CN105247915A - Context Sensitive Correlation Engine Platform - Google Patents

Abstract

A context sensitive correlation engine platform system and method are described. The system and method include a plurality of beacons disposed within a physical venue, wherein each beacon transmits a signal containing identification information. An indoor positioning device receives a plurality of measured reference points including measured beacon identifiers and measured signal strengths. The indoor positioning device applies the measured reference points to generate a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon. At least one indoor geofence is associated with a physical venue. The indoor geofence is also associated with a partially calculated signal strength value. A wireless device is communicatively coupled to the indoor positioning means and receives at least one beacon identifier and at least one beacon signal strength when the wireless device is located within or proximate to the physical venue. The indoor positioning means determines that the wireless device is located within at least one indoor geofence by comparing the received beacon identifier and the received beacon signal strength with a calculated signal strength value corresponding to the detected beacon.

Description

Context Sensitive Correlation Engine Platform

technical field

The invention relates to a context sensitive correlation engine platform. More specifically, the present invention relates to a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system and method using beacons for indoor positioning.

Background technique

SoLoMo (Social, Local and Mobile = SoLoMo; Social, Local and Mobile) is the union of social networking with locally based businesses and companies through the marketing power of mobile. Having a mobile website and presence has become mandatory for local businesses in order to connect to customers in the immediate area of the business. The number of users and their engagement on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook have risen steadily over the past few years. As of 2012, Twitter had nearly 140 million U.S. users and Facebook had 845 million monthly active users.

The power of locally based marketing became the driving force behind SoLoMo. Customers receive locally based marketing through mobile ads or local deals on sites such as Groupon, LivingSocial, Google Offers, or SCVNGR when they provide their address or allow a company to know their location through a tablet or smartphone. An estimated 70 million mobile coupons with a total value of $2.4 billion will be used in 2013, a significant increase from the 200,000 used in 2009.

Additionally, the smartphone revolution has had an indelible impact on brick-and-mortar retail stores and casinos. For retail, the “showroom” outcome is one of the major challenges impacting a brick and mortar bottom line. E-commerce sales continue to grow, for example, Q4 2012 sales increased by 15.8% compared to Q4 2011, although e-commerce sales accounted for only 5.2% of total sales ($4.4T in the US).

Casino property rights are also being hit. For brick-and-mortar casino properties, a recent 2011 DOJ opinion indicates the start of Internet gambling activity in the United States. As a result, brick-and-mortar casino properties need to develop an iGaming strategy that includes "app" development and smartphone integration.

However, the problem with these mobile applications and searchable content is that end users are being bombarded with too much information. As a result, smartphone users do not spend significantly more time using apps, 39 minutes a day in 2012 versus 37 minutes a day in 2011. Apple has 775,000 apps in its app store and Google Play is catching up, but few of those apps capture any meaningful share of customers' attention.

Mobile devices and content continue to grow, making the question: How can mobile marketers prioritize content in a sea of so much information? Simply put, marketers must turn to context.

However, context can be difficult to find in a mobile setting. For example, context doesn't really exist in mobile search. Mobile search is a "pull"-based process that requires entering text, waiting for a response, and repeating the cycle until relevant content is identified. All of this takes time and luck, because user profiles and current conditions aren't all factored into the search.

Behavioral targeting within mobile search is valuable. Knowing what your customers have recently browsed, watched, and purchased online is certainly useful. However, behavioral goals are only related to past behaviors and also fail to consider the conditions and circumstances related to mobile users, ie current conditions (or values) and various user profiles.

As a gap-filling measure, marketers have come to rely on opinions from "friends" within their social networks. However, these opinions generally do not all relate to the user's current activity and current location. They also do not take into account conditions and circumstances based on time, user profile, current interests, and recommendations.

Therefore, content, including interactive content, must evolve and become context-driven or context-sensitive.

Contents of the invention

This paper describes a context-sensitive relational engine platform system and method thereof. The system and method includes a plurality of beacons positioned within a physical site, wherein each beacon transmits a signal containing identification information. The indoor positioning device receives a plurality of measured reference points including measured beacon identifiers and measured signal strengths. The indoor positioning device applies the measured reference points to generate a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon. At least one indoor geofence is associated with a physical site. The indoor geofence is also associated with some calculated signal strength values. The wireless device is communicatively coupled with the indoor positioning device and receives at least one beacon identifier and at least one beacon signal strength when the wireless device is within or proximate to the physical location. The indoor locating device can determine that the wireless device is located within at least one indoor geo-fence by comparing the received beacon identifier and the received beacon signal strength to a calculated signal strength value corresponding to the detected beacon.

In an illustrative embodiment, the indoor positioning device includes an indoor positioning module. In a further illustrative embodiment, the indoor positioning module is associated with a wireless device. In another illustrative embodiment, the indoor positioning module is associated with a server. In a further illustrated embodiment, the indoor positioning module is associated with a kiosk, slot machine, game console, or interactive digital signage.

Additionally, the illustrated embodiment may include a database featuring a plurality of user profiles, where each user profile includes one or more user attributes, a plurality of content items, a plurality of content relationships, at least one map, or at least one associated with The indoor geofence associated with this map. The database can reside within one of a wireless device, server, kiosk, slot machine, game console, or interactive digital signage.

Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment may include a content association module configured to define at least one indoor geofence or at least one outdoor geofence within the map, generate a A content is associated and at least one content item is transmitted to the wireless device in response to the wireless device entering or leaving the indoor geo-fence or the outdoor geo-fence. The content association module may reside in one of a wireless device, server, kiosk, slot machine, game console, or interactive digital signage.

In another illustrative embodiment, the content association module associates at least one user attribute with at least one content item and communicates the content item to wireless devices sharing the same user attribute. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the content associating module associates at least one time frame with at least one content item, and is further characterized by placing the content item in the context of the content item and the content item associated with the content item. Communications to the wireless device within the time range associated with an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence. In still a further illustrative embodiment, when the wireless device enters or leaves the indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, the content association module filters communications to the wireless device based on a particular indoor geofence or outdoor geofence. Multiple content items.

In an illustrated embodiment, the content association module assigns a parent display level to a first content item of the plurality of content items and assigns a child display level to a second content item of the plurality of content items, wherein, A first content item associated with the parent display level is displayed before a second content item associated with the child display level.

In a further illustrated embodiment, the context-sensitive relevance engine platform system or method includes at least one group attribute shared by two or more of a plurality of user profiles, a plurality of content relationships, each content A relationship associates a particular set of attributes with a particular content item and the content delivery module filters a plurality of content items based on the set of attributes and displays the filtered content items on the wireless device.

In a still further illustrated embodiment, the context-sensitive relevance engine platform system or method includes an initial relevance value that indicates the applicability of the content item to the group attribute. Additionally, the illustrated system or method may include a content rating based on user responses to one or more content items transmitted to the wireless device. Additionally, the illustrated system or method includes filtering content item relevance value updates based on content ratings.

In another illustrative embodiment, the context sensitive relevance engine platform system or method includes a content transmission module that communicates content items when the wireless communication device is located within or near an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence. The illustrative system and method may also include a ranking module that ranks each content item of the wireless device based on its location and user profile, wherein the content transmission module transmits the ranked content link. Additionally, the illustrated system or method can be characterized in that the content item changes for each indoor geofence or outdoor geofence. Still further this illustrative system or method may include a response input received by a wireless device corresponding to one of the content items, wherein the ranking of the content item is changed based on the response input. Additionally, the illustrative system or method can be characterized in that the ranking of content items corresponding to a particular indoor geofence or outdoor geofence changes based on the responsive input.

Still further, the illustrated system or method may include a positive selection input displayed on the wireless device, wherein the positive selection input relates to selection or good ranking of a content item, wherein when the positive selection is selected , at least one point value is added to the associated weighted value of the positive selection input. Further, the illustrated system or method may include a negative selection input displayed on the wireless device, wherein the negative selection input is associated with the user not selecting a content item or a negative ranking of the content item, wherein when the negative selection When selected, at least one point value is subtracted from the associated weight value of the negative selection input.

In another illustrative embodiment, the content-aware relevance engine platform system or method includes a static interactive digital signage communicatively coupled to a network, wherein the static interactive digital signage is placed within a map and links content items with This static interactive digital signage is associated. In another illustrative embodiment, the static interactive digital signage is associated with a particular indoor geofence or outdoor geofence and the static interactive digital signage is further characterized by causing the wireless device to receive at least one static interactive digital signage content item, This enables the wireless device to control the static interactive digital signage by interacting with the content items of the static interactive digital signage when the wireless device enters a specific indoor or outdoor geofence associated with the static interactive digital signage.

In still further illustrative embodiments, the context-sensitive relevance engine platform system or method includes a user-generated content item communicated by the first wireless device, wherein the user-generated content item is propagated indoors at a geofence or outdoors within a geofence. In another illustrative embodiment, the user-generated content item is generated by the first wireless device when the first wireless device is located within the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence. Further illustrative system and method embodiments include a second wireless device capable of viewing user-generated content and providing responsive user input ranking the user-generated content. In still further illustrative embodiments, the second wireless device is capable of viewing user-generated content when the second wireless device enters or leaves the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence.

In another illustrative embodiment, the content item may be presented as a news feed in a smartphone application, characterized in that the content item changes autonomously when the user enters or leaves an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence. In another illustrated embodiment, the illustrated content item is presented in a casino smartphone app, casino loyalty program, casino game, slot machine, gaming console, kiosk, or casino-owned interaction Among the digital signages, it is characterized in that the content item changes autonomously when the user enters or leaves the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence.

By way of example and not limitation, this illustrated content item includes alphanumeric text, video, audio, images, menus, smartphone applications, hyperlinks, links to URLs, links to another content item, links to another Links, coupons, advertisements, a la carte menus, tags, smartphone applications, games or listings for content items.

Additionally, the context-sensitive correlation engine platform system or method may include fixed sensors within a physical location communicatively coupled to a network, wherein the fixed sensors receive beacon identifiers including measurements and communicate to Set up multiple measurement reference points for measuring signal strength. Additionally, the illustrated system or method may include a slot machine, gaming console, news kiosk, or interactive digital signage with beacons or sensors.

Description of drawings

The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The attached drawings include:

Figure 1 shows a high-level system block diagram of the CARE platform interfacing with various systems.

Figure 2 shows an illustrative Context-Aware Correlation Engine (CARE) platform.

Figure 3 shows a more general representation of the context layer of the CARE platform.

Figure 4 shows illustrative cloud-based services including the CARE platform.

FIG. 5 shows electrical components of an illustrative wireless device.

Figure 6 illustrates a number of sensors that may be used to receive responsive input communicated to the CARE platform.

Figure 7 illustrates an example system in which the CARE platform transmits dynamic portal content to an example line device and enables the wireless device to control the display.

8 illustrates an example system for wireless client devices to generate dynamic entries.

Figure 9 shows an illustrative system where a gaming machine or digital signage generates a dynamic MADGUI entry and communicates the MADGUI to a server and then communicates the MADGUI to a wireless device.

Figure 10 illustrates a system where a server generates a dynamic MADGUI entry and communicates the MADGUI to a client device and operates a network display coupled to a display control module.

Fig. 11A shows a block diagram of a targeted content delivery system illustrated according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 11B shows a block diagram of a targeted content delivery system illustrated according to the second embodiment.

Figure 12 shows an illustrative content item editor of the content management interface.

Figure 13 shows an illustrative content association interface.

Figure 14 shows an exemplary location interface.

Figure 15 shows an illustrative web object placement interface.

Figure 16 shows an illustrative geofence creation interface.

Figure 17 shows an illustrative geofence content association interface.

Figure 18 shows an illustrative display layout interface.

Figure 19 shows an illustrative display geofence association interface.

20 shows an illustrative system block diagram of a beacon network based location detection system suitable for wireless devices.

21A-21D show illustrative examples of determining the location of a wireless device from beacon signals received by the wireless device.

22 shows a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method for delivering targeted content to a user.

23 shows an illustrative system block diagram of a beacon and sensor network based location detection system suitable for wireless devices.

24 shows an illustrative system block diagram of a beacon-based and beacon-enabled sensor network location detection system suitable for wireless devices.

Figure 25 shows an illustrative grid of virtual reference points.

Figure 26 shows an illustrative virtual reference point.

FIG. 27 shows a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method for generating a virtual reference point.

28 shows a flowchart of an example illustration of a method for determining a location of a wireless device using a virtual reference point.

Figure 29 shows the relevant interfaces for illustration.

Figure 30 shows an illustrative database entry for a user profile.

Figure 31 shows an illustrative database entry for an attribute group.

Figure 32 shows an illustrative database entry associating user identifications with attribute groups.

Figure 33 shows an illustrative database entry that associates content items with attribute groups and stores associated weighted values for the association.

Figure 34 shows an illustrative database entry that associates a content object with a location identifier and stores an association weight value for the association.

Figure 35A shows an illustrative database entry that associates a time item with an attribute group and stores an associated weight value for the association.

Fig. 36 shows a flow chart illustrating an example of the method for adjusting the correlation weighting value according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 37 shows a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for adjusting correlation weighting values according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 38 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for adjusting correlation weighting values according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 39 shows a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for adjusting correlation weighting values according to the fourth embodiment.

Figure 40 shows an illustrative "User Content" page of the Device Content interface.

Figure 41 shows an illustrative user content entry page of the device content interface.

Figure 42 shows an illustrative "Info" page of the device context interface.

Figure 43 shows an illustrative "All" page of the Device Context interface.

Figure 44 shows an illustrative map page of the device content interface.

Figure 45 shows an exemplary user profile interface.

Fig. 46 shows a time-series graph of correlation weight values for specific content links.

Figure 47 shows content requests for a specific content link over a specific date range.

FIG. 48 shows a heat map of request volume by location.

FIG. 49 shows a heat map of content clicks by interaction rate by location.

detailed description

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the following description is illustrative and not limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the claimed subject matter will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The Context Sensitive Relevance Engine (CARE) described herein provides relevant content to the user and enhances his mobile application experience by "pushing" the relevant content to the end user with little or no input from the end user. In the illustrated embodiment presented herein, by combining user profiles, outdoor positioning, indoor positioning, geo-fencing, and tracking user interactions with an illustrative context-sensitive relevance engine platform-as-a-service (PAAS) solution, a contextual correlation engine creates A "context-sensitive" experience.

The context-sensitive correlation engine (CARE) described herein supports a variety of different products or services, such as a context-sensitive news feed called MADGUI. This context-sensitive news feed, also known as a "dynamic portal," changes based on location and user profile. The CARE platform also supports interactive digital signage capabilities and supports proximity-based social networking. Additionally, the CARE platform supports integration with games of chance, games of skill, or a combination thereof.

For enterprise-level applications, the Context-Aware Correlation Engine (CARE) enables enterprises to control the customer experience and protect the privacy of customer data. Additionally, the CARE platform can be configured to manage mobile content that changes based on indoor location and extensive user profiles. In addition, the CARE platform supports API system integration and protects user privacy.

The context-sensitive correlation engine (CARE) can operate as a venue-based solution, a cloud-based solution, or a hybrid platform solution. In the illustrated enterprise embodiment, the context-sensitive correlation engine enables the enterprise to control the customer experience and protect the confidentiality of enterprise customer data.

In operation, the illustrated Context Sensitive Relevance Engine (CARE) manages mobile content and provides this content based on location (indoor or outdoor) and user profile.

Delivering relevant content in real-time based on user tasks is the single challenge that the CARE platform is addressing. The limitations of mobile search and mobile social can be overcome by combining user profiles, indoor geofencing, outdoor geofencing, local content, and local social in a platform solution controlled by the end user community and business customers.

User communities and business customers are in the best position to understand the demographic profile of their communities, and the CARE platform solution pushes the user community and business customers into a position of control. The CARE platform relies heavily on indoor positioning, as indoor sensitivity is an essential element of context sensitivity. Notably, end users spend 80% of their waking hours indoors. Indoor location sensitivity also provides further insight into end-user activities and tasks. The proposed indoor positioning engine supports the establishment of indoor geofences defined by end users and enterprise customers.

The CARE platform also supports content profiling so that business customers can get a high likelihood match with user profiles and indoor geofences, and therefore a high likelihood of providing relevant content. The CARE platform is integrated with mobile social portfolio.

The result is relevant content being streamed to wireless devices and/or displays in real-time. Additionally, real-time feedback can be obtained from wireless devices and/or displays. In addition, the CARE platform supports real-time adjustment of content based on end-user feedback.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a high-level system block diagram of the CARE platform interfacing with various systems is shown. The CARE platform 100 includes a positioning engine 102 , a content management system 104 and a ranking module 106 . The content management system associates content with a specific geofence, which is called a content bubble (CONTENTBUBBLE). In the illustrated embodiment, ranking module 106 is referred to as a RELEVANCEAGENT.

In the illustrated embodiment, the CARE platform 100 provides mobile users with indoor and outdoor location-based, user-controlled opt-in user profiles, content depiction including associating content with indoor geofences, and real-time feedback from users through a mobile application. Real-time, relevant content for feedback.

The CARE platform 100 is configured to interface with enterprise systems 108, such as accounting systems, enterprise resource planning systems, transactional systems, loyalty programs, customer relationship related systems, payment systems, employee compensation systems, medical systems, electronic health record systems, hospital systems, Security systems, calendaring systems, social networking, gaming systems, other content management systems, and other such enterprise systems.

The CARE platform 100 can implement a cloud-based system, a venue-based system, or a hybrid cloud system. When interfacing with the public Internet, the CARE platform resides in a cloud firewall or a premises-based firewall or any combination thereof.

