Cloud-Based Coupon Policy System for Automated Transaction Discounts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in redeeming coupons and gift cards due to the need for physical copies, forgetfulness, and inefficiencies in processing, especially in local 'Mom and Pop' store environments, where users often forget to bring or lose coupon books, leading to barriers in redemption.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system that stores coupon records and associates them with user payment accounts, allowing policies to monitor transactions and automatically apply coupons or discounts without the need for physical coupons, using existing payment methods, and enabling policies for gift cards that trigger based on location or purchases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical coupon books are used for redemption, then consumers can obtain discounts at local stores, but consumers face barriers such as forgetfulness, loss, and the need to carry physical copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical coupon books with electronic coupon records stored in a database. The system creates digital copies of coupon information that can be accessed remotely, eliminating the need for consumers to carry physical copies. The electronic record includes all necessary coupon data (merchant information, discount details, expiration dates) and can be retrieved at any time through a network connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized database and processing system as an intermediary between the consumer and the merchant. This intermediary stores coupon records, verifies eligibility, and automatically applies discounts during transactions. The system acts as a mediator that manages coupon distribution, tracking, and redemption without requiring direct consumer-merchant coupon handling.
2Productivity
If manual coupon processing is used at point of sale, then stores can apply discounts, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated coupon verification and application that requires minimal manual intervention. The system automatically retrieves the relevant coupon record from the database, verifies transaction eligibility, calculates the discount amount, and applies it to the transaction. This self-service automation reduces the complexity of manual processing steps while maintaining accurate discount application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupon processing (physical coupon handling, manual verification, calculation) with electronic automated processing. The system uses database queries, automated calculations, and electronic record-keeping to substitute the manual mechanical processes, thereby reducing processing time and operational complexity at the point of sale.
3Loss of information
If consumers purchase coupon books locally, then they can access promotions at neighborhood stores, but they must actively manage and track which coupons have been used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system that continuously tracks coupon usage status. The database records which coupons have been redeemed, when they were used, and their current validity. The system automatically updates the electronic coupon record and provides real-time feedback to both the consumer and the merchant, eliminating the need for manual tracking and ensuring accurate information about available versus used coupons.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for receiving data from a giver at a first time, the data being used to identify a merchant at which a gift from the giver to a recipient is redeemable. The system presents a group of merchants associated with the data to the giver, each merchant of the group of merchants offering a promotion in connection with the gift. The system receives from the giver a selection of a chosen merchant from the group of merchants, the chosen merchant having an associated promotion. The system then generates a policy comprising the gift, the chosen merchant, and the associated promotion such that upon receiving an indication of a triggering event caused by the recipient, the system can apply the gift and the associated promotion according to the policy.