Distribution of e-coupons

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods for a first communication device and a second communication device, respectively, for the distribution of e-coupons for purchase of a commodity or a service of a vendor. Thus, the method (200) for a first communication device (100) comprises: receiving a first part (612) of an e-coupon (610) from a second communication device (300) when the first communication device (100) is in a first location (L1), the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor (500); and receiving a second part (614) of the e-coupon (610) from the second communication device (300) when the first communication device (100) is in a second location (L2) different to the first location (L1). The method (200) further comprises, based on the first part (612) and the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610), obtaining a purchase code (620). The purchase code (620) is thereafter transmitted to a third communication device (510) associated with the vendor (500) to finalize a purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor (500). Furthermore, embodiments of the invention also relate to corresponding first and second communication devices and a computer program.

Description

[0001] DISTRIBUTION OF E-COUPONS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the invention relate to methods for a first communication device and a second communication device for the distribution of e-coupons for purchase of a commodity or a service of a vendor. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention also relate to corresponding first and second communication devices and a computer program.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A location-based service (LBS) is a software service for mobile device applications that requires knowledge about where the mobile device is geographically located. The application in this respect collects geodata, which is data gathered in real time using one or more location tracking technologies.

[0006] LBSs integrate data from various resources, including Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, cellular tower pings and short-range positioning beacons, to provide services based on a user's geographical location. Although location-based technologies have been commercially available for almost two decades, the applications and services that use geodata have recently become mainstream, thanks to the widespread use of Android and Apple smartphones and tablets.

[0007] Location tracking data in the wrong hands can lead to situations where criminals, thieves or stalkers could use this information to assist with their crimes. Further, on a lesser scale, the tracking data can be used for unsolicited and unwanted targeted marketing or advertising campaigns that many users find overly intrusive. There are also cases of where users withdrew their consent and service providers continued to track the user’s location. In general, in an increasingly privacy aware population users are more concerned how service providers use their location data and prefer not to use the service instead.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] An objective of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

[0010] Another objective of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution for distributing e-coupons while at the same time respecting privacy aspects of users.

[0011] The above and further objectives are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0012] Further embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for a first communication device, the method comprises: receiving a first part of an e-coupon from a second communication device when the first communication device is in a first location, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor; receiving a second part of the e-coupon from the second communication device when the first communication device is in a second location different to the first location; obtaining a purchase code based on the first part and the second part of the e-coupon; and transmitting the purchase code to a third communication device associated with the vendor to finalize a purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor. An advantage of the method according to the first aspect is that the distribution of e-coupons is personalized to a location of the first communication device in a privacy-preserving manner without the fear of a location of a user of the first communication device being tracked since the e-coupon is divided into multiple parts and provided at different locations. Two or more parts of an e-coupon may be used for forming an associated purchase code.

[0014] When comparing a two-step delivery of the e-coupon according to the present solution with a one-step delivery of the e-coupon according to conventional solutions, a benefit is to separate between users who decide to ignore the e-coupon and users who go to the vendor but decide not to make a purchase. Another security-related benefit is protection against denial-of-service attacks i.e., if somebody wants to spread fake e-coupons, they have to do so in two different locations. With one-step delivery of the e-coupon fake e-coupons could flood the cashier whereas in the two-step delivery of the e-coupon the flood of fake e- coupons may be stopped at the entrance to the vendor. In the scenario where the proximity service forwards the e-coupon or a half of the e-coupon to the customer in plaintext, the two-step delivery has the advantage that neither of the proximity services (e.g., the one near the entrance of the mall and the one near the entrance of the shop) has access to the complete e-coupon. This is a security protection against malicious proximity services or malicious insiders in the proximity services.

[0015] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the method comprises: receiving the first part of the e-coupon from the second communication device when the first communication device is in the first location and when having obtained an input from a user of the first communication device, the input indicating a purchase preference of the user.

[0016] An advantage with this implementation form is that the user only receives e-coupons relevant to their preferences and location.

[0017] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the first location is within a first area and the second location is within a second area.

[0018] An advantage with this implementation form is that the first area might have changed when the user decided to visit the second area which is no longer inside the first area.

[0019] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the second area is a subarea within the first area.

[0020] An advantage with this implementation form is that the user has a broader choice for the area where to make the purchase.

[0021] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the method comprises: receiving the first part of the e-coupon from the second communication device when entering or being located in the first area.

[0022] An advantage with this implementation form is that a triggering mechanism is provided for when the first communication device receives the first part of the e-coupon.

[0023] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the method comprises: receiving the second part of the e-coupon from the second communication device when entering or being located in the second area.

[0024] An advantage with this implementation form is that a triggering mechanism is provided for when the first communication device receives the second part of the e-coupon. Furthermore, the e-coupon issuer can collect statistics of how many who have received the first part of the e-coupon and have actually entered the store. Additionally, with this method the store cannot know whether the user who entered the store possess an e-coupon or not.

[0025] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the method comprises: transmitting the purchase code to the third communication device associated with the vendor when being located in the second area.

[0026] Thereby, the purchase of the service or commodity may be finalized.

[0027] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the method comprises: receiving a notification from the second communication device prior to receiving the first part of the e-coupon, the notification indicating a plurality of offered e-coupons.

[0028] An advantage with this implementation form is that the user is offered a list of e-coupons both broad and relevant. Thus, the user may select e-coupons from the list according to its preferences.

[0029] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the method comprises: receiving the second part of the e-coupon from the second communication device upon having transmitted a request to the second communication device, the request indicating a request for the second part of the e-coupon.

[0030] An advantage with this implementation form is that an explicit request from the first communication device is needed for the transmission of the second part of the e-coupon.

[0031] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the obtaining of the purchase code comprises: computing the purchase code based on the first part and the second part of the e-coupon.

[0032] An advantage with this implementation form is that the vendor cannot know that the user possesses the e-coupon until the user decides to use the e-coupon, hence the user is not treated differently.

[0033] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the purchase code is a QR code.

[0034] An advantage with this implementation form is that QR codes are readable from most communication devices and QR codes enable encoding all the relevant meta-data for the purchase.

[0035] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the method comprises: deactivating the e-coupon and / or the purchase code upon having finalized the purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor.

