SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING EVENT-RELATED INCENTIVES

• US 20120290336A1
• Filed: 05/09/2011
• Published: 11/15/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/2011
• Status: Active Application

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Rosenblatt, Michael, Hodge, Andrew
• Application Number:
  US13/103,689
• Publication Number:
  US 20120290336A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/5
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/00 Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices for providing event-related incentives are provided. For example, a device for managing an electronic event ticket may include a processor configured to run an electronic ticket management application, a memory device configured to store data associated with the electronic ticket management application, an electronic display configured to display at least a portion of the data associated with the electronic ticket management application, and an input/output interface configured to receive an electronic ticket and the data associated with the electronic ticket for management by the electronic ticket management application. The electronic ticket management application may be configured to enable the electronic device to gain entry to an event and to obtain at least one other event-related benefit after the electronic ticket is received by the input/output interface.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

providing a ticket configured for storage on an electronic device, wherein the ticket is configured to enable the electronic device to be used to gain entry to an event and to obtain at least one other event-related benefit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ticket is an electronic ticket stored on a physical ticket configured for near field communication and the physical ticket is configured to transmit the electronic ticket to the electronic device after the physical ticket is tapped to a near field communication interface of the electronic device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a concert and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

exclusive content associated with a performer;

a live recording of the event;

prepaid or discount studio albums associated with a performer;

one or more special singles by a performer;

a coupon for refreshments or attire;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

an event schedule;

song lyrics;

a calendar reminder;

or any combination thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a musical, play, symphony, or opera event and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

exclusive content associated with a performer;

a live recording of the event;

prepaid or discount recordings associated with a performer;

prepaid or discount dinner;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

an electronic program;

lyrics and/or translations;

a calendar reminder;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate or silent when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a sporting event and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

a coupon for refreshments or attire;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for memorabilia;

a calendar reminder;

a sports season overview;

a sports team roster;

player e-cards;

electronic entry to a suite or box at the venue;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate or loud when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a school-related event and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

a live recording of the event;

a coupon for refreshments or attire;

an electronic program;

a calendar reminder;

a video recording of the event;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate, silent, or loud when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a movie showing and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

exclusive content associated with a movie;

an interview with the event performer;

a coupon for refreshments;

an option to reserve a copy of a movie;

movie trailers or other advertisements;

an option to purchase special movie releases;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate or silent when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a cruise or tour and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a point of embarkation;

a coupon for refreshments or attire;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for memorabilia;

a coupon for overnight accommodations;

a calendar reminder;

photos or videos associated with a cruise or tour;

prepaid or discount shore excursions;

an automatic setting of an out-of-office reply while the electronic device is present at the event;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate, silent, or loud when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a conference and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a conference location;

a live recording of the event;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for overnight accommodations;

a coupon for a conference breakfast, lunch, or dinner;

an event schedule;

a calendar reminder;

e-business cards of conference panelists;

papers or presentations of conference panelists;

an automatic setting of an out-of-office reply while the electronic device is present at the event;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate or silent when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a wedding or wedding reception and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a wedding or wedding reception location;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for a toll road;

a coupon for overnight accommodations;

a calendar reminder;

wedding register information;

an option to view or purchase a wedding video;

an option to view or purchase wedding photos;

an audio recording of a wedding toast;

a playlist of a wedding reception;

an electronic RSVP;

a gift of music from a bride or groom;

tailored benefits for a member of a wedding party;

an automatic setting of an out-of-office reply while the electronic device is present at the event;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate or silent when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a museum visit and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a museum;

a coupon for dinner;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a guided tour;

an option to purchase a print or copy of a work of art;

an audio tour;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate or silent when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises a theme park visit and wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a theme park;

a coupon for refreshments;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for a special ride ticket or entry;

in-line entertainment;

an option to purchase special movie releases;

photos from a ride;

an automatic setting of an out-of-office reply while the electronic device is present at the event;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate, silent, or loud when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

