MANAGEMENT OF DYNAMIC ELECTRONIC COUPONS

• US 20090076912A1
• Filed: 06/19/2008
• Published: 03/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: RAJAN, Rajeev D., KOENIG, Michal James, MOALLEMI, Kamran, MICHAELIS, Oliver, JACOBS, Paul E., DOS SANTOS, Jose Ricardo
• Granted Patent: US 9,524,502 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.640
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0222 During e-commerce, i.e. online transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0225 Avoiding frauds
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0269 based on user profile or attribute
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0273 Determination of fees for advertising

Abstract

Providing for management of a dynamic mobile coupon (DMC) at a mobile device is described herein. Particularly, dynamic characteristics associated with the DMC, such as a redeemable value, can be utilized to browse, sort, search, recall, or redeem the DMC utilizing a user interface of the mobile device. In other aspects, a DMC management application can interact with server components to backup and store DMC data, synchronize dynamic information (e.g., a dynamic redeemable value), access or manage a user profile, interface with other mobile devices to accomplish sharing, trading, exchanging, selling the DMC, and so on. Accordingly, provided is an efficient and personable way to manage mobile coupons in a mobile operating environment and provide increased value and utility for a user of such coupons.

Claims

1. A method of managing mobile coupons at a mobile device, comprising:

obtaining a mobile coupon application at least in part via wireless data exchange, wherein a mobile coupon integrated with the application comprises at least one variable characteristic;

facilitating browsing the mobile coupon at a user interface of a mobile device as a function of at least the variable characteristic; and

presenting an audio or video indication of the mobile coupon by playing the mobile coupon application at the user interface of the mobile device.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising employing a redeemable value, a product or service, a coupon ID, a redemption characteristic, or a state of supplier, product or service, manufacturer, or redemption entity profile information as the at least one variable characteristic.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a wireless broadcast that requests identification of a mobile coupon available for distribution to the mobile device.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising facilitating engaging or disengaging automatic downloading of available mobile coupons based on a user profile or user input.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

transmitting a unicast message to a remote device in conjunction with obtaining the mobile coupon application

receiving a unicast message from the remote device based on a unique characteristic of the mobile device or user profile information of the mobile device, in conjunction with obtaining the mobile coupon;

or

receiving a broadcast message from the remote device based on a general characteristic associated with the mobile device, in conjunction with obtaining the mobile coupon.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising managing a state of the variable characteristic by at least one of:

displaying the variable characteristic at the user interface;

extracting rules for altering the variable characteristic from the mobile coupon application or the wireless data exchange and presenting the rules at the user interface;

or

providing auditory, visual, or tactile indication of an impending change in the variable characteristic at the user interface.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising ranking the mobile coupon against a second mobile coupon based on data from a user profile, a coupon interaction history, a friends list or a network data store.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

associating a user coupon point with a user coupon profile based on receipt, exchange or redemption of a mobile coupon, wherein one or more such coupon points can be exchanged for a mobile coupon;

or

associating the user coupon profile with a user loyalty card and applying a discount of the user loyalty card in conjunction with a transaction involving the mobile coupon.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising facilitating exchanging the mobile coupon with a target mobile device or target mobile coupon device and optionally updating a variable characteristic of a second mobile coupon, or adjusting coupon points of a user profile, based on the exchange.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising conditioning receipt of the mobile coupon application based at least in part on a distance to a providing device, a location of the mobile device, a location of a redemption entity associated with the mobile coupon, or user profile information.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising facilitating redemption of the mobile coupon based on at least one of:

providing a visual indication of a unique ID of the mobile coupon on the user interface;

providing an auditory indication of the unique ID at the mobile device;

providing a wired or wireless electronic transmission of the unique ID to a redemption entity;

or

providing a user profile ID associated with a user of the mobile device to the redemption entity.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

wirelessly receiving data that identifies a product or service;

determining whether the mobile coupon is redeemable in conjunction with a transaction involving the product or service; and

outputting a modified transaction characteristic for the product or service based on the variable characteristic of the mobile coupon.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising wirelessly obtaining ID information pertaining to a product or service associated with a transaction.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing mobile coupon information to a point of sale device facilitating the transaction if the mobile coupon is redeemable for the transaction.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising coupling to a mobile network and updating a network database with mobile coupon information if the mobile coupon is redeemable for the transaction, wherein the network database is associated with a point of sale device facilitating the transaction.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving an updated invoice from the network database that reflects a modification to the transaction based at least on the variable characteristic of the mobile coupon.

