Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20090287561 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO AVOID FAKE METRICS IN ADVERTISING - A method and apparatus to avoid fake advertisement metrics from an untrusted application, the method receiving an indication from the untrusted application that an advertisement is required, assuming control of at least a portion of a user interface, providing the advertisement, compiling metrics; and reporting the compiled metrics. | 11-19-2009 |
20090307075 | Field 55 data relationships - A data mining device, method, and apparatus configured to associate customer exclusive data from a payment card or device after a financial transaction. A financial transaction processing system comprises a report distribution management system, a data relationship manager, and a customer exclusive data association database. The report distribution management system receives financial transaction data. The data relationship manager determines an issuer associated with the financial transaction data, queries a subscription database for subscription data associated with the issuer and a core database for the issuer processing parameters. The processing parameters are applied to the financial transaction data and the subscription data. A customer exclusive data association database is updated with the financial transaction data once the processing parameters are applied. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307076 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING COUPON CONTENT AND TRANSACTIONAL ADVERTISEMENTS - A system and method is provided for distributing transactional advertisement from a distribution site over a network to online publishers. The transactional data items are rendered by the online publishers, with control elements provided from the distribution site, to control use of the transactional data items on the user terminal. | 12-10-2009 |
20090319361 | WEB-BASED COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A web-based system for automatically distributing information received from information providers to information recipients who collectively comprise a defined group of anonymous subscribers within a distribution region defined by a geographical boundary. The system uses e-mail and the Internet to communicate with compatible hardware devices. It comprises (a) at least one information server for storing and dispensing information; (b) means for allowing an anonymous information provider to upload information to the at least one information server which is stored therein as data according to the geographical distribution region; and (c) means for simultaneously communicating the uploaded information immediately after it has been uploaded to said subscribers in that distribution region. | 12-24-2009 |
20100070362 | BOOMTIME SERVICE PROVISIONING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A facilitator supports numerous organizations that supply personal services by providing infrastructure and a management interface for controlling and customizing the infrastructure. The infrastructure includes databases, a web site, scheduling tools, and sales tools. The sales tools can offer both personal services and goods, such as shampoo or lotion. The personal services can be purchased for direct use by the purchaser or as a gift to a recipient. The recipient can receive a gift certificate electronically, through the mail, or delivered by hand. A traveling client can select an organization far from home based on proximity or availability. | 03-18-2010 |
20100076834 | DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM AND DATA PROCESSING METHOD - Coupons can be easily distributed to users and, in the distribution, the illegal use of coupons is prevented. Advertisement video data embedded, by a watermark, with coupon ID data given to each coupon is generated, the advertisement video data embedded with the coupon ID data is reproduced by a display apparatus | 03-25-2010 |
20100114688 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING A CARDLESS REWARDS PROGRAM - A method and system of operating a customer rewards program that uses mobile phone networks via short messaging system as a medium of transaction of customer loyalty points between system points host, the end user and the merchant. The system also uses the mobile phone number of the end user as the loyalty card identification number. | 05-06-2010 |
20100153205 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONIC MESSAGE (COUPON) DISTRIBUTION - A system and method for creating and retrieving coupons using an electronic coupon database includes registering coupons with the database by a vendor, and then registering cell phones, also with the database; so that cell phones subsequently can request coupons from the database. The coupons are encrypted and sent to the requesting registered cell phone, which then decrypts the coupons for display and redemption at a point of sale. Provision is made to prevent the transfer of coupons from the requesting cell phone to some other cell phone in the system. | 06-17-2010 |
20100198675 | METHOD FOR INTERACTION BETWEEN A USER AND A RECEIVER OF A PRINTED PRODUCT - The invention relates to a method for interaction between a user ( | 08-05-2010 |
20100198676 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REWARD AUDITING - A computer system and method for managing customer rewards, such as automobile rebates, incentives, money back, and percentage rates. The system accesses a manufacturer data processing system that includes a reward information associated with a product, determines whether a reward is available for a product from the reward information, and notifying a customer when the reward is available. The system may also claim the reward. | 08-05-2010 |
20100223119 | Advertising Through Product Endorsements in Social Networks - Systems, methods and computer programs for creating a web user interface promoting products or service providers are provided. The method includes the creation of a library of products and service providers. Endorsements for products and service providers are generated by users of a social network that includes a social web site. The users create rules for sharing the endorsements with other users in the social web site or beyond the social web site. The user interface is built for a particular one of the users in the social web site, where the user interface includes a representation of the product or service provider associated with the endorsements. The user interface is created according to rules from the user that generated the object, rules by the user viewing the endorsement, and rules by a sponsor of the product or service provider associated with the endorsement. The user interface is then shown in a display. | 09-02-2010 |
20100274654 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS INTERNET PAYMENT USING MOBILE TERMINAL - Provided are a method and system for wireless Internet payment using a mobile terminal through which payment is made through a wireless Internet while information regarding a payer is not released. Specifically, the wireless Internet payment system includes a participating store server providing an online shopping mall, a mobile terminal of a payer selecting information regarding a product to be purchased from among products handled by the online shopping mall through the wireless Internet and transmitting the information to the participating store server, and a payment server processing online payment of the product in connection with the participating store server and the mobile terminal, and the method embodies the wireless Internet payment system. Thus, payment is made while information regarding the payer is not released to the participating store such as the shopping mall, and thus the release of personal information online is prevented. | 10-28-2010 |
20110015983 | Method and System for Reliable and Fast Mobile Marketing - Aspects of a method and system for reliable and fast mobile marketing are provided. In this regard, a mobile marketing device may redeem at a point of sales, one or more coupons that are received by a user device. The mobile marketing device may verify the redeemed one or more coupons based on a generated secure unique code corresponding to each of the redeemed one or more coupons. The mobile marketing device may schedule payment associated with a monetary value of each of the redeemed one or more coupons to a retailer based on the verification of the redeemed one or more coupons with the generated secure unique code. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015984 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING A PROMOTIONAL REWARD PROGRAM - Methods and apparatus for implementing promotional reward programs are provided. One or more images of a proof of purchase are transmitted to a remote location by a mobile device. If it is determined that the one or more images meet predetermined criteria and if the transmission is eligible for a reward, the reward is instantly transmitted to the mobile device. According to another embodiment, one or more images of an item identifier provided on one or more products or displays or a text message containing the item identifier are transmitted to a promotional reward program managing apparatus by a mobile device. If it is determined that the one or more images of the item identifier or a text message containing the item identifier meet predetermined criteria and if the transmission is eligible for a reward, the reward is instantly transmitted to the consumer through the mobile device or through a loyalty program account number. | 01-20-2011 |
20110029368 | E-COUPONING - Handling electronic coupons includes accessing information indicating association of an electronic coupon with an account of a user that identifies multiple retail entities associated with the user. Information indicating association of electronic coupons with the user's account may be transmitted to respective computer systems associated with the multiple retail entities. The computer systems may associate electronic coupons with the user such that the user may redeem the electronic coupons at a retail store upon presentation of a user identifier. When the user redeems an electronic coupon, cancellation information for the electronic coupon may be transmitted to the computer systems of other retail entities associated with the user. Receipt of the cancellation information may cause the respective computer systems to cancel the redeemability of the electronic coupon such that the user is prevented from redeeming the electronic coupon at a retail store associated with the corresponding retail entity. | 02-03-2011 |
20110047019 | COUPON BEARING SPONSOR ACCOUNT TRANSACTION AUTHORIZATION - A transaction handler receives, for forwarding to a sponsor account's issuer, a coupon authorization request message from a merchant's acquirer that identifies the sponsor account and a coupon for an item being purchased by a consumer in a transaction with the merchant. The issuer determines eligibility of the coupon for use by the consumer, and sends an authorization response message to the merchant via its acquirer and the transaction handler for the application of a corresponding discount for the item when the coupon is eligible. One or more coupon eligibilities for the purchase of the item by the consumer from the merchant can be derived from comparisons of the transaction to predetermined times, geographies, jurisdictions, sets of merchants, and/or the number of times that coupons have been used in other transactions. The transaction handler can further process the transaction for authorization the consumer's account to pay of the transaction. | 02-24-2011 |
20110060637 | Management server, information processing terminal, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method - Distribution information is stored in an information processing apparatus and includes benefit information. A coupon identifier (ID), which identifies the benefit information, is stored in a memory disposed within an information processing terminal. A request for the coupon ID is transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the information processing terminal and is received at the information processing terminal. The coupon ID is read from the memory disposed within the information processing terminal based on the received request, is transmitted from the information processing terminal to the information processing apparatus, and is received at the information processing apparatus. | 03-10-2011 |
20110087535 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD FOR AN INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, AND A PROGRAM - An information processing device, an information processing system, a control method for an information processing device, and a program can detect POS terminal operations without modifying the POS terminal. An output data acquisition unit | 04-14-2011 |
20110093323 | METHOD OF VALIDATING A DISCOUNT OFFER - A method of validating a discount offer includes obtaining discount information from a coupon at a dispenser, the discount information including a unique discount identifier. The discount information is sent to a local controller, which attempts to communicate with a central system to validate the offer. If the central system is inaccessible, the local controller then compares the unique discount identifier with a local database of previously redeemed coupons. If the unique discount identifier is not found in the local database, the local controller approves the coupon and instructs the dispenser to reduce the amount charged to a customer by the discount amount. The local controller then adds the unique discount identifier to the local database. When the central server is again accessible, the redeemed discount identifiers are communicated from the local database to the central system. | 04-21-2011 |
20110106608 | Electronic coupon generation, distribution, reimbursement and settlement system - The Electronic Coupon Generation, Distribution, Reimbursement and Settlement System is a fully integrated system that is designed to coexist with paper based coupon systems and Internet sites that generate paper coupons and as warranted replace these coupon systems. | 05-05-2011 |
20110131090 | System and Method for Managing Promotional Savings Using a Communications Platform - A system and method for processing promotional savings using existing communications platforms. A plurality of promotional codes are assigned and stored in a promotions database. These promotional codes are positioned by marketers on products, packaging, or the like, along with instructions informing consumers to transmit the promotional code to a predefined destination address, such as a phone number, a short code text number, or an email address. After a message containing the promotional code is received from the consumer, the received code is parsed from the message, validated, and a promotional savings value associated with the code is identified. That amount is communicated to an operator of at least one account associated the consumer, and applied as a savings to the operator's billing statement. | 06-02-2011 |
20110153401 | TESTING THE VALIDITY OF ELECTRONIC COUPON CODES - A system and computer program product for testing the validity of coupon codes. Coupon codes can be automatically tested, instead of manually testing them, by having a program select one or more products on a merchant's website and then add them to the shopping cart on the merchant's website. Upon entering the checkout stage on the merchant's website, the program can submit the coupon code to be tested at the checkout stage. The validity of the coupon code is determined based on the status of the coupon code (e.g., expired, approved advertised benefit) returned by the merchant's website. By having a program automatically test coupon codes instead of having a user manually test each coupon code, the validity of coupons code can be more accurately determined in a more efficient manner. | 06-23-2011 |
20110161154 | Electronic Management of Reward Credits - In one embodiment a device, method, and system for managing reward credits may have a central reward database configured to record a predetermined set of product codes, a reward credit associated with each product code in the predetermined set of product codes, and a server configured to: (a) receive a redemption request from at least one registered participant, the redemption request including a product code, wherein the product code is provided on a product or product container; (b) access the central reward database to determine whether the product code of the redemption request is authorized and available; (c) determine the appropriate reward credit for the product code if it is determined that the product code of the redemption request is authorized and available; and (d) provide the appropriate reward credit to the at least one registered participant. | 06-30-2011 |
20110184796 | Method and System of Internet Based Control of Promotional Content from Pharmacies and Associated with Pharmaceutical Storage Systems - The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and system for the promotional or goods or services, including marketing, advertising and coupon procurement and validation, in connection with pharmaceutical containers and an internet based management of the same. | 07-28-2011 |
20110196731 | SECURE COUPON DISTRIBUTION - Systems and method are provided for ensuring secure and validated coupon generation and distribution, and the prevention of fraudulent coupon printing. A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is provided to a consumer, where the URL points to a dynamic coupon webpage presentable to the consumer, and where the URL includes a link identifier indicative of a coupon contained on the dynamic coupon webpage to be printed. The URL may include a member identifier (MID) that uniquely identifies the consumer and provides security regarding the printing of the coupon by limiting the number of prints that the consumer can make of the coupon. Furthermore, a token may be utilized in conjunction with the MID for additional security regarding the printing of the coupon by preventing the printing of the coupon if the token is invalid or expired. | 08-11-2011 |
20110213652 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC COUPONS - The invention provides a system and a method for providing at least one electronic coupon (EC) to a user of a mobile device for goods or services, wherein said electronic coupon (EC) is transmitted by an electronic coupon server to said mobile device depending on a current position of said mobile device and locations of point of sale (POS) of registered suppliers offering said goods and services, wherein the current position of the mobile device is detected by an application executed by a computation unit of the mobile device. Moreover the measurement of the coupon redemptions based on a heuristic comprising the redemption of the user at the point of sale (POS) and transmitted context factors such as but not limited to distance from the mobile device to the POS, opening hours, etc. | 09-01-2011 |
20110231237 | Virtual Couponing Method and Apparatus for Use with Consumer Kiosk - A method and apparatus for distributing, generating, and redeeming discount Virtual Coupons™, rebate or gift certificates or the like which may be used on conjunction with a frequency card program or the like. Virtual Coupons™ may be distributed electronically, for example, in the form of a diskette or CD-ROM software. Software on the diskette or CD-ROM may prompt a consumer to call a 1-800 number for a validation number or code. During the phone call, telemarketing personnel may request consumer demographic and or identification information which may be entered into a centralized database. Once the software is validated, a consumer may print out a list selected Virtual Coupons™ displayed on a Graphical User Interface (GUI). When a product is purchased, the UPC code of the product may be compared electronically with a list of Virtual Coupons™ authorized for a particular consumer. An appropriate coupon discount may then be applied and the Virtual Coupon™ may be considered “redeemed”. Once redeemed, consumer ID information and Virtual Coupon™ information may be retrieved electronically and used to update a central database. Accurate data may then be produced illustrating which consumers or groups of consumers are redeeming which Virtual Coupons™. Such data may be used for marketing purposes or to generated further diskettes for distribution targeting specific consumers or groups of consumers with specific classes of Virtual Coupon™ offerings. The use of Virtual Coupons™ eliminates or reduces fraud, and allows a frequency card discount to be applied only a limited number of times. | 09-22-2011 |
20110231238 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR TRACKING REDEEMED ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATE AND CONSUMER DATA ASSOCIATED WITH A MOBILE DEVICE - Methods, systems, and computer readable media for tracking redeemed electronic certificate and consumer data associated with a mobile device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a wireless device reader, electronic certificate data and consumer identification data, redeeming the electronic certificate data, and generating redemption tracking data using the redeemed electronic certificate data and consumer identification data. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238479 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION-BASES DIGITAL COUPON REDEMPTION - Techniques for identifier-based redemption of coupons is disclosed. A server receives, via a user device, input from a user that selects a coupon offer. The server stores in association with a user identifier for the user, such as a store loyalty card or coupon card, data that indicates that the user has selected the coupon offer. The server provides, to a retailer, over a network, coupon availability data indicating that the coupon offer is available for use in a transaction in which the user identifier is presented to the retailer. A retail server receives a user identifier in association with a transaction. The retail server identifies coupon offer(s) that have been stored for use in association with the user identifier. The retail server determines that the transaction involves a particular product that is eligible for a particular offer. The retail server applies the particular offer to the transaction. | 09-29-2011 |
