Abstract:
Content Management Systems (CMSs) can be configured to edit available content. The CMS can be provided as a web interface so that content can be rapidly updated. User data can be collected associated with an individual user or one or more specific locations. Examples include information related to venue traffic, efficacy of floor plan and layout, store placement, advertising rates as a function of location, lease rates, user demographics, user purchasing habits, and other user profiles.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/381,903, filed Sep. 10, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application 61/493,901, filed Jun. 6, 2011, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Mobile device use has become widespread. Many users depend on these devices to look up information on the Internet, check the weather, read news, and navigate to new destinations. However, the content users receive is generally limited in view of the relatively imprecise location information available at the mobile device. In addition, much of the information provided to users is only generally related to user location, and determining details of a user&#39;s local environment can be impossible. 
         [0003]    Merchants have adopted a variety of ways of communicating with much potential customers using mobile devices. For example, users can receive emails that may or may not include a vendor coupon, or a vendor can pay for placement on a web page or a map returned from a web page. These ways are generally neither timely, well targeted, nor closely associated with current user location. Improved methods and apparatus for providing timely, location based information tailored to a particular user are needed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The disclosure pertains to methods and apparatus for generating RF signatures that are associated with particular locations, and assigning and delivering content based on such signatures. Details are presented below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0005]    Disclosed are navigation systems and methods that can guide a user to a destination using a smartphone to show route and current location, and provide route-based content. Unlike conventional GPS or RFID systems, no special hardware is required and operation range can be very larger. A single downloadable application can be configured to retrieve, display, and forward content associated with a variety of content providers. Content providers can forward mobile device display backgrounds, screen savers, text, audio, video to provide information about available products and services. Venue-specific application modules can be provided for airports (for example, flight information), museums (for example, museum tours), and in-seat sales at stadium, and other purposes. The application can provide an input configured to present content that is likely associated with providers that are within view of the mobile device user. Location based searching can be provided, and coupons or other customer enticements can be delivered. Navigational information for travel from a current location to a target can be provided. 
         [0006]    A Content Management System (CMS) can be configured to edit available content. The CMS can be provided as a web interface so that content can be rapidly updated. User data can be collected associated with an individual user and one or more specific locations. Examples include information related to venue traffic, efficacy of floor plan and layout, store placement, advertising rates as a function of location, lease rates, user demographics, and user purchasing habits. In some examples, methods for identifying local points of interest within an indoor environment are provided in which points of interest are identified dynamically as pop-up icons on a map displayed on user&#39;s mobile device or other types of notifications as a user comes near to them, but there are numerous other examples and applications. 
         [0007]    In some examples, content delivery systems comprise a network interface configured to receive requests for content associated with a selected map location, the request including a radio frequency (RF) signature associated with the location. A processor is configured to identify at least one content element associated with the RF signature. In some examples, the RF signature is associated with a wireless access point identifier and at least one received signal strength associated with the wireless access point. In further examples, the processor is configured to retrieve at least one content element and communicate the content element via the network interface, and the content element is an audio file, a video file, a store coupon, or a text file. In some examples, the processor is configured to provide an indication of the availability of content associated with map locations proximate the selected map location. 
         [0008]    Systems comprise at least one computer readable medium configured to store RF signatures in association with corresponding map locations and content. A user interface is configured to receive selections of map locations and assign content to at least one of the map locations. In some embodiment, the user interface is configured to assign at least one content notice type to a content item, wherein the content notice type is associated with display of the content item based on presence at the associated location. In other examples, the system provides a map display so as to display a map location for the assignment of content. 
         [0009]    Methods comprise providing vendor specific content associated with a location based on a radio frequency signature and receiving at least one indication of user access to the vendor specific content. A value of the user access is estimated based on the at least one indication. In some examples, the value is based on a number of user accesses to the content or a number of user accesses to vendor premises associated with content, and a vendor is charged based on the value. 
         [0010]    Methods comprise obtaining radio frequency (RF) signatures for a plurality of venue locations and assigning content to at least one venue location. Content is provided in response to receipt of an RF signature associated with at least one location. In some examples, the RF signatures include a location identifier and at least one characteristic of the radio frequency emissions associated with the location or a Service Set Identifier associated with a wireless access point proximate the location. In some examples, the at least one content item is denoted as a pop-up item. 
