Data communications network and method for facilitating transactions using redeemable coupons

Abstract

A data communications network, system and method that facilitates transactions between devices connected to a data communications network to transact redeemable coupons such as shopping vouchers, prescriptions, etc, to avoid or at least reduce the likelihood of consumers being defrauded by false offerings whilst ensuring efficient use of computing resources. A user submits a request to purchase an electronic redeemable coupon using a data communications device operable to initiate and effect payments in relation to online purchases using a wallet application programming interface (API). The electronic redeemable coupon is retrieved from a local or external database storing active electronic redeemable coupons offered by authenticated coupon providers, and is transmitted to the data communications device subsequent to the wallet API effecting transfer of funds from a financial account associated with the user to an account associated with the coupon provider according to the purchase price for the electronic redeemable coupon.

Description

DATA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING TRANSACTIONS USING REDEEMABLE COUPONSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a data communications network and a method of operating same to facilitate transactions between devices connected to the data communications network to transact redeemable coupons such as gift vouchers, prescriptions, and the like, to improve the efficient use of computing resources whilst avoiding, or at least reducing the likelihood of consumers being defrauded by false offerings.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electronically transactable redeemable coupons may be purchased directly from retailers in respect of goods and / or services offered by the retailers, or from third parties who offer such coupons for and on behalf of retailers. The offering of electronically transactable coupons by third parties on behalf of retailers is presently vulnerable to fraud where individuals and / or organisations represent themselves as being affiliated with a retailer and provide gift vouchers and similar offerings (eg. retail vouchers, gift vouchers, cash vouchers, pharmaceutical prescriptions, etc) in exchange for funds from consumers when no such affiliation exists. In other words, unsuspecting consumers provide funds in exchange for false electronically transactable coupons, prescriptions, etc., and receive no value (ie. no valid ability to transact the coupon to receive a product or service) in respect of same.

[0003] Such scams often go unnoticed for a significant period of time since redeemable coupons are typically purchased as gifts and by the time a coupon recipient receives the coupon and attempts to utilise same in an electronic transaction to effect a purchase of products and / or services, a reasonable period of time since the fraudulent act has passed, making it difficult to report, trace and prevent the parties who are acting fraudulently from perpetrating the fraud upon others.

[0004] There is also a need for businesses and retailers to be able to offer their electronically transactable redeemable coupons, or those of third parties, in a mannerthat engenders trust in consumers and that elevates the consumer experience in order to foster and maintain consumer engagement with respect to the electronically transactable coupons. As a result, consumers will be more likely to purchase and / or gift more electronically transactable redeemable coupons and therefore enable individuals to receive a more diverse range of trustworthy electronically transactable vouchers, offers, discounts, etc,

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need to address problems associated with existing data communications networks, systems and methods for the issuance of electronically transactable redeemable coupons such as shopping (gift) vouchers, prescriptions, and the like, to consumers, and ensure the efficient use of computing resources, including computer network communications resources whilst reducing the propensity for consumers to be defrauded by false online offerings of electronically transactable vouchers, prescriptions, etc.

[0006] The present invention seeks to mitigate the problems discussed herein, or at least seeks to provide an alternative solution to current data communications networks, systems, devices and methods of operating same to facilitate transactions with respect to electronically transactable redeemable coupons.

[0007] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge of the priority date of the present disclosure(s).SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a data communications network including connected data communications devices and a method of operating same to facilitate electronic transactions in respect of electronically transactable redeemable coupons, the method including, receiving, by one or more processors, from a data communications device associated with a user, a request to purchase an electronic redeemable coupon, the data communications device operable to initiate and effect electronic payments in relation to online purchases using a wallet application programming interface (API), retrieving, by one or more processors, from a local or external database storing active electronic redeemable coupons offered by authenticated coupon providers, the particular electronic redeemable coupon requested by the user, and transmitting, by one or more processors, the retrieved electronic redeemable coupon to the data communications device subsequent to the wallet API associated with the data communications device effecting transfer of funds from a financial account associated with the user to an account associated with the coupon provider according to the purchase price for the electronic redeemable coupon.

[0009] In an embodiment, each coupon transaction is recorded using a decentralized blockchain ledger, wherein the coupon transaction includes one or more of, purchase of the coupon, issuance of the coupon, transfer of the coupon, or redemption of the coupon.

[0010] In an embodiment, the blockchain is configured to ensure that each coupon is redeemable up to a predetermined maximum number of redemptions.

[0011] In an embodiment, the method further includes, receiving a request to purchase or redeem a particular coupon, querying the blockchain to verify the coupon’s authenticity and determine the number of redemption events which have occurred in respect of the particular coupon, and if the number of recorded redemption events has reached the predetermined maximum number of redemptions, denying the request for purchase or redemption of the particular coupon, or, if the number of recorded redemption events is yet to reach the predetermined maximum number of redemptions, accepting the request for purchase or redemption of the particular coupon.

[0012] In an embodiment, the request to purchase an electronically transactable redeemable coupon is in respect of a shopping voucher, and the purchase price is substantially equivalent to a value assigned to the shopping voucher.

[0013] In an embodiment, the request to purchase an electronically transactable redeemable coupon is in relation to a pharmaceutical prescription, and the purchase price is the price of the prescribed medication.

[0014] In an embodiment, the request to purchase an electronically transactable redeemable coupon is in relation to an offer or discount pertaining to goods and / or services available for purchase, and the purchase price is the price of the goods and / or services after having the offer or discount applied.

[0015] In an embodiment, the price of the prescribed medication, or the goods and / or services, is the price of the prescribed medication or the goods and / or services at the time that the user subsequently redeems the coupon at a retailer’s online or in-store point of sale when purchasing the medication, or the goods and / or services that are subject to the offer or discount, at which time funds are extracted from the user’s financial account, or a current value of the prescribed medication or the goods and / or services as nominated by one or more retailers, wherein funds are extracted from the user’s financial account at the time of purchasing the coupon using the software application according to the current nominated value.

