U.S. patent application number 15/945885 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-09 for proximity-based attribution of rewards.
The applicant listed for this patent is Phyziio, Inc.. Invention is credited to Charles DiPietro, Steven K. Gold.
Application Number | 20180227735 15/945885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63038222 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180227735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gold; Steven K. ; et
al. |
August 9, 2018 |
Proximity-Based Attribution of Rewards
Abstract
A computer system uses at least one sensor to facilitate a
determination of the actual use of a product by a user, and
attribution of a reward based on the use. The system determines the
sensor-based actual use (SBAU) of a product by a user, monitors the
product's use by the user, and attributes a reward to the user or
to a third party, based on the actual use of the product by the
user.
Inventors: |
Gold; Steven K.; (Lexington,
MA) ; DiPietro; Charles; (Stoneham, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Phyziio, Inc. |
Lexington |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63038222 |
Appl. No.: |
15/945885 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15200860 |
Jul 1, 2016 |
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15945885 |
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14621170 |
Feb 12, 2015 |
9386401 |
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15200860 |
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62041594 |
Aug 25, 2014 |
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62043212 |
Aug 28, 2014 |
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62059122 |
Oct 2, 2014 |
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62066226 |
Oct 20, 2014 |
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62481894 |
Apr 5, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/023 20130101;
G06Q 30/0226 20130101; H04W 84/18 20130101; G06Q 30/0207 20130101;
H04W 4/80 20180201; H04L 67/12 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/80 20180101
H04W004/80; H04W 4/02 20180101 H04W004/02; H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08 |
Claims
1. A system for providing a reward to a user based on the user's
use of a product, comprising: a. a physical product; b. a tag
associated with the product, the tag capable of wirelessly
communicating information to a mobile device; c. a first
communication wirelessly communicated by the tag to the mobile
device, wherein the first communication comprises first information
to facilitate a determination of proximity between the tag and the
mobile device; d. a second communication wirelessly communicated by
the tag to the mobile device, wherein the second communication
comprises second information to facilitate a determination of an
identity of the tag [or the product]; e. a third communication
wirelessly communicated by the tag to the mobile device, wherein
the third communication comprises third information relating to a
use of the product by a user; f. a fourth communication wirelessly
communicated by the mobile device to a remote server, wherein the
fourth communication comprises fourth information derived from:
first information, second information, and third information; g.
Based at least in part on the fourth information, determining an
extent of use of the product by the user; and, h. based on the
determination of an extent of use of the product by the user,
determining a reward.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Prov. Pat. App.
No. 62/481,894, filed on Apr. 5, 2017 and is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/200,860, filed on Jul. 1,
2016, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many technologies exist to support rewarding customers with
points or similar benefits that are redeemable for some other
benefit, such as merchandise, air travel and hotel stays, in
exchange for the customer's purchase of a product or service.
Airline miles rewards programs are an example of such customer
loyalty programs, although it should be noted that `miles` rewards
is a misnomer since these programs are typically based on the
purchase of a ticket for a given route (having a predetermined
number of miles and/or predetermined reward value). As
manufacturers, retailers and marketers now understand, a customer's
journey extends well beyond the point of sale (POS).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It would be beneficial to a business to be able to reward
customers for behaviors that relate to the actual use of a product
(and not simply some predetermined estimate of their use of a
product, for example). The benefits of motivating consumers for the
actual use of a product, instead of for the purchase of a product,
has the potential to increase general awareness of the product by
the user and also by others, increase engagement with both the
product and the brand (e.g., manufacturer or seller of the
product), and increase sales due to the increased awareness and
engagement, as well as redemption of rewards. In the case of a
charitable or social impact tie-in, benefits could also accrue to
charities, other causes, and society, in general. More positive and
continuous consumer engagement with products and brands leads to
greater overall customer loyalty and other benefits for the
enterprise, including but not limited to increased brand equity,
profits and enterprise value.
[0004] The invention relates to sensor-based actual use
(SBAU)--meaning, in general, the use of at least one sensor to
facilitate a determination of the actual use of a product by a
user, although alternative sensor embodiments are also described.
Embodiments of the invention may enable determination of SBAU of a
product, monitoring of a product's use (and may also include other
actions of a user of the product), and attribution of rewards based
on actual product use, as examples.
[0005] The invention includes many embodiments, including but not
limited to embodiments that may be associated with a wide range of
products, various systems and methods for determining actual use of
a product by a user (e.g., the use of any of a variety of means to
determine proximity and use of a product), various system
configurations and means of communication between elements of
systems of the invention, methods for determination and calculation
of actual use of a product by a user, reward determination means
and methods, reward types, reward redemption methods, and more.
Embodiments of the invention offer many benefits to users,
manufacturers, retailers, marketers, and others by providing a more
complete, holistic and rewarding customer experience that increases
brand engagement, customer loyalty, and sales.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram representing one embodiment of a system
for sensing, communicating, and processing user physiologic
information;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a dataflow diagram of a system implemented
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method performed by the system of
FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a diagram representing another embodiment of a
system for sensing, communicating, and processing user physiologic
information;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a diagram representing yet another embodiment of a
system for sensing, communicating, and processing user physiologic
information;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating types of data that may be
communicated to and from devices implemented according to
embodiments of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a system and data flows of
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a variation of the system
of FIG. 7;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another variation of the
system of FIG. 7;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a system of an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a graph representing three elements of
physiologic data over time according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a graph representing new data values overtime,
including during pre-proximity, proximity, and post-proximity
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 13 shows a representation of a first embodiment of a
system of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 14 shows a representation of a second embodiment of a
system of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 15 shows a representation of a first embodiment of a
method of the invention, and;
[0021] FIG. 16 shows a representation of a second embodiment of a
method of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The invention relates to sensor-based actual use
(SBAU)--meaning, in general, the use of at least one sensor to
facilitate a determination of the actual use of a product by a
user, although alternative sensor embodiments are also described.
Embodiments of the invention may enable determination of SBAU of a
product, monitoring of a product's use (and may also include other
actions of a user of the product), and attribution of rewards based
on actual product use, as examples.
[0023] By "sensor-based actual use" it is meant, in general for
certain embodiments of the invention, the use of a technological
system (e.g., system having a radio transmitter tag and mobile
device-associated receiver and processor means) to determine the
actual use of a product by a user. Other embodiments of the
invention may use an alternative "sensor" to determine the use of a
product, e.g., involving a sensor that is actuated by manual input
or gesture of a user of a product. For example, one embodiment of a
sensor system of the invention is an active (e.g., battery or solar
powered) radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag associated with a
product that transmits a signal that is received by a mobile
device-associated receiver module. An alternative embodiment of a
sensor of the invention is a button (e.g., physical or appearing on
an interactive electronic display) that may be depressed (or
otherwise interacted with) by a user of a product to indicate
information relating to the use of the product. By "actual use," it
is meant, in general, a confirmed use of a product by a user, to a
certain extent of use. By "extent of use" it is generally meant the
extent to which a user uses (e.g., interacts with) a product, as is
measurable by at least one sensor of an embodiment of the
invention. Such a measure (metric) that is measureable by a sensor
of the invention may be, for example: a quantity of time (e.g.,
minutes, hours, days) or a quantity of distance (e.g., feet,
meters, miles, kilometers); another unit of measure of use of, or
interaction with, a product (e.g., motion of the product while in
proximity with the user, number of uses, simple indication of a
use, initiation or conclusion of use, time of initiation or
conclusion of use); or some combination of these. Embodiments of
the invention may use any of a wide range of sensors to sense the
sensor-based actual use of a product by a user. In one embodiment,
for example, SBAU is determined by the use of a radio tag
associated with a product, and a mobile device capable of receiving
a wireless signal sent by the tag (the mobile device that is
associated with a user), in order to determine proximity between
the tag (and its associated product) and a mobile device (and its
associated user) for a quantity of time (e.g., period of time,
duration) or distance (e.g., distance that the user and the product
traveled together, in proximity with one another), as examples.
Such a SBAU may involve an analysis (by a processor module of an
embodiment of the invention, for example) of multiple factors. Such
factors may include, but are not limited to, for example: starting
time of use, ending time of use, duration of use, user indication
of use, user indication of a start of use, user indication of an
end of use, location(s) of use, product or sensor motion or
movement, sound(s), other sensor-sensed inputs, other data or
parameters derived from sensors or processors of the embodiment. In
an embodiment of the invention, a quantity of time or distance that
a product is in proximity with a user serves as a proxy for an
extent of use of the product by the user. In other embodiments of
the invention, a SBAU determination may involve use of other means
and methods (e.g., GPS, location determination, location tracking,
user-based sensor data, product-based sensor data, user manual
inputs, user voice or sound inputs, user gesture inputs), or a
combination of multiple means and methods, in order to determine
the SBAU of a product by a user. It should be noted that while
embodiments of the invention are capable of providing reasonably
precise measures of actual use, other embodiments (while still
using sensors, which may be the same sensors, to determine use)
provide sensor-based approximations of actual use. Embodiments of
the invention also use SBAU determinations as data inputs to
determine a reward to be attributed to a user, such as a quantity
of points, in reward for (or acknowledgement of) the user's use of
a product. Such determination of a reward is, in an embodiment of
the invention, performed using rules or algorithms, which may be
simple (e.g., if use, then provide fixed reward X) or complex
(e.g., rewards based on a combination of factors, such as the time
of day used, extent of use, prior use patterns, etc.). Reward
rules, or the algorithms used to determine a reward, may be
established by a sponsor (e.g., a party paying for the reward), and
these rules or algorithms may be either static (e.g., not generally
changing) or dynamic (e.g., manually or automatically adjusted
according to some parameter, e.g., real-time demand for a product).
