Patent ID: 12192298

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details, and that variations and other aspects not explicitly disclosed herein are contemplated within the scope of the various embodiments. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

FIG.1illustrates an example of an environment100for implementing aspects in accordance with various embodiments. As will be appreciated, although environment100is provided for purposes of explanation, different environments may be utilized, as appropriate, to implement various embodiments. The illustrated environment100includes an electronic device102, which may include any appropriate device operable to send and receive requests, messages, or information over an appropriate network116and convey information back to a user110of the device102. Examples of such electronic devices include mobile phones, electronic devices, mobile devices, handheld messaging devices, laptop computers, personal data assistants, electronic book readers, watches, wrist worn devices and the like.

According to embodiments, the electronic device102incorporates the functionality of one or more portable devices, such as a cellular telephone, a media player, a personal computer, etc. A user may use the electronic device102to view pictures and video, surf the web, etc., even though the electronic device102is portable. The electronic device102may allow a user to connect to and communicate through the network116, such as the Internet or local or wide area networks. For example, the electronic device102may allow a user to communicate using e-mail, text messaging, instant messaging, or other forms of electronic communication.

According to embodiments, the electronic device102communicates with other devices using short-range wireless connections, such as Bluetooth®, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and/or near field communication (NFC). It is possible that NFC and RFID can work together in a way that an NFC-enable electronic device reads data from smart tags having RFID chips, or vice versa. As illustrated inFIG.1, the electronic device102uses a short-range wireless connection118to communicate with a smart tag120attached to item124. For example, the electronic device102obtains information from the smart tag120of the item124, and uses the obtained information to retrieve from the network116digital content related to the item124. The item124can be any consumer product or good purchased or otherwise acquired by the user110. For example, the item124may be apparel, such as shoes, socks, shirts, pants, hats, etc. Also for example, the item124may athletic equipment, such as footballs, soccer balls, tennis balls and rackets, heart rate monitors, watches, etc.

FIG.2illustrates a block diagram of an example electronic device102in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated, the device102is enclosed by an external casing202that protects the interior components from being damaged. The external casing can be made of any suitable material such as plastic, metal, etc. The electronic device102may include any number of tactile input controls, including switches, keys, buttons, touch sensitive buttons, etc. The device102also includes a display208which may display various images generated by the device. The display208may be any type of display such as a light-emitting diode (LED) based display, a Retina display, a liquid-crystal display (LCD), etc. The device102may include a touch screen212that a user can select elements of the display208by touching the selected elements.

The display208may be used to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to interact with the device. The tactile input controls or the touchscreen may be used to navigate the GUI. For example, the icons may be selected by touching the appropriate location of the touch screen212. When an icon is selected, the device102may be configured to open an application associated with that icon and display a corresponding screen. For example, when an athletic training icon is selected, the device102may open an athletic training program and display a training menu presenting the various tools and features available in the athletic training program. The electronic device102may include audio input and output elements, such as microphones that receive audio input and speakers that output sound.

The electronic device102may include one or more processors204that provide the processing capability required to execute the operating system, applications, and other functions of the device102. The one or more processors204may include general and special purpose microprocessors and/or a combination thereof. The processor204also may include on board memory for caching purposes and may be connected to a data bus210so that it can provide instructions to the other devices connected to the data bus210.

The electronic device102may also include storage memory218for storing data required for the operation of the processor204as well as other data required by the electronic device102. For example, the storage memory218may store the firmware for the electronic device102usable by the one or more processors204, such as an operating system, other programs that enable various functions of the electronic device102, GUI functions, and/or processor functions. The storage memory218may also store data files such as software applications, etc.

The electronic device102may also include one or more network devices232for receiving and transmitting information over one or more communications channels. As such, the network device232may include one or more network interface cards (NIC) or a network controller. In some embodiments, the network device232may include a local area network (LAN) interface for connecting to a wired Ethernet-based network and/or a wireless LAN, such as an IEEE 802.11x wireless network (i.e., WiFi). In certain embodiments, the LAN interface may be used to receive information, such as the service set identifier (SSID), channel, and encryption key, used to connect to the LAN.

The network device232also may include a wide area network (WAN) interface that permits connection to the Internet via a cellular communications network. The network device232may also include a personal area network (PAN) interface for connecting to a PAN such as a Bluetooth® network, an IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee) network, or an ultra wideband (UWB) network. The network device232may interact with an antenna to transmit and receive radio frequency signals of the network. The network device232may include any number and combination of network interfaces.

The electronic device102may also include a positioning device236used to determine geographical position. The positioning device236may utilize the global positioning system (GPS) or a regional or site-wide positioning system that uses cell tower positioning technology or WiFi technology, for example.

According to some embodiments, the device102includes a scanner220, such as a barcode scanner that may be used to obtain item identifying information from a tag or label associated with an item124, which then may be used by applications installed on the device102. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various devices and techniques for implementing the scanner220. The device102may also include a camera224. Similar to the scanner220, the camera224may be used as part of the overall system to identify items124, such as consumer products. For example, the camera224may be used to capture an image of a barcode or a QR-code, which then may be processed by the device102to extract the encoded product-identifying information. Techniques for processing a video image to extract coded information will also be known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The device102further includes a near field communication (NFC) interface228that allows for close-range communication, and may comply with such standards as ISO/IEC 18092, ISO/IEC 14443, ISO/IEC 21481, as well as others known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The NFC interface228may, for example, have a range of about 2 to 4 centimeters. The close-range communication with the NFC interface228may take place via magnetic field induction, allowing the NFC interface228to communicate with smart tags that work with NFC. Smart tags include, for example, NFC tags and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. In this way, the NFC interface228may be used to identify an item124, such as a consumer product that contains a smart tag120.

Referring now toFIG.3, example smart tags120are shown being attached to, embedded in, or otherwise associated with several items124. According to embodiments, the smarts tags120, which are also known as ‘info tags’ or ‘tags’, have storage memory and a radio chip attached to an antenna. Smart tags, such as NFC and RFID tags are small, cheap and easily integrated into different items124. As illustrated, a smart tag102is woven into, sewed to, glued to, knitted to, stuck to, or otherwise attached to the appropriate location on an item124, such as a jersey124a, a shoe124b, a shoelace124c, shorts124d, and a football124e. In the case of shoes, the smart tag102can be integrated into the tongue, midsole, outsole, heel counter, and/or any other suitable location. Further, for example, the smart tag120can be integrated into or attached to hangtags that are attached to or otherwise associated with the item124. It should be appreciated that these are merely examples and that smart tags can be attached to any type of item124according to any manner know by those having skill in the art.

According to embodiments, the smart tags120are passive and do not have or require a power source. In this case, the smart tags120draw power from the device that reads them. For example, as illustrated inFIG.4, a user activates an NFC application400on the electronic device102. In some examples, to activate the electronic device's NFC functionality, the user activates the NFC communication in the settings section of the electronic device102(e.g., similar to Bluetooth® functionality). Activating the NFC communication and/or the NFC application400sends a signal to an NFC chip402inside the device102. Electric current passes through the NFC chip402, thereby causing a magnetic field406to be emitted from the NFC interface228of the electronic device102. When the user positions the electronic device102proximate to the smart tag120, the magnetic field406emitting from the NFC interface228inducts a current inside the smart tag120and thereby powers a storage memory and radio chip416inside the smart tag120. For example, a coil410(a.k.a. antenna) of the smart tag120converts the magnetic field406into electric current, which powers the chip416causing it to emit radio waves420that transmit data from the smart tag120. For example, the radio waves420emitted from the smart tag120interact with the magnetic field406emitted by the electronic device102, and the NFC chip402in the electronic device102obtains from the radio waves420the data being transmitted from the chip416. According to embodiments, the smart tag120can be a rivet, such as an NFC rivet. For example, the rivet can have an NFC passive IC and antenna that can be riveted to existing items, such as shoes and apparel. In some example, user could take a picture of the item with the rivet to drive specific content for that item, as described herein.

In some embodiments, the data transmitted from the storage memory and radio chip416include instructions that cause the electronic device102to perform a specific operation, such as launch a particular application or load a particular webpage. In other embodiments, the storage memory and radio chip416store and transmit an item identifier430to the electronic device102, and an application independently running on the electronic device102determines how to handle the item identifier430. In still other embodiments, the storage memory and radio chip416store and transmit a website address, an email address, and so forth. According to some embodiments, the smart tags are writable. For example, customized data may be written to a blank smart tag or to existing data. Further, according to embodiments, the smart tags can be locked or encrypted so that the data on the tags cannot be manipulated.

Referring again toFIG.1, the network116may include any appropriate network, including an intranet, the Internet, a cellular network, a wireless local area network, a local area network, a wide area network, a wireless data network, or any other such network or combination thereof. Components utilized for such a system may depend at least in part upon the type of network and/or environment selected. Protocols and components for communicating via such a network are well known and will not be discussed herein in detail. Communication over the network may be enabled by wired or wireless connections and combinations thereof.

The illustrated environment100includes at least one server122and a data store130. It should be understood that there may be several servers (e.g., application servers, web servers, etc.), layers, or other elements, processes, or components, that may be chained or otherwise configured, and that may interact to perform tasks, such as obtaining data from an appropriate data store. As used herein the term “data store” refers to any device or combination of devices capable of storing, accessing, and/or retrieving data, which may include any combination and number of data servers, databases, data storage devices, and data storage media, in any standard, distributed, or clustered environment.

According to embodiments, the server122is an application server that includes any appropriate hardware and software for integrating with the data store as needed to execute aspects of one or more applications for the client device102, and may even handle a majority of the data access and business logic for an application. For example, the server122can be an application server that provides access control services in cooperation with the data store130, and that is able to generate content such as text, graphics, audio, and/or video to be transferred to the user, which may be served to the user by a native application on the client device102by a web server in the form of HTML, XML, or another appropriate structured language.

The data store130is operable, through logic associated therewith, to receive instructions from the server122, and obtain, update, or otherwise process data in response thereto. In one example, a user might submit a request for digital content related to a particular item124. In this case, the data store130might access stored user information to verify the identity of the user, and it may access stored information to obtain information about the item124. The information then may be displayed to the user. The user may review the results via a native application on the user device102or via a webpage that the user is able to view via a browser on the user device102.

According to embodiments, any time a mobile browser on an electronic device102, such as a mobile device, makes a request for content, the browser can evaluate information provided by the native device. For example, mobile browsers and other applications (such as applications described herein for communicating with the digital content manager510) are capable of providing programming interfaces into the native mobile device. According to embodiments, information stored locally on electronic devices, such as browser cookies and cache, is used to select content to be provided to users. For example, the information stored locally on a user's electronic device may reflect the user's tap behavior. This information can be interrogated by the web browser, and the result of the interrogation is fetching predetermine web address URLs and/or rendering predetermined HTML code. For instance, when a user taps on an item with their electronic device and the device provides no local information (e.g., this could be a first tap), then electronic device's browser fetches a default mobile website. This website will stored on the electronic device to be used for future taps.

