Co-branded Electronic Certificate NFC Redemption Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current near field communication (NFC) technologies allow unrestricted use of electronic coupons, which can hinder businesses' ability to strategically target specific customers with co-branded offers, as they lack the capability to restrict coupon usage to specific payment cards.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and systems for issuing and redeeming co-branded electronic certificates that include qualification information, allowing NFC-enabled devices to verify if the coupon usage matches the associated payment card details, ensuring the offer is applied only when the correct card is used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic coupons are made unrestricted for general use, then ease of operation is improved, but merchant control over coupon usage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding specific qualification information (such as payment card identifiers, product categories, or customer segments) within the electronic certificate data structure. This allows different portions of the coupon system to have different properties: the certificate itself remains easily redeemable, while embedded qualification fields enable targeted restrictions. The system processes certificates with varying levels of specificity based on merchant needs, applying restrictions only where required rather than universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electronic certificate data structure to include qualification parameters that define usage restrictions. These parameters can specify payment card types, minimum purchase amounts, eligible products, or customer demographics. The redemption system dynamically evaluates these parameters against transaction data, changing the effective state of the coupon from unrestricted to conditionally restricted based on the specific transaction context.
2Adaptability or versatility
If co-branded electronic certificates with qualification information are implemented, then adaptability or versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-populating the electronic certificate with all necessary qualification information during the issuance phase. Rather than requiring complex real-time verification of multiple external factors during redemption, the system pre-embeds payment card identifiers, product eligibility codes, and other restriction parameters directly in the certificate data structure. This shifts computational complexity from the redemption point back to the issuance point, where controls can be more easily implemented.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure (the qualified electronic certificate) that mediates between the merchant's targeting requirements and the redemption system. This certificate acts as a self-contained package containing both the offer terms and the qualification criteria, eliminating the need for complex real-time communication between multiple systems during redemption. The intermediary structure standardizes the verification process while maintaining flexibility for different campaign types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables businesses to strategically target customers by ensuring co-branded electronic coupons are redeemed only with specific payment cards, enhancing the effectiveness of promotional offers and maintaining merchant control over coupon usage.
Implementation Method 1
In near field communication, a wireless smart device may communicate with a wireless transceiver or wireless device reader via inductive coupling of the reader antenna to the device antenna. The two loop antennas effectively form a transformer.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for issuing and redeeming co-branded electronic certificates. In one example, a method includes receiving, via near field communication (NFC), a co-branded electronic certificate and an electronic payment card to conduct a wireless purchase transaction for at least one good or service. The method further includes determining whether qualification information contained in the co-branded electronic certificate matches at least a portion of the account number associated with the electronic payment card used to conduct the wireless purchase transaction. The method also includes applying the co-branded electronic certificate to conduct the purchase transaction if the qualification information matches the at least a portion of the account number.