Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A method of engaging a user within a zone, the method comprising:
determining, by a plurality of sensors, presence of a user carrying an electronic device within a zone, wherein the presence of the user is determined when the electronic device comes in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors, and wherein each sensor of the plurality of sensors is associated with at least one product;
notifying a server, by the sensor, the presence of the electronic device in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors; and
engaging, by the server, the user on the electronic device by allowing the user to provide a query with respect to the products in the zone, wherein the server analyzes the query and provides an overlaid image of the products on the electronic device in response to the query such that the user selects at least one product, and wherein the server navigates the user to the at least one product selected by identifying the sensor in vicinity of the product selected and position of the electronic device.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server engages the user by providing the overlaid image of the product associated with position of the sensor when the electronic device comes in proximity to the sensor, and wherein the overlaid image is provided on the electronic device.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user is engaged using a gamification logic.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the user is engaged by:
providing one or more virtual characters as the overlaid image on the electronic device when the electronic device comes in proximity to the sensors in the zone;
allowing the user to select at least one virtual character at a time of navigation; and
allowing the user to collect and accumulate the virtual character.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, further comprising crediting the user with loyalty points based on the virtual characters accumulated.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the loyalty points are used to avail incentives on purchase of the product selected.

7. The method as claimed in claim 5, further comprising deriving metrics on behavior of the user in the zone.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising deriving metrics on interest of user in the product based on time and distance taken by the user, upon selecting the product to reaching the sensor in vicinity of the product selected.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprises providing annotations in the overlaid image of the product, wherein the annotations comprise information related to the product.

10. A system for engaging a user within a zone, the system comprising:
a plurality of sensors;
an electronic device; and
a server;
wherein the plurality of sensors determine presence of a user carrying the electronic device within a zone,
wherein the presence of the user is determined when the electronic device comes in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors,
wherein each sensor of the plurality of sensors is associated with at least one product,
wherein the sensor notifies the server, the presence of the electronic device in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors,
wherein the server engages the user on the electronic device by allowing the user to provide a query with respect to the products in the zone,
wherein the server analyzes the query and provides an overlaid image of the products on the electronic device in response to the query such that the user selects at least one product, and
wherein the server navigates the user to the at least one product selected by identifying the sensor in vicinity of the product selected and position of the electronic device.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sensor is one of a beacon, a Global Positioning System, a Radio Frequency Identification tag and a Bluetooth device.

12. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the server engages the user by using a gamification logic.

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the server engages the user by:
providing one or more virtual characters as the overlaid image on the electronic device when the electronic device comes in proximity to the sensors in the zone;
allowing the user to select at least one virtual character at a time of navigation; and
allowing the user to collect and accumulate the virtual character.

14. A system for engaging a user within a zone, the system comprising:
a plurality of sensors positioned at pre-defined distance from one another in a zone;
a plurality of display devices positioned at pre-defined distance from one another in the zone;
an electronic device; and
a server;
wherein the plurality of sensors determine position of the electronic device and the display device in proximity to the electronic device,
wherein each sensor of the plurality of sensors is associated with at least one product,
wherein the sensor notifies the server, the presence of the electronic device in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors,
wherein the server allows a user of the electronic device to provide a query using the electronic device with respect to the products in the zone,
wherein the server analyzes the query and provides an overlaid image of the products on the electronic device, or on the display device proximity to the electronic device, in response to the query such that the user selects at least one product using the electronic device or the display device, and
wherein the server navigates the user to the at least one product selected by identifying the sensor in vicinity of the product selected and position of the electronic device, wherein the server navigates the user using the electronic device.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the sensor is a beacon.

16. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the display device is one of a digital signage board, and a television.

Chandrasekhar Raju
IN-PA-2371
Agent for Applicant
, Description:SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENGAGING A USER WITHIN A ZONE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[01] The present disclosure relates to a field of engaging a user within a zone. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method of engaging a user on an electronic device using augmented reality and gamification technique.

