System and method for providing data using audio

Systems and methods for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio utilize: a central server in communication with a database storing store-related data; a display unit for displaying information; an audio transmitter that is configured to transmit an audio signal to a designated area within the physical store; and a mobile device associated with the individual. An audio signal is transmitted to the designated area. The mobile device receives and processes the transmitted audio signal and initiates a communication between the mobile device and the central server based thereon. The communication can include initializing a communication channel between the mobile device and the central server and/or the central server communicating store-related data to the mobile device in response to a request for the same. In one embodiment and implementation, the central server communicates requested store-related data to the mobile device and the display unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to systems and methods for communicating data to an individual within a physical store. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method in which audio is utilized to initiate communication between a mobile device located within a physical store and a store-related entity and facilitate transmission of store-related data to an individual.

BACKGROUND

Retailers, including grocery stores, commonly attempt to engage customers entering a physical store through digital means, such as through a retailer-based application installed on a customer's mobile device, to promote brand awareness and customer loyalty. These applications typically provide various features and functionalities which, when used, enable customers to access information about the products within the store or the retailer, digital coupons, promotions, or other information relating to the retailer. As these applications can be hosted on an individual's personal mobile device, they can also help to reduce the extent individuals must engage with devices or materials in which others may have touched to retrieve such information. In this regard, the use of such applications can also help to reduce the spread of germs or disease. The use of such retailer-based applications can thus improve or enhance a customer's in-store shopping experience. Often times, however, such applications go unutilized or underutilized as a result of forgetting to utilize the application while shopping in-store, causing customers to miss out on valuable information or offers which can reduce costs and save them money.

Accordingly, systems and methods that provide for improved distribution of information to individuals within a physical store would be both highly desirable and beneficial.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to systems and methods for communicating data to an individual within a physical store. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method in which communication between a mobile device and a central server associated with a store is initiated in response to the mobile device receiving an audio signal in a designated area of the store.

In an exemplary embodiment, a system for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio includes: a central server that is operably connected to (in communication with) a database storing store-related data; a display unit for displaying information to the individual; an audio transmitter that is configured to transmit an audio signal to a designated area within the physical store; and a mobile device associated with the individual. The mobile device is in communication with the central server via a software application installed on the mobile device and includes a microphone for receiving the audio signal while the mobile device is located in the designated area. To avoid disrupting the shopping experience of individuals located within the physical store, the audio signal is preferably at an inaudible sound frequency, which can be detected by the microphone of the mobile device, but not heard by humans.

When received and processed by the mobile device, the audio signal initiates a communication between the mobile device and the central server. The type of communication initiated may vary depending on the nature of the audio signal received and processed by the mobile device. In one embodiment, the communication initiated by the audio signal includes initializing a communication channel between the mobile device and the central computer through which additional information can be subsequently exchanged. Once the communication channel is established, the mobile device can transmit requests for store-related data in response to the individual associated with the mobile device making selections or otherwise interacting with an interface presented on the mobile device by the software application. In another embodiment, the communication initiated by the audio signal includes the mobile device transmitting a request for store-related data in response to receiving the audio signal and the central server communicating the requested store-related data to the mobile device. In some embodiments, the central server may be configured to end the communication in response to the mobile device being positioned outside of the designated area.

In some embodiments, the display unit is in communication with the central server and includes a display for displaying information received from the central server. In some embodiments, the central server is configured to transmit data retrieved from the database in response to a request transmitted from the mobile device to both the mobile device and the display unit for display thereon. In one such embodiment, the store-related data communicated to the mobile device is different from the store-related data communicated to the display unit.

In some embodiments, the system includes a plurality of audio transmitters, a plurality of display units, and/or a plurality of mobile devices.

In an exemplary implementation of a method for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio, an audio signal is transmitted to a designated area within a physical store located proximate to a display unit for displaying information to the individual. The audio signal is received and processed by a mobile device, which subsequently initiates a communication between the mobile device and a central server based on the audio signal, where the central server is in communication with a database storing store-related data.