The next item the user taps an item, the stored website is rendered as a splash page to present something locally to the mobile browser and the user while data is fetched from the network. This will give immediate feedback to the consumer upon taping an item and thus improve the customer's experience. Additionally, treasure hunts and other campaigns could be implemented using local data to store on the electronic device each location achieved. Thus, in the case of areas with poor network connectivity, the user would be able to check-in to locations because the information would be stored locally on the native device. In some cases, when the network connectivity is restored, the check-in data can later be sent to a remote server.

The server122may include an operating system that provides executable program instructions for the general administration and operation of the server, and it may further include a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of the server, allow the server to perform its intended functions. Suitable implementations for the operating system and general functionality of the servers are known or commercially available, and are readily implemented by persons having ordinary skill in the art, particularly in light of the disclosure herein.

The environment100in one embodiment is a distributed computing environment utilizing several computer systems and components that are interconnected via communication links, using one or more computer networks or direct connections. However, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that such a system could operate equally well in a system having fewer or a greater number of components than are illustrated inFIG.1. Thus, the depiction of the environment100inFIG.1should be taken as being illustrative in nature, and not limiting to the scope of the disclosure.

The environment100ofFIG.1may include additional components and/or other arrangements, as illustrated in system500ofFIG.5. In this example, the system500includes a digital experience manager510that responds to requests from electronic devices to provide the electronic devices with digital content related to particular items124. In some embodiments, the digital experience manager510is an application executed on the server122. The digital experience manager510can be launched, viewed, and/or controlled using an electronic device102, such as via a web browser window.

As shown inFIG.1, the user110, for example, uses the electronic device102to scan the smart tag120of the item124and send a request to the digital experience manager510to provide the electronic device102with digital content related to the item124. According to the illustrated embodiment, the digital experience manager510includes an application download module514, an in-store content module518, a virtual price tag module522, a registration module526, a registered owner module530, an unregistered user module534, a check-in module532, a lock & key module538, and a timeline module542. The digital experience manager510reads and/or writes data to an application data store554, an item information data store560, a user information data store564, a registration data store568, a digital content data store572, a check-in information data store576, and a benefit information data store580. The data stores554,560,564,568,572,576, and580may be implemented as part of the digital experience manager510or separately from the digital experience manager510depending on the embodiment of the invention.

Application information554may include, for example, applications that are available for download to an electronic device of a user and that will enable the user to interact with the digital experience manager510. For example, the application information554may include applications that interact with the in-store content module518to provide users with digital content concerning items identified by the user while shopping. Also for example, the application information554may include applications that interact with the virtual price tag module522to send item prices to users' electronic devices while the users are shopping in brick-and-mortar stores. It should be appreciated that these are just illustrative examples of applications that may be in the application information554, and that other applications may be provided. Such applications may interact with the registration module526, the registered owner and unregistered user modules530,534, the lock & key module538, the timeline module542, among others. It should be appreciated that one or more applications can be provided for interacting with some or all of the modules514,518,522,526,530,534,532,538, and542.

Item information560may include, for example, a table of item identifiers and corresponding item descriptions, prices, model numbers/names, sizes, colors, links/references to related digital content in the digital content572, identifiers of registered owners, and links/references to user accounts of registered owners in the user information564. Item information560may also include information about the design, manufacture and distribution of the items. Item information560may also include the names, stats, and other information of athletes and athletic clubs and teams that use said items, and information about use of said items in sporting events (e.g., football was used in famous match).

User information564may include, for example, (1) personal information about the user, such as age, gender, income, current location information (e.g., city, region, address), phone numbers, email addresses, interests, social network memberships, favorite collegiate and profession athletic clubs and teams, and the like; (2) user purchase history identifying items124previously purchased by the user, the price paid for items124, and the merchants from whom the items were purchased; (3) a history of recommendations made by the user, including the identities of the people to whom the recommendations were made, the recommended items124, the dates of the recommendations, and whether the recommendations were converted into an actual purchase. In some example, the recommendations were made by the user via social networks and/or media, blog comments and entries, and other electronic communications. Also for example, the recommend the product, the user can “tap” the smart tag120of item124using their electronic device102, thereby causing an application on the electronic device to recommend the item124.

User information564may also include, as an additional example, (4) athletic training data, such as data generated and used by athletic training applications running on the user's electronic device. Said athletic training data may include, for example, jogging routes and times, particular exercises and indication of when the user performed those exercises, notes, fitness goals, fitness accomplishments, and physiological data, such as heart rate, calories burned, VO2 max, etc. In particular, according to some embodiments, the athletic training data (a.k.a. workout data) may include the distance run using or wearing a registered item, the number of hours of workouts, the number of the user's registered items124categorized as athletic apparel or equipment, the type and number of achievements, including trophies, badges, awards, certificates etc.

User information564may be obtained through various mechanisms. Users may expressly input and provide the user information through a website application. For example, a website or application may enable a user to create and manage a user profile or account that is incorporated into the user information data store564. The user information may be obtained from a database of recorded historical purchases (online and offline), the user's Internet search history, user demographic information, social graph (e.g., network of friends, relatives, work associates, etc.), and the like.

Registration information568may indicate which items are registered to which users. For example, the registration information may include a table of item identifiers and corresponding user identifiers of the items' registered owners. It should be appreciated that the registration information may be included in the item information and/or the user information.

Digital content572may include, for example, text, images, video content, animated content, games, and links to websites, any of which could include information about the items124. According to some embodiments, an entity associated with an item124(e.g., manufacturer, merchant, retailer, vendor, advertiser, etc.) may provide, as part of the digital content, information about the item, and brand imagery, logos, advertising content, and promotional content. For example, an entity may provide information about related products, top-selling items, newest items, items within a certain price range, items popular in specific geographic locations and markets, and information about products that complement the items124. For example, if a user is interested in a particular basketball shoe, the entity may provide digital content about products that complement the basketball shoe, such as basketball shorts, jerseys, sweatbands, basketballs, and the like.

Check-in information576may include, for example, the locations where it was determined that a user used an item124, and corresponding information, such time and exact location of use. For example, the location of use could be GPS location, address, city, state, region, and/or country. The location of use could also be the name or other identifying information of the business entity where the item was checked in, such as a restaurant, an athletic event, a venue, etc. The check-in information may include a table of item identifiers and corresponding time, location, and/or user data for the instances where the item has been checked in. It should be appreciated that the check-in information may be included in the item information560and/or the user information564.

Benefit information580may include, for example, information about benefits available to qualifying users. For example, benefits may be services and/or digital content delivered directly to the electronic devices via text messages, email, or push message. Benefits may include immediate access to a sales person upon entering a retail store, access to an athletic event, concert, or other event, access to an express line or separate entrance at an event, and promotional offers, such as product discounts, etc. Benefits may also include access to exclusive digital content.

According to an embodiment, the application download module514downloads applications from the application information554to the electronic device102that enable the user110to use the electronic device102to interact with the digital experience manager510. For example, the application download module514may download from the application information554an in-store shopping application that provides information about on-sale items and enables users to obtain and view information about products. Other example applications are discussed herein.

FIG.6illustrates an example process600of determining which application to use to request and display digital content and, if the application is not already installed, download and install the application to an electronic device, according to an embodiment. Some or all of the process600(or any other processes described herein, or variations and/or combinations thereof) may be performed under the control of one or more computer systems configured with executable instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable instructions, one or more computer programs, or one or more applications) executing collectively on one or more processors, by hardware, or combinations thereof. The code may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for example, in the form of a computer program comprising a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors. The computer-readable storage medium may be non-transitory. The one or more computer systems may be, as an example, one or more computer systems in the environment100ofFIG.1that collectively implement the digital experience manager510described above in connection withFIG.5.

As indicated at block604, the process600generally begins when someone, typically the user110, scans a smart tag associated with an item124, typically for sale in a store where the user110is shopping. At block608, the electronic device102processes data received from the smart tag120.

In some embodiments, the data from the smart tag120, when processed by the electronic device102, causes the electronic device102to execute an application that displays digital content related to the item124. For example, processing the data received from the smart tag120causes the electronic device102to execute a web browser that loads from a web server a webpage specified in the data from the smart tag120. In this example, the data from the smart tag120directs the electronic device's web browser to a particular webpage, which provides digital content related to the item. In some examples, the web browser is a standard web browser that comes preinstalled on many electronic devices. In operation, according to an illustrative example, the user110uses the electronic device102to “tap” or “scan” the smart tag120of an item124, such as a shoe. The saved instructions on the smart tag120cause the electronic device102to open a web browser and go to a website with information about the item (price, name, images, text, videos, etc). In some cases, a cookie saved on the electronic device, such as in the web browser, causes the web browser to open a particular webpage, which displays different specific content, every time a smart tag120is scanned. According to some examples, the webpage or website displayed can be influenced by location of tap, time, day of the week, marketing campaign to be run, previous tap locations, other taps by friends.

It should be appreciated that applications, other than web browsers, can be launched, opened, and/or executed by the electronic device upon scanning a smart tag to display digital content related to the item. For example, a manufacturer or a retailer of item can make available for download to the electronic device102an application that enables the user110to view digital content about scanned items. Example screen shots of such applications are illustrated in, and corresponding description is provided with reference to,FIGS.9A-Dand13.

In other embodiments, the data from the smart tag120, when processed by the electronic device102, causes the electronic device102to execute an application that can be used with the item124to enhance the user's experience with the item. For example, if the item124is a jogging shoe, then the application can be a jogging application that tracks the user's distance, jogging routes, heart rate, calories burned, etc. An example of such an application is miCoach® Application offered by Adidas®. Example screen shots of such applications are illustrated in, and corresponding description is provided with reference to,FIGS.20A-E,25, and28.

At block612, if the application specified by the data of the smart tag is already installed on the electronic device102, the process600proceeds to block616, where the electronic device launches, opens, switches to, or otherwise executes the application (e.g., the application could be a web browser that is already open on the device, and the data from the smart tag causes the web browser to go to a particular webpage or website). However, at block612, if the application specified by the data from the smart tag is not already installed on the electronic device, the process600proceeds to block620, where the data from the smart tag120causes the electronic device102to send a download request to the application download module514of the digital experience manager510. The download request includes information obtained from the smart tag that identifies the appropriate application (e.g., the application could be provided by a retailer or manufacturer of items).

At block624, responsive to the download request, the application download module514of the digital experience manager510sends the electronic device102a link to download the application. At block630, the electronic device102asks the user110to confirm whether the user110desires to download the application. It should be appreciated that, at block630, the application is automatically downloaded, without requesting approval from the user. At decision block634, the process600ends if the user does not confirm. However, if the user confirms, the application is downloaded to the electronic device at block640, and the electronic device102launches the application at block616.

