RETAIL PROXIMITY MARKETING

• US 20130297422A1
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Published: 11/07/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: HUNTER, KEVIN E., SPRIGG, STEPHEN A., MEIJERS, NEVILLE J., WURSTER, CHARLES S., JACOBS, PAUL E.
• Granted Patent: US 10,360,593 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.58
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0261 based on user location
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/61 for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/51 of receiving stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/63 for services of sales data processing systems or methods specially adapted for electronic commerce G06Q30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/023 using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services

Abstract

Methods, systems and devices for presenting marketing information to a customer based on proximity to marketing areas. A wireless identity transmitter associated with the customer may periodically transmit wireless broadcast messages that include obscured identifiers. A proximity broadcast receiver within a retail store, such as near a product display or aisle, may receive and relay the broadcast messages to a server which may process the included information. Based on proximity information and other conditions, the server may transmit marketing information relevant to the customer and a proximate marketing area, such as coupons and offers. In an embodiment, the server may store data based on broadcast messages that may indicate foot traffic and other information valuable to merchants. The server may also transmit messages based on stored permissions that indicate whether the customer desires to receive marketing information and whether the server is authorized to provide the customer'"'"'s identity to merchants.

Claims

1. A method of delivering marketing information to customers based on their proximity to a marketing location, comprising:

receiving in a server a sighting message that includes an identifier of a wireless identity transmitter associated with an individual;

identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to a host; and

transmitting a first message to a computing device that includes the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining in the server whether the wireless identity transmitter is known to the server based on the identifier; and

determining in the server whether the sighting message is related to the host based on information included within the sighting message related to a proximity broadcast receiver that transmitted the sighting message.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising storing data based on the sighting message in relation to the wireless identity transmitter and the host when the wireless identity transmitter is determined to be known and the sighting message is determined to be related to the host, and

wherein the stored data includes information indicating at least one of locations of the wireless identity transmitter over a period, a number of unique customers that entered a store, an aggregated amount of time a plurality of individuals dwelled within a particular area of the store, and a dwell time within an area of the store within the proximity to the wireless identity transmitter.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to the host comprises:

identifying the marketing information relevant to the marketing area and the individual associated with the wireless identity transmitter based on stored data related to the individual, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

storing permissions information in the server that indicates whether the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be provided to an advertiser; and

identifying the stored permissions information for the individual that is associated with the wireless identity transmitter.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

transmitting a request message for relevant marketing information that includes the stored data that identifies the individual and information related to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information;

transmitting the request message for the relevant marketing information that only includes information related to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information; and

receiving the relevant marketing information in response to transmitting the request message.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising transmitting to the advertiser a second message that indicates that the identified marketing information was transmitted to the computing device, relevant marketing conditions, and when authorized by the identified permissions information, stored data associated with the individual.

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising storing marketing information and marketing conditions, and

wherein identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area comprises:

identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions, the stored data of the individual, and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information; and

identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the stored marketing information and the stored marketing conditions are received from an advertising server.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter includes at least one of a coupon, a promotional offer, a greeting message, information about deals nearby, an executable script configured to be executed by the computing device, and an advertisement.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein when executed by the computing device, the executable script changes one of a setting of the computing device or a functionality of the computing device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the executable script changing the functionality of the computing device includes disabling a browser application from accessing websites of competitors.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the host is one of a merchant, retailer, service, store, and third-party registered with the server.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifier of the wireless identity transmitter is a rolling identifier generated via an algorithm that uses a unique device identifier of the wireless identity transmitter, a secret key shared with the server, and a counter.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the computing device is a mobile device associated with the individual.

