, such as when using a credit card to make payment on a purchase. In this embodiment, a retailer server 124 is coupled to the merchant bank server 122. In this embodiment, the merchant bank server 122 transmits the personal identifier for the customer to the retailer server 124. The retailer server 124 generates encoded promotional data based on the customer's personal identifier and transmits the data to the merchant bank server 122. The merchant bank server 122 may apply the promotional data to a transaction in progress. Alternatively, the merchant bank server 122 may transmit the encoded promotional data to the point of sale terminal for either storage on a readable/writable device or apply the promotional data to a purchase in progress. [0046] Referring generally to FIG. 14, an alternative embodiment of a system for storing encoded promotional data on a readable/writable device is presented, as represented generally by reference numeral 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 126 comprises a card reader/writer 128 coupled to a retailer station 130, such as a kiosk. The retailer station 130 has a communications device to enable it to communicate via a communications network 132 to a retailer server 134.

[0047] As with the previous systems and methods, the illustrated embodiment is adapted to provide personalized promotional data for storage on a readable/writable device. When a readable/writable device is read by the card reader/writer 128, the personal identification data stored in the readable/writable device is retrieved and transmitted to the retailer server 134. The retailer server 134 receives the personal identifier and provides a personalized promotional offer in the form of encoded promotional data. The encoded promotional data is transmitted to the retailer station 130. In this embodiment, a monitor 136 is coupled to the retailer station to provide the customer with a visual representation of the promotional offer contained in the encoded promotional data. In addition, in his embodiment, a user interface 138 is provided to enable a customer to select a specific promotional offer and/or promotional information from among a plurality of promotional offers/promotional information transmitted from the retailer server 134. In this embodiment, the promotional offer selected by the customer is then written onto the readable/writable device by the card reader/writer 128. However, the encoded promotional data may also be written directly onto the readable/writable device without any customer interaction, as well.

[0048] The technical effect of the technique is to encode promotional information using a promotional data protocol. While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A method of providing promotional information, comprising: encoding promotional data based on a promotional data protocol; and transmitting the encoded promotional data to a readable/writable device.

2. The method for providing promotional information as recited in claim 1, comprising: reading the readable/writable device to retrieve a personal identifier stored in the readable/writable device.

3. The method for providing promotional information as recited in claim 2, comprising: customizing the promotional data based on the personal identifier.

4. The method for providing promotional information as recited in claim 2, wherein reading the readable/writable device to retrieve a personal identifier stored in the readable/writable device comprises transferring the personal identifier wirelessly from the readable/writable device to an interface.

5. The method for providing promotional information as recited in claim 1 , wherein transmitting the encoded promotional data to a readable/writable device comprises transmitting the encoded promotional data from a first readable/writable device to a second readable/writable device.

6. The method for providing promotional information as recited in claim 1 , wherein the promotional data protocol is adapted to represent promotional information as a series of data fields comprising at least one of a product/service identification field, an offer field, an additional product/service offer field, and a condition of the offer field.

7. A method to provide a promotional offer, comprising: retrieving promotional data from a readable device; and decoding the promotional data based on a promotional data protocol.

8. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein retrieving promotional data from a readable device comprises reading the readable device with a reader.

9. The method as recited in claim 7, comprising: applying the promotional offer decoded from the promotional data towards a transaction.

10. The method as recited in claim 7, comprising: displaying the promotional offer decoded from the promotional data visually.