20110251884 | E-COUPONING - Handling electronic coupons includes accessing information indicating association of an electronic coupon with an account of a user that identifies multiple retail entities associated with the user. Information indicating association of electronic coupons with the user's account may be transmitted to respective computer systems associated with the multiple retail entities. The computer systems may associate electronic coupons with the user such that the user may redeem the electronic coupons at a retail store upon presentation of a user identifier. When the user redeems an electronic coupon, cancellation information for the electronic coupon may be transmitted to the computer systems of other retail entities associated with the user. Receipt of the cancellation information may cause the respective computer systems to cancel the redeemability of the electronic coupon such that the user is prevented from redeeming the electronic coupon at a retail store associated with the corresponding retail entity. | 10-13-2011 |
20110295672 | METHODS AND A SYSTEM FOR DETECTING FRAUD IN BETTING AND LOTTERY GAMES - In one embodiment of the invention, a method to detect fraud includes a) receiving by the computer system from a source information regarding a plurality of played coupons for at least one game, wherein the plurality of played coupons comprises at least one first coupon; b) populating by the computer system a two-dimensional array for each played game from the received information, wherein the at least one two-dimensional array holds aggregated game statistics, c) storing by the computer system the at least one two-dimensional array with in a data structure; d) scanning, using the received information for the at least one first coupon, by the computer system the at least one data structure to identify at least one abnormal pattern; and e) generating, when the at least one abnormal pattern is identified, by the computer system an alert prior to a payout on the at least one first coupon. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295673 | RESTRICTED USE CONSUMER COUPON AND METHOD USING SAME - A computer system ( | 12-01-2011 |
20110302017 | Mobile Coupon Redemption System - A mobile coupon redemption system enables a customer to receive a mobile coupon offer on his mobile phone, and to display the offer to a merchant. The customer is prompted to obtain a “merchant code” from the merchant, who obtains the merchant code from a local secure hardware token. The customer then communicates the merchant code by his mobile phone to a remote coupon application server, which validates to the merchant code, records the merchant and customer information, and validates the coupon for display to and redemption by the merchant. | 12-08-2011 |
20110302018 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VALIDATING REDEMPTION OF A COUPON - An approach is provided for validating redemption of a coupon. The coupon management module causes, at least in part, presentation of a coupon via a device. Next, the coupon management module receives a first code in response to the presentation. Next, the coupon management module causes, at least in part, validation of a redemption of the coupon based, at least in part, on the first code. The validation is performed at the device, at a server, or a combination thereof. Next, the coupon management module retrieves a second code based, at least in part, on the coupon, the first code, or a combination thereof. Next, the coupon management module causes, at least in part, presentation of the second code for verification. The validation of the redemption of the coupon is further based, at least in part, on the verification of the second code. | 12-08-2011 |
20110313836 | CONTROLLING COUPON PRINTING TO MULTIPLE TYPES OF CLIENTS - A coupon distributor controls coupon distribution via a centralized coupon distribution server. The server not only distributes coupons to the various computing devices, but also tracks the number of coupons printed for any given coupon offer. The server may use the coupon printing statistics it gathers to, for example, limit the number of times any given device may print a coupon for a given offer, limit the number of coupons printed for an offer in aggregate, or provide reports to the provider of the coupon offer. The server may control coupon distribution to any of a variety of device types, including personal computers, mobile devices, stand-alone printing devices, and in-store kiosks, the clients at some of which may be pre-authorized to print coupons. The server further controls distribution of coupons to devices on one or more private networks via an intermediary. | 12-22-2011 |
20110320255 | System and method for method for administering a website promotional code and ensuring integrity of same - The present invention provides a method of administering a promotional code that is used to earn incentives but is unable to be shared among individual users. A promotional code is generated and is placed on a website that is affiliated with or connected to a rewards redemption website, but when a user goes to this page the promotional code system of the present invention generates a new, unique randomized code that is different each time a page is refreshed. | 12-29-2011 |
20120066047 | IDENTIFIER-BASED COUPON REDEMPTION - Users may save coupon offers in association with account identifiers tied to user accounts, such as identifiers for customer loyalty cards, phones, or personal computing devices. Users may present the account identifiers, or physical items associated with the account identifier, while completing transactions. Retailers may utilize the account identifiers to determine which coupon offers have been saved in association with the corresponding user accounts. The saved coupon offers may then be applied against the transactions. Coupon offers saved in this manner may be counted as distributed for the purposes of producing a distribution count for reports or for applying distribution limits. For example, a user's request to print a coupon for a coupon offer may be denied if the coupon offer is saved in association with an account identifier associated with the user. | 03-15-2012 |
20120066048 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SINGLE COUPON KEY CODE REDEMPTION OF MULTIPLE COUPONS - A system and method for conveying coupons using an electronic device comprises receiving with a computer, a keyword transmitted from the electronic device, associating, with a computer, the keyword with a Key Code, wherein the Key Code is associated with the one or more coupons, and transmitting from the computer to the electronic device, a single electronic message including the Key Code and one or more coupons, each of the one or more coupons including one or more images. | 03-15-2012 |
20120066049 | IDENTIFIER-BASED COUPON REDEMPTION - Users may save coupon offers in association with account identifiers tied to user accounts, such as identifiers for customer loyalty cards, phones, or personal computing devices. Users may present the account identifiers, or physical items associated with the account identifier, while completing transactions. Retailers may utilize the account identifiers to determine which coupon offers have been saved in association with the corresponding user accounts. The saved coupon offers may then be applied against the transactions. Coupon offers saved in this manner may be counted as distributed for the purposes of producing a distribution count for reports or for applying distribution limits. For example, a user's request to print a coupon for a coupon offer may be denied if the coupon offer is saved in association with an account identifier associated with the user. | 03-15-2012 |
20120078702 | WIRELESS ELECTRONIC COUPONING TECHNIQUE - An electronic couponing technique includes transferring coupon information, which may include a coupon ID (identification) to a first portable terminal and storing same therein. The portable terminal displays a representation of the transferred coupon information on a display thereof The stored coupon information may be transferred from the portable terminal to another terminal for redemption. The stored coupon information may also be transferred from the portable terminal to another portable terminal. Various schemes may be used to transfer the coupon information including a Bluetooth low-range radio link or an optical bar code scanner scanning an optical bar code or an infrared link or a wireless link from the portable terminal. The Internet or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) may also be used in transferring the coupon information to and from the various terminals. | 03-29-2012 |
20120084131 | Data communication system - The present invention relates to systems for communicating data. In particular, systems for communicating data to and from mobile devices are described. One system involves the use of a server to store the association between a shortcode and the data. A user device can be used to transmit the shortcode to a second user device. The second user device can then access the association at the server to access the data. The shortcode is transmitted via an audibly unique signal between the two devices. Further devices, systems, and methods for redeeming vouchers, transferring money, unlocking content on a device, and authenticating transactions all using audio are also disclosed. A method for managing data communication on a mobile device is further disclosed. In addition, a system for asynchronous transmission of the data is disclosed by use of reserving a shortcode at a server before the shortcode is associated with data. | 04-05-2012 |
20120084132 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR ISSUING AND REDEEMING CO-BRANDED ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATES - The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for issuing and redeeming co-branded electronic certificates. In one example, a method includes receiving, via near field communication (NFC), a co-branded electronic certificate and an electronic payment card to conduct a wireless purchase transaction for at least one good or service. The method further includes determining whether qualification information contained in the co-branded electronic certificate matches at least a portion of the account number associated with the electronic payment card used to conduct the wireless purchase transaction. The method also includes applying the co-branded electronic certificate to conduct the purchase transaction if the qualification information matches the at least a portion of the account number. | 04-05-2012 |
20120089453 | SYSTEM FOR MARKETING CAMPAIGN SPECIFICATION AND SECURE DIGITAL COUPON REDEMPTION - Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process. | 04-12-2012 |
20120095822 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING AND SECURELY REDEEMING LOCATION-SPECIFIC PROMOTIONS - A system and method for delivering and securely redeeming localized promotions comprises a consumer interface device such as a smartphone in communication, by a software application and network connection, with a server and database. Each participating vendor is assigned a unique identifier and a device capable of generating and displaying a changing, one-time identification code including the identifier and a timestamp. Once a consumer finds a promotion of interest and visits the offering vendor, the promotion is redeemed at the point of sale via the application activating the consumer's smartphone camera and scanning the code. The application then tags the code with certain metadata, which is transmitted to the server for authentication and archiving. Each promotion redemption thus has a unique code, and analytical consumer data compiled will be highly accurate, unlike strictly GPS-based redemption. The system and method include an element to reward use and encourage promotion sharing. | 04-19-2012 |
20120123845 | Systems and/or methods for fraud detection in award point programs - Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased items and, more particularly, to improved electronic registration techniques that provide validation and/or verification services for an award points program and/or products having associated award points. Certain exemplary embodiments provide electronic award points management techniques that authenticate item purchases, determine eligibility for inclusion in a manufacturer's or a retailer's award program, help identify and detect potential fraudulent transactions involving award points and/or associated products, etc. Certain exemplary embodiments may allow point information to be printed directly on a case where it is continually visible, which may, in turn, help increase enrollment by increasing visibility of the program, reducing the likelihood of insert cards being lost, etc., while at the same time reducing costs for program implementation on the part of manufacturers, retailers, etc. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123846 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING LOCALLY APPLICABLE INTERNET CONTENT WITH SECURE ACTION REQUESTS AND ITEM CONDITION ALERTS - Optimized delivery of locally applicable Internet content to users. A cache of locally applicable Internet content is maintained in a local content server, based upon a monitoring of locations of users requesting Internet content. Requests for Internet content are received from user equipment through a wireless network base station, and served from the local content server, which is logically proximate to the wireless network base station. The caching of locally applicable Internet content may be maintained on a layered basis. Secure action request receipt and corresponding performance, and item condition alerts are also described. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123847 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION, REDEMPTION AND PROCESSING OF ELECTRONIC COUPONS - In a method of executing a transaction using an electronic coupon, coupon campaign information is provided to an engine. The coupon campaign information defines a discount value, a product family and a number of coupons to be distributed. Each coupon within the coupon campaign has a coupon identification (ID). Coupon publications are provided including a machine-readable portion that encodes coupon data describing the coupon campaign information. The coupon data is retrieved from the machine-readable portion of the coupon publication using a personal electronic device. The coupon data is used to retrieve a coupon ID that is stored in the personal electronic device. The coupon ID is transmitted to a point of sale (POS) system using the personal electronic device. The POS system communicates with the engine to verify a validity of the coupon ID. A discount is applied to a transaction in accordance with the discount value. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123848 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO INITIATE A MOBILE DATA COMMUNICATION UTILIZING A TRIGGER SYSTEM - A system and method to enable a user to initiate a communication with an organization using a mobile communication device by means of a trigger system. A system and method to enable an organization to acquire a user mobile device address by means of a trigger system. A system and method to enable an organization to respond to a user by means of a trigger system and a message application server. A system and method to enable organizations to deliver mobile messages, coupons, offers and promotions to users mobile device by means of a combination of a trigger system, a message application server and an offer application. | 05-17-2012 |
20120130791 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING LOCATION-BASED INCENTIVES - Location-based incentives may be provided to users via wireless client devices wirelessly. Redemption requests may be verified based on geolocation information related to the client devices that received the incentives at the times that redemptions are requested. The use of such geolocation information to verify redemption requests may provide a separate layer of verification to inhibit fraud by users and/or merchants, and/or provided other enhancements. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130792 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF REDEEMING COUPONS AND PREVENTING WEB-BASED COUPON FRAUD - A web-based system and method are provided for electronic coupon fraud prevention. The system receives electronic coupon parameters from a coupon provider via a host website. Access is selectively providing to electronic coupons by members based on the parameters and member access criteria. The member selects coupons via the website which are then stored in a member account. Transaction data is received from a merchant point of sale, and the system determines which coupons may be available for use in the transaction based on the coupon parameters and the transaction data. A first set of coupon data is provided to the point of sale associated with electronic coupons which have been determined to be available, and a second set of electronic coupon data is received from the point of sale associated with electronic coupons which have been redeemed by the merchant in association with the financial transaction. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130793 | Method and System for Discounted Offer and Sale of Goods and Services - A method of discount retailing wherein a link is embedded in a host web page to a transaction for presenting an offer of a service or product sold by a vendor. In response to a purchaser expressing interest by selecting the link, the purchaser is redirected to a landing page that relates to the transaction and is maintained by a discount and clearing service provider website. In response to confirmation of interest by the purchaser, the discount and clearing service provider website conveys a voucher to the purchaser, who presents the voucher to the vendor and receives the selected service or product at a partially discounted price with proof of purchase. The purchaser presents the proof of purchase to the discount and clearing service provider and receives a balance of the discount. | 05-24-2012 |
20120136710 | Digital Coupon System - Disclosed are various embodiments for a digital coupon system. Digital coupons can be defined by a coupon specification received from a coupon issuer. Digital coupons can be issued to users and redeemed with third party retailer sites and/or point of sale systems. A coupon clearing house application can manage distribution, redemption, reimbursement of retailers and invoicing of coupon issuers. | 05-31-2012 |
20120150608 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESPONDING TO APERIODIC INFORMATION REQUESTS FROM USERS OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY PROVIDING TARGETED ADVERTISEMENTS - There are provided methods and systems for responding to aperiodic information requests from users of personal communication devices, such as mobile telephones and more particularly cellular telephones. In one embodiment, information requests issued from a plurality of user's cellular telephones are received and processed at a central host site. Processing comprises parsing the user requests to determine the content and category type of the request and retrieving relevant content configured as a sequence of images (frames), referred to as a “video strip”. When a user plays back a video strip on his or her personal communication device, the sequence of images appear on the user's display as a sequence of still images, played back at a slow rate, unlike conventional movie playback frame rates. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150609 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE SALE OF SUBSCRIPTIONS TO PERIODICALS - A POS terminal receives a signal that indicates an item, for example, via a bar code scanner. The POS terminal ascertains whether the item is associated with an offer for a rebate. If so, a code is generated and output to the customer, such as on a printed receipt. The code is associated with an offer for a rebate in exchange for establishing a subscription to a periodical. If the customer subscribes to a required periodical, he will be credited the amount he paid for the item. Subsequently, the customer requests a subscription to a periodical from a subscription fulfillment house, and provides his code in conjunction with the request. If the code is valid, the customer is provided with a rebate. The rebate may be provided directly by the subscription fulfillment house (e.g. a credit to a credit card account) or may be provided by a merchant (e.g. a discount on a future purchase). | 06-14-2012 |
20120179531 | Method and System for Authenticating and Redeeming Electronic Transactions - The present inventions relates to systems and techniques for authenticating or redeeming an electronic transaction, particularly through a mobile conduit. | 07-12-2012 |
20120185318 | System and Method for Providing a Rebate Card From a Kiosk - Disclosed is a method for providing a rebate card to a consumer using an electronic kiosk, including receiving, into the kiosk, consumer information and rebate information; transmitting, from the kiosk, the consumer information and the rebate information, via an electronic network, to a rebate processor; and dispensing, from the kiosk, the rebate card to the consumer, wherein, upon receiving the consumer information and the rebate information, the rebate processor validates the information and directs a rebate card account manager to add a value to the rebate card. Disclosed is a system for providing a rebate card to a consumer, including: an electronic kiosk, the kiosk including: an electronic data input means; an electronic data transmission means; and a rebate card dispensing means; and a rebate card configured to be stored within and dispensed from the kiosk, wherein the kiosk is configured to receive rebate information and consumer information from a consumer through the data input means, transmit the rebate and consumer information to a rebate processor via the data transmission means, and dispense a rebate card to the consumer via the rebate processing means. Variations of the method and system are also disclosed. | 07-19-2012 |