[0036] An advantage with this implementation form is that the e-coupon can only be redeemed as many times as the e-coupon issuer decides.

[0037] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the method comprises: deactivating the e-coupon and / or the purchase code upon expiry of a timer.

[0038] An advantage with this implementation form is that the e-coupon can only be redeemed once. In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the first part and the second part of the e-coupon are cryptographically signed by the second communication device.

[0039] An advantage with this implementation form is that e-coupons are validated by the e-coupon issuer in a secure manner.

[0040] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the method comprises: transmitting the first part of the e-coupon to another first communication device.

[0041] An advantage with this implementation form is that transferring e-coupons between different users is enabled.

[0042] In an implementation form of a method according to the first aspect, the first communication device is a mobile device and the second communication device is a server device.

[0043] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a method for a second communication device, the method comprising: transmitting a first part of an e-coupon to a first communication device when the first communication device is in a first location, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor; and transmitting a second part of the e-coupon to the first communication device when the first communication device is in a second location different to the first location.

[0044] An advantage of the method according to the second aspect is that the distribution of e-coupons is personalized to a location of the first communication device in a privacy-preserving manner without the fear of a location of a user of the first communication device being tracked since the e-coupon is divided into multiple parts and provided at different locations. Two or more parts of an e-coupon may be used for forming an associated purchase code.

[0045] In an implementation form of a method according to the second aspect, the method comprises: transmitting the first part of the e-coupon to the first communication device when the first communication device is in the first location and based on a purchase preference of a user of the first communication device.

[0046] An advantage with this implementation form is that the distribution of e-coupons is personalized to a location of the first communication device in a privacy-preserving manner without the fear of a location of a user of the first communication device being tracked since the e-coupon is divided into multiple parts and provided at different locations. Two or more parts of an e- coupon may be used for forming an associated purchase code.

[0047] In an implementation form of a method according to the second aspect, the first location is within a first area and the second location is within a second area.

[0048] An advantage with this implementation form is that the first area might have changed when the user decided to visit the second area which is no longer inside the first area.

[0049] In an implementation form of a method according to the second aspect, the second area is a subarea within the first area.

[0050] An advantage with this implementation form is that the user has a broader choice for the area where to make the purchase. In an implementation form of a method according to the second aspect, the method comprises: transmitting the first part of the e-coupon to the first communication device when the first communication device is entering or being located in the first area.

[0051] An advantage with this implementation form is that a triggering mechanism is provided for when the first communication device receives the first part of the e-coupon.

[0052] In an implementation form of a method according to the second aspect, the method comprises: transmitting the second part of the e-coupon to the first communication device when the first communication device is entering or being located in the second area.

[0053] An advantage with this implementation form is that a triggering mechanism is provided for when the first communication device receives the first part of the e-coupon.

[0054] In an implementation form of a method according to the second aspect, the method comprises: transmitting a notification to the first communication device prior to transmitting the first part of the e-coupon, the notification indicating a plurality of offered e-coupons.

[0055] An advantage with this implementation form is that the user is offered a list of e-coupons both broad and relevant. Thus, the user may select e-coupons from the list according to its preferences.

[0056] In an implementation form of a method according to the second aspect, the method comprises: transmitting the second part of the e-coupon to the first communication device upon having received a request from the first communication device, the request indicating a request for the second part of the e-coupon.

[0057] An advantage with this implementation form is that an explicit request from the first communication device is needed for the transmission of the second part of the e-coupon.

[0058] In an implementation form of a method according to the second aspect, the first part and the second part of the e-coupon are cryptographically signed by the second communication device.

[0059] An advantage with this implementation form is that e-coupons are validated by the e-coupon issuer in a secure manner.

[0060] In an implementation form of a method according to the second aspect, the first communication device is a mobile device and the second communication device is a server device.

[0061] According to a third aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a first communication device, wherein the first communication device comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is configured to store instructions, and the processor is configured to read the instructions to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0062] The first communication device according to the third aspect can be extended into implementation forms corresponding to the implementation forms of the method according to the first aspect. Hence, an implementation form of the first communication device comprises the feature(s) of the corresponding implementation form of the method according to the first aspect. The advantages of the methods according to the third aspect are the same as those for the corresponding implementation forms of the method according to the first aspect.

[0063] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a second communication device, wherein the second communication device comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is configured to store instructions, and the processor is configured to read the instructions to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0064] The second communication device according to the fourth aspect can be extended into implementation forms corresponding to the implementation forms of the method according to the second aspect. Hence, an implementation form of the second communication device comprises the feature(s) of the corresponding implementation form of the method according to the second aspect.

[0065] The advantages of the second communication device according to the fourth aspect are the same as those for the corresponding implementation forms of the method according to the second aspect.

[0066] Embodiments of the invention also relate to a computer program, characterized in program code, which when run by at least one processor causes the at least one processor to execute any method according to embodiments of the invention. Further, embodiments of the invention also relate to a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium and the mentioned computer program, wherein the computer program is included in the computer readable medium, and may comprises one or more from the group of: read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), hard disk drive, etc.

[0067] Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

[0068] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The appended drawings are intended to clarify and explain different embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0070] - Fig. 1 shows a first communication device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0071] - Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of a method for a first communication device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0072] - Fig. 3 shows a second communication device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0073] - Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a method for a second communication device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0074] - Fig. 5 shows a signaling diagram according to embodiments of the invention;

[0075] - Fig. 6 illustrates signaling aspectrelated time and spatial characteristics of a mobile device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0076] - Fig. 7 shows a detailed flow chart of further embodiments of the invention;

[0077] - Figs. 8 to 13 illustrate yet further embodiments of the invention; and

[0078] - Fig. 14 shows a communication flow of e-coupon distribution protocol according to embodiments of the invention.

[0079] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Currently LBSs require that a user of a mobile device trusts or not trusts a service provider with personal data by generally opting-in or opting-out of the service provider ability to use their location data. In all cases, if the user wants to avail themselves of the service of the service providers there is no option but to share their location data with the service provider.

