U.S. patent application number 14/557269 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for interactive display based on near field communications.
The applicant listed for this patent is EBAY INC.. Invention is credited to Abraham Doris-Down, Miguel Angel Escobedo, Kevin Keith Tijerina, Matthew Wilczynski.
Application Number | 20160155210 14/557269 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56079466 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160155210 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Escobedo; Miguel Angel ; et
al. |
June 2, 2016 |
INTERACTIVE DISPLAY BASED ON NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATIONS
Abstract
Systems and methods for providing interaction between a user
device and an interactive display system using near field
communications are provided. The interactive display system
includes a display panel configured to present visual content and
near field communication (NFC) devices behind or within the display
panel. The interactive display system detects a user device
adjacent to the display panel using at least one of the NFC
devices. The interactive display system determines a position
relative to the display panel for the user device. The interactive
display system exchanges data with the user device based on the
position. The interactive display system may receive data that
includes displayable information from the user device and present
the displayable information on the display panel at or near the
position for the user device. The interactive display system may
simultaneously interact with more than one user device.
Inventors: |
Escobedo; Miguel Angel;
(Austin, TX) ; Wilczynski; Matthew; (Austin,
TX) ; Tijerina; Kevin Keith; (Pflugerville, TX)
; Doris-Down; Abraham; (Newtonville, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EBAY INC. |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56079466 |
Appl. No.: |
14/557269 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/676 ;
705/26.81 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/3278 20130101;
H04L 63/0853 20130101; H04L 63/08 20130101; G06Q 30/0635 20130101;
G06F 21/35 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06T 3/20 20060101
G06T003/20; G06Q 30/06 20060101 G06Q030/06; G06Q 20/32 20060101
G06Q020/32; H04B 5/00 20060101 H04B005/00 |
Claims
1. An interactive display system, comprising: a display panel
configured to present visual content; a plurality of near field
communication (NFC) devices located behind or within the display
panel; and one or more processors configured to: detect a user
device adjacent to the display panel using at least one of the
plurality of NFC devices; determine a position relative to the
display panel for the user device based on which of the plurality
of NFC devices detected the user device; and exchange data with the
user device based on the position.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of NFC devices
comprises an array of NFC devices arranged in rows and columns.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the user device is a first user
device, wherein the position is a first position, and wherein the
one or more processors are further configured to: detect a second
user device adjacent to the display panel using the at least one of
the plurality of NFC devices or another of the plurality of NFC
devices; determine a second position relative to the display panel
for the second user device based on which of the plurality of NFC
devices detected the second user device; and communicate additional
data to or from the second user device based on the second
position.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are
further configured to: determine a corresponding location on the
visual content based on the position; and change the visual content
at the location or another location based on the communicated data
and the position.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the visual content comprises a
message board, wherein the data comprises message data for a
message, and wherein the one or more processors are further
configured to: determine a corresponding message board location
based on the position; receive message data for the message from
the user device; and present the message at the message board
location.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual content comprises one
or more user representations, wherein the data comprises user data,
and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
determine a corresponding user representation for a user based on
the position; receive the user data for the user from the user
device; and check in the user based on the user data.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual content comprises one
or more items, wherein the data comprises item data, and wherein
the one or more processors are further configured to: determine a
corresponding item based on the position; and transmit item data
for the item to the user device, wherein the item data comprises
item information to be presented on the user device.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the item data further comprises
purchase information for providing an option to purchase the item
to be presented on the user device, and wherein the one or more
processors are further configured to receive purchase request data
and payment data for the item from the user device.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual content comprises a
map, wherein the data comprises location data, and wherein the one
or more processors are further configured to: determine a
corresponding map location representing a physical location based
on the position; and communicate location data for the map location
to or from the user device, wherein the location data comprises
information relating to the physical location, directions from a
current location to the physical location, or both.
10. A method, comprising: presenting visual content on a display
panel; detecting, by one or more processors using at least one of a
plurality of NFC devices, a user device adjacent to the display
panel; determining, by the one or more processors in response to
the detecting, a position relative to the display panel for the
user device based on which of the plurality of NFC devices detected
the user device; and exchanging, by the one or more processors
using the at least one of the plurality of NFC devices, data with
the user device based on the position.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of NFC devices
are behind or within the display panel, and wherein the plurality
of NFC devices comprise an array of NFC devices arranged in rows
and columns.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the visual content is a first
visual content, the method further comprising presenting a second
visual content on the display panel, wherein second visual content
differs, at least in part, from the first visual content based on
the data and the position.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the user device is a first user
device, wherein the position is a first position, the method
further comprising: detecting, by the one or more processors using
the at least one of a plurality of NFC devices or another of the
plurality of NFC devices, a second user device adjacent to the
display panel; determining, by the one or more processors in
response to the detecting of the second user device, a second
position relative to the display panel for the second user device
based on which of the plurality of NFC devices detected the second
user device; and communicating, by the one or more processors using
the plurality of NFC devices, data to or from the second user
device based on the second position.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the visual content comprises a
message board, wherein the data comprises message data, the method
further comprising: determining, by the one or more processors in
response to the determining of the first position, a corresponding
first message board location based on the first position;
receiving, by the one or more processors using the at least one of
the plurality of NFC devices, message data for a first message from
the first user device; presenting the first message on the display
panel at the first message board location; determining, by the one
or more processors in response to the determining of the second
position, a corresponding second message board location comprising
a second message based on the second position; and transmitting, by
the one or more processors using the at least one of the plurality
of NFC devices or the other of the plurality of NFC devices,
message data for the second message to the second user device.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the visual content comprises
one or more user representations, wherein the data comprises user
data, the method further comprising: determining, by the one or
more processors in response to the determining of the position, a
corresponding user representation for a user; receiving, by the one
or more processors using the at least one of the plurality of NFC
devices, the user data for the user from the user device; and
checking in, by the one or more processors in response to the
receiving, the user.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the visual content comprises
one or more items, wherein the data comprises item data, the method
further comprising: determining, by the one or more processors in
response to the determining of the position, a corresponding item;
and transmitting, by the one or more processors using the at least
one of the plurality of NFC devices, item data for the item to the
user device.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the item data comprises item
information, the method further comprising: presenting item
information and an option to purchase the item on the user device;
and receiving, by the one or more processors using the at least one
of the plurality of NFC devices, purchase request data and payment
data for the item from the user device.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the visual content comprises a
map, wherein the data comprises location data, the method further
comprising: determining, by the one or more processors in response
to the determining of the position, a corresponding map location
representing a physical location; and transmitting, by the one or
more processors using the at least one of the plurality of NFC
devices, location data for the physical location to the user
device, wherein the location data comprises information relating to
the physical location, directions from a current location to the
physical location, or both; presenting the directions, the
information, or both on the user device.
19. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising a plurality
of machine-readable instructions which, when executed by one or
more processors of an interactive display system, causes the
interactive display system to perform a method comprising:
presenting visual content on a display panel; detecting a user
device adjacent to the display panel using at least one of a
plurality of NFC devices; determining a position relative to the
display panel for the user device based on which of the plurality
of NFC devices detected the user device; and communicating data to
or from the user device using the at least one of the plurality of
NFC devices based on the position.
20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein
the user device is a first user device, wherein the position is a
first position, the method further comprising: detecting a second
user device adjacent to the display panel using the at least one of
the plurality of NFC devices; determining a second position
relative to the display panel for the second user device based on
which of the plurality of NFC devices detected the second user
device; and communicating data to or from the second user device
based on the second position using the at least one of the
plurality of NFC devices.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to interactive display systems
and, more particularly, to interactive display systems that include
near field communication (NFC) devices.