20120185319 | METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTIONG PROMOTIONAL OFFERS TO CONSUMERS - A method for distributing promotional offers, such as coupons, to consumers via a communication network. The method enables consumers to specify their favorite places of business and to receive promotional offers from those businesses. The selections are stored in a computer database and, upon command by the user over the communication network, the server transmits a pattern representative of all of the saved promotional offers by that particular consumer. That pattern may be printed or simply displayed on a personal electronic device, such as a smart phone, at the business in order to utilize or redeem the promotional offer from that business. | 07-19-2012 |
20120209686 | IDENTIFIER-BASED COUPON DISTRIBUTION - A client device detects a QR code (or NFC tag). The client device decodes the QR code. The client device determines that the data encoded within the QR code includes a URL. Based on the URL, the client device sends a first request to a first server identified by the URL. In response to the first request, the client device receives from the first server data configured to cause the client device to display, to a user of the client device, at least one of: a video or an interactive web page. Responsive to the data encoded in the QR code, the client device sends to a coupon server: identification data associated with a user of the client device, and a request for the coupon server to distribute a digital coupon for an offer associated with an identifier encoded within the QR code to an account associated with the user. | 08-16-2012 |
20120209687 | PROMOTION DATA AND CODES SUPPORTING REDEMPTION PROCESSING - An online sales/automatic rebate and coupon redemption system provides online customers automatic retrieval and redemption of all applicable rebates and coupons during purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system purchases from merchants using applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system makes it possible to automatically retrieve coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site. The system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity. | 08-16-2012 |
20120221397 | SYSTEMS FOR AUTHORIZATION OF REWARD CARD TRANSACTIONS - A system for authorizing a reward card transaction includes an account server configured to receive an authorization request for a transaction performed using the reward card. The system also is configured to compare the amount of the transaction to an available balance in a bank account linked to the reward card and authorize the transaction based on the comparison. The system further is configured to transmit an authorization for the transaction. A system updating a credit limit on a reward card includes an updating module configured to receive amounts of authorized reward card transactions and amounts of authorized bank account transactions. The system also is configured to update a credit limit on a reward card based on the reward card transaction amounts and/or the bank account transaction amounts. | 08-30-2012 |
20120226543 | ELECTRONIC GROUP COUPON RESELLING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method of reselling “group deal coupons” or “group buy coupons” using electronic methods (such as through a computer software application) and non-electronic methods. The reselling process can include electronic devices, networking equipment capable of transmitting data packets to and from the seller, buyer, main operations hub and any required verifications data centers. The transaction can consist of electronic exchange and display of coupons to be sold, terms and conditions to buy including the price, taxes and charges. | 09-06-2012 |
20120271702 | ELECTRONIC COMMERCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for managing a promotional campaign in an electronic commerce system is provided. The method comprises, at an electronic commerce server receiving a virtual coupon use request including a multiple-user virtual coupon code from the user of the client program executed on a client device, detecting a distinguishing identifier associated with the virtual coupon use request from the user of the client program, determining eligibility criteria and at least one virtual coupon benefit corresponding to the virtual coupon code. The method further comprises at the electronic commerce server determining if the user of the client program from which the virtual coupon code was received is eligible to receive the virtual coupon benefit based on the distinguishing identifier and the eligibility criteria and if the user of the client program is eligible, providing the virtual coupon benefit to the user of the client program. | 10-25-2012 |
20120278155 | USING MIX-MEDIA FOR PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION - Techniques for identifying a user and authenticating payment transactions based on the identification include requesting the user to send his audio, video, and/or image from the point of sale location and comparing the received audio, video, and/or image to an audio/video/image on file to identify and authenticate the user as being the official holder of the payment device being used in the transaction. Once, the user is authenticated, the payment processing can be performed using conventional techniques. Some techniques involve use of accelerometer data associated with the user in addition to or in lieu of the audio, video, and/or image data to perform the identification and authentication of the user. | 11-01-2012 |
20120284107 | DIGITAL COUPON CLEARINGHOUSE - A coupon distributor receives, from coupon provider(s), data describing coupon offer(s). The coupon distributor operates a server that causes approved source(s) to generate coupons for the offer(s). The server receives, over a network, from a retailer, coupon redemption data indicating that the retailer accepted a particular coupon. In response, the server determines whether the particular coupon was generated by an approved source and that the particular coupon was accepted in a manner consistent with the offer amount and terms. The server further determines whether the server has previously caused any retailer to be compensated for accepting the particular coupon. In response to positive determinations, the server marks the particular coupon as redeemed and further causes the retailer to be credited for the particular coupon. In an embodiment, a retail server causes a digital coupon to be generated for an offer during the same transaction in which the coupon is used. | 11-08-2012 |
20120310720 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING COUPONS/PURCHASES BASED ON RADIO FREQUENCY MEMORY TAG DETECTION - An approach is provided for processing promotional information for facilitating a point-of-sales transaction via radio frequency (RF) memory tags. A platform causes, at least in part, a capture of promotional information from a radio frequency memory tag associated with a merchant. The tags are placed at locations including a point-of-sales terminal, store entrance or near a poster to facilitate customer access. The platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of the promotional information to present one or more offers at a device, and receives an input for selecting at least one of the one or more offers for redemption. In response, the platform causes, at least in part, a validation of the redemption of at least one of the one or more offers. The platform then causes, at least in part, a presentation of the validation at the device for a confirmation by the merchant. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310721 | DELIVERY, ORGANIZATION, AND REDEMPTION OF VIRTUAL OFFERS FROM THE INTERNET, INTERACTIVE-TV, WIRELESS DEVICES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS - Disclosed are methods and systems for redeeming virtual coupons by associating the coupons with a consumer and a payment system associated with the consumer. In some embodiments, the method includes distributing the enabled promotional offers, from one or more source sites, via the electronic contact addresses for the plurality of consumers, such that the promotional offers can be electronically accepted by at least some of the particular consumers with whom they are identified without redeeming the accepted offers. The method further includes electronically receiving a redemption of the promotional offer by means of the consumer's presentment of the associated payment system for purchasing the subject matter of the accepted promotional offer. | 12-06-2012 |
20120310722 | ELECTRONIC OFFER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - An electronic offer management system and method thereof is disclosed. In particular, the system comprises means for receiving information related to a plurality of offers distributed by a plurality of different offer distributors to customer for redemption at plurality of stores, means for automatically routing the information related to an offer to a point-of-sale system of each store in which the offer can be redeemed, and means for automatically clearing the offers redeemed by the customer at the stores. The system further comprises means for automatically reconciling financial obligations associated with each cleared offer, as well means for dynamically profiling customers so that improved offer targeting can be achieved. | 12-06-2012 |
20120316949 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ELECTRONIC COUPONS - A method and a system for managing electronic coupons utilize a merchant identifier and a consumer characteristic, and package such information into a verification request for redemption of the electronic coupon as a form of receipt or proof of redemption. The server sends an electronic coupon to the consumer's mobile electronic device upon request. During a purchase, the consumer presents the electronic coupon to the merchant, and receives a merchant identifier. The merchant identifier and a consumer characteristic are included into a verification request for redemption of the electronic coupon and sent to the server. The server verifies the verification request according to the information contained therein to allow the redemption of the coupon, and stores the verification information for future coupon processing. | 12-13-2012 |
20120323664 | INTEGRATED COUPON STORAGE, DISCOVERY, AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for managing and redeeming electronic coupons on a mobile device. The invention may also cause a mobile device to generate an alert when it is at or in the vicinity of a location such as a retail store where an electronic coupon held by the mobile device may be redeemed. An alert may also be caused when the mobile device is used in a sales transaction at the location. The electronic coupons may be redeemed in a number of ways including scanning an image displayed on the mobile device, communicating with a wireless network, or through an integrated near field payment system offered by the location. | 12-20-2012 |
20120323665 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR COUPON VERIFICATION - Computer-implemented methods, systems and devices facilitating the methods, and computer-readable medium storing computer readable code, which, when executed, performs the methods are provided for coupon verification. The methods include receiving from a coupon verification terminal via a mobile network a verification data package based on at least an additional verification information and a verification code of a coupon, verifying whether or not the coupon is valid and has not been redeemed, and sending the verification result via the mobile network to the coupon verification terminal. The coupon verification terminal comprises an input module, a CPU configured to provide the additional verification information and to generate the verification data package by encrypting the additional verification information and the verification code, and a mobile communication module configured to, via a mobile network, send the verification data package to a verification server and receive a verification result from the verification server. | 12-20-2012 |
20120323666 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING ACCESS TO A PROMOTIONAL OFFER - A method of facilitating access to a promotional offer, the method comprising: receiving at a server system a page request from a client device; and sending program code executable in a browser application to the client device in response to the page request, the program code being executable to display at least one promotional offer and a promotional code, to provide a flash object at a display position of the promotional code and, in response to selection of the flash object, to cause the promotional code to be copied to a user-accessible memory of the client device and to open a new browser display of the browser application. | 12-20-2012 |
20130006743 | Method and Apparatus for In-Application Deals - A computer-implemented method for in-application advertising display on a second computer using a first computer. A request is received on a first computer to display an advertisement on a second computer, the request from the second computer and including an identification of an application and a location information. The first computer selects an advertisement containing a deal comprised of a discount for prepurchase from a first company and a reward from a second company. The second company is selected based on the identification of the application and the selection is based on both the identification of the application and the location information. The first computer transmits the advertisement to the second computer. The first computer receives a signal from the second computer indicating a purchase of the deal by a user of the second computer. | 01-03-2013 |
20130006744 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING LIMITED USE COUPON AND COUPON PRIORITIZATION - A system for managing coupon redemption and prioritization is provided. According to one aspect of the system, the system allows an electronic coupon or reward to be redeemed a specific number of times. The specific number of times may range from one to infinity. According to another aspect of the system, the system automatically resolves any redemption conflict associated with the concurrent redemption of electronic coupon(s) and paper-based coupon(s) by using certain predefined rules and logic. | 01-03-2013 |
20130024264 | AUTOMATED DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY AND VALUE OF DISCOUNTS FOR A PURCHASE ORDER - A method for automatically determining applicability and value of any discounts for a purchase order from a client computer, the determinations being made by the client computer itself. In some embodiments, the client computer receives (from a server to which the order is being placed) coupon programming, determines applicability and value of discounts using the coupon programming, and sends discount information for an order to the server. The coupon programming may comprise a rule engine, implemented by rule programming, having one or more sets of rules and a processing relationship between the sets of rules and the rules in each set of rules. The rule engine may comprise a recursive rule program. In some embodiments, the applicability and value of any discounts for an order is determined by a server that receives the order, the determinations being made by using a rule engine implemented by rule programming. | 01-24-2013 |
20130030901 | COUPON SOCIAL NETWORKING PLATFORM - In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a social network coupon platform, a request to display coupon data regarding a particular coupon that is provided by a coupon provider, wherein a user that is registered with a social network provider initiated the request; in response to receiving the request, sending, from the social network coupon platform, the coupon data to be displayed to the user; receiving, at the social network coupon platform, from the social network provider, profile data that includes profile information of the user; in response to receiving the profile data, allowing the user access to the particular coupon; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. | 01-31-2013 |
20130041737 | ELECTRONIC COUPON SYSTEM AND METHOD - A coupon creation, publication, and redemption system and method includes a business account module at a server configured to assign a deal creation power to a product or service provider accessing a website with a client, and a coupon generation module configured to generate a listing of a deal and a predetermined number of coupons associated with a deal. The coupon is published via the website. The provider's history of coupon generation is tracked. Coupon grabbing and redemption powers are assigned to a consumer. The consumer grabs the coupons via the website, and its history of coupon grabbing is tracked. When a sale consummated, the grabbed coupon is marked as redeemed, while both the consumer's and the provider's history of coupon redemption is updated. The consumer's grabbing power is transformed in accordance with at least one of the consumer's coupon grabbing and coupon redemption history. The deal provider's deal creation power is transformed in accordance with at least one of the provider's coupon generation and coupon redemption history. | 02-14-2013 |
20130054335 | MOBILE PLATFORM FOR GENERATING AND DISTRIBUTING DEALS - Systems and methods disclosed herein may operate to create, distribute and redeem offers on a mobile platform. In various embodiments, a first set of information describing terms of an offer for a product or service, and a second set of information identifying a first zone and a second zone, may be received from a computing device corresponding to a merchant. The offer may be generated based, at least in part, on the first set of information. An exclusion zone and an inclusion zone may be generated based, at least in part, on the information identifying the first zone and the second zone, respectively. The offer may be selectively distributed across a network to a first plurality of mobile devices located outside the exclusion zone and within the inclusion zone such that the offer is invisible to a second plurality of mobile devices located within both the exclusion and inclusion zones. | 02-28-2013 |
20130054336 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCORPORATING ONE-TIME TOKENS, COUPONS, AND REWARD SYSTEMS INTO MERCHANT POINT OF SALE CHECKOUT SYSTEMS - A method for incorporating one-time-tokens, coupon and reward systems in conjunction with merchants' POS checkout systems in the physical or virtual environments includes providing a consumer computing device comprising an electronic wallet application, providing a One-time Token Redemption System(OTRS) and user electronic wallet accounts, logging into a user electronic wallet account through the electronic wallet application, sending a request for a one-time token valid for a specified time interval and then forwarding the request for the one-time token to the OTRS and upon approval sending the requested one-time token from the OTRS to the electronic wallet application. Next, presenting and entering the one-time token into a merchant point of sale checkout system within the specified time interval via the consumer computing device, sending the entered one-time token to a checkout application, and then processing payment via a secure payment application. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060622 | Electronic wallet coupon redemption method - A method for preventing fraudulent use of electronic coupons, discount certificates, and similar opportunities in mobile electronic commerce. Once a user has received an opportunity via the user's mobile device, the coupon, certificate, etc. may be redeemed. Redemption mechanisms may include a bar code which appears on the screen of the mobile device which is simply scanned at the point-of-sale or an alphanumeric code may be sent which the clerk types into her register. Thereafter, the user hands his device to the cashier, retailer, etc. whereupon the cashier undertakes the necessary actions to complete the process, for example, by selecting a “redeem” option appearing on the screen and entering a code. | 03-07-2013 |
20130073368 | INCENTIVIZING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - Systems and methods that incentivize physical fitness of a user are discussed herein. In one embodiment, such a system can include a motion component and a control component. The motion component can monitor motion data associated with the user. The control component can provide one or more rewards to the user, wherein the rewards can be based at least in part on the user meeting a target associated with the motion data. | 03-21-2013 |
20130080235 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOINT USE OF GIFT CODES AND COUPON CODES - Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for joint use of gift codes and coupon codes. This technology can provide a way to use both a gift code and a coupon code in a same transaction, to discover corresponding codes for a given code, and to easily complete purchases using a gift code and a coupon code. The system identifies a companion code associated with a first value, wherein the companion code is at least one of a deal code, a discount code, and a coupon code. The system identifies a gift code associated with a second value, wherein the companion code, when used to make a purchase in combination with the gift code, provides a discount. The system offers the gift code for sale, and, upon a user purchasing the gift code, transmits the gift code to the user for combined use with the companion code. | 03-28-2013 |
20130085829 | PAPER COUPON FRAUD DETECTION - A computer may receive a product code from a POS device. Further, the computer may compare the product code to identifiers for a plurality of fraudulent coupons comprising universal product codes (UPCs) of the fraudulent coupon and a trigger item code of the fraudulent coupon. Responsive to a match between the product code and the identifier of at least one fraudulent coupon, the computer may obtain information associated with the fraudulent coupon. Further, the computer may transmit the information of the at least one fraudulent coupon to the POS device. The POS device may receive the information of the at least one fraudulent coupon and compare the information with a UPC of a coupon scanned at the POS device. Responsive to a match between the fraudulent coupon information and the UPC of the coupon, the computer may generate an alert to notify that the scanned coupon is a fraudulent coupon. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085830 | CUSTOMER'S COMING-TO-A-STORE ACCELERATION SYSTEM - A customer's coming-to-a-store acceleration system for presenting strong incentive to the customers for their coming to the store, and for accelerating customer's coming to the store and enabling to collect information on customer's coming to the store is provided. | 04-04-2013 |