[0016] In an embodiment, the method further includes enabling a user to request a receipt in respect of the electronically transactable redeemable coupon(s) purchased.

[0017] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a dynamic pricing facility which enables automatic adjustments to, or recommendations to be issued to the one or more retailers to manually adjust, the current value nominated for a prescribed medication or good and / or service, wherein the automatic adjustment or recommendation is based on one or more of, a geo-location of the retailer, a geo-location of customers of the retailer, a time of the year, month or day, or sales data pertaining to the prescribed medication or good and / or service.

[0018] In an embodiment, the method further includes continuously analyzing, by one or more processors using one or more artificial intelligence techniques, data to detecttrends that indicate potentially fraudulent activity, wherein the data includes one or more of, historical data including coupon usage and redemption history, real-time transaction data, or behavioural biometrics including user behaviour patterns.

[0019] In an embodiment, the method further includes, receiving, by one or more processors, a request from a coupon provider seeking to provide or offer for purchase electronically transactable redeemable coupons to users, and based upon the coupon provider satisfying a minimum authentication threshold, providing the coupon provider with the ability to upload their electronically transactable redeemable coupon(s).

[0020] In an embodiment, the authentication of the coupon providers includes prompting the coupon provider to upload documentation confirming one or more of, the identification of the coupon provider, third party verification, or business reputation and / or user feedback pertaining to the coupon provider. In other embodiments, authentication may include the use of, voice and face recognition techniques and biometric authentication techniques.

[0021] In an embodiment, the method further includes, providing, by one or more processors, a search facility configured to enable the user to utilise a data communications device to search the local or external database(s) storing active electronically transactable redeemable coupons and to select one or more coupons for purchase.

[0022] In an embodiment, the search facility further enables the user to upload details relating to a pharmaceutical prescription issued by a health provider associated with the user, thereby facilitating the location and retrieval of a corresponding coupon. The health provider may be a General Practitioner (GP) or similar practitioner associated with the user. The pharmaceutical prescription may be an original or a repeat prescription.

[0023] In an embodiment, the search facility further provides personalized coupon recommendations to users, wherein selection of the coupons is based on one or more of the user’s behaviour and preferences.

[0024] In an embodiment, when a redeemable coupon that has been purchased by the user relates to a pharmaceutical prescription, or an offer or discount pertaining to a good and / or service, the method further includes causing, by one or more processors, acopy of the prescription or the discount or offer to be displayed on a data communications device of the user, thereby enabling the user to save, print or forward a copy of the prescription or discount or offer to enable the coupon to be redeemed at a point of sale associated with a retailer of the prescribed medication or the good and / or service.

[0025] In an embodiment, when a redeemable coupon that has been purchased by the user relates to a shopping voucher, the method further includes causing, by one or more processors, a copy of the shopping voucher to be displayed on a data communications device of the user, thereby enabling the user to save, print or forward a copy of the shopping voucher to enable the voucher to be redeemed at a point of sale associated with a retailer.

[0026] In an embodiment, the point of sale includes a payment gateway provided via a software application, a payment gateway provided via an online website, or a payment device provided at an in-store kiosk.

[0027] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented system for facilitating transactions in relation to electronically redeemable coupons, the system including one or more processors operable to, receive, from a data communications device associated with a user, a request to purchase an electronic redeemable coupon, the data communications device operable to initiate and effect electronic payments in relation to online purchases using a wallet application programming interface (API), retrieve, from a local or external database storing active electronic redeemable coupons offered by authenticated coupon providers, the particular electronic redeemable coupon requested by the user, and transmit the retrieved electronic redeemable coupon to the data communications device subsequent to the wallet API associated with the data communications device effecting transfer of funds from a financial account associated with the user to an account associated with the coupon provider according to the purchase price for the electronic redeemable coupon.

[0028] In a yet further aspect, the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer instruction code stored thereon that, when executed on one or more processors of a data communications network, cause one or more processors within the network to perform the steps of, receiving, from a data communications device associated with a user, a request to purchase an electronicredeemable coupon, the data communications device operable to initiate and effect electronic payments in relation to online purchases using a wallet application programming interface (API), retrieving, from a local or external database storing active electronic redeemable coupons offered by authenticated coupon providers, the particular electronic redeemable coupon requested by the user, and transmitting the retrieved electronic redeemable coupon to the data communications device subsequent to the wallet API associated with the data communications device effecting transfer of funds from a financial account associated with the user to an account associated with the coupon provider according to the purchase price for the electronic redeemable coupon.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0030] Figure 1 provides an overview of a data communications network according to an embodiment of the present invention showing, in particular, the interaction of various network components;

[0031] Figure 2 provides a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary server component of the network illustrated in Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to download and install a software application, and subsequently access, or register to use, the software application for interaction with the network illustrated in Figure 1 , including to establish a user account and to select an electronic redeemable coupon and / or pharmaceutical prescription;

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates a further exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables the user to authorize payment in respect of a redeemable coupon and / or prescription and to receive the electronic redeemable coupon and / or prescription based on a transfer of funds being effected;

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a further exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables retailers to access the software application for interaction with the network illustrated in Figure 1 , including to obtain retailer authentication; and

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates a further exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to access additional functionality of the software application, including a search facility.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0036] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring to embodiment(s) thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a better understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent, however, that the disclosure may be practiced without limitation to the specific details. In other instances, some features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a computer- implemented data communications network and a method of operating the network which includes data communications devices (50) connected with one or more servers (20) within the network to enable users (30) to retrieve electronically transactable redeemable coupons (eg. shopping vouchers) and / or pharmaceutical prescriptions (60) in a manner that reduces, or in some instances prevents, the propensity for users to be defrauded by false online offerings of such vouchers, prescriptions, etc. In particular, the network and method provide a platform that hosts a computer-executable software application (40), wherein the application (40) is accessible by a plurality of registered users (30) seeking to retrieve such coupons and / or prescriptions (60), and also retailers (90) seeking to access the software application (40) for the purpose of providing coupons, which may include prescriptions, for purchase of their goods and / or services. In particular, the network utilizes a central server (20) in communication with data communication devices (50) associated with users (30) and retailers (90).