The CARE platform 100 communicates with various client devices, which are also more generally referred to as network objects. Network objects also include passive and/or active electronic devices identifiable by network clients.

Illustrative features of the CARE platform include rendering indoor maps that include a specific user's indoor location; linking local content to a specific user profile; integrating with existing customer relationship management (CRM) systems or credit systems behind the A new collection of attributes obtained by real-time market research to build rich user profiles; support the establishment of indoor content bubbles (indoor geofences), so that when the content bubbles are broken, content links are pushed to the user's mobile application; allow specific Users inside content bubbles generate their own content; allow users to publish posts within content bubbles without sharing them with large social networks; use a ranking module also called RELEVANCEAGENT based on indoor location, User profiles and feedback from similar users rank property-generated content links; push relevant content links to a dynamic entry page called the Mobile Autonomous Dynamic Graphical User Interface (or MADGUI), -- making the MADGUI ^TM receives real-time automatic ranking and requires little or no user input; leverages a link management platform that leverages existing content to seamlessly integrate with the MADGUI ^TM advertising platform; merges attribute-driven content with user-generated content based solely on relevance ; control the digital signage from the MADGUI ^TM smart phone client, so that the user can walk up to the network display and control the display from the MADGUI ^TM smart phone client; compatible with digital signage systems, slot machines, set-top boxes and other such display systems interface; and generate real-time business analytics based on conversions, ratings, indoor positioning, user profiles, and user feedback.

Referring to FIG. 2, an illustrative context-sensitive correlation engine (CARE) platform is shown. The illustrated CARE platform 200 includes a variety of different modules. The first three modules include an indoor positioning engine 202, a content bubble management system 204, and a ranking module 206 called RELEVANCEAGENT.

By way of example, the indoor positioning engine 202 relies on sensor input. This sensor input can come from the user's smartphone or from an independent sensor network. After calculating latitude, longitude, and altitude, these coordinates are overlaid on the map. The indoor positioning engine enables content curators to generate indoor geofences, also known as content bubbles.

In the illustrated embodiment, a content bubble management system (CBMS) associates content with user profiles and appropriate content bubbles 204 . Thus, when an end user understands a content bubble, he or she is automatically provided with a set of content links associated with his or her user profile and location. Content bubbles can overlap and some bubbles can be created for some or all of the title.

The third module is the ranking module 206 . The ranking module illustrated by this example is a "click engine" that ranks content based on its popularity with users of similar demographic profiles. This particular ranking module is called an associated agent. The associated agent ranks and re-ranks content based on user profiles, indoor locations, click-through rates, recommendations, and other user-generated feedback. Generally, the ranking module may operate using more complex algorithms such as those used by search engines or social networks.

Mobile Autonomous Dynamic Graphical User Interface (MADGUI) 208 is a self-administering user interface that detects and responds to changes with little or no user input. MADGUI determines the most relevant content pushed to each user by integrating indoor positioning engine, content bubble management system and RELEVANCEAGENT generation. For example, if a 30-year-old woman enters the content bubble of the women's dressing room, MADGUI ^™ may push a 20% off coupon to entice her to make a purchase.

The MADGUI also allows users to post content within content bubbles and this feature is called bubble posts 210 . The bubble post 210 may be shared by the user's social network or other nearby users. The bubble post supports proximity-based social networking. Depending on security concerns, the bubble post may also be viewed as a highly confidential messaging solution that restricts viewing of bubble posts by only allowing certain users within certain content bubbles to view and interact with the bubble post.

Another product supported by the CARE platform is an interactive digital signage 212 that does not repeat the same content over and over. The CARE platform addresses privacy concerns by enabling users to opt-in to behavioral advertising. Since the CARE platform knows the location of the MADGUI client as well as the location of the digital signage, highly targeted and relevant advertisements are served to the appropriate digital signage that the user opts into. In addition, a unique set of links can be provided to the smartphone so that the end user can control what is viewable on the illustrated HD display of the user's smartphone.

Another product supported by the CARE platform includes game modules 214 . Indoor location information can be integrated in the game, as can relevant advertisements, and relevant user posts can be communicated to the game module. Feedback from the game module can be used to improve the content communicated to the game module. The game module may include a game of chance, a game of skill, or a combination thereof. By way of example and not limitation, an Internet-based gaming module is described in issued US Patent No. 8,403,755, which is hereby incorporated by reference, which may also be integrated with the CARE platform. The CARE platform operates as a player tracking module, it does more than just "track" the in and out of game coins. The CARE platform can also be used to track players' points of interest and preferences so that a personalized and relevant end-user experience can be presented to each player.

The output of the CARE platform may be communicated to a client device 216, which may be a wired client or a wireless client. In one embodiment, responsive input received by client device 216 may be communicated to enterprise CMS 218 and enterprise CRM 220 . The CMS 218 and CRM 220 then analyze the response input and modify content, trigger events, user attributes, user profiles, geo-fences, credit rewards, server status, and other such operational parameters stored on the CARE platform. Additionally, enterprise CMS 218 and CRM 220 are also operatively coupled to big data module 222 for analyzing large aggregates of data sets.

Responsive input received by the client device can also be communicated to the CARE platform and can be used by the ranking module to re-rank content based on end user feedback.

Referring to Figure 3, the context layer of the CARE platform is shown more generally. The CARE platform can operate in a public/private cloud or behind a corporate firewall. The MADGUI client UI is autonomous and self-managing such that links change with little or no user input. The CARE platform can also be interpreted as a series of contextual layers housed in an integrated platform.

The first context layer 302 identifies network objects that will be used to build context awareness. A network object is a client device, which has a specific identity, such as a MACID, and can be identified remotely. In general, a network object can be communicatively coupled to a network, such as the Internet. In some cases, a Web Object is a "beacon" that communicates with a Beacon Identifier, which can then communicate through another Web Object to a server that can authenticate that Web Object. By way of example and not limitation, network objects include sensors, beacons, displays, wireless devices that access a network, gaming machines, game consoles, slot machines, set-top boxes, and other such devices to network devices.

A second contextual layer 304 concerns positioning and is divided into outdoor positioning 304a, layer 2A, and indoor positioning 304b, layer 2B. Outdoor positioning 304a (layer 2A) relies on GPS and A-GPS and typically occurs on the client-side wireless device, such as a smartphone. In general, outdoor positioning includes a navigation module that assists in vehicle navigation.

The indoor positioning 304b includes an indoor positioning engine for determining an indoor location of a wireless device. The indoor positioning engine may include indoor wayfinding. In the illustrated embodiment, the indoor positioning engine includes a sensor network that is used to create reference points similar to RF fingerprints. RF fingerprints are captured by wireless devices and compared to reference points to determine indoor location. RF fingerprinting can be performed using WiFi beacon signals and Bluetooth beacon signatures. The result is a longitude, latitude, and altitude that can be placed on a property map. The sensor network is one type of network object that is extensible and supports the addition of other sensors (such as IR sensors) or other beacons (such as weak WiFi or Bluetooth beacons) to improve indoor accuracy.

The second context layer 304 also supports the generation of geofences. The geofence may be an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence. This geofence or content bubble can be large or small and can be defined by the end user or business customer.

The third context layer 306 applies context to overlay existing content. In layer 3A306a, "content" is created by associating a location with "content", either by geocoding the content or by associating the content with an indoor or outdoor geofence. This content may be retrieved through the use of web crawlers or by accessing content management systems. This content may be collected from social networks. The process of geocoding content or associating content with geofences can be performed manually or can be performed using an automated algorithmic process.

For example, if a content link is generated for the corresponding content, only that content link may be geocoded, and the wireless device may determine from which to grab the content link and render the physically encoded content according to a ranking module also resident on the wireless device The perimeter of the link.

In layer 3B 306b, a context is created by taking the existing content and associating the existing content with a user profile comprising a plurality of user attributes. User attributes may be available through social networking sites or applications where end users choose to share their user attributes. The user attributes may also be selectively obtained through credit schemes, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, electronic wallets, the end user's transaction history, or the end user's own parameters integrated in specific software applications.

When layers 2 and 3 are combined in combination, the result is an automated "check-in" process where the end user has direct access to the content.

In the illustrative embodiment presented herein, the context is defined by incorporating indoor geofences ( ) and content in layer 3A and associating content with user attributes with user profiles in layer 3B is created. Descriptive links can then be served to users in an automated fashion that takes them to the desired content.

The next contextual layer 308, called Layer 4, includes a ranking module, also called RELEVANCEAGENT, which ranks content links based on end-user feedback or feedback from the end-user community. The content links can be ranked based on user profile, indoor location, click-through rate, recommendations (likes, dislikes), and user-generated feedback. A RELEVANCEAGENT may apply a search or ranking algorithm. A RELEVANCE AGENT may also rely on crowd source similar user profiles and locations to determine link popularity. As described in further detail below, a relevance agent (RELEVANCEAGENT) may generate a unique relevance weight value for each content link or content item. In general, the relevance weight value changes as a function of time for a particular set of user attributes.

A fifth contextual layer 310 provides a dynamic portal page, also known as MADGUI or context-aware news feed. Layer 5 is concerned with pushing relevant content links to mobile users with little or no user input. In the illustrated embodiment, the MADGUI is self-managing and changes based on various parameters, such as user profile, location of the wireless device, and real-time content ranking from the module. The MADGUI primarily pushes related content links to end users and may also include search strings to support mobile search based "pull".

The sixth context layer 312 refers to the end user in "active" mode. In layer 5, the end user is in a more "passive" mode and content connections are pushed to the end user. In layer 6, end users actively interact with their wireless devices. Generally, active mode includes typing text into the wireless device by the end user, speaking into the wireless device, or taking a photo with the wireless device. The active user state is called "local interaction". In the illustrative embodiment presented herein, the local interaction includes enabling the end user to select content to publish.

By way of example and not limitation, an end user may decide to "publish" content within a content bubble. In this embodiment, active user controls reside on top of the previous context layer. When the user transitions to active user control, the user can choose to provide feedback and ratings that have been sent to them. Thus, proactive user postings may be used to improve one or more of the aforementioned contextual elements.

Another illustrative example of active user control includes enabling a user to interact with a digital signage from his wireless device, as will be described in further detail below.

The seventh context layer 314 points to analytics. Each context layer has a corresponding analysis that can be combined with one or more layers. For example, indoor location-based conversations can now be monitored. The number of people and user profiles within a specific geofence can now be monitored remotely without a camera. The popularity of content can now be monitored using the correlation weighted values plotted as a function of time. Active user controls can also monitor based on user profile, location and context.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an illustrative cloud-based service including the CARE platform is shown. The illustrated cloud service 410 supports the integration of a variety of different cloud services including the CARE platform 412 . In the illustrated embodiment, the CARE platform integrates a transactional e-wallet platform 414 , a social and advertising network platform 416 . Additionally, the CARE platform 412 is configured to integrate with the illustrated venue-based customer relationship management system 418, which is, by way of example and not limitation, associated with the illustrated casino property's credit program. Additionally, the CARE platform 412 is configured to integrate with an illustrative venue-based content management system (CMS) 420 , which corresponds, by way of example and not limitation, to a mobile CMS that stores mobile content. Additionally, the CARE platform 412 provides a relevant set of content links to the wireless device, which receives responsive input and links (generated by the CARE platform), and takes the user to the mobile content item stored on the CMS 420 . This "content item" refers to the content associated with the content link, which is used as a context-aware news feed or MADGUI.

By way of example and not limitation, BYOD clients 422 include personal computers 424, laptops 426, tablets 428, smart phones 430, digital signage displays 432, such as slot machines. Game consoles 434, wearable computing devices 436 such as Google Glass, and other such network client devices. A BYOD client is operatively coupled to a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, through a wireless connection.

The wireless BYOD client is communicatively coupled to the WAN through a WiFi (or Bluetooth) access point 438 communicatively coupled to an illustrated modem 440 that is communicatively coupled to the WAN. The wireless BYOD device may also be communicatively coupled to the WAN using a proprietary carrier network including the illustrated communication tower 442 .

The illustrated cloud service 410 may implement one of four basic cloud service models, namely Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Network as a Service (NaaS). This cloud service model is deployed using different types of cloud deployments, including public cloud, community cloud, hybrid cloud, and private cloud.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is the most basic cloud service model. IaaS providers provide virtual machines and other resources. Virtual machines, also known as instances, are run by administrators as guests. The administrator's group support system in this cloud operation support system supports a large number of virtual machines and supports the ability to plan service increases or decreases according to customers' changing needs. IaaS clouds typically provide additional resources such as images in virtual machine image libraries, raw (block) and file-based storage, firewalls, compliance balancers, IP addresses, virtual local area networks (VLANs), and software sets. IaaS cloud providers provide these resources on demand from their large pools installed in data centers. For wide-area connections, the Internet or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) enables cloud providers to provide computing platforms that may include operating systems, programming language execution environments, databases, and web servers. Application developers can develop and run their software solutions on PaaS without the expense and complexity of purchasing and managing the underlying hardware and software layers. Using some PaaS solutions, system resources can be automatically allocated to match application requirements, so that end users of the cloud do not need to manually allocate resources.

Software as a Service (SaaS) enables cloud providers to install and operate application software in the cloud. Cloud end users access the software from cloud clients. The cloud end user does not manage the cloud infrastructure and platform on which the application runs. The SaaS application differs from other applications in its scalability. Scalability can be achieved by cloning tasks to multiple virtual machines in real time to meet changing job requirements. A load balancer in a SaaS application distributes work across a set of virtual machines. To accommodate a large number of cloud end users, a cloud application may accommodate multiple tenants and serve more than one cloud end user organization. Some SaaS solutions may be called desktop as a service, business process as a service, test environment as a service, communication as a service, etc.

The fourth category of cloud services is Network as a Service (NaaS), where the capability provided to end users of cloud services is to use network/transport connection services, internal cloud network link services, or a combination thereof. NaaS involves the optimization of network and computing resources by considering them as a unified overall resource allocation and optimization of traditional NaaS services including flexible and extended VPN and bandwidth on demand.

Cloud clients use network client devices to access cloud computing. The cloud clients include, but are not limited to, desktop computers 424 , laptop computers 426 , tablet computers 428 , and smartphones 430 . Some of these cloud clients rely on cloud computing for all or most of their applications, and thus are essentially useless without it. Many cloud applications do not require specific software installed on the client device and instead use a web browser to interact with the cloud application. With Ajax and HTML5, these web UIs can have a similar or even better look and feel to native applications. However, some cloud applications support specific client software specific to those applications.

Different types of cloud deployment models exist for cloud-based services, including public clouds, community clouds, hybrid clouds, and private clouds. In a public cloud, applications, storage, and other resources are made available to the general public by service providers. These services are provided free of charge or on a pay-per-view basis.

Community cloud infrastructure among multiple organizations in a community with a common focus, whether managed internally or by a third party and whether hosted internally or externally; enabling overhead costs to be spread across fewer users than public clouds (but than private clouds).

A private cloud infrastructure is operated solely for a single organization, whether managed internally or by a third party, and whether hosted internally or externally. A private cloud project requires a virtualized business environment, and it requires an organizational reassessment of decisions related to existing resources.

A hybrid cloud is a combination of two or more clouds (private, community or public) that remain distinct entities but are tied together, offering the benefits of multiple deployment models. Hybrid cloud architectures require both on-premises resources and non-local (remote), server-based cloud infrastructure. While hybrid clouds lack the flexibility, security, and shapelessness of on-premise applications, hybrid clouds provide the flexibility of on-premise applications using the fault tolerance and scalability of cloud-based services.

Referring to FIG. 5 , electrical components of a wireless device 500 are shown for illustration. For purposes of this patent, the illustrated wireless device 500 is a multimode wireless device that includes a first antenna element 502 operatively coupled to a duplexer 504 that is operatively coupled to a multimode transmitter module 506 and a multimode receive module 506. module 508.

The illustrated control module 518 includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 512 , a processor 514 and a codec (CODEC) 516 communicatively coupled to the transmitter 506 and receiver 508 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the transmitter module and receiver module are typically paired and may be implemented as one transmitter receiver. An illustrated transmitter 506 , receiver 508 or transmit-receiver is communicatively coupled to antenna element 502 .

DSP 512 may be configured to perform a number of operations, such as controlling antenna 502 , multi-mode transmitter module 506 , and multi-mode receiver module 508 . Processor 514 is operatively coupled to a responsive input sensor 520, such as a keyboard or touch screen. In operation, the responsive input sensor 520 receives responsive input after the illustrated dynamic portal or context sensitive news feed is provided to the end user.

The processor 514 is also operatively coupled to a memory 522 , a display 524 , and a sensor 526 . Sensors 526 may be used to determine indoor and outdoor locations of the illustrated wireless devices.

Additionally, the processor 512 is operatively coupled to a codec (CODEC) module 516 that performs encoding and decoding operations and is communicatively coupled to a speaker 526 and a microphone 528 . A codec (CODEC) module 516 is also communicatively coupled to a display 524 and provides encoding and decoding operations for video.

Memory 522 includes two different types of memory, volatile memory 523 and non-volatile memory 525 . Volatile memory 523 is computer memory that requires power to retain stored information, such as random access memory (RAM). Non-volatile memory 525 can retain stored information even when wireless communication device 500 is not powered on. Some illustrative embodiments of non-volatile memory 525 include flash memory, ROM memory, and hard drive memory.