17. A method for an advertising server to process accounts related to transmitting marketing information, comprising:

storing a first account for a host, a second account for a central server, and a third account for an advertiser;

storing marketing information and marketing conditions received from the advertiser;

receiving in the advertising server a message from the central server that indicates a wireless identity transmitter associated with an individual was within proximity of a proximity broadcast receiver associated with the host;

identifying the advertiser based on the received message and the stored marketing information and the marketing conditions;

crediting the first account associated with the host by a first amount in response to receiving the message;

crediting the second account associated with the central server by a second amount in response to receiving the message; and

debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser a third amount in response to receiving the message.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the received message indicates the marketing information was transmitted to a computing device.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising transmitting customer data to the advertiser when the customer data is indicated within the received message.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

receiving subsequent transaction data, wherein subsequent transaction data includes at least one of a sales report from the advertiser, a customer confirmation, a coupon redemption record, and location data;

determining whether the received subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

crediting the first account associated with the host by a fourth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

crediting the second account associated with the central server by a fifth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message; and

debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser by a sixth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the third amount is related to the first amount and the second amount.

22. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

determining whether the received message indicates the marketing information was transmitted to a computing device;

identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message; and

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message comprises identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions comprises identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message, the stored marketing conditions, and customer data in the received message, wherein the customer data includes at least one of characteristics of a customer, preferences of the customer, and previous behaviors of the customer.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein transmitting the identified relevant marketing information comprises:

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to the central server when the received message does not include customer contact information; and

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to a device associated with a customer when the received message does include the customer contact information.

26. The method of claim 17, further comprising transmitting an invoice message to the advertiser indicating that indicates the third account was debited.

27. The method of claim 17, further comprising transmitting the stored marketing information and the stored marketing conditions to the central server.

28. A server configured for delivering marketing information to customers based on their proximity to a marketing location, comprising:

a server processor configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

receiving in the server a sighting message that includes an identifier of a wireless identity transmitter associated with an individual;

identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to a host; and

transmitting a first message to a computing device that includes the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter.

29. The server of claim 28, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

determining in the server whether the wireless identity transmitter is known to the server based on the identifier; and

determining in the server whether the sighting message is related to the host based on information included within the sighting message related to a proximity broadcast receiver that transmitted the sighting message.

30. The server of claim 29, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising storing data based on the sighting message in relation to the wireless identity transmitter and the host when the wireless identity transmitter is determined to be known and the sighting message is determined to be related to the host, and

wherein the stored data includes information indicating at least one of locations of the wireless identity transmitter over a period, a number of unique customers that entered a store, an aggregated amount of time a plurality of individuals dwelled within a particular area of the store, and a dwell time within an area of the store within the proximity to the wireless identity transmitter.

31. The server of claim 28, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations such that identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to the host comprises:

identifying the marketing information relevant to the marketing area and the individual associated with the wireless identity transmitter based on stored data related to the individual, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

32. The server of claim 28, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

storing permissions information in the server that indicates whether the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be provided to an advertiser; and

identifying the stored permissions information for the individual that is associated with the wireless identity transmitter.

33. The server of claim 32, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

transmitting a request message for relevant marketing information that includes the stored data that identifies the individual and information related to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information;

transmitting the request message for the relevant marketing information that only includes information related to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information; and

receiving the relevant marketing information in response to transmitting the request message.

34. The server of claim 32, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising transmitting to the advertiser a second message that indicates that the identified marketing information was transmitted to the computing device, relevant marketing conditions, and when authorized by the identified permissions information, stored data associated with the individual.

35. The server of claim 32, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising storing marketing information and marketing conditions, and

wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations such that identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area comprises:

identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions, the stored data of the individual, and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information; and

identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information.

36. The server of claim 35, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

37. The server of claim 35, wherein the stored marketing information and the stored marketing conditions are received from an advertising server.

38. The server of claim 28, wherein the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter includes at least one of a coupon, a promotional offer, a greeting message, information about deals nearby, an executable script configured to be executed by the computing device, and an advertisement.

39. The server of claim 38, wherein when executed by the computing device, the executable script changes one of a setting of the computing device or a functionality of the computing device.

40. The server of claim 39, wherein a functionality of the computing device includes disabling a browser application from accessing websites of competitors.