[0038] The central server (20) maintains one or more processors and / or databases for performing functions, including receiving a request to purchase an electronic redeemable coupon (60) from a user (30) utilizing a data communications device (50) operable to initiate and effect electronic payments (70) in relation to online purchases using a wallet application programming interface (API) (120).

[0039] Reference herein to “coupons” is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure solely to shopping vouchers and the like, and may include additional types of coupons / vouchers including pharmaceutical prescriptions such as those issued by medical practitioners.

[0040] The server (20) further retrieves, from a local or external database (80) storing active electronic redeemable coupons (60) offered by authenticated retailers (90) (which may include individuals and / or organizations, including medical professionals or organisations licensed to issue pharmaceutical prescriptions), a particular electronic redeemable coupon and / or prescription requested by the user (30). Subsequently, based upon a transfer of funds effected from a financial account associated with the user (30) to an account associated with the retailer (90), which accord with the purchase price of the electronic redeemable coupon (eg. a purchase price of pharmaceuticals to be supplied based on a prescription (60)), the retrieved electronic redeemable coupon which in the present example is a prescription (60), is transmitted to the data communications device (50) of the user (30).

[0041] Accordingly, the skilled person will appreciate that the platform provides a user (30) with a means of utilizing a data communications network and associated devices (50) to retrieve, purchase, transfer and redeem electronically transactable coupons which may include pharmaceutical prescriptions (60) and it will become apparent that this is achieved in a manner that reduces and preferably prevents the occurrence of fraud due to false online offerings of such coupons (60).

[0042] Figure 1 is divided into segments which are further expanded in subsequent Figures 2 to 6. In particular, segment 200 of Figure 1 shows the server component (20) with which the software application (40) operating on data communication device (50) is configured to communicate. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology that the software application (40) may be a mobile application or a web based application, and that similarly, the data communications devices (50) utilized by users (30) may be mobile devices or fixed location computing devices. Examples of mobile devices include mobile phones, wearables and laptops, and examples of fixed location devices include personal computers and workstations (not shown). The server component (20) is additionally detailed in Figure 2.

[0043] The skilled person will appreciate that the steps described herein may be executed by the device (50) wherein such operations are facilitated by the software application (40) operating on each device (50). According to another implementation of the present invention, the server (20) may be programmed to provide most, or all, of the functions described herein particularly where they cannot be provided locally on the userdevices (50) or where it may be impractical or technically or commercially infeasible to implement such a configuration. In other words, the steps described herein as performed by the devices (50), or components thereof, may be associated with hardware located externally of the devices (50) such as the remote central server (20) (ie. in a distributed architecture). Different arrangements are possible in this regard, and alternative variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology.

[0044] Segment 300 of Figure 1 shows a user (30) downloading and installing the software application (40) and subsequently accessing the application (40) in order to establish a user account, and to select electronic redeemable coupons (60) for retrieval / purchase, as further detailed in Figure 3. Segment 400 of Figure 1 illustrates a coupon / prescription retrieval interface (180) which enables the retrieval of a selected coupon (60) from a local or external database (80) and, based upon an electronic payment (70) provided to the retailer (90), a transfer of the selected coupon (60) to the user device (50), as further detailed in Figure 4. Segment 500 of Figure 1 illustrates various interfaces that enable a retailer (90) to become authenticated in order to enable the upload of electronically redeemable coupons (60) for users (30) to select and retrieve, as further detailed in Figure 5. Finally, segment 600 of Figure 1 illustrates still further functionality of the software application (40) including the provision of a search interface (230) enabling users (30) to conduct different types of searches as described herein and as further detailed in Figure 6.

[0045] As mentioned above, Figure 2 shows segment 200 of Figure 1 in greater detail and, in particular, Figure 2 illustrates the server component (20) which includes infrastructure upon which the platform of the present invention operates, which may be local or cloud-based.

[0046] The central server (20) may operate one or more computer processors and maintain one or more databases to enable the following functionality and / or storage:• User account register (100) storing details of users (30) such as name, age, address, contact details, identifiers such as driver’s license or passport details, and any additional data which may be relevant for the purpose of identifying and distinguishing between registered users (30);• Retailer account register (105) storing details related to registered retailers (90) such as goods retailers, service retailers, medical general practitioners (GPs) and other entities responsible for issuing coupons in the form of pharmaceutical prescriptions, etc, including their authentication details and authentication status as well as general details such as the name of the retailer (90), the goods and / or services provided by the retailer (90), any ratings and / or reviews and other feedback provided by users (30) and other members of the public with respect to the retailer (90), etc;• Redeemable coupon register (1 10) storing details relating to coupons such as prescriptions (60) which are offered by retailers (90) and hence made available for retrieval / purchase by users (30), including a historical record of coupons (60) that have previously been retrieved / purchased by registered users (30);• Data processing functionality (1 15) for processing user input commands and data received to generate relevant outputs for display. For example, data processing functionality (115) may be responsible for retrieving relevant coupons (60) from database (80) and transmitting same based on user requests and further based on detecting the processing of payments effected by users (30) through the wallet API (120) to an account associated with the retailer (90). The functionality (1 15) may also be responsible for authenticating retailers (90) which as discussed above may include medical practitioners, etc., including through the use of artificial intelligence as described in greater detail below;• Wallet application programming interface (API) (120) responsible for effecting transfers of funds from a financial account associated with the user (30) to an account associated with the retailer (90) according to the purchase price of the electronic redeemable coupon (eg. the purchase price of pharmaceuticals prescribed to the user (30), the nominated value allocated to a particular good or service by a retailer, etc). Multi-currency support may be provided which enables dynamic currency conversion (automatic detection of the user’s location and converting the currency accordingly), currency exchange rate integration (allowing user’s to view real-time exchange rates), user currency preferences (allowingusers to set their preferred currency or currencies), and cross-border payments (supporting international payment gateways such as Paypal, Stripe, etc);• Search functionality (125) which enables users (30) to conduct searches in respect of other registered users, retailers (90), goods and / or services offered by retailers (90), and specific coupons (60) available for selection;• Alerts / notifications functionality (130) which enables users (30) to receive alerts and / or notifications through their devices (50) and, in particular, by the software application (40) operating on each device (50), wherein such alerts and / or notifications may be generated based on predefined criteria. For example, an alert and / or notification could be generated based on detection of fraudulent activity, the availability of a new coupon (60), an incoming message from another user (30) or a retailer (90) of the software application, etc.; and• Payment gateway functionality (135) allowing users (30) to manage any additional required payments through the software application (40) including, for example, payment of subscription fees.

