WO2015008156A2

WO2015008156A2 - Universal loyalty platform, system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2015008156A2
Application number: PCT/IB2014/002150
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy James PENNEKAMP
Original assignee: Dunnhumby Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-06-06
Filing date: 2014-06-05
Publication date: 2015-01-22
Also published as: WO2015008156A3

Abstract

The platform provides a system for the collecting consumer shopping data, and incentivizes or rewards certain consumer shopping behaviors. A shopper identified by a unique identifier (UID) uses an electronic device to accept a product code; transmit the product code and context information to a server; receive a coupon code or discount code; use at least the UID code, product code and discount code to generate a coupon code; and display a coupon symbol encoded with the generated coupon code. The coupon code is displayed as a coupon symbol readable by a point of sale (POS) scanner. The coupon code is unique to the shopper, and the coupon provides a custom discount or benefit to the shopper. A server having one or more databases receives, stores, and parses user data and associated transaction data.

Description

Title: Universal Loyalty Platform, System and Method FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to the field of consumer data collection and cross- retailer universal loyalty programs. In particular, the methods and systems relate to various techniques for collecting consumer shopping data, for personalized targeting and rewards, and for viral marketing using electronic coupons.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditional loyalty programs typically require either a partnership with a specific retailer, or the inclusion of a unique identifier on a product's package accessible only after the product is purchased and opened, requiring the shopper to submit that identifier (numeric code, QR code, etc.) independent from the purchase step. Specific retailer partnerships limit the view of shopper purchase data to a subset of retailers while packaging based loyalty program leads to inaccurate data results because the purchase of the item by a specific shopper submitting the identifier is not verified. For example, shoppers could find an unclaimed code in the trash, or even open packages in the store without purchasing, to acquire the code.

SUMMARY

[0003] A cross-retailer loyalty platform is disclosed. A data representation, such as a scannable image or machine-readable symbol representing a coupon code, comprises a unique identifier (UID), a product code, and a discount code, wherein the product code is associated with one or more products or services. The product or service may be a consumer packaged good (CPG), a non-packaged product, or a service with an associated code, which may all be referred to as "product" in the specification for simplicity. A server in communication with a point-of-sale (POS) system includes a POS scanner configured to extract the coupon code information from the data representation. The server is configured to receive the scanned coupon code data. In an embodiment, associated POS transaction information is stored in one or more databases.

[0004] A software application, the loyalty App, is installed to an electronic device by downloading from the server, or by other means. The App and electronic device operate in conjunction, so when the App causes the electronic device to perform a task, the specification may either refer to action of just the App, or just the electronic device. After the initial download, the App helps maintain communication between the electronic device and the server.

[0005] The electronic device may be a mobile device, a smartphone, or any type of handheld electronic device. The electronic device may include a housing, memory/data storage means, CPU/processor, wireless transmission capabilities, input means, and output means. The electronic device may be associated with a unique identifier (UID).

[0006] The electronic device accepts a plurality of product codes associated with a respective product, transmits the product codes and context information to the server, and receives discount codes from the server or another electronic device. Further, the electronic device presents the data representation in succession, wherein the representation may be read by the POS scanner. Eventually, the server may receive the data acquired by the POS system, for example concurrent with or after a clearinghouse receives the information for

reimbursements.

[0007] The discount code may be based on a rule stored in the database set by the server operator, a clearinghouse, a third party, a product manufacturer, a service provider, or a retailer. A set of rules may be associated with a level, wherein each level includes a set of rules associated with a plurality of product codes. A UID may be assigned a level and rule(s) based on one of: purchase frequency of a product or service, purchase frequency at a retailer, a cumulative purchase amount, or downstream performance of shared coupon codes.

[0008] The electronic device may be configured to distribute the coupon code from the electronic device to a second electronic device. The coupon code generated at the second electronic device may comprise a UID of the second device and a modified UID of the first electronic device.

