DE102006042761A1 - Data processing unit has memory device, which is provided for specifying electronic coupon, and which specifies target that user has achieved, and to store, where electronic coupon is given to user - Google Patents

Abstract

The data processing unit has a memory device, which is provided for specifying electronic coupon, and which specifies a target that a user has achieved, and to store, where an electronic coupon is to be given to the user. A communication interface is provided to receive data with information over a rule. Another communication interface is provided to transmit a query for information over a rule and to receive the queried information as reaction on the query. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) A client unit, which has a transmission mechanism that is equipped, an inquiry after information about a rule (2) a operator terminal, which has a storage facility that is equipped a rule to store (3) a method for making coupon programs, which involves specifying an electronic coupon and a goal (4) a method for the use of coupon programs, which involves sending an inquiry for information about a rule.

Description

The The invention relates to a data processing device, a client device, a user terminal, a method for providing coupon programs and a method for the benefit of coupon programs.

at Coupon programs will be awarded to participants who receive coupons For example, participants can redeem at one point for a reward receive. For example, a business can start from a specific one for each purchase Value a coupon for to place a purchase. Desirable systems are desirable and efficient way to provide and use coupon programs.

It a data processing arrangement is provided with a memory device, which is set up, at least one rule, the at least one specifies an electronic coupon and specifies a destination, that a user has reached when the user at least An electronic coupon has been awarded to save. The Data processing arrangement furthermore has a first communication interface, which is set up to provide data with information about the at least one rule received, and a second communication interface, the is set up, a request for information about the Usually to receive and in response to the request the requested To send information.

1 shows a communication arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

2 shows a communication system according to an embodiment of the invention.

3 shows a message flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.

4 shows a message flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.

5 shows a message flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.

6 shows a data processing device according to an embodiment of the invention.

One electronic voucher system allows a user at one point, for example a cashier system, that he is in a lot of other places, for example Coupon issuers or coupon issuers, or has stopped certain activities at these points carried out Has. An example for is that a user at a parking machine in a parking garage a large shopping center must prove that he is involved in three different transactions of the Shopping center has bought, as in this case, a discount gets at the park machine. For example, to the user when shopping in a shop, about when paying, a coupon awarded. At the electronic coupon system For example, this coupon will be in electronic form on one mobile device the user, for example a mobile subscriber unit or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) and stored at the point where the proof takes place, in this example the parking machine, read from the mobile device.

This Application example can be generally referred to as a coupon program. Other coupon programs would be For example, a user when buying a movie theater card at a coupon gets a cinema chain and if the user submits nine coupons, he will gain free entry into any cinema of the cinema chain receives. A similar application example, that is generally attributable to the class of coupon programs is that in a mobile device a user, for example a mobile subscriber device, automatically An electronic coupon is generated when the user receives a Advertising MMS message (MMS: Multimedia Message Service) completely via of the mobile device watch, for example, plays. For a certain number of such For example, the user gets electronic coupons then a discount on a purchase in a particular store.

A Another class of application examples for coupon systems can be summarized under the term "night watchman scenario". At the Night watchman scenario must be a night watchman go off a certain route. At certain points of the route are located Issuers who automatically receive electronic coupons on a mobile device transmitted by the night watchman be, that is stored in electronic form on the night watchman's mobile device become. In this way, the night watchman, for example, at the end of the service in a verification system (according to the above cashier system), that he walked the route properly is.

Similar to the night watchman scenario, electronic coupons can be used in competitions such as an orienteering or geocaching event. In addition to the functionality used in the night watchman scenario, for example, here is a relationship between the results several participants, such as a ranking determined.

According to one embodiment The invention provides a data processing arrangement with a memory device that is set up, at least a rule that specifies at least one electronic coupon and specifying a destination that a user has reached, when awarded to the user the at least one electronic coupon has been save. The data processing arrangement has Furthermore, a first communication interface that established is, data with information about to receive the at least one rule, and a second communication interface which is set up to request information about the Usually to receive and in response to the request the requested To send information.

According to one embodiment The invention is a client unit provided with a transmitting device that is set up a request for information about At least one rule that has at least one electronic coupon specified and which specifies a target that a user has achieved if the user assigns the at least one electronic coupon has been to send, a first receiving device, the is set up to receive the requested information, a second receiving device, which is set to a to receive the user assigned electronic coupon and one test equipment, which is set up to check if that received electronic coupon with the at least one specified matches electronic coupon.

According to one embodiment The invention provides a user terminal with a storage device that is set up, a rule which specifies an event when it occurs to the user of the user terminal an electronic coupon and a coupon allocation facility that is set up, generate an electronic coupon when the event occurs, which is assigned to the user of the user terminal.

According to one another embodiment The invention provides a method for providing coupon programs provided comprising the steps of: storing at least a rule that specifies at least one electronic coupon and specifying a destination that a user has reached, when awarded to the user the at least one electronic coupon has been receiving data with information about the at least a rule and receive a request for information about the Rule and respond to the request of the requested Information.

According to one another embodiment The invention provides a method of using coupon programs provided comprising the steps of: sending a Request for information about At least one rule that has at least one electronic coupon which specifies a target that a user will reach has, if to the user the at least one electronic coupon has been assigned, receive the requested information, received of an electronic coupon issued to the user and check whether the received electronic coupon with the at least one specified matches electronic coupon.

clear the data processing device realizes a server unit, which makes it possible information about Coupon programs for example, the specifications of which coupons as part of a coupon program have to be collected to get a reward (or generally reach a goal), to store and make available from client units.

One Organizer of coupon programs may be using the data processing device according to one embodiment invention of the coupon programs conveniently announce and a User can get information about Get coupon programs and, for example, via coupon programs, which he may wish to attend.

The Client unit according to a embodiment allows the invention It informs a user about coupon programs from the Retrieve data processing arrangement and manage the information. For example, the user can use his client device to his Status as part of a coupon program, for example the number the electronic coupons collected by him that are valid for the coupon program, determine, display and provide information about his Status (both an intermediate while he is still active on the coupon program participates as well as a final score after completion of the coupon program) to the data processing device and so interested inform other users, as well as information about the status of other participants as part of the coupon program retrieve from the data processing device.

This allows, for example, that the organizer of a coupon program informs about the participation in the coupon program and the success of the coupon program. Is the Ver Anestalter is not satisfied with the success of his coupon program, he can make changes to his coupon program by means of the second communication interface of the data processing arrangement.

According to one embodiment In accordance with the invention, the user may continue to use the client device in the data processing arrangement for the use of a coupon program Sign in. In this case, for example, he will be considered a participant in the Data processing arrangement registered.

embodiments enable the invention thus a user a convenient use of coupon programs, as he details about coupon programs can inform and talk about can inform its status through a coupon program. He can thus easily benefit from the advantages of coupon programs and, for example, use discount programs.

organizer of coupon programs get through embodiments of the invention the Possibility, easy to market their coupon programs and thus carry out effective promotions. Thereby, that users have over coupon programs can inform in a simple way and becoming aware of many coupon programs will ultimately more users participate in coupon programs. The organizers have continue the opportunity get detailed about the To inform success of their coupon programs.

