Web-level engagement and analytics for the physical space

According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a system for providing user specific content, the system comprising a WIFI access node configured to be coupled to an external network and to receive a hardware address of at least one local mobile device attempting to connect to the external network via the WIFI access node, a content management system coupled to the WIFI access node, and a public channel coupled to the WIFI access node, wherein the content management system is configured to provide content related to a user of the at least one local mobile device to the public channel in response to the WIFI access node receiving the hardware address of the at least one local mobile device, and wherein the public channel is configured to display the content related to the user.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

At least one example in accordance with the present invention relates generally to an engagement system for gathering analytics of a user.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Marketing and advertisement displays are often utilized to provide information to individuals as they pass by or view content on the display. Marketing and advertisement displays may include digital signage such as LCD, LED, plasma or projection based displays. Such displays are typically located in public and private environments, such as retail stores, hotels, restaurants, buildings, performance venues, transit stations, etc. and are configured to provide a desired message to potential patrons as they view the display.

SUMMARY

As described below, embodiments herein provide an engagement system for identifying users based on their mobile devices' hardware address, selecting and delivering tailored content and marketing to the user's physical space and/or mobile device, and gathering passive (presence) and/or active (usage) analytics.

Aspects in accord with the present invention are directed to a system for providing user specific content, the system comprising a WIFI access node configured to be coupled to an external network and to receive a hardware address of at least one local mobile device attempting to connect to the external network via the WIFI access node, a content management system coupled to the WIFI access node, and a public channel coupled to the WIFI access node, wherein the content management system is configured to provide content related to a user of the at least one local mobile device to the public channel in response to the WIFI access node receiving the hardware address of the at least one local mobile device, and wherein the public channel is configured to display the content related to the user.

According to one embodiment, the hardware address is a Media Access Control (MAC) address. In another embodiment, the public channel is a digital sign.

According to one embodiment, the system further comprises a database coupled to the WIFI access node and wherein the WIFI access node is further configured, in response to receiving the hardware address of the at least one local mobile device, to create a profile within the database associated with the at least one local mobile device. In one embodiment, the profile includes the hardware address of the at least one local mobile device, a location of the at least one local mobile device, and a time at which the WIFI access node received the hardware address of the at least one local mobile device.

According to another embodiment, the content related to the user of the at least one local mobile device which is provided to the public channel includes information associated with at least one of the hardware address of the at least one local mobile device, the location of the least one local mobile device and the time at which the WIFI access node received the hardware address of the at least one local mobile device. In one embodiment, the content provided by the content management system to the public channel is retrieved by the content management system from the database. In another embodiment, the content provided by the content management system to the public channel is received by the content management system from the external network.

According to one embodiment, the WIFI access node is further configured to connect the at least one local mobile device to the external network and to monitor usage information of the at least one local mobile device over the external network. In one embodiment, the profile further includes the usage information and wherein the content related to the user of the at least one local mobile device which is provided to the public channel further includes information associated with the usage information.

According to another embodiment, the WIFI access nodes is further configured to connect the at least one local mobile device to the external network upon the user providing credential information to the WIFI access node. In one embodiment, the profile further includes the credential information and wherein the content related to the user of the at least one local mobile device which is provided to the public channel further includes information associated with the credential information.

Another aspect in accord with the present invention is directed to a method for gathering analytic data, the method comprising acts of receiving wirelessly, with a server, a hardware address of at least one mobile device which is within a proximity of the server and which is attempting to connect to the server, and recording, absent connection of the at least one mobile device to the server, the hardware address, a location of the at least one mobile device, and a time at which the server received the hardware address, in a database.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises acts of retrieving, in response to receiving, content associated with a user of the at least one mobile device, and providing the content to the user of the at least one mobile device. In one embodiment, providing the content to the user includes transmitting the content to at least one of the at least one mobile device and a public channel.

According to another embodiment, the retrieved content is based on at least one of the received hardware address, the location of the user, and the time at which the hardware address was received. In one embodiment, the content is retrieved from at least one of the database or an external network.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises acts of connecting the at least one mobile device to an external network via the server, and monitoring usage information of the at least one mobile device over the external network, wherein the retrieved content is further based on the usage information. In one embodiment, the act of connecting includes receiving registration information from the user and wherein the retrieved content is further based on the registration information.

One aspect in accord with the present invention is directed to a system for providing user specific content, the system comprising, a server configured to be coupled to an external network and to receive a hardware address of a first local mobile device attempting to connect to the external network via the server, a public channel coupled to the server, and means for providing user specific content to the public channel in response to receiving the hardware address.

According to one embodiment, the user specific content is based on at least one of an identification of the first local mobile device, a location of the first local mobile device, and a time at which the server received the hardware address of the first mobile device. In one embodiment, the user specific content is based on a discovery pattern associated with at least one of the identification the first local mobile device, the location of the first local mobile device, and the time at which the server received the hardware address of the first local mobile device.