The wireless device 500 may be a mobile handset, cell phone, cordless phone, portable handset, cellular phone, portable phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, portable media device, wearable computer such as Google Glass, or regularly carried by an end user and Any type of mobile terminal having all the necessary elements for operation in a wireless communication system. The wireless communication includes, by way of example and not limitation, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, UMTS or any other communication system such as Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), WiFi or WiMAX.

Referring to FIG. 6 , there is shown a plurality of sensors 600 that may be used to receive responsive input communicated to the CARE platform. In addition, the sensor 600 can also be used to assist in determining the indoor or outdoor location of the wireless device. The sensors may be integrated with wireless devices 500, digital signage 432, gaming machines 434, set top boxes 1002, gaming consoles 1002, wired devices such as PCs 424, and other such devices including networkable memory and processors.

Generally, the touch screen 602 is used to receive responsive input; however, the touch screen can also be used to indicate a location if a map enabling the end user to provide a particular indoor location is provided to the end user.

In general, the eye-tracking module 604 can also be used to receive responsive input, however, the eye-tracking module can also be used to track the end-user's eye movements to determine the end-user's points of interest to help develop a user profile. The eye-tracking module can be associated with a wireless device such as Google Glass.

In general, an infrared (IR) camera 606 may be used to receive responsive input such as gestures. This IR camera can also record the background used to determine indoor or outdoor location. The IR camera can be associated with a device such as the KINECT of the XBOX.

In general, the RGB camera 608 may be used to receive responsive input, such as monitoring the end user's facial expression or the end user's age. RGB cameras can also record backgrounds that can be used to determine indoor or outdoor locations. An RGB camera may be associated with a device such as the XBOX's KINECT.

In general, the navigation keys 610 and buttons 612 are used to receive responsive inputs, which can also be used to determine indoor and outdoor locations accordingly.

Generally, a near field communication (NFC) device 614 is used for contactless payment systems. Thus, the completion of a transaction may be limited to responding to an input and the transaction may result in the determination of a particular indoor or outdoor location.

In general, a Bluetooth module 616 that can support Bluetooth versions 1, 2, 3, 4, and other future versions can be used to determine indoor location. For example, the iPhone 4S and 5 use Bluetooth to determine indoor location. In some cases, the Bluetooth standard can also be used to receive responsive input.

In general, a proximity sensor 618 is associated with a wireless device and is used to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Therefore, proximity sensors are generally used to receive responsive input.

Microphone 20 may be used to determine location by receiving high frequency sounds that are inaudible to the human ear and communicating these high frequency sounds to a location server which then determines the particular location of the illustrated wireless device. Microphone 620 may also be used to receive voice commands that provide responsive input.

The RFID module 622 may be used to communicate a specific location or indicate a corresponding input, such as checking in with an employee badge with an RFID tag.

Assisted GPS module 624 (A-GPS) is generally used to provide location; however, in some cases it will generate responsive input whenever the end user crosses the perimeter of the geofence.

An ambient light sensor 626 or photosensor detects a change in light, and a change in light can generally be associated with a response input. A temperature sensor 628 detects temperature, which may generally be associated with a response input. The pressure sensor 634 detects pressure and is generally associated with a corresponding input, eg a change in pressure may indicate a change in weather which may result in a context sensitive news feed being modified.

The gyroscope module 630 may be used for motion sensing to aid in determining position. Additionally, the gyroscope module can be used to receive responsive input, for example, by shaking the wireless device.

The GPS module 632 is generally used to provide location; however, in some cases it will generate responsive input whenever the user crosses the perimeter of the geofence.

Accelerometer module 636 and compass 644 may be used for motion detection to aid in determining position. Additionally, an accelerometer module or a compass can be used alone to determine position. Along with gyroscope module 630, accelerometer module 636 and compass 644 may be used to determine position. In addition, the gyroscope module 630, the accelerometer module 636, the compass 644, and any combination thereof may be used to receive responsive input, such as indicating that the wireless device is in a particular orientation.

The WiFi module 638 can be used to link with access points and can also be used to detect different SSIDs and beacon signal strengths, which can be used to determine indoor location as described herein. Also, if a geofence is entered, the trigger event can be a response input.

A barcode 640 module and a QR code 642 module can be used to determine location, to provide responsive input, or a combination of both.

Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary system is shown in which the CARE platform transmits dynamic portal content to an exemplary wireless device and enables the wireless device to control a display. The illustrated system 700 provides a link to content or a related collection of content, such as an advertisement, to a wireless device 702 via a server 704 . Server 704 is configured to run a variety of different modules that perform context layer operations corresponding to those described above for FIG. 3 and FIGS. 11-49 .

The wireless device 702 communicates wirelessly with the network and is configured to run a web browser or download a software application module, ie a mobile APP. A server 704 is communicatively coupled to the wireless device over a network and the wireless device or web browser is authenticated by the server. In addition, server 704 is communicatively coupled to and enables the wireless device to control display 706, as described in patent applications 13/251,699 and 13/252,716, both titled Interactive Display Systems, and incorporated by reference at this.

In the illustrated embodiment presented in FIG. 7, MADGUI is generated by an illustrated server 704, which performs tasks including network object recognition, indoor positioning, associating content with location, associating content with user profile, ranking content, Operation of context layers 1-7 that provide MADGUI, receive active user control, and generate analytics.

The illustrated wireless device 702 performs more limited operations, namely, network object recognition, outdoor positioning, and providing active user control.

In this embodiment, server 704 includes a location module associated with context layer 2B of the CARE platform. A location module associated with the server is configured to determine a location of the wireless device or web browser.

A user profile module associated with server 704 includes at least user attributes associated with a wireless device or a web browser. The user profile module is referenced in context layer 3B.

A content module associated with server 704 is configured to communicate at least one content link associated with the content item. In the illustrated embodiment, content is associated with a location through a location-based content management module corresponding to context layer 3A.

A ranked content module associated with server 704 ranks each content link based on the location of the wireless device and the user profile. The ranked content module is associated with contextual layer 4. The ranking content module can also rank each content link based on the location of the web browser and the user profile associated with the web browser.

A content transfer module, corresponding to the context layer 5, transfers the ranked content links to a web browser or software application module associated with the wireless device. The wireless device display presents ranked content links, also known as MADGUI. In one embodiment, the illustrated wireless device 702 presents the ranked content links as a web page on a web browser.

Responsive input received by the wireless device corresponding to one of the content links is communicated to the server 704 . In an embodiment of a web browser, access to a corresponding content item is provided in response to the input. In an embodiment of the software application module, the server communicates the content item corresponding to the content link to the software application module.

A method for providing related content is also described. The method includes enabling wireless device 702 to communicate wirelessly with a network. The wireless device 702 is configured to run a software application module, a web browser, or a combination thereof. The wireless device is communicatively coupled to at least one server over a network, wherein the server authenticates at least one of the wireless device and the web browser. The method then proceeds to determine the location of the wireless device using a positioning module associated with a map server (not shown). A user profile is associated with at least one of the wireless device and the web browser, wherein a plurality of user profiles are stored in the user profile module and each user profile includes at least user attributes. The method enables a content module to communicate at least one content link describing a content item. The method also ranks each content link based on the location of the wireless device and the user profile. The ranked content links are transmitted to at least one of a software application module and a web browser. Ranked content links are displayed on the wireless device. The method then proceeds to receiving at the wireless device a responsive input corresponding to one of the content links, wherein the responsive input received by at least one of the software application module and the web browser provides access to the corresponding content item.

In one illustrative embodiment, a location module may determine an indoor location of a wireless device. The ranking module can rank each content link based on the indoor location of the wireless device. The content transmission module transmits the ranked content links to the wireless device as a plurality of content links that automatically change based on the indoor location of the wireless device.

In another illustrative embodiment, the ranking module ranks each content link based on a user profile of the wireless device. The content transmission module transmits the ranked content links to the display as a plurality of content links that automatically change based on a user profile associated with the wireless device.

In another illustrative embodiment, the responsive input is received by the user profile module and the user attributes are updated based on the responsive input, and the ranking module adjusts the ranking of each content link based on the responsive input. Additionally, the content transmission module transmits the ranked content links to the display as a plurality of content links that automatically change based on the responsive input.

In a further illustrated embodiment, the server is configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless devices and each wireless device has a corresponding user profile such that when multiple response inputs are generated by the plurality of wireless devices, the user profile module can updating user attributes for each user profile in response to the received input, and the ranking module adjusts the ranking of each content link based on the responsive input from the plurality of wireless devices, and the content transmission module transmits the ranked content link to the display as Multiple content links that automatically change based on responsive input from multiple wireless devices.

In another illustrative embodiment, a software application module includes a news feed that receives a plurality of content links that change based on the location of the wireless device and a user profile associated with the wireless device.

In a further illustrated embodiment, the content item provided to the wireless device upon receipt of a response input includes a plurality of secondary content links that do not change based on the location of the wireless device, but instead are based on a relationship with the wireless device. associated user profile changes.

Referring to FIG. 8, an illustrative system is shown in which a wireless client device generates a dynamic entry. The illustrated system 800 includes a server 802 that communicates geocoded content items, content links, or both to a wireless device 804 . In addition, server 802 performs network object recognition of all wireless devices so that the server can update each wireless device with geocoded content. In the illustrated embodiment, the server 802 ranks the geocoded content based on a restricted set of attributes associated with the user profile. Server 802 continues the analysis to track advertisements communicated to wireless handsets.

In the illustrated system 800, a client device drives the development of a MADGUI narrative. The wireless device effectively performs most of the operations of the context layer, except layer 3A where the geocoded content is centralized at server 802 . More specifically, client device 802 performs network object recognition, outdoor positioning using GPS, and indoor positioning using sensors integrated in the wireless device and map data stored on the wireless device. In addition, the client server 802 itself stores user profile modules and ranks geocoded content based on parameters such as breaking geofences and user attributes corresponding to user profile modules. The resulting MADGUI is presented on the wireless device and the active user control enables the wireless device to receive and track responsive inputs in order to create analytics and can further be used to update the user profile.

In addition, server 802 is communicatively coupled to and enables wireless devices to control display 806 as described in patent applications 13/251,699 and 13/251,716, both of which are the subject of interactive display systems and are incorporated herein by reference .

In another illustrative embodiment of the client-driven storytelling shown in FIG. 8, a server 802 is communicatively coupled to a wireless device 804 over a network and the wireless device or web browser is authenticated by the server. A location module integrated with the wireless device determines the location of the wireless device or web browser. A user profile module integrated with a wireless device may include at least one user attribute associated with each particular user. The user profile may also include at least one user attribute associated with the wireless device or web browser. A content module stored on the wireless device provides at least one content link associated with the content item. The ranked content module integrated with the wireless device ranks each content link based on the wireless device's location and user profile. In addition, the rank content module can rank each content link based on the user profile and the location of the web browser. A content delivery module integrated with the wireless device transmits the ranked content links to a software application module or web browser. The wireless device display presents the ranked content links in a software application module or as a web page in a web browser. Responsive input received by the wireless device corresponding to one of the content links results in a corresponding content item in the display. The server periodically updates the software application module or the web browser using an updated positioning module, an updated content module, an updated user profile module, an updated ranking module, or any combination thereof.

In one illustrative embodiment, a location module may determine an indoor location of a wireless device. The ranking module can rank each content link based on the indoor location of the wireless device. The content transmission module transmits the ranked content links to the wireless device as a plurality of content links that automatically change based on the wireless device's indoor location.

In another illustrative embodiment, the ranking module ranks each content link based on a user profile of the wireless device. The content transmission module transmits the ranked content links to the display as a plurality of content links that automatically change based on a user profile with the wireless device.

In another illustrative embodiment, the responsive input is received by the user profile module and updates the user attributes based on the responsive input, and the ranking module adjusts the ranking of each content link based on the responsive input. Additionally, the content transmission module transmits the ranked content links to the display as a plurality of content links that automatically change based on the responsive input.

In a further illustrative embodiment, the server is configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless devices and each wireless device has a corresponding user profile such that when multiple response inputs are generated by the plurality of wireless devices, the The received response input is used to update the user attributes of each user profile, and the ranking module ranks each content link based on the response input from the plurality of wireless devices, and the content transmission module transmits the ranked content link to the display as multiple content links that change autonomously in response to input from a wireless device.

In another illustrative embodiment, a software application module includes receiving a news feed of a plurality of content links that change based on a location of the wireless device and a user profile associated with the wireless device.

In a further illustrative embodiment, the content item provided to the wireless device upon receipt of a responsive input includes a plurality of secondary content links that do not change based on the location of the wireless device, but instead are based on a connection with the wireless It is voluntarily changed by the user profile related to the device.

Referring to FIG. 9 , an exemplary system 900 is shown in which an exemplary gaming machine and digital signage generates a dynamic MADGUI entry and communicates the MADGUI to a server, which then communicates the MADGUI to the wireless device.

As shown in FIG. 9, the illustrated gaming machine 902 supports picture-in-picture (PIP) technology, enabling the gaming machine or kiosk to perform as a digital signage. The gaming machine 902 is also communicatively coupled to a casino credit program having an extended user profile including a plurality of user attributes. The illustrative gaming machine 902 also includes a transaction component that allows the gaming machine to perform transactions. The illustrated gaming machine is configured to run a downloadable software application module for the digital signage and a web browser for the digital signage.

The gaming machine 902 performs a variety of operations including network object recognition, assisting in determining indoor location, accessing user profiles, ranking content based on location and user profile, generating illustrated MADGUI content links, providing active user control, and generating analytics.

In system 900, the illustrated gaming machine 902 generates a dynamic MADGUI entry and communicates the MADGUI to a server 904, which continues to add additional content to the MADGUI. By way of example and not limitation, the additional content introduced by the server 904 may be associated with protecting user privacy and thus the server 904 may provide anonymous services, such as anonymously responding to ranked content links communicated by the wireless device. In addition, the server 904 can provide additional services that end users want to integrate in their MADGUI feeds, such as received emails, social network notifications, RSS feeds, and other services that end users want to integrate with the MADGUI feeds generated by the gaming machine 902 such content.

As another alternative, gaming machine 902 may bypass server 904 and communicate directly with wireless device 906 .

The wireless device 906 operates as a thin client and performs limited operations, such as providing location information and presenting an interface for active user control to the user.

In another embodiment, the gaming machine 902 is a slot machine, wherein the slot machine can run a slot machine downloadable software application module, a slot machine ) web browser or both. Responsive input received by the wireless device corresponding to one of the webpage links may display the corresponding content item on the wireless device, the slot machine display, or both. Additionally, the server 904 periodically updates the wireless device and the slot machine with at least one of an updated location module, an updated content module, an updated user profile module, and an updated ranking module.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an illustrative interactive display system 1000 is shown in which a server generates a dynamic MADGUI entry and communicates the MADGUI to a user device and a display operatively coupled to a display control module. The display control module is configured to communicate with a network and the display control module is configured to receive at least one of a downloadable software application module and a web browser. Illustrative display control modules 1002 include, but are not limited to, set-top boxes, personal computers, and game consoles.

Server 1004 is communicatively coupled to wireless device 1006 and display control module 1002 over a network. Server 1004 authenticates wireless device 1006 and display control module 1002 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the MADGUI is generated by the illustrated server 1004, which performs context layer 1-7 operations, including network object recognition, indoor positioning, associating content with location, associating content with user profile, Rank content, provide MADGUI, receive active user controls and generate analytics.

In one embodiment, the server 1004 is configured to perform operations including assisting in determining an indoor location of a wireless device, accessing a user profile corresponding to the wireless device, linking ranked content based on the location of the wireless device and the user profile, and linking the ranked content Provided to the wireless device and display control module.

The wireless device 1006 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the network and the wireless device is configured to receive at least one of a wireless device downloadable software module and a wireless device web browser. This example illustrates wireless device 1006 performing more limited operations, namely network object recognition, outdoor positioning, indoor positioning, and providing active user control.

In an illustrated embodiment, the wireless device is configured to provide a user interface configured to receive a response input to a ranked content link presented on the wireless device, wherein the response input is communicated to the display control module and generates a display control module that is provided to the display. content item.

The display control module 1002 also performs limited operations, namely network object recognition, accessing user profiles, presenting dynamic portal content, and providing active user controls.

For example, interactive program guides may be generated by display control module 1002 presented on display 1008 . The same or a substantially similar interactive program guide may also be presented on the wireless telephone 1006.

In another embodiment, the set-top box is communicatively coupled to a display, such as a television. The set top box is communicatively coupled to the network and runs a set top box downloadable software application module, a set top box web browser, or both. Responsive input received by the wireless device corresponding to one of the content links results in display of the corresponding content item on the wireless device, a set-top box display communicatively coupled to the set-top box, or both. The server periodically updates the wireless device and the set-top box with at least one of an updated location module, an updated content module, an updated user profile module, and an updated ranking module.

Referring now to Figures 11 to 49, more specific details of an embodiment of the system 700 set forth above in Figure 7 are shown. Both structural and functional elements of the components and modules presented in FIGS. 11 to 49 can be adapted to the alternative systems presented in FIGS. 8 , 9 and 10 . Accordingly, those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure can apply the detailed description provided in FIGS. 11 to 49 to the alternative systems presented in FIGS. 8 , 9 and 10 .

Referring now to FIG. 11A , a block diagram of a targeted content delivery system exemplified in accordance with a first embodiment 1100 is shown. The wireless device 1102 receives the content sent by the data processing module 1104 through the network 1106 . The content is stored in the data storage module 1108 . The content management interface 1110 allows content administrators to create content and content associations to define how content will be targeted for delivery.