Further results in a new business model for the one the architecture, such as the data processing arrangement provides.

The Data processing arrangement together with the client unit of a user, by which the user retrieves information about coupon programs can or the client unit of an organizer, by means of which the organizer information about Store coupon programs in the data processing system, can be viewed as client / server architecture.

refinements of the invention described in connection with the data processing arrangement are, apply (if appropriate) mutatis mutandis, for the client unit, the user terminal, the procedure to provide coupon programs and the method of using coupon programs according to the above embodiments the invention.

The For example, rule specifies at least a quantity of electronic Coupons, a coupon number and a target that reaches a user has when sent to the user the coupon number of electronic coupons has been awarded from the amount of electronic coupons. The rule may further specify at least one coupon property, and For example, the user has reached the destination when on the user the coupon number of electronic coupons with the at least one coupon property from the set of electronic Coupons has been awarded.

The Data processing arrangement has, for example, a third communication interface, which is set up to receive information about how many electronic coupons from the set of electronic coupons the user has been assigned. The third communication interface may be configured to receive information about which electronic coupons awarded to the user from the set of electronic coupons have been.

In an embodiment If the storage device is set up, the rule is in XML format save. The second communication interface is for example set up the information about to send the rule in the form of a document in XML format.

In an embodiment The rule specifies at least a lot of electronic Coupons, a coupon number and a destination that the user reaches has when sent to the user the coupon number of electronic coupons has been awarded from the amount of electronic coupons. The Client unit may include a discovery device set up is to determine how many of the electronic coupons of the crowd from electronic coupons to a user of the client unit have been.

The Client unit may have another transmitting device, the the information is set up, how many of the electronic coupons the amount of electronic coupons to the user of the client unit have been awarded to ship.

The Client unit may also comprise a detection device, which is set up to determine which of the electronic coupons the amount of electronic coupons to a user of the client unit have been awarded. The client unit may also have another Transmitter, which is configured, the information which the electronic coupons of the amount of electronic coupons the user of the client unit have been assigned to send.

The client unit is, for example, using realized a mobile electronic device. For example, the client unit is implemented by means of a mobile subscriber device or a PDA.

The User terminal is, for example, a mobile electronic device, for example a mobile subscriber device or a PDA.

The For example, an event is reading an electronic promotional message by the user of the user terminal. For example, the promotional message a promotional text message or a promotional MMS message. Corresponding is the coupon assignment facility For example, an SMS client unit or an MMS client unit.

The User terminal for example, has a client unit, as described above. The generated electronic coupon For example, it is sent to the client device.

embodiments The invention is illustrated in the figures and will be discussed below explained in more detail.

1 shows a communication arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The communication arrangement 100 has an electronic mobile device 101 on which is used by a user. The mobile device is for example a mobile subscriber device or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The mobile device 101 has a CPM client unit 102 , an internal coupon sink 103 as well as an internal coupon source 104 on.

The communication arrangement 100 also has an external coupon sink 105 , a CPM server unit 106 , an external coupon source 107 as well as an organizer client unit 108 , which is realized for example by means of a computer system of an organizer of a coupon program on.

The external coupon source 107 is by means of a first interface 109 , which is denoted by I _eSc , and by means of a first communication network 110 with the CPM client unit 102 coupled. The external coupon sink 105 is by means of a second interface 111 , which is denoted by I _eSk , and by means of a second communication network 112 coupled with the CPM client unit. The external coupon sink 105 is also by means of a third interface 113 , which is denoted by I _Sk-S , and by means of a third communication network 114 with the CPM server unit 106 coupled. The CPM server unit 106 is in turn by means of a fourth interface 115 , which is denoted by I _CS , and by means of a fourth communication network 116 with the CPM client unit 102 coupled. The organizer client unit 108 is by means of the third communication network 114 and by means of a fifth interface 117 , which is denoted by I _OS , with the CPM server unit 106 coupled.

The interfaces 109 . 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 be by means of the respective communication network 110 . 112 . 114 . 116 realized. The communication networks 110 . 112 . 114 . 116 may be different communication networks, including, for example, the Internet, cellular communication systems, for example, configured according to the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication Standard) standard or the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standard, or local communication networks (for example in the form of a WLAN; Wi-Fi: Wireless Local Area Network).

The internal coupon sink 103 is by means of a sixth interface 118 which is an internal interface of the mobile device 101 and which is called i _iSk , with the CPM client unit 102 coupled. The internal coupon source is also via an internal seventh interface 119 , which is called i _iSc , with the CPM client unit 102 coupled.

The communication arrangement 100 realizes an electronic coupon system according to a client-server architecture, which allows a variety of functionality in the context of coupon programs. Examples of functionalities of the communication arrangement 100 are explained below.

By means of the fifth interface 117 a coupon program organizer can define a coupon program on the CPM server unit 106 create and save, retrieve, modify and delete. The definition of a coupon program could, for example, include the rule that if a user has received three coupons from a supermarket in a supermarket chain, he will receive a discount of five euros when shopping at a supermarket in the supermarket chain. The definition of the coupon program could further include the rule that a user buys a coupon when shopping at a supermarket in the supermarket chain worth 30 euros or more. By means of the CPM server unit 106 Thus, the definitions of various coupon programs of various coupon program organizers are stored in the form of one or more rules, managed and made available.

The user of the mobile device 101 can itself through the CPM client unit 102 and the four th interface 115 at the CPM server unit 106 inform about current coupon programs, that is definitions of coupon programs running on the CPM server unit 106 are stored, query. For example, the user may use his CPM client device 102 display all current coupon programs or inquire about specific coupon programs that meet certain search parameters. Results of such polling of coupon programs at the CPM server unit 106 can the user of the mobile device 101 for example by means of a display of the mobile device 101 are displayed. The CMP client unit 102 provides the user with these and other functionalities in the context of the use of coupon programs, in other words in the context of coupon program management (CPM).

For example, the user can use coupon programs that he is interested in using the CPM client unit 102 on the mobile device 101 manage. For example, the CPM client unit may use the definitions of coupon programs as part of a query to the CPM server entity 106 to the CPM client unit 102 have been transmitted, saved and managed for the user. For example, it may also include a selection of definitions of coupon programs as part of a query to the CPM server entity 106 to the CPM client unit 102 transmitted by the CPM client unit 102 get saved. In this way, the user can display the definitions of the coupon programs at a later time and also the definitions of individual coupon programs, which can be displayed by means of the CPM client unit 102 in the mobile device 101 are stored, delete.

