Location specific temporary authentication system

Methods and systems for providing temporary and secure authenticated access to content from a content provider, such as data, software, services, streaming content, entertainment, and/or other information. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates using location specific automatic authentication. The present invention contemplates a system, computer program, and associated processes and methods to provide temporary and private authentication including secure temporary authorization to data, content, software, services, and/or information based on a verification of a user's proximity to a venue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Content providers, such as streaming entertainment services, software services, movie distributors, and the like are oftentimes motivated to grow their subscribers and customers, particularly when the providers offer a paid or subscription service to access the content. Many marketing and advertising platforms allow for the content providers to reach new customers, and acquisition costs per customer can be a very large portion of a content provider's expenses. Current platforms require a potential customer to provide personal information in order to receive a trial of the content, even if the trial period is “free.” The personal information includes name, email, credit card number, address, and telephone number. This is overly burdensome for the potential customer, and as described below many potential customers do not wish to provide this personal information for a number of reasons, and thus never complete the customer acquisition. In some cases, there may still be an acquisition cost or fee to the content provider simply because the potential customer clicked on the advertisement, and then dropped out of the purchase or sign up process. It is estimated that up to 30% of all potential customers drop out of the sign up process, which results in substantial lost opportunity for the content providers. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a more effective system and method for obtaining new customers and reaching new audiences.

At the same time, customer and the buying public are increasingly aware and cautious about privacy, particularly if their personal data is shared, when payment is required using a credit or debit card, and/or if their purchase of a product or service, even a trial, results in unwanted consequences, such as being added to a mailing list or the like. As such, potential customers are less likely to share this information with service providers up front, making their conversion from potential customer to actual customer less likely, particularly if the customer has not tried or sampled the product or service. In addition to the substantial lost opportunity and lost acquisition costs to the content providers, current platforms also deprive potential customers from otherwise enjoying content that may provide entertainment, knowledge, and service to their lives. Accordingly, there is a need to allow a more seamless, private, and less burdensome process for potential customers to enjoy content from new content providers.

Governments have responded to public concerns by adopting regulatory measures to protect customers, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other measures. Such measures help ensure that citizens have more control over their personal data and that parties collecting this data comply with certain privacy controls. Thus, there is a need for parties collecting data, particularly in conjunction with providing content, to do so in a manner that ensures privacy and compliance with any regulatory measures.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides temporary and secure authenticated access to content from a content provider, such as data, software, services, streaming content, entertainment, and/or other information. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates using location specific automatic authentication as described herein. The present invention contemplates a system, computer program, and associated processes and methods to provide the aforementioned authentication, and in one embodiment provides secure temporary authorization to data, content, software, services, and/or information based on a verification of a user's proximity to a venue. In one embodiment, the user, or more specifically the user device, is only known the venue and/or the service provider by a hashed or encrypted identification generated by the system of the present invention.

A method for providing content on a user device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises receiving a user device identification and a request to receive content of a content provider from a user device, such as a mobile phone or device. The request is received by at least one server having one or more processors and is received via a computer network, such as the internet or World Wide Web. The method includes creating an intermediary user account or credentials relating to the user device identification. In this way, the user device identification is hidden or converted (e.g., hashed) so that is not known to content providers, and thus retains privacy of the user. The method further comprises sending the intermediary credentials to a content provider for authorization to receive content from the content provider that are specific to the intermediary credentials. The method further comprises receiving authorization of the intermediary credentials from the content provider allowing access to the content of the content provider. The method further comprises providing temporary access to the content of the content provider to the user device, such as via a website, allowing the user to enjoy the content.

A system for accessing content on a user device according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a server having one or more processors coupled to memory, wherein the server is configured to receive a user device identification and request to receive content of a content provider from a user device. The server is also configured to create intermediary credentials relating to the user device identification and the content provider, to receive authorization of the intermediary credentials, and provide temporary access to the content of the content provider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before turning to the figures that illustrate several embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details or methods set forth in this specification or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and not limiting to the full scope of the present invention.

