RU2799399C2 - Geozoning-based location tracking and notification system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: computer engineering.

SUBSTANCE: location tracking method for generating information includes obtaining location information associated with the user device; accessing information indicative of objects located within one or more threshold distances from the obtained location; determining whether the user of the user device satisfies the requirements specified by the objects; and generating a notification for providing to the user device, wherein the notification indicates information related to at least one object for which the user meets the specified requirements.

EFFECT: increased accuracy of sending relevant information based on a threshold distance from the user's current location in real time.

10 cl, 9 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[1] This application claims priority under U.S. Provisional Application Application No. 62/687106, filed June 19, 2018. US Provisional Application Application No. 62/687106 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[2] The present invention relates to systems and methods for location tracking, data integration and visualization. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring the location of user devices and initiating notifications to user devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[3] User devices, including portable electronic devices such as smartphones or tablets, usually provide the ability to determine their location. For example, a smartphone may include a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver that can tie the smartphone to certain coordinates on the earth's surface (eg, WGS84, EGM96, EGM2008, and so on). Applications running on a smartphone, such as applications obtained from an electronic application store, may use the smartphone's location to perform various functions. For example, the first application may provide navigational instructions to the smartphone user. As a second example, another application may identify the location of users in close proximity to the smartphone user.

[4] In addition, a geofence can be set for a certain geographical area, and certain actions can be taken in connection with the entry of user devices into or out of such a geofence. It should be appreciated that a geofence can be defined as a virtual perimeter for a real world geographic area. A geofence may have a specific shape, such as a polygon or an oval, and thus may encompass locations within it. With respect to the first application example described above, a parent can geofence their child. If a child's smartphone is determined to be out of geofence, the parent can be notified. Thus, the location tracking functions of user devices can be optimized to improve the user experience of using various applications.

[5] Accordingly, there is ongoing development of applications that take advantage of location tracking in conjunction with geofencing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[6] As will be described in more detail, applications and systems linking users and entities, such as restaurants, can be improved by the techniques described in this patent document. For example, a plurality of entities distributed across different geographic areas may offer user-selectable transaction options, such as offers. Unlike prior applications and technical schemes, the methods described in this patent document may result in a global application platform correcting the technological deficiencies of prior applications. By way of example, through the methods described herein, an entity (eg, an entity such as a restaurant or store) can use user interfaces designed to provide a quick display of offers offered by the entity. The user may use an application running on his user device (eg, a smartphone) to view offers available within a threshold distance from his current location in real time. - As will be described, the user may use the user device to select a particular offer, and the exemplary system described in this patent document can instruct the completion of a transaction with the minimum required user input. In this way, the user can easily and quickly take advantage of the offer offered by the respective facility. For example, authentication information such as a QR code may be obtained automatically by the user device, and the user may provide the QR code to the system or device associated with the entity as confirmation that the user is eligible to receive the selected offer. It should be understood that links to the QR code are provided for convenience. Any other information suitable for uniquely identifying an authorized offer (eg, an offer for which payment has been completed) may be used. Preferably, the codes can be read by an optical scanner such as a phone camera.

[7] Thus, the exemplary system may allow entities to create listings of offers offered by entities. The system may allow users of user devices to select and use offers of interest to them. As described in this patent document, the selection of an offer may include purchasing an offer or otherwise executing a transaction allowing the user to use the selected offer from the respective entity. For example, an object might display an offer that represents a discount on lunch at a particular point in time. The user can view information describing the offer, for example, in an interactive user interface or text message, and select it. Subsequently, the user may receive authorization information enabling the use of the selected offer. For example, the authorization information may include a QR code as described above. The user can show the QR code to the object and get a lunch at a discount. As another example, the user may verify their identity through biometric authentication, and the user's user device may subsequently provide authorization information (e.g., via near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and the like) to a device or system associated with the entity. Thereafter, the user can similarly obtain a discounted lunch.

[8] Advantageously, the methods described herein can (1) allow a user device to receive notifications regarding offers available in close proximity to the user device's location, (2) allow a particular offer to be selected without having to install on the individual application's user device, and/or (3) allow subsequent use of the offer on a different device, without requiring the separate application to be installed on that other device. For example, smartphones may typically require the download and installation of electronic applications. To download these applications, the user may need to consume some of the data traffic available to him over the cellular network. After that, the user may need to create a user profile, create a username and password, and the like. In contrast, the exemplary circuit described in this patent document may enable the use of a messaging application embedded in a user device to perform a complex set of functions. For example, the user device may receive one or more text messages (eg, via Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)), indicating offers available in close proximity to the user. By interacting with the text message, the user can select a specific offer and use it on the object that hosted it. For example, the user may respond to one or more text messages received by their device with data confirming that the user wishes to take advantage of the offer (for example, in the form of a "buying" message, optionally indicating a unique code associated with the user). When an offer is selected, the system can automatically validate the selection and send an authentication code, such as a QR code, which is sent to the user device as a text message. The authentication code may be used by the first user device or may be forwarded to the second user device. The first user device or the second user device receiving the authentication code may subsequently use the selected offer. The advantage is that the offer can be used without the restrictions of downloading a separate application and/or creating a user profile associated with the application.

[9] As will be described later, based on a user's interaction with the techniques described in this patent document, bonus information (eg, bonus points) may be assigned or otherwise made available to the user. For example, the user may receive a certain number of bonus points due to receiving notifications such as text messages. These bonus points can be used (for example, exchanged) by the user when choosing an offer. Thus, bonus points can be awarded to the user in exchange for the amount of data traffic used or a certain number of text messages (which may be limited) included in his tariff plan. This allows the user to be motivated to accept (eg, allow to receive) the notifications described in this document.

[10] It should be noted that various applications running on the user device may require the user's attention; however, some applications may be accessed more frequently or given more attention by the user. For example, as is known in the art, an application may display notifications on the user device from time to time in order to increase the user's interaction with the application. This technical environment may cause users to ignore such notifications or limit the application's ability to display notifications by changing operating system settings. Also, users may experience application fatigue due to the large number of applications offered to them. Thus, the exemplary circuit described in this patent document can intelligently use the technical functions available in modern user devices without requiring special interaction with a separate application necessary to accept the offer. In addition, offer notifications can be made through text messaging applications, which users can pay more attention to.

[11] With respect to the above example, in which the user receives on their user device a text message describing an available offer, the user can simply interact with the text messaging application (rather than the particular application associated with the offer) and respond to the text message with indicating that he chooses an offer available to him or not. The user may then receive a text message displaying a QR code configured to confirm to the entity that the user is authorized to use the selected offer. By replying to the text message, the user can automatically process the payment. For example, the user's user device may have built-in features for making automatic digital payments, or an application associated with such payments may be installed on the device. These applications can be used to make a payment in favor of an object.

[12] As will be described, the first user can use the user interface to view offers available anywhere in the world and then share the selected offer with the second user. For example, the first user may select a certain offer on a certain object and arrange in such a way that the selected offer can be used by the second user. For example, the second user may be visiting a new city, and the first user may select an offer (eg, lunch, drink, and the like) and transfer the ability to use it to the second user. In this example, the first user can optionally use the app to view offers available in the new city. Through the improved techniques described in this patent document, the second user can simply receive a notification on his/her user device indicating the selected offer. Then the second user can access the automatically received QR code and present the QR code on a certain object. For example, a certain object can use an app to scan a QR code. As described in this patent document, the advantage is that the application can be the same application used by the first user to select an offer. For example, an application may be associated with use by both end users and offer hosting entities. - In some embodiments, the application may include a switch to switch between its use as an end user and as an entity. can give the ability to assign its users (for example, employees) the right to scan QR codes.

[13] Thus, the above-described second user can use the selected offer to obtain lunch, a drink, and the like. In the example above, the second user can use the QR code without having to install the app. For example, the first user may optionally use the application to view and select offers. After receiving the QR code, the first user may send (eg, via text message) the QR code to the second user. In this way, the second user can take advantage of the benefits offered by the offer without any dedicated application. In addition, after being used by a second user, the QR code may not be suitable for further use. For example, after scanning a QR code and redeeming an offer, the system described in this patent document may store information indicating that the offer has been used. Thus, the unique identifier associated with a QR code can be updated to reflect that it was used. Thus, when the QR code is rescanned, the system may reject the offer that is being reused.