[0047] Figure 2 also depicts server (20) configured to enable communication (140) with the user’s device (50) and, in particular, with the software application (40) operating on each device (50). Such communications may occur by the internet or any similar data communications network.

[0048] Figure 3 shows segment 300 of Figure 1 in greater detail and, in particular, the steps associated with a user (30) installing the software application (40) which may be achieved by downloading application (40) from an application store or by other means. Each user (30) may create an account using the application (40) and the account information may be stored in the user account register (100). As discussed above, the user account register (100) may capture information sufficient to enable each user (30) to be correctly identified. A similar process for downloading and accessing the software application (40) may also apply to other types of users including retailers (90).

[0049] The process of downloading the software application (40) is indicated by arrow (150) and interface (160) is also shown which enables user (30) to install the application (40) to access the functionality thereof, including creating and maintaining a user accountand specifing preferences of the user (30). Such preferences may be entered in one or more additional interfaces which may prompt the user (30) to enter such preferences. In other words, once the application has been accessed by a user (30), the user (30) may be presented with an interface, identical or similar to interface (160) to allow the user to add preferences to their profile, including the ability to edit profile / account details. Once sufficient information has been provided by the user (30) and such information has been verified using, for example, one or more digital verification techniques, the user (30) will be successfully registered such that the user (30) becomes a registered user and may then utilize the functionality of the application (40), which may be in accordance with a subscription level of the user (30).

[0050] Examples of the verification method include, but are not limited to, biometric authentication (eg. using facial recognition or fingerprint scanning) to verify the user identity, government issued ID verification (eg. passport or driver’s license), and multifactor authentication which provides an additional layer of security. If such verification fails, then the user (30) may be prevented from accessing the software application (40) or may be prevented from engaging in any coupon transactions. Similar methods may be used to verify the identity of retailers (90).

[0051] Figure 3 also illustrates a coupon selection interface (170) that enables users (30) to scroll through a generated listing of coupons (60) and select one or more for retrieval / purchase. The software application (40) provides a search facility in this regard, as shown in interface (230) of Figure 6, but in a more general embodiment only those coupons (60) determined as relevant to the user (30) (eg. based upon preferences of the user, or the user (30) being provided with a prescription (60) from a medical practitioner) may be automatically listed for selection. The selectable coupons (60) may include additional details including the retailer (90), the purchase price of the coupon (eg. the purchase price in respect of a prescribed pharmaceutical product), and any additional details of relevance.

[0052] Figure 4 shows segment 400 of Figure 1 in greater detail and, in particular, the use of the software application (40) to generate a coupon retrieval interface (180) that enables a coupon (60) selected by the user (30) in interface (170) to be retrieved from database (80) based upon the wallet API (120) associated with the user’s data communication device (50) effecting transfer of funds from a financial account associatedwith the user (30) to an account associated with the retailer (90). The funds may accord with the purchase price for the electronically redeemable coupon (eg. the purchase price of pharmaceuticals associated with the selected prescription (60)).

[0053] Any known payment system may be integrated to allow users (30) with multiple payment options, including but not limited to credit card payment (VISA, Mastercard, etc) and online payment methods using platforms such as Paypal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.

[0054] Coupons (60) may include a wide variety of different offerings ranging from high-value shopping vouchers to items of a more sensitive nature such as pharmaceutical prescriptions. In this regard, it will be appreciated that in circumstances where the selection relates to a redeemable shopping voucher rather than a prescription, the purchase price of the coupon (60) will be the value of the voucher itself as displayed in interface (170). Where the coupon (60) is a prescription, it will not have a specific value assigned, hence any price listed will relate to the price of the prescribed pharmaceutical.

[0055] It is to be understood that the purchase price may not immediately be displayed in interface (170) and indeed may require entry by a retailer (90) or the user (30). For example, where the request relates to a pharmaceutical prescription, the purchase price may be the price of a prescribed medication which may not be known at the time the prescription is retrieved using the software application (40). In this regard, the purchase price may be the price of the prescribed medication at the time the user (30) purchases same from the retailer (90) using the received coupon, such that funds are not extracted from the user’s financial account until such time the user (30) purchases the medication in person at the retailer (90) using their coupon (as compared with the time at which the user selects the prescription coupon in interface (170)).

[0056] In this regard, when the user (30) arrives at a pharmacy or similar retailer (90) at which prescription medication may be purchased, the user may utilize the software application (40) again at that point to confirm the purchase price of the prescribed medication (ie. enter the price manually or scan the product for automatic entry) and effect payment using the wallet API associated with the data communications device (50). In this way, irrespective of whether the selected coupon (60) is a shopping voucher or relates to a prescription, the software application (40) may be utilized in order to effectthe transfer of funds from a financial account associated with the user (30) to an account associated with the relevant retailer.

