PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8548925-B2
Application Number: US-1455208-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Monitoring capabilities for mobile electronic devices

Abstract:
Improved computer-implemented techniques for providing relevant information to mobile electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and usage data can be formed. The usage data can then be used to perform an action. The action can operate to provide more relevant information, such as digital (e.g., online) information or rewards, to the user. In one embodiment, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and users of such mobile electronic devices can be provided with rewards based on their usage. Another aspect pertains to monitoring locations of a mobile electronic device for a duration of time and then providing location-specific information based on the locations of the device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for providing patrons with rewards, said method comprising:
 detecting, by a server, presence of a mobile electronic device at a particular establishment; 
 updating, by the server, presence indicator data regarding the particular establishment when said detecting detects the presence of the mobile electronic device at the particular establishment; 
 obtaining one or more reward rules associated with the particular establishment; and 
 determining, by the server, whether a reward is due to the mobile electronic device or a user of the mobile electronic device based on the presence indicator data and the one or more reward rules. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the presence indicator data is a count of a number of times the mobile electronic device has been at the particular establishment. 
     
     
       3. A method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said updating increases the count for the mobile electronic device when said detecting detects the presence of the mobile electronic device at the particular establishment. 
     
     
       4. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the presence indicator data is a count of a number of times the mobile electronic device has visited the particular establishment. 
     
     
       5. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said determining whether the reward is due comprises:
 determining whether any of the one or more reward rules are applicable; and 
 determining the reward due based on those of the one or more reward rules that are determined to be applicable. 
 
     
     
       6. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 delivering, by the server, the reward to the mobile electronic device or the user when said determining determines that a reward is due. 
 
     
     
       7. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 queuing, by the server, the reward for subsequent delivery to the mobile electronic device or 
 
       another device associated with the user of the mobile electronic device when said determining determines that a reward is due. 
     
     
       8. A method for rewarding patrons for device usage at particular locations, said method comprising:
 monitoring, by a server, device usage at one or more of the particular locations to accumulate 
 
       device usage information, the accumulated device usage information being separately provided with respect to the particular locations;
 determining, by the server, whether a reward is due based on the accumulated device usage information; and 
 delivering, by the server, a reward to the device or a user of the mobile electronic device when said determining determines that a reward is due. 
 
     
     
       9. A method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the device is a mobile electronic device, and wherein the accumulated device usage information comprises a count of a number of time the mobile device has been at each of the particular locations. 
     
     
       10. A method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said determining determines that a reward is due based on the accumulated device usage information for a particular location. 
     
     
       11. A method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the reward determined to be due is dependent on at least one reward rule associated with a particular location. 
     
     
       12. A method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the particular location is a location of an establishment. 
     
     
       13. A method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the reward is associated with the establishment. 
     
     
       14. A method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the reward is provided or available at one of the particular locations. 
     
     
       15. A method as recited in  claim 14 ,
 wherein the particular location is a location of an establishment, and 
 wherein the reward determined to be due is dependent on at least one reward rule associated with the establishment. 
 
     
     
       16. A non-transitory computer readable medium including a computer program code stored thereon that when executed by a computer provides patrons with rewards, said computer readable medium comprising:
 computer program code that detects the presence of a mobile electronic device at a particular establishment; 
 computer program code that updates presence indicator data regarding the particular establishment when said detecting detects the presence of the mobile electronic device at the particular establishment; 
 computer program code that executes one or more reward rules associated with the particular establishment; and 
 computer program code that determines whether a reward is due to the mobile electronic device or a user of the mobile electronic device based on the presence indicator data and one or more reward rules. 
 
     
     
       17. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the presence indicator data is a count of a number of times the mobile electronic device has been at the particular establishment. 
     
     
       18. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said computer program code that updates also increases the count for the mobile electronic device when said detecting detects the presence of the mobile electronic device at the particular establishment. 
     
     
       19. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the presence indicator data is a count of a number of times the mobile electronic device has visited the particular establishment. 
     
     
       20. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said computer program code that determines whether the reward is due comprises:
 computer program code that determines whether any of the one or more reward rules are applicable; and 
 computer program code that determines the reward due based on those of the one or more reward rules that are determined to be applicable. 
 
     
     
       21. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said computer readable medium further comprises:
 computer program code that delivers the reward to the mobile electronic device or the user when the computer determines that a reward is due. 
 
     
     
       22. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said computer readable medium further comprises:
 computer program code that queues the reward for subsequent delivery to the mobile electronic device or another device associated with the user of the mobile electronic device when said determining determines that a reward is due. 
 
     
     
       23. A non-transitory computer readable medium including at least computer program code stored therein for executing b¥ a computer system to reward rewarding patrons for device usage at particular locations, said computer readable medium comprising:
 computer program code for monitoring device usage at one or more of the particular locations to accumulate device usage information, the accumulated device 
 usage information being separately provided with respect to the particular locations; 
 computer program code for determining whether a reward is due based on the accumulated device usage information; and 
 computer program code for delivering a reward to the device or a user of the mobile electronic device if when said determining determines that a reward is due. 
 
     
     
       24. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 23 , wherein the device is a mobile electronic device, and wherein the accumulated device usage information comprises a count of a number of time the mobile device has been at each of the particular locations. 
     
     
       25. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 23 , wherein said computer program code determines that a reward is due based on the accumulated device usage information for a particular location. 
     
     
       26. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 23 , wherein the reward determined to be due is dependent on at least one reward rule associated with a particular location. 
     
     
       27. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the particular location is a location of an establishment. 
     
