AU2022301944A1

AU2022301944A1 - Capturing and routing iot device communications to provide offers and conduct transactions

Info

Publication number: AU2022301944A1
Application number: AU2022301944A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Patrick Childers; George W. HARBINSON; Michael PARLOTTO; Dustin B. WATTS
Original assignee: E2interactive Inc
Current assignee: E2interactive Inc
Priority date: 2021-06-30
Filing date: 2022-05-20
Publication date: 2024-02-08
Also published as: CA3234773A1; WO2023278060A1

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to a method of utilizing Internet of Things (loT) communications to provide offers or promotions to a user and initiate a transaction using a user device communicatively connected to an loT device, including: receiving at an loT hub device from an loT-capable device that a product needs or should be replaced or replenished;, determining one or more offers or promotions related to the product or the replacement or replenishment of the product; automatically selecting or receiving a selection from the user of one of the offers or promotions; and initiating the transaction for the replacement or replenishment of the product, suing the selected offer or promotion.

Description

Cantnring and Routing ToT Device Communications to Provide Offers and Conduct

Transactions

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods of utilizing device communications to initiate or present transactions to a user. More specifically, the present invention is directed to communicating with internet of things (IoT) enabled devices to determine potential associated transactions and present such transactions to a user device. BACKGROUND

[002] In general, the Internet of things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects — “things” — that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. The set of applications for IoT devices is often divided into consumer, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure spaces. In the consumer market, IoT technology is most synonymous with products pertaining to the concept of the "smart home", including devices and appliances (such as lighting fixtures, thermostats, home security systems and cameras, and other home appliances) that support one or more common ecosystems, and can be controlled via devices associated with that ecosystem, such as smartphones and smart speakers. [003] For example, it is known to utilize IoT devices as a part of the larger concept of home automation, which can include lighting, heating and air conditioning, media and security systems and camera systems. A smart home or automated home could be based on a platform or hubs that control smart devices and appliances. For instance, using Apple's HomeKit, manufacturers can have their home products and accessories controlled by an application in iOS devices such as the iPhone and the Apple Watch. This could be a dedicated app or iOS native applications such as Siri. This can be demonstrated in the case of Lenovo's Smart Home Essentials, which is a line of smart home devices that are controlled through

Apple's Home app or Siri without the need for a Wi-Fi bridge. There are also dedicated smart home hubs that are offered as standalone platforms to connect different smart home products and these include the Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple's HomePod, and Samsung's SmartThings Hub. In addition to the commercial systems, there are many non-proprietary, open-source ecosystems, including Home Assistant, OpenHAB and Domoticz.

[004] It has been estimated that IoT has brought connectivity to more than 30 billion devices by 2020. For organizations, IoT devices may provide opportunities for monitoring, tracking, or controlling other devices and items. As IoT devices have become more prevalent, some parties are leveraging the direct communicative abilities to offer and at times restrict purchase transactions or options. For example, a manufacturer of a printer may enable the printer to directly communicate with the manufacture for supplies or service in the hopes of conducting a transaction in isolation, rather than permit competing offers or parties to be involved.

[005] Moreover, as more and more devices become IoT capable, the number of communications that may be sent to a user at any given time may be onerous, causing consumers to be overwhelmed and interest in IoT and utilizing its features diluted. [006] In addition, IoT devices may communicate in any number of ways, ranging from near field low-power Blue Tooth communications, direct cellular communications, and communications using gateways or hubs, often over the internet or utilizing a WiFi enabled router. [007] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and methods that capture IoT communications to present offers of goods or services for replacement, replenishment, or service from one or more retailers or providing multiple offers. It is also desirable to provide users with a single dashboard or application that may aggregate IoT communications and/or associated actions into a single place to compile and present offers and promotions. It is also desirable to capture IoT communications in various formats, and to present a user the ability to make quick and/or automatic transactions based upon information received or gleaned from IoT devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [008] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include a method of utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) communications to provide offers or promotions to a user and initiate a transaction using a user device communicatively connected to an IoT device, the method comprising: receiving at a user device a communication from an IoT-capable device that a product needs or should be replaced or replenished; generating and presenting an alert or notification to the user that the product needs or should be replaced or replenished; determining and presenting one or more offers or promotions related to the product or the replacement or replenishment of the product; receiving a selection from the user of one of the offers or promotions; initiating the transaction for the replacement or replenishment of the product, issuing and/or using the selected offer or promotion.

