System and method for facilitating tobacco sales and tobacco tracking

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for facilitating either the sale of tobacco or the tracking of tobacco. The system includes a package of four or fewer tobacco products, a token presented by the package, a user device, and a backend. The token includes a first data set. The user device includes an input device, a processor, and a first transceiver. The first data set is input by the input device. The processor communicates electronically with the input device. The processor receives and processes the first data set for use in a first message. The first transceiver transmits the first message to a remote backend. The remote backend includes a second transceiver and a server. The second transceiver receives the first message. The server is configured to communicate electronically with the second transceiver and communicate a second message to the user device in response to the first message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for facilitating either tobacco sales or tobacco tracking. The present invention also relates to a face-sealed blister package for tobacco, particularly a face-sealed blister package for four or fewer cigarettes.

Background Art

[0002] The tobacco industry currently faces many challenges. Among them, since tobacco advertising is prohibited in most countries, it is currently difficult to contact customers for marketing purposes. This is an unsolved problem in this field.

[0003] Furthermore, nearly 80% of the tobacco sold in developing countries (including many African countries) is sold individually from opened tobacco packages. Such individually sold tobacco is called "loose draws". When tobacco is sold as loose draws, its quality and authenticity may be suspected by customers. Also, there is a risk that handing over loose cigarettes may not be the brand for which the customer paid. Furthermore, the smoking experience of loose cigarettes is often disappointing due to many factors that affect the tobacco before lighting. Such factors include humidity, moisture, tobacco deterioration, tobacco fallout, breakage, insufficient protection from contamination, counterfeit brands operating under the guise of a trusted brand, and unhygienic handling. All these factors contribute to the perception that loose tobacco is inferior to packaged tobacco.

[0004] In addition to the above, the tobacco draw market is currently not adequately monitored and serviced in terms of both products and marketing strategies. According to statistics, the average smoker in this segment purchases loose tobacco from different small retailers three times a day.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a system and method that can track and monitor tobacco in the loose tobacco market and make it available for supply and sale to its consumers.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a further need for a system and method that can sell small quantities of tobacco at a time as a branded product rather than as a commodity item, thereby enabling the manufacturer (maker) to acquire brand equity and avoid price competition for the commodity. These systems and methods should also ensure the ease of purchasing tobacco for low-income consumers, extend the shelf life to maintain freshness and hygiene, protect the product from counterfeiting, improve the smoker's experience to promote brand loyalty, and enable the implementation of a system that facilitates consumer tracking back to the factory. This system should enable the identification of end users for marketing and data mining purposes. Furthermore, inspections at the point of sale are also facilitated to confirm that the recommended sales process is being adhered to. Such a system helps to create new standards, change the negative perception of loose tobacco, and ensure that the taxes on tobacco are being paid appropriately. The latter is particularly important considering that the unpaid taxes on lost transactions are estimated to correspond to a revenue loss of over $8 billion annually.

[0007] It is noteworthy that the present invention can also print any type of code, microcode, graphic image or watermark using invisible ultraviolet and infrared inks, thereby ensuring the verification of branded products and an advanced track and trace solution. This technology can also be applied to the inner or outer surface of the package of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for facilitating either the sale of up to four cigarettes and / or the tracking of cigarettes, whereby the applicant believes that at least the foregoing drawbacks can be mitigated or a useful alternative to known systems and methods can be provided. **Means for Solving the Problems**

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for facilitating either the sale of cigarettes or the tracking of cigarettes, the system comprising: a package of up to four cigarettes presenting a token including at least a first data set; an input device for inputting the first data set, a processor electronically communicating with the input device for receiving the first data set and processing the first data set for use in a first message, and a first transceiver for transmitting the first message, a user device; a second transceiver for receiving the first message, a server electronically communicating with the second transceiver and configured to communicate a second message to the user device in response to the first message, a remote backend; comprising.

[0010] The second message may include at least one of marketing data, promotion data, special offers, loyalty program and reward program data, contact information, uniform resource locator (URL) information, and data regarding outlets, customers and / or vendors.

[0011] The token may be any one of an alphanumeric string, a barcode, a static quick response (QR) code, a dynamic QR code, an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) code, and a radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag).

[0012] The first data set may include a unique product identification code.

[0013] The user device may include a memory device that communicates electronically with a first processor.

[0014] The first message may include data regarding the user of the device. The data regarding the user may include at least one of data input by the user into the device and data stored in the memory device.

[0015] The data regarding the user may include at least one of user contact data, user device data, geographical location data of the device, account data of the user, usage status data of the device, and biographic data regarding the user.

[0016] The system a second input device that reads a second data set; a second processor that communicates electronically with the second input device to receive the second data set and process the second data set for use in a third message; a third transceiver that transmits the third message; and may include a point-of-sale (POS) device including the same.