Referring again toFIG.5, the in-store content module518receives from the user device102of the user110a request to provide digital content related to one or more items124being offered for sale, selects digital content to send to the user110, and sends the selected digital content.FIG.7provides a schematic diagram of an example retail store700where a user may be shopping when the user queries the in-store content module518for information about an item being offered for sale, in accordance with at least one embodiment. It should be appreciated that the retail store700is described herein for purposes of illustrating operation of the in-store content module518and other components of the digital experience manager510. As such, the description of the retail store700is not intended to limit embodiments of the various inventions described herein.

Items124represent various items of athletic apparel and equipment being offered for sale in the retail store700, which is categorized into several sections, including a running section712, a tennis section716, a football section720, a baseball section724, and a basketball section730. Items124related to running are presented in the running section, items124related to tennis are presented in the tennis section716, and so forth. By way of example, the items124presented in the football section720may include the jersey124a, the shoe124b, the shoelace124c, the shorts124d, and the football124eofFIG.3. A smart tag120is associated with each of the items124and stores, for example, an item identifier430unique to each item. Smart-tag readers756capable of communicating with the digital experience manager510are provided at point-of-sale (POS) terminals746and doorways750. For example, the smart-tag readers756provided at the doorways750are embedded in or otherwise associated with floor mats760that users step on when entering and exiting the retail store700. The smart-tag readers756are capable of reading smart tags associated with user items, such as shoes, when users walk across the floor mat760. In this case, as described in more detail below, the smart-tag readers756of the floor mats760send the item identifier430along with “check-in” information to the digital experience manager510when a user wears, carries, or otherwise transports an item in and/or out of the retail store700via the doorways750. Also for example, the smart-tag readers756provided at the POS terminals746notify the digital experience device510when items124are purchased, such as by sending the digital experience device510an item identifier430of the item124along with an indication that the item has been purchased by a user. According to embodiments, smart-tag writers764may be located near the doorways750. In some examples, the smart-tag writers764are also embedded in or otherwise associated with the floor mats760. The smart-tag writers764are capable of writing information on smart tags. For example, when a user110wearing shoes124having a smart tag120embedded therein steps on one of the floor mats760, the smart-tag writer764writes on the smart tag120information that indicates time and location, e.g., geo-location, store identifier, venue identifier, etc. This information, for example, is stored on the smart tag120as check-in information and can later be used to unlock benefits (seeFIGS.21-22). It should be appreciated that this information may be written to a server, which stores the information in association with the smart tag120(e.g., the information is saved by an server or client computer in association with the item identifier of the smart tag120). It should also be appreciated that the smart-tag writer764and the smart-tag reader756can be the same device.

FIG.8provides a flow diagram illustrating an example process800of a constructing and sending a request to obtain digital content related to an item. As indicated at804, the process800generally begins when the user causes the electronic device to “scan” the smart tag of the item for which the user desires to receive digital content. For example, to scan the smart tag, the user110activates the NFC interface228of the electronic device102, if the NFC interface is not already active, and positions the NFC interface228proximate to the smart tag120of the item124. During the scan, the electronic device102obtains from the smart tag120the item identifier430associated with the item124. The electronic device102may obtain additional information, such as instructions regarding which application to launch. It should be appreciated that the application could be a web browser, or an application designed specifically to scan smart tags and obtain digital content related to an item, or a general application for operating the NFC interface, etc. At808, the electronic device launches the appropriate application, or prompts the user to download the appropriate application (seeFIG.6). As described above, the electronic device102, upon receiving instruction code from the smart tag, automatically launches the appropriate application or sends the appropriate download request to the application download module514of the digital experience manager510.

At810, once the application is launched on the electronic device, the application displays a menu of options to the user. It should be appreciated that, as illustrated, upon the application launching at808, the process800proceeds directly to822, where an request is sent to automatically obtain digital content related to the item, such as price, video, images, etc. At814, the user selects from the menu the option to get digital content related to the item.FIG.9Aprovides an example screenshot904of a menu of options, including a “get info” option908. At818, responsive to the user's selection, the electronic device102constructs a request to provide digital content related to the item. The request includes the item identifier that was obtained from the smart tag120associated with the item. It should also be appreciated that the implicit or explicit request can include a user identifier of the user. At822, the electronic device sends the request to the digital experience manager510.

FIG.10provides a flow diagram illustrating an example process1000, whereby the digital experience manager510, in response to the user's request, delivers digital content to the electronic device of the user. At block1004, the request to provide digital content is received. The request may be explicitly requested by the user, or it may automatically requested, without an explicit request by the user. At1008, the in-store content module518searches the item information and digital content data stores560,572to identify digital content related to the item. To do so, for example, the in-store content module518identifies all digital content associated with the item identifier included in the request. At1012, the in-store content module518selects a subset of the identified digital content to provide to the user.

FIG.11provides a flow diagram illustrating an example process1100, whereby the digital experience manager510selects a subset of the identified information to provide to the user. The process1100generally begins at1104, where the geographic location of the user is determined. According to embodiments, the geographic location is provided in the request received from the electronic device. For example, the application that constructed the request obtained geo-location data from a GPS receiver of the electronic device and included the geo-location data in the request. In other examples, the request received from the electronic device included (e.g. in the header of the request) the language, country, region, city, time zone setting of the electronic device, and the geo-location of the user is inferred from that information. In still other examples the geo-location of the user is determined based on cell tower and WiFi location data included in the request from the electronic device. The in-store content module518determines which of the identified digital content is relevant to the geo-location of the user by assessing the relevance of the identified digital content to the geo-location of the user. For example, the in-store content module518assesses whether a language spoken in the geo-location of the user matches the language in which the digital content is presented. Also for example, the in-store content module518assesses the popularity in the geo-location of the subject matter of the identified digital content, where the subject matter of the identified digital content can be a sport, a sporting event, a team, a venue, an article of apparel, type of apparel, a style of apparel, and a brand of apparel.

According to embodiments, the language of the content presented to the user110of the electronic device102matches the language setting of electronic device102. Thus, regardless of which country the user is located in when he ‘taps’ an item124, content is presented in the language that matches the language setting of the user's electronic device102. For example, German-language content is presented to a German user whose electronic device's language setting is German, even if the German user ‘taps’ an item to request digital content while vacationing in Spain. Thus, the German user is presented with German-language content, regardless where he is located when he uses his electronic device102to obtain digital content related to items124. According to an embodiment, when the German user taps an item124and his electronic device102sends to the server122a request for digital content, the request includes the language setting of the electronic device. Responsive to the request, the server122selects content that is presented in a language that matches the language setting of the electronic device. It should appreciated that data other than the language setting can be used, such as the home country setting, the home city setting, the web browser version, the device identifier, etc.

At1108, the location of the user and/or the item124within the store is determined. For example, with reference to the retail store700ofFIG.7, the in-store content module518determines whether the user and/or item is located in section712,716,720,724, or730. According to some examples, the in-store content module518has access to a store map, similar to the schematic ofFIG.7, where the map details the locations of the items in the store based on item identifiers. For example, ranges of item identifiers are grouped into different locations of the store. Thus, using the map and the item identifier, the location of the user within the store can be determined. Additionally, the geo-location of the user can be cross-referenced against the map to determine the location of the user. As mentioned above, geo-location can be determined based on information obtained from the GPS receiver of the electronic device or from cell tower or WiFi location data. According to other examples, the location of the user within the store is determined based a product category to which the item belongs. For example, if the item is a basketball, then the user is determined to be in the basketball section of the store. The in-store content module518determines which of the identified digital content is relevant to location of the user in the store by assessing the relevance of the identified digital content to the location of the user. For example, if the user is in the tennis section of the store, then the in-store content module518identifies which of the identified digital content is related to tennis.

For example, when a user in a store looking at the soccer products taps his electronic device on a soccer boot, then he receives information about the desired soccer boot with a soccer display background and maybe specific soccer commercials and messages about the product from a famous soccer player. This experience should help the user to get the feeling that he is in a kind of a simulated soccer world. The same applies when the user is in the basketball area or running area within the shop. Within every area and every tapped sport product in a shop, the user receives tailored information about the product.

At1112, the time at which the user sent the request is determined. For example, the time can be determined based on the time the request was received. In another example, the time of the request is included in the request itself, such as in the header of the request. The time may be the time of day, the time of week, the time of month, the time of year, and/or the calendar season. For example, in the event the time coincides with a sporting event that is popular in the user's geo-location, the in-store content module518identifies which of the identified digital content is related to the sporting event. In another example, retail stores may have “happy hours”, where items are offered for sale at a special discount. In this example, in the event the time coincides with one of these “happy hours”, the in-store content module518identifies which of the digital content is eligible for the happy hour and, optionally, provides the discounted price any item included in the digital content.

At1116, user information, such as user profile data, about the user is obtained from the user information data store564. For example, the user information includes a home address of the user, a number of related purchases made by the user in the past, a number of related product recommendations the user has made, and the number of times those product recommendations converted into product purchase by the user or others. Any other useful user data may be obtained from the user information data base564. The in-store content module518determines which of the identified digital content is relevant to the user profile data. For example, the in-store content module518identifies digital content that is related to: a popular professional athletic team in the user's home location; the user's previous purchases; items the user has previously recommended; and/or items purchased by others at the recommendation of the user.

At1120, a web cookie and/or browser cache is obtained from the request received from the electronic device, which includes information about the user's online browsing history, depending on settings and approval by the user. The in-store content module518identifies which of the identified digital content is related to the user's browsing history.

At1124, the digital content identified at1008as being relevant to the item124is evaluated against the information determined and/or obtained at1104,1108,1112,1116,1120, and/or1124to select the subset of digital content to send to the user. As discussed above, digital content may include, for example, text, images, video content, animated content, games, and links to websites, any of which could include information about the item124. According to embodiments, from the digital content identified at1008, the in-store content module518identifies a subset of digital content that is relevant to the user's geo-location and location within the store, the time of the request, the user's profile data, and/or the user's online browsing history, depending on settings and permission from the user.

Referring again toFIG.10, after selecting a subset of the identified digital content, the in-store content module518transmits or presents the subset to the electronic device of the user, at1016.FIGS.9B-Cprovide example screenshots of the subset of the identified digital content, as it is presented on the electronic device. As illustrated in the screenshot912of FIB.9B, the digital content includes a description of the item, suggested items that the user might be interested in, a link to view a video of how the item was made, and current news and events related to the item. The screen shot912also includes a “next page” button920. The user can selected button920to receive additional content related to the item. For example, if the user selects button920of screenshot912, screen shot913ofFIG.9Cis provided. As illustrated in screenshot913, the digital content can also include the price of the item, a link to social network/media so that the user can see what his friends and others are saying about the item, and a link to a video about the backstory of the item. As illustrated in screenshot914ofFIG.9D, the digital content can also include a link to see how many of the items are in stock and the available color, sizes, annotations, etc. It should be appreciated that rather than providing a link, the actual inventory and available colors, sizes, and annotations can be provided directly to the user.

