Patent ID: 7343375

Claim:
A computer implemented method of collecting, storing and processing usage data from a device, comprising: collecting, storing and processing usage data from the device in accordance with a privacy policy by: extracting the usage data from the device, wherein the usage data is associated with a customer identifier; translating the customer identifier from the extracted usage data into a replacement identifier when the customer is an “opt-neutral” customer; correlating the extracted usage data over a period of time using the customer identifier or replacement identifier; and using the correlated usage data to understand the customer's preferences and thereby increase revenue; wherein both the customer identifier and the usage data are stored for “opt-in” customers, only the replacement identifier and the usage data are stored for “opt-neutral” customers and neither the customer identifier nor the usage data are stored for “opt-out” customers; and wherein the “opt-out” customers are those who specifically request that their usage data not be used, the “opt-in” customers are those who specifically allow use of their usage data and the “opt-neutral” customers are those who have stated no preference.