Such rules or algorithms may be entered into or programmed into a
reward calculation module or determination module of a system of an
embodiment of the invention. Some embodiments of the invention also
provide systems and methods for the redemption of a SBAU-based
rewards by a user for something else of value, e.g., merchandise,
travel, gift cards, financial credit, donation, etc. Rewards may
include benefits to a third-party, such as a charitable
contribution made on behalf of (or in the name of) a user, or
anonymously. Another example of a reward is a socially beneficial
action that is triggered by a SBAU, such as the planting of a tree
or the administration of a vaccine to a child, as may be performed
by a charitable organization providing such service.
[0024] The invention includes many embodiments, including but not
limited to embodiments relating to a wide range of products, many
different systems and methods for determining actual use of a
product by a user (including but not limited to many types of types
of tags that can be associated with products), various system
configurations and means of communication between elements of
systems of the invention, methods for calculation of actual use of
a product by a user, reward types, reward determination methods,
reward redemption methods, and more. Embodiments of the invention
offer many benefits to users, manufacturers, retailers, marketers,
and others (such a charitable organizations, and society) by
offering a more complete, holistic and rewarding customer
experience that increases product engagement, brand loyalty, and
more.
[0025] 1. Product
[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, a "product" is a
physical object that is useful to a person or group of people, and
can be used (and its use can be measured). Examples of such
physical object products include, but are not limited to: sports
equipment, kayaks, snowboards, skis, bicycles, camping gear,
climbing gear, other outdoor gear, computers, mobile devices,
portable electronic devices, apparel, shoes, bikes, games,
electronics, cameras, luggage, bags, backpacks, musical
instruments, packaging associated with a consumable product (e.g.,
the can that contains the soup), and more. An embodiment of a
product of the invention may be durable. Another embodiment of a
product of the invention may be consumable (and can include
packaging as an element or extension of the product). Another
embodiment of a product of the invention may be a physical
structure (or the area or space that such a structure defines or
encompasses). Another embodiment of a product is portable and
moving (e.g., the product's location changes during use of the
product by a user). Another embodiment of a product remains
stationary during use of the product by a user. In yet another
embodiment, a product may be content, such as electronic or
holographic content that is viewable by a user. In yet another
embodiment, such content may be a digital image or video that is
presented on an electronic display, or otherwise presented to a
user. For example, in an embodiment wherein the product is
electronic content (e.g., a digital image) that appears on an
electronic or digital display of a mobile device of an embodiment
of the invention, and includes a product-associated tag that is,
for example, a soft key or virtual button that is presented on the
electronic or digital display (which may be associated with or
within the image), and also includes a sensor that enables a device
to receive such (manual or other) input by a user to facilitate a
determination by an embodiment of the invention of the user's
actual use of the product, and to further facilitate a
determination of a reward. In yet another embodiment, a product may
include multiple elements, such as a product and its associated
remote control, in which case the embodiment may conclude that the
product is being used by virtue of a determination of the use of
one of its elements, such as a remote control. Embodiments of the
invention may include a product that can be used, interacted with,
viewed, seen, heard, or that provides utility (e.g., enjoyment) to
a user, and that can have its actual use determined by systems and
methods of the invention (e.g., sensors). In another embodiment, a
product of the invention may be an object as the term is defined in
U.S. Pat. No. 9,386,401 to Gold, which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
[0027] 2. Tag
[0028] In certain embodiments of the invention, a product is
associated with a tag. In one embodiment, a tag is a physical
device capable of wirelessly communicating by means of an
electromagnetic signal, such as transmission of a radio signal. An
embodiment of a tag of the invention may be passive (e.g., having
no internal power source), or active (e.g., having an internal
power source, such as a battery or active power generation means,
such as a solar cell or motion-based power generation means).
Embodiments of a tag may also include any one or more of the
following: battery, other source of power (e.g., solar,
motion-generated), power conversion, antenna, processor, memory,
sensor (e.g., accelerometer, temperature sensor, gyroscope),
location determination means (e.g., global positioning system (GPS)
or other internal or external location determination means),
receiver, speaker, and microphone. An embodiment of a tag may
transmit information, receive information, or transmit and receive
information. Examples of information that may be transmitted from a
tag include, but are not limited to: an identifier (e.g., an
alphanumeric string that represents an identity of a tag or the
product that the tag is associated with), data about the status or
operation of the tag (e.g., battery capacity or remaining battery
life), data from a sensor onboard or otherwise associated with the
tag (e.g., accelerometer or temperature sensor), data from tag
memory (e.g., information that has been stored in electronic memory
onboard or otherwise associated with a tag), and more. Examples of
information that may be transmitted to a tag of the invention
include, but are not limited to: an identifier (e.g., of another
device that is seeking to connect with, or connected with, a tag),
product associated data (e.g., information relating to a product
such as its name, identity, stock keeping unit (SKU) number, code,
specifications, use, etc.), device associated data (e.g.,
information relating to a device that a tag is communicating with),
user associated data (e.g., information relating to a user, such as
an individual that is using a product that is associated with a
tag), data for memory (e.g., data that is intended to be stored in
memory at a tag), control data (e.g., data for the control of an
aspect, feature, function, or element of a tag), purchase
associated data (e.g., information relating to the price paid for
the product, time of sale, place of sale, purchaser, warranty
data), and more. A tag of the invention may also transmit and
receive signals and information that relate to a `handshake` or to
protocols for enabling connection with another device, such as a
mobile communication device. An embodiment of a tag of the
invention may use any of a wide range of communication and other
protocols and standards. Many types and variations of tag systems
and methods are included by the invention.
[0029] For example, one embodiment of a tag is a radiofrequency
identification (RFID) tag. A RFID tag may be either active or
passive. In another embodiment of the invention, a tag is a
Bluetooth-enabled tag, such as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tag.
Other tag technologies include, but are not limited to, other RFID,
near-field communication (NFC), low energy transmitters, Wi-Fi,
beacon, and similar means that communicate using electromagnetic
signals, for example. In yet another embodiment of a tag of the
invention, the tag uses audible sound to communicate with a mobile
device. An embodiment of a tag of the invention may communicate
only its identity (and/or the identity of a product that the tag is
associated with), or it may communicate other information,
including transmitting and receiving information. In one
embodiment, a tag broadcasts a wireless signal that contains its
identity, e.g., an internet protocol (IP) address. Such an IP
address may encode certain information, such as a prefix or code
portion that indicates a certain owner or manufacturer of the
product, for example, and may also include additional information.
Such additional information may include a product identifier, for
example (e.g., a code that can be looked up in a database to
determine the specific product). A embodiment of an alternative tag
of the invention may be a visual or other signal or display, such
as an image (e.g., an image of a button) that may be seen by a user
of the tag-associated product. Such a tag embodiment of the
invention may also double as a sensor (be the sensor), and receive
manual or other input from a user, e.g., be manually touched or
otherwise interacted with by a user. In such an embodiment of a
sensor of the invention, the sensor may also be a visual or other
signal or display, such as an image (e.g., an image of a button)
that may be manually or otherwise interacted with by a user, such
as to indicate use of a product, e.g., start of use of a product,
end of use of a product, instance of use of a product. In an
embodiment of the invention, a product-associated tag enables a
sensor (that interacts with the tag, electronically or otherwise)
to be aware of (or to recognize) the presence of the
product-associated tag (and by extension or implication, the
product) so that a sensor may be used to facilitate a determination
of the actual use of the product.
[0030] In an embodiment of the invention, a tag facilitates a
determination of proximity between a unit of product that the tag
is associated with (e.g., the unique unit of product that the tag
is either built into or attached onto) and a mobile device, such as
a mobile communication device (e.g., handheld phone), which may be
or include or be wirelessly connected with wearable technology
(e.g., wrist-worn physiologic parameter monitoring device). In an
embodiment of the invention, proximity is used, at least in part,
to determine SBAU, e.g., when a user is actually using a product.
For example, in some cases, a user that is in proximity with (e.g.,
less than a predetermined distance from) a product may be assumed
to be using a product, e.g., proximity between the product and the
user (as may be determined by proximity between a tag that is
associated with the product, and a mobile device that is associated
with the user) is, in certain cases, a proxy for actual use of the
product by the user. Proximity may be general, such as in one
embodiment, the simple determination by a sensor that the tag's
radio signal is being received. Proximity may also be specific,
such as in another embodiment, wherein the sensor determines that a
tag is within a certain range (e.g., less than a pre-specified
distance), for example. As another example, a user that is in
proximity to a product and also behaving in a certain way (e.g.,
moving from one location to another, as can be determined by a
sensor on the product, the user's mobile device, a wearable
technology, etc.) may be assumed to be engaging in actual use of
the product. In an embodiment of the invention, a sensor associated
with a tag provides first information that, in combination with
second information about the proximity of a tag and a mobile
device, facilitates a determination of actual use of a product by a
user. Additionally, such proximity and other information may be
used to determine not only actual use, but also a measure of the
extent of actual use of a product by a user, such as the time a
product has been used by a user, or the distance a product has
traveled with a user. An embodiment of a tag of the invention
provides useful data that facilitates determination of actual use
of a product by a user, and such data may relate to proximity and
other sensed parameters such as the movement or location of a
product. It should be noted that in certain embodiments of the
invention, a tag provides information (e.g., via a radio signal)
that facilitates a determination of proximity, and other elements
of a system of the invention (e.g., mobile device) provide other
data (e.g., location, movement, sound) that together facilitate a
determination that a user is actually using a product, which may
also include a measure of the extent of actual use of the product
by the user. Other systems, sensors and technologies may be used to
determine the use of a product by a user, or the extent of use of a
product by a user, including but not limited to video monitoring
and analysis technology. Many variations of tag embodiments means
and methods for determination sensor-based actual use of a product
by a user are included by the invention.