In some implementations, the communication between the mobile device and the central server includes initializing a communication channel between the mobile device and the central server through which store-related data can be communicated to the mobile device. In one such implementation, the exemplary method for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio may further include the mobile device transmitting requests for store-related data in response to the individual associated with the mobile device making a selection or otherwise interacting with an interface presented on the mobile device.

In some implementations, the exemplary method for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio may further include the mobile device transmitting a request for store-related data stored in the database and the central server communicating the requested store-related data to the mobile device.

In some implementations, the exemplary method for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio may further include ending the communication between the mobile device and the central server in response to the mobile device being positioned outside of the designated area.

In some implementations, the exemplary method for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio may further include the mobile device initiating a communication between the display unit and the central server.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of the description, figures, and non-limiting examples in this document.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to systems and methods for communicating data to an individual within a physical store, such as a grocery store. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method in which audio is utilized to initiate communication between a mobile device located within a physical store and a store-related entity and facilitate the transmission of store-related data to an individual.

Referring first toFIGS.1and2A-2B, in one exemplary embodiment of a system for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio100(or system100), the system100comprises a central server10that is operably connected to (in communication with) a database20storing store-related data; a display unit40for displaying information to the individual; an audio transmitter30configured to transmit an audio signal to a designated area70(as indicated by the broken lines inFIGS.2A and2B) within the physical store; and a mobile device50, which is associated with the individual. The mobile device50is in communication with the central server10, such that information can be selectively communicated between the mobile device50and the central server10via a software application56installed on the mobile device50. The audio signal transmitted by the audio transmitter30, when received and processed by the mobile device50, causes the mobile device50to initiate a communication between the mobile device50and the central server10. In this regard, the audio signal may thus be characterized as initiating a communication between the mobile device50and the central server10. As described in greater detail below, such communication can include initializing a communication channel through which information can subsequently be exchanged between the mobile device50and the central server10and/or communicating store-related data stored within the database20to the mobile device50for use by the individual to which the mobile device50is associated.

Referring still toFIGS.1and2A-2B, in this exemplary embodiment, the audio transmitter30is an overhead speaker positioned so as to emit the audio signal to the designated area70. The designated area70, in this exemplary embodiment, corresponds to an area of the physical store that is located proximate to the display unit40(as shown inFIGS.2A and2B) or in which the display unit40is located so that the display unit40can be utilized to prompt the individual associated with the mobile device50to perform certain actions while located in the designated area70, as further described below. Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the audio transmitter30does not transmit audio signals to, and the designated area70does not correspond to, the entirety of the physical store, but, rather, a limited area thereof. In this regard, the audio signal transmitted by the audio transmitter30may, in some embodiments, be tailored so as to correspond to or be associated with select in-store products located in the designated area70or other information relevant to the environment of the designated area70.

To avoid disrupting the shopping experience of individuals within the store, the audio signal preferably comprises an inaudible sound frequency which can be detected by the mobile device50, but not heard by humans. Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the inaudible frequency transmitted by the audio transmitter30is an ultrasonic frequency. The audio transmitter30may be selectively activated to transmit the audio signal in response to instructions (signals) communicated from a computing entity, which, in this case, is the central server10, to which the audio transmitter30is in communication with or transmit the audio signal substantially continuously. Although the audio transmitter30is primarily described herein as being an overhead speaker, it should be appreciated that other types of audio transmitters configured to transmit audio signals may be used and/or that the audio transmitter30may be alternatively positioned without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the audio transmitter30may be a component of the display unit40. Further, it should also be appreciated that the audio signal may comprise alternative frequencies (e.g., audible frequencies or infrasound frequencies) without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

When received and processed on the mobile device50, the audio signal causes the mobile device50to transmit information (e.g., a request) to the central server10via a wireless network60using known interfaces and protocols. In this way, the audio signal transmitted by the audio transmitter30may thus be characterized as corresponding to instructions which dictate, at least in part, the type of request transmitted from the mobile device50to the central server10.

