Electronic Coupon Distribution System with User Profile Linking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coupon distribution methods are inefficient and time-consuming for consumers, lacking a secure and interactive system for requesting, selecting, storing, and printing coupons, and fail to provide targeted promotions based on user-specific data and location.

Innovation Solution

An electronic coupon distribution system using a central repository and user computers with a coupon data management program, allowing users to request, store, and print coupons, with unique user-identifying data to prevent fraud, and providing personalized promotions based on user profiles and location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional coupon distribution methods are used, then coupons can be delivered to consumers, but consumers spend significant time clipping, sorting, and managing coupons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupon distribution efficiencyVSAvoidtime spent managing coupons

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates electronic copies of physical coupons that can be stored, transmitted, and managed digitally. Users receive coupon information electronically rather than physically clipping from newspapers, eliminating the time-consuming manual sorting and filing process while maintaining full coupon functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically clipping, sorting, and filing coupons with an electronic system. Coupons are delivered via email or web portal, stored in digital databases, and managed through automated software, eliminating the need for physical coupon management infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional coupon distribution is used, then coupons can be distributed to consumers, but the system lacks secure interactive capabilities for user-specific data collection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-specific targeting capabilityVSAvoidsecurity of user data and coupon system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where users can indicate coupon usage, and the system tracks redemption data to improve future coupon targeting. User responses to surveys and usage patterns are fed back into the system to refine segmentation and personalize coupon delivery, enhancing adaptability while maintaining security through controlled data collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments users into distinct categories based on demographics, purchasing behavior, and preferences. This segmentation enables targeted coupon distribution to specific user groups while maintaining security through individualized data management and controlled information sharing between users and coupon issuers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If manufacturers issue more coupons to maintain market share, then brand loyalty can be maintained, but coupon distribution costs increase and brand loyalty is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupon redemption rateVSAvoidnumber of coupons issued

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring coupon offers to specific user segments based on their individual characteristics and purchasing patterns. Rather than issuing uniform coupons to all consumers, the system delivers customized promotions to targeted audiences, improving redemption rates while reducing overall coupon volume and associated costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8620732B2Method and system for presenting banners having direct link to user profile information

Publication Date: 2013.12.31 CATALINA MARKETING CORP

AI summary

A method and system for generating electronic advertisement, such as banner ads, based on user profile information and other information are disclosed. An online promotion service may receive profile information, location information and other information from a user. The user may also define a proximity preference which may include a range of distance the user is willing to travel to redeem one or more promotions. A service or product provider or other authorized entity may define a proximity preference which may include a target range of advertisement exposure. The online promotion service may present advertisements for incentives and other promotions based on user profile information as well as proximity preference information where the proximity preference is defined by the user, the provider, or both. The user may activate a user identifier displayed on the advertisement which provides a direct link to user profile information to enable the user to easily and quickly modify and update user profile information.