U.S. patent application number 17/166002 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-27 for user interface adjustments based on internet-of-things engagement.
The applicant listed for this patent is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Lisa Seacat DeLuca.
Application Number | 20210158383 17/166002 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005374541 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-27 |
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20210158383/US20210158383A1-20210527-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210158383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeLuca; Lisa Seacat |
May 27, 2021 |
USER INTERFACE ADJUSTMENTS BASED ON INTERNET-OF-THINGS
ENGAGEMENT
Abstract
A method, a computer program product, and a computer system.
Activities of at least one customer with at least one tagged
merchandise in possession of the at least one customer are
monitored. The at least one tagged merchandise includes multiple
Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices communicatively coupled over local
communication channels to a central IoT hub which is
communicatively coupled to an IoT service over the Internet. Each
IoT device is designed for a particular application. The multiple
IoT devices include respective multiple sensors with each sensor
being particularized for the particular application of the IoT
device that includes each sensor. The multiple IoT devices include
a first IoT device that includes a first sensor configured to sense
a type of interaction the at least one customer has with the at
least one tagged merchandise to make a determination based on a
gamification analysis of a qualifying event or a non-qualifying
event.
Inventors: |
DeLuca; Lisa Seacat;
(Baltimore, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION |
ARMONK |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005374541 |
Appl. No.: |
17/166002 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16171766 |
Oct 26, 2018 |
10963899 |
|
|
17166002 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04817 20130101;
G06Q 50/01 20130101; G06F 9/451 20180201; G06Q 30/0209 20130101;
H04L 67/12 20130101; G06Q 30/0224 20130101; G06Q 30/0238 20130101;
G06F 3/04842 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20060101
G06Q030/02; G06F 9/451 20060101 G06F009/451; G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00; G06F 3/0484 20060101 G06F003/0484 |
Claims
1. A method, said method comprising: monitoring activities of at
least one customer with at least one tagged merchandise in
possession of the at least one customer; and wherein the at least
one tagged merchandise comprises multiple Internet-of-Things (IoT)
devices communicatively coupled over local communication channels
to a central IoT hub which is communicatively coupled to an IoT
service over the Internet, wherein each IoT device is designed for
a particular application, wherein the multiple IoT devices include
respective multiple sensors with each sensor being particularized
for the particular application of the IoT device that comprises
said each sensor, wherein the multiple IoT devices comprise a first
IoT device that includes a first sensor configured to sense a type
of interaction the at least one customer has with the at least one
tagged merchandise to make a determination based on a gamification
analysis of a qualifying event or a non-qualifying event, wherein
the first sensor comprises an accelerometer configured to recognize
activities of the at least one customer interacting with the least
one tagged merchandise, wherein the multiple IoT devices comprise a
second IoT device that includes a second sensor functioning as an
environmental sensor configured to measure temperature, pressure,
and humidity, and wherein the multiple IoT devices comprise a third
IoT device that functions as a security IoT device that includes a
third sensor functioning as a security sensor that functions in
conjunction with a door lock opener, and wherein a first tagged
merchandise and a second tagged merchandise are together a unique
combination which causes a gamification analysis of activities of
the at least one customer to generate at least one merchandiser
incentive, and wherein the at least one merchandiser incentive is
unlocked when the first tagged merchandise is tried on with the
second tagged merchandise.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one merchandiser
incentive is based on changes in both facial expression and body
language of the at least one customer.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the multiple IoT devices are
ultra low-power devices capable of operating for years on battery
power, and wherein to conserve power the local communication
channels are configured to use a low-power wireless communication
technology.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the gamification analysis of the
activities of the at least one customer has attributes selected
from a group consisting of: application of at least one of game
design elements, game principles or player centered design in
non-game contexts in relation to the at least one merchandiser
incentive; employment of the game design elements to maximize the
at least one customer's engagement with the at least one tagged
merchandise in relation to the at least one merchandiser incentive;
leveraging the at least one customer's natural desires for
socializing, learning, mastery, competition, achievement, status,
self-expression, altruism, closure, or the at least one customer's
response to the framing of a gamified situation in relation to the
at least one merchandiser incentive; rewarding the at least one
customer with the at least one merchandiser incentive for
accomplishing tasks or incentivizing competition between a
plurality of customers in relation to the at least one merchandiser
incentive; making rewards for the accomplishing tasks visible to
the plurality of customers to encourage the at least one customer
to compete in relation to the at least one merchandiser incentive;
incentivizing the at least one customer to complete quests by
performing sets of related activities in relation to the at least
one merchandiser incentive; and combinations thereof.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one tagged
merchandise comprises at least one sensor of the multiple sensors,
said at least one sensor configured to sense the type of
interaction the at least one customer has with the at least one
tagged merchandise to make a determination, based on the
gamification analysis of the qualifying event or the non-qualifying
event.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein: the at least one merchandiser
incentive is based on historical purchases made by the at least one
customer; the at least one merchandiser incentive is based on a
determination of whether the at least one customer viewed a price
of the at least one tagged merchandise; the at least one
merchandiser incentive is based on a multi-part event that if
engaged by the at least one customer will result in the at least
one merchandiser incentive; the method comprises determining that
the at least one customer has rejected an offer included in the at
least one merchandiser incentive; the method comprises, responsive
to a set of prerequisites being met, generating an updated
merchandiser incentive with a modified offer; the method comprises
transmitting to the at least one customer the updated merchandiser
incentive with the modified offer; the method is implemented in a
physical retail store comprising fitting rooms that include at
least one virtual assistant, a grocery store, a warehouse, an
auction, a wholesaler, or on a fishing boat; each of the at least
one tagged merchandise comprises at least one of a RFID tag, a bar
code, an accelerometer, a Bluetooth device, or a tagging system;
the providing the at least one merchandiser incentive comprises
sending a notification of a promotion to a user interface of the at
least one customer if the value of the at least one tagged
merchandise exceeds a predetermined amount; the at least one
merchandiser incentive is delivered to the user interface of the at
least one customer by at least one of a mobile device push
notification, an email promotion, a POS checkout coupon, a text
message, a hand delivered promotional code from a store associate,
the customer leaving the fitting room, or the customer getting in
line to checkout; the at least one merchandiser incentive is
delivered to the user interface of the at least one customer as an
urgent delivery request based on a sensor event of the at least one
tagged merchandise; the urgent delivery request promotes an
increase in a number of items of the plurality of tagged items with
the at least one customer immediately prior to the at least one
customer checking out; or combinations thereof.
7. The method of claim 1, said method further comprising: in
response to the at least one customer bringing the at least one
tagged merchandise into a merchandise sampling area, recognizing
the presence of the tagged merchandise in the merchandise sampling
area; and in response to the at least one customer interacting with
the at least one tagged merchandise, associating the at least one
tagged merchandise to the at least one customer.
8. The method of claim 1, said method further comprising:
collecting data about at least one of the at least one customer or
the at least one tagged merchandise.
9. A computer program product, comprising a computer readable
hardware storage device having computer readable program code
stored therein, said program code containing instructions
executable by one or more processors of a computer system to
implement a method, said method comprising: monitoring activities
of at least one customer with at least one tagged merchandise in
possession of the at least one customer; and wherein the at least
one tagged merchandise comprises multiple Internet-of-Things (IoT)
devices communicatively coupled over local communication channels
to a central IoT hub which is communicatively coupled to an IoT
service over the Internet, wherein each IoT device is designed for
a particular application, wherein the multiple IoT devices include
respective multiple sensors with each sensor being particularized
for the particular application of the IoT device that comprises
said each sensor, wherein the multiple IoT devices comprise a first
IoT device that includes a first sensor configured to sense a type
of interaction the at least one customer has with the at least one
tagged merchandise to make a determination based on a gamification
analysis of a qualifying event or a non-qualifying event, wherein
the first sensor comprises an accelerometer configured to recognize
activities of the at least one customer interacting with the least
one tagged merchandise, wherein the multiple IoT devices comprise a
second IoT device that includes a second sensor functioning as an
environmental sensor configured to measure temperature, pressure,
and humidity, and wherein the multiple IoT devices comprise a third
IoT device that functions as a security IoT device that includes a
third sensor functioning as a security sensor that functions in
conjunction with a door lock opener, and wherein a first tagged
merchandise and a second tagged merchandise are together a unique
combination which causes a gamification analysis of activities of
the at least one customer to generate at least one merchandiser
incentive, and wherein the at least one merchandiser incentive is
unlocked when the first tagged merchandise is tried on with the
second tagged merchandise.
10. The computer program product claim 9, wherein the at least one
merchandiser incentive is based on changes in both facial
expression and body language of the at least one customer.
11. The computer program product claim 9, wherein the multiple IoT
devices are ultra low-power devices capable of operating for years
on battery power, and wherein to conserve power the local
communication channels are configured to use a low-power wireless
communication technology.