20130091002 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COUPON VALIDATION - Systems and methods are provided for verifying the validity of a coupon to facilitate coupon redemption. A coupon is provided with a coupon code. The coupon code has at least an encoded URL and an encrypted unique coupon identifier. A scanner scans the encrypted unique coupon identifier on the coupon. The scanner accesses a verification server via the URL. The verification server decrypts the encrypted unique coupon identifier and determines whether the decrypted unique coupon identifier is a valid coupon identifier. | 04-11-2013 |
20130091003 | SHOPPING APPARATUS AND METHODS - Methods and apparatus related to enabling a shopper to utilize a mobile electronic device to check-in to a physical store while at the store. A shopper may utilize the mobile electronic device to check-in at a location proximal to an entrance of a physical store. A pecuniary reward may be provided to the shopper upon checking-in and the shopper may be notified of such reward via the mobile electronic device. | 04-11-2013 |
20130103482 | ANTI-FRAUD FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS SYSTEM - Users can conduct financial transactions in a secure manner without the need to use any traditional financial instrument, such as credit card, debit card, ATM card, gift card, stored value card, prepaid card, cash, check, coupon, token, ticket, voucher, certificate, note, security, etc. In addition, users' identities are kept confidential in the transactions without violating the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing requirements. | 04-25-2013 |
20130110607 | COUPON GENERATION, AUTHENTICATION, AND REDEMPTION VIA A NETWORK | 05-02-2013 |
20130117087 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING ELECTRONIC TRANSACTION INSTRUMENTS - Security is provided to electronically performed transactions by authenticating transaction instruments (such as electronic coupons, electronic receipts and electronic vouchers such as electronic tickets) that are utilized by a customer in a transaction, such as by a participating customer in a loyalty program. In an electronic wallet application provided on a mobile communication device, for example, digital signatures are applied to verify the authenticity of such transaction instruments when communicated between the communication device and a gateway that effectuates such transactions and defines, manages, distributes, processes and/or applies the corresponding transaction instruments. Digital signatures may also be applied to verify the authenticity of transaction instruments and related data when communicated between the gateway and other entities or systems. | 05-09-2013 |
20130117088 | METHOD USING A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE TO PERFORM OPERATIONS ON OFFER GROUPS TO CURATE PROMOTIONAL OFFERS - An improved system and method of providing offer groups to curate an offer list of promotional offers from multiple offer sources in an online service is provided. Components for offer groups support operations accessible through a graphical use interface for creating, editing, joining, and searching for offer groups, as well as curating and viewing offers of offer groups. Such operations may be governed according to rules of membership of an offer group, roles of members of an offer group, rules of visibility of an offer group, and rules of curating promotional offers for the list of promotional offers of the offer group. A user may create an offer group which others may join to participate in curating offers of interest to the group. Or users may identify and join offer groups of interest to browse curated lists of promotional offers pertaining to those interests. | 05-09-2013 |
20130117089 | SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION ON MOBILE NETWORKS - Managing software and service provided to a device by a service provider includes performing a pre-qualification check for availability of a premium promotional version of the service for the device, where the pre-qualification check is performed off-line and includes a determination if the device is in a table of devices for which the premium promotional version is available, performing an online qualification check for availability of a premium promotional version of the service for the device in response to passing the pre-qualification check, and offering the premium promotional version of the service in response to passing the qualification check. The pre-qualification check may include determining if there is already a premium account associated with the device and/or determining if there is already a free service account associated with the device. | 05-09-2013 |
20130117090 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED AUTHORING, DISTRIBUTING AND PROCESSING OF ENHANCED DISCRETE COUPONS - A computerized enhanced discreet coupon (EDC) processing system processes shopper EDC(s) using a scanner and a processor. The scanner scans purchased items. The processor generates tickets corresponding to the purchased items, syntactically validates shopper EDC(s), semantically checks the EDC(s), and authenticates the EDC(s). If an EDC is authentic, then the processor compares the EDC against the ticket to determine if the EDC qualifies, and if so, then the EDC is redeemable. Authentication can be accomplished by, for example, comparing EDC rule(s) and/or rule identifier(s) against genuine rule/identifier sets. Genuine rule set includes a qualifying rule and a redemption rule. | 05-09-2013 |
20130124292 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A STRONG MULTI FACTOR PERSONALIZED SERVER KEY FROM A SIMPLE USER PASSWORD - The present invention relates to a method of generating a multi-factor encryption key using a simple password in order to access control over information stored at a second entity from a first entity via at least one communication network. In one embodiment this is accomplished by, requesting to receive an application at the first entity from the second entity via the communication network, activating the first entity to generate a shared secret key, wherein the shared secret key is computed from a first entity specific ID and a random number generated at the first and second entity and allowing the user to register with the application of the second entity by the first entity, wherein the registration include entry of a personal PIN (personal identification number), a personal message etc. | 05-16-2013 |
20130138495 | Promotion Code Validation Apparatus And Method - A method including interacting with a promotion code provider programmatically, providing a promotion code to a validation function of the promotion code provider, and evaluating a response from the promotion code provider. The act of interacting with a promotion code provider can include controlling an interface that simulates user actions, such as but not limited to controlling an in-memory web browser through an API, where the API provides a set of functions for simulating user actions. Accordingly, the method can be used to quickly and easily determine whether one or more promotion codes, such as online coupons, are valid. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138496 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR OFFLINE COUPON VERIFICATION - Computer-implemented methods, systems and devices facilitating the methods, and computer-readable medium storing computer readable code, which, when executed, performs the methods are provided for offline coupon verification. The methods may include inputting a verification code of a coupon to a coupon verification terminal, decrypting the verification code using a terminal private key to obtain a merchant ciphertext, decrypting the merchant ciphertext using a merchant-specific server public key to obtain a purchase information corresponding to the coupon, comparing the purchase information with a database to determine whether the purchase information is correct, displaying a negative verification result if the purchase information is not correct, and displaying a positive verification result if the purchase information is correct and the coupon has not been previously consumed, registering the coupon as consumed in the database for future verifications, when or after the coupon been verified, and synchronizing the database with that of a server. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144702 | Integrated Payment and Reward Transactions - Systems and methods for providing mobile promotional transactions that are combined with the payment processes to provide integrated solutions for a single transaction event at a transaction device (POS device). According to one embodiment, a method may be provided to operate and receive a request to process a transaction and a promotional code for a reward in a single transaction. In some aspects, the promotional code may be received by a mobile device based at least in part on an event outcome indicator. Additionally, the method may be operable to determine or receive that the promotional code is valid and determine or receive a value associated with the promotional code. Further, the method also be operable to apply a discount to the transaction value, in some examples, based at least in part on the value associated with the promotional code. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144703 | RESTRICTED USE CONSUMER COUPON AND METHOD USING SAME - A computer system ( | 06-06-2013 |
20130166368 | Intelligent Clearing Network - In an embodiment, a system for validating, redeeming, and financially settling paper coupons coded with a GS1 barcode and 8110 Application Identifier comprises a real time network through which a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal communicates directly to, or through a POS controller, with an Intelligent Clearing Network (ICN) server. One or both of the POS terminal, and POS controller are installed with a ICN POS data bridge which stores computer code. The ICN server is configured to ran a real time application while in communication with the POS terminal, wherein the POS terminal transmits paper coupon data elements read from the GS1 barcode and other consumer transaction information including universal product codes purchased, and transaction details to the ICN server via the network. | 06-27-2013 |
20130173373 | E-couponing - Handling electronic coupons includes accessing information indicating association of an electronic coupon with an account of a user that identifies multiple retail entities associated with the user. Information indicating association of electronic coupons with the user's account may be transmitted to respective computer systems associated with the multiple retail entities. The computer systems may associate electronic coupons with the user such that the user may redeem the electronic coupons at a retail store upon presentation of a user identifier. When the user redeems an electronic coupon, cancellation information for the electronic coupon may be transmitted to the computer systems of other retail entities associated with the user. Receipt of the cancellation information may cause the respective computer systems to cancel the redeemability of the electronic coupon such that the user is prevented from redeeming the electronic coupon at a retail store associated with the corresponding retail entity. | 07-04-2013 |
20130185130 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF A REBATE REQUEST WITH VALIDATION INFORMATION - The present disclosure relates to a method for receiving a rebate claim including providing an interface module for display on a display screen, receiving, via the interface module, consumer identifying information, and receiving, via the interface module, an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services. The present disclosure also relates to a system for rebate claim submission including an interface module for display on a display screen. The interface module may be configured for receiving consumer identifying information based on a consumer's electronic input and receiving an uploaded digital copy of physical proof of purchase data, the purchase data indicating purchase of one or more rebate qualifying products or services. | 07-18-2013 |
20130191200 | SECURE MERCHANT INITIATED INTERNET MARKETING WITH CONSUMER PURCHASE VALIDATION SYSTEM - The present invention provides a means for merchants to advertise and only pay on a per sale basis using a secure method of coupon validation. The system allows merchants to post an advertisement unassisted and/or without a salesperson and it protects consumers from bogus merchants and illegitimate coupons through a secure validation system. The system allows consumers to purchase coupons from a website that were made available by the merchants. The validation system enables the hosting company to allow merchants, not personally known to the hosting company, to post coupons because merchants do not receive the money for services and/or products until the hosting company receives a validation of a coupon and has allowed the consumer a certain time period for satisfaction of the services and/or products purchased with the coupon. The validation system uses unique coupon codes unknown to the merchant until the time of redemption. In the system of the present invention, the merchant does not receive payment until the coupon is redeemed (and an optional time period to file a dissatisfaction has passed). This protects the consumer from fraudulent merchants. | 07-25-2013 |
20130204689 | CONTROLLED DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL PAYLOADS - Technologies related to controlled distribution of digital payloads are described. In some examples, unique identifiers may be generated for application to tangible articles. The unique identifiers may be linked to controllable digital payloads in a database. The controllable digital payloads may be redeemed by end users in response to end users supplying the unique identifiers to a controlled digital payload distribution system. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204690 | DETERMINING COUPON REDEMPTION VALIDITY VIA MOBILE DEVICES - Techniques are described for automatically determining validity of redeeming a coupon for a transaction, such as to allow a mobile device to receive and redeem electronic coupons for use in a non-electronic consumer transaction at a physical location of the merchant. The mobile device or a remote coupon server may identify electronic coupons responsive to the location of the mobile device and responsive user selections entered into the mobile device, and approve and redeem electronic coupons responsive to a determined redemption confidence score that reflects risk that locations and users may be misidentified and/or that coupons may be applied incorrectly or fraudulently. In some situations, the determination of validity of redeeming a coupon for a transaction at a physical location of a merchant is performed without any information from or other interactions with any personnel of the merchant or with any other electronic devices at the merchant's location. | 08-08-2013 |
20130226685 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CUSTOMERS WITH MATCHING REWARDS - A computer-implemented method for providing account holders with a reward based on similar rewards previously obtained through other accounts. The method includes identifying, using one or more computer processors configured to access an account database, an eligible account based on eligibility criteria, wherein the eligible account is associated with an account of an account holder stored in the account database; receiving identifying data that identifies the eligible account; associating a customer identifier with the identifying data from the eligible account; for each customer identifier, receiving confirmation data associated with a separate account of the account holder, wherein the confirmation data comprises a reward variable; validating, using one or more computer processors, the confirmation data; and rewarding the eligible account with a matching variable, wherein the matching variable is approximately equal to the reward variable. | 08-29-2013 |
20130231992 | COMMODITY RECOGNITION APPARATUS AND COMMODITY RECOGNITION METHOD - An apparatus recognizes an object from an image picked-up by an image pickup unit. The apparatus recognizes whether the object recognized by the image recognition unit is a commodity or a coupon. The apparatus outputs, if a commodity recognized by the object recognition unit is the object to which a coupon recognized by the object recognition unit, the information relative to the commodity and the information relative to the coupon applied to the commodity. | 09-05-2013 |
20130246149 | AUTHENTICATION AND DELIVERY OF AN ELECTRONIC BOOK - A server device includes a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute instructions associated with permitting searching of an electronic book profile of a desired electronic book by a user based on a predetermined search code provided thereto, and providing a search result based on the searching of the electronic book profile such that a non-discount price of the desired electronic book is presented to the user. The processor is also configured to execute instructions associated with authenticating the user based on a unique promotional code such that the desired electronic book is downloadable to an electronic device by the user, and resetting the non-discount price to a discount price less than the non-discount price associated with the desired electronic book based on tracking interaction of the user with a number of electronic book profiles. | 09-19-2013 |
20130246150 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO APPLY THE BENEFIT OF OFFERS VIA A TRANSACTION HANDLER - A system includes a transaction handler configured to split a transaction, initiated between an acquirer processor representing a merchant and an issuer processor representing an account holder, into separate transactions with the issuer processor and at least one sponsor processor that is configured to provide the benefit of offers to applicable transactions. A portal is configured to notify the account holder of the award/redemption of the benefit of an offer using a communication channel separate from the transaction terminal that initiates and approves the transaction between the account holder and the merchant. | 09-19-2013 |
20130254008 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO APPLY BENEFIT OF OFFERS - To automate the redemption of offer benefits, data associating offers and payment accounts is stored in the data warehouse of a first transaction handler. If a payment account to which an offer is associated is in the payment processing network of a second transaction handler separate from the first transaction handler, the system uses a payment processor that is in both the payment processing network of the first transaction handler and the payment processing network of the second transaction handler to communicate with the first transaction handler to detect the authorization request in the payment account that satisfies the benefit redemption requirements of the respective offer and apply the offer benefit to the transaction when the authorization request is detected. | 09-26-2013 |
20130262210 | CLOUD SERVICE OR STORAGE USE PROMOTION VIA PARTNERSHIP DRIVEN AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT UPGRADES - System and method for cloud service or storage use promotion via partnership driven automatic account upgrades are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, for receiving a device identifier of a device used to access the cloud service or storage, at a host of the cloud service or storage, and using the device identifier, by the host, to determine whether a promotion currently exists for the device and for identifying details of the promotion. One embodiment further includes, upgrading an account used to access the cloud service or storage in response to determining that the promotion exists. The use of the cloud service or storage can be promoted at the device by a physical or electronic imprint depicting the promotion available when accessed at the device | 10-03-2013 |
20130262211 | WEB-BASED, SELF-SERVICE COUPON CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Systems, methods and computer program products for securely printing coupon prints and for facilitating a digital couponing platform for creating, managing, and publishing digital coupon campaigns are disclosed. In an aspect, such digital couponing platform allows creators to market (i.e., create and publish) and review data related to promotional coupons, and consumers may request and print physical coupon prints. Consumers may request coupon prints via an application virtual machine (e.g., Java® applet) executing on an Internet-enabled computing device with several selected security features. In some aspects, coupon prints are printed by a consumer without presenting the consumer with a graphical representation of coupon print so that coupon print counterfeiting opportunities via utilization of screen capture software are reduced. | 10-03-2013 |
20130275195 | FRAUD PROTECTION IN AN INCENTIVIZED COMPUTER SYSTEM - A method for preventing computer device fraud utilizing mobile device characteristics in a computer system is disclosed. Digital media content, such as music, games and applications (“apps”) are widely available with the popularity of mobile computing. Advertisers of such digital media content may utilize incentives to users of mobile computer devices to download the digital media content, but want to prevent fraud on the system. In one method, usage information may be collected from user devices and be utilized to track and determine fraud on the system from individual devices, where the individual device is then blocked from access to the incentives. | 10-17-2013 |
20130275196 | PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT AND THERAPY DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method of delivering a discount on a purchasable item via a cellular message includes capturing a token of the item by a cellular device. The cellular device processes the token and sends a message artifact as a cellular message, such as SMS message. A discount service computer receives and parses the message artifact, and reconstructs the token. The token is matched to a record of an eligibility database, if any exist, or else a corresponding record for the token is generated. A discount database is accessed for a discount coupon relevant to the record and the purchasable item identity. The discount coupon is sent to the cellular device as a text message. A benefit processor may adjudicate an insured coverage, if applicable. The item is discounted at point of purchase, accounting for any insurance coverage, and the applicable record of the discount database is updated. | 10-17-2013 |
