Wireless system for recording, transmitting and receiving messages on a consumer accessible receiver

Abstract

A system is provided for distributing one or more packets of information such as redeemable coupons, forms, messages, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients of said packets from a receiver at a remote location. The steps included in such a system are: (1) developing a receiver directory containing unique identification information for each of said potential receivers; (2) creating a packet to be dispatched to at least one of said receiver; (3) identifying the potential receivers for a particular packet; (4) transmitting said packet through a network to all of said potential receivers; (5) receiving, storing and selectively processing only those packets intended to be processed and printed by said receiver; and (6) displaying said packet. A variety of audio and visual display components and motion sensors may also be provided to enhance the appeal of the receivers.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 237,533 filed on Jan. 27, 1999 in the name of Robert Marshall, George Rogers and Timothy Halfman for “Wireless System for Broadcasting, Receiving, Storing and Selectively Printing Coupons and the Like in a Retail Environment,” which, in turn, was a continuation in part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 096,443 filed on Jun. 11, 1998 in the name of Robert T. Kulakowski, Robert Marshall and George J. Rogers for Wireless System for Broadcasting, Receiving and Printing Packets of Information, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 096,444 filed on Jun. 11, 1998 in the name of Robert T. Kulakowski, Robert Marshall and George J. Rogers for Wireless System for Broadcasting, Receiving and Selectively Printing Packets of Information Using Bit-String Selection Means, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 095,820 filed on Jun. 11, 1998 in the name of Robert T. Kulakowski, Robert ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables rapid, cost-effective delivery of messages to a broad audience with minimal recipient involvement, reducing delivery time and costs, and allowing for precise targeting and tracking of message distribution.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional methods for dispatching and delivering such printed messages to a large number of individual households are limited severely by the need for manually handling and delivering the printed copy.

While these vehicles are capable of handling large volumes of messages on a daily basis, the need to manually deliver such messages imposes certain constraints on the system in terms of both cost and delivery time.

Facsimile transmissions are, however, severely limited in terms of wide distribution and, generally speaking, are inappropriate for mass, broadcast messaging.

The appeal and utility of such transmissions is also somewhat limited by the requirement and expense of telephone line connections.

As with all other forms of delivery systems, however, there are constraints in terms of reach capability, line connection, and the need for a computer and operating software and auxiliary and ancillary systems.

Although this distribution method is slow and very costly, it can be targeted at specific recipient groups through the use of selected mailing lists.

Problems with such a system include high initial capitalization costs, complex and high-maintenance technology, difficulty of use, and extended selection time on the part of users.

For the aforementioned reasons, none of these forms of message delivery offer particularly fast and inexpensive distribution of such messages.

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