BACKGROUND

[02] Typically, brands or companies across the globe face difficulties in engaging customers and maintaining loyalty of their customers. Various brands try different marketing techniques to engage customers with the brand. The different marketing techniques comprise advertisements, games, competitions, promotional offers and so on. For example, a brand may advertise their products on a television, or online forums such as YoutubeTM. In another example, the brand may conduct competitions at either retail store or online such that customers may participate and get to know about the products of the brand. For instance, a chocolate brand may giveaway a life-time supply of chocolates to winners in an online challenge. In another example, the brand may provide promotional offers in a given season. In yet another example, the brand may give a 50% discount on first purchase if the customer downloads a mobile application of the brand.

[03] With the advent of social media platforms such as FacebookTM, TwitterTM, YoutubeTM, InstagramTM and so on, the brands are utilizing marketing techniques that are personalized to individual customers. For example, the social media platform utilizes browsing history of a customer to display advertisements relevant to the customer on their profile page in the social media platform. In other words, the brands tend to interact with the customers at a personal level, by engaging the customers based on their interests.

[04] However, it is very difficult to understand interest of the customers when they visit retail stores e.g., in a shopping mall as opposed to e-commerce utilizing the social media platforms. There is no mechanism available to understand what the customers are looking for as the customers visit retail stores randomly in the shopping mall. In other words, the customers are impulsive shoppers, i.e., their behaviour can change instantaneously by responding to a new message or invitation that they receive. Traditionally, the retail stores display their product offering or promotional offers on display boards in the shopping mall. The customers may see the product offering on the display devices and may or may not visit the corresponding retail store. As a result, there is no mechanism to derive metrics on the customers visiting the retail store after seeing the product offering on the display devices.

[05] In addition, displaying too many promotional messages to the customers in the shopping mall may confuse the customers. The above situation may lead to customers not engaging with the retail store or the customer may visit other retail store to purchase the products. As a result, brands with a large number of competitors may fail to engage the customers visiting the shopping malls. Further, the retails stores may not be able to see return on investments through advertisements.

[06] In another example, the customer may receive special schemes and co-branded promotions on their credit or debit cards, such as additional discounts, special offers, discounts on food and beverages from a restaurant and so on. However, in case the customer holds cards from different banks, he may likely be confused about which bank is offering the scheme. Consequently, the customer may use a card from another bank which is not offering any such schemes for the purchase. As a result, the customer fails to reap the benefits of the scheme. Further, the bank offering the schemes may also lose money used for the promotions, due to less number of customers utilizing the schemes. In other words, the number of customers engaging with the brands are reduced, leading to poor results from the promotions.

SUMMARY

[07] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a system and method for engaging a user within a zone and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[08] In one example, a method of engaging a user within a zone is disclosed. The method comprises determining, by a plurality of sensors, presence of a user carrying an electronic device within a zone. The presence of the user is determined when the electronic device comes in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors. Further, each sensor of the plurality of sensors is associated with at least one product. The method further comprises notifying a server, by the sensor, the presence of the electronic device in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors. The method further comprises engaging, by the server, the user on the electronic device by allowing the user to provide a query with respect to the products in the zone. The server analyzes the query and provides an overlaid image of the products on the electronic device such that the user selects at least one product. Further, the server navigates the user to the at least one product by identifying the sensor in vicinity of the product selected and position of the electronic device.

[09] In another example, a system for engaging a user within a zone is disclosed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system comprises a plurality of sensors, an electronic device and a server. The plurality of sensors determine presence of a user carrying the electronic device within a zone. The presence of the user is determined when the electronic device comes in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is associated with at least one product. Further, the sensor notifies the server, the presence of the electronic device in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors. The server engages the user on the electronic device by allowing the user to provide a query with respect to the products in the zone. Further, the server analyzes the query and provides an overlaid image of the products on the electronic device in response to the query such that the user selects at least one product. Further, the server navigates the user to the at least one product by identifying the sensor in vicinity of the product selected and position of the electronic device.