According to another embodiment, the user specific content is based on usage information of the first local mobile device over the external network. In another embodiment, the user specific content is based on credential information of a user of the first local mobile device.

According to one embodiment, the server is further configured to receive a hardware address of a second local mobile device attempting to connect to the external network via the server and wherein the user specific content is based on an association with the second local mobile device. In one embodiment, the user specific content is based on transaction information related to a user of the first local mobile device. In another embodiment, the transaction information includes Near Field Communication (NFC) transaction information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, marketing and advertisement displays are often utilized to provide information to nearby individuals. However, common marketing and advertising displays are typically either static (e.g., posters, signs, preprogrammed digital displays etc), not tailored to a specific individual, or require input from an individual to provide user specific content. This limits the value and the amount of content that the displays are able to provide.

Embodiments described herein provide an engagement system for identifying users based on their mobile devices' hardware address, selecting and delivering tailored content and marketing to the user's physical space and/or mobile device, and gathering passive (presence) and/or active (usage) analytics.

FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram of an engagement system100in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The engagement system100includes a server102coupled to an external network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), the internet, etc.) and a public channel104. According to one embodiment, the public channel is a device, typically located in a public setting, which is capable of broadcasting information to local users in its vicinity. For example, in some embodiments, the public channel is a video display or electronic sign in a retail store, a light or sound in a public transit station, a speaker in a waiting room, or any other device capable of disseminating information publicly to individuals in its presence.

The server102of the engagement system100also includes a WIFI access point, configured to communicate wirelessly with a plurality of mobile user devices108. According to one embodiment, the WIFI access point is included within the server102. According to another embodiment, the WIFI access point is located external from the server102. According to some embodiments, the mobile user devices may include any mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, laptop, etc.) capable of communicating wirelessly with the server102(e.g., via a WIFI connection).

Typically, WIFI enabled mobile devices continuously broadcast hardware information (e.g. a hardware address) into the surrounding area in an effort to be discovered by, and connect with, nearby wireless networks. For example, a WIFI enabled mobile device commonly broadcasts its Media Access Control (MAC) address to the surrounding area so that any capable WIFI access node within the area can receive the MAC address and upon initiation by the user of the mobile device, use the MAC address to form a communication channel to the mobile device.

However, even though a mobile device is WIFI-enabled (and therefore may continuously be broadcasting its MAC address) and a WIFI access node senses the MAC address of a mobile device in its presence, oftentimes the communication channel is not established as the user does not take the required steps to initiate formation of the communication channel and/or the user is not within range of the access point long enough for the communication channel to be created. Nevertheless, as described herein, the mere sensing of MAC addresses by the server102may be useful information that may be used by an advertising or marketing system.

The server102is configured to identify the presence of specific mobile devices108by sensing the MAC address transmissions from the mobile devices108. According to one embodiment, based on the received MAC addresses and/or additional information received from the user or an external third party (e.g., via the external network106), the server102may provide user specific content to the user. In one embodiment, the user specific content is provided directly to the mobile device108of the user. In another embodiment, the user specific content is provided to the user through a public channel104located near the user. Additional details of the user specific content and how it is retrieved and provided to a user is discussed below in relation toFIG. 2.

FIG. 2is a more detailed block diagram of an engagement system (e.g., engagement system100) in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The server102(as seen inFIG. 1) of the engagement system100may include a WIFI access node200coupled to a Content Management System (CMS), a registration database203and a digital sign104(i.e. a public channel).

As discussed similarly above, the WIFI access node200is configured to communicate wirelessly with a plurality of mobile user devices108. The mobile user devices108(e.g., mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) continuously broadcast their identity (via their MAC address or any other public network broadcast) in an attempt to be discovered by the WIFI access node200. Upon being discovered by the WIFI access node200, a communication channel may be created between the WIFI access node200and the mobile user device108, allowing the mobile user device108to join any wireless network provided by the WIFI access node200and retrieve content stored locally on the WIFI access node200or web content (proxied through the WIFI access node200) from the external network106. According to one embodiment, a user may be required to provide credentials prior to joining a wireless network of the WIFI access node200or accessing content.

The WIFI access node200is a wireless device that creates at least one wireless network accessible by mobile user devices108and provides network services (e.g., an HTTP server). The WIFI access node200senses the MAC addresses of mobile user devices108that have requested to be discovered and according to one embodiment, node200stores a log of the MAC addresses. Upon being discovered, a user of a mobile user device108may elect to join a network provided by the WIFI access node200.

According to one embodiment, for any mobile user device108that is discovered, the WIFI access node200stores metrics (e.g., in a local database of node200or in the registration database204) related to the mobile user device108such as the device30identifier (e.g., MAC address), timestamp, location, and the length of time that the mobile user device108is in the presence of the WIFI access node200.