The wireless device 1102 may be a mobile handset, cell phone, cordless phone, portable handset, cellular phone, cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, portable media device, or other device that is regularly carried by a user and has the necessary information to operate in a wireless communication system. Any type of mobile terminal with all components. The wireless communication includes, by way of example and not limitation, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM or UMTS or any other wireless communication system, such as Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), WiFi or WiMAX. The wireless device includes a device content interface 1112 . The device context interface is a graphical user interface that displays content on a display of the wireless device. The device content interface may also be configured to receive user input, such as feedback associated with displayed content and user-created content. The device context interface may be an application program running on the wireless device processor. In another embodiment, the device content interface is accessed over the network 106, for example, using an Internet browser application running on the wireless device processor.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 1102 includes a user profile interface 1114 . The user profile interface allows a user of the wireless device to enter user profile information including one or more user attributes. The user profile interface and content interface may be components of a single application or may be separate applications.

The wireless device 1102 is capable of running a downloadable mobile application 1130, a web browser 1132, or a combination thereof. Web browser 1132 may operate using a virtual machine and may substantially rely on content stored on the network. A downloadable mobile application may rely substantially less on content stored on a network and substantially more on content stored on a wireless device. Note that the features of web browser 1132 and mobile application 1130 depend on the particular type of mobile browser and mobile application.

Network 1106 may be a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), or any other network that facilitates communication between computers and wireless communication devices.

Content management interface 1110 is an application used by content managers to manage content. Typically, a content curator joins a venue or service for which content is generated. In some embodiments, the content management interface application runs on a processor of a computer or other computing device located at or joined to the venue. The content management interface application may also run on a computer or other computing device that is remote from the site and accessible through the network 1106, such as through an Internet browser. Content items generated using the content management interface are stored in memory. Typically, content items are stored in data storage module 1108 . In some embodiments, content management interface 1110 and content data storage module 1108 reside on a single computing device, in which case communication over network 1106 is not required for the content management interface and content database.

The content management interface 1110 includes a content module 1116 . The content association module allows content managers to generate content items and define relationships between content items and various parameters. For example, a content association module can be used to create relationships between content items and user attributes defined in a user profile. 12 and 13 show an illustrative content item editor interface and content association interface, respectively, of a content module.

The content management interface 1110 may further include a location module 1118 . The location module of the content interface allows the content manager to indicate the information needed to determine the location of the wireless device. For example, the location module may be a geographic information system (GIS) interface that allows content managers to indicate geofences for a map of venues. In one embodiment, the location module is a GIS interface that allows content managers to indicate the location of web objects, such as WiFi beacons, relative to a venue map. In another embodiment, the location module is a GIS interface that allows content managers to indicate the location of WiFi beacons and WiFi sensors relative to a map of the venue. The location of the wireless device relative to the venue may be determined based on the known location of the beacon indicated using the GIS interface and information received by the wireless device derived from the beacon signal. Figure 14 shows an illustrative location interface of the location module.

The content management interface may further include a geofencing module 1120 . The geofence module allows a content manager to indicate the location of a geofence relative to a map, such as a map of a venue. A geofence, also known as a "content bubble," is a virtual geographic boundary that describes a geographic area. The Geofence creation interface of the Geofence module example illustration is shown in Figure 6. In some embodiments, a content manager uses a content management module to create associations between content items and geofences. An exemplary geofence content association of the geofence module is shown in FIG. 17 . The location determination module 1126 uses information sent from the wireless device 1102 to determine the address of the wireless device. In some embodiments, if the wireless device is located within a geofence, the content transmission module 1124 transmits content associated with the geofence to the wireless device 1102 .

The content management interface may further include a correlation module 1122 . In some embodiments, a relevant weighting value is related to a content item. Relevant weighting values may be adjusted based on the user's response to the content item, eg, feedback provided on the content item, selection of the content item, or lack of response to the content item. The correlation module allows the content manager to adjust parameters that affect how the correlation weighting values are adjusted. Typically, the correlation module allows the content manager to enter or change the weight to increase or decrease the number point value in response to user behavior. An illustrative correlation interface for the correlation or ranking module is shown in FIG. 29 .

The data storage module 1108 stores content items and information for targeted delivery of the content items. The data storage module may store, for example, user profile data, map data, geofence definition data, locations of web objects, relevancy weights, and associations between content items and parameters for content targeting. In the illustrated embodiment, data storage module 1108 includes one or more databases communicatively coupled to network 1106 .

Data processing module 1104 includes one or more applications for targeted delivery of content. In some embodiments, the data processing module 1104 runs on a processor of a server or other computing device communicatively coupled to the network 1106 .

The content transmission module 1124 of the data processing module 1104 determines one or more content items to transmit to the wireless device 1102 . In some embodiments, content is targeted based on one or more of user profile, location, time, date, and relevance weighting. The content transmission module may periodically transmit the content to the wireless device, such as at one second intervals to one minute intervals, for example at 5 second intervals. Alternatively or in addition, the content transfer module 1124 may transmit the content item to the wireless device when the device content interface 1112 is initialized, or may respond to a request via device content when the determined location of the wireless device is updated by the location determination module 1126. A request for content set by the interface 1112 .

The location determining module 1126 of the data processing module 1104 determines the location of the wireless device based on information received from or associated with the wireless device 1102 . The location determination module can further determine whether the wireless device is located within the geofence. The determined locations may be used by the content transfer module 1124 to determine which content items to send to the wireless device 1102 .

In some embodiments, a wireless device sends location messages that include signal strength, such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSi), and identification, such as a media access control address (MAC address) for each beacon signal that detected the device. The beacon is any device communicatively coupled to a network and capable of transmitting a signal that can be received by wireless devices using WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless standards such as access points or femtocells. The location determining module 1126 uses the information in the location message to determine the location of the wireless device based on the known locations of the beacons. In other embodiments, the location message includes location information, such as zip code, city, global positioning system (GPS), or other geographic coordinates. In a further alternative embodiment, the user indicates the location of the wireless device, for example, by using the wireless device to capture an image of the environment or a code such as a QR code. The image is compared to a database of images to determine the location of the device. The user may alternatively select the location indicator from a menu displayed by the wireless device. It will be appreciated that other methods may be used to communicate information related to the location of the wireless device.

The wireless device may send location messages at predetermined intervals, such as one-second intervals to one-minute intervals, for example, 5-second intervals. The content transmission module 1124 may transmit new content item data each time a location message is received. In this way, the content item data displayed on the wireless device is updated as the user's location changes, so that some or all of the content item data displayed to the user is associated with the user's location. In some embodiments, the content item data is not updated until the content item has been displayed on the device within a predetermined period of time.

In an alternative embodiment, the remote server may interpret the location message to determine whether the wireless device is within a predetermined distance of the access point. The distance between the access point and the wireless device can be determined based on a threshold signal strength. When the signal strength exceeds a predetermined threshold, the remote server transmits at least one content item associated with the location indicated by the signal identifier of the access point.

The correlation and analysis module 1128 of the data processing module 1104 adjusts the relevance weighting value associated with the content item based on the user's response to the content item. The correlation and analysis module may further record changes in correlation weighting values of content items related to one or more parameters such as time, location, and user profile information allowing analysis of user responses to content items.

Referring now to FIG. 11B , there is shown a block diagram of a targeted content delivery system 1150 , illustrated in accordance with a second embodiment. In a second embodiment, the local data storage module 1152 and the local data processing module 1154 are communicatively coupled to the content management interface 1110 . For example, a local server may include memory for local data storage that is communicatively coupled to the processor for application of the local data processing module and content management interface. In other embodiments, the content management interface, local data processing module, and local data storage module are located on one or more computing devices communicatively coupled by a network, such as a local area network. In some embodiments, a local server or local area network is located behind firewall 1156 . "Local" as used herein indicates a relationship to a particular venue or service.

Remote data storage may be used in addition to or instead of local data storage 1152 . Remote data processing module 1160 may be used in addition to or instead of remote data processing. Local data storage module 1152 and remote data storage module 1158 perform one or more of the functions of data storage module 1108 described with reference to FIG. 11A . Similarly, the local data processing module 1154 and the remote processing module 160 perform one or more of the functions of the data processing module 1104 described with reference to FIG. 11A . In one embodiment, when the local data processing module 1154 is overloaded, the remote data processing module 160 is used for overflow data processing.

In some embodiments, the local data storage module 1152 and the local data processing module 1154 are communicatively coupled to an anonymous server. Data sent by the local data storage module and the local data processing module pass through the anonymous server on the way to the network 1106 . Similarly, the remote data storage module 1158 and the remote data processing module 1160 may be communicatively coupled to an anonymous server. Data sent by the remote data storage module and the remote data processing module passes through the anonymous server on its way to the network 1106 .

Referring to FIG. 12 , an illustrative content item editor of a content management interface is shown. The content item editor is a graphical user interface that allows content managers to create and edit content items. A content item is information that is sent to a wireless device and displayed on the device's display. The content item can be, for example, text, video, audio, one or more images, a menu, an application, a link to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), a link to another content item, or to be displayed near the wireless device information on the display. The content item editor includes a content item description input field 1202 . In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 12, the content manager has entered a description of the content item "10% off ski equipment".

In some embodiments, a parent content item may be linked to one or more child content items. When a parent content item is selected from the wireless device content interface, the parent content item's child content items may be displayed. In the illustrated content editor, the content item "Sports Store Sale" has been selected from the pull-down menu 1204 as the parent content item of the content item "10% Off Ski Gear".

A content item type may be specified as indicated by drop-down menu 1206 . In the illustrated example, the content item type "text" has been selected for the content item "10% off ski equipment". The text "Today's Deals at the Sports Store" has been entered in the content item text entry box 1208 . This is the text that will be displayed on the device's content interface when the content item "Sports Merchandise Deals" is sent to the wireless device. In other embodiments, the text in the content item description is used as the content item text. The content item file text box 1210, browse button 1212, and content item URL input box 1214 are displayed in gray text to indicate that these input fields are not available when the selected content item type is "text". When the content item type selected in the content item type drop-down menu 1206 is "display", a file to be displayed on the display can be selected for upload using the browse button 1212. Similarly, when the content item type is "image/audio/video," a file to be displayed on the display can be selected for upload using the browse button 1212 . The file name of the selected file is displayed in the content item file text box 1210 . When the content item type is 'URL', the URL may be input in the content item URL input box 1214 .

When the content manager has finished entering a content item entry, the content manager may select the save changes button 1216 to record the entry. If the content item is new, the new content item will be stored in memory. In some embodiments, new entries are created in one or more database tables in data store 1108 , local data store 1152 , and remote data store 1158 . If a content item has changed, the database table is updated to reflect the change.

Referring now to FIG. 13 , an illustrative content association interface 1300 is shown. The content association interface is a graphical user interface for creating associations between content items and one or more parameters, such as time, user attributes, and relative weighting values. "Association" means a link between data stored in computer memory. Typically, this relationship exists in a database table. For example, when a content item is associated with a user attribute, an entry may be created in a database table including fields for user identification and user attribute identification. Content items sent to the wireless device may be filtered based on content associations such that content items displayed on the device are directed to the user of the wireless device. For example, when an association between a content item and a user attribute has been established, the content item may be transmitted to the wireless device of the user described by the user attribute. The user attributes are user-related information provided by the user (eg, via user profile interface 1114 ) or collected about the user.

In the illustrative content item editor shown in FIG. 13, the content manager creates associations between content items and user attributes. To create an association between a content item and a user attribute, the content manager selects a content item, a user attribute type, and a user attribute value. In some embodiments, content associations may be created by selecting content items and user attribute values. The content curator has selected the content item "10% off ski gear" from the content item drop down menu 1302 . The user attribute category "sports" has been selected from the pull-down menu 1304 . Drop-down menu 1306 may be populated with user attribute values associated with the user attribute category selected from drop-down menu 1304 . When the attribute category "sports" is selected from the user attribute category drop-down menu, the user attribute value drop-down menu is populated with user attribute values describing different sports. The content manager has selected the user attribute value "skiing" from the user attribute value drop-down menu 1306 .

If the content curator does not wish to create associations between content items and user attributes, the content curator can use the content association interface to instruct the content not to be filtered by user attributes. For example, the content manager may select "do not use user attribute filter" from the user attribute category drop-down menu 1304.

The content association interface may allow content managers to associate time with content items. The time may be a time, date, time range, date range, day of the week, or other indication of time. In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 13 , the content manager has selected "Do not use time filter" from the time drop-down menu 1308 . When a time option other than "do not use event filter" is selected, an association is created between the content item and the time selection. In this way, content items sent to wireless devices can be filtered based on time. For example, if a time range of "eight am to noon" has been selected, the content item may only be sent to the wireless device during the indicated time range.

In some embodiments, when an association between a content item and a user attribute value is created, a correlation weighting value may be applied to the association. Typically, when a content association with an associated weight value is created, an entry is made in a database table that includes fields for content identification, user attribute identification, and an associated weight value. An illustrative database table in which associations between content items and user attributes are established is shown in FIG. 33 . Similarly, when an association between a content item and a time is created, a relevant weighting value may be applied to the association. A correlation weight value of 90 has been entered in the correlation weight value input box 1310 . In some embodiments, only content items whose correlation weight exceeds a preset value are sent to the wireless device. Relevance weighting values may be adjusted by the correlation and analysis module 1128 based on the user's response to the content item.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , an illustrative location interface 1400 is shown. A content manager may use a GIS interface to indicate the location of venue map 1402 relative to street map 1404 . The magnification bar 1406 allows the magnification of the street map 1404 to be adjusted to an appropriate scale for laying out the venue map. Magnification bar 1406 includes increase magnification indicator 1408 , decrease magnification indicator 1410 , and slide magnification control 1412 . The content manager can slide the slide magnification control 1412 in the direction of increasing magnification indicator 1408 to increase the magnification of the map and can slide the slide magnification control 1412 in the direction of decreasing magnification indicator 1410 to decrease the magnification of the map. To change the location of street map 1404 within map window 1414, navigation controls 1416 are used. Navigation controls 1416 include up arrow, down arrow, left arrow, and right arrow. To move the street map in the desired direction, select the arrow pointing in the desired direction. Navigation may be accomplished in addition or alternatively to mouse clicks on the street map 1404, pressing the mouse down and moving the mouse to slide the map in the desired direction. It will be appreciated that other methods for adjusting the street map magnification and position of the street map within the map window may be used.

To indicate the location of the venue, the venue map image 1402 may be placed on and positioned relative to the street map. The content manager selects a map image file to insert on the street map. For example, a content manager may select the browse button 1420 to open a dialog box that allows the content manager to select a map image file from a file directory. When an image file has been selected, the name of the image file may be displayed in a text box shown at 1422 . The content manager can then upload the selected map, for example, by selecting upload map button 1418 . After the map is uploaded, it appears within map window 1414. The venue map image 1402 can be resized and rotated using mouse controls or other interface controls. The content manager places the venue map image 1402 at the appropriate location relative to the street map 1404 . For example, the content manager can place the site map image by mouse clicking on the site map image, holding down the mouse button, and dragging the site map image to a desired location. It will be appreciated that other methods for selecting a map image and placing the image at the desired location on the street map may be used. The location of the venue map 1402 is stored in computer memory. For example, a set of coordinates representing the latitude and longitude of the corners of the site map may be obtained from the placement of the site map relative to the street map. The set of coordinates may be stored in a database table, such as the database table of data storage module 1108 . The magnification and location of street map 1404 within map window 1414 may also be stored in computer memory to allow the view shown in map window 1414 to be reproduced at a later time. Image files or character strings representing paths to image files may also be stored in computer memory.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of a GIS interface, geographic coordinates (eg, latitude and longitude) or other location information defining the boundaries of the venue are entered in text prompts and stored in computer memory.

Referring to FIG. 15 , an illustrative web object placement interface 1500 is shown. The web object placement interface allows content managers to place web object icons on the site map to indicate the location of the web object on the site. Network objects that can be placed on this map include beacons and sensors. In some embodiments, sensors capable of detecting beacon signals are used by the location determination module to determine the location of the wireless device. When the beacon icon 1506 is selected, the beacon icon appears in the map window 1504 . The beacon icon can then be placed at a location on the venue map that corresponds to the beacon's location on the physical venue, and the content manager then drags the beacon icon to the desired location on the business venue map 1502 . For example, a beacon icon can be dragged with a mouse to a location on a site map. It will be appreciated that an alternative interface tool may be used to indicate the location of a beacon on a venue by placing a beacon icon on the venue map. In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 15 , the interface has been used to place beacons 1510 , 1512 , 1514 , and 1516 on venue map 1502 . To add a beacon icon to the venue map, the content manager selects the sensor icon 1508 and moves the sensor icon to that location on the venue map 1502 that corresponds to the sensor's location on the venue. It will be appreciated that a variety of other methods for indicating the location of web objects on the venue map may be used. The geographic coordinates of network objects placed on the site map may be stored in computer memory, for example, in data storage module 1108 .

In some embodiments, the interface allows a content manager to assign an identifier to each web object placed on a venue map using the interface. The network object identifier is stored in association with the location of the network object.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of a GIS interface, geographic coordinates or other location information defining the location of the network object is entered in a text prompt and stored in computer memory.

