WO2022251210A1

WO2022251210A1 - Virtual point of purchase acquisition and inventory management system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2022251210A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/030718
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ross Lyndon-James; Mario Irizarry
Original assignee: Lyndon James Ross; Mario Irizarry
Priority date: 2021-05-24
Filing date: 2022-05-24
Publication date: 2022-12-01
Also published as: WO2022251210A9

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods managing a point of purchase (POP) device. The system has a virtual retail marketing server configured to communicate with the POP device and a user device associated a user, a code generation module configured to generate a unique code in response to an input from the server when the user device is proximate the POP, a virtual wallet and card generation module configured to generate the virtual wallet and card and output the virtual wallet and card to the user device.

Description

TITLE

VIRTUAL POINT OF PURCHASE ACQUISITION AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Serial No.

63192515 filed May 24, 2021 entitled Virtual Point of Purchase Acquisition and Inventory Management System the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a virtual retail marketing and management system. More particularly, the invention relates to point of purchase (POP) inventory sales and management systems and methods utilizing shortwave communication and cloud-based platforms for managing customers and rewards programs across of plurality of POP devices that are geographically disparate.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Merchants (or organizations) often use point-of-sale or point-of-purchase (POP) systems to complete sales transactions in a brick-and-mortar shop. Typical POP systems may include several independent devices, each performing a different function. For example, a scanner may ring up articles of merchandise and transmit the amount to a register to calculate the amount due. The register may then transmit the amount due to a credit card reader to receive payment and the POP may then dispense the product. [0004] Generally, it is difficult for the owners of POP systems or those managing POP systems to be placed in a shop due to limited floor space. Further, managing the inventory of POP systems is often an onerous and difficult process, and can be especially difficult depending upon the products the POP is selling.

[0005] Enabled by cloud-based management systems and applications, vendors from all industries have been able to utilize inventory management systems that assist in tracking inventory and purchasing points across multiple shops. However, managing loyalty rewards programs that are multivariant across a series of non-commonly owned shops and a randomized group of POP product purchasers comes with immense obstacles. For example, POP devices do not properly link and communicate with their customers to provide the data required by vendors and merchants. Further, POP devices do not have the means to provide additional capabilities as it relates to customer acquisition and loyalty programs. In other words, the technology in POP systems is antiquated and requires improvements.

[0006] Concurrently, advances in blockchain technology, which is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record financial transactions as well as any other transaction of value, have shown to be useful in the industries that have properly utilized them. Blockchain functions as a secure, public ledger of all transactions on a peer-to-peer network that cannot be tampered with except by using an impractically large amount of computing power. In fact, blockchain technology has been used in connection with the popular cryptocurrency. The backbone of blockchain technology is the idea of decentralization, which means that the network operates on a user-to-user (or peer-to-peer) basis. A blockchain network is comprised of various decentralized computers connected to the specific blockchain network, with each computer automatically downloading a copy of the blockchain when it joins the network. Each of these computers are referred to as “nodes” and together, not only do they make up the blockchain, but nodes can also directly access (e.g., read and write) the blockchain database. Each node’s copy of the ledger is identical to every other node’s copy so that the set of copies can be referred to as a single blockchain distributed database - meaning the blockchain distributed database is replicated on all the nodes and not one central node or server. As such, a blockchain distributed database is a system in which there is no central administrator. A blockchain distributed database is reliable and transparent, in that transactions are permanently recorded and cannot be revised. [0007] In conjunction with other computing systems and server farms required to track and manage customers, while POP locations provide a positive customer experience, managing, tracking, and storing the inventory in POP locations (among other variables) presents many challenges.

[0008] As such, there is a need for a system and method for managing POP systems that can manage large amounts of data whilst running the scripts faster and more efficiently for inventory decisions in an industry where demands are constantly fluctuating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following summary of the invention is provided to provide a basic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it is not intended to particularly identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

[0010] To achieve the foregoing and other aspects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, the present invention generally relates to a virtual retail marketing and management system. More particularly, the invention relates to point of purchase (POP) inventory management systems and methods utilizing shortwave communication, cloud- based and blockchain platforms concurrently for managing inventory, customers and rewards utilizing programs.

[0011] Advantageously, the system allows POP owners to solicit space in shops for their POP, and further, allows merchants to solicit customers to generate revenue products via Virtual Retail Marketing System (VRMS).