By means of the CPM client unit 102 The user can create a coupon program whose definition is in the CPM server unit 106 that is, that of the CPM server unit 106 managed and provisioned, in other words, enable. The activation of a coupon program becomes the CPM server unit 106 by means of the fourth interface 115 signaled. The CPM server unit 106 stores the information as to which coupon programs are active for the user, that is, activated and not deactivated (for example by the user or by the end of the coupon program).

The CPM client unit 102 receives coupons as part of a coupon program on the occasion of certain events as defined by the coupon program. Depending on the design of the coupon program, these events may be different. For example, such an event that the user buys at a particular store, fully reads an advertisement MMS message, or is in the vicinity of a particular location. Coupons can be the CPM client unit 102 from the internal coupon source 104 using the seventh interface 119 received (for example, in the case that the user reads a promotional MMS message completely) or also by means of the first interface 109 from the external coupon source 107 (for example, a coupon issuer on the route that a night watchman has to leave).

It can be a variety of external coupon sources 107 and internal coupon sources 104 to be available. As mentioned, the internal coupon source 104 for example, an MMS client unit of the mobile device 101 that supports the coupon functionality and an electronic coupon to the CPM client unit 102 forgives when the user completely reads an advertising MMS message.

By means of the CPM client unit 102 the user can see how many coupons he has already collected in the various coupon programs in which he participates, that is, which coupons he has already received or how many or which coupons he still needs in order to a coupon program to receive a certain reward (for example, a purchase price reduction).

Its status as part of the coupon programs in which the user participates can be displayed not only by the user but also by the CPM client unit 102 also to the CPM server unit 106 send. The CPM server unit 106 can publish the status of the user as part of a coupon program, for example by means of a web page. For example, one possible use case is that the user participates in a sporting event and a coupon corresponds to the achievement of a specific destination within the sports event, for example passing a particular line item. The status of a user in the context of a coupon program may be both a status of the user as long as the coupon program is still running or also an end status, for example the number of coupons the user receives within the coupon program until the coupon program Collected at the end of the coupon program.

If the user has successfully participated in a coupon program, that is, has collected a certain number of coupons or coupons of a particular nature to receive a particular reward as defined by the coupon program, he may coupon the coupon sink , in this case at the internal coupon sink 103 or the external coupon sink 105 Redeem. The external coupon sink 105 is outside the mobile terminal 101 arranged and for example, a cashier system, such as a parking meter, where the user can redeem coupons so that he can park for free. The redemption of coupons at the external coupon sink is done by means of the second interface 111 ,

By means of the sixth interface 118 the user can use the CPM client unit 102 at the internal coupon sink 103 Redeem coupons. An internal coupon sink 103 is, for example, an application that allows electronic payments on the Internet and can book a credit. For example, upon redeeming 10 coupons, the user will be credited with a $ 10 credit that they can use to pay when ordering online.

The external coupon sink 105 can for example by means of the third interface at the CPM server unit 106 Check for coupons that the user uses through the CPM client unit 102 at the external coupon sink 105 to redeem, suffice that the user gets a reward. Furthermore, the external coupon sink 105 the CPM server unit 106 by means of the third interface 113 inform that the user coupons at the external coupon sink 105 redeemed.

By means of the third interface, the external coupon sink 105 at the CPM server unit 106 also query a definition of a coupon program in which a user wishes to redeem a coupon. This is the external coupon sink 105 For example, the identification of the coupon that the user wants to redeem. In addition, the external coupon sink 105 the CPM server unit 106 inform about the redemption. The third interface can be realized, for example, using the protocols Ethernet, IP, TCP and HTTP.

By means of the fifth interface 117 The organizer of a coupon program can use the organizer client unit 108 at the CPM server unit 106 inform how many users are participating in their coupon program and what is the status of a participating user as part of the coupon program. For example, he or she can view and analyze statistics and time histories provided to the organizer, for example in the form of a web page (password protected, if required) and decide based on the analysis whether to change the definitions of a coupon program or a coupon Program.

The organizer client unit 108 can also be self in the form of a CPM client unit 102 be realized. That is, the CPM client unit 102 even the definition of a coupon program allows, and that by means of the CPM client unit 102 the definition of the coupon program on the CPM server unit 106 can be stored and managed (that is, changed, deleted, etc.) can be. In this case, the fourth interface would be the same 115 the fifth interface 117 ,

For the use case of a coupon program, in which a ranking of the participants in the coupon program plays a role, for example in the event that a coupon corresponds to the achievement of a particular destination in the context of a sports competition, the user of the mobile device 101 using the CPM client unit 102 at the CPM server unit 106 inform about the status of the other participants in a coupon program in which the user participates. Likewise, it is possible for the user, if he has an appropriate authorization, to know which coupon programs certain users are participating in or which users are participating in a particular coupon program.

• – Internet, beispielsweise unter Verwendung des TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), des HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) oder unter Verwendung von HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language)
• – Intranet
• – Mobilfunk-Kommunikationssysteme (UMTS, GSM)
• – WLAN
• – WiMAX (World Wide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
• – Bluetooth
• – IrDa (Infrared Data Association)
• – USB (Universal Serial Bus) oder Wireless USB

As mentioned above, the external interfaces 109 . 111 . 113 . 115 . 117 be realized by means of various communication techniques and communication systems. Examples for this are:

• Internet, for example using the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), the HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) or using HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language)
• - Intranet
• - Mobile communication systems (UMTS, GSM)
• - WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS
• - WiMAX (World Wide Interoperability for Microwave Access)
• - Bluetooth
• - IrDA (Infrared Data Association)
• - USB (Universal Serial Bus) or Wireless USB

Since a coupon can represent a monetary value depending on the application, it is important that the authenticity of coupons can be guaranteed and verified. For example, a coupon sink 103 . 105 only a discount to the user of the mobile device 101 issue when the coupon sink 103 . 105 ensure that the coupons the user wants to redeem are actually from trusted and, for example, authorized coupon sources 104 . 107 are not fake. Accordingly, the internal coupon source must 104 In other words, it must be a trusted platform.

Also for the CPM client unit 102 even it matters that the coupons are from the CPM client unit 102 are not fake, as it is for the user of the mobile device 101 would be uncomfortable if he only when attempting to redeem coupons at a coupon sink 103 . 105 would notice that the coupons are not genuine. In this case, the user could be very disappointed and the coupon system would probably seem unbelievable to the user. To ensure the authenticity of coupons, for example, conventional methods can be used, such as coupon signatures or source authorization.

The definition of a coupon program may take the form of an XML (Extended Markup Language) document in the CPM server entity 106 be stored and also in this form by the organizer client unit 108 to the CPM server unit 106 be transmitted by the CPM server unit 106 to the CPM client unit 102 be transmitted.