In another embodiment, a local positioning system is used instead of a geographic positioning system, and storage location coordinates, geo-fences, site maps, virtual reference points, displays, and other system components of network objects are defined with respect to an arbitrary point on a site.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , an illustrative geofence creation interface 1600 is shown. Shape mapping tools allow content managers to define various shapes of geofences associated with the venue map. When a wireless device location is determined to be within one of the geofences, content associated with that geofence is sent to the wireless device to define a content bubble. A content manager may create a rectangular geofence by selecting a rectangular geofence shape 1606 . A rectangular geofence appears on the site map 1602 when the rectangular geofence shape is selected. This rectangular geofence shape can be resized and repositioned as needed. Similarly, a content manager can create a polygonal geofence by selecting the polygonal geofence shape 1604 and a content manager can create a circular geofence by selecting the circular geofence shape 1606 . The content manager may be prompted to enter a geofence identifier in text entry box 1612 when a geofence shape is selected. After the geofence has been sized and positioned as desired, the content manager selects the create geofence button 1614 to save the location of the created geofence to computer memory, such as the data storage module 1108 . For example, coordinates indicating the corners of a rectangular geofence shape or a polygonal geofence shape or their positions, or the center point and radius of a geofence shape may be stored. In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 16, a polygonal geofence shape 1604 and rectangular geofences 1606, 1608, and 1610 have been created. In some embodiments, the geofence interface shows, as a reference, locations where beacons have been placed. Beacons 1616, 1618, 1620, and 1622 are shown in the illustrated example shown in FIG. 16 .

Referring to FIG. 17 , an illustrative geofence content association interface 1700 is shown. Content managers can use the Geofence Content Association interface to create an association between a Geofence and one or more content items. To create this association, the content manager selects a geofence identifier from the geofence drop-down menu 1702 and selects one or more content items from the content item list 1704 . A site map 1706 showing the locations of geofences created using the geofence creation interface may be displayed for reference. After creating a geofence content association, the content manager selects the create geofence content association button 1708 to save the association. The geofence identifier is stored in computer memory, eg, in data storage module 1108, in association with the selected content item. As shown in FIG. 7, geofences 1710, 1712, 1714, and 1716 have been defined, corresponding to sports stores, restaurants, women's clothing, and men's clothing, respectively. In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 17, the content manager has created a "Sports Store" geofence as shown at 1702 with the content items "10% Off Ski Gear" and "Sports Store Deals" content as shown at 1704. associations between items.

Referring to FIG. 18 , an illustrative display arrangement interface 1800 is shown. The content items include display content items having video, images, text, or other display content to be displayed on a display adjacent to the wireless device. In some embodiments, a display is associated with a geofence in which the display is placed. When the wireless device is within the geofence, display content items may be sent to the wireless device and displayed on a display associated with the geofence. When the content manager selects the display icon 1802, the display icon appears and is overlaid on the location map 1804. The display icon is moved to a location on the location map corresponding to the location of the display for that location. When a display is selected, the content manager may be prompted to enter a display identifier in text entry box 1806 . After the display has been arranged, the content manager selects the create display button 1808 to save the location of the created display to computer memory, such as the data storage module 1108 . For example, coordinates indicating a display location may be stored. In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 18, a display 1810 has been created with the display identifier "Sports Store." In some embodiments, the display interface shows, as a reference, the location where the geofence has been placed.

Referring to FIG. 19 , an illustrative display geofence association interface 900 is shown. To create a Display Geofences association, select Display in the Display menu 1902 and select Geofences in the pull-down menu 1904 . Selecting the create display geofence association button 1906 stores the displayed geofence association in computer memory. In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 19, a display 1908 having a display identifier of "Sports Store" has been associated with a geofence 1901 having a geofence identifier of "Sports Store".

Storing the displayed location allows the content manager to view the location displayed on the venue map. However, it will be appreciated that the creation of display and display geofence associations may be performed without storing display locations.

In some embodiments, a content item is associated with a display. For example, instead of the geofence drop-down menu 1904 shown in FIG. 19, a content item list similar to the content item list 1704 of FIG. 17 is used. When the wireless device is within a predetermined distance of the display, as defined by the location definition module 1126, content items associated with the display may be sent to the wireless device.

Referring now to FIG. 20 , a system block diagram 2000 of a beacon network based wireless device location detection system is shown. A user 2002 is carrying a wireless device 2004 . A wireless device receives signals from one or more beacons in its proximity. In the illustrated example, wireless device 2004 receives signals from beacons 2006 , 2008 , 2010 , and 2012 . The wireless device sends location messages to the data processing module 1104 via the network 2014 to indicate the signal strength and signal identity of each beacon signal detected by the wireless device. The location message is used by location determination module 1126 to determine the location of the wireless device. Using the information contained in the location message, the location determination module determines whether the wireless device is located within one or more of geofences 2016 , 2018 , 2020 , and 2022 . If the wireless device is located within the geofence, the wireless device may receive over the network 2014 content associated with the geofence.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A-21D , illustrative examples of determining wireless device location from received beacon signals are shown. The tables of FIGS. 21A-21D indicate the determined locations of wireless devices associated with the geofences shown in FIG. 20 .

In FIGS. 21A-21B, the location of the wireless device is determined based on the maximum signal strength received from beacons detected by the wireless device. In FIG. 21A, the wireless device has received signals from beacons 1, 2, 3, and 4, with signal strengths of -5OdB, -6OdB, -4OdB, and -55dB, respectively. Since Beacon 3 shown at 2010 in FIG. 20 has the maximum signal strength when received by the wireless device and Beacon 3 is located within the geofence 2020, the location determination module 1126 determines that the wireless device is located in the geographic location as indicated in FIG. Inside the fence 2020. The wireless device may receive content associated with the bounding area indicated by the geofence 2020 .

To determine the location of the wireless device based on the beacon signal strength, the location determination module compares the geographic coordinates of the beacon to the geographic coordinates of the geofence range. In an alternative embodiment, the association between beacons and geofences may be stored in computer memory.

As shown in FIG. 21B, the wireless device has received signals from beacons 1, 2, 3, and 4, with signal strengths of -45dB, -55dB, -45dB, and -6OdB, respectively. Since the wireless device receives the same signal strength from both Beacon 1 and Beacon 3, no beacon has the maximum signal strength. In this case, the wireless device is determined to be located at an average distance from the two beacons of greatest signal strength. The wireless device will be determined to be located at the arithmetic mean of the geographic coordinates of Beacon 1 and Beacon 3 . The wireless device may thus determine to be within geofence 2016 , which includes a location intermediate beacons 1 and 3 .

As shown in Figures 21C-21D, the location of the wireless device is determined by comparing the strength of the beacon signal received at the wireless device to a threshold signal level, such as -50 dB. In FIG. 21C, the wireless device has received signals from beacons 1, 2, 3, and 4, with signal strengths of -45dB, -60dB, -55dB, and -65dB, respectively. Assuming a preset signal strength of -50dB, then only the signal from Beacon 1 exceeds this threshold. Since Beacon 1 shown at 2006 of FIG. 20 has the only signal above the threshold level, the wireless device is determined to be within the geofence 2016 . If more than one signal level exceeds the threshold level, the device may be determined to be within a geofence in which the beacon with the highest detected signal strength is located.

As shown in Figure 21D, the wireless device has received signals from beacons 1, 2, 3, and 4, with signal strengths of -55dB, -55dB, -6OdB, and -55dB, respectively. Assuming a threshold signal level of -50dB, none of the signals received from beacons 1, 2, 3, and 4 exceed this threshold signal level. Accordingly, the location of the wireless device shown in FIG. 20 relative to geofences cannot be determined and the wireless device is determined not to be located within these geofences.

Referring now to FIG. 22 , an illustrative flowchart 2200 of a method of delivering targeted content to a user is shown. The method begins at block 2202 where the wireless device 1102 sends a location message to the data processing module 1104 over the network 1106 . The method proceeds to determination block 2204, where the location determining module 1126 determines whether the wireless device is located within the geofence. If the wireless device is located within the geofence, the method proceeds to block 2206, where the content transfer module 1124 filters the content items stored in the data storage module 1108 based on the geofence, user attributes, and temporal relationships created by the interface shown in FIGS. 13 and 17 . If the wireless device is not within the geofence, the content transfer module filters content items based on user attributes and time associations, as indicated at block 2208 . The filtered content is then sorted by relevant weighting values, as indicated by block 2210 . In some embodiments, only content items whose relevance weight values exceed a threshold are sent to the wireless device. In other embodiments, a preset number of the highest ranked content items are sent to the wireless device. If the number of content items resulting from the filtering process is less than a preset number of content items to be sent to the wireless device, the unfiltered content items may be sorted by an associated weight value and added to the content items to be sent to the wireless device. The method then proceeds to block 2212 where the content transmission module 1124 transmits the selected content item to the wireless device 1102 over the network 1106 .

Referring now to FIG. 23 , a system block diagram 2300 of an illustrative beacon and sensor network based wireless device position detection system is shown. The beacon and sensor network includes multiple beacons and one or more sensors. Wireless device 2302 receives signals from one or more of beacons 2304 and 2306 . The wireless device sends location messages to the data processing module 1104 over the network 2308 to indicate the signal strength and signal identity of each beacon signal detected by the wireless device. Sensors 2310 and 2312 also receive signals from one or more of beacons 2304 and 2306 . Each sensor sends a message over the network 2308 to the data processing module 1104 including the signal strength and signal identification of each beacon signal detected by the sensor. The presence of sensors in a beacon and sensor based location detection system allows the location determination module to take into account changes in the network of beacons. Sensors may be able to detect when a beacon is no longer operational or when a beacon has changed location. The location module may change the stored location of the beacon based on a change in signal strength received from the beacon at the one or more sensors. When a beacon state change is detected, a report may be issued by the data processing module to the content manager. In some embodiments, sensors are used to build a system of virtual reference points to improve the accuracy of detecting the location of a wireless device, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 25-28 . In this way, the sensors may allow the location detection module to take into account changes in the RF environment due to temperature, humidity, number of people, number of RF radiators, obstructions, and other such variables that affect or cause changes in the RF environment.

Referring now to FIG. 24 , shown is a system block diagram 2400 of a location detection system for wireless devices based on beacons and beacon-enabled sensor networks. Beacons and beacon-enabled sensor networks include a plurality of beacons and one or more beacon-enabled sensors. The illustrated network objects 2402 and 2404 are beacon-enabled sensors capable of sending and receiving signals. Beacon-enabled sensors can operate in sensing mode and beacon mode simultaneously or can switch between the two modes of operation. In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to periodically switch between a sensing mode and a beaconing mode of operation. The sensor is operable to switch between a sensing mode and a beaconing mode in response to commands provided from a user interface over the network. In some embodiments, switching between sensing mode and beaconing mode may be received by sensors capable of detecting variables such as temperature, humidity, number of people, number of RF radiators, and other such variables that affect or cause changes in the RF environment Information trigger. Wireless device 2406 receives one or more signals from beacons 2408 and 2410 and beacon-enabled sensors 2402 and 2404 . The wireless device sends location messages to the data processing module 1104 over the network 2412 indicating the signal strength and signal identity of the signals detected by the wireless device from the various beacons and beacon-enabled sensors. Beacon-enabled sensor 2402 receives one or more signals from beacon 3408 or 2420 and beacon-enabled sensor 2404 . Beacon-enabled sensor 2404 receives one or more signals from beacon 2408 or 2410 and beacon-enabled sensor 2402 . Each beacon-enabled sensor sends a message including the signal strength and beacon identification of each beacon signal detected by the sensor to the data processing module 1104 over the network 2412 .

Referring now to FIG. 25 , an illustrative VRP grid 2500 overlaid on a site map is shown. The position of the wireless device relative to the venue is determined based on a correlation between beacon signal data received at the wireless device and beacon signal data calculated at a virtual reference point (VRP). Beacon signal profile, also known as a fingerprint, is a set of data including the signal strength of each beacon signal received by a wireless device. VRP is the theoretical signal profile calculated at intervals throughout the site. Typically, VRP is calculated for points in a grid spanning the site as shown in FIG. 25 . The VRP may also be calculated for an area surrounding or adjacent to the venue 2502. Each VRP includes data associated with the site and indicative location, such as the theoretical signal strength of each beacon associated with geographic coordinates. The distance between VRPs in the grid is the separation distance. In some embodiments, the first separation distance is the y-axis separation distance 2506 and the second separation distance is the x-axis separation distance 2508 . In other embodiments, the x-axis separation distance is equal to the y-axis separation distance and a single separation distance is used.

If the beacon stops emitting a signal and is moving, an obstacle is placed near the beacon, or other changes to the RF environment occur such that the beacon's signal profile changes across the site, the sensor can detect the change. The VRP may be updated periodically or in response to changes in beacon sensor data received at one or more sensors.

In some embodiments, the VPR may be displayed as a layer in an interface, such as network object placement interface 1500 . The VRP layer in the web object placement interface will provide feedback on the accuracy of the location detection system to the content manager. Users can use this feedback to, for example, reposition sensors and beacons in order to optimize the position detection system. The VRP layer may also allow the user to indicate the VRP location.

Referring to Figure 26, an illustrative VRP 2600 is shown. The VRP includes location coordinates, such as longitude and latitude values that indicate the location of the VRP. The VRP further includes a signal indicator and RSSI for each beacon associated with the venue. For example, in the illustrated VRP shown, the signal indicator is "Beacon 1" and the RSSI corresponding to Beacon 1 is -33dB.

Referring to FIG. 27 , an illustrative flowchart of a method for generating a VRP is shown. VRP is typically calculated by location determination module 126 . The VRP may be calculated periodically, for example once per second, per minute, per hour, per day, per week or per month. In some embodiments, the VRP is calculated in response to user activity, such as a user request placed through the content management interface 1110 to calculate the VRP. The method begins at block 2702 to obtain the extent of the site map from the data storage module 1108 . The extent of the venue map can be determined based on the arrangement of map images through the location interface shown in FIG. 14 . The method then proceeds to block 2704 to determine the separation distance between VRPs. The separation distance is the distance between adjacent VRPs, such as the horizontal or vertical distance between adjacent Xs shown in FIG. 25 . In some embodiments, a first separation distance and a second separation distance are used, wherein the first separation distance is an x-axis separation distance and the second separation distance is a y-axis separation distance. Based on certain separation distances, the locations of all VRPs of a venue can be generated in a grid similar to the VRPs shown in FIG. 25 . The user can set the separation distance through the content management interface 1110 . In some embodiments, VRPs can be placed individually by the user, for example, using a GIS interface.

The method continues to block 2706 to perform a kriging process for each beacon associated with the venue. Kriging is an interpolation method based on the spatial correlation of data. The kriging process, shown in the indicated block 2708, is performed iteratively for each beacon until it has been performed for all beacons associated with the venue. At block 2710, the Euclidean distance between each pair of measured reference points associated with the venue is determined. In other words, the distance between each measured reference point and each other measured reference point is calculated. The measured reference point (MRP) can be a sensor fingerprint or a fingerprint acquired by other measuring devices. The calculated distances are stored in the system database 1108 . The kriging process continues at block 2712, where semivariance values for all MRP pairs are calculated based on the difference in RSSI values received by the MRP from beacon N. For example, in the first iteration of the kriging process, N=1, so that the RSSI value of Beacon 1 at the first MRP is compared with the RSSI value of Beacon 1 at the second MRP, and the The calculation is repeated for each pair of MRPs associated with the site. At block 2714 , a model is fitted based on the empirical semivariogram of the values calculated at 2710 and 2712 , such as linear least squares regression (LLSR). At block 2716 , a matrix is created based on the slopes obtained from the fitted model and the distances calculated in block 2710 . The matrix is then inverted as indicated at block 2718 . Weighting values for predicting signal strength values at the VRP are obtained from the inversion matrix, as indicated by block 2720 . The signal strength of beacon N is then calculated at each VRP based on the sum of the weighted signal strength values of each MRP, as indicated at block 2722 . The method proceeds to decision block 2724 to determine whether steps 2712-2722 have been performed for all beacons. If not, the method iterates to the next beacon, as indicated by block 2726 . When steps 2712-2722 have been performed for all beacons, then the method ends.

Referring to FIG. 28, an illustrative method of determining a wireless device location using a VRP is shown. The location of the wireless device is determined by the location determination module 1126 . The method begins at block 2802 by sending a device fingerprint from the wireless device to the data processing module 1104 including the signal identity and signal strength of each beacon within range of the device. The method continues to block 2804, where the signals received by the device are ranked by signal strength. The method continues to block 2806 to select a subset of VRPs from the set of VRPs associated with the venue. The subset of VRPs is the VRP with the greatest received signal strength from a beacon that matches the greatest signal strength received by the device from that beacon. The method continues to block 2808 with the signal of the device fingerprint being compared with the signal of the VRP subset. A K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm, as shown at 2810, may be used to determine the output of this comparison.

At block 2812, for each VRP in the subset of VRPs, the difference between the signal level received at the device and the signal level estimated at the VRP is determined for each beacon. At determination block 2814, it is determined whether the number of VRPs in the subset is less than the integer value K. If the number of VRPs in the subset is greater than or equal to K, the device location can be estimated to be between the K nearest neighbor VRPs. For example, the device's location may be determined to be at a weighted average of nearest neighbors such that neighbors with smaller sums of differences contribute more to the average, as indicated at block 2818 . If the number of VRPs in the subset is less than K, the device location is estimated as the location of the VRP with the smallest sum of differences between the beacon level received at the wireless device and the signal level estimated at the VRP, as indicated by block 2818 of. Once the wireless device location has been estimated, the method proceeds to block 2820 and the estimated location is used to filter content items according to location. For example, the content determination module 1126 can determine whether the wireless device is located within a geofence. If the wireless device is within the geofence, the content items are filtered to return content items associated with the geofence. If the wireless device fingerprint changes, indicating that the device location has changed, the method begins again at block 2802 .