[0009] A system is disclosed for collecting of consumer shopping data, and incentivizes or rewards certain consumer shopping behaviors. A software application is accessible by an electronic device associated with a unique identifier (UID).

[0010] The electronic device accepts a product code entry associated with a consumer packaged good (CPG) or other product or service; transmits the product code and any context information to a server; receives a coupon code or discount code from the server, or another electronic device utilizing the App; uses at least the UID, product code and discount code to generate a coupon code; and displays a coupon symbol encoded with the generated coupon code. The coupon symbol is readable by a point of sale (POS) scanner which applies the coupon/discounts. In some embodiments, the server may receive the coupon code data and any associated transaction information acquired by the POS system and store the received information in one or more databases, where at least some of the information is referenced with the UID.

[001 1] A related method is disclosed for generating and redeeming electronic coupons, comprising the steps of installing a software application to an electronic device, registering personal user information; generating a unique identifier (UID); and, storing and cross- referencing the information to a database.

[0012] The method further comprises using an electronic device for inputting a product code; transmitting the product code information to a server; receiving a coupon code or a discount code from the server; generating a coupon code comprising the UID, product code, and discount code; storing a plurality of coupon codes in the electronic device by repeating the inputting, transmitting, receiving, generating steps. The method further comprises the steps of displaying a machine-readable coupon encoded with the coupon code information on the electronic device; cycling through the plurality of machine-readable coupons, wherein each machine-readable coupon advances upon a signal; and receiving data comprising the coupon code and associated POS transaction information for a server.

[0013] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several

embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

[0014] In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary universal loyalty platform in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary coupon sharing feature in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary visit-based embodiment of the universal loyalty platform in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device and an exemplary software application screen-shot;

FIG. 4b is a front view of an exemplary visit-based static key card;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary Point-of-Sale system;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of exemplary discount level and discount rule schemes in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary coupon code format in accordance with the disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of the universal loyalty platform using an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure. [0016] In an exemplary embodiment, a cross-retailer, loyalty platform creates, measures, and rewards loyalty for purchase of products and services across retailers, at the point of sale (POS). In an exemplary embodiment, the platform tracks shopper habits and product purchasing across retailers, and delivers personalized rewards, personalized coupons, personalized prices to the shopper while in the store.

[0017] Transaction information may be collected at the point-of-sale (POS), both online and at a retail location, using an assigned unique shopper identifier (UID) that is resident in a modified coupon code. Information collected may include shopper, product or service, retailer, and context identification.

[0018] A platform in accordance with the disclosure may include dynamic loyalty embodiments, e.g. electronic device and software application; static embodiments, e.g. keycard, or both. In a keycard implementation, a pre-configured keycard applies a modified coupon code to a pre-determined group of products, where the coupon code contains the loyalty program identification. At the POS, the keycard may be scanned, and the discount within the coupon code applied to the purchase. During the redemption process, the supplier of the good or service receives information on which retailer the purchase was made, and thus is able to associate the transaction information with the consumer using the loyalty program identifier obtained from the modified coupon code.

[0019] A electronic device and software application implementation provides for dynamic generation of coupon codes. Each registered account may be accessible by multiple devices (i.e. for a single user with multiple devices, or for a household or organization). The electronic App accesses data from various product manufacturers or service providers that have partnered with the App provider or owner.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary universal loyalty platform and system 100. Server 1 12 may be in communication with one or more databases 114. For simplicity, all databases will be collectively referred to in the singular, as database 114. Databases may include a product database and a transaction loyalty database. A customer 106 installs a loyalty app 102 ("App") on an electronic device 104. When the App 102 is initialized, the customer 106 may open an account by registering personal information 108 to server 1 12, such as a user name and password, zip code, age, gender, and household size. Personal information 108 may be transmitted to a server 1 12 and stored to a user listing database 114. A unique ID (UID) 1 10 is generated and linked to personal information 108 and specific electronic device 104. Alternately, customer 106 may choose to associate electronic device 104 to an existing UID 110; in some embodiments, multiple electronic devices 104 may be linked to a single UID 1 10.