         [0011]    These and other features and aspects of the disclosed technology are set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1A  is a block diagram illustrating a representative method for assigning radio frequency signatures to physical locations based on a scan of RF signals associated with WiFi access points, routers, and other WiFi connections. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  is a block diagram illustrating a representative method of determining a location of a mobile devise based on RF signatures. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a user interface for associating content with locations. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 3-5  illustrate mobile device displays provided for selection or display of location based content. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates a representative computer environment for implementation of the disclosed methods. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a representative mobile device display associated with providing content for a plurality of locations and displaying the availability of content to a user of the mobile device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a representative method of detecting a change of location such as a change of floors in a multi-story venue and updating a mobile device display with a corresponding floor map and associated content. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a representative method of dynamic content display that includes providing a displayed marker pin at one or more locations at which venue content is available, and responding to user input such as user contact with touch screen locations at or near one or more displayed marker pins by providing location based content on the display at or near the marker pin or in a banner area. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the banner area is situated at a bottom edge of the mobile device display. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate a block diagram of a representative method of providing user route directions such as displaying a route map and retrieving/displaying available content or the availability of content around a user location. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of representative method of providing venue specific applications to a mobile device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a representative method of determining the availability of content associated with location of a user mobile device, and indicating the availability of such content on a display such as a map display on a mobile device. A representative display provided in this manner is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0023]    FIG,  13  is a block diagram illustrating a representative system for providing venue specific content that include a venue manager, a location based service provider, and a navigation or wayfinding engine. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates a mobile device configured to execute a venue specific application program and provide a venue specific or brandable display image. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates a mobile device configured to provide dynamic category-based searching to provide search results associated with mobile device location or a user definable region around a mobile device location. The mobile device can also be configured to provide a location-based display field for content such as a targeted advertisement. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  illustrates a mobile device configured to display location based content such as content associated with a museum collection. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  illustrates a user interface display for adding content for association with a location. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 18A-18B  is a block diagram of a representative method of saving venue specific content at a mobile device such as a handset. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18C  is a block diagram of a representative method of sending venue specific content. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a block diagram illustrating methods for interacting with digital signage and showing communications between a handset, a server, and a digital sign. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 20A-20B  illustrate message updates associated with interactions with digital signage.  FIG. 20A  shows addition of a new message to a top of a list of messages displayed on a handset.  FIG. 20B  shows removal of a message (Message  2 ) from a list in response to, for example, the user no longer being present at a location associated with the message. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  illustrates a method of serving retailer content to mobile device users and charging retailers based on content access by the users. 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  illustrated display of a vendor coupon at an associated map location on a mobile device display. 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  illustrates a mobile device application that is based on stored computer-executable instructions for retrieving such content, depending on availability of content in a particular venue. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  illustrates a method of operating a venue administration website which is configured to associate data such as audio or video data, graphics or text with specific locations and provide such data to a content database for retrieval by a mobile device. 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  illustrates a method of access point name re-assignment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the term “coupled” does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items. 
         [0038]    The systems, apparatus, and methods described herein should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combinations thereof, nor do the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved. Any theories of operation are to facilitate explanation, but the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus are not limited to such theories of operation. 
         [0039]    Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus can be used in conjunction with other systems, methods, and apparatus. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like “produce” and “provide” to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms will vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0040]    For convenience, user actions are referred to in some of the following examples. Such actions typically refer to execution of computer-executable instructions by a computing device such as a computer, mobile phone, or other device. In some cases, “user” may be understood to refer to “user device.” It will be apparent that in many examples, user devices are responsive to user inputs at, for example, a touch screen or other input device. 
         [0041]    Content associated with a particular location can be provided to a user of mobile communication device if the current location of the device is available. Surprisingly accurate and reliable location data can be established based on radiofrequency (RF) signatures that are developed based on local RF signals associated with wireless communications based on IEEE 802.11 standards or other wireless networking standards or configurations. As used herein, RF refers to electromagnetic signals of frequencies between 1 MHz and 100 GHz. By surveying local RF signals, and generating an RF signature based on the detected RF signals, RF signatures can be associated with spatial locations. Signals from one or more wireless access points can be detected at a plurality of locations so as to develop an RF signature map. 
         [0042]    Although signatures are conveniently based on IEEE 802.11 protocols due to their widespread implementation, other RF signal-based protocols such those described in IEEE 802.15 such as so-called BLUETOOTH protocols and ZIGBEE protocols can be used. In some applications, these alternative standards are preferred. For example, ZIGBEE-based devices can be battery powered and thus continue to operate in situations in which power fails as may be expected in emergencies such as fires or accidents. Therefore, security and rescue personnel can determine locations based on these signatures and respond accordingly. 
         [0043]    A representative method of generating and mapping RF signatures is illustrated in  FIG. 1A . Typically, RF signatures are based on one or more functions of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) which is based on detected power produced on one or more RF frequency channels by wireless networking devices such as access points (AP) and routers. Available local devices can be interrogated, and identifications can be added to a database. For example, a Service Set identifier (SSID) identifying a particular AP can be stored, or a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) can be stored. A BSSID typically is a unique identifier, and in some cases is the MAC address of an AP. By surveying an area, an RF signature map can be established. 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 1A , a method of assigning radio frequency (RF) signatures to one or more physical locations includes initialization of an acquisition procedure by, for example, supplying a map of locations for which signatures are to be determined at  100 . If the map is available from a previous assignment procedure is available as determined at  102 , the map is selected at  104 . In some applications, the selection of the map also includes selection of a floor for which signature acquisition is desired. At  106 , map data such as map tiles, cells, or associated RF signatures for locations associated with the map are retrieved from venue database. If a new map is to be scanned, the map is scanned and divided into map tiles at  108 , and the scaled map and tiles are stored in the venue database at  110 . At  106 , map data for the new map can be retrieved from the venue database. 