[0081] Overall, a limitation of conventional solutions is the absence of methods or protocols that enable both the distribution of advertisements such as e-coupons from the issuer and the selection of e-coupons by the user in a privacy-preserving manner and at the same time enable validating the authenticity of such e-coupons. Conventional solutions additionally do not enable the vendor / store to collect anonymous statistics for marketing campaign purposes of whether the user gets the e-coupon, the e- coupon leads the user to the shop, and the user actually uses the e-coupon. Therefore, some issues arise such as:

[0082] • The user does not know if good and relevant offers are available in the area.

[0083] • The user fears having their location and activity tracked when they receive and select e-coupons.

[0084] • How to manage the distribution, selection, usage and validation of e-coupons in a privacy-preserving manner.

[0085] • Vendors want to measure the effectiveness of a commercial campaign, without the need to collect personal data, to protect the online safety of the user while reducing the compliance risk in GDPR.

[0086] Through embodiments of the invention a novel approach is provided compared to conventional solutions where the user can avail of the service providers LBS without directly sharing their location with the provider of the e-coupons. According to embodiments of the invention, a solution to provide e-coupons or e- vouchers based on the location of the user without revealing the user’s location and unable to be tracked by the provider of the e-coupons is disclosed.

[0087] Fig. 1 shows a first communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first communication device 100 comprises a processor 102, a transceiver 104 and a memory 106. The processor 102 is coupled to the transceiver 104 and the memory 106 by communication means 108 known in the art. The first communication device 100 may be configured for wireless and / or wired communications in a communication system. The wireless communication capability may be provided with an antenna or antenna array 110 coupled to the transceiver 104, while the wired communication capability may be provided with a wired communication interface 112 e.g., coupled to the transceiver 104.

[0088] The processor 102 may be referred to as one or more general-purpose central processing units (CPUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more programmable logic devices, one or more discrete gates, one or more transistor logic devices, one or more discrete hardware components, or one or more chipsets. The memory 106 may be a read-only memory, a random access memory (RAM), or a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The transceiver 104 may be a transceiver circuit, a power controller, or an interface providing capability to communicate with other communication modules or communication devices, such as network nodes and network servers. The transceiver 104, memory 106 and / or processor 102 may be implemented in separate chipsets or may be implemented in a common chipset.

[0089] That the first communication device 100 is configured to perform certain actions can in this disclosure be understood to mean that the first communication device 100 comprises suitable means and devices, such as e.g., the processor 102 and the transceiver 104, configured to perform the actions.

[0090] According to embodiments of the invention, the first communication device 100 is configured to: receive a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 from a second communication device 300 when the first communication device 100 is in a first location LI, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor 500: receive a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 from the second communication device 300 when the first communication device 100 is in a second location L2 different to the first location LI; obtain a purchase code 620 based on the first part 612 and the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610; and transmit the purchase code 620 to a third communication device 510 associated with the vendor 500 to finalize a purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor 500.

[0091] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention, the first communication device 100 comprises a transceiver configured to: receive a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 from a second communication device 300 when the first communication device 100 is in a first location LI, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor 500; receive a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 from the second communication device 300 when the first communication device 100 is in a second location L2 different to the first location LI . The first communication device 100 comprises a processor configured to: obtain a purchase code 620 based on the first part 612 and the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610. The transceiver is further configured to transmit the purchase code 620 to a third communication device 510 associated with the vendor 500 to finalize a purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor 500.

[0092] Moreover, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the first communication device 100 for a communication system 500 comprises a processor and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 from a second communication device 300 when the first communication device 100 is in a first location LI, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor 500; receive a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 from the second communication device 300 when the first communication device 100 is in a second location L2 different to the first location L 1 ; obtain a purchase code 620 based on the first part 612 and the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610; and transmit the purchase code 620 to a third communication device 510 associated with the vendor 500 to finalize a purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor 500.

[0093] Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of a corresponding method 200 which may be executed in a first communication device 100, such as the one shown in Fig. 1. The method 200 comprises: receiving 202 a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 from a second communication device 300 when the first communication device 100 is in a first location LI, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor 500; receiving 204 a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 from the second communication device 300 when the first communication device 100 is in a second location L2 different to the first location LI; obtaining 206 a purchase code 620 based on the first part 612 and the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610; and transmitting 208 the purchase code 620 to a third communication device 510 associated with the vendor 500 to finalize a purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor 500.

[0094] Fig. 3 shows a second communication device 300 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the second communication device 300 comprises a processor 302, a transceiver 304 and a memory 306. The processor 302 is coupled to the transceiver 304 and the memory 306 by communication means 308 known in the art. The second communication device 300 may be configured for wireless and / or wired communications in a communication system. The wireless communication capability may be provided with an antenna or antenna array 310 coupled to the transceiver 304, while the wired communication capability may be provided with a wired communication interface 312 e.g., coupled to the transceiver 304.

[0095] The processor 302 may be referred to as one or more general-purpose CPUs, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, one or more FPGAs, one or more programmable logic devices, one or more discrete gates, one or more transistor logic devices, one or more discrete hardware components, one or more chipsets. The memory 306 may be a read-only memory, a RAM, or a NVRAM. The transceiver 304 may be a transceiver circuit, a power controller, or an interface providing capability to communicate with other communication modules or communication devices. The transceiver 304, the memory 306 and / or the processor 302 may be implemented in separate chipsets or may be implemented in a common chipset.

[0096] That the second communication device 300 is configured to perform certain actions can in this disclosure be understood to mean that the second communication device 300 comprises suitable means and devices, such as e.g., the processor 302 and the transceiver 304, configured to perform the actions. According to embodiments of the invention, the second communication device 300 is configured to: transmit a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 to a first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 is in a first location LI, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor 500; and transmit a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 to the first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 is in a second location L2 different to the first location LI.

[0097] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention, the second communication device 300 comprises a transceiver configured to: transmit a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 to a first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 is in a first location LI, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor 500; and transmit a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 to the first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 is in a second location L2 different to the first location LI .

[0098] Moreover, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the second communication device 300 for a communication system 500 comprises a processor and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: transmit a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 to a first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 is in a first location LI, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor 500; and transmit a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 to the first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 is in a second location L2 different to the first location LI .

[0099] Fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a corresponding method 400 which may be executed in a second communication device 300, such as the one shown in Fig. 3. The method 400 comprises: transmitting 402 a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 to a first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 is in a first location LI, the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor 500; and transmitting 404 a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 to the first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 is in a second location L2 different to the first location LI.