20130275197 | INTELLIGENT CLEARING NETWORK - A system for validating, redeeming, and financially settling coupons is described. The system includes a real time network through which a Point-of-Sale (POS) device communicates with an Intelligent Clearing Network (ICN) server. The ICN server is configured to run a real time application while in communication with the POS device, wherein the POS device transmits coupon data elements read at the POS device and other consumer transaction information including universal product codes purchased, and transaction details to the ICN server via the network. The ICN server validates the coupon data elements and provides the POS device information in order to redeem coupons. Apparatus and computer readable media are also described. | 10-17-2013 |
20130275198 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING TARGETED MARKETING CONTENT TO MOBILE DEVICE USERS BASED ON GEOLOCATION - The present disclosure relates generally to proximity-based advertising and marketing systems, and more particularly to methods and systems for the creation, syndication, and distribution of advertising and marketing content to consumer mobile devices based at least in part on a physical, geo-location or proximity of the mobile devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for confirming and allowing redemption of location-restricted offers, which are offers that are tied to a particular location (e.g., retailer, restaurant, hotel, casino, etc.). | 10-17-2013 |
20130282462 | System and Method for Redeeming an Electronic Promotion Code at a Point of Sale - An authentication device and a mobile device work together for redeeming an electronic promotion code at a point of sale. Upon receipt of an electronic promotion code, the authentication device encrypts the electronic promotion code and transmits the encrypted promotion code to the mobile device. In response, the mobile device decrypts the encrypted promotion code and determines whether the decrypted promotion code satisfies one or more predefined conditions. If so, the mobile device displays a message, indicating a successful redemption of the promotion code at the point of sale. In some implementations, the message includes a confirmation code, which is provided to the authentication device for generating a transaction log record. In some implementations, the mobile device also generates a separate transaction log record for the promotion code and transmits the transaction log record to a remote server for further processing. | 10-24-2013 |
20130282463 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING CERTIFICATES HAVING UNIQUE ID DATA - A method and system for the electronic distribution of product redemption coupons to remote personal computers located at users' homes are disclosed. A centrally located repository, such as an online service provider or web site on the Internet, stores packages of coupon data for downloading on demand to the user's computer. A coupon generated by the system and method of the present invention comprises an encoded area that consists essentially of a unique Coupon Id. The unique Coupon Id is also recorded in a database comprising a plurality of data tables. At least one of the data tables associates each Coupon Id with one or more of a Promotion Id and a Consumer Id. Preferably, the Print Id is also associated in a data table with a Session Id and information regarding the date/time of printing. The Ids other than the Coupon Id may not be printed on the coupon. | 10-24-2013 |
20130297393 | DYNAMIC REDEMPTION CODES - Information regarding a redemption code may include at least one parameter associated with certain redeemable content. Requests may be received from a user. The request may concern access to redeemable content associated with a redemption code. The applicability of parameters is determined as is the redeemable content associated with the identified parameter. The user may then be granted access to the identified redeemable content. The determination of applicable parameters may include identifying an associated modification and applying the modification to the redemption code in order to identify the redeemable content. | 11-07-2013 |
20130311263 | Personalized Discount Keys for Enterprise Online Stores - The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for generating and using discount keys associated with a particular sales person in association with sales within an enterprise online store. One example process includes operations for (i) identifying a discount key at a sales system associated with a prospective sale negotiated between a sales person and a prospective customer, (ii) determining at least one item associated with the identified discount key, (iii) determining at least one discount associated with the determined items associated with the identified discount key, (iii) facilitating completion of the prospective sale at the sales system for the prospective customer based on the at least one determined discount associated with the at least one determined item, and (iv) associating the completion of the prospective sale at the sales system with a sales account for the sales person. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311264 | CONNECTING ELECTRIC VEHICLE OPERATORS AND ORGANIZATIONS - An electric vehicle operator inputs a secret affiliation code. In response to determining that the secret affiliation code is valid and corresponds with an affiliation offer, an affiliation offer is extended to that electric vehicle operator. The affiliation offer communicates a set of benefits for the electric vehicle operator provided by an organization, and also communicates a set of conditions for acceptance of the affiliation offer. An acceptance of the affiliation offer is received from an electric vehicle operator, where the acceptance includes an identifier associated with that electric vehicle operator. Responsive to verifying that the electric vehicle operator is allowed to be affiliated with the organization, the electric vehicle operator is associated with the organization to provide the set of benefits. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311265 | ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An electronic payment system is described that includes a payer device capable of performing an electronic payment process in which an electronic payment is executed, the payer device including a positioning unit that is capable of determining the current location of the payer device, a payee device capable of receiving the electronic payment; and a payment verification unit that is capable of performing a location-based verification check. The payer device transmits its current location to the payment verification unit during the electronic payment process and the payment verification unit accepts or rejects the electronic payment based on the current location of the payer device. A corresponding method is also described. | 11-21-2013 |
20130317898 | REDEEMING COUPONS WITH A VISUAL PATTERN ON A MOBILE DEVICE - The invention involves using a visual verification pattern on a mobile device to redeem a coupon. A user installs a coupon presentation application on a user device and configures an account and downloads and stores coupons on the application. The user approaches a point of sale terminal at a merchant location to purchase a product. The user accesses the coupon and indicates to the coupon distribution system that distributed the coupon that a purchase is imminent and a verification of a coupon will be required. The system accesses the coupon visual verification pattern configured by the merchant and transmits the pattern to the application. The application displays the pattern on the mobile device display for presentation to the merchant. The merchant can recognize the visual verification pattern and enter the discount or rebate associated with the coupon into the terminal along with the purchase details. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317899 | E-COMMERCE PURCHASE ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for determining e-commerce purchase eligibility of product offerings restricted to particular market segments and used in conjunction with an e-commerce system is described. Identifying information provided by the user is compared to a white list of eligibility parameters selected and configured by the vendor. An e-mail confirming eligibility and containing a customized URL is provided to the user; selecting the link automatically logs the user into the account. The system allows limited or unlimited purchases to be made by qualified users. Fraud detection is performed prior to checkout. Once the order has been processed the user may immediately download the product. An e-mail is sent to the user providing delayed downloading instructions and license key. Downloading may inject the license key for automatic software product or application activation. | 11-28-2013 |
20130332253 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR REDEMPTION HEADER FOR MERCHANT OFFERS - Devices, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media for a redemption header for merchant offers, such as online coupons, are provided. In some embodiments, an offers website may provide offers, such as online coupons, in a browser executing on a user device. When a user selects an online coupon, the browser is redirected to a merchant website associated with the online coupon and a coupon code value is copied to a clipboard. Additionally, a redemption header having the coupon code and instructions is added in the merchant webpage. A webpage element for the redemption header, such as an inline frame, is created in the merchant webpage and the redemption header is provided based on an offer identifier stored in a browser-accessible storage item such as a cookie. | 12-12-2013 |
20130339122 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AN INTEGRATED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE - Systems and methods for facilitating retail inventory management, marketing, shopping, research, and data gathering operations via a unified application framework are described. These systems may provide an integrated shopping experience such that users are exposed to relevant product information, promotion information, and merchant information through a single application and via a unified framework. A customer device as described may be configured to interface over a network with one or more network devices to access information on retailers, product offerings, coupons, rebates, loyalty rewards, other purchase incentives, and/or the like. Some examples further include a back office interface accessible by suppliers, retailers, manufacturers and/or the like. The back office interface may enable suppliers, retailers, manufacturers, and/or other parties to upload content, such as, product information, advertisements, coupons, rebates, and/or the like, such that the uploaded content may be accessible by users of the mobile application provided by some example embodiments. | 12-19-2013 |
20130339123 | GROUP NATURE VERIFICATION FOR PROVIDING GROUP INCENTIVES - Technologies are provided for verifying the group nature of a consumer request to provide a group incentive. In some examples, a consumer may purchase goods and services from a merchant over a network, and may request to take advantage of a group incentive associated with an established group. The merchant may verify that the consumer is a member of the established group before allowing the consumer to receive or use the group incentive. Upon receiving the request associated with the group incentive, the merchant may identify attributes of the consumer and/or the group the consumer claims to belong to. If the attributes match a commonality criterion, the incentive may be authorized. Additionally, the merchant may require a physical appearance of the consumer along with other group members in order to utilize the group incentive. | 12-19-2013 |
20130346178 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING COUPON IN CONNECTION WITH SOCIAL NETWORKING SERVICE - A method and system for providing a coupon in connection with Social Networking Service (SNS), the method includes transmitting a coupon guide page including coupon guide information to a user terminal through a transceiver of a service server by a page manager, providing a mission completion input page for a mission to the user terminal by a mission completion input page provider, when the user terminal transmits an authorization grant signal to an SNS management server operating the SNS, the authorization grant signal granting the service server with authority for an SNS account to which a user logs in, receiving mission completion information input to the mission completion input page from the user terminal by the transceiver of the service server, and transmitting a coupon corresponding to the coupon guide information to the user terminal through the transceiver of the service server by a coupon provider of the service server. | 12-26-2013 |
20140006133 | SOFTWARE AND METHODS TO GOVERN THE ISSUANCE, USE AND REDEMPTION OF CODES | 01-02-2014 |
20140006134 | PRODUCT PURCHASE PLATFORM USING MOBILE TERMINAL IN PRODUCT EXCHANGE | 01-02-2014 |
20140025467 | OFFER ACTIVATION ACTIVITY AS AUTHENTICATION MECHANISM - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for authentication based on offer activation activity. An exemplary apparatus is configured to receive a user's access request; determine an activated offer and a rejected offer within a predetermined period in the past; and initiate presentation of an authentication prompt, wherein the authentication prompt is based on at least one of the activated offer or the rejected offer. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025468 | READABLE INDICIA FOR A REBATE REQUEST - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for processing readable indicia for a rebate request. An exemplary system is configured to: receive information associated with readable indicia associated with a rebate request; and process the readable indicia to issue a rebate associated with a rebate request, wherein the rebate comprises issuance of a credit associated with a purchase previously made from the merchant. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025469 | REWARD GRANTING APPARATUS, REWARD GRANTING METHOD, AND REWARD GRANTING PROGRAM - The reward granting apparatus has: a first determination unit, which determines whether or not a session ID is registered in a DB, this session ID being associated with a user ID and an application ID included in a application activation request message; an application activation command unit, which issues an application activation command that includes the session ID, the user ID, and the application ID, when the session ID is registered in the DB; a session ID extraction unit, which extracts from the DB the session ID corresponding to the user ID and the application ID included in a reward request message; a second determination unit, which determines whether or not the extracted session ID matches the session ID included in the reward request message; and a reward granting unit, which executes a process for granting a reward when both of the session IDs match. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025470 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING MERCHANT-CUSTOMER RETAIL EVENTS - Method and system is disclosed for facilitating merchant-customer retail events. The retailing system provides a service that simplifies the processes whereby consumers interact electronically with merchants, to pay for purchases, to receive relevant offers, and/or track receipts. A method for allowing a consumer to complete a payment transaction with a merchant is described. The method includes providing a redemption code to the user when the user is physically present within a preset area or distance to the merchant. In this way fraud and transaction quantity may be controlled. | 01-23-2014 |
20140032297 | MOBILE DEVICE MEDIATED HANDLING OF REWARD POINTS REDEEMABLE TOWARDS LOCAL TRANSPORTATION - A method and system for generating, collecting and redeeming reward points. The reward points are redeemable for local transportation services such as taxi transportation. Generation comprises providing a reward code in conjunction with a receipt or bill associated with a qualifying transaction. Reward points are collected by entering the reward code into a mobile device application. A remote server tracks the collection of reward points. Reward points are shareable between users via the mobile device application. Reward points are redeemable via the application. | 01-30-2014 |
20140040001 | System and Method for Managing Merchant-Consumer Interactions - A system for combining a payment mechanism with an offer to a consumer is described. The system includes a virtual payment account number generation engine to generate virtual payment account numbers that can be used by a consumer in a payment transaction at a merchant, the virtual payment account number generation service also operable to take a portion of the virtual payment account number and send it as a checkout code to a consumer using the consumer's mobile device, and an offer generation engine used to set rules for an offer to be sent to consumers, create a fund for the offer, and determine individual consumer's eligibility for the offer. The offer is associated with the checkout code such that the offer is processed as part of the payment during the payment transaction using the virtual payment account number. | 02-06-2014 |
20140040002 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING TRANSFERABLE ITEM PRICES - Systems and methods are provided to associate a transferable item price with a first consumer and to determine that a second consumer is entitled to purchase an item in exchange for payment of an amount based on the transferable item price. In one embodiment, the first consumer arranges to purchase an item at a first price. The merchant transmits a transferable item price code to the first consumer. The first consumer sends the transferable item price code to the second consumer, such as by including the transferable item price code in an e-mail message. The second consumer transmits the transferable item price code to the merchant to establish that he or she is entitled to purchase the item at the first price. | 02-06-2014 |
20140046746 | INTERNET PAYMENT, AUTHENTICATION AND LOADING SYSTEM USING VIRTUAL SMART CARD - A system loads, authenticates and uses a virtual smart card for payment of goods and/or services purchased on-line over the Internet. An online purchase and load (OPAL) server includes a virtual smart card data base that has a record of information for each smart card that it represents for a user at the behest of an issuer. The server includes a smart card emulator that emulates a smart card by using the card data base and a hardware security module. The emulator interacts with a pseudo card reader module in the server that imitates a physical card reader. The server also includes a client code module that interacts with the pseudo card reader and a remote payment or load server. A pass-through client terminal presents a user interface and passes information between the OPAL server and a merchant server, and between the OPAL server and a bank server. | 02-13-2014 |
20140052522 | Promotion Management Systems and Methods - A request may be received from a customer device to access a local area network, the local area network accessible via one or more network access points in a geographic location. A network entry page may be provided to the customer device in response to the request, the network entry page providing a portal to a set of promotions offered by a set of merchants, the set of promotions redeemable by a user of the customer device, the set of merchants being in the geographic location. A selection may be received by the user of a particular promotion from the set of promotions. A promotion code associated with the particular promotion may be provided to the customer device. The promotion code may enable redemption of the particular promotion from a particular merchant. | 02-20-2014 |
20140052523 | Systems and Methods for Mutually Promoting Fundraising Organizations and Merchants - The disclosure includes systems and methods for promoting fundraising organizations and merchants. In one embodiment, a method can be provided. The method can include receiving an indication a merchant-associated tag was scanned by a tag reader via a processor-based device at a merchant location; validating the merchant-associated tag and scanning event; and providing an incentive to a beneficiary based at least in part on the validation of the merchant-associated tag and the scanning event. | 02-20-2014 |
20140058817 | SYSTEMS AND/OR METHODS FOR FRAUD DETECTION IN AWARD POINT PROGRAMS - Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased items and, more particularly, to improved electronic registration techniques that provide validation and/or verification services for an award points program and/or products having associated award points. Certain exemplary embodiments provide electronic award points management techniques that authenticate item purchases, determine eligibility for inclusion in a manufacturer's or a retailer's award program, help identify and detect potential fraudulent transactions involving award points and/or associated products, etc. Certain exemplary embodiments may allow point information to be printed directly on a case where it is continually visible, which may, in turn, help increase enrollment by increasing visibility of the program, reducing the likelihood of insert cards being lost, etc., while at the same time reducing costs for program implementation on the part of manufacturers, retailers, etc. | 02-27-2014 |