[010] In yet another example, a system for engaging a user within a zone is disclosed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The system comprises a plurality of sensors positioned at substantial or pre-defined distance from one another in a zone, a plurality of display devices positioned at substantial or pre-defined distance from one another in the zone, an electronic device and a server. The plurality of sensors determine position of the electronic device and the display device in proximity to the electronic device. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is associated with at least one product. Further, the sensor notifies the server, the presence of the electronic device in proximity to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors. The server allows a user of the electronic device to provide a query using the electronic device with respect to the products in the zone. Further, the server analyzes the query and provides an overlaid image of the products on the electronic device, or on the display device proximity to the electronic device, in response to the query such that the user selects at least one product using the electronic device or the display device. Further, the server navigates the user to the at least one product selected by identifying the sensor in vicinity of the product selected and position of the electronic device. The server navigates the user using the electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[011] In the following drawings like reference numbers are used to refer to like elements. Although the following figures depict various examples of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to the examples depicted in the figures.

[012] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for engaging a user within a zone, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[013] FIG. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate an example of engaging a user within a shopping mall, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[014] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of navigating a user towards a location of a product, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[015] FIG. 4A and 4B illustrate a system for engaging a user within a zone, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[016] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for engaging a user within a zone, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[017] The following detailed description is intended to provide example implementations to one of ordinary skill in the art, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the explicit disclosure, as one or ordinary skill in the art will understand that variations can be substituted that are within the scope of the disclosure as described.

[018] The present disclosure relates to a system and method of engaging a user within a zone. The zone is one of a shopping mall, a retail store, a movie theatre, a parking lot and so on. The zone comprises a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors are installed at different locations within the zone. The sensor is one of a beacon, a Global Positioning System, a Radio-Frequency Identification system, a Bluetooth device and so on. When a user carrying an electronic device e.g., a mobile phone, enters the zone, at least one sensor among the plurality of sensors detects the presence of the electronic device. Upon detection, the sensor notifies a server about the presence of the electronic device. Subsequently, the server sends an alert to the electronic device. The user may or may not accept the alert received from the server. If the user accepts the alert, then the server may send information about products and offers available in a store within the shopping mall. The user may browse through the products presented on the electronic device and may select at least one product. Further, the server in conjunction with the sensors helps in navigating the user towards the product selected.

In addition, the server engages the user on the electronic device using a gamification logic employing augmented reality at the time of navigation. The gamification logic may include presenting a challenge to the user. The user may participate in the challenge and earn loyalty points. The user may redeem the loyalty points to avail discounts or special offers related to products in the store. The user may also make payment towards purchase of the products through the system.

[019] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 for engaging a user within a zone Z is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The zone Z may represent a public space such as a shopping mall, a movie theatre, a parking lot, a stadium, an exhibition ground and so on. In order to identify different parts within the zone Z, the zone Z may be divided into plurality of sub-zones Z1, Z2…Zn. For example, zone Z1 may include a first retail store, zone Z2 may include a rest room, zone Z3 may include a parking lot, zone Z4 may include a second retail store and so on. The system 100 comprises a plurality of sensors 105-1, 105-2…105-m, hereinafter collectively referred to as sensors 105. The sensors 105 may be one of a Global Positioning System (GPS), a beacon, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system, a Bluetooth system and so on. The sensors 105 may be installed at different sub-zones Z1, Z2…Zn of the zone Z. For example, sensor 105-1 may be installed near zone Z1, sensor 105-2 may be installed near zone Z2, sensor 105-m may be installed near zone Zn.

[020] The system 100 further comprises an electronic device 110. When a user of the electronic device 110 enters the zone Z, the sensors 105 detect the presence of the user carrying the electronic device 110. Specifically, the sensors 105 detect the presence of the user carrying the electronic device 110 in proximity to the sub-zones. The electronic device 110 may be one of a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a laptop, a tablet and so on. The electronic device 110 may include at least one processor (not shown), a memory (not shown), an image processing unit (camera) and an input/output (I/O) interface (not shown). The at least one processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory.

[021] The memory may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

[022] The I/O interface may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. Further, the I/O interface may enable the electronic device 110 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.

