Mobile Device Detection via Captive Portal for Physical Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracking and engaging customers at physical locations is challenging due to the difficulty in generating data that allows for identifying and targeting them effectively, unlike online tracking where user activities can be easily monitored.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a server that detects mobile devices connecting to a wireless network, provides a captive portal for contact information, and sends promotional messages based on device identifiers and histories, allowing for targeted promotions without requiring customers to actively engage with advertisements again upon return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If web page tracking is used to identify users and their activities, then valuable tracking data can be generated for marketers and operators, but similar tracking data cannot be generated at physical locations because customers are not generating data that allows for tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by transferring the online tracking model to physical locations. It copies the web page tracking approach by having customers connect to a wireless network at the physical location, which then provides a captive portal that captures device identifiers and contact information, effectively replicating online tracking data collection in the physical retail environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a wireless network and captive portal as intermediaries between customers and the tracking system. The wireless network acts as a mediator that captures device identifiers, while the captive portal serves as an intermediary interface that collects contact information, enabling tracking data generation without direct customer interaction with traditional advertising channels
2Adaptability or versatility
If a captive portal is provided to collect contact information from mobile devices, then targeted promotional messages can be sent to customers, but the system complexity increases due to wireless network integration and device detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the wireless network serve multiple functions: it provides internet connectivity to customers, captures device identifiers through network connection detection, and delivers the captive portal for contact information collection. This multi-functional approach consolidates tracking, communication, and promotion delivery into a single system infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting mobile devices that connect to the wireless network and prompting them through the captive portal to provide contact information. The system autonomously associates device identifiers with contact information and manages promotional message delivery without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity despite increased system capabilities
3Loss of information
If device identifiers are captured and associated with contact information for tracking customer activities, then customer preferences and behaviors can be analyzed, but privacy concerns and data security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using the device identifier as a temporary, disposable tracking key that is associated with contact information only for the purpose of delivering promotional messages. The device identifier serves as a short-lived identifier that enables tracking without requiring long-term storage or maintenance of sensitive device information, reducing privacy risks while enabling customer activity analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile device detecting and engaging are described. A server can determine that a mobile device has connected with a wireless network at a physical location. The server can provide a captive portal of the wireless network to the mobile device to receive contact information for the mobile device. The server can then provide a message including information related to the physical location to the mobile device using the contact information.