41. The server of claim 28, wherein the host is one of a merchant, retailer, service, store, and third-party registered with the server.

42. The server of claim 28, wherein the identifier of the wireless identity transmitter is a rolling identifier generated via an algorithm that uses a unique device identifier of the wireless identity transmitter, a secret key shared with the server, and a counter.

43. The server of claim 28, wherein the computing device is a mobile device associated with the individual.

44. A server configured to process accounts related to transmitting marketing information, comprising:

a server processor configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

storing a first account for a host, a second account for a central server, and a third account for an advertiser;

storing marketing information and marketing conditions received from the advertiser;

receiving in the server a message from the central server that indicates a wireless identity transmitter associated with an individual was within proximity of a proximity broadcast receiver associated with the host;

identifying the advertiser based on the received message and the stored marketing information and the marketing conditions;

crediting the first account associated with the host by a first amount in response to receiving the message;

crediting the second account associated with the central server by a second amount in response to receiving the message; and

debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser a third amount in response to receiving the message.

45. The server of claim 44, wherein the received message indicates the marketing information was transmitted to a computing device.

46. The server of claim 44, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising transmitting customer data to the advertiser when the customer data is indicated within the received message.

47. The server of claim 44, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

receiving subsequent transaction data, wherein subsequent transaction data includes at least one of a sales report from the advertiser, a customer confirmation, a coupon redemption record, and location data;

determining whether the received subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

crediting the first account associated with the host by a fourth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

crediting the second account associated with the central server by a fifth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message; and

debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser by a sixth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message.

48. The server of claim 44, wherein the third amount is related to the first amount and the second amount.

49. The server of claim 44, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

determining whether the received message indicates the marketing information was transmitted to a computing device;

identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message; and

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information.

50. The server of claim 49, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations such that identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message comprises identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions.

51. The server of claim 50, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations such that identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions comprises identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message, the stored marketing conditions, and customer data in the received message, wherein the customer data includes at least one of characteristics of a customer, preferences of the customer, and previous behaviors of the customer.

52. The server of claim 49, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations such that transmitting the identified relevant marketing information comprises:

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to the central server when the received message does not include customer contact information; and

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to a device associated with a customer when the received message does include the customer contact information.

53. The server of claim 44, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising transmitting an invoice message to the advertiser indicating that indicates the third account was debited.

54. The server of claim 44, wherein the server processor is configured with server executable instructions to perform operations further comprising transmitting the stored marketing information and the stored marketing conditions to the central server.

55. A server configured for delivering marketing information to customers based on their proximity to a marketing location, comprising:

means for receiving in the server a sighting message that includes an identifier of a wireless identity transmitter associated with an individual;

means for identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to a host; and

means for transmitting a first message to a computing device that includes the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter.

56. The server of claim 55, further comprising:

means for determining in the server whether the wireless identity transmitter is known to the server based on the identifier; and

means for determining in the server whether the sighting message is related to the host based on information included within the sighting message related to a proximity broadcast receiver that transmitted the sighting message.

57. The server of claim 56, further comprising means for storing data based on the sighting message in relation to the wireless identity transmitter and the host when the wireless identity transmitter is determined to be known and the sighting message is determined to be related to the host, and

wherein the stored data includes information indicating at least one of locations of the wireless identity transmitter over a period, a number of unique customers that entered a store, an aggregated amount of time a plurality of individuals dwelled within a particular area of the store, and a dwell time within an area of the store within the proximity to the wireless identity transmitter.

58. The server of claim 55, wherein means for identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to the host comprises:

means for identifying the marketing information relevant to the marketing area and the individual associated with the wireless identity transmitter based on stored data related to the individual, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

59. The server of claim 55, further comprising:

means for storing permissions information in the server that indicates whether the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be provided to an advertiser; and

means for identifying the stored permissions information for the individual that is associated with the wireless identity transmitter.