     
       28. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 27 , wherein the reward is associated with the establishment. 
     
     
       29. A non-transitory computer readable medium as recited in  claim 23 ,
 wherein the particular location is a location of an establishment, and 
 wherein the reward determined to be due is dependent on at least one reward rule associated with the establishment.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to mobile electronic devices and, more particularly, to usage or location monitoring of mobile electronic devices. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many people carry at least one mobile electronic device every day and through out the day. These mobile electronic devices tend to be very important digital tools or companions for users. Examples of some common mobile electronic devices are Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), digital media players, mobile phones, and portable computers. 
     Today, merchants can track customer buying patterns. If customers make purchases during their visits using a “loyalty card” (or loyalty number), then the merchants can track purchases by customers. Using a loyalty card, a user can receive a discount or other reward for repeated purchases with a particular merchant. Also, conventionally, use of a particular credit card for a purchase made at a particular merchant can also facilitate monitoring customer buying patterns. However, when no purchases are made, merchants generally have no understanding of who are visiting their stores and how often. As a result, in many instances, merchants are not able to reward its repeat patrons. 
     Also, today, users of network browsers can configure their access webpage (e.g., “MyYahoo” provided by Yahoo! Inc.) for a network browser application (e.g., Safari™ application from Apple Inc.) to be presented with information of interest. However, configured preferences or settings that are used to determine the content for the webpage are fixed; hence, the characteristics for the webpage are fixed until subsequently changed through user interaction to alter the preferences or settings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to computer-implemented techniques for providing relevant information to mobile electronic devices. According to one aspect, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and usage data can be formed. The usage data can then be used to perform an action. The action can operate to provide more relevant information, such as digital (e.g., online) information or rewards, to the user. In one embodiment, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and users of such mobile electronic devices can be provided with rewards based on their usage. Another aspect of the invention pertains to monitoring locations of a mobile electronic device for a duration of time and then providing location-specific information based on the locations of the device. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, or apparatus (including graphical user interface and computer readable medium). Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a method for providing patrons with rewards, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: detecting presence of a mobile electronic device at a particular establishment; updating a presence indicator regarding the particular establishment if the presence of the mobile electronic device at the particular establishment is detected; obtaining one or more reward rules associated with the particular establishment; and determining whether a reward is due to the mobile electronic device or its user based on presence indicator and the one or more reward rules. 
     As a method for rewarding patrons for device usage at particular locations, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: monitoring device usage to accumulate device usage information; determining whether a reward is due based on the accumulated device usage information; and delivering a reward to the device or its user if it is determined that a reward is due. 
     As a method for providing location-based information to an electronic device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: monitoring a location of a mobile device; determining location-based information that is related to the monitored location of the mobile device; and providing the location-based information to the electronic device. 
     As a method for acquiring location-specific information, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: detecting connection of a mobile device to a host computer; transferring, to the host computer, a set of locations that the mobile device has visited; sending the set of locations from the host computer to a remote information server; receiving, at the host computer, the location-specific information from the remote information server, the location-specific information being determined based at least in part on the set of locations; and sending at least a portion of the location-specific information from the host computer to the mobile device. 
     As a method for accessing location-based information, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts of: monitoring a location of a mobile device associated with a user; storing multiple locations of the mobile device provided by the monitoring over a period of time; subsequently connecting the mobile device with a host device; transferring, following the connection, the multiple locations from the mobile device to the host computer; determining digital information that is related to one or more of the multiple locations of the mobile device by analyzing the multiple locations of the mobile device; and facilitating access to the determined digital information. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a usage monitoring system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a usage monitoring system according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a usage monitoring and rewards server according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a usage and reward process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a usage and reward process according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a usage and reward process according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a deferred reward delivery process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a location monitoring system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a location monitoring and presentment process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of an information retrieval process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram of a location-specific information process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram of an information customization system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a mobile multi-function device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to computer-implemented techniques for providing relevant information to mobile electronic devices. According to one aspect, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and usage data can be formed. The usage data can then be used to perform an action. The action can operate to provide more relevant information, such as digital (e.g., online) information or rewards, to the user. In one embodiment, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and users of such mobile electronic devices can be provided with rewards based on their usage. Another aspect of the invention pertains to monitoring locations of a mobile electronic device for a duration of time and then providing location-specific information based on the locations of the device. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-13 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
     According to one aspect, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and usage data can be formed. The usage data can then be used to perform an action. The action can operate to provide more relevant information, such as online information or rewards, to the user. In one embodiment, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and users of such mobile electronic devices can be provided with rewards based on their usage. 