Referring now to FIG. 29, an illustrative correlation interface 2900 is shown. Relevant weighting values may be stored in association with user attributes and content items, for example, in a database table in the data storage module 1108 . Additionally, relevant weighting values may be stored in association with the location and content item. Relevant weighting values may be applied to other parameters associated with content items, such as time values or time ranges. Relevant weighting values may be adjusted based on user responses to content items. The relevance interface 2900 allows the content manager to change the amount by which the relevance weighting value is changed as a result of a particular user's response to a content item.

In some embodiments, the content manager may modify the associated weighting value stored in association with a certain attribute group of all attribute groups associated with the content item and with the user. A user's attribute group may include information provided by the user, such as the user's location, the user's points of interest, the user's age, or the age group to which the user belongs. In some embodiments, the set of attributes includes collected information about the user, such as information from the user's transaction history with the merchant. The set of attributes is stored in computer memory, eg, in a database table, in association with the user identification. A user may provide a response to a content item, for example, by selecting a thumbs up or thumbs down icon displayed near the content item on the wireless device, rating the content item on a scale, providing a ranking or score for the content item, Either select or deselect the content item. When a user provides a user response to a content item, the correlation and analysis module 1128 searches the data storage module 1108, eg, by performing a database search, to determine each attribute group associated with the user. The correlation and analysis module may then locate the database record in which the content item for which the user response was received is associated with the user's attribute set. A correlation and analysis module changes a correlation weight value stored in association with the content item and the attribute set. This process is repeated for each attribute group associated with the user. Although groups of attributes are used in the illustrated example, it will be appreciated that the relative weighting values may be adjusted for location or other parameters stored in association with the content item in response to user feedback.

Text entry box 2902, the content manager can enter a number by which the associated weight value is increased when positive feedback is received for the content item. For example, the number entered at 2902 may be applied when the device context interface 1112 receives a "thumbs up" input. In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 29, the content manager has entered the number 5 in text input box 2902, which will result in the relevant weighted values associated with the content item and each attribute group associated with the user in the user provided Increases by 5 for positive feedback on this content item. Similarly, in text entry box 2904, the content curator may enter a number by which the associated weighting value is decreased when negative feedback is received for the content item. For example, the number entered at 2904 may be applied when a "thumbs down" input is received by the device context interface 1112 . In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 29 , the content manager has entered the number 0 in text entry box 2902, indicating that when a user provides negative feedback for that content item, no changes are made to the content item and to the user. The correlation weight value associated with each attribute group of .

It will be appreciated that the numbers shown in the text boxes of Figure 29 are for illustration only. Numeric input to text boxes may include numbers that consume the maximum storage capacity allowed by the numeric data type of the database being used. In some embodiments, negative numbers may be entered in text entry boxes. Floating point numbers can also be used. Numeric inputs can be limited to a preset number range that is enforced by the application. The text input box is populated with the default value used before being changed by the content manager. The numbers indicated in the text entry boxes are stored in computer memory.

In some embodiments, a content manager may indicate a number by which an associated weighting value is to be adjusted for a content item. For example, in each database record in which a relevancy weight value is associated with a content item, the relevancy weight value is adjusted. In another embodiment, the relevant weighting value is adjusted for all attribute groups stored in association with the content item. In an alternative embodiment, the relevant weighting value is adjusted for all locations stored in association with the content item. In a further embodiment, the associated weighting value is adjusted for another parameter stored in association with the content item. In text entry box 2906, the content manager has indicated that in all records where the content item is associated with a relevance weight value, the relevance weight value is to be increased by 2 points when positive feedback is received. In text entry box 2908, the content manager has indicated that in all records where the content item is associated with a relevance weight value, the relevance weight value is to be decreased by 3 points when negative feedback is received.

The correlation interface may further allow the content manager to adjust the correlation weighting value associated with the content item based on whether the content item was selected by the user. Selection of a content item may occur when the user clicks on a content item button or indicates interest in a content item displayed on the device's content interface. For example, if a content item is sent by the content transmission module 1124 more than a predetermined number of times without being selected, the associated weight value may be decreased. In text entry box 2910, the content manager can enter a number of services that are required before reductions can occur. In the text input boxes 2912-2914, the content administrator can input a number of relevant weighting points, and when the multiple services occur without selecting a content item, the relevant weighting value is decreased by the multiple relevant weighting points. In some embodiments, the reduction occurs regardless of whether the content item has been selected.

Text entry box 2912 indicates the reduction value for all users. For each database record that associates a relevancy weight value with a content item, the relevancy weight value is decremented by the amount indicated by block 2912 when the content item has been served the number of times indicated at block 2910 without being selected. Text entry box 2914 indicates a decrement value for the attribute set associated with the user providing the response to the content item. When the number of services indicated at block 2910 is reached, all attribute groups associated with the user are identified and then the associated weighting values stored in association with the content item and each attribute group are adjusted by the values indicated at block 2914 . Although not indicated in FIG. 29, correlation weighting values stored in association with other parameters, such as location, may be adjusted in response to the number of times a content item is served.

In some embodiments, service is performed at the interval count indicated by input box 2916 when counting to the number specified by box 2910 to determine when "trigger reduced service" has been reached. In the illustrated example, the content administrator has indicated that the service of a content item in every five minute interval is counted only once. If a service has already been counted within a five-minute interval, the service will not be counted again until the next five-minute interval begins. In this way, the processing associated with the service of counting content items can be reduced. In some embodiments, the unique service interval definition 2916 indicates a periodic interval of seconds or other time.

At 2918, the content manager may specify a relative weighting point by which the relative weighting value is to be increased when a user selects a content item. When the user "clicks through" or uses the device context interface to select or indicate an interest in a content item, for each database entry in which a relevant weight value is associated with the content item, the relevant weight value is incremented by the value indicated by the text entry box 2918 number. At 2920, the content manager may specify a relevance weighting point to be incremented for the relevance weighting values of all attribute groups associated with the user who selected the content item. When a user selects a content item using the device content interface, for each database entry in which the user's attribute set is associated with the content item, the associated correlation weight value is incremented by the amount specified in the text entry box 2920 .

The content manager may use the text entry box 2922 to indicate the value by which the relative weighting value associated between the location and the content item is to be adjusted when the content item is transmitted to a wireless device at that location. For example, a content item is sent to a wireless device located within a geofence because the content item is associated with the geofence, as described with reference to FIG. 17 . The relative weight value of the relationship between the content item and the geofence is multiplied by the value indicated in text entry box 2922 when the content item is sent. In another embodiment, when a content item is selected, the associated correlation weighting value between the content item and the geofence is multiplied by the value indicated at 2922 . In a further alternative embodiment, incremental correlation weighting point adjustments are used instead of multiplicative adjustments for content item-location associations.

Referring now to FIG. 30 , an illustrative database table entry 3000 for a user profile is shown. The terms "database table entry", "entry", "database record" and "record" are used interchangeably herein. The form may be populated by the user using information provided through the user profile interface 1114 on the wireless device 1102 . In some embodiments, the user enters user profile information using a home computer or other device with access to the network 1106 . User profile information may alternatively or additionally be generated based on user-related information collected by a third party, such as a merchant's transaction history with the user. The user profile information is sent over the network 1106 to a database, such as the database of the data storage module 1108 . User profile information may be stored in database tables in a database, such as user profile database table 3000 . The User Profile table includes a field User ID 3002 . User profile table 3000 may include other fields such as display name 3004 , gender 3006 , right 3008 , and age 3010 . In some embodiments, a birthday or age range is stored for a user instead of the user's age.

Referring to FIG. 31 , an illustrative database table entry 3100 for an attribute group is shown. The attribute group table stores a unique identifier for each attribute group that can be associated with a user. The attribute group table is stored in a database, such as the database of data storage module 1108 . The attribute group table includes fields attribute ID 3102 and attribute value 3106 . The illustrated attribute group table further includes a field attribute type 3104 . According to the illustrated entries in the attribute group table, the attribute with attribute ID number 11111111 is an attribute with attribute type "sports" and attribute value "skiing". If the user indicates skiing as a point of interest, the attribute ID for skiing may be associated with the user ID in the user attribute group database table indicated in FIG. 32 .

Referring to FIG. 32 , an illustrative database table entry 3200 is shown that associates user identifications with attribute groups. The user attribute group table includes fields user ID3202 and attribute ID3204. The illustrated entry in the user attribute group table associates user ID "12345678" with attribute id "11111111", which indicates that user "Joe" with user ID 12345678 (as indicated in FIG. 30) is associated with the attribute skiing, It is indicated by attribute ID11111111. This table entry may have been created through a user profile interface or other user interface with Joe indicating an interest in skiing. Alternatively, a merchant or other content manager may have determined that Joe is interested in skiing, for example based on Joe purchasing ski equipment from the merchant, and have created the user attribute group table entry shown accordingly.

Referring to FIG. 33 , there is shown an illustrative database table entry 3300 that associates content items with attribute groups and stores the associated association weight values. The group content rating table includes a field content ID 3302 , an attribute ID 3304 , and an associated weight value 3306 . The value of the content ID is "00000001", indicating a unique identification of the content item. In the illustrated example, content item 00000001 is advertising text for a ski equipment trade. In the illustrated entry, the content 00000001 associated with the attribute 11111111 (skiing) has an associated weight value of 105 .

By way of illustration, user Joe (with user ID 12345678) has indicated an interest in skiing, resulting in the user attribute group entry shown in FIG. 32 . In the illustrated example, content item 00000001 is the content item "10% off ski equipment" indicated at 1202 of FIG. 12 . When Joe provides positive feedback on the content item 00000001, all attribute groups and content items related to Joe can receive adjustments to the relevant weighting values according to the preset adjustment values or the relevant weighting value adjustment values set in the relevant interface 2900 . For example, if an initial relevance weight value of 100 is used for the association between content ID 00000001 (e.g., a ski ad content item) and attribute ID 11111111 (e.g., skiing), positive feedback results in an increase of points, e.g., an increase of five points , yielding an adjusted correlation weight of 105.

Referring to FIG. 34 , an illustrative database table entry 3400 for associating a content item with a location identification and storing the associated association weighting value is shown. The location content rating table includes fields content ID 3402 , location ID 3404 , and associated weighting value 3406 . The value of the location ID is "22222222", which indicates the unique identification of the location.

In some embodiments, the location ID is a unique identification associated with the geofence. For example, a database in the data processing module 104 may store a set of coordinates corresponding to an area delimited by a geo-fence associated with a unique location ID.

In alternative embodiments, a location ID may be associated with a zip code, a city, GPS coordinates, or a range of distances around any of the above (eg, a radius of 300 feet around a set of GPS coordinates). The location ID may alternatively indicate a location determined by scanning a barcode, such as a QR code, using the wireless device. In a further alternative embodiment, the location ID corresponds to a location determined using a photo of the environment taken by the wireless device and an image recognition application.

By way of illustration, content item 00000001 is the content item "10% off ski equipment". In one example, the wireless device displaying the content item is located within a geofence 1710 containing the sports store shown in FIG. 17 . The content item "10% off ski gear" has been associated with the sports store's geofence, as shown in FIG. 17 . When the content item "10% Off Ski Gear" is sent to a wireless device located within the sports store's geofence, the relative weight value associated with the location and content item is multiplied by the The indicated pip value. For example, if an initial relevancy weight of 100 is used for the association between content ID 00000001 (“10% off ski gear”) and location ID 22222222 (sports store geofence), the relevancy weight is multiplied by a location relevancy multiplier of 5 to obtain The adjusted correlation weight value is 500.

Referring now to FIG. 35A, there is shown an illustrative database table entry 2500 for associating a time item with an attribute group and storing an associated correlation weight value. The content rating schedule includes fields content ID 3502 , time 3504 , and relative weight 3506 . Whenever a content item's relative weight value changes, the relative weight value and time may be recorded, thereby creating a record of the content item's relative weight value changing over time as shown in FIG. 35B. The content rating timetable may further include attribute ID or location ID fields to allow relative weighting values for a particular attribute group or location analysis to change over time.

Referring to FIG. 35B, there is shown a graph showing the relative weight value of a content item over time. The graph shown in FIG. 35B may be created from entries in the content rating schedule 3500 . Changes in relative weight values over time may be useful for content managers to assess the success rate of content items.

The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 36-39 indicate illustrative methods performed by the correlation and analysis module 1128 for adjusting correlation weighting values associated with content items.

Referring now to FIG. 36 , there is shown an illustrative flowchart of a method for adjusting correlation weighting values according to the first embodiment. The method begins at block 3602 with receiving a content item at the wireless device 1102 . The content item may be one of a plurality of content items displayed on the device. In determination block 3604, the correlation and analysis module 1128 determines whether positive feedback has been received from the wireless device. If positive feedback has been received for the content item, the method proceeds to block 3606 . In block 3606, for each attribute group associated with the user providing positive feedback, a point value x, such as the point indicated at text entry box 2902 of FIG. The numeric value of the Relevant Weighted Value field for the group content rating entry identified by the attribute.

For example, if user 12345678 (display name "Joe") provides positive feedback for a content item with content ID 00000001, all attribute groups related to user 12345678 are located. Accordingly, the user attribute group table is queried to return all entries for user 12345678. Since the attribute with attribute ID 11111111 is associated with user 12345678 in the user attribute group table, the relative weight value associated with attribute ID 11111111 will be modified for this selected content item. In the group content rating table, the relative weight value of the entry whose content ID is 00000001 and attribute ID is 11111111 is adjusted. As positive feedback is provided, the pip value is increased to the current value of the associated weight value. For example, using the correlation point value entered in text entry box 2902, 5 points are to be added to the current value of the correlation weight value when positive feedback is provided.

If there is no entry in the group content rating table that matches the attribute ID of the attribute of the user providing the feedback and the content ID of the content item for which the feedback was received, a new entry is created in the group content rating when feedback is received. The new entry has a content ID that matches the identity of the content item for which the feedback was received and an identifying attribute ID that matches the attribute of the user providing the feedback. When a new entry is created, the relative weight value of the new entry may be a default value.

Alternatively, the relevant weighted value of a new entry may be the sum of a default value and a modified point value obtained according to user feedback.

If an additional attribute entry is located for user 12345678 in the user attribute group table, the relevant weighting value is adjusted for this additional attribute. The process of creating new records (if necessary) and modifying the correlation weights continues until the correlation weights have been adjusted for each attribute group associated with the user.

In some embodiments, the method proceeds to optional block 3612, which records the adjusted relative weighting value. For example, an entry in a database table such as Content Rating Time may be generated.

If no positive feedback has been received for the content item, the method proceeds to decision block 3608, which determines whether negative feedback has been received for the content item. If negative feedback has been received, the method proceeds to block 3610 . In block 3610, for each attribute group associated with the user who provided negative feedback, points are subtracted from the value in the Relevant Weighted Value field of the group content rating entry whose content ID value matches the content item identification and whose attribute ID value matches the attribute identification value. If no entry exists in the group content rating table for that content ID and attribute ID, a new entry is created as described above. The method then proceeds to optional step 3612, which records the associated weighting value.

In some embodiments, an increment operation as described at 3606 is applied to adjust the relative weight value of the content item associated with the location at which the wireless device is located. Instead of adding x points to the correlation weight value of the content item for each attribute group, x points are added to the correlation weight value of the content item's association with the location of the wireless device. Similarly, the subtraction operation as described at 3610 may be applied to adjust the relative weight value of the content item relative to the location at which the wireless device is located. Addition and subtraction operations as described at 3606 and 3610 may similarly be applied to adjust relative weighted values of time or other parameters stored in association with a content item.

Referring now to FIG. 37 , there is shown an illustrative flowchart of a method of adjusting correlation weighting values according to a second embodiment. The method begins at block 3702 with sending a content item to the wireless device 1102 . The content item may be one of a plurality of content items displayed on the device. In determination block 3704, the correlation and analysis module 1128 determines whether the content item is selected. A user may select a content item by, for example, clicking a content item button. If a content item is selected, the method proceeds to block 3706 . In block 3706, for each attribute group associated with the user providing positive feedback, a point value y, such as the point value indicated at text entry box 2902 of FIG. 29, may be added to the content ID value matching content item identification And the attribute ID value matches the value of the relevant weighted value field of the group content rating entry identified by the attribute. The point value y can be any point value, such as 2 points. If an entry for that content ID and attribute ID does not exist in the group content rating table, a new entry is created as described above.

The method proceeds to block 3708 where the associated weight value adjustment module determines whether the content item has been transmitted by the content transmission module 1124 more than N times. N may be, for example, the number of times the content was transmitted from the content transmission module 1124 to a particular wireless device or to all wireless devices capable of receiving the content. N may be a preset value or a value entered into an associated interface, such as a unique content service value indicated in text input box 2910 of FIG. 29 . If the content item has been sent more than N times, z points are subtracted for all users from the value in the associated weighted value field of the group content rating entry whose content ID value matches the content item. The point value z may be any point value, such as the decrement value indicated in text entry box 2912 of FIG. 29 .

In order to adjust the relevant weighted value field for all users, an attribute group with a predetermined attribute ID, such as attribute ID00000000, may be associated with each contact ID. For example, each time a new user ID is created, the user attribute group may receive an entry associating the new user ID with attribute ID 00000000. Relative weighting values may be adjusted for content items whose content ID values match transmissions and group content rating entries with an attribute ID of 00000000. Such that when the content item has been sent more than N times, the relevant weighting value is adjusted for all users.

The method proceeds to optional step 3712, which records the associated weighting value.