13. A method comprising:

marketing a ticket benefit package associated with the use of an electronic ticket to a venue management organization for an event, wherein the electronic ticket associated with the ticket benefit package may be stored on an electronic device to enable a user of the electronic device to be used to gain entry to the event and to provide the user of the electronic device with one or more event-related benefits.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein marketing the ticket benefit package comprises recommending the one or more event-related benefits associated with the electronic ticket based on the type of the event.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the event comprises a concert and wherein recommending the one or more event-related benefits associated with the electronic ticket comprises recommending a benefit of a live recording;

a discount on a studio album;

prepaid or discount parking or transportation;

prepaid or discount refreshments;

prepaid or discount concert attire;

a concert schedule or setlist;

song lyrics;

a map to the venue;

a calendar reminder on the electronic device;

exclusive content associated with a performing artist;

or any combination thereof.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the event comprises a musical play, symphony, or opera event and wherein recommending the one or more event-related benefits associated with the electronic ticket comprises recommending a benefit of a live recording;

prepaid or discount dinner;

prepaid or discounts for prior recordings by performers of the event;

a map to the venue;

prepaid or discount parking or transportation;

an electronic program;

lyrics and/or translations;

a calendar reminder on the electronic device;

automatically setting the electronic device to silent or vibrate during the event;

exclusive interviews with the performers of the event;

or any combination thereof.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the event comprises a sporting event and wherein recommending the one or more event-related benefits associated with the electronic ticket comprises recommending as a benefit a season overview;

a team roster;

prepaid or discount refreshments;

entry to a suite or box;

a map of or to the venue;

prepaid or discount memorabilia;

prepaid or discount parking or transportation;

player e-cards;

a calendar reminder on the electronic device;

automatically setting the electronic device to loud or vibrate during the event;

or any combination thereof.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the event comprises a movie showing and wherein recommending the one or more event-related benefits associated with the electronic ticket comprises recommending as a benefit a prepaid or discount movie soundtrack;

prepaid or discount refreshments;

a map to the venue;

trailers for upcoming movies;

a prepaid or discount preorder of a movie;

automatically setting the electronic device to silent or vibrate during the event;

or any combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the event comprises a conference and wherein recommending the one or more event-related benefits associated with the electronic ticket comprises recommending as a benefit a live recording;

electronic business cards of panelists;

a copy of panelist papers or presentations;

prepaid or discount breakfast, lunch, or dinner;

an electronic schedule of the event on the electronic device;

a map of or to the venue;

prepaid or discount parking or transportation;

prepaid or discount overnight accommodations;

a calendar reminder on the electronic device;

an automatic out-of-office reply;

automatically setting the electronic device to silent or vibrate during the event;

or any combination thereof.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the event comprises a wedding and wherein recommending the one or more event-related benefits associated with the electronic ticket comprises recommending as a benefit an electronic map to a church or a reception venue;

a link to purchase a gift from a wedding register from the electronic device;

an option to view or purchase a wedding video;

an option to view or purchase wedding photos;

an audio recording of a toast;

a playlist of music played at a reception;

a gift of music from a bride or groom;

a link to a personalized wedding website;

toll road or parking credits;

benefits tailored to members of a wedding party;

a calendar reminder on the electronic device;

automatically setting the electronic device to silent or vibrate during the event;

an electronic RSVP;

or any combination thereof.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein the event comprises a museum visit and wherein recommending the one or more event-related benefits associated with the electronic ticket comprises recommending as a benefit a map of or to a museum;

a coupon for dinner;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a guided tour;

an option to purchase a print or copy of a work of art;

an audio tour;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate or silent when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein the event comprises a theme park visit and wherein recommending the one or more event-related benefits associated with the electronic ticket comprises recommending as a benefit a map of or to a theme park;

a coupon for refreshments;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for a special ride ticket or entry;

in-line entertainment;

an option to purchase special movie releases;

photos from a ride;

an automatic setting of an out-of-office reply while the electronic device is present at the event;

an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate, silent, or loud when the electronic device is present at the event;

or any combination thereof.