       FIG. 1  is a usage monitoring system  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The usage monitoring system  100  includes a usage monitoring server  102  that monitors usage at a plurality of establishments. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an establishment A  104  and an establishment B  106  are illustrated as representative establishments. The establishments  104  and  106  can pertain the same organization or different organizations. As users with mobile devices visit the establishments  104  and  106 , the usage monitoring server  102  receives information on the usage of the mobile devices at particular establishments. The usage monitoring server  102  can record such usage information. Additionally, the usage information can be examined for variety purposes. In one implementation, the usage information can be evaluated to determine whether a reward (i.e., some sort of benefit) is to be awarded to the users of the mobile devices. In another implementation, the usage information can be analyzed to profile the users so that more relevant information (e.g., digital information) can be provided to the users. 
     Establishments can participate in mutually beneficial arrangements to monitor usage of mobile electronic devices. Establishments are physical locations of organizations or businesses. One common establishment is a retail store. Examples of establishments include coffee/tea shops, new stands, gyms, electronics stores, media stores, food service stores, sporting goods stores, bars, etc. A group of organizations or businesses, such as those that are closely proximate to one another, can also effectively be grouped into a group establishment. For example, business tenants in a shopping mall can form a group establishment. In one implementation, the shopping mall can provide electronic equipment to monitor electronic device usage within the shopping mall. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a usage monitoring system  200  according to another embodiment of the invention. The usage monitoring system  200  includes a usage monitoring and rewards server  202 . The usage monitoring system  200  also includes or couples to a plurality of establishments, including establishment A  204  and establishment B  206  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The usage monitoring and rewards server  202  can communicate with networking equipment resident at the establishments by way of a data network  208 . The data network  208  can include one or more networks, whether wired or wireless, that are able to transmit data. The usage monitoring system  200  also includes or couples (directly or indirectly) to an online media store  210  that permits network access to the online media store  210  so that media items can be searched, browsed, previewed, rented or purchased. The usage monitoring system  200  can also couple to a host computer  212 . The host computer  212  is typically associated with a particular user that has a mobile device, such as mobile device (MD- 1 )  214 . As one example, the host computer  212  can pertain to a personal computer and the mobile device  214  is a mobile telephone or a personal digital assistant with network access capabilities. 
     The user, together with the mobile device  214 , can move about to various locations. In doing so, the mobile device  214  can be caused to visit the establishment A  204 . When this occurs, the networking equipment resident at the establishment A  204  can detect usage (e.g., presence) of the mobile device  214  at the establishment A  204 . After detecting such usage, the networking equipment can signal the usage monitoring and rewards server  202  that the mobile device  214  (and thus its user) is currently located at the establishment A  204 . Alternatively, the mobile device  214  could include a location determining module (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) receiver) to detect usage (e.g., presence) of the mobile device  214  at the establishment A  204 . 
     The usage monitoring and rewards server  202  can track such mobile device usage over time. For example, if the mobile device  214  often frequents the establishment A  204 , the usage monitoring and rewards server  202  will understand that the mobile device  214  is a frequent visitor to the establishment A  204 . As such, the usage monitoring and rewards server  202  can cause a reward to be made available to the mobile device  214  or its user. For example, if the mobile device  214  visits the establishment A  204  five times in a given month, the usage monitoring and rewards server  202  could cause in the mobile device  214  or its user to receive a reward. Examples of rewards can include a rebate, coupon, gift card, store credit, free item, free service, etc. The reward can be associated with a particular establishment or could be associated with the online media store  210 , regardless of whether the online media stored  210  has any direct association with the establishment A  204 . 
     The reward can be provided to the mobile device  214  or its user in any of various different ways. In one embodiment, the reward can be transmitted, and thus electrically (digitally) delivered, to the mobile device  214  while the mobile device  214  is at the establishment A  204  because the establishment A  204  can offer network connectivity to the data network  208  to the mobile device  214 . For example, the establishment A  204  can provide WiFi access to the online media store  210  via the data network  208 . Here, the mobile device  214  can receive the reward while still at the establishment A  204  or at a subsequent visit to the establishment A  204  (or an affiliated establishment/location). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the reward can be made available to the host computer  212  that is associated with the user of the mobile device  214 . The reward can be transmitted to the host computer  212 . Further, at a suitable time, the reward can be printed or electronically transferred (e.g., downloaded) from the host computer  212  to the mobile device  214 . In still another embodiment, the reward can be delivered to the mobile device  214  and stored (e.g., cached) therein until the mobile device later visits (e.g., next visit) to the establishment A  204  at which time the reward can be presented to the user or the user can be altered as to the reward. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a usage monitoring and rewards server  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The usage monitoring and rewards server  300  is, for example, suitable for use as the usage monitoring and rewards server  202  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The usage monitoring and rewards server  300  includes a processing engine  302 , a memory  304  and a network interface  306 . The network interface  306  can include a link  308  that is suitable for coupling the usage monitoring and rewards server  300  to a data network, such as the data network  208  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The memory  304  can provide data storage for the usage monitoring and rewards server  300 . The data being stored in the memory  304  can, for example, include usage data  310 , rewards rules  312  and reward data  314 . The usage data  310  can include usage information regarding various devices. For example, in one embodiment, the usage data can include counts of the number of times that particular mobile devices had visited particular establishments (or locations). In another embodiment, the usage data  310  can include locations and times that particular mobile devices visited particular establishments (or locations). The reward rules  312  provide conditional rules that can be evaluated based on the usage data  310 . If and when a conditional aspect of a given reward rule is satisfied, a particular reward is made available to the associated mobile device (or its user). The reward data  314  can provide information on the rewards that are available and/or can include information regarding rewards that are available to particular mobile devices (or their users). 
     Frequency of use can be monitored generally across a group of locations or individual locations. One particular type of frequency of use that can be monitored is how often a mobile device user visits a location. As noted above, the locations can pertain to establishments, such as stores. Rules, or reward rules, can specify a reward available to a mobile device user. In one embodiment, the greater the frequency of use the greater the available reward. 