[009] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include a non-transitory computer readable medium containing an executable program for providing offers or promotions to a user and initiate a transaction using a user device communicatively connected to an IoT device, where the program performs operations comprising: receiving at a user device a communication from an IoT-capable device that a product needs or should be replaced or replenished; generating and presenting an alert or notification to the user that the product needs or should be replaced or replenished; determining and presenting one or more offers or promotions related to the product or the replacement or replenishment of the product; receiving a selection from the user of one of the offers or promotions; and initiating the transaction for the replacement or replenishment of the product, suing the selected offer or promotion. [0010] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include systems and methods wherein the user device comprises a smart phone or tablet. [0011] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include systems and methods wherein the IoT-capable device is an appliance.

[0012] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include systems and methods that may further comprise communicating with a remote processor and data store to determine any applicable promotions or offers related to the product, in some embodiments where the user has previously identified or selected one or more merchants or retailers from which offers or promotions are selected.

[0013] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include systems and methods that may further comprise providing general details about such offers, and providing links for additional information, terms, or conditions.

[0014] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include systems and methods wherein the user has previously stored or associated financial information or accounts with the user device, and wherein initiating the transaction comprises using the previously stored or associated financial information or accounts to order or purchase the replacement or replenishment of the product.

[0015] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, aspects may include systems and methods further comprising the user registering with the application and providing user identification and payment or financial account information, and in some embodiments initiating the transaction comprises using the user identification and payment or financial account information to order or purchase the replacement or replenishment of the product.

[0016] These and other aspects will become apparent from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications may be affected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements. The accompanying figures depict certain illustrative embodiments and may aid in understanding the following detailed description.

Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments depicted are to be understood as exemplary and in no way limiting of the overall scope of the invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The detailed description will make reference to the following figures, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary system as seen in the prior art, setting forth communications between IoT devices and other parties. [0019] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, including a device or software acting as an intermediary between IoT devices and other parties.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, including a home cloud or hub system. [0021] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, whereby a device or software may act as an intermediary between IoT devices and other parties.

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention of providing communications to customers based at least in part on usage timing of goods or services.

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention of providing communications to customers based at least in part on resource monitoring of goods or services. [0024] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary process in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention for providing offers and/or promotions based at least in part upon communications user devices or services.

[0025] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary flow in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention for presenting a transaction to a user device. [0026] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention for presenting a transaction to a user device.

[0027] Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary system and method in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention for presenting and/or conducting a transaction.

[0028] Figure 11 depicts an exemplary system and method in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention for presenting and/or conducting a transaction. [0029] Figure 12 depicts an exemplary system and method in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention for conducting an automatic transaction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0030] Before any embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0031] The matters exemplified in this description are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various exemplary embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying figures. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. Moreover, as used herein, the singular may be interpreted in the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular. [0032] As noted above, the present invention is generally directed to systems and methods of utilizing device communications to initiate or present transactions to a user. More specifically, the present invention is directed to communicating with internet of things (IoT) enabled devices to determine potential associated transactions and present such transactions to a user device.

[0033] In general, IoT devices may be devices that have communicative abilities. Such communications may be sent and/or received using any number of means including, but not limited to cellular communications, internet access via wired or wireless (e.g., WiFi) connections, near filed communications (NFC) such as Blue Tooth Low Energy (BLE). Communication may utilize other methodologies, such as wireless micro-gateways, cellular communications, wi-fi communications, Bluetooth communications, and/or ethemet communications. Cellular communications may ride on 4G LTE, 2G, and it is contemplated that such communications may ride on 5G networks, and/or LTE CAT-MI (category Ml, low-power wide area cellular technology) and/or CAT-NB (narrowband) cellular. It is contemplated that communications may be through any other sort of communication system as known, including but not limited low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) such as LoRa (long range), MIoTy (massive-IoT), peer-to-peer communications, gateways, micro gateways, home cloud providers, satellite communications, Zigbees, etc.