60. The server of claim 59, further comprising:

means for transmitting a request message for relevant marketing information that includes the stored data that identifies the individual and information related to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information;

means for transmitting the request message for the relevant marketing information that only includes information related to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information; and

means for receiving the relevant marketing information in response to transmitting the request message.

61. The server of claim 59, further comprising means for transmitting to the advertiser a second message that indicates that the identified marketing information was transmitted to the computing device, relevant marketing conditions, and when authorized by the identified permissions information, stored data associated with the individual.

62. The server of claim 59, further comprising means for storing marketing information and marketing conditions, and

wherein means for identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area comprises:

means for identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions, the stored data of the individual, and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information; and

means for identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information.

63. The server of claim 62, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

64. The server of claim 62, wherein the stored marketing information and the stored marketing conditions are received from an advertising server.

65. The server of claim 55, wherein the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter includes at least one of a coupon, a promotional offer, a greeting message, information about deals nearby, an executable script configured to be executed by the computing device, and an advertisement.

66. The server of claim 65, wherein when executed by the computing device, the executable script changes one of a setting of the computing device or a functionality of the computing device.

67. The server of claim 66, wherein the executable script changing the functionality of the computing device includes disabling a browser application from accessing websites of competitors.

68. The server of claim 55, wherein the host is one of a merchant, retailer, service, store, and third-party registered with the server.

69. The server of claim 55, wherein the identifier of the wireless identity transmitter is a rolling identifier generated via an algorithm that uses a unique device identifier of the wireless identity transmitter, a secret key shared with the server, and a counter.

70. The server of claim 55, wherein the computing device is a mobile device associated with the individual.

71. A server configured to process accounts related to transmitting marketing information, comprising:

means for storing a first account for a host, a second account for a central server, and a third account for an advertiser;

means for storing marketing information and marketing conditions received from the advertiser;

means for receiving in the server a message from the central server that indicates a wireless identity transmitter associated with an individual was within proximity of a proximity broadcast receiver associated with the host;

means for identifying the advertiser based on the received message and the stored marketing information and the marketing conditions;

means for crediting the first account associated with the host by a first amount in response to receiving the message;

means for crediting the second account associated with the central server by a second amount in response to receiving the message; and

means for debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser a third amount in response to receiving the message.

72. The server of claim 71, wherein the received message indicates the marketing information was transmitted to a computing device.

73. The server of claim 71, further comprising means for transmitting customer data to the advertiser when the customer data is indicated within the received message.

74. The server of claim 71, further comprising:

means for receiving subsequent transaction data, wherein subsequent transaction data includes at least one of a sales report from the advertiser, a customer confirmation, a coupon redemption record, and location data;

means for determining whether the received subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

means for crediting the first account associated with the host by a fourth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

means for crediting the second account associated with the central server by a fifth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message; and

means for debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser by a sixth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message.

75. The server of claim 71, wherein the third amount is related to the first amount and the second amount.

76. The server of claim 71, further comprising:

means for determining whether the received message indicates the marketing information was transmitted to a computing device;

means for identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message; and

means for transmitting the identified relevant marketing information.

77. The server of claim 76, wherein means for identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message comprises means for identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions.

78. The server of claim 77, wherein means for identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions comprises means for identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message, the stored marketing conditions, and customer data in the received message, wherein the customer data includes at least one of characteristics of a customer, preferences of the customer, and previous behaviors of the customer.

79. The server of claim 76, wherein means for transmitting the identified relevant marketing information comprises:

means for transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to the central server when the received message does not include customer contact information; and

means for transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to a device associated with a customer when the received message does include the customer contact information.

80. The server of claim 71, further comprising means for transmitting an invoice message to the advertiser indicating that indicates the third account was debited.

81. The server of claim 71, further comprising means for transmitting the stored marketing information and the stored marketing conditions to the central server.