23. An electronic device comprising:

a processor configured to run an electronic ticket management application;

a memory device operably coupled to the processor and configured to store data associated with the electronic ticket management application;

an electronic display operably coupled to the processor and configured to display at least a portion of the data associated with the electronic ticket management application; and

an input/output interface configured to receive an electronic ticket and the data associated with the electronic ticket for management by the electronic ticket management application, wherein the electronic ticket management application is configured to enable a user of the electronic device to gain entry to an event and to obtain at least one other event-related benefit after the electronic ticket is received by the input/output interface.

24. The electronic device of claim 23, wherein the input/output interface comprises a near field communication interface.

25. The electronic device of claim 24, wherein the input/output interface is configured to receive the electronic ticket from a physical ticket configured for near field communication.

26. The electronic device of claim 23, wherein the input/output interface is configured to transmit data associated with the electronic ticket to another electronic device to gain entry to an event.

27. The electronic device of claim 23, wherein the portion of the data associated with the electronic ticket displayed on the electronic display comprises the at least one other event-related benefit.

28. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a concert and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

exclusive content associated with an event performer;

a coupon for refreshments or attire;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for memorabilia;

an electronic program;

song lyrics;

a calendar reminder;

or any combination thereof.

29. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a musical, play, symphony, or opera event and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

exclusive content associated with an event performer;

an interview with event performers;

a coupon for dinner;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

an electronic program;

lyrics and/or translations;

a calendar reminder;

or any combination thereof.

30. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a sporting event and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

a coupon for refreshments or attire;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for memorabilia;

an electronic program;

a calendar reminder;

a sports season overview;

a sports team roster;

player e-cards;

or any combination thereof.

31. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a movie showing and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

a coupon for refreshments;

an electronic program;

movie trailers or other advertisements;

an option to purchase special movie releases;

or any combination thereof.

32. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a movie showing and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

a coupon for refreshments;

an electronic program;

movie trailers or other advertisements;

an option to purchase special movie releases;

or any combination thereof.

33. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a conference and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a venue;

a coupon for refreshments;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for overnight accommodations;

a coupon for a conference breakfast, lunch, or dinner;

an event schedule;

a calendar reminder;

or any combination thereof.

34. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a cruise or tour and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to an embarkation location;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for overnight accommodations;

a calendar reminder;

photos or videos associated with the cruise or tour;

or any combination thereof.

35. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a museum visit and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a museum;

a coupon for dinner;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a visual guided tour of the museum;

an option to purchase a print or copy of a work of art in the museum;

or any combination thereof.

36. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a wedding or wedding reception and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a wedding location or reception location;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for overnight accommodations;

a coupon for a toll road;

an electronic program;

a calendar reminder;

wedding register information;

an option to view or purchase a wedding video;

an option to view or purchase wedding photos;

an electronic RSVP;

or any combination thereof.

37. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the event comprises a theme park visit and the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a map of or to a theme park;

a coupon for refreshments;

a coupon for parking or transportation;

a coupon for a special ride ticket;

in-line entertainment at a theme park;

an option to purchase special movie releases;

photos from a ride;

or any combination thereof.

38. The device of claim 23, wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate, silent, or loud for the duration of the event.

39. The electronic device of claim 23, wherein the electronic ticket management application is configured to manage more than one electronic ticket.

40. The electronic device of claim 23, comprising location sensing circuitry configured to determine a location of the electronic device, wherein the at least one other event-related benefit varies depending on the location.

41. The electronic device of claim 40, wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises an automatic setting of the electronic device to vibrate, silent, or loud while the location of the electronic device comprises a venue where the event takes place.

42. The electronic device of claim 40, wherein the at least one other event-related benefit comprises a display of information regarding the event while the location of the electronic device comprises a venue where the event takes place.

43. A method comprising:

providing digital content to an electronic device in exchange for digital content credits, wherein the digital content credits are received by the electronic device when the electronic device obtains an electronic ticket and wherein the electronic ticket is obtained from a physical ticket configured for near field communication.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein providing digital content to the electronic device comprises transferring digital content from an online digital content service over the Internet to the electronic device.