[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, a tag facilitates a
determination of a unique identity of a product (or group,
category, or type of product) in order to identify the product by
means of an identifier. An identity may be, for example, a name, or
stock-keeping unit (SKU) or inventory number relating to a
particular product, or it may be a unique identifier of an
individual unit of product, as examples. An identifier may be an
alphanumeric or other string, or code, that is either uniquely or
generally associated with a product. For example, a unique unit of
Product X may have an identifier "XGSRU486SFKG20". As another
example, a first unit and second unit of Product Y may have the
same group identifier "46JN57Y". Identifiers may be established or
issued by a standards body, manufacturer, retailer, marketer, user,
or other entity, or by an element of the invention. In another
embodiment, a tag identifier is communicated to a tag (to be
entered into electronic memory at the tag) at approximately the
time of sale, or at the point of sale by a point-of-sale system.
This may be done, for example, to associated a purchaser's name or
identity with a tag (and associated product).
[0032] The words "associated with" may mean, for example, that a
tag is attached to, or otherwise connected or associated, with a
particular product, e.g., the tag is manufactured or otherwise
built into the product, or adhered to the product's surface.
Association of a tag with a product may be done by a manufacturer,
retailer, user or other entity. In one embodiment, a tag is simply
adhered to a surface of a product using an adhesive, such as a glue
or strip of tape. In another embodiment, a tag is screwed or
otherwise mechanically affixed onto a surface of a product. In yet
another embodiment, a tag is embedded into the surface of a
product, or placed or manufactured into the interior of a
product.
[0033] One purpose of a tag is to transmit a wireless signal that
can be received by a tag signal receiver associated with a device
(also referred to as a "sensor," "tag sensor," and "device
communication module" in this disclosure). In one embodiment, a
signal communicates information (e.g., an identifier) relating to
the identity of a product (or the tag itself). An identifier may be
associated with a unique unit of product, or may be associated with
a group or class of product. In another embodiment, a signal is
used to determine proximity between a user and a product (by means
of determining proximity between a tag and a sensor, for example)
and, by extension, may be used to determine the user's use of the
product. In yet another embodiment, a signal communicates
information about the product, such as information derived from
sensors based on the product (or otherwise associated with, or
monitoring, the product) that sense an attribute of the product,
e.g., the product's location, temperature, movement, acceleration,
etc. In embodiments of the invention, other signals may communicate
other information, and a product-associated tag may transmit
signals relating to one or multiple types of information, either at
the same or different times.
[0034] An embodiment of a tag of the invention may also receive
information. This may be achieved by any of a wide range of
receiver means, and for any of a variety of purposes. Communication
means (transmitter or receiver) may be radios or other types of
assemblies capable of communicating using electromagnetic means. In
one embodiment of a tag of the invention, the tag receives a signal
that causes it to transmit a (different) signal. In another
embodiment of a tag of the invention receives a signal that causes
it to perform some other function, such as sensing a parameter of
the product that the tag is associated with, or a function of the
tag itself. In general, embodiments of the invention may make use
of any of a variety of tag types, tag communication module types,
tag signals and communication protocols, tag sensors, tag sizes and
form factors, tag placements, and more. A tag of the invention may
wirelessly communicate with a mobile device, another electronic
device (e.g., computer), or another tag, as examples. In the case
of an embodiment having a first tag that communicates with a second
tag, the first tag may share information with the second tag for
the benefit of the second tag, or for the benefit of a system of
the invention (e.g., for information back-up). One other use of
tag-to-tag wireless communication is to enable a first product to
communicate with a second product, e.g., to coordinate a product
function.
[0035] An embodiment of a tag that both receives and transmits
signals is represented by an electronic module that receives a
signal emitted by the mobile device's speaker, and responds by
emitting an audible sound that can be sensed by the mobile device's
microphone, in order for the mobile device to determine, at a
minimum, if the product is in proximity with the mobile device
(where proximity is defined as being probabilistically within a
certain predetermined distance).
[0036] A tag of the invention is, in an embodiment, determined
based on its intended use, including but not limited to the type of
product it is associated with, likely activity of the product
(e.g., is it stationary or portable), product use environment
profile (e.g., indoor controlled-temperature use, or outdoor
use--which may impact casing and battery life), battery life for
the tag's expected life (which influences size, etc.), proximity
determination range (e.g., <1 meter), and the device (or range
of devices) the tag is intended to communicate with. A tag of an
embodiment of the invention may also be determined based on its
related tag sensor (also called a device communication module).
These are example considerations that may influence the choice of
particular tag to be used in association with a particular
embodiment of the invention.
[0037] Certain embodiments of the invention also include a tag that
is used to locate a product, such as by detection of a direction
and/or distance of the product from a mobile device (which may be
determined in any of a variety of ways, such as by using tag signal
strength, as received at a mobile device, to offer guidance on
distance to a product) as an additional benefit of systems and
methods of the invention. Such a feature of the invention adds a
new feature to a product.
[0038] Certain embodiments of a tag of the invention may also
involve the use of non-radio means to communicate the identity of
an associated object, including but not limited to: optical codes
(e.g., QR codes, bar codes), optical identification technology,
video technology, video surveillance, user input, and more. In this
type of embodiment of the invention, such visual or other signals
would be received by a tag sensor or device communication module
that is capable of sensing or receiving such signal or input types.
Embodiments of the invention include alternative input types, such
as visual and manual inputs. As one example of the use of an
optical code to facilitate identification of a product, a bar code
may be located on the surface of a physical product, or on
packaging associated with a physical product. Alternatively, an
optical code may also be presented digitally, e.g., shown on an
electronic device display. In these two examples, the tag (that is
an optical code) may be read by a sensor that is an optical code
reader or sensor, for example. Other tag types (e.g., audio) may be
read, sensed or detected by other types of sensors (e.g.,
microphone). Sensors of embodiments of the invention may be
associated with processing means to process or analyzed the sensed
tag information and facilitate its use.
[0039] Certain embodiments of a tag of the invention include
elements that identify a location of the tag (and by extension a
location of the product that the tag is associated with).
Embodiments of these types of tags may use GPS technology, beacon
technology, and other technologies, in order to determine a
location of the tag. Such embodiments are useful, in certain
situations, to determine the proximity between a product and a user
since the locations of each of a product (as determined by the
location of a tag that is associated with the product) and a user
(as determined by the location of a mobile device that is
associated with the user, for example) are determinable, as well as
the times of each location determination, and proximity may be
ascertained by determining that the tag and the device are in (at
least approximately) the same place at the same time. Embodiments
of tags that enable a `same time and place` analysis and also a
determination of proximity are useful in a variety of embodiments
where a tag that communicates with a mobile device (at least for
purposes of determination of proximity) is either infeasible or
undesirable. Examples of applications where product location
determination may be useful would be a large asset (e.g., one that
would require an arrangement of multiple RFID tags, which may
require the coordination among tags) or a product with elements
that are interchangeable (e.g., an asset with a changing surface
that would cause tags to be removed). Such `same time and place`
means and methods are also useful in instances where a user may not
be associated with a mobile device or other means that is capable
of receiving a signal transmitted from a tag. In yet other
embodiments of the invention where a product location is fixed, an
element of the invention (e.g., a database associated with a remote
server) may `know` a product's (fixed) location, such that a
determination of proximity with a mobile device may be made when it
is learned that the mobile device is in (at least approximately)
the same location at the same time. Product locations can, for
example, be transferred from a database of known product locations,
or else entered by a user of a system of the invention. `Location
aware` embodiments of the invention may include tolerances and/or
probabilities relating to thresholds for the determination of
proximity, e.g., a tolerance of +/-0.1 meter distance between the
product (or tag associated with the product) and a user (or mobile
device associated with the user), for example, or a probability of
80% that a tag and mobile device are within a distance of 1.0
meters, respectively. Proximity may be defined and determined in
different ways, such as by using different algorithms, by various
embodiments of the invention.
[0040] In general, proximity may be determined in different ways by
embodiments of the invention. For example, in one embodiment,
proximity may be determined as being less that a pre-specified
distance (e.g., 1.0 meter) between a tag and a mobile device (e.g.,
as determined by a mobile device-associated tag sensor or device
communication module). As noted, other embodiments of the invention
may determine proximity in light of pre-specified ranges and/or
probabilities. In yet other embodiments of the invention, a
distance range may be used to define proximity for the particular
use case (e.g., proximity is defined as having a tag-sensor
distance between 0 meters and 2 meters). Proximity will be
determined differently by the various embodiments of the invention
according to the particular implementation or use case. For
example, proximity (as it is helpful for a determination of actual
use of a product by a user) may be defined as less than 0.3 meter
for a small item that is worn by a user (e.g., a bike helmet),
while in another use case proximity may be defined a being 2.0
meter+/-0.2 meter for a product that is used in a way that involves
a user remaining in the vicinity of the product but not always
right next to (or interacting with) the product (e.g., a barbeque
grill). Embodiments of the invention may define proximity in other
ways, and utilize other systems and methods for determining
proximity as it relates to determining the actual use of a product
by a user.
