Virtual Coupon Engine for Carbon Credit Rewards
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic coupon systems face challenges in efficiently distributing and redeeming coupons across multiple e-commerce sites, involving high costs and retailer involvement, and lack targeted and real-time interactivity, especially in mobile and social network environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing virtual coupons, rebates, and rewards that utilize an advertising/couponing engine to generate and manage coupons with adaptive processes, allowing for location-based targeting and redemption without direct retailer involvement, using a communication module to verify and credit coupons directly to users' accounts, and enabling transferability within social networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional electronic coupon systems are used with retailer involvement, then coupon distribution can be achieved, but costs and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retailer from the coupon redemption process by implementing direct verification between the couponing engine and user accounts. The system verifies coupons and credits user accounts without requiring retailer participation in the verification process, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The couponing engine acts as an intermediary that directly communicates with user accounts through a communication module, bypassing the need for retailer involvement in the verification and crediting process. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the system by creating a direct verification path
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coupon systems are used, then coupon distribution is possible, but real-time interactivity and targeting capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by using location information to pre-identify and target users before coupon distribution. The couponing engine receives location data and uses it to determine which users should receive specific coupons, enabling real-time targeted distribution without delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously receiving location information and user account verification data in real-time. This feedback loop enables the couponing engine to dynamically adjust coupon distribution and verification based on current user locations and account states
3Productivity
If mobile and social network environments are integrated, then user engagement increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The couponing engine is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse operations including coupon generation, location-based targeting, social network integration, and direct account verification. This universal design enables the system to perform multiple functions through a single integrated platform, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments functionality into distinct modules: the couponing engine for coupon management, the communication module for verification and crediting, and location information processing for targeting. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific tasks independently, reducing integration complexity while maintaining high user engagement
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for aggregating and distributing carbon reduction credits in connection with the creation and/or use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion and aggregate carbon credits in connection therewith, either as part of the incentive or aggregation by the incentive promoter as part of its activities in reducing its carbon footprint.