Virtual coupon delivery from coupon server to ACH to POS actuated by mobile phone scan of QR code

摘要

Methods and systems for barcode enabled virtual coupon search, retrieval, presentation, and redemption via telecommunications devices. One system includes using a mobile phone camera to scan product barcodes. The system further includes an Internet connected coupon server that, in response to user queries via mobile phone camera scans of product barcodes, retrieves and displays on mobile phone product-specific primary and competing product secondary coupon images for user selection. In response to mobile phone user selection of desired coupons, the system stores in a pending file on coupon server, product-specific primary and competing product secondary coupons, in the form of a coupon issuer reloadable and scalable stored coupon value with an escrow account or merchant bank account number, for matching bar code search request.;The system also includes a method whereby, at point-of-sale (POS) checkout, the mobile phone user scans a quick response (QR) code containing the retailer's store and cash register identification. As the QR code is read into a file on the mobile phone, the file is expanded to include the identity of previously stored coupon certificate numbers corresponding to prior user selection. An automated routine within the mobile phone is triggered by the QR scan, sending the expanded file to the coupon server. The system further includes a coupon server that, in response to the inbound QR code file from the mobile phone user, appends the QR code file to the previously opened pending file. The coupon server then connects, over the Internet, to an Automated Clearing House (ACH) server, whereby coupon server presents a virtual coupon, in the form of a coupon issuer stored value escrow account number or merchant bank number for ACH verification, settlement, clearing, redemption, expiry, and balance reset of coupon value in coupon server and retailer POS system. Thus, in a key aspect of the present invention, the consumer/user coupon interaction is directly with the coupon server, not with the vendor POS system and there is no coupon stored on the user's mobile phone. Instead, the coupon server interacts directly with the ACH, which in turn interacts directly with the vendor POS, thereby limiting errors and fraud. The system further includes a coupon sever that connects, over the Internet, to retailer loyalty servers for calculating and transferring to retailer loyalty server loyalty points matching the dual mobile coupon user and retailer loyalty card user identity.;The system further includes real-time sharing of barcode retrieved virtual coupons with users friends on internet Websites. Finally, the system includes the production of data analytics to predict user behavior.