[023] After detecting the presence of the electronic device 110 in proximity to one of the plurality of the sensors 105, the sensors 105 notifies a server 115. The server 105 is connected to the sensors 105 over a network (not shown). Further, the server 115 is connected to the electronic device 110 over the network. In one implementation, the network may be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof. The network can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The network may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like, to communicate with one another. Further the network 106 may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like. It may be understood that the server 115 may be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a mainframe computer, a network server, cloud, and the like.

[024] In one embodiment, the server 115 may include at least one processor (not shown) and a memory (not shown). The at least one processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory.

[025] The memory may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

[026] In order to engage the user of the electronic device 110, at first, the server 115 sends an alert to the electronic device 110. In one example, the electronic device 110 may have a stand-alone application to communicate with the server 115. In order to explain engaging the user on the electronic device 110, an example may be used. Consider that the zone Z represents a shopping mall. The user carries an electronic device 110, for e.g. a mobile phone. Further, at least one sensor 105 is installed at each sub-zone Z1, Z2 … Zn. In one example, each sensor 105 is associated with a product or store selling a plurality of products. In other words, each sensor 105 is associated with at least one product. For example, the sensor 105-1 may be installed at store 1, sensor 105-2 may be installed at store 2, and so on.

[027] Referring to FIG. 2A, 2B and 2C, an example of engaging a user within a shopping mall is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2A, a shopping mall comprising a number of stores namely, store 1, store 2, store 3… store 9 is shown. Further, a plurality of sensors 205-1, 205-2…205-6 may be installed at the shopping mall in order to track presence of the user within the shopping mall.

[028] When the user carrying an electronic device 210 enters the shopping mall through a main entrance, the sensor 205-1 detects the presence of the electronic device 210. Subsequently, the sensor 205-1 notifies a server 215 about the presence of a user of the electronic device 210. Further, the server 215 may send an alert to the electronic device 210. The alert may comprise a request for permission to engage the user. If the user accepts the alert, then the server 115 may send information related to products and offers available in the shopping mall. In one example, the server 215 may request the user to create a profile using the electronic device 210. The profile may comprise a username, age, gender and contact details of the user.

[029] In the present embodiment, the server 215 may allow the user to provide a query regarding a product. In order to provide the query, the user may input the product information such as name and category using the user interface. After providing the input, the query is transmitted to the server 215. For example, consider the user wishes to know about the availability of shoes in the shopping mall. In order to know about the availability of shoes, the user may enter a query ‘shoes’. Upon receiving the query, the server 215 analyzes the query and provides a response to the user. Specifically, the server 215 analyzes the query to identify the products offered by the stores present with in the zone Z. After identifying the stores offering the product relevant to the query, the server 215 may retrieve information from the store and send the information associated with shoes to the user. In addition, the information retrieved may also comprise corresponding brands, prices, material used in the product, and stores selling the shoes within the shopping mall. In one example, the server 215 may send the information as overlaid images of products available in the shopping mall. The overlaid images may be provided using augmented reality on the electronic device 210. After providing the overlaid images on the electronic device 210, the user may select a suitable product from the response displayed. For example, the user may select a shoe available in store 3.

[030] After selecting the product, the server 215 may navigate the user from current location towards store 3. In order to navigate the user towards store 3, at first, the server 215 determines the sensor closest to the user. In the present example, the server 215 determines that the sensor closest to the user is sensor 205-1. Further, the server 215 determines the sensor closest to store 3. For the above example, the server 215 determines that the sensor 205-6 is closest to store 3. After determining the current location of the electronic device 210 and the sensor 205-6 that is closest to the product selected, the server 215 identifies the sensors that are in between the sensors 205-1 and 205-6. In other words, the server 215 determines the route from the location of sensor 205-1 to the location of sensor 205-6. The server 215 sends the route to the user on the electronic device 210. The route may be indicated by overlaid images of arrows or signboards for indicating directions to reach the sensor 205-6. Further, as the user navigates along the route, the sensors 205-1, 205-2…205-n keep track of the electronic device 210. For example, when the user is in proximity to sensor 205-2, the sensor 205-2 alerts the server 215 about the electronic device 210 being proximity to the sensor 205-2. Similarly, the server 215 obtains the current position of the user based on the notification from the all sensors 205.