12. The computer program product claim 9, wherein the gamification
analysis of the activities of the at least one customer has
attributes selected from a group consisting of: application of at
least one of game design elements, game principles or player
centered design in non-game contexts in relation to the at least
one merchandiser incentive; employment of the game design elements
to maximize the at least one customer's engagement with the at
least one tagged merchandise in relation to the at least one
merchandiser incentive; leveraging the at least one customer's
natural desires for socializing, learning, mastery, competition,
achievement, status, self-expression, altruism, closure, or the at
least one customer's response to the framing of a gamified
situation in relation to the at least one merchandiser incentive;
rewarding the at least one customer with the at least one
merchandiser incentive for accomplishing tasks or incentivizing
competition between a plurality of customers in relation to the at
least one merchandiser incentive; making rewards for the
accomplishing tasks visible to the plurality of customers to
encourage the at least one customer to compete in relation to the
at least one merchandiser incentive; incentivizing the at least one
customer to complete quests by performing sets of related
activities in relation to the at least one merchandiser incentive;
and combinations thereof.
13. The computer program product claim 9, wherein the at least one
tagged merchandise comprises at least one sensor of the multiple
sensors, said at least one sensor configured to sense the type of
interaction the at least one customer has with the at least one
tagged merchandise to make a determination, based on the
gamification analysis of the qualifying event or the non-qualifying
event.
14. The computer program product claim 9, said method further
comprising: collecting data about at least one of the at least one
customer or the at least one tagged merchandise.
15. A computer system comprising: one or more processors; a memory
coupled to the one or more processors; and a computer readable
storage device coupled to the one or more processors, the storage
device containing instructions that are executed by the one or more
processors via the memory to implement a method, said method
comprising: monitoring activities of at least one customer with at
least one tagged merchandise in possession of the at least one
customer; and wherein the at least one tagged merchandise comprises
multiple Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices communicatively coupled
over local communication channels to a central IoT hub which is
communicatively coupled to an IoT service over the Internet,
wherein each IoT device is designed for a particular application,
wherein the multiple IoT devices include respective multiple
sensors with each sensor being particularized for the particular
application of the IoT device that comprises said each sensor,
wherein the multiple IoT devices comprise a first IoT device that
includes a first sensor configured to sense a type of interaction
the at least one customer has with the at least one tagged
merchandise to make a determination based on a gamification
analysis of a qualifying event or a non-qualifying event, wherein
the first sensor comprises an accelerometer configured to recognize
activities of the at least one customer interacting with the least
one tagged merchandise, wherein the multiple IoT devices comprise a
second IoT device that includes a second sensor functioning as an
environmental sensor configured to measure temperature, pressure,
and humidity, and wherein the multiple IoT devices comprise a third
IoT device that functions as a security IoT device that includes a
third sensor functioning as a security sensor that functions in
conjunction with a door lock opener, and wherein a first tagged
merchandise and a second tagged merchandise are together a unique
combination which causes a gamification analysis of activities of
the at least one customer to generate at least one merchandiser
incentive, and wherein the at least one merchandiser incentive is
unlocked when the first tagged merchandise is tried on with the
second tagged merchandise.
16. The computer system claim 15, wherein the at least one
merchandiser incentive is based on changes in both facial
expression and body language of the at least one customer.
17. The computer system claim 15, wherein the multiple IoT devices
are ultra low-power devices capable of operating for years on
battery power, and wherein to conserve power the local
communication channels are configured to use a low-power wireless
communication technology.
18. The computer system claim 15, wherein the gamification analysis
has attributes selected from a group consisting of: application of
at least one of game design elements, game principles or player
centered design in non-game contexts in relation to the at least
one merchandiser incentive; employment of the game design elements
to maximize the at least one customer's engagement with the at
least one tagged merchandise in relation to the at least one
merchandiser incentive; leveraging the at least one customer's
natural desires for socializing, learning, mastery, competition,
achievement, status, self-expression, altruism, closure, or the at
least one customer's response to the framing of a gamified
situation in relation to the at least one merchandiser incentive;
rewarding the at least one customer with the at least one
merchandiser incentive for accomplishing tasks or incentivizing
competition between a plurality of customers in relation to the at
least one merchandiser incentive; making rewards for the
accomplishing tasks visible to the plurality of customers to
encourage the at least one customer to compete in relation to the
at least one merchandiser incentive; incentivizing the at least one
customer to complete quests by performing sets of related
activities in relation to the at least one merchandiser incentive;
and combinations thereof.
19. The computer system claim 15, wherein the at least one tagged
merchandise comprises at least one sensor of the multiple sensors,
said at least one sensor configured to sense the type of
interaction the at least one customer has with the at least one
tagged merchandise to make a determination, based on the
gamification analysis of the qualifying event or the non-qualifying
event.
20. The computer system claim 15, said method further comprising:
collecting data about at least one of the at least one customer or
the at least one tagged merchandise.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation application claiming
priority to Ser. No. 16/171,766, filed Oct. 26, 2018.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of user
interface generation, and more specifically to making adjustments
to a user interface based on Internet-of-Things (IoT)
engagement.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Retailers (e.g. clothing stores) may staff their changing
and fitting rooms with an associate to help with engagement within
the retail store. Often times those associates will push shoppers
to try on additional pairings for upsell and cross sell
opportunities. However, it may get frustrating for shoppers with a
pushy associate. It would be of the benefit to both shoppers and
retailers for shoppers to be able to try on more things while at
the same time getting those shoppers to try on additional clothing
in the hopes that they might have to have an unexpected item to
increase their total spend associated with consumer
satisfaction.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments relate to a method, computer system, and/or
computer program product for providing at least one merchandiser
incentive to at least one customer. In embodiments, the presence of
at least one tagged merchandise may be determined to be in
possession of the at least one customer. Activities of the at least
one customer with the at least one tagged merchandise may be
monitored, in accordance with embodiments. In embodiments, based on
a gamification analysis of the activities of the at least one
customer, the at least one merchandiser incentive may be
generated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates example IoT system
architectures, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an example IoT device, in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates an example customer interacting with
tagged merchandise, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0008] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an example generated merchandiser
incentive, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a flow chart which illustrates an example process
of generating a merchandiser incentive to be transmitted to a user
interface based on gamification analysis, in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
[0010] FIGS. 8A and 8B are flow charts which illustrate example
processes of generating merchandizer incentives to be transmitted
to a user interface based on gamification analysis of customer
interaction with tagged merchandise, in accordance with embodiments
of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 9 is a flow chart which illustrates an example process
of transmitting an updated merchandiser incentive to be transmitted
to a user interface if preconditions have been met, in accordance
with embodiments.
[0012] FIGS. 10A and 10B are flow charts which illustrate example
processes of generated updated merchandiser incentives to be
transmitted to a user interface if a customer has rejected an
original merchandiser incentive at the user interface, in
accordance with embodiments.
[0013] FIGS. 10C through 10E are flow charts which illustrate
example processes of processing rejected updated merchandiser
incentives if a customer rejects an original merchandiser incentive
sent to a user interface, in accordance with embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a flow chart which illustrates an example process
of associating tagged merchandise with a customer, in accordance
with embodiments.
[0015] FIGS. 12A and 12B are flow charts which illustrate example
processes of increasing or decreasing the value of a merchandiser
incentive based on gamification analysis, in accordance with
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a flow chart which illustrates an example process
of unlocking of discounts on a merchandiser incentive to be
transmitted to a user interface based on gamification analysis, in
accordance with embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a flow chart which illustrates an example process
of prohibiting discounts to be sent to a user interface based on
gamification analysis, in accordance with embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 15 depicts a cloud computing environment according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 16 depicts abstraction model layers according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 17 illustrates a computer system used for implementing
the methods associated with embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Embodiments relate to a program product, computer system
and/or method to adjust the content of a user interface based on
customer engagement with IoT sensors on products. In general, these
adjustments are made based on a prediction that a given change or
modification made to the user interface will encourage upsell of
merchandise while rewarding loyal shoppers. Although example
embodiments describe a physical retail store (e.g. a clothing
store), embodiments relate to any environment or application where
IoT devices may interact, in real-time or near to real-time, with
users to leverage a pragmatic, desirable, efficient, or otherwise
enhanced user experience. In example embodiments, a fitting room of
a clothing store may be equipped with a virtual assistant as a user
interface. In embodiments, the user interface may include smart
speaker devices or applications which may not include a display. In
embodiments, the user interface may include a graphical user
interface (GUI) which may be modified in accordance with the
present invention and denoted as a "modified GUI". Exemplary user
interfaces may include Watson Assistant, Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google
Home, etc., which interact with a user in relation to activity of
IoT devices.
[0022] In embodiments, gamification is the application of
game-design elements and game principles in non-game contexts.