[0021] Launching App 102 on electronic device 104 during a shopping trip for a coupon acquisition cycle 1 16 may transmit context data 124, such as a timestamp, and/or GPS location to server 112. The GPS location information may be cross-referenced to a database 1 14 to determine retailer information.

[0022] In a first setting, a coupon acquisition cycle 116, App 102 identifies a product 118 by its product code 120 entered into electronic device 104. Entry may be accomplished at retail store by the electronic device's 104 input means 406, such as scanning a UPC or QR code with a camera 408, some other examples of input means include Near Field Communication (NFC), Blue tooth, RFID. Product code 120 may also be entered with a keypad 418. All data acquired by the electronic device 104 running the App may be transmitted to server 112.

[0023] Based on the data transmitted by electronic device 104 and the information stored in databases 114, server 112 may determine a personalized discount value 128 to transmit to the electronic device 104. Server 112 or App 102 may generate coupon code 132 to include a portion of UID 1 10, product code 120 and discount code 130, and may further include a code indicating a start date 712 and an expiration date 714. Server 1 12 may transmit discount code 130 or coupon code 132 to electronic device 104. A record 216 of coupon code 132 may be created and stored in the database 114.

[0024] In another aspect, server 1 12 may deliver a message 142 to electronic device 104 through App 102, or alternately, via a SMS service provider, based on the stored database information and the data transmitted from electronic device 104. Message 142 may be sent according to a rule set up by product manufacturer/service provider, retailer, or third party server owner. Message 142 may contain personalized recommendations, offers, reminders, consumer product reviews, or other digital content.

[0025] The product code 120 acquisition and coupon code 132 generation cycle 1 16 may be repeated for a plurality of products 1 18, each cycle of product codes 120, coupon codes 132 and coupon images 134 stored into the memory (not shown) of the electronic device 104. After the acquisition cycle, customer 106 may purchase a portion of these products at a point of sale (POS) system 146.

[0026] In a further embodiment, additional coupons 134 may be added to the plurality of coupons to be displayed for redeeming at the POS. These coupons 134, not generated during current shopping trip acquisition cycle 1 16, may include coupons generated from a previous shopping trip, coupons downloaded to device 104, or coupons transmitted from other participants of the loyalty system 100 (FIG 2), manufacturers/providers, or retailers.

[0027] At the POS 146 of retailer, a scanner 148 scans the product codes 120 of each product 118 to be purchased, and a POS system 146 saves the product code 120 and price information to memory (not shown). After all products codes 120 are scanned, POS system 146 accepts coupons 134 to reduce the price of products 118 or to reduce the total sale. In some embodiments, coupon 134 may offer an alternate benefit indicated by coupon code 132, such as a free item or a tally towards a free item.

[0028] To redeem the generated coupons 134 from device 104, App 102 enters a setting of a coupon 134 display mode 144. Coupon display/redeem mode 144 displays each digital coupon 134 generated in the product code 120 scanning session, so that the POS scanner 148 may read the coupons, and the POS system 146 may apply the coupons 134 against the purchase.

[0029] To reduce a checkout time, the plurality of presented digital coupons 134 should be advanced and scanned rapidly. As such, advancing the digital coupons 134 should not depend on user input. At the same time, coupon 134 should not advance before it is scanned and device 104 should only display the next coupon 134 after the previous coupon has been scanned. In an exemplary embodiment, App 102 may advance coupons 134 on the display 416 upon receiving a signal such as an audio or optical signal. The signal may originate from the POS system 146 or POS scanner 148 confirming coupon 134 data entry. Electronic device 104 may receive the signal through microphone 414 or camera 408 depending on the signal type.