• – Coupon-Programm-Identifikation (CP ID): Eine eindeutige Identifikation des Coupon-Programms, die beispielsweise von der CPM-Server-Einheit 106 vergeben wird.
• – Name: Ein kurzer, für den Benutzer verständlicher Name des Coupon-Programms, der beispielsweise die Eigenschaften des Coupon-Programms grob widerspiegelt.
• – Beschreibung: Eine beispielsweise ausführliche Beschreibung des Coupon-Programms, aus dem für einen Benutzer ersichtlich ist, welche Anforderungen und welche Belohnungen das Coupon-Programm aufweist.
• – Coupon-Programm-Typ oder Coupon-Programm-Klasse (CP-Typ/Klasse): Eine Klasse, der das Coupon-Programm zugeordnet ist, die beispielsweise einem Benutzer die Suche nach für ihn geeigneten Coupon-Programmen erleichtert. Die Klassifizierung der Coupon-Programme kann beispielsweise hierarchisch organisiert sein; Beispiele hierfür wären dementsprechend die Klassen "Sport", "Sport/Hiking", "Sport/Walking", "Sport/Competition", "Voucher Programm", "Voucher Programm/Fast Food" etc.
• – Veranstalter des Coupon-Programms: Ein Name des Veranstalter des Coupon-Programms, beispielsweise der Name einer Fast Food-Kette oder einer Supermarktkette.
• – Veranstalterklassen: Eine Klassifizierung der Veranstalter von Coupon-Programmen, beispielsweise "Fast Food-Kette", "Supermarktkette" etc.
• – Coupon-Vorgaben (gegebenenfalls in Form einer geordneten Liste): Dies ist eine Liste von Coupons, die ein Benutzer sammeln muss, um eine Belohnung im Rahmen des Coupon-Programms zu erhalten oder um das Coupon-Programm erfolgreich abzuschließen, wobei der Benutzer beim erfolgreichen Abschluss des Coupon-Programms eine Belohnung erhält. Im Rahmen eines Coupon-Programms können mehrere Belohnungen vorgesehen sein und für jede der Belohnungen kann eine eigene Liste von Coupons definiert sein, die der Benutzer sammeln muss, um die Belohnung zu bekommen. Die Coupons müssen je nach Anwendungsszenario beispielsweise in einer bestimmten Reihenfolge gesammelt werden (beispielsweise bei einem Sportereignis) und dementsprechend kann für eine Liste von Coupons eine Reihenfolge definiert sein. Coupons in einer Liste von Coupons können auch unterschiedlichen Typs sein (verschiedene Coupon-Typen werden weiter unten erläutert).
• – Coupon-Programm-Benutzer-Restriktionen: Diese spezifizieren, welche Benutzer an dem Coupon-Programm teilnehmen dürfen. Beispielsweise ist ein Coupon-Programm öffentlich für alle Benutzer oder auch nur für bestimmte Benutzer vorgesehen (beispielsweise dürfen an einem Coupon-Programm im Rahmen einer Sport-Veranstaltung nur Mitglieder eines bestimmten Vereins teilnehmen).
• – Teilnahme-Kosten: Diese können Kosten spezifizieren, mit der die Teilnahme an einem Coupon-Programm verbunden ist. Beispielsweise kann die Teilnahme an einem Coupon-Programm im Rahmen einer Sport-Veranstaltung etwas kosten.
• – Region: Diese Angabe kann ein bestimmtes geographisches Gebiet oder eine Stadt spezifizieren, wo das Coupon-Programm durchgeführt werden kann, das heißt wo beispielsweise Coupons im Rahmen des Coupon-Programms gesammelt werden können. So sind beispielsweise nur Coupons von Geschäften für einen Preisnachlass an einem Park-Automaten in einem Parkhaus gültig, die sich in dem Einkaufszentrum befinden, zu dem das Parkhaus gehört.
• – Schwierigkeitsgrad: Hierbei kann beispielsweise bei Sportorientierten Coupon-Programmen angegeben werden, wie schwer es einem Benutzer ist, das Coupon-Programm erfolgreich abzuschließen, mögliche Schwierigkeitsgrad-Angaben sind beispielsweise "Anfänger", "Fortgeschrittene", "Experten".
• – Sammel-Zeitraum: Hier kann ein Zeitraum angegeben werden, in dem das Sammeln von Coupons im Rahmen eines Coupon-Programms möglich ist. Beispielsweise kann ein Fast Food-Restaurant das Sammeln von Coupons im Rahmen eines Gutschein-Programms auf zwei Wochen beschränken.
• – Coupon-Zugänglichkeit: Damit kann beispielsweise angegeben werden, ob die zeitliche Zugänglichkeit und/oder die räumliche Zugänglichkeit zum Sammeln von Coupons beschränkt ist. Beispielsweise kann bei einer Geocaching-Veranstaltung das Sammeln von Coupons nur bei Tageslicht erlaubt sein oder im Rahmen eines Gutschein-Programms können Gutscheine nur zu bestimmten Öffnungszeiten gesammelt werden oder Coupons können nur im Inneren eines Gebäudes (Indoor) oder nicht im Inneren eines Gebäudes (Outdoor) gesammelt werden.
• – Einlösezeitraum: Hier kann der Zeitraum angegeben werden, in dem im Rahmen des Coupon-Programms Coupons eingelöst werden können. Beispielsweise können bei einer Fast Food-Kette im Rahmen eines Gutschein-Programms nur an bestimmten Tagen Coupons eingelöst werden.
• – Prämien: Hierbei kann genauer angegeben werden, welche Belohnungen vorgesehen sind. Eine Angabe einer Belohnung könnte beispielsweise lauten, dass wenn drei von fünf vorgegebenen Coupons eingelöst werden, fünf Euro Preisnachlass erteilt werden und die Angabe einer weiteren Belohnung könnte lauten, dass wenn alle fünf von fünf vorgegebenen Coupons eingelöst werden 10,00 Euro Preisnachlass erteilt werden. Eine Belohnung kann beispielsweise im Falle eines Sport-Wettkampfs nur darin bestehen, dass der Benutzer eine bestimmte Punktzahl erreicht hat oder dass festgestellt wird, dass er ein bestimmtes Ziel (beispielsweise ein bestimmtes Etappenziel) erreicht hat.
• – Ungefähr erforderliche Zeit: Hierbei kann angegeben werden, wie lange es für einen Benutzer ungefähr dauern wird, um ein Coupon-Programm erfolgreich zu erfüllen, das heißt im Rahmen eines Coupon-Programms die Anforderungen für eine Belohnung zu erfüllen. Dies kann beispielsweise für Sport-Veranstaltungen sinnvoll sein.
• – Benötigte Transportmittel oder auch Einschränkungen von Transportmitteln: Beispielsweise kann hier angegeben werden, dass das Coupon-Programm für Fußgänger geeignet ist, dass ein Auto erforderlich ist, um an dem Coupon-Programm erfolgreich teilzunehmen, oder dass ein Coupon-Programm für Rollstuhlfahrer geeignet ist.
• – Coupon-Programm-Dynamik: Hier kann angegeben werden, ob die aktuelle Definition des Coupon-Programms fest ist oder ob sich die Definition von Teilnehmer zu Teilnehmer ändern kann, im Laufe der Zeit ändern kann oder nachdem ein Benutzer seinen Status im Rahmen des Coupon-Programms der CPM-Server-Einheit 106 mitgeteilt hat, eine Anpassung des Coupon-Programms durch die CPM-Server-Einheit 106 erfolgen kann, und der CPM-Client-Einheit 102 signalisiert werden kann.
• – Coupon-Authentifizierungs-Information: Hier können Informationen bezüglich der Authentifizierung von Coupons spezifiziert werden, beispielsweise kann hier ein öffentlicher Schlüssel für ein Verschlüsselungsverfahren angegeben werden, der für die Authentifizierung von Coupons verwendet werden kann.

