Electronic Offer Tracking via Unique Recipient Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enterprises lack the ability to track or monitor electronic coupons once they are distributed, preventing them from maximizing their use and controlling redemption, as there is no mechanism to uniquely identify subsequent recipients or restrict coupon redemption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic offer is linked to a recipient identifier, allowing tracking and distribution monitoring through an offer monitor manager, which generates a unique 'child' identifier for each recipient, enabling the tracing of network participants and limiting redemption based on predefined policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic coupons are distributed without tracking mechanisms, then distribution ease is improved, but the ability to track and monitor coupon usage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupon system is segmented into multiple components: the base coupon offer, unique recipient identifiers, and tracking metadata. Each coupon instance is divided into trackable units with individual identifiers that can be monitored separately, allowing the system to maintain ease of distribution while enabling comprehensive tracking of each coupon's journey through the network.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between the coupon distribution system and the tracking infrastructure. The server receives requests for recipient identifiers, issues unique identifiers to recipients, and maintains the linkage between coupons and recipients without requiring direct integration between distribution and tracking systems, thereby preserving distribution ease while enabling tracking.
2Measurement precision
If recipient identifiers are tracked for each coupon, then tracking capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs multiple functions: it issues recipient identifiers, maintains linkages between coupons and recipients, processes redemption information, and provides tracking data. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single component rather than distributing it across multiple systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Recipient identifiers are generated and linked to coupons in advance, before redemption occurs. The system pre-establishes the tracking infrastructure and identifier linkages, so that when redemption happens, the tracking information is already in place and ready to be processed, simplifying the redemption process while maintaining tracking precision.
3Speed
If coupon distribution is unrestricted, then distribution speed is improved, but control over redemption is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where redemption information is sent back to the server, which then provides information about the recipient to the offeror. This feedback mechanism allows the offeror to monitor and control redemption patterns, restrict coupons based on predefined criteria, and make informed decisions about future distributions, maintaining both fast distribution and reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupon system is designed to be dynamic, allowing restrictions and controls to be adjusted based on observed distribution and redemption patterns. The server can modify tracking parameters, apply restrictions to specific recipients or networks, and adapt control mechanisms in real-time, enabling fast initial distribution while maintaining ongoing redemption control.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for tracking and limiting electronic offers are provided. Identifiers are generated and linked to an electronic offer as the offer is propagated threw a network or propagated over disparate networks. Each identifier associated with a unique recipient receiving the offer. Metrics are gathered for the offer's propagation and a distribution policy is dynamically enforced as each new recipient attempts to access the offer.