In this exemplary embodiment, the audio transmitter30is configured to transmit only a single audio signal. In some implementations, the audio signal may effectively act as a stimulus that initializes the establishment of a communication channel between the mobile device50and the central server10. In this regard, in such implementation, the audio signal, when received and processed by the mobile device50, causes the mobile device50to transmit a request to the central server10to establish a communication channel with the mobile device50(e.g., a request to establish a socket-based connection between the mobile device50and the central server10) that facilitates subsequent communication of information between the mobile device50and the central server10. After the communication channel between the mobile device50and the central server10is established, the mobile device50can subsequently transmit additional information to the central server10(e.g., requests for store-related data associated with products located in the designated area70) in response to the individual associated with the mobile device50making selections or otherwise interacting with an interface presented on the mobile device50by the software application56.

In some embodiments, the software application56may be configured to automatically (e.g., upon being opened on the mobile device50) initialize a communication channel between the mobile device50and the central server10. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the communication channel between the mobile device50and the central server10may be established without influence by the audio signal. In such embodiments, the audio signal may act as a stimulus which initializes the transmission of store-related data stored within the database20(e.g., nutritional information regarding or a digital coupon for a specific product located in or proximate to the designated area70) to the mobile device50. That is, the audio signal, when received and processed by the mobile device50, causes the mobile device50to transmit a request by the mobile device50for select store-related data stored within the database20. In some implementations, such a request may comprise transmitting audio data that identifies the audio signal to the central server10for subsequent processing. The audio data, when received and processed by the central server10, causes the central server10to retrieve store-related data based on the identifying characteristics of the audio signal received by the mobile device. In this regard, in some embodiments, some or all of the store-related data stored in the database20may correspond to otherwise be associated with an audio signal transmitted by the audio transmitter30.

In an alternative embodiment, the audio transmitter30may be configured to transmit a first audio signal (i.e., a first inaudible frequency) and a second audio signal (i.e., a second inaudible frequency), which, when received and processed by the mobile device50, cause the mobile device50to initialize the establishment of a communication channel with the central server10and request select store-related data, respectively. Thus, depending on the intended application, the audio transmitter30may be configured to transmit a single or multiple audio signals, either simultaneously or at different times.

Referring specifically toFIG.1, the mobile device50includes a microphone51which can be selectively activated to receive the audio signal transmitted from the audio transmitter30. To process the received audio signal, the mobile device50further includes a processor52that is operably connected to (in communication with) the microphone51and is configured to execute instructions (routines) stored in a memory component54or other computer-readable medium, which, in this exemplary embodiment, stores the instructions of software application56, to process the audio signal received by the microphone51. In this exemplary embodiment, the audio signal is processed locally on the mobile device50using the software application56, such that the processor52determines a specific request to be transmitted to the central server10(e.g., a request to establish a communication channel or a request for select store-related data) based on identifying characteristics (e.g., hertz value) of the audio signal received. In this regard, the software application56can include instructions, which, when executed by the processor52, cause the processor52to associate the received audio signal with one of a predetermined number of possible requests or other information transmission options. For example, if the processor52determines that the received audio signal corresponds to a first frequency (e.g., 20 kHz), the processor52may associate the audio signal with a request for the central server10to establish a communication channel with the mobile device50, whereas if the processor52determines that the audio signal corresponded to a second frequency (e.g., 21 kHz), the processor may associate the audio signal with a request for select store-related data (e.g., data corresponding to a specific in-store product or digital coupon).

After determining which request the received audio signal corresponds, the processor52of the mobile device50then transmits such request to the central server10for subsequent processing. In this regard, central server10also includes a processor12configured to execute instructions stored in a memory component14or other computer-readable medium to process the request received from the mobile device50and perform the various other operations of the central server10described herein. Although the central server10is generally illustrated and referred to herein as a single entity, it is appreciated that, in some embodiments, the central server10can comprise a plurality of server entities, where each server entity is in communication with one or more other servers of the plurality of server entities and includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a memory component or other computer-readable medium.

