| US20050234773A1 | 2005-10-20 | |||
| US20080016003A1 | 2008-01-17 | |||
| US20070233598A1 | 2007-10-04 | |||
| US20080065484A1 | 2008-03-13 | |||
| US20080033816A1 | 2008-02-07 | |||
| US20070288372A1 | 2007-12-13 |
| CLAIMS: 1. A method of rewarding a user, the method including accruing expenditure by a user on land travel; and allocating to a user a reward equivalent to an amount expended on land travel. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , which includes the prior step of registering a user on a database. 3. A method as claimed in claim 2, in which registering a user on a database includes the prior step of issuing to a prospective user an application form to be completed. 4. A method as claimed in claim 3, which includes the step of receiving from the prospective user a completed application form to be registered on the database. 5. A method as claimed in claim 4, in which registering a user on a database includes performing a credit check on the prospective user. 6. A method as claimed in claim 5, in which registering a user on a database includes informing the prospective user of the outcome of the application by the prospective user. 7. A method as claimed in claim 6, in which, if the application was successful, registering a user includes confirming the delivery address of a user. 8. A method as claimed in claim 7, in which registering a user includes entering data of a user received in the application on a database. 9. A method as claimed in claim 8, in which registering a user includes sending to a token/payment instrument issuer user details received in the application form. 10. A method as claimed in claim 9, in which registering a user includes dispatching to a user a token/payment instrument. 11. A method as claimed in claim 1 , in which accruing expenditure by a user includes permitting a user to purchase fuel and to pay for such purchase by means of the payment instrument. 12. A method as claimed in claim 11 , in which accruing expenditure includes recording such payments by a user in the database. 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, in which allocating to a user a reward equivalent to an amount expended on land travel include the prior step of allocating a reward value associated with the expenditure accrued on the database. 14. A method as claimed in claim 13, in which the reward value is associated with a number of points accrued. 15. A method as claimed in claim 14, which includes the step of producing a statement of transactions associated with a user registered on the database. 16. A method as claimed in claim 15, which includes the step of providing to a user a statement of transactions. 17. A method as claimed in claim 16, which includes the step of providing to fuel outlets a statement of transactions conducted at a particular fuel outlet. 18. A method as claimed in claim 17, which includes issuing a reward to a user, based on the number of points accrued on the database. 19. A method as claimed in claim 18, in which issuing a reward includes receiving a request from a user to be issued with a reward. 20. A method as claimed in claim 19, in which issuing a reward includes the step of confirming the number of points accrued on the database. 21. A method as claimed in claim 20, in which receiving a request from a user to be issued with a reward includes receiving from a user a request for a particular type of reward. 22. A method as claimed in claim 21 , in which issuing a reward includes recording the reward issued on the database. 23. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which recording the reward issued on the database includes subtracting points from the points accrued on the database for a particular user. 24. A method as claimed in claim 23, in which issuing a reward includes dispatching to a user a voucher representative of the reward. 25. A method as claimed in claim 24, in which the voucher is associated with the particular reward requested by the user. 26. A method as claimed in claim 24, in which the voucher is associated with a particular validity period/expiry date. 27. A method as claimed in claim 24, in which the voucher is associated with a particular goods/service provider, to be redeemed only at the associated goods/service provider. 28. A method as claimed in claim 27, which includes generating reports representing transactions conducted at a particular goods/service outlet. 29. A method as claimed in claim 28, which includes dispatching goods/service outlet reports to registered goods/service providers. 30. A method of rewarding a user, the method including measuring a distance travelled by a user with a land vehicle; and allocating to a user a reward equivalent to a distance travelled on land. 31. A method as claimed in claim 30, which includes the prior step of registering a user on a database. 32. A method as claimed in claim 31 , in which registering a user on a database includes the prior step of issuing to a prospective user an application form to be completed. 33. A method as claimed in claim 32, which includes the step of receiving from the prospective user a complete application form to be registered on the database. 34. A method as claimed in claim 33, in which registering a user on a database includes performing a credit check on the prospective user. 35. A method as claimed in claim 34, in which registering a user on a database includes informing the prospective user of the outcome of the application by the prospective user. 36. A method as claimed in claim 35, in which, if the application was successful, registering a user may include confirming the delivery address of a user. 37. A method as claimed in claim 36, in which registering a user includes entering data of a user received in the application on a database. 38. A method as claimed in claim 37, in which registering a user includes sending to a token/payment instrument issuer user details received in the application form. 39. A method as claimed in claim 38, in which registering a user includes dispatching to a user a token/payment instrument. 40. A method as claimed in claim 31 , in which measuring a distance travelled by a user with a land vehicle includes obtaining from a user a reading from a vehicle's odometer. 41. A method as claimed in claim 40, which includes accruing a distance travelled by a user. 42. A method as claimed in claim 41 , in which accruing a distance travelled includes registering the vehicle's odometer reading on the database. 