The following summary is an example of one or more embodiments of the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. This summary is not intended to be limiting in any way of the complete scope of the present invention. This summary in conjunction with the drawings merely presents some features and benefits of the present invention.

FIG.1shows a system100for providing temporary authorization of a user device110to receive content, such as services, software, data, and/or information from a content provider. A user (not shown), such as a person, is assumed in possession of and/or in control of the user device110and can provide input and actions to the user device110according to the present invention. The system100includes a communications network120, for example an internet protocol (IP) network, the internet, a wireless network (WiFi), a local area network (LAN), and the like. The system100also includes a server130, which may receive information and requests from one or more user devices110, as well as transmitting information, content, and data to the user devices110and a content provider125. The user device110may be a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, or may be another device, such as a personal computer or other device capable of connecting to the internet and/or to the server130via the communications network120.FIG.1also shows a venue300that is part of at least one embodiment of the present invention.

AlthoughFIG.1shows a single communications network120, the system100may comprise more than one communication networks that can be connected by one or more ways. Similarly,FIG.1shows only a single server130and user device110, the systems100can include a plurality of user devices and servers.

FIG.2shows one embodiment of the server130according to the present invention. While only one embodiment of the server130is shown, one or more servers not shown can include the components and functionality described herein with respect to the server130. The server130includes a storage device140, processor150, input device160, output device170, authorization module180, account management module190, intermediary account module200, and rules compliance module210. The modules and/or components of the server130may be hardware and/or software. The modules and/or components according to one embodiment of the present invention utilize the processor150to execute computer executable instructions. The server130may include other modules and/or components that are known in the art. The modules and components of the server130may be located within the server130and/or connected or operably connected to the server130.

The input device160receives information associated with the server130, such as instructions from the user via the user device110or instructions from a computing device. The input device160may include a keyboard, scanner, or other device. The output device170outputs information and/or data associated with the server130. The authorization module180is configured to check whether a user device identification (e.g., a smartphone serial number, a media access control (MAC) number, or similar identifier of the user device110) is authorized to receive content from a content provider. If a user device identification is not authorized, the authorization module180can communicate with other modules and other servers to obtain authorization for the user device identification if certain conditions are met, as discussed herein. The account management module190manages user device accounts associated with various user devices.

The intermediary account module200is configured to receive user device identifications as well as authorized requests to receive content from a content provider. The intermediary account module200is also configured to check whether an authorized user device identification has an account with a content provider. If the authorized user device identification does not have an account, the intermediary account module200is configured to create an intermediary account with the content provider that is associated with the authorized user device identification. The rules compliance module210is configured to manage local rules, laws, and/or regulations (e.g., privacy laws) for various locations, as well as any business rules that may be put in place for accessing content pursuant to the present invention. The rule compliance module210is configured to check for rules compliance and communicate with other modules about the compliance status of any particular user device and associated accounts.

FIG.3shows an exemplary user device110, which may be a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, or may be another device, such as a computer or other device capable of connecting to the Internet. Such devices are known, and typically include memory or storage, the ability to operate mobile applications, internet and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, such as a BLE radio, and include a user interface or screen whereby the user can select item(s) on the screen by touch, mouse click, or the like. The present invention also contemplates utilizing other technologies present in a user device, such as IR, optical, computer vision, geolocation, and other technologies, either alone or in combination. In fact, the present invention contemplates operability across the electromagnetic spectrum, acoustic spectrum, and geolocation, either alone or in combination. According to one embodiment, the user device110includes a storage device220, processor230, venue application240, input device250, output device255, operating system260, and display265. The modules and components can be hardware or software and can utilize the processor230to execute computer executable instructions and/or include a processor to execute computer executable instructions. The processor230executes the operating system260and/or any other computer executable instructions for the user device110, including without limitations the venue application240. The user device110may also include random access memory, which can temporarily store the operating system, the instructions, and/or any other data associate with the user device110. The random access memory may include one or more levels of memory storage, including without limitation processor register, storage disk cache, and main memory.