Gamification may employ game design elements to improve user
engagement, organizational productivity, flow, learning,
crowdsourcing, employee recruitment and evaluation, ease of use,
usefulness of systems, physical exercise, traffic violations, voter
apathy, and more.
[0023] For example, a customer in a clothing store may bring pieces
of merchandise into a fitting room is tagged with an IoT device.
Examples of IoT devices includes a device RFID tag, WiFi devices,
bluetooth devices, or any other component attached to a piece of
merchandise which can communicate with a surrounding communication
network. In embodiments, IoT tags may include accelerometers
technology to recognize activities of a user interacting with
consumer merchandise. For example, in embodiments, a system may be
able to determine the difference between just bringing an item into
a fitting room versus, trying on the item in the fitting room,
throwing the item in the air, or any other activity that can be
determined using gamification analysis.
[0024] For example, a first user may bring a set of merchandise
with them into a fitting room. A system, in accordance with
embodiments, may recognize the presence of the tagged merchandise
in the fitting room. As the user tries on different pieces of
merchandise, the system may recognize the items as well as collect
data about how long the user has kept those items on. A set of
preferences of a merchandiser may be implemented for monitoring IoT
sensor readings in fitting rooms such as, but are not limited to, a
number of items tried on, time the user had the items on, category
of items tried on, number of people in the dressing room, items
returned to a store associate, requests for new sizes or colors,
value of items, movement with items, or any other useful
information.
[0025] For example, in embodiments, a system may only count a
tagged item as having tried the item on if the user had them on for
at least one minute. Embodiments relate to determinations of items
tried on together (e.g. a pair of jeans with t-shirts). In
embodiments, merchandise may be tracked as new merchandize comes
into the fitting room after an initial entry by a customer. In
example embodiments, a system may determine total cost of the tried
on merchandise if the customer were to purchase everything using
threshold analysis (e.g. a $100 shopping cart triggers an incentive
for a particular customer). In embodiments, movement of items may
be used in gamification analysis. For example, if a customer spins
around to check themselves in the mirror or jumps up and down while
trying on clothing, gamification analysis may associate a consumer
preference with those movements.
[0026] In embodiments, a merchandiser may pair real time IoT sensor
reading data with an adjustment in promotional values. For example,
a merchandiser may increase an offer with certain sensor events. In
embodiments, a customer may be offered a discount depending on the
number of items tried on. For example, using gamification analysis,
a customer may be given an incentive "If you try on 5 items, get a
5% discount, if you try on 10 items, get a 7% discount." In some
embodiments, a decrease offer value may be offered to a customer
based on sensor events (e.g. if a total value of the items the user
has in the dressing room is less than $100, then gamification
analysis will determine that no promotion will be offered to a
customer or an alert to the customer that an offer has decreased).
Embodiments relate to unlocking discounts with sensor events (e.g.
increase promotion when X shirt is tried on with Y pants). In
embodiments, offers may be adjusted in combination with traditional
events not related to IoT interaction using gamification
analysis.
[0027] In embodiments, incentives from merchandisers to customer
may be delivered using a mobile device push notification, an email
promotion, a POS checkout coupon, a text message, a hand delivered
promotional code from a store associate, and/or any other customer
interface which can accomplish results of a gamification
analysis.
[0028] In embodiments, gamification analysis may determine time of
delivery of an incentive from a merchandiser to a customer. For
example, an incentive may be delivered as the customer is leaving
the fitting room, as the customer is getting in line to checkout,
and/or any other timing that is determined as being beneficial by
gamification analysis. In embodiments, depending on sensor
interactions, pairing may be an urgent delivery request or
increasing the number of items required for an incentive that is
communicated to the customer at a time determined by gamification
analysis to be a time right before a customer gets ready to check
out.
[0029] In embodiments, a multipart event system may be used to
implement a promotion or offer. For example, the system might
provide a notification to incentivize certain actions by the
consumer. As a particular example, a customer may receive a push
notification after entering the dressing room that if they try on
five pairs of jeans and buy two they'll get a second one free.
After the first pair is tried on, they might see a text "1 out of 5
tried on, 4 more to get the discount". As additional user
engagement with the merchandise in the fitting room changes, the
promotions can be modified using gamification analysis, in
accordance with embodiments.
[0030] In embodiments, gamification techniques are configured to
leverage people's natural desires for socializing, learning,
mastery, competition, achievement, status, self-expression,
altruism, or closure, or simply their response to the framing of a
situation as a game or play scenario (e.g. adding contexts of a
game to the scenario). In embodiments, gamification strategies use
rewards for users who accomplish desired tasks or competition to
engage users. Types of rewards may include, but are not limited to,
points, achievement badges or levels, the filling of a progress
bar, or providing the user with virtual currency, in accordance
with embodiments. Making the rewards for accomplishing tasks
visible to other users or providing leader boards are ways of
encouraging users to compete, in accordance with embodiments.
[0031] In embodiments, gamification may modify existing tasks with
additional aspects such that the tasks encompass aspects and
attributes associated with one or more games. Some techniques
include, but are not limited to, adding meaningful choice to be
made by the user, onboarding with a tutorial, increasing a level of
challenge associated with a task, and adding narrative, in
accordance with embodiments. Gamification may be applied to almost
every aspect of life, in accordance with embodiments.
[0032] In embodiments, gamification may be used in an education
system. For example, students may be ranked in their class based on
their earned grade-point average (GPA), which is comparable to
earning a high score in video games. Students may also receive
incentives, such as an honorable mention on the dean's list, the
honor roll, and scholarships, which are equivalent to leveling-up a
video game character or earning virtual currency or tools that
augment game success.
[0033] In embodiments, job application processes may use
gamification as a way to hire employees by assessing their
suitability through questionnaires and mini games that simulate the
actual work environment of that company.
[0034] In embodiments, gamification may be used in marketing and
customer retention. Gamification may be used in customer loyalty
programs, in accordance with embodiments. For example, a retailer
may offer discounts to people who checked in most frequently at an
individual store.
[0035] In embodiments, gamification may be used as a tool for
customer engagement, and for encouraging desirable website usage
behavior. In embodiments, gamification may be used to increasing
engagement on sites built on social network services. For example,
a number of different badges may be available, and when a user's
reputation points exceed various thresholds, the user gains
additional privileges, possibly including moderator or
administrator privileges.
[0036] In embodiments, gamification may be used for ideation (e.g.
structured brainstorming to produce new ideas). For example,
ideation games may help participants generate more and better
ideas.
[0037] In embodiments, gamification may be used to encourage users
to exercise more effectively and improve their overall health.
Users may be awarded varying numbers of points for activities they
perform in their workouts, and gain levels based on points
collected. Users may also complete quests (e.g. sets of related
activities) and gain achievement badges for fitness milestones. In
embodiments, aspects of social gaming by allowing successful users
to restore points to users who have failed to meet certain goals.
In embodiments, gamification may be used in self-management of
chronic diseases and common mental disorders, STD prevention, and
infection prevention and control.
[0038] In embodiments, gamification may be used to improve employee
productivity, healthcare, financial services, transportation,
government, and others. In embodiments, enterprise gamification are
work situations where game thinking and game-based tools are used
in a strategic manner to integrate with existing business processes
or information systems. In embodiments, enterprise gamification
techniques may be to help drive positive employee and
organizational outcomes. In embodiments, gamification application
may improve employees' engagement, satisfaction, and retention. In
embodiments, gamification may use included leveling (level
advancement), badges, and scoring systems, as well as other game
elements.
[0039] In embodiments, gamification may be used in corporate
training to motivate employees to apply what they learned in the
training to their job.
[0040] In embodiments, gamification has a player centered design.
Based on the design methodology user-centered design, gamification
may promote greater connectivity and positive behavior change
between technological consumers, in accordance with
embodiments.
[0041] In embodiments, gamification may be applied to
authentication. For example, games may be a way to learn new and
complicated passwords. In embodiments, gamification may be used to
modify a password by increasing the length and types of characters
included in the password at certain levels, thereby improving the
strength of the password over time as levels are increased. In
embodiments, gamification may be used to select and manage
archives.
[0042] FIG. 1A illustrates an overview of an architectural platform
on which embodiments of the invention may be implemented. In
particular, the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of IoT
devices 101-105 communicatively coupled over local communication
channels 130 to a central IoT hub 110 which is itself
communicatively coupled to an IoT service 120 over the Internet
220. Each of the IoT devices 101-105 may initially be paired to the
IoT hub 110 (e.g., using the pairing techniques described below) in
order to enable each of the local communication channels 130.
[0043] The IoT devices 101-105 may be equipped with various types
of sensors to collect information about themselves and their
surroundings and provide the collected information to the IoT
service 120, user devices 135 and/or external Websites 130 via the
IoT hub 110. Some of the IoT devices 101-105 may perform a
specified function in response to control commands sent through the
IoT hub 110. Various specific examples of information collected by
the IoT devices 101-105 and control commands are provided below. In
embodiments, the IoT device 101 is a user input device designed to
record user selections and send the user selections to the IoT
service 120 and/or Website.