According to another embodiment, if the mobile user device108actually connects to the network provided by the WIFI access node200, the WIFI access node200is able to retrieve additional information about the mobile user device108and store additional metrics related to the mobile user device108. The additional metrics may include the type of mobile user device108operated by the user, usage information of the mobile user device, content interacted with over the network provided by the WIFI access node200(e.g., via a web browser), content exposed to via the network, results of games, surveys and polls interacted with via the network, and session cookies.

In another embodiment, if the WIFI access node200requires a user to enter credentials (e.g., via a registration or login process) prior to joining the network provided by the WIFI access node200, the WIFI access node200is able to compile even more information about the mobile user device108and the user, and log additional metrics related to the mobile user device108and the user. The additional metrics may include the name of the user, the email of the user, and other personal information such as associated social media accounts.

According to one embodiment, the WIFI access node200stores logged metrics in a local cache or database. In this way, the WIFI access node200is able to keep track of mobile user devices108and users that the node detects frequently and can quickly access the information related to the frequently detected mobile user devices108.

According to another embodiment, the WIFI access node200also stores logged metrics in the registration database204. In one embodiment, the registration database204is a central registration database capable of communicating with multiple WIFI access nodes200and storing information received from the multiple WIFI access nodes. According to one embodiment, the WIFI access node200updates the registration database204periodically. According to another embodiment, the registration database204is located at a different location than the WIFI access node200and is configured to store information from multiple WIFI access nodes200. In this manner, a rich database of device and their associated metrics may be maintained and used by various systems.

The WIFI access node200generates profiles for each MAC address (i.e. mobile user device108) that node200detects and stores relationships between the MAC addresses and the logged metrics (e.g., time, geolocation, duration of stay, use, content, personal information, among other types of metrics) collected by the WIFI access node200in the registration database204. According to one embodiment, profiles in the registration database contain at least the following fields: device identifier, timestamp, and location. However, the database204is extensible and may contain additional information regarding additional metrics as described above.

The profiles stored in the database204may also be augmented by information available through public sources or from a third party via the external network204. For example, a profile stored in the registration database204by a WIFI access node200of a retailer, which is related to a specific mobile user device108and user (i.e., due to a prior10registration), may be updated via the external network106to include prior purchase information from another retailer or a list of other locations visited (e.g., sensed by other WIFI access nodes200). According to one embodiment, local content of the WIFI access node200may also be updated periodically via the external network106.

According to one embodiment, the registration database204provides an Application Programming Interface (API) allowing other applications or systems to retrieve data from the database204. For example, an application desiring information regarding a specific mobile user device108or a specific user may submit a request to the registration database204for information regarding that device or user. In another example, an application may request information about all of the sensed devices108at a specific WIFI access node200over a given period of time.

According to one embodiment, the registration database204may require the requesting party to provide the registration database204with additional information in exchange for the requested information. For example, the registration database204may require that the requestor provide at least a device identifier, timestamp and geolocation to be able to access information in the database204. In another example, the more info the requestor wants, the more information the registration database204may require the requestor to provide. According to one embodiment, some information stored in the database204may be restricted to outside access. In another embodiment, information provided to a requestor may be generalized information (e.g., to address privacy concerns). For example, if usage analytics are requested, the system may provide a general profile type of a user (e.g., urban man, age 30-40 with an interest in technology), rather than actual usage data. Also, according to another embodiment, access to the registration database204may be provided in exchange for a fee.

Based on the sensed mobile user devices108that are in the presence of a WIFI access node200and any metrics stored in the local cache or registration database related to the sensed mobile user devices108(e.g., in a profile previously saved in the registration database), the Content Management System (CMS)202controls the content that is delivered to the user (e.g., via the mobile user device108or the public channel104) from the WIFI access node200. According to one embodiment, the CMS202is located at a different location than the WIFI access node200and is configured to manage the content provided to multiple users via multiple WIFI access nodes200.

Based on the logged metrics related to the mobile user devices108and/or the users, the WIFI access node200provides user specific content to at least one user in its presence. According to one embodiment, based on the metrics, the WIFI access node200provides local content (e.g., video, text or audio) which is stored in the WIFI access node or a local storage unit (e.g., a hard drive) to a user in its presence. In another embodiment, based on the logged metrics, the WIFI access node200acts as a proxy server to control access to the external network106(e.g., the internet or another local network) to direct user specific content from the network to a user in its presence or to send control signals to another external device via the external network.

According to one embodiment, when more than one device108is discovered by the WIFI access node200, the WIFI access node may provide user specific content simultaneously to each device (e.g., via each one of the devices108). However, where two or more devices108are discovered and the WIFI access node200desires to provide different content to each of the devices108at the same time via a single public channel display104, the CMS202may control content provided by the WIFI access node200so that public channel104display is divided into a number of segments based on the number of devices. For example, if the WIFI access node200desires to provide user specific content to three users in its presence, the CMS202may control the content displayed so that the public channel display is divided intro three segments, each for displaying content to one of the different users.