The user device110can include one or more other modules, components and/or processors known in the art, which may be located within the user device110or operably connected to the user device110. The venue application240operates a venue application on the user device110. The venue application240may be a mobile or native application associated with a venue. Alternatively, the venue application240may not be associated with a venue. Such applications are common to such devices and typically can be downloaded by a user to the user's device, such as through the Apply App Store, Google, or other provider. Programming code may be included in the venue application240to display information for the user and receive input from the user via a display265(seeFIG.6), an input device250, and an output device255on the user device110. The user device110may also include a camera270for capturing images, scanning (e.g., QR codes), and the like. The camera270may also be considered an input device as described herein. The venue application240communicates with the server130. The operating system260operates an operating system on the user device110and uses the processor230to receive information from the input device250and send information from the output device255. In one embodiment, the components of the user device110are configured to receive BLE signals and send this information and other information to the server130via the communication network120.

The storage device220stores user account information (e.g., social media), user preferences and settings, any applications, and/or any other data, information, or program code associated with the user device110. The storage device220may comprise a plurality of storage devices, and may include long-term storage (e.g., hard drives, flash memory, etc.), short-term storage (e.g., random access memory, graphic memory, etc.), and/or any other type of computer readable storage.

FIGS.1&4shows a venue300according to one embodiment of the present invention. The venue300has at least one venue identification source310. According to one embodiment, the venue identification source310is a BLE beacon that identifies a particular venue. BLE beacons may be battery powered and broadcast a BLE signal that may be detected by BLE-enabled devices within a certain range of distance, such as up to 100 feet or more. Other types of venue identification sources310may also be used that operate within the electromagnetic spectrum, acoustic spectrum, and/or geolocation and are contemplated by the present invention. In one embodiment, the venue300may be a commercial establishment, such as a coffee shop, restaurant, retailer, or any other location. In addition, the venue300may be one of a plurality of venues under a common brand and/or ownership (e.g., Starbucks® coffee shops, or Disney® theme parks).

In yet another embodiment, the venue300is capable of moving. Accordingly, the venue300of the present invention may be considered fixed or moving, or capable of moving. The venue300according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be a device, such as a smartphone or other device that can be detected by the user device110, that allows the system of the present invention to temporarily authorize a user to access content of a content provider125if certain conditions are met, such as being in detectable proximity to the venue300and at least one venue identification source310. In yet another embodiment, the venue300may be a moving vehicle or other moving object.

Turning now toFIG.5-6, a method of one embodiment of the present invention is shown in flowcharts relating to providing content on a user device. In particular, the method includes step400whereby the user/user device110arrives at the venue300. The term “arrive” can mean in proximity to the venue such that the venue and user device can be read, detected, discovered, or otherwise communicative therebetween. The user device110is able to detect at least one venue identification source310located inside, proximate, or otherwise positioned to indicate the location of the venue (step402). Smartphones and other electronic devices are commonly programmed to discover and record venue identification sources310and other devices that broadcast signals within range of the device, such as other smartphones, BLE beacons, and the like. In particular, a BLE-enabled user device according to one embodiment of the present invention may scan for other signals using time intervals of every 20 milliseconds to 10.24 seconds. BLE and other signals that are detected, whether they can be connected to or not, may be shown on the display265of the user device110.

The system100contemplates a mobile application of the type that are typically downloaded on mobile devices from, for example, the Apple® App Store or the like. While the present invention contemplates a mobile application, which may or may not be associated or representative of a venue, in one exemplary embodiment, the mobile application (having a mobile application identifier discussed below as a venue application identifier), is a mobile application associated with the venue, and herein referenced for convenience as a venue application240, for example a venue application like the Starbucks® or Uber® mobile applications. When the venue application240is opened on the user device110(step404), programming language (e.g., SDK) inside the venue application240is configured to send certain information to the server130on a certain time interval (step406), such as every 10 seconds or every 1 minute or more. In one embodiment, the venue application240does not communicate with the server130unless the venue application is installed and open on the user device110. The venue application240also sends a user device identification330, such as the user device serial number, and a venue application identifier340, which relates to the venue300. In one embodiment, the user device identification330is hashed or otherwise encrypted before it is sent to the server130or when received by the server. In one embodiment, the user, or more specifically the user device110, is only identified to the venue300and/or the content provider125, if identified at all, by a hashed or encrypted identification generated by the system of the present invention, allowing for privacy and efficient access to the content provider content.

