Point-of-sale audio acknowledgement for mobile coupon redemption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for processing electronic mobile manufacturer coupons at point-of-sale transactions face limitations in real-time acknowledgement of redemption, often requiring periodic data transmission and resulting in delays in tracking successful redemptions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an audio-based acknowledgement method where the point-of-sale system emits specific audio signals to the mobile device upon successful or unsuccessful redemption, allowing for real-time confirmation of coupon redemption directly to the shopper and subsequent tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic data transmission is used for tracking coupon redemption, then system complexity is reduced, but real-time acknowledgement and tracking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the POS system transmits an audio signal back to the mobile device to confirm coupon redemption status in real-time. This closed-loop feedback enables immediate acknowledgement of redemption without requiring complex periodic data transmission systems, resolving the contradiction between real-time capability and system complexity.
2Speed
If audio acknowledgement signal is emitted in real-time, then redemption tracking speed is improved, but information transmission requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex data transmission mechanisms with audio signal transmission. The POS system emits audible tones through its speaker that the mobile device's microphone can detect, converting a data communication problem into an acoustic signal problem. This substitution achieves real-time tracking speed while using simple audio transmission instead of complex information protocols.
3Productivity
If periodic data transmission is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity of redemption tracking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device autonomously detects and processes the audio acknowledgement signal from the POS system without requiring complex coordination or periodic data transmission protocols. The device's existing microphone and audio processing capabilities are utilized to automatically track redemption status, achieving high productivity through self-service operation without increased system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A method and mobile device processing a mobile manufacturer coupon is provided. A barcode of a mobile manufacturer coupon is received at an electronic point-of-sale system from a mobile electronic device. A determination of whether redemption criterion for the coupon is satisfied is made at the electronic point-of-sale system. An audio acknowledgement signal is emitted from the electronic point-of-sale system and received by the electronic mobile device if the redemption criterion is satisfied.