[0012] Advantageously, the system automates customer acquisition via a mobile phone for hassle-free online registration and product discount allocation.

[0013] Advantageously, the POP comprises an in-shop virtual marketing retail system (VRMS) and ships it to the outlets utilizing radio-frequency identification (RFID) and near field communication (NFC) technology used to automate the login and registration process. The RFID uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. The RFID system comprises a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter. When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data, usually an identifying inventory number, back to the reader. This number can be used to track inventory goods. Further, the system may utilize passive tags, which are powered by energy from the RFID reader's interrogating radio waves, or active tags, which are powered by a battery and thus can be read at a greater range from the RFID reader, extending up to hundreds of meters.

[0014] In embodiments, the system comprises a VRMS server in communication with or disposed within an instore POP display, which itself comprises embedded RFID device and/or NFC technology to digitally transfer information when a customer's phone swipes across the device or is in proximity to the device. In embodiments, this process also automatically installs a discounted digital business card enabling sales offers to be sent to the customer's mobile device, linking it directly to the owner’s website or mobile application. [0015] In embodiments, the merchant (e.g., shop or agent in which the POP is placed) is incentivized via a referral module in which the shop may earn a referral fee of x% of the sale value on customers they refer/introduce by using the VRMS server.

[0016] In embodiments, a system for managing a point of purchase (POP) device, the system having non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a program of machine executable instructions for a programmable computer system that, when executed by the programmable computer system, will cause the programmable computer system to execute instruction. The system comprises a virtual retail marketing server configured to communicate with the POP device and a user device associated a user, the server comprising a code generation module configured to generate a unique code in response to an input from the server when the user device is proximate the POP, a virtual wallet and card generation module configured to generate the virtual wallet and card and output the virtual wallet and card to the user device, a referral allocation module configured to link an agent to the user’s virtual wallet and card, wherein the referral allocation module is further configured to track an action by the user and credit the agent for the action, a near field communication (NFC) wireless component located on or proximate the POP, wherein the NFC is configured to communicate with the user device to generate the input from the server.

[0017] In embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage media having computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, performs a method for managing a point of purchase device (POP), the method comprising generating, at a virtual retail marketing server, a unique code in response to an input from the server when a user device is proximate the POP, wherein a near field communication (NFC) wireless component located on or proximate the POP, wherein the NFC is configured to communicate with the user device to generate the input from the VRMS server, generating, at the server, a unique virtual wallet and card, outputting the virtual wallet and card to the user device, linking an agent to the user’s virtual wallet and card, tracking an action by the user to credit the agent for the action.

[0018] In embodiments, the system may utilize voice recognition at the POP display for customer intake. Specifically, once a customer gives verbal consent, the system may interact with the customer’s mobile device to download an application via NFC and set up a digital wallet and rewards program automatically. In this way, the system may apply various levels of applicable discounts, which are time sensitive and based on time elapsed from the first login into the system to when a purchase occurs. As an example, following the customer’s first login, the sooner the customer makes a purchase, the higher the applicable discount shall be.

[0019] Advantageously the VRMS server is used to automate the online registration process of referring customers, business members or crew members (agents). In embodiments, when a referred customer makes a purchase, that customer, shop, or agent receives a unique ID code that is automatically inputted into the system, enabling a purchase discount to be applied. This transaction may trigger a sales override fee (commission) to be paid to the referring shop or agent.

[0020] In embodiments, the in-store POP display relies on no more than a verbal consent by a customer to proceed him or her to login, and the VRMS server simplifies a frictionless login process. Each customer is given a specific ID that refers back to the business or crew member (agent) whom initiated the referral. In embodiments, when the sales transaction is completed, the mobile application sends an automated notification advising the referring business or crew member (agent) of the sales referral fee being credited to their dedicated account. In this way, a business or crew member (agent) can access account details to track sales related to their ID.

[0021] Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present platform will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Features of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limited in the following Figure(s), in which like numerals indicate like elements, in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram for a point of purchase (POP) inventory management systems for managing customer and rewards utilizing programs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a system diagram for a network-based inventory management according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a system diagram for communication protocol between user devices and POP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an inventory management system for a plurality of POPs distributed over multiple locations in accordance with one embodiment of the present platform;

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a stepwise method diagram depicting a POP inventory management method for managing customer and rewards utilizing programs in accordance with one embodiment of the current platform in accordance with one embodiment of the present platform;

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic system diagram for point of purchase, customer and agent management system in accordance with one embodiment of the current platform in accordance with one embodiment of the present platform;

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a stepwise method diagram depicting a POP inventory management method for managing customer and rewards utilizing programs in accordance with one embodiment of the current platform in accordance with one embodiment of the present platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed Figures and description set forth herein.