In some embodiments, an increment operation as depicted at 3706 is applied to adjust the relevance weight value of the content item relative to the location at which the wireless device is located. Instead of adding y points to the content item's relative weight value for each attribute group, y points are added to the content item's relative weight value associated with the wireless device location. Similarly, a subtraction operation as described at 3710 may be applied to adjust the relative weight value of the content item relative to the location at which the wireless device is located. Addition and subtraction operations as described at 3706 and 3710 may similarly be applied to adjust relative weighted values of time or other parameters stored in association with a content item.

Referring now to FIG. 38 , there is shown a flow chart indicating an illustration of a method of adjusting correlation weighting values according to the third embodiment. The method begins at block 3802 with the wireless device sending a location message to the data processing module 1104 . The location message includes information associated with the location of the wireless device. The location is identified by a unique identifier Location ID. At determination block 3804, the location determination module 1126 uses the location message to determine whether the wireless device 1102 is located within the geofence. If the wireless device is located within the geofence, one or more content items associated with the geofence are displayed in the device content interface, as shown at block 3806 . The method proceeds to block 3808, where the point value v is multiplied by the value of the associated weight value field of the location content rating entry for which the content ID value matches the content item identification and the location ID value matches the location identification. Point value v may be any point value, such as indicated in text entry box 2922 of FIG. 29 , for example.

In some embodiments, the relevancy weight values associated with content items and locations are reset to stored default or initial values before the relevancy weight values are multiplied by the point value v. For example, when the relevant weight value field of the location content rating is changed, the initial value of the relevant weight value is recorded before the change and the time of the change. When a period of time such as 5 minutes, half an hour, an hour or a day has elapsed since the change, the relevant weighting value is reset to the initial value. In another embodiment, if the location determination module 1126 determines that no wireless devices are located within the geofence, all entries in which the relevant weight values are associated with the location are reset to initial or default values.

If there is no entry in the location content rating table that matches the attribute ID of the attribute of the user providing the feedback and the content ID of the content item for which the feedback was received, a new entry is created in the location content rating when the feedback is received. The attribute ID of the new entry matches the identity of the content item for which the feedback was received and the location ID matches the identity of the attribute of the user providing the feedback. When a new entry is created, the relative weighted value of the new entry is used as the default value. Alternatively, the relative weight of a new entry is the sum of a default value and a modified point value based on user feedback.

In some embodiments, the method proceeds to optional block 3808, which records the adjusted relative weighting value. For example, an entry may be created in a database table such as Content Rating Time.

Referring now to FIG. 39 , there is shown a flowchart indicating an illustration of a method of adjusting correlation weighting values according to the fourth embodiment. The method proceeds to block 3902 , the wireless device sends a location message to the data processing module 1104 . The location message includes information associated with the location of the wireless device. The location is identified by a unique identifier Location ID. The location message includes information associated with the location of the wireless device. The location is identified by a unique identifier Location ID. At determination block 3904, the location determining module 1126 uses the location message to determine whether the wireless device 1102 is located within the geofence. If the wireless device is located within a geofence, one or more content items associated with the geofence are displayed in the device content interface, as shown at block 3906 . The method proceeds to decision block 3908, where the correlation and analysis module determines whether a content item was selected for transmission to the wireless device. If a content item is selected, the point value v is multiplied by the value of the associated weight value field of the location content rating entry for the location content rating entry whose content ID value matches the content item identifier and whose location ID value matches the location identifier, as shown in block 3910. Point value v may be any point value, such as indicated in text entry box 2922 of FIG. 29 , for example.

In some embodiments, the method then proceeds to optional step 3912, which records the associated weighting value.

In some embodiments, the relevancy weight values associated with content items and locations are reset to stored default or initial values before the relevancy weight values are multiplied by the point value v. For example, when the relevant weight value field of the location content rating is changed, the initial value of the relevant weight value is recorded before the change and the time of the change. When a period of time such as 5 minutes, half an hour, an hour or a day has elapsed since the change, the relevant weighting value is reset to the initial value. In another embodiment, if the location determination module 1126 determines that no wireless devices are located within the geofence, then reset all entries with an associated weight value associated with that location to an initial or default value.

Multiplication operations as described at 3808 and 3910 may be applied to adjust relative weighted values of content items stored in association with time, all users, or each attribute group associated with a user. Similarly, the reset operation described above may be applied to the associated weighting values adjusted for content items stored in association with time, all users, or each attribute group associated with a certain user.

40-44 show an illustrative device context interface 1112 for the wireless device 1102 . The device content interface may include one or more pages to form content items and other interface features. FIG. 45 shows an illustrative user profile interface 1114 of the wireless device 1102 .

Referring now to FIG. 40 , an illustrative "User Content" page of the Device Content interface is shown. The illustrated user interface 4000 is displayed on a wireless device having a touch screen type interface 4002, however, it will be appreciated that the user interface may be displayed on a wireless device having a display and user input means (such as a keyboard, touch screen interface, or stylus). on any handheld wireless device. Top menu bar 4004 includes top menu items "User Content" 4006, "Information" 4008, "All" 4010, and "Maps" 4012. In the illustrated user interface, the top menu items are selectable options, such as virtual buttons that are activated when the user touches a button on a touch screen or selects a button using a pointing device. In FIG. 40, the User Content button 4006 is highlighted, indicating that User Content is the item selected from the top menu. When the user content menu item is selected, the user interface displays the user content page. A user content page includes one or more user-created content items. The illustrative user-created content items 4014-4022 are displayed on the illustrative user content page.

The user-created content item includes user-entered text, such as the text displayed at 4026. The user-created content item may also include a timestamp 4028. Timestamp 4028 includes information related to when the user-created content item was published. The timestamp can be displayed as a time, date, or a combination of time and date. The timestamp may further include the username of the user who posted the user-created content item.

In some embodiments, user-created content items are displayed in the user interface as clickable buttons. When the user-created content item button 4030 is selected, the display may show additional content associated with the content-created content item, such as child content items of the selected parent content item. User-created content items can link to content such as video, audio, images, and external web page links. In some embodiments, an icon is displayed adjacent to the user-created content item to indicate the type of additional content associated with the user-created content item. For example, graphic 4032 is a video icon indicating that a user can access a video by clicking on user content item 4016 . When the additional content is graphic content such as an image or video, a thumbnail of the image or video may be displayed. Additional content for content item 4018 is an image, as indicated by thumbnail 3034 . Typically, when a parent content item is selected, the wireless device sends a request to the data processing module 1104 for all child content items of the parent content item. The child content item is then displayed in the user interface.

Feedback inputs may be displayed adjacent to or with each user-created content item. The feedback input allows the user to react to the displayed content item. This feedback input may be displayed as symbols such as "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" displayed on user-created content item buttons. The thumbs up and thumbs down input prompts are operationally separate from the content item buttons. When the user selects a feedback input prompt, the wireless device sends a feedback message to the data processing module 1104 to indicate that a positive feedback response ("thumbs up") or a negative feedback response ("thumbs down") is selected. The feedback message may also include information associated with the user, such as a username or user identification. Alternative feedback input means may be used, such as systems that allow users to rank content, rate content, or rate content items within a range, such as a scale from 1 to 10 or a scale from 1 to 5.

Feedback inputs may be stored in data storage module 1108 . Typically, the feedback input is used to modify an associated weighting value stored in association with the content item. This relative weighting value can be used to rank the content to be displayed in the user interface. Content items sent from the remote server to the wireless device may be filtered by relative weighting values such that a predetermined number of the highest ranked content items are returned or only those content items exceeding a predetermined threshold are returned. A content manager can use the content management interface to set associated weighting thresholds.

User interface controls 4038-4042 may be displayed on one or more pages of the user interface. When the back control 4038 is selected, the page displayed before the current page is displayed. When the home page control 4042 is selected, the home page of the user interface is displayed. For example, if the All Content Pages (selected using button 4040 and shown in Figure 43) is the home page of the user interface, then all content pages will be displayed when the Home page control is selected.

Referring now to FIG. 41 , an illustrative user content input page 4100 of a device content interface is shown. The user content input page includes an input window 4102 . A user may enter text into the input window using alphanumeric input, such as a keyboard, keypad shown at 4104, or a touch screen alphanumeric interface. The user content entry page may further include an attachment prompt, such as an attachment button shown at 4106. When the user activates the attachment button, the user may be prompted for additional input, such as by selecting a file or entering a URL. The file can be, for example, images, video, audio, or other media supported by the user interface application. After this additional content is selected, the URL or name of the content file may be displayed in an additional content box such as shown at 4108. This additional content may be stored as a child content item of the user-created content item.

In some embodiments, one or more additional content items may be appended to the content item. When more than one additional content item is attached to a content item, the additional content box may display a list of items.

When the user selects the publish button 4114 , the user-created content items and additional content are transmitted and stored in the data storage module 1108 . User identifications may be stored in association with user-created content items. User-created content items may automatically be stored in association with the geofence in which the device is located. Alternatively, the user may specify one or more destinations with which the user content item is to be associated. At 4110, the user-provided user-created content item is published to: 1) the geofence or "local area" in which the device is located, identified as "lobby"; 2) the entire venue, identified as "casino"; 3) Social Networking, option labeled "Facester". The venue may include one or more geofences. In some embodiments, the user is provided the option to designate one or more social networks to which the user-created content item will be published. A user may select a posting destination by selecting a checkbox 4112 located adjacent to the desired posting destination. When the user has finished entering content and specifying a posting destination, the user can post the content by activating post button 4114 .

Referring now to FIG. 42 , an illustrative "Information" page 4200 of a device context interface is shown. The information page displays venue content items that provide information associated with the venue, such as information associated with events, services, and promotions available at the venue. Unlike user content items, content items on information pages are typically created by content managers affiliated with the place. In FIG. 42, the information button 4202 is highlighted, indicating that information is an item selected from the top menu. When the information menu item is selected, the user interface displays an information page. The information page includes one or more venue content items. The illustrated venue content items 4204-4212 are displayed on the illustrated user content page. A place content item may include a time stamp and feedback input prompts.

The illustrated venue content item 4204 indicates the "cash out" service offered by the venue. If the user has finished gambling and wishes to cash out, the user may select content item 4204. When a content item 4204 is selected, the application sends a message to the data processing module 1104, the message including an identification of the content item and a location message indicating the location of the wireless device. The data processing module interprets the identity of the content item and alerts the venue of the cash out request and the user's location to provide cash withdrawal services to the user.

A venue content item may include additional content such as video, audio, images, links to external web pages, maps, menus, and content to be displayed on a display. In some embodiments, a graphic is displayed adjacent to the venue content item to indicate the type of additional content associated with the venue content item. For example, icon 4214 is a parent link icon, which indicates that content item 4206 is a parent content item linked to more than one child content item. Multiple child content items can be linked to a parent content item to create menus. When the user selects the venue content item 4206, the user is provided with a user interface page that includes a list of beverage options. Each beverage option may be a venue content item that clicks a child content item of a beverage parent content item. Icon 4216 is a display icon that indicates additional content associated with content item 4210 that, when selected, will be displayed on a display in proximity to the wireless device. When the user selects the content item 4210, the wireless device sends a message to the data processing module 1104, the message includes an identification of the content item and a location message indicating the location of the wireless device. The remote server interprets the identity of the content item and sends sub-content items associated with the content item to a display proximate to the wireless device. Typically, the display is located within the same geofence as the wireless device.

Since content items 4204 and 4206 indicate services provided by venues that are always displayed at the top of the menu, the feedback input is not displayed with these content items.

In FIG. 42, the publish control 4218 is grayed out to indicate that it cannot be selected by the user. Typically, a user cannot post user content when the user interface displays an information page because the information page displays venue content items rather than user-created content items.

Referring to FIG. 43, an illustrative "All" page 4300 of the device content interface is shown. All pages display venue content items and user-created content items. The content items shown are typically the highest ranked content items as determined by the associated weighted values of the content items filtered by one or more of attribute group, location, and time. Alternatively, the shown content items may be a preset number of content items exceeding a predetermined threshold associated weight value or all content items exceeding a predetermined threshold associated weight value. Thus, this all page allows the user to view the highest ranked content items from both the user content page and the information page. In Figure 43, all buttons 4302 are highlighted, indicating that all are selected items from the top menu. When all menu items are selected, the user interface displays all pages.

Referring now to FIG. 44 , an illustrative map page 4400 of a device content interface is shown. The map page displays the user location 4402 on a venue map 4404. In FIG. 44, the map button 4406 is highlighted, indicating that map is the item selected from the top menu. When the map menu item is selected, the user interface displays the map page.

The user location icon may be an arrow icon, where the arrow indicates the direction the user is traveling, as shown at 4402 . In some embodiments, the map shows a radius 4410 indicative of an estimated location radius around the wireless device indicative of a likely true location of the wireless device. The radius may be based on a calculated margin of error for the wireless device's calculated position. The map page may also include a map title 4408.

In some embodiments, the wireless device sends location messages to the remote server at different intervals when the map page is shown than when other pages of the user interface are shown. Typically, the interval required to update the location on the map is faster than the interval required to update the content item.

Referring now to FIG. 45 , an illustrative user profile interface page 4500 is shown. In some embodiments, the user is prompted to register. Prompt the user to register when attempting to post a comment for the first time or another time before viewing the device content interface for the first time. A user profile interface page is displayed for the user, where the user is prompted to enter a display name in display name field 4502 . The user is prompted to enter additional information, such as gender in gender field 4504, age group in age group field 4506, zip code in zip code field 4508 or information including contact or demographic information and information related to the user's points of interest. One or more fields may be required in order for a user registration submission to be accepted. If the user wishes to delete the entered information, the user selects the clear button 4510 and clears all entered information. When all required information has been entered, the user selects submit button 4512 to submit the information. When the submit button is selected, the entered user profile information is sent to the data storage module 1108 and stored, such as in a table having the structure illustrated in FIG. 30 .

In some embodiments, the content items sent from the data processing module 1104 to the wireless device are filtered according to one or more fields of the user profile. For example, if a user enters "female" in the gender field of a user profile, the remote server may filter the content items to select only those content items associated with the user attribute group gender being female. The remote server then sends the selected content item to the wireless device. Content items sent from the remote server to the wireless device may be further filtered by relative weighting values such that a predetermined number of the highest ranked content items are returned or all content items exceeding a predetermined threshold are returned or a predetermined number of content items exceeding a predetermined threshold are returned is returned.

In an alternative embodiment, the content items sent from the data processing module 1104 to the wireless device are filtered according to both a geo-fence and one or more user attribute groups. For example, the remote server may filter content items to select only those content items associated with the gender being female and also associated with a geo-fence within which the wireless device is located. Filtering of relative weighted values may also be applied.

Figures 46-49 present a collection of illustrative examples of business analytics. These business analyzes help determine what end users identify as the most relevant content. Thus, the illustrated mobile marketer may determine that they need to tailor their messaging based on specific trends in content links.

Referring to FIG. 46, there is shown a time-series graph of relevance weighting values for specific content links. Time series graph 4600 presents the popularity of specific content links for four different demographic profiles. The time series graph 4600 is similar to that in Figure 35B, however in Figure 46 the time series is captured across months, whereas in Figure 35B the event sequence is captured across minutes. Each demographic profile in graph 4600 is associated with user attributes gathered from the user profile.

In FIG. 47, a content request for a specific content link outside a specific date range is shown. The content requests graph 4700 identifies the total number of content requests made for the illustrated content links. The total number of requests provides the total number of requests by all end users for the illustrated link in hourly increments.

Figure 48 presents a heat map of request volume based on location. The heat map 4800 shows the most active locations of content requests, which may be referred to as using the MADGUI as a wireless device. The most active positions providing MADGUI are indicated in red, and the least active positions are shown with little or no color change. Locations with intermediate liveness may be rendered using green and blue.

In Figure 49, a heatmap of location-based content click-through interaction rates. The heatmap 4900 shows the most active locations of received click-through interactions for the illustrated content links, which are also referred to as response inputs. The most active locations are indicated in red and the least active locations are shown with little or no color change. Locations with intermediate liveness may be rendered using green and blue.