     Table I below provides an example of rules for rewards based on monthly visits to a location. In this example, the more frequent a user visits a location (e.g., a store) in a given month, the better the reward available to the user. In one implementation, the rewards are associated with a location, such as an establishment being visited. In another implementation, the rewards are associated with an online media store, such as the online media store  210 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE I 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 # Visits/Month 
                 Available Reward 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 5 
                 1 Free Download 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 1 Free Rental 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 $10 Gift Card 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 $20 Gift Card 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a usage and reward process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The usage and reward process  400  is, for example, performed by a usage monitoring server, such as the usage monitoring server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or a usage monitoring and rewards server, such as the usage monitoring and rewards server  202  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The usage and reward process  400  monitors  402  device usage. Typically, the usage and reward process  400  monitors a plurality of devices. The devices are mobile electronic devices, such as personal digital assistants, mobile telephones, portable computers and the like. In one embodiment, the monitoring  402  of device usage concerns monitoring device usage while the device is at a location, such as an establishment. 
     The usage and reward process  400  can also include a decision  404 . The decision  404  can determine whether a reward is due to a particular mobile device or its user. As discussed in more detail below, a reward can represent a wide variety of different types of benefits being offered to patrons of a location (establishment). For example, the notification of the reward can pertain to a coupon (physical or electronic) that can be later shown to a merchant to receive the reward (e.g., discount). When the decision  404  determines that a reward is due to a particular mobile device or its user, a reward can be delivered  406  to the device or its user. In one implementation, the reward is electronically transmitted to the mobile device. In another implementation, the user of the mobile device can be notified of the reward and the delivery of the reward to the user or the mobile device can be performed electronically or physically. In still another implementation, the delivery of the reward can be deferred until the user or the mobile device subsequently visits the same (or an affiliated) location. On the other hand, when the decision  404  determines that a reward is not due to a particular mobile device or its user, the block  406  of the usage and reward process  400  can be bypassed. Following the block  406 , or it being bypassed, the usage and reward process  410  can end. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a usage and reward process  500  according to another embodiment of the invention. The usage and reward process  500  is, for example, performed by a usage monitoring server, such as the usage monitoring server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or a usage monitoring and rewards server, such as the usage monitoring and rewards server  202  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The usage and reward process  500  can begin with a decision  502 . The decision  502  can determine whether a device, namely a mobile device, is at an establishment. Here, the device usage is monitored while the device is at an establishment. For example, how frequent a device is at an establishment can be used in determining whether a reward is to be provided. 
     When the decision  502  determines that the device is at an establishment, a particular establishment can be identified at  504 . Next, a presence indicator for the particular establishment can be updated  506 . In addition, one or more reward rules associated with the particular establishment can be obtained  508 . 
     Next, a decision  510  determines whether a reward is due to the device or its user. The decision  510  can utilize the presence indicator and the reward riles to determine whether a reward is due. When the decision  510  determines that a reward is due, the reward can be delivered  512  to the device or its user. The delivery of the reward can be immediate or deferred. Following the block  512 , the usage and reward process  500  can end. 
     In addition, when the decision  502  determines that the device is not at an establishment, the blocks  504 - 512  can be bypassed such that the usage and reward process  500  can directly end. Alternatively, when the decision  502  determines that the device is not at an establishment, the usage and reward process  500  can either await being at the establishment or be deemed not invoked. Also, when the decision  510  determines that a reward is not due, the usage and reward process  500  can bypass the block  512  and end. 
     The usage and reward process  500  can be performed for various mobile devices as their users visit establishments providing usage monitoring. In one embodiment, the usage and reward process  500  can be periodically repeated or otherwise invoked to provide near continuous monitoring for devices at establishments. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a usage and reward process  600  according to another embodiment of the invention. The usage and reward process  600  is, for example, performed by a usage monitoring server, such as the usage monitoring server  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or a usage monitoring and rewards server, such as the usage monitoring and rewards server  202  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The usage and reward process  600  can begin with a decision  602 . A decision  602  determines whether a device has entered an establishment. Here, according to one embodiment, it is assumed that the establishment is participating with the usage monitoring server or usage monitoring and reward server to provide local wireless infrastructure to sense usage (e.g., presence) of mobile devices at the establishment. In one embodiment, the establishments and one or more remote servers (e.g., the usage monitoring server or the usage monitoring and reward server) have a mutually beneficial arrangement to monitor device usage. When the decision  602  determines that a device has not entered an establishment, the usage and reward process  600  can await the determination that a device has entered an establishment. In other words, the usage and rewards process  600  can continuously, periodically or on-demand perform the usage and reward process  600 . 
     When the decision  602  determines that a device has entered an establishment, an establishment count associated with the device (or the device user) can be increased. Here, in this embodiment, the establishment count represents the number of times that the device (or the device user) has entered (e.g., visited) the establishment. To control the count, limits can be placed on (i) the number of times per day that the establishment count can be increased (maximum daily count increase), or (ii) how frequently the count can be increased. 
     Next, reward rules associated with the establishment are obtained  606 . The reward rules are rules that can be provided by or associated with the establishment to specify rules that determine whether the user of a particular mobile device is eligible to receive a reward. The reward rules can also specify the particular reward to be provided to the user of the particular mobile device. The reward rules can then be evaluated  608  based on the establishment count. 