20140058818 | Offer redemption of an offer at a retailer interface that identifies a retail transaction and line items used by offer validation - An offer redemption system is provided with least one computing device. An offer clearinghouse application is executable in the at least one computing device. The offer clearinghouse application includes, (i) one or more processes that receives details of an offer including at least one product to which n offer applies and at least one offer restriction for the offer, (ii) one or more processors that provides for distribution of the offer to users on behalf of an advertiser and (iii) one or more processors that provides for redemption of the offer with a retailer. A retailer interface receives, at a time of offer redemption, information to identify a retail transaction and line item used by an offer validation. | 02-27-2014 |
20140058819 | Methods, Devices, And Computer Program Products For Customer Operated Coupon Tracking - A method of providing coupons for shopping includes storing a shopping list in an electronic device including items for purchase via a merchant, storing electronic representations of coupons in the electronic device and associating the electronic representations of coupons with items included in the shopping list. | 02-27-2014 |
20140074577 | Apparatus and Method to Attract Potential Customers to a Dual Screen Coupon Kiosk - The dual screen coupon kiosk is an apparatus that attracts potential customers with a prominent display and provides the potential customers with an easy-to-use interface. The dual screen coupon kiosk comprises a touch screen, a card reader, a gift certificate scanner, a printer, a keypad, and a user login receiver. The card reader and the gift certificate scanner retrieve financial information from a user. The printer allows the apparatus to physically print a specific coupon for a user. The keypad or the user login receiver allows access to a specific user account. The software running on the apparatus attracts potential customers by displaying either an advertisement or a map of the shopping area on the top portion of the touch screen. The software provides the interface to browse the coupons through the bottom portion of the touch screen. The software primarily organizes the coupons either by categories or by merchant. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074578 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACTIVATING AND VALIDATING COUPONS - This invention discloses a novel system and method for distributing physical coupon cards, each with a unique identifier, that are activated on-line by means of associating the coupon number with an activating user's identity. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074579 | Method and System for Facilitating Access to a Promotional Offer - A method of facilitating access to a promotional offer, the method comprising: receiving at a server system a page request from a client device; and sending program code executable in a browser application to the client device in response to the page request, the program code being executable to display at least one promotional offer and a promotional code, to provide a flash object at a display position of the promotional code and, in response to selection of the flash object, to cause the promotional code to be copied to a user-accessible memory of the client device and to open a new browser display of the browser application. | 03-13-2014 |
20140081732 | INCENTIVIZED, AUTHENTICATED PRESENCE VERIFIED PROSPECT AGGREGATOR - A computer implemented method for inducing customers to visit a retail establishment to engage in a financial transaction. An offer to redeem a stored value payment card dependent upon visiting the retail establishment is displayed on a first computer to an end user. Personal user information is gathered and a unique redemption PIN is created. A second computer displays to a retailer at the physical retail establishment a retailer interface used for validating the unique redemption PIN. Upon visiting the physical retail establishment the end user validates the redemption PIN. The retailer interface received a mailing address from end user and mails a stored value payment card to the end user. End user activates the stored value payment card by visiting a unique URL and answering questions associated with their visit. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081733 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REWARDING IN CHANNEL ACCOMPLISHMENTS - The systems, methods, and computer program products (collectively “systems”) described herein are generally configured to monitor actions in digital channels. More specifically, the systems may be employed in digital channels to initiate purchases or facilitate rewards. The systems are capable of syncing transaction accounts with various digital channels. Moreover, the systems are capable of initiating or completing transaction based on user information. The systems may also be capable of providing rewards based on activities or accomplishments in the digital channels. Moreover, the systems may be capable of verifying activities based on transaction information. | 03-20-2014 |
20140081734 | RETAIL POINT-OF-TRANSACTION SYSTEMS, PROGRAM PRODUCTS, AND RELATED METHODS TO PROVIDE A CUSTOMIZED SET OF IDENTIFICATION DATA TO FACILITATE A RETAIL TRANSACTION USING ELECTRONIC COUPONS - Retail point-of-transaction systems, program products, and related computer implemented methods to provide a customized set of identification data to facilitate a retail sales point-of-sale transaction which includes the use of one or more electronic coupons is provided. The retail point-of-sale system can include a computer having memory and configured to facilitate one or more transactions each of which include the use of one or more electronic coupons through a retail point-of-transaction terminal positioned remote from, and adapted to be in communication with, the computer. The computer can also include a set of instructions that when executed by the computer cause the computer to redeem one or more electronic coupons for one or more retail transactions responsive to a customized set of identification data provided by the computer responsive to a data profile derived from a set of personal data of at least one of a plurality of remotely positioned users. | 03-20-2014 |
20140089070 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETECTING FRAUD IN THE PROVISION OF A DEAL FOR A SERVICE ON A MOBILE DEVICE - A system and method for detecting and accounting for the improper use of a deal code on a mobile device. When the user initially configures the mobile device, the third-party provider receives information from the mobile device that includes user information, mobile device information, a deal code associated with a third-party service, information about an application program preloaded on the mobile device associated with the service, and a hash value that is at least partially calculated based on the foregoing. The third-party service provider calculates a second hash value at least partially based on the received information and based on other predetermined information and compares the first hash value to the second hash value. Based on the comparison, the system determines if use of the deal code is improper and, if so, tracks the user and mobile device information to prevent improper use of the deal code. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089071 | SMART VOUCHER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Method for efficient use of meal vouchers comprising issuing a unique meal voucher having a per diem value and preset use criteria, verifying voucher validity for use under at least one preset criterion, and, if the preset criterion is satisfied, allowing the use of the voucher. Use criteria may include a day and time limitation on voucher use, redemption of the voucher for goods other than a meal and/or accumulation of the voucher per diem value to a preset sum and/or over a preset period. A system implementing the method includes a dedicated server running applications which enable interaction between employers, employees, meal and non-meal suppliers and non-employee users for issue, distribution and efficient use of meal vouchers which can also be redeemed for goods other than meals and/or have their per diem value accumulated before redemption. | 03-27-2014 |
20140095286 | Private Third Party Validation of Hardware Identification for Offer Enrollment - Systems and methods are described herein for validating computer hardware identification information. A validation server can receive a request from an offer provider to validate an instance of computer hardware for enrollment in an offer. The offer may be associated with a service identifier. The validation server can request a hardware identification code from the instance of computer hardware. The validation server can receive the hardware identification code from the instance of computer hardware. The validation server can validate that the hardware identification code is eligible to enroll in the offer associated with the service identifier and then transmit a response to the offer provider indicating the validated status while maintaining privacy of the hardware identification code away from the offer provider. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095287 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC AND IDENTIFIABLE COUPON REDEMPTION - A method for distributing coupons includes: storing consumer profiles, each profile including a consumer identifier and authentication information; storing coupons, each coupon including a coupon identifier, consumer identification, reward, and merchant identifier; receiving a request, the request including authentication data and merchant information; identifying a consumer profile for a consumer based on the authentication information and the authentication data; identifying a coupon associated with the merchant information and the consumer profile; and transmitting, to a merchant, the coupon. A method for applying coupons includes: receiving a coupon, the coupon including an identifier, reward, and a merchant or product identifier; transmitting the coupon to a consumer where the coupon includes the merchant identifier or the product identifier corresponds to the product; receiving instruction to apply the coupon; modifying a transaction amount based on the associated reward; and submitting an authorization request for the transaction based on the modified amount. | 04-03-2014 |
20140100933 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A DIGITAL SHOPPING NETWORK - A Digital Shopping Network allows consumers to interact with a call to action (CTA) displayed with a unique serialized actionable medium. The actionable medium is associated with a uniquely identifiable variable offer at a public site. When the consumer responds to the CTA, a time variable offer response is generated by a processor accessing variable data stored in a Digital Network Database (DND) for that serialized actionable medium. The DND may include an Offer Database for multiple offer responses, including the time variable offer response, each offer response corresponding to a time variable description for a corresponding CTA available to the consumer at the public site. The offer response is communicated to the consumer, or to a designated recipient, via a mobile communication network, the Internet or other electronic means. The invention includes a network system, software program and a method of operating the network. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100934 | ADVERTISING SYSTEM AND ADVERTISING METHOD - In a display device | 04-10-2014 |
20140100935 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Tying Symbolic Content To A a Physical Locality In A User-Performable Activity Scenario - A computer-implemented system and method for tying symbolic content to a physical locality in a user-performable activity scenario is provided. A computer-executable script for an activity scenario is stored. The activity scenario includes a plurality of user-performable written instructions and at least one requirements within the instructions. The at least one requirement includes both a presence of a mobile device and an acquisition of readable symbolic content by the mobile device while both within a geolocationally-defined physical area. The computer-executable script is executed on the mobile device by displaying the written instructions in the activity scenario to the user and determining fulfillment of the written instructions by the user. Upon satisfactory completion the written instructions in the activity scenario, as confirmed by the mobile device, an incentive is awarded to the user. | 04-10-2014 |
20140108116 | Method and System for Redeeming Product Marketing Rebates - A system and computerized method of processing a rebate claim from a purchaser comprising means for or steps of receiving and storing: (a) personal information about the purchaser, including an account identifier associated with a designated account, (b) promotion information comprising one or more promotional offers associated with one or more promoted products, (c) purchase information corresponding to the at least one purchase transaction in which the designated account was used as an instrument of payment. Purchase information is associated with the purchaser using the designated account identifier, the rebate claim is validated, and the collective value associated with the rebate claim is provided to the purchaser. One embodiment may comprise means for or a step of receiving an instruction from the purchaser via an online user interface prior to the end of a qualifying period authorizing completion of rebate claim processing. | 04-17-2014 |
20140108117 | COUPON COPY PROTECTION - A data distribution system which includes business groups, a client system and a main database system is described. Coupons and coupon data may be exchanged between the business groups, the client system and the main database system. Each coupon being exchanged may include one or more fraud protection features that can neither be altered nor tampered by users, consumers or retailers. | 04-17-2014 |
20140108118 | METHOD, SERVER AND SYSTEM FOR RELEASING A COMMODITY - According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for releasing a commodity is provided comprising: receiving commodity information from a client by a server; querying in a database, by the server, commodity order information corresponding to the commodity within a predetermined time period; obtaining, by the server, an average price for the commodity based on the commodity order information; and sending the average price and/or a price cut extent to the client by the server. | 04-17-2014 |
20140122210 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING AND REDEEMING ELECTRONIC COUPONS - A method of verifying the authenticity of an electronic coupon is described. The method includes transmitting the electronic coupon to a mobile device of a consumer and verifying the authenticity of the electronic coupon. The electronic coupon includes an image with one or more visual elements for display on the mobile device at least one of which is capable of moving when activated by a user of the electronic device. Observation of the movement of the moving visual element after activation confirms the authenticity of the electronic coupon. A computer readable medium comprising instructions to manipulate a processor is also described. The medium includes instructions to send display data for an electronic coupon image including one or more visual elements as described above to a mobile device of a consumer and instructions to activate the moving visual element when an input is received from a user of the mobile device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140149197 | Coupon or Voucher Verification Method, System, and Apparatus - An electronic coupon or voucher display includes a dynamic time-limited visual indicator that permits personnel at a vendor or merchant to confirm the validity of the coupon or voucher based solely on visual inspection of the dynamic time-limited visual indicator, without the need for scanning of the coupon or voucher, input of a coupon or voucher code, or communication with the coupon or voucher issuer. Display of the dynamic time-limited visual indicator is store or location specific and initiated following selection of a store or location, notification that a coupon or voucher is available and indication by the user of an intention to redeem the coupon or voucher, and a determination that the coupon or voucher is accepted at a detected location of the portable electronic device on which the coupon or voucher is to be displayed. | 05-29-2014 |
20140172532 | OPTIMAL UTILIZATION OF COUPONS - The disclosure is related to optimally utilizing coupons stored in user equipment. Information on coupons stored in the user equipment may be collected by scanning memory sectors of the user equipment. A representative coupon code that represents the coupons stored in the user equipment may be generated to include the obtained coupon information with device identification (ID) information, authentication information, and service server information. Such a generated representative coupon code may be outputted upon a predetermined event. | 06-19-2014 |
20140195321 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE ANONYMOUS TARGETED DELIVERY, APPLICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC COUPONS AND PROMOTIONS - A sponsor-agnostic and scalable platform is disclosed that enables websites and point-of-sale terminals to apply targeted offers to anonymous consumers' purchases. Reimbursements to retailers for sponsors' offers are expedited by installing an API (Application Program Interface) at points-of-sale in the retailer's offer network. The API transmits reports and sales data to the platform for respective offer protocols submitted to the platform. The API also sends anonymous registration authentication data entered by a consumer at the point-of-sale to the platform and sends registered consumers' anonymous personae to the retailer's offer network which then supplies eligible offers to the point-of-sale. Alternatively, when sponsors' offer protocols specify which anonymous personae are eligible, the platform may send offers for which a persona of the registered consumer is eligible to the point-of-sale. The fully-implemented platform provides integrity alerts, sales demographics and consumer registration. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195322 | System for Marketing Campaign Specification and Secure Digital Coupon Redemption - Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process. | 07-10-2014 |
20140200981 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC DISCOUNTING AND PAYMENT PROCESSES - The present invention relates to providing a system for allowing coupon-based transaction, and, more particularly, to system and method for facilitating point-of-sale transaction based on the use of coupons. | 07-17-2014 |
20140207552 | PUBLISHING AND REDEEMING ELECTRONIC MANUFACTURER COUPONS - A facility for distributing and redeeming electronic manufacturer coupons is described. The facility receives user input selecting a merchant location and displays information about offers redeemable at the selected merchant location that include at least one electronic manufacturer coupon. The facility receives user input requesting redemption of an electronic manufacturer coupon at the selected merchant location, and in response displays information about the distinguished electronic manufacturer coupon including a code for redemption of the offer, records data about the redemption, and transmits recorded redemption data. | 07-24-2014 |
20140207553 | Digital Punch Card for Mobile Device - A method for verifying a location of a user of a mobile device is disclosed. The method involves: receiving an indicia of a location of the mobile device based on an at-location element proximate to the mobile device; receiving a global positioning system (GPS) position associated with the mobile device; determining whether at least one security condition is satisfied based on the indicia of the location and the GPS position; and causing a next action to occur when the at least one security condition is satisfied, or not causing the next action to occur when the at least one security condition is not satisfied. | 07-24-2014 |
20140214514 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATED COUPON PROCESSING - A computer-implemented method for processing coupons in a point of sale terminal includes receiving electronic coupon data representing a machine-readable coupon code. The coupon code is associated with a coupon presented by a customer at a retail point of sale. The method further includes receiving electronic coupon validation data representing at least one valid coupon code and/or at least one fraudulent coupon code. The method further comprises determining whether the coupon is valid based on the coupon code and the valid coupon code(s) and/or the fraudulent coupon code(s), and identifying the coupon as accepted or invalid based on the determination of whether the coupon is valid. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214515 | PROMOTIONAL CODE REDEMPTION FOR IN-APPLICATION FEATURES USED WITH APPLICATION PROGRAMS - Improved techniques and systems for redemption of a promotional code for acquisition of a digital product, such as an in-application asset, for use in a corresponding application program are disclosed. The in-application asset can, for example, pertain to a consumable asset or a non-consumable asset. The techniques and systems can operate to validate the promotional code that is being redeemed to acquire the in-application asset, and can confirm that a requestor's redemption device has the corresponding application program installed thereon. Compatibility of the corresponding application program with the in-application asset can be confirmed. Updates to the corresponding application program can also be provided. | 07-31-2014 |