[0034] A myriad of devices may include communicative abilities and be deemed, in one sense or another, IoT devices. For example, smart appliances (such as refrigerators, stoves, ovens, ranges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, etc.), watches, security systems and/or locks, scales, cameras, small kitchen appliances (such as but not limited to coffee makers, kettles, yogurt makers, food processors, etc.), cameras, irrigation controls, automobiles, bicycles, scooters, televisions, computers and computer accessories and components (such as but not limited to printers, scanners, monitors, etc.), alarms, smoke detectors, health watches, health monitors, glucose monitors, utility monitors, etc.

[0035] As devices acquire various forms of communication, such communicative ability may be utilized for several goals, from both the perspective of a customer and from the perspective of a merchant. From a customer’ s perspective, necessary or desirable transactions

(such as automatically refilling or reminding of depleted supplies) may be streamlined and presented to the user or the user device. From a merchant or retailer’s perspective, the point of a transaction may be moved further way from a traditional brick-and-mortar transaction and conducted by a customer in his or her home, or when convenient. [0036] For example, consider a user who is generally busy and often short on time. Due to lack of oversight, such a user may inadvertently allow certain supplies to be reduced below a certain level. For example, consider the case of propane gas in a propane grill. Propane tanks are often difficult to read and may often be depleted without a user noticing. However, IoT devices such as a “smart scale” may be used. A smart scale may communicate with a user device (such as but not limited to a smart phone) to inform the user of the status of the propane tank. If the tank falls below a certain level (as determined, for example, by its weight), an alert may be pushed to the user’s device.

[0037] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, for various consumable products such as printer ink, electronic toothbrush heads, HVAC filters, etc., a merchant or retailer may ship the product to be delivered a week before it is expected to be needed. Various items may be monitored and scheduled for replacement or service. In some embodiments, replacement or service may be based on actual usage (such as the propane tank example). In some embodiments, replacement or service may be based on approximate duration of usage (such as replacement toothbrush heads or furnace filters). For example, artificial intelligence and machine learning models (disposed on the edge, in the cloud, etc.) may predict levels required prior to shipment - as well as when a product may need to be replaced, refilled, etc. based on determined usage.

[0038] As home cloud networks and various IoT hub integrations and/or devices (such as but not limited to Samsung SmartThings Hub, Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, etc.) become more prevalent, payment information, digital wallets, and other accounts may be stored by such devices to fund transactions conducted by users in response to such alerts or notifications. Note that such systems may also receive and store user preferences, such as specific brands, quantities, cost thresholds, shipping preferences, etc. In embodiments that provide for an automatic ordering without user selection or approval, such stored user preferences may be utilized to provide a transaction that is acceptable to the user.

[0039] In addition, systems and methods in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may be utilized as new IoT devices are introduced and with additional capabilities. For example, as smart refrigerators with sensing technologies (for example, capable of tracking grocery usage, expiration dates, etc.) become more prevalent, the present invention can be easily integrated to effectuate automatic grocery list compilation and/or replenishment transaction. Replacement/replenishment may be determined not only by actual usage data or temporal approximations, but by user-specific machine learning models. For example, artificial intelligence and machine learning models may be disposed on the edge, in a hub device or processor, or in the cloud to estimate and predict product levels/status prior to shipment.

[0040] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, offers and/or promotions from one or more retailers may be presented to the user. This provision may be conducted in any number of ways - for example, using an application (an “app”). Such an app may present the user with various merchants who may refill or replace the propane tank. The user may select the offer and/or promotion, after which a transaction may be conducted by the application, or the information for the application may be packaged and sent to a merchant for transaction. Such selections may be in real-time or may be a user preference that is stored so that the system may independently place orders and conduct transactions.

Note that even with stored user preferences, characteristics of an order may be modified by the system to partake in advantageous promotions - quantities, sizes, brands may be modified. In the case of propane discussed above, the app may offer a home delivery replacement service for the customer. For example, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a native software development kit (SDK) for iOS that communicates with IoT devices may be utilized. Such an application may communicate with an IoT device using a smart phone’s built in BLE capabilities to share data, or may connect directly to the cloud hub.