[031] Referring to FIG. 3, a method of navigating a user towards a location is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[032] The process begins at step 305.

[033] At step 310, position of an electronic device carried by the user is determined. The position of the user is determined by locating a sensor capable of detecting the electronic device carried by the user.

[034] At step 315, position of the store selling the product is determined by identifying the sensor in proximity to the store.

[035] At step 320, position of the product within the store is determined by identifying the sensor in proximity to the product.

[036] At step 325, route from the position of the user to the position of the product is identified.

[037] At step 330, the position of the user moving towards the store is tracked.

[038] At step 335, a challenge is provided to the user using augmented reality, based on the position of the user. In other words, the challenge is modified based on the sensor closest to the electronic device. The user is credited with loyalty points on performing the challenge.

[039] At step 340, the sensor closest to the product detects the presence of the electronic device.

[040] The process ends at step 345.

[041] Referring to FIG. 2A, 2B and 2C, the server 215 may provide a challenge to the user on the electronic device 210 based on augmented reality. In other words, the server 215 engages the user on the electronic device 210 using a gamification technique. In one example, the challenge may comprise selecting a virtual character displayed in the overlaid image. The virtual characters may be provided en route to the product. In other words, the virtual characters may be presented in proximity to the sensors such as 205-2, 205-4, 205 -5 such that the user may collect the virtual characters when physically moving from location of sensor 205-1 to sensor 205-6.

[042] In one example, the virtual character may be an overlaid image of the brand logo corresponding to the product selected on the electronic device 210. In one example, selecting the virtual character may correspond to availing discount of 2% on the product. In another example, selecting the virtual character may correspond to availing discount of 20% on the next purchase of a product of the same brand. The server 215 may provide virtual characters en route to the product selected such that the user is engaged until he/she reaches the product. In order to encourage the user to participate in the engagement/challenge, the user is allowed to accumulate the virtual characters such that the virtual characters accumulated may be converted into reward or loyalty points. In other words, the server 215 credits loyalty points to the user profile based on the virtual characters accumulated. The user may use the loyalty points accumulated to avail more discount on purchase of the product selected. In another example, the user may use the loyalty points accumulated to avail discount on subsequent purchase at the retail store.

[043] In one embodiment, when the user reaches the store 3, the server 215 may further guide the user towards the location of the product using the sensors 205-7, 205-8…205-13 within store 3, as shown in FIG. 2B. In the present example, the store may comprise two sections namely ‘Men section’ and ‘Women section’. Further, each section may be classified into sub-sections comprising different categories of products. In the present example, consider the product is present near sensor 205-9. The user is detected to be proximate to sensor 205-12. As described above, the user is navigated through the store towards the sensor 205-9.

[044] In one embodiment, the server 215 may measure parameters such as number of steps taken by the user, distance covered and time taken by the user to reach the store. The parameters are measured from the instance the user accepts the alert for engaging till the user reaches the location of the product, i.e. from the instance of selecting the product on the electronic device 210 to reaching the sensor 205-9 in vicinity of the product selected. Specifically, the server 215 checks the distance between the first sensor followed by other sensors that detect the presence of the user being in proximity respectively, and the sensor in vicinity of the product selected. Further, the user may be presented with pedometer results such as total number of calories burnt based on the number of steps taken and the time taken.

[045] In one implementation, if the user wishes to obtain information of the products that are present in the store-3, then the user may point the electronic device 210 at the product. Referring to FIG. 2C if the user wishes to obtain information on a T-shirt in the store-3, then the user may point the electronic device 210 at the T-shirt. Upon pointing, the image showed on the electronic device 210 is sent to the server 215. The server 215 may analyze the image and provide information related to the product as an overlaid image. The annotations may comprise material, size, price and discounts available on the product and so on. In order to obtain information related to the product, the server 215 may check a RFID tag or a beacon associated with the product and present the information as an annotation on the electronic device 210.