[14] The entity may establish rules related to triggering notifications to user devices located close to the entity. For example, an entity may initiate the generation of a geofence surrounding its location, and the system described in this patent document may monitor user devices that enter and/or leave the generated geofence. The system may automatically trigger a notification (eg, text notification, app notification, and the like) to the user's device describing the available offers offered by the facility when the user device enters the geofence associated with the facility. Thus, the system described in this patent document can use the technical features inherent in existing user devices, such as receivers of the Global Navigation Satellite System, in order to establish communication between an object and a user device located at a close distance from the object.

[15] In addition to the functionality described above, the technical improvements described in this patent document may lead to improved user interfaces. By way of example, certain user interfaces are described that can, among other things, simplify the processes for performing actions. An exemplary action may include the user selecting a specific offer available close to the user's location. Another exemplary action may include the ability to transfer the selected offer to another user, and with limited user input, allows the other user to use the selected offer. As another example, user interfaces can be used by an entity to view real-time status updates of nearby users (eg, anonymized users). The object can then initiate notifications to all such users or specific users. For example, user profile information of certain users may satisfy requirements or conditions set by the entity. An example user interface for triggering notifications such as text messages or application messages is shown in Figure 3B.-

[16] Accordingly, in various embodiments of the invention, large amounts of data are automatically and dynamically calculated interactively in response to user inputs, and the calculated data can be efficiently and compactly displayed to the user by the system. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the user interfaces described in this patent document are more efficient than previously existing user interfaces in which data is not updated dynamically and is not displayed to the user in a compact and efficient manner in response to interactive user inputs.

[17] In addition, as described in this patent document, the system can be configured and/or designed in such a way that it generates user interface data used to play various interactive user interfaces described in this patent document. The user interface data may be used by the system in question and/or another computer system, device, and/or computer program (eg, browser) to render interactive user interfaces. Interactive user interfaces may be displayed, for example, on electronic displays (including, for example, touch screen displays).

[18] Additional embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the appended claims, which may serve as a further summary of the invention.

[19] In various embodiments, systems and/or computer systems are disclosed that comprise a computer-readable storage medium containing program instructions embodied therein, and one or more processors configured to execute program instructions that instruct one or more processors to execute operations containing one or more elements of the embodiments described above and/or below (including one or more elements of the appended claims).

[20] In various embodiments, computer-implemented methods are disclosed in which, by means of one or more processors executing program instructions, one or more elements of the embodiments described above and/or below are implemented and/or executed (including one or more elements of the appended claims).

[21] In various embodiments of the invention, computer program products are disclosed comprising a computer-readable storage medium containing program instructions embodied therein, wherein the program instructions are executed by one or more processors for the purpose of performing by one or more processors operations containing one or more of the elements described above. and/or below embodiments of the invention (including one or more elements of the appended claims).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[22] FIG. 1A is an example of a flowchart with a sequence of operations for generating offer notifications.

[23] FIG. 1B provides examples of user interfaces for offer selection.

[24] FIG. 2 is an example block diagram of a location analysis system in communication with an exemplary entity device and a user device.

[25] FIG. 3A is a functional flow diagram of an exemplary process for generating notifications for transmission to user devices.

[26] FIG. 3B shows an example user interface that allows an object to send a notification to one or more users.

[27] FIG. 4 is a functional flow diagram of another exemplary process for generating notifications for transmission to user devices.

[28] FIG. 5A is a functional flow diagram of an exemplary process for allowing a user to select a special offer.

[29] FIG. 5B shows an example of a user interface for browsing offers.

[30] FIG. 5C provides examples of user interfaces for allowing the user to select an offer.

[31] FIG. 6 is a functional flow diagram of an exemplary process for transmitting an offer to another user.

[32] FIG. 7A-7C are examples of user interfaces associated with the techniques described in this patent document.

[33] FIG. 8A-8B show examples of user interfaces associated with bonus points awarded in accordance with the techniques described in this patent document.

[34] FIG. 9 is an example of a functional diagram of a process for granting access to bonus points through a user device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[35] Described herein is a system (eg, location analysis system 100) that can allow entities to create offers for users to select, and then allow users to view and/or select the offered offers. As will be described below, the system may interact with one or more applications running on user devices of entities or users. For example, an application may be obtained from an electronic store of applications (eg, "applications") and may be associated with the system via one or more networks.

[36] As described in this patent document, the concept of "object" can include any business, company and/or user that has available offers related to goods, products, services and the like. For example, the object may be the provider of the offer associated with the offer. The example object might be a restaurant, and the example offer might include a specific meal. An example of an offer could be a reduction in the price of a meal from its normal price, and the entity could offer the offer for a limited period of time and/or only to certain users (eg, a certain number of users). Another example of an object could be a massage therapist, and the offer could be a massage session. As will be described below, an entity may use user interfaces to create certain offers and store them in the system. For example, figure 2 shows an example of a user interface 250 associated with the creation of one or more offers. Each offer created can describe certain aspects, such as an indication of what is specifically offered (for example, lunch, details related to lunch, and so on), the cost associated with the offer, the location and/or description of the facility offering the created offer, the date expiration of the offer, and the like. The system may then notify users of the availability of offers and allow them to select offers.

[37] With regard to notifying users, the system may receive (eg, periodically receive) location information associated with user devices. For example, location information may be obtained based on authorization information provided by users of user devices. The location information may include global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, address information, and so on. The system may compare the location information with locations associated with objects (eg, corresponding addresses or GPS coordinates) and may notify users that are within a threshold distance of at least one object. For example, the system can provide each feature with the ability to specify a geofence surrounding the feature for which offers messages related to that feature will be sent to users. For example, a geofence can be defined as a radius around an object. Thus, when a user's user device is detected as being within an exemplary geofence, the system may trigger one or more notifications to be sent to the user device describing available offers associated with the object.

[38] The advantage is that text messages can be used as notifications. In contrast, previous technical schemes may not have the ability to send notifications in the form of text messages. For example, implementing a web application-based scheme may require notifications to be provided through specific applications installed on user devices. Because users can choose to ignore and/or disable these notifications, text messaging can provide a more established and guaranteed way to send notifications. In addition, users tend to open text messages out of habit, which can enhance the ability to provide notifications viewed in a timely manner. Thus, text messages can alternatively be used as notifications. A text message allows the user to communicate brief information related to a particular offer available in close proximity to the user's user device. For example, a text message may include the name of an entity, the subject matter of a particular offer, the cost associated with a particular offer, and the like. The text message may contain one or more links that allow you to select (eg purchase) a particular offer. It should be understood that other selectable elements may be used within the scope of the invention disclosed in this patent document. For example, upon clicking the link, the user's user device may cause activation of a system-associated application running on the user device. As another example, upon selecting a link, the user's user device may redirect the user to a web page associated with the system. In these examples, information describing a particular offer can be displayed. For example, this could be the details of a particular offer (eg, the name of the facility, description of the offer, cost, location of the facility, and any other restrictions or information).

[39] In some embodiments, the user may select (eg, buy) the specific offer described above by responding to the received text message. For example, the user may enter text such as “buy”, “purchase”, and the like. example, the user may optionally provide a unique code or password associated with the user.In some embodiments, the unique code or password may change over time.For example, an application (for example, the Authy application) may generate unique codes that are valid for a certain period of time The system described in this patent document may then allow a particular offer to be selected (eg, purchased).

[40] In addition to the system automatically sending out notifications based on the location of the user device, notifications can also be initiated by an entity (eg, a user associated with the entity, also referred to as an entity user). For example, a user of an object may access the user interface of the object and view users (eg, in real time or near real time) that are at a threshold distance from the object. The user interface of the object may further display information associated with each user, such as the user's preferences (eg, types of offers previously selected by the user). The object can then trigger notifications to be sent to certain third-party users. For example, notifications may be provided in the form of text messages or in the form of notifications associated with applications running on third party user devices. - As an embodiment of the invention, certain information about the third party user, such as their name, may be further hidden from the entity. Instead, third-party user preference information may be displayed so that the entity can only notify third-party users who are likely to be interested in the offer. If necessary, the system may analyze information about the preferences of third-party users (for example, using one or more machine learning models such as k-means clustering algorithms) and automatically send notifications to those third-party users who are likely to be interested in the offer.

