Identifier-Based Coupon Distribution via Mobile Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupon distribution methods lack efficiency and convenience, particularly in leveraging mobile devices to detect identifiers and automatically distribute digital coupons based on user interactions with QR codes, NFC signals, and other data sources.
Innovation Solution
A system where client devices detect identifiers, such as QR codes or NFC signals, to initiate interactions with servers, which verify user participation in activities and distribute digital coupons to user accounts, allowing for personalized offers based on location, history, and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional coupon distribution methods (hand delivery, mail, newspapers) are used, then coupon delivery is simple and direct, but efficiency and user engagement are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupon distribution methods (physical delivery, mail, print media) with an automated electronic system using mobile devices, sensors, and digital communication networks to detect identifiers and distribute coupons electronically, thereby improving distribution efficiency while maintaining user convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to automatically receive relevant coupons through their mobile devices without manual intervention. The mobile device autonomously detects identifiers, communicates with servers, and receives personalized coupon offers based on user location and preferences, eliminating the need for users to actively search or request coupons
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices are used to detect identifiers and automatically distribute coupons, then distribution efficiency and personalization improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as an identifier detector using sensor components, a communication device for exchanging data with servers, a user interface for displaying coupons, and a location tracker using GPS. This multi-functionality enables personalized coupon distribution without requiring separate specialized devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the coupon distribution system. It receives identifier data and location information from mobile devices, processes this information to determine relevant offers, and sends personalized coupon offers back to users. This intermediary architecture manages system complexity by centralizing processing logic
3Speed
If digital coupons are stored on computing devices and transmitted wirelessly, then convenience and speed improve, but reliability of transmission and verification may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile device transmits coupon information to the server, which verifies the coupon's validity, checks distribution limits, and sends confirmation back to the device. This feedback loop ensures reliable verification while maintaining fast wireless transmission speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary verification and validation of coupon offers before they are transmitted to mobile devices. It checks user eligibility, validates offer terms, and ensures distribution limits have not been exceeded in advance, thereby ensuring transmission reliability without compromising speed
Data Source
AI summary
A client device detects a QR code (or NFC tag). The client device decodes the QR code. The client device determines that the data encoded within the QR code includes a URL. Based on the URL, the client device sends a first request to a first server identified by the URL. In response to the first request, the client device receives from the first server data configured to cause the client device to display, to a user of the client device, at least one of: a video or an interactive web page. Responsive to the data encoded in the QR code, the client device sends to a coupon server: identification data associated with a user of the client device, and a request for the coupon server to distribute a digital coupon for an offer associated with an identifier encoded within the QR code to an account associated with the user.