As illustrated inFIG.9D, the user can also be presented with a “Purchase” button924. This enables the user to purchase the item using the electronic device, and to avoid having to wait in line at a point-of-sale terminal. In some embodiments, the user information564includes the user's credit card and/or other payment and billing information. Upon selection of the “Purchase” button924, the electronic device constructs and sends a purchase request to the digital experience manager510. The purchase request includes the item identifier and the user identifier. The digital experience manager510uses the item identifier to obtain pricing information from the item information560, and it uses the user identifier to obtain the user's credit card and/or other payment and billing information form the user information564. The digital experience manager510then uses the obtained information to process the purchase transaction. The user can be provided with a confirmation code that the user can use to exit the store. For example, the confirmation code can be a barcode displayed on the user's mobile device that the store can ‘scan’ when the user exits the store. Also, for example, the digital experience manager510updates the item information560to indicate that the item has been purchased. Thus, upon leaving the store, the store can scan the smart tag of item to get notice that the item has been purchased.

With reference toFIGS.12-15, the “virtual price tag” feature provided by the virtual price tag module522of the digital experience manager510will be described. According to embodiments, a user can scan an item being offered for sale and request, either manually or automatically, that a price of the item be displayed on the user's electronic device, where the price is adjusted based on information about the user.

FIG.12Aprovides a flow diagram illustrating an example process1200of constructing and sending a request to obtain a virtual price for an item. As indicated at1204, the process1200generally begins when the user causes the electronic device102to “scan” the smart tag120of the item124for which the user desires to receive a virtual price. During the scan, the electronic device102obtains from the smart tag120the item identifier430associated with the item124. The electronic device102may obtain additional information, such as instructions regarding which application to launch (e.g., the application could be a web browser that is already installed on the electronic device). At1208, the electronic device launches, opens, switches to, or otherwise activates the appropriate application, or prompts the user to download the appropriate application, if the application is not already installed (seeFIG.6). As described above, the electronic device102, upon receiving instruction code from the smart tag, automatically launches the appropriate application or sends the appropriate download request to the application download module514of the digital experience manager510.

At1212, once the application is launched on the electronic device, the application displays a menu of options to the user. At1216, the user selects from the menu the option to get a virtual price tag for the item.FIG.13provides an example screenshot1304of a menu of options, including a “get price” option1308. At1220, responsive to the user's selection, the electronic device102constructs a request to provide a price for the item. The request includes the item identifier that was obtained from the smart tag120associated with the item. It should also be appreciated that the request can include a user identifier of the user. At1224, the electronic device sends the request to the digital experience manager510.

FIG.12Bprovides a flow diagram illustrating another example process1228of constructing and sending a request to obtain a virtual price for an item. As indicated at1204, the process1200generally begins when the user causes the electronic device102to “scan” the smart tag120of the item124for which the user desires to receive a virtual price. During the scan, the electronic device102obtains from the smart tag120the item identifier430associated with the item124. At1230, responsive to scanning the smart tag120, the electronic device102launches a web browser or app that sends a request (e.g., http request) to obtain a virtual price tag for the item. For example, the web browser requests from a web server a webpage that provides a virtual price tag for the item124. At1234, the obtained virtual price tag is automatically displayed via the web browser or app. For example, the request webpage having the virtual price tag is displayed in the web browser.

FIG.14provides a flow diagram illustrating an example process1400, whereby the digital experience manager510, in response to the user's request, delivers a price for the item to the electronic device of the user. At block1404, the request to provide a price for the item is received. At1408, the virtual price tag module522searches the item information data store560to identify pricing information for the item. To do so, for example, the virtual price tag module522identifies a listed retail price for the item. At1412, the virtual price tag module522adjusts the listed retail price for the user based at least in part on information about the user.

FIG.15provides a flow diagram illustrating an example process1500, whereby the digital experience manager510adjusts the price of an item. For example, the price may be reduced if the user is a loyal customer who purchases related items, recommends that other users purchase related items, etc. According to embodiments, the virtual price tag module522reviews information about the user in the user information data store564when adjusting the price of an item. For example, the user information data store564contains the user's user profile, which includes information regarding the user's history of purchases, the user's history of making purchase recommendations to other users, and how often the user's purchase recommendations are converted into actual purchases.

At1504, the process1500generally begins with reviewing the user's purchase history. To do so, for example, the virtual price tag module522accesses the user's user profile data in the user information data store564to determine the number of related items previously purchased by the user. Also, for example, the virtual price tag module522obtains the user's purchase history from a cookie or browser cache, etc. associated with the user's web browser and/or electronic device102, which was used to request the virtual price tag. Further, for example, the user may manually provide the digital content manager510with the user's purchase history, such as by including the purchase history in the request for the price tag. For example, if the user is a frequent purchaser of items associated with a particular manufacturer, brand, retailer, etc., then the virtual price tag module522reduces the listed retail price of the item accordingly. Also for example, if the user has never purchased or has not recently purchased items associated with a particular manufacturer, brand, retailer, etc., then the price may be reduced to incent the user to purchase. Further for example, the price may be reduced if the user has previously purchased competitor items.

At1508, the virtual price tag module522reviews the user's recommendation history. For example, the virtual price tag module522accesses the user's user profile data in the user information data store564and reviews the user's history of making item recommendations to other users. In some cases, if the user frequently recommends that other users purchase items associated with a particular manufacturer, brand, retailer, etc., then the virtual price tag module522reduces the listed retail price of the item accordingly. At1512, the virtual price tag module522reviews how often the user's recommendations are converted into actual purchases. For example, the virtual price tag module522accesses the user's user profile data to compare the number of recommendations to the number of conversions. Recommendations for items related to the item in question can be considered, as well as the recommendations across all items. For example, if the user has a high conversion rate, then the virtual price tag module522may reduce the price of the item so as to incent the user to recommend the item. Similarly, for example, the virtual price tag module522may reduce the price of the item if the user has a high number of conversions, even if the user has a lower conversion rate.

At1516, the virtual price tag module522determines the distance between the user's home location and the location from where the user sent the request for a virtual price tag. According to an embodiment, the user's home location is provided in the user information data store564. It should also be appreciated that the user's home location may be included in the request message received from the user's electronic device. For example, the application running on the electronic device that constructed and sent the request message could obtain from the electronic device the user's home city, country, zip code, etc., and include that information in the request message. The location from where the user sent the request can be determined according to any of the examples discussed above with respect to1104ofFIG.11. Once the virtual price tag module522obtains the user's home location and the location from where the request was sent, it then determines the distance there between. If the distance is fairly large, then the price is only slightly reduced or not reduced at all. This is because the user is likely traveling on vacation or business, and is therefore more likely to pay more. On the other hand, if the distance is short, indicating that the user is shopping near home, then the price may be reduced so as to incent the user to frequently shop at the location. In other embodiments, the discount is more significant if the distance is fairly large, and the discount is less significant is the distance is short.

At1520, the virtual price tag module522determines the time at which the request was sent. This can be determined according to any of the examples discussed above with respect to1112ofFIG.11. As mentioned above, the time may be the time of day, the time of week, the time of month, the time of year, and/or the calendar season. For example, in the event the item is an article of clothing, such as a winter coat soon to go out of season, the price may be reduced. Also for example, if the time of the request coincides with a sporting event near the location of the request and the item is related to that event, then the price may be adjusted, even if the item is an article of clothing that is soon to be out of season.

At1524, the virtual price tag module522determines the current inventory of the item. According to embodiments, inventory data may be included in the item information data store560. Thus, upon receiving a request to provide a virtual price, the virtual price tag module522accesses the item information data store560to review inventory data of the item and determine the inventory of the item at the store from which the user sent the request. The inventory data may be organized by store, by item, and/or both. In one example, the price of the item may be reduced is there is a large inventory or (periodically) increased if there is a limited inventory.

At1528, the virtual price tag module522reviews athletic data associated with the user. According to embodiments, athletic data may be included in the user information data store564. Thus, upon receiving a request to provide a virtual price tag, the virtual price tag module522accesses the user information data store564to review the user's athletic/workout data. The athletic data may include, for example, data generated and used by athletic training applications operating on the user's electronic device, such as jogging routes and times, particular exercises and indications of when the user performed those exercise, notes, goals, accomplishments, physiological data, such as heart rate, calories burned, VO2 max, etc. The athletic data may also include the number of miles run, the number of miles run using or wearing a registered item124, the number of hours of workouts, and the number of user registered items that are categorized as athletic apparel or equipment. In some examples, the virtual price tag module522may adjust down the price of the items based on the user's workout accomplishments. For example, if the user has run two hundred kilometers in the user's registered running shoes, then the virtual price tag module522may adjust down the price of qualified running shoes to incent the user to purchase a particular model, brand, style, etc. of running shoes. It should be appreciated that the athletic/workout data can be stored in a data store130and/or locally on the electronic device102.

According to some embodiments, the price of the item can be based on future sharing (e.g., the user recommending the item to other users). For example, the user can be presented with the option to agree to provide a specific number of recommendations about the item within a specific amount of time. For example, the user may agree to recommend the product to one hundred friends on a social network or media with one week of purchasing the item. If the time expires and the number of recommendations has not been reached, then the user is charged for a prorated amount to cover the difference owed. It should also be appreciated that the user can made the recommendation as a perquisite to obtaining a discount on an item.

At1532, the price of the item is adjusted based at least in part on evaluations made using the information obtained at1504,1508,1512,1516,1520,1524, and/or1528. For example, after obtaining the listed retail price of the item from the item formation data store560, the virtual price tag module522adjusts up or down the listed retail price based on said information.

Referring again toFIG.14, after adjusting up or down the listed retail price of the item, the virtual price tag module522transmits the adjusted price to the electronic device of the user, at1416. According to embodiments, the virtual price tag module522also transmits information about why the price was adjusted. For example, the virtual price tag module522may send an indication saying the price was adjusted because the user logged two hundred kilometers in a pair of registered shoes, made twenty recommendations to buy the shoes, and eight of the recommendations were converted in to actual purchases.FIG.13provides an example screenshot1312of the virtual price tag, as it is presented on the electronic device.

According to some embodiment, the user's “tapping activity” while shopping in a retail store can be shared with retail stores and other entities, subject to disclosure to the user and permission from the user. This data would benefit business by enabling tracking consumer behavior in store during shopping, looking at products and buying products. This would enable the business to target promotions to the user based on the users shopping habits.