The server130compares the venue application identifier340and venue identification source310with a database of approved venue applications and related venue identification sources (step408) to confirm the user device110is at the venue300. As stated above, this confirmation by the server130of this information continues on a set interval of time, and the methods according to one embodiment of the present invention operate only when the user device110is at the venue300as defined herein. As such, should the user device110move away from the venue300so that the user device110no longer detects the venue identification source310, the information sent from the venue application240will not include the venue identification source310, and when the server130performs step408, the comparison of received information about venue application identifier340and venue identification source310will not match the approved venue applications and related venue identification sources, and the system100will not initialize, not continue, or stop operating until the desired match is obtained. In one embodiment, if the system100of the present invention fails to detect the user device110using the aforementioned detection and verification method, the system removes any decryption key and content provider authorization data from the memory or storage device140of the user device110, and the user device will no longer receive content provider content. In one embodiment, the display265of the user device110may show an exit call to action, which may also include information on how to sign up as a customer of the content provider. In one embodiment, further incentives, such as promotional discounts, coupons, and other sales related incentives can be added to the exit call to action shown on the display of the user device.

When the user device110sent information of venue application identifier340and venue identification source310match the database of approved venue applications and related venue identification sources, the user device identification330is added to a database of authorized user device identifications (step410) for receiving content from a content provider125as discussed herein. In one embodiment, information about the user device identification330may also be manipulated and tracked, such as determining if the user device identification has been authorized in the past and/or if any restrictions are present for the user device identification.

The authorization is sent back to the user device110and stored in the storage device140by way of the communication network120(step412) along with other instructions and programming (e.g., SDK) to the venue application240to indicate to the user that the user device110is authorized to receive the content. As shown inFIG.6, this may be a visual prompt350integrated into the user interface of the user device venue application240on the user device display265. The prompt may also be audio, video, vibration, or other method of communication. In addition, certain information about or relating to the content provider125and/or content thereof may be delivered to the user interface or display265of the user device110, such as a list of shows, featured movies, trailers, software, and/or a portion or the entire library of the content provider's content and/or services that can be selected by the user.

According to one embodiment, the user interface prompt350or other elements may be placed into the design of the mobile application as determined by the venue or other entity, such as to meet brand standards, advertising requirements, or any other desired display determination. Such display elements may include without limitation, a round icon, card, list item, title bar, and bottom bar round badge that may be associated with a content provider. In one embodiment, these elements may be standardized such that should the venue switch content providers, the element shapes may remain, but with the new content provider information contained therein. As such, the venue may easily switch between content providers without making any significant changes to the mobile application.

FIG.7illustrates when a user clicks, selects, or otherwise engages the prompt350to receive content from the content provider125(step414). This action causes the user device110and venue application240to communicate this request to the server130. The server130first confirms that the user device identification330is authorized (step416) by comparing the user device identification with the database of authorized user device identifications (see step410). Once confirmed, the request proceeds to the server130(step418). The server130then collects a content provider's account setup and authentication procedures for that particular content provider125and venue (step420). The content provider125may be one of many content providers, for example Netflix®, Hula®, Vudu®, Disney+®, HBO® Max, Quibi®, Peacock®, and the like. The content provider125may also be software, such as Microsoft® Office® or other software as a service, particularly if the content is subscription based. In one embodiment, the account setup and authentication procedure for a content provider125is an email address and password. Any other type of account setup and authentication procedure could be used in the alternative.

Once the content provider's account setup and authentication procedures are known, the server130determines if the user device identification330has an existing account with the content provider125(step422). This determination could occur, for example, by comparing a user device identification to a database of user device identifications and associated accounts for a match. If the user device identification330already has an account with the content provider125, the server130authorizes the content provider125to provide content (step424) while certain business rules and conditions are met, such as the user device being at the venue as described above.

