Abstract: In a method for identifying manufactured concrete or masonry blocks and managing the sale thereof to a customer in a retail establishment, the retail establishment having a computer system configured to monitor inventory, a database operatively coupled to the computer system, and a plurality of point of sale (POS) terminals operatively coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-processing electronic data requests within the EDI subsystem layer and within the order fulfillment application system. An order interceptor, third-party Available To Promise (ATP) interface, pseudo-sales order workbench, and the reject acknowledgment system processes are provided within the order fulfillment application system to accomplish the pre-processing. The order interceptor performs an asynchronous availability check before a sales order is posted. The result of the ATP check is stored in an ESO, and is applied during the posting process with unique user exits. The result of the ATP check is also used to determine key information about the sales order, such as the sales organization, and division and distribution channels. The pre-processor uses business rules to determine if the ESO should be split into multiple documents for requests satisfied across multiple sales areas.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for efficiently facilitating the selection and purchase of a restaurant item using a customer ordering kiosk comprising displaying a set of restaurant items available for purchase on a first ordering interface screen, receiving a triggering signal, displaying an overlay interface screen and preventing the first ordering interface screen from receiving any input from a customer while the overlay interface screen is displayed. The triggering signal can represent that a restaurant item has been selected, customization of a restaurant item has been completed, the customer has finished selecting restaurant items or a predetermined amount of time has passed without any input signals being received by the kiosk. Additionally, the overlay interface screen can facilitate meal creation, restaurant item customization, payment and kiosk system timeout.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a first restaurant item image within a first area of a first ordering interface screen, displaying a second restaurant item image within a second area of the first ordering interface screen and displaying a first restaurant item selector for selecting the first restaurant item, wherein at least a portion of the first restaurant item selector is positioned within the first area of the first ordering interface screen. The first and second restaurant item images represent first and second restaurant items that can be ordered respectively using the customer ordering kiosk.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a first and second restaurant menu category selector within an ordering interface screen, receiving a selection signal representing that one of the first or second restaurant menu category selectors has been selected and displaying the restaurant menu that corresponds to the selection signal. The first restaurant menu category selector is representative of a first restaurant menu and the second restaurant menu category selector is representative of a second restaurant menu. Additionally, the first restaurant menu comprises a first set of restaurant item selectors and the second restaurant menu comprises a second set of restaurant item selectors.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying an electronic receipt within an ordering interface screen, displaying one or more restaurant items on the electronic receipt corresponding to restaurant items that were selected by the customer for purchase, displaying a restaurant item symbol corresponding to one or more of the restaurant items displayed on the electronic receipt, displaying an edit button for each of the restaurant items and displaying a total cost line item for aggregating the total cost for all of the selected restaurant items. The restaurant item symbol is displayed in close proximity to its respective restaurant item, and customers may modify existing orders by selecting the edit button and causing an edit signal to be generated.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a first restaurant item category selector within a first ordering interface screen, wherein the first restaurant item category comprises a first background indicia pattern, displaying a second restaurant item category selector within the first ordering interface screen, wherein the second restaurant item category selector comprises a second background indicia pattern that is visually different from the first indicia pattern and displaying a third restaurant item category selector within the first ordering interface screen, wherein the third restaurant item category selector comprises a third background indicia pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for ordering through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of displaying a list of restaurant item selectors within an ordering interface screen, receiving a selection signal indicating that one of the restaurant items has been selected. displaying one or more of the selected restaurant items within an order cart interface screen, wherein each of the selected restaurant items includes a selector box representing dietary options for the selected restaurant items. A dietary option is a predetermined set of ingredients associated and in accordance with a known set of preferences or nutritional restrictions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for presenting restaurant items for multi-item restaurant item selection through a customer ordering kiosk, comprising the steps of receiving a signal representing that a multi-item restaurant item selection has been made, displaying a first indicator representing that a first restaurant item of a predetermined plurality of restaurant items has been selected and displaying a second indicator representing that a second restaurant item of the predetermined plurality of restaurant items still needs to be selected. The multi-item restaurant item selection represents selection of the predetermined plurality of restaurant items comprising the first restaurant item and the second restaurant item.