Alternative embodiments are also contemplated in which, instead of the processor52of the mobile device50processing the audio signal locally to determine the specific request to which the audio signal relates, the processor52may process the received audio signal in a manner which generates audio data that includes identifying information about the received audio signal, but does not determine the specific request to which the audio signal relates. For example, the audio data generated by processing of the audio signal on the mobile device50may include information that identifies what frequency the received audio signal is. After generating the audio data, the processor52of the mobile device50communicates the audio data to the central server10for subsequent processing to determine which one of a predetermined number of possible request options the audio signal received by the mobile device50corresponds. To determine which request corresponds to the received audio data, the processor12of the central server10may, in some embodiments, query the database20using the received audio data. In this regard, in some embodiments, the database20may store data which associates identifying characteristics of an audio signal (e.g., Hertz value) with a specific request (e.g., retrieve store-related data corresponding to a specific product from the database20). Alternatively, the processor12of the central server10may make such determination locally by executing instructions stored in the memory component14of the central server10which cause the processor52to associate the audio data with one of multiple predetermined request options.

Referring still toFIG.1, in this exemplary embodiment, the mobile device50further includes a camera53and a display55. The camera53is operably connected to the processor52, such that the camera53can be selectively activated to acquire and subsequently transmit images to the processor52of the mobile device50for subsequent processing. The display55is operably connected to the processor52of the mobile device50, such that a user interface provided by the software application56and store-related data received from the central server10can be displayed on the display55. Mobile devices which may be utilized in the system100thus include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, or similar computing devices.

Store-related data stored within the database20may include, but is not limited to, data relating to, or which can be used in conjunction with, products offered by a retailer (e.g., product type, product price, quantity of product available, nutritional or sourcing information, digital coupons or promotions associated with a product, items which are comparable to a product, etc.) and/or data relating to the retailer itself (company history, sourcing practices, etc). The database20is in communication with the central server10, such that a query of store-related data can be initiated from the central server10and sent to the database20. Information matching the query can then be received by the central server10from the database20for further processing and/or transmission to another system100entity (e.g., to the mobile device50of the individual located within the designated area70or display unit40).

In this exemplary embodiment, the display unit40includes a digital display42and is in communication with the central server10, such that information can be communicated from the central server10to the display unit40for display thereon. Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, in response to receiving a request from the mobile device50for select store-related data, the central server10can generate and submit a query to the database20corresponding to the select store-related data and transmit the store-related data received from such query to the mobile device50or the mobile device50and the display unit40for display thereon. Thus, in some implementations, the audio signal, when received by the microphone51and processed by the processor52of the mobile device, may effectively initiate a communication between the display unit40and the central server10, in addition to initiating a communication between the mobile device50and the display unit40. Display units suitable for use in the system100include, but are not necessarily limited to, kiosks (FIGS.2A-2B) and electronic shelf modules, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,703,179; 9,774,134; 10,339,579; 10,534,122; 10,580,052; 10,719,861; 10,909,595; 10,956,884; and 10,989,856, each of which are commonly owned and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring toFIGS.1,2A and2B, alternative embodiments are also contemplated in which the audio signal is transmitted by the audio transmitter30in response to a selection made by an individual on the display unit40relating to store-related data that the individual would like to access. In such embodiments, the display unit40includes a user interface which enables the individual to make selections (e.g., via engaging the display42of the display unit40or peripherals associated with the display unit40) relating to store-related data. The selection is then communicated to a system100computing entity with which the audio transmitter30is in communication for subsequent processing, which, in this case, is the central server10. After processing the selection, the central server10communicates instruction (signals) which cause the audio transmitter30to transmit an audio signal, which, when received and processed by the mobile device50, will cause the mobile device50to transmit a request to the central server10for store-related data corresponding to the selection made by the individual on the display unit40.