Alternatively, according to one embodiment, where two or more devices108are discovered and the WIFI access node200desires to provide different content to each of the devices108at the same time via a single public channel display104, the CMS202may control content to only be provided to a higher priority user. For example, if the WIFI access node200desires to provide user specific content to two different users in its presence, the CMS202may control the content displayed so that only a user that has previously provided his credentials to the WIFI access node200will be shown the related user specific content.

Additionally, according to another embodiment, where two or more devices108are discovered, the WIFI access node200may recognize usage data that is common to a group of identified users (i.e. common denominators) and provide content to each one of the users relative to the common denominator. For example, if the WIFI access node200recognizes a plurality of users within the same location, each of which has a corresponding profile indicating that the user is interested in football, then the WIFI access node200may provide football related content to the mobile user device108of each user or to the public channel104.

As discussed above, user specific content may be provided to a public channel104within the vicinity of a desired mobile user device108. The public channel104in which content is displayed may be determined by the MAC addresses received from mobile user devices108and the location of the devices. According to one embodiment, the public channel104is a digital sign or video display. In another embodiment, the public channel104is a speaker. According to one embodiment, the public channel104may include integrated sensors such as Infrared (IR) motion cameras to capture user metrics (e.g., such as the presence or identification of a user).

According to one embodiment, a single WIFI access node200of an engagement system100, having a plurality of WIFI antennas or wireless access points, may be fixed in a centralized location (e.g., at the center of a retail location). According to another embodiment, a smaller and more mobile installation includes a single WIFI access node200comprising a small computer including one or more wireless cards and wireless modems.

According to one embodiment, an organization interested in growing its registration database, may provide a WIFI access node200to a location. In exchange for free WIFI service, users of WIFI at the location are required to register before they can use the WIFI network. The mobile user device108information of registered users is sensed (as described above) and the provided registration information can be sent to and stored in the organizations registration database.

FIG. 3is a flow chart300illustrating an engagement process for gathering passive analytics in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. At block301, the engagement process for gathering passive analytics is started, for instance, at an engagement system100installed at a location.

At block302, mobile user devices108at the location broadcast identification information (e.g., a MAC address) in an attempt to be discovered by a wireless access point. Even if the user of the mobile user device108is not actively trying to connect to a wireless network (e.g., the mobile user device is currently not being operated by the user), the mobile user device108may still be broadcasting its identification information and information may be collected regarding the presence of the mobile user device108.

At block304, the WIFI access node200senses identification information broadcasted by any mobile user devices108within its broadcast range.

At block306, upon sensing that at least one mobile user device108is in its presence, the WIFI access node200logs the sensed identification information the node receives from the mobile user device along with additional sensed timestamp and location metrics. The timestamp metric may be determined by the time at which the mobile user device108came within range of the WIFI access node200. The location metric may be determined by the location of the mobile user device108. According to one embodiment, the location of the mobile user device108may be determined by which WIFI access node200sensed the identification information broadcast by the mobile user device108. For instance, the location of the mobile user device108may be assumed to be near or proximate the location of the WIFI access node200. In another embodiment, the mobile user device108may provide location information to the WIFI access node200, or any other system element.

At block308, the WIFI access node200stores the logged metrics in the registration database204. As discussed above, the stored metrics may be used to provide user specific content to the user of the mobile user device108. In addition, as also discussed above, the stored metrics may be accessed by a third party.

At block310, based on which mobile user devices108are within range of the WIFI access node200and on the stored metrics, the CMS202and the WIFI access node200determine which user specific content to provide to the users of the mobile user devices108. According to one embodiment, the content may be local content provided by the engagement system100or content from the external network106.

At block312, the user specific content is provided to at least one of the mobile user devices108within range of the WIFI access node200. As discussed above, the user specific content may be provided to one or more of the mobile user devices108directly. The content may also be broadcast to the public over a public channel104such as a public video display or speaker. In addition, the content may be in the form of signals sent to control an external device. As a result, merely by being within the broadcast range of the WIFI access node200, the WIFI access node is able to gather information regarding a mobile user device108and its user, and in response, provide user specific content.

According to one embodiment, the WIFI access node200is used to passively collect usage analytics. For example, an installer of the WIFI access node200may want to know how many people visited his/her establishment during a certain period of time. By passively sensing a number of MAC addresses of mobile user devices108that are within the broadcast area of a WIFI access node during a certain time period, the WIFI access node200is able to determine how many people visited the establishment during the desired period of time, without requiring the visitors to register or login.

In another example, the WIFI access node200is used to passively track how long individuals are visiting a certain establishment. By passively sensing a MAC address of a mobile user device108and logging the time that the mobile user device108came into range of the WIFI access node200and the time that the mobile user device108went out of range of the WIFI access node200(e.g., via timestamps), the WIFI access node200is able to determine the length of the user's stay without the need for the user to log or check in.

In response to the length of stay of the user, determined by identification and timestamp metrics, user specific content may be displayed on the public channel104closest to the user. For example, if the WIFI access node200determines that a user is exiting the store after a short visit (e.g., determined by timestamp metrics), content wishing the user a good day or trying to persuade the user to return may be displayed on the public channel104closest to the user (e.g., determined by a location metric).