The coupon program definition defines various properties or characteristics of predefined properties. For example, the following properties can be set in a definition of a coupon program:

• Coupon Program Identification (CP ID): A unique identification of the coupon program, for example from the CPM server unit 106 is awarded.
• - Name: A short, user-friendly name of the coupon program that roughly reflects, for example, the characteristics of the coupon program.
• Description: A detailed description, for example, of the coupon program that shows a user what requirements and rewards the coupon program has.
• Coupon program type or coupon program class (CP type / class): A class to which the coupon program is assigned, for example, which facilitates a search for suitable coupon programs for a user. The classification of the coupon programs can be organized hierarchically, for example; Examples of this would be the classes "Sport", "Sport / Hiking", "Sport / Walking", "Sport / Competition", "Voucher Program", "Voucher Program / Fast Food" etc.
• - Organizer of the coupon program: A name of the organizer of the coupon program, such as the name of a fast food chain or supermarket chain.
• - Organizer Classes: A classification of the organizers of coupon programs, such as "fast food chain", "supermarket chain" etc.
• - Coupon Preferences (possibly in the form of an ordered list): This is a list of coupons that a user must collect in order to receive a reward under the coupon program or to successfully complete the coupon program, whereby the user is provided with the coupon program successful completion of the coupon program receives a reward. As part of a coupon program, multiple rewards may be provided, and for each of the rewards, a separate list of coupons may be defined that the user must collect to receive the reward. For example, the coupons may need to be collected in a particular order depending on the application scenario (for example, in a sporting event) and, accordingly, an order may be defined for a list of coupons. Coupons in a list of coupons may also be of different types (different coupon types are discussed below).
• Coupon Program User Restrictions: These specify which users are allowed to participate in the coupon program. For example, a coupon program is publicly available to all users or even to certain users (for example, only members of a particular club may participate in a coupon program as part of a sports event).
• - Participation Costs: These may specify costs associated with participating in a coupon program. For example, participating in a coupon program at a sports event may cost you something.
• Region: This information may specify a specific geographic area or city where the coupon program can be carried out, that is where, for example, coupons may be collected under the coupon program. For example, only coupons from stores are valid for a discount on a parking machine in a parking garage located in the mall to which the parking garage belongs.
• - Difficulty level: Here, for example, in sports-oriented coupon programs can be specified how hard it is for a user to complete the coupon program successfully, possible difficulty level information is, for example, "beginners", "advanced", "experts".
• - Collection period: Here you can specify a period in which coupons can be collected as part of a coupon program. For example, a fast food restaurant may collect coupons as part of a coupon program for two weeks restrict.
• Coupon accessibility: This can be used, for example, to indicate whether accessibility and / or accessibility for the collection of coupons is limited. For example, at a geocaching event, collecting coupons may only be allowed in daylight or, as part of a coupon program, coupons may only be collected at certain opening hours or coupons may only be inside a building (indoor) or not inside a building (outdoor ) to be collected.
• - Redemption Period: Here you can specify the period during which coupons can be redeemed as part of the coupon program. For example, in a fast food chain as part of a coupon program coupons are redeemed only on certain days.
• - Rewards: Specifies which rewards are foreseen. An indication of a reward might be, for example, that if three out of five given coupons are redeemed, five euros in rebate will be issued and the indication of another reward could be that if all five out of the five given coupons are redeemed, then € 10,00 discount will be given. For example, in the case of a sports competition, a reward may only be that the user has reached a certain score or is determined to have reached a particular destination (for example, a specific milestone).
• - Approximate time required to specify how long it will take for a user to successfully complete a coupon program, that is, to fulfill the requirements for a reward under a coupon program. This can be useful, for example, for sports events.
• - Required means of transport or even restrictions on means of transport: For example, it may be stated here that the coupon program is suitable for pedestrians, that a car is required to successfully participate in the coupon program, or that a coupon program is suitable for wheelchair users ,
• - Coupon program dynamics: Here you can specify whether the current definition of the coupon program is fixed or whether the definition may change from participant to participant, may change over time or after a user releases his status under the coupon Program of the CPM server unit 106 has communicated an adaptation of the coupon program by the CPM server unit 106 can be done, and the CPM client unit 102 can be signaled.
• Coupon Authentication Information: Here, information regarding the authentication of coupons may be specified, for example, a public key may be given here for an encryption method that can be used for the authentication of coupons.

• – Coupon-Typ: Es können verschiedene Typen von Coupons vorgesehen sein, beispielsweise Typ "Location": Ein Coupon dieses Typs dient dazu nachweisen zu können, dass der Benutzer an bestimmten Orten war (beispielsweise im oben beschriebenen Anwendungsfall einer Nachwächter-Route); Typ "Cashspending": Ein Coupon dieses Typs kann als Nachweis dafür dienen, dass der Benutzer Geld ausgegeben hat, beispielsweise einen Einkauf mit einem bestimmten Mindesteinkaufswert getätigt hat; Typ "Advertising MMS Reading": Ein Coupon dieses Typs kann als Nachweis dafür dienen, dass ein Benutzer sich eine Werbe-MMS-Nachricht vollständig eingeschaut hat.
• – Wert: Je nach Coupon-Typ kann hier ein Wert des Coupons angegeben werden, beispielsweise ein Geldwert oder auch im Fall eines Coupons vom Typ "Location" eine Ortsangabe.
• – Zeitstempel (Time Stamp): Dieser gibt an, wann das Coupon eingesammelt, das heißt an die CPM-Client-Einheit 102 übermittelt wurde bzw. an den Benutzer vergeben wurde.
• – Coupon-Quellen-Identifikation (Coupon Source ID): Dies ist eine eindeutige Identifikation der Coupon-Quelle 104, 107, welche das Coupon vergeben hat.
• – Coupon-Authentifizierungsinformation: In Abhängigkeit des verwendeten Authentifizierungsmechanismus können hier bestimmte Informationen angegeben werden, beispielsweise ein öffentlicher Schlüssel, der zur Authentifizierung des Coupons verwendet werden kann.