RELATED ART
[0002] Touchscreen display panels allow users to touch the
touchscreen display panels to interact with visual content
presented. Touch input is typically received by the touchscreen
display panel based on capacitive or resistive changes in vertical
and horizontal conductive lines, which traverse the display panel,
at the location of the touch. However, the information received by
the touchscreen display panels is limited to the location of the
contact or near contact with the panel, and no information, other
than the visual content, is transmitted by the display. Further,
touchscreen display panels typically are only able to detect a
limited number of points of contact. Thus, even a large touchscreen
display panel can typically only interact with a small number of
users at one time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0003] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware
environment supporting an interactive display system that includes
near field communication (NFC) devices according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0004] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are diagrams illustrating various
aspects of an interactive display system and a user device adjacent
to the interactive display system according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0005] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a networked system
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a user interacting with an
interactive display system with a user device according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method for
providing interaction between a user device and an interactive
display system using near field communications according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an interactive display
system presenting user representations for check-in to a location
or an event according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 7 is an illustrative screenshot of a check-in screen
presented on a user device according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method for
providing check-in through interaction between a user device and an
interactive display system using near field communications
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an interactive display
system presenting items according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 10 is an illustrative screenshot of an item information
screen presented on a user device according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for providing item
information and/or offering items for sale through interaction
between a user device and an interactive display system using near
field communications according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure; and
[0014] FIGS. 12a and 12b are diagrams illustrating an interactive
display system presenting a map according to embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0015] FIGS. 13a and 13b are illustrative screenshots of map
screens presented on a user device according to embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method for
providing location information and/or directions through
interaction between a user device and an interactive display system
using near field communications according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure; and
[0017] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an interactive display
system presenting messages according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 16 is an illustrative screenshot of a message screen
presented on a user device according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method for
posting, editing, and/or downloading messages from a message board
through interaction between a user device and an interactive
display system using near field communications according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0020] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a system for implementing one
or more components in FIGS. 1 and/or 3 according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages
are best understood by referring to the detailed description that
follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are
used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the
figures, wherein showings therein are for purposes of illustrating
embodiments of the present disclosure and not for purposes of
limiting the same.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for an
interactive display system using near field communications.
[0023] An interactive display system may be a system including a
display panel and a plurality of near field communication (NFC)
devices behind, within, or otherwise disposed on or around the
display panel. The NFC devices may be arranged as an array of NFC
devices. For example, the NFC devices may be arranged in rows and
columns behind or within the display panel. The display panel may
present visual content. In an embodiment, the NFC devices allow the
interactive display system to sense where an NFC-enabled user
device is placed (e.g., position, orientation, movement) relative
to the display panel. In further embodiments, the NFC devices are
used to synchronize the interactive display system and the user
device based on the user device's position and/or movement.
[0024] In various embodiments, an interactive display system
presents visual content, such as images, text, and videos, on a
display panel. The interactive display system detects a user device
adjacent to the display panel using at least one of the NFC
devices. The interactive display system determines a position
relative to the display panel for the user device. The position for
the user device may be based on which of the NFC devices detected
the user device. The interactive display system then exchanges data
with the user device based on the position for the user device. The
interactive display system may detect, determine a position for,
and exchange data with more than one user device simultaneously
using respective more than one NFC devices.
[0025] In various embodiments, the visual content presented on the
display panel may be changed, modified, or updated based on the
data and/or the position for the user device. The interactive
display system may receive data that includes displayable
information from the user device. The interactive display system
may present the displayable information on the display panel at or
near the position for the user device based on the received
data.
[0026] In an embodiment, the interactive display system is at a
location or event where users may check-in (e.g., a conference, a
seminar, a meeting, a wedding, a convention, a movie theater, a
concert, an airport, a stadium, a hotel, etc.). The interactive
display system presents representations of users including names of
users (e.g., names of attendees, guests, participants, passengers,
etc.). A user may place a user device in front of a name. The
interactive display system detects the user device with one or more
of the NFC devices and determines a position relative to the
display panel for the user device based on which of the NFC devices
detected the user device. The interactive display system determines
the name based on the position and receives user data from the user
device. The interactive display system may authenticate the user by
determining that the user data and the name are associated with
(e.g., belong to) the same user. The interactive display system may
then check in the user based on the user data and/or the
authentication. In other embodiments, in addition to or in place of
the names of the users, the representation of users may include
pictures of users, seat numbers, usernames, registration numbers,
and/or other user representations.
[0027] In an embodiment, an interactive display system is at a
location or event with items, such as goods and/or services, for
sale (e.g., a merchant such as a clothing store, an electronics
store, a restaurant, a cafe, etc.), for viewing (e.g., a museum, an
exhibition, etc.), or for loaning (e.g., a library, a movie rental,
etc.). The interactive display system presents the items on a
display panel. A user may place a user device in front of an item.
The interactive display system detects the user device and
determines a position relative to the display panel for the user
device based on which of the NFC devices detected the user device.
The interactive display system determines the item based on the
position and transmits item data for the item to the user device.
Item information may be presented on the user device in response to
receiving the item data. In certain embodiments in which the items
are for sale, the interactive display system may function as a
point of sale and allow the user to purchase the item. An option to
purchase the item is presented on the user device in response to
receiving the item data. A user may select to purchase the item on
the user device. The interactive display system may receive
purchase request data and payment data for the item from the user
device (e.g., via NFC communications with the user device), and may
transmit such data to a payment service provider server for payment
processing.
[0028] In an embodiment, an interactive display system presents a
map on a display panel (e.g., a map of a mall, a convention center,
an airport, a building, a city, a park, etc.). A user may place a
user device in front of a map location, which represents a physical
location. The interactive display system detects the user device
and determines a position relative to the display panel for the
user device based on which of the NFC devices detected the user
device. The interactive display system determines the map location
based on the position and transmits location data for the map
location to the user device. Information relating to the physical
location (e.g., attractions, amenities, stores, etc., at the
physical location) and/or directions from the current location to
the physical location may be presented on the user device in
response to receiving the location data.
[0029] In further embodiments, a user may use a user device to
further transmit data relating to the map location. The interactive
display system receives such data and may present information on
the map based on the received data, or in turn transmit the
received data to relevant parties. In an example, a parent who is
missing a child may place a user device at the location where the
parent last saw the child and transmit data including missing child
information and/or a picture of the child. The interactive display
system may present a missing child message, which may include the
missing child information and the picture, on the map for others to
view. The interactive display system may transmit the data to
relevant authorities, such as security personnel or law
enforcement.
[0030] In an embodiment, an interactive display system presents a
message board including messages (e.g., a text message, a picture,
a video, etc.). In an example, the message board may be for
advertisements, job postings, rental listings, classifieds, etc. In
another example, the message board may be a crisis message board to
post information relating to a crisis (e.g., a natural disaster,
military conflict, terrorist attack, etc.). A user may place a user
device in front of a message board location. The interactive
display system detects the user device and determines a position
relative to the display panel for the user device based on which of
the NFC devices detected the user device. The interactive display
system determines the message board location based on the position.
The user may post a message on the message board using the user
device by sending message data for the message. The interactive
display system receives the message data and presents the message
on the message board location. The user or another user may place
his or her device in front of the same message board location and
update or delete the message. In other embodiments, the user may
also download a previously posted message onto the user device by
receiving message data for the posted message. The interactive
display system transmits message data for the posted message to the
user device, and the posted message may be stored on the user
device. In further embodiments, the user may select to be updated
on the user device when the message is updated. In an example, the
message board may be utilized after a natural disaster. Users may
post messages (e.g., searching for a missing person, status
regarding rescue efforts, etc.) and may further store messages on
their user devices, which may be automatically updated in real-time
(e.g., that the missing person was found, progress of rescue
efforts, etc.).
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram 100 of a hardware
environment of an exemplary interactive display system 110 is
illustrated. Interactive display system 110 may include a bus 120
or other communication mechanism for communicating data, which
interconnects subsystems and components, including a display panel
112, a user interface 114, a plurality of NFC devices 116, speakers
118 (or alternatively, an audio interface to connect to external
speakers), one or more processing components 122 (e.g., a
processor, a micro-controller, a digital signal processor (DSP),
etc.), a system memory component 124 (e.g., RAM), a storage
component 130 (e.g., a static storage drive such as ROM), and a
network interface circuit 126.
[0032] Display panel 112, in various embodiments, is configured to
present visual content. Display panel 112 may include a pixel
array. Each pixel may be manipulated and have an address
corresponding to its physical coordinates. Display panel 112 may be
a light-emitting diode (LED) display panel, organic light-emitting
diode (OLED) display panel, liquid-crystal (LCD) display panel,
plasma display panel (PDP), cathode ray tube (CRT) display panel,
or other display panel. Display panel 112 may be flat or curved,
and may have a rectangular shape, round shape, or other shape. In
some embodiments, display panel 112 may include a touchscreen
component.