In the ease where the user device identification330does not have an account with the content provider125, the system100may create an intermediary user account500(step426) or other authorization credentials for the user device in order to access the content of the content provider125. The term “create” may also include selecting user account information from a predetermined or provided list and applying the information to a particular intermediate user account. The intermediary user account500may be specific to the content provider125, and may include information such as resource server address, request token, refresh token, resource decryption key, and others that are known in the art. The intermediary user account500may also be in the form of an email address and password that is associated with the user device identification330, and that may be created by the system110and stored in the server130or component thereof and sent to the content provider125for authorization. Information about the intermediary user account500can also be stored by the server130and monitored for future content provider content requests and other information about account usage. Other steps may be taken in or around the time of this account setup and authorization, such as if there are restrictions with the intermediary user account500, if payment is required for authorization, and/or other steps that impact how the user ultimately accesses the content provider's content. Further steps may be taken, including without limitation alerting the user (via the user device110) that they may have issues or items to resolve before further access is permitted.

FIG.8continues the method according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the system100determines if the intermediary user account500was created correctly and authorized by the content provider (step428), such as by comparing the account information to the content provider's rules and requirements, and/or performing an authorization step with the content provider125. If the intermediary user account500is created correctly and authorized, the server130sends the authorized intermediary user account500information to the user device110via the venue application240where it may be stored in the user device storage device220(step430). The content of the content provider125may then be presented on the display265of the user device110. The content may come from a content server of the content provider125, which, has its own credential, resource and digital rights management systems. Examples of digital rights management systems may include without limitation DASH, CENC PlayReady, and Widevine. The system100of the present invention supports encrypted or unencrypted content delivered from the content provider125to the user device110.

More specifically, when a user selects a particular piece of content of the content provider125presented on the user device110(step432), the content provider determines if the intermediary user account500is authorized (step434), and if so delivers the requested content to the user device110by way of the user application240(step436), subject to the user device110being at the venue300and other business rules as provided herein. In addition, in one embodiment the content is streamed to the user device110. Streaming in this regard may be construed as the content being downloaded to the user device110in encrypted packets or portions and then played back using a decryption key. Other methods of streaming and/or content delivery may also be used according to the present invention.

It should be understood by one skilled in the art that while the exemplary description and embodiments describe BLE enabled devices and BLE beacons to help determine if a user device is considered “at” a particular venue, other methods of determining relative location of a user device to a venue may also be used. For example, the present invention may use WiFi networks at a venue and application program interfaces (API) to determine if a user device is “at” a venue. In one example, the user device has a WiFi radio that communicates with one or more WiFi access points at a venue, and through the venue's network database all user devices that communicate with the access point(s) are captured and stored by the server and related components. The venue application installed and open on the user device is configured to send the user device identification, such as the device WiFi media access control (MAC) address, and venue application identification to the server. The server compares this information with information queried from a RESTful API for information collected by wireless access points (WAP) at a venue. This information is collected by the WAP on a time frequency, such as every 45 seconds, and preferably includes without limitation MAC addresses or other device or user device information for every device transmitting a signal within range of the WAP. As such, if the information matches, the user device identification is added to a database of approved user device identifications similar to as described inFIG.5. Downstream steps according to this WiFi exemplary embodiment follow a similar path as described inFIGS.5-8as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

According to one embodiment, the methods and descriptions set forth herein will repeat for future interactions between a user device110and a venue300. Accordingly, if a user device110returns to the same venue location or a different venue location (for example, a different restaurant of the same restaurant chain), the user device will be authenticated to the same account from the content provider that was set up on the initial content provider content request. As such, the system100of the present invention provides a trackable relationship between a user device and content provider. In particular, by creating a unique user credential and account, the content provider may be able to track users and user behavior, including how many times a user device utilizing the content provider content. In addition, the content provider may set and enforce usage limits (including without limitation time based limits, data based limits, and feature based limits) based on user behavior, including without limitation frequency and amount of use.