Abstract: A network for processing retail sales transactions includes a customer transceiver with a unique customer number, a reader receiving the customer number and sending it to a point-of-sale device where it is combined with transaction information to form a transaction entry. The transaction entry is sent through a merchant computer to a transaction processing system having a customer database. The transaction processing system references an entry in the customer database corresponding to the customer/transmitter ID number and routes the transaction entry to a payment processing system specified in the customer database entry.

Abstract: A random weight item transaction system include a scale with label RIFD tag functionality, service person RFID tag functionality and customer RFID tag functionality. A slicer in proximity to the scale may include service person and bulk food product RFID functionalities. The scale may make weigh transaction data available to a computerized checkout system via a communications link or via writing the information to the label RFID tag.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal is disclosed. The point of sale terminal includes a terminal housing with a controller portion and a cash drawer portion, a sliding sled coupled to the terminal housing residing within the controller portion of the terminal housing and between a first position and a second position wherein the first position is within the controller portion of the terminal housing and the second position is without the controller portion of the terminal housing, and a system controller coupled to the sliding sled such that when the sliding sled is without the controller portion of the terminal housing, the system controller is exposed for service.

Abstract: A system and method for processing prepaid financial transactions. The system and method describe the utilization of one or more remote terminals that are adapted to acquire transaction information from a user and transmit a first signal indicative of the transaction information. The remote terminal is further adapted to receive a second signal indicative of authorizing information that is delivered to the user. In addition, an authorizing host is adapted to receive the first signal transmitted by the one or more remote terminals. In one aspect, the authorizing host routes the first signal including the transaction information to an exchange host for approval of the financial transaction, and the exchange host transmits the second signal including the authorizing information to the remote terminal via the authorizing host.

Abstract: A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system and associated techniques are disclosed. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types (e.g., printed paper as a first medium and digital content and/or web link as a second medium). In one particular embodiment, the mixed media document may also include hotspot images that uniquely identify a user associated with the mixed media document. Such individualized mixed media documents are used to identify users of the mixed media document, when orders for products or services are made using the mixed media documents through the MMR system.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) system and a control method thereof are provided. The POS system comprises a bar code scanner scanning a bar code attached to the goods, a key input unit for selectively cancelling or shelving the scanned goods, a POS terminal receiving goods information from the bar code scanner or the key input unit, and a scan/key input indication unit having one or more indication lamps turned on in certain color through receiving a specified data signal from the POS terminal when the bar code scanner scans the bar code of goods, or the key input unit cancels or shelves the scanned goods whereby when a salesperson manipulates the key input unit so as to cancel or shelve the scanned goods by intention or by mistake after the bar code of goods is scanned, the corresponding indication lamp is turned on so that a manager or others as well as the salesperson recognizes the situation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for storing usual order preferences associated with a point of sale transaction involving an identification article. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an initial order involving the use of an identification article for purchasing at least one good or service. As part of receiving the initial order, a query asking if the initial order is to be designated as a usual order is issued. The method also includes registering the initial order as the usual order if a received response to the query indicates a usual order designation and storing an indication of the usual order in a storage medium.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture for detecting, by an agent trusted by a merchant and a search engine, a click on an advertisement displayed by the search engine, are described herein. The trusted agent may further determine that a transaction of the merchant associated with the displayed advertisement was completed and determine whether the completed transaction was resulted from the click. In some embodiments, the trusted agent may notify the merchant and the search engine of a billing event associated with the click, if the completed transaction was determined to be resulted from the click.

Abstract: Communications between participants over a communications link are proxied by an intermediary, such as an Integrated Order Mechanism (IOM). Participants interact with each other through the IOM. The IOM may be transparent to the participants such that they are not aware that the IOM is involved in processing communications. For example, in the context of a transaction by a customer making a purchase from a merchant over the Internet, the IOM facilitates the processing of transactions by processing requests from both the customer and the merchant. Neither the customer nor the merchant may be aware that the transactions are being handled by the IOM. Order forms may be pre-filled for the transactions. For example, the IOM may obtain customer information from a database and use the customer information to complete the customer fields on a merchant web page containing an order form.