[0044] In embodiments, the IoT hub 110 includes a cellular radio to
establish a connection to the Internet 220 via a cellular service
115 such as a 4G (e.g. Mobile WiMAX, LTE) or 5G cellular data
service. Alternatively, or in addition, the IoT hub 110 may include
a WiFi radio to establish a WiFi connection through a WiFi access
point or router 116 which couples the IoT hub 110 to the Internet
(e.g. via an Internet Service Provider providing Internet service
to the end user). Of course, it should be noted that the underlying
principles of embodiments are not limited to any particular type of
communication channel or protocol.
[0045] In embodiments, the IoT devices 101-105 are ultra low-power
devices capable of operating for extended periods of time on
battery power (e.g. years). To conserve power, the local
communication channels 130 may be implemented using a low-power
wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy
(LE). In this embodiment, each of the IoT devices 101-105 and the
IoT hub 110 are equipped with Bluetooth LE radios and protocol
stacks.
[0046] In embodiments, the IoT platform includes an IoT application
136 and/or a gamification application 137, which may include or be
configured as a web application or other internet-based
application, executed on user devices 135 to allow users to access
and configure the connected IoT devices 101-105, IoT hub 110,
and/or IoT service 120 and generate a modified user interface, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
embodiments, the application, web application, IoT application 136,
and/or gamification application 137 may be designed by the operator
of a Website 130 to provide IoT functionality to its user base. As
illustrated, the Website may maintain a user database 131
containing account records related to each user.
[0047] In embodiments, an IoT application 136 and/or a gamification
application 137 may be run on user device 135, IoT server 120,
and/or anywhere else local or on a communication network. In
embodiments, a gamification application 137 process some, all, or
substantially all of the gamification analysis. In embodiments,
gamification application 137 may be included in IoT application 136
and/or any other application local or on a communication network.
In embodiments, a gamification application 137 may be stored on IoT
Devices 101-105, which may be distributed to a user device 135 or
IoT service 120 upon preconditions being met (e.g. a customer
interfacing with an IoT tagged device).
[0048] FIG. 1B illustrates additional connection options for a
plurality of IoT hubs 110-111, 190, in accordance with embodiments.
In embodiments, a single user may have multiple hubs 110-111
installed onsite at a single user premises 180 (e.g., the user's
home or business). This may be done, for example, to extend the
wireless range needed to connect all of the IoT devices 101-105. As
indicated, if a user has multiple hubs 110, 111 they may be
connected via a local communication channel (e.g. WiFi, Ethernet,
Power Line Networking, etc). In embodiments, each of the hubs
110-111 may establish a direct connection to the IoT service 120
through a cellular 115 or WiFi 116 connection (not explicitly shown
in FIG. 1B). Alternatively, or in addition, one of the IoT hubs
such as IoT hub 110 may act as a "master" hub which provides
connectivity and/or local services to all of the other IoT hubs on
the user premises 180, such as IoT hub 111 (as indicated by the
dotted line connecting IoT hub 110 and IoT hub 111). For example,
the master IoT hub 110 may be the only IoT hub to establish a
direct connection to the IoT service 120. In embodiments, only the
"master" IoT hub 110 is equipped with a cellular communication
interface to establish the connection to the IoT service 120. As
such, all communication between the IoT service 120 and the other
IoT hubs 111 will flow through the master IoT hub 110. In this
role, the master IoT hub 110 may be provided with additional
program code to perform filtering operations on the data exchanged
between the other IoT hubs 111 and IoT service 120 (e.g. servicing
some data requests locally when possible).
[0049] Regardless of how the IoT hubs 110-111 are connected, in
embodiments, the IoT service 120 will logically associate the hubs
with the user and combine all of the attached IoT devices 101-105
under a single comprehensive user interface, accessible via a user
device with the installed app 135 (and/or a browser-based
interface).
[0050] In embodiments, the master IoT hub 110 and one or more slave
IoT hubs 111 may connect over a local network which may be a WiFi
network 116, an Ethernet network, and/or a using power-line
communications (PLC) networking (e.g. where all or portions of the
network are run through the user's power lines). In addition, to
the IoT hubs 110-111, each of the IoT devices 101-105 may be
interconnected with the IoT hubs 110-111 using any type of local
network channel such as WiFi, Ethernet, PLC, or Bluetooth LE, to
name a few.
[0051] FIG. 1B also shows an IoT hub 190 installed at a second user
premises 181, in accordance with embodiments. A virtually unlimited
number of such IoT hubs 190 may be installed and configured to
collect data from IoT devices 191-192 at user premises around the
world. In embodiments, the two user premises 180-181 may be
configured for the same user. For example, one user premises 180
may be the user's primary home and the other user premises 181 may
be the user's vacation home. In such a case, the IoT service 120
will logically associate the IoT hubs 110-111, 190 with the user
and combine all of the attached IoT devices 101-105, 191-192 under
a single comprehensive user interface, accessible via a user device
with the installed app 135 (and/or a browser-based interface).
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of an IoT
device 101 includes a memory 210 for storing program code and data
201-203 and a low power microcontroller 200 for executing the
program code and processing the data. The memory 210 may be a
volatile memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or may
be a non-volatile memory such as Flash memory. In embodiments, a
non-volatile memory may be used for persistent storage and a
volatile memory may be used for execution of the program code and
data at runtime. Moreover, the memory 210 may be integrated within
the low power microcontroller 200 or may be coupled to the low
power microcontroller 200 via a bus or communication fabric. The
underlying principles of embodiments are not limited to any
particular implementation of the memory 210.
[0053] As illustrated, the program code may include application
program code 203 defining an application-specific set of functions
to be performed by the IoT device 201 and library code 202
comprising a set of predefined building blocks which may be
utilized by the application developer of the IoT device 101. In
embodiments, the library code 202 comprises a set of basic
functions required to implement an IoT device such as a
communication protocol stack 201 for enabling communication between
each IoT device 101 and the IoT hub 110. In embodiments, the
communication protocol stack 201 comprises a Bluetooth LE protocol
stack. In embodiments, Bluetooth LE radio and antenna 207 may be
integrated within the low power microcontroller 200. However, the
underlying principles of embodiments are not limited to any
particular communication protocol.
[0054] Embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2 may include a plurality of
input devices or sensors 210 to receive user input and provide the
user input to the low power microcontroller, which processes the
user input in accordance with the application code 203 and library
code 202. In embodiments, each of the input devices include an LED
209 to provide feedback to the end user.
[0055] Embodiments include a battery 208 for supplying power to the
low power microcontroller. In embodiments, a non-chargeable coin
cell battery may be used. In embodiments, an integrated
rechargeable battery may be used (e.g. rechargeable by connecting
the IoT device to an AC power supply).
[0056] A speaker 205 may be provided for generating audio. In
embodiments, the low power microcontroller 299 includes audio
decoding logic for decoding a compressed audio stream (e.g. such as
an MPEG-4/Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) stream) to generate audio on
the speaker 205. Alternatively, the low power microcontroller 200
and/or the application code/data 203 may include digitally sampled
snippets of audio to provide verbal feedback to the end user as the
user enters selections via the input devices 210.
[0057] In embodiments, one or more other/alternate I/O devices or
sensors 250 may be included on the IoT device 101 based on the
particular application for which the IoT device 101 is designed.
For example, an environmental sensor may be included to measure
temperature, pressure, humidity, etc. A security sensor and/or door
lock opener may be included if the IoT device is used as a security
device. Of course, these examples are provided merely for the
purposes of illustration. The underlying principles of embodiments
are not limited to any particular type of IoT device. In fact,
given the highly programmable nature of the low power
microcontroller 200 equipped with the library code 202, an
application developer may readily develop new application code 203
and new I/O devices 250 to interface with the low power
microcontroller for virtually any type of IoT application.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an example customer 308 interacting with
tagged merchandise 302, in accordance with embodiments of the
invention. In embodiments, a customer 308 may be in a fitting room
in a clothing store with IoT tagged merchandise 302. The customer
308 may be interfacing with a user interface 304. In this
illustrative example, in accordance with embodiments, the user
interface 304 is a mobile phone. However, in accordance with
embodiments, user interface 304 may be any user interface device or
system that a user can interact with while also physically
interfacing with the IoT tagged merchandise 302.
[0059] In example embodiments, rumors may have spread (e.g. social
media or other communications) that a celebrity has frequented a
given merchandiser. Based on the celebrity's association with the
given merchandiser, the store has been growing in popularity. The
store and brand lead for the given merchandiser suggest running a
promotion that builds off of the celebrity sighting. She suggests
that anyone who tries on the same blouse and skirt that the
celebrity was seen in should be given a 5% discount off their
entire order, as show in message 306 on user interface 304.