Referring specifically toFIG.2A, in this implementation, the central server10is configured to communicate store-related data received from a query of the database20to both the mobile device50and the display unit40. As shown inFIG.2A, in one implementation, the central server10may communicate different portions of the store-related data received from the database20to the mobile device50and the display unit40, as indicated by the presence of “PRODUCT INFO 1” and “PRODUCT INFO 2” on the displays55,42of the mobile device50and display unit40, respectively. In such embodiment, the display unit40thus effectively serves to extend the display55of the mobile device50, which may prove particularly beneficial in instances where the size of the received store-related data exceeds that which can be displayed on the display55of the mobile device50without having to scroll. In another implementation, the central server10communicates the entirety of the store-related data received from the database20to the mobile device50and the display unit40, such that the display42of the display unit40effectively duplicates (or mirrors) the display55of the mobile device50. In some implementations, whether the entirety of the store-related data received from the query of the database20is communicated to both the mobile device50and the display unit40in its entirety or is divided into portions, may be based on the size of the store-related data received. For instance, if the size of the received store-related data exceeds a predetermined threshold, different portions of the store-related data will be communicated to the mobile device50and the display unit40. In some implementations, the store-related data retrieved by the central server10from the database20may include indicia (e.g., a QR code) corresponding to a digital coupon. In such implementations, the central server10may communicate such indicia to the display unit40for display thereon and the individual can claim the coupon by capturing an image of the indicia using the camera53of the mobile device50.

Although the system100described above with reference toFIGS.1and2A-2Bis referred to as including a single audio transmitter30, display unit40, and mobile device50, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the system100can include a plurality of audio transmitters30, a plurality of display units40, and/or a plurality of mobile devices50. In this regard,FIG.5shows another exemplary system for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio400(or system400) made in accordance with the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment the system400includes a plurality of audio transmitters30a-f, a plurality of display units40a-f, and a plurality of mobile devices50a-fassociated with different individuals located within the physical store are in use. As shown, in this exemplary embodiment, the plurality of audio transmitters30a-fare configured to transmit audio signals to different designated areas70a-fwithin the physical store that are located proximate to different display units40a-f, which, in this case, are electronic shelf modules, positioned along the aisles of the physical store. Each audio transmitter of the plurality of audio transmitters30a-f, each display unit of the plurality of display units40a-f, and each mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices50a-fis operably connected to the central server10and includes the same features and provide the same functionality as that of the audio transmitter30, display unit40, and mobile device50, respectively, of the system100described above with reference toFIGS.1and2A-B. In some implementations, each audio transmitter of the plurality of audio transmitters30a-fmay be configured to transmit a different audio signal than the other audio transmitters30a-fwithin the system400to initiate different types of communications (e.g., requests for store-related data of different products located along the aisles) between the mobile device50of an individual and the central server10as the individual moves through the physical store.

Referring now generally toFIGS.1,2A-2B, and3,FIG.3is a flow diagram of a method for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio, which utilizes the exemplary system100described above with reference toFIGS.1and2A-B. In this exemplary method, when the mobile device50associated with the individual enters the designated area70(FIG.2A), the microphone51of the mobile device50can be activated to receive the audio signal transmitted by the audio transmitter30, as indicated by step204inFIG.3. Typically, activation of the microphone51is achieved by the individual providing the software application56access to the microphone51in response to a prompt generated by the software application56. To promote the individual to open of the software application56on the mobile device50(i.e., run the software application) and provide the software application56access to the microphone51while the individual is located in the designated area70, in this exemplary method, the display unit40is initially configured to display a prompt promoting such actions, as shown on the display42of the display unit40inFIG.2Band as indicated in step202inFIG.3.

Referring still toFIGS.1,2A-2B, and3, in this exemplary method, the audio transmitter30is configured to transmit the audio signal substantially continuously. As such, as soon as the mobile device50enters the designated area70and the software application56is permitted access to the microphone51, the audio signal is received and processed by the mobile device50using the software application56to initiate a communication between the mobile device50and the central server10, as indicated by step206inFIG.3. In this exemplary method, the audio signal is processed locally on the mobile device50in the manner described above so that a specific request is derived from the processed audio signal and subsequently communicated from the mobile device50to the central server10for processing. In alternative methods, the audio signal may be processed by the processor52of the mobile device50in a manner which generates audio data that includes identifying information about the received audio signal and which is subsequently transmitted to the central server10for subsequent processing to determine what request the audio signal corresponds to.

Referring still toFIGS.1,2A-2B, and3, in this exemplary method, the specific request derived from the processing of the audio signal is a request, which, when received and processed by the central server10, causes the central server10to communicate select store-related data stored within the database20(e.g., a digital coupon or nutritional information related to a specific product located in or proximate to the designated area70) to the mobile device50alone or both the mobile device50and the display unit40, as indicated by step208inFIG.3. In this regard, in response to receiving the request from the mobile device50, the central server10queries the database20to retrieve the requested store-related data and then communicates the retrieved data via the network60to the mobile device50or the mobile device50and the display unit40, as indicated in step210ofFIG.3.