[0017] The server may be configured to communicate a fourth message to the point-of-sale (POS) device in response to the third message.

[0018] The second data set may be the same as the first data set.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a face-seal blister package for four or fewer cigarettes is provided. The package includes a plane defining an elongated blister-shaped cavity having a longitudinal axis, the cavity having an elongated mouth in the plane, the longitudinal axis being parallel to the plane, a body, a film seal removably covering the elongated mouth, a first data set, and a token presented by the package. including.

[0020] The film seal may be adhered to the body.

[0021] The film seal may be adhered to the body by any one or more of adhesive bonding, solvent bonding, heat bonding, and mechanical fastening.

[0022] The token may be any one of an alphanumeric string, a barcode, a static quick response (QR) code, a dynamic QR code, an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) code, and a radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag).

[0023] The first data set may include a unique product identification code.

[0024] The body may be made of any one of plastic, paper, a derivative of plastic, and a derivative of paper.

[0025] The body may be transparent or translucent.

[0026] The film seal may be made of any one of plastic, paper, metal foil, and cardboard.

[0027] The metal foil may be aluminum foil or plastic-coated aluminum foil.

[0028] The plastic may be selected from the group including polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyamide, polylactic acid, and acrylic.

[0029] The plurality of packages may be joined in a strip shape.

[0030] The token may be printed anywhere on the inner or outer surface of the translucent or transparent body. Printing it inside the transparent body is to prevent the possibility of forgery of the token.

[0031] The package may be used in the system to facilitate either tobacco sales or tobacco tracking.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for facilitating either tobacco sales or tobacco tracking is provided. The method includes, at the back end, processing a first message received from a user device, the first message including at least a first dataset extracted from a token presented by a package of four or fewer cigarettes; compiling a second message in response to the first message and transmitting the second message to the user device. The method includes the above steps.

[0033] The second message may include at least one of marketing data, promotion data, special offers, data related to loyalty programs and reward programs, contact information, uniform resource locator (URL) information, and data related to outlets and vendors.

[0034] The token may be any one of an alphanumeric string, a barcode, a static quick response (QR) code, a dynamic QR code, an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) code, and a radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag).

[0035] The first message may include data related to the user of the device. The data related to the user may include at least one of data input by the user into the device and data stored in the memory device.

[0036] The data related to the user may include at least one of the user's contact data, the user's device data, the geographical location data of the device, the user's account data, the usage status data of the device, and the biographical data related to the user.

[0037] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be further described by way of example only.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] The subject matter of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying examples, which show exemplary embodiments. However, the subject matter of the present disclosure can be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the scope of the embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0040] An exemplary embodiment of a system for facilitating the sale and tracking of tobacco is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 for facilitating the sale and tracking of tobacco 12 includes a package 14 presenting one or more tokens 16 (note in this regard that a plurality of tokens can be affixed to a single package, e.g., USSD codes printed inside a translucent or transparent plastic blister as indicated by 16, RFID tags, and dynamic QR codes), a user device 18, and a remote backend 28. The user device 18 includes an input device 20, a first processor 22, a memory device 23, and a first transceiver 26. The user device 18 is typically a smartphone, but can also be other devices equipped with an input device capable of accessing the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) communication protocol. If the user device is not a smartphone, the token 16 can be a USSD alphanumeric code input using the keyboard of the input device. The remote backend 28 (typically a computer of a tobacco store) includes a second transceiver 30 and a server 32.

[0042] Package 14 (best shown in FIGS. 2-4) is a face-sealed blister package sized to accommodate up to four cigarettes. Referring again to FIG. 1, token 16 includes at least a first data set (not shown). Input device 20 enables a user (not shown) to input the first data set into user device 18. Input device 20 is typically a keypad or camera of device 18. Input device 18 and first processor 22 communicate with each other. When the first data set is input into user device 18, first processor 22 receives the first data set and processes it for use in first message 24. Next, first message 24 is transmitted by transceiver 26 to remote backend 28. Second transceiver 30 receives first message 24. Second transceiver 30 and server 32 communicate electronically with each other. Server 32 is configured to reply to user device 18 with a second message 34 in response to first message 24.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, token 16 is a Quick Response (QR) code. Preferably, token 16 is a dynamic QR code, although it may be a static QR code or a USSD alphanumeric code. In other embodiments (not shown), token 16 may be any one or more of an alphanumeric string, a barcode, a static Quick Response (QR) code, a dynamic QR code, an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code, and a Radio Frequency Identification tag (RFID tag), alone or in combination. In embodiments where token 16 is a QR code, the first data set is encoded in or embedded in the QR code. The first data typically includes a unique product identification code for uniquely identifying package 14. The first data may further include at least one of Internet Protocol (IP) data and data regarding a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for directing a smartphone application (app) to a particular website.