[41] The user device may receive a notification, such as provided from a location analysis system or from some external system responsive to instructions from such a location analysis system, and may display the notification to the associated user. As described above, the user may interact with the notification to select (eg, purchase) an offer associated with the notification. Once selected, the system may generate authorization information to provide to the user device. For example, the authorization information may be a barcode (eg, a QR code) or other graphic image, encrypted information (eg, information generated using a private key associated with the system), and the like. To redeem (eg, use) the offer, the user may initiate the provision of authorization information to the device or system associated with the object. For example, the user may initiate the presentation of a QR code, and the device or system associated with the entity may parse the QR code to validate authorization. In this example, a device or system may perform an optical recognition process for a QR code or other graphic image. In this example, a device or system may execute an application described in this patent document, which may allow users to select and/or view available offers, as well as allow users associated with an object to scan and/or redeem QR codes or other authorization information. . As another example, a user may initiate transmission of authorization information to a device or system associated with an entity. The device or system can then determine if the authorization information is associated with the system (eg, using a system-associated public key to verify the signature). In addition, authorization information may be provided to the system via a network (eg, the Internet) and the system may provide a response related to verifying this information.

[42] As will be described below, for example, with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C, the user device may further display offers available for selection in a specific geographic area. For example, the user device may display a user interface including a map of the geographic area in which the user device is located. The user interface may be displayed (eg, rendered) by an application (eg, mobile application, web application, and so on) running on the user device. The geographic map may optionally indicate the locations of offers as well as summary information associated with each offer. The user can additionally indicate the types of offers that are of interest to him. For example, a user may indicate that only offers from restaurants are of interest. The user interface may be responsive to user input from a user associated with making a selection of an offer. As described above, upon selecting an offer, the user device may obtain authorization information to confirm the user's right to use the selected offer.

[43] In addition, using the user interfaces described in this patent document, the first user can select an offer and can initiate transmission (eg, provision) of the offer to the second user. As will be described below, based on the techniques described in this patent document, the required number of user actions or user inputs required to communicate an offer to another user can be reduced. For example, the first user may view offers associated with objects located at a threshold distance from the second user. As another example, the first user may view offers associated with the object in which the second user is located. In this example, the system may obtain the second user's location and identify the entity associated with that location. Optionally, to enhance privacy, the system may hide the name of the entity and display information identifying offers associated with that entity. The first user can select an offer and, via the user interface, indicate that the selected offer should be passed to the second user. The system described in this patent document can initiate the automatic provision of authorization information to the second user. Thus, the second user can simply open his user device and use the offer passed to him. For example, a second user may receive a QR code and provide the QR code to a system or device associated with the object. The advantage is that the second user can be anywhere in the world. For example, the object and the second user may be in a different country than the first user.

[44] Thus, the technical scheme described in this patent document can be improved compared to previous applications or systems. For example, as described above, previous applications may not include text message notifications as described in this patent document. The advantage is that text messages (or sms) use a small amount of traffic, allowing offers to be displayed even in regions with poor cellular/data reception and allowing highly dynamic real-time content to be displayed. For example, it should be understood that other notifications (eg, notifications with a large amount of graphical information) may load more slowly, as a result of which a user on the move may be out of the geofence by the time he receives the notification. However, text messages can be received faster, allowing offers to be displayed that are actually near the user's current location, rather than offers that are no longer relevant due to time lapse or location change (due to the time delay that may be required to fully receive and displaying larger messages to the user). Thus, notifications displayed to the user may have a higher temporal and spatial relevance to the user because, compared to notifications requiring more traffic to transmit, they can be received closer to the real time the user is in a particular location.

[45] As another example, previous applications may not provide a platform that varies functionality depending on the type of user using the platform. As described above, objects can perform certain functions such as creating offers, defining rules related to notifying users, and the like. In addition, users can view offers, receive notifications, share selected offers, and the like. Thus, the actions that can be performed by objects or users can be limited. The same application can be used by an entity and a user, and an application can be individually configured to match whether the application is being used by the user or the entity. Thus, an application can limit the display of information depending on the type of user, and the same application can be maintained, updated, and so on.

[46] Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout this patent document.

[47] FIG. 1A is an example of a flowchart with a sequence of operations for generating offer notifications. As shown in the figure, the location analysis system 100 is in communication with the devices of the object AN 110A-110N and the user device 120 (eg, smartphone, tablet, wearable device) of the user. Location analysis system 100 may be an exemplary system of one or more computers or one or more virtual machines running on a system of one or more computers. AN 110A-110N entity devices may be systems or devices (eg, tablets, smartphones, wearables, laptops, and the like) associated with respective entities. As described above, an entity may represent a business associated with one or more offerings available for selection by users.

[48] The location analysis system 100 may receive information and provide information to the devices of the object AN 110A-110N and the user device 120. As will be described in more detail below, each device of the object may use an application associated with the location analysis system 100. For example, the device of object A 110A may execute an application obtained from the electronic application store. As another example, the device of entity A 110A may be running software configured to communicate with the location analysis system 100. As another example, the device of entity A 110A may display a web page generated, at least in part, by the location analysis system. 100. In this example, a web page may be associated with a web application implemented by the location analysis system 100. Thus, to create information about the offer 112, the devices of the object AN 110A-110N can use user interfaces generated by the application or displayed through web pages . An example of a user interface associated with creating an offer is described below and illustrated in FIG. 7A.

[49] As described above, offer information 112 may include information describing offers available for selection. For example, a particular offer may refer to goods, services, products, and the like offered by the particular offer. As another example, a particular offer may indicate a cost associated with it. As another example, a specific offer may indicate a category associated with a specific offer (eg, restaurant, bar, hotel, and so on). Thus, the device user of object A 110A, for example, can specify information related to one or more sentences. Location analysis system 100 may store offer information 112 for facility devices A-N 110A-110N so that users can select offers for later use.

[50] The location analysis system 100 includes a location module 102 that can obtain location information of user devices and then determine whether the user device is close to the location of an object. For example, user device 120 is illustrated as providing location information 122 to location analysis system 100. Location information 122 may be provided by user device 120 periodically (e.g., at regular intervals, e.g., every minute, every 10 minutes) or based on the satisfaction of one or multiple trigger conditions. As an example, the trigger condition may be that the user device 120 has moved a distance greater than a threshold. Another example of a trigger condition could be a user device moving faster than a threshold. For this exemplary trigger condition, user device 120 may provide location information 122 at an increased frequency. Location information 122 may be provided by an application running on user device 120. Thus, location module 102 may track the locations of various user devices.

[51] The location module 102 may compare the received location information 122 with locations associated with objects. For example, location module 102 may identify an object that is within a threshold distance from user device 120. The threshold distance may be further specified by the object. For example, a device user of object A 110A may indicate that the associated object is interested in users within a four-block radius of the object. As another example, the device user of object A 110A may describe the geofence surrounding the object. In this example, the user may optionally interact with the map image to define the boundaries of the geofence. For example, a user may use a touchscreen display to draw geofence boundaries on a map image.

[52] After identifying one or more objects located at a threshold distance from the user device 120, the location analysis system 100 may initiate the sending of a notification 106, which will be transmitted for display on the user device 120. The notification 106 may include information associated with the object or offer proposed by the object. For example, notification 106 may be text. Optionally, the location analysis system 100 may send multiple notifications to the user device if the user device 120 is located at a threshold distance from multiple objects. Optionally, the location analysis system 100 may select one object from several and then send a single notification 106 to the user device 120. The system 100 may then provide an additional notification through a time threshold (e.g., 5 minutes, 7 minutes) or after the user the device 120 will move a distance greater than the threshold value (eg, one block, two blocks, a quarter mile, a quarter kilometer, and the like). In some embodiments, system 100 may limit the number of notifications received by user device 120. For example, when a user of user device 120 changes location (eg, walks around), system 100 may initiate text messages to be sent to user device 120. In this example, the system 100 can limit the number of text messages sent (for example, 5, 10, 15). For example, system 100 may send text messages in a quantity not exceeding a threshold value during the period of time the user is in a particular geofence or geographic region. As another example, system 100 may send object-related text messages at intervals greater than a threshold (eg, 5 minutes, one hour, and the like).