To reduce instances where the processor12of the central server10remains processing and/or the display unit40remains displaying information which is no longer of interest or of value to the individual (e.g., if the individual walks away from the designated area70in which a specific product is located after the mobile device50has communicated a request for store-related data related to that product), in this exemplary method, the processing of the request transmitted from the mobile device50and communication of store-related data corresponding to the request from the central server10to the mobile device50or to the mobile device50and display unit40ends in response to the mobile device50leaving the designated area70. In this regard, the central server10is configured to check, either periodically or substantially continuously, whether the mobile device50is located within the designated area70, as indicated by step212inFIG.3.

As noted above, in this implementation, the audio transmitter30is configured to substantially continuously emit the audio signal. Accordingly, while the mobile device50is located in the designated area70, the mobile device50is, in turn, substantially continuously receiving the audio signal while the microphone51is activated. To assist the central server10in determining whether the mobile device10is located in the designated area70, in this implementation, the mobile device50is, while located in the designated area70, configured to periodically or substantially continuously communicate information to the central server10that indicates receipt of the audio signal. After communication between the mobile device50and the central server10has been initiated as a result of the mobile device's50initial processing of the audio signal, the central server10will periodically or substantially continuously check to see if it has received information from the mobile device50indicating receipt of the audio signal within a predetermined period of time. If the central server10determines that such information has not been received within the predetermined period of time, the central server10will then determine that the mobile device50is positioned outside of the designated area70and cease communication with the mobile device50or the mobile device50and the display unit40, as perhaps evidenced best by comparing the displays42,55of the display unit40and mobile device50inFIGS.2A-2B.

Referring specifically toFIG.3, if the central server10determines the mobile device50is located within the designated area70, the central server10will then determine whether the store-related data requested by the mobile device50has been successfully communicated to the mobile device50or the mobile device50and the display unit40, as indicated by step214inFIG.3. Verification of such communication may, in some implementations, be provided by the mobile device50communicating an acknowledgement signal to the central server10. If the central server10determines that the requested store-related data was not successfully communicated to the mobile device50or the mobile device50and the display unit40(e.g., by not receiving an acknowledgement signal within a predetermined period of time), the central server10will proceed to repeat steps210,212, and214until the central server10determines the requested store-related data was successfully communicated.

Referring still toFIG.3, in this exemplary method, after the requested store-related data is communicated to the mobile device50or the mobile device50and the display unit40, the mobile device50determines whether the software application56should continue to be provided access to the microphone51so that additional audio signals can be received and processed by the mobile device50, as indicated by step216inFIG.3. In this implementation, access to the microphone51can be restricted by the individual selecting an option presented by the software application56on the display55of the mobile device50(e.g., by engaging an “End Session” button presented on the display55). Upon selecting such option, the software application56is no longer provided access to the microphone51, thus preventing the mobile device50from processing audio signals transmitted by the audio transmitter30.

Referring now generally toFIGS.1,2A-2B, and4,FIG.4is a flow diagram of a method for communicating data to an individual within a physical store using audio, which utilizes the exemplary system100described above with reference toFIGS.1and2A-2B. The exemplary method shown inFIG.4is similar to that ofFIG.3described above, except that instead of the request derived from the audio signal received and processed by the mobile device50being a request to the central server10for select store-related data stored in the database20, it is a request for the central server10to establish a communication channel with the mobile device50(e.g., a request for the central server10to establish a socket-based connection between the mobile device50and the central server10), as indicated by step308inFIG.4. In this regard, this exemplary method also includes prompting the individual via the display unit40, activating the microphone51, and receiving and processing the audio signal transmitted by the audio transmitter30, as indicated by steps302,304, and306inFIG.4, in the same manner as described above with reference to steps202,204, and206ofFIG.3.