A coupon may also be stored in the form of an XMLs document containing information about the coupon. A coupon can also consist only of an identification of the coupon (for example, a coupon identification key in the form of a bit string). The following properties may have a coupon and be specified in the coupon (for example, in XML):

• Coupon Type: Different types of coupons may be provided, for example type "Location": a coupon of this type serves to be able to prove that the user was in certain places (for example in the case of a follower route described above); Type "Cash-Spending": A coupon of this type can serve as proof that the user has spent money, for example, made a purchase with a certain minimum purchase value; Type "Advertising MMS Reading": A coupon of this type can serve as proof that a user has completely viewed a promotional MMS message.
• - Value: Depending on the coupon type, a value of the coupon can be entered here, for example a monetary value or, in the case of a "Location" coupon, a location.
• - Time stamp: This indicates when the coupon is collected, that is, to the CPM client unit 102 has been transmitted or has been assigned to the user.
• Coupon Source ID: This is a unique identifier of the coupon source 104 . 107 who has awarded the coupon.
• Coupon authentication information: Depending on the authentication mechanism used, certain information may be given here, for example a public key which may be used to authenticate the coupon.

• – Coupon-Typ: Angabe des Typs der Coupons, die für das Coupon-Programm gültig sind.
• – Wertebereich oder Werteliste: Je nach Coupon-Typ kann hier eine Wertebereich bzw. eine Liste von Werten angegeben sein. Der Wert eines Coupons muss sich in dem angegebenen Wertebereich befinden bzw. in der Liste von Werten enthalten sein, damit das Coupon für das Coupon-Programm gültig ist.
• – Zeitstempel-Bereich: Hier kann ein Zeitbereich angegeben werden, in dem der Zeitstempel eines Coupons liegen muss, um gültig zu sein.
• – Coupon-Quellen-Identifikations-Bereich oder Coupon-Quellen-Identifikations-Liste: Analog zu dem Wertebereich bzw. der Werteliste werden hier Anforderungen an die Coupon-Quellen-Identifikation des Coupons gestellt.
• – Coupon-Authentifizierungsinformation: Hier kann eine Information vorgesehen sein, die die Authentifizierung von Coupons ermöglicht, beispielsweise ein Schlüssel eines Verschlüsselungsverfahrens.

The definition of a coupon specification may also be in accordance with XML and may, for example, be designed as part of the XML document having the definition of the corresponding coupon program. As mentioned, in the definition of the coupon specification, the rules are specified according to which a coupon in the context of correspond the coupon program is accepted or rejected. In other words, in the definition of the coupon specification, properties are specified that a collected coupon must have in order to be valid for the coupon program. The definition of the coupon specification may be similar to the definition of a coupon. However, ranges of coupons may be specified in a coupon specification specifying in which range the value of a collected coupon must be in order to be valid for the corresponding coupon program. For example, defining a coupon preference may include the following information:

• - Coupon Type: Specify the type of coupons that are valid for the coupon program.
• - Value range or list of values: Depending on the coupon type, a range of values or a list of values can be specified here. The value of a coupon must be within the specified value range or included in the list of values for the coupon to be valid for the coupon program.
• - Timestamp area: Here you can specify a time range in which the timestamp of a coupon must be in order to be valid.
• Coupon Source Identification Area or Coupon Source Identification List: In the same way as the value range or the list of values, requirements are made here for the coupon source identification of the coupon.
• Coupon authentication information: Here, information may be provided which enables the authentication of coupons, for example a key of an encryption method.

As mentioned, the organizer of a coupon program can use the organizer client unit 108 and the fifth interface 117 the definition of coupon programs on the CPM server unit 106 make and publish coupon programs. The access of the organizer via the fifth interface 117 to the CPM server unit 106 can be performed by means of a web browser, that is, for example, using the description language HTML and using the protocols Ethernet, IP (Internet Protocol), TCP, HTTP.

By means of the fourth interface 115 As mentioned, the communication between the CPM client unit takes place 102 and the CPM server unit 106 , This interface can be realized for example by means of the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) of a mobile communication system. This is in 2 shown.

2 shows a communication system 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the mobile terminal is 101 a mobile subscriber device 201 , The mobile subscriber device 201 is used to use a mobile communication system, in this example, a mobile communication system according to the UMTS standard. Accordingly, the mobile radio user equipment is called UE (User Equipment).

The mobile subscriber device has a CPM client unit 202 on that as related to 1 is arranged and designed.

The mobile subscriber device 201 also has an IMS client unit 203 on. The communication system 200 has a radio access network (RAN) 204 and a Packaged Switched (PS) core network 205 on. The communication system 200 also has an IMS core network 206 on that, along with the PS core network 205 enables the use of packet-switched communication services. Using the IMS client unit 203 , the radio access network 204 and the PS core network 205 can be the CPM client unit 203 by means of an interface 207 with the IMS core network 206 communicate. By means of another interface 208 communicates a CPM server unit 209 , which is analogous to the CPM server unit 106 in 1 is arranged and configured with the IMS core network 206 , This will be the fourth interface 115 between the CPM client unit 102 . 202 and the CPM server unit 106 . 209 realized.

As a signaling protocol in the IMS, the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) protocol is used, which is also used in this embodiment for tasks in the context of coupon programs. The IMS core network 206 is in this embodiment according to the embodiment of the mobile subscriber device 201 as a UMTS mobile radio user equipment part of a UMTS mobile communication system. In other embodiments, the IMS core network is 206 Part of a GSM mobile communication system.

A message flow between the CPM client device 102 . 201 and the CPM server unit 106 . 209 will be referred to below with reference to 3 explained.

3 shows a message flow diagram 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The message flow shown is between a CPM client device 301 that the CPM client unit 202 in 2 corresponds to a CPM server unit 303 that the CPM server is on Ness 209 in 2 corresponds and intervening network units 302 that is units of the radio access network 204 , the PS core network 205 and the IMS core network 206 instead of.

It is assumed that the user of the CPM client unit 301 yourself at the CPM server unit 303 want to inform about available coupon programs.

The transmission of messages from the CPM client unit 301 to the CPM server unit 303 and the transmission of messages from the CPM server unit 303 to the CPM client unit 301 takes place via the intervening network units 302 ,

In step 304 initiates the CPM client unit 301 the establishment of a SIP communication session between the CPM client unit 301 and the CPM server unit 303 by transmitting a first message 314 , which is configured as SIP INVITE, to the CPM server unit 303 ,

In step 305 confirms the CIP server unit 303 the establishment of the SIP communication session by transmitting a second message 315 , which is configured as SIP OK, to the CPM client unit 301 , In step 306 asks the CPM client unit 301 at the CPM server unit 303 which coupon programs are currently offered by McDonalds. This is done by transmitting a third message 316 which is referred to as CP request message in this example and which is indicated by means of the string "Organizer_Only = McDonalds" that only such coupon programs from the CPM server unit 303 whose organizer is McDonalds.

