Pre-Grant Publication Number: 20080319847
Platform for loyalty services
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#327Distributed computing From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Applies to Claims 1,10,11,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Submitted by: David KumhyrLast updated: over 4 years ago
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Summary / Description
Summary / DescriptionThe entry describes distributed computing is the core of what is being claimed in this application. Applicable core idea; in distributed computing a program is split up into parts that run simultaneously on multiple computers communicating over a network.
 
Basic Information
Type of Prior ArtOnline Publication
 
URLhttp://www.cs.ucsb.edu/~ravenbe...
 
Author/CreatorAndrew D. Birrell, Roy Levin, Roger M. Needham, Michael D. Schroeder
 
TitleGrapevine: An Exercise in Distributed Computing
 
Publication DateApril 1, 1982
 
PublisherCommunications of the ACM
 
Directions to Document Location
 
Additional Information
 
Notes / To Do
Notes
 
Excerpt
Excerpt
"describes the set of services provided by Grapevine and how its data and function are divided among computers on the internet."
 
Relevance
Claims
1
A system comprising:a loyalty user interface module comprising a processor and a computer readable storage medium having code stored thereon to direct the processor to,receive an input from a consumer defining a parameter of a loyalty program; andcommunicate the parameter to a loyalty engine in communication with a payment processing network.
Relevance
What is claimed is a computer interface separate but communicating with a remote processing application. By naming the application a 'loyalty application' does not add or alter what is claimed, i.e. no unique or non-obvious benefit is obtained beyond the basic distributed computer application.
What is claimed is a computer interface separate but communicating with a remote processing application. By naming the application a 'loyalty application' does not add or alter what is claimed, i.e. no unique or non-obvious benefit is obtained beyond the basic distributed computer application.
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2
The system of Claim 1 wherein the loyalty user interface module is located remote from the consumer and is configured to receive the input over a computer network.
Relevance
The module is a part of a distributed system. supra.
The module is a part of a distributed system. supra.
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3
The system of Claim 2 wherein the loyalty user interface module is located with the loyalty engine.
Relevance
The user interface is a part of the loyalty application. Which says that in a distributed system the parts can lie where placed.
The user interface is a part of the loyalty application. Which says that in a distributed system the parts can lie where placed.
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4
The system of Claim 2 wherein the loyalty user interface module is located with a merchant.
Relevance
Another portion is located elsewhere. Basic distributed paradigm.
Another portion is located elsewhere. Basic distributed paradigm.
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5
The system of Claim 1 wherein the loyalty user interface module is located in a device of the consumer.
Relevance
One part of the distributed application may be a part of the consumers device. Basic distributed paradigm.
One part of the distributed application may be a part of the consumers device. Basic distributed paradigm.
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6
The system of Claim 1 wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprises a second code configured to determine whether the parameter violates a constraint.
Relevance
One portion of the system can do error testing on data.
One portion of the system can do error testing on data.
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7
The system of Claim 6 wherein the constraint comprises whether the parameter conflicts with a second parameter of another loyalty program.
Relevance
The data can be error tested against external data. Common practice.
The data can be error tested against external data. Common practice.
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8
The system of Claim 1 wherein the parameter relating to structure of the loyalty program is selected from a points-based structure of the loyalty program, a discount-based structure of the loyalty program, a time-limited structure of the loyalty program, entry into a sweepstakes program, qualification for the receipt of free merchandise or gifts, or a geographic limited structure of the loyalty program.
Relevance
Seems specific to the loyalty system rather than as a general purpose distributed system as prior claims. However this seems like a business process which has simply been automated.
Seems specific to the loyalty system rather than as a general purpose distributed system as prior claims. However this seems like a business process which has simply been automated.
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9
The system of Claim 1 wherein the parameter relating to a nature of a reward qualifying act is selected from an act during a limited time period, an act in a limited geographic area, a purchase utilizing a particular financial instrument, a purchase of particular type of good or service, a purchase of particular of good or service, a character of an instant purchase relative to a prior purchase, a purchase in conjunction with a coupon, a purchase in conjunction with a sales event, accumulation of a certain amount of purchases or points during a time period, a response to questionnaire/survey, and an act by party other than specific customer (employer, family, friends).
Relevance
Business process automation, comment supra.
Business process automation, comment supra.
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10
The system of Claim 1 wherein the parameter relating to a nature of a reward is selected from a timing of fulfillment of the reward, a specific act required for redemption, a particular good/service or type of good/service comprising the reward, entry into a sweepstakes, redemption of the reward from a catalog or menu, redemption of the reward within a particular time period or geographic area, a source of the reward, or whether the reward is a discount on product purchased or for future product.
Relevance
Business process automation, comment supra.
Business process automation, comment supra.
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11
A method comprising:an interface module of a loyalty platform receiving a parameter of a loyalty program input by a consumer; andthe interface module communicating the parameter to an engine of the loyalty platform.
Relevance
What is claimed is a computer interface separate but communicating with a remote processing application. By naming the application a 'loyalty application' does not add or alter what is claimed, i.e. no unique or non-obvious benefit is obtained beyond the basic distributed computer application.
What is claimed is a computer interface separate but communicating with a remote processing application. By naming the application a 'loyalty application' does not add or alter what is claimed, i.e. no unique or non-obvious benefit is obtained beyond the basic distributed computer application.
Claim Chart
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