[0033] A user 102 may interact with interactive display system 110
using user interface 114. User interface 114, in an embodiment, may
include an input component, such as a touchscreen (e.g.,
touchscreen component of display panel 112), a remote control, a
keyboard, or other input component. In an embodiment, user
interface 114 may be provided, at least in part, by a graphic user
interface (GUI) provided on display panel 112 or a user device 150.
In other embodiments, user interface 114 includes a remote control.
User 102 may provide input on the remote control, and the remote
control may transmit the user input via infrared or near-infrared
signals to the interactive display system 110. User interface 114
may provide a menu or settings on display panel 112, and user 102
may interact with the menu or settings using the remote
control.
[0034] NFC devices 116, in various embodiments, are each located at
a corresponding position behind, within, in front of, along the
edges of, or otherwise disposed on, in, or around display panel
112. NFC devices 116 may be located at various positions relative
to the display such that NFC devices 116 are capable of exchanging
data with user devices 150 adjacent to display panel 112. The
plurality of NFC devices 116 may include an array of NFC devices
arranged in rows and columns that span display panel 112. However,
this is merely exemplary and the array of NFC devices may be
arranged in any shape and/or may cover a part of display panel
112.
[0035] NFC devices 116, in various embodiments, include an NFC
transceiver circuitry and/or an NFC antenna. NFC devices may
communicate using magnetic fields or electric fields, and may
implement standards such as ECMA-340 (NFCIP-1), ECMA-352 (NFCIP-2),
ISO/IEC 18092, ISO/IEC 21481, ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443B,
ISO/IEC 15693, JIS X6319-4, and FeliCa. However, it is contemplated
that other short-range wireless communication technologies and
standards (e.g., radio-frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth
low energy, etc.) may be utilized and fall within the scope of the
present disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that the use of near field communication between NFC device 116 and
user devices 150 may be advantageously utilized to provide for low
power communication, and also provide a more secure communication
due to its short range.
[0036] Each NFC device 116, in various embodiments, is configured
to detect user device 150 adjacent to display panel 112, such as in
front of display panel 112, when user device 150 is within the
range of NFC device 116 (e.g., within 2 cm, within 5 cm, within 10
cm, within 20 cm, etc.). Each NFC device 116 may create a
communication area in which user device 150 is detected. The
communication area may cover, for example, a spherical region on
and around display panel 112. When user device 150 is placed in the
communication area of NFC device 116, NFC device 116 may detect
user device 150 and exchange data with user device 150.
[0037] NFC device 116 may receive identifier data packets from user
device 150. The identifier data packets may include one or more
user identifiers, which may be operating system registry entries,
cookies associated with a user interface application, identifiers
associated with hardware of user device 150, or various other
appropriate identifiers. The user identifiers may be used to
identify user device 150, user 102, or a user account associated
with user device 150 or user 102. NFC device 116 may further
exchange data and information with user device 150. In some
embodiments, NFC device 116 may communicate with user device 150
without receiving an identifier of user device 150 or user 102.
[0038] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure,
interactive display system 110 performs specific operations by
processor or processing component 122 executing one or more
sequences of one or more instructions contained in system memory
component 124. Such instructions may be read into system memory
component 124 from another computer readable medium, such as
storage component 130. These may include instructions, for example,
to operate NFC devices 116 to detect one or more user devices
within its respective communication area, determine a position on
display panel 112 for user device 150, and operate NFC devices 116
to exchange data with user device 150. In other embodiments,
hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with
software instructions for implementation of one or more embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0039] Storage component 130, in various embodiments, is configured
to store an address for each NFC device 116, which may correspond
to its physical coordinates and/or an area (e.g., a communication
area). In other embodiments, storage component 130 may store
associations between each NFC device 116 (or NFC device address)
and pixels and/or a visual content area on display panel 112 (or
pixel addresses) that are at, or within the vicinity of (e.g.,
within a communication area), each NFC device. Storage component
130 may also contain one or more databases for storing user data
and information, such as personal information (e.g., user login,
user's age, user's location, etc.), user account information, user
interest data, sensor data (e.g., sensor data from sensors of user
device 150), and other user data and information.
[0040] Processor 122, in various embodiments, detects user device
150 using NFC devices 116 and determines a position for user device
150 based on which of NFC device or devices 116 detect user device
150. The position may enclose pixels of display panel 112, and
processor 122 may determine which pixels are within the position
and/or what visual content is being presented by those pixels based
on the address of NFC device 116 and the pixel addresses.
[0041] Interactive display system 110 further includes network
interface circuit 126 coupled to a network 170. Interactive display
system 110 may transmit and receive data, information, messages,
and instructions, including one or more programs (i.e., application
code), through network interface circuit 126 and a communication
link 128. Interactive display system 110 may further include other
components, such as an audio/visual (A/V) interface to receive A/V
signals via the A/V interface.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2a, a diagram of an interactive
display system 210 and user device 150 adjacent to interactive
display system 210 is illustrated. Interactive display system 210,
which may be an implementation of interactive display system 110,
includes a display panel 212 configured to present visual content
220.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2b, a diagram showing a plurality of
NFC devices 216 located behind or within display panel 212 of an
interactive display system 210 is illustrated. Dashed lines are
used for NFC devices 216 to show that NFC device 216 may be
disposed behind or within the display panel 212 and NFC devices 216
may not be visible (as in FIG. 2a). An array of NFC devices 216
arranged in rows and columns is illustrated. However, NFC devices
216 may be arranged in other patterns or shapes according to the
implementation. For example, interactive display system 210 may be
used to display a map, and NFC device 216 may be located at
positions corresponding to points of interest, pathways, roadways,
bridges, or other map features.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2c, a diagram showing communication
areas 226 of respective NFC devices 216 of an interactive display
system 210 is illustrated. Dashed lines are used for communication
areas 226 to indicate that communication areas 226 may not be
visible (as in FIG. 2a). In various embodiments, communication
areas 226 are regions in the vicinity of respective NFC devices
216, such as an area enclosed by a range of a respective NFC device
216. NFC devices 216 may have a predetermined range (e.g., 2 cm, 5
cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, etc.). The range of NFC devices 216 may be
configured depending on how compacted or spread apart NFC devices
216 are arranged from each other. Interactive display device 210
may detect user device 150 and determine a position for user device
150 based on which of NFC devices 216 detects user device 150.
[0045] In some embodiments, the position is based on user device
150 communicating with a single one of NFC devices 216. For
example, interactive display system 210 may determine NFC device
216a is detecting user device 150 and determine, based on that
communication, that user device 150 is in communication area 226a.
The position may be determined to be, for example, the position of
NFC device 216a, an area around NFC device 216a, and/or
communication area 226a. In embodiments in which the position for
user device 150 is determined using a single NFC device 216, it may
be advantageous to reduce the likelihood of user device 150 being
placed within more than one communication area 226 by arranging NFC
devices 216 to reduce overlap between communication areas 226
and/or by reducing the range of each NFC device 216. For example,
FIG. 2d provides a diagram showing NFC devices 216 arranged to
minimize overlap of communication areas 226 by using a hexagonal
pattern of NFC devices 216.
[0046] In other embodiments, the position of user device 150 may be
determined based on user device 150 communicating with one or more
NFC devices 216. For example, interactive display system 210 may
determine that NFC devices 216a and 216b are both detecting user
device 150 and determine that user device 150 is in an overlapping
area of communication area 226a and communication area 226b. The
position may be determined to be, for example, a position between
NFC device 216a and NFC device 216b, an area located between NFC
device 216a and NFC device 216b, and/or an overlapping area of
communication area 226a and communication area 226b. In embodiments
in which the position may be determined using more than one NFC
devices 216, it may be advantageous to have overlapping areas in
which user device 150 is within more than one communication area
226. NFC devices 216 may be arranged to have optimal overlap
between communication areas 226 for better localization of user
device 150.
[0047] In certain embodiments, further localization techniques may
be implemented to determine the position for user device 150. For
example, further NFC-based localization techniques (e.g., using NFC
tags, triangulation, etc.) may be used. In another example,
localization of user device 150 may be based on capacitive sensing,
such as by using a capacitive touchscreen display panel.