In step 307 answers the CPM server unit 303 the request by submitting a list of coupon programs. This is done by transmitting a fourth message 317 , which is called CP Response message and contains a list of coupon programs (List_of_CPs). The list of coupon programs contains only parts of the listed coupon programs, for example only their name or a brief description, so that the CP Response message is not too large. The user of the CPM client device 301 can now browse the list and find out if interesting coupon programs are offered for him.

It is believed that the user encountered an interesting coupon program while browsing through the list, but would like more information about this coupon program, such as a full description of the coupon program or the full definition of the coupon program. Accordingly, in step 308 from the CPM client unit 301 detailed information requested on this coupon program. This is done by transmitting a fifth message 318 , which is called a CP Detail Request message, and which contains an indication of coupon program identification about which the user desires detailed information (CP ID = 1234321). The CPM server unit 303 answers the question in step 309 by transmitting a sixth message 319 , which is called the CP Detail Response message and which has the detailed information or, for example, the complete definition of the coupon program (Complete_CP).

If the user now wants to participate in the coupon program, then submit in step 310 the CPM client unit 301 a seventh message 320 , which is referred to as a CP Register Request message and has an identification of the coupon program (CP ID = 1234321). This will signal that the CPM client unit 301 (or the user) wants to register for the coupon program (in other words, wants to activate the coupon program for itself). The CPM server unit 303 may refuse the registration (for example, because the user for this coupon program does not have a participation permit according to the coupon program user restrictions in the definition of the coupon program, see above) or accept the registration.

Accepts the CPM server unit 303 the registration, so submit it in step 311 an eighth message 321 , which is referred to as the CP Register Response message, and may include other information, such as a registration identifier (Register ID), which allows the later reference to the registration to the CPM client unit 301 ,

Another message flow between the CPM client unit 102 . 202 and the CPM server unit 106 . 209 will be referred to below with reference to 4 explained.

4 shows a message flow diagram 400 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The illustrated message flow is analogous to that in 3 displayed message flow between a CPM client device 401 , a CPM server unit 403 and intervening network entities 402 instead of.

It is assumed that the user of the CPM client unit 401 its status as part of a coupon program of the CPM server unit 403 would like to signal and would like to query its ranking in the context of the coupon program, that is to ask, in which place in a ranking of the participants of the coupon program it is currently located.

In this example, there is no SIP communication session between the CPM client device 401 and the CPM server unit 403 built up. In step 404 sends the CPM client unit 401 a first message 412 , which is referred to as the CP Status Indication message and has the registration identification (Register ID = 007) allocated when registering for the coupon program. The first message further includes the status of the user as part of the coupon program, such as the identifications of one or more coupons that the user has collected as part of the coupon program.

The CPM server unit 403 answers the first message 412 in step 405 by means of a second message 413 , which is referred to as a CP Status Confirmation message, which may contain information regarding the status of the user (Status Result) and, for example, an indication of the current rank of the user, for example in the case of a sports event.

Now it is assumed that the user would like to query his current ranking after some time, assuming that the CPM server unit 403 the end status, that is, the status of the user in the context of the coupon program at the termination of the coupon program, has already been notified (the current rank of the user may nonetheless change if the coupon program for other participants has not yet ended is).

Send in step 406 the CPM client unit receives a third message 414 to the CPM server unit 403 , The third message 414 is referred to as the CP Ranking Request message and has the registration identification received by the user when registering for the coupon program (Register ID = 007). The requested rank becomes the CPM client unit 401 from the CPM server unit 403 in step 407 in the form of a fourth message, called the CP Ranking Response message, which contains an indication of the rank.

Similarly, the user can also query the rank of another user. This happens analogous to the steps 406 and 407 in the steps 408 and 409 by means of a fifth message 416 and a sixth message 417 , It is assumed that the registration ID of the other user is 0815 (Register ID = 0815).

The user can also query a complete ranking (ranking table) for a coupon program. This happens in the steps 410 and 411 by means of a seventh message 418 and an eighth message 419 analogous to the steps 406 and 407 with the difference that instead of a registration identification in the seventh message 418 a coupon program identification is specified (CP ID = 111) identifying the coupon program for which the ranking is to be polled.

In one embodiment, if a user wishes to query another user's rank or full ranking, then the CPM server unit 403 checks if the user has the appropriate rights. If this is not the case, the requests are rejected by means of appropriate messages.

The referring to the 3 and 4 Messages mentioned can be realized, for example, according to SIP MESSAGE, said parameters (Register ID, List_of_CPs, the message name, etc.) are listed according to XML format in the message body (message body).

Alternatively to the realization of the fourth interface 115 By means of IMS using SIP, the implementation can also be carried out using the protocols IP, TOP and HTTP and the IMS and the SIP can not be used.

The CPM server unit 106 is operated, for example, by the operator of a network, for example a mobile radio network, who can offer the described functions in the form of a coupon program management communication service to both the user, for example subscribers of the mobile network, and the organizers of the coupon programs.

By means of the first interface 109 and the second interface 111 As mentioned, the CPM client unit 102 Coupons from the external coupon source 107 received and at the external coupon sink 105 Redeem. For redemption, the CPM client unit submits 102 for example, the redeemable coupons or an identification of the corresponding coupon program to the external coupon sink 105 , The first interface 109 and the second interface 111 can be realized for example by means of Bluetooth, but as mentioned above, other communication networks are suitable.

The use of the sixth interface 118 and the seventh interface 119 , the internal interfaces of the mobile device 101 are below with reference to 5 explained.

5 shows a message flow diagram 500 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The message flow shown is between an MMS server unit 501 , an MMS client unit 502 , a CPM client device 503 and a CPM server unit 504 instead of.

The MMS client unit 502 corresponds to the internal coupon source in this example 104 and is the same as the CPM client unit 503 and the CPM server unit 504 as related to 1 explained, arranged and designed.

Accordingly, the MMS client unit 502 and the CPM client unit 503 Part of a mobile device 505 that the mobile device 101 equivalent.

It is assumed that the user of the mobile device 505 sign up for a coupon program called MMS Ads. In this coupon program, the user receives a credit of one euro per mobile message read for each MMS message read (it is assumed that the mobile device 505 a mobile subscriber device is). To log in to the coupon program transmits the CPM client unit 503 in step 506 a first message 513 , which is referred to as CP Register Request message and has an identification of the coupon program (MMS Ads) to the CPM server unit 504 ,

In step 507 informs the CPM client unit 503 the MMS client unit 502 about registering with the coupon program (it was assumed that the CPM server unit 504 has accepted the registration). This is done by transmitting a second message 514 , which is referred to as a CP Indication message and contains an identification of the coupon program (MMS Ads). Now the MMS client unit 502 informed that every time the user of the mobile device 505 an MMS message (satisfying the specifications of the coupon program) reads a corresponding coupon to the CPM client unit 503 transmitted.

Now it is assumed that in step 508 the MMS server unit 501 for example, by means of a mobile network an MMS message 515 to the MMS client unit 502 transmitted and that the user of the mobile device 505 the MMS message 515 in step 509 completely reads and that it is the MMS message 515 is a promotional MMS message in which the user earns a coupon on complete reading of the coupon program.