[0041 ] The SDK may communicate this data to a central processor who may provide cloud services where this usage data may be processed, analyzed, and converted into replacement, replenishment, service orders, or transactions. IoT data may be uploaded to a cloud platform which may, in some embodiments be service by a data ingestion service. [0042] Various merchants or retailers may be included in the app and offers and/or promotions from such merchants or retailers may be presented to a user. In some embodiments, a single retailer or merchant may offer replacement/replenishment services. It is contemplated that an app in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may communicate, reach into, or otherwise tie into one or more merchant or retailer ecommerce sites or engines, and may be configured to initiate drop ship orders without further interaction from the merchant or retailer. This may be accomplished, for example, using direct integrations or communications or through electronic data interchange (EDI). Financial settlement may occur in any number of ways, for example, per transaction or be saved or packaged for batch transactions. Actual financial transfer may occur directly, via automated clearing house (ACH) transfers, wire transfers, checks, etc. Note that settlement may be broken into two (2) aspects - (i) settlement between the user and the provider; and (ii) settlement between the merchant and the cloud processor.

[0043] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, in order to effectuate appropriate transactions (both automatic transactions and transaction suggestions), a user profile may be utilized. Such user profile may comprise information provided by a user, and may cover factors such as price limits for certain goods, preferred brands, retailers, etc. User behaviors may be provided (such as certain habits that may impact usage - grilling every weekend, grilling on holidays, etc. Access to other accounts, such as purchasing history from one or more merchants, home area network devices that may monitor smart home features, automotive accounts, etc. While it is contemplated that a user profile may be associated with an IoT hub, it may also be associated with a specific retailer. [0044] With reference to Figure 1, a system as seen in the prior art will be discussed. System 100 may comprise one or more IoT devices 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130. Such devices may be any sort of IoT device as known in the art. Some devices - namely 105, 110, 115, 120, and 125 may communicate with a gateway or hub device 140. Gateway or hub device 140 may comprise a wireless router (communicating with devices via wired or wireless

(e.g. WiFi) communications) that may provide connectivity for devices over the internet. Gateway or hub device 140 may permit devices 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, and/or 130 to communicate with one or more manufacturers or providers, 145, 150, 155. Devices 125 and 130 may also directly communicate with manufacturers or providers 155, 160, for example through wired or cellular communications. Figure 1 shows that various devices may communicate in various manners with various other parties.

[0045] With reference to Figure 2, a system 200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Much like Figure 1, the system 200 in Figure 2 may comprise one or more devices 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230. At least some of these devices may communicate with a gateway or hub device 240. For example, devices 205, 210,

215, 220, and 225 may communicate with hub or gateway device 240. However, in this system, hub or gateway device does not permit, allow, or enable communication from devices directly to manufacturers or providers 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, but rather routes communications through element 280, which may comprise an application or software running on a hub or gateway device, may comprise a stand-alone component connected to hub or gateway device 240, and/or may be an application or software running on a user device, such as but not limited to a smart phone, tablet, computer, etc. Devices 225 and 230, which may be configured for direct communication to manufacturers or providers may also have their communications captured and routed through element 280.

[0046] Element 280 may not provide communications directly to the destination originally sought or directed by the IoT device. For example, an IoT printer may send a communication intended for the manufacturer that the printer is in need of toner. However, Element 280 may capture, receive, or otherwise redirect this communication to a retailer or merchant who offers such toner, rather than allow the communication to be sent directly to the manufacturer, thereby providing the option for offers and/or promotions, potentially of a competitive nature.

[0047] Element 280 may pass on some communications - which may now comprise actual transaction information and/or merely pass on usage alerts or notifications regarding timing, status, or functionality of devices to one or more manufacturers or providers 245, 260, 265, 270. Notice that manufacturers or providers 250 and 255 may not receive communications, as Element 280 may have redirected such communications.

[0048] With reference to Figure 3, again IoT devices 305, 310, 315, 320, 325, 330 are shown. Some of the IoT devices - 305, 310 may send communications to a hub or gateway

340. Some of the IoT devices - 315, 320 may send communications to a home cloud or smart home device 380. Some of the IoT devices - 325, 330 may send communications directly to a central processor or element 390. The hub or gateway 340 and the home cloud or smart home device 380 may also send their communications to the central processor element 390. Central processor or element 390 may then send route communications to one or more manufacturers or providers (such as retailers or merchants), 350, 360, 370. As with Figure 2, some manufacturers or providers 345, 355, 365 may not receive any communications as inbound communications from IoT devices may have been rerouted by central processor or element 390.