[0060] In embodiments, a store may be equipped with IoT sensors
within the dressing room. Through implementation of gamification
analysis, shoppers may be able to take advantage of the incentive
offers based on the tagged merchandise 302 that they bring with
them into the fitting room. A customer may be excited about an
incentive provided through gamification of their shopping
experience, in accordance with embodiments. For example, a customer
may hear the news and brings in the exact blouse and skirt into a
store. She tries on the skirt with the shirt she wore to the store
and nothing happens. No new offer sent to her phone. She puts on
the shirt while wearing the skirt and immediately gets a push
notification on her phone about the extra 5% discount.
[0061] In embodiments, a method is implemented in at least one of a
physical retail store, a grocery store, a warehouse, an auction, a
wholesaler, on a fishing boat, and/or any other environment where
the gamification of user's interactions with objects provide
utility, efficiency, and/or any other advantage.
[0062] In embodiments, a physical retail store may include fitting
rooms that include at least one virtual assistant. The at least one
virtual assistant may be, but are not limited to, a Watson
Assistant, an Amazon Echo, an Amazon Alexa, a Google home, an AI
system or service, or any other mechanism where the gamification of
user's interactions with objects provide utility, efficiency,
and/or any other advantage.
[0063] In embodiments, a tagged merchandise may be a RFID tag, a
bar code, an accelerometer, a Bluetooth device, a tagging system,
or any other physical object where the gamification of user's
interactions with the physical object provide utility, efficiency,
and/or any other advantage.
[0064] In embodiments, a merchandiser incentive is delivered to a
customer by a mobile device push notification, an email promotion,
a POS checkout coupon, a text message, a hand delivered promotional
code from a store associate, a notification to a customer after the
customer leaves a fitting room, a notification to a customer
getting in line to checkout, and/or any other delivery mechanism
that provides utility, efficiency, and/or any other advantage.
[0065] In embodiments, a merchandiser incentive is delivered to a
customer as an urgent delivery request based on a sensor event of
the at least one tagged merchandise. In embodiments, an urgent
delivery request promotes an increase in a number of items of the
plurality of tagged items with the at least one customer
immediately prior to the at least one customer checking out.
[0066] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an example generated merchandiser
incentive, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0067] In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, a customer 308 may hear
rumors that if the customer 308 tries on twenty items at a certain
store they will get a free holiday sweater. The customer 308 grabs
twenty items 302 off the nearest rack and brings them into a
fitting room. But the customer 308 does not receive an offer. The
customer 308 tries on one of the items and nothing happens. The
customer 308 tries on another item 302, but this time, based on
gamification analysis, the customer 308 gets a push notification
310 on her 304 phone that says "Shh, if you try on 20 items you'll
get a free holiday sweater. You've tried on 2, 18 to go".
[0068] In embodiments, the customer 308, based on gamification
analysis may not realize the system was smart enough to know when
the customer 308 had tried on the items 302 or the customer 308 had
just brought the items 302 into the changing room. The customer 308
tries just throwing items 302 in the air in an attempt to activate
accelerometers in the IoT tagged merchandise 302. In embodiments,
gamification analysis may determine the difference between items
302 being tried on versus just thrown in the air or other attempt
to circumvent the incentive requirements. In embodiments, through
gamification analysis, a customer 308 may realize that the
incentive cannot be easily circumvented or cheated and therefore
actually trying items 302 on (e.g. thus promoting sales). Such
gamification analysis may prompt the customer 308 to interface with
a store associate to bring the customer 308 some things that the
customer 308 actually can fit into, thus allowing the store
associate to be helpful in promoting sales without presuming an
uncomfortable role as a pusher.
[0069] As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 5, after
trying on the 20th item the customer 308 receives the notification
312 on a user interface 304 that the customer 308 has gotten the
free holiday sweater. Hopefully, in embodiments, the customer also
unexpectedly liked a few things they did not plan on purchasing and
goes ahead and buys them, thus increasing both consumer and
retailer experiences.
[0070] As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 6, a
customer 308 may try on an item of clothing 302 and be satisfied
with the selection which causes the customer to express their
excitement. For example, in embodiments, customer excitement may be
determined based on physical sensing motions of the customer (e.g.
jumping up and down), facial expressions, vocal utterances, body
language, or any other interaction with the tagged items 302 that
is useful input data in gamification analysis. Based on
gamification analysis, in accordance with embodiments, the customer
may receive an alert 314 on the user interface 304 stating "We're
excited you're excited, enjoy $5 off today only". Alternatively, a
promotional and offer messaging may be modified to include
information about the merchandise. For example, in the case of the
excited shopper, the offer might say "We're excited you love our
jackets, enjoy $5 off today only." This would be possible as the
IoT sensor data can share with the server information about the
merchandise currently engaged with by the customer.
[0071] FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of generating a merchandiser incentive to be transmitted to a user
interface based on gamification analysis, in accordance with
embodiments of the invention. In step 316, a process may determine
presence of at least one tagged merchandise in possession of at
least one customer. After step 316, at step 318, activities of the
at least one customer with the at least one tagged merchandise may
be monitored. After step 318, at step 320, gamification analysis
may be conducted of activities. After step 320, at decision 322, it
may be determined based on gamification analysis if a merchandiser
incentive will be offer to a customer. If at decision 322 it is
determined that a merchandiser incentive will not be offered, then
the process may return to step 316. If at decision 322 it is
determined through gamification analysis that a merchandiser
incentive will be offered to a customer, then at step 324
generating at least one merchandiser incentive to be transmitted to
a user interface. In embodiments, disclosed step and/or decisions
may be omitted, modified, include sub-steps to implement
gamification analysis in relation to activating with tagged IoT
devices.
[0072] Embodiments relate to a method of providing at least one
merchandiser incentive to at least one customer by generating a
modified GUI. Embodiments may include determining the presence of
at least one tagged merchandise in possession of the at least one
customer. Embodiments may include monitoring activities of the at
least one customer with the at least one tagged merchandise.
Embodiments may include, based on a gamification analysis of the
activities of the at least one customer, generating the at least
one merchandiser incentive to be transmitted to a user
interface.
[0073] In embodiments, gamification analysis includes, but is not
limited to, analysis of a predicted response of a user to at least
one of game design elements, game principles, or player centered
design that may be added to non-game contexts by addition of the at
least one merchandiser incentive to a user interface.
[0074] In embodiments, gamification analysis includes employment of
the game design elements that are predicted to increase the at
least one customer's engagement with the at least one tagged
merchandise in relation to the at least one merchandiser
incentive.
[0075] In embodiments, gamification analysis includes leveraging
the at least one customer's predicted desires to generate a user
interface. In some embodiments and scenarios, content used to
generate the user interface is selected based on the at least one
customer's predicted desires for at least one of socializing,
learning, mastery, competition, achievement, status,
self-expression, altruism, closure, or the at least one customer's
response to the framing of a gamified situation. In some
embodiments, content used to manipulate a user interface (e.g. a
modified GUI) is selected based on a matching between the at least
one merchandiser incentive and the at least one customer's
predicted desires.
[0076] For example, a customer may walk through a clothing store
and touch several sweaters on display. Gamification analysis, in
accordance with embodiments, may associate this touching of
sweaters (e.g. sensed by IoT devices) as a customer's desire to buy
a sweater. Based on the gamification analysis, a merchandiser
incentive may be generated that offers a discount for trying on a
certain number of sweaters. Since the customer is presumably
browsing sweaters in a store because they are open minded about
buying a sweater, it may be deduced by gamification analysis that
the customer will both try on sweaters and may purchase at least
one of them.
[0077] In embodiments, gamification analysis includes determining a
reward to present to the at least one customer along with or
including the at least one merchandiser incentive for accomplishing
tasks. In some embodiments, the reward is determined, in part,
based on a prediction of incentivizing competition between a
plurality of customers in relation to the at least one merchandiser
incentive.
[0078] In embodiments, gamification analysis includes selecting
rewards for the accomplishing tasks, which can be made visible to a
plurality of the plurality of customers to encourage the at least
one customer to compete in relation to the at least one
merchandiser incentive.
[0079] In embodiments, gamification analysis includes selecting one
or more incentives that are predicted to encourage the at least one
customer to complete quests. In some embodiments, a given quest is
determined to be completed by the performance of one or more sets
of activities in relation to the at least one merchandiser
incentive.
[0080] In embodiments, at least one tagged merchandise comprises at
least one IoT device. In embodiments, tagged merchandise may
include at least one sensor configured to sense a type of
interaction the at least one customer has with the at least one
tagged merchandise to make a determination of a qualifying event or
a non-qualifying event. In embodiments, the at least one senor
comprises at least one accelerometer.
[0081] FIGS. 8A and 8B are flow charts that illustrate example
processes of generating merchandizer incentives to be transmitted
to a user interface based on gamification analysis of customer
interaction with tagged merchandise, in accordance with embodiments
of the invention.