According to embodiments, after an item has been purchased or otherwise acquired, the purchasing or acquiring user can “tap” his electronic device102on the smart tag of the item to receive premium registered-owner content delivered to his phone. However, in some embodiment, the user must first register the newly purchased or acquired item. With reference toFIGS.16-17, a process for registering an item to a user account of a user will be described.FIG.16explains the registration process from the perspective of the digital experience manager510, whereasFIG.17explains the registration process from the perspective of the user110.

FIG.16provides a flow diagram illustrating an example process1600of registering an item. At1604, the process1600generally begins when the registration module526receives a notice that the item has been purchased or otherwise acquired by a user. The notice is transmitted via a purchase-indication message, which includes an item identifier for the item.

Below are three illustrative examples how the registration module526receives from a device a purchase-indication message. In a first example, with reference toFIG.7, a smart-tag reader756at the POS terminal745is used to scan the smart tag120associated with the item124to obtain the item identifier430associated with the item, and then send the item identifier in a purchase-indication message to the registration module526. In a second example, also with reference toFIG.7, a smart-tag reader756, such as a floor mat760, located at an exit750of the retail store700scans the smart tag and obtains the item identifier as the item is being carried out of the store, and then sends the item identifier in purchase-indication message to the registration module526. In a third example, where a user-seller is giving or selling the item to a user-buyer (rather than a user buying from a store), the user-seller can use his or her electronic device102to scan the smart tag120and send a purchase-indication message to the registration module526(e.g., an example of re-assigning an item to another user is discussed below with reference to option2056ofFIG.20A).

In another embodiment of this third example, the user-seller can give a code/PIN to the user-buyer, who can submit the code/PIN to registered the item. For example, after purchasing an item, the purchaser (i.e., the user-seller) can give the item to another user without prior registration of the item. This way, the purchased item is registered to the new owner and not to the purchaser. In some examples, the person who buys the product gets a PIN/code either on the receipt, on his mobile device or via email. This PIN/code is provided to the new owner, who can use the PIN/code to register the item. For example, the PIN/code can be included in the purchase-indication message that is sent to the registration module526at1604. The outcome of this registration process would be the same as the new owner had purchased the product by himself.

At1612, the registration module526uses the item identifier to locate registration data for the item. To do so, according to an embodiment, the registration module526uses the item identifier to locate in the registration information568a subset of registration data associated with the item. For example, the subset of registration data may be a record in a registration table or some other registration data associated with the item. It should be appreciated that registration data for the item may be included item information560and the user information564.

At1616, the registration module526sets a registration flag in the registration data of the item. The registration flag indicates that the item needs to be registered because it has been recently purchased or otherwise acquired. For example, to set the flag, the registration module526“flips a digit” in the item's registration data.

At1620, the user sends a request to the digital experience manager510to obtain digital content related to the item. For example, this request could be sent by the new owner, who “tapped” his new item (e.g., a basketball) seeking to watch videos about the item. This request is sent from the user's electronic device102and includes an item identifier obtain from a smart tag120attached to the item. Responsive to the request, the registration module526looks up registration data to confirm the request was sent from the item's registered owner. In doing so, the server “sees” the registration flag. This tells the registration module526that the item needs to be registered. Thus, before delivering the requested digital content (e.g. video), the registration module prompts the user to register the item.

At1624, the user sends to the registration module526his or her registration information. The registration information includes the user's user identifier. At1628, the server uses the user identifier to look up user's account in the user information654. At1632, the item is registered to the user by including the item identifier or a reference to the item identifier in the user's account.

FIG.17provides a flow diagram illustrating an example process1700of a user using an electronic device to register an item. Users may desire to register purchased items so that the user may qualify for benefits provided by the digital experience manager510. As indicated at1704, the process1700generally begins when the user causes the electronic device to “scan” the item's smart tag, such as by activating the NFC interface228of the electronic device102and positioning the NFC interface228proximate to the item's smart tag120. During the scan, the electronic device102obtains from the smart tag120the item identifier430associated with the item124. The electronic device102may obtain additional information, such as instructions regarding the applications to launch (e.g., the application could be a web browser already installed on the electronic device). The electronic device launches, opens, switches to, or otherwise activates the appropriate application, or prompts the user to download the appropriate application, if the application is not already installed (seeFIG.6). According to decision block1708, if prompted to download an application, the user at1712follows instructions to download and then launch the application.

According to embodiments, upon launching, the application sends the item identifier to the digital experience manager510. The registration module526uses the item identifier to look up registration information for the item. When doing so, if the registration module526“sees” the registration flag that was set according to1616of process1600, the registration module526prompts the user to register the item in his or her user account. However at1716, if the user does not have a user account, the user follows instructions to create a user account at1720. For example, the user may be asked to enter a username and password and/or email-address and/or basic demographic information. A user account is then created in the user information564and the user's information is stored in the user account.

At decision block1724, if the user is not already logged into the account, then the user logs into the user account at1728. For example, the user inputs his or her username and password and submits a login request to the digital experience manager510. At this point, according to an embodiment, the registration module, as result of finding the registration flag, will cause the application running on the electronic device to automatically ask the user if he or she desires to register the item. However at1732, if application does not automatically do so, then user selects the option to register the item at1736from an option menu. At1740, the user selects “yes” in response of the question of whether he or she desires to register the item. This causes the registration module530to register the item to the user, as discussed above with reference toFIG.16. It should be appreciated that the item can be automatically registered, without asking the user for permission and without the user having to manual request registration. For example, the user “taps” the smart tag and the electronic device102automatically sends a request that the item be registered to the account of the user.

According to embodiments, a user can “tap” his phone on a smart tag of an item to obtain digital content related to the item.FIGS.18-20provide example processes for making this happen. In these examples, registered owners receive digital content designated for each registered owner. This is exclusive, premium content that provides an engaging digital experience, for example. On the other hand, unregistered users receive content designated for unregistered users. This content is sometimes more akin to marketing content, for example. According to the examples, a registered owner is a user of an item that purchased or otherwise acquired the item124and then registered item, such as according to processes1600and1700. An unregistered user is a user of an item who is not registered as the owner. Such users may have purchased or acquired the item but did not register the item. Also, such users may be borrowing the item or may be friends or acquaintances of the registered owner and who “tap” the item. The users may be friends on social media, where their accounts are linked at friends.

Turning toFIG.18, example process1800generally begins at1804, where the user causes the electronic device to “scan” the smart tag of the item for which the user desires to obtain digital content. For example, to scan the smart tag, the user110activates the NFC interface228of the electronic device102and positions the NFC interface228proximate to the smart tag120of the item124. During the scan, the electronic device102obtains from the smart tag120the item identifier430associated with the item124. The electronic device102may obtain additional information from the smart tag, such as instructions regarding which application to launch, open, switch to, or otherwise activate. At1808, the electronic device activates the appropriate application. For example, the instructions received from the smart tag may instruct the electronic device to activate a specific application, such as a jogging application. Also, for example, the electronic device may know, based on the item identifier, the category of the item (e.g., running shoe) and therefore automatically activate the appropriate application (e.g., jogging application). In yet another example, the electronic device may launch an athletic application that has several modes. In this example, if the item is a running shoe, then the application may start in a “running mode” so that the user can simply start running after tapping the shoe. Also in this example, if the item identifier of the item indicates that the item is in the category of cycling shoes, then the athletic application starts in “cycling mode.” If the appropriate application is not already installed on the electronic device, the appropriate application is downloaded to the electronic device, as described inFIG.6, and then launched. Upon launching, the application composes and sends to the digital experience manager510a request for digital content related to the item. The request includes the item identifier430obtained from the smart tag120as well as a user identifier of the user. For example, the user identifier may be a username, a number, a token, a serial number, a government-issued identification number, an International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of the user's electronic device, or a code associated with the user's information in the user information data store564.

At1812, the digital experience manager510receives the request from the electronic device102. At1816, the digital experience manager510determines if the requesting user is the registered owner.FIG.19provides an example process900for making this determination. The process1900generally begins at1904, where the digital experience manager510engages the registration module526to obtain from the user's request an item identifier and a user identifier. At1906, the registration module526uses the item identifier to look up registration information568for the item. For example, the registration module526may locate a registration record (a.k.a. subset of registration data) for the item. It should be appreciated that the registration record can be located in any or all of the item information560, the user information564, or the registration information568. At1912, the registration module526determines whether the user identifier is listed as the registered owner of the item. For example, the registration module526looks to see if the user's identifier is listed in the registration record as the owner. In this case, the user identifier or a reference or link to the user identifier may be included in the owner column of the record.

At decision block1916, if the user identifier of the requesting user is listed or otherwise indicated as being the registered owner of the item, then a conclusion is made at1920that the requesting user is the registered owner of the item. However, if the user identifier of the requesting user is not listed or otherwise indicated as being the registered owner of the item, then a conclusion is made at1924that the requesting user is an unregistered user of the item.

According to an embodiment, in the event the requesting user is not listed as the registered owner of the item a determination is made regarding whether the user is associated with the registered owner, such as by a social network. For example, if the requesting user is “friends” with the registered owner on a social network or media, then the requesting user is treated the same as or similar to the registered owner.

Referring again toFIG.18, at decision block1820, if the item is registered to the requesting user (i.e., if the requesting user is the registered owner) or, optionally if the requesting user is “friends” with the registered owner, the process1800proceeds to1824, where a menu of options designated for registered owners is presented to the user. According to an embodiment, to provide a menu of options designated for registered owners, the registered owner module530accesses the digital content572and searches through the available options to identify options that are tagged as being available for registered owners of the item. Also, for example, the registered owner module530accesses the user information564to identify the menu options designed in the user's user account. The user may have manually selected these options or the options may have been automatically inputted into the user account upon registration of the item. Further, for example, the registered owner module530accesses item information560to identify options available to registered owners of the item. The registration module526then compiles a list of available menu options and transmits the list for display by the electronic device of the user. For example, the registration module526transmits the list to the appropriate application operating on the electronic device, and the application displays the listed options to the user.

FIGS.20A-Eprovide example screenshots of menu options that can be provided to users. It should be appreciated that the menu options ofFIGS.20A-Eare merely examples and that many other options can be provided. Screenshot2004ofFIG.20Aillustrates an example menu of options designated for registered owners. The screenshot2004includes a welcome message2008that provides the name of the item124. An options menu2012is presented below the welcome message. The option menu2012includes the option2016, which provides exclusive news and information. Selection of this option will, for example, give the user the option of selecting from special video, reports, pictures, and news that give the product “life,” such as video that describes how, where, and by whom the item was produced, video that describes key features and uses of the item, video of interviews of other users, such as famous athletes, about how, when, and where they use the item, video that provides specifics about the item, and video that shows the item's triumphs, such as famous competitions (e.g., football matches) where the item (e.g., football) was used, images of athlete, messages from athletes, VIP messages, reports, etc. Option2020provides statistics and other information as well as video of famous individuals, such as athletes, that use the item. For example, this option may provide video of a famous athlete using the item. In one example, the item could be basketball shoes, and the video could feature a famous basketball player wearing the shoes while giving a basketball lesson.