[046] In one implementation, the server 215 may allow the user to make payment towards purchase of the product selected using the electronic device 210. For example, the payment may be made using the electronic device 210 by employing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. In another example, the user may be allowed to make the payment using online payment services such as electronic wallets. Further, when the user makes the payment, the loyalty points accumulated may be used to provide discount on the product purchase. In another example, the loyalty points accumulated may be used to provide offers to the user for subsequent purchase.

[047] In one implementation, the server 215 may suggest products that the user might be interested based on the user profile and shopping history. In other words, the server 215 sends relevant information to the user, based on the user’s latest interaction pattern, buying pattern or browsing pattern using the electronic device 210. Further, the server 215 may derive metrics based on the behavior of the user. The behavior of the user may be derived using the route taken by the user to reach the product selected. The server 215 may derive the metrics based on the user profile such as gender, age, time of arrival and so on. For example, the server 215 may determine the products most likely to be selected by a user based on the age, gender and movement of the user through the store. The metrics derived by the server 215 may be used to customize offers provided to the users based on various factors such as time of the day, season and so on. Further, the server 215 may derive a metric on interest of the user in the store or product, based on the number of steps and the time taken by the user to reach the product. Furthermore, the server 215 may customize advertisements sent to the customer based on the customer’s interests.

[048] Referring to FIG. 4A and 4B, a system 400 for engaging a user within a zone Z is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 400 comprises a plurality of display devices 405-1, 405-2, 405-3…405-m, collectively referred as display device 405 placed at predefined distances across different subzones Z1, Z2…Zn of the zone Z. Typically the display device is one of a signage board and a television, capable of receiving of haptic inputs. Further, the system 400 comprises a plurality of sensors 410-1, 410-2…410-s, collectively referred to as sensors 410, placed at predefined distances across the subzones Z1, Z2…Zn. The sensor is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device such as a beacon. Each of the display devices 405 and the sensors 410 are communicatively coupled to a server 415.

[049] In the present embodiment, when at least one sensor among the plurality of sensors 410, e.g., sensor 410-1, detects the presence of an electronic device 420 carried by the user, as shown in FIG. 4B. Subsequently, the sensor 410-1 notifies the server 415 (as shown in FIG. 4A). The server 415 further determines the position of the sensor 410-1 and the position of the display device 405-1 in proximity to the user carrying the electronic device 420.

[050] The server 415 allows the user to provide a query using the electronic device 420, as described above. Subsequently, the server 415 analyses the query to generate a response and transmits the response to the display device 405-1 and the electronic device 420. The response is displayed as an overlaid image on the electronic device 420 or on the display device that is nearest to the electronic device 420. In other words, the server 415 sends the response to the electronic device 420 and also to the display device that is nearest to the electronic device 420, such that the user may select the products from either the electronic device 420 or the display device that is nearest to the electronic device 420. Upon selecting the product, the user is navigated towards the location of the product as explained above.

[051] The system helps in engaging the users visiting shopping malls, retail stores, theatres and so on. The system sends a notification to the user as soon as he visits the shopping mall and the user can be engaged thereon. Further, the system derives metrics based on pattern or behavior of the users which can be used to improve product offering or presentation of product in the retail store. The metrics may be used in customizing offers and products to suit the requirements of the users. Further, the system may be used to attract customers by providing exclusive offers and discounts.

[052] Referring to FIG. 5, a method 500 for engaging a user within a zone is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The order in which the method 500 is described and is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method 500 or alternate methods. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method 500 without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure described herein.

[053] The method begins at step 505.

[054] At step 510, presence of a user carrying an electronic device is detected. The presence is detected by at least one sensor among a plurality of sensors, when the electronic device comes in proximity to the sensor.

[055] At step 515, the sensor notifies a server about the presence of the electronic device.

[056] At step 520, the server engages the user on the electronic device by allowing the user to provide a query with respect to the products in the zone. The server analyzes the query and provides an overlaid image of the products on the electronic device in response to the query such that the user selects at least one product. Further, the server navigates the user to the at least one product by identifying the sensor in vicinity of the product selected and position of the electronic device.

[057] The process ends at step 525.

[058] Although embodiments of a system and method of engaging a user within a zone have been described in language specific to features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the description is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations of a system and method of engaging a user within a zone.