Abstract: A spoken communication system and method of transferring spoken communication, includes a plurality of communication devices, at least some configured to be positioned within an occupied structure, each of said communication devices including a processor, a microphone an audio output device and a communication circuit and being responsive to spoken communication to communicate that spoken communication to other communication devices and to receive spoken communications received by other of said communication devices and an internet connected server. The server is selectively in digital communication with the communication devices and adapted to receive a spoken audio stream request, said server responsive to receiving an audio stream request by opening communication channels with said communication devices that are connected with said server. The server is adapted to receive spoken communication captured by one of said communication devices that is in communication with said server.

Abstract: A spoken communication system and method of communicating spoken communication, includes a server and at least one communication device that are in digital communication with each other over the Internet via a communication channel. The at least one communication device receives spoken communication and digitally communicate the spoken communication to the server. The spoken communication is isolated from interception on the Internet by deleting the spoken communication from the at least one communication device after digitally communicating the spoken communication to the server and deleting the spoken communication from storage on the server. Also, privacy is ensured to a user by avoiding building a database of user's habits or characteristics from the spoken communication.

Abstract: A spoken communication system includes a plurality of domestic devices and a server. Each of the devices is responsive to spoken communication to communicate that spoken communication to other devices, and to receive spoken communications received by other communication devices. The server is in digital communication with domestic devices to communicate that spoken communication among the registered devices.

Abstract: A spoken communication system and method of transferring spoken communication, includes a plurality of communication devices, at least some configured to be positioned within an occupied structure, each of said communication devices including a processor, a microphone an audio output device and a communication circuit and being responsive to spoken communication to communicate that spoken communication to other communication devices and to receive spoken communications received by other of said communication devices and an internet connected server. The server is selectively in digital communication with the communication devices and adapted to receive a spoken audio stream request, said server responsive to receiving an audio stream request by opening communication channels with said communication devices that are connected with said server. The server is adapted to receive spoken communication captured by one of said communication devices that is in communication with said server.

Abstract: A spoken communication system includes a plurality of domestic devices and a server. Each of the devices is responsive to spoken communication to communicate that spoken communication to other devices, and to receive spoken communications received by other communication devices. The server is in digital communication with domestic devices to communicate that spoken communication among the registered devices.

Abstract: A spoken communication system includes a plurality of domestic devices and a server. Each of the devices is responsive to spoken communication to communicate that spoken communication to other devices, and to receive spoken communications received by other communication devices. The server is in digital communication with domestic devices to communicate that spoken communication among the registered devices.

Abstract: A spoken communication system includes a plurality of domestic devices and a server. Each of the devices is responsive to spoken communication to communicate that spoken communication to other devices, and to receive spoken communications received by other communication devices. The server is in digital communication with domestic devices to communicate that spoken communication among the registered devices.

Abstract: A retail establishment discount coupon generating system for use with a chain made up of a plurality of retail establishments includes a targeting and delivery system which may assign coupons to individual households as a function of purchases by each household and a kiosk. The kiosk may be positioned at an entry area of a retail establishment and include at least a user identification device and an output device. The kiosk retrieves data from the targeting and delivery system for coupons assigned to the individual household and outputs coupons assigned to the individual household in response to identification of a user. The targeting and delivery system includes an enhancement function which provides tools for enhancing the coupon offer data. This includes tools for enhancing the coupon offers including the ability to select particular coupon offers for dispensing by particular retail establishments. This allows an operator to select different coupon offers for dispensing at different retail establishments.

Abstract: A manufacturer's ordering system provides manufacturers of packaged goods with analytical tools for conducting analysis on consolidated data of consumer purchase patterns. The consumer purchase data are consolidated by product categories and/or subcategories and/or freely defined geographical areas in which the manufacturer is interested. The manufacturer thus may specify coupon print content, audience selection criteria, geographical area and time frame for coupon distribution without the requirement of interaction with various print companies and sales representatives. The coupon discount value may be varied in accordance with the different groups of targeted customers. The promotional selections may be made via electronic media, such as a global computer network or internet connection, and may then be provided to a coupon distribution system via a similar connection. Preferably, the consolidated data are accumulated from point of sale devices at retail stores and preferably from kiosk usage at the store.

Abstract: A merchandising system for generating product discount coupons preselected by each participating consumer. The process allows the consumer to select the coupons at home through a remote communication site, such as an Internet site. The selections are then electronically transferred to a specified store also chosen by the consumer. Upon arrival at the designated store location, the consumer receives the selected coupons, which are printed at the store by a kiosk or other form of printer. These coupons are immediately redeemable by the consumer during the current shopping trip upon purchase of the corresponding items.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for generating coupons to provide discounts for purchases includes providing a computer-based kiosk at a retail establishment such as a grocery store. A user identification of a household is received at the kiosk. The kiosk outputs a series of targeted coupons which have been assigned to the individual household on the basis of at least one attribute of that household. Images of coupons may be formatted "on the fly" from parameters set forth in a coupon record. The system may further include an enhancement system which provides tools for enhancing the coupon offer data by designating particular offers as either a targeted coupon offer assigned to individual households as a function of purchases by that household or a mandatory coupon which is assigned to substantially all households.