Option2020may also provide statistics and news about the famous person and his or her use of the item. Option2024enables the user to check in at a location. For example, this option causes the electronic device to send location and time information to the check-in module532of the digital experience manager510. The check-in module532saves this data in the check-in information data store576. Checking in and associated benefits are discussed below in more detail. Option2028provides available games and contests for registered owners of the item. For example, if the item is sponsored by a famous athlete, an available contest may include checking the item in at qualifying events where the famous athlete competes and uses the item. The results of the contest can be posted on social media or within a special application on an electronic device. Option2032provides a link to an exclusive website for users. This website may provide more videos, news, and other information about the item, exclusively available to registered owners. According to embodiments, the content displayed on the website may be influenced by the location of the electronic device when it “taps” the smart tag and requests digital content related to the item. The content of the website may also be influenced by the time of day, day of week/month, month of year, calendar season, locations of previous taps, locations of taps made by the user's social network friends, etc.

Option2036provides exclusive offers for registered owners of the item. For example, the offers may be coupons that users can redeem online or at merchant locations using their electronic devices. Option2040may launch a training or workout application, which automatically starts a workout for the user based on the item and/or the location of the user when he or she taps the item. For example, if the item is a running shoe and the user is outside when tapping, a running application or a training application may automatically launch and provide functionality specific to running. More specifically, for example, if item identifier included in the request indicates the item is a running shoe and/or if the request includes information indicating the requesting user is outdoors (e.g., the request includes GPS or other location data that indicates the user is outdoors, an indication that no WiFi signal is available, etc.), an inference is made the user is about to go for a run and thus a training application is automatically launched on the mobile device. In some examples, the workout application starts on the first tap and stops on the second tap, and the workout can be saved and/or synchronized on the digital content manager510. Option2044provides the user with the user's personal training or workout information. It should be appreciated that personal training or workout information can be associated with the user or it can be associated with the item itself. For example, information associated with the user can be stored in the user's account in the user information564. Such information can include the total distance that the user has run, regardless of which shoes or other items the user was wearing or using while running. On the other hand, for example, information associated with an item relates to workouts and training that has been done wearing or using that specific item (e.g., total distance run in shoes, regardless of user). In either case, the personal training or workout information could include speed, route, elevation, distance, time, calories burned, average/max heart rate, etc. and the statics could have been generated based on data received from devices attached to the user and/or the item. Such devices include accelerometers, GPS receivers, heart rate monitors, etc.

Option2052provides registered owners with the option of obtaining early or unique access to items not yet available online or at retail based on the user's profile information. For example, the user may select option2052and, based on his profile information, be presented with not-yet-released items that the user can learn about and optionally purchase using the user device102. The purchased items can then be delivered to the user's home or held at the local retail store for pick-up.

Option2056provides registered owners or other users with the option of re-assigning the item to another user. For example, in the event the registered owner sells or gives the item to another user, the registered owner can select option2056to reassign the item to the new user. In some embodiments, upon selecting option2056, the user is prompted to input the name, user identifier, or some other indication of the user to whom the item is to be re-assigned. Up doing so, the digital content manager510updates the registration information568to reflect that the item is now assigned to the new user. Thus, the privileges of being a registered owner transfer to the new owner.

Screenshot2089ofFIG.20Cillustrates another example menu of options designated for registered owners. As illustrated, upon scanning the item, the user is presented with an image of the item as well as a description of the item. The screenshot2089also provides users with a “workout” button2090that starts a workout application (e.g., miCoach® Application offered by Adidas®). Upon selecting this button, for example, the user is presented with screenshot2094ofFIG.20D. In this example, the workout application is a running application. As illustrated, the user can search saved routes, create a new route, get routes from friends (link to social networks), see the user's running history (e.g., log of historical runs), and see the user stats. The running application ofFIG.20Dis just one of many example workout applications.

Referring again to the screenshot2089ofFIG.20C, the user is also presented with a “get content” button2092. Upon selecting this button, for example, the user is presented with screenshot2096ofFIG.20E, where the user can click to see exclusive offers, see training videos from famous athletes that use the item, recommend to item to friends (e.g. via social media), and see a video on how to care for the item. These are just a few example options that can be presented to the user. It should be appreciated that other information related to the item can be provided.

For example, the item can be a soccer ball having a smart tag inside one of the ball panels so that when tapped by an electronic device, specifics about the ball come to life on the device. For example, the electronic device may provide a “road to production” video, a “how the ball was tested” video, a “where the ball was manufactured”, and a “when the ball was announced to the public” video. It should be appreciated that the registered owner of an item is able, via tapping on the smart tag on the item, to see and track the product through manufacturing, distribution and store inventory. This is more or less the supply chain. This could be used for regular products as well as for customized products. Also, each day during the famous soccer tournaments, original and exclusive video about the ball's triumphs in the tournament are available for the owner and his friends who have electronic devices. Content could be tied directly to the ball and those purchasing the ball after the famous tournament has started will be able to review previous days.

In another example, the item can be shoes that are sponsored/promoted by a famous basketball player. A smart tag is provided inside the shoe to enable tap by electronic devices to get exclusive stats and videos for the famous basketball player on a daily basis. Dynamic visuals can be show the basketball player's shooting locations on the court. Also, acceleration and performance data can be made available for shoes that have accelerometers and other types of performance sensors.

In yet another example, the item may be made of advanced technology. The item may include a smart tag to enable tap by electronic devices to see video of key features, testing videos, information about the item, such as material used who else is wearing or using the item.

According to embodiments, if someone, such as an unregistered owner ‘taps’ on an item registered to an owner, then they may get preferred pricing for that item based on the owner's profile information. In some cases, upon tapping on the item, the unregistered user gets access via his mobile device to a webpage where the user can purchase the item at a preferred price. In other embodiments, upon tapping the shoe, a voucher is created and sent to the mobile device of the unregistered user. The voucher may be redeemed at retail locations to obtain the tapped on item or other items at a preferred price. This could make the registered owner popular among their friends and provide incentives for others to purchase and share.

Referring again toFIG.18, at decision block1820, if the item is not registered to the user, a menu of options designated for unregistered users is provided to the requesting user at1828. According to an embodiment, to provide a menu of options designated for unregistered users, the unregistered user module534accesses the digital content572and searches through the available options to identify options that are tagged as being available for unregistered users of the item. Also, for example, the unregistered user module534accesses the user information564to identify the menu options designed in the user's user account. The user may have manually selected these options. Further, for example, the unregistered user module534accesses item information560to identify options available to unregistered users of the item. The unregistered user module534then compiles a list of available menu options and transmits the list for display by the electronic device of the user. For example, the unregistered user module534transmits the list to the appropriate application operating on the electronic device, and the application displays the listed options to the user.

As mentioned above,FIGS.20A-Eprovide example screenshots of menu options that can be provided to users. It should be appreciated that the menu options ofFIGS.20A-Eare merely examples and that many other options can be provided. Screenshot2060ofFIG.20Billustrates an example menu of options designated for unregistered users. The screenshot2060includes a welcome message2064that provides the name of the item124. An options menu2068is presented below the welcome message. The option menu2068includes option2072, which provides the option to purchase the same item. For example, selection of this option2072provides the electronic device's web browser to a uniform resource locator (URL) associated with an online merchant, where the unregistered user can purchase the item. According to embodiments, the URL includes a code associated with the item that represents the exact configuration of the item (e.g., color scheme, materials, logos, size, etc), such that the user does not have to manually input this information. According to embodiments, if the user who tapped the item decides to purchase the item, the owner gets credit for the referral. Option2076enables the user to learn more about the item by providing the user with related news, information, and marketing content. Selection of this option will, for example, give the user the option of selecting marketing and information video/images/reports about the product and how to purchase the product, or directly purchase the product. According to embodiments, if the user purchases the item, the owner gets credit, reward, batch, points, etc. for the referral. This option can also provide the user with any of the content mentioned above with reference to options2016,2020, and others.

Option2080provides the user with the owner's personal training or workout information, depending on the owner's privacy settings. For example, it provides the current training statistics of the owner and/or the statistics specific to the item, such as distances, jump height, number of workouts, kind of workouts, age of shoes or apparel or other data which is saved on the server122and/or mobile device102. Option2084gives the user the option to transmit his or her workouts (e.g. performance info and route) to the smart tag of the item, or to copy from the smart tag the owner's stored workouts. For example, the workouts could be jogging routes, cycling routes, swimming laps, cross-training exercise, etc. The information could also be the owner's statistics, such as basketball statistics. For example, the owner could use his or her electronic device to write statistical data to the smart tag of the item, and others can user their electronic device to copy the data. If the person who was tagged does not have an account, then an account can be created for them based on their email address. Once they claim the account they will have a workout history waiting for them. Option2088enables the user to create a friend connection with the user on a social network. For example, selection of this option after scanning the smart tag could cause the user's electronic device to send a friend request to the social network. According to some embodiments, mutual tagging of item automatically creates a friend connection on a social network.

According to embodiments, an owner/user can provide his emergency contact information to the digital content manager510. For example, the emergency contact information may be stored in the user's account in the user information564. In the event of an emergency, a non-registered user (e.g., hospital personnel) can scan the smart tag of one of the owner's registered products to obtain the owner's emergency contact information (e.g., phone numbers of people to contact in case of an emergency) as well as other emergency information, such as medical information (e.g., blood type, allergic to penicillin, etc). For example, if an owner is injured while jogging, emergency personnel can scan the smart tag of his shoes to obtain his emergency contact information and his medical information.

Referring again toFIG.18, at decision block1832the user's selection of a menu option is received. For example, after a registered owner selects one of the options presented on option menu2012, the registered owner's electronic device sends an indication of the selection to the registered owner module530. Similarly, for example, after an unregistered user selects one of the options presented on option menu2068, the unregistered user's electronic device sends an indication of the selection to the unregistered user module534. At1836, the selected option is provided to the user. For example, if the user is a registered owner, the registered owner module530accesses the digital content data store572to identify the appropriate digital content to send to the electronic device of the registered owner. It should be appreciated that other modules, such as the unregistered user module, the lock & key module, the timeline module, etc., can select and send digital content to the user.

With reference toFIGS.21-23, example processes are provided for unlocking benefits. For example, a user may unlock a benefit by “checking in” an item, such as a jersey or a pair of shoes, at particular locations according to a prescribed schedule. For example, the prescribed schedule may specify that a user “check in” at least ten professional basketball games in a single season. Upon the user satisfying the prescribed schedule of check-ins, the benefit is unlocked. Benefits can include just about anything. In the above basketball example, the benefit may be free admission to the eleventh basketball game, eligibility to use the express lane when entering future basketball games, ticket upgrades, discounts on concessions and other items, access to premium digital content, such as behind-the-scenes video of your favorite team, and so forth. In some embodiments, the benefit is delivered to the user's electronic device in the form of a digital ticket, coupon, token, etc.