[0057] However, in a further alternative embodiment, the prescription coupon (60) may be presented to the user with a number of different purchase prices which have been previously confirmed by one or more individual retailers (90), thereby enabling the user (30) to select one of the available retailers listed as providing the prescribed medication at a retail outlet or via an online purchase (eg. website or retailer app). In other words, retailers (90) of pharmaceutical products and other goods and services may pre-approve the price(s) displayed in interface (170). Further, the listed prices may also be automatically adjusted according to updates provided by retailers (90) or automatically generated price adjustment recommendations. This would enable the user (30) to agree the purchase price at the time of selecting the prescription or offer / discount coupon (60) using interface (170) without the need to pay any additional funds at the time of collecting or confirming delivery of the prescription or good / service at the point of sale.

[0058] As mentioned above, in addition to retail vouchers and pharmaceutical prescriptions, coupons (60) may further include offers and discounts in respect of particular goods and / or services which may also be made available for purchase via the platform. Similar to pharmaceutical prescriptions, such offers and discounts may be electronically redeemed at the time the user effects an electronic, or in person, purchase of the relevant goods and / or services which are the subject of the offer or discount. Alternatively, as mentioned above with respect to pharmaceutical prescriptions, certain retailers (90) may pre-approve and regularly adjust (or approve automatically recommended adjustments to) a price for particular goods and / or services such that the goods and / or services having associated offers and discounts presented in interface (170) represent the agreed purchase price, thereby enabling users (30) to effect the transfer of funds via the application (40) at the time of selecting the particular offer and / or discount using interface (170).

[0059] It will be appreciated that reference herein to “software application (40)” is not limited to a downloadable App but may also include other means of providing users (30) with access the functionality described herein including, but not limited to, online websites. In other words, a retailer point of sale could be the software application (40), awebsite of the retailer (90), or even an in-store kiosk which enables users (30) to access their coupons using, for example, a previously issued QR or coupon code.

[0060] A dynamic pricing facility may also be implemented which enables substantially real-time adjustments to the nominated values of prescribed medications or goods and / or services having offer and / or discounts applied. Such adjustments may be recommended to retailers (90), automatically applied according to computer generated recommendations, or such recommendations may be issued to retailers to manually adjust the values. The adjustment of values may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, the geo-location of the retailer and / or customers of the retailer (eg. different discounts in different cities or regions based on local demand, competition or economic factors), a time of the year, month or day (eg. time-sensitive promotions, higher discounts during peak periods, etc), and sales data pertaining to the prescribed medication or good and / or service to which the offer or discount applies (eg. based on sales performance of a particular product).

[0061] Based upon the user (30) confirming the purchase of a coupon (60) through interface (180), an electronic receipt may be provided to the user (30) in respect of the purchase either by notification through the software application (40), by text, email or by other means in accordance with a preference of the user (30).

[0062] The software application (40) may also provide the user (30) with the ability to save purchased coupons (60) for subsequent presentation and redemption at a retailer (90) (eg. when seeking to utilize a shopping voucher during a visit at the particular retailer (90), or at the time of collecting particular pharmaceutical medications based on a selected prescription). In this regard, a copy of the purchased coupon (60) may be made available for saving or printing for subsequent use when subsequently collecting the purchased product (eg. prescribed medication) from a retailer. This could be, for example, an original or a repeat prescription issued by a GP. The user may also be prompted to save, print or forward a copy of a coupon (60) to another recipient (eg. where a user is purchasing a prescription on behalf of another user, or where a shopping voucher is being purchased as a gift and hence needs to be forwarded to the gift recipient. Recipients of such on-forwarded coupons may be requested to sign up to the software application (40) if they are not already registered users.

[0063] The server (20) may utilize one or more additional APIs to integrate with any external hardware system(s) for the purpose of extracting details relating to coupons. For example, a coupon (60) may be a digital pharmaceutical prescription issued by a user’s GP, where such coupons are retrieved using an API which integrates the system with a repository of digital prescriptions into which GPs and similar health professionals deposit prescriptions on behalf of their patients. It will be appreciated that the software application (40) therefore provides the user (30) with the ability to access their prescription (s) in the form of a selectable coupon (60). By paying to retrieve the coupon (60), the user (30) is effectively paying for the prescribed medication via the software application (40) as described above. This avoids receiving digital prescriptions directly from GPs (via email) which patients often lose or have difficulty locating at a retailer’s point of sale.

[0064] Each coupon transaction from purchase and issuance through to redemption of the coupon may be recorded, and according to a particular embodiment, coupon transactions are recorded using a digital blockchain ledger to ensure transparency and security. For example, when a user (30) purchases a coupon (60), the details such as the coupon value, number of available redemptions (eg. number of available prescriptions), expiry date, retailer details, and transaction timestamp, may be stored on the blockchain. The user’s wallet API may also interact with this ledger, ensuring the coupon’s integrity is protected across all platforms.

[0065] When a user (30) attempts to purchase or redeem a coupon (60), the blockchain may be used to verify that the coupon (60) has not been redeemed previously or whether additional redemption events exist. This verification step significantly reduces fraudulent activity since only one or up to a predetermined maximum number of purchase or redemption events will be allowed to occur for any single coupon (60). In other words, when a user (30) request to purchase or redeem a particular coupon, the blockchain may be queried not only to verify the coupon’s authenticity but also to determine the number of redemption events which have occurred in respect of the particular coupon (60). If the number of recorded redemption events has reached a predetermined maximum number of redemptions, the request for purchase or redemption of the particular coupon (60) may be denied. If the number of recorded redemption events is yet to reach the predetermined maximum number of redemptions, the request for purchase or redemption of the particular coupon (60) may be accepted.

[0066] The platform may implement fraud detection techniques including by using one or more artificial intelligence techniques to analyse data to detect trends that indicate fraudulent activity. For example, by employing supervised learning algorithms and pattern recognition, the platform can learn from past coupon redemptions and user behaviours. The machine learning model may be continuously updated to remain effective as tactics to commit fraud evolve. The data analysed may include, but is not limited to, historical data including coupon usage and redemption history (eg. to build a profile of legitimate transactions); real-time transaction data (eg. to identify when a coupon (60) is being used in an unusual manner such as being redeemed in multiple locations within a very short time frame or for unusually large purchases), and behavioural biometrics including user behaviour patterns (eg. how the user (30) interacts with the platform including abnormal activities that may indicate fraud).