After the MMS client unit 502 has determined that the user has completely read the MMS message, generates a corresponding coupon and sends it in step 510 by means of a third message 516 , which is called the send coupon message and contains the coupon, to the CPM client unit 503 ,

In another embodiment, the MMS client unit sends 502 not the coupon itself to the CPM client unit 503 but merely transmits the information that the user receives the MMS message 515 completely read. In this case, the CPM client unit generates 503 itself a corresponding coupon and thus is itself the internal coupon source 104 ,

In step 511 confirms the CPM client unit 503 by means of a fourth message 517 , which is referred to as OK message, the MMS client unit 502 receiving the coupon or, in the alternative embodiment, receiving the information that the user receives the MMS messages 515 completely read.

In step 512 sends the CPM client unit 503 their status as amended by the newly added coupon as part of the coupon program to the CPM server unit 504 by means of a fifth message 518 (CP status indication message).

In summary, in one embodiment, a data processing arrangement is provided, as described in US Pat 6 is shown.

6 shows a data processing arrangement 600 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The data processing system 600 has a memory 601 for storing at least one rule that specifies at least one electronic coupon and that specifies a destination that a user has reached when the at least one electronic coupon has been granted to the user.

The data processing system 600 also has a first communication interface 602 for receiving data with information about the at least one rule. For example, the data is from a first client device 603 to the data processing device 600 transmitted.

In addition, the data processing arrangement has a second communication interface 604 for receiving a request for information about the rule and for sending, in response to the request, the requested information. For example, the request is from a second Client unit 605 to the data processing device 600 and the requested information is sent to the second client unit 605 transmitted.

100

communication system

101

mobile device

102

CPM client unit

103

internal Coupon Valley

104

internal Coupon-source

105

external Coupon Valley

106

CPM server unit

107

external Coupon-source

108

Organizer client unit

109

first interface

110

first Communication network

111

second interface

112

second Communication network

113

third interface

114

third Communication network

115

fourth interface

116

fourth Communication network

117

fifth interface

118

sixth interface

119

seventh interface

200

communication system

201

Mobile subscriber unit

202

CPM client unit

203

IMS client unit

204

Radio access network

205

PS core network

206

IMS core network

207

interface

208

Further interface

209

CPM server unit

300

Message flow diagram

301

CPM client unit

302

Network units

303

CPM server unit

304-313

process steps

314-323

news

400

Message flow diagram

401

CPM client unit

402

Network units

403

CPM server unit

404-411

process steps

412-419

news

500

Message flow diagram

501

MMS server unit

502

MMS client unit

503

CPM client unit

504

CPM server unit

505

mobile device

506-512

process steps

513-518

news

600

Data processing device

601

Storage

602

first Communication Interface

603

first Client unit

604

second Communication Interface

605

second Client unit

Claims (25)

Data processing arrangement comprising A memory device, which is set up, at least one rule, the at least one specifies an electronic coupon and specifies a target that a user has reached when the at least one user electronic coupon has been awarded to store; - a first one Communication interface that is set up to provide information about the data to receive at least one rule; A second communication interface, which is set up to request information about Usually to receive and in response to the request the requested To send information. A data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the rule at least a lot of electronic coupons, a coupon number and specifies a destination that a user has reached when to the User the coupon number of electronic coupons from the crowd has been awarded by electronic coupons. Data processing arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the rule further specified at least one coupon property, and the User has reached the destination when the coupon number to the user of electronic coupons with the at least one coupon property has been awarded from the amount of electronic coupons. A data processing device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a third communication interface that is set up is, information about it to receive how many electronic coupons from the amount of electronic coupons have been awarded to the user. Data processing device according to claim 4, wherein the third Communication interface is further set up information about that to receive what electronic coupons from the amount of electronic Coupons have been awarded to the user. Data processing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the memory device is set up, the rule in To save XML format. Data processing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second communication interface is set up, the information about to send the rule in the form of a document in XML format. Client unit, comprising A transmitting device, the is set up, a request for information about at least a rule that specifies at least one electronic coupon and specifying a destination that a user has reached, when awarded to the user the at least one electronic coupon has been to ship; - one first receiving device that is set up, the requested Receive information; A second receiving device, which is set up, an electronic coupon issued to the user to recieve; and - one test equipment, which is set up to check if the received electronic coupon with the at least one specified matches electronic coupon. Client unit according to claim 8, wherein the rule at least a lot of electronic coupons, a coupon number and specify a destination that the user has reached, when the user the coupon number of electronic coupons from the Lot of electronic coupons has been awarded. Client unit according to claim 9, wherein the client unit a determination device that is set up to determine how many of the electronic coupons of the amount of electronic Coupons have been assigned to a user of the client unit. Client unit according to claim 10, wherein the client unit a further transmitting device, which is set up, the Information on how many of the electronic coupons of the amount of electronic Coupons have been awarded to the user of the client unit, to send. Client unit according to claim 9, wherein the client unit a determination device that is set up to determine which of the electronic coupons the amount of electronic coupons have been assigned to a user of the client unit. Client unit according to claim 12, wherein the client unit a further transmitting device, which is set up, the Information which electronic coupons the amount of electronic Coupons have been awarded to the user of the client unit, to send. Client unit according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the client unit by means of a mobile electronic equipment is realized. Client unit according to claim 14, wherein the client unit realized by means of a mobile subscriber device or a PDA becomes. User terminal, comprising, - one Memory device configured to store a rule which specifies an event as it enters the user of the user terminal an electronic coupon is to be awarded; A coupon issuer, which is set up when the event occurs an electronic coupon which is given to the user of the user terminal becomes. User terminal according to claim 16, wherein the user terminal is a mobile electronic device is. User terminal according to claim 17, wherein the user terminal is a mobile subscriber unit or a PDA is. User terminal according to one the claims 16-18, wherein the event is reading an electronic promotional message by the User of the user terminal is. User terminal according to claim 19, the advertising message is a promotional text message or a promotional MMS message. User terminal according to claim 20, wherein the coupon-awarding device an SMS client unit or an MMS client unit. User terminal according to one the claims 16-21, further comprising a client unit according to claim 8th. User terminal according to claim 22, wherein the generated electronic coupon transmits to the client unit becomes. Method for providing coupon programs having - To save at least one rule containing at least one electronic coupon which specifies a target that a user will reach has, if to the user the at least one electronic coupon has been awarded; - receive of data with information about the at least one rule; - Receiving a request for Information about the Rule and in response to the request sending the requested Information. Method of using coupon programs comprising - Send a request for information about at least one rule, which specifies at least one electronic coupon and the one Specifies a target that a user has achieved when communicating to the user at least one electronic coupon has been awarded; - receive the requested information; - Receive one to the user awarded electronic coupons; and - Check if the received electronic Coupon matches the at least one specified electronic coupon.