In another embodiment, the engagement system100is used to identify reoccurring events. For example, the WIFI access node200may be used to identify reoccurring visitors. If, over a period of time, the WIFI access node200repeatedly senses the presence of a certain mobile user device108(e.g., once a day), the WIFI access node200is able to determine that the user with the reoccurring mobile user device108is a returning visitor. In response to sensing a reoccurring visitor (i.e., a reoccurring MAC address), specific content related to the fact that the visitor is a reoccurring customer may be displayed on a public channel104close to the user. For example, upon sensing the arrival in a store of a reoccurring customer, a more familiar welcome message (e.g., “Great to see you again!”) may be displayed on the public channel104closest to the customer. Also, based on the timestamp metrics related to when the reoccurring customer usually arrives (e.g., saved in the cache of the WIFI access node200or in a profile in the database204), the WIFI access node200may be able to determine, based on a substantially different timestamp associated with the mobile user device108when the user arrives, that the reoccurring user is running late and display a message (“Running late today?) on the public channel104.

In addition, according to one embodiment, if the WIFI access node200within an establishment knows that the establishment is close to another business, the WIFI access node200may assume that a reoccurring visitor at the establishment works at the business and may provide content related to the business to the user's mobile device108or to the public channel104in proximity to the user.

In another example, the engagement system100may be utilized to identify pairs of mobile user devices108that are commonly sensed together within range of the WIFI access node200(e.g., from a husband and wife, from two people that work together, etc.) If the WIFI access node200senses the MAC addresses of the same mobile user devices within range of the WIFI access node200at the same time and this occurs repeatedly (i.e., it is verified against stored identification, location and timestamp metrics), then the WIFI access node200is able to determine that either a single user using two mobile user devices108is present and is visiting regularly or two users are likely visiting together on a reoccurring basis.

In response to determining that a pair of devices108has come within range of the WIFI access node200on a reoccurring basis, content tailored to two familiar people may be broadcast on the public channel104. For example, if two friends visit a store on a reoccurring basis, due the continuing reoccurrence of their MAC addresses within the store, a WIFI access node200may recognize that the users of the two devices are probably visiting together, may determine an association between the two devices/users, and may display a resulting message (e.g., “Do you know about our two-for-one offers?) tailored to that fact when the users come within range of the WIFI access node. This message may be determined based on the presence of both devices/users at a concurrent time.

According to another embodiment, a WIFI access node200is able to associate devices based on discovery patterns (e.g., pattern matching for time, location and/or content). For example, if a WIFI access node200identifies a reoccurring pattern with regards to a reoccurring MAC address (e.g., a user that appears at the same time each day), but one day the WIFI access node200identifies a different mobile user device108performing the same pattern, the WIFI access node200may assume that the different mobile user device108is actually related to the reoccurring MAC address (i.e. reoccurring user) and merge or associate profiles or identification information of the two devices.

The relationship between the two devices may be further validated by additional public broadcast information from the mobile user devices108. For example, the mobile user device108may also typically broadcast a Service Set Identifier (SSID) or Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) of a network that it has previously connected to in an effort to reconnect with the network. If the reoccurring mobile user device108is not identified and the newly sensed mobile user device108follows the same pattern as the reoccurring mobile user device108typically does and also broadcasts the same network identifier, then the WIFI access node200will assume that the same user is using both devices.

According to one embodiment, the engagement system100may be used to recognize that a user is present in a specific location. For example, within a home automation system including an engagement system100, settings of utility devices (e.g., lighting levels, speaker volume levels, thermostat levels, etc.) within the home may be adjusted based on a sensed mobile user device108. When a user walks into a room of her home and the WIFI access node200within the room, with a broadcast range limited to the room, senses the user's presence (via her mobile user device's108broadcast identification), the WIFI access node200may automatically send signals to the utility devices (coupled to the same LAN) to set the utility devices to preprogrammed settings.

For example, based on preprogrammed settings, the WIFI access node200may turn on lights, turn up a stereo system or turn up the temperature of a thermostat when the presence of the user is identified. In addition, the WIFI access node200may turn down the lights, turn down the stereo or turn down the temperature when the user goes outside the broadcast range of the WIFI access node200(e.g., the user leaves the room).

In another example, the WIFI access node200may be used to determine that a user is attending a specific event. For example, a WIFI access node200at a sport venue or convert venue may sense that a user's mobile user device108is present (by sensing the device's MAC address). Upon sensing the presence of the device108at a specific time, the WIFI access node200can access a schedule via the external network106in order to determine whether there is at a sport or concert event at that specific time. If there is a scheduled event, the WIFI access node200can provide sports or concert related information to the user directly via the user's mobile user device108or via a public channel104in the presence of the user.