43. A method as claimed in claim 41 , in which allocating to a user a reward equivalent to a distance travelled on land includes allocating a reward value associated with the distance accrued on the database. 44. A method as claimed in claim 43, in which the reward value is associated with a number of points accrued. 45. A method as claimed in claim 44, which includes the step of producing a statement of transactions associated with a user registered on the database. 46. A method as claimed in claim 45, which includes the step of providing to a user a statement of transactions. 47. A method as claimed in claim 44, which includes issuing a reward to a user, based on the number of points accrued on the database. 48. A method as claimed in claim 47, in which issuing a reward includes receiving a request from a user to be issued with a reward. 49. A method as claimed in claim 48, in which issuing a reward includes the step of confirming the number of points accrued on the database. 50. A method as claimed in claim 49, in which receiving a request from a user to be issued with a reward includes receiving from a user a request for a particular type of reward. 51. A method as claimed in claim 50, in which issuing a reward includes recording the reward issued on the database. 52. A method as claimed in claim 51 , in which recording the reward issued on the database includes subtracting points from the points accrued on the database for a particular user. 53. A method as claimed in claim 52, in which issuing a reward includes dispatching to a user a voucher representative of the reward. 54. A method as claimed in claim 53, in which the voucher is associated with the particular reward requested by the user. 55. A method as claimed in claim 53, in which the voucher is associated with a particular validity period/expiry date. 56. A method as claimed in claim 53, in which the voucher is associated with a particular goods/service provider, to be redeemed only at the associated goods/service provider. 57. A method as claimed in claim 56, which includes generating reports representing transactions conducted at a particular goods/service outlet. 58. A method as claimed in claim 57, which includes dispatching goods/service outlet reports to registered goods/service providers. 59. A method of rewarding a user, the method including accruing expenditure by a user on fuel; measuring a distance travelled by a user with a land vehicle; and allocating to a user a reward proportional to either accrued fuel expenditure or the distance travelled by a user with a land vehicle; or both. 60. A method as claimed in claim 59, which includes the prior step of registering a user on a database. 61. A method as claimed in claim 60, in which registering a user on a database includes the prior step of issuing to a prospective user an application form to be completed. 62. A method as claimed in claim 61 , which includes the step of receiving from the prospective user a completed application form to be registered on the database. 63. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which registering a user on a database includes performing a credit check on the prospective user. 64. A method as claimed in claim 63, in which registering a user on a database includes informing the prospective user of the outcome of the application by the prospective user. 65. A method as claimed in claim 64, in which, if the application was successful, registering a user includes confirming the delivery address of a user. 66. A method as claimed in claim 65, in which registering a user includes entering data of a user received in the application on a database. 67. A method as claimed in claim 66, in which registering a user includes sending to a token/payment instrument issuer user details received in the application form. 68. A method as claimed in claim 67, in which registering a user includes dispatching to a user a token/payment instrument. 69. A method as claimed in claim 59, in which accruing expenditure includes recording such payments by a user in the database. 70. A method as claimed in claim 60, in which measuring a distance travelled by a user with a land vehicle includes obtaining from a user a reading from a vehicle's odometer. 71. A method as claimed in claim 70, which includes accruing a distance travelled by a user. 72. A method as claimed in claim 71 , in which accruing a distance travelled includes registering the vehicle's odometer reading on the database. 73. A method as claimed in claim 59, in which allocating to a user a reward equivalent to an amount expended on land travel includes the prior step of allocating a reward value associated with the expenditure accrued on the database. 74. A method as claimed in claim 71 , in which allocating to a user a reward equivalent to a distance travelled on land includes allocating a reward value associated with the distance accrued on the database. 75. A method as claimed in claim 73, in which the reward value is associated with a number of points accrued. 76. A method as claimed in claim 74, in which the reward value is associated with a number of points accrued. 77. A method as claimed in claim 76, which includes the step of producing a statement of transactions associated with a user registered on the database. 78. A method as claimed in claim 77, which includes the step of providing to a user a statement of transactions. 79. A method as claimed in claim 78, which includes issuing a reward to a user, based on the number of points accrued on the database. 80. A method as claimed in claim 79, in which issuing a reward includes receiving a request from a user to be issued with a reward. 81. A method as claimed in claim 78, in which issuing a reward includes the step of confirming the number of points accrued on the database. 82. A method as claimed in claim 79, in which receiving a request from a user to be issued with a reward includes receiving from a user a request for a particular type of reward . 83. A method as claimed in claim 82, in which issuing a reward includes recording the reward issued on the database. 84. A method as claimed in claim 83, in which recording the reward issued on the database includes subtracting points from the points accrued on the database for a particular user. 85. A method as claimed in claim 84, in which issuing a reward includes dispatching to a user a voucher representative of the reward. 86. A method as claimed in claim 85, in which the voucher is associated with the particular reward requested by the user. 87. A method as claimed in claim 85, in which the voucher is associated with a particular validity period/expiry date. 88. A method as claimed in claim 85, in which the voucher is associated with a particular goods/service provider, to be redeemed only at the associated goods/service provider. 89. A method as claimed in claim 88, which includes generating reports representing transactions conducted at a particular goods/service outlet. 90. A method as claimed in claim 89, which includes dispatching goods/service outlet reports to registered goods/service providers. 91. A loyalty system, which includes a database comprising: details of registered users, points accrued by the registered users, details of registered goods/service providers, and details of transactions conducted at registered goods/service providers. 92. A loyalty system as claimed in claim 91 operable to implement the methods as claimed in claims 1 to 90. |