Abstract: A customer of an eating house orders refreshments by pressing a first touch panel provided at a customer's seat, watching a liquid-crystal monitor on which a menu of the refreshment and an average cooking time thereof are displayed. A cook inputs cooking-state information with a second touch panel provided in a kitchen when cooking is started and is completed. The cooking-state information is displayed on the liquid-crystal monitor so that it is possible to confirm a cooking state of the ordered refreshment. When the ordered refreshment is untouched, the customer can cancel or urge the refreshment by pressing the first touch panel. Upon instructing a check with the first touch panel, the check is printed out from a printer. The customer can order, cancel and urge the refreshments without calling a waitperson.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating an action between a control point and a user. A token which performs authentication is presented to the control point. The control point may be authenticated by using the token. The token may include a communication portion that obtains information regarding the control point and that communicates with a token issuer to authenticate the control point based on the information. A user interface portion may be coupled to the communication portion to indicate a result of the authentication to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for a retailer to sell merchandise over the Internet in affiliation with an Internet service provider. The co-branded Internet site is accessible through the Internet service site of the Internet service provider. The co-branded Internet site includes designations of both the retailer and the Internet service provider. The co-branded Internet site including one or more links to the Internet shopping site of the retailer. Client software for accessing the co-branded Internet site is distributed at retailer locations. Members of the co-branded Internet site are provided with incentives to access and shop on the Internet shopping site of the retailer through the co-branded Internet site.

Abstract: A logo data generating apparatus and method easily generate logo data suitable for storage to and output by a particular target printer without requiring a complicated process defining the image processing and data communication parameters. An control data receiving unit enables receipt of control data including various settings and model identification data for identifying the model of the target printer. A source image obtaining unit obtains the source data used to generate the logo data. A model-specific data storage medium stores the model-specific data. A reading unit reads model-specific data for the target printer identified by the model identification data, and sets control data including part or all of the settings for logo data generation. A logo data generating unit generates the logo data by processing the source data based on the control data or the model-specific data. Specific control data is thus set automatically based on the model-specific data.

Abstract: A method and system for obscuring user requests for information in a computer network. A user request for information, aimed at another network member, is routed to a first cache memory. If the first cache memory contains the requested information, the cache returns the requested information in response to the user request without releasing the user request to the network member. If the first cache memory does not contain the requested information, a first reference editing function edits user identity information contained in the request, resulting in an edited request with obscured identity information. The edited request is then released to the network member and the requested information is received by the user from the network member. A copy of the requested information is stored in the first cache memory.

Abstract: A signal is transmitted into a computer in response to an image on a display screen of the computer such that the computer operates in response to the signal; this includes moving a scanner in optical communication with the display screen such that the scanner detects an image (for example, a bar code) displayed on the screen and generates the signal in response. One or more computers may be used, and this may be used for vending a product or other purposes. With or without such scanning, a portion of a store environment may be displayed on a screen of a computer, including showing images of actual products for sale at the store, in which images of actual products are accessed via the computer from a database containing in-store images recorded in the store during a period of non-existent or minimal customer presence in the store. A vending system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A communications system to post arbitrary information to any geographical region simply by outlining the region on a map in the system's user interface and attaching the information to the outlined region is provided. The outlined region can be of any size, e.g., a city block, a neighborhood, a county, and defines the information's “region of relevance”. Any user of the system can also browse and receive these geographically relevant postings simply by identifying a point or region of interest on one of the system's maps. Uses of the system range from personal communication of questions and announcements to a geographically identified group, to governmental and commercial news and announcements aimed at a particular population, to “virtual billboards” for advertising.

Abstract: A method of brokering a transaction between a consumer and a vendor by a broker, wherein the consumer, the broker and the vendor are all attached to a public network, the consumer having a secure token containing a true consumer identity. The method comprising the steps of: the consumer obtaining a temporary identity from the broker by using the true consumer identity from the secure token; the consumer selecting a purchase to be made from the vendor; the consumer requesting the purchase from the vendor and providing the temporary identity to the vendor; the vendor requesting transaction authorisation from the broker by forwarding the request and the temporary identity to the broker; the broker matching the temporary identity to a current list of temporary identities, and obtaining the true consumer identity; the broker providing authorisation for the transaction based on transaction details and true consumer identity.