Accordingly, user 102 may be able to interact with interactive
display system 210 using user device 150 and touching display panel
212, and the position may be based on where user 102 touches
display panel 212. In a further example, motion sensors may be
located in relation to display panel 212 such that the motion
sensors can detect where user 102 has placed user device 150.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a network-based
system 300 for implementing one or more processes described in the
present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, network-based system
300 may comprise or implement a plurality of servers and/or
software components that operate to perform various methodologies
in accordance with the described embodiments. Exemplary servers may
include, for example, stand-alone and enterprise-class servers
operating a server OS such as a MICROSOFT.RTM. OS, a UNIX.RTM. OS,
a LINUX.RTM. OS, or other suitable server-based OS. It can be
appreciated that the servers illustrated in FIG. 3 may be deployed
in other ways and that the operations performed and/or the services
provided by such servers may be combined or separated for a given
implementation and may be performed by a greater number or fewer
number of servers. One or more servers may be operated and/or
maintained by the same or different entities.
[0049] The embodiment of the networked system 300 illustrated in
FIG. 3 includes interactive display system 110, one or more
NFC-enabled user devices 150 (e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, a
wearable device, etc.), one or more service provider servers or
devices 380 (e.g., network server devices), and one or more
merchant servers or devices 390 in communication over network 170.
Network 170, in one embodiment, may be implemented as a single
network or a combination of multiple networks. For example, in
various embodiments, network 170 may include the Internet and/or
one or more intranets, landline networks, wireless networks, and/or
other appropriate types of communication networks. In another
example, network 170 may comprise a wireless telecommunications
network (e.g., cellular phone network) adapted to communicate with
other communication networks, such as the Internet. As such, in
various embodiments, interactive display system 110, user device
150, service provider server 380, and merchant server 390 may be
associated with a particular link (e.g.; a link, such as a URL
(Uniform Resource Locator) to an IP (Internet Protocol)
address).
[0050] Interactive display system 110, in various embodiments,
includes NFC modules 312 configured to be communicatively coupled
to user device 150 (e.g., via an NFC module 354 of user device 150)
and a network interface module 314 that is communicatively coupled
to network 170. NFC modules 312 and network interface module 314
may be communicatively coupled to any or all of a display module
316, a detection module 318, a control module 320, and a content
display module 322, any of which may be coupled to a storage module
330. Any or all of the modules may be implemented as a subsystem of
interactive display system 110 including a circuit, a hardware
component, a hardware subcomponent, and/or a variety of other
subsystems known in the art. For example, any or all of the modules
312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, and 330 may be implemented using any
or all of the hardware components described in FIG. 1. Furthermore,
any or all of the modules may be preconfigured to perform their
disclosed functionality, or may be configured by a processing
system "on-the-fly" or as needed to perform their disclosed
functionality. As such, any or all of the modules may include
pre-configured and dedicated circuits and/or hardware components,
or may be circuits and/or hardware components that are configured
as needed.
[0051] For example, any or all of the modules may be provided via
one or more circuits that include resistors, inductors, capacitors,
voltage sources, current sources, switches, logic gates, registers,
and/or a variety of other circuit elements known in the art. One or
more of the circuit elements in a circuit may be configured to
provide the circuit(s) that cause the modules to perform the
functions described below. As such; in some embodiments,
preconfigured and dedicated circuits may be implemented to perform
the functions of the modules. In other embodiments, a processing
system may execute instructions on a non-transitory,
computer-readable medium to configure one or more circuits as
needed to perform the functions of the modules.
[0052] NFC modules 312 may be included as a separate module
provided in interactive display system 110, or may include
communications hardware (e.g., antennas) and instructions stored on
a computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processing
system in interactive display system 110, configure NFC modules 312
to operate the communications hardware to detect user device 150
and exchange data packets and information with user device 150, as
well as provide any of the other functionality that is discussed
herein. In an embodiment, NFC modules 312 may be implemented, at
least in part, as NFC devices 116 in FIG. 1. Network interface
module 314 may be included as a separate module provided in
interactive display system 110, or may include communications
hardware (e.g., antennas) and instructions stored on a
computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processing system
in interactive display system 110, configure network interface
module 314 to operate the communications hardware to send and
receive information over network 170, as well as provide any of the
other functionality that is discussed herein. In an embodiment,
network communication module 314 may be implemented, at least in
part, as network interface circuit 126 in FIG. 1.
[0053] Display module 316 may be included as a separate module
provided in interactive display system 110, or may include display
hardware and instructions stored on a computer-readable medium
that, when executed by a processing system in interactive display
system 110, configure display module 316 to operate the display
hardware to display visual content on a display panel, such as
display panel 112, as well as provide any of the other
functionality that is discussed herein. In an embodiment, display
module 316 may include display panel 112 in FIG. 1, as well as
other hardware and software components relating to displaying
visual content.
[0054] Detection module 318 may be included as a separate module
provided in interactive display system 110, or may be provided
using instructions stored on a computer-readable medium that, when
executed by a processing system in interactive display system 110,
configure detection module 318 to detect user device 150 adjacent
to display panel 112 using at least one NFC module 312, and
determine a position for user device 150 relative to display panel
112, as well as provide any of the other functionality that is
discussed herein. Control module 320 may be included as a separate
module provided in interactive display system 110, or may be
provided using instructions stored on a computer-readable medium
that, when executed by a processing system in interactive display
system 110, configure control module 320 to determine visual
content to be presented on display panel 112, exchange data with
user device 150 based on the position using the at least one NFC
module 312, and change visual content based on the exchanged data
and the position, as well as provide any of the other functionality
that is discussed herein. Content display module 322 may be
included as a separate module provided in interactive display
system 110, or may be provided using instructions stored on a
computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processing system
in interactive display system 110, configure content display module
322 to receive, process, and/or generate visual content data for
visual content to be presented on display panel 112, and provide
the visual content data to display module 316, as well as provide
any of the other functionality that is discussed herein.
[0055] Other modules discussed herein but not illustrated in FIG. 3
may be provided as separate modules on interactive display system
110, or using instructions stored on a computer-readable medium
similarly as discussed above. While storage module 330 has been
illustrated as located in interactive display system 110, one of
skill in the art will recognize that it may include multiple
storage modules and may be connected to other modules through
network 170 without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. In an embodiment, storage module 330 may be implemented
as storage component 130 in FIG. 1.
[0056] User device 150, in various embodiments, may be utilized by
user 102 to interact with interactive display system 110 using near
field communications. User device 150 may also be utilized by user
102 to interact with service provider server 380 and/or merchant
server 390 over network 170. User device 150 may be implemented
using any appropriate combination of hardware and/or software
configured for near field communications with other NFC-enabled
devices, and for wired and/or wireless communication over network
170. In various embodiments, user devices 150 may include at least
one of a smartphone, wireless cellular phone, satellite phone,
tablet, laptop computer, notebook computer, hybrid/convertible
computer, and/or other types of mobile computing devices. In other
embodiments, user devices 150 may include at least one of a
wearable device, such as an activity tracker (which may also be
called a fitness tracker and/or health tracker), smartwatch,
eyeglasses with appropriate computer hardware resources, and/or
other types of wearable computing devices. User devices 150 may
include a user interface 352, NFC module 354, one or more user
identifiers 356, one or more sensors 358, a storage module 360, a
location module 362, a network interface module 364, and other
modules.
[0057] In various implementations, user 102 is able to input data
and information into an input component (e.g., a touchscreen, a
keyboard, a microphone, etc.) of user device 150 to provide
personal information, user interest information, user
identification information, and other user data and/or
information.
[0058] User interface application 352, in an embodiment, may be
utilized by user 102 to access applications, to view data or
information on a display, and to conduct transactions (e.g.,
shopping, purchasing, bidding, etc.) with service provider server
380 and/or merchant server 390 over network 370. In one aspect,
user 102 may login to an account related to user 102 and purchase
expenses may be directly and/or automatically debited from the
account via user interface application 352.
[0059] In one implementation, user interface application 352
comprises a software program, such as a graphical user interface
(GUI), executable by a processor that is configured to interface
and communicate with service provider server 380 via network 170.
In another implementation, user interface application 352 comprises
a browser module that provides a network interface to browse
information available over network 170. For example, user interface
application 352 may be implemented, in part, as a web browser to
view information available over network 170.