20140236696 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETECTING AND REJECTING FRADULENT COUPONS - A system for processing a coupon offered for redemption in relation to a purchase transaction may include a database having stored therein fraudulent coupon data corresponding to one or more fraudulent coupons, and a purchase interface to process the purchase transaction. The purchase interface illustratively has a coupon processing module to compare the coupon to the fraudulent coupon data stored in the database and to automatically deduct a discount amount of the coupon from a price of a corresponding item included in the purchase transaction if the coupon does not match any of the one or more fraudulent coupons. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236697 | MANAGING DIGITAL COUPONS - Described embodiments provide a device for storing and managing a coupon in a smart card. Such a device may include a receiver, a sensor, a writer, and a reader. The receiver may be configured to receive at least one of a write request and a read request from a user where the read request is for reading a selected coupon from the smart card and the write request is for writing a selected coupon the smart card. The sensor may be configured to sense a near field communication (NFC) tag included in a smart card when the smart card is located within a predetermined distance from the device. The writer may be configured to store coupon data of a selected coupon in the smart card in response to the write request. The reader may be configured to read coupon data stored in the smart card in response to the read request. The smart card may be a combi card capable of radio frequency communication with other entities. | 08-21-2014 |
20140244373 | MOBILE LOYALTY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A mobile loyalty system for preventing fraudulent redemption of a reward is disclosed which comprises a mobile communication device having a screen and configured to run a mobile application for obtaining a code representative of a visit to a merchant, the mobile application for transmitting information associated with obtaining the code representative of the visit to the merchant and for receiving information associated with a reward to be redeemed at the merchant, the screen for displaying the reward to be redeemed and a motion element for preventing fraudulent redemption of the reward. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244374 | TECHNIQUES FOR VOUCHER OR REBATE REDEMPTION - Techniques for voucher or rebate redemption are provided. An enterprise system electronically distributes an encoded voucher or rebate to a device of a consumer. In an embodiment, the consumer electronically presents the encoded rebate or voucher at a kiosk, via the device, and receives a card preloaded with a value for the voucher or the rebate. In another case, the consumer electronically presents the encoded rebate or voucher at a retailer, via the device, during a transaction and a value for the voucher or the rebate is debited based on the transaction. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249908 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROMOTION CREATION AND REDEPTION - A method and system for the creation of coupons at a centralized server and distribution to multiple users is shown. The coupons are received at mobile devices and are redeemed at participating retail locations, which connect to an administration server that employs both an online and offline authentication process to ensure users are attempting to redeem valid coupon. | 09-04-2014 |
20140257957 | ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION DEVICE - A system and method is provided for verifying the location of a user when operating a program that tracks when a user is present at one or more locations. The system uses a display unit that displays a predictable pseudo random string that changes periodically. To verify that a user is at a particular location, the user enters the currently displayed pseudo random string in a web site. Based on the string entered, a server can verify the location of the user. | 09-11-2014 |
20140278879 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREVENTION OF VIOLATIONS IN OFFER REDEMPTION - A method for determining the validity of an offer redemption includes: storing, in an algorithm database, at least one scoring algorithm, each algorithm associated with an offer identification; storing, in a consumer database, consumer profiles, each profile including a consumer identification and evaluation data; receiving transaction information for a financial transaction, the transaction including a consumer identifier, an offer identifier, and a redeemed offer; identifying a specific profile, wherein the consumer identification corresponds to the consumer identifier; identifying a specific algorithm, wherein the offer identification corresponds to the offer identifier; identifying a redemption validity score based on the redeemed offer and an application of the specific algorithm to the evaluation data of the specific profile; and transmitting the identified redemption validity score to an entity associated with the offer identifier. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278880 | Matching a Coupon to A Specific Product - A computer-implemented method, a system and a computer program product for processing third party online coupons. According to one embodiment, a third-party online coupon is received. Text is parsed to determine a merchant's website. The third-party online coupon description is parsed to determine a product term. The product term is searched for. The third-party online coupon is tested with a product associated with the product term. The third-party online coupon is determined if valid with the product. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278881 | Automated Method and System for Coupon Vision and Interpretation With Selective Use of Human Assisted Processing - A method for interpreting user submitted coupon images is described. A coupon image is received over a network from a user. The coupon image is associated with a coupon. A server system processes the received coupon image to identify one or more coupon matching characteristics. The one or more coupon matching characteristics are compared to historical coupon data stored in a coupon database. Matching coupon data is returned to the user if a coupon matching the one or more coupon matching characteristics is found in the coupon database. The received coupon image is transmitted for human assisted processing if a coupon matching the one or more coupon matching characteristics is not found in the coupon database. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278882 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC PROMOTIONAL OFFERS - A method for implementing electronic promotional offers and a promotion system are provided. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving promotional offer information associated with a consumer. Optionally the information may be transmitted by a near-field communication and/or in another form of two-way communication mode. The promotional offer information is authenticated. In one embodiment, the promotional offer information is encrypted during transmission and decrypted upon receipt. A request to confirm that the consumer wishes to redeem the promotional offer may be sent. After receiving the confirmation, the promotional offer information is processed and the promotion of the promotional offer is implemented. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278883 | Fraud Prevention Systems And Methods For A Price Comparison System - Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating a transaction concluded at a POS (point of sale) device. Prices for competitive retail stores within a geographic region of the POS may be evaluated after concluding a transaction. Price differences between items and corresponding prices in the third party data are identified. Where the purchase price exceeds the corresponding third-party price, a credit is assigned to the customer, such as in the form of a gift card or code that may be redeemed in a subsequent transaction. Credits may also be assigned to a debit card associated with a user, either with or without applying some multiplier. Transactions may be compared to past transaction of a user in order to detect fraud. Recent activity may be flagged as potentially fraudulent and reviewed before providing a credit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140297382 | Electronic Incentive Redemption and Clearing System - A System Solution offers a Retailer and a Manufacturer a way to prevent Coupon Fraud when Electronic Coupons are used. A plurality of Electronic Coupons are redeemed by Consumers and an Electronic Coupon Clearing Process validates that the redeemed Electronic Coupons are legitimately redeemed by a Consumer when purchasing associated products or services and that the total number and Face Value of the redeemed Electronic Coupons are not altered by any business entity, organization, or individual. The System Solution computes a Redemption Encrypted Identifier that is associated with the redeemed Electronic Coupon and is validated against stored parameters by an Electronic Clearing House. The Redemption Encrypted Identifier is computed using a first identifier known by a Retailer and a second identifier known by a Manufacturer. | 10-02-2014 |
20140304054 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HANDLING GAMIFICATION FRAUD - Some embodiments of the present invention include determining if updates performed by a second user include a systematic change such as a reversal of an update previously performed by a first user within a time window. The reversal is associated with a record of data used by a gamification application executing in a computer system. A time delay is introduced between the update performed by the second user and rewarding the second user if the update performed by the second user includes the reversal within the time window. An update history of the first user and the second user is evaluated to identify pattern of reversals associated with similar records within the time window. The second user is prevented from being rewarded based on identifying that there are patterns of reversals from the update history occurring within the time window. | 10-09-2014 |
20140304055 | Using Mix-Media for Payment Authorization - Techniques for identifying a user and authenticating payment transactions based on the identification include requesting the user to send his audio, video, and/or image from the point of sale location and comparing the received audio, video, and/or image to an audio/video/image on file to identify and authenticate the user as being the official holder of the payment device being used in the transaction. Once the user is authenticated, the payment processing can be performed using conventional techniques. Some techniques involve use of accelerometer data associated with the user in addition to or in lieu of the audio, video, and/or image data to perform the identification and authentication of the user. | 10-09-2014 |
20140310083 | Edupon System And Method - Edupon is a type of a discount system on the merchandise items or services, where it splits total discount amount of offer between promotor/fundraiser/marketer and the customer/purchaser/user of the Edupon. It embeds the identity of the promotor/fundraiser/marketer along with the offer information. When printed or electronic Edupon is used during purchase of the merchandise item or service, offer is activate in the computer based platform and records the information in it for offer fund(money) disbursement for both promotor/fundraiser/marketer and customer/purchaser/user. | 10-16-2014 |
20140330629 | SCANNABLE CODE TAGS FOR USE IN SOCIAL NETWORKING AND GROUP INVITATION - An apparatus and method for cloud-based storage, retrieval and sharing of files tagged with scannable code tags and group invitation. This application and method includes establishing a user account on a network, the user account being linked to a user space configured to store at least media files for an owner of the user account, generating a scannable code tag, and linking the scannable code tag with the user account and the owner. The method also includes linking a group invitation to one or more media files. | 11-06-2014 |
20140344043 | Methods and Systems for Converting Paper Coupons To Electronic Coupons and Subsequently Managing Paper and Electronic Coupons From Manufacturer to Customer to Retailer and Back to Manufacturer Also Known As A Coupon Management System - Methods and systems for managing both electronic and paper coupons that includes a coupon web application and coupon card that allows paper coupons to be electronic, paperless, easily accessible, and organized with the use of mobile devices and wireless capable kiosk. Disclosed herein, the aforementioned printed and/or electronic coupons will have the ability to be loaded via web application to mobile device and/or scanned via wireless capable kiosk or personal home scanner. These same coupons will be placed in a user account via the web application and/or placed on a coupon card that will have the capability to be scanned by a retail UPC-type scanner for the process of being redeemed. This coupon web application and coupon card allows all coupons to be captured into one place, extracted effortlessly, notifies of expiration and allows better and easier utilization. | 11-20-2014 |
20140351038 | Distribution and Redemption of Coupons Targeted to Mobile Devices - A system and a method for distributing and redeeming coupons through mobile devices of consumers are disclosed. Consumers submit a coupon and purchase proof to the redemption server through mobile devices. Once the purchase information is confirmed, a reward is granted to the consumers along with a survey with questions about consumer demographic information and product related questions. The consumers' answers to the survey questions help target the future coupon distributions. | 11-27-2014 |
20140365288 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEFINING, DISTRIBUTING, AND REDEEMING SMS AND MMS COUPONS - A method and apparatus is disclosed that allows advertisers to define and distribute Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) coupons to consumers, and for consumers to redeem the received coupons, where such SMS and MMS coupons are used by businesses to promote their products and services to consumers. | 12-11-2014 |
20140372195 | ELECTRONIC REWARD SYSTEM - Data is detected from transaction systems, the data including a party's financial inflows, holding, outflows, payables and receivables. Data is also detected from location systems, the data including a party's proximity to a place or further party. Data is processed to determine if a reward should be triggered. Rewards are expressed as an amount of a virtual currency. | 12-18-2014 |
20140372196 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING PROMOTIONAL CERTIFICATES - A system for distributing promotional certificates includes a system server and a user device. The system server has a processor and a memory. The memory is in communication with the processor and has at least one database embodied thereon. The database defines a plurality of users, a plurality of participating businesses, and a plurality of promotional certificates associated with the participating businesses. The processor is configured to associate in the memory each of the users with either an individual one of the participating businesses or a provider of the system server. The user device is associated with one of the users, and is in communication with the system server. The user device has a software application that is configured to present the promotional certificates for redemption at the participating businesses. | 12-18-2014 |
20140379452 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING CERTIFICATES HAVING UNIQUE ID DATA - A method and system for the electronic distribution of product redemption coupons to remote personal computers located at users' homes are disclosed. A centrally located repository, such as an online service provider or web site on the Internet, stores packages of coupon data for downloading on demand to the user's computer. A coupon generated by the system and method of the present invention comprises an encoded area that consists essentially of a unique Coupon Id. The unique Coupon Id is also recorded in a database comprising a plurality of data tables. At least one of the data tables associates each Coupon Id with one or more of a Promotion Id and a Consumer Id. Preferably, the Print Id is also associated in a data table with a Session Id and information regarding the date/time of printing. The Ids other than the Coupon Id may not be printed on the coupon. | 12-25-2014 |
20150019316 | DISTRIBUTED GENERATION OF A COUPON - A distributed generation of coupons system and method is described. One example develops a campaign having a set of rules at a campaign management system. in addition, a communication channel is established between the campaign management system and a coupon generating subsystem. The campaign having a set of rules is provided from the campaign management system to the coupon generating subsystem via the communication channel. The coupon generating subsystem is authorized to independently generate a coupon based on the set of rules of the campaign without requiring communication between the coupon generating subsystem and the campaign management system. | 01-15-2015 |
20150025954 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDEEMING PRODUCT MARKETING REBATES - A system and method for processing product marketing rebate claims submitted by a consumer in satisfaction of a rebate offer, the consumer having purchased designated products in a qualified transaction recorded by a point-of-sale data processing and storage system that issues a receipt containing a corresponding transaction serial number. The method comprises providing a designated site of a computer information network and accessible by the consumer, and receiving a rebate claim on the designated site. The rebate claim comprises (i) the transaction serial number corresponding to the qualified transaction, and (ii) identifying information corresponding to the consumer. The transaction serial number and the identifying information is stored as a stored data record. An electronic file transfer is received from the point-of-sale data processing and storage system comprising purchase data records, each record comprising the list of products purchased and the transaction serial number for a qualified transaction in which at least one designated product was purchased. Each stored data record is associated with a purchase data record having an identical serial number, and the records are processed to validate the rebate claim. Finally, the value of the rebate offer is then transferred to the consumer. Consumer access by the designated site may be via the global computer information network or by telephone, and may also optionally integrate paper-based and smart/credit/debit-card-based rebate claims. A system for performing the above method is also claimed. | 01-22-2015 |
20150032527 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC GEOCACHING - A method and system for transferring electronic units of value to a mobile device using a computer device coupled to a database are provided. The method includes establishing a transfer account associated with the mobile device, initiating, by the mobile device, a transfer of an identifier encoded in a geo.Chip to the mobile device, receiving, by the mobile device, the identifier and a geolocation of the mobile device, transmitting the received identifier and geolocation for verification of the identifier using the geolocation, and receiving, by the mobile device, an indication of the units of value associated with the geo.Chip location. | 01-29-2015 |
20150066622 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING MOBILE COUPON AND MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE SUPPORTING THE SAME - A method for providing a mobile coupon in a mobile electronic device is provided. The method includes collecting information about the mobile coupon including a domain to which the mobile coupon is applicable, from a mobile coupon image including the mobile coupon, determining whether the domain to which the mobile coupon is applicable is identical with a domain of a web site accessed by the mobile electronic device and outputting, when the domain to which the mobile coupon is applicable is identical with a domain of a web site accessed by the mobile electronic device, the information about the mobile coupon. | 03-05-2015 |
20150106184 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CERTIFICATION DATA - A certification data management device that issues certification data easily editable on an administrator side while preventing copy and manipulation thereof, is provided. An access point device includes a communication unit, a data processing module, a memory controlling module, and a notification controlling module. The communicating unit is directly connectable with a communication terminal via wireless communication and acquires an interface ID (MAC address) used in the wireless communication, from the communication terminal. The data processing module issues certification data (electronic coupon) certifying a predetermined item. The memory controlling module performs a control of associating the interface ID with the certification data issued for the interface ID and storing them in a flash memory. The notification controlling module performs a control of transmitting, to the communication terminal, confirmation data (image of electronic coupon) indicating the issuance of the certification data, based on the information stored in the flash memory. | 04-16-2015 |
20150106185 | COUPON BEARING SPONSOR ACCOUNT TRANSACTION AUTHORIZATION - A transaction handler receives, for forwarding to a sponsor account's issuer, a coupon authorization request message from a merchant's acquirer that identifies the sponsor account and a coupon for an item being purchased by a consumer in a transaction with the merchant. The issuer determines eligibility of the coupon for use by the consumer, and sends an authorization response message to the merchant via its acquirer and the transaction handler for the application of a corresponding discount for the item when the coupon is eligible. One or more coupon eligibilities for the purchase of the item by the consumer from the merchant can be derived from comparisons of the transaction to predetermined times, geographies, jurisdictions, sets of merchants, and/or the number of times that coupons have been used in other transactions. The transaction handler can further process the transaction for authorization the consumer's account to pay of the transaction. | 04-16-2015 |