[0100] Fig. 5 illustrates signaling in a communication system or a communication network 800 according to embodiments of the invention. The communication system 800 in the disclosed embodiment comprises a first communication device 100, a second communication device 300 and a third communication device 510 configured to communicate and operate in the communication system 800.

[0101] In Fig. 5, the second communication device 300 sends / transmits a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 to the first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 is in a first location LI. The second communication device 300 thereafter sends a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 to the first communication device 100 when the first communication device 100 has moved to a second location L2 different to the first location LI . Based on the first part 612 and the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610, the first communication device 100 obtains a purchase code 620 which is sent to a third communication device 510 of a vendor 500 when a purchase of a commodity or a service of the vendor 500 is finalized.

[0102] Fig. 6 illustrates further signaling aspects related time and spatial characteristics of a mobile device according to embodiments of the invention. Thus, in these particular embodiments of the invention, the first communication device 100 is configured as a mobile device such as a user equipment (UE). The second communication device 300 is on the other hand a e-coupon issuer e.g., a cloud server of the communication system 800. In the presented examples, the user / customer 700 uses an application (APP) downloaded on the mobile device 100. Thus, the APP may act as a client device of the server device of the issuer. The third communication device 510 may be any suitable communication device capable of finalizing the purchase of the vendor 500. The third communication device 510 is configured to perform actions on behalf of the vendor 500. The vendor 500 may own one or more physical stores 520 at which the user 700 may purchase the commodities and / or services of the vendor 500.

[0103] The e-coupons are issued by the e-coupon issuer on behalf of the vendor 500.

[0104] Furthermore, the communication between the different communication devices in the present solution may occur within the Signal protocol, which is the same as used in Whatsapp, Telegram, etc., or any other suitable communication encryption protocols. The mentioned communication may involve transmission and reception of communication signals comprising the first part 612 of the e-coupon 610, the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610, the purchase code 620 and further signaling as will be described in the following disclosure.

[0105] At a first time instance T 1 in Fig . 6, the mobile device 100 is in a first location L 1 within a first area A 1. The mobile device 100 therefore receives a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610 from an issuer 300 when being located in the first location LI .

[0106] A trigger mechanism is provided by the present solution related to when the issuer 300 sends the first 612 and second 614 parts of the e-coupon to the mobile device 100. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the issuer 300 is configured to send the first part 612 of the e-coupon 610 to the mobile device 100 when the mobile device 100 enters or is located in the first area Al. That the mobile device 100 enters the first area Al may be understood such that the mobile device 100 crosses a border of the first area Al shown in Fig. 6. The meaning that the mobile device 100 is located in the first area Al is considered obvious, i.e., within the border of the first area Al . Thus, there is generally a difference in time when the issuer 300 is triggered to send the first part 612 part of the e-coupon, where in the former case (i.e., enter the first area Al) the first 612 part is transmitted earlier than in the latter case (i.e., located in the first area Al ).

[0107] At a second time instance T2 after the first time instance T1 in Fig. 6, the mobile device 100 has moved to a second location L2 which is within a second area A2. The mobile device 100 receives a second part 614 of the-coupon 610 from the issuer 300 in the second location L2. Upon receiving the second part 614 of the-coupon 610, the mobile device 100 may generate a purchase code 620 based on the first part 612 and the second 614 part of the-coupon 610.

[0108] Also, for the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610, the issuer 300 may be configured to send the second part 614 of the e- coupon 610 to the mobile device 100 when the mobile device 100 enters or is located in the second area A2.

[0109] The first area Al and the second area A2 may be non-overlapping areas or partially overlapping areas in relation to each other depending on the application. However, in embodiments of the invention, the second area A2 may be a subarea within the first area A 1 , i. e. , fully located inside the first area A 1.

[0110] At time instance T3 after the second time instance T2 in Fig. 6, a user 700 via its mobile device 100 uses the purchase code 620 for finalizing a purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor 500 by transmitting the purchase code 620 to a third communication device 510 of the vendor 500 e.g., at a store 520 of the vendor 500.

[0111] In embodiments of the invention, the mobile device 100 is configured to transmit the purchase code 620 to the third communication device 510 associated with the vendor 500 when being located in the second area A2. The third communication device 510 may hence be located in a physical store 520 of the vendor 500 or in any other suitable location. This implies that the store 520 is located in the second area A2 in such cases.

[0112] Fig. 7 shows a detailed flow chart of further embodiments of the invention. Further objectives of embodiments of the invention are to provide e-coupons as advertisements to those who use an APP running in the mobile device 100. The store may decide on how many and what kind of e-coupons 610 to be distributed to users. The e-coupon issuer 300 may set and manage the valid lifetime of the e-coupons 610. For improving marketing, the issuer 300 may want to know if the user / customer gets the e- coupon 610, if the e-coupon 610 leads the user 700 to the related store 520, and if the user 700 actually uses the e-coupon 610. These and further aspects of the invention are presented in the following disclosure.

[0113] In step 1 in Fig. 7, the vendor 500 sends a request message 670 to the e-coupon issuer 300. The request message 670 may be sent to the e-coupon issuer 300 in a setup procedure in which the distribution of e-coupons to users is configured. The request message 670 may indicate provision of e-coupons 610 which means that the vendor 500 requests the issuer 300 to issue relevant e-coupons. The e-coupon issuer 300 therefore prepares e-coupons associated with a commodity or a service of the vendor 500 when having received the request message 670 from the vendor 500. The e-coupons may be formed by two or more parts.

[0114] The e-coupon issuer 300 may prepare everything, therefore chooses two random nonces which are freshly generated random bit strings to serve as the basis for each part of the e-coupon 610. The e-coupon issuer 300 keeps a database of data that are associated to each e-coupon 610. The key to the database is the first part of the e-coupon or alternatively a hash value of the first part of the e-coupon 610.

[0115] In step 2 in Fig. 7, the user 700 receives a notification message 640 of available e-coupons from the e-coupon issuer 300 via an APP installed in the mobile device 100 which is used by the user 700. The transmission of the notification message 640 may be triggered based on the location of the mobile device 100. In other words, the mobile device 100 may receive the notification message 640 from the e-coupon issuer 300 prior to receiving a first part 612 of an e-coupon 610. The notification message 640 indicates a plurality of offered e-coupons available for the user 700. The plurality of offered e-coupons may be presented as a list of e-coupons.