[53] Optionally, the location analysis system 100 may select one object from several based on information about the user's preferences. For example, system 100 may track offers that a user of user device 120 has selected in the past. As another example, system 100 may inform selections at certain times of the day. For example, if the time of day is morning, then system 100 may discard offers associated with bars.

[54] In the example shown in FIG. 1A, user device 120 displays a text message describing the nearest offer. Nearest Offer indicates the location of the facility offering the offer (for example, Omni), what is specifically offered in connection with the nearest offer (for example, a four-course dinner), and the cost associated with the nearest offer (for example, $55). The user of the user device 120 may interact with the text message to select the nearest offer. For example, a text message may contain a link 126. Upon user selection of link 126, user device 120 may provide location analysis system 100 with information confirming the selection. The payment associated with the nearest offer may be automatically processed by the system 100. For example, the system 100 may have a payment instrument associated with the user and may then charge the payment instrument. As another example, user device 120 may include payment functionality and may confirm that the user selects the nearest offer. In this example, the user may provide a biometric verification, such as a fingerprint or face ID, and the payment may be processed by the user device 120. As another example, a user interface may be displayed on the user device 120 for making a payment. For example, an application might display a payment screen. Optionally, system 100 may provide a notification or otherwise communicate information to a system associated with the entity offering the offer.

[55] When selecting the nearest offer, the location analysis system 100 may provide the user device 120 with a QR code 124. For example, a QR code 124 may be generated by the system 100 and may contain information (for example, encoded or encrypted information) confirming the selection of the nearest offer. Optionally, the user device 120 may generate a QR code. For example, user device 120 may launch an application, such as described above, and the application may generate a QR code. In this example, the application can initiate a debit from the user's payment instrument. The payment may be sent to the entity associated with the offer, and the system associated with the entity may further acknowledge receipt. After receiving confirmation of payment, the application can generate a QR code containing information related to the nearest offer. For example, a QR code may contain a unique value associated with the nearest offer. The QR code may also contain a unique value associated with the user of the user device 120. When the closest offer is selected, the location analysis system 100 can store information indicating that the user has selected the closest offer.

[56] The object (for example, through the device of the object N 110N) can receive the image of the above-described QR code 124 and, after decoding the QR code, provide a unique value to the system 100. The advantage is that the same application can be executed on the device of the object N 110N , as described above. The application may provide the ability to read the QR code 124, for example, in some embodiments of the invention, the application may be put into a mode associated with its use by the object. The system 100 may then confirm whether the user associated with the unique value has selected any offers associated with the device of entity N 110N. If positive, location analysis system 100 may provide confirmation to the device of entity N 110N indicating that the user is eligible to use the nearest offer. Thus, the user of the user device 120 can benefit from the nearest offer. System 100 may additionally store information identifying that the offer has been used. Thus, it can be provided that the QR code 124 cannot be used again.

[57] The location analysis system 100 further includes a profile module 104 that can store profile information for entities and/or users. For example, the profiles module 104 may reflect all of the offerings offered by the entity that have been selected by the users. In addition, the profile module 104 may store detailed information related to the object, such as the name, location, type of goods or services offered, and so on. For users, the profile module 104 may reflect historical information associated with each user. For example, the profile module 104 may store offers previously selected by the user, selected offers actually used by the user, offers that were provided as notifications to the user (and not selected, for example), and the like. As another example, the profile module 104 may store information about the user's preferences. The user preference information may include types of offers of interest to the user, such as restaurant offers. In addition, the user preference information may include information about the types of food of interest to the user, search terms entered by the user (for example, as will be described below with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C, users may search for certain offerings), and the like. The profile information can be used by the location analysis system 100 to inform which notifications are provided to the user device 120, as well as to recommend certain users to certain objects that are likely to select the corresponding offers offered by these objects.

[58] FIG. 1B shows examples of user interfaces 130, 134 for selecting an offer. As described above with respect to FIG. 1A, user device 120 may be provided with a notification 106 describing the nearest offer. In the example shown in FIG. 1A notification 106 is provided as a text message. As another example, notification 106 may be provided to user device 120 as a message associated with an application running on user device 120. Thus, notification 106 may trigger application activation so that the application graphically displays an upcoming offer.

[59] In the example of FIG. 1B, the user interface 130 may be a notification 106 causing the application to be activated on the user device 120. Then, in response to the activation, the application may display the user interface 130. Similar to the text message displayed on the user device 120 in fig. 1A, user interface 130 describes information associated with the nearest offer. For example, along with the description of the offer (for example, “four-course dinner”) and the item associated with the offer (for example, “Omni”), the cost (for example, “$55”) is displayed. Optionally, on the user device 120, based on the selection of the link 126 included in the text message shown in FIG. 1A, user interface 130 may be displayed. For example, selecting link 126 may cause activation of the application described above, and the application may display information associated with the offer. As another example, selecting link 126 may cause the browser on the user device to receive the web page and render the web page to display the user interface 130.

[60] As shown in FIG. 1B, a user of user device 120 interacts with user interface option 130 to select an offer (eg, "Buy Now"). Upon selection, the location analysis system 100 may update the profile information associated with the user to reflect the selection. In addition, authorization information (eg, a QR code) may be provided to the user device so that the user can use the selected offer.

[61] The user interface 134 includes a graphical representation 136 of a QR code (eg, a QR code 124). An entity, such as a system or device associated with the entity, may receive the graphic 136 and confirm that the user is authorized to use the selected offer. For example, a restaurant employee might use a smartphone or other scanning device to scan a QR code. The user interface 134 further includes a forward option 138 for forwarding the offer to another user. Upon selection of the forward option 138, the user interface 134 may update and optionally display functionality to identify a specific user to receive the forwarded offer. The user may then confirm that the specified user should receive the QR code image 136, and the system 100 may provide a notification to that specified user (eg, to be activated by an app on the specified user's user device). Optionally, when forwarding option 138 is selected, a text message can be generated containing an image 136 of a QR code or a link to it. The text message can then be sent to a specific user. Because the image 136 of the QR code itself can be used to confirm that the entity (e.g., a restaurant) can use the offer, a particular user does not need to download an application or otherwise be associated with the system 100.

[62] FIG. 2 is an example block diagram of a location analysis system 100 interacting with exemplary entity device 110A and user device 120. As described above, location analysis system 100 may communicate with an application running or otherwise displayed (e.g., in a web page or using a thin client) on entity A's device 110A and an application running on user device 120. For example, user device 120 includes an application module 202, and entity A's device 110A includes application module 216. These applications may exchange certain information with the location analysis system 100, such as location information 122 for the user device 120, in order to implement one or more of the methods described in this patent document.

[63] As described above, the entity may create offers that may be selected by users of the user devices. For example, an entity may use its device (eg, entity A's device 110) to access user interfaces associated with system 100 that allow the creation of offers. As another example, the entity may specify offer-related information in a different format and provide said information to the location analysis system 100. In this example, the information may be specified as extensible markup language (XML) text using object-oriented notation. JavaScript programming language and so on. The generated offers may be provided as offer information 212 to the location analysis system 100 for storage.

[64] The user interface 250 is an example of a user interface that can be displayed on the device of object A 110 and used to create offers. As shown in the figure, the user interface 250 includes an indication of the offers 252 already created by the associated entity. For example, offers 252 may consist of offers that are currently active, offers that are no longer active but have been selected and can be used by users, or may include all offers, including offers that are no longer available for use. The user interface 250 further includes a create option 254 for creating a new offer. As described above, the create option 254 may offer options for describing the new proposal. Variant examples may include a textual and/or graphical description of the offer, the cost associated with the offer, one or more locations or affiliates associated with the facility, an expiration time associated with the offer, and the like. Optionally, the entity associated with device A 110A may specify one or more threshold boundaries (eg, in the form of radii) surrounding locations or branches at which user devices may be notified of the offer. Optionally, the entity associated with the device of entity A 110A may indicate preference information associated with users. For example, an entity may specify that notifications associated with an offer being created should be sent to users who are interested in certain types of food, a certain price level, have purchased certain other offers or types of offers in the past, have reached a certain age, and the like. Thus, a new offer can be created and presented as offer information 212 to the location analysis system 100 for storage.