FIGS.9-11illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, a method of delivering content to a user device is presented whereby a user, such as a customer, becomes qualified or authorized to receive content from a content provider (step440). The user may become qualified or authorized in any number of ways, including without limitation through a transaction, such as purchasing a particular good or service, attending an event, liking a social media page, or some other action or condition being met. According to one exemplary embodiment, the user is involved in a transaction, such as purchasing an item from a venue300via a point of sale, online, or other method. Software running in conjunction with the venue's300sales system determines if the transaction qualifies to receive content from a content provider125, which may be offered as part of a marketing, promotion, or other engagement for the benefit of the user, venue300, content provider125, and/or any other party. If the transaction does qualify, the sales system of the venue300, such as a point of sale API, sends an authorization request to the server130(step444). The server130receives the authorization request and determines if the transaction is authorized (step446). For example, the server130may compare the data associated with the request, such as information about the venue300and transaction with a database of approved venues and transaction rules and/or requirements, which may be stored in the storage device140. If the transaction is authorized, certain information is sent via the communications network120to the user (step448). The information can be sent any number of ways, including without limitation sending a QR code, other code, or unique URL to the venue300point of sale to be included on a receipt, and sending a code or unique URL to a user via email or text message.

Turning toFIG.10, the user sends a request for content from the content provider (step450). This may be performed by the user scanning the QR code associated with the authorized transaction, or by clicking the unique URL, entering a code into the user device110, or other method to request the content, which may be, for example, access to a streaming entertainment service as described herein, and may also be subject to predetermined business rules, such as access to the content for a period time, for example 2 hours or some other time period. Other information is also sent to the server130, including the user device identification300.

The request for content is received by the server130(step452), which determines if the request is authorized (step454). This determination could be made by comparing the information relating to the user device, code, and/or business rules to a database to confirm the content may be delivered. If so, and similar to the steps described inFIGS.7-8, the server130then collects a content provider's account setup and authentication procedures for that particular content provider125and venue300(step456). In one embodiment, the account setup and authentication procedure for a content provider125is an email address and password. Any other type of account setup and authentication procedure could be used in the alternative.

Once the content provider's account setup and authentication procedures are known, the server130determines if the user device identification330has an existing account with the content provider125(step458). This determination could occur, for example, by comparing a user device identification to a database of user device identifications and associated accounts for a match. If the user device identification330already has an account with the content provider125, the server130authorizes the user account and authorizes the content provider125to provide content (step460) while certain business rules and conditions are met (step462), for example without limitation the time period for receiving the content has not expired.

In the case where the user device identification330does not have an account with the content provider125, the system100may create an intermediary user account500(step464) or other authorization credentials for the user in order to access the content of the content provider125. The intermediary user account500may be specific to the content provider125, and may include information such as resource server address, request token, refresh token, resource decryption key, and others that are known in the art. The intermediary user account500may also be in the form of an email address and password that is associated with the user device identification330, and that may be created by the system110and stored in the server130or component thereof. Information about the intermediary user account500can also be stored by the server130and monitored for future content provider content requests and other information about account usage. According to one embodiment, information about the user device110and/or user device identification330are hidden, such as hashed, modified, or the like, to the content provider125and/or to the server130. Other steps may be taken in or around the time of this account setup and authorization, such as if there are restrictions with the intermediary user account350, if payment is required for authorization, and/or other steps that impact how the user ultimately accesses the content provider's content. Further steps may be taken, including without limitation alerting the user (via the user device110) that they may have issues or items to resolve before further access is permitted.

FIG.11continues the method according to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the system100determines if the intermediary user account500was created correctly and authorized by the content provider (step466), such as by comparing the account information to the content provider's rules and requirements, and/or performing an authorization step with the content provider125. If the intermediary user account500is created correctly and authorized, the server130sends the authorized intermediary user account500information and the content request to the content provider125(step468), and the content is sent from the content provider to the user device110(step470) subject to business rules and conditions be met.

The present invention also contemplates using WiFi during the initial authorization steps. According to one embodiment, the server of the present invention queries a RESTful API for information collected by wireless access points (WAP) at a venue. This information is collected by the WAP on a time frequency, such as every 45 seconds, and preferably includes without limitation media access control (MAC) addresses or other device or user device identification for every device transmitting a signal including the MAC address within range of the WAP. The information collected by the server from the RESTful API may be stored in a memory of the server, such as in a database associated with the venue. When a user opens a mobile application associated with the venue, the mobile application sends information about the user device, e.g., the MAC address, to the server along with information about the mobile application as it relates to the venue.

