Vicki L James

US Patent:

20070288313, Dec 13, 2007

Filed:

Apr 27, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/741426

Inventors:

Mark Brodson - Northbrook IL, US
Vicki L. James - Schaumburg IL, US
Jeffrey Jay Erdmann - Richfield WI, US

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

705 14, 705 16

Abstract:

A method wherein a consumer registers for an electronic coupon (e-coupon) program and receives an e-coupon card programmed with consumer and corresponding e-coupon account identification information. The consumer selects available coupons from a website which are then loaded into the e-coupon account. Consumer package goods manufacturers (CPGs) are charged the downloaded value of the coupon plus a fee. The consumer may use the e-coupon card at any retailer that has electronic funds transfer (EFT) capabilities, such as credit/debit card acceptance. At a retailer's point of sale (POS) terminal, the consumer swipes the card and the cost of items having an e-coupon is adjusted by the corresponding e-coupon value and deducted from the consumer's final amount due. The CPG is also charged a redemption fee and the retailer is charged an interchange fee. Expired coupons are automatically removed from the account and their value refunded to the CPGs. Reports on redeemed coupons and redeemer profiles can be generated and provided to the CPGs or retailers.

US Patent:

20090106115, Apr 23, 2009

Filed:

Dec 29, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/344954

Inventors:

Vicki L. James - Schaumburg IL, US
Jeffrey Jay Erdmann - Richfield WI, US

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00
G06Q 20/00
G06Q 10/00

US Classification:

705 14, 705 16, 705 23, 705 17, 705 30, 705 39

Abstract:

A system that automates the clearing and settlement of electronic coupons (E-Coupons) by leveraging existing technologies and enabling E-Coupon redemption at any merchant having electronic funds transfer (EFT) capabilities, such as credit/debit card acceptance. The system reduces opportunities for fraud, reduces or eliminates the need for manual clearinghouse counting and sorting of coupons, and provides an electronic audit trail for coupon redemption, tying a specific purchase to a specific coupon. After registering and selecting coupons, consumers then use an E-Coupon card or account access device at a merchant's point-of-sale (POS) terminal. E-Coupon values are deducted from the consumer's final amount due. Both consumer package goods manufacturers (CPGs) and merchants may be charged a fee. Expired coupons are automatically removed from the account and their value refunded to the CPGs. Reports on redeemed coupons and consumer profiles can be generated and provided to CPGs or merchants.

US Patent:

20090222897, Sep 3, 2009

Filed:

Feb 29, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/074037

Inventors:

Michael D. Carow - Big Bend WI, US
Vicki L. James - Schaumburg IL, US

International Classification:

H04L 9/32
G06F 17/00

US Classification:

726 6, 726 5, 7071041, 707E17001

Abstract:

Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a proactive approach to controlling access to information that may be correlated with a governmentally issued personal identifier. Included are systems and methods for proactive control of information access and liability incursion. Further included are systems and methods for emulating information access to an authorized person. Generally, a method according to the present invention includes the steps of requesting verification from a subscriber at any time that information is requested from registered information holders and any time that liability may be incurred through registered information holders. In this way, the subscriber, rather than reacting to invasive information or identity theft, may proactively control access to such information, thereby preventing the theft in the first place.

US Patent:

20140082712, Mar 20, 2014

Filed:

Nov 26, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/090850

Inventors:

Vicki L. James - Crown Point IN, US

International Classification:

H04L 29/06

US Classification:

726 6

Abstract:

Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a proactive approach to controlling access to information that may be correlated with a governmentally issued personal identifier. Included are systems and methods for proactive control of information access and liability incursion. Further included are systems and methods for emulating information access to an authorized person. Generally, a method according to the present invention includes the steps of requesting verification from a subscriber at any time that information is requested from registered information holders and any time that liability may be incurred through registered information holders. In this way, the subscriber, rather than reacting to invasive information or identity theft, may proactively control access to such information, thereby preventing the theft in the first place.