This invention relates to a loyalty system. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of rewarding a user for land travel and the purchase of petrol, and is subsequently linked to a loyalty system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The inventor is aware of loyalty systems associated with incurring debt via a particular credit provider, and of systems associated with rewarding users for purchasing air tickets with a particular air carrier.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of rewarding a user, the method including accruing expenditure by a user on land travel; and allocating to a user a reward equivalent to an amount expended on land travel.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of rewarding a user, the method including measuring a distance travelled by a user with a land vehicle; and allocating to a user a reward equivalent to a distance travelled on land.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of rewarding a user, the method including accruing expenditure by a user on fuel; measuring a distance travelled by a user with a land vehicle; and allocating to a user a reward proportional to either accrued fuel expenditure or the distance travelled by a user with a land vehicle; or both. The method may include the prior step of registering a user on a database. Registering a user on a database may include the prior step of issuing to a prospective user an application form to be completed. The method of registering a user may include receiving from the prospective user an application form to be registered on the database. Registering a user may include performing a credit check on the prospective user. Registering a user may include informing the prospective user of the outcome of the application by the prospective user. If the application was successful, registering a user may include confirming the delivery address of a user. Registering a user may include entering data of a user received in the application on a database. Registering a user may include sending to a token/payment instrument issuer user details received in the application form. Registering a user may include dispatching to a user a token/payment instrument. For example, the token/ payment instrument may be a so called smart card/magnetic stripe card, or the like.
Accruing expenditure by a user may include permitting a user to purchase fuel and to pay for such purchase by means of the payment instrument. Accruing expenditure may include recording such payments by a user in the database.
Measuring a distance travelled by a user with a land vehicle may include obtaining from a user a reading from a vehicle's odometer, for example when payment for fuel is received. The method may include accruing a distance travelled by a user. Accruing a distance travelled may include registering the vehicle's odometer reading on the database.
Allocating to a user a reward equivalent to an amount expended on land travel may include the prior step of allocating a reward value associated with the expenditure accrued on the database. Allocating to a user a reward equivalent to a distance travelled on land may include allocating a reward value associated with the distance accrued on the database.
The reward value may be associated with a number of points accrued.
The method may include the step of producing a statement of transactions associated with a user registered on the database. For example, the statement may represent the transactions recorded on the database over a particular period of time.
The method may include the step of providing to a user a statement of transactions. For example, the statement may be provided to a user via post, electronic mail, or the like.
The method may include the step of providing to fuel outlets a statement of transactions conducted at a particular fuel outlet.
The method may include issuing a reward to a user, based on the number of points accrued on the database. Issuing a reward may include receiving a request from a user to be issued with a reward. Issuing a reward may include the step of confirming the number of points accrued on the database. Receiving a request from a user to be issued with a reward may include receiving from a user a request for a particular type of reward. For example, a user may request to receive a pass for a tollgate, a gift voucher, or an amount value for fuel. Issuing a reward may include recording the reward issued on the database. Recording the reward issued on the database may include subtracting points from the points accrued on the database for a particular user. Issuing a reward may include dispatching to a user a voucher representative of the reward. The voucher may be associated with the particular reward requested by the user. The voucher may be associated with a particular validity period/expiry date. The voucher may be associated with a particular goods/service provider, to be redeemed only at the associated goods/service provider.
The method may include generating reports representing transactions of a particular user. The method may include dispatching user reports to registered users.
The method may include generating reports representing transactions conducted at a particular goods/service outlet. The method may include dispatching goods/service outlet reports to registered goods/service providers.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a loyalty system, which includes a database comprising: details of registered users, points accrued by the registered users, details of registered goods/service providers, and details of transactions conducted at registered goods/service providers.