[65] In addition, the device object A 110A can initiate the creation of a profile available to users. An example of a user interface for creating a profile is shown in FIG. 7A. The profile can include the contact information of the associated entity, the type or category of the entity (such as a restaurant, bar, etc.), address information, and the like. Preferably, the contact information is viewable by the user using the user's device. When viewing the profile, the location analysis system 100 may indicate all offers associated with the object. As shown in FIG. 2, the profile information 212 can be generated and stored by the location analysis system 100.

[66] Object A device 110A may additionally receive state information 214 from location analysis system 100 describing the states associated with the offers they have created. For example, in FIG. 7B shows state information associated with a particular offer created by the entity. As will be described below, in FIG. 7B is a summary of information associated with a particular offer. By way of example, the summary information may include an indication of users who have selected a certain offer, whether a certain offer has been used by each user, quantities of a certain offer selected by each user, and the like. As in FIG. 7B, status information 214 may thus include a summary of all offers created. In interactive user interfaces, entity A device 110A may display summary information so that a user associated with the entity can view how successful its offerings are among users.

[67] As described in FIG. 1A, user device 120 may receive notifications 106 of offers available to the user of the user device. For example, notifications may be triggered based on location information 122 generated by user device 120. In addition, a user of user device 120 may use application module 202 to submit requests 204 to location analysis system 100. Example request 204 may include a request for offers located within a threshold distance from the user's current location. The user can optionally specify the type of offer, a specific object, and the like. Location analysis system 100 may parse stored information about offer 212 and initiate display of information satisfying request 204. For example, user device 120 may display a geographic map (eg, as shown in FIG. 5C) illustrating the location of objects and information describing one or more their respective proposals. The user of the user device 120 may then, via user input, select an offer to use.

[68] When an offer is selected, the location analysis system 100 may update the user profile information to reflect the selected offer. Additionally or alternatively, location analysis system 100 may provide authorization information 206 to user device 120. As described above, authorization information 206 may include a QR code. The authorization information 206 may further include a token associated with the system 100 (eg, an OAuth token). To use the selected offer, the user device 120 may display a graphical image of a QR code.

[69] In addition, the user device 120 can initiate the transmission of information by the user device 120 to a device associated with the object. For example, offers available for use by the user may be stored by the application module 202 (eg, in an offer wallet). In order to access available offers, the user may be required to verify their identity with a password, biometric authentication, and the like. Upon confirmation, the user device 120 may send information (eg, OAuth token, JSON token, encrypted information) to the device associated with the object. Optionally, user device 120 may send information to system 100 indicating that the offer has been used. The system 100 may then update the user profile information to reflect the user's use of the offer, as well as update the object's profile information to indicate that the user is eligible to use the offer. Optionally, the system 100 may force information to be sent to the devices of the entity, reflecting the user's right to use the offer. As described above, payment from a user to an object can be processed, at least in part, by the location analysis system 100. Thus, the user can simply select an offer associated with the object and benefit from the offer with minimal input from the user.

[70] FIG. 3A is a functional diagram of an exemplary process 300 for generating notifications to be provided to user devices. For convenience, process 300 will be described as being performed by a system consisting of one or more computers (eg, location analysis system 100).

[71] At step 302, the system obtains the location associated with the user device. For example, the system may periodically obtain the GPS coordinates of user devices from applications running on the user devices.

[72] At step 304, the system accesses information containing an indication of objects located within one or more threshold distances from the received location. To ensure that notifications describing offers are related to the actual location of the user and thus increase the likelihood that the user will take advantage of the offer, the system compares the user's location with the locations of objects. For example, the system may generate a geofence surrounding the user's location. For example, a geofence may extend a certain distance around the user (eg, two blocks, four blocks, a quarter mile, a user-defined distance) or otherwise define a boundary around the user. Any objects located within this geofence can be identified by the system. If necessary, the system can access geofence information for each object within the geofence and can delete objects whose own geofences do not overlap with the user's geofence.

[73] For example, a particular entity may indicate that it is only interested in users who are within two blocks of it. If the user is four blocks away from him, the system can exclude a certain object from the scope of the analyzed information. A certain facility may choose this distance of two blocks to reduce the costs associated with notifying users. A particular property may also select this distance of two blocks to ensure that only those users who are likely to select an offer associated with a particular property are notified. For example, users may not be interested in going more than two blocks to get a coffee offer.

[74] At block 306, the system may further determine users that satisfy one or more of the conditions associated with the objects specified at block 304. For example, the object may indicate that only those users who match certain information about preferences. As described above, the exemplary preference information may be based on historical information of users (eg, offers previously selected by users), search queries of users (eg, to determine users' interests), and so on. Thus, it is possible to perform an additional check on whether the user of the user device complies with such conditions.

[75] At 308, the system generates a notification to be sent to the user device. As described in FIG. 1A-1B, the notification may be provided to the user device in the form of a text message. For example, the system can access profile information associated with a user and send a text message to the user's phone number. Optionally, the notification may be provided in the form of a message sent to an application running on the user device. As described above, the notice may include information describing a particular offer. If desired, the system can limit the number of notifications that the user device will receive within a certain period of time. As described above, the system may select an offer that is highly likely to be selected by the user. In addition, the system can implement an intelligent bidding system, with the help of which objects can automatically change the price so that their offer is selected.

[76] FIG. 3B shows an example user interface 350 that allows an object to send a notification to one or more users. In addition to the system automatically providing a notification to the user (eg, as described in FIG. 3A), the entity may monitor notifications of users located near the entity and initiate notifications to selected users. For example, as an example of a user interface displayed on a device associated with an object, the user interface 350 may be. The user interface 350 may be generated by an application running on the device, or may be displayed on a web page generated, at least in part, by the system location analysis 100.

[77] In the part 352 associated with sending a message, the user interface 350 includes a text part 358, which may include a description of the object and/or available offer. For example, text part 358 indicates that the object is “upscale hotel rooftop lounge with cocktails”. Part 352 allows the user of the user interface 350 to specify a distance 356 around the object, and users within the specified distance can be notified accordingly. As shown in the figure, the exemplary distance 356 may be 5 miles, 10 miles, 15 miles, and so on. The user of the user interface 350 may use the selectable option 354 to send a message to a specific user, such as one or more of the users specified in part 360.

[78] In part 360, the user interface 350 represents information about users who are close to the object. For example, "at close range" may mean that users are within a distance 356 selected in the user interface 350. As shown in the figure, identifying information 362 with respect to users may also be provided, such as a username, a unique user identifier, and the like. . Optionally, the username may be hidden and certain summary information associated with the user may be presented in the user interface 350 instead. For example, information about the user's preferences may be displayed, such as whether the user has selected offers of the object in the past, whether the user's preferences match the offers offered by the object, and the like. Part 360 further includes the status 364 of each user. For example, the status may indicate whether the user has opened an application associated with the location analysis system 100 during the threshold time period.

[79] Thus, the user interface 350 may allow the user to locate users within a selected distance from the object's location. The user can then initiate the sending of notifications (eg messages) to such localized users.

[80] FIG. 4 is a functional diagram of another exemplary process 400 for generating notifications to be sent to user devices. For example, the notifications may be notifications based on geofencing. For convenience, process 400 will be described as being performed by a system consisting of one or more computers (eg, location analysis system 100).

[81] At step 402, the system accesses information indicative of the location of the object. For example, the location may be GPS coordinates, address information, and the like.

[82] At step 404, the system monitors one or more geofences surrounding a specific location. As described above, the system may store information defining the distances or geofences surrounding each object. These defined distances or geofences may cover the geographic area within which the facility is interested in notifying users of available offers. If necessary, the object can specify several distances or geofences. For example, the entity may indicate that notifications should be sent to users who meet certain requirements (eg, have certain interests, have previously made certain offer selections, and so on) if they are within a first threshold distance from the entity. For users who do not meet certain requirements, the entity may indicate that notifications should be sent to them if they are within a second, smaller threshold distance from the entity. The system can track user device entries within these geofences or distances. Optionally, the system may track exits of user devices and may optionally send a notification to the user who is about to leave the geofence asking them to consider the offer.

[83] In step 406, the system detects that the user device has entered the geofence. For example, a user of a user device may traverse a geographic area and may end up in a geofence associated with a feature.

