Mobile Proof of Purchase Verification via Geolocation and Product Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying and delivering a proof of purchase are cumbersome, often requiring third-party intervention and manual processing, which hinders instant rebates, coupons, or discounts.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based system generates an electronic proof of purchase by obtaining product data and contextual information, using geolocation, image scanning, and RFID capabilities, to validate purchases without third-party intervention, leveraging user trust scores and fraud pattern analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mail-in rebate processes are used, then fraud risk is reduced through third-party verification, but processing time increases and customer convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables customers to self-verify their own purchases through mobile device geolocation and product data element scanning, eliminating the need for third-party mail-in verification while maintaining fraud prevention. The customer's mobile device automatically captures proof of purchase data at the point of sale, allowing instant rebate application without manual processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs fraud verification in advance by capturing geolocation data and product data elements at the moment of purchase. This preliminary verification establishes a trusted record that can be instantly used for rebate processing, eliminating subsequent verification delays.
2Reliability
If third-party intervention is used for rebate processing, then fraud prevention is improved, but system complexity and processing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs multiple functions: it serves as the product scanner, geolocation tracker, data transmitter, and verification participant. This consolidates what would otherwise require separate third-party systems into a single universal device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fraud prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as a lightweight intermediary that receives and validates data from mobile devices without requiring complex third-party intervention. It processes verification requests and manages rebate delivery, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to traditional multi-party mail-in processes.
3Measurement precision
If manual proof element mailing is required, then verification accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical process of mailing physical proof elements with electronic data transmission. Mobile devices automatically capture and transmit product data elements and geolocation information electronically, eliminating the need for physical mailing while maintaining verification accuracy through digital validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of proof of purchase data (product data elements, geolocation records, transaction information) that serve the same verification function as physical mail-in elements. These electronic copies are instantly transmittable and validateable, replacing cumbersome physical documentation.
4Ease of operation
If instant electronic verification is implemented, then customer convenience is improved, but fraud detection capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The server provides immediate feedback on the validity of submitted proof elements by analyzing geolocation data, product data element authenticity, and transaction information. This real-time feedback mechanism enables instant verification decisions while maintaining fraud detection through automated validation rules and pattern recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively prevents fraud by validating proof elements at the point of submission rather than allowing potentially fraudulent claims to be processed later. Geolocation verification and product data validation occur before rebate approval, blocking fraudulent attempts before they can result in payments.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method for generating a record (R1-R1) corresponding to the validity of a proof of purchase including obtaining (98) product data elements (31-37) by a camera (24), a keyboard (28) or near-field communication through a mobile device (1), determining (99) contextual information of the mobile device (1) such as its geolocalization, transmitting (100, 101) product data elements (31-37) and contextual information to a server (2), determining (102) on the server (2) from the contextual information and the product data element (31-37) whether the proof of purchase is valid and generating (107) a record (R1-RI) corresponding a valid proof of purchase.