The loyalty system may be operable to implement the method as hereinbefore described.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only with reference to the following drawing(s):
DRAWING(S)
In the drawing(s): Figure 1 shows an application process in a method of rewarding a user, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;
Figure 2 shows transactions conducted in the method of rewarding a user;
Figure 3 shows a method of issuing a reward in the method of rewarding a user; and
Figure 4 shows a method of generating reports in the method of rewarding a user.
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
In Figure 1 an application process 10 is shown in accordance with a method of rewarding a user. At 12 an application is submitted by a user who wants to be registered on a database. At 12.1 an application form is made available to a user and at 12.2 the user completes and submits the application form.
At 14 the application submitted at 12 is processed by an implementer of the method. At 14.1 the application is received by the implementer of the method. At 14.2 a credit check is performed by the implementer, at 14.3 the application is either approved or rejected. If the application is rejected at 14.4 the prospective user is advised of the outcome of the application at 14.5. If the application is approved at 14.6, the prospective user is advised of the outcome of the application be telephone or by post at 14.7. The delivery address of the prospective user is confirmed at 14.8.
At 16, an implementer of the method processes the application. At 16.1 the application is processed by the implementer by recording a user's details on a database. At 16.2 details of the user is sent to a token manufacturer. The token in this example is in the form of a magnetic stripe card / and or smart card (microchip). The card manufacturer manufactures the card and delivers it to the user at 16.3 at the delivery address confirmed at 14.8. In Figure 2 transactions 20 conducted in accordance with the method of rewarding a user are shown.
A purchasing process is shown at 22. At 22.1 , a user purchases fuel at a fuel station. The purchase is associated with the method by presenting the token issued at 16.3, or by associating the token with the transaction. It is to be appreciated that the transaction details may also be associated with a distance travelled, by reading and recording an odometer reading. The transaction details is forwarded and recorded on the database at the implementer of the method at 22.2.
At 24 the transaction conducted at 22 is processed by the implementer. The implementer allocates a number of credits/points at 24.1 to the transaction conducted by the user at 22.1. At 24.2 the points are accumulated on the database against a user's name.
Reference numeral 26 refers to the periodic processing that an implementer will conduct. In this example, the periodic processing is conducted on a monthly basis. At 26.1 the total number of points accumulated against a user's name is calculated. At 26.2 a statement of the accumulated points is produced and at 26.3 the statement is made available to the user by posting it to the user or by transmitting it to a user by electronic mail.
Reference numeral 28 refers to the accounting done to goods/service providers. In this example the goods/service providers are fuel stations. At 28.1 the number of points accrued by users at the particular fuel station is reported to the fuel station.
In Figure 3 reference numeral 30 refers to a method of issuing a reward to a user. At 32.1 a request for receiving a reward is received from a user. The number of points associated with the particular registered user is confirmed on the database at 32.2 and the preferred reward requested by the user is confirmed at 32.3. In this example, three types of rewards can be provided to a user at 32.4, 32.5 and 32.6 respectively. A tollgate pass can be provided at 32.4, a gift voucher at 32.5 and a predetermined amount of fuel at 32.6.
Once the reward has been issued to a user at 32.4 to 32.6, the points associated with the user's account are adjusted accordingly at 32.7.
The three types of rewards are described in more details in 34, 36 and 38 respectively.
At 34.1 a pass for a tollgate is issued to a user. The pass is provided in the form of a printed voucher at 34.2, and the voucher is made available to the user at 34.3. At 34.4 the user has the opportunity to use the voucher within a predefined expiry date.
At 36.1 a gift voucher is issued to a user. The voucher is provided to the user in a printed format at 36.2 and is made available to the user at 36.3. At 36.4, the user has the opportunity to use the voucher within a predefined expiry date.
At 38.1 a predefined amount of fuel is issued to a user. A voucher is printed at 38.2 and made available to the user at 38.3. At 38.4, the user has the opportunity to use the voucher within a predefined expiry date.
In Figure 4 two types of reporting processes are shown as 40 and 50 respectively.
At 40.1 all transactions on a user account are accumulated and a statement of said transactions is produced at 40.2. At 40.3, the statement is provided to a user by posting it to a user or by sending the statement by electronic mail.
At 50.1 all transactions including points accrued and points redeemed at particular fuel outlets are accumulated. The transactions related to fuel are provided to the fuel outlets at 50.2 and the transactions related to gift vouchers are provided to fuel outlets at 50.3.
At 50.4 all transactions related to toll vouchers are accumulated and are provided to toll gate operators.
The inventor believes that the method and system described in the specification will be of particular use to land travel users such as road users, or even train and public transport users. The inventor believes that the method and system will encourage users to be loyal to specific goods/service providers that offer the method of reward to customers.
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