[0030] Although customer 106 may not have purchased every item for which a coupon 134 was generated, continuous scanning of the entire set of coupons 134 generated in a shopping trip acquisition cycle 116, and allowing validation by the POS system 146, is faster and more accurate than user validation. [0031] After the plurality of coupons 134 have been scanned or registered, POS system 146 determines which coupon codes 132 are valid for the purchase order by referencing product codes 120 scanned at POS 146 to product codes 120 embedded in scanned coupon codes 132. The POS system 146 verifies other requirements in the coupon code 132, e.g. the sale date must lie between the start date 136 and the expiration date 138. Some coupons 132 may require a quantity of a specific product or product group to be purchased before discount 128 is applied. In some embodiments, the default quantity code is "1."

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, when the purchase and payment of shopping trip is complete, POS system 146 routes the redeemed coupon codes 132 and purchase information 158 to server 112. This information of redeemed coupons 134 and purchase information 158 may be sent first to the clearinghouse 152 for reimbursement, which in turn, sends the information to the server. The clearinghouse 152 or server 112 owner may reimburse the retailer for the discount value of the redeemed coupons 132. Purchase information may include a timestamp (time and day of sale) and retailer information. This information may be saved to an activity database 114. This information may be matched with data regarding the activity of consumer 106 in store, and at this point, coupons may be marked as "redeemed." In a further embodiment, purchase information may include product codes 120 of all purchased items, total purchase amount, payment information such as the credit card or bank card used.

[0033] The raw data saved to the databases 1 14 may be later cross-referenced or analyzed by a manufacturer/provider or server 112 owner. For example, analyzing this data could determine which coupon codes 132 were generated but not redeemed during a single shopping trip acquisition 1 16 cycle. In a further embodiment, where all products 118 of a shopping trip is transmitted to server 1 12, purchased products 118 were purchased during a shopping trip associated with one acquisition cycle 1 16 without a coupon 134 or discount 130 may be determined. Although beyond the scope of this disclosure, the server 112 and databases would incorporate network security measures to protect collected data.

[0034] In a first embodiment, the coupon expiration date 714 is set to a specific date, such as the date of scanning the product 118 or otherwise receiving the coupon code 132. The App 102 may include a setting to toggle between either automatically, or manually, removing coupon codes 132 with expired end date codes 138 from the memory of electronic device 104. By not automatically deleting expired coupons, an expired coupon may be shared with a second App user 211 and generate a new expiration date. In a further embodiment, App 102 may deactivate the redeemed coupon 134 against a repeat redemption after the coupon display cycle 144. Deactivated or expired coupons 134 stored on electronic device 104 may be sent to other users to form coupon codes 132, but will not work for UID 1 10, either by not displaying during the redemption cycle 144, or by having an expired end date 714.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary coupon sharing feature 202 of universal loyalty platform 100. A first customer 106 receives coupon code 132 on electronic device 104, and a record 216 of coupon code 132 stored to a UID 1 10 to coupon 132 mapping database 114-in a first "tier" 208 of the sharing. To share discount value 128, customer 106 transmits coupon code 132 from electronic device 104 to one or more other electronic devices 204 associated with a second UID 21 1 (recipient). The transmission of the coupon code 132 creates a record 205 of the share path and transmission hierarchy, which is stored to a hierarchal coupon share database 1 14. The shared coupon code 232 may reflect an altered UID 210 identifying the first customer 106, but indicating a second "tier" 212 of viral sharing. The coupon code 132 may also be encoded with the recipient UID 21 1.

[0036] User 206 recipient having UID 211 may redeem coupon code 232 or further share downstream to additional participants, each transmission cycle updating record 205. In some embodiments an expiration date 138 is encoded in coupon code 132 to prevent unlimited sharing of coupon codes 132. In some embodiments, the coupon code 132 expires after a certain number of shares. This system of coupon sharing mimics traditional word-of-mouth marketing, referred to as "viral" coupon sharing, and includes a traceable transmission path. Customers 106 identified as having a downstream network that redeems the most coupons may be rewarded with additional coupon codes 132, or increased discount 128 level status (FIG 6).