[0031] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below regarding the FIGS. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described are shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0032] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.

Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this example is illustrative and not limiting and is provided purely for explanatory purposes. An example of a computing system environment is disclosed. The computing system environment is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the system and method described herein. Neither should the computing environment be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment.

[0034] Embodiments of the disclosure are operational with numerous other general purposes or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. The embodiments of the disclosure may be described in the general context of computer- executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer or smart device. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular data types. The systems and methods described herein may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through or overlayed by a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory unit or storage devices. Tasks performed by the programs and modules are described below and with the aid of figures. Those skilled in the art can implement the exemplary embodiments as processor executable instructions, which can be written on any form of a computer readable media in a corresponding computing environment according to this disclosure.

[0035] Computers and smart devices may comprise a variety of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer and comprises both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media comprises both volatile and non volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.

[0036] As used herein, “agent” may be a team member that assists in selling POP and other items in the POP or via the mobile application or web.

[0037] As used herein, the term “customer” means any individual that is utilizing a POP device and may also be referred to as “user”. The customer may be assigned a unique identification hash that will be used to verify all of his or her activity within the network. [0038] As used herein, the term “blockchain distributed database” or “blockchain” means a database that is a distributed ledger, which is shared among a plurality of nodes constituting a network, wherein each node can directly access (e.g., read and write) the database, and wherein there is no central administration. Any references to the term “network” herein shall mean that decentralized network of the present invention that is operated through a blockchain distributed database, but may also be a centralized network, decentralized, or distributed.

[0039] As used herein, the term “store” or “shop” means any company or place that has brick and mortar with a POP. [0040] As used herein, the term “user device” shall mean any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operatable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, originate, switch, route, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, a user device can be a personal computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a tablet device, a network server, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. Furthermore, a device may include processing resources for executing machine-executable code, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a programmable logic array (PLA), as well as one or more computer-readable media for storing machine-executable code, such as software or data.

[0041] As used herein, “warehouse” means a product distribution and shipping center. [0042] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be also understood to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While reference is made to cellular phones, the present invention is applicable to other mobile devices such as e- readers, tablets, and the like.

[0043] Whilst the figures may show a single server with modules at times, the network may be decentralized, and thus, each node within the network functions as an independent system contributing to a pool of computing resources shown in the module. [0044] Referring now to FIG. 1, a communication and data routing system diagram for a managing a point of purchase (POP), including but not limited to, customer purchases and customer acquisitions, managing agents, managing customers, managing rewards programs and managing inventory according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally at 100. As shown, the system comprises a virtual retail marketing servers (VRMS) server 102 in communication with a call center 104 and a shop database 106. The server 102 is in further communication with a plurality of point of purchase (POP) machine or devices 116 and 118 (n+1) each of which has or is in communication with an RFID 120 or type of NFC 122. The POPs 116 and 118 are configured to be used by consumers wherein users make purchases of various products at the POP and/or online and comprises internal hardware software discussed with relation to FIG. 3 (e.g., RFID module 120, NFC module 122). The users 110 and 112 are associated with respective user devices 108 and 114. Each of the devices may be smart devices (e.g., smart phones) having various user interfaces (UIs) to allow for communication between components. Further, the user devices 108 and 114 allow the user to download a mobile application that communicates with the server 102 and the POP (116, 118) hardware and software system to perform further functions described herein.

[0045] Referring still to FIG. 1, the server 102 comprises various software modules residing on the server, which provide signal and data routing to various other modules and servers, including but not limited to, code generation module 124, reporting module 126, data filter 128, reward center 130, shipment center module 132, ID generator 140, inventory tracker 134, referral allocating module 142, machine learning module 136, and blockchain module 138. In operation, the RFID module 120 is configured to receive an input from the RFID reader located at the POP (116, 118) from the user device (108, 114). The near field communication (NFC) module 122 comprises a set of communication protocols for communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm (11/2 in) or less. In this way, NFC offers a low-speed connection with simple setup that can be used to bootstrap more-capable wireless connections. In this embodiment, the NFC module 122 resides on the POPs and communicates with the user devices (108, 114) and the blockchain 141 and blockchain monitor 138 that resides on the server. This allows for contactless payment systems and allows for mobile payment to replace or supplement payment systems such as credit cards and electronic ticket smart cards.