17. An apparatus that manages mobile coupons, comprising:

a transceiver configured for wireless data exchange that obtains a mobile coupon application, wherein a mobile coupon integrated with the mobile coupon application comprises at least one variable characteristic;

a coupon management module configured to facilitate browsing the mobile coupon at a user interface of the apparatus as a function of at least the variable characteristic;

an output module configured to present an audio or video indication of the mobile coupon by playing the mobile coupon application at the user interface of the apparatus;

memory configured to store data pertinent to receiving, browsing or presenting the mobile coupon application at the apparatus; and

a processor configured to implement the receiving, browsing or presenting the mobile coupon.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the coupon management module is configured to employ a redeemable value, a product or service, a coupon ID, a redemption characteristic, or a state of supplier, product or service, manufacturer, or redemption entity profile information as the at least one variable characteristic.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least one of:

the processor is configured to send a wireless broadcast via the transceiver that requests identification of a mobile coupon available for distribution to the apparatus;

or

the processor is configured to receive a wireless signal via the transceiver, the wireless signal indicates availability or unavailability of one or more mobile coupons.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a participation module configured to facilitate engaging or disengaging automatic downloading of available mobile coupons based on user profile information or an input at the apparatus.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least one of:

the transceiver is configured to transmit a unicast message to a remote device in conjunction with obtaining the mobile coupon application;

the transceiver is configured to receive a unicast message from the remote device based on a characteristic of the apparatus or a state of user profile information associated with the apparatus, in conjunction with obtaining the mobile coupon application;

or

the transceiver is configured to receive a broadcast message from the remote device based on a general characteristic of the apparatus or a class of apparatus, in conjunction with obtaining the mobile coupon application.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a dynamic valuation module configured to at least one of:

display the variable characteristic at the user interface;

extract rules for altering the variable characteristic from the mobile coupon application and present the rules at the user interface;

or

provide auditory, visual, or tactile indication of an impending change in the variable characteristic at the user interface.

23. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a social ranking module configured to categorize the mobile coupon against a second mobile coupon based on data from a user profile, a coupon interaction history, a friends list or a network data source.

24. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

a point mediation module configured to associate a user coupon point with a user coupon profile based on receipt, exchange or redemption of a mobile coupon, wherein one or more such coupon points can be exchanged for a mobile coupon; and

a point tracking module configured to track accumulation and expenditure of user coupon points for the user coupon profile.

25. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a sharing module configured to facilitate exchange of the mobile coupon with a target mobile device or target mobile coupon device and optionally configured to update a variable characteristic of a second mobile coupon, or adjust frequent coupon points of a user profile, based on the exchange.

26. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a coupon selectivity module configured to condition acceptance of the mobile coupon application based at least in part on a distance between the apparatus and a coupon distribution device, a location of the mobile device, a location of a coupon redemption entity or user profile information.

27. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a redemption module configured to at least one of:

provide a visual indication of a unique ID of the mobile coupon on the user interface;

provide an auditory indication of the unique ID at the mobile device;

provide a wired or wireless electronic transmission of the unique ID to a redemption entity;

or

provide a user profile ID associated with a user of the mobile device to the redemption entity.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the redemption module is further configured to:

receive data via wireless data exchange that identifies a product or service;

determine whether the mobile coupon is redeemable in conjunction with a transaction involving the product or service; and

display a modified transaction characteristic for the product or service based on the variable characteristic of the mobile coupon.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the redemption module is further configured to obtain ID information pertaining to a product or service associated with a transaction via wireless data exchange.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the redemption module is further configured to provide mobile coupon information to a point of sale device facilitating the transaction if the mobile coupon is redeemable for the transaction.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the redemption module is further configured to couple to a mobile network and update a network database with mobile coupon information if the mobile coupon is redeemable for the transaction, and wherein the network database is associated with a point of sale device facilitating the transaction.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the redemption module is further configured to receive an updated invoice from the network database that reflects a modification to the transaction based at least on the variable characteristic of the mobile coupon.

33. At least one processor configured to manage a mobile coupon for a mobile device, comprising:

a first module configured to obtain a mobile coupon application at least in part via wireless data exchange, wherein a mobile coupon integrated with the application comprises at least one variable characteristic;

a second module configured to facilitate browsing the mobile coupon at a user interface of a mobile device as a function of at least the variable characteristic; and

a third module configured to present an audio or video indication of the mobile coupon by playing the mobile coupon application at the user interface of the mobile device.