[0067] Examples of artificial intelligence capabilities that may be utilised to address fraudulent activities and to also improve user interaction with the software application (40) include Google DeepMind and ChatGPT. For example, by leveraging DeepMind’s machine learning algorithms, the platform is operable to detect fraudulent activity based on behavioural patterns and anomalies, and may be used to scale the system as more data is collected over time making the platform more intelligent and adaptive to user needs and fraud patterns. Manual intervention is also reduced since fraud detection is more efficient and automated.

[0068] In addition to causing each coupon (60) to have a maximum number of redemption events allocated to the coupon (60), coupons (60) may also be provided with time restrictions. For example, a time period between purchase of the coupon and redemption of the coupon may be defined and allocated to the coupon such that the coupon will expire after the time period has elapsed. In this regard, relevant notifications may be generated and issued to users (30) by use of push notification, text message or email, including, but not limited to, a notification confirming that a coupon (60) is approaching its expiration date (eg. 24 to 48 hours prior to the expiration), expired coupon alerts notifying users (30) that their coupons have expired, and reminders regarding unused coupons encouraging timely redemption of same.

[0069] Figure 5 shows segment 500 of Figure 1 in greater detail and, in particular, the use of the software application (40) to enable retailers (90) to authenticate themselvesand thereby enable the upload of coupons (60) for retrieval / purchase using the platform. A request may be received from an individual or organization seeking to offer electronically transactable redeemable coupons (60) for users (30) to retrieve / purchase, and based upon satisfying a minimum authentication threshold, the individual or organization may be provided with the ability to upload such coupons to the database (80).

[0070] To assist authentication, the retailer (90) may be requested to upload various documentation including identification documentation, third party verification information, manual review documents, etc, and additional consideration may be given to the entity’s reputation and user feedback. In this regard, interface (210) of Figure 5 represents a retailer reputation / feedback interface, and interface (220) represents an artificial intelligence authentication interface that may be initiated using the software application (40). Accordingly, the server (20) may process user feedback, ratings, etc. as provided by users (30) through interface (210) as well as utilize one or more artificial intelligence techniques via interface (220) to incorporate voice and facial recognition and biometric authentication to assess the request submitted by the retailer (90) and provide a response indicating an acceptance or rejection of the authentication request.

[0071] Figure 6 shows segment 600 of Figure 1 in greater detail and, in particular, a search interface (230) which enables users (30) to utilize their data communications devices (50) to conduct searches based on different search parameters and filters. For example, users (30) may search for other users (30) as well as retailers (90) who are registered to use the platform. The user (30) may also utilize the search facility to search the local or external database(s) (80) for specific electronically transactable redeemable coupons (60) in order to select one or more for retrieval / purchase. In embodiments where the coupon (60) relates to a pharmaceutical prescription the coupon preferably doesn’t automatically appear in the list of coupons provided in interface (170). The search facility may further enable the user (30) to manually enter details relating to a pharmaceutical prescription issued by a GP or other health provider associated with the user (30), thereby facilitating the location and retrieval thereof. Various other search criteria and filters may be applied including price, location, goods / services categories, etc.

[0072] One or more artificial intelligence techniques may also be utilised to improve user engagement and interaction with the software application (40), including when usinginterface (230) to search for coupons or receive personalized recommendations. For example, the previously described Al capabilities of Google DeepMind may be utilised to offer personalized coupon suggestions based on user behaviour and preferences. Another example of Al functionality that may be utilised to improve user engagement and interaction is ChatGPT and Al voice interaction which facilitate personalized assistance (interpreting and responding to user queries in a conversational manner and offering assistance according to a user’s purchase history, preferences, real-time behaviour, etc), recommendations based on activity of users including suggesting coupons for products in respect of which the user (30) has shown an interest, voice enabled interaction, and cross-platform interaction.

[0073] In circumstances where demand for the software application (40) is high, the platform may automatically adjust its resources. For example, the platform may automatically adjust its resources based on real-time demand. Cloud-based services, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, may be utilised to implement such functionality effectively, wherein the actions may include, but are not limited to, elastic load balancing (ie. allocating additional server resources) during peak periods, auto-scaling (ie. automatically adjusting the number of servers or processing power available based on traffic demands), data redundancy and availability (ie. ensuring that data is available even during heavy traffic period), and real-time monitoring and analytics (ie. advanced monitoring tools that track the performance and load of the system in real time to identify potential bottlenecks or performance issues before they impact users).

[0074] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software, program codes, and / or instructions on a processor. The processor may be part of a server, cloud server, client, network infrastructure, mobile computing platform, stationary computing platform, or other computing platform. A processor may be any kind of computational or processing device capable of executing program instructions, codes, binary instructions and the like. The processor may be or include a signal processor, digital processor, embedded processor, microprocessor or any variant such as a co-processor (math co-processor, graphic coprocessor, communication co-processor and the like) and the like that may directly or indirectly facilitate execution of program code or program instructions stored thereon. Inaddition, the processor may enable execution of multiple programs, threads, and codes. The threads may be executed simultaneously to enhance the performance of the processor and to facilitate simultaneous operations of the application. By way of implementation, methods, program codes, program instructions and the like described herein may be implemented in one or more threads. The thread may spawn other threads that may have assigned priorities associated with them; the processor may execute these threads based on priority or any other order based on instructions provided in the program code. The processor may include memory that stores methods, codes, instructions and programs as described herein and elsewhere. The processor may access a storage medium through an interface that may store methods, codes, and instructions as described herein and elsewhere. The storage medium associated with the processor for storing methods, programs, codes, program instructions or other type of instructions capable of being executed by the computing or processing device may include but may not be limited to one or more of a CD-ROM, DVD, memory, hard disk, flash drive, RAM, ROM, cache and the like.

