Electronic Coupon Distribution via Media Stream Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for distributing promotional materials, such as coupons, often require users to physically present the coupons for redemption, limiting their reuse and efficiency, and lack a seamless integration with media streaming technologies for timely and targeted promotional offers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that embeds promotional tags within media streams, allowing set-top boxes and media processors to detect these tags, request and store coupon information remotely, and present offers to users during relevant media content, enabling efficient storage and redemption of coupons without physical presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If physical coupons are used for promotional distribution, then users can present coupons for redemption, but users must physically present the coupon which limits reuse and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical coupons with electronic coupon data that can be copied and stored on portable media. The coupon information is transmitted to a portable device, allowing users to access and present multiple copies of the same coupon without physical constraints, thereby enabling reuse and improving redemption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical system of physical coupon handling (printing, cutting, physical presentation) with an electronic data transmission and storage system. Coupon data is transmitted electronically to portable devices, eliminating the need for physical manipulation and presentation, thus improving efficiency and ease of operation.
2Loss of time
If traditional coupon distribution methods are used, then coupons can be delivered through newspapers or mail, but the distribution is not timely or targeted to specific users
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user profiles, viewing history, and preferences are analyzed to determine which coupons to distribute. The server receives information about user characteristics and media content viewed, then selectively transmits relevant coupon data to appropriate users, enabling timely and targeted distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing coupon data and user profile information before distribution. The server prepares targeted coupon selections in advance based on user characteristics, and transmits them proactively to users before they actively search for coupons, enabling timely delivery of relevant offers.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If coupons have limited redemption periods with expiration dates, then promotional campaigns can be time-limited, but users may miss opportunities if they do not redeem in time
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service capabilities where users can access their stored coupon data at any time through their portable devices. The expiration date information is stored and displayed automatically, allowing users to self-manage their coupons and redeem them at their convenience within the validity period, reducing the risk of missing opportunities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a memory coupled to a processor. The processor can be operable to receive a request for promotional information responsive to a media processor detecting a promotional tag in a media program stream and transmit to the media processor promotional information associated with a promotion responsive to a determination that a promotional offer is available. The processor can also be operable to receive from the media processor a request for redeemable material associated with the promotion and store the redeemable material in a portion of a database associated with a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.