In addition, based on the fact that a user is present at a sport or concert event or located in a specific location, the WIFI access node200may be able to correlate additional demographic information with the user and store the demographic information in a profile related to the user. For example, attendance at a sporting event may be used by a system to determine that the user is a supporter of the home team, attendance at a specific rock convert may identify the user as a male, urban, thirty-forty year old in a certain income level, or identifying a morning commute which starts in a certain neighborhood may identify the user in a certain demographic. Based on the additional demographic information, the WIFI access node200may provide related content to a user.

In another example, a MAC address sensed by a WIFI access node200may be used as one passive factor in a multi-factor authentication system. For instance, if a user wants to access a restricted computer system (e.g., a publically available desktop or ATM), in addition to an active step taken by the user (e.g., the entering of a password by the user), the restricted computer system coupled to a WIFI access node200may also require that the access node200actually sense the presence of the supposed user who is attempting to log in. The access node200may be familiar with the users MAC address through prior contact or through a registration process.

In one more example, the engagement system100may be utilized as a way-finding system. For example, if a first WIFI access node200of a plurality of WIFI access nodes recognizes that a mobile user device108is currently within its broadcast range but also receives information from other WIFI access nodes coupled to the same external network106that the user passed through their broadcast areas prior to being sensed by the first WIFI access node200, the first WIFI access node200can provide information to the user (via the users mobile device108or a public channel104) that the user could have travelled a different (potentially shorter or faster) route to the first WIFI access node200.

As discussed above, in addition to providing content based on identification, location and timestamp metrics, by actually connecting to the wireless network provided by a WIFI access node200, the WIFI access node200can provide content based on additional information determined while the user is connected or information provided by the user to become connected.

FIG. 4is a flow chart400illustrating an engagement process for gathering passive and active analytics in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. At block401, the engagement process for gathering passive and active analytics is started at an engagement system100installed at a location.

At block402, mobile user devices108at the location broadcast identification information (e.g., a MAC address) in an attempt to be discovered by a wireless access point. Even if the user of the mobile user device108is not actively trying to connect to a wireless network (e.g., the mobile user device is currently not being operated by the user), the mobile user device108may still be broadcasting its identification information.

At block404, the WIFI access node200senses identification information broadcasted by any mobile user devices108within its broadcast range. At block406, upon sensing that at least one mobile user device108is in its presence, the WIFI access node200logs the sensed identification information that the node200received from the mobile user device along with additional sensed timestamp and location metrics.

At block408, the WIFI access node200stores the logged metrics in the registration database204. As discussed above, the stored metrics may be used to provide user specific content to the user of the mobile user device108. In addition, as also discussed above, the stored metrics may be accessed by a third party.

At block410, the user connects their mobile user device108to a wireless network provided by the WIFI access node200. Upon coupling their device108to the network, the user is able to utilize a web browser on the device108to browse the internet.

At block412, as discussed above, the WIFI access node200senses additional information related to the mobile user device108, the user and the use of the mobile user device108(e.g., content viewed) on the wireless network. Based on the additional information, the WIFI access node200logs additional metrics related to the user and mobile user device108.

At block413, the WIFI access node200updates the information stored in the database (e.g., updates the profiles with the additional metrics) related to the mobile user device108connected to the network.

At block414, based on a determination of which mobile user devices108are within range of the WIFI access node200and based on the stored metrics, the CMS202and the WIFI access node200determine which user specific content to provide to the users of the mobile user devices108. According to one embodiment, the content may be local content provided by the engagement system100or content received from the external network106.

At block416, the user specific content is provided to at least one of the mobile user devices108within range of the WIFI access node200. As discussed above, the user specific content may be provided to one or more of the mobile user devices108directly. The content may also be broadcast to the public over a public channel104such as a public video display or speaker. In addition, the content may be in the form of signals sent to control an external device. As a result, be retrieving passive information related to the presence of a mobile user device108and active information related to the mobile user device108, the user of the mobile device108and the use of the mobile device108, the WIFI access node200is able to provide relevant user specific content.

According to one embodiment, once the WIFI access node200has sensed the presence of a mobile user device108and the mobile user device108has been connected to the wireless network provided by the WIFI access node200, the WIFI access node200may monitor usage of the mobile user device108. For example, while the mobile user device108is coupled to the network provided by the WIFI access node200and the user is utilizing a web browser to access the internet, the WIFI access node200may retrieve and store information related to the user's web browser use.

In one embodiment, the WIFI access node200monitors such information as the content of the web pages viewed by the user, the cookies saved to the mobile user device108, items purchased via the web browser, online shows viewed, music listened to and any other information related to the browsing activity of the user. Based on the mobile user device108activity in addition to the passive location, timestamp and identification analytics, the WIFI access node200may provide specific and/or special content to the user via the mobile user device or the public channel104.