[0046] In operation, the customer can utilize its user device (108, 114) to make purchases at the POP machine by using a digital wallet, downloading applications and digitally transferring information when the user device (108, 114) is swiped across the RFID device on the POP, which then signals the VRMS server 102 and blockchain 141 to store transactions made both at the POP and online. This action, in embodiments, may also signal an automatic installation of a digital business card to the user device to enable sales offers to be sent to the customer's phone, linking it directly to an organization’s website. Shops are incentivized is to earn referral fees based on the sale value on customers they refer/introduce by using the VRMS system via module 142 and 134.

[0047] The server 102 further comprises a code generation module 124. The code generation module 124, executed by a processor, is configured to generate a unique code comprising details of the user account and connect the user account with a shop and/or an agent for purposes of allocation of product and referral fees. The code may comprise a random string of number and letters or a QR code. Reporting module 126 is in communication with the POPs (116,118) and is configured to gather subsequent information on the client side, for example, number of customers, resources, inventory sold and remaining, and the dates and times of purchases, including amounts spent. The reporting module 126 is also in communication with memory and is configured to output all data including user data, advertising data, sales figures, and the like to the database 148. This can be done on an automated basis for the shops, agents and the POP operators.

[0048] Data filter module 128 is configured to receive all data from each module and redirect it to the proper end module. For example, due to the vast amounts of data that must be routed from each user, shop, agent, POP and distribution center, the data filter module acts to recognize and embed markers into the data to ensure proper end users receive the proper inputs. Further, the data filter module is configured to communicate with the blockchain 141 and blockchain object 146 to push and pull dates for each of the various end users and report on smart contracts formed.

[0049] The shipment module 132 is in communication with each of the reporting module 126, POPs (116, 118) and each user device (108, 114). The shipment module 132 is configured to monitor inventory based on both sales at each POP and orders placed on user devices, and it is configured to automatically notify warehousing for shipment to those POPs that require inventory updates. This is performed by the server 102 in an automated fashion based on internal sensors located in the POP or via tracking of sales on the app located on the user devices.

[0050] A rewards center module 130 is provided to track users from the buyer database and shop/agent database 106. In operation, the rewards center module 130 is configured to link customers and nearby POPs based on location data, and further, if any agents are making sales at the POP so that the referral fees are allocated at the proper wallet based on which agent referred the sale and whether he or she is local.

[0051] An ID generator 140 is configured to generate IDs for agents who refer business to the POP or refer a mobile application download to the user. In operation, an agent number may be entered or automatically generated based on proximity to the POP via the RFID and NFC so that referral fees may be allocated via allocation module 142. [0052] Referring still to FIG. 1, the server 102 further comprises machine learning module 136 and blockchain monitoring module 138. The machine learning module 136 is in communication with the various POP devices placed throughout the country and inventory tracking module 134. Through training data, it is configured to communicate with the shipping center 132 to predict future inventory needs in each of the POP devices. The introduction of machine learning into POP supply side management is advantageous due to the inventory requirements of these POPs, and specifically those with fluctuating demand. The machine learning module 136 may utilize neural networks, random forest, and other machine learning processes.

[0053] In operation, the server 102 is configured to generate, deploy, and manage the blockchain 141 and blockchain object 146 for issuing smart contracts between respective parties, namely, an organization to a POP customer, an organization to a warehouse, a warehouse to a customer and further down the supply chain.