[84] At step 408, the system optionally determines whether the user of the user device satisfies the requirements. As described in FIG. 3A, the system may check if the user's preferences match the preferences given by the object.

[85] At step 410, the system generates a notification to be provided to the user device. For example, the notification may be a text message sent to a number associated with the user device. As another example, the notification may be a message sent to an application running on the user's device. The notification may contain one or more offers associated with this object. The notification may also describe the object, such as as demonstrated in the user interface 350 in the text portion 358. The user of the user device may then optionally interact with the notification to view the offers offered by the object. For example, if a notification is provided via an application, the user can select (eg, using a touchscreen) the name of the object. The application can then display offers available to the user. As another example, if the notification is a text message, the user may select a link included in such text message. The link may then trigger application activation or display offers on a web page via a browser running on the user device.

[86] FIG. 5A is a functional diagram of an exemplary process 500 for allowing a user to select an offer. For convenience, process 500 will be described as being executed by a user device containing one or more processors (eg, user device 120).

[87] At block 502, the user device receives a request for objects located within one or more threshold distances from the user devices. The user device may launch the application, for example, as described above, and display user interfaces to the user of the user device.

[88] For example, in FIG. 5B shows an example user interface 520. The user interface 520 includes options to allow the user to search for specific types of offers 522 and restrict offers to specific locations 524. whose selection by users exceeds a predetermined threshold, or which have been selected by users at a frequency greater than a predetermined frequency threshold. The list of "hot" offers can also include offers that have been discounted by more than a given threshold. the specific location 524 is indicated as "nearby". As described above, the user can specify one or more distances within which he is interested in receiving offers. Thus, the specific location 524 can be updated to reflect the specific distance. The user interface 520 further includes selectable categories 526. Examples of categories may include shops, bars, hotels, and the like, as depicted in Figure 5B. Based on the selection of various options shown in Figure 5B, the application may generate a request for information.The request may then be transmitted to the location analysis system 100.

[89] At step 504, the user device receives information containing a list of objects or offers that satisfy the conditions of the request. For example, if the request was a request for a list of "nearby""hot" offers, in which case the user device may receive a list indicating certain offers. Other requests may include requests for objects that are in close proximity to the user device For these requests, the user device may receive information containing a list of objects.

[90] At step 506, the user device displays the received information. For example, the user device may display a geographic map illustrating at least some of the information received. In FIG. 5C shows examples of user interfaces in accordance with the methods described in this patent application. The user interface 530 displays a geographic map of a specific geographic area surrounding the user 536. The map displays the terms of the offers. For example, a terms description might include the value associated with the offer, the price reduction from the regular price (for example, the offer saves $60 or the offer saves $75% of the cost), and the type of offer (for example, restaurant, bar, hotel). At part 532, the user of the user device may update the request. For example, a user may indicate that they are only interested in restaurants. Part 534 includes more detailed information related to offers displayed on a geographic map. Similarly, the user interface 540 illustrates the received information without including a geographic map. In this way, the user can view detailed information related to offers in close proximity to him. Because the user device may have a limited display size for displaying information, the user may switch between user interface 530 and user interface 540 to remove the map from the display.

[91] At block 508, the user device responds to user input indicating a selection of an object. In FIG. 5C, user interface 550 includes suggestions associated with a specific object (eg, "Omni Bar") that can be selected by the user. As described above, each property may offer several offers to choose from. Thus, if the user selects a particular object, a user interface 550 may be displayed that reflects all of the available offers offered by the particular object. Optionally, offers can be sorted by price or by expiration date. In addition, the offers can be sorted based on a certain probability of the user selecting one or another offer. For example, the system may determine that a certain offer is similar to offers historically selected by the user in the past. As another example, the system may determine that a certain offer is for a certain number of people corresponding to the size of the family associated with the user. In this example, the system may determine that the time of day is lunch and determine that the user may be trying to find dinner deals for his family.

[92] At block 510, the user device allows a specific offer to be selected. The user device may respond to user input selecting an offer, such as offer 554. As described above, the user device may then receive authorization information for offer 554 (eg, a QR code to be presented at the "Omni Bar").

[93] FIG. 6 is a functional diagram of an exemplary process 600 for communicating an offer to another user. For convenience, process 600 will be described as being executed by a user device containing one or more processors (eg, user device 120).

[94] At block 602, the user device displays information describing the objects and/or offers available for selection. As described above, the user device may run an application that displays a user interface on a display of the user device. For example, the user device may display a geographic map that will show offers and/or features located in close proximity to the user device (eg, as shown in FIG. 5C). As another example, the user device may receive one or more text messages regarding offers located close to the user device. As described above, text message notifications may include selectable items associated with displaying information about offers. For example, a text message can trigger the activation of an application. In this example, the application can display information that describes the offer. Likewise, notifications may be received, for example, through an application and may include selectable items related to displaying information about offers. By way of example, the information may include the name of the entity associated with the offer, cost, description, geographic map associated with the location of the entity, and the like, as described in this patent document.

[95] At block 604, the user device responds to the offer selection. As described above, the user of the user device may select a certain offer for further use. For example, an application may provide the ability to select a particular offer. As another example, the user may respond to a text message to confirm selection of a particular offer. The advantage is that, the user can use some or all of the user's bonus points. Bonus points can be awarded for receiving a series of text messages about upcoming offers by the user. The bonus points are described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 9.

[96] At step 606, the user device receives information for authorization. For example, the authorization information may be received in the form of a graphic. In some embodiments of the invention, the graphic image may be a QR code. Thus, and as described above, the authorization information may include a QR code.

[97] At step 608, the user device transmits the offer to another user. With regard to the QR code, the user may text or otherwise provide (eg, via message, email, and the like) the QR code to another user. Optionally, instead of obtaining authorization information at 606, authorization information may be provided directly to another user. For example, the location analysis system 100 may provide the QR code to another user in the form of a text or other type of message (eg, the user may receive or provide the other user's phone number or email address). If another user has a user ID in the location analysis system 100, the user can specify the other user (for example, through a contact list), and the system 100 can provide a QR code directly to the other user's application that is installed on the other user's device and connected to the system 100 .

[98] FIG. 7A-7C are examples of user interfaces associated with the techniques described in this patent document. In this example, the user is an offer-providing entity or a person representing an offering-providing entity, and the user interface 700 may be used by that user to update information about the entity's profile. For example, as shown in the figure, profile information may be provided to the user. As shown in the figure, the profile information includes the name of the object, the category of the object (eg, restaurant, hotel, and the like), the price level associated with the object, and the contact information of the object.

[99] The user interface 710 (eg, depicted in Fig. 7B) displays information about a particular offer. For example, the user interface 710 displays information about the status of the offer, according to which "65% off a four course dinner" is being offered. purchase") in relation to the offer. With regard to the description 712, the user interface 710 may display a text description given by the object or automatically generated by the location analysis system 100. The user of the user interface 710 may then update or otherwise change the description. With respect to selections 714 of the offer, the users 716 who have selected the offer are indicated. Additionally, the date of the selection 718, the number of selections 720, and/or the status of the selection 722 (eg, used, unused, expired) may be displayed.

[100] The user interface 730 (eg, depicted in FIG. 7C) illustrates user profile information. Portion 732 includes options to allow the user to update identifying and/or contact information 734 (eg, name, email address, telephone number, and the like). In addition, the user may update payment information 736, such as adding payment instruments and/or specifying certain applications on the user's user device that may provide payment information. In addition, the user may specify notification methods 738. For example, the user may indicate that he/she prefers to receive notifications via email, application messages, and/or text messages.

[101] FIG. 8A-8B show examples of user interfaces associated with bonus points awarded in accordance with the techniques described in this patent document. In this example, "users" refers to users who receive offers from system 100. As users select and use offers, they may further receive bonus points. For example, the location analysis system 100 may offer bonus points as an incentive. As shown in FIG. 8A, the user interface 800 can thus display the number of bonus points earned by a particular user and, as an example, an additional indication of the conversion of bonus points into currency at a certain rate. The user interface 810 shows a specific user 812 along with objects marked 814 by a specific user 812 for later viewing. For example, part 816 includes images of objects. A specific user 812 can select an object and select an offer associated with that object.