[0075] A processor may include one or more cores that may enhance speed and performance of a multiprocessor. In some embodiments, the process may be a dual core processor, quad core processors, other chip-level multiprocessor and the like that combine two or more independent cores (called a die).

[0076] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software on a server, cloud server, client, firewall, gateway, hub, router, or other such computer and / or networking hardware. The software program may be associated with a server that may include a file server, print server, domain server, internet server, intranet server and other variants such as secondary server, host server, distributed server and the like. The server may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other servers, clients, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like. The methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the server. In addition, other devices required for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the server.

[0077] The server may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, clients, other servers, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like. Additionally, this coupling and / or connection may facilitate remote execution of programs across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method at one or more locations without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any of the devices attached to the server through an interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, programs, code and / or instructions. A central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices. In this implementation, the remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.

[0078] The software program may be associated with a client that may include a file client, print client, domain client, internet client, intranet client and other variants such as secondary client, host client, distributed client and the like. The client may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other clients, servers, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like. The methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the client. In addition, other devices required for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the client.

[0079] The client may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, servers, other clients, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like. Additionally, this coupling and / or connection may facilitate remote execution of programs across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method at one or more locations without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any of the devices attached to the client through an interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, programs, applications, code and / or instructions. A central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices. In this implementation, the remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.

[0080] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through network infrastructures. The network infrastructure may include elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs, firewalls, clients, personal computers, communication devices, routing devices and other active and passive devices, modules and / or components as known in the art. The computing and / or non-computing device(s) associated with the network infrastructure may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack, RAM, ROM and the like. The processes, methods, program codes, instructions described herein and elsewhere may be executed by one or more of the network infrastructural elements.

[0081] The methods, program codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented in different devices which may operate in wired or wireless networks. Examples of wireless networks include 4th Generation (4G) networks (eg. Long-Term Evolution (LTE)) or 5th Generation (5G) networks, as well as non-cellular networks such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). However, the principles described therein may equally apply to other types of networks.

[0082] The operations, methods, programs codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on or through mobile devices. The mobile devices may include navigation devices, cell phones, mobile phones, mobile personal digital assistants, laptops, palmtops, netbooks, pagers, electronic books readers, music players and the like. These devices may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as a flash memory, buffer, RAM, ROM and one or more computing devices. The computing devices associated with mobile devices may be enabled to execute program codes, methods, and instructions stored thereon. Alternatively, the mobile devices may be configured to execute instructions in collaboration with other devices. The mobile devices may communicate with base stations interfaced with servers and configured to execute program codes. The mobile devices may communicate on a peer-to-peer network, mesh network, or other communications network. The program code may be stored on the storage medium associated with the server and executed by a computing device embedded within the server. The base station may include a computing device and a storage medium. The storage device may store program codes and instructions executed by the computing devices associated with the base station.

[0083] The computer software, program codes, and / or instructions may be stored and / or accessed on machine readable media that may include: computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (eg. USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory, read / write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.

[0084] The methods and systems described herein may transform physical and / or or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems described herein may also transform data representing physical and / or intangible items from one state to another, such as from usage data to a normalized usage dataset.

[0085] The elements described and depicted herein, including in flow charts and block diagrams throughout the figures, imply logical boundaries between the elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering practices, the depicted elements and the functions thereof may be implemented on machines through computer executable media having a processor capable of executing program instructions stored thereon as a monolithic software structure, as standalone software modules, or as modules that employ external routines, code, services, and so forth, or any combination of these, and all such implementations may be within the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of such machines may include, but may not be limited to, personal digital assistants, laptops, personal computers, mobile phones, other handheld computing devices, medical equipment, wired or wireless communication devices, transducers, chips, calculators, satellites, tablet PCs, electronic books, gadgets, electronic devices, devices having artificial intelligence, computing devices, networking equipment, servers, routers and the like. Furthermore, the elements depicted in the flow chart and block diagrams or any other logical component may be implemented on a machine capable ofexecuting program instructions. Thus, while the foregoing drawings and descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems, no particular arrangement of software for implementing these functional aspects should be inferred from these descriptions unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the various steps identified and described above may be varied, and that the order of steps may be adapted to particular applications of the techniques disclosed herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. As such, the depiction and / or description of an order for various steps should not be understood to require a particular order of execution for those steps, unless required by a particular application, or explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context.

[0086] The methods and / or processes described above, and steps thereof, may be realized in hardware, software or any combination of hardware and software suitable for a particular application. The hardware may include a general-purpose computer and / or dedicated computing device or specific computing device or particular aspect or component of a specific computing device. The processes may be realized in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable devices, along with internal and / or external memory. The processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed on a machine-readable medium.

[0087] The computer executable code may be created using a structured programming language such as C, an object oriented programming language such as C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, or combinations of different hardware and software, or any other machine capable of executing program instructions.

[0088] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the invention as detailed in theembodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0089] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step or group of features or steps.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A data communications network including connected data communications devices and a method of operating same to facilitate electronic transactions in respect of electronically transactable redeemable coupons, the method including: receiving, by one or more processors, from a data communications device associated with a user, a request to purchase an electronic redeemable coupon, the data communications device operable to initiate and effect electronic payments in relation to online purchases using a wallet application programming interface (API); retrieving, by one or more processors, from a local or external database storing active electronic redeemable coupons offered by authenticated coupon providers, the particular electronic redeemable coupon requested by the user; transmitting, by one or more processors, the retrieved electronic redeemable coupon to the data communications device subsequent to the wallet API associated with the data communications device effecting transfer of funds from a financial account associated with the user to an account associated with the coupon provider according to the purchase price for the electronic redeemable coupon.