With reference toFIGS.21-23, example processes are provided for unlocking benefits. For example, a user may unlock a benefit by “checking in” an item, such as a jersey or a pair of shoes, at particular locations according to a prescribed schedule. For example, the prescribed schedule may specify that a user “check in” at least ten professional basketball games in a single season. Upon the user satisfying the prescribed schedule of check-ins, the benefit is unlocked. The benefit can be any one of seeming endless possible benefits. In the basketball example above, the benefit may be free admission to the eleventh basketball game, eligibility to use the express lane when entering future basketball games, ticket upgrades, discounts on concessions and other items, access to premium digital content, or such as behind-the-scenes video of the user's favorite team. In some embodiments, the benefit is delivered to the user's electronic device in the form of a digital ticket, coupon, token, etc.

Turning toFIGS.21&22, an example process2100generally begin at2104, where a user checks in at a location by positioning a smart tag associated with an item proximate to a smart-tag writer. At2108the smart-tag writer writes check-in data to the smart tag, and at2112the smart tag stores the check-in data. The smart tag data may include time and location-identifying information, e.g., geo-location, store identifier, and venue identifier.

With reference toFIGS.1and7, an illustrative example of process2100will be provided. At2104, the user110checks-in at the retail store700when the user steps his shoe124on the floor mat760proximate the smart-tag writer764, which writes check-in information to the smart tag120associated with the shoe124. The check-in information can include an item identifier of the item, a time of the check-in and a location.

Process2200ofFIG.22illustrates unlocking a benefit, in embodiments where check-in data is stored locally on a smart tag. At2204, a user positions a smart tag of an item proximate to a smart-tag reader, and at2208the smart-tag reader obtains from the smart tag check-in data for the item. For example, with reference toFIGS.1,5, and7, the user110steps his shoe124on the floor mat760proximate the smart-tag reader756, which obtains check-in data from the smart tag120.

At2212, the smart-tag reader sends the check-in data to a server. For example, the smart-tag reader756ofFIG.7sends the check-in data to the digital experience manager510. At2216the server locates benefit information comprising one or more prescribed schedules of check-ins. For example, the lock & key module accesses the benefit information580. As discussed above, a prescribed schedule of check-ins specifies check-in locations and corresponding times required to unlock at benefit.

At2220, the server determines if the check-in data obtained from the smart tag satisfies any of the prescribed schedules of check-ins located in the benefit information580. For example, the lock & key module538compares the check-in data obtained from the smart tag120against to benefit information580to determine if the check-in data satisfies any of the prescribed schedules of check-ins located in the benefit information580. At decision block2224, if any of the prescribed schedules of check-ins are satisfied, the lock & key module538unlocks the corresponding benefits at2228. Referring again to decision block2224, if none of the prescribed schedules of check-ins are satisfied, the server does not unlock any benefits at2232.

Turning toFIG.23, a flow diagram is provided illustrating an example process of “checking in” at a location, storing check-in data on a server (rather than on a smart tag as inFIGS.21-22), and unlocking qualifying benefits. At2304, a user positions a smart tag associated with an item proximate to a smart-tag reader, and at2308the smart-tag reader obtains an item identifier from the smart tag. For example, with reference toFIGS.1,5, and7, the user110steps his shoe124on the floor mat760proximate the smart-tag reader756, which obtains the item identifier of the shoe124from the smart tag120.

At2312the smart-tag reader sends a check-in message to a server, and at2316the server stores the check-in message. For example, the smart-tag reader756sends a check-in message to the check-in module532, which stores the check-in message and/or the information therein in the check-in information576. To store the check-in message, the check-in module532uses the item identifier included in the check-in message to locate a sub-set of check-in information576for the item and stores therein the location and time information obtained from the check-in message.

The server looks to see if the user is eligible to unlock any benefits. At2324the server locates benefit information comprising one or more prescribed schedules of check-ins. For example, the lock & key module538accesses the benefit information580. As discussed above, a prescribed schedule of check-ins specifies check-in locations and corresponding times required to unlock at benefit. At2328, the server determines if the check-in data obtained from the smart tag satisfies any of the prescribed schedules of check-ins located in the benefit information580. For example, the lock & key module538compares the check-in data obtained from the smart tag120against the benefit information580to determine if the check-in data satisfies any of the prescribed schedules of check-ins located in the benefit information580. At decision block2332, if any of the prescribed schedules of check-ins are satisfied, the lock & key module538unlocks the corresponding benefits at2336. Referring again to decision block2332, if none of the prescribed schedules of check-ins are satisfied, the server does not unlock any benefits at2340.

As mentioned above, the benefit may be delivered to the electronic device of the user and may be priority access at a location or event. For example, services can be delivered directly to their mobile phones via text message, email or push message. In another example, the owner gets direct access to a sales person in a shop when he walks over a mat which is lying at the entrance. The sales person immediately walks up to the owner and gives him a premium service. Also, for example, at a concert or soccer match, the owner can use a separate entrance or fast lane. To get such access, the owner walks over a mat with his special registered pair of shoes. Further, for example, the owner gets tailored marketing campaigns and product discounts at popular destinations with the requisite of wearing a specific pair of shoes or other items.

Referring toFIG.24, a flow diagram is provided illustrating a process2400of creating a timeline of information related to one or more items.FIG.25is a schematic diagram of a screenshot of an example timeline2500created according to process2400, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The illustrated timeline2500lists a user's items in chronological order by date-of-acquisition. For each item, the timeline may include an item description2504, a photograph or image2508, user notes and comments2512, and friends' notes and comments2514. It should be appreciated that other information may be provided, such as links to webpages where the items can be purchased and/or where more information about the items may be obtained, user reviews of the items, etc. The timelines created herein can be shared on social networks and/or in private cloud folders.

At2404, the process2400generally begins when a user launches an application on an electronic device and at2408selects from an application menu an option to create a timeline of items. For example, to launch the application, the user may access the electronic device and select the icon associate with the item. Also for example, the user may launch the application by scanning a smart tag associated with an item. Once the application launches, according to an embodiment, the user is presented with a user interface similar to screenshot2004ofFIG.20, and the user selects Option2048(“Create timeline”) from the menu2012. It should be appreciated that timeline could also be an inventory or dashboard of the user's registered items. For the registered items, the timeline may display or provide a link to additional information, such as distances, number of workouts, number of hours in operation, awards, rewards, batches, points, credits, etc. The timeline can be saved in data store130, such as in the user information564, the item information560, etc. The timeline can also be save and presented by social networks, which can be opened with several apps or web browsers on several devices.

At2412, the application sends to a server a request to create a timeline, where the request includes a user identifier of the user. For example, the electronic device102sends a request, including the user identifier of the user, to the timeline module542of the digital experience manager510. At2416the server obtains registration information related to one or more items so as to compile a list of items and associated information. For example, the timeline module542uses the user identifier to search the user information560and/or the registration information568to identify items associated with the user, including the item identifiers, dates of acquisition, user comments, user photographs of items, etc. After identifying the items, the timeline module542may use the item identifiers to search the item information560to obtain item descriptions, images, links to webpages where the items may be purchase or where more information may be obtained, etc.

At2420, the server obtains information about the items from the user. For example, the timeline module may prompt the user, via the electronic device102, to provide comments about the one or more items. As illustrated inFIG.25, the user provides comments about the items, such as “My first pair of throwbacks. I still wear these from time to time.” It should be appreciated that the information obtained from the user may include any of the registration information obtained at2416.

At2424, the sever generates an item timeline for the user. For example, the timeline module542compiles the information obtained at2416and2420into a template that results in timeline, such as timeline2500, that lists items in chronological order by date-of-acquisition and that includes item descriptions, photographs and images, user notes and comments, etc. It should be appreciated that the timeline may include any other suitable information about the items. Further, it should be appreciated that the timeline does not have to be chronologically organized. For example, it could be organized by item category, item popularity, etc. The timeline could also be organized in any manner specified by the user. At2428, the server displays the item timeline in a graphical user interface or shares the timeline with a social network, where friends may comment, such as comments2514. For example, the timeline module542may transmit the timeline to the electronic device102for display via the display208.

FIG.26provides a flow diagram illustrating a process2600of adding an item to and/or updating an existing timeline of information related to one or more items. For example, after creating a timeline, such as timeline2500, according to process2400, a user may desire to edit the timeline and/or add a new item to the timeline. To do, so the user may implement process2600. At2604, the process2600generally begins when the user causes the electronic device to “scan” the smart tag of an item that the user desires to add to the timeline, or the user causes the electronic device to “scan” the smart tag of an item for which the user desires to edit or delete its appearance on the timeline. During the scan, the electronic device102obtains from the smart tag120the item identifier430associated with the item124. The electronic device102may obtain additional information from the smart tag, such as instructions regarding which application to launch (e.g., could be instructions to launch web browser and go to a specified webpage or website). At2608, the electronic device launches, open, switches to, or otherwise activates the appropriate application, or prompts the user to download the appropriate application, if the application is not already installed (seeFIG.6). As described above, the electronic device102, upon receiving instruction code from the smart tag, automatically launches the appropriate application or sends the appropriate download request to the application download module514of the digital experience manager510.

Once the application is launched on the electronic device, the application displays a menu of options to the user. At2612, the user selects from the menu the option to edit and/or add an item to an existing timeline.FIG.20provides an example screenshot2004of a menu of options, including a “Create or edit timeline” option2048. At decision block2618, the application determines whether the item associated with the item identifier is already listed on the timeline. If not, the application gives the user the option to add the item to the timeline at2622. Here, for example, the application sends the server the item identifier of the new item, and the server obtains information about the item. For example, upon receiving the item identifier from the application, the timeline module542of the digital experience manager510uses the item identifier to search the item information560to obtain item descriptions, images, links to webpages where the items may be purchased or where more information may be obtained, etc.

At2626, the application gives the user the option to add or edit information presented on the timeline. In the event the user is editing an existing item, the user is given the option to add or remove information about the item. In the event the user is adding a new item, the user is given the option to select from information obtained from the item information560and to input user comments. At2630, the application updates the timeline to include the new item and associated information and/or to reflect the user edits to an existing item.

Referring toFIG.27, a flow diagram is provided illustrating a process2700of creating a timeline of events associated with an item.FIG.28is a schematic diagram of a screenshot of an example timeline of events2800created according to process2700. The illustrated timeline2800lists a chronology of events for a single item2802. For each event, the timeline may include an event description2804that includes user notes and comments, a photograph or image2808, and friends' notes and comments2812. It should be appreciated that other information may be provided, such as links to additional photos or information about the event, etc.