[0037] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a second exemplary feature of universal loyalty platform 100 in accordance with the disclosure. Static, or visit-based loyalty program 302 may operate within the universal loyalty platform 100 and may be implemented alone or in conjunction with the dynamic (App 102) embodiment of platform 100. The method measures visit-based loyalty across any retailer accepting coupons.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the static embodiment may include a loyalty card 304 which includes a printed, or otherwise statically fixed, coupon code 334 such as a keycard 304 or an RFID chip, shown in step 361 and depicted in FIG 4B. Static coupon code 334 may include a unique identifier (UID) 310 to identify a user or household, a discount code 330, and a product group code 320 indicated by step 360. The product group code 320 is associated with a product group 118a...1 18n having at least one product 1 18. Retailer identification of UID 310 is not required to apply the discount code 330 because all the information is encoded in the coupon code 334.

[0039] Visit-based loyalty program 302 may be used at any retailer where the POS system 146 is configured to accept standard coupon codes 332 (e.g. GS1 coupons). At checkout, step 363, POS system 146 scans product codes 120 with scanner 148. After all products 1 18 are scanned, scanner 148 scans coupon image 334 on loyalty card 304 at step 364. In step 365 the POS 146 system matches items/products 1 18a-l 18n included in product group code 320 on coupon code 332. In step 366 the POS system provides discounts for products 118 scanned which match the product code 320, by the amount indicated in discount code 330. POS system 146 creates a transaction record 358 in step 367. In step 368, coupon code 332 is transmitted to a reimbursement entity 152, a clearinghouse or a third party server, the information is stored to a database, and may be provided to the manufacturer.

[0040] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device 104 and an exemplary screen shot of App 102. Electronic device 104 may be a mobile device such as a smartphone, including a housing 404, memory storage such as RAM, flash, wireless transmission capability 412, input means 406 and output means 410. Control of electronic device 104 and its hardware parts may be accomplished through App 102 installed on electronic device 104.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the input means 406 of the electronic device 104 may include a camera 408, microphone 414, or keypad 418. In an exemplary embodiment, the output 410 is a light-emitting display screen 416, and thus, the output 410 may be referred to as an image or symbol on a display or screen 416. However, the output is not limited to an image, and the output means 410 is not limited to a light-emitting display screen. For example, the output means may include electronic ink displays, LED lights or infrared emission, or audio beeps and tones, or sonar. Thus, reading or scanning in the specification includes any input means that registers or understands the electronic device data output. [0042] In a further embodiment, screen 416 of electronic device 104 may display coupon 134 using pulsed light. Because screen 416 may be a light-reflecting glass or window scanner 148 may not be able to properly register the coupon 134 due to the reflection interfering with laser 510 and sensor 514. Thus, App 102 may configure electronic device 104 to display coupon 134 using light pulses to account for the gloss, feeding to sensor 514 what would register as a traditional label. See Mobeam.com.

[0043] App 102 may include various modules, modes, and settings, including, but not limited to: account registration, products code 120 scanning, receiving and sharing of discount codes 130, message receiving and displaying, generation of coupons 134, displaying of coupons 134, and removal of coupons 134. App 102 may save non-expired or non-redeemed coupons 134 to memory (not shown) for use in a later POS, and may sort and display saved coupons 134 by expiration date. Saved coupons 134 may be shared with other UID 210 through the App 102 and server 112. In an alternate embodiment, coupons 134 may be delivered to unregistered customers through an SMS system. These examples of App 102 functionality does not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0044] App 102 may display statistics for UID 110 on screen 416, such as a savings-to-date, a current coupon hierarchy level, a measure of downstream coupon sharing.