[0060] In an example, user 102 is able to access merchant websites
via one or more merchant servers 390 to view and select items for
purchase, and the user 102 is able to purchase items from one or
more merchant servers 390 via service provider server 380.
Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, user 102 may conduct
transactions (e.g., purchase and provide payment for one or more
items) from one or more merchant servers 390 via service provider
server 180.
[0061] User device 150, in various embodiments, may include other
applications as may be desired in one or more embodiments of the
present disclosure to provide additional features available to user
102. In one example, such other applications may include security
applications for implementing client-side security features,
programmatic client applications for interfacing with appropriate
application programming interfaces (APIs) over network 170, and/or
various other types of generally known programs and/or software
applications. In still other examples, the other applications may
interface with user interface application 352 for improved
efficiency and convenience.
[0062] NFC module 354, in an embodiment, is configured to
communicate with other devices using near field communications.
User device 150 may communicate with interactive display system 110
by NFC module 354 of user device 150 exchanging data packets with
NFC module 312 of interactive display system 110.
[0063] User identifiers, such as user identifier 356, in an
embodiment, may be implemented, for example, as operating system
registry entries, cookies associated with user interface
application 352, identifiers associated with hardware of user
device 150, or various other appropriate identifiers. User
identifier 356 may include one or more attributes related to user
102, such as personal information related to user 102 (e.g., one or
more of names, user names, passwords, photograph images, biometric
IDs, addresses, phone numbers, social security number, etc.),
banking information, financial information, and/or funding source
information (e.g., one or more banking institutions, credit card
issuers, user account numbers, security data and information,
etc.). In various embodiments, identifier data packets that include
user identifier 356 may be transmitted from user device 150 (e.g.,
via NFC module 354) to interactive display system 110 (e.g., via
NFC module 312). In other embodiments, identifier data packets that
include user identifier 356 may be transmitted with a user login
request (e.g., user login data packets) to service provider server
380 via network 170, and service provider server 380 may use the
identifier data packets to associate user 102 with a particular
user account maintained by service provider server 380.
[0064] Sensors 358, in an embodiment, may include an accelerometer,
a gyroscope, one or more cameras, and other sensors. An
accelerometer that measures acceleration and a gyroscope that
measures orientation may be used together to measure movement
and/or orientation of user device 150. A camera may be back-facing
such that the camera faces display panel 112 when user 102 places
user device 150 in front of display panel 112. The camera may be
used to measure distance from display panel 112 and/or localize
user device 150 in relation to display panel 112. Sensors 358 may
generate sensor data in response to the measurements. A processor
of user device 150 may receive the sensor data by accessing and/or
communicating with sensors 358. The processor may process, analyze,
infer from, and/or interpret the sensor data to generate further
sensor data.
[0065] Storage module 360, in an embodiment, may store data and
information. Storage module 360 may contain one or more databases
in which to store the data and information. User device 150 may
locally store user account information and/or sensor data in a
database on storage module 360.
[0066] Location module 362, in various embodiments, determines,
tracks, monitors, and/or provides an instant geographical location
of user device 150. In one implementation, the geographical
location may include GPS coordinates, zip-code information,
area-code information, street address information, and/or various
other generally known types of location data or information. In
various embodiments, location data may be automatically obtained
and/or provided by user device 150 via an internal or external
monitoring component, such as global positioning system (GPS),
which uses satellite-based positioning, assisted GPS (A-GPS), which
uses cell tower information to improve reliability and accuracy of
GPS-based positioning, and Wi-Fi-based positioning. In other
embodiments, location data may be obtained based on communications
between user device 150 and a device at the location, such as
interactive display system 110 in FIG. 1 (e.g., via NFC device 116)
or a check-in device (e.g., a beacon device). This may help to save
battery life and allow for better indoor location. In further
embodiments, location information may be directly entered into user
device 150 by user 102 via a user input component, such as a
keyboard, touch display, and/or voice recognition microphone.
[0067] Network interface module 364, in various embodiments,
communicates with other devices or servers over network 170. For
example, user device 150 may communicate with interactive display
system 110, service provider server 380, and merchant server 390
via network interface module 364 exchanging data packets with a
network interface module of respective devices or servers over
network 170.
[0068] In one aspect, when interfacing with user device 150, user
102 may elect and/or consent to provide personal information, user
interest data, sensor data, location data, and/or other user data
or information to service provider server 380 and/or merchant
server 390. User 102 may set or configure the user
settings/configuration menu of user interface application 352 of
user device 150. Through the user settings/configuration menu, user
102 may provide consent to share user data or information and the
extent of shared user data or information. User device 150 may
transmit shared user data or information dynamically by push
synchronization, periodically, or each time an application
associated with service provider server 380 or merchant server 390
is opened by user 102. In some embodiments, user 102 may be
prompted for permission to release user data or information.
Accordingly, user 102 may have exclusive authority to allow
transmission of personal information, user interest data, sensor
data, and/or location data from user device 150 to service provider
server 380 and/or merchant server 390.
[0069] Service provider server 380, in one embodiment, may be
maintained by a service provider, such as an online service
provider or a transaction processing entity that provides
processing for financial transactions and/or information
transactions between user 102 and one or more of merchant servers
390. As such, service provider server 380 includes a service
application 382, which may be adapted to interact with user device
150 over network 170 to facilitate the searching, selection,
purchase, and/or payment of items by user 102 from one or more
merchant servers 390. In one example, service provider server 380
may be provided by PayPal.RTM. Inc. or eBay.RTM. Inc. in San Jose,
Calif., USA, and/or one or more financial institutions or a
respective intermediary that may provide multiple point of sale
devices at various locations to facilitate transaction routings
between merchants and, for example, financial institutions.
[0070] Service application 382, in one embodiment, utilizes a
payment processing application 384 to process purchases and/or
payments for financial transactions between user 102 and each of
merchant servers 390. In one implementation, payment processing
application 384 assists with resolving financial transactions
through validation, delivery, and settlement. As such, service
application 382 in conjunction with the payment processing
application 384 settles indebtedness between user 102 and each of
merchant servers 390, wherein accounts may be directly and/or
automatically debited and/or credited of monetary funds in a manner
as accepted by the banking industry.
[0071] Service provider server 380, in one embodiment, may be
configured to maintain one or more user accounts and merchant
accounts in an account database on storage module 386, each of
which may include account information 388 associated with one or
more individual users (e.g., user 102) and merchants. For example,
account information 388 may include private financial information
of user 102 and merchants (e.g., one or more merchants associated
with merchant servers 390), such as one or more account numbers,
passwords, credit card information, banking information, or other
types of financial information, which may be used to facilitate
financial transactions between user 102, and one or more merchants
associated with merchant servers 390. Account information 388 may
also include personal information, such as one or more contact
information (e.g., phone number, address, email, etc.) and other
account IDs of user 102 that are maintained by third parties (e.g.,
user names or account numbers). In various aspects, the methods and
systems described herein may be modified to accommodate users
and/or merchants that may or may not be associated with at least
one existing user account and/or merchant account,
respectively.
[0072] In one implementation, user 102 may have identity attributes
stored with service provider server 380, and user 102 may have
credentials to authenticate or verify identity with service
provider server 380. User attributes may include personal
information, banking information and/or funding source information.
In various aspects, the user attributes may be passed to service
provider server 380 as part of a login, search, selection,
purchase, and/or payment request, and the user attributes may be
utilized by service provider server 380 to associate user 102 with
one or more particular user accounts maintained by service provider
server 380.
[0073] One or more merchant servers 390, in various embodiments,
may be maintained by one or more business entities that offer
various items, such as goods and/or services, for purchase and
payment (e.g., a clothing store, an electronics store, a
restaurant, a cafe, or other merchant) or, in some cases, by a
partner of a business entity that processes transactions on behalf
of business entities. The business entities may maintain a merchant
website through which the various items are offered for purchase
and payment. In some embodiments, business entities may need
registration of user identity information as part of offering items
to user 102 over network 170. As such, each of one or more merchant
servers 390 may include a merchant database on a storage module 392
for identifying available items, which may be made available, at
least in part, to interactive display system 110 and/or user device
150 for viewing and purchase by user 102. In one or more
embodiments, user 102 may complete a transaction such as purchasing
the items via service provider server 380.
