Google files patent application for delivering promotional coupons

Here’s yet another example of Google’s plans to integrate the online world with the offline one. As reported on Search Engine Watch, Google has filed a patent application for a system that will generate and display ads or promotional coupons when you are out shopping, for example.

Setting aside the technicalities of the patent application, the concept is that you will be served relevant promotional offers on a kiosk in a shopping mall or on your personal mobile device that could take into account your interest in a product or service, your proximity to a particular shopping establishment, presence of competing establishments, the time of day etc. to name just a few. Mechanisms to track conversions will also be available.

It will be interesting to see if Google adopts a CPA model for this service, as and when it moves onto the shop floor.