         [0045]    Map data can be displayed on a user interface at  112 , typically on a display screen of a mobile device such as a smart phone, a netbook computer, or laptop computer, but other devices can be used. In order to show estimated time and distance to selected targets during navigation, at  114  a request for a previously determined scale is provided to a venue database or based on a prior scan. If no scale has been set previously or is unavailable, a suitable scale is set at  116  and the scale can be stored for later use. 
         [0046]    Access point scanning begins at  120 , typically by initiating scanning for wireless networks (“Wi-Fi scanning”) at  122 . Received wireless signals are processed at  124 , and if a wireless network access point that is already associated with the selected map is detected at  124 , scanning continues at  122 . If a wireless network is detected that is not found in an access point database associated with the selected map, identifiers associated with the detected access point are added to an access point database at  126 . Typically wireless access point parameter such as base station service set identification (BSSID) or a service set identifier (SSID) is stored. For such access points, associated content can be obtained in a venue parsing procedure illustrated in  FIG. 1C  and discussed below. 
         [0047]    If no cells are determined to be associated with an access point at  130  (i.e., an access point database does not include cell divisions), a cell location is selected on the map at  132  and a cell is created at  134 . Cell geometry can be created based on defaults position ranges, or based on total area, perimeter, or volume to be associated with a cell. Alternatively, cell geometry can be individually set for any set of cells, one cell, or all cells by, for example, user selection of cell geometry on a graphical user interface or otherwise selected. At  136 , cell data is added to a venue database. If a previously established cell is identified at  130 , the cell is displayed on a user interface at  140 . A wireless scan of each access point associated with the cell is initiated at  142 , and a received signal strength indication (RSSI) for each access point is stored at  144 . A number of scans for measurement of RSSI can be set, and at  146  it is determined if the scan limit has been reached. If not, scanning continues at  142 . If the scan limit has been reached, scan results can be stored at  148 . For some (typically all) scanned access points, a standard deviation of scanned RSSI values and a mean RSSI value are determined, and the standard deviation and mean are store in a venue database. A  150 , connections to other cells are added, and at  152 , connections are created. Connections are added to a venue database at  154 . With reference to  FIG. 1A , typically, an RSSI or similar identifier associated with access point is identified at  150  and stored in a database  152   
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , a mobile device can be configured to interrogate local RF signals and determine the local RF signature. The mobile device detects local RF signals, and processes these RF signals to produce a local signature and/or an estimate of mobile device location. Alternatively, local signal levels and other parameters such as SSIDs, BSSIDs, or RSSIs can be supplied to a remote, network based system that can return location information to the mobile device. Alternatively, the location of the mobile device need not be directly available to the mobile device, but instead provided to and used by a content provider in identifying suitable, location-specific content. 
         [0049]      FIG. 23  illustrates a mobile device application that is based on stored computer-executable instructions for retrieving such content, depending on availability of content in a particular venue and  FIG. 24  illustrates a method of operating a venue administration website which is configured to associate data such as audio or video data, graphics or text with specific locations and provide such data to a content database for retrieval by a mobile device. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 23 , operation of a representative content application at a mobile device includes checking wireless network status (typically WIFI status) of the mobile device at  2304 , and if WIFI is not active, the application quits at  2308 . Otherwise, at  2306  wireless scan data is collected and sent to a content or location server at  2310 . Based on the scan data, the availability of venue content is indicated as being fully or partially available (or unavailable) at  2312 . If the venue is partially supported or unsupported, the mobile application executes in a limited state at  2314 , or if fully supported a venue specific activities and data are retrieve by parsing a venue protocol buffer at  2318 . 
         [0051]    Venue content can be returned at  2318  and stored in a content database  2320 . Generally after the application is initiated for the first time, a user is requested to accept an End User License Agreement (EULA) at  2322  and if not accepted, the application quits at  2324 . Otherwise, a navigation list is loaded at  2326 . Mobile device calibration can be selected at  2328  and the calibration is carried out at  2330 . The location of the mobile device is then estimated at  2328  and displayed at  2334  along with location specific content and user interface and other elements of the mobile application. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 23 , venue administration  2340  is based on website that can be used to provision the content database  2320 . (As noted above, a representative user interface for venue administration is illustrated in  FIG. 2 .) Maps and cell data are loaded at  2342 . A map is selected at  2344  and displayed at  2346 , typically on a web-enabled user interface. One or more cells are selected at  2348  using the displayed map, and content is added at  2350 . At  2352 , content is uploaded to the database  2320  for access by mobile devices. 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  is a representation of visual user interface  200  configured to display a map of a venue or portion thereof (such as a shopping mall or selected area in a shopping mall) in which RF signature location information can be associated with content to be provided at one or more cells. An input field  201  such as a list of available maps is provided for selection of a particular map. For example, the list can include available maps associated with a plurality of venues, or available maps or portions of map that are available for a particular venue. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a location or cell  203  is selected for content association, and a marker associated with the location is displayed with a selected color, shape, or emphasis such as highlighting or blinking, or other indication that content provided will be associated with the cell  203 . Locations  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  are indicated as suitable for content association in view of the availability of an RF signature for these locations and/or requests to associate customer supplied content with these locations. Available locations can be displayed using selected colors, shapes, or other display characteristics, but are generally displayed differently than a marker associated with an active cell for which content can be currently assigned. 
         [0054]    The visual interface is configured to permit a cell name or descriptor to be presented in a cell name area  212 , in conjunction with entry of cell content data based on description of the cell such as goods, services, or businesses located at or near the cell, media, notices, or shopping coupons associated with the selected cell. As shown in  FIG. 2 , various types of content can be provided such as information about a local facility (for example, a store), media (music or videos) associated with the facility, available shopping coupons, or other content. Typically the available content is suitable for nearby businesses, and a potential customer alerted to such content based on an RF signature. In the example of  FIG. 2 , content items  214 ,  216  associated with the cell  208  are displayed with content reference identifiers  218 ,  220  and content type identifiers  222 ,  224  along with corresponding content descriptions. Content is generally added by adding a corresponding data file or a link to selected content. 
         [0055]      FIG. 3  illustrates a representative mobile device  300  that includes a display configured to display a directory of available vendors or services associated with a selected venue. The mobile device display is configured to provide user selectable input fields  303 - 305  for selection of content associated with available vendors, coupons, media, or user comments associated with a current location (or a currently selected vendor), respectively. In the example of  FIG. 3 , vendors and services are presented in categories in respective display areas  310 - 314 . Typically, each of these displays areas is user expandable or contractible based on user input such as touchscreen input. In addition, in each of the areas  310 - 314 , user selection of a particular item can be configured to activate presentation of a full display of content associated with the particular item, or expand the display area available for the selected item. In a representative application, a user in a shopping mall can access content that is associated with vendors within a predetermined area about the user based on mobile device interrogation of available wireless access points to obtain SSIDs and RSSs. Venue content can also be provided for more distant locations as well. In addition, content such as shopping coupons associated with vendors at or near a user location can be provided. 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  illustrates a portion of map display  402  on a representative mobile device  400  so that user is aware that content is available at a particular location. In the example of  FIG. 4 , location of cinemas is indicated and a location  404  is noted as having content available. Based on such an indication, a mobile device user is aware that location specific content may be unavailable until the user approaches the location  404 . In some examples, content pop-ups icons are displayed as a user approaches a particular location and are removed from a display after a predetermined time or as a user exits the location. While such a display may serve only to inform a mobile device user, the availability of content at a specific location may serve to draw the user to the location, and thus promote goods and services having associated content at the location. 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a mobile device display  500  is configured to present location information that provides content related to a business located at (or otherwise associated with) a particular location based on an RF signature corresponding to the location. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a display area  504  is configured to present a business logo or banner  506  and a description of available services or goods  508 . For some or all businesses or services for which content is to be provided, additional user input fields  510 ,  511  can be defined so as to permit users to view a business website or initiate a telephone call, respectively, for device displays that include touchscreen input. Alternatively, fixed user input buttons or switches can be assigned these functions, and the assignment displayed at proximate locations on the display  500 . The availability of additional content such as store coupons, media, and user comments is indicated at display areas  512 - 514  which can also serve as touch screen input areas or dynamically assigned to other hardware inputs. The display areas  512 - 514  can also be displayed as grayed, colored, or otherwise highlighted to indicate that additional content is or is not available. 
         [0058]    Representative examples are described with reference to particular hardware and software for convenient illustration. In particular, mobile devices that include a touch screen display are used in some examples. However, the disclosed methods and apparatus are not limited to such specific implementation and  FIG. 6  and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of an exemplary computing environment in which the disclosed technology may be implemented. Although not required, the disclosed technology is described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a personal computer (PC). Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, the disclosed technology may be implemented with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The disclosed technology may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , an exemplary system for implementing the disclosed technology includes a general purpose computing device in the form of an exemplary conventional PC  600 , including one or more processing units  602 , a system memory  604 , and a system bus  606  that couples various system components including the system memory  604  to the one or more processing units  602 . The system bus  606  may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The exemplary system memory  604  includes read only memory (ROM)  608  and random access memory (RAM)  610 . A basic input/output system (BIOS)  612 , containing the basic routines that help with the transfer of information between elements within the PC  600 , is stored in ROM  608 . 
         [0060]    The exemplary PC  600  further includes one or more storage devices  630  such as a hard disk drive for reading from and writing to a hard disk, a magnetic disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk (such as a CD-ROM or other optical media). Such storage devices can be connected to the system bus  606  by a hard disk drive interface, a magnetic disk drive interface, and an optical drive interface, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the PC  600 . Other types of computer-readable media which can store data that is accessible by a PC, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, CDs, DVDs, RAMs, ROMs, and the like, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment. 
         [0061]    A number of program modules may be stored in the storage devices  630  including an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. A user may enter commands and information into the PC  600  through one or more input devices  640  such as a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. Other input devices may include a digital camera, microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the one or more processing units  602  through a serial port interface that is coupled to the system bus  606 , but may be connected by other interfaces such as a parallel port, game port, or universal serial bus (USB). A monitor  646  or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus  606  via an interface, such as a video adapter. Other peripheral output devices, such as speakers and printers (not shown), may be included. 
         [0062]    The PC  600  may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer  660 . In some examples, one or more network or communication connections  650  are included. The remote computer  660  may be another PC, a server, a router, a network PC, or a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the PC  600 , although only a memory storage device  662  has been illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Typically, the memory storage device  662  is configured to store computer-executable instructions for venue administration  666  and/or RF signature determination  664 . The personal computer  600  and/or the remote computer  660  can be connected to a logical a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet. 
         [0063]    When used in a LAN networking environment, the PC  600  is connected to the LAN through a network interface. When used in a WAN networking environment, the PC  600  typically includes a modem or other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the personal computer  600 , or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device or other locations on the LAN or WAN. The network connections shown are exemplary, and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. 
         [0064]    In a particular implementation illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a mobile device  700  includes a display  701  configured to present a pop-up indicator such as representative indicators  702 - 704  that indicate the availability of content associated with locations  140 G,  140 F,  140 D and an indicator  706  that provides an estimate of a user location and a direction in which the user is facing, based on the orientation of the mobile device. The mobile device  700  can be configured to transmit RF signatures to a remote location server so that as the user moves about a venue, pop-up indicators such as  702 - 704  can be presented based on current user location. Pop-up indicators are generally provided as display elements that contain text or graphics concerning goods, services, or other location based information. Pop-ups can be provided as a distinct displayed graphical icon with associated text or graphics. In addition to such visual text or graphics based pop-ups, pop-ups can be provided based on audio or video data, tactile notifications such as a mobile device vibration. Combinations of such notifications can also be provided, for example, a mobile device vibration can be associated with initiation of an audio containing location specific information or can serve as a notification that content text or graphics are available on a mobile device display. Alternatively, the mobile station can be provided with a local database of RF signature data so that a mobile device processor can update mobile device location. The mobile device  700  can then transmit the mobile device location to a location based content database and receive pop-up indicator map locations. Alternatively, all of or a portion of venue content (including pop-up indicators) can be stored in computer readable media at the mobile device  700 , or some data can be locally stored, and some data remotely stored. 
         [0065]      FIG. 8  illustrates a method of detecting a change in a location of a user device. In some examples, a change in floors in a multi-floor venue is detected, and a mobile device display is updated with a corresponding floor map and associated content. A location request is generated at  800 , and current location identifier is returned. At  802 , a map associated with the current location is identified, typically with reference to a map identifier such as a map name, alphanumeric string, or identification bytes. The map identification of the current location is compared with a map identifier from previous scan of available access points and RSS values. If the current map identifier is different, a new map, tile, cell, and other location data associated with the current location are obtained at  804 . In some examples, the current location may correspond to a change of floors in a multi-floor venue. 
         [0066]    At  806 , a venue descriptor is updated based on the new map, so that appropriate venue information for the current location is available on the map. At  808 , a map scaling factor is adjusted so that the new map can be displayed and navigating distance can be determined. At  810 , a status map activity display is evaluated. If map activity is not displayed, a request for location is made at  814 . In map activity is currently displayed, then the map for the new location (such as a new floor) is loaded at  812 , and then the request for location is made at  814 . 
         [0067]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , display of content with respect to a map includes obtaining and displaying a map for a current location at  900 . At  902 , content associated with or overlaid on the map is identified, or the lack of such content is verified. If there is overlay content, at  904 , locations with which content is associated are indicated by displaying a pin or other visual indicator at the locations. The visual indicators can be different for various types of associated content or characteristics of nearby vendors in the venue. 
         [0068]    At  906 , user selection of one or more pins (typically as a touch to a location on a touchscreen at which the pins are displayed) is detected, and at  908  a status of a banner is evaluated. If a banner not active, at  910 , banner content associated with the selected pin is displayed. If the user selects the banner at  912 , content display for the selected pin is activated at  916 . The banner is active at  910 , at  909  the pin is compared with a previously selected pin to check if a new (different) pin has been selected. If the pin is newly selected, the content banner is displayed at  910 . If a new pin is not selected, the banner is dismissed at  911 . Finally, at  917  user position is monitored for changes. Upon detecting a user position change, the method returns to  902  to assess the availability of content. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate a method of providing content and way finding information. At  1002 , a user requests determining and displaying user location, and at  1006 , a map is displayed along with a visual indicator of user position. Alternatively, at  1004 , a user can request directions, and a map displayed at  1008 . If the user has requested directions, at  1008  the method proceeds to  1010  for the display of instruction for selecting a route starting point. For example, a request such as “double tap map for start point” can be displayed to assist the user in establishing a route. It a tap is detected at  1012 , a tap count is evaluated at  1014  to identify a double tap. If the user is getting directions, at  1016 , processing is directed to  1028  at which a nearest map cell the tap location is obtained, typically based on a map database  1030 . A path between the tapped location and the requested location at  1004  is obtained at  1032 , and the path is displayed at  1034 . If a user position is requested, at  1018  the user position is set on the displayed map at the tap location. At  1020 , content around the user position within a predetermined or venue selectable distance such as 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 50 m is retrieved from a database  1021 . The availability of content is assessed at  1022 , and at  1024 , markers are displayed at locations for or at which content is available. Then, at  1026 , the map can be refreshed. 
         [0070]    Typically, modules, components, or applications for content retrieval can be delivered to user devices based on the availability of venue specific applications, or venue specific content. With reference to  FIG. 11 , a method of delivering a venue specific application includes determining a venue at  1102  by querying a venue database stored on a disk or in other computer readable media  1104 . An application database stored at  1108  is they queried to determine if a venue specific application is available at  1106 . If a venue specific application is available, at  1110  data for the application is retrieved from a database  1112 , and the application and the application data are forwarded to a mobile device at  1114 . At the mobile device, a main menu for a content delivery application is built at  1116 , and if a venue application currently is available to the mobile device, the venue specific application modifies the main menu at  1120 . If a venue application is not available at  1118 , no further modification of the content delivery application, and application delivery ends at  1122 . 
         [0071]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , content from a remote database can be provisioned to a mobile device or other device as follows. At  1206 , a current location is determined, and at  1202  a query is made as to the availability of content associated with an area around a user location in conjunction based on a content database  1204 . If content is available at  1208 , a cell identifier or other location identifier associated with available content is added to a list of content locations at  1210 . At  1212 , for some or all cells in the list, the cell is added to a list of cells for which content can be overlaid on a display. If the end of the list of cells is reached at  1216 , available items or the availability of items (such as, for example, content pop-ups) are shown on the displayed map at  1218 , and display of the updated map continues at  1220 . If no content is available, map display similarly continues at  1220 . 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , a venue specific content delivery system generally includes a venue management server  1302  that can be configured to assess venue traffic analysis, conduct user profile analysis, and to manage content based on computer-executable instructions stored in a non-transitory medium  1304 . In addition, a locator engine  1306  (typically implemented computer-executable instructions and a database of RF fingerprints) is configured to estimate user device location based on received RF access point data such as BSSIDs and RSSs. Components are implemented in hardware or software for navigation  1302  based on navigation database  1314  that can include general purpose navigation data at  1312  as well as customized data for individuals or groups of individual based on one or more disabilities. A location based service module  1308  is configured to provide location based content, venue specific applications, and bookmarked offline content. 
         [0073]      FIG. 14  illustrates a mobile device  1400  having a display that includes a main menu screen area  1402  that can be used to display an image that may be a venue name or logo, and a user command area  1404  associated with entry of user commands into a content delivery application along with a user command are for user activation of a venue specific module.  FIG. 15  illustrates a mobile device display  1500  that includes touch screen display and input areas  1502 A- 1502 C associated with accessing and/or searching a venue directory, available coupons, and available media, respectively, that are associated with one or more locations. In addition, combined input and display regions  1504 - 1508  are configured to display types or categories of available goods and services at a selected venue, and input/display regions  1510 ,  1512  are configured to permit selection of detailed content as a subset of the types or categories in  1504 - 1508 . A banner advertisement or other banner content is display at  1520 .  FIG. 16  illustrates a mobile device  1602  that is configured to display information about an item of interest at maritime museum. User inputs  1608 ,  1610  are provided for accessing a museum web site or telephoning the museum, and display area  1601  is provided for information concerning the item. 
         [0074]      FIG. 17  illustrates a user interface  1700  for creation of navigation maps and the assignment of location-based content. In some examples, such as user interface is associated with content assignment at a venue content server by venue administrator, or such an interface can be presented to a remote venue administrator via a local or wide area network such as the Internet. A create map user input area  1702  can be activated to assign content or revise assigned content. A data input area  1712  is provided for assignment of various types of content, include text, audio, video, images or other data and a map area  1730  is provided and configured to display locations to which content has been assigned and to permit a venue administrator to select and assign content to additional locations. As shown in  FIG. 17 , representative locations  1732 ,  1734 ,  1736  are selected for content assignment on a venue map  1731 . Additional portions of the map  1731  can be made available to the venue administrator using scroll bars  1733 A,  1733 B. 
         [0075]    The data input area  1712  includes an “add new” input area to permit generation of a new location or cell to which content can be assigned. A user can select a location associated with such a new cell by tapping the map  1731  (if displayed on a touch screen) or using a pointing device such as a computer mouse or trackball, or using arrow keys on a keyboard. An existing cell can similarly be user selected for addition or revision to assigned content. The example user input area  1712  includes tabs  1717 - 1719  associated with facility descriptions, associated media, notices, and coupons, respectively. Generally such content is related to vendors situated at or near the cell location, but content for remote or competing locations can also be included to, for example, entice a potential customer to continue to another store. A facility description area  1714  is provided for inclusion of names, logos, types of goods or services or other textual or graphic information and a display area  1708  is provided for display and entry of facility descriptions and a URL display area  1710  is provide for display and entry of vendor Internet address. A display area  1704  is provided for content files and configured to provide visual previews as well as content info, information such as type and size of content file. 
         [0076]    With reference to  FIG. 18A , a representative method of saving a user&#39;s location which may represent a meeting place or a location of a user&#39;s car at a mobile device such as a handset includes selecting to save location at  1802  and recording current coordinates associated with the RF signature of a cell associated with a current location of the mobile device at  1804 . Typically, a prompt for a location name is provided at  1806 , and a requested name is checked for validity with respect to, for example, permitted characters and length at  1808 . If an invalid name is requested, at  1810  a message is displayed that can merely note the error or provide information concerning the error. If the name is already in use as determined at  1812 , an error message is displayed at  1810 . If a valid name is requested, the name is stored in a database  1816  at the mobile device at  1814 . A named location can be displayed on map presented on the mobile device at  1818 . A user can elect to save a variety of locations such as parking places, meeting places, stores, artwork, meeting rooms for applications in shopping malls, museums, convention centers, universities, or other public or private spaces. 
         [0077]    At  1820 , a user can select to obtain directions to one or more saved locations. For example, a user can request a route back to a parking place whose location was previously saved. (In addition, saved locations can be shared as shown in  FIG. 18C  below and, for example, a route to a different system user&#39;s car can be chosen.) If a user saved location is still active, the location is stored at  1822 . At  1824 , a list of saved locations for the current venue is populated and the user selects a location at  1826 . The list can be presented in for editing at  1828  and if editing of the list is not requested, a path from the user&#39;s current location to a selected location is selected at  1830  obtained at  183 . The path is then presented on the map of the venue in the mobile device at  1835 . If locations are to be edited at  1830 , a new location name can be provided at  1831 . A request for location deletion from the list at  1838  is generally followed by a confirmation request at  1840 . Once renaming or deletion of a location or name is accepted at  1842 , the location or a previous name can be removed from the location database at the mobile device at  1844 . 
         [0078]    In many situations, users are permitted to provide preferred locations to friends, family, work colleagues, or others. For example, as shown in  FIG. 18C , a user selects a send menu at  1860  and is prompted to enter a location name at  1862 . At  1864 , a cell or location identifier, cell coordinates, and a location name are stored in a database  1866 . This stored location information is can be assigned a send identification at  1868  and a method of delivery selected at  1870 . For example, email delivery can be requested at  1872 . The send identification is prepared for delivery at  1874 , and delivered via an external application  1876  such as a third party sharing application such as a social media application or text or messaging application. In some examples, the location is sent be generating an email with attached or included location information at  1878 , the email is forwarded to a contact at  1880 . Typical examples include users sending meeting locations to contacts, or aid a contact to find a specific location (and associated content) as preferred by the location sender. The recipient of such location information can generally obtain a path from their present location (or other location) to the shared location in a manner similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 18B , typically by selecting a location from a list. 
         [0079]    With reference to  FIG. 19 , a representative method of interacting with digital signage with communications between a handset, a server, and a digital sign includes determining if a mobile device user is at a broadcast enabled cell at  1904  based on a user location established at  1902 . If broadcast is enabled at the current cell, a message associated with the cell and the user identification is broadcast at  1908  and pushed to a server at  1912 . At the server, a signage identifier is extracted from a database  1914 , and the message is forwarded for display at  1916 . The message is added to a list of messages at the digital signage at  1922 , and the message is added at a preferred location (such as a top or bottom) of a list of messages at  1926 . At  1928 , the signage display is refreshed. If the user message has been sent but at a non-broadcast enabled cell, message removal is requested at  1910 . At server, the message is dismissed at  1920 . At the signage, if the message has been displayed as determined at  1924 , the message if popped from the list at  1930  and the display is refreshed at  1928 . In this way, messages on digital signs can be provided based on user presence at the signage and customized to a particular user profile. After the user departs the cell or location of the signage, the customized message can be removed and replaced with another custom or general message. 
         [0080]      FIGS. 20A-20B  illustrate message updates associated with interactions with digital signage.  FIG. 20A  shows addition of a new message (MESSAGE  3 ) to a top of a list of messages displayed on a handset.  FIG. 20B  shows removal of a message (MESSAGE  2 ) from a list in response to, for example, the user no longer being present at a location associated with the message. 
         [0081]    With reference to  FIG. 21 , a method of making venue content available from selected vendors includes collecting bids from vendors at  2102  and/or retrieving bids from a database  2104 . Bidder budgets can be stored as well, typically as a budget for a repeating time period such as amounts per day, week, month or other time period. Outlier bids such as those from bidders having no available budget for a selecting time period such as an hour, day, week, or month or that are substantially different from the bid mean can be removed from at  2106 . An average cost per walkthrough (wtc_avg) based on user collected bid minus outlier bids can be estimated, and retailers whose bids are greater than an average walkthrough cost are added to a retailer list at  2110 . The retailer list can also be limited to bidders whose bids are larger or smaller. 
         [0082]    If an impression related to a retailer on this retailer list is received at  2116  based on what content is viewed by a user and where the content is viewed, or based on scanning a bar code of a selected retailer product, a reference to this impression is added to a database  2120  to assess charges at  2118 . Impressions include viewing of retailer content, purchases associated with the content such as use of a coupon, or entry to vendor premises at substantially the same time the vendor content is presented, or within a predetermined time period later. Typically any viewing or access to content provided by a bidding process can be used as a basis for charging a bidder. In many cases, a bid process is arranged to provide vendor coupons, and use of coupons can be associated with bidder charges. At  2122 , total charges to a bidder are compared with the bidder budget, and if the budget has been exceeded, the retailer is removed from the list at  2124 . Average walkthrough cost is recalculated and the retailer list is revised at  2126 . If the bidder has exceeded his budget for a time period such as a day or week, at  2128  it is determined if the budget should be reset for a new time period. 
         [0083]      FIG. 22  is a representative example of a mobile device display configured to present a venue title  2202  and a venue map  2204  identifying content locations such as representative content location  2206 . The content location  2206  is displayed so as to include a currency symbol or other symbol to indicate the availability of a discount coupon for a nearby vendor. A representation  2208  of the discount coupon can be displayed, and the display of the venue map  2204  and coupon  2208  can be enlarged or reduced using the toolbar  2210 . 
         [0084]    In some cases, development of a content database requires considerable effort, and venue administrators may prefer to restrict access to the database. Instead of limiting access based on a password or the like, access point names can be periodically re-assigned so that location specific content for one location appears to be assigned to a different location. Content requests made to the venue administrator from authorized locations, devices, or users can retrieve appropriate content, while other content requests receive inappropriate content. Referring to  FIG. 25 , at  2502  a controller develops and assigns BSSIDs for a plurality of access points  2504 A- 2504 F and communicates the BSSIDs via a wide area network  2506 . At  2507 , the BSSIDs are updated in a database  2508 . In operation, the access points broadcast identifier such as BSSIDs at  2510 , and at  2512 , it is determined if the time of day (TOD) is appropriate for BSSID re-assignment (which is preferably done at times associated with minimal system usage). If the TOD is inappropriate, no further action in this regard in taken at  2514 . Otherwise, at  2513 , the access points report MAC addresses and/or BBSIDs to the controller, and for each reporting access point, it is determined if any clients are currently associated with the access points at  2516 . If one or more access points has clients, re-assignment is postponed or cancelled at  2518 . Otherwise, new BSSIDs are generated at  2520  and mapped to the current or original BSSIDs at  2522 . The BSSID of each reporting access point can then be re-assigned at  2524 . In other examples, one or a few access points are subject to BSSID re-assignment, and re-assignment of all is only one example. With such re-assignment, even if a prior user has established an RF signature for an access point with local content, BSSID re-assignment is effective to at least temporarily interfere with content access unless access to the re-assignment is available. In this way, venue administrators can control access to content. 
         [0085]    It will be recognized that the illustrated embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the principles of the disclosure. For instance, elements of the illustrated embodiments shown in software may be implemented in hardware and vice-versa. Also, the technologies from any example can be combined with the technologies described in any one or more of the other examples. In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are examples and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. For instance, various components of systems and tools described herein may be combined in function and use.