[0041] Certain embodiments of tags of the invention may enable a
determination of actual use of a product by a user for all mobile
devices (and associated users) that interact with the product, or
for only a subset of users, e.g., only the first user to use the
product, only registered users, only verified product owners. In an
embodiment, this may be achieved by programming the tag to only
interact with (e.g., communicate tag sensor information) certain
mobile devices, such as mobile devices associated with certain
users or groups of users, or by similarly programming tag sensors
or device communication modules to recognize or interact with
(e.g., receive data from) only certain tags or types of tags. As
may be recognized from these examples, many variations of systems
and methods are included by embodiments of the invention.
[0042] 3. Mobile Device
[0043] In one embodiment, a mobile device of the invention is any
of a variety of mobile communication devices, or a system of
connected devices, that is capable of wirelessly receiving
information from a tag of the invention, and also wirelessly
transmitting information. Receiving information may be performed in
any of a variety of ways using a mobile device communication module
(or means), and transmitting information may be performed in any of
a variety of (same or other) ways using a mobile device
communication module (or means). In embodiments of the invention, a
mobile device communication module may be used to wirelessly
transmit and/or wirelessly receive information from any of a
variety of other communication modules, such as a
product-associated tag of the invention and a mobile phone tower,
as examples (and the mobile device communication modules used for
such purposes may be the same or different, depending on the
technical requirements for each module's communication
counterpart). In one embodiment, a mobile device is a smartphone or
similar handheld communication device (e.g., Apple iPhone). In
another embodiment, a mobile device is (or includes or communicates
with) a wearable communication device (e.g., Apple Watch, other
body-worn device). Other types and forms of mobile devices are
included in embodiments the invention. In yet another embodiment of
the invention, a mobile device is a combination of technologies
that work together, e.g., communicate with one another, such as a
wearable device that communicates with a handheld mobile device. In
such a system of distributed mobile devices (that works together),
some functions are performed by one element of the system and other
functions are performed by another element of the system--and such
embodiments may be referred to in the singular, as a "mobile
device" of a system of the invention. Embodiments of mobile devices
of the invention may also be computers, tablets, readers, and other
electronic means capable of wirelessly communicating
information.
[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, a mobile device
communicates with a tag of the invention using a device
communication module (also referred to as a sensor or tag sensor,
as previously described). In such an embodiment, a tag transmits
one or more signals and the mobile device receives the signal(s) by
means of the device communications module. A signal may include
information relating to the identity of the product the tag is
associated with. A signal may also facilitate determination of
proximity between the tag and the mobile device (e.g., if the tag
and mobile device are in proximity, the distance between them,
within some predetermined distance, or in non-proximity--meaning
that the tag and the mobile device are not in proximity or are
farther apart than a predetermined distance). Also, embodiments of
tags of the invention may communicate other information with the
mobile device, including, but not limited to, information from
sensors that monitor parameters associated with the product, such
as its location, movement, or temperature. Other information may be
communicated between a tag and a mobile device of the invention, as
described.
[0045] In an embodiment, a mobile device communicates with a tag
that is associated with a product (also referred to as an
"object"). Such communication may be performed in order to elicit
information from a tag, for example. In an embodiment, a mobile
device transmits a signal, the signal is received at a tag, and the
tag transmits a signal in response. This may be achieved using
passive or active means, and tag signals sent in response may be
transmitted at the time of elicitation, or at a later time. In one
embodiment, a signal may be communicated from a mobile device to a
tag of the invention to cause a processor at the tag to process the
information and create a response that is communicated from the tag
to the mobile device. In another embodiment, a signal may be
communicated from a mobile device to a tag of the invention to
cause the tag to resonate and produce a signal that is communicated
(e.g., received by) the mobile device, such as to communicate a tag
identifier. Other means and methods of communication between tags
and mobile devices of the invention are included in embodiments of
the invention. For example, an embodiment of a tag may be a virtual
tag (e.g., image, virtual button, soft key, bar code, QR code,
other visual code, written instruction, other instruction) that is
presented on a digital (e.g., electronic) display of a mobile
device. In such an embodiment, an embodiment of a tag sensor
receives an input that indicates (or facilitates an understanding
about) a user's use of a product. Examples of such an input
include, but are not limited to: a manual input by a user (e.g.,
the user performing an action, providing an input to a device), a
spoken input of a user, a gestural input of a user, the reading of
a code (e.g., bar code, QR code) by a code reader device, and more.
In embodiments of the invention, such inputs indicate a user's use
of a product, or facilitate an understanding of a user's use of a
product, such as an incidence of use of the product. Other means
and methods of providing physical and virtual tags, and associated
tag sensors and related methods, are included in embodiments of the
invention.
[0046] In an embodiment, a mobile device communicates with a remote
server using wireless communication means (also referred to as a
"device communication module," which may be the same or different
as the device communication module that communicates with a tag of
the invention). In an embodiment of the invention, the device
communication module used for the communication between the mobile
device and a remote server is different from the device
communication module that is used for communication between the
mobile device and a tag. In other embodiments, the device
communication module used for communication between the mobile
device and a remote server is the same as the device communication
module that is used for communication between the mobile device and
a tag. In embodiments of the invention, the mobile device is
capable of communicating information to a remote server using any
of a variety of well-established wireless communication means and
methods, including, but not limited to, established communication
protocols. In an embodiment of the invention, such information is
communicated at the time it is received (in full or in part) from a
tag or other source; alternatively, information (or a portion of
the information) may be stored in memory at the mobile device and
communicated at a later time. Information received by a mobile
device may also be processed at the device prior to being passed on
to a remote server. Information transmitted from a mobile device to
a remote server may include, but is not limited to, any one or more
of the following: mobile device information (e.g., a mobile device
identifier), user information (e.g., a user identifier), a tag
identifier, tag proximity data, tag sensed data (e.g., information
about a tag or associated product, such as location or
accelerometer data), time stamp (e.g., relating to any element of
information), mobile device location, mobile device sensor data,
associated sensor (e.g., wearable) data about a physiologic or
other parameter associated with a user or the mobile device
environment, and more, including combinations of information.
Information communicated from a mobile device to a remote server
may be in raw form, processed, encrypted, in other forms or
formats, etc.
[0047] An embodiment of a mobile device of the invention may also
provide other features and functions, including but not limited to
enabling receipt of input from a user, such as by input means
(e.g., touch screen, interactive display, physical or virtual
keypad, camera, microphone), and providing output to a user, such
as by an output means (e.g., an electronic display, tactile means,
speaker), as examples. Mobile devices may perform other functions,
as well. For example, an embodiment of a mobile device of the
invention enables a user to assign an identifier or an identity to
a tag that has been detected by the user's mobile device, an
embodiment that may be useful in situations where a user purchases
or acquires a tag and attaches the tag to a product. In this
instance, if the identity of the product to which the tag has been
(or is going to be) attached was previously unknown, assignment of
an identity or identifier by a user, by means of an input means on
a mobile device (or another computer) is useful. Other means for
assigning an identity or identifier to a tag are included in
embodiments of the invention. For example, such an assignment may
be made (or facilitated) by manual input, voice input, reading of
an optical code (e.g., a QR code or bar code) at the mobile device,
communication of information from a point-of-sale or other computer
system, gestural input, and more.
[0048] 4. Wearable Device
[0049] Certain embodiments of the invention include a wearable
device, such as a wrist-worn device, that includes one or more
sensors capable of sensing one or more physiologic parameters of a
user, for example. Such a wearable device may connect with a mobile
device, e.g., be part of a system of devices that communicate with
one another. Alternatively, such a wearable device may be a
standalone device that is capable of performing at least a portion
of the functions of a handheld mobile device, such as being able to
communicate with a tag and a remote server of the invention. In
embodiments of the invention, a wearable device may be the mobile
device (and vice-versa). Examples of physiologic parameters that
may be sensed by an embodiment of a wearable device include, but
are not limited to: heart rate, respiration rate, temperature,
blood pressure, electrodermal activity, body part movements, blood
oxygen, blood chemistry, blood markers, speech, sound, facial
expressions, and more, either alone or in combination. These
physiologic parameters may be sensed, and information relating to
any given physiologic parameter may then be communicated from a
sensor to a mobile device, and then--at approximately the same time
or at a later time--communicated to a remote server in one
embodiment of the invention. Embodiments of a wearable device may
use non-invasive or invasive technologies to determine various
physiologic parameters. Alternatively, an embodiment of a wearable
device of the invention may communicate information directly to a
remote server (in which case the wearable device serves as a mobile
device of the invention, for example). At a wearable device, mobile
device or remote server, additional analysis may be performed to
transform first data into second data, e.g., processing of raw
heart rate data into heart rate variability (HRV) data. Physiologic
data may be associated with a user, or may be aggregated and
attributed to a group of users, for example.