20150120423 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING AND VERIFYING COLOR BARCODE - A method, an apparatus, and a system for generating and verifying a color barcode are provided. The method for verifying the color barcode is adapted to an electronic apparatus to execute verification with use of a color barcode certificate. In the method, direction information of a plurality of boundaries among a plurality of serially connected symbolic elements in the color barcode certificate is read to retrieve first authentication information of a first party. Each of the symbolic elements is one of at least two polygons, and colors of adjacent symbolic elements are different. Color information of the symbolic elements is then read to retrieve second authentication information of a second party. An identity of a holder of the color barcode certificate is verified according to the first authentication information and the second authentication information. | 04-30-2015 |
20150127447 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPON REDEMPTION BASED ON CONNECTIVITY AND SPATIAL CONFIGURATION - An approach is provided for validating redemption of a coupon. The coupon management module causes, at least in part, presentation of a coupon via a device. Next, the coupon management module receives a first code in response to the presentation. Next, the coupon management module causes, at least in part, validation of a redemption of the coupon based, at least in part, on the first code. The validation is performed at the device, at a server, or a combination thereof. Next, the coupon management module retrieves a second code based, at least in part, on the coupon, the first code, or a combination thereof. Next, the coupon management module causes, at least in part, presentation of the second code for verification. The validation of the redemption of the coupon is further based, at least in part, on the verification of the second code. | 05-07-2015 |
20150134436 | ELECTRONIC COMMERCE REDEEMABLE TICKET - An electronic commerce ticket comprised in a redeemable ticket system including: a server side program operable on one or more servers and having: a server side communications module facilitating communication with customer devices and seller devices; a membership module for receiving and storing customer information; a seller module for receiving and storing seller information; a data module accessible by sellers for storing offers and generating verification codes associated with each offer for distribution sellers; and for distributing offers to one or more customers, and comparing verification codes associated each offer; and a client side program operable on each of the client devices and having: a client side communications module for uploading one or more offers to the servers for distribution with the verification codes to the customers by accessing their customer devices whereby one or more customers may take up any such offer by communicating the relevant verification codes to the relevant sellers. | 05-14-2015 |
20150134437 | POINT SYSTEM, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POINT SYSTEM, POINT MANAGEMENT DEVICE, PROGRAM, AND INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM - A point storage unit stores points, which are imparted to the user in an electronic commerce, in association with user identification information. A link request receiving unit receives a link request for linking user identification information and membership card identification information for identifying a membership card for receiving points imparted at an actual shop. In a case where the link request is received, a link information storage unit stores link information indicating a link between the user identification information and the membership card identification information. In a case where a point use request with a designation of the membership card identification information is received, a use permission unit permits use of the points stored in association with the user identification information linked to the membership card identification information. | 05-14-2015 |
20150142549 | MULTIPLE PARTY REWARD SYSTEM UTILIZING SINGLE ACCOUNT - A method enabling a frequent shopper reward system capable of tracking performance data of a plurality of members or account holders linked to a single frequent shopper account. | 05-21-2015 |
20150149269 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSACTION VERIFICATION - Methods, systems and device for verifying a transaction in a loyalty or advertising system are described. One such method includes: receiving, at least one processor, transaction data associated with a transaction between a customer and a merchant; determining, at the at least one processor, from the transaction data whether the customer and the merchant are associated with the loyalty or advertising system; and upon determining from the transaction data whether the transaction corresponds to a reward or advertisement, triggering the redemption of the reward or advertisement. | 05-28-2015 |
20150302455 | METHOD AND PROCESSES FOR SECURE REAL TIME PURCHASE VALIDATION AWARD SYSTEM - A method and processes for a secure real-time processing of purchase validation award requests is described. The method includes processes to submit purchase information on a real-time basis and to check on the status of the processing of the submitted purchase validation award system request also on a real-time basis. The method uses a computer information network to perform the required processes. | 10-22-2015 |
20150310474 | DATA TRANSLATOR - Systems and methods are provided for translation and validation of representations of data for use in retail transactions. The systems and methods may be implemented by a device including at least one circuit. In some implementations a device may comprise a scanning component and a display component. The scanning component may be operable to capture data corresponding to a first representation of the data. The screen may be operable to display a second representation of the data. The data may correspond to coupon data associated with the sale of a product. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310475 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREDICTING COUPON REDEMPTION - A method for identifying coupon redemption characteristics includes: storing a plurality of consumer profiles, each consumer profile including data related to a consumer including a consumer identifier and a plurality of coupon redemption data entries, each coupon redemption data entry including a coupon identifier and coupon data related to a coupon redeemed by the related consumer; receiving an authorization request for a payment transaction, the authorization request including a specific consumer identifier and a redeemed coupon identifier; identifying a specific consumer profile where the included consumer identifier corresponds to the specific consumer identifier; creating, in the specific consumer profile, a new coupon redemption data entry corresponding to a coupon corresponding to the redeemed coupon identifier; and identifying at least one coupon redemption characteristic based on the coupon data included in each of the coupon redemption data entries included in the specific consumer profile. | 10-29-2015 |
20150317662 | Systems and Methods for Secure Distribution of Coupons - Systems and methods for secure distribution of electronic coupons involve a mobile device receiving an electronic coupon and displaying a degraded image of the electronic coupon. A non-degraded image of the electronic coupon is displayed by the mobile device when an attempt to capture the electronic coupon is detected. | 11-05-2015 |
20150317663 | MOBILE LOYALTY AND PAYMENT SYSTEM USING TEMPORARY SHORT CODES - A loyalty server enables customers to use a merchant's mobile loyalty and payment program by pairing a customer's loyalty account through use of temporary codes. A customer may login to the customer's loyalty and payment account using a loyalty application installed on a mobile device. The customer can request a temporary code from the loyalty server, and provide it to a POS system associated with a merchant. The POS system can send a request to the loyalty server to retrieve customer information corresponding to the temporary code. The POS system can receive the customer's information, and the customer then earns rewards for transactions conducted with the merchant. In some embodiments, the POS system conducts a transaction using rewards or coupons. In some embodiments, the loyalty server obtains and utilizes the geolocation of the mobile device and the merchant as a portion of the means for pairing. | 11-05-2015 |
20150347995 | METHOD FOR DELIVERING MUSIC CONTENT TO A SMART PHONE - A method of distributing media content using mobile communication devices including providing media access cards which promote selected media content to users of such devices whereby a user may access a web server associated with the media access cards and download application software enabling access to selected media content via a mobile device, the media access cards including a machine readable identification number code that identifies media content associated with the card whereby the application software facilitates reading and transmitting the code to a web server via the mobile device, receiving the identification number with the web server and using the identification number to locate a table value in a database wherein a plurality of media access cards identification numbers are associated with a media content table value, using the table value to identify media codes associated with the selected content server which transmits media to the mobile device. | 12-03-2015 |
20150348116 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO INITIATE A MOBILE DATA COMMUNICATION UTILIZING A TRIGGER SYSTEM - A system and method to enable a user to initiate a communication with an organization using a mobile communication device by means of a trigger system. A system and method to enable an organization to acquire a user mobile device address by means of a trigger system. A system and method to enable an organization to respond to a user by means of a trigger system and a message application server. A system and method to enable organizations to deliver mobile messages, coupons, offers and promotions to users mobile device by means of a combination of a trigger system, a message application server and an offer application. | 12-03-2015 |
20150363812 | COUPON CONSOLIDATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for presenting a plurality of coupons at a retail check-out includes a server having a database storing coupon data related to a plurality of coupons, each associated with at least one product. The coupon data for each includes at least a product ID and a redemption value. A user interface is operated and displayed by a customer computing device and is configured to accept an input by the customer of an identification code for each of a plurality of customer-selected products and send the identification codes to the server. The server is configured to search the database for coupons associated with the customer-selected products, create a single machine-readable consolidated coupon code from coupons located in the search, and send the consolidated coupon code to the customer computing device for presentation to a cashier to obtain the redemption values during a purchase of the customer-selected products. | 12-17-2015 |
20150363813 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ELECTRONICALLY VERIFYING REQUIRED PROOF-OF-PERFORMANCE TO SECURE PROMOTIONAL REWARDS - A proof-of-performance verification system may include a receipt processing facility that receives a receipt image, wherein the receipt processing facility optionally enhances the receipt, converts the receipt image to text, and matches the text to a product or service description in accordance with a terminology database, a proof processor that electronically matches a user-selected reward offer against the product or service description to facilitate offer redemption, and at least one of a payment facility that distributes the offer redemption funds and a rewards facility that communicates incentive rewards to a central location. Related user interfaces, applications, and computer program products are disclosed. | 12-17-2015 |
20150371255 | SYSTEM OF AUTOMATIC SELECTION AND VALIDATION OF THE OPTIMAL COUPONS COMBINATION - The present invention is in the field of coupon management and redemption for customers at the point of sale. The goal of the present invention is to provide a streamlined and automated way to determine the best award according to business logic or rules as chosen to apply by a cashier or customer available to a customer at a point of sale based upon the coupons and/or discounts available to the customer that either the customer presents or that the customer has uniquely associated with their customer identifier on a processing server. | 12-24-2015 |
20160005065 | VALIDATING MOBILE COUPONS OR VOUCHERS - Apparatus and method are provided. The solution includes in an apparatus controlling ( | 01-07-2016 |
20160005066 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETECTING AND REJECTING FRADULENT COUPONS - A system for processing a received virtual coupon to determine whether it is fraudulent includes a database having stored therein fraudulent coupon data for one or more fraudulent coupons, and a database containing a virtual repository for storing virtual coupons of a specified customer of a retail enterprise. A processor is operable to receive a virtual coupon from the specified customer and then decline to store it in the virtual repository or delete or disable it after storing if the received virtual coupon is determined to be fraudulent by comparing it to the fraudulent coupon data. | 01-07-2016 |
20160019574 | Securely Managing Transactional History for Targeted Content - Mobile devices and servers that securely manage transactional history for targeted content are described. A content originator generates a secure content package for the targeted content and delivers the package to a trusted service manager (TSM). The TSM delivers the package to a first mobile device. The first mobile device presents the package for redemption and/or transfers the package to one or more additional mobile devices. Prior to presentment or transfer, the first mobile device updates a secure history container of the package to include a unique identifier of the first mobile device and a corresponding authentication token. When the package is presented for redemption, the TSM validates the package and authenticates the secure history container. The TSM delivers the authenticated secure history container to the content originator as a record of the redemption. | 01-21-2016 |
20160019575 | COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED METHODS FOR PROTECTING AND PROMOTING PRODUCTS OF A GIVEN BRAND BY USING MACHINE READABLE CODES - Computer implemented methods for protecting and promoting products of a given brand by using machine readable codes, including assigning, by a given brand, a particular value to a machine readable code localized in a packaging of a product; a user scanning the machine readable code by using a mobile computing device having installed therein a processor adapted to read the machine readable code; upon the scanning being performed, establishing communication between the processor and a remote server for storing the scanned code and performing a series of checkings of the scanned code; depending on the result of the checkings the remote server assigns a monetary compensation from the brand to the user that is delivered through the processor; and the processor informing the user about the checking, wherein the machine readable code contains information regarding a marketing campaign of the given brand, a product code and the particular value encrypted. | 01-21-2016 |
20160034940 | RESTRICTED USE CONSUMER COUPON AND METHOD USING SAME - A computer system ( | 02-04-2016 |
20160048863 | VERIFICATION OF REDEMPTION OF AN ELECTRONIC OFFER - A system can determine that a mobile device, located at a physical place of business transmits a first electronic communication for redemption of an electronic offer at the physical place of business. The system can further detect a second electronic communication transmitted from the mobile device, which indicates a first identifier. The first identifier can be associated with a verifier of the electronic offer (e.g., a staff member) at the physical place of business. The system can further determine, based on analysis of the first identifier, a second identifier (e.g., contact data, a telephone number, etc.), that corresponds to the verifier, without providing the second identifier to the mobile device. The system can further electronically transmit, utilizing the second identifier, a third electronic communication that indicates information about the redemption of the electronic offer. | 02-18-2016 |
20160063528 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING DIGITAL COUPONS - An approach for providing contextually relevant digital coupons on a user device is disclosed. A selection platform initiates a request for a digital coupon based on a first movement sensed at a device. A coupon category based on the request is determined and the digital coupon is selected. The selected digital coupon is then delivered to the device based on the request. Further, another or subsequent movement sensed at the device initiates another request for another digital coupon. The another digital coupon is selected from the determined coupon category. | 03-03-2016 |
20160092902 | Distributed Offer Marketing Over Network System and Method - An actor creates marketing offers in an offer and redemption system. On checkout at the merchant store or website, a customer's payment method is tokenized and associated with a purchase transaction, the system produces a unique code on the receipt. A customer can create a unique profile ID and customer profile and associate past transactions associated with the tokenized payment method by entering a unique code off any receipt where that payment method was used in the transaction. An actor can utilize the system to create marketing offers based off of purchase behavior and attach those offers to a unique customer profile ID. Offers are associated with the unique profile ID and are delivered to the customer. Rewards can also be automatically redeemed when conditions of the offer are met. Customers may add multiple payment methods to the profile. Subsequent use of any of the payment methods in the profile will automatically associate qualifying purchase behavior, eligible offers, and reward redemption with the customer's profile. The payment system interacts with the offer and redemption module or system to provide the offer and profile information to the customer, and to report and track offers and redemptions, providing a full circle, closed loop accounting for the merchant and other actors. | 03-31-2016 |
20160119320 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SECURE DEPLOYMENT AND USE OF BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY BEACONS AND OTHER NETWORK DEVICES - A network security system is provided to secure one or more digital commerce or advertising processes for one more users, based on the presence of the one or more users in the proximity of one or more beacons. One or more coordinating components are associated with the beacons, and these provide an identifier uniquely to the one or more users. One or more security components are configured to automatically modify an identifier associated with each beacon, based on a predetermined pattern. One or more network connected devices associated with the one or more users, receive modified identifier, process one or more data elements, and communicate with a server computer or computer network service. The server computer or computer network service received the modified identifier, and based on the predetermined pattern, determine whether the modified identifier is the same as the expected identifier for the beacon based on the predetermined pattern, and uses this information to authenticate the beacon, and based on this authentication authorize the one or more digital commerce or advertising processes. A related method for providing network security is provided. Related systems and methods are provided for securing beacons, and deploying and managing beacons. | 04-28-2016 |
20160140595 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING ELECTRONIC COUPONS - There is provided a method of processing electronic coupons, comprising: allocating a unique code to each of a plurality of electronic coupons; enabling a mobile device to receive one or more of said codes, and to store said codes in a memory of the mobile device, wherein each code is associated with one or more attributes, including a value of the corresponding electronic coupon; enabling the mobile device to output a code associated with a user-selected electronic coupon to another device. | 05-19-2016 |
20160148241 | Digital Coupon Offer Redemption - A coupon clearinghouse server receives a request for a coupon offer from a client device. The server transmits only a first subset of coupon offer data for the coupon offer to the client device, and stores, in memory, a first code for a first merchant at which the coupon offer is redeemable. The code is not revealed to the client device. Subsequently, the server receives, from the client device, a second code that the client device has obtained at a point of sale system. The server determines if there is a match between the first code and the second code, and if so, transmits the second subset of coupon offer data including coupon offer redemption instructions to the client device. The client device presents the now complete coupon offer to the point of sale system to redeem the coupon offer. | 05-26-2016 |
20160171489 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROMOTIONAL OFFERS EXCHANGE | 06-16-2016 |
20160171524 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TIME AND SPACE BASED DIGITAL AUTHENTICATION FOR IN-PERSON AND ONLINE EVENTS | 06-16-2016 |
20160189193 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTHORIZING CUSTOMIZED CONTENT - A system and method for providing customized on-line content is disclosed. The system uses customer's computer, location, URL, IP address, email domain, embedded promotion code, or other predetermined criteria to provide special content including product offerings and pricing for a particular class or subclass of customers. If an unauthorized user attempts to access the system, a series of screens containing non-customized content is presented to the intruder so as not to alert the intruder that he or she has reached the restricted content. Based on the authentication information, automated manufacturing processes and equipment may be utilized to produce the customized products. | 06-30-2016 |