System and method for facilitating interaction between consumer and merchant

Abstract

An automated method and system for facilitating interaction between a consumer and a merchant are provided. In accordance with the method, an offer is presented via display describing a predetermined means for acceptance. Once the offer has been presented, if the consumer accepts, the system facilitates receipt of the acceptance, combined the fact of acceptance with identification and payment information, and transmits the relevant information to the merchant. Optionally, the system may customize the content or the presentation of the offer based on information about the targeted consumer.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for facilitating interaction between a consumer and a merchant, the system comprising: 
 a processor for processing digital data;    a memory coupled to said processor for storing digital data;    means, coupled to said memory, for inputting digital data;    a display coupled to the processor and memory for displaying information derived from digital data processed by said processor; and    an interface configured as an application program, said application program stored in said memory and accessible by said processor for directing processing of digital data by said processor;    said interface configured to perform the steps of: 
 facilitating presentation of an offer via said display to said consumer, wherein said offer is from an identified merchant, and wherein said offer comprises means for acceptance;  
 facilitating receipt of an acceptance from said consumer through said interface, said acceptance in accord with said means for acceptance;  
 acquiring identification information from said consumer through said interface, wherein said identification information is configured to identify said consumer; and  
 facilitating communication of said acceptance and said identification information to said merchant.  
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said display is configured to present television programming.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said means for inputting digital data comprises a remote control.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said means for inputting digital data comprises an electronic pen.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said means for inputting digital data comprises a cell phone.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said means for inputting digital data comprises a button configured to be pressed by said consumer.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said offer comprises an image of a button presented on said display, and wherein said means for acceptance comprises pressing said button.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said interface is further configured to perform the steps of acquiring payment information from said consumer and facilitating communication of said payment information to said merchant.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said interface is configured to facilitate a telephone link between said consumer and said merchant.  
     
     
         10 . A method for facilitating interaction between a consumer and a merchant, the method comprising the steps of: 
 presenting an offer via a display to said consumer, wherein said offer is from an identified merchant, and wherein said offer comprises means for acceptance;    providing an interface between said consumer and said merchant, said interface configured as an application program, said interface configured to facilitate communication between said consumer and said merchant;    receiving, through said interface, an acceptance from said consumer, said acceptance in accord with said means for acceptance;    acquiring, through said interface, identification information about said consumer, wherein said identification information is configured to identify said consumer; and    facilitating communication of said acceptance and said identification information to said merchant.