METHODS FOR PROVIDING SERVICES AND INFORMATION BASED UPON DATA COLLECTED VIA WIRELESS NETWORK SENSORS

• US 20090009340A1
• Filed: 07/03/2007
• Published: 01/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Weaver, Billy L., Yi, Jennifer R., Hagen, Kathy L., Theiss, Silva K., Brott, Robert L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,035,511 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/573.100
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 21/00 Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/063114 Status monitoring or status determination for a person or group
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0201 Market modelling; Market analysis; Collecting market data
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0205 Location or geographical consideration
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/00 Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements

Abstract

A method for processing data collected via a wireless network sensor includes providing information in a variety of ways based upon the processed data. The network sensor has a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors in a monitored space, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The received data is processed to determine pedestrian traffic patterns in the monitored space, which can be used to design a layout and placement of goods for sale in the monitored space. The information for the pedestrian traffic patterns can also be provided in exchange for a fee to customers requesting it.

Claims

1. A method for processing data collected via a wireless network sensor, comprising:

receiving data from a wireless network sensor having a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors in a monitored space, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data;

processing the received data to determine pedestrian traffic patterns in the monitored space; and

designing a layout and placement of goods for sale in the monitored space based upon the determined traffic patterns.

2. A detection sensor for detecting proximately occurring events, comprising:

a housing having a plurality of apertures;

a wireless network sensor located in the housing, the wireless network sensor having a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors in a monitored space, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data, wherein each of the sensors is contained within one of the apertures; and

a location determining module contained within the housing and electronically coupled to the processor.

3. The detection sensor of claim 2, wherein the location determining module comprises a global positioning system.

4. A method for selling information related to data collected via a wireless network sensor, comprising:

receiving data from a wireless network sensor having a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors in a monitored space, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data;

processing the received data to determine pedestrian traffic patterns in the monitored space;

receiving from a customer a request for the determined pedestrian traffic patterns; and

providing the determined pedestrian traffic patterns to the customer in exchange for a fee.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the receiving the request step includes receiving a subscription to the determined pedestrian traffic patterns and wherein the providing step includes providing the determined pedestrian traffic patterns to the customer on a regular basis in response to the subscription.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the providing step includes providing with the determined pedestrian traffic patterns location information identifying a location of the wireless network sensor.

7. A method for controlling digital signage using data collected via a wireless network sensor, comprising:

receiving data from a wireless network sensor having a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors in a monitored space, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data;

processing the received data to determine a type of content to be displayed on digital signage located proximate the wireless network sensor; and

providing a control signal to the digital signage for display of the determined type of content.