[0116] In embodiments of the invention, the APP may have stored preferences of the user 700 derived from user input 710 as illustrated in Fig. 7. The e-coupon issuer 300 may therefore have received user preferences from the APP in a previous time instance in an information collection procedure where the user 700 inputs preferences which are processed by the APP. In such cases the notification message 640 of available e-coupons sent to the mobile device 100 may be triggered both based on the location of the mobile device 100 and the user preference.

[0117] In step 3 in Fig. 7, an e-coupon selection is made by the APP. The selection is made by the APP from the offered e-coupons in the notification message 640. The APP may in this step request further input from the user 700 for selecting e-coupons. The selection of e-coupons is sent to the issuer 300 in a e-coupon selection message 680 transmitted by the mobile device 100.

[0118] In step 4 in Fig. 7, the e-coupon issuer 300 receives the selection message 680 from the mobile device 100 and based on the content of the selection message 680 issues one or more e-coupons 610 for the user 700.

[0119] The e-coupon issuer 300 thereafter sends a first part 612 of the e-coupon 610 to the mobile device 100 when the mobile device 100 is in a first location LI .

[0120] In step 5 in Fig. 7, the user 700 and hence also the mobile device 100 has moved to a second location L2 different to the first location LI which triggers the APP to requesting a second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 from the issuer 300.

[0121] In step 6 in Fig. 7, the APP therefore sends a request message 630 to the e-coupon issuer 300. The request message 630 indicates the request for the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610. The first part of the e-coupon 610 may be a random string. Thus, the APP sends the random string, or alternatively a hash value of the first part of the e-coupon to the e-coupon issuer 300. Hence, the e-coupon issuer 300 finds the corresponding second part of the e-coupon 610 based on the random string.

[0122] In step 7 in Fig. 7, the e-coupon issuer 300 upon reception of the request message 630 from the mobile device 100 sends the second part 612 of the e-coupon 610 to the mobile device 100. Thus, the mobile device 100 receives the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 from the issuer 300 upon having transmitted the request message 630 to the e-coupon issuer 300.

[0123] In embodiments of the invention, the first part 612 and the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 are cryptographically signed by the second communication device 300. This means that the e-coupon is verified to be originated from the correct source, namely a second communication device.

[0124] In step 8 in Fig. 7, the mobile device 100 after having received both the first part 612 and the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 obtains a purchase code 620 based on the first part 612 and the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610.

[0125] The mobile device 100 may obtain the e-coupon 610 by computing the purchase code 620 based on the first part 612 and the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610. In embodiments of the invention, the purchase code 620 is a QR code.

[0126] The purchase code may be computed as a hash of a string that contains both the first part and the second part of the e-coupon 610. The e-coupon issuer 300 may have provided a list of hashes of valid purchase codes to the vendor. The hashes are oneway functions that prevent any malicious party from computing the purchase codes if they have just seen hashed values. In this respect, a hash function and a pseudorandom generator may be used where the pseudorandom generator is used by the e-coupon issuer 300. Standard hash functions such as SHA-3 or SHA-256 can be used.

[0127] Moreover, in further embodiments of the invention, the mobile device 100 may forward the e-coupon 610 and / or the generated purchase code 620 to another mobile device which may be denoted a second mobile device. In such examples, the second mobile device having received the e-coupon 610 and / or the generated purchase code 620 may therefore use the received e- coupon and / or generated purchase code at a store 520 of the vendor 500. The forwarding of the e-coupon 610 and / or the generated purchase code 620 may be restricted or not restricted by the issuer 300 and / or the vendor 500. For example, the forwarding may be unrestricted or partially restricted according to a distribution policy set by the e-coupon issuer 300 and / or the vendor 500.

[0128] In step 9 in Fig. 7, the mobile device 100 sends the generated purchase code 620 to a third communication device 510 of the vendor 500 for finalizing a purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor 500. The purchase code 620 is sent when the mobile device 100 is inside or located adjacent to the store 510.

[0129] In step 10 in Fig. 7, the store 520 may want to verify the purchase code 620 presented by the mobile device 100 by transmitting a verification request message 650 to the e-coupon issuer 300. The verification request message 650 may indicate that the cryptographic digest (e.g., a hash value) of the two parts of the e-coupon from the user matches a hash value of the e-coupon issuer, thereby authenticating the e-coupon. If the cryptographic digest does not match the hash value of the e-coupon issuer, the vendor 500 may deactivate or cancel the purchase code 620 and report to the e-coupon issuer 300.

[0130] In step 11 in Fig. 7, the APP in the mobile device 100 deactivates the purchase code 620 and / or the e-coupon 610 when the transaction has been finalized. However, the purchase code 620 may in examples be valid for a number of transactions which implies that the purchase code 620 in such cases is deactivated when the number of valid transactions has been used. The purchase code 620 and / or the e-coupon 610 may in further examples of the invention also be deactivated when a timer T associated with the purchase code 620 and / or the e-coupon 610 expires. For example, if the purchase code 620 has not been used with a time period defined by the timer T, the purchase code 620 is deactivated and hence considered no longer valid.

[0131] In step 12 in Fig. 7, the e-coupon issuer 300 may send statistical information to the store 520 in a statistical information message 660. The statistical information may relate to number of users having received e-coupons, number of users having finalized a purchase, number of purchases, etc.

[0132] In the following disclosure two use cases are presented to highlighting further aspects of the invention.

[0133] Use case 1

[0134] In use case 1, security goals and adversary model are as follows. The e-coupon issuer 300 and the store 520 are different and independent entities. The APP registration channel is a private channel such as an encrypted channel known in the art. The e- coupon issuing and e-coupon verification messages are sent over an encrypted public channel.

[0135] The e-coupon may have the following features:

[0136] • Distribution: unlimited which means that the e-coupon may be freely distributed.

[0137] • Time: expiry / non-expiry date.

[0138] • User: anonymous.

[0139] • Value: fixed.

[0140] • Multi-coupon: no.