2. A data communications network according to claim 1 , wherein each coupon transaction is recorded using a decentralized blockchain ledger, wherein the coupon transaction includes one or more of: purchase of the coupon, issuance of the coupon, transfer of the coupon, or redemption of the coupon.

3. A data communications network according to claim 2, wherein the blockchain is configured to ensure that each coupon is redeemable up to a predetermined maximum number of redemptions.

4. A data communications network according to claim 3, wherein the method further includes:receiving a request to purchase or redeem a particular coupon; querying the blockchain to verify the coupon’s authenticity and determine the number of redemption events which have occurred in respect of the particular coupon; if the number of recorded redemption events has reached the predetermined maximum number of redemptions, denying the request for purchase or redemption of the particular coupon; if the number of recorded redemption events is yet to reach the predetermined maximum number of redemptions, accepting the request for purchase or redemption of the particular coupon.

5. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the request to purchase an electronically transactable redeemable coupon is in respect of a shopping voucher, and the purchase price is substantially equivalent to a value assigned to the shopping voucher.

6. A data communications network according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the request to purchase an electronically transactable redeemable coupon is in relation to a pharmaceutical prescription, and the purchase price is the price of the prescribed medication.

7. A data communications network according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the request to purchase an electronically transactable redeemable coupon is in relation to an offer or discount pertaining to goods and / or services available for purchase, and the purchase price is the price of the goods and / or services after having the offer or discount applied.

8. A data communications network according to either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the price of the prescribed medication, or the goods and / or services, is: the price of the prescribed medication or the goods and / or services at the time that the user subsequently redeems the coupon at a retailer’s online or in-store point of sale when purchasing the medication, or the goods and / or services that are subject to the offer or discount, at which time funds are extracted from the user’s financial account, ora current value of the prescribed medication or the goods and / or services as nominated by one or more retailers, wherein funds are extracted from the user’s financial account at the time of purchasing the coupon using the software application according to the current nominated value.

9. A data communications network according to claim 8, wherein the method further includes providing a dynamic pricing facility which enables automatic adjustments to, or recommendations to be issued to the one or more retailers to manually adjust, the current value nominated for a prescribed medication or good and / or service, wherein the automatic adjustment or recommendation is based on one or more of: a geo-location of the retailer, a geo-location of customers of the retailer, a time of the year, month or day, sales data pertaining to the prescribed medication or good and / or service.

10. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: continuously analyzing, by one or more processors using one or more artificial intelligence techniques, data to detect trends that indicate potentially fraudulent activity, wherein the data includes one or more of: historical data including coupon usage and redemption history; real-time transaction data; or behavioural biometrics including user behaviour patterns.1 1. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: receiving, by one or more processors, a request from a coupon provider seeking to provide or offer for purchase electronically transactable redeemable coupons to users, andbased upon the coupon provider satisfying a minimum authentication threshold, providing the coupon provider with the ability to upload their electronically transactable redeemable coupon (s).

12. A data communications network according to claim 11 , wherein the authentication of the coupon providers includes prompting the coupon provider to upload documentation confirming one or more of: the identification of the coupon provider, third party verification, or business reputation and / or user feedback pertaining to the coupon provider.

13. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: providing, by one or more processors, a search facility configured to enable the user to utilise a data communications device to search the local or external database(s) storing active electronically transactable redeemable coupons and to select one or more coupons for purchase.

14. A data communications network according to claim 13, wherein the search facility further enables the user to upload details relating to a pharmaceutical prescription issued by a health provider associated with the user, thereby facilitating the location and retrieval of a corresponding coupon.

15. A data communications network according to either claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the search facility further provides personalized coupon recommendations to users, wherein selection of the coupons is based on one or more of the user’s behaviour and preferences.

16. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when a redeemable coupon that has been purchased by the user relates to a pharmaceutical prescription, or an offer or discount pertaining to a good and / or service, the method further includes:causing, by one or more processors, a copy of the prescription or the discount or offer to be displayed on a data communications device of the user, thereby enabling the user to save, print or forward a copy of the prescription or discount or offer to enable the coupon to be redeemed at a point of sale associated with a retailer of the prescribed medication or the good and / or service.

17. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when a redeemable coupon that has been purchased by the user relates to a shopping voucher, the method further includes: causing, by one or more processors, a copy of the shopping voucher to be displayed on a data communications device of the user, thereby enabling the user to save, print or forward a copy of the shopping voucher to enable the voucher to be redeemed at a point of sale associated with a retailer.

18. A data communications network according to either claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the point of sale includes: a payment gateway provided via a software application, a payment gateway provided via an online website, or a payment device provided at an in-store kiosk.

19. A computer-implemented system for facilitating transactions in relation to electronically redeemable coupons, the system including: one or more processors operable to: receive, from a data communications device associated with a user, a request to purchase an electronic redeemable coupon, the data communications device operable to initiate and effect electronic payments in relation to online purchases using a wallet application programming interface (API); retrieve, from a local or external database storing active electronic redeemable coupons offered by authenticated coupon providers, the particular electronic redeemable coupon requested by the user; transmit the retrieved electronic redeemable coupon to the data communications device subsequent to the wallet API associated with the datacommunications device effecting transfer of funds from a financial account associated with the user to an account associated with the coupon provider according to the purchase price for the electronic redeemable coupon.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer instruction code stored thereon that when executed on one or more processors of a data communications network, cause one or more processors within the network to perform the steps of: receiving, from a data communications device associated with a user, a request to purchase an electronic redeemable coupon, the data communications device operable to initiate and effect electronic payments in relation to online purchases using a wallet application programming interface (API); retrieving, from a local or external database storing active electronic redeemable coupons offered by authenticated coupon providers, the particular electronic redeemable coupon requested by the user; transmitting the retrieved electronic redeemable coupon to the data communications device subsequent to the wallet API associated with the data communications device effecting transfer of funds from a financial account associated with the user to an account associated with the coupon provider according to the purchase price for the electronic redeemable coupon.

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