[0054] The system also utilizes cryptocurrency 150 to manage payment faculties between parties (organizations and customers) via the blockchain 141 and the blockchain monitor 138. The server 102 is in communication with a distributed ledger (e.g., blockchain) 141 and the blockchains 141 are configured to govern the contractual relationships between the parties and may utilize cryptocurrency to provide for transactions between organizations to the distributor or product warehouse to restock the POP, to pay the referral fees to the agents and/or rewards for the users. The server 102 may also facilitate and control interactions with the first blockchain object 146. In operation, the blockchain object 146 is configured to record all contracts that have been filled and all purchases made by the customers in order to allow for all referral fees to be appropriately distributed to the agents via the blockchain and resulting cryptocurrency. [0055] Referring now to FIG. 2, a system diagram for network-based inventory management in a POP setting is shown. The system is in communication with VRMS server 102, a call-center 104, POP devices 116, 118 and 204 (n+1), and comprises a tracking module 202 having an inventory tracking module 206 and customer module 208, each of which is in communication with database 106. In operation, the server 102 tracks inventory in each of the plurality of POPs 116, 118 and the users who have been going to each POP 116, 118 or 204, and communicates with shipping module 210 to ensure product is available and shipped for each of the POP 116, 118 and 204 that may need restocking. The machine learning module of FIG. 1 communicates with shipping module 210, a goods module 214 and a transport module 212 to seamlessly restock POPs as needed, all in a completely automated fashion.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 3, a system diagram for communication protocol between user devices and a plurality of POPs according to an embodiment is shown generally at 300. The VRMS 102 is provided and in communication with communication module 320, storage module 324, CPU 308, control circuit 306, user device 108 and POP 116. The POP 116 comprises facial recognition module 302, NFC module 304, with GPS 318, scanner 316, audio controller 314, camera 312, and voice recognition 310 module. Facial recognition module 302 (via camera 312) is configured to, with user permission, recognize the face of the user to activate the communication protocol at the communication interface 320, connect with the user’s device and allow the user to make purchases, download an application and receive certain information regarding products at the POP or online. Scanner 316 is in communication with NFC 304 to short range communications with the user device 108 to allow the user to communicate with the POP using the UI on the smart device and to make purchases at the POP with the downloaded wallet. The POP 116 comprises its own GPS 318 so that the warehouse and product distribution is based on location of the POP, and further, the GPS may be configured to notify the user device if they are close or in proximity to the POP so that the user may purchase something based on a deal with a time limit.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates an inventory management system for a plurality of POPs distributed over multiple locations in accordance with one embodiment of the present platform. The VRMS 102 is in communication with a plurality of POPs 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 and 422. The VRMS 102 is in communication with delivery module 404 and inventory management 402 to ensure products are shipped to the proper POP. Dotted circles show areas in which GPS allows the warehousing and goods to arrive at the proper POP in an efficient manner. The communication module of FIG. 3 may also be in communication with the inventory management system 402.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 5, a stepwise method diagram depicting a POP inventory management method for managing customer and rewards utilizing programs in accordance with one embodiment of the current is shown. At step 502, the POP is configured to read a user device that is proximate the POP utilizing NFC, RFID, voice regulation and the like. At step 504, the user’s information or unique identification number is generated by the system and provided to the POP 116, shop in which the POP is located, customer 514 or the agent 516. A UI displayed at the user device and the POP at step 506. The system then determines a referral at step 508 should one exist using the VRMS server at 102 and the shop module 202. The consumer can then make a purchase at step 510.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 6, schematic diagram showing a system for a combination of POP and online web-based purchases and for tracking purchases, agent fees and inventory. The system comprises POP device 116 in communication with user device 108, VRMS server 102 and shipping center 210. Each of these elements are configured to communicate via network 602. In operation, when a user is proximate the POP or swipes the user device near the POP, the POP recognizes the user and the server automatically generates a unique ID code, digital wallet 610 and digital business card 612 for the user and provides it to the user device via a download or website link. POP also communicates with shipment center 202 over the network via the server 102 to ship items to the POP.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 7, a stepwise diagram showing a system for a combination of POP and online web-based purchases for a customer and allocating fees for an agent is shown. At step 702 a user swipes a smart device at the POP utilizing RFID or short-wave communication. At step 704, POP automatically generates and sends via server a unique ID code, digital wallet and digital business card to user and provides a link to a mobile application and/or website. At step 706, the server automatically links a proximate sales agent, using GPS or near field communication to their wallet and ties the agent to the user to assess commissions based on purchases made in store at POP or online. At step 708 the server generates a unique ID code for an agent to link to a user so that the agent receives his or her commissions on the user purchases. At step 710 the server automatically sends user deals either in store or online and sets a timer for deals via coupons that populate on the user device and can be used online or at POP via communication with NFC with the POP machine to receive discount. At step 712 server utilizes blockchain to record transactions and make commission payments to agents.

[0061] Specific configurations and arrangements of the platform, discussed above regarding the accompanying drawing, are for illustrative purposes only. Other configurations and arrangements that are within the purview of a skilled artisan can be made, used, or sold without departing from the spirit and scope of the platform. For example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.