[0082] As illustrated in example flow chart FIG. 8A, in
embodiments, in response to the qualifying event or in combination
with other qualifying events associated with the at least one
tagged merchandise, generating the at least one merchandiser
incentive to be transmitted to a user interface. At step 326,
presence of clothing in possession of a customer may be detected.
After step 326, at step 328, activities of the customer with the
clothing may be monitored. After step 328, at step 330,
gamification analysis of activities to determine if the customer
tried on the clothing may be conducted. After step 330, at decision
332, it may be determined if the customer tried on the clothing. If
at decision 332 it is determined that the customer did not try on
the clothing, the process returns to step 326. If at decision 332
it is determined that that customer did try on the clothing, then
the process proceeds to step 334 with at least one merchandiser
incentive being generated to be transmitted to a user interface. In
embodiments, disclosed step and/or decisions may be omitted,
modified, include sub-steps to implement gamification analysis.
[0083] In embodiments, a method is implemented in a clothing store.
At least one tagged merchandise may be clothing. In embodiments, a
method includes making a determination of the qualifying event if
the type of interaction between the at least one customer and the
at least one tagged merchandise is the at least one customer trying
on the at least one tagged merchandise.
[0084] As illustrated in example flow chart FIG. 8B, in
embodiments, making a determination of the non-qualifying event if
the type of interaction between the at least one customer and the
at least one tagged merchandise is not the customer trying on the
tagged merchandise. In embodiments, in response to the
non-qualifying event refraining from generating the merchandiser
incentive to be transmitted to a user interface, in accordance with
embodiments.
[0085] For example, at step 326, presence of clothing in possession
of a customer may be determined. After step 326, at step 328,
activities of the customer may be monitored. After step 328, at
step 330, gamification analysis of activities to determine if the
customer tried on the clothing is conducted. After step 330, at
decision 332, it may be determined if the customer tried on the
clothing. If at decision 336 it is determined that a customer did
try on the clothing, then the process may return to step 326. If at
decision 336 it is determined that the customer did not try on the
clothing, then the process continues to step 338 where at least one
merchandiser incentive is generated. In embodiments, disclosed step
and/or decisions may be omitted, modified, include sub-steps to
implement gamification analysis.
[0086] In embodiments, the types of interactions at least one
customer has with at least one tagged merchandise as the qualifying
event may include spinning, jumping up and down, human motion
associated with a consumer preference, and/or any other interaction
which provides data for a gamification analysis.
[0087] In embodiments, the types of interactions at least one
customer has with at least one tagged merchandise as the
non-qualifying event includes an attempt to cheat the system, the
at least one tagged merchandise includes clothing and the
non-qualifying event comprising throwing the clothing up in the
air, and/or any other human motion associated with a consumer
preference that may be used in gamification analysis.
[0088] FIG. 9 is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of transmitting an updated merchandiser incentive to a user
interface if preconditions have been met, in accordance with
embodiments. For example, at step 340, it may be determined if a
customer has rejected an offer included in a merchandiser
incentive. After step 340, at decision 342, it may be determined if
a set of prerequisites have been met. If at decision 342 it is
determined that a set of prerequisites have not been met, then the
process may end. If at decision 342 it is determined that the set
of prerequisites have been met, then the process may continue to
step 344 to transmit to the customer an updated merchandiser
incentive with a modified offer. In embodiments, disclosed step
and/or decisions may be omitted, modified, include sub-steps to
implement gamification analysis.
[0089] In embodiments, at least one merchandiser incentive is
generated based on attributes including historical purchases made
by the at least one customer, a determination of whether the at
least one customer viewed a price of the at least one tagged
merchandise, changes in one or both of facial expression and body
language of the at least one customer, a multi-part event that if
engaged by the at least one customer will result in the at least
one merchandiser incentive, and/or any other data that may be used
in gamification analysis.
[0090] FIG. 10A is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of generated updated merchandiser incentives if a customer has
rejected an original merchandiser incentive, in accordance with
embodiments. For example, at step 346, at least one merchandiser
incentive to be transmitted to a user interface may be generated
based on gamification analysis of activities. After step 346, at
decision 348, it may be determined if a customer has rejected a
merchandiser incentive at a user interface. If at decision 348 it
is determined that a customer has not rejected a merchandiser
incentive at a user interface, then the process may end. If at
decision 348 it is determined that a customer has rejected a
merchandiser incentive at a user interface, then the process may
continue to step 350 to generate an updated merchandiser incentive.
In embodiments, disclosed steps and/or decisions may be omitted,
modified, include sub-steps to implement gamification analysis.
[0091] FIG. 10B is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of generating updated merchandiser incentives if a customer has
rejected an original merchandiser incentive at a user interface, in
accordance with embodiments. For example, at step 346, at least one
merchandiser incentive may be generated based on gamification
analysis of activities. After step 346, at decision 352, it may be
determined if a customer has rejected a merchandiser incentive at a
user interface. If at decision 348 it is determined that a customer
has not rejected a merchandiser incentive at a user interface, then
the process may return back to step 346. If at decision 352 it is
determined that a customer has rejected a merchandiser incentive at
a user interface, then the process may continue to step 354 to
generate an updated merchandiser incentive. In embodiments,
disclosed steps and/or decisions may be omitted, modified, include
sub-steps to implement gamification analysis.
[0092] In embodiments, a method may include determining that the
customer has rejected an offer included in the merchandiser
incentive at a user interface. Responsive to a set of prerequisites
being met, a method may generate an updated merchandiser incentive
with a modified offer to be transmitted to a user interface. In
embodiments, a method may transmit to a user interface of the
customer the updated merchandiser incentive with the modified
offer.
[0093] FIG. 10C is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of generating updated merchandiser incentives if a customer has
rejected an original merchandiser incentive at a user interface, in
accordance with embodiments. For example, at step 346, at least one
merchandiser incentive may be generated based on gamification
analysis of activities. After step 346, at decision 356, it may be
determined if a customer has rejected a merchandiser incentive at a
user interface. If at decision 348 it is determined that a customer
has not rejected a merchandiser incentive, then the process may
return back to step 346. If at decision 356 it is determined that a
customer has rejected a merchandiser incentive, then the process
may continue to step 358 to generate an updated merchandiser
incentive to be transmitted to a user interface. After step 358, at
decision 360 it may be determined if the customer has rejected an
updated merchandiser incentive at a user interface. If at decision
360 it is determined that a customer has rejected an updated
merchandiser incentive, then the process may proceed back to step
346. If at decision 360 it is determined that a customer has not
rejected the updated merchandiser incentive, then the process may
end. In embodiments, disclosed steps and/or decisions may be
omitted, modified, include sub-steps to implement gamification
analysis.
[0094] FIG. 10D is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of generating updated merchandiser incentives if a customer has
rejected an original merchandiser incentive at a user interface, in
accordance with embodiments. For example, at step 346, at least one
merchandiser incentive may be generated based on gamification
analysis of activities. After step 346, at decision 356, it may be
determined if a customer has rejected a merchandiser incentive at a
user interface. If at decision 348 it is determined that a customer
has not rejected a merchandiser incentive at a user interface, then
the process may return back to step 346. If at decision 356 it is
determined that a customer has rejected a merchandiser incentive at
a user interface, then the process may continue to step 358 to
generate an updated merchandiser incentive. After step 358, at
decision 362 it may be determined if the customer has rejected an
updated merchandiser incentive at a user interface. If at decision
362 it is determined that a customer has not rejected an updated
merchandiser incentive at a user interface, then the process may
proceed back to step 346. If at decision 362 it is determined that
a customer has rejected the updated merchandiser incentive at a
user interface, then the process may end. In embodiments, disclosed
step and/or decisions may be omitted, modified, include sub-steps
to implement gamification analysis.
[0095] FIG. 10E is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of generating updated merchandiser incentives if a customer has
rejected an original merchandiser incentive, in accordance with
embodiments. For example, at step 346, at least one merchandiser
incentive may be generated based on gamification analysis of
activities. After step 346, at decision 356, it may be determined
if a customer has rejected a merchandiser incentive. If at decision
356 it is determined that a customer has not rejected a
merchandiser incentive at a user interface, then the process may
return back to step 346. If at decision 356 it is determined that a
customer has rejected a merchandiser incentive at a user interface,
then the process may continue to step 358 to generate an updated
merchandiser incentive at a user interface. After step 358, at
decision 364 it may be determined if the customer has rejected an
updated merchandiser incentive at a user interface. If at decision
364 it is determined that a customer has not rejected an updated
merchandiser incentive at a user interface, then the process may
proceed back to step 358. If at decision 364 it is determined that
a customer has not rejected the updated merchandiser incentive,
then the process may proceed back to step 346. In embodiments,
disclosed steps and/or decisions may be omitted, modified, include
sub-steps to implement gamification analysis.