[0044] The first message 24 may typically include data related to the user, which is at least one of the data input by the user into the device 18 and the data stored in the memory device 23. Examples of data related to the user include the user's contact data, the user's device data, the geographical location data of the device, the user's account data, the usage status data of the device, and the biographic data related to the user. The second message 34 may include at least one of marketing data, promotion data, special offers, data related to loyalty programs and reward programs, contact information, uniform resource locator (URL) information, and data related to outlets and vendors.

[0045] Referring further to FIG. 1, the system 10 may further include a point-of-sale (POS) device 36. In such a case, the token 16 includes a second data set. The point-of-sale device 36 includes a second input device 38, a second processor 40, a third transceiver 42, and a memory device 43. The second input device 38 enables a second user to input the second data set into the second input device, which may be the point-of-sale device 36. The second data set may be the same as the first data set. The second input device 38 and the second processor 40 communicate with each other. The second input device 38 is typically a barcode scanner. The second input device 38 may also be a camera system or a keypad. When the second data set is input into the point-of-sale device 36, the second processor 40 receives the second data set and processes it for use in the third message 44. Next, the third message 44 is transmitted by the third transceiver 42 to the backend 28. In such a case, the server 32 is configured to reply with a fourth message 46 to the point-of-sale device 36 in response to the third message 44.

[0046] In an embodiment (not shown) where the token 16 is an alphanumeric code, the first data set can be input into the user device 18 using a keypad. In such an embodiment, the first message 24 is transmitted via the cellular network using the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) protocol. The USSD protocol enables a real-time connection between the user device 18 and a computer of a mobile network operator (mobile carrier) dedicated to USSD transactions during a USSD session. In such an embodiment, the backend 28 includes at least one of a computer of the mobile network operator and a computer linked thereto.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of the face-seal blister package according to the present invention are generally indicated by reference numeral 14 in FIGS. 1-7.

[0048] As best shown in FIG. 6, the package 14 includes a body 100, a film seal 102, and a token 16. The body 100 is preferably made of a transparent or translucent material such as plastic. The body 100 includes a plane 104 that defines an elongated blister-shaped cavity 106. The cavity 106 has an elongated mouth 108 and a longitudinal axis (not shown). The longitudinal axis is parallel to the plane 104. The cavity 106 can be sized to receive up to four cigarettes. In use, the film seal 102 removably covers the elongated mouth 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the token 16 is printed anywhere inside or outside the film seal 102. In other embodiments (not shown), the token 16 is printed anywhere inside or outside the body 100. Printing on the inside of the body where the printing is visible from the outside can help reduce tampering with the printed matter.

[0049] In yet other embodiments, the body 100 may be made of one or more materials such as paper, plastic, or one or more derivatives thereof.

[0050] The film seal 102 is preferably made of plastic-coated aluminum foil or other materials such as paper, plastic, and its derivatives. The film seal 102 is attached to the body using an adhesive. During manufacturing, the cigarette 12 is placed in the cavity 106 and then covered with the film seal 102.

[0051] The film seal 102 may be resealable, which allows the package 14 to be opened and closed multiple times.

[0052] During use, when the film seal 102 is removed from the body 100, a flat surface is exposed and the user can remove the cigarette.

[0053] As best shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the body 100 can be shaped to accommodate one, two, three, or four cigarettes 12.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of packages (14.1 to 14.n) can be joined in a strip 200. The packages (14.1 to 14.n) can be separated from each other when sold to consumers. The strip 200 has perforations between the packages (14.1 to 14.n) to facilitate removal of at least one of the packages (14.1 to 14.n) from the strip.

[0055] By using the package 14 described herein, an inexpensive and easily manufacturable product can be obtained, and one or more cigarettes 12 contained therein can be protected from deterioration or damage. Also, individual cavities can be combined into a strip and then cut and stacked in various ways, providing multiple configurations of products that can be manufactured using a common manufacturing process and tools.

[0056] In summary, this system, method, and packaging offer many advantages. These include a waterproof package, sealed freshness, protection against breakage, hygiene, prevention of tobacco shedding, product visibility, and brand visibility. The packaging can be made recyclable to support sustainability. This packaging has an anti-counterfeiting function in essence, preventing retailers from replacing original tobacco with cheap substitutes or forging products. Also, this packaging eliminates the need for cashiers or vendors to directly touch the product.

[0057] The collection and tracking of the first dataset facilitate the tracking of tobacco throughout, from the factory to the end user (since each packet is uniquely coded). Thus, direct scanning and tracking of the product are possible, and retailers can use barcode or dynamic inventory QR code systems for inventory management. Finally, this system enables the collection of taxes at the point of final sale.