The WIFI access node200may provide special advertising material or product information to a user (via the device108or public channel104) operating a mobile user device108within range of the WIFI access node200if the WIFI access node200determines that the user may be interested in such material (e.g., due to prior use of the web browser or prior purchases made via the web browser). For example, if while connected to the WIFI access node200, the user utilizes the mobile user device108to repeatedly view content related to a specific product and/or even to buy the specific product, the WIFI access node200can sense and store this web browser use information. When the WIFI access node200recognizes the mobile user device is within the broadcast area of the WIFI access node200(i.e. via the sensed MAC address), the WIFI access node200can provide special content (e.g., a special product offer) related to the specific product directly to the mobile user device108or to a public channel104near the mobile user device108.

The WIFI access node200may also provide special or focused content to the user if the WIFI access node200determines that the mobile user device108(and hence the user) is relatively close to a product that the user may be interested in (based on browser use). According to one embodiment, the WIFI access node200uses wireless triangulation to determine the location of the mobile user device108. In another embodiment, the WIFI access node200may use the strength of signals received from the mobile user device108to determine a relative location of the mobile user device108.

In another example, the WIFI access node200may include a proxy server that is configured to remove a portion of ads or all ads on a web page visited by the user on the mobile user device108. In one embodiment, the proxy server is configured to replace the ads with user specific content related to the use of the browser by the user on the mobile user device108.

According to another embodiment, the WIFI access node200may receive information from the mobile user device108related to Near Field Communication (NFC) transactions or other payment methods using a mobile device. When a user utilizes their mobile user device108to directly purchase a product (e.g., by scanning a code or barcode with the mobile user device108) the WIFI access node200receives information related to the transaction. Based on the information related to the transaction (e.g., product, purchase price, etc), the WIFI access node200may provide related content (e.g., related product, similar product, product offers, information regarding the purchased product, etc.) to the user. In one example, in addition to stored purchase information (e.g., saved in the user's related profiled in the database), the WIFI access node200may use the passive identification and location metrics to determine when the user has entered a store and in response to the user entering the store, the WIFI access node200may send content to the user, via the mobile user device108or public signage104, to spotlight items that the user purchases frequently.

In another example, in response to purchase and location information received by the WIFI access node200, the WIFI access node200may provide a message specifically to the user. For example, upon sensing that a user has entered a coffee shop, the WIFI access node200may recall prior purchase information and display a message (“Tall mocha skim latte?”) related to a prior purchase pattern of the user. In another example, upon sensing that a user has entered a store, the WIFI access node200may recall prior purchase, demographic and interest information and display the information on a display of a sales associate so that the sales associate can help the user more efficiently.

In another embodiment, the WIFI access node200monitors use of the mobile user device108to play games or answer polls by the user. Not only can the WIFI access node200provide information to the user related to the content of the game or poll, but based on the passive identification and location metrics, the WIFI access node200may allow interactivity between users with regards to the game or poll. For example, using their mobile user devices, users may choose to interact with a game or poll displayed on a public channel104by scanning a Quick Response (QR) code shown on the public channel104. Users may then answer a poll or play a game using their mobile user device108. Based on the sensed mobile user devices that are determined to be present and the responses entered by the users in their mobile user devices108, the WIFI access node200may display the results of the poll or game on the public channel104. Also, a winner of a game may be provided special offers or prizes by the WIFI access node200.

According to one embodiment, the WIFI access node200monitors online media content received by the user, via the mobile user device108, and provides related information to the user. For example, if a user repeatedly watches a television show online, a WIFI access node200that senses the user's presence through their mobile user device108and also receives profile information from the database204indicating that the television show is one of the user's favorites, may choose to play a trailer for the television shown on a public channel104when the user is in its presence.

In another example, if a user repeatedly listens to a certain radio station or a certain type of music through an internet radio station, a WIFI access node200that senses the user's presence through their mobile user device108and also receives profile information from the database204indicating that user prefers a certain type of music, the WIFI access node200may choose to play music of the desired type through the mobile user device108or even through a public speaker. For instance, if a user walks into a waiting room, a WIFI access node200in the waiting room senses the presence of the user (via the MAC address of the mobile user device108), and the WIFI access node200retrieves a profile (including music preference information) for the user from the database204via an API, the WIFI access node200may choose to play a related song on a public channel104speaker.

According to one embodiment, even if another WIFI network provided by a different source is available, it may be beneficial to connect to the WIFI access node200as the WIFI access node200stores some content locally. For example, in one embodiment the WIFI access node200is a Content Delivery Network (CDN) which caches web content to reduce network traffic and speed up browsing performance. Providing content from a CDN allows the WIFI access node200to quickly provide a reliable high quality stream of content to at least one of the mobile user devices108.

For example, a user may begin watching a trailer for a movie while he is in a subway car by streaming the trailer from the WIFI access node. As the user exits the car, the WIFI access node200in the train may recognize that the user is no longer present, may stop streaming the trailer and may store in a profile of the user the location in the media (e.g., timestamp) at which point the stream failed.