The process2700generally begins at2704when a user launches an application on an electronic device and at2708selects from an application menu an option to create a timeline of events for an item. For example, to launch the application, the user may access the electronic device and select the icon associated with the item. Also for example, the user may launch the application by scanning a smart tag associated with the item for which he or she desires to create a timeline of events. Once the application launches, according to an embodiment, the user is presented with a user interface similar to screenshot2004ofFIG.20, and the user selects Option2048(“Create timeline”) from the menu2012. After selecting this option the user may then specify that he or she desires to create a time line of events (rather than a timeline of products).

At2712, the application sends to a server a request to create a timeline, where the request includes an item identifier of the item around which the timeline is to be built, as well as a user identifier of the user. For example, the electronic device102sends a request, including the item identifier and the user identifier, to the timeline module542of the digital experience manager510. At2716the server obtains events information related to the item so as to compile a list of events associated with the item. For example, the timeline module542uses the item and user identifiers to obtain relevant item information560and check-in information576. For example, relevant item information may include description and images of the item and relevant check-in information may include the events (e.g., times and places) where the item has been checked in. After identifying the items, the timeline module542may use the item identifiers to search the item information560to obtain item descriptions, images, links to webpages where the items may be purchased or where more information may be obtained, etc.

At2720, the server obtains information about the items from the user. For example, the timeline module may prompt the user, via the electronic device102, to provide comments about the one or more events. As illustrated inFIG.28, the user provides comments about the event, such as “Wore jersey in my first marathon.”

At2724, the sever generates an event timeline for the item. For example, the timeline module542compiles the information obtained at2716and2720into a template that results in timeline, such as timeline2800, that lists events involving the item in chronological order and that includes event descriptions, photographs, videos and images, user notes and comments, etc. It should be appreciated that the timeline may include any other suitable information about the events. Further, it should be appreciated that the timeline does not have to be chronologically organized. For example, it could be organized by event category, event popularity, etc. The timeline could also be organized in any manner specified by the user. At2728, the server displays the event timeline in a graphical user interface or shares the timeline with a social network, where friends may comment, such as comment2812. For example, the timeline module542may transmit the timeline to the electronic device102for display via the display208. Also for example, the timeline can be transferred to another device102by ‘tapping’ and sharing via NFC.

According to embodiments, timelines can be used to create additional value for item124prior to sale/re-sale based on item's certified “history”. For example, items, such as balls and jerseys, can “visit” a team's locker room or home pitch/court/field prior to being shipped to retail or sold. This would be documented by “tapping” the item in that location and adding the location to the item's individual timeline. Customers could tap the item at retail to see a timeline before purchasing. For example, a customer could use his electronic device to tap the smart tag of an item and view the items timeline, which could indicate that the item has been to particular places and/or worn or used by particular people (e.g. famous athletes). In some examples, the timeline could indicate that a particular item was warn or used by particular people in a particular event, such as worn or used by a famous basketball player in an important basketball game. There could be a marketing call-out or visible tag telling the customer, or it could be a surprise that causes everyone to start tapping different products in search of one with a special timeline. The purchase history could also become part of the timeline so that famous owners of products can be traced and authenticated. This would require ownership credentials be registered using authenticated social networking and media accounts (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®). Products that end up on display can then be tapped by guests to view the timeline on their electronic devices.

The outline can be a “time capsule” for an item that documents key milestones and chronological events to an item using the smart tag as the trigger. The time line can include personal achievements/records (e.g., fastest10k, longest run, etc.), completed race events (e.g., famous marathons, etc.), highest elevation, cumulative miles, purchase date, etc. For non-performance the timeline could include sporting events (e.g., visited famous stadium on 12/02/202 to see two famous soccer clubs compete, etc.), nightclubs (famous club in New York City, etc.). These events can be attached via tapping the items with the electronic device running a custom app. All types of media can be attached to the timeline, such as video, photos, voice, and text along with option to share via social networks.

According to embodiments, smart tags120can be embedded with useful information and attached to any number and variety of items, and can be available to share the embedded information electronic devices102presented by any user. For example, smart tags120can be used as trail markers. These smart tags120can be placed along the trail (e.g., attached to trees, posts, etc.) and include details about the trail, such as distance, altitude, historical events that occurred at or near the location, etc. The smart tags can also include mapping information that can be transmitted to and rendered by the electronic devices. For example, a user may tap one of these smart tags, and the smart tag instructs the electronic device102to download the trail route and/or to begin a workout along the route. In some instances, the smart tag instructs a workout application on the mobile device to download the route and start the workout. The application could enable check-in and/or sharing the route on social networks. In another example, smart tags120may be placed on gym equipment. The smart tags could transmit to electronic devices information, such as the name/type of the equipment and information about the user's use of the equipment. For example, the smart tag could transmit number of repetitions and/or sets, the weight or settings used, time between each repetition and/or set, and the total workout time using the equipment. Additionally, a mobile application of the electronic device could instruct the equipment regarding how much weight to load, which setting(s) to use, number of repetitions to count down, and prescribed rest times between repetitions.

FIG.29is an example environment2900in which embodiments may be implemented. The environment2900includes a computer2926, a network router2912, a printer2908, and a server2910, interconnected by a network2918, such as the Internet, wide area network, local area network, etc. The computer2926includes a monitor2906, a processor2902, and keyboard2922. The computer2926can be, for example, a laptop computer, desktop computer, handheld computer, and electronic device, such as electronic device102, a mainframe computer, etc. According to embodiments, users can input commands into the computer2926using various input devices, such as a touch screen, a mouse, the keyboard2922, track ball, etc.

The server2910may, for example, be used to store additional software programs and data. In one embodiment, software implementing the systems, methods, and processes described herein can be stored on a storage medium in the server2910. Thus, the software can be run from the storage medium in the server2910. In another embodiment, software implementing the systems, methods, and processes described herein can be stored on a storage medium in the computer2926. Thus, the software can be run from the storage medium in the computer system2926. Therefore, in this embodiment, the software can be used whether or not computer2926is connected to network router2912. It should be appreciated that the printer2908may be connected directly to computer2926, rather than via the router2912.

As illustrated inFIG.30, an embodiment of a special-purpose computer system3000is shown. For example, the digital experience manager510and components thereof may be a special-purpose computer system3000. The above methods may be implemented by computer-program products that direct a computer system to perform the actions of the above-described processes and components. Each such computer-program product may comprise sets of instructions (codes) embodied on a computer-readable medium that directs the processor of a computer system to perform corresponding actions. The instructions may be configured to run in sequential order, or in parallel (such as under different processing threads), or in a combination thereof. After loading the computer-program products on a general purpose computer2926, it is transformed into the special-purpose computer system3000.

Special-purpose computer system3000comprises a computer3002having connected thereto user output device(s)3006(e.g., monitor), user input device(s)3010(e.g., keyboard, mouse, track ball, touch screen), communication interface3016, and/or a computer-program product3020stored in a tangible computer-readable memory. The computer-program product3020directs computer system3000to perform the above-described methods and processes. The computer3002may include one or more processors3026that communicate with a number of peripheral devices via a bus subsystem3030. These peripheral devices may include the user output device(s)3006, the user input device(s)3010, the communications interface3016, and a storage subsystem, such as random access memory (RAM)3036and non-volatile storage drive3040(e.g., disk drive, optical drive, solid state drive), which are forms of tangible computer-readable memory.

The computer-program product3020may be stored in the non-volatile storage drive3040or another computer-readable medium accessible to the computer3002and loaded into memory3036. Each processor3026may comprise a microprocessor, such as a microprocessor from Intel® or Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.®, or the like. To support computer-program product3005, the computer3002runs an operating system that handles the communications of product3020with the above-noted components, as well as the communications between the above-noted components in support of the computer-program product3020. Example operating systems include Windows® or the like from Microsoft Corporation, OS X® from Apple, Solaris® from Sun Microsystems, LINUX, UNIX, and the like.

User input devices3010include all possible types of devices and mechanisms to input information to the computer3002. These may include a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a scanner, a digital drawing pad, a touch screen incorporated into the display, audio input devices such as voice recognition systems, microphones. The user input devices3010typically allow a user to select objects, icons, text and the like that appear on a monitor via a command such as a click of a button or the like. The user output devices3030include all possible types of devices and mechanisms to output information from computer2902. These may include a display, a monitor, printers, non-visual displays such as audio output devices, etc.

The communications interface3016provides an interface to other communication networks and devices and may serve as an interface to receive data from and transmit data to other systems, wide area networks (WANs) and/or the Internet. Embodiments of communications interface3016include an Ethernet card, a modem (telephone, satellite, cable, ISDN), a (asynchronous) digital subscriber line (DSL) unit, a FireWire® interface, a USB® interface, a wireless network adapter, and the like. For example, communications interface3016may be coupled to a computer network, to a FireWire® bus, or the like. In other embodiments, the communications interface3016may be physically integrated on a motherboard of the computer3002, and/or may be a software program, or the like.

The memory3036and non-volatile storage drive303040are examples of tangible computer-readable media configured to store data such as computer-program product embodiments of the present invention, including executable computer code, human-readable code, or the like. Other types of tangible computer-readable media include floppy disks, removable hard disks, optical storage media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, barcodes, semiconductor memories such as flash memories, read-only-memories (ROMs), battery-backed volatile memories, networked storage devices, and the like. The memory3036and the non-volatile storage drive3040may be configured to store the basic programming and data constructs that provide the functionality of various embodiments of the present invention, as described above.

Software instruction sets that provide the functionality of the present invention may be stored in the memory3036and non-volatile storage drive3040. These instruction sets or code may be executed by the processor(s)3026. The memory3036and the non-volatile storage drive3040may also provide a repository to store data and data structures used in accordance with the present invention. The memory3036and the non-volatile storage drive3040may include a number of memories including a main RAM to store of instructions and data during program execution and a ROM in which fixed instructions are stored. The memory3036and the non-volatile storage drive3040may include a file storage subsystem providing persistent (non-volatile) storage of program and/or data files. The memory3036and the non-volatile storage drive3040may also include removable storage systems, such as removable flash memory.

The bus subsystem3030provides a mechanism to allow the various components and subsystems of computer3002to communicate with each other as intended. Although bus subsystem3030is shown schematically as a single bus, alternative embodiments of the bus subsystem may utilize multiple busses or communication paths within the computer3002.

For a firmware and/or software implementation, the methodologies may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium tangibly embodying instructions may be used in implementing the methodologies described herein. For example, software codes may be stored in a memory. Memory may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor. As used herein the term “memory” refers to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored.

Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “storage medium” may represent one or more memories for storing data, including ROM, RAM, magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and/or various other storage mediums capable of storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and/or data.