[0141] • Issuance: single vendor.

[0142] • Transference: shareable to other users.

[0143] • Price: non-refundable.

[0144] The security goals of use case 1 may relate to:

[0145] • User anonymity: preserving the privacy of the user / customer.

[0146] • The vendor may learn the customer’s identity if paid by card but does not learn the identity if paid by cash, even in case the e-coupon is used. The e-coupon issuer does not learn the identities of the individual customers, even if they pay with a card and use the e-coupon.

[0147] • Unforgeability: only the e-coupon issuer offers valid e-coupons. Thus, an attacker cannot create fake coupons.

[0148] • Transferability: the e-coupons can be transferred if the user 700 authorizes.

[0149] The adversary model in use case 1 may be: honest-but-curious issuer; honest-but-curious store; honest-but-curious APP; potentially malicious user; and malicious outsiders.

[0150] The e-coupon APP is an application software that grants e-coupons for stores / shops 520 of a vendor 500 to its users 700 when they are in the range of the shopping mall that hosts the stores 520. The coverage of the APP could be local, e.g., only applicable in one shopping mall, or be valid in a wider area for any shopping mall that wants to be part of the APP.

[0151] A customer 700 who wants to benefit from e-coupons downloads the APP software. For marketing purposes, the e-coupon issuer 300 can ask for user information, such as age, gender, etc. However, it should not be compulsory to answer such questions. The user 700 does not need to sign in or provide personal information. The user, here called Alice, has the APP installed on her mobile device 100. The following scenario relate to distributing e- coupons for a store owned by a vendor in a shopping mall.

[0152] The APP in the mobile device 100 finds out that Alice is near the shopping mall by geolocation technologies, see Fig. 8. The APP shows a notification to Alice that there is a discount in the store or possibly in several stores, see Fig. 9. At this point in time, Alice receives the first part 612 of the e-coupon 610. The APP records the time instance when Alice reads the notification and received the first part 612 of the e-coupon 610. The e-coupon issuer 300 learns from the APP in the mobile device 100 that Alice has received the first part 612 of the e-coupon 610 and the time instance.

[0153] Alice goes to the store after receiving the notification from the APP, see Fig. 10. When Alice enters the store, the APP detects that Alice is inside the store, see Fig. 11, e.g., by using an NFC tag or by Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS). After the APP detects that Alice is in the store, the APP requests the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 from the issuer 300. The server of the issuer 300 replies with the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610 that corresponds to the first part 612.

[0154] The APP provides a purchase code in the form of a QR code to use the discount, see Fig. 12. The APP also records the time instance when Alice has received the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610. The e-coupon issuer 300 learns from the APP on the mobile device 100 that the Alice who received the first part 612 of the e-coupon 610 has retrieved the second part 614 of the e-coupon after a specific time period.

[0155] Alice wants to use the e-coupon 610 in the store. Thus, during checkout, Alice therefore presents the QR code to the cashier in the store, see Fig. 13. The cashier reads the QR code e.g., by using a third communication device 510 of the vendor, to provide a discount or other offers given by the e-coupon. Verification of the QR code is performed between the vendor 500 and the e- coupon issuer 300. The e-coupon issuer 300 learns that the e-coupon has been used at a specific time instance.

[0156] Further, Alice may forward the QR code to another person over a secure channel. Then, the other person may use the QR code in a store of the vendor 500.

[0157] It may be noted that the first 612 and second 614 parts of the e-coupon 610 may be cryptographic signed by the e-coupon issuer 300 to prove that the e-coupon has been created by the e-coupon issuer 300, and the store checks the signature before granting the benefits of the e-coupon 610.

[0158] Furthermore, a QR code is unique for those who obtain the e-coupon. It does not have to get deactivated after using it once and can therefore be used multiple times. It is possible to share it with others.

[0159] Statistically, the e-coupon issuer 300 would see the number of users who received the first part 612 of the coupon 610 and the number of people who received the second part 614 of the e-coupon 610. The e-coupon issuer 300 would be able to distinguish which first part of the e-coupons is used to match the second part 614. The e-coupon issuer 300 would also get information about the number of users who used the e-coupon. In addition, since the QR codes are unique, it would also be possible to see how many times an e-coupon is used. Along with the numbers, the time of the receiving halves of the e-coupons would make marketing analysis. Creating more than one e-coupon per customer may be allowed as long as there is no financial loss for the vendor 500 or the issuer 300.

[0160] The security requirements in use case 1 may relate to: customer anonymity i.e., preserving the privacy of the customer. The store may learn the customer’s identity if paid by card but does not learn the identity if paid by cash, even in case the e-coupon is used. It may be assumed that the APP authenticates the issuer but not vice versa. The APP is not even identified towards the issuer. Therefore, the e-coupon issuer 300 does not learn the identities of the individual customers, even if they pay with a card and use the e-coupon.

[0161] Unforgeability: only the e-coupon issuer 300 offers valid e-coupons. In any case, the vendor has to compare the e-coupon with its own record. If the e-coupon matches an item in the shop’s database, then the cashier provides the corresponding discount.

[0162] Transferability: e-coupons can be transferred if the owner authorizes. In the basic case, it is assumed there is no loyalty program. Therefore, e-coupons are transferable.

[0163] Unlinkability issue: if the APP contains more than one e-coupon for several stores, the issuer 300 could observe that two first parts of e-coupons are delivered to the same user. Along with this, the e-coupon issuer 300 could observe that the user with two e-coupons prefers one thing over another. However, since the user information is not revealed, these marketing observations cannot be linked to a single user.

[0164] Use case 2

[0165] In use case 2, the issuer and store are different and independent entities. The APP registration channel is private. The e-coupon issuing and e-coupon verification messages are sent over a public channel.

[0166] E-coupon features may relate to:

[0167] • Distribution: limited (tentatively).

[0168] • Time: expiry / non-expiry date.

[0169] • User: anonymous.

[0170] • Value: fixed.

[0171] • Multi-coupon: no.

[0172] • Issuance: single-vendor.

[0173] • Transference: shareable.

[0174] • Price: non-refundable.