34. An apparatus configured to manage a mobile coupon for a mobile device, comprising:

means for effecting wireless data exchange that obtains a mobile coupon application, wherein a mobile coupon integrated with the mobile coupon application comprises at least one variable characteristic;

means for browsing the mobile coupon at a user interface of the apparatus as a function of at least the variable characteristic; and

means for presenting an audio or video indication of the mobile coupon by playing the mobile coupon application at the user interface of the mobile device.

35. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium, comprising;

at least one instruction causing a computer to obtain a mobile coupon application at least in part via wireless data exchange, wherein a mobile coupon integrated with the mobile coupon application includes at least one variable characteristic;

at least one instruction causing a computer to facilitate browsing the mobile coupon at a user interface of a mobile device as a function of at least the variable characteristic; and

at least one instruction causing a computer to present an audio or video indication of the mobile coupon by playing the mobile coupon application at the user interface of the mobile device.

36. A method of facilitating management of a mobile coupon at a mobile device, comprising:

obtaining a rule for generation or distribution of a dynamic mobile coupon (DMC);

identifying a mobile device as a target device based in part on a predetermined characteristic obtained via wireless data exchange with the mobile device;

associating the DMC with the mobile device based on the rule; and

facilitating transmission of the DMC or an ID of the DMC to a coupon management application at the mobile device that categorizes and provides browsing of the DMC based on at least one characteristic of the DMC.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising employing a secure or private channel to synchronize with the coupon management application to at least one of:

obtain and store status information pertinent to the DMC;

provide or receive data pertinent to determining a current state or value of a dynamic characteristic of the DMC;

or

obtain user profile information and validate or update the user profile information.

38. The method of claim 36, further comprising providing an interface for a sponsor of the DMC to update, add to, or delete the rule.

39. The method of claim 36, further comprising providing a profile interface that at least one of:

enables a user to generate, validate, or update a user profile;

enables a sponsor, manufacturer or retailer associated with the DMC to generate, validate or update a commercial profile;

or

validates a user profile or a commercial profile in conjunction with generating, transmitting, exchanging, or redeeming the DMC.

40. The method of claim 36, further comprising validating a profile of a user, DMC supplier, manufacturer, or retailer as a condition to generating the DMC.

41. The method of claim 36, further comprising employing a location of the mobile device, a distance to the mobile device, a time of day, user profile information or commercial profile information in conjunction with identifying the mobile device.

42. The method of claim 39, further comprising at least one of:

associating a user ID with the user profile and validating the unique user ID in conjunction with enabling the user to validate or update the user profile;

or

associating a commercial ID of the DMC sponsor, manufacturer or retailer with the commercial profile and validating the commercial ID in conjunction with enabling the DMC sponsor, manufacturer or retailer to validate or update the commercial profile.

43. The method of claim 36, further comprising at least one of:

employing a broadcast push that utilizes a general characteristic of the mobile device or a class of mobile devices in conjunction with facilitating transmission of the DMC;

or

employing a unicast push utilizing a distinct characteristic of the mobile device or a user profile in conjunction with facilitating transmission of the DMC.

44. The method of claim 36, further comprising:

incorporating a multimedia advertisement application with the DMC and facilitating transmission of the multimedia advertisement application to the mobile device.

45. The method of claim 36, further comprising:

receiving an ID of the DMC from a redemption entity in conjunction with a transaction;

verifying authenticity of the DMC based at least in part on the ID;

authorizing modification of a characteristic of the transaction based on a variable characteristic of the DMC if the DMC is verified as authentic; and

facilitating reimbursement of a sponsor of the transaction based at least in part on the modified characteristic.

46. The method of claim 36, further comprising at least one of:

receiving a user profile ID and a transaction detail in conjunction with a transaction, and identifying a user profile from the user profile ID;

identifying a redeemable DMC from the identified user profile;

determining whether the redeemable DMC is applicable to the transaction based at least in part on the transaction detail;

updating an account associated with the user profile based on a variable characteristic of the redeemable DMC if the redeemable DMC is pertinent to the transaction;

or

updating a status of the redeemable DMC to indicate such DMC has been redeemed.