Abstract: A user is requested to input specifications of a semiconductor device. Based on the specifications, a plurality of circuit patterns are generated by a CP method, and a design parameter is calculated for each of the circuit patterns. The user is provided with information of the plurality of circuit patterns together with the design parameters. The user selects a desired circuit pattern, whereas the server calculates manufacturing costs of the device and presents them to the user. The user checks the costs and then places an order.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a web page can be dynamically created by a non-technical person. A technical person can set up a web page and incorporate marketing object containers. A non-technical person, such as a marketing person, then decides what marketing object to put into the various marketing object containers. Style templates, marketing campaigns, and various items associated with the campaigns may be used to create or change the web page. According to an embodiment of the present invention, these marketing object containers may be dynamically associated with different marketing object at different times.

Abstract: An end-user is directed to a location on the Internet based on machine-readable codes scanned by the end user. The end-user is associated with at least one of the following: an end-user country selection, and end-user language selection, a service category, an access media type, and the presence of an access certificate. A database with a plurality of entries is provided. Each of the entries is associated with a machine-readable code and includes one or more different network addresses. Code information associated with the scans of machine readable codes made by the end-user is received at a network site. In response to the scan information, entries associated with the machine-readable codes scanned by the end-user are retrieved from the database. At least some of the entries include information irrelevant to the information associated with the end user. Only relevant entries are selected. The end user is connected with the network addresses selected.

Abstract: In a method of administering a rebate system, rebate-related information is electronically transmitted from a rebate issuing entity and is received by a central processing authority. The rebate-related information includes information identifying a consumer and information relating to a purchase made by the consumer from the rebate issuing entity. The central authority determines an amount of a rebate that is to be credited to the consumer, based on information previously provided by the rebate issuing entity. The rebate issuing entity is invoiced for the amount of the rebate, wherein the amount is payable to an omnibus trust account, wherein a trustee has exclusive control over the omnibus trust account and the trustee is authorized to transfer a credit from the omnibus trust account to the consumer.

Abstract: A money dispensing apparatus includes a controller, an electronic communication network and at least one dispensing unit. The money dispensing apparatus may also include a keyboard, a display, and an uninterruptible power supply. Each dispensing unit may include at least one sensor and a dedicated communication module. The communication module may include a control board and be configured to receive dispense commands and send dispense status commands over the electronic communication network, which is further capable of communication with various peripheral and external devices. The electronic communication network may use various communication protocols to communicate with the dispensing units and the peripherals. The communication module of the individual dispensing unit may communicate using various and multiple communication protocols and is capable of receiving dispense commands and sending dispense status information over the electronic communication network.

Abstract: Electronic payment process and system for implementing such a process. Customer equipment is mobile equipment, for example of the GSM type. In addition to the customer (C) and the merchant (M), a gateway (P) participates in the transaction, authenticates the customer and the merchant and ensures that the goods item ordered will be duly paid for. Customer equipment may work with a bank payment card.

Abstract: A novel point of sales systems for vehicles. The systems are comprised of a housing attachable to the exterior of the vehicle which contains components of the system which are interactive with regard to the customer. Another embodiment of the invention is a two housing system in which one housing is attachable on the exterior of the vehicle and the second housing is placed inside the vehicle. Examples of an interactive system are an interactive game, coupon request and receipt, participation in a survey, and the like.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an environmental condition associated with an item of inventory along a distribution chain having a plurality of locations comprises at least one item of inventory, an RF transponder associated with the item of inventory, and at least one environmental condition sensor in communication with the RF transponder. The system includes a power source for powering the RF transponder and the environmental condition sensor to record an environmental condition. The system also includes a log of location data, a log of environmental condition data, and a reporting infrastructure for processing the location data and the environmental condition data. A method for tracking an environmental condition along a distribution chain is also included.