[0049] With reference to Figure 4, IoT devices 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, and 430 may be present. Such devices may all have communication directly with central processor or element

490, which may route the communications to manufacturers or providers (such as merchants or retailers) 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470. Note that in this system, hub or gateway 440 and home cloud or smart home device 480 may not be utilized; instead, all communications may be routed directly from IoT devices. [0050] As noted above, some items may be determined to need replacement, replenishment, or service based upon actual usage, or estimated time of use. With reference to Figure 5, a method or process of determining time to replacement, replenishment, or service based upon estimated time of use will be discussed. At 510 an application or software may track time of use. This application or software may reside in or on an IoT device itself or may reside in an application on a user device, or may reside remotely, such as on a processor in the cloud. At 520 it may be determined that an IoT device requires or recommends replacement, replenishment, or service of something associated with the IoT device. For example, an electronic toothbrush may need a new head (based for example on number of head rotations); oil in a car may need to be changed (based for example on total miles drive or hours of engine use); propane in a tank should be refilled (based for example on weight of the tank and/or pressure within the tank). [0051] At 540, a communication or alert may be sent to a user, asking if the user would like to order or schedule a replacement, replenishment, or service. If the user responds “No,” then the method may ask if the user would like a later reminder at 540. If the user would not like a reminder the process may end at 540. If the user would like a reminder the processor may remind the user again at 530 at a subsequent time.

[0052] If the user states at 530 that he or she wishes to place an order or schedule a replacement, replenishment, or service, at 560 such order may be placed. A user may then be asked to confirm the replacement, replenishment, or service at 570. If so confirmed, at 580 the date of confirmation may be used to restart the period and provide feed back to the tracking of time at 510. If the user does not confirm, then other information may be used, for example the date of shipment, shipment receipt, etc. to restart the period at 510.

[0053] Note that some embodiments of the present invention, user intervention may not be required. In such embodiments, the need for replacement, replenishment, or service may be determined by the system, the system may determine if there any advantageous promotions, the system may order the replacement, replenishment, or service based upon stored user criteria or preferences, and the user may receive a confirmation communication. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that for matters that may require user intervention, the system may even access a user’ s calendar or other scheduling software to determine appropriate times to schedule such activities. [0054] With reference to Figure 6, a method or process of determining replacement, replenishment, or service based on actual usage will now be discussed. At 610 a device may record actual usage (for example, recording mileage in car or cycles of a washing machine), or may record or detect reduction or change in performance, typically based on a need of replacement, replenishment, or service. At 620 IoT device may send an alert to a user device, such as a smartphone or computer. Alert may provide device with actual usage data, or may report the detected need for a replacement, replenishment, or service. As noted above, such communications may be sent over BTE, NFC, WiFi, etc. communications.

[0055] At 630 the application or program on the user device may look up the user account associated with the IoT device and determine the appropriate replacement, replenishment, or service. At 640 the application may optionally provide the user with options to order or schedule such replacement, replenishment, or service. Options may include multiple offers, providers, merchants, or parties that may provide or fulfill the replacement, replenishment, or service. If the user selects to order or schedule at 650, an order may be placed. If the user decides not to order or schedule a replacement, replenishment, or service at 650, then at 670 the user may be asked if he or she would like to be reminded in the future. If so, after a period of time the user may then be reminded again at 650. If not, the process may end.

[0056] Again, note that it is contemplated that such processes may conducted without active user involvement. In these circumstances, a user may have previously established certain criteria (such as price limits, preferred brands, shipping cost limits, and/or other options (such as colors, sizes, other acceptable brands, etc.)) from which the system may draw from in conducting transactions on a user’s behalf. In this manner, with little intervention, transactions regarding items that require replacement, replenishment, or service may be conducted automatically without bothering the user or flooding the user with numerous requests or communications.

[0057] Note that in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the application, element, or central processor may be configured to provide to a user multiple offers or promotions from one retailer, or to present competing offers or promotions from more than one retailer. With reference to Figure 7 a customer may be presented with options for replacement, replenishment, or service at 705. At 710 options associated with only a single retailer or merchant may be presented. Such retailer or merchant may be previously selected by the user or may be associated with the IoT device or the application. The user may be presented with promotions 715, 720, 725, and 730. Each of these promotions may differ. For example, in the case where the replacement, replenishment, or service request is the need for more printer toner, promotion 715 may be “Printer Toner for $19.95.” Promotion 720 may be “Buy Printer Toner at Merchant X, save 10% on additional purchases.” Promotion 725 may be “Buy Printer Toner at Merchant X, save $25 on a New Computer.” Promotion 730 may be “Buy 3 Printer Toners at Merchant X for $50.”