[0045] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of an exemplary "visit based" program loyalty card 304 in a keycard embodiment, and a printed coupon image 334 representing a coupon code 332 . Coupon code 332 fields comprise UID 310, discount code 330, and product group code 320, where product group code 320 may apply to one or more products. Loyalty card 304 applies to a fixed group of products 1 18a...1 18n and changes to either the product set in product group code 320 or discount 330 requires a new card 304. Each time loyalty card 304 is scanned at POS, POS system 146 transmits coupon code 332 and associated POS transaction information 158 to server 1 12.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary Point-of-Sale (POS) system 146. A computer system 504 is connected to a network (not shown) and POS input device, such as POS scanner 148. POS scanner 148 may be an optical scanner capable of reading digital images 134 and has a housing 508, light source (output), lens, light sensor (input), collectively 514. POS system 146 may include decoder circuitry (not shown) to decode information from the read/scanned images 134, memory to store information (e.g. product codes, coupon codes), logic circuitry (not shown) to use the information (e.g. applying a discount) and electronic transmission means 506 to send the data through the network to an intended recipient, e.g., to a clearinghouse, server database 1 14.

[0047] The POS scanner 148 reads the machine-readable coupon 134 and extracts the code 132. The POS system 146 validates the coupon 134 at POS by matching the product codes 120 with scanned products 1 18, and applying discount value 128 to the products 118 of validated coupons 134. As described above, the POS system 146 transmits the redeemed coupon codes for redemption, and in some embodiments, the information acquired by the POS system may eventually feed to the server 1 12. This data may be stored in databases 114 and analyzed, and used to further customize discounts and promotions for a particular consumer 106. The manufacturers or providers may also receive information on which products have been purchased, by which households, and at which retailer.

[0048] FIG. 6 diagrams an exemplary discount scheme including levels 604 and rules 606 grouped by various attributes, for working in conjunction with loyalty platform 100. A plurality of levels 604 may be implemented within loyalty platform 100, each containing a plurality of discount rules 606 to be associated with products 118. These discount schemes may be set by the server operator, a clearinghouse, a third party, a manufacturer/provider, or a retailer. FIG 6 shows exemplary schemes, but the specific discount rules and levels are exemplary and are not limiting.

[0049] In some embodiments, a discount 128 may be determined by first determining which level 604 a particular UID 1 10 is assigned to. Within level 604, a rule 606 for a scanned product 118 is matched, and a discount value 128 calculated. As shown in exemplary group A, a UID 1 10 may be assigned to a basic level 604 upon registration, from where UID 1 10 may advance in levels 604 based on temporal and performance factors. Performance factors may include purchase frequency of a product or product group, purchase of a manufacturer's good, purchase frequency at a retailer, a cumulative purchase amount and downstream performance of shared coupon codes. In some embodiments, advanced levels 604 provide more desirable discounts and promotions for certain products. In some embodiments, a special promotion of status level may be provided.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as exemplary group C of FIG 6, a level 624 may be assigned based on consumer 106 behavior, e.g. loyalty to a particular manufacturer, item type, or shopping habits such as frequency and quantity, and offer discounts based on categories. In some embodiments, a customer may be given the option to choose a type of discount level or plan.

[0051] Exemplary group B levels 614 may differ by types of discount rules 616 - percentage discounts, a fixed monetary value, or free products (buy one get one). Discounts may be quantity -based. A discount code 130 value may be set to a value of zero, a value greater than zero, and an integer multiple of the product value. A zero value discount code 130 may be used to complete a coupon code 132 to indicate no discount value 128, but tally a visit at the POS. A product code 120 may be for a product 1 18, a group of products 1 18a...118n, or a "free" or unrestricted product code.

[0052] FIG. 7 shows an example coupon coding format 702. App 102 generates a coupon code 132 in a standard coupon format having fields 704, comprised of both pre-defined and undefined data field types 704. These fields 704 are referred to as "non-essential" fields, and contain the flexibility to be populated with optional information defined by the coupon provider. In an exemplary embodiment, by using one or more of these fields, an

identification field may be defined; for example a household ID (HID) 718 may be defined from two non-adjacent fields. A UID 110 can be encoded directly in the coupon code 132. The type, field length, and number of fields are not limited by this format 702, which is provided only to illustrate the coupon coding system.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a flow chart including steps 802 - 820, illustrating an exemplary method of electronic device 104 as a part of the universal loyalty platform 100 from a consumer's point of view. Having launched App 102 on the electronic device 104 at a store, the shopper 106 scans the UPC of the products they wish to purchase. As each eligible product's UPC is scanned, a "loyalty coupon code" 132 with a unique identifier 110 is generated. At the checkout (POS), the App 102 may cycle through the coupon codes, and the POS scanner 148 may scan every coupon 134 presented on the device 104. The POS system 146 provides discounts only for the products 1 18 also actually scanned by the POS scanner 148 at the POS.