The information received from the mobile application, including without limitation the MAC address of the user device, is compared by the server in operation with programming code to the information from the RESTful API. If the MAC address of a user device is present in both the mobile application information and the RESTful API information, this indicates that the user device is in proximity of the venue. Accordingly, the MAC address is added to a list of authorized MAC addresses for that specific venue on a temporary basis as described herein. Future authorization steps to deliver service provider content to the user device follow similar steps as described using BLE beacons, sensors or the like, except the MAC address of the device is used as the user ID instead of the BLE information. Other types of device identifiers may also be used in this process according to the present invention, such as a Universal Unique Identifier.

The above-described methods and systems of the present invention can be implemented in computer software, hardware, or other electronic circuitry. The present invention may also be configured as part of a computer program product, including without limitation a non-transitory computer readable storage medium or device, which may execute and/or control the operation of a data processing apparatus. The configuration may, for example, be a programmable processor(s), a computer, and/or multiple computers.

A computer program according to the present invention may be written in any form of computer language and deployed in any form, including without limitation a main program, subroutine, or element that comprises part of a larger computing environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one or a plurality of computers.

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program are known in the art and include both general and special purpose microprocessors. By way of example, a processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The processor forms an essential element of a computer by executing instructions and operable engaging with one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Processors perform the methods of the present invention by operating on input data and generating output. Methods can also be performed by special purpose circuitry, including without limitation a field programmable gate array or an application-specific integrated circuit. Modules, subroutines, and software agents can refer to portions of the computer program, processor, special circuitry, software, and/or hardware the implements that functionality.

Data transmission and instructions may occur over a communications network, including the internet, World Wide Web, and other information carriers. Such information carriers suitable for computer instructions and data include non-volatile memory, including without limitation semiconductor memory devices. EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, internal and removable disks, CD-ROM and/or DVD-ROM disks are examples of information carriers.

The user device contemplated by the methods and systems of at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a display device, such as a liquid crystal display monitor. The interaction with a user can, for example, be a display of information to the user and a touch screen or other input device by which the user can provide input to the computer via the user interface. Feedback can be delivered to the user in any form of sensory feedback (visual, auditory, or tactile), and input from the user may be received in any form, including without limitation acoustic, speech, tactile, or visual input. Other types of user devices contemplated by the present invention include without limitation a computer, a computer with a browser device, a telephone, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and/or other communication devices. The browser device includes a world wide web browser, for example, Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox, and Google® Chrome®.

The systems and methods of the present invention can be implemented in a distributed computing system that includes a back-end component. The back-end component can be, including without limitation a data server, a middleware component, and an application server. The components of the present invention can be operable interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, including without limitation a local area network, wide area network, the Internet, wired networks, and/or wireless networks.

The systems and methods of the present invention may include one or more clients and servers. The clients and servers may interact through a communications network and operably communicate by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and systems of each client or server.

The communications networks may include packet-based networks, including without limitation the Internet, a carrier internet protocol network, and other packet-based networks. The communications networks may include without limitation a wireless network (wifi network, radio access network, Bluetooth, code-division multiple access network, time-division multiple access network, global system for mobile communications, and/or other circuit-based networks.

As used in the present application, the terms “system,” “component,” and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related device or entity, either hardware, software, or software in execution. A component may be, including without limitation a process running on a processor, an integrated circuit, and object, and executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. Similarly, an application running on a computing device and the computing device can each be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread on execution and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. Components can communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets.

The processes, steps, and functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium that is non-transitory in nature and includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. In addition, any physical connection is considered part of a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, digital subscriber line, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are including in the definition of medium.

Furthermore, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present one or more concepts in a more concrete manner.

One skilled in the art will realize the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicate by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range equivalency of the claims are thereof intended to e embraced therein.