[0058] At 735 the application may receive the user selection of the desired promotion or offer. The transaction may then be conducted remotely (for example, by reaching into the retailer’s system), or information necessary to effectuate the transaction may be send to the merchant so that the merchant can perform the transaction. [0059] At 740 offers or promotions from more than one merchant may be provided to the user. For example, promotion 745 may be “Printer Toner from Merchant X for $19.95.” Promotion 750 may be “Printer Toner from Merchant Y for $22.50, Free Overnight Shipping.” Promotion 755 may be “Buy a table, save 30% on Printer Toner at Merchant Z.” Promotion 760 may be “Buy Printer Toner at Merchant X, Save 15% on a New HDTV.” [0060] At 765 the application may receive the user selection of the desired promotion or offer. At 770 the transaction may then be conducted remotely (for example, by reaching into the retailer’s system), or information necessary to effectuate the transaction may be send to the merchant so that the merchant can perform the transaction. It can thus be seen that various offers or promotions from various retailers, manufacturers, or providers can be submitted to a user for selection of the best option for the individual user.

[0061] With reference to Figure 8, a flow of an exemplary process in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. Figure 8 illustrates a flow similar to that of the propane tank refill, as discussed above. At 810 a user has a grill equipped with an IoT tank scale. At 820, the IoT tank scale determines that that the tank is running low and sends a communication to a user device. At 830 an application on the device may receive the communication, and at 840 the application may notify or alert the user regarding the status of the tank. At 850 the application may present the user with replacement services, offers, or promotions. At 860 the application may receive from a selection from the user of the desired replacement or replenishment action. At 870 the application may initiate a transaction or pass a transaction through the retailer or merchant selected by the user to perform the replacement or replenishment transaction. [0062] With reference to Figure 8, it is notable that this process may be modified to provide an automatic system that does not require user authorization and reduces communications to and/or from a user device. Similarly, systems and/or methods may be modified to provide various levels of activity. For example, a system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may provide: (i) messaging to a user device, with no automatic action or transactions; (ii) messaging with notification to the user of an advertisement or promotion which may require user action (such as selection of a promotion); (iii) messaging to a user device of replacement items (such as if the primary item is out of stock); and/or (iv) messaging to a user of proposed information - dates and times for service calls, replacement items of similar characteristics, different retailers, shipping options, etc. It is also noted that some embodiments of the present invention may allow an application to consolidate various IoT communications into a single application for display, review, and action by a user. With reference to Figure 9, such a system 900 is shown. IoT propane tank scale 910, IoT car-oil monitor 920, IoT electronic toothbrush 930, and IoT washing machine 940 may all communicate with application or software 950. Application or software 950 may operate on a user device or smartphone or may be uploaded or stored upon a hub or gateway, home cloud device, or other centralized device. Application 950 may then present to user a single dashboard 960, informing user of the status of IoT devices, and offers or promotions associated with replacement, replenishment, or service needs.

[0063] For example, dashboard 960 may inform the user at 961 that their propane is low and make an offer for a propane preplacement. At 962 the user may be informed that their care is due for an oil change and may present two (2) promotions 962A (Save 20% at QuickLube) and promotion 962B (Free Tire Rotation with Oil Change at Car Dealer). [0064] At 963 the user may be informed that his or her toothbrush may need a new head in three (3) weeks, but there is a very advantageous offer now (50% off at Retailer A) if the user is interested.

[0065] At 964 the user may be informed that the dishwashing liquid is likely to run out in the next two (2) weeks, and the user may be presented with several offers from different retailers. Offer 964A may be Brand A at Retailer X, offer 964B may be for Brand B at Retailer Y, and offer 964C may be for Brand C at Retailer Z.

[0066] In this manner, a user my look at items that are currently - or will soon be - in the need of replacement, replenishment, or service and receive one or more competitive offers presented to the user. Accordingly, the point of transaction may now be driven by either the immediate need of the user, or of the pending need coupled with particular offers or promotions.

