Electronic advertising device and method of using the same

• US 20080077502A1
• Filed: 10/19/2007
• Published: 03/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2001
• Status: Active Application

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: TTB Technologies LLC
• Inventors: Boyd, John
• Application Number:
  US11/975,521
• Publication Number:
  US 20080077502A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0256 User search
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0261 based on user location
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices

Abstract

Electronic advertising devices and methods of using the same for providing targeted advertisements to one or more individuals based on the individual(s) consumer profile(s). The devices or systems include a sensor or receiver for receiving identifying signals from individuals such as signals emitted by cellular telephones. Using information associated with or retrieved using the identifying signal, targeted advertisements are delivered to the individuals.

Claims

1. An electronic device for delivering one or more targeted advertisements to one or more individuals comprising:

(a) a communication element configured for delivering said one or more targeted advertisements to said one or more individuals; and

(b) a receiver configured for receiving signals emitted from one or more emitters carried by or associated with said one or more individuals;

wherein said one or more targeted advertisements are selected using said signals and said communication element is not structurally connected to said emitters.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said signals are search requests.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said signals are identifying signals.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said identifying signals include an identification number.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said signals do not include personal information of said one or more individuals.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said emitters are selected from the group consisting of cellular telephone, beeper, handheld computer, personal organizer, automobile toll charge transponder and combinations thereof.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising an advertisement database including a plurality of advertisements or a link to said advertisement database.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a consumer profile database including a plurality of consumer profiles or a link to said consumer profile database.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said communication element comprises a visual display, a loudspeaker or combinations thereof;

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said communication element comprises an electronic billboard.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is interactive allowing said one or more individuals to provide feedback and/or request information regarding the displayed advertisement(s) and/or to pause and/or reverse the displayed advertisements.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said one or more individuals can interact with the device using said one or more emitters.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for determining the presence of an individual within the advertising range of the device.

14. An electronic device for delivering one or more advertisements to one or more individuals comprising a communication element for delivering said one or more advertisements to said one or more individuals, wherein said communication element comprises an electronic billboard and said device is interactive allowing said one or more individuals to provide feedback and/or request information regarding the displayed advertisement(s) and/or to pause and/or reverse the displayed advertisements.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said one or more individuals can interact with said device using cellular phones.

16. A method for selectively delivering targeted advertising on an electronic device comprising:

(a) detecting a signal from at least one individual; and

(b) delivering said one or more targeted advertisements based on said signal.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said signal is emitted by one or more emitters carried by or associated with said individual.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said electronic device is not structurally connected to said emitters.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein said signal is a search request.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said emitters are selected from the group consisting of cellular telephone, beeper, handheld computer, personal organizer, automobile toll charge transponder and combinations thereof.