[0096] FIG. 11 is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of associating tagged merchandise with a customer, in accordance
with embodiments. At step 366, the presence of tagged merchandise
in possession of a customer may be determined. After step 366, at
step 368, the tagged merchandise may be associated with the
customer. After step 368, at step 370, data about the tagged
merchandise and/or the customer may be collected. In embodiments,
disclosed step and/or decisions may be omitted, modified, include
sub-steps to implement gamification analysis.
[0097] In embodiments, in response to a customer bringing tagged
merchandise into a merchandise sampling area, recognizing the
presence of the tagged merchandise in the merchandise sampling
area. In embodiments, in response to the customer interacting with
the tagged merchandise, associating the tagged merchandise to the
at least one customer. Embodiments relate to collecting data about
at least one of the customer or the tagged merchandise.
[0098] In embodiments, a merchandise sampling area is a fitting
room. In embodiments, the merchandise sampling area is for at least
one of clothing, footwear, accessories, jewelry, eyewear, headwear,
consumer electronics, wearable electronics, and/or any other
merchandise where a gamification analysis can be conducted to
optimize a connection between a customer and a merchandiser.
[0099] In embodiments, a merchandise sampling area is at least one
of a retail display, a provisioning center, a virtual store, a
computing device, a virtual reality device, and/or any other
situation, circumstance, and/or device that allows a customer to
interact with an object.
[0100] In embodiments, a method collects data for gamification
analysis on how long the at least one customer interacts with the
at least one tagged merchandise. In embodiments, a method collects
data for gamification analysis on a number of items of the at least
one tagged merchandise. In embodiments, a method collects data for
gamification analysis on combinations of items sampled together of
the at least one tagged merchandise. In embodiments, a method
collects data for gamification analysis on a number of people in
the merchandise sampling area. In embodiments, a method collects
data for gamification analysis on at least one category of the at
least one tagged merchandise. In embodiments, a method collects
data for gamification analysis on items of the at least one tagged
merchandise that are sampled. In embodiments, a method collects
data for gamification analysis on items of the at least one tagged
merchandise that are rejected by the at least one customer. In
embodiments, a method collects data for gamification analysis on
items of the at least one tagged merchandise that are returned to a
retail associate. In embodiments, a method collects data for
gamification analysis on requests by the at least one customer for
different sizes, colors, or attributes of the at least one tagged
merchandise. In embodiments, a method collects data for
gamification analysis on a value of the at least one tagged
merchandise. In embodiments, a method collects data for
gamification analysis on movement of the at least one tagged
merchandise.
[0101] In embodiments, items of the at least one tagged merchandise
that are sample are qualified as being sampled if the at least one
customer interacts with the at least one tagged merchandise more
than a predetermined amount of time.
[0102] In embodiments, at least one tagged merchandise is tracked
to determine at least one of sizes, colors, or other attributes
requested by the at least one customer compared to the items first
brought into the merchandise sampling area.
[0103] FIG. 12A is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of increasing the value of a merchandiser incentive based on
gamification analysis, in accordance with embodiments. At step 372,
gamification analysis of activities may be conducted. After step
372, at decision 374, a merchandiser incentive may be determined.
If at decision 374 a merchandiser incentive has not been
determined, then the process proceeds back to step 372. If at
decision 374 a merchandiser incentive is determined, then the
process proceeds to step 376. At step 376, at least one
merchandiser incentive is generated to be transmitted to a user
interface. After step 376, at decision 378, it may be determined if
a value of the merchandiser incentive should be increased based on
gamification analysis. If it is determined at decision 378 that a
value of a merchandiser incentive should increase, then the process
continues to step 380 where the value of at least one merchandiser
incentive is increased. If it is determined at decision 378 that a
value of a merchandiser incentive should not increase, then the
process may end. In embodiments, disclosed step and/or decisions
may be omitted, modified, include sub-steps to implement
gamification analysis.
[0104] FIG. 12B is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of decreasing the value of a merchandiser incentive based on
gamification analysis, in accordance with embodiments. At step 372,
gamification analysis of activities may be conducted. After step
372, at decision 374, a merchandiser incentive may be determined.
If at decision 374 a merchandiser incentive has not been
determined, then the process proceeds back to step 372. If at
decision 374 a merchandiser incentive is determined, then the
process proceeds to step 376. At step 376, at least one
merchandiser incentive is generated. After step 376, at decision
382, it may be determined if a value of the merchandiser incentive
should be decreased based on gamification analysis. If it is
determined at decision 382 that a value of a merchandiser incentive
should decrease, then the process continues to step 384 where the
value of at least one merchandiser incentive is decreased. If it is
determined at decision 382 that a value of a merchandiser incentive
should not increase, then the process may end. In embodiments,
disclosed step and/or decisions may be omitted, modified, include
sub-steps to implement gamification analysis.
[0105] In embodiments, a method includes providing at least one
merchandiser incentive to the at least one customer at a user
interface includes associating at least one sensor event of the at
least one tagged merchandise with an adjustment in a promotional
value of the at least one merchandiser incentive.
[0106] In embodiments, an adjustment may include increasing the
promotional value in response to the at least one sensor event. In
embodiments, an adjustment may include decreasing the promotional
value in response to the at least one sensor event. In embodiments,
an adjustment may include unlocking discounts in response to the at
lease one sensor event.
[0107] In embodiments, a method may include increasing the
promotional value including offering a discount to the at least one
customer if the at least one customer samples a predetermined
number or a dynamically determined number of items of the at least
one tagged merchandise.
[0108] In embodiments, an adjustment may be based on correlation of
at least one non-sensor event. In embodiments, a non-sensor event
may include holidays, manufacturer discounts, position of
merchandise in a season cycle, time of day, supply chain
considerations, sales history, amount of time that merchandise has
been in inventory, and/or any other non-sensor event that may be
used in gamification analysis.
[0109] FIG. 13 is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of unlocking of discounts on a merchandiser incentive based on
gamification analysis, in accordance with embodiments. At step 386,
gamification analysis of activities may be conducted. After step
386, at decision 388, it may be determined if a merchandiser
incentive is to be generated. If at decision 388 it is determined
that a merchandiser incentive is not to be generated, then the
process proceeds back to step 386. If at decision 388 it is
determined that the merchandiser incentive is to be generated, then
the process continues to step 390 where a merchandiser incentive is
generated to be sent to a user interface. After step 390, at
decision 392, based on gamification analysis, it may be determined
if discounts for merchandiser incentives are to be unlocked. If at
decision 392 it is determined that merchandiser incentives are to
be unlocked, then the process continues to step 394 where
merchandiser incentives are unlocked to be sent to a user
interface. If at decision 382 it is determined that merchandiser
incentives are not to be unlocked, then the process may end. In
embodiments, disclosed step and/or decisions may be omitted,
modified, include sub-steps to implement gamification analysis.
[0110] FIG. 14 is a flow chart that illustrates an example process
of prohibiting discounts on a merchandiser incentive based on
gamification analysis, in accordance with embodiments. At step 386,
gamification analysis of activities may be conducted. After step
386, at decision 388, it may be determined if a merchandiser
incentive is to be generated. If at decision 388 it is determined
that a merchandiser incentive is not to be generated, then the
process proceeds back to step 386. If at decision 388 it is
determined that the merchandiser incentive is to be generated, then
the process continues to decision 396. At decision 396, it may be
determined based on gamification analysis of discounts on
merchandiser incentives should be prohibited from being sent to a
user interface. If at decision 396 it is determined that
merchandiser incentives are to be prohibited from being sent to a
user interface, then the process ends. If at decision 396 it is
determined that merchandiser incentives are not to be prohibited
from being sent to a user interface, then the process continues to
step 398 where at least one merchandiser incentive is generated. In
embodiments, disclosed step and/or decisions may be omitted,
modified, include sub-steps to implement gamification analysis.
[0111] In embodiments, a decreasing the promotional value comprises
prohibiting discounts from being sent to a user interface if the
total value of the merchandise in the merchandise is below a
predetermined value or dynamically set value.
[0112] In embodiments, an unlocking of discounts comprises
increasing the promotional value when a first merchandise item of
the at least one tagged merchandise is sampled with a second
merchandise item of the at least one tagged merchandise.
[0113] Embodiments relate to providing the at least one
merchandiser incentive includes sending a notification to a user
interface of a promotion to the at least one customer if the value
of the at least one tagged merchandise exceeds a predetermined
amount.
[0114] FIG. 15 depicts a cloud computing environment according to
embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that
although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud
computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not
limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of
the present invention are capable of being implemented in
conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known
or later developed.
[0115] Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling
convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of
configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, network
bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications,
virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and
released with minimal management effort or interaction with a
provider of the service. This cloud model may include at least five
characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four
deployment models.