     A decision  610  can then determine whether a reward is due. When the decision  610  determines that a reward is due based on the evaluation  608  of the reward rules, a decision  612  can determine whether delivery of the reward should be deferred. When the decision  612  determines that delivery of the reward is not to be deferred, the reward can be delivered  614  to the device or the user thereof. Alternatively, when the decision  612  determines that the reward is to be deferred, the reward can be queued  616  for later delivery. Following the blocks  614  and  616 , the usage and reward process  600  can end. In addition, following the decision  610  when the decision  610  determines that a reward is not due, the usage and reward process  600  can also end. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a deferred reward delivery process  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The deferred reward delivery process  700  is, for example, performed by a host computer, such as the host computer  212  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . However, the deferred reward delivery process  700  can also be performed by a server, such as the usage monitoring server illustrated in  FIG. 1  or the usage monitoring and rewards server  202  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The deferred reward delivery process  700  can begin with a decision  702  that determines whether a device, namely, a mobile device, is connected. Here, the decision  702  determines whether a mobile device is connected, wirelessly or wired, to the host computer. When the decision  702  determines that the mobile device is not connected to the host computer, the deferred reward delivery process  700  can wait for the presence of the connection. Alternatively, once the decision  702  determines that the mobile device is connected to the host device, a decision  704  can determine whether the mobile phone has been authenticated  704 . When the decision  704  determines that the mobile device has not been authenticated, the deferred reward delivery process  700  can return to repeat the decision  702  such that only authentic mobile devices can be used. Authentication can be provided by the mobile device itself and/or provided by user input with respect to the mobile device. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  704  determines that the mobile device has been authenticated, a decision  706  can determine whether there are any rewards to be downloaded from the host computer to the mobile device. Although the rewards can be electronic and thus downloadable to the host computer, in one implementation reward information is downloaded and then used to acquire the reward, either electronically or physically. When the decision  706  determines that there are one or more rewards to be downloaded to the mobile device, the reward (or reward information) can be downloaded  708  to the device. Alternatively, when the decision  706  determines that there are no rewards to be downloaded, the block  708  can be bypassed. 
     Following the block  708  or its being bypassed, a decision  710  can determine whether synchronization has been performed for the mobile device and the host device. When the decision  710  determines that synchronization is to be performed, data within the mobile device can be synchronized  712  with data residing on or accessible to the host computer. When the decision  710  determines that synchronization is not to be performed, the block  712  can be bypassed. Following the block  712 , or its being bypassed, a decision  714  determines whether the deferred reward delivery process  700  should end. When the decision  714  determines that the deferred reward delivery process  700  should not end, the deferred reward delivery process  700  can optionally perform other processing  716 . Thereafter, the deferred reward delivery process  700  can return to repeat the decision  710  and subsequent operations. Alternatively, when the decision  714  determines that the deferred reward delivery process  700  should end, then the deferred reward delivery process  700  can end. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a reward (or reward information) can be transmitted (e.g., downloaded) to a host computer. Then, if desired, the reward (or reward information) can be transferred (e.g., during a synchronization operation) from the host computer to a mobile device. 
     In another embodiment, a user of the mobile device can be notified that they are eligible for a reward based on their usage. The notification can inform the user what the reward is and either provide the reward or provide information on how to retrieve the award. The notification can be electronically transmitted to the mobile device or some other device, such as a personal computer. The user can, for example, retrieve the reward from the mobile device or the personal computer. 
     Another aspect of the invention pertains to monitoring locations of a mobile electronic device for a duration of time and then providing location-specific information based on the location of the device. The determination of locations of the mobile electronic device can be performed by the mobile device itself or by a network system. The location-specific information can be provided by a remote server via a network to a host computer or a mobile electronic device. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a location monitoring system  800  according to one embodiment of the invention. The location monitoring system  800  operates to monitor the locations of various different mobile devices and then provide to users information related to the locations. 
     The location monitoring system  800  includes a mobile device  802 . The mobile device  802  is representative of numerous different types of mobile electronic devices that can be utilized in the location monitoring system  800 . In one embodiment, the mobile device  802  has a location determining module so that it can determine its location. As one example, the location determining module can include at least a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In another embodiment, the location determining module can include wireless communication circuitry to determine or assist in the determination of the location of the mobile device  802 . 
     The location monitoring system  800  can also include a host computer  806 . The host computer  806  is typically affiliated with one or more mobile devices (e.g., mobile device  802 ) that are used by the same or affiliated user. A link  804  can be established between the mobile device  802  and the host computer  806 . The link  804  can correspond to a wired or wireless data connection that can be established between the mobile device  802  and the host computer  806 . For example, a particular user might have a mobile device that is used during the day while away from home, and then in the evening the user returns to home where the user has a home computer (i.e., host computer). In such an example, the mobile device can link to the home computer when the mobile device and home computer are both at the home. 
     The location monitoring system  800  can also include an information server  808  and a data network  810 . The data network  810  can pertain to a network of one or more networks, whether wired or wireless, that are used to provide a data link between the host computer  806  and the information server  808 . The information server  808  can provide location dependent information to requesters. For example, the requesters can be the host computer  806  or the mobile device  802 . 
     More particularly, in one embodiment, the mobile device  802  operates to record its location over a period of time. Then, when the mobile device  802  connects to the host computer  806  via the link  804 , the location information acquired by the mobile device  802  can be sent to the host computer  806  via the link  804 . The host computer  806  can then process the location information to produce location data. The degree of processing of the location information can vary. For example, the processing can merely organize the location information, or the processing can perform at least some analysis on the location information. 
     The location data can then be sent to the information server  808  along with a request for information that pertains to the location data. The information server  808  can operate to satisfy the request for data in view of the location data by returning appropriate location-specific information to the host computer  806 . The host computer  806  can store the location-specific information and/or can present some or all of the location-specific information at the host computer  806 . In addition, the host computer  806  can send the location-specific information to the mobile device  802 . Thereafter, the mobile device  802  can store the location-specific information. At some point, the mobile device  802  can present some or all of the location-specific information. In this regard, the location-specific information being presented at the mobile device  802  and/or the host computer  806  can depend upon the location or locations for which the mobile device  802  was used. The presentment of the location-specific information at the host computer  806  or the mobile device  802  can be visual and/or audio. As one example, presentment of the location-specific information at the host computer  806  or the mobile device  802  can cause display of the location-specific information on a display of the host computer  802  of the mobile device  802 . As another example, presentment of the location-specific information at the host computer  806  or the mobile device  802  can cause playback of an audio rendition of the location-specific information at the host computer  802  of the mobile device  802 . 