However, as the user exits the subway car, a plurality of WIFI access nodes200outside of the subway car may begin to sense the presence of the mobile user device188and recognize that the media being viewed by the user was interrupted. Based on an identification of the mobile user device108(via its MAC address), the location of the mobile user device and the previously stored information regarding the streaming media previously viewed by the user, another WIFI access node200external from the subway car may automatically begin playing the streamed content from where the other WIFI access node200left off, on a public channel104visible to the user.

In addition to the sensed active and passive analytics discussed above, the engagement system may obtain even more information from users if users are asked to register or enter different credentials before they are allowed to connect to the network of the WIFI access node200.

FIG. 5is a flow chart500illustrating another engagement process for gathering passive and active analytics in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. At block501, the engagement process for gathering passive and active analytics is started at an engagement system100installed at a location.

At block502, mobile user devices108at the location broadcast identification information (e.g., a MAC address) in an attempt to be discovered by a wireless access point. Even if the user of the mobile user device108is not actively trying to connect to a wireless network (e.g., the mobile user device is currently not being operated by the user), the mobile user device108may still be broadcasting its identification information.

At block504, the WIFI access node200senses identification information broadcasted by any mobile user devices108within its broadcast range. At block506, upon sensing that at least one mobile user device108is in its presence, the WIFI access node200logs the sensed identification information the node200received from the mobile user device along with additional sensed timestamp and location metrics.

At block508, the WIFI access node200stores the logged metrics in the registration database204. As discussed above, the stored metrics may be used to provide user specific content to the user of the mobile user device108. In addition, as also discussed above, the stored metrics may be accessed by a third party.

At block510, the user provides login or registration information to the WIFI access node. The WIFI access node may require that a user wishing to connect to the wireless network enter credential information. For example, credential information may include the user's name, email address, phone number, social media contact information, or other credentials of the user. The credential information may also include user preferences, such as store preferences or product preferences. According to one embodiment, the WIFI access node may only require the user to enter credential information upon connecting to the network for the first time.

At block511, the entered registration and credential information is stored in the database204. According to one embodiment the registration and credential information is stored in a profile associated with the mobile user device108.

At block512, the user connects their mobile user device108to a wireless network provided by the WIFI access node200. Upon coupling their device108to the network, the user is able to utilize a web browser on the device108to browse the internet.

At block514, as discussed above, the WIFI access node200senses additional information related to the mobile user device108, the user and the use of the mobile user device108(e.g., content viewed) on the wireless network. Based on the additional information, the WIFI access node200logs additional metrics related to the user and mobile user device108.

At block516, the WIFI access node200updates the information stored in the database (i.e., updates the profiles related to the identified mobile user devices108) with the additional metrics.

At block518, based on a determination of which mobile user devices108are within range of the WIFI access node200and based on the stored metrics, the CMS202and the WIFI access node200determine which user specific content to provide to the users of the mobile user devices108. According to one embodiment, the content may be local content provided by the engagement system100or content from the external network106.

At block520, the user specific content is provided to at least one of the mobile user devices108within range of the WIFI access node200. As discussed above, the user specific content may be provided to one or more of the mobile user devices108directly. The content may also be broadcast to the public over a public channel104such as a public video display or speaker. In addition, the content may be in the form of signals sent to control an external device. As a result, by sensing passive information related to the presence of a mobile user device108, active information related to the mobile user device108, the user of the mobile device108and the use of the mobile device108, and registration information input by a user, the WIFI access node200is able to provide relevant user specific content.

According to one embodiment, based on identification information entered by the user, the WIFI access node200retrieves information from an external third party (e.g., via the external network106). For example, based on the credentials entered by the user, the WIFI access node200may retrieve information from a store rewards account. Using this information, when a mobile user device108is identified as entering the store with the rewards account, the WIFI access node200may provide specific content to the user related to information retrieved from the store rewards account (e.g., purchases made, related offers, reward information etc.). As discussed above, the specific content can be provided directly to the mobile user device108of the user, displayed on a public channel104or even displayed privately to a sales associate.

According to another embodiment, based on the identification information entered by the user, the WIFI access node200may retrieve information from a social media account. For example, the WIFI access node200may retrieve “friend” information from the social media network. Using this information, the WIFI access node200may be able to tell a user when friends in their network (whose MAC addresses and locations have also been sensed within the broadcast are of the WIFI access node200) are in the same area. Using the “friend” information, the WIFI access node may also be able to inform a user about scores his friend achieved on a game that the user is also playing on their mobile user device108.

In another embodiment, based on preference information entered by the user, the WIFI access node200may provide content related to the preference information to the user. For example, if the user indicates that she prefers a certain type of music when initially registering with the WIFI access node, when the WIFI access node200in a music store recognizes that the user is present in the store, the WIFI access node200may provide content specific to the preferred music to the user.

As described above, embodiments described herein provide an engagement system for identifying users based on their mobile devices' hardware address, selecting and delivering tailored content and marketing to the user's physical space and/or mobile device, and gathering passive (presence) and/or active (usage) analytics.