Importance

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Abstract

A system and a method transmits the electronic coupon to a personal digital assistant ('PDA'), for use. Prior to transmitting the electronic coupon, the computer may encrypt the electronic coupon. A consumer next displays the electronic coupon on the PDA to a merchant and the merchant gives the appropriate discount to the consumer. The electronic coupon can be displayed on the PDA with an electronic coupon application. To redeem the electronic coupon, a merchant may be required to enter a passphrase to verify the contents of the electronic coupon. Sometimes an activation agent also may also be required to enter a passphrase to activate the electronic coupon. In another system, the server links the electronic coupon to a geographic location on an electronic map. The electronic map is displayed on the PDA by the electronic coupon application. Whenever a geographic location linked to an encrypted coupon is displayed, the electronic coupon application displays an icon of the electronic coupon. Furthermore, the consumer can perform a coupon search in the map application to find the electronic coupon. In addition, advertising fees for the merchants can be base on the number of times a coupon is displayed, activated, and redeemed.

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First Claim