Readable Indicia Processing for Promotion Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Merchants face challenges in running promotions that do not require customers to collect physical game-playing pieces, seeking a solution to engage customers without the need for physical collectibles.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for processing readable indicia, such as QR codes, associated with purchases or check-ins, to determine advancements in games or rewards, using mobile devices to capture and process information, and authenticate users for electronic rewards like coupons or stored value cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If merchants use physical game-playing pieces for promotions, then customers can collect and redeem them for rewards, but merchants require customers to collect physical items which increases logistical complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical game-playing pieces with electronic copies in the form of readable indicia (barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags) that can be captured by mobile devices. This eliminates the need for physical collection while maintaining the promotional game functionality, resolving the contradiction between ease of customer participation and logistical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical system of physical piece distribution and collection with an electronic/digital system using readable indicia and mobile device scanning. This replacement eliminates logistical handling of physical items while preserving the core promotional mechanism, addressing the contradiction effectively
2Adaptability or versatility
If merchants provide physical game-playing pieces with every purchase, then customers can engage in the promotion, but it increases manufacturing and distribution costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electronic copies of promotional identifiers (readable indicia) instead of physical game pieces. These can be generated digitally and printed on receipts or displayed electronically, eliminating manufacturing and distribution costs while maintaining promotional engagement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The readable indicia system serves multiple functions: it acts as a promotional identifier, a game piece replacement, and a redeemable token all in one electronic format. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate physical promotional items, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility
3Device complexity
If merchants require customers to physically collect game-playing pieces, then the promotion structure is simple, but it requires customer time and effort to gather physical items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical collection mechanism with electronic capture using mobile device cameras or scanners. Customers simply scan or photograph readable indicia at the point of purchase, eliminating the time-consuming physical collection process while maintaining a simple promotion structure
Solution Approach 2:
The readable indicia are provided immediately at the point of purchase (on receipts or electronic displays), eliminating the need for customers to later search for or gather physical pieces. The promotional identifier is captured right when the purchase is made, saving customer time
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for processing readable indicia. An exemplary system is configured to: receive information associated with readable indicia; determine whether the readable indicia is activated; and in response to determining the readable indicia is activated, process the readable indicia to determine at least one of advancement in a game or a reward. The processing of the readable indicia is based on transaction information associated with a purchase of an item. Additionally, the processing of the readable indicia is based on check-in information indicating a location of a user either prior to, during, or after a purchase of an item.