[0050] Importantly, certain physiologic parameters can be used to
determine a user's sentiments or emotional status, to varying
degrees. For example, heart rate variability is influenced by the
autonomic nervous system, and analysis of HRV can offer insights
about a person's emotions. Other physiologic data, such as
electrodermal activity (also known as galvanic skin response and by
several other names) can also provide insights as to a person's
emotions, either alone or in combination with HRV. These and other
physiologic and non-physiologic factors can be used alone or in
combination to determine a user's emotional status. This
information proves valuable for understanding a person's
satisfaction or other sentiments relative to use of a particular
product, having an experience, etc. In an embodiment of the
invention, HRV and other data, in raw or processed form, is
communicated by a wearable device or mobile device of the invention
to a remote server. Such information may be associated with a
particular product. This concept is described in detail in U.S.
Pat. No. 9,386,401 to Gold.
[0051] Physiologic data sensed by a wearable device or other means
of the invention may be used to determine actual use of a product.
For example, a change in a user's sentiment combined with a
determination of proximity between a user and a product, may
contribute to an understanding of actual use. Likewise, an
embodiment of the invention can use physiologic data, such as a
user's heart rate, in order to determine a user's extent of use of
a product. For example, by knowing a user's heart rate during a
period of proximity (and actual use) of a product by a user, a
determination of extent of use of the product can be made by
calculating the total heartbeats, or average beats per minute
(bpm), of the user's heart during the user's use of the product. A
higher number of heartbeats, or a higher bpm, may correlate with a
greater extent of use, for example.
[0052] 5. Remote Server
[0053] An embodiment of a remote server of the invention is a
computer, server or electronic processing means (or system of
co-located or distributed computers, servers or electronic
processing means) that is capable of communicating (using any of a
variety of communication means, protocols, etc., including wireless
means) with one or multiple mobile devices, and/or other computers.
A remote server of the invention is associated with electronic
storage, e.g., a database. An embodiment of such a database of the
invention may, for example, store information relating to mobile
devices, products, tags, users, sensed data, and more. Additional
information stored in a database may relate to assigning rewards or
points to a user.
[0054] It should be noted that in certain embodiments of the
invention proximity is determined at the remote server. This is
desirable in situations when a product's location is determined
other than by a direct detection of proximity between a
product-associated tag and a user-associated mobile device. An
example of this is when a product location is determined (tracked)
by means other than a product-associated tag or mobile device that
is in proximity with the tag and product, such as by means of
beacon or other locating means (e.g., GPS) that can determine a
location of the product and communicate this information to the
remote server independently of the mobile device. In this example,
the remote server can use the product location information, along
with information about the user's mobile device location, to
determine proximity.
[0055] 6. Rewards
[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, a reward is benefit
conveyed to a user of a product, based on the user's use of the
product. An embodiment of a reward may be virtual in nature, such
as a `point` assigned to a user for each unit of time or distance
of use of a product, or for each instance or day of product use.
Another embodiment of a reward may be an offer conveyed from a
sponsor (e.g., a company making the offer) to a user, such as a
discount for the purchase of selected merchandise or services, or
another form of promotion. Yet another embodiment of a reward is a
benefit that is provided to a third party (e.g. not the user of the
product), such as a benefit of funding to a charitable organization
or cause. Other embodiments of rewards may relate to, for example:
free product, trial product, upgrade for a product or service,
experience, event, workshop, gathering, invitation, prize, social
media mention, compliment, `thank you` for using a product,
congratulations on some accomplishment (which may be associated
with the use of a product), societal benefit, donation to a
charitable organization or cause, facilitation of a societal
benefit or other third-party benefit, and more. A reward of points
may also be used to make a donation, or a reward may be a donation
that is made on the user's behalf, e.g., in appreciation of a user
or in the name of the user.
[0057] In an embodiment, a reward may be a virtual currency, such
as virtual `dollars` or points, which can be converted by a user
into another benefit, such as an experience or tangible object,
e.g., merchandise. An embodiment of a reward of the invention may
be physical in nature, however the right to the award may be
conveyed to a user virtually, such as by a notice on the user's
mobile device, e.g., a notice, coupon or other conveyance that is
displayed on an electronic display of a user's mobile device. In an
embodiment of the invention, issuance of a reward is based on the
SBAU of a product by a user. In an embodiment, a reward is based on
a determination of the actual use of a product by a user. Such
actual use is determined by sensors of the invention, such as by a
sensor that senses proximity between a mobile device associated
with a user and a tag associated with a product, as an example.
Such actual use may be determined in other embodiments by other
means, or a determination including proximity in combination with
other factors that may include, but are not limited to: sensed
parameters at the tag (e.g., product movement), sensed parameters
at the mobile device (e.g., device locations or movement), sensed
parameters at the user (e.g., a physiologic parameter, such as
heart rate or heart rate variability), environmental factors (e.g.,
weather related), sensed parameters relating to a product that is
digital in nature (e.g., digital image viewed, video watched to
completion, specific interaction with digital content shown on a
display), a user input at the mobile device or at other input means
(e.g., an interactive display) of an embodiment of the invention,
any combination of these, and more.
[0058] In an embodiment that relates to rewards that are points, a
point represents a store of value that may be attributed to
(assigned to, credited to the account of) a particular user. In an
embodiment of the invention, accumulated points are redeemed by
(debited from the account of) a user in exchange for some other
benefit. In an embodiment, some number of points are redeemed by a
user for merchandise. In another embodiment, some number of points
are exchanged for a service or experience. In another embodiment,
redemption of points by a user may be for a discount on a purchase
or other economic benefit. And in yet another embodiment of the
invention, points may be used to make a charitable donation in the
user's name or on the user's behalf. For example, a user uses a
product for 100 minutes, earns 1 point for each minute of actual
use of the product, accumulates 100 points as a result, and
exchanges the 100 points for a T-shirt showing the logo of the
sponsor of the points. As another example, a user earns 1,000
points, learns that these points may be exchanged for a $100
donation to a specified charity, and selects this option to make
the donation to the charity. Embodiments of the invention provide
users with the ability to view or otherwise learn about rewards
(e.g., product rewards, service rewards, how points may be
exchanged for various benefits), select rewards, redeem rewards,
and track rewards. In an embodiment this may be achieved using an
interactive display on a mobile device or other user interface
means of the invention. Other reward types, and other means and
methods for acquiring, viewing, selecting and redeeming rewards,
are included in embodiments of the invention.
[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, based on a user's use of
a product, a reward may be offered that involves a selection of a
particular benefit by the user of the product. Such a reward may,
for example, benefit the user, or alternatively may benefit a third
party, such as a charitable organization or cause. Embodiments of
rewards of the invention (of this and other types) may be capped.
For example, a user may only be able to receive a certain reward
per a predetermined unit of time (e.g., per day) or extent of use
(e.g., per view), or for the reward lifetime.
[0060] A point is a quantitative representation of a unit that is,
in one embodiment of the invention, associated with a particular
use (or type of use) of a product. Such use is determined at least
in part by determining proximity between a particular product
(e.g., by means of a tag that is associated with the particular
product) and a particular user (e.g., by means including a mobile
device associated with the particular user). In embodiments of the
invention, other means and methods are used for an accurate
determination of use of a product by a user. In one embodiment, for
example, proximity data is combined with mobile device location
data to conclude that a user is not only in proximity with a tag
and its associated product, but that the user and product are
moving together. Such an analysis is one example of how proximity
and other information may be used as a proxy for a user's use of a
product. As noted, other information, such as data sensed from a
mobile device or from a sensor associated with a product and its
tag, may also be useful for a determination of SBAU by a user.
[0061] Relating to an embodiment of the invention, use of a product
is an ongoing situation, meaning that use of a product occurs over
a period of time. As such, embodiments of systems and methods of
the invention determine use of a product by a user over time, and
issue rewards accordingly. For example, an embodiment of the
invention monitors for use of a product by a user to assign points
to the user according to a time-based formula, e.g., 1 point
awarded for each 1 minute of product use. As another example,
another embodiment of the invention monitors for use of a product
by a user to assign points to the user according to a
distance-based formula, e.g., 100 points awarded for each 1
kilometer of distance that the user travels with the product. While
the first example may be appropriate to reward points to a user for
using a musical instrument, for example, the second example may be
more appropriate to reward points to a user for using a particular
bicycle or running shoe. In yet another embodiment, a user is
incentivized by the offer of a reward that is free merchandise for
using a product for 20 hours. Another embodiment provides a user
with a free service, such as a bike tune-up, for riding a bike (an
example product associated with a tag of the invention) for 200
kilometers. In these embodiments, the reward is a virtual
representation of the right for the user (or an assignee) to
receive such benefits. Such representation of a reward may be a
virtual notice or coupon (e.g., one presented on an electronic
display, such a mobile device display, for example) that may
include a unique optical code, e.g., a bar code or QR code that is
readable by a merchant system to authenticate the benefit being
provided to the user. In other embodiments, a reward may be
embodied by the presentation itself, such as a notice of thanks or
congratulations to a user, wherein the benefit is primarily
psychological or intangible. In some embodiments of the invention,
the reward is a presentation on an element of the invention, such
as a notice (e.g., output) given to a user on a mobile device
display, or by means of a speaker or other output means. In other
embodiments of the invention, a reward is a representation of some
other benefit that may be received by a user, such as a notice or
coupon that appears on a mobile device display or other output
means, for example, that may then be used by the user to acquire
the benefit (e.g., an item of merchandise, service, discount,
participation in some event). In an embodiment of the invention,
some types of rewards, including but not limited to points, may be
assignable, e.g., may be transferred from the account of a first
user to the account of a second user (for the benefit of the second
user), and may even be bought and sold. Such a transfer of points
or other reward (or right to a reward) may be achieved by use of a
reward transfer means and method, wherein a user using a device of
the invention indicates a reward (e.g., a quantity of points) and a
recipient to which the reward is being assigned, in order to
facilitate the transfer from the first user to the second user by
re-assignment of ownership data relating to the reward being
transferred in a database or other electronic memory means of a
system of the invention. In this and other embodiments of the
invention, reward ownership (e.g., assignment of a point or other
reward to a particular user, the owner of the reward) is recorded
in electronic memory, such as a database, of a system of the
invention, and block chain and other recordation methodologies may
also be used. A sponsor of a reward may initially deposit a certain
quantity of the reward in an account (e.g., a database entry or
other recordation of the reward ownership), and the sponsor's
account may be debited at the same time as a user's account is
credited to indicate transfer of ownership of a reward. For
example, a sponsor may initially own (e.g., control or possess in
their account) a quantity of 1,000 notices (e.g., coupons) for free
oil changes, e.g., providing the holder of the notice with the
ability to receive a free oil change at any of the sponsor's
participating oil change service locations. In this example, a user
of a system of the invention drives her car 5,000 miles to earn a
free oil change per a promotion offered by the sponsor, to thereby
earn a reward of a free oil change from the sponsor. In this
example, a system of the invention transfers one notice
representing the right for the holder to receive a free oil change,
to the user who earned the reward by means of a determination of
SBAU. This is achieved by debiting the account of the sponsor for
one notice, and crediting the account of the user for one notice,
resulting in the sponsor having a balance of 999 notices that can
be offered as rewards in the future. The addition (credit) of one
reward to the account of the user who earned the reward, and the
subtraction (debit) of one reward from the account of the sponsor,
are recorded in memory of a system of the invention. As mentioned,
block chain, or other mechanisms for recordation or persistent
documentation of a transaction, may be used.