Abstract: Weight data of articles for sale is stored and a total weight is calculated every order. Measured weight of the prepared articles in a package is compared with the calculated total weight. If the measured weight substantially disagrees with the calculated total weight, error information is provided to the operator to correctly package the articles. Comparison may be effected every order number. An addition flag may be further stored with weight data every article to indicate that the article is a target of weight measuring. A non-addition key indicating that the corresponding article is not packaged may be further provided. When the non-addition key is depressed, the weight of the corresponding article is not included in the total weight. The total weight may be printed on the receipt, so that the operator can compare the printed total weight with the measured weight. The total weight may be printed with bar codes. A balance has a bar code reader for comparison.

Abstract: Regardless of whether specific products are individual products or element products, the specific products are managed by the same product code while element products are associated and handled as a group of products. A product selection server presents the element products by associating them with one another for each group of products. A user terminal allocates a unique purchase group number for each group of products to element products in purchase-requested product data. The product selection server receives the purchase-requested product data and indicates a price as a group of products based on the purchase group number. An order entry server searches an incorrect from the purchase-requested product data based on the purchase group number. A factory terminal and a distribution terminal issue business forms based on the purchase group number.

Abstract: A request for a commodity that each office in an organization needs is sent from a terminal in the office to a general affairs service center in the organization. The request is then sent to a VAN center where it is entered into databases and appears in a home page of a WWW server. In the case of a request to order a commodity, a decision is made as to whether or not an estimate has been made for the commodity. If it has not been made, the order request is sent to the WWW server after a reply to the estimate request has been received from the vendor. The vendor acquires the request information that appears in a home page of the WWW server connected with a network and then makes an estimate for the commodity and delivers it.

Abstract: An operator number acquiring code is set in the macro-key data with correspondence to a macro-key. If the macro-key is depressed and there is the operator number acquiring code, the operator (logged on) number is supplied to the following key decode processing. A manager number may be also acquired. If a repetition start and end codes are set, the set data stored between these codes are repeatedly executed the specified number times. If a magnetic card data squiring code is set, data in a magnetic card is read and supplied to the key decode process as input key code.

Abstract: A credential caching proxy server that handles credential caching for a set of wireless client devices is disclosed. The credential caching proxy server handles most credential transactions for wireless client devices that wish to access resources within a protected realm where the protected realm requires credentials. In one embodiment, the credential caching proxy server intercepts and caches a wireless client's credentials when a credential is first sent from the wireless user agent to a protected server. The cached credential will then be used for all requests to resources within the same protected realm. Thus, after first sending a first credential for accessing the resource in a particular realm, the wireless user agent does not need to attach the credential for all the subsequent requests for any other resources belong to the same realm. In an alternate embodiment, the proxy server sends a special request to the wireless client device requesting a credential for a particular resource.

Abstract: A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system for receiving and processing CPOs for packages of component goods or services. The package CPO management system preferably deconstructs an overall package CPO into component CPOs which are individually offered to sellers. If each component CPO of a given package CPO is accepted, the package CPO management system binds the buyer, on behalf of each of the accepting sellers, to purchase the entire package. An offer price for each component CPO is preferably calculated by initially determining the total market price of the package based on the market price of each individual component good or service within the package. The package CPO management system then calculates an offer price for each component CPO based on the total price offered by the buyer for the entire package (as adjusted by a reserved margin, if appropriate) multiplied by the ratio of the market price of the respective component CPO to the total market price of the package.

Abstract: An improved keyboard comprises a base, and a plurality of keys, and a grid surrounding some of the keys which can be projected onto a screen, and in which some of the keys control the functions of others of the keys.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicular navigation system which is capable of lowering the cost of detecting road data stored in order in the outgoing trip, using the road data as resources in the return trip, and determining a route meeting the requirements of the user. According to a vehicular navigation system of the invention, when a vehicle is traveling on a road having bidirectional data along an outgoing route from a starting point to a destination, a road on the opposite side of the road on which the vehicle is traveling is stored as return route data with a lowered cost of route determination. Such a storing operation is performed for each node passed by the vehicle. The return route data thus stored are used to determine a return route.