82. A non-transitory server-readable storage medium having stored thereon server-executable instructions configured to cause a server to perform operations for delivering marketing information to customers based on their proximity to a marketing location, the operations comprising:

receiving in the server a sighting message that includes an identifier of a wireless identity transmitter associated with an individual;

identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to a host; and

transmitting a first message to a computing device that includes the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter.

83. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 82, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising:

determining in the server whether the wireless identity transmitter is known to the server based on the identifier; and

determining in the server whether the sighting message is related to the host based on information included within the sighting message related to a proximity broadcast receiver that transmitted the sighting message.

84. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 83, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising storing data based on the sighting message in relation to the wireless identity transmitter and the host when the wireless identity transmitter is determined to be known and the sighting message is determined to be related to the host, and

wherein the stored data includes information indicating at least one of locations of the wireless identity transmitter over a period, a number of unique customers that entered a store, an aggregated amount of time a plurality of individuals dwelled within a particular area of the store, and a dwell time within an area of the store within the proximity to the wireless identity transmitter.

85. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 82, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations such that identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to the host comprises:

identifying the marketing information relevant to the marketing area and the individual associated with the wireless identity transmitter based on stored data related to the individual, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

86. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 82, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising:

storing permissions information in the server that indicates whether the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be provided to an advertiser; and

identifying the stored permissions information for the individual that is associated with the wireless identity transmitter.

87. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 86, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising:

transmitting a request message for relevant marketing information that includes the stored data that identifies the individual and information related to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information;

transmitting the request message for the relevant marketing information that only includes information related to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information; and

receiving the relevant marketing information in response to transmitting the request message.

88. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 86, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising transmitting to the advertiser a second message that indicates that the identified marketing information was transmitted to the computing device, relevant marketing conditions, and when authorized by the identified permissions information, stored data associated with the individual.

89. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 86, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising storing marketing information and marketing conditions, and

wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations such that identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area comprises:

identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions, the stored data of the individual, and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information; and

identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information.

90. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 89, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

91. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 89, wherein the stored marketing information and the stored marketing conditions are received from an advertising server.

92. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 82, wherein the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter includes at least one of a coupon, a promotional offer, a greeting message, information about deals nearby, an executable script configured to be executed by the computing device, and an advertisement.

93. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 92, wherein when executed by the computing device, the executable script changes one of a setting of the computing device or a functionality of the computing device.

94. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 93, wherein the executable script changing the functionality of the computing device includes disabling a browser application from accessing websites of competitors.

95. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 82, wherein the host is one of a merchant, retailer, service, store, and third-party registered with the server.

96. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 82, wherein the identifier of the wireless identity transmitter is a rolling identifier generated via an algorithm that uses a unique device identifier of the wireless identity transmitter, a secret key shared with the server, and a counter.

97. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 82, wherein the computing device is a mobile device associated with the individual.

98. A non-transitory server-readable storage medium having stored thereon server-executable instructions configured to cause a server to perform operations for processing accounts related to transmitting marketing information, the operations comprising:

storing a first account for a host, a second account for a central server, and a third account for an advertiser;

storing marketing information and marketing conditions received from the advertiser;

receiving in the server a message from the central server that indicates a wireless identity transmitter associated with an individual was within proximity of a proximity broadcast receiver associated with the host;

identifying the advertiser based on the received message and the stored marketing information and the marketing conditions;

crediting the first account associated with the host by a first amount in response to receiving the message;

crediting the second account associated with the central server by a second amount in response to receiving the message; and

debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser a third amount in response to receiving the message.

99. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the received message indicates the marketing information was transmitted to a computing device.

100. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising transmitting customer data to the advertiser when the customer data is indicated within the received message.

101. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising:

receiving subsequent transaction data, wherein subsequent transaction data includes at least one of a sales report from the advertiser, a customer confirmation, a coupon redemption record, and location data;

determining whether the received subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

crediting the first account associated with the host by a fourth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

crediting the second account associated with the central server by a fifth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message; and

debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser by a sixth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message.

102. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the third amount is related to the first amount and the second amount.

103. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising:

determining whether the received message indicates the marketing information was transmitted to a computing device;

identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message; and

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information.

104. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 103, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations such that identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message comprises identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions.

105. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 104, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations such that identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions comprises identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message, the stored marketing conditions, and customer data in the received message, wherein the customer data includes at least one of characteristics of a customer, preferences of the customer, and previous behaviors of the customer.

106. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 103, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations such that transmitting the identified relevant marketing information comprises:

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to the central server when the received message does not include customer contact information; and

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to a device associated with a customer when the received message does include the customer contact information.

107. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising transmitting an invoice message to the advertiser indicating that indicates the third account was debited.

108. The non-transitory server-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the stored server-executable instructions are configured to cause the server to perform operations further comprising transmitting the stored marketing information and the stored marketing conditions to the central server.

109. A system, comprising:

a central server;

a wireless identity transmitter; and

a proximity broadcast receiver,

wherein the wireless identity transmitter comprises;

a first memory;

a first transceiver configured to broadcast short-range wireless signals capable of being received by the proximity broadcast receiver; and

a first processor coupled to the first memory and the first transceiver, and configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

generating an identifier periodically via an algorithm that uses a unique device identifier of the wireless identity transmitter that is associated with an individual; and

periodically broadcasting via the first transceiver a short-range wireless signal including the identifier of the wireless identity transmitter, and

wherein the proximity broadcast receiver comprises;

a second memory;

a second transceiver configured to receive short-range wireless signals from the wireless identity transmitter;

a network transceiver configured to communicate with the central server via a long-range network;

a second processor coupled to the second memory, the second transceiver, and the network transceiver and configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

receiving via the second transceiver short-range wireless signals including the identifier broadcast by the wireless identity transmitter;

generating a sighting message in response to the received signal, wherein the sighting message includes the identifier and associated data; and

transmitting the sighting message via the long-range network using the network transceiver, and

wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

receiving the sighting message transmitted by the proximity broadcast receiver;

identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to a host; and

transmitting a first message to a computing device that includes the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter.

110. The system of claim 109, wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

determining in the central server whether the wireless identity transmitter is known to the central server based on the identifier; and

determining in the central server whether the sighting message is related to the host based on information included within the sighting message related to the proximity broadcast receiver that transmitted the sighting message.

111. The system of claim 110, wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising storing data based on the sighting message in relation to the wireless identity transmitter and the host when the wireless identity transmitter is determined to be known and the sighting message is determined to be related to the host, and

wherein the stored data includes information indicating at least one of locations of the wireless identity transmitter over a period, a number of unique customers that entered a store, an aggregated amount of time a plurality of individuals dwelled within a particular area of the store, and a dwell time within an area of the store within the proximity to the wireless identity transmitter.

112. The system of claim 109, wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations such that identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area when the wireless identity transmitter is known and the sighting message is related to the host comprises:

identifying the marketing information relevant to the marketing area and the individual associated with the wireless identity transmitter based on stored data related to the individual, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

113. The system of claim 109, wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

storing permissions information in the central server that indicates whether the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be provided to an advertiser; and

identifying the stored permissions information for the individual that is associated with the wireless identity transmitter.

114. The system of claim 113, wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

transmitting a request message for relevant marketing information that includes the stored data that identifies the individual and information related to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information;

transmitting the request message for the relevant marketing information that only includes information related to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified stored permissions information; and

receiving the relevant marketing information in response to transmitting the request message.

115. The system of claim 113, wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising transmitting to the advertiser a second message that indicates that the identified marketing information was transmitted to the computing device, relevant marketing conditions, and when authorized by the identified permissions information, stored data associated with the individual.