     In another embodiment, the data network  810  (e.g., a wireless network) can record the location of the mobile device  802  over a period of time using wireless signals (e.g., triangulation techniques or signal strength). The locations can be stored remotely by an apparatus coupled to the data network  810 . Optionally or alternatively, the mobile device  802  and/or the host computer  806  can store the locations. 
     The locations (or location information) can be processed to produce location data. When location-specific information is to be provided, the location data can be sent to the information server  808  along with a request for information that pertains to the location data. The information server  808  can further process the location data, such as analyzing the locations, types of locations, or frequency of locations. The information server  808  can then operate to satisfy the request for information in view of the location data and return appropriate location-specific information to the requester. The host computer  806  can store the location-specific information and/or can present some or all of the location-specific information at the host computer  806 . In addition, the host computer  806  can send the location information to the mobile device  802 . Thereafter, the mobile device  802  can present some or all of the location information. In this regard, the location information being presented at the mobile device  802  and/or the host computer  806  can depend upon the location or locations for which the mobile device  802  was used. The location information can be digital content pertaining to the location or locations. The location information can pertain to rewards or recommendations. A recommendation can be determined based on at least the location or locations. 
     As noted above, the location of the mobile device  802  can be determined by or with the assistance of a location determining module provided with a mobile device. When the location determining module includes wireless communication circuitry, the mobile device is able to interact with one or more wireless networks to determine or assist in determining its location. For example, the wireless network can be a cellular network which is able to provide approximate location of a mobile device. In this example, the location is determined by the cellular network using the wireless communication capabilities of the mobile device. As another example, the wireless network can be a WiFi network and given the limited range of a WiFi hotspot, the location of the mobile device can be correlated to the location of the WiFi hotspot when the mobile device is able to connect to the WiFi hotspot. 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a location monitoring and presentment process  900  according to one embodiment of the invention. The location monitoring and presentment process  900  is, for example, performed by a mobile device, such as the mobile device  802  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     The location monitoring and presentment process  900  can begin with a decision  902 . The decision  902  can determine whether location monitoring is to be provided or performed at the mobile device. In one implementation, location monitoring can be controlled by device configuration, user preference, user profile, or by a system configuration. When the decision  902  determines that location monitoring is to be performed, then a device location for the mobile device can be recorded  904 . In one implementation, the device location can be periodically recorded  904  when location monitoring is being performed (i.e., enabled). 
     Following the block  904 , or directly following the decision  902  when location monitoring is not to be performed, a decision  906  can determine whether the mobile device is connected to a host device (e.g., host computer  806 ). When the decision  906  determines that the mobile device is connected to the host device, one or more device locations that have been previously recorded (or acquired) are sent  908  the host device. In this embodiment, the mobile device acquires the location information (e.g., via its location determining module). A decision  910  can then determine whether location-specific information has been received at the mobile device. When the decision  910  determines that location-specific information has been received, the location-specific information can be stored in or presented  912  at the mobile device. 
     Following the block  912  or following the decision  910  directly when location-specific information is not received, a decision  914  can determine whether the location monitoring and presentment process  900  should end. The decision  914  can also be performed following the decision  906  when the mobile device is not connected to the host device. In any case, when the decision  914  determines that the location monitoring and presentment process  900  should not end, the location monitoring and presentment process  900  can return to repeat the decision  902  and subsequent blocks. Alternatively, when the decision  914  determines that the location monitoring and presentment process  900  should end, then the location monitoring and presentment process  900  can end. 
     As noted above, the location monitoring can yield location-based information or location-specific information. In general, location-based information or location-specific information is information (e.g., data) relevant to monitored locations. This information (e.g., data) can be presented in a visual and/or audio manner. The information (e.g., data) can also be structured data that is further processed (e.g., locally) before being presented. By providing location-based information or location-specific information, a mobile device is able to better support its user and thus offer an improved user experience with the mobile device. 
     In one embodiment, the location-specific information can be a coupon or menu for a business (e.g., restaurant). The coupon or menu can then be locally stored and rapidly presented on the mobile device. In one implementation, the menu or coupon can be presented on the mobile device when the mobile device later is nearby the corresponding business. In another embodiment, the location-specific information can be predicted from the monitored locations of a mobile device. For example, if the user (and the mobile device) frequent a particular business or type of business, the location-specific information can be relevant to the particular business or type of business. 
     In another embodiment, the location-specific information can provide a recommendation to a user of the mobile device. For example, if the user frequents a coffee shop during weekday mornings, the location-specific information can recommend a new coffee shop or a more convenient coffee shop. For example, a coffee shop at a location more convenient to another location that the user (and the mobile device) frequent, such as work, school, etc., can be recommended. The recommendation can also suggest to the user with a single location that could be visited in place of two separate different locations that the user stops. For example, if the user often stops for coffee at a coffee store and also makes a separate stop at a donut store that is at a different location, the system can recommend a single location that would be more convenient for the user. The recommendations can take into consideration the user&#39;s normal geographical area. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of an information retrieval process  1000  according to one embodiment of the invention. The information retrieval process  1000  is, for example, performed by a host device, such as the host computer  806  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     The information retrieval process  1000  can began with a decision  1002 . The decision  1002  can determine whether a device is connected to a host device. When the decision  1002  determines that the mobile device is not connected to a host device, the information retrieval process  1000  awaits such a connection and can, if desired, perform other unrelated processing (not shown). On the other hand, once the decision  1002  determines that a connection has been made, an authentication decision  1004  can determine whether the mobile device it is able to be authenticated to the host device. When the decision  1004  determines that authentication has not been successful, the information retrieval process  1000  is not able to be further performed so the information retrieval process  1000  can end. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  1004  determines that the mobile device is authenticated, the host device can receive  1006  device locations that have been acquired by the corresponding mobile device. Next, location-specific information can be obtained  1008  based on the device locations. The location-specific information can be obtained  1008  either locally at the host device or remotely from an information server, such as the information server  808 . After the location-specific information has been obtained  1008 , at least a portion of the location-specific information can be delivered  1010  to the corresponding mobile device. 
     Next, a decision  1012  determines whether the information retrieval process  1000  should end. When the decision  1012  determines that the information retrieval process should not end, then other processing  1014  can be optionally performed. The other processing  1014  is dependent upon implementation and/or applications supported by the mobile device. Following the other processing  1014  (if any), the information retrieval process  1000  can return to repeat the decision  1002  so that the information retrieval processing  1000  can be performed when a device connects to the host device. On the other hand, when the decision  1012  determines that the information retrieval process  1000  is to end, then the information retrieval process  1000  can end. 
       FIG. 11  is a flow diagram of a location-specific information process  1100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The location-specific information process  1100  is, for example, performed by an information server. 
     The location-specific information process  1100  can receive  1102  the device locations at the information server from a requestor (host computer or mobile device). Typically, as noted above, the device locations are provided to the information server by a host computer via a data network. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a mobile device can provide the device locations to the information server without using a host computer as an intermediary. Next, the device locations can be analyzed  1104  to identify the location data. For example, the location data can pertain to a set of locations for the mobile device. Next, location-specific information can be determined  1106  based on at least the location data. Thereafter, at least a portion of the location-specific information is sent  1108  from the information server to the requestor. 
     As noted above, the location-specific information process  1100  can be performed by an information server. However, in an alternative embodiment, similar processing can be performed by the host device, such as at block  1008  of the information retrieval process  1000  illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In another embodiment, location-specific information process  1100  can be partially perform by an information server and partially performed by a host device. 
     The nature, characteristics or type of location-specific data can depend on the particular implementation. Location-specific data can also be provided in real-time or deferred. As one example of a real-time usage scenario, if location data indicates that a mobile device is at an airport, airport information (e.g., flight arrivals or departures) can be provided to the mobile device. An airport might provide a data feed or channel pertaining to airport information, and when the location of the mobile device is at or proximate to the airport, the data feed pertaining to airport information can be made available, received and/or displayed to the mobile device. As one example of a deferred usage scenario, if the location data indicates that a user of the mobile device frequents gyms or exercise facilities, then workout information (e.g., workout routines, training supplements, etc.) can be generally made available, received and/or displayed to the mobile device. In this example, the workout information can be received or displayed regardless of whether the mobile device is presently or recently located at a gym or exercise establishment. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram of an information customization system  1200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The information customization system  1200  includes an information selection module  1202 . The information selection module  1202  receives an information request. The information selection module  1202  can also receive location data. The location data can be provided with the information request, or the location data can be subsequently or previously provided. The information selection module  1202  is able to process the information request in view of the location data to produce location-specific information that is to be returned to the requester that has issued the information request. In one implementation, the location-specific information can be “pushed” or “pulled” with respect to the information server. As one example, the location-specific information can be a RSS feed. In another implementation, the location-specific information can be “pushed” from the information server to the mobile device. The mobile device can also “pull” the location-specific information from the information server. 
     The information selection module  1202  can further utilize other data in determining the location-specific information. As an example, the information selection module  1202  can make use of device characteristics associated with the mobile device, user profile of the user and/or user preferences set by the user. Device characteristics are characteristics of a mobile device. Examples of device characteristics can include screen size, screen resolution, networking capabilities, software modules/applications, etc. A user profile is a profile of a user of a device, i.e., the mobile device. The user profile represents the user. The user profile can be set manually by the user or set automatically by device. User preferences are settings in hardware or software that are set by a user. Examples of user preferences include language settings, topics of interest, geographic interests, etc. 
     An information server can support one or more data feeds or channels that make digital data available. A mobile device can receive one or more of the data feeds or channels. For example, an information server can offer a plurality of different data feeds or channels pertaining to different subjects, locations, times, etc. Based on a set of locations acquired by monitoring location of a mobile device, a data feed or channel of probable interest can be automatically select for a user of the mobile device. Optionally, the automatic selection can also make use of device characteristics associated with the mobile device, user profile and/or user preferences set by the user of the mobile device. 