[102] The user interface 820 (eg, depicted in Fig. 8B) is an example of a user interface for selecting a particular offer. For example, a certain user 812 is viewing an offer 822 related to dinner. As shown in the figure, the user interface 820 includes the display of bonus points 824 available to a particular user. Reward points 824 may be used to pay for all or part of the costs associated with offer 822. User interface 830 illustrates the user's transition to selecting offer 822. For example, when interacting with user interface element 826, user interface 830 may be displayed. As shown in the user interface 830, a specific user 832 can specify the amount 832 of the bonus points or the amount of currency obtained by converting the bonus points into the currency that will be used to select the offer 822. In the exemplary user interface 830, the specific user has selected $10.

[103] FIG. 9 is an example flow diagram of a process 900 for providing access to reward points via a user device. For convenience, process 900 will be described as being performed by a system consisting of one or more computers (eg, location analysis system 100).

[104] At step 902, the system initiates sending notifications to the user device. As described above, for example, in particular in FIG. 3A-3B, the system may use location information (eg, GPS coordinates) received from user devices to initiate notifications to user devices. For example, the system may determine that the user device is within a threshold distance from a certain object. The system can then initiate sending a notification associated with the specific object to be provided to the user device. As described above, the notification may be sent to the user device in the form of a text message. As another example described above, in particular in FIG. 4, the system can control one or more geofences surrounding a certain object. In this example, the system can detect that the user device is within the geofence and initiate a notification to the user device. Notifications may also include application-based notifications.

[105] At step 904, the system updates the bonuses associated with the user. As described in FIG. 8A-8B above, bonus points may be associated with a user and may be used when selecting a particular offer. The system may assign or otherwise provide the user with access to a certain number of bonus points for the notification received. That is, in exchange for the user's spent time, the amount of cellular data traffic used, the number of available text messages used, and the like, the system can assign bonus points for each notification. Optionally, the object type associated with the notification can inform about the number of bonus points assigned to the user.

[106] For example, the system may provide more bonus points for notifications that identify the types of objects in which the user has indicated his interest. For example, if a user has selected offers related to restaurants in the past, the system may assign more reward points to notifications that identify restaurant offers. As another example, if the user does not typically select restaurant-related offers, the system may assign more reward points for notifications identifying restaurant offers or other offers that may otherwise be of less interest to the user (for example, to encourage the user to select offers from restaurants and/or reduce the user's objections/resistance to receiving notifications of offers that they may otherwise be less interested in receiving).

[107] To update the bonus points, the system may update the profile information associated with the user, for example, as described in FIG. 2 above. For example, the system may increase (eg, replenish) a certain number of bonus points stored in the user profile information. Optionally, the user application on the user device may receive updated information indicating an increase in bonus points. For example, a user application may open a user-accessible secure wallet that stores secure information, to which bonus points can be credited. To access the wallet, the user application may require biometric authentication of the user.

[108] At step 906, the system provides access to bonus points. As described in FIG. 8A-8B, the user may use bonus points when selecting an offer. Once selected, the system may reduce (eg, debit) the number of reward points associated with the user.

Additional Information on Embodiments of the Invention

[109] Various embodiments of the present invention may be a system, method, and/or computer program product at any possible level of technical integration granularity. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or storage media) having on it computer readable program instructions for instructing a processor to perform elements of the present invention.

[110] For example, the functionality described herein may be performed as and/or in response to execution of software instructions by one or more hardware processors and/or any other suitable computing devices. Program instructions and/or other executable code may be read from a computer-readable medium (or media).

[111] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can record and store data and/or instructions for use by the instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, an electronic storage device (including any volatile and/or non-volatile electronic storage devices), a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the above devices. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following devices: portable computer diskettes, hard drives, solid state drives, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), read-only erasable programmable memory (EPROM or flash memory). ), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD), flash memory, floppy disks, mechanically encoded devices such as punched cards or relief structures in a groove having recorded instructions on them, and any suitable combination of the above devices. The computer-readable storage medium used in this patent document is not to be construed as intermediate signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (for example, light pulses passing through a fiber optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted over a wire.

[112] The computer-readable program instructions described in this patent document can be downloaded to appropriate computing/processing devices from a computer-readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or wireless net. The network can be organized using copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless data transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, security gateways and/or edge servers. The network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage on a computer-readable storage medium in the corresponding computing/processing device.

[113] Machine-readable program instructions (also referred to herein, for example, as "code", "instructions", "module", "application", "software application" and/or the like) to perform the operations provided by the present invention, may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-specific instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data for integrated circuits, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or multiple programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. Machine readable program instructions may be called from other instructions or from the program itself and/or may be called in response to latched events or interrupts. Machine-readable program instructions capable of being executed on computing devices may be provided on a computer-readable storage medium and/or via digital download (and may be initially stored in a compressed or installable format requiring installation, decompression, or decryption before execution), which are then may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Such computer-readable program instructions may be stored, in whole or in part, on a storage device (eg, a computer-readable storage medium) of an executing computing device for execution by such computing device. The machine-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer (eg, an executing computing device), partly on the user's computer as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer, and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or a connection may be made to an external computer (for example, over the Internet using a network connection service provider). Internet). In some embodiments, an electronic circuit including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or field programmable logic arrays (PLAs) can execute computer readable program instructions using state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuit to carry out the implementation of the constituent elements of the present invention.

[114] The constituent elements of the present invention are described in this patent document with reference to illustrations of functional diagrams and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems) and computer program products in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each block of illustrations of function diagrams and/or block diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in illustrations of functional diagrams and/or block diagrams can be implemented using computer-readable program instructions.

[115] These machine-readable program instructions may be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to create a machine, so that the instructions executed by the computer processor or other programmable data processing device create means for implementing functions/actions indicated in the block or blocks of the functional diagram and/or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium that can direct the operation of a computer, a programmable data processing device, and/or other device in a specific manner, wherein the computer-readable storage medium containing the instructions stored therein includes an article of manufacture comprising instructions that implement the component parts of the function/action specified in the block or blocks of the functional diagram(s) and/or block diagram(s).

[116] Machine-readable program instructions may also be downloaded to a computer, other programmable processing device, or other device to initiate a series of operating steps on the computer, other programmable device, or other device to create a computer-assisted process such that the instructions , which are executed on a computer, other programmable device or other device, implement the functions / actions indicated in the block or blocks of the functional diagram and / or block diagram. For example, instructions may initially be stored on a magnetic disk or solid state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load instructions and/or modules into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over the telephone, cable, or optical line using a modem. The modem, located on the side of the server computer system, can receive data over a telephone/cable/optical line and use a converter device, including the appropriate circuitry, to place the data on the bus. The bus can transfer data to memory, from which the processor can retrieve instructions and execute them. The instructions received by the memory may be further stored on a storage device (eg, solid state drive) either before or after they are executed by the computer's processor.

[117] The functional diagrams and block diagrams depicted in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. As such, each block in a function diagram or block diagram may be a module, segment, or portion of instructions containing one or more executable instructions to implement the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations of the invention, the functions marked in the blocks may not be called in the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in sequence may actually be executed almost simultaneously, or blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. In addition, some blocks may be omitted in some embodiments of the invention. The methods and processes described in this patent document are also not limited to any particular sequence, and blocks or states related thereto may be performed in other suitable sequences.

[118] It should also be noted that each block diagram and/or each function diagram illustration, as well as combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or function diagram illustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware systems that perform the specified functions or actions or create combinations of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions. For example, any of the processes, methods, algorithms, elements, blocks, applications, or other functionality (or portions of functionality) described in the previous sections may be implemented and/or fully or partially automated by electronic equipment such as application processors. (e.g., application integrated circuits (ASICs)), programmable processors (e.g., field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), application circuits, and/or the like (any of which may also combine custom hardwired logic, logic circuits, ASICs, FPGA and the like with specialized programming/execution of program instructions to execute the disclosed methods).