It should be understood that the detailed description of the illustrated embodiments is given for purposes of illustration only. The scope of the claims is not limited to these specific embodiments or examples. Accordingly, various process definitions, elements, details, and usage may differ from those described above, or may be set forth or implemented using techniques that are not currently commercially feasible, and still remain within the scope of the inventive concepts of the present disclosure. The protection scope of the present invention is determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (84)

1. A context-sensitive and associated engine platform system, comprising: a plurality of beacons placed within a physical location, characterized in that each beacon emits a signal containing identification information; an indoor positioning device for receiving a plurality of measured reference points comprising measured beacon identities and measured signal strengths; The indoor positioning device is configured to generate a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon using the measured reference point; at least one indoor geofence associated with the physical location, the indoor geofence associated with the partially calculated signal strength value; a wireless device communicatively coupled to the indoor positioning device, the wireless device configured to receive at least one beacon identification and at least one beacon signal strength when the wireless device is located within or adjacent to the physical location; and, The indoor locating device is configured to determine that the wireless device is located within at least one indoor geofence by comparing the received beacon identification and the received beacon signal strength to calculated signal strength values corresponding to detected beacons. 2. The context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 1, further comprising a content management module comprising at least one content item corresponding to a specific indoor geo-fence. 3. The context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 2, comprising a database further characterized as having a plurality of user profiles, wherein each user profile includes one or more user attributes, a plurality of content items, a plurality of content relationship, at least one map, or at least one indoor geofence associated with the map. 4. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 3, comprising a content correlation module configured to: define at least one indoor geofence or at least one outdoor geofence within the map, generating a content association associating at least one content item with the indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, and, At least one content item is transmitted to the wireless device in response to the wireless device entering or leaving the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence. 5. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 4, wherein the content correlation module associates at least one user attribute with at least one content item and communicates the content item to the wireless device. 6. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the content correlation module associates at least one time range with at least one content item, and associates the content item with the content The item and the time range associated with the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence associated with the content item are communicated to the wireless device. 7. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein when the wireless device enters or leaves the indoor geo-fence or the outdoor geo-fence, the content association module according to the specific indoor geo-fence or outdoor geofences to filter multiple content items communicated to the wireless device. 8. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the content correlation module assigns a parent display level to the first content item in a plurality of content items and assigns a parent display level to the multiple content items. A second content item of the content items is assigned a child display level, and the first content item associated with the parent display level is displayed before the second content item associated with the child display level. 9. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, comprising: at least one group attribute may be shared by two or more of the plurality of user profiles, a plurality of content relationships, each content relationship relating a particular set of attributes to a particular content item, and, A content transmission module filters a plurality of content items based on group attributes and displays the filtered content items on the wireless device. 10. A context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, comprising an initial relevance value indicating the applicability of the content item to the group attribute. 11. A context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 9 or 10, comprising content ratings based on user responses to one or more content items transmitted to the wireless device. 12. A context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 10 or 11, comprising updating of the relevance value of filtered content items based on content ratings. 13. A context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, comprising a content delivery module configured to communicate the content item. 14. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 13, comprising a ranking module for ranking each content item based on the location of the wireless device and user profile, wherein the content transmission module transmits the ranking content link. 15. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the content item changes for each indoor geo-fence or outdoor geo-fence. 16. A context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 13, 14 or 15, comprising a response input received by a wireless device corresponding to one of the content items, wherein the ranking of the content item is changed based on the response input . 17. The context-sensitive relevance engine platform system of claim 16, wherein the ranking of content items corresponding to a particular indoor geofence or outdoor geofence changes based on a response input. 18. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 14, 15, 16 or 17, comprising a positive selection input displayed on the wireless device, wherein the positive selection input is related to the selection or goodness of the content item A ranking is associated wherein at least one point value is added to the associated weighted value of the positive selection input when said positive selection is selected. 19. The context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 or 18 , comprising a negative selection input displayed on the wireless device, wherein the negative selection input corresponds to the user not selecting content A negative ranking of the item or content item is associated, wherein at least one point value is subtracted from the associated weighted value of the negative selection input when said negative selection is selected. 20. A context sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19, comprising a communicatively coupled A static interactive digital signage to a network, characterized in that the static interactive digital signage is placed in a map and a content item is associated with the static interactive digital signage. 21. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 20, wherein the static interaction digital signage is associated with a specific indoor geo-fence or outdoor geo-fence and the wireless device is capable of receiving at least one static interaction digital signage Content items such that when the wireless device enters a specific indoor or outdoor geofence associated with the static interactive digital signage, the wireless device can control the static interactive digital signage by interacting with the static interactive digital signage content item. 22. The context sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 , comprising a user-generated content item communicated by the first wireless device, wherein the user-generated content item is propagated within an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence. 23. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 22, wherein when the first wireless device is located within the indoor geo-fence or outdoor geo-fence, the content item generated by the user is generated by the first wireless device. Device generation. 24. The context sensitive relevance engine platform system of claim 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23, comprising a second wireless device capable of viewing user generated content And provide responsive user input for ranking user-generated content. 25. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 24, wherein when the second wireless device enters or leaves the indoor geo-fence or the outdoor geo-fence, the second wireless device can view user-generated Content. 26. According to claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 The context-sensitive relevance engine platform system of , characterized in that the content items are presented as a news feed in a smartphone application, and the content items change autonomously when a user enters or leaves an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence. 27. According to claim 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or 26 The context-sensitive contextual engine platform system, wherein the content item is presented in a casino smartphone application, casino credit program, casino game, slot machine, game console, kiosk, or casino property , and the content items change autonomously when the user enters or leaves an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence. 28. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said individual content items include alphanumeric text, video, audio, image, menu, smart phone application, hyperlink, to URL , a link to another content item, a coupon, an advertisement, an a la carte menu, a label, a smartphone application, a game or a listing. 29. A context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising fixed sensors in a physical location communicatively coupled to a network, wherein said fixed sensors receive beacon identifications and communications including measurements A reference point for multiple measurements of measured signal strength to a device for indoor positioning. 30. The context-sensitive relevance engine platform system of claim 29, comprising a slot machine, game console, kiosk or interactive digital signage with beacons or sensors. 31. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless device comprises: an indoor positioning module for receiving a plurality of measured reference points including measured beacon identities and measured signal strengths; The indoor positioning module of the wireless device is configured to apply the measured reference point to generate a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon; The indoor positioning module of the wireless device is configured to determine that the wireless device is within at least one indoor geofence by comparing the received beacon identification and the received beacon signal strength to a calculated signal strength value corresponding to the detected beacon. 32. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless device includes a content management module placed on the wireless device, and it also includes at least one corresponding to a specific indoor geo-fence content item. 33. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless device includes a database further characterized by including at least one user profile, wherein the user profile includes one or more user profiles An attribute, a plurality of content items, a plurality of content relationships, at least one map, or at least one indoor geofence associated with the map. 34. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless device includes a content correlation module configured to: define at least one indoor geofence or at least one outdoor geofence within the map, generating a content association associating at least one content item with the indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, and, At least one content item is transmitted to the wireless device in response to the wireless device entering or leaving the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence. 35. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indoor positioning device includes a server and a wireless device coupled to each other through wide area network or local area network communication, and the server includes: an indoor positioning module for receiving a plurality of measured reference points including measured beacon identities and measured signal strengths; the indoor positioning module is configured to apply the measured reference point to generate a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon; The indoor positioning module is configured to determine that the wireless device is within at least one indoor geofence by comparing the received beacon identification and the received beacon signal strength to a calculated signal strength value corresponding to the detected beacon. 36. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server includes a content management module, which further includes at least one content item corresponding to a specific indoor geo-fence. 37. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server includes a database further characterized as including at least one user profile, wherein the user profile includes one or more user attributes , a plurality of content items, a plurality of content relationships, at least one map, or at least one indoor geofence associated with the map. 38. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server includes a content correlation module configured to: define at least one indoor geofence or at least one outdoor geofence within the map, generating a content association associating at least one content item with the indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, and, At least one content item is transmitted to the wireless device in response to the wireless device entering or leaving the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence. 39. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indoor positioning device comprises a kiosk, slot game, etc. machine (slotmachine), game console or interactive digital signage, said kiosk, slot machine (slotmachine), game console or interactive digital signage comprising: an indoor positioning module for receiving a plurality of measured reference points including measured beacon identities and measured signal strengths; the indoor positioning module is configured to apply the measured reference point to generate a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon; The indoor positioning module is configured to determine that the wireless device is within at least one indoor geofence by comparing the received beacon identification and the received beacon signal strength to a calculated signal strength value corresponding to the detected beacon. 40. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kiosk, slot machine, game console or interactive digital signage further includes a content management module, It further includes at least one content item corresponding to a particular indoor geofence. 41. The context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kiosk, slot machine, game console or interactive digital signage is further characterized by at least one A database of user profiles, wherein the user profile includes one or more user attributes, a plurality of content items, a plurality of content relationships, at least one map, or at least one indoor geofence associated with the map. 42. The context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kiosk, slot machine, game console or interactive digital signage includes a content correlation module configured for: define at least one indoor geofence or at least one outdoor geofence within the map, generating a content association associating at least one content item with the indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, and, At least one content item is transmitted to the wireless device in response to the wireless device entering or leaving the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence. 43. A method suitable for operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system, the method comprising: placing a plurality of beacons within a physical location, wherein each beacon emits a signal containing identification information; enabling the indoor positioning device to receive a plurality of measured reference points comprising measured beacon identities and measured signal strengths; generating a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon using the measured reference point; associating at least one indoor geofence with the physical location, the indoor geofence associated with the partially calculated signal strength value; enabling a wireless device communicatively coupled to the indoor positioning device, the wireless device being configured to receive at least one beacon identification and at least one beacon signal strength when the wireless device is located within or adjacent to the physical location; and The wireless device is determined to be within at least one indoor geo-fence by comparing the received beacon identification and the received beacon signal strength to a calculated signal strength value corresponding to the detected beacon. 44. The method of operating a context sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 43, further comprising enabling a content management module comprising at least one content item to be associated with a specific indoor geofence. 45. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 44, comprising storing a plurality of user profiles in a database, wherein each user profile comprises one or more user attributes, a plurality of content items, a plurality of A content relationship, at least one map, or at least one indoor geofence associated with the map. 46. A method of operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 44, comprising: define at least one indoor geofence or at least one outdoor geofence within the map, generating a content association associating at least one content item with the indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, and, At least one content item is transmitted to the wireless device in response to the wireless device entering or leaving the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence. 47. The method of operating a context sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 46, wherein the content correlation module associates at least one user attribute with at least one content item and communicates the content item to a shared Wireless devices with the same user attributes. 48. The method of operating a context sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 46 or 47, wherein said content correlation module associates at least one time range with at least one content item, which is further characterized by , communicating the content item to the wireless device within the time range associated with the content item and an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence associated with the content item. 49. The method for operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 46, 47 or 48, wherein when the wireless device enters or leaves an indoor geo-fence or an outdoor geo-fence, the content correlation module according to A specific indoor geofence or outdoor geofence is used to filter the plurality of content items communicated to the wireless device. 50. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 46, 47, 48 or 49, wherein said content association module assigns a parent display class to a first content item of a plurality of content items And a child display level is assigned to a second content item of the plurality of content items, and the first content item associated with the parent display level is displayed before the second content item associated with the child display level. 51. A method of operating a context sensitive correlation engine platform system as claimed in claim 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50, comprising: providing at least one group attribute shared by two or more of the plurality of user profiles, associate each content relationship with a specific set of attributes and a specific content item, and, filtering multiple content items based on group attributes; and, The filtered content items are displayed on the wireless device. 52. A method of operating a context sensitive association engine platform system as claimed in claim 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 or 51, comprising using an initial association value to indicate the applicability of a content item to a group attribute. 53. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 51 or 52, comprising receiving a content rating based on user responses to one or more content items transmitted to the wireless device. 54. A method of operating a context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 52 or 53, comprising receiving updates of relevance values for filtered content items based on content ratings. 55. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system as claimed in claim 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 or 51, comprising enabling the content transfer module to communicate the content item. 56. A method of operating a context-sensitive relevance engine platform system as claimed in claim 55, comprising using a ranking module to rank each content item based on the wireless device's location and user profile, wherein said content transmission module transmits Ranked content links. 57. A method of operating a context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 55 or 56, wherein said content item changes for each indoor geofence or outdoor geofence. 58. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 55, 56 or 57, comprising receiving a response input corresponding to one of the content items, wherein the ranking of the content item is changed based on the response input. 59. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system as claimed in claim 58, wherein the ranking of content items corresponding to a particular indoor geofence or outdoor geofence is changed based on a response input. 60. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 56, 57, 58 or 59, comprising receiving a positive selection input displayed on a wireless device, wherein said positive selection input is associated with a content item When an input is being selected or associated with a good rank, at least one point value is added to the associated weighted value. 61. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to claim 56, 57, 58, 59 or 60, comprising receiving a negative selection input displayed on a wireless device, wherein said negative selection input is associated with No user selection of a content item or a negative ranking of the content item is associated below which negative selection input at least one point value is subtracted from the associated weighted value. 62. A method of operating a context sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 or 61, The method includes providing a static interactive digital signage communicatively coupled to a network, wherein the static interactive digital signage is placed within a map and a content item is associated with the static interactive digital signage. 63. The method of operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 62, wherein the static interactive digital signage is associated with a specific indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, the static interactive digital signage is further characterized by It is to make the wireless device receive at least one content item of the static interactive digital signage, so that when the wireless device enters a specific indoor geo-fence or outdoor geo-fence associated with the static interactive digital signage, the wireless device can pass through the static interactive digital signage. The interactive digital signage content items interact to control the static interactive digital signage. 64. An operational context sensitive correlation engine platform according to claim 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62 or 63 The method of the system includes receiving a user-generated content item generated by a first wireless device, wherein the user-generated content item is propagated within an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence. 65. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system as claimed in claim 64, wherein when the first wireless device is located within the indoor geo-fence or the outdoor geo-fence, causing the user-generated content item to be generated by the first Wireless device generation. 66. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system as claimed in claim 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 or 65, comprising enabling a second wireless device to view user Generated content in order to provide responsive user input for ranking user-generated content. 67. The method for operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to claim 65, wherein when the second wireless device enters or leaves the indoor geo-fence or the outdoor geo-fence, the second wireless device Ability to view user-generated content. 68. Claim 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 or 67 A method of operating a context-sensitive relevance engine platform system, wherein the content item is presented as a news feed in a smartphone application, and the content item occurs autonomously when a user enters or leaves an indoor geofence or an outdoor geofence Change. 69. According to claim 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 or 68 The method of operating a context-sensitive contextual engine platform system, wherein the content item is presented in a casino smart phone application, a casino credit program, a casino game, a slot machine, a gaming console, a kiosk or casino property interactive digital signage, and the content item changes autonomously when the user enters or leaves the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence. 70. A method of operating a context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein said individual content items include alphanumeric text, video, audio, images, menus, smartphone applications, hyperlinks , a link to a URL, a link to another content item, a coupon, an advertisement, an a la carte menu, a label, a smartphone application, a game or a listing. 71. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising providing fixed sensors within a physical location communicatively coupled to a network, wherein said fixed sensors receive information comprising measurements The marker identifies and communicates to a reference point for a plurality of measurements of signal strength for measurements of the indoor positioning device. 72. A method of operating a context-sensitive contextual engine platform system as claimed in claim 71, comprising a slot machine, game console, kiosk or interactive digital signage with beacons or sensors. 73. The method for operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless device comprises: an indoor positioning module for receiving a plurality of measured reference points including measured beacon identities and measured signal strengths; The indoor positioning module of the wireless device is configured to apply the measured reference point to generate a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon; The indoor positioning module of the wireless device is configured to determine that the wireless device is within at least one indoor geofence by comparing the received beacon identification and the received beacon signal strength to a calculated signal strength value corresponding to the detected beacon. 74. The method for operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless device includes a content management module placed on the wireless device, which further includes a geo-fence corresponding to a specific indoor At least one content item for . 75. The method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wireless device comprises a database further characterized as comprising at least one user profile, wherein said user profile comprises one or A plurality of user attributes, a plurality of content items, a plurality of content relationships, at least one map, or at least one indoor geofence associated with the map. 76. The method for operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless device includes a content correlation module configured to: define at least one indoor geofence or at least one outdoor geofence within the map, generating a content association associating at least one content item with the indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, and At least one content item is transmitted to the wireless device in response to the wireless device entering or leaving the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence. 77. The method for operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indoor positioning module includes a server and a wireless device that are communicatively coupled via a wide area network or a local area network, and the server includes: an indoor positioning module for receiving a plurality of measured reference points including measured beacon identities and measured signal strengths; the indoor positioning module is configured to apply the measured reference point to generate a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon; The indoor positioning module is configured to determine that the wireless device is within at least one indoor geofence by comparing the received beacon identification and the received beacon signal strength to a calculated signal strength value corresponding to the detected beacon. 78. A method of operating a context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said server includes a content management module, which further includes at least one content item corresponding to a specific indoor geo-fence. 79. The method of operating a context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server includes a database further characterized as including at least one user profile, wherein the user profile includes one or more A user attribute, a plurality of content items, a plurality of content relationships, at least one map, or at least one indoor geofence associated with the map. 80. The method for operating a context-sensitive correlation engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server includes a content correlation module configured to: define at least one indoor geofence or at least one outdoor geofence within the map, generating a content association associating at least one content item with the indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, and At least one content item is transmitted to the wireless device in response to the wireless device entering or leaving the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence. 81. A method of operating a context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indoor positioning module comprises a kiosk, slot machine, characterized by being communicatively coupled to a server or wireless device via a wide area network or a local area network machine (slotmachine), game console or interactive digital signage, said kiosk, slot machine (slotmachine), game console or interactive digital signage comprising: an indoor positioning module for receiving a plurality of measured reference points including measured beacon identities and measured signal strengths; the indoor positioning module is configured to apply the measured reference point to generate a plurality of calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon; The indoor positioning module is configured to determine that the wireless device is within at least one indoor geofence by comparing the received beacon identification and the received beacon signal strength to a calculated signal strength value corresponding to the detected beacon. 82. A method of operating a context-sensitive relevance engine platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the kiosk, slot machine, game console or interactive digital signage includes a content management A module further comprising at least one content item corresponding to a particular indoor geofence. 83. A method of operating a context sensitive contextual engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said kiosk, slot machine, game console or interactive digital signage comprises the further feature is a database of at least one user profile, wherein the user profile includes one or more user attributes, a plurality of content items, a plurality of content relationships, at least one map, or at least one indoor geofence associated with the map. 84. A method of operating a context sensitive relevance engine platform system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said kiosk, slot machine, game console or interactive digital signage includes content relevance module, configured as: define at least one indoor geofence or at least one outdoor geofence within the map, generating a content association associating at least one content item with the indoor geofence or outdoor geofence, and, At least one content item is transmitted to the wireless device in response to the wireless device entering or leaving the indoor geofence or the outdoor geofence.