[0175] The security goals in use case 2 may relate to: user anonymity i.e., preserving the privacy of the user. The vendor may learn the user’s identity if paid by card but does not learn the identity if paid by cash, even in case the e-coupon is used. The e-coupon issuer 300 does not learn the identities of the individual user, even if they pay with a card and use the e-coupon.

[0176] Unforgeability: only the e-coupon issuer 300 offers valid e-coupons. Thus, an attacker cannot create fake coupons.

[0177] Transferability: e-coupons can be transferred if the user authorizes.

[0178] Adversary model

[0179] • Honest-but-curious issuer

[0180] • Honest-but-curious store

[0181] • Honest-but-curious APP

[0182] • Potentially malicious user

[0183] • Malicious outsiders

[0184] A user who wants to benefit from e-coupons and therefore downloads the APP. In embodiments of the invention, each user of the APP may be assigned a temporary ID (TID) related to the first part 612 of the e-coupon 610. This TID may change daily or according to a pre-determined time range, depending on the validity of the e-coupons, and TID creation occurs locally in the APP. The user 700 signs into the server of the e-coupon issuer 300 and may or may not provide personal information. For marketing purposes, the e-coupon issuer 300 can ask for information about the user, such as age, gender, etc.

[0185] The user, here named Alice, has the APP installed on her mobile device 100. The following scenario is for distributing e- coupons for stores in a shopping mall. Alice has the APP installed on her mobile device 100. She also has a fresh TID, and her mobile device 100 has a positioning unit such as a GPS unit which is active.

[0186] The APP finds out that Alice is near the shopping mall by geolocation technologies, see Fig. 8. Based on Alice’s profile, the APP shows a notification to Alice that there is a discount in store or possibly for several stores, see Fig. 9. The APP records the time instance Alice has received and opened the discount notification. The e-coupon issuer 300 learns that Alice with a TID has received the notification. At this point, Alice receives the first part 612 of the e-coupon 610 with the TID. The second part 614 will be provided when she is close to the store.

[0187] Alice goes to the store after receiving the notification from the APP, see Fig. 10. When Alice enters the store, the APP detects that Alice is in the store, see Fig. 11, e.g., by using an NFC tag or by an indoor positioning system (IPS). After the APP detects that Alice is in the store, the APP requests the transmission of the second part of the e-coupon 610. The APP creates a QR code to use for the discount when having received the second part of the e-coupon 610, see Fig. 12. This QR code is unique for the user and is tied to TID. The APP records the time instance Alice visited the store. The e-coupon issuer 300 learns that Alice with TID visited the store after seeing the first notification in the APP.

[0188] Alice wants to use the e-coupon 610 in the store. Thus, during the checkout, Alice therefore presents the QR code to the cashier in the store, see Fig. 13. The cashier reads the QR code with device corresponding to a third communication device to provide the discount. Verification of the QR code is performed between the vendor 500 and the e-coupon issuer 300 via a secure protocol. The e-coupon issuer 300 finds out that the customer with TID used the e-coupon 610. The QR code is therefore deactivated in the APP. The e-coupon may be used several times, as decided by the vendor. Alice may also forward the QR code to another person as previously described.

[0189] It may be noted that the QR code is a one-time password for TID. If the QR code is used, this TID is deactivated. The e-coupon issuer 300 makes sure that the QR code is not reused. Furthermore, the e-coupon 610 can allow the user 700 to buy from the store at the point or online for a limited time period.

[0190] Statistically, the e-coupon issuer 300 would see the number of users who saw the notification and received the first part of the e-coupon, who went to the store and who received the second part of the e-coupon, and the number of users who used the e- coupon. Further analysis may be done, such as, if the user saw the notification but did not go to the store, the user went to the store after seeing the notification, the user went to the store without being aware of the e-coupon, and the user went to the store after seeing the notification but did not buy anything.

[0191] The security requirements analysis of use case 2 may relate to:

[0192] • Customer anonymity: preserving the privacy of the user. The store may learn the user’s identity if paid by card but does not learn the identity if paid by cash, even in case the e-coupon is used. It is assumed that the APP in the mobile device 100 authenticates the server of the e-coupon issuer 300 but not vice versa. The APP is not even identified towards the server. Therefore, the server does not learn the identities of the individual users, even if they pay with a card and use the e-coupon. • Identification: e-coupon is bound to the user. A zero knowledge proof (ZKP) protocol may be used to prove that the user is part of a loyalty group and that the user has done a transaction without the user revealing his / her identity.

[0193] • Unforgeability: only the e-coupon issuer 300 offers valid e-coupons. In any case, the vendor has to compare the e-coupon with its own record. If the e-coupon matches an item in the vendor’s database, then the vendor provides the corresponding discount. Orblockchain or bitcoin can be used to verify the validity of the e-coupon.

[0194] • Transferability: e-coupons can be transferred if the owner authorizes.

[0195] • Non-repudiation: parties cannot deny participating in the transaction.

[0196] • Resistance against fraud.

[0197] • Resistance against DoS.

[0198] • Protection against double use.

[0199] 1. Digital cash: acting as the e-coupons are digital cash. If it is used twice, the identity would be revealed and the benefits would be lost.

[0200] 2. Blockchain or bitcoin: to check e-coupon against double use.

[0201] Fig. 14 shows a communication flow of e-coupon distribution protocol according to embodiments of the invention.

[0202] In step 1 in Fig. 14, the e-coupon issuer 300 generates first and second parts of an e-coupon. The e-coupon issuer 300 also computes e-coupons and hashes of the e-coupons.

[0203] In step 2 in Fig. 14, the e-coupon issuer 300 transmits a list of the hashes of the e-coupons to the vendor.

[0204] In step 3 in Fig. 14, the vendor stores the list of hashes of the e-coupons.

[0205] In step 4 in Fig. 14, the e-coupon issuer 300 transmits the first part of the e-coupon to the client such as a mobile device.

[0206] In step 5 in Fig. 14, the client forwards the first part of the e-coupon to the proximity service (PS).

[0207] In step 6 in Fig. 14, the PS transmits the first part of the e-coupon to the e-coupon issuer 300.

[0208] In step 7 in Fig. 14, the e-coupon issuer 300 transmits the second half of the e-coupon to the PS.

[0209] In step 8 in Fig. 14, the PS transmits the second half of the e-coupon to the client.