[0067] With reference to Figure 10, a system and method in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. In general, an IoT washing machine 1010 may determine that a detergent pod is used in a wash cycle at 1011 and may send a communication informing such to a manufacturer cloud 1020. The manufacturer cloud 1020 may update an inventory at 1021 and may send the inventory update to a home cloud device 1030. The home cloud device 1030 may receive the inventory update at 1031 and may determine that inventory is low. At 1032 an alert that inventory of detergent pods is low may be sent to one or more user devices 1040, which may include but is not limited to a home device (such as an Amazon Echo) 1041, email or message a device such as a computer 1042, or update an application, for example operating on a user phone or tablet 1043. [0068] At 1061 a user may decide to reorder detergent pods, and application 1050 may determine offers or promotions from one or more retailers. Such offers or promotions may be sent to the user device 1040 at 10622. A user selection of an offer or promotion may be sent to and received by application 1050. Application 1050 may then conduct the transaction at 1053 or may provide information to conduct the transaction directly to a merchant or provider at 1054.

[0069] Again, it should be noted that the systems and methods set forth herein may operate with fewer communications to the user device. There may be IoT devices that may be consumption and/or environment-based for which an automatic order without user involvement may be desired. For example, transactions may be automatically conducted. In accordance with some embodiments, an IoT device may communicate directly with the cloud processor. The IoT device may communicate via cellular communications, or may utilize a home wifi to access the internet for communications. In some embodiments, an IoT device may communicate with a user device (via, for example, Bluetooth communications or other near-field or wireless communications).

[0070] For example, if air quality in a home changes, new or higher quality air filters may be automatically ordered. A change in water pressure may cause an order of new water filters. A continuous water usage may indicate a leak and a plumber may be immediately scheduled. If a pet food dispenser dispenses past a re-order point, new pet food may be automatically ordered. Such examples may trigger a transaction without a user needing to be nearby with his or her device. [0071] With reference to Figure 11, a system and method in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed - specifically embodiments that may not require user intervention. In general, an IoT washing machine 1110 may determine that a detergent pod is used in a wash cycle at 1111 and may send a communication informing such to a manufacturer cloud 1120. The manufacturer cloud 1120 may update an inventory at 1121 and may send the inventory update to a home cloud device 1130. The home cloud device 1130 may receive the inventory update at 1131 and may determine that inventory is low.

[0072] At 1161 a reorder request may be placed. This reorder request may originate from the application 1150 or the home cloud 1130. Before placing the reorder request, the application may determine offers or promotions from one or more retailers, select an offer or promotion that best fits the user’ s prestored criteria or preferences, and conduct the transaction at 1152. Optionally, a user device 1140 may be notified of the transaction. In some embodiments, the user device 1140 may receive a message that the transaction has been conducted and the user has a certain period of time to cancel or modify the transaction.

[0073] With reference to Figure 12, a replacement, replenishment, or service transaction based at least on information received from an IoT device will now be discussed. IoT enabled or capable propane scale 1210 may connect to a wifi network 1221 or cellular network 1222 in order to send information or status (here, weight) to an IoT hub 1230. Note that in some circumstances, the propane scale 1210 may connect via Bluetooth to a user’s device. In this situation, the user’s device may then send status (here, for example, weight) to the IoT hub 1230. The IoT hub 1230 may compare the information received to previous information, and determine if replacement, replenishment, or service is required or soon to be pending. This may be accomplished by comparing the information received to a user’s specified threshold. If replacement, replenishment, or service is required (here, replacement of a propane tank), payment may be taken from a pre-loaded payment device and an order may be passed to a retailer for fulfillment. Note that payment from the user may be accepted by the retailer 1240, or may be taken by the IoT hub 1230, with subsequent settlement between the IoT hub 1230 and the retailer 1240. Retailer 1240 may then ship and/or deliver the item 1260 to the user. [0074] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the retailer selected for the transaction may be based on certain user criteria (cost, availability, delivery options, etc.), or may be sent to an original retailer for fulfillment. For example, if Retailer A sold a gas grill to a user, replenishment of propane transactions may also be sent to Retailer A. [0075] A confirmation of reorder may be sent to the user device 1250. Note that this confirmation may originate from either the IoT hub 1230 or the retailer 1240.

[0076] Systems and methods in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may be configured such that it may not be required for a consumer to connect his or her device to the internet as one or more IoT devices may communicate directly with the user’s smartphone, thereby providing a simple, straightforward interface. Moreover, by using some systems or methods of the present invention within an application, website, or program of a retailer, other delivery types - such as same day, pick-up, or personal delivery may be supported.