Referring still toFIGS.1,2A-B, and4, in response to receiving the request to establish a communication channel between the mobile device50and the central server10(e.g., establishing a socket-based connection in which the mobile device50is connected to a port of the central server10), the central server10can accept the request and establishes a connection between the mobile device50and the central server10through which information can be subsequently exchanged between the two. In this exemplary method, once the communication channel is established, it is tested to confirm that information can successfully be communicated between the mobile device50and the central server10, as indicated by step312inFIG.4. In this regard, the software application56installed on the mobile device50and the memory component14of the central server10may include test instructions (routines) which, when executed, cause the mobile device50and the central server10to send a test communication to each other and confirm that each communication was actually received at its intended destination. If an error is detected by either mobile device50or the central server10, then steps310and312will be repeated until it is determined that the communication channel has been successfully established.

Referring still toFIGS.1,2A-2B, and4, once the communication channel is established between the mobile device50and the central server10, in this exemplary method, the central server10will check, either periodically or substantially continuously, whether the mobile device50is located within the designated area70, as indicated in step314ofFIG.4, in the same manner as described above with reference to step212ofFIG.3. If the central server10determines that the mobile device50is outside of the designated area70, the central server10will close the communication channel (e.g., close the socket-based connection). In this exemplary method, the central server10will also check to determine whether the individual associated with the mobile device50has taken some action which indicates that communication with the central server10is no longer desired, as indicated by step316inFIG.4. In some implementations, such action may include the individual selecting an option presented by the software application56on the display55of the mobile device50(e.g., by engaging an “End Session” button presented on the display55) or the individual closing the software application56(i.e., stop the software application56from running on the mobile device50). If the central server10determines that such action has been taken, the central server10will close the communication channel. Conversely, if the central server10determines the mobile device50is located within the designated area70and the individual has not taken any such action, the communication channel will remain open, thereby enabling the individual to communicate requests for select store-related data from the database20, as indicated by step318inFIG.4.

Referring still toFIG.4, in this exemplary method, requests for store-related data are communicated to the central server10in response to the individual associated with the mobile device50making selections or otherwise interacting with an interface presented on the mobile device50by the software application56. For instance, in some implementations, the interface may present the individual with the option to select one or more digital coupons associated with products located within the physical store, and, upon selecting one of the digital coupons, a request for the same is transmitted from the mobile device50to the central server10. Upon receiving such request, the central server10processes the request by querying the database20to retrieve the requested store-related data and then communicates the retrieved data, which, in the foregoing example, is a digital coupon, via the network60to the mobile device50or the mobile device50and the display unit40, as indicated in step320inFIG.4. The individual can continue to communicate requests for store-related data to the central server10in the same way until the communication channel is closed (e.g., as a result of the mobile device50being positioned outside of the designated area70or the individual closing the software application56on the mobile device50).

The methods described herein can also be adapted for use in systems which include multiple audio transmitters, multiple display units, and/or multiple mobile devices, such as the system400described above with reference toFIG.5.

As a further refinement, although the above-described systems and methods have been described with particular reference to the use of a display unit for displaying information to an individual, in some embodiments, systems and methods for communicating data to an individual are also provided in which the individual is not present in a physical store and in which a display unit is not utilized. Such systems and methods similarly make use of a central server that is operably connected to (in communication with) a database storing store-related data, as well as a mobile device that is associated with a particular individual and that is in communication with the central server via a software application installed on the mobile device. The mobile devices also includes a microphone for receiving the audio signal through the mobile device, such as an inaudible audio signal. Rather than having an audio transmitter that transmits the audio signal within the physical store, however, the audio signal is broadcast from a standard radio, satellite radio, audio streaming software application, or the like. In this way, the systems and methods of the present invention can also be utilized such that audio signal can be received by a microphone of an individual's mobile device and processed by the processor of the mobile device, and thereby initiate a communication between the mobile device and the central server and receive store-related data when an individual is in a car, boat, airplane, or the like (i.e., when the individual is not present within the physical store).

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments and implementations are also possible without departing from the teachings of the present invention or the scope of the claims which follow. This detailed description, and particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, is given primarily for clarity of understanding, and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention.