Patent Publication Number: US-2011055730-A1

Title: User-Customizable Electronic Virtual Exhibit Reproduction System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/237,206, entitled “User-Customizable Living Trade Show System”, filed Aug. 26, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to virtual exhibit presentation systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a user-customizable, electronic virtual exhibit reproduction system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An event such as a conference, a seminar, open house, or a trade show presents a unique networking forum where participants congregate with an intention to exchange ideas and information. In general, it is in the participants&#39; best interest to streamline the exchange of information; however, this presents a unique set of problems for participants who have related yet dissimilar agendas. 
     For example, in the context of a trade show, an attendee is primarily interested in non-invasively obtaining and holding information from an exhibitor. In contrast, an exhibitor is driven to generate comprehensive demographic information based on attendee interest in products and/or services in a manner that simultaneously caters to attendee sensibilities. Additionally, the exhibitor is interested in interacting with trade show attendees during the trade show, and easing tension or anxiety commonly experienced in a “cold-contact” interaction. Further, both attendees and exhibitors alike wish to conveniently obtain and manage product literature, contact information, and various other information, preferably without having to worry about reviewing that material at the trade show event or other type of event. 
     In other contexts, the desires of presenters and attendees are similar. For example, in the case of a seminar or other corporate event, a presenter may not necessarily wish to sell a product, but may wish to distribute information to attendees. In these cases as well, the presenter would like to receive feedback regarding which attendees find the information or presentation useful, because that information could lead to further contact or communication regarding topics of interest to the presenter and attendee. 
     In still further contexts, such as at museums, zoos, or amusement parks, there often are exhibits and associated descriptive information. Typically at such locations, a visitor will view that information, but does not take that information home with them for later review. 
     Consequently, it is desirable to provide a system that allows such event or attraction attendees to customize their event experience in a manner where that user need not provide substantial input during a trade show itself. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the following disclosure, the above and other issues are addressed by the following: 
     In one aspect, a method of delivering a virtual exhibit to an attendee of a physical event includes receiving an indication of interest from an attendee that identifies at least one physical exhibit at an event, the indication of interest including an identifier associated with the attendee. The method further includes storing an association between the attendee and the exhibit, and receiving a request from the attendee to view a virtual event. The method also includes displaying the virtual event to the attendee, the virtual event including a virtual exhibit corresponding to the at least one physical exhibit. 
     In a second aspect, a method of viewing a virtual exhibit includes attending a physical event at which a plurality of physical exhibits reside, and, while attending the physical event, electronically actuating a communication to an event server, the communication associating an event attendee with the physical exhibit. The method further includes accessing a virtual event in a web application generated by the event server, the virtual event corresponding to the physical event. The method also includes viewing a virtual exhibit associated with the virtual event, the virtual exhibit representing the physical exhibit selected by the communication. 
     In a third aspect, a method of providing virtual event information to event attendees includes designing, using an event server, a virtual exhibit associated with a physical exhibit, and providing the physical exhibit at a physical event, the physical exhibit including an identifier of the exhibit and visited by event attendees. The method further includes receiving information from the event server describing interactions with the virtual exhibit by the event attendees. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a physical event location at which user selections can be made, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a network in which a virtual event can be provided, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating example physical components of an electronic computing device useable to implement the various methods and systems described herein; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of methods and systems for generating a computer-generated event, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of methods and systems for viewing a virtual exhibit by an event attendee, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of methods and systems for managing a virtual event by an exhibitor, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a user interface presenting a virtual reproduction of an event generated from user selections at the event, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a user interface presenting a virtual exhibit included in the virtual reproduction of the event, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a user interface presenting a virtual reproduction of an event generated from user selections at the event, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a user interface presenting a virtual exhibit included in the virtual reproduction of the event, according to a further possible embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a user interface presenting information accessible from a virtual exhibit, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a user interface presenting an exhibitor contact management system, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the user interface of  FIG. 12 , including an additional contact validation information screen, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention. 
     The logical operations of the various embodiments of the disclosure described herein are implemented as: (1) a sequence of computer implemented steps, operations, or procedures running on a programmable circuit within a computer, and/or (2) a sequence of computer implemented steps, operations, or procedures running on a programmable circuit within a directory system, database, or compiler. 
     In general, the present disclosure relates to a user-customizable exhibit reproduction system. The system according to various embodiments, allows an exhibit or event attendee to select a plurality of exhibits from among a group of exhibits available at an event location. The event attendee can then, after the event, view a virtual representation of that event on a computing system, such as through a web interface. Concurrently, and as the event attendee views that information made available for access after the event, the event presenter (e.g., an exhibitor) can validate that one or more attendees view or interact with the virtual exhibit or associated information, thereby gaining knowledge that those attendees have interest 
     In the context of the present disclosure, an event generally can include any one-time, recurring, or generally constant location or occurrence of interest, such as a trade show, a conference, seminar room, or open house, as well as a zoo, museum, concert, or amusement park. An exhibit generally refers to a particular topic of interest at the event, such as a trade show exhibit, a corporate event, seminar, or a particular conference room or classroom, a particular exhibit at a zoo, amusement park, or museum. The system is denoted as a “living” exhibit replication system in that it correlates a physical, in-person event to a computer generated, user-customizable replication of that event (or a portion thereof). The living event replication system allows a physical, in-person event to be persisted and replicated in computer-generated form as a virtual event. The exhibit replication system also allows the user to view, via a web interface, a living, user-customized version of the event by navigating through a computer-generated event layout. The event replication system operates from a server capable of managing and constructing computer-generated event layouts unique to each event or attendee. 
     In  FIG. 1 , an example physical event environment  100  is shown. The example event environment can be, in various embodiments, a physical trade show floor, a seminar, a real estate open house, an exhibition or presentation location, or other in-person event location. 
     In the example embodiment, the event environment  100  is attended by a plurality of event attendees  105  that register at a registration area  120 . Each event attendee  105  has an associated communication device  110  capable of some type of electronic communication (e.g., with a data exchange system, such as data exchange systems  145  as discussed below). In certain embodiments, the communication device  110  can correspond to a cellular telephone (e.g., a smartphone) or other mobile communication device capable of electronic communication, and optionally capable of capturing electronic images (to be used as discussed below). In alternative embodiments, the attendees  105  are issued a communication device at the registration area capable of wireless or wired electronic communication with other computing devices. Example personal communications devices are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/024,349, filed Feb. 1, 2008, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/251,251, filed Oct. 14, 2008, both entitled “Personal Information Communication Device and Method”, the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In certain embodiments, attendees  105  are issued various other materials  115  at a registration area  120  of the event environment  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the communications device  110  is uniquely associated with a user, for example by using a particular identification code (e.g., a user&#39;s phone number, in the case of use of a phone) or a unique identifier assigned to that user (e.g., a registration code associated with the event attendee at the registration area). Other associations between the user and device are possible as well. 
     In certain embodiments, attendees  105  proceed with the communication device  110  to a kiosk  125  that includes an initialization device  130  and optionally other features  135  (e.g., phone, power outlets). In such embodiments, a plurality of kiosks  125  is provided throughout the event environment  100 . In general, the initialization device  130  can be used to activate and initialize a communications device  110  for each respective attendee  105  for the current event, or to associate a particular communications device with a user, with an event. 
     In alternative embodiments, the kiosks  125  can be replaced by data exchange units, which are placed at the event and designated for use in linking a user identity (or identification assigned to the user) to a user identification code assigned to the issued communication device. In still further embodiments, no such kiosk is required, for example in cases where association of a communication device occurs at the registration area  120 . Further, no kiosk or data exchange units may be used by an attendee if that attendee elects to use cellular telephones or other communications devices with which they are already preregistered and preassociated. 
     Event environment  100  additionally includes a primary event area  138  having one or more exhibit locations  140 . In certain embodiments, each of the exhibit locations  140  includes a data exchange system  145  and various other materials  150  (e.g., promotional or informational materials). In the described embodiments, a respective communications device  110  is utilized to exchange information with the data exchange system  145  via a communication link  155 . The data exchange system  145  can be, in certain embodiments, associated with a trade show exhibitor. Additional details regarding data exchange systems, and methods of communication between data exchange systems and communication devices, are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/579,135, filed Oct. 14, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In certain embodiments, multiple data exchange systems  145  can be dispersed throughout the event location (e.g., the trade show floor, such as in booths, class registration areas, seminar rooms, etc.) to allow attendees to select one or more exhibits by associating the attendee&#39;s communication device (and therefore the attendee) with a unique identifier code of the exhibit. 
     In such embodiments, each of the data exchange systems  145  associated with a different exhibit has a unique identification number or identifier. An attendee can use his/her communications device to communicate with to a selected number of the data exchange systems, as that attendee desires. In such embodiments, this communication can take any of a number of forms. For example, in some embodiments, the user causes communication of the identifier of their communication device to the data exchange system, for example based on transmission to an internet address of the data exchange system or based on a point-to-point communication method (e.g., infrared or directional RF wireless communication). 
     In such embodiments, the data exchange systems  145  can be configured to cache collected identifiers from attendees  105  for later connection to server database or transmit collected identifier codes to a virtual event server  160  upon receipt, for storage in a database (i.e., wirelessly) along with the identifier of the data exchange system  145  that collected the attendee identifier. 
     Optionally in such embodiments, a visual trigger can be displayed on a display associated with the data exchange system  145  upon user transmission of his/her identifier to that system, so the attendee knows that their information was transmitted. 
     In alternative embodiments, the user initiates an exhibit-selecting communication by transmitting data directly to a remote server, such as the event server  160  discussed below. In such embodiments, the communication can take a number of forms. For example, in some situations a unique graphical identifier associated with that exhibit, such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code that is preassociated with the exhibit at the event server  160 . In such embodiments, a communications device  110  having electronic image capture capabilities (e.g., a smartphone with an integrated camera) would be used. In such embodiments, it is the communications device  110  that captures information and transmits that information to an event server  160  (as opposed to communication from the event server  160  from the data exchange system  145 , or some combination of the data exchange system  145  and communications device  110 ). In such embodiments, these images can be managed using an application provided for use on a cellular telephone, such as an iPhone from Apple Corporation of Cupertino, Calif., or a phone running the Android mobile operating system provided by Google, Incorporated, of Mountain View, Calif. 
     In still a further example, users having a cellular telephone can elect to log in to a mobile application (e.g., an installable platform-specific application or a web-based platform-generic mobile application) to enter or select an identifier of the exhibit (e.g., by exhibit number or name), thereby associating that user with the exhibit. In such an embodiment, the attendee&#39;s log in information can include an event-specific activation code the attendee would enter into the application to associate the attendee  105  and communication device  110  with the event  100 . 
     In still further alternatives, other communications media, such as data or SMS services provided on cellular telephones, smartphones, or tablet devices are useable as well to transmit identifiers to a published internet address or number associated with the data exchange device  145  or exhibit, and can be transmitted either to the data exchange device or directly to an event server  160 . 
     In still other embodiments, the event attendee  105  does not need to use a communications device  110 . In such embodiments, the attendee can identify him or herself at each event exhibit by using a keypad, touchscreen, or other input device associated with a data exchange device  145  to enter a unique identifier for that attendee (e.g., name, identification code, or other identifier). This identifier can then be linked to the event exhibit at the virtual event server  160  for display of a living, persisted event (e.g., a computer-generated recreation of the physical event) to that attendee, as described below. 
     Referring now to the overall event environment  100 , and in particular the primary event area  138 , the data exchange systems  145  can include displays, which could display an image representing a picture of a virtual exhibit (e.g., a virtual trade show booth or seminar class). The display could also display information from the exhibit (e.g., an informational flyer, multimedia presentation, or other materials). In still further examples, the display could display an image of an identifier of the exhibit, for example an exhibit number, or an identification symbol such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code (e.g., to provide the identification code to those users employing the image capture or web application selection techniques discussed above). Other information can be presented on the display as well. 
     Additionally, a communications device  110  can be used to exchange information with a data exchange system  145  that is not associated with an exhibit location  140 , such as a data exchange system managed and associated by an advertiser not otherwise present at the event. The advertiser may choose to distribute literature without having a dedicated exhibit location, and may distribute games or sweepstakes entries via the data exchange system  145 . Further, a communications device  110  is utilized to exchange information with other attendees in an intra-communications device information transaction via the communication link  155 . 
     In preferred embodiments, an event attendee  105  can visit a number of exhibit locations  140  and cause a data exchange operation using any of the above-described techniques. These communications are transmitted from communications devices and data exchange devices to an event server  160 . The event server  160  provides a web connection on a wide area network (e.g., the Internet) for distribution of information to attendees, including display of a virtual event environment such as the one depicted in  FIGS. 2-3 , below. Each time an attendee  105  at the physical event environment  100  selects an exhibit using one of the above-described data exchange operations, he or she “collects” that event exhibit, indicating that the attendee has interest in the exhibit and would like to include it in their living, computer-generated event (to be persisted and viewed after the physical event). 
     The event server  160  receives information from the one or more exhibits for the event, as well as information regarding the specific exhibits selected by the attendee  105 . The event server  160  compiles all the exhibit identifiers “collected” by the attendee by either communication with the data exchange systems  145  of relevant exhibits locations  140  or otherwise collected by the user/attendee by communication of an identifier of the exhibit to the event server  160 . These exhibit identifications are collected by the event server  160  in an account specifically for that attendee  105 . In certain embodiments, a web-based application can be provided to attendees for use in viewing their own personal event they gathered based on the subset of exhibits actually selected by that attendee. 
     In certain embodiments, the attendee&#39;s account on the event server  160  accepts each one of the user selections (e.g., corresponding to exhibits) in the order they were collected, thus retaining the order of exhibits visited. For example, an attendee  105  can walk through an event and select, for example 8 of the 12 exhibits located at that event. In such a circumstance, identifiers for those eight exhibits are collected at the event server  160  as associated with the user, and materials or information relating to those eight exhibits can be presented to the user in an arrangement to appear as a recreated event (e.g., a recreated “virtual” event), as illustrated below. 
     In various embodiments, the event server  160  can be associated with a plurality of events, or more than one event server  160  can be associated with a particular event or attraction. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an example network  200  is illustrated in which the event server  160  can reside, for example for receiving information and information requests from event coordinators, exhibitors and attendees of an event, and for generating persisted (“living”) post-event information for both exhibitors and attendees. Example network  200  represents communication with the event server  160  either before or after an event such as the one depicted in  FIG. 1 , above. 
     In the embodiment shown, an attendee  202  and an exhibitor  204  are communicatively connected to the event server  160  via a network  206 , such as the Internet. 
     The event server  160  stores attendee account information  162  and exhibit information  164 , associated and editable by the attendee and exhibitor, respectively. The attendee account information  162  includes information associated with the attendee, for example including the attendee&#39;s name, contact information, and other personal detail information. The attendee account information  162  also includes information linking the attendee to one or more communications devices (e.g., the identification code of the communications device, or phone number of the attendee), as well as particular actions taken with respect to one or more events, including events attended, exhibits selected for later review at each event, and other information. In certain embodiments, the attendee account information  162  also includes information regarding the location of the event or an extrapolated location of the attendee at the event based on timing of data exchange operations, as discussed above. 
     The exhibit information  164  is received from an exhibitor or event planner, and can include definition information regarding an exhibit (e.g., as received from an exhibitor  204 ), as well as account or specific information regarding the exhibitor or event planner associated with the exhibit. For example, and as previously discussed, the exhibit information  164  can include exhibitor-provided layout information describing the layout of a virtual version of an exhibit; event details, product or attraction informational literature, and other information. The exhibit information  164  can be presented to an attendee, for example using the interfaces of  FIGS. 7-11 , below, upon accessing that information following a data exchange operation by that attendee and associated with that exhibitor. 
     After the event occurs and the attendee  105  has selected one or more exhibits, the attendee  202  (which can be the same individual or a group of individuals) can access the event server  160 , and is provided with a display of information associated with that attendee. The display provides a virtual listing of events attended by the attendee, as well as a virtual representation of the event including a virtual representation of each of the exhibits selected by the attendee. Various representations of such a virtual event and virtual exhibits are possible; example virtual representations are provided in  FIGS. 7-10 . Generally, the appearance of a virtual exhibit and the information provided by the exhibit can be defined by the exhibitor  204  in the exhibitor information  164 , before, during, or after the event takes place. Because, in this embodiment, the association between the attendee and selected exhibits can be stored in the attendee account information  162  the order in which the user/attendee selected the exhibits, those attendees  202  will be able to ‘view’ the specific exhibits they collected (e.g., 190 out of total 800 booths at a trade show or conference, or some other subset of exhibits based on the particular type of event with which the event server is used) in the order in which they were selected, or in other sorted orders as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11 . 
     Generally, and as illustrated in the examples provided below, each virtual exhibit can include, as illustrated below, information regarding the exhibit, contact information from individuals associated with the exhibit, and other information. The specific information associated with an exhibit will generally differ based on the type of event and the type of exhibit provided. In the case of a trade show, the exhibit may be a trade show booth, and the trade show exhibitor may elect to distribute marketing or promotional materials. In the case of a seminar or other informational class, educational or reference materials may be associated with the virtual exhibit. Corresponding information and contact information can be provided in the case of other corporate events, open houses, or more permanent attractions, such as a zoo, museum, amusement park, or other location. 
     In certain embodiments, information associated with a particular event (e.g., which exhibits associated with that event the attendee selected) will be associated with the attendee  202  in the event server  160  and accessible to the attendee  202  for a predetermined amount of time after that event (e.g., 90 days), after which such data will expire and be disassociated with the user account. 
     Concurrently, when an attendee  202  accesses their account on the event server  160  to view exhibit information, the event server  160  is configured to track the access occurrences by that attendee. This information can be stored in the attendees account, and can periodically be collected into reports for the particular event or exhibit of interest. For example a list of attendees can be generated who accessed the information associated with a particular exhibit at an event or on a particular date. This information can be provided by the event server  160  to exhibitors or event planners to allow those users to assess interest in particular exhibits. 
     In certain embodiments, the user account information  162  includes information regarding occurrences of accessing the exhibit information by an attendee, for example to track which exhibits the attendee has expressed interest. This information can be presented to the exhibitor or event planner  204  to provide feedback regarding the popularity of exhibits, or to allow follow-on contacts of that attendee in the case of a trade show or other sales environment. An example method for providing this information to exhibitors is discussed below in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 6 , and example user interfaces allowing an exhibitor  204  to review attendee access are discussed in connection with  FIGS. 12-13 , below. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating example physical components of an electronic computing device  300 , which can be used to execute the various operations described above. In certain embodiments, the electronic computing device  300  can represent the event server  160  discussed above, or other computing systems used by various users of the system (e.g., exhibitors or attendees). 
     A computing device, such as electronic computing device  300 , typically includes at least some form of computer-readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the electronic computing device  300 . By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media might comprise computer storage media and communication media. 
     As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 3 , electronic computing device  300  comprises a memory unit  302 . Memory unit  302  is a computer-readable data storage medium capable of storing data and/or instructions. Memory unit  302  may be a variety of different types of computer-readable storage media including, but not limited to, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), reduced latency DRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, Rambus RAM, or other types of computer-readable storage media. 
     In addition, electronic computing device  300  comprises a processing unit  304 . As mentioned above, a processing unit is a set of one or more physical electronic integrated circuits that are capable of executing instructions. In a first example, processing unit  304  may execute software instructions that cause electronic computing device  300  to provide specific functionality. In this first example, processing unit  304  may be implemented as one or more processing cores and/or as one or more separate microprocessors. For instance, in this first example, processing unit  304  may be implemented as one or more Intel Core 2 microprocessors. Processing unit  304  may be capable of executing instructions in an instruction set, such as the x86 instruction set, the POWER instruction set, a RISC instruction set, the SPARC instruction set, the IA-64 instruction set, the MIPS instruction set, or another instruction set. In a second example, processing unit  304  may be implemented as an ASIC that provides specific functionality. In a third example, processing unit  304  may provide specific functionality by using an ASIC and by executing software instructions. 
     Electronic computing device  300  also comprises a video interface  306 . Video interface  306  enables electronic computing device  300  to output video information to a display device  308 . Display device  308  may be a variety of different types of display devices. For instance, display device  308  may be a cathode-ray tube display, an LCD display panel, a plasma screen display panel, a touch-sensitive display panel, a LED array, or another type of display device. 
     In addition, electronic computing device  300  includes a non-volatile storage device  310 . Non-volatile storage device  310  is a computer-readable data storage medium that is capable of storing data and/or instructions. Non-volatile storage device  310  may be a variety of different types of non-volatile storage devices. For example, non-volatile storage device  310  may be one or more hard disk drives, magnetic tape drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD-ROM drives, Blu-Ray disc drives, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. 
     Electronic computing device  300  also includes an external component interface  312  that enables electronic computing device  300  to communicate with external components. As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 3 , external component interface  312  enables electronic computing device  300  to communicate with an input device  314  and an external storage device  316 . In one implementation of electronic computing device  300 , external component interface  312  is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. In other implementations of electronic computing device  300 , electronic computing device  300  may include another type of interface that enables electronic computing device  300  to communicate with input devices and/or output devices. For instance, electronic computing device  300  may include a PS/2 interface. Input device  314  may be a variety of different types of devices including, but not limited to, keyboards, mice, trackballs, stylus input devices, touch pads, touch-sensitive display screens, or other types of input devices. External storage device  316  may be a variety of different types of computer-readable data storage media including magnetic tape, flash memory modules, magnetic disk drives, optical disc drives, and other computer-readable data storage media. 
     In the context of the electronic computing device  300 , computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, various memory technologies listed above regarding memory unit  302 , non-volatile storage device  310 , or external storage device  316 , as well as other RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the electronic computing device  300 . 
     In addition, electronic computing device  300  includes a network interface card  318  that enables electronic computing device  300  to send data to and receive data from an electronic communication network. Network interface card  318  may be a variety of different types of network interface. For example, network interface card  318  may be an Ethernet interface, a token-ring network interface, a fiber optic network interface, a wireless network interface (e.g., WiFi, WiMax, etc.), or another type of network interface. 
     Electronic computing device  300  also includes a communications medium  320 . Communications medium  320  facilitates communication among the various components of electronic computing device  300 . Communications medium  320  may comprise one or more different types of communications media including, but not limited to, a PCI bus, a PCI Express bus, an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus, an Infiniband interconnect, a serial Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) interconnect, a parallel ATA interconnect, a Fiber Channel interconnect, a USB bus, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) interface, or another type of communications medium. 
     Communication media, such as communications medium  320 , typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may also be referred to as computer program product. 
     Electronic computing device  300  includes several computer-readable data storage media (i.e., memory unit  302 , non-volatile storage device  310 , and external storage device  316 ). Together, these computer-readable storage media may constitute a single data storage system. As discussed above, a data storage system is a set of one or more computer-readable data storage mediums. This data storage system may store instructions executable by processing unit  304 . Activities described in the above description may result from the execution of the instructions stored on this data storage system. Thus, when this description says that a particular logical module performs a particular activity, such a statement may be interpreted to mean that instructions of the logical module, when executed by processing unit  304 , cause electronic computing device  300  to perform the activity. In other words, when this description says that a particular logical module performs a particular activity, a reader may interpret such a statement to mean that the instructions configure electronic computing device  300  such that electronic computing device  300  performs the particular activity. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional components, peripheral devices, communications interconnections and similar additional functionality may also be included within the electronic computing device  300  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as recited within the attached claims. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , flowcharts of methods and systems for operation and usage of the systems disclosed above are provided. 
     In accordance with these methods and systems, the computer-generated event floor (e.g., as in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , below) and the computer-generated exhibit (e.g., as in  FIGS. 8 and 10 ) of the present disclosure can be presented to a user (e.g., and attendee) for interaction, and information about that interaction with the virtual exhibits can be provided to the exhibitors associated with those exhibits. 
     Generally,  FIG. 4  illustrates an overall method for organizing and operating a virtual event in the context of a “living” event, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The method can be performed, for example, by an administrator of the event server  160  of  FIGS. 1-2 , above, or an event coordinator. The method  400  is instantiated at a start operation  402 , which corresponds to initial election to associate a particular event with a virtual event using an event server, such as server  160  of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
     A setup operation  404  corresponds to physical setup of an event by an event organizer and/or an exhibitor. An example setup is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , above. An identifier assignment operation  406  assigns an identifier to each exhibit at the event. In various embodiments, the identifier assignment operation  406  can include associating a particular numerical code with an exhibit, or associating a bar code or other graphic with the exhibit as described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . A device identifier assignment operation  408  assigns an identifier to a device, thereby uniquely associating the device with a user. For example, the device identifier assignment operation  408  can occur in the context of a registration kiosk, a registration table, or can be performed as part of a log in process in a mobile web application. A link operation  410  optionally associates the identifier with a user in the event server  160 , for example where the communications device is not previously associated with a user (e.g., where the communications device is issued to the attendee at the physical event). 
     A selection operation  412  corresponds to receiving selection of one or more exhibits at the event from an attendee (e.g., attendee  105  of  FIG. 1 ). In certain embodiments, the selection operation  412  corresponds to receiving selection by the attendee, for example by way of a data exchange operation as described above, and linking the attendee and the identifier of the attendee&#39;s communication device (as determined by operations  408 - 410 ) with an identifier of the exhibit (as assigned in the identifier assignment operation  406 ) to associate that selected exhibit with the attendee. 
     Following the event, a display operation  414  corresponds to display of the event and associated exhibits and information for each exhibit in a virtual event environment, such as is illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11 . The display operation  414  can retrieve the virtual exhibit from the event server  160  for display to a user in a web portal or other web-based application. 
     The display operation  414  can also correspond to display of attendee access information to exhibitors, allowing exhibitors to review which attendees have viewed the virtual event associated with that exhibitor, as well as the particular information reviewed by the attendee. Example user interfaces enabling this display are discussed below in connection with  FIGS. 12-13 . 
     An end operation  416  corresponds to completed association of physical and virtual events with attendees and exhibitors using an event server (e.g., expiration of time after the event). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a method  500  for attendee interaction with a living event environment is described, including both physical and virtual event environments. The method  500  is instantiated at a start operation  502 , which corresponds to initial attendee arrival at a physical event. An attendance operation  504  corresponds to attendance at an event by an attendee/user. In such embodiments, the attendance operation  504  includes various actions by the attendee at the conference, such as registration and association of a communication device with that attendee, using one of the methods and devices described above. 
     An exhibit selection operation  506  corresponds generally to the attendee actuation of the data exchange operation performed by the selection operation  412  of  FIG. 4  while at the event, such as by actuating communication between a communication device (e.g., device  110 ) and an event server (e.g., event server  160 ) or a data exchange device (e.g., device  145 ). It is recognized that the exhibit selection operation  506  can correspond to selection of one or more exhibits associated with a particular event. Following exhibit selection, the attendee will typically complete his/her physical event experience. 
     A virtual event login operation  508  typically occurs after an event, and corresponds to the user providing sign-in credentials to the event server to access one or more events with which that user is associated. In certain embodiments, the virtual event login operation  508  results in display of an event user interface, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11 , described below. A browse operation  510  corresponds to user browsing among the various exhibits available with respect to a particular selected event, as further described below. A selection operation  512  corresponds to selecting one or more of the exhibits, to view information associated with that exhibit. The selection operation  512  can correspond, in certain embodiments, to the user clicking on a particular exhibit, or viewing certain information associated with the exhibit. In association with the selection operation  512 , a variety of different types of information can be presented to the attendee, depending upon the type of event that attendee visited. For example, in the case of a trade show event or other corporate event, various marketing materials or specification documents could be provided in electronic form (e.g., as a word processing or published document) in a readable format. Other example content could include informational videos (e.g., in a variety of formats, such as AVI, MOV, or others), contact cards (e.g., in VCF format or otherwise). In other contexts, such as a seminar or class, or in the case of a permanent exhibit (e.g., at a zoo or museum) analogous content could be provided. 
     In certain embodiments, the selection operation  512  preferably results in an event server storing attendee interactions with the exhibit information as associated with the attendee, for example for feedback to an exhibitor associated with that exhibit (as provided in  FIG. 6 , below). An end operation  514  corresponds to the attendee&#39;s completed interaction with the living event environment. 
     It is understood that certain of the above operations can be repeated, for example any of operations  508 - 512  occurring after attendance of the physical event. Furthermore, an attendee may elect to view information relating to more than one event or more than one exhibit, and therefore the event server  160  can store information regarding multiple exhibits or events per user (e.g. in the user account information  162  of  FIG. 2 ). Additional embodiments are possible as well. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a method  600  for exhibitor interaction with a living event environment is described, including interacting with an event server in both physical and virtual event environments. The method  600  is instantiated at a start operation  602 , which corresponds to initial registration of the exhibitor on the event server, for example in advance of an event at which the related exhibit is to be displayed. An exhibitor login operation  604  corresponds to the exhibitor accessing the event server  160  prior to the event occurring. A layout operation  606  corresponds to the exhibitor creating a virtual exhibit containing the various information that the exhibitor wishes to make available to attendees who select that virtual exhibit for later review. As explained above, the layout operation  606  can correspond to selection of one or more predefined options or templates illustrating a typical appearance of an exhibit. The layout operation  606  defines an arrangement of a virtual exhibit, such as the name, appearance, logo, and information associated with an exhibit. In alternative embodiments, the layout operation  606  receives custom layouts from the exhibitor for storage in the exhibitor information  164  of the event server, as described above with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     An interaction operation  608  corresponds to the exhibitor&#39;s attendance at the physical event, and includes interaction to interest attendees and to receive data exchange operations (e.g., in the case where a data exchange device  145  is used). Optionally, the interaction operation  608  corresponds to collection of information about attendees, such as electronic information received at a data exchange unit communicatively connected to an event server and associated with an exhibit. Following the physical event, an information receipt operation  610  corresponds to receipt of information regarding user interest in the corresponding virtual exhibit, for example when the users access information made available at the virtual exhibit stored on the event server  160 . The information receipt can take any of a number of forms, such as receipt of an email or viewing a user interface in a web portal, such as shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , below. An optional interested user contact operation  612  corresponds to the exhibitor making contact with those attendees exhibiting interest in the exhibit. 
     An end operation  614  corresponds to completed delivery of a virtual exhibit, and receipt of feedback regarding the effectiveness of the physical and/or virtual exhibits. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6  generally, it is understood that additional operations are possible as well, and the operations disclosed can be performed in alternative orders. For example, an exhibitor can edit the virtual exhibit to add more information during or after the physical event takes place based on feedback received at or after the event. Other arrangements and operations are possible as well. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-13 , various user interfaces are shown which can be displayed to attendees and exhibitors associated with a particular event, for example the attendee  202  and exhibitor  204  of  FIG. 2 , above. In general, the user interfaces illustrated in  FIGS. 7-11  relate to presentation of a virtual exhibit and associated information to a user/attendee, while the user interfaces of  FIGS. 12-13  relate to presentation of information regarding contact leads useable by an exhibitor. Using these interfaces, the attendees can browse through and view up-to-date information available at the event server  160  as provided by an exhibitor or presenter, while the exhibitor can view accesses by the attendee to gauge interest of that attendee in the materials provided, including possible products and services that could be offered to that attendee. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example virtual event user interface  700  generated from user selections at the physical event location, useable as a virtual representation of an event of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the attendee also has the ability to scroll through the exhibits they selected when in person at the event. In the embodiment shown, the selection can be performed either using a graphical depiction of an event layout  702 , or through a text-based menu  704  (i.e. the “Booth Directory”). The text-based menu  704  can, in such an embodiment, include the name of the company and the exhibit number and the attendee will be able to search for a company using various formats. An announcements menu  706  allows display of current event or exhibit announcements. Additionally, advertisements  708  or other items, such as a guided tour  710  can be added to the user interface. Optionally, an alternative navigation area, illustrated as a guide area  712  allows a user to view a displayed list of exhibitors by topic, as well as to perform a search of the selected exhibitors to find a relevant virtual exhibit. 
     In certain embodiments, the virtual event user interface  700  displays the virtual exhibits in the order selected by the attendee, to represent the layout of the physical event as it was experienced by the attendee. As such, the interface  700  is also scrollable to allow the attendee to “walk” through the virtual event from exhibit to exhibit. However, in preferred embodiments, the attendee will, in the virtual event, only view those exhibits which they previously expressed interest (i.e., using a data exchange operation as described above). In other embodiments (such as in the example of  FIG. 5 , below), alternative layouts can be used. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a virtual exhibit user interface  800  included in the virtual representation of the event as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The virtual exhibit user interface  800  is typically created by an exhibitor to represent a “virtual” version of the exhibit as it would appear to an attendee at an event. In certain embodiments, to design a particular exhibit an exhibitor can choose from ‘x’ booth templates, based on a three-dimensional presentation guiding that exhibitor through the design process. The computer-generated exhibit templates are customizable (color, buttons, etc). The exhibitor has the ability to upload video, documents, and other information as well, which will be included within each virtual exhibit and can be provided to users. 
     In various embodiments, an attendee can navigate to the virtual exhibit user interface  800  by selecting the exhibit graphic in the event layout  702  of the computer-generated event user interfaces of  FIG. 7  or  9 , or by selecting that exhibit from the text-based menu  704  or  904  of  FIG. 7  or  9 . Other possibilities exist as well. 
     In certain embodiments, the data exchange system (e.g., system  145  of  FIG. 1 ) can also communicate with the event server  160 , to retrieve, store and display the virtual version of the physical exhibit, as illustrated on user interface  800 . In such embodiments, during the actual exhibit the virtual exhibit can be displayed using user interface  700  at the location of the exhibit or event. The virtual exhibit can be, in such embodiments, uploaded to the data exchange system along with the exhibitor&#39;s booth number and the company name from the event server for display. 
     In the embodiment shown, the user interface  800  includes a virtual exhibit display area  802 , as well as a plurality of information selection options. The virtual exhibit display area  802  provides a virtual representation of the exhibit, and can include a logo  802   a  or other graphical element  802   b  representing the subject matter of the exhibit. 
     In the embodiment shown, the information selection options include an information button  804 , a contact button  806 , and a live connection button  808 . The information button  804  can link the user to additional information associated with the exhibit, such as electronic copies of flyers or other information. In certain embodiments, the information button  404  leads a user to a user interface allowing that user to view available files for viewing, and to select one or more of those files for viewing and/or download. One example such screen is described below in connection with  FIG. 11 . The contact button  406  provides a display of contact information associated with the particular exhibit, for example to be used in the case of a trade show or other event at which different exhibitors gather, or to contact a presenter at a seminar. The live connection button  708  allows the user to connect to a live individual, for example at a call or help center, and to communicate specific questions associated with the exhibit. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a further example computer-generated user interface  900  is shown, representing an alternative embodiment of the virtual event user interface  700  of  FIG. 7 . In the embodiment shown, the user interface  900  includes a graphical layout  902  and a text-based menu  904 . In such an embodiment, selection of either a graphical element or text-based element results in display of information associated with a particular exhibit, for example using the user interface  700  of  FIG. 7 . As compared to  FIG. 7 , the graphical layout  902  provides a “cover flow” arrangement in which a user can navigate among the various exhibits that they selected, either for a single event or for all events attended by that user. A search field  906  allows a user to perform a textual search through all of the available exhibits associated with a particular event. 
       FIG. 10  shows a virtual exhibit user interface  1000 , according to a further possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The user interface  1000  can, in certain embodiments, represent a portion of interface  900 , such as the graphical layout  902 . In the embodiment shown, the virtual exhibit user interface  1000  includes a header  1002   a  and logo area  1002   b , which are customizable by the exhibitor to present a particular appearance. Optionally, the exhibitor can also customize background colors or other appearance attributes illustrated in the interface  1000 . The user interface  1000  includes a plurality of buttons  1004  leading to further information about the exhibit. In the embodiment shown, the buttons include a video button  1004   a , a literature button  1004   b , a specials button  1004   c , and a contact button  1004   d . Each of the buttons  1004  leads to a further user interface configured to display relevant information to that particular topic. One example such user interface is provided in  FIG. 11 . 
     Additionally, a text field allows the attendee to enter notes about the exhibit, so that the attendee can remember particular information about the exhibit or individuals at the exhibit. A save button  1008  allows the user to save the notes entered. A remove button  1010  allows the user to remove the virtual exhibit from the selected group of displayed exhibits associated with their personal virtual event, for example so that the event is removed from the graphical layout  902  of the event user interface  900 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a user interface  1100  presenting information accessible from a virtual exhibit is shown, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The user interface  1100  displays information available from a particular exhibitor, for example as related to a specific event at which an attendee selected an exhibit from the exhibitor. The user interface  1100  includes header information  1102  displaying the current attendee, as well as the event and exhibitor to which the information relates. Optionally, the header information  1102  can be editable (e.g., in the case of the information about the attendee) or downloadable (e.g. the exhibitor&#39;s contact information, as illustrated by the “Export Contacts to CSV” option). A listing of information  1104  is also displayed, and includes information downloadable by the attendee for viewing and saving. 
     Although in the embodiment shown only a single file is available for download and viewing in the listing of information  1104 , it is understood that additional information could be included as well. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-13 , user interfaces for providing exhibitor feedback regarding attendee interest are displayed, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 12  illustrates a user interface  1200  presenting an exhibitor contact management system, according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The user interface  1200  includes header information  1201 , generally describing the particular exhibitor and information associated with that exhibitor (for example, the events attended by the exhibitor and exhibits associated with the exhibitor). The user interface  1200  also includes a graphical region  1202  including a “cover flow” style contact manager, through which graphical cards can be scrolled to locate a desired contact. A search field  1204  allows the exhibitor to search for a particular contact, and a listing field  1206  lists each of the contacts included. The specific list of contacts included in the user interface  1200  can be defined in a number of ways. For example, the contacts can correspond to those attendees who have selected at least one exhibit associated with the exhibitor, or can also include contacts manually entered by the exhibitor. Other methods of associating attendees and exhibitors for inclusion in the user interface  1200  are possible as well. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the user interface  1200  of  FIG. 12 , including an additional contact validation information screen  1300 , according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The contact validation screen  1300  is displayed upon selection of one of the contacts displayed in the listing field or  1206  or graphical region  1202  of the user interface  1200 . The contact validation screen  1300  includes header information  1302  defining the contact, including the contacts name and contact information. The screen  1300  also includes a notes field allowing the exhibitor to generate internal notes regarding actions to take or actions taken with respect to that contact, such as past orders, past conversations, or other information. Optionally the notes field  1304  includes a set of predefined options  1306  for actions to take with respect to the particular contact. In the embodiment shown, a variety of contact actions are listed, such as adding the contact to a mailing list, providing pricing, quotes, or sales literature or samples to the contact. 
     A lead information field  1308  includes a listing of information describing instances in which the contact/attendee showed interest in the information available from the exhibitor. For example, the lead information field  1308  includes, in the embodiment shown, a field illustrating when the contact/attendee visited a booth (exhibit) associated with the exhibitor, as well as a field illustrating a time at which the contact was qualified (e.g., when the attendee subsequently logged in to the event server and accessed the virtual exhibit associated with the exhibitor). Additional information regarding specific materials viewed and times at which they were viewed and/or downloaded can be included as well. 
     Overall, the user interface screens of  FIGS. 12-13  allow integration of contacts made at events, such as trade shows or other events, with an exhibitor&#39;s contact management system to allow integration of contacts from events into a system that allows the exhibitor to manage the method and timing of contacting potentially interested attendees. This has a number of advantages in different contexts. For example, in the case of trade shows, this allows an exhibitor to only contact those individual attendees who have shown some level of interest in a trade show exhibitor&#39;s products/services, because the exhibitor could elect to contact each attendee, each qualified attendee, or each qualified attendee who has also viewed some specific piece of product literature (e.g., to discuss specific features discussed in that literature). In other contexts, the user interface screens  1200 - 1300  of  FIGS. 12-13  allow exhibitors to receive feedback regarding the number of attendees who have shown interest in the exhibit, and to provide a mechanism to determine what information available to the attendees appears most compelling. Exhibitors can adjust the materials available to attendees during or even after the event based on this information. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1-13  generally, it is seen that the systems and methods of the present disclosure concurrently provide event organizers with a closed-loop, web-based user information capture system. As is evident from the following disclosure, the systems and methods described herein increase qualified lead generation (identification of interested users) and extend the effective life of an exhibit or event experience from hours to months. The systems and methods of the present disclosure concurrently allow attendees to collect information regarding topics of interest, with event organizers allowed to provide subsequent contacts or materials based on after-event information access tracking features. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.