Abstract: A method of providing security during operation of a checkout terminal, with the terminal having a first scale, includes the step of storing a first identification code associated with an input item in a memory in response to entry of the input item into the terminal. The method also includes the step of detecting the weight of the input item with the first scale and storing an input weight value associated with the weight of the input item in the memory in response thereto. The method further includes the step of retrieving a second identification code associated with a removal item from the memory in response to a user voiding entry of the removal item. Moreover, the method includes the step of detecting the weight of the removal item with the first scale and generating a removal weight value associated with the weight of the removal item in response thereto.

Abstract: A method of sending information to an electronic price label (EPL) for display which requires only one message to be sent to the EPL. Second information is recorded in response to an operator request to change first information displayed by the EPL. The second information includes predetermined characters within a group of characters including numerals 0-9, letters A-Z, blanks, and predetermined symbols. The second information is encoded into a word using a number of translation tables. The word is sent to the EPL in a single wireless message. The word is received by the EPL. The word is decoded by the EPL using the translation tables. Finally, the second information is displayed by the EPL.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for displaying a list of items in point of sale transactions on a touch screen user interface by virtually adjusting the display area of a touch screen user interface. The method and system achieve the forgoing by the following steps. Detecting a selection and manipulation of the icon utilized as a virtual handle for expanding and contracting the window for displaying said list of items in point of sale transactions. Determining whether the window for displaying said list of items in point of sale transactions is in either an expanded or contracted state. If it is determined that said window for displaying said list of items in point of sale transactions is in a contracted state, enlarging the window for displaying the list of items in point of sale transactions in response to the detected manipulation of the icon utilized as a virtual handle.

Abstract: A financial information and transaction system comprising a host financial computer system, which host system maintains records of user account information; at least one terminal providing a user interface for accessing the host financial computer system, the at least one terminal including a means for transmitting and receiving data corresponding to the user account information, and a smart card interface device; wherein access to the records of user account information are organized in a hierarchy of three or more levels, which hierarchy comprises an initial level, a final level, and one or more intervening levels; wherein the records of user account information are accessed by passing through the hierarchy of three or more levels; and wherein means are provided for allowing access to the final level in the hierarchy by an automated task without passing through the one or more intervening levels is described.

Abstract: An electronic auction and motor vehicle auction information system allows remote users to interactively participate in motor vehicle auction sales of motor vehicles using a personal computer. Additional user applications associated with the system permit users to access and search a system database and display data about motor vehicle auction dates and locations, vehicle inventory, industry news, and vehicle sales history. A dealer Direct application allows commercial vehicle sellers to import their vehicle inventories into the system for sale to participating dealers.

Abstract: A secure touchscreen is provided, comprising a touchscreen and touchscreen controller for receiving inputs, a system controller, an encryption module and two external buses. The controller, system controller and encryption module are embedded in a mass of material to prevent unauthorized access of the inputs. Furthermore, the first external bus is used to operate and communicate with an external system in an encrypted mode, while the second external bus is used to operate and communicate with the external system in a normal mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading software changes into a processor-based coin wrapping machine. In one embodiment, a flash card having a memory remotely programmed with a second software code is adapted to be removably electrically coupled to the system controller of the coin wrapping machine. Insertion of the flash card causes the initial code in the resident memory of the machine to become erased and replaced with the second software code. The flash card may thereafter be removed from the machine and used to load software changes into other machines. In an alternative embodiment, the flash card may remain electrically coupled to the coin wrapping machine. In this embodiment, insertion of the flash card causes the machine to execute the second software code, but the initial code is not erased or replaced. Upon removal of the flash card, the machine does not retain the second software code but will revert to execution of the initial code.

Abstract: An interactive, customer-accessible data processing system embodied in a programmed personal computer that induces customers of a restaurant, store or other business to enter information about themselves into the system. The information, which may include names, addresses, dates and answers to survey questions, is entered into data fields displayed on a display screen. The system enables a business to generate promotional messages tailored to customers based on the customer-entered information. For example, a business can readily generate birthday offer letters to customers based on their name, address, and birth date simply by selecting an option provided by the system. To induce customers to enter the necessary information, the system flashes an incentive message on the computer display screen. The message may offer to enter a customer into a drawing or other contest in return for the customer entering the necessary information into the system.