Abstract: A mobile device includes a light source and a light source controller. Data to be transmitted to a point of sale or point of use is obtained by the mobile device, and the light source controller controls the light emitted by the light source to emit light in a blinking pattern that simulates light that would be reflected to a laser scanner when a laser scanner is reading a barcode corresponding to the data to be transmitted. The light, emitted in the blinking pattern, is detected by a laser scanner which then decodes the data represented by the blinking pattern to obtain the data transmitted from the mobile device.

Abstract: A coupon distribution and redemption system obtains coupons from retail product manufacturers or retailers, and also obtains customer relations management data that indicates the buying patterns or preferences of retail customers. A coupon management system generates targeted offers that can be targeted at individual groups of customers or individual customers, based on a wide variety of preferences, buying patterns and even geographic location. The coupon management system then transmits coupon images, representing coupons related to the targeted offers, to the mobile devices of the users to which the offer is targeted. The user can then select individual coupons for redemption at a retail location. Once selected, a barcode corresponding to a selected coupon is rendered so that it can be identified by a scanner.