[0062] Embodiments of systems and methods of the invention that
reward a user for using a product may assign rewards to a user in
any of a variety of ways. In one embodiment, a reward is rewarded
based on the actual amount of time that a user uses a product. In
another embodiment, rewards are allocated according to the distance
that a user travels with a product. In yet another embodiment, a
reward is given to a user for interacting with the product in some
other way, e.g., handling the product, consuming the product.
Rewards may be allocated by a sponsor, such as a company, e.g., a
sporting goods company may issue points for SBAU of its camping
equipment. Such a party (that allocates points) is, in an
embodiment of the invention, responsible for paying for the rewards
that a user redeems for those points. For example, a sponsor may
pay up front to have a certain quantity of rewards on deposit in
the system, which may then be issued to users who earn the rewards
(such as by meeting certain predetermined actual use requirements
relating to a particular product). In another embodiment of the
invention, a sponsor may pay as rewards are issued, e.g., whenever
a user earns a reward, the sponsor of that reward pays for the
reward or otherwise assumes responsibility for delivery of the
benefit conferred by the reward to the user.
[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, a first party may
allocate a reward and a second party may be responsible for (e.g.,
cover the cost of) redemption of the reward by a user. In a
variation of an embodiment, a user may acquire a reward from
multiple sponsors for use of the same product at the same time. For
example, a user may receive a first reward from a first sponsor,
and a second reward from a second sponsor, for using a single
product. Alternatively, a first party may take credit for issuing a
reward to a user for using a particular product during a first use,
and a second sponsor may take credit for issuing points to the same
user during a second use of the product. In yet another embodiment,
a user may receive points from one or multiple sponsors for using a
combination of products, e.g., a particular tent and a particular
backpack. In embodiments of the invention, rewards include
limitations relating to their redemption, such as points being
redeemable for merchandise only from a specified party, such as the
company that issued (sponsored and paid for) the points. Rewards
may also expire if unused after a certain period of time, e.g.,
after 5 years. Rewards may also be transferrable or assignable in
certain embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that
embodiments of the invention consider rewards to be an intangible
representation of value assignable to a user (or to the user's
account) that are translatable (e.g., may be exchanged or redeemed
for) something else of value, such as merchandise or performance of
a service. In an embodiment, when a user uses a particular product
and has been determined to meet certain SBAU criteria for use of
the product in order to earn a reward, a system of the invention
credits the reward to the user's account. As discussed, this may be
an electronic transaction of a system and methods of the invention,
based on use of a particular product and the point assignment rules
associated with that product (and/or the particular user). This
electronic transaction is, in embodiments of the invention, secure,
and may use block chain or similar methodologies to ensure
integrity of the reward and/or persistence of the transaction. In
an embodiment a user may learn about reward-related information in
any of a variety of ways, such as on a mobile device display.
Reward information may be presented in a variety of ways, as well,
including but not limited to a list of a user's rewards, a
breakdown of rewards according to when they were awarded (e.g.,
today's or this week's points earned vs. all-time total points
earned), a display of the party (e.g., sponsor) that assigned the
points, a map or other visualization showing where the rewards were
earned, a timeline that shows when the rewards were earned, a
visualization that shows how the rewards were earned, and more. As
discussed, users may receive rewards from multiple parties and this
information may be displayed. An embodiment of the invention will
also share information about the rewards rules (e.g., 1 point per
minute of product use, points expire after 5 years, points
redeemable for merchandise at certain retailers only), and may also
include a directory of products for which rewards may be earned,
directory of rewards being offered, or a directory of sponsors that
are offering rewards for use of their own or other products. Such
directories facilitate a user's awareness of rewards being offered,
and their use of products to earn such rewards.
[0064] In embodiments of the invention, a user may also be able to
share rewards through social media channels, such as Facebook, to
publicize the reward, for example. Reward points may also be posted
for sale on reward exchanges. In addition, users may receive
reports showing rewards awarded, such as during a prior week,
including the logos or other information of reward sponsors (e.g.,
a company covering the economic cost of some particular allocation
of points). An embodiment of a report is an email or text message,
delivered daily or weekly, that provides a user with an update
about SBAU of products and any rewards that have been earned, along
with rewards awaiting redemption, for example. Such reports may be
helpful to users and raise awareness for sponsors.
[0065] Notably, the benefits to companies for sponsoring rewards
for use of their product (or even products that they don't directly
manufacture or sell) include: motivating the use of a product,
motivating the purchase of a product, providing positive
reinforcement (e.g., rewards) to a user for use of a product,
promoting new purchases of products or services from a sponsor or
another entity, offering goodwill to consumers, and more. In
addition, embodiments of the invention enable users, sponsors and
other parties to learn information relating to various products,
such as where a product has been located and used, the frequency of
use of a product, the duration of use of a product, how a product
is used (e.g., the type or intensity of use of a product, which may
be determined from certain sensor data at the tag or mobile device,
or by means of user input, such as by a survey that is completed by
a user, as examples), and sentiments of a user while a product is
being used (by means of a wearable that detects user emotions, for
example), as examples. In embodiments of the invention, users also
receive benefits that go beyond any rewards that are redeemable for
merchandise or otherwise. For example, users may learn which
products they use the most, which products serve their needs best,
which products make them happier, healthier, or more productive, as
examples. Any one or more of these benefits may be presented to a
user at a mobile device, such as by displaying the time a user
engages with a particular product, percentage of time a user
engages with a product, the user's extent of interaction with a
product, the user's emotional status during the user's use of a
product (which may include comparisons with other products, or use
of a product at other times), and more. Another example is a visual
display that shows a `heat map` of a particular product and its
usage data, or of a particular user or group of users along with
data related to the user or group of users (e.g., benchmark data).
A user can also benefit from information about where the user
actually uses a product, or a set of products, which may include
showing product usage on a map or heat map on a mobile device
display, as examples. Yet another example of information that may
be useful in certain embodiments of the invention is a summary or
representation (e.g., heat map) showing the rewards that individual
users, or groups of users, select. In such an example, an
understanding about user reward selections may be especially
valuable, such as in the case where users select third-party
beneficiaries such as charitable organizations or causes.
Embodiments of the invention may indicate which causes an
individual, or group of individuals, select, and may further report
how funds or other resources get allocated to such causes (e.g.,
charitable organizations or socially beneficial activities).
Systems and methods of the invention offer many benefits to users,
manufacturers, retailers, marketers, charitable organizations,
society, and others--to improve business and personal performance,
and people's lives.
[0066] Sample Use Cases
[0067] Embodiments of the inventions can be used in association
with a wide range of physical and virtual products, and for a
variety of purposes including, but not limited to, providing
benefits to users, manufacturers, marketers, retailers, third
parties (e.g., charities, causes, society), and others. The
following sample use cases provide examples of how embodiments of
the invention can be used.
[0068] In one embodiment of a use case, a tag is associated with a
bicycle. The tag in this example is a Bluetooth tag that broadcasts
(advertises) a signal encoding an identifier. This signal is
detected by a receiver module at a mobile device that is associated
with a user. The mobile device, based on receipt of the tag signal,
determines that the tag is in proximity with the mobile device.