[0077] Note that while the description and discussion above is directed to just several possible IoT devices and replenishment, replacement, or service cases thereof, there are numerous other devices and transactions that are contemplated and addressed by the present invention. These may include but are not limited to: dish detergent based on usage of a smart dishwasher; light bulb replacements depending on the time bulbs are used; coffee pod replacements based on cups brewed; electronic toothbrush heads based on hours of usage; heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filters based on hours of usage; tilters, side brushes, and main brushes for robot vacuums based on hours of usage and/or performance; groceries based on smart fridge lists; groceries based on computer vision-based refrigerator; connected payments, such as auto insurance, auto maintenance, utilities, HVAC maintenance payments, etc.; pet food ordering via automated feeder usage; pet watering filler via automated feeder usage; pet locator service; trash collection tracking, auto pick up, efficiency management; pest control monitors - pests and triggers mitigation including capture and chemical treatment, may include reorder of capture pods and chemical pods; carbonated beverage cartridges based on usage; replacement batteries (for any electronic device); health care devices, such as blood glucose (for example, ordering new test strips based on usage), remote medical care using smart stethoscope, body analyzer, vitamin analyzer, stress management tracker; smart pool - auto chemical adjustments and ordering based on test measurements and usage; security, etc.

[0078] In accordance with some embodiments, the IoT hub or application may also operate as an intermediary. For example, the IoT hub or application may receive a communication that an item requires or will soon require replacement, replenishment, or service. The IoT hub or application may then send a communication to a retailer regarding the same, and the retailer may handle order placement and fulfillment. [0079] Similarly, user-specific or home-specific models may be created using machine learning and may offer some suggestive or predictive transactions. Such models may be based upon past behaviors and/or factors provided to the system in a user profile. For example, as a summer holiday draws near, a suggested transaction for steaks or burgers to be grilled may be provided to the user. Information used to train a model may be gleaned from any number of public and private sources. Real estate records may indicate the size of a user’s home; energy usage may indicate that a user has a pool; social media review may indicate that a user has one or more children. Such information may be used to present the user with proposed transactions that may be relevant to the user’s life, and desirable. [0080] It will be understood that the specific embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein are exemplary only. Numerous variations, changes, substitutions, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all subject matter described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings be regarded as illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A method of utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) communications to provide offers or promotions to a user and initiate a transaction using a user device communicatively connected to an IoT device, the method comprising: receiving at an IoT hub a communication from an IoT-capable device that a product needs or should be replaced or replenished; determining one or more offers or promotions related to the product or the replacement or replenishment of the product; selecting one of the offers or promotions; initiating the transaction for the replacement or replenishment of the product; sending a communication to a user device informing of the transaction for the replacement or replenishment of the product.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating and presenting an alert or notification to a user device that the product needs or should be replaced or replenished; determining and presenting to the user device one or more offers or promotions related to the product or the replacement or replenishment of the product; receiving a selection from the user device of one of the offers or promotions;

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the user device comprises a smart phone or tablet.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the IoT-capable device is an appliance.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining one or more offers or promotions comprises: communicating with a remote processor and data store to determine any applicable promotions or offers related to the product.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the user has previously identified or selected one or more merchants or retailers from which offers or promotions are selected.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein presenting one or more offers or promotions comprises providing general details about such offers, and providing links for additional information, terms, or conditions.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the user has previously stored or associated financial information or accounts with the user device, and wherein initiating the transaction comprises using the previously stored or associated financial information or accounts to order or purchase the replacement or replenishment of the product.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed by a program stored on a non- transitory computer media causing an application to run on the user device.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the user registering with the application and providing user identification and payment or financial account information.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein initiating the transaction comprises using the user identification and payment or financial account information to order or purchase the replacement or replenishment of the product.

12. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing an executable program for initiating a transaction from an IoT device, where the program performs operations comprising: receiving at an IoT hub or processor a communication from an IoT-capable device that a product needs or should be replaced or replenished; determining and presenting one or more offers or promotions related to the product or the replacement or replenishment of the product; selecting one of the offers or promotions; initiating the transaction for the replacement or replenishment of the product, using the selected offer or promotion.

13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12, wherein the step of selecting one of the offers or promotions is based at least in part on information in a pre-established user- profile, the pre-established user-profile comprising user-provided criteria used to preapprove transactions.