[0074] Each of merchant servers 390, in one embodiment, may include
a marketplace application 394, which may be configured to provide
data over network 170 to interactive display system 110 and/or user
interface application 352 of user device 150. For example,
marketplace application 394 may transmit data including visual
content for items and item information to interactive display
system 110, which displays the items on display panel 112. User 102
may interact with marketplace application 394 through the user
interface application 352 by placing user device 150 in front of
display panel 112 such that user device 150 communicates with
interactive display system 110.
[0075] Each of merchant servers 390, in one embodiment, may include
at least one merchant identifier 396, which may be included as part
of the one or more items made available for purchase so that, for
example, particular items are associated with particular merchants.
In one implementation, merchant identifier 396 may include one or
more attributes and/or parameters related to the merchant, such as
business and banking information. Merchant identifier 396 may
include attributes related to merchant server 390, such as
identification information (e.g., a serial number, a location
address, GPS coordinates, a network identification number, etc.).
In various embodiments, user 102 may conduct transactions (e.g.,
searching, selection, monitoring, purchasing, and/or providing
payment for items) with each merchant server 390 via service
provider server 380 over network 170.
[0076] The merchant website, in various embodiments, may
communicate (e.g., using merchant server 390) with service provider
server 380 over network 170. For example, the merchant website may
communicate with service provider server 380 in the course of
various services offered by service provider server 380 to the
merchant website, such as payment intermediary between customers of
the merchant website and the merchant website itself. The merchant
website may use an application programming interface (API) that
allows it to offer sale of goods in which customers are allowed to
make payment through service provider server 380, while user 102
may have an account with service provider server 380 that allows
user 102 to use service provider server 380 for making payments to
merchants that allow use of authentication, authorization, and
payment services of service provider server 380 as a payment
intermediary. The merchant website may also have an account with
service provider server 380.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram of user 102 holding user
device 150 in front of interactive display system 410 is
illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A
plurality of NFC devices 416 are shown with dashed lines (as NFC
devices 216 in FIGS. 2b-d), indicating that NFC devices 416 are
located behind or within a display panel 412. In an embodiment,
plurality of NFC devices 416 is an array of NFC devices 416
arranged such that when user 102 holds up user device 150 anywhere
near display panel 412, at least one of NFC devices 416 will detect
and communicate with user device 150. In an example, user device
150 is detected by one of NFC devices 416 (e.g., NFC device 416a).
In another example, user device 150 is detected by two neighboring
NFC devices 416 (e.g., NFC device 416a and 416b).
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart 500 of a method for
providing interaction between user device 150 and an interactive
display system, such as interactive display system 410, using near
field communications is illustrated according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0079] At block 502, interactive display system 410 presents visual
content 420 (see FIG. 4) on display panel 412. User 102 may view
visual content 420 and decide to interact with interactive display
system 410.
[0080] At block 504, interactive display system 410 detects that
user device 150 is adjacent to display panel 412 using at least one
of plurality of NFC devices 416. In various embodiments, user 102
may place user device 150 in front of display panel 412 and close
enough to be within range of NFC devices 416 (e.g., within 2 cm,
within 5 cm, within 10 cm, within 20 cm, etc.). User device 150 may
be within communication range (e.g., inside a communication area)
of at least one of NFC devices 416, such as NFC device 416a. In an
embodiment, NFC device 416a may receive identifier data packets
from user device 150. The identifier data packets may include one
or more user identifiers (e.g., user identifier 356) that identify
user 102, user device 150, a user account associated with user 102,
and/or a user account associated with user device 150. In response
to NFC device 416a receiving the identifier data packets,
interactive display system 410 (e.g., by processor 122 and/or
detection module 318) determines that user device 150 is adjacent
to display device 140.
[0081] At block 506, interactive display system 410 determines a
position for user device 150. In an embodiment, interactive display
system 410 (e.g., by processor 122 and/or detection module 318)
determines which particular NFC device or devices 416 detected user
device 150 (e.g., NFC device 416a), and determines a position
relative to display panel 412 for user device 150. In an example,
the position may be a physical coordinate corresponding to a
physical coordinate of a particular NFC device (e.g., NFC device
416a). In another example, the position may be an area
corresponding to a particular NFC device (e.g., NFC device 416a),
such as a communication area of the particular NFC device. In a
further example, the position may be a physical coordinate or area
between two NFC devices (e.g., NFC device 416a and 416b).
[0082] At block 508, interactive display system 410 exchanges data
with user device 150 using the at least one NFC device 416. In an
embodiment, interactive display system 410 (e.g., by processor 122
and/or control module 320) exchanges data with user device 150,
which may include transmitting data to user device 150 and/or
receiving data from user device 150. The data that is exchanged may
depend on the position for user device 150 and/or the part of the
visual content that is presented at or near the at least one NFC
device 416
[0083] At block 510, interactive display system 410 changes,
modifies, and/or alters the presented visual content based on the
exchanged data and/or the position for user device 150. In an
embodiment, interactive display system 410 (e.g., by processor 122
and/or control module 320) may determine a corresponding location
on the visual content based on the position for user device 150,
and change a part of the visual content that is at the location
based on the exchanged data and/or the position for user device. In
other embodiments, a part of the visual content at another location
may be changed, modified, or altered based on the exchanged data
and/or the position for user device. In an example, a change in
visual content at the location may be followed by changes in the
other locations (e.g., a ripple effect, a ball moving from the
location to another location, etc.) Such interaction may be
utilized in various applications, such as games or activities
played by multiple users interacting with interactive display
system 410.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 6, a diagram of an interactive display
system 610 presenting visual content 620 including user
representations 622 for check-in on a display panel 612 is
illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In various embodiments, user 102 is at a location or event where
users 102 may check-in (e.g., a conference, a seminar, a meeting, a
wedding, a convention, a movie theater, a concert, an airport, a
stadium, a hotel, etc.). Interactive display system 610 provides
check-in services at the location. Interactive display system 610
may present visual content 620 including user representations 622
that identify users (e.g. names of users, pictures of users, seat
numbers, usernames, registration numbers, and/or other user
representations), a location or event name 624, and section names
626 on display panel 612. In some embodiments, section names 626
may be information that assists users 102 to find their respective
user representations 626 (e.g., first letters of the alphabet of
users' names, names of groups that users are in, etc.) and/or
information regarding where users 102 are headed (e.g., names of
halls, rooms, or gates).
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 7, a screenshot of a check-in screen
700 presented on user device 150 is illustrated according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, when
user 102 places user device 150 near a particular user
representation, such as user representation 622a of FIG. 6, user
device 150 may present a location or event name 702, a user
representation 704 corresponding to user representation 622a, and a
check-in button 706 based on information received by user device
150 from interactive display system 610. In some embodiments, user
device 150 may also present a user ID entry area 708, a password
entry area 710, and/or other information 712 (e.g., a greeting, a
schedule, directions, etc.).
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart 800 of a method for
providing check-in through interaction between user device 150 and
interactive display system 610 using near field communications is
illustrated according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0087] At block 802, interactive display system 610 presents user
representations 622 of users (e.g., attendees) on display panel
612. User 102 may decide to check-in using interactive display
system 610 and hold user device 150 in front of a particular user
representation for a particular user (e.g., a particular attendee),
such as user representation 622a.
[0088] At block 804, interactive display system 610 detects that
user device 150 is adjacent to display panel 612 using at least one
of a plurality of NFC devices, such as at least one of NFC devices
416 as described at block 404 of FIG. 4.
[0089] At block 806, interactive display system 610 determines a
position for user device 150 based on which of the NFC devices
detected user device 150, such as which NFC device or devices 416
detected user device 150 as described at block 406 of FIG. 4.
[0090] At block 808, interactive display system 610 determines,
based on the position for user device 150, a corresponding attendee
of the position, such as an attendee corresponding to user
representation 622a.
[0091] At block 810, interactive display system 610 receives user
data from user device 150, In an embodiment, interactive display
system 610 may receive user data including one or more user
identifiers (e.g., user identifier 356) that identify user 102,
user device 150, a user account associated with user 102, and/or a
user account associated with user device 150. User device 150 may
transmit user identifiers to interactive display system 610
automatically or after user authorization.
