Coupon Engine Integration with Search and Mapping Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic coupon distribution systems lack integration with search engines, keyword-based advertising, and local search features, limiting their ability to effectively display targeted coupon information based on user search queries and location.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates a coupon engine with search engines, keyword-based advertising modules, and local search features, allowing coupon information to be displayed alongside search results, maps, and directions, using user-specific targeting criteria such as location, preferences, and behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupon engine is integrated with search engines and local search features, then the ability to display targeted coupon information based on user search queries and location is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent systems (coupon engine, search engine, keyword-based advertising module, local search feature, and map/directions engine) into a unified integrated system. This merging allows the systems to share data and functionality, enabling targeted coupon display based on user searches and location while managing complexity through systematic integration architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it processes search queries, generates keyword-based ads, provides local search capabilities, displays maps and directions, and distributes targeted coupons. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified architecture where each module contributes to the overall goal of delivering relevant coupon information to users based on their search behavior and location.
2Ease of operation
If real-time coupon information is displayed alongside search results, then user convenience is enhanced, but the processing time and system resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and indexing coupon data, search queries, and user preferences before actual search execution. This allows the integrated system to quickly retrieve and match relevant coupons with search results in real-time, enhancing user convenience without significantly increasing processing time during the actual search operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components that facilitate efficient communication and data exchange between the coupon engine, search engine, and other modules. These intermediaries manage data flow and coordination, enabling real-time coupon display alongside search results while optimizing system resource usage and minimizing processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to coupon information (e.g., actual coupons, links to coupon, and information related to one or more coupons) that may be selectively displayed based on an association with search terms for an internet-based search. If a user, for instance, submits a search request to an internet-based search engine, the search engine may process the request and provide the search results, but, in addition, a coupon engine may perform a separate search to determine the availability of coupons relating to the search (e.g., based on one or more search terms, one or more of the search results, or other criteria). Available coupons (or coupon information) may then be displayed with, or separately from, the general internet search results.