[0054] Currently, the most widely accepted standard by retailers for coupon codes is the GSl code, and is compatible with the disclosed universal loyalty platform 100. The GSl standard carries information identifying the product 118 and an amount of the discount 128 within the code itself, without the need to cross reference a separate database. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the generated coupon code 132 is a generic coupon code (not necessarily having the GS l standard) comprised of fields 704 including a UID field 706, a product code field 708, a discount code field 710, a start date field 712, an end date field 714, and a quantity field 716.

[0055] App 102 encodes the generated coupon code 132 shown in in FIG. 7 into a machine- readable digital coupon 134 format and displays it on electronic device 104 screen 416. In a visit based embodiment, a computer program and printer (or configuration device) produces the keycard 304. Digital coupon 134 may be scanned and read by POS system 146 and POS scanner 148 capable of reading standard coupon codes 132.

[0056] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0057] What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A system for collecting shopper behavior data, the system comprising: a server in communication with one or more databases;

a software application accessible by an electronic device associated with a unique identifier (UID), the electronic device including a housing, a CPU, memory storage, input means, output means, and wireless transmission capabilities; and

wherein the application configures the electronic device to:

accept a product code entry associated with a product or service; transmit the product code to the server;

transmit the UID to the server;

receive a discount code from the server;

use at least the discount code to generate a coupon code, and store the coupon code to the memory storage; and

present a coupon symbol encoded with the generated coupon code, wherein the coupon symbol is readable by a point-of-sale (POS) scanner, the POS scanner including an input scanner, decoder circuitry, and data transmission means.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

the server is capable of receiving coupon code data and associated transaction information data transmitted by the POS scanner; and

one of the one or more databases stores at least coupon code and transaction information associated with a UID.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the application configures the electronic device to:

register personal information to a database in communication with the server; and

receive a generated UID for a user from the server, wherein the UID is cross- referenced to the electronic device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the application configures the electronic device to use the UID and discount code to generate the coupon code.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

the application configures the electronic device to transmit a GPS location to the server, wherein the server references the GPS location to the database to identify a retailer.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the application configures the electronic device to transmit shopping context information associated with the product code to the server, wherein the context information includes at least one of: an UID, timestamp, GPS location, and retailer.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

the server is configured to transmit messages to the electronic device based on information in the database, from messaging rules set by one of: a server operator, product manufacturer, service provider and a retailer; and

wherein the message is related to one of: a substitute product, a related product, a retailer, a supplier, a provider, a discount, a manufacturer, a promotion, a personalized recommendation, customer reviews, and digital content.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the discount code is generated according to a rule set by one of: the server operator, a clearinghouse, a third party, a manufacturer, a supplier, a service provider, and a retailer.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the coupon code comprises at least one of: a quantity requirement code, a total purchase amount code, a start date code, an expiration date code, a promo code, a second UID code, and a coupon sharing level code.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the electronic device input means is one of: a camera, microphone, keypad, Bluetooth, Low Energy Bluetooth, Near Field communication (NFC), and Radio-frequency identification (RFID).