[0092] In another embodiment, interactive display system 610 may
transmit data for user check-in screen 700 to user device 150. User
102 may enter user credentials (e.g., user ID in user ID entry area
708, password in password entry area 710, etc.) on check-in screen
700 presented on user device 150. User 102 may confirm that user
representation 704 belongs to user 102 by selecting check-in button
706. Interactive display system 610 may then receive the user data
that includes the user information entered on user check-in screen
700.
[0093] At block 812, interactive display system 110 checks-in user
102 based on the user data. In an embodiment, interactive display
system 110 may authenticate user 102 by determining that user
representation 622a and the user data (e.g., user identifier, user
credentials, and/or user confirmation) belong to or are associated
with the same user, and check-in user 102.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 9, a diagram of interactive display
system 910 presenting items 922a-d (e.g., goods and/or services) on
a display panel 912 is illustrated according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure. In various embodiments, user 102 is at a
location or event with items for sale (e.g., a merchant such as a
clothing store, an electronics store, a restaurant, a cafe, etc.),
for viewing (e.g., a museum, an exhibition, etc.), or for loaning
(e.g., a library, a movie rental, etc.). Interactive display system
910 may present visual content 920 including items 922a-d and/or
location or event name 926 (e.g., a merchant name) on display panel
912.
[0095] Referring now to FIG. 10, a screenshot of an item
information screen 1000 presented on user device 150 is illustrated
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In various
embodiments, when user 102 places user device 150 near a particular
item 922a, user device 150 may be detected by an NFC device near
the item, receive item data for that item via the NFC device. User
device 150 may present a location or event name 1002, item
information 1006 corresponding to item 922a, and purchase-related
options, such as an add to shopping cart button 1008, based on the
received item data. In some embodiments, user device 150 may also
present a search area 1004 and item-related options, for example,
an add to wish list button 1010, check store availability button
1012, and/or a details button 1014 for further information.
[0096] Referring now to FIG. 11, a flowchart 1100 of a method for
providing item information and/or offering items for sale through
interaction between a user device and an interactive display system
using near field communications is illustrated according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0097] At block 1102, interactive display system 910 presents
items, such as items 922a-d, on display panel 912. User 102 may
decide he or she is interested in a particular item, such as item
922a, and hold user device 150 in front of item 922a.
[0098] At block 1104, interactive display system 910 detects that
user device 150 is adjacent to display panel 912 using at least one
NFC device, such as at least one of NFC devices 416 as described at
block 404 of FIG. 4.
[0099] At block 1106, interactive display system 910 determines a
position for user device 150 based on which of the NFC devices
detected user device 150, such as which NFC device or devices 416
detected user device 150 as described at block 406 of FIG. 4.
[0100] At block 1108, interactive display system 910 determines,
based on the position for user device 150, corresponding item 922a
to that position.
[0101] At block 1110, interactive display system 910 transmits item
data to user device 150. In an embodiment, interactive display
system 910 transmits item data including item information. User
device 150 receives the item data and presents the item information
on item information screen 1000 (see FIG. 10). In an example, if
user 102 is at a store, restaurant, or movie theater, item
information may include, respectively, merchandise information
(e.g., merchandise pictures, price, sizing, reviews, etc.), food
item information (nutrition information, price, reviews, etc.), or
movie information (e.g., a summary, seat selection option, reviews,
etc.). In another example, if user 102 is at a museum or an
exhibition, item information may be information regarding an item
on display. In a further example, if user 102 is in a library or
movie rental, item information may include, respectively, book
information or movie information (e.g., a summary and loan
period).
[0102] In an embodiment where user 102 is at a merchant location,
interactive display system 910 transmits item data including
purchase information for providing an option to purchase item 922a,
and user device 150 receives the item data and provides the option
to purchase item 922a to user 102 on item information screen 1000.
In an example, interactive display system 910 is configured as a
point of sale for the merchant, and user device 150 provides the
option to purchase item 922a through interactive display system
910. In other examples, user device 150 provides an option to
purchase item 922a through merchant server 390 and/or service
provider server 380. In a further example, user device 150 provides
an option to purchase item 922a via the merchant website, such as
by providing a button (e.g., add to shopping cart button 1008) that
links to a purchase page or a purchase confirmation page of the
merchant website.
[0103] At block 1112, interactive display system 910 receives
purchase request data and payment data. In an embodiment, in
response to user 102 selecting to purchase item 922a on user device
150, user device 150 transmits purchase request data and payment
data to interactive display system 910.
[0104] At block 1114, interactive display system 910 transmits
purchase request data and payment data to merchant server 390
and/or service provider server 380. In other embodiments, user
device 150 may transmit purchase request data and payment data
directly to merchant server 390, service provider server 380,
and/or the merchant website over network 170 in place of or in
addition to transmitting the purchase request data to interactive
display system 910. Service provider server 380 may process the
purchase request and payment based on the purchase request data and
the payment data.
[0105] Referring now to FIGS. 12a and 12b, diagrams of an
interactive display system 1210 presenting a map, for example a
mall map 1222a or a city map 1222b, on a display panel 1212 are
illustrated according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In
various embodiments, user 102 is at a location or event (e.g., a
mall, a city, a park, an amusement park, an airport, a stadium, a
building, a store, a restaurant, etc.). Interactive display system
1210 may present visual content, such as visual content 1220a or
1220b, including a map, such as map 1222a or 1220b, a
location/event name or map name 1224a or 1224b, a location A 1226
(e.g., a current location), and a location B 1228 (e.g., a location
of interest) on display panel 1212. User 102 may place user device
150 at a position anywhere on map 1222a and 1222b to select
location B 1228. In some embodiments, location A 1226 and/or
location B 1228 may be visibly indicated on visible content 1220a
and 1220b. In other embodiments, location A 1226 and/or location B
1228 may not be shown on visible content 1220a and 1220b.
[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 13a and 13b, screenshots of map
screens, for example a mall map screen 1300a or a city map screen
1300b, presented on user device 150 are illustrated according to
embodiments of the present disclosure. When user 102 selects a
location by placing user device 150 in front of a particular
location, such as location B 1228, user device 150 may present a
location or event name 1302a or 1302b, a map 1304a or 1304b, a
location information button 1306, a directions button 1308, and/or
a download button 1310.
[0107] Referring now to FIG. 14, a flowchart 1400 of a method for
providing location information and/or directions through
interaction between user device 150 and interactive display system
1210 using near field communications is illustrated according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0108] At block 1402, interactive display system 1210 presents a
map, such as map 1222a or map 1220b, on display panel 1212. User
102 may decide he or she is interested in a particular location,
such as location B 1228, and hold user device 150 at or near
location B 1228.
[0109] At block 1404, interactive display system 1210 detects that
user device 150 is adjacent to display panel 1212 using at least
one NFC device, such as at least one of NFC devices 416 as
described at block 404 of FIG. 4.
[0110] At block 1406, interactive display system 1210 determines a
position for user device 150 based on which of the NFC devices
detected user device 150, such as which NFC device or devices 416
detected user device 150 as described at block 406 of FIG. 4.
[0111] At block 1408, interactive display system 1210 determines,
based on the position for user device 150, corresponding location B
1228.
[0112] At block 1410, interactive display system 1210 transmits
location data to user device 150. In an embodiment, interactive
display system 910 transmits location data including map 1304a or
1304b, location information, and directions. User device 150 may
receive location data and present map 1304a or 1304b, location
information button 1306 for accessing the location information,
and/or directions button 1308 for accessing the directions on map
screen 1300a or 1300b. The location information may include, for
example, information regarding attractions, amenities, stores,
store hours, etc., at location B 1228. The directions may include
directions from location A 1226 (e.g., current location) to
location B 1228 (e.g., location of interest where user 102 placed
user device 150 on map 1222a or 1222b). In some embodiments, users
102 may be able to view items for purchase at a merchant at
location B by receiving item data. User 102 may be able to
conveniently purchase items (e.g., as described at block 1112 and
1114 of FIG. 11) before heading over to the merchant.
[0113] Referring now to FIG. 15, a diagram of an interactive
display system 1510 presenting messages 1522a-e on a display panel
1512 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In various embodiments, user 102 is at a location or
event with a message board (e.g., a commercial message board for
posting advertisements, job postings, rental listings, classifieds,
etc., or a crisis message board for posting information relating to
a natural disaster, military conflict, terrorist attack, etc., or
other message board). Interactive display system 1510 may present
visual content 1520 including messages 1522a-e and/or message board
name 1526 (e.g., a merchant name) on display panel 1512.