[0062] While the present platform has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present platform is not limited to these herein disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present platform is intended to mobile phone the various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0063] Although specific features of various embodiments of the platform may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the platform, the feature(s) of one drawing may be combined with any or all the features in any of the other drawings. The words “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and “with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as the only possible embodiments. Rather, modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A system for managing a point of purchase (POP) device, the system having non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a program of machine executable instructions for a programmable computer system that, when executed by the programmable computer system, will cause the programmable computer system to execute instruction, the system comprising: a virtual retail marketing server configured to communicate with the POP device and a user device associated a user, the server comprising: a code generation module configured to generate a unique code in response to an input from the server when the user device is proximate the POP; a virtual wallet and card generation module configured to generate the virtual wallet and card and output the virtual wallet and card to the user device; a referral allocation module configured to link an agent to the user’s virtual wallet and card, wherein the referral allocation module is further configured to track an action by the user and credit the agent for the action; a near field communication (NFC) wireless component located on or proximate the POP, wherein the NFC is configured to communicate with the user device to generate the input from the server.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the server further comprises an inventory tracking module configured to communicate with the POP and to further communicate with a distribution center to notify the distribution center when inventory is needed in the POP.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the server further comprises a machine learning module in communication with the POP, the user device and the distribution center, wherein the machine learning module is configured to predict future inventory needs in each of the POP devices based on a user device transaction and a POP inventory.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the server further comprises a data filter module configured to receive data from each of the code generation module, the virtual wallet, the card generation module, the referral allocation module, the inventory tracking module and is further configured to embed markers into data, wherein the markers send the data to a predetermined end point.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a shop database and a user database in communication with the server, wherein the databases are configured to store shop and user data, respectively.

6. The system of claim 3, comprising a blockchain in communication with the server, wherein the blockchain is configured to issue smart contracts between the user, the agent, the POP and the distribution center.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the server further comprises a reporting module configured to output all data to a POP owner.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein the server further comprises a rewards center module configured track the users and the agent and allocate fees to the agent.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the server further comprises a cryptocurrency management module configured to manage payment faculties between the agent, the POP, the user and the distribution center.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the server is in communication with a GPS of the user device, a GPS and a GPS of the agent, and is configured to monitor an inventory distributed from the distribution center by location and a credit to the agent based on location.

11. A non-transitory computer readable storage media having computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, performs a method for managing a point of purchase device (POP), the method comprising: generating, at a virtual retail marketing server, a unique code in response to an input from the server when a user device is proximate the POP, wherein a near field communication (NFC) wireless component located on or proximate the POP, wherein the NFC is configured to communicate with the user device to generate the input from the VRMS server; generating, at the server, a unique virtual wallet and card; outputting the virtual wallet and card to the user device; linking an agent to the user’s virtual wallet and card tracking an action by the user to credit the agent for the action;

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the server further comprises an inventory tracking module configured to communicate with the POP and to further communicate with a distribution center to notify the distribution center when inventory is needed in the POP.

13. The system of claim 2, wherein the VRMS server further comprises a machine learning module in communication with the POP, the user device and the distribution center, wherein the machine learning module is configured to predict future inventory needs in each of the POP devices based on a user device transaction and a POP inventory.

14. The system of claim 3, wherein the VRMS server further comprises a data filter module configured to receive data from each of the code generation module, the virtual wallet, the card generation module, the referral allocation module, the inventory tracking module and is further configured to embed markers into data, wherein the markers send the data to a predetermined end point.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a shop database and a user database in communication with the VRMS server, wherein the databases are configured to store shop and user data, respectively.

16. The system of claim 3, comprising a blockchain in communication with the VRMS server, wherein the blockchain is configured to issue smart contracts between the user, the agent, the POP and the distribution center.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the VRMS server further comprises a reporting module configured to output all data to a POP owner.

18. The system of claim 2, wherein the VRMS server further comprises a rewards center module configured track the users and the agent and allocate fees to the agent.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the VRMS server further comprises a cryptocurrency management module configured to manage payment faculties between the agent, the POP, the user and the distribution center.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the VRMS server is in communication with a GPS of the user device, a GPS and a GPS of the agent, and is configured to monitor an inventory distributed from the distribution center by location and a credit to the agent based on location.