     For additional information on providing information to mobile electronic devices, see U.S. application Ser. No. 11/972,570, filed concurrently herewith, and entitled “DYNAMIC DELIVERY AND PRESENTATION OF ELECTRONIC DATA TO MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     According to one embodiment, data can be delivered from an information server to a recipient device in an efficient manner. In one implementation, data being delivered can be associated with a template that is present on the recipient device. Accordingly, only data need to be transmitted to the recipient device since the format and other presentation configurations can be controlled by the template. The recipient device can be a mobile device or a host computer. For additional detail on templates, see U.S. application Ser. No. 11/899,024, filed Sep. 4, 2007, and entitled “USER INTERFACE ELEMENTS CLONING AND TRANSITIONS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     The portable electronic device utilized herein can, for example, correspond to a computing device (e.g., personal computer), mobile phone (e.g., cellular phone), personal digital assistant (PDA), media player (e.g., music, videos, games, images), media storage device, camera, remote control, and/or the like. The electronic device may also be a multi-functional device that combines two or more of these device functionalities into a single device. Examples of multi-functional devices can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060197753, entitled “MULTI-FUNCTIONAL HAND-HELD DEVICE”, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     The portable electronic device utilized herein can further be a hand-held electronic device. The term hand-held generally means that the electronic device has a form factor that is small enough to be comfortably held in one hand. A hand-held electronic device may be directed at one-handed operation or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operations with the user interface during use. In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while the other hand performs operations with a user interface during use or alternatively both hands support the device as well as perform operations during use. In some cases, the hand-held electronic device is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket-sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device). 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a mobile multi-function device  1300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The mobile multi-function device  1300  can include the circuitry of a portable electronic device that can perform the operations described above. The mobile multi-function device  1300  includes hardware and software components to provide at least two functions, namely, a media playback function (including display screen/menu presentations) and a wireless voice communications function. When providing media playback, the mobile multi-function device  1300  can operate as a media player capable of playing (including displaying) media items. The media items can, for example, pertain to audio items (e.g., audio files or songs), videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos). When providing wireless voice communications, the mobile multi-function device  1300  can operate as a mobile telephone (e.g., cellular phone). 
     The mobile multi-function device  1300  includes a processor  1302  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the mobile multi-function device  1300 . The mobile multi-function device  1300  stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system  1304  and a cache  1306 . In one embodiment, the file system  1304  is implemented by a storage disk or a plurality of disks. In another embodiment, the file system  1304  is implemented by EEPROM or Flash type memory. The file system  1304  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the mobile multi-function device  1300 . However, because the access time to the file system  1304  can be relatively slow, the mobile multi-function device  1300  can also include a cache  1306 . The cache  1306  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  1306  is substantially shorter than for the file system  1304 . However, the cache  1306  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  1304 . Further, the file system  1304 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  1306 . The power consumption is often a concern when the mobile multi-function device  1300  is a portable mobile multi-function device that is powered by a battery  1324 . The mobile multi-function device  1300  also includes a RAM  1320  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  1322 . The ROM  1322  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The ROM  1322  can be implemented by an EEPROM or Flash type memory so as to provide writable non-volatile data storage. The RAM  1320  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  1306 . 
     In one embodiment, to support wireless voice communications, the mobile multi-function device  1300  includes a transceiver  1326  and a SIM card  1328 . The transceiver  1326  supports wireless communication with a wireless network (such as a wireless cellular network). The SIM card  1328  includes an identifier (e.g., SIM identifier) can be used by the mobile multi-function device  1300  to gain access and utilize the wireless network. In other embodiments, a SIM card  1328  is not utilized. 
     The mobile multi-function device  1300  also includes a user input device  1308  that allows a user of the mobile multi-function device  1300  to interact with the mobile multi-function device  1300 . For example, the user input device  1308  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the mobile multi-function device  1300  includes a display  1310  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  1302  to display information to the user. A data bus  1311  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  1304 , the cache  1306 , the processor  1302 , and the CODEC  1312 . 
     In one embodiment, the mobile multi-function device  1300  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs, movies, etc.) in the file system  1304 . When a user desires to have the mobile multi-function device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display  1310 . Then, using the user input device  1308 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  1302 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  1312 . The CODEC  1312  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  1314 . The speaker  1314  can be a speaker internal to the mobile multi-function device  1300  or external to the mobile multi-function device  1300 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the mobile multi-function device  1300  would be considered an external speaker. 
     The mobile multi-function device  1300  also includes a bus interface  1316  that couples to a data link  1318 . The data link  1318  allows the mobile multi-function device  1300  to couple to a host device (e.g., host computer or power source). The data link  1318  can also provide power to the mobile multi-function device  1300 . 
     Still further, the mobile multi-function device  1330  can include a location determining module  1330 . The location determining module  1330  can determine or assist in determining the location of the mobile multi-function device  1300 . As one example, the location determining module  1330  can include at least a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In another embodiment, the location determining module  1330  can include wireless communication circuitry to determine or assist in the determination of the location of the mobile multi-function device  1300 . For example, the location determining module  1330  can use, incorporate or integrate some or all of the transceiver  1326 . 
     The digital media assets (i.e., digital media items) can pertain to video items (e.g., video files or movies), audio items (e.g., audio files or audio tracks, such as for songs (music), podcasts or audiobooks), or image items (e.g., photos). 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     The invention is preferably implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium generally include read-only memory and random-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that a mobile electronic device can be monitored so that digital content relevant to its usage or location can be automatically delivered (or made available) to the mobile electronic device. Another advantage of the invention is that loyal (i.e., repeat) patrons to establishments can be better understood and rewarded for their patronage. Still another advantage of the invention is that digital content can be dynamically provided or made available to a mobile electronic device based on a current location of the mobile electronic device and/or former locations of the mobile electronic device. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20080115
Publication Date: 20131001
Grant Date: 20131001
Priority Date: 20080115
Inventors: BULL WILLIAM E.
WOOD POLICARPO
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06Q30/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/029", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0207", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0207", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 40851459