[0210] In step 9 in Fig. 14, the client computes a purchase code 620 which may be hash of the first and second parts of the e-coupon.

[0211] In step 10 in Fig. 14, the client transmits the purchase code 620 to the vendor.

[0212] In step 11 in Fig. 14, the vendor computes hash of the purchase code 620 and checks if the hash of the purchase code 620is in the list of the hashes of the e-coupons.

[0213] Furthermore, any method according to embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a computer program, having code means, which when run by processing means causes the processing means to execute the steps of the method. The computer program is included in a computer readable medium of a computer program product. The computer readable medium may comprise essentially any memory, such as previously mentioned a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a hard disk drive.

[0214] Moreover, it should be realized that the first communication device 100 and the second communication device 300 comprise the necessary communication capabilities in the form of e.g., functions, means, units, elements, etc., for performing or implementing embodiments of the invention. Examples of other such means, units, elements and functions are: processors, memory, buffers, control logic, encoders, decoders, rate matchers, de-rate matchers, mapping units, multipliers, decision units, selecting units, switches, interleavers, de-interleavers, modulators, demodulators, inputs, outputs, antennas, amplifiers, receiver units, transmitter units, DSPs, TCM encoder, TCM decoder, power supply units, power feeders, communication interfaces, communication protocols, etc. which are suitably arranged together for performing the solution.

[0215] Therefore, the processors) of the first communication device 100 and the second communication device 300 may comprise, e.g., one or more instances of a CPU, a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an ASIC, a microprocessor, or other processing logic that may interpret and execute instructions. The expression “processor” may thus represent a processing circuitry comprising aplurality of processing circuits, such as e.g., any, some or all of the ones mentioned above. The processing circuitry may further perform data processing functions for inputting, outputting, and processing of data comprising data buffering and device control functions, such as call processing control, user interface control, or the like.

[0216] Finally, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method (200) for a first communication device (100), the method (200) comprising: receiving (202) a first part (612) of an e-coupon (610) from a second communication device (300) when the first communication device (100) is in a first location (LI), the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor (500); receiving (204) a second part (614) of the e-coupon (610) from the second communication device (300) when the first communication device (100) is in a second location (L2) different to the first location (LI); obtaining (206) a purchase code (620) based on the first part (612) and the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610); and transmitting (208) the purchase code (620) to a third communication device (510) associated with the vendor (500) to finalize a purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor (500).

2. The method (200) according to claim 1, comprising: receiving the first part (612) of the e-coupon (610) from the second communication device (300) when the first communication device (100) is in the first location (LI) and when having obtained an input (710) from a user (700) of the first communication device (100), the input (710) indicating a purchase preference of the user (700).

3. The method (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first location (LI) is within a first area (Al) and the second location (L2) is within a second area (A2).

4. The method (200) according to claim 3, wherein the second area (A2) is a subarea within the first area (Al ).

5. The method (200) according to claim 3 or 4, comprising: receiving the first part (612) of the e-coupon (610) from the second communication device (300) when entering or being located in the first area (Al).

6. The method (200) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, comprising: receiving the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610) from the second communication device (300) when entering or being located in the second area (A2).

7. The method (200) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising: transmitting the purchase code (620) to the third communication device (510) associated with the vendor (500) when being located in the second area (A2).

8. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: receiving a notification (640) from the second communication device (300) prior to receiving the first part (612) of the e-coupon (610), the notification (640) indicating a plurality of offered e-coupons.

9. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: receiving the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610) from the second communication device (300) upon having transmitted a request (630) to the second communication device (300), the request (630) indicating a request for the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610).

10. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the obtaining of the purchase code (620) comprises: computing the purchase code (620) based on the first part (612) and the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610).

11. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the purchase code (620) is a QR code.

12. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: deactivating the e-coupon (610) and / or the purchase code (620) upon having finalized the purchase of the commodity or the service of the vendor (500).

13. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: deactivating the e-coupon (610) and / or the purchase code (620) upon expiry of a timer (T).

14. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (612) and the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610) are cryptographically signed by the second communication device (300).

15. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: transmitting the first part (612) of the e-coupon (610) to another first communication device (100').

16. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication device (100) is a mobile device and the second communication device (100) is a server device.

17. A method (400) for a second communication device (300), the method (400) comprising: transmitting (402) a first part (612) of an e-coupon (610) to a first communication device (100) when the first communication device (100) is in a first location (LI), the e-coupon being associated with a commodity or a service of a vendor (500); and transmitting (404) a second part (614) of the e-coupon (610) to the first communication device (100) when the first communication device (100) is in a second location (L2) different to the first location (LI).

18. The method (400) according to claim 17, comprising: transmitting the first part (612) of the e-coupon (610) to the first communication device (100) when the first communication device (100) is in the first location (LI) and based on a purchase preference of a user (700) of the first communication device (100).

19. The method (400) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the first location (LI) is within a first area (Al) and the second location (L2) is within a second area (A2).

20. The method (400) according to claim 19, wherein the second area (A2) is a subarea within the first area (Al ).

21. The method (400) according to claim 19 or 20, comprising: transmitting the first part (612) of the e-coupon (610) to the first communication device (100) when the first communication device (100) is entering or being located in the first area (Al).

22. The method (400) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, comprising: transmitting the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610) to the first communication device (100) when the first communication device (100) is entering or being located in the second area (A2).

23. The method (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 22, comprising: transmitting a notification (640) to the first communication device (100) prior to transmitting the first part (612) of the e-coupon (610), the notification (640) indicating a plurality of offered e-coupons.

24. The method (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 23, comprising: transmitting the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610) to the first communication device (100) upon having received a request (630) from the first communication device (100), the request (630) indicating a request for the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610).

25. The method (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the first part (612) and the second part (614) of the e-coupon (610) are cryptographically signed by the second communication device (300).

26. The method (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the first communication device (100) is a mobile device and the second communication device (100) is a server device.

27. A first communication device (100), wherein the first communication device (100) comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is configured to store instructions, and the processor is configured to read the instructions to perform the method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

28. A second communication device (300), wherein the second communication device (300) comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is configured to store instructions, and the processor is configured to read the instructions to perform the method (400) according to any one of claims 17 to 26.

Images