116. The system of claim 113, wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising storing marketing information and marketing conditions, and

wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations such that identifying marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter and a proximate marketing area comprises:

identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions, the stored data of the individual, and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has authorized stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information; and

identifying the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter from the stored marketing information based on the stored marketing conditions and the proximity to the marketing area when the individual has not authorized the stored data associated with the individual to be used to identify the marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter based on the identified permissions information.

117. The system of claim 116, wherein the stored data includes data related to at least one of recent locations of the individual, characteristics of the individual, personal data of the individual, and loyalty program information associated with the individual.

118. The system of claim 109, wherein the identified marketing information relevant to the wireless identity transmitter includes at least one of a coupon, a promotional offer, a greeting message, information about deals nearby, an executable script configured to be executed by the computing device, and an advertisement.

119. The system of claim 118, wherein when executed by the computing device, the executable script changes one of a setting of the computing device or a functionality of the computing device.

120. The system of claim 119, wherein a functionality of the computing device includes disabling a browser application from accessing websites of competitors.

121. The system of claim 109, wherein the host is one of a merchant, retailer, service, store, and third-party registered with the central server.

122. The system of claim 109, wherein the identifier of the wireless identity transmitter is a rolling identifier generated via the algorithm that uses the unique device identifier of the wireless identity transmitter, a secret key shared with the central server, and a counter.

123. The system of claim 109, wherein the computing device is a mobile device associated with the individual.

124. The system of claim 109, further comprising:

an advertising server,

wherein the advertising server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

storing a first account for the host, a second account for the central server, and a third account for an advertiser;

storing marketing information and marketing conditions received from the advertiser;

receiving in the advertising server a message from the central server that indicates the wireless identity transmitter associated with the individual was within proximity of the proximity broadcast receiver associated with the host;

identifying the advertiser based on the received message and the stored marketing information and the marketing conditions;

crediting the first account associated with the host by a first amount in response to receiving the message;

crediting the second account associated with the central server by a second amount in response to receiving the message; and

debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser a third amount in response to receiving the message, and

wherein the central server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising transmitting to the advertising server the message that indicates the wireless identity transmitter associated with the individual was within proximity of the proximity broadcast receiver associated with the host.

125. The system of claim 124, wherein the received message indicates marketing information was transmitted to the computing device.

126. The system of claim 124, wherein the advertising server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising transmitting customer data to the advertiser when the customer data is indicated within the received message.

127. The system of claim 124, wherein the advertising server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

receiving subsequent transaction data, wherein subsequent transaction data includes at least one of a sales report from the advertiser, a customer confirmation, a coupon redemption record, and location data;

determining whether the received subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

crediting the first account associated with the host by a fourth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message;

crediting the second account associated with the central server by a fifth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message; and

debiting the third account associated with the identified advertiser by a sixth amount when the subsequent transaction data is related to the received message.

128. The system of claim 124, wherein the third amount is related to the first amount and the second amount.

129. The system of claim 124, wherein the advertising server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

determining whether the received message indicates marketing information was transmitted to the computing device;

identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message; and

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information.

130. The system of claim 129, wherein the advertising server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations such that identifying relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the information in the received message comprises identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions.

131. The system of claim 130, wherein the advertising server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations such that identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message and the stored marketing conditions comprises identifying the relevant marketing information from the stored marketing information based on the proximity information within the received message, the stored marketing conditions, and customer data in the received message, wherein the customer data includes at least one of characteristics of a customer, preferences of the customer, and previous behaviors of the customer.

132. The system of claim 129, wherein the advertising server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations such that transmitting the identified relevant marketing information comprises:

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to the central server when the received message does not include customer contact information; and

transmitting the identified relevant marketing information to the a device associated with a customer when the received message does include the customer contact information.

133. The system of claim 124, wherein the advertising server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising transmitting an invoice message to the advertiser indicating that indicates the third account was debited.

134. The system of claim 124, wherein the advertising server is configured with server-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising transmitting the stored marketing information and the stored marketing conditions to the central server.