[0058] In an environment where traditional marketing approaches are prohibited, it has been proven that current marketing and promotion strategies have not been very successful. Secondary branding, such as sponsorships, giveaways, and brand item presents, is central. These are generally said to have not yielded measurable results other than achieving brand awareness. The system of the present invention overcomes these problems by enabling direct communication between the customer and the brand holder. Furthermore, in an environment where sales are stagnant or decreasing, organic sales growth can only be achieved at the expense of the market share of other brand holders (brand owners). Therefore, the system and packaging of the present invention are expected to be advantageous for brand holders seeking to expand their market share.

[0059] Since each package can be uniquely identified and its information can be associated with a specific consumer, a platform is provided for incorporating marketing and promotion opportunities or taking detailed consumer statistics. By comprehensively understanding consumers, brand holders can ensure conversion and retention. Furthermore, the system and package of the present invention provide the ability to communicate with end users using package tokens. This may be done using an app on the user's mobile phone or by using an alphanumeric code displayed on the package for users other than smartphones. By constructing customer profiles based on brand preferences, geographical location, age, gender, income, etc., marketing, promotion offers, prize draws, rebates, discounts, loyalty programs, etc. can be directly implemented targeting users.

Claims

1. A system for facilitating either tobacco sales or tobacco tracking, comprising: A package of four or fewer tobacco products presenting a token including at least a first dataset having a unique product identification code; An input device for entering the first dataset; A processor electronically communicating with the input device for receiving the first dataset and processing the first dataset for use in a first message; A first transceiver for transmitting the first message; A memory device electronically communicating with the first processor; A user device including the above; A second transceiver for receiving the first message; A server electronically communicating with the second transceiver and configured to communicate a second message to the user device in response to the first message, the second message including at least one of marketing data, promotion data, special offers, prize draws, loyalty program and reward program related data, contact information, uniform resource locator (URL) information, and data related to outlets, vendors, product distributors and / or product manufacturers; A remote backend including the above; A system including the above.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the token is any one of an alphanumeric string, a barcode, a static quick response (QR) code, a dynamic QR code, an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) code, and a radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag).

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first message includes data related to the user of the device, and the data related to the user includes at least one of data input by the user into the device, data stored in the memory device, user contact data, user device data, geographical location data of the device, the user's account data, monthly income, gender, device usage data, and biographic data related to the user.

4. A second input device for reading a second dataset; A second processor electronically communicating with the second input device for receiving the second dataset identical to the first dataset and processing the second dataset for use in a third message; A third transceiver that transmits a third message The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a point-of-sale (POS) device including the same.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the server is further configured to communicate a fourth message to the point-of-sale (POS) device in response to the third message.

6. A face-sealed blister package for four or fewer cigarettes, including a plane defining an elongated blister-shaped cavity having a longitudinal axis, the cavity having an elongated mouth in the plane, the longitudinal axis being parallel to the plane, a body, a film seal removably covering the elongated mouth and adhered to the body by any one of adhesive bonding, solvent bonding, heat bonding, and mechanical fastening; including a first data set that can be a unique product identification code, presented by the package, and is any one of a stop alphanumeric string, a barcode, a static quick response (QR) code, a dynamic QR code, an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) code, and a radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag), a token; A package including the same.

7. The package according to claim 6, wherein the body is transparent or translucent and is made of any one of a metal foil, an aluminum foil, a plastic-coated aluminum foil, a plastic, a paper, a plastic derivative and / or a paper derivative, or any combination of the foregoing.

8. The package according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a plurality of packages are joined in a strip.

9. The package according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the token is printed on any location on the surface of the translucent body or the transparent body, any location on the surface of the film seal, any location on the surface of the metal foil, the inner surface or the outer surface, or both surfaces simultaneously.

10. A method for facilitating either cigarette sales or cigarette tracking, At the back end, A step of processing a first message received from a user device, wherein the first message includes at least a first data set extracted from tokens presented by a package of four or fewer cigarettes, further includes data regarding the user of the device, and the data regarding the user includes at least one of data input by the user into the device, data stored in a memory device, user contact data, user device data, geographical location data of the device, user income data, user gender data, seasonal purchase data of the user, brand preference data of the user, tobacco consumption data of the user, user account data, usage status data of the device, and biographic data regarding the user. A step of compiling a second message in response to the first message and transmitting the second message to the user device, wherein the second message includes at least one of marketing data, promotion data, special offers, data regarding loyalty programs and reward programs, contact information, uniform resource locator (URL) information, and data regarding outlets and vendors. A method comprising the above.

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