47. An apparatus that facilitates management of a mobile coupon at a mobile device, comprising:

a vendor interface configured to receive a DMC or obtain a rule for generation or distribution of the DMC;

a communication processor configured to identify a mobile device as a target device based in part on a predetermined characteristic obtained at least in part via wireless data exchange with the mobile device;

a mediation server configured to generate the DMC for the mobile device based on the rule; and

a transceiver configured to transmit the DMC or an ID of the DMC to a coupon management application at the mobile device that categorizes and provides browsing of the DMC based on at least one characteristic of the DMC.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising a DMC database configured to employ a secure or private channel to synchronize with the coupon management application to at least one of:

obtain and store status information pertinent to the DMC;

provide or receive data pertinent to determining a current state or value of a dynamic characteristic of the DMC;

or

obtain user profile information and validate or update the user profile information at a validation entity.

49. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the vendor interface enables a sponsor of the DMC to update, add to or delete the rule.

50. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising a profile interface configured to at least one of:

enable a user to generate, validate, or update a user profile;

enable a sponsor, manufacturer or retailer associated with the DMC to generate, validate or update a commercial profile;

or

validate a user profile or a commercial profile in conjunction with generating, transmitting, exchanging, or redeeming the DMC.

51. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising a coupon mediation server configured to validate a profile of a user, DMC supplier, manufacturer, or retailer as a condition to generating the DMC.

52. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising a filtering module configured to employ a location of the mobile device, a distance to the mobile device, a time of day, user profile information, or commercial profile information as the predetermined characteristic.

53. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising a profile mediation server configured to at least one of:

associate a user ID with the user profile and validate the user ID in conjunction with enabling the user to validate or update the user profile;

or

associate a commercial ID of the DMC sponsor, manufacturer, or retailer with the commercial profile and validate the commercial ID in conjunction with enabling the DMC sponsor, manufacturer, or retailer to validate or update the commercial profile.

54. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the transceiver and communication processor at least one of:

employ a broadcast push utilizing a general characteristic of the mobile device or a class of mobile devices in conjunction with transmitting the DMC;

or

employ a unicast push utilizing a distinct characteristic of the mobile device or a user profile in conjunction with transmitting the DMC.

55. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising an integration module configured to incorporate a multimedia advertisement application with the DMC or include the multimedia advertisement application with the transmission of the DMC.

56. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising an integrated redemption module configured to:

receive an ID of the DMC from a redemption entity in conjunction with a transaction;

verify authenticity of the DMC based at least in part on the ID;

authorize modification of a characteristic of the transaction based on a variable characteristic of the DMC if the DMC is verified as authentic; and

facilitate reimbursement of a sponsor of the transaction based at least in part on the modified characteristic.

57. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising a server redemption entity configured to at least one of:

receive a user profile ID and a transaction detail in conjunction with a transaction, and identify a user profile from the user profile ID;

search a DMC database to identify a redeemable DMC from the identified user profile;

determine whether the redeemable DMC is applicable to the transaction based at least in part on the transaction detail;

update an account associated with the user profile based on a variable characteristic of the redeemable DMC if the redeemable DMC is applicable to the transaction;

or

update a status of the redeemable DMC to indicate such DMC has been redeemed.

58. At least one processor configured to facilitate management of a DMC for a mobile device, comprising:

a first module configured to obtain a rule for generation or distribution of a DMC;

a second module configured to identify a mobile device as a target device based in part on a predetermined characteristic obtained at least in part via wireless data exchange with the mobile device; and

a third module configured to facilitate transmission of the DMC or an ID of the DMC to a coupon management application at the mobile device that categorizes and provides browsing of the DMC based on at least one characteristic of the DMC.

59. An apparatus configured to facilitate management of a DMC for a mobile device, comprising:

means for obtaining a rule for generation or distribution of a DMC;

means for identifying a mobile device as a target device based in part on a predetermined characteristic obtained at least in par via wireless data exchange with the mobile device; and

means for facilitating transmission of the DMC or an ID of the DMC to a coupon management application at the mobile device that categorizes and provides browsing of the DMC based on at least one characteristic of the DMC.

60. A computer program product, comprising:

a computer-readable medium, comprising;

at least one instruction executable to cause a computer to obtain a rule for generation or distribution of a DMC;

at least one instruction configured to cause a computer to identify a mobile device as a target device based in part on a predetermined characteristic obtained at least in part via wireless data exchange with the mobile device; and

at least one instruction configured to cause a computer to facilitate transmission of the DMC or an ID of the DMC to a coupon management application at the mobile device that categorizes and provides browsing of the DMC based on at least one characteristic of the DMC.