Subsequently, based on a determination that the mobile device is
moving and that the tag remains in proximity, a determination is
made that the user is actually using the bicycle. This is an
example of a determination of sensor-based actual use of a product
by a user. Following the determination of actual use, a first
parameter is sensed, such as a location of the mobile device, by
means of a GPS receiver at the mobile device. A second parameter
may also be sensed by another sensor at approximately the same
time. Sensed parameters may be sensed at the tag, at the mobile
device, at an external sensor, or at another sensor means that is
an element of an embodiment of a system of the invention. The first
parameter is also sensed at other times during the use of the
product by the user, and the second parameter may also be sensed at
other times during the use of the product by the user. Various
parameters may also be sensed before and/or after actual use of the
product by the user. In this example, based on the information
collected about the parameter (location of the mobile device in
this case), the system of the invention determines an extent of
use. In this sample use case, a representative extent of use is a
measure of a distance that the user has traveled on (or with) the
bicycle, e.g., 10 kilometers. Another representative extent of use
is a measure of the time that the user has spent using the bicycle,
e.g., 1 hour. Using such information about the extent of use of a
product by a user, a system and methods of the invention can then
determine a reward that can be issued to the user. Such a reward
can take any of a variety of forms. As one example, the user
receives a notice of congratulations for riding the first 10
kilometers on the new bicycle. As another example, the user
receives a certain amount of points, e.g., 10 points representing 1
point for each kilometer of bicycle use. As yet another example, a
notice (coupon or voucher) for a specific reward is presented to
the user, such as a notification that the user is entitled to visit
a certain bicycle shop for a free tune-up (service), or a free
t-shirt (merchandise). An additional example of a reward is a
donation that has been made in the name of the user in honor of the
user's use of the bicycle. In some cases, such as the note of
congratulations, the reward is immediately available to the user
(such as being viewable by the user on a display of the user's
mobile device). In other instances, a reward needs to be redeemed
by the user, either by taking further action on a mobile device
(e.g., selecting a reward for delivery), or by presenting a coupon
or voucher or other notice, which may include an optical code or
associated with a wirelessly transmissible code (e.g., a
communication from the user's mobile device) that communicates or
confirms the user's right to receive the reward or benefit.
[0069] In another sample use case of the invention, a user receives
a reward that is a certain number of points. In this embodiment,
proximity is, at least in part, a proxy for the use of a product by
a user. In this embodiment, the proximity determination includes an
associated first starting time (e.g., first date and time), and
also an associated first ending time (e.g., second date and time).
The period of time in between the first starting time and the first
ending time is first duration of use of the product by the user. In
this embodiment, location of the user's mobile device is determined
at the first starting time, the first ending time, and at intervals
in between the first starting time and first ending time. The
various locations are analyzed to determine changes in location
(e.g., distance traveled by the user, and by the product that is
determined to be in proximity with the user during the particular
timeframe). By knowing the duration of time and/or the distance
traveled during which the first product and first user are in
proximity, a reward of a certain quantity of points may be
calculated according to a formula (e.g., 100 points per minute of
product use, or 2.5 points per mile traveled with the product).
Various algorithms may be used to determine a reward quantity
(e.g., number of points) that a user is assigned based on the
user's actual use (SBAU) of a product. Reward formulas, such as the
number of points that a user is rewarded for use of a particular
product, may be static or dynamic. An example of a static formula
is one that has been manually entered into a system and generally
remains unchanged. An example of a dynamic formula is one in which
rewards go up as use of a particular product goes down, to
incentivize use of the product, for example. Other information that
may lead to a change in the value of a reward for use of a product
in a dynamic reward system include, but are not limited to, a
company's desire to get early users for a product, weather (e.g.,
incentivizing use of a product on a rainy day), a user's
performance (e.g., being at the top of a leaderboard), recognizing
users who are influencers (e.g., users who post positive reviews of
a product on social media), and more. A reward may be determined
using an algorithm (e.g., automatically by a system and methods of
an embodiment of the invention), or manually such as by input from
an administrative user of a system of the invention, as well as by
other means. In general, the extent of use of a product by a user
is represented by measureable quantities of one or more of the
following: time, distance, user interaction with a product, and
other measures of extent of use. An example of a measure (metric)
of extent of use of a product by a user is a measure of a period of
time (e.g., number of minutes) that a user uses or interacts with a
product. Another example of a measure (metric) of extent of use of
a product by a user is a measure of the distance (e.g., number of
kilometers) that a user travels with a product. Measures used to
determine the extent of use of a product by a user may be applied
alone or in combination, such as by combining the amount of time
and distance traveled to determine a measure of an extent of use. A
measure of extent of use may be real and directly measurable (e.g.,
a quantity of minutes a product is used by a user) or artificial
and calculated (e.g., determined by means of an algorithm that
results in some other measure of extent of use).
[0070] Use of a product by a user may be one-time, or ongoing,
meaning that the user may use a particular product to some extent
regularly or periodically, e.g., once a day or once a month, on
average. An embodiment of the invention detects both proximity and
non-proximity to determine discrete instances of use, and the
extent of use for each instance of use. For example, a user may use
a product for 2 hours on one day, and 5 hours on another day. Each
of these instances of use is associated with a different extent of
use. In embodiments of the invention, reward points are allocated
to a user based on extent of use, which may be different from one
instance of use to another. As noted, the formula for the quantity
of points provided to a user may remain stable (e.g., 1 point per
mile of product use every time), or may be dynamic and change
(e.g., 10 points per minute for the first instance of use, 9 points
per minute for the second instance of use, 8 points per minute for
the third instance of use, etc.)
[0071] In another embodiment, a user is incentivized to share
wearable device sensor data at least during the period of time
during which the user is in proximity with a particular product.
This wearable device data, e.g., user physiologic data, may, for
example, be communicated via a mobile device to a remote sensor.
Any of the data including, but not limited to, user information,
product proximity data, product/user location information, sensed
physiologic information, and more, may be collected, stored,
analyzed and output for the benefit of a human user or other
connected computer. For example, a user may learn the quantity of
points in the user's account by means of a mobile device display,
or using any of a variety of other output means. Points that are
assigned (e.g., credited) to a user may be used (e.g., debited,
exchanged, traded) for merchandise or other benefits, similar to
the way airline frequent flyer points are earned and used. For
example, a user may earn 10,000 points for using (e.g., being in
proximity with) many different products over a 12 month period. The
user earned these points--perhaps at different rates for using
different products and/or sharing different information--over the
period and the points are assigned to the user's account (e.g.,
electronically credited for the benefit of the user). The user may
choose to use or apply points to acquire new merchandise or receive
some other benefit. Representative examples of rewards that a user
may acquire with points may include: merchandise, travel,
discounts, services, experiences, and more.
[0072] In another example of a use case of embodiments of the
invention, a product is a first digital (e.g., electronic) image
presented on a digital (e.g., electronic) display, such as a mobile
device display, for example. Other embodiments of an image may be a
group of multiple (rotating or selectable) images, or a video (that
may be played, paused, etc.). An embodiment of a product-associated
tag, in this use case, may be a second image positioned on the same
electronic display that is showing the image. Such a tag may be
located near (over, under or to the side of the first image), or
superimposed on the first image. Such tag provides a means for
facilitating an interaction that provides information about the use
of the product, for example. In this use case, the tag may also be
a tag sensor. An embodiment of a tag sensor may be an image that is
selectable by a user of the product. Such selection of the tag
sensor of this embodiment may be by means of a manual selection
(e.g., touch) by a user on an interactive display, for example.
Other selection methods are possible, including by voice, gesture,
and other means. In this embodiment, selection of the tag sensor
provides a way to understand the use of the product (e.g., the
viewing of the image in this use case), and to subsequently
determine the extent of use of the product. In this use case
example, the extent of use of the product may be represented as an
instance of use, or a response to a query posed in or by the first
image, as examples. Based on the tag sensor input, the tag sensor
provides information to the device that is communicated to the
remote server. This information is then used to determine a reward
or other benefit to be provided to a user or third party. An
example of a reward in this use case may be a donation of funds
made to a charity on behalf of (e.g., in the name of) a user, or
based on the use of the product by the user. In certain embodiments
of the invention, multiple tags and tag sensors may be used,
whether associated with one or multiple images), in order to
facilitate a selection of a particular tag (and sensing of the
selection by the particular tag sensor) in order to facilitate a
particular reward or benefit. For example, image A (associated with
cause A) may be associated with tag A and tag sensor A, and image B
(associated with cause B) may be associated with tag B and tag
sensor B. If a user selects (provides input to select) tag B, as
detected by tag sensor B, then a reward will be facilitated for the
benefit of cause B. A reward or benefit may be determined by a
simple parameter such as a single use (e.g., viewing) of an image
or video, or may be based on a more complex understanding of extent
of use (e.g., completion of viewing of a video).
[0073] Benefits of the invention include, but are not limited to,
motivating users with rewards in exchange for the user using a
product. In addition, users can share information relating to a
product including, but not limited to: product details, proximity
information, product use information, location information,
personal information, physiologic information, user sentiment, and
more. This information may be communicated to a user such as a
manufacturer, marketer or retailer. In an embodiment of the
invention, at least a portion of the information is shared with the
user's knowledge and consent (some information, such as the mobile
device identifier may, for example, be standard and required for
operation of the mobile device relative to a wireless communication
system). An embodiment of the invention includes means for a user
to understand what information is being shared and how it is being
used.
[0074] FIG. 13 shows a representation of a first embodiment 1300 of
a system of the invention. In this figure, user X 13130 is
associated with device X 13110, and user Y 13230 is associated with
device Y 13210. In this FIG. 13, Product A 13100 is associated with
a Tag A 13102, and Product B 13200 is associated with Tag B 13202.