[119] Any of the above processors and/or any of the above devices, including any of the above processors, may be referred to in this patent document, for example, as “computers”, “computing devices”, “computing devices”, “hardware computing devices” , “hardware processors”, “processor units” and/or the like. Computing devices implemented in any of the above embodiments may generally (but need not) be controlled and/or coordinated by operating system software such as Mac OS, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, Windows OS (e.g., Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Server, etc.), Windows CE, Unix, Linux, SunOS, Solaris, Blackberry OS, VxWorks, or other suitable operating systems. In other embodiments of the invention, computing devices may be controlled by their own operating system. Conventional operating systems, among other things, manage and schedule computer processes for execution, perform memory management, provide file system, network, I/O services, and provide user interface functionality such as a graphical user interface (“GUI”).

[120] As described above, in various embodiments of the invention, certain functionality may be available to the user through a web browser (eg, web browser) or other suitable software. In such embodiments, the user interface may be generated by the server computer system and transmitted to the user's web browser (eg, running on the user's computer system). Alternatively, the data (eg, user interface data) necessary to generate the user interface may be provided by the server computer system to a browser in which the user interface may be generated (eg, the user interface data may be executed by the browser accessing the web service, and can be configured to render user interfaces based on user interface data). The user can then interact with the user interface through a web browser. User interfaces in some embodiments of the invention may be accessed through one or more specialized software applications. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more computing devices and/or systems that make up the present invention may include mobile computing devices; however, access to such user interfaces may be provided through such mobile computing devices (eg, smartphones and/or tablets).

[121] In the above described embodiments of the invention, you can make many variations and modifications, the elements of which should be understood as referring to other acceptable examples of implementation of the present invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included in this patent document within the scope of the present invention. In the above description, some embodiments of the invention are described in detail. It should be noted, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing is set forth in the text of this patent document, the systems and methods set forth therein can be applied in many ways. As also noted above, it should be noted that the use of certain terminology when describing certain features or aspects of systems and methods should not imply that the terminology in this document is revised and limited to include any specific characteristics of features or aspects of systems and methods with which this terminology connected.

[122] The use of the conditional, characterized by phrases such as, among other things, “may”, “may”, unless specifically noted otherwise, or unless otherwise understood in the context of use, is generally intended to convey that some embodiments The inventions include, while other embodiments of the invention do not, certain features, elements and/or steps Thus, the use of the conditional mood in general does not imply that such features, elements and/or steps are in any way mandatory for one or more embodiments of the invention, or that one or more embodiments of the invention necessarily includes logic for making a decision, with or without user input or prompting, whether or not those features, elements, and/or steps are included in a particular embodiment of the invention , as well as whether they should be performed in this variant.

[123] The term "practically" when used in conjunction with the term "real time" forms a phrase that will be easily understood by a person with ordinary skill in this area. For example, it is easy to understand that such a phrase would include execution speeds at which there is little or no delay or waiting, or at which such delay is short enough not to be disruptive, annoying or otherwise negative for the user.

[124] Attachment phrases, such as “at least one of X, Y, and Z” or “at least one of X, Y, or Z”, unless expressly stated otherwise, should be understood in the context in which they are commonly used, namely to convey that the subject, term, and the like can be either X, Y, or Z, or a combination of them. For example, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive sense), so that when used, for example, to join a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements of the list. Thus, such connecting phrases generally do not imply that some embodiments of the invention require the presence of at least one X feature, at least one Y feature, and at least one Z feature.

[125] The term "any" as used in this patent document should be interpreted as inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "any" should not be understood to mean "exactly one" or "one and only one"; instead, the term "any" means one or more or "at least one" , whether it is used in a claim or elsewhere in the specification and regardless of the use of quantifiers such as “at least one”, “one or more”, or “multiple” anywhere in a claim or description .

[126] The terms "consisting of", "comprising" as used in this patent document should be interpreted not exclusively, but inclusive. For example, a general purpose computer containing one or more processors should not be interpreted to exclude other computer components and may possibly include, among other things, components such as memory, I/O devices, and/or network interfaces.

[127] While the foregoing detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out new features with respect to various embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or processes illustrated may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. As can be recognized, some embodiments of the inventions described in this patent document may be embodied in a form that does not provide all the functions and advantages set forth therein, since some functions can be enabled or used in practice independently of others. The scope of some of the inventions disclosed in this patent document is indicated in the appended claims and not in the above description. All changes relating to the meaning and range of equivalence of a formula must be covered by their scope.

Claims (36)

1. A method for tracking a location for generating information, implemented by a system consisting of one or more computers, including: tracking location information associated with a plurality of user devices, in which the location information can be periodically provided by the user devices through respective applications running on the user devices; accessing information indicative of objects located within one or more threshold distances from a specific user device from a plurality of user devices, based on information about the tracked location, while accessing information indicating the location of objects within one or more threshold values distance to a specific user device, includes: determining a geofence surrounding a certain user device, wherein the geofence is a virtual perimeter with respect to a real world area; And identification of objects located within the geofence, generating a notification to be sent to a specific user device by means of a first text message containing information associated with the object, which includes one or more selectable items associated with displaying a selectable offer associated with the object; in response to a notification, a certain user device is provided in the form of a text message, an update of the bonus points associated with the user of a specific user device, while the bonus points can be used by the user to select offers, and the bonus points are increased based on the user's access right to receive text messages , in response to the first text message indicating selection of an offer by a user of a particular user device, generating authorization information associated with the offer; And transmitting, via a second text message or notification associated with the application, a graphical presentation of authorization information to a specific user device, wherein the graphical representation is configured to be transmitted to another user device via a text message in order to enable the user of the other user device to redeem such an offer . 2. The method according to claim. 1, characterized in that the location information contains the coordinates of the global positioning system. 3. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that this method further includes: obtaining information indicative of a user's selection of one or more selectable items associated with the display of the offer; And initiating the display of information describing the offer, through a certain user device. 4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the graphical representation of information for authorization contains a QR code. 5. A location tracking system for generating information, consisting of one or more computers and computer storage media designed for long-term storage of information, on which instructions are stored that, when executed by a system consisting of one or more computers, initiate the execution of operations by the system, including: tracking location information associated with a plurality of user devices, in which the location information can be periodically received by the user devices through respective applications running on the user devices; accessing information indicative of objects located within one or more threshold distances from a specific user device from a plurality of user devices, based on information about the tracked location, accessing information indicating the location of objects within one or more threshold distances to specific user device includes: determining a geofence surrounding a certain user device, wherein the geofence is a virtual perimeter with respect to a real world area; And identification of objects located within the geofence, generating a notification to be provided to a specific user device, by means of a first text message containing object-related information that includes one or more selectable items associated with displaying a selectable offer; in response to a notification, a certain user device is provided in the form of a text message, an update of the bonus points associated with the user of a specific user device, while the bonus points can be used by the user to select offers, and the bonus points are increased based on the user's access right to receive text messages , in response to the first text message indicating selection of an offer by a user of a particular user device, generating authorization information associated with the offer; And transmitting, via a second text message or notification associated with the application, a graphical presentation of authorization information to a specific user device, wherein the graphical representation is configured to be transmitted to another user device via a text message in order to enable the user of the other user device to redeem such an offer . 6. The system of claim. 5, characterized in that the location information includes the coordinates of the global positioning system. 7. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that the operations additionally include: obtaining information indicative of a user's selection of one or more selectable items associated with the display of the offer; And initiating the display of information describing the offer, through a certain user device. 8. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that the graphical representation of information for authorization contains a QR code. 9. A location tracking method for generating information, implemented by the first user device containing one or more processors, including: display, by means of an interactive user interface generated by an application running on the first user device, a geographic map illustrating objects in close proximity to the location of the first user device, in which such an application is in communication via a network with a system consisting of one or more computers , in which the interactive user interface is configured to: presenting an indication of bonus points available for use, wherein the bonus points are assigned by the system upon receipt of text messages by the first user device regarding offers near the location of the first user device, wherein the bonus points are increased based on the user's access right of the first user device to receive text messages, obtaining a selection, by the application, of a certain object and displaying offers associated with such a certain object, in which such offers are accepted by the system for display; providing by the application to the system information about the selected offer in response to a user input confirming the selection of the displayed offer; receiving, through the application, a graphical representation of the authorization information associated with the selected offer, the graphical representation of the authorization information is a QR code; And transmitting a graphical representation of information for authorization to the second user device via a text message. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the application is configured to switch to a mode associated with its use by a specific object, and such a mode is configured to scan a QR code by a user device used by a specific object.

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