[0114] Referring now to FIG. 16, a screenshot of a message screen
1600 presented on user device 150 is illustrated according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, when
user 102 places user device 150 near a particular message board
location 1524, user device 150 may present a message board name
1602, a message entry/display area 1604, a post message button
1606, a view and/or edit message button 1608, a download message
button 1610, and buttons for an option to receive updates 1612 and
1614. In some embodiments, message board location 1524
corresponding to a position of user device 150 may be visibly
indicated on visible content 1520. In other embodiments, message
board, location 1524 may not be shown on visible content 1520.
[0115] Referring now to FIG. 17, a flowchart 1700 of a method for
posting, editing, and/or downloading messages on message board 1520
through interaction between user device 150 and interactive display
system 1510 using near field communications is illustrated
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0116] At block 1702, interactive display system 1510 presents
messages on display panel 1512. User 102 may decide he or she would
like to post a new message, or edit and/or download an existing
message. User 102 may holds user device 150 in front of a
particular message board location, such as message board location
1524.
[0117] At block 1704, interactive display system 1510 detects that
user device 150 is adjacent to display panel 1512 using at least
one NFC device, such as at least one of NFC devices 416 as
described at block 404 of FIG. 4.
[0118] At block 1706, interactive display system 1510 determines a
position for user device 150 based on which of the NFC devices
detected user device 150, such as which NFC device or devices 416
detected user device 150 as described at block 406 of FIG. 4.
[0119] At block 1708, interactive display system 1510 determines,
based on the position for user device 150, corresponding message
board location 1524.
[0120] At block 1710, interactive display system 1510 receives
message data from user device 150. In an embodiment, user 102 may
compose a message or, message entry/display area 1604 of message
screen 1600 or select a message on user device 150. User 102 may
select post message button 1606, and user device 150 may transmit
message data for the message to interactive display system
1510.
[0121] At block 1712, interactive display system 1510 presents the
message as a message on message board 1526, such as message
1522a.
[0122] At block 1714, interactive display system 1510 transmits
message data to user device 150. In an embodiment, when there is an
existing message at or nearby message board location 1524, user 102
may select view/edit message button 1608 or download message button
1610 of message screen 1600 on user device 150. Interactive display
system 910 transmits message data for messages at or nearby message
board location 1524, such as message 1522a.
[0123] At block 1716, a message corresponding to message 1522a is
presented on user device 150. In various embodiments, a message
corresponding to message 1522a may be presented in message
entry/display area 1604 of message screen 1600 on user device 150.
In an embodiment, if user 102 selected view/edit message button
1608 at block 1714, user 102 may edit message in message
entry/display area 1604 and select post message 1606 to post the
edited message. Interactive display system 1510 may receive message
data for the edited message from user device 150 and post the
edited message as described at block 1710 and 1712.
[0124] In another embodiment, if user 102 selected download message
button 1610 at block 1714, message data for message 1522a may be
stored on user device 150. In further embodiments, user 102 may
select button 1612 to receive updates for message 1522a stored on
user device 150. Interactive display system 1510 may transmit data
for updated messages to user device 150 via network 170.
[0125] Referring now to FIG. 18, an embodiment of a computer system
1800 suitable for implementing, for example, the interactive
display system, user device, service provider server, and merchant
server is illustrated. It should be appreciated that other devices
utilized by users, service providers, and/or merchants in the
system discussed above may be implemented as computer system 1800
in a manner as follows.
[0126] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure, computer system 1800, such as a computer and/or a
network server, includes a bus 1802 or other communication
mechanism for communicating information, which interconnects
subsystems and components, such as a processing component 1804
(e.g., processor, micro-controller, digital signal processor (DSP),
etc.), a system memory component 1806 (e.g., RAM), a static storage
component 1808 (e.g., ROM), a disk drive component 1810 (e.g.,
magnetic or optical), a network interface component 1812 (e.g.,
modem or Ethernet card), a display component 1814 (e.g.,
light-emitting diode (LED) display component, organic
light-emitting diode (OLED) component, liquid-crystal (LCD) display
component, plasma display panel (PDP), cathode ray tube (CRT)
display component, or other display component), an input component
1818 (e.g., keyboard, keypad, virtual keyboard, touchscreen, etc.),
a cursor control component 1820 (e.g., mouse, pointer, trackball,
etc.), a location determination component 1822 (e.g., a Global
Positioning System (GPS) device as illustrated, a cell tower
triangulation device, and/or a variety of other location
determination devices known in the art), and/or a sensor component
1823. In one implementation, disk drive component 1810 may include
a database having one or more disk drive components.
[0127] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure,
computer system 1800 performs specific operations by processor 1804
executing one or more sequences of instructions contained in memory
component 1806, such as described herein with respect to the
interactive display system, user device, service provider server,
and merchant server. Such instructions may be read into system
memory component 1806 from another computer readable medium, such
as static storage component 1808 or disk drive component 1810. In
other embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or
in combination with software instructions to implement the present
disclosure.
[0128] Logic may be encoded in a computer readable medium, which
may refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions
to processor 1804 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,
including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,
and transmission media. In one embodiment, the computer readable
medium is non-transitory. In various implementations, non-volatile
media includes optical or magnetic disks, such as disk drive
component 1810, volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as
system memory component 1806, and transmission media includes
coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including wires that
comprise bus 1802. In one example, transmission media may take the
form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during
radio wave and infrared data communications.
[0129] Some common forms of computer readable media includes, for
example, floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any
other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch
cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of
holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or
cartridge, carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer
is adapted to read.
[0130] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, execution
of instruction sequences to practice the present disclosure may be
performed by computer system 1800. In various other embodiments of
the present disclosure, a plurality of computer systems 1800
coupled by a communication link 1824 to the network 170 (e.g., such
as a LAN, WLAN, PTSN, and/or various other wired or wireless
networks, including telecommunications, mobile, and cellular phone
networks) may perform instruction sequences to practice the present
disclosure in coordination with one another.
[0131] Computer system 1800 may transmit and receive messages,
data, information and instructions, including one or more programs
(i.e., application code) through communication link 1824 and
network interface component 1812. Network interface component 1812
may include an antenna, either separate or integrated, to enable
transmission and reception via communication link 1824. Received
program code may be executed by processor 1804 as received and/or
stored in disk drive component 1810 or some other non-volatile
storage component for execution.
[0132] In view of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated
that various devices, systems, and methods have been described
according to one or more embodiments for providing interaction
between a user device and an interactive display system using near
field communications.
[0133] Although various components and steps have been described
herein as being associated with interactive display system 110,
display device 140, one or more user devices 150, service provider
server 380, merchant server 390 of FIGS. 1 and/or 3, it is
contemplated that the various aspects of such devices and servers
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or 3 may be distributed among a
plurality of servers, devices, and/or other entities.
[0134] Where applicable, various embodiments provided by the
present disclosure may be implemented using hardware, software, or
combinations of hardware and software. Also, where applicable, the
various hardware components and/or software components set forth
herein may be combined into composite components comprising
software, hardware, and/or both without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure. Where applicable, the various hardware
components and/or software components set forth herein may be
separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or
both without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, where applicable, it is contemplated that software
components may be implemented as hardware components and
vice-versa.
[0135] Software, in accordance with the present disclosure, such as
program code and/or data, may be stored on one or more computer
readable mediums. It is also contemplated that software identified
herein may be implemented using one or more specific purpose
computers and/or computer systems, networked and/or otherwise.
Where applicable, the ordering of various steps described herein
may be changed, combined into composite steps, and/or separated
into sub-steps to provide features described herein.
[0136] The various features and steps described herein may be
implemented as systems comprising one or more memories storing
various information described herein and one or more processors
coupled to the one or more memories and a network, wherein the one
or more processors are operable to perform steps as described
herein, as non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising a
plurality of machine-readable instructions which, when executed by
one or more processors, are adapted to cause the one or more,
processors to perform a method comprising steps described herein,
and methods performed by one or more devices, such as a hardware
processor, mobile device, server, and ether devices described
herein.
[0137] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the
present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use
disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate
embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether
explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of
the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present
disclosure, persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure
is limited only by the claims.
* * * * *