[0116] Characteristics are as follows:
[0117] On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally
provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network
storage, as needed automatically without requiring human
interaction with the service's provider.
[0118] Broad network access: capabilities are available over a
network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use
by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile
phones, laptops, and PDAs).
[0119] Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are
pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with
different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and
reassigned according to demand. There is a sense of location
independence in that the consumer generally has no control or
knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may
be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g.,
country, state, or datacenter).
[0120] Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and
elastically provisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly
scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. To the
consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear
to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any
time.
[0121] Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and
optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some
level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g.,
storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource
usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, providing
transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized
service.
[0122] Service Models are as follows:
[0123] Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the
consumer is to use the provider's applications running on a cloud
infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client
devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser
(e.g., web-based email). The consumer does not manage or control
the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers,
operating systems, storage, or even individual application
capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific
application configuration settings.
[0124] Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the
consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure
consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming
languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does
not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including
networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control
over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting
environment configurations.
[0125] Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided
to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and
other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to
deploy and run software, which can include operating systems and
applications. The consumer does not manage or control the
underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating
systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited
control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).
[0126] Deployment Models are as follows:
[0127] Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely
for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a
third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. Community
cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations
and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g.,
mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance
considerations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third
party and may exist on-premises or off-premises.
[0128] Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to
the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an
organization selling cloud services.
[0129] Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of
two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain
unique entities but are bound together by standardized or
proprietary technology that enables data and application
portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between
clouds).
[0130] A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a
focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic
interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an
infrastructure that includes a network of interconnected nodes.
[0131] Referring now to FIG. 15, illustrative cloud computing
environment 51 is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment
51 includes one or more cloud computing nodes 11 with which local
computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example,
personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone 54A, desktop
computer 54B, laptop computer 54C, and/or automobile computer
system 54N may communicate. Nodes 11 may communicate with one
another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually,
in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or
Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof.
This allows cloud computing environment 51 to offer infrastructure,
platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer
does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It
is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shown in
FIG. 15 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing
nodes 10 and cloud computing environment 51 can communicate with
any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or
network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).
[0132] Referring now to FIG. 16, a set of functional abstraction
layers provided by cloud computing environment 51 (FIG. 15) is
shown. It should be understood in advance that the components,
layers, and functions shown in FIG. 16 are intended to be
illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited
thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding
functions are provided:
[0133] Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and
software components. Examples of hardware components include:
mainframes 61; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture
based servers 62; servers 63; blade servers 64; storage devices 65;
and networks and networking components 66. In some embodiments,
software components include network application server software 67
and database software 68.
[0134] Virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from
which the following examples of virtual entities may be provided:
virtual servers 71; virtual storage 72; virtual networks 73,
including virtual private networks; virtual applications and
operating systems 74; and virtual clients 75.
[0135] In one example, management layer 80 may provide the
functions described below. Resource provisioning 81 provides
dynamic procurement of computing resources and other resources that
are utilized to perform tasks within the cloud computing
environment. Metering and Pricing 82 provide cost tracking as
resources are utilized within the cloud computing environment, and
billing or invoicing for consumption of these resources. In one
example, these resources may include application software licenses.
Security provides identity verification for cloud consumers and
tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources. User
portal 83 provides access to the cloud computing environment for
consumers and system administrators. Service level management 84
provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such
that required service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA)
planning and fulfillment 85 provide pre-arrangement for, and
procurement of, cloud computing resources for which a future
requirement is anticipated in accordance with an SLA.
[0136] Workloads layer 90 provides examples of functionality for
which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of
workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer
include: mapping and navigation 91; software development and
lifecycle management 92; virtual classroom education delivery 93;
data analytics processing 94; transaction processing 95; and
generating at least one merchandiser incentive based on
gamification analysis of the activities of at least one customer
96.
[0137] FIG. 17 illustrates a computer system 1090 used for
implementing the methods of the present invention. The computer
system 1090 includes a processor 1091, an input device 1092 coupled
to the processor 1091, an output device 1093 coupled to the
processor 1091, and memory devices 1094 and 1095 each coupled to
the processor 1091. The input device 1092 may be, inter alia, a
keyboard, a mouse, etc. The output device 1093 may be, inter alia,
a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a
removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 1094
and 1095 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic
tape, an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital
video disc (DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a
read-only memory (ROM), etc. The memory device 1095 includes a
computer code 1097 which is a computer program that includes
computer-executable instructions. The computer code 1097 includes
software or program instructions that may implement an algorithm
for implementing methods of embodiments of the present invention.
The processor 1091 executes the computer code 1097. The memory
device 1094 includes input data 1096. The input data 1096 includes
input required by the computer code 1097. The output device 1093
displays output from the computer code 1097. Either or both memory
devices 1094 and 1095 (or one or more additional memory devices not
shown in FIG. 17) may be used as a computer usable storage medium
(or program storage device) having a computer readable program
embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein
the computer readable program includes the computer code 1097.
Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an
article of manufacture) of the computer system 1090 may include the
computer usable storage medium (or said program storage
device).
[0138] The processor 1091 may represent one or more processors. The
memory device 1094 and/or the memory device 1095 may represent one
or more computer readable hardware storage devices and/or one or
more memories.
[0139] Thus embodiments of the present invention discloses a
process for supporting, deploying and/or integrating computer
infrastructure, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and deploying
computer-readable code into the computer system 1090, wherein the
code in combination with the computer system 1090 is capable of
implementing the methods of embodiments of the present
invention.
[0140] While FIG. 17 shows the computer system 1090 as a particular
configuration of hardware and software, any configuration of
hardware and software, as would be known to a person of ordinary
skill in the art, may be utilized for the purposes stated supra in
conjunction with the particular computer system 1090 of FIG. 17.
For example, the memory devices 1094 and 1095 may be portions of a
single memory device rather than separate memory devices.
[0141] The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a
computer program product at any possible technical detail level of
integration. The computer program product may include a computer
readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program
instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects
of the present invention.
[0142] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible
device that can retain and store instructions for use by an
instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium
may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage
device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an
electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium
includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static
random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a
floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or
raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon,
and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable
storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being
transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely
propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves
propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g.,
light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical
signals transmitted through a wire.
[0143] Computer readable program instructions described herein can
be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a
computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or
external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical
transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,
switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter
card or network interface in each computing/processing device
receives computer readable program instructions from the network
and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage
in a computer readable storage medium within the respective
computing/processing device.
[0144] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out
operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions,
instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine
instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware
instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated
circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any
combination of one or more programming languages, including an
object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the
like, and procedural programming languages, such as the "C"
programming language or similar programming languages. The computer
readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's
computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software
package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote
computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the
latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's
computer through any type of network, including a local area
network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may
be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet
using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments,
electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic
circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable
logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program
instructions by utilizing state information of the computer
readable program instructions to personalize the electronic
circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present
invention.
[0145] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products
according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable
program instructions.
[0146] These computer readable program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via
the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in
a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a
programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable
storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an
article of manufacture including instructions which implement
aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block
diagram block or blocks.
[0147] The computer readable program instructions may also be
loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing
apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps
to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or
other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that
the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable
apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0148] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified
logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in
the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of
the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can
be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that
perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations
of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0149] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this
regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent
a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified
logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in
the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of
the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can
be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that
perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations
of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0150] A computer program product of embodiments may include one or
more computer readable hardware storage devices having computer
readable program code stored therein, said program code containing
instructions executable by one or more processors of a computing
system (or computer system) to implement the methods of the present
invention.
[0151] A computing system (or computer system) of embodiments may
include one or more processors, one or more memories, and one or
more computer readable hardware storage devices, said one or more
hardware storage devices containing program code executable by the
one or more processors via the one or more memories to implement
the methods of embodiments.
[0152] In embodiments, the computer or computer system may be or
include a special-purpose computer or machine that comprises
specialized, non-generic hardware and circuitry (i.e., specialized
discrete non-generic analog, digital, and logic based circuitry)
for (independently or in combination) particularized for executing
only methods of the present invention. The specialized discrete
non-generic analog, digital, and logic based circuitry may include
proprietary specially designed components (e.g., a specialized
integrated circuit, such as for example an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC), designed for only implementing methods
of the present invention).
[0153] In embodiments, predicting resource availability in a given
time period by leveraging profile data may be implemented using
special purpose algorithms. For example, a special purpose
algorithm may be implemented to analyze historical user of a
resource, determine that factors are predictors of use of the
resource by users, and/or predicting that there is a statistical
likelihood that one or more users will use the resource during a
period of time.
[0154] The descriptions of the various embodiments have been
presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be
exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many
modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the
described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to
best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical
application or technical improvement over technologies found in the
marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to
understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
* * * * *