Tag A signal may be detected by Device Communication Module X1
13112, and also by Device Communication Module Y1 13212, as
represented by wireless signal pathways 13104 and 13106,
respectively. Similarly, Tag B signal may be detected by Device
Communication Module X1 13112, and also by Device Communication
Module Y1 13212, as represented by pathways 13204 and 13206,
respectively. In one variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13,
a tag transmits a signal that is only received by a Device
Communication Module. In another variation of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 13, a tag communicates bi-directionally with a Device
Communication Module, meaning that information is exchanged both
ways between these elements of the invention. In this embodiment,
User X 13130 may also be associated with a Sensor X 13132 that
communicates with Device Communication Module X1 13112 using path
13134, and User Y 13230 may also be associated with a Sensor Y
13232 that communicates with Device Communication Module Y1 13212.
Sensor X 13132 and/or Sensor Y 13232 may determine a user's
location, for example. Alternatively, Sensor X 13132 and/or Sensor
Y 13232 may measure at least one physiologic parameter of a user.
Other sensor types are included by embodiments of the invention.
Information received at a device communication module is then
shared with other device elements. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
13, these elements include a Processor 13114, 13214, Electronic
Storage 13116, 13216, Input Means 13118, 13218, and Output Means
13120, 13220. In an embodiment of the invention, information is
shared using a Bus 13122, 13222 or other means for sharing data
between elements of a device of the invention. Device X 13110
includes a Device Communication Module X2 13124, and Device Y 13210
includes a Device Communication Module Y2 13224. Each of these
communication modules 13124, 13224 facilitates communication
between a device of the invention and a Remote Server 13150 of the
invention via paths 13140, 13240. Remote server 13150 includes a
Remote Server Communication Module 13152 that is connected with (in
this embodiment) a Use Determination Module 13154, Reward
Determination Module 13156, a Reward Management Module 13158, a
Processor 13160, and Electronic Storage 13162 (e.g., memory, which
may include a database).
[0075] FIG. 14 shows a representation of a second embodiment of a
system of the invention. This embodiment 1400 is similar to the
embodiment 1300 shown in FIG. 13, with two notable differences.
First, in lieu of Tag A 13102 and Tag B 13202 wirelessly
communicating with Device Communication Modules 13112, 13212,
respectively, as a means for determining proximity (which may then
be used to determine actual use of a product by a user), embodiment
1400 uses a Product Location Detection Module 14170 to sense
proximity between a tag (or its associated product) and a device
(or its associated user) in order to facilitate a determination of
use. In a variation of this embodiment, Product Location Detection
Module 14170 facilitates a determination of actual use of a product
by a user. In either instance, the second notable difference
between this embodiment 1400 and embodiment 1300 is that the
Product Location Detection Module 14170 communicates data via path
14172 directly to the Remote Server 14150. This embodiment 1400
enables proximity or use determination without the need for a tag
to communicate with a device.
[0076] FIG. 15 shows a representation of a first embodiment 1500 of
a method of the invention. In this embodiment of a method, step
15300 shows at a first mobile device detecting a first wireless
signal that is broadcast from a first tag, step 15312 shows
determining that a first tag is in proximity with the first mobile
device, step 15318 shows at a first sensor sensing first parameter
first data, step 15320 shows at a second sensor sensing second
parameter first data, step 15326 shows determining that the first
tag is in proximity with the first mobile device, step 15332 shows
at a first sensor sensing first parameter second data, step 15334
shows at a second sensor sensing second parameter second data, and
step 15340 shows determining that the first tag is not in proximity
with the first device. Optionally, step 15348 shows at a first
sensor sensing first parameter third data (following the
determination of non-proximity), and step 15350 at a second sensor
sensing second parameter third data. In embodiment 1500, each
element of sensed data may in step 15354 be communicated (e.g., by
means of a mobile device) into storage to make up first data. Then
in step 15356, some or all of the first data may be communicated to
the remote server as second data. At the remote server, in step
15358 a determination of sensor-based actual use (SBAU) is made, in
step 15360 a determination of a reward is made (e.g., the
particulars of a reward), and in step 15362 an attribution of the
reward to the user is performed. Step 15364 represents
communicating third data to a first client device. Third data may
be all or a subset of second data, or may be or include derivative
information such as an analysis of the second data, which may be in
combination with other data from other sources.
[0077] FIG. 16 shows a representation of a second embodiment 1600
of a method of the invention relating to the accounting for a
reward. Following step 16400 creation of a reward by crediting the
reward to an `available reward` account associated with a sponsor,
and step 15362 (as shown in FIG. 3 embodiment 1500) determination
of a reward, attribution of a reward to the user may be performed
as step 16410. In this step, two sub-steps occur: first, in step
16412 there is a debit of the reward from the `available reward`
account associated with a sponsor, and second, in step 16414 there
is a credit of the reward to an `available reward` account
associated with the user. At some point following the credit
(attribution or issuance) of the reward to the user, the user may
elect to redeem the reward. Step 16430, redemption of the reward by
the user includes two sub-steps: first, in step 16432, a debit of
the reward from the `available reward` account associates with the
user is performed, and second, as step 16434, a credit of the
reward to a `redeemed reward` account associated with the sponsor
is performed. A notice that the reward has been redeemed may also
be shared with the user in order to notify the user (or confirm)
that the reward has been redeemed. Reference to a reward in this
embodiment means, in general, a representation of a reward in
electronic memory of a system of the invention, such as a database
entry. A reference to an account similarly means data in electronic
memory that is associated with a particular entity, e.g., a user or
sponsor.
[0078] These embodiments of systems and methods of the invention
are representative only, and many other systems and methods of the
invention are included by embodiments of the invention.
[0079] Broadening Language
[0080] Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a wide
variety of ways and using all kinds of different technologies. The
description above is intended to represent examples of elements of
the invention and processes associated with such elements, and is
not intended to be limiting in any way. The invention includes
other variations of the systems and methods that are described.
[0081] It is to be understood that although the invention has been
described above in terms of particular embodiments, the foregoing
embodiments are provided as illustrative only, and do not limit or
define the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments,
including but not limited to the following, are also within the
scope of the claims. For example, elements and components described
herein may be further divided into additional components or joined
together to form fewer components for performing the same
functions.
[0082] Any of the functions disclosed herein may be implemented
using means for performing those functions. Such means include, but
are not limited to, any of the components disclosed herein, such as
the computer-related components described below.
[0083] The techniques described above may be implemented, for
example, in hardware, one or more computer programs tangibly stored
on one or more computer-readable media, firmware, or any
combination thereof. The techniques described above may be
implemented in one or more computer programs executing on (or
executable by) a programmable computer including any combination of
any number of the following: a processor, a storage medium readable
and/or writable by the processor (including, for example, volatile
and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), an input device,
and an output device. Program code may be applied to input entered
using the input device to perform the functions described and to
generate output using the output device.
[0084] Embodiments of the present invention include features that
are only possible and/or feasible to implement with the use of one
or more computers, computer processors, and/or other elements of a
computer system. Such features are either impossible or impractical
to implement mentally and/or manually. For example, embodiments of
the present invention sense and monitor information at a rate that
is not humanly possible, and in ways that are not humanly possible.
Such features cannot be performed mentally or manually.
[0085] Any claims herein which affirmatively require a computer, a
processor, a memory, or similar computer-related elements, are
intended to require such elements, and should not be interpreted as
if such elements are not present in or required by such claims.
Such claims are not intended, and should not be interpreted, to
cover methods and/or systems that lack the recited computer-related
elements. For example, any method claim herein that recites that
the claimed method is performed by a computer, a processor, a
memory, and/or similar computer-related element, is intended to,
and should only be interpreted to, encompass methods which are
performed by the recited computer-related element(s). Such a method
claim should not be interpreted, for example, to encompass a method
that is performed mentally or by hand (e.g., using pencil and
paper). Similarly, any product claim herein that recites that the
claimed product includes a computer, a processor, a memory, and/or
similar computer-related element, is intended to, and should only
be interpreted to, encompass products which include the recited
computer-related element(s). Such a product claim should not be
interpreted, for example, to encompass a product that does not
include the recited computer-related element(s).
[0086] Each computer program within the scope of the claims below
may be implemented in any programming language, such as assembly
language, machine language, a high-level procedural programming
language, or an object-oriented programming language. The
programming language may, for example, be a compiled or interpreted
programming language.
[0087] Each such computer program may be implemented in a computer
program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage
device for execution by a computer processor. Method steps of the
invention may be performed by one or more computer processors
executing a program tangibly embodied on a computer-readable medium
to perform functions of the invention by operating on input and
generating output.
[0088] Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general
and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, the processor
receives (reads) instructions and data from a memory (such as a
read-only memory and/or a random access memory) and writes (stores)
instructions and data to the memory. Storage devices suitable for
tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include,
for example, all forms of non-volatile memory, such as
semiconductor memory devices, including EPROM, EEPROM, and flash
memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and
removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs. Any of the
foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially
designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) or FPGAs
(Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). A computer can generally also
receive (read) programs and data from, and write (store) programs
and data to, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such
as an internal disk (not shown) or a removable disk. These elements
will also be found in a conventional desktop or workstation
computer as well as other computers suitable for executing computer
programs implementing the methods described herein, which may be
used in conjunction with any digital print engine or marking
engine, display monitor, or other raster output device capable of
producing color or gray scale pixels on paper, film, display
screen, or other output medium.
[0089] Any data disclosed herein may be implemented, for example,
in one or more data structures tangibly stored on a non-transitory
computer-readable medium.
[0090] Embodiments of the invention may store such data in such
data structure(s) and read such data from such data
structure(s).
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