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein:

the electronic device output means is one of: a display screen, LED lights, infrared transmitter, speakers, sonar emitter, Bluetooth, NFC and RFID.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the application configures the electronic device to accept one or more product codes associated with a respective product or service by input means including one of: a camera, Bluetooth or keypad.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the application configures the electronic device to present each of the plurality of coupon symbols in succession.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the coupon symbol displays on an electronic device display screen as one of: a 2D code, a 3D code, or a bar code.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the electronic device displays the coupon symbol using pulsed light.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein:

the electronic device is configured to advance each coupon symbol in response to a predetermined signal.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein:

the signal is received by the electronic device through one of a microphone or camera.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the product code includes one of: a UPC code, a QR code, image recognition, a serial number, near field communication (NFC), and RFID.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the coupon code comprises embedded information, including at least one of: a manufacturer code, a start date code, an end date code, a promo code, a discount code and a quantity requirement code.

20. The system of claim 20, wherein:

the manufacturer code identifies one of a product manufacturer, service provider, or a third party.

21. The system of claim 1 wherein:

the coupon code comprises embedded information including a start date set to the date of accepting the product code, and an expiration date set to a predetermined date in the future.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the coupon code comprises a standard coupon format including non-essential digits.

23. The system of claim 2, further comprising:

the transaction information is stored in an App activity database, and includes information pertaining to at least one of: a retailer, a GPS location, a coupon code, a product scanned, a timestamp, and a payment information.

24. The system of claim 2, wherein:

the transaction information includes at least one of: product codes entered into the electronic device but not scanned by the POS scanner, and products scanned by the POS scanner but not associated with a discount code.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the server is operated by one of: a clearinghouse, a retailer, or a third party entity.

26. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the UID is associated with a personal information, and one or more electronic devices.

27. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

the application configures the electronic device to receive a discount code from an electronic device associated with a second UID.

28. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

the application configures the electronic device to transmit the discount code to a second electronic device associated with a second UID.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein:

the coupon code generated at the second electronic device comprises a UID of the second device and one of: the UID of the first electronic device and a modified UID of the first electronic device.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein:

the transmittal of the discount code from a first electronic device to a second electronic device creates a record transmitted to the server and stored in a database.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the one or more databases comprise at least one of: a coupon share hierarchy database, a discount rule database, a transaction database, and a user listing database.

32. A cross-retailer loyalty system, comprising:

a machine-readable symbol embedded with a coupon code comprising a unique identifier (UID), a product code, and a discount code, wherein the product code is associated with one or more goods;

a server in communication with a point of sale (POS) system, the POS system including a POS scanner configured to extract the coupon code information from the image, and data decoding circuitry; and

wherein the server is configured to receive and store the coupon code data and associated POS transaction information in one or more databases.

33. The cross-retailer loyalty system of claim 32, wherein:

the coupon code includes a value to be deducted from one or more product prices by the POS system.

34. The cross-retailer loyalty system of claim 32, wherein:

the product code in the coupon code is one of: an unrestricted product code, a product code in a product group related to the scanned product, and the product code of the scanned product.

35. The cross-retailer loyalty system of claim 32, further comprising:

an application ("App") installed on a mobile device associated with the unique identifier (UID), the mobile device including a housing, input means, output means, a CPU, a memory storage, and wireless transmission capabilities; wherein:

the App causes the mobile device to acquire a product code associated with a respective good, transmit the UID and product code to the server, receive a discount code, generate the coupon code using the discount code, and display the coupon code as the machine-readable symbol; and

the App causes the mobile device to be in electronic communication with the server, wherein the server is in electronic communication with one or more databases.

34. The cross-retailer loyalty system of claim 35, wherein:

the server is configured to transmit a discount code to the electronic device based on information in the database.

35. The cross-retailer loyalty system of claim 35, wherein:

the information includes a rule associated with one level of a plurality of levels, wherein each level includes a plurality of rules associated with one or more product codes.

36. The cross-retailer loyalty system of claim 35, wherein:

the level is assigned to a UID based on historical data in the database, the historical data is related to one of: purchase frequency of a product, purchase frequency at a retailer, cumulative purchase amount, and downstream performance of coupon codes.

37. The cross-retailer loyalty system of claim 35, wherein:

the at least one rule provides one of the following: percentage discounts, price reductions for associated products, monetary reduction for a total purchase, and a free product.