Automatic resource retrieval and use

Abstract

At a commercial location, broadcasting a content acquisition cue via an audio signal. The audio signal has a frequency that renders the signal inaudible to a human; corresponds to the commercial location; and bears information that causes the device to obtain content relevant to the commercial location.

1 . A method comprising:
 At a commercial location, broadcasting a content acquisition cue via an audio signal, in which the audio signal:
 has a frequency that renders the signal inaudible to a human; 
 corresponds to the commercial location; and 
 bears information that causes the device to obtain content relevant to the commercial location. 
   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing the content to the device. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the content includes a coupon for an item sold at the commercial location. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the content includes an advertisement for an item sold at the commercial location. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the content acquisition cue is broadcast over a plurality of substantially separate audio channels. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , in which the content acquisition cue is broadcast over three separate audio channels. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the commercial location is at an entrance of a store. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the audio signal further includes a content use cue that causes the content to be used on the device. 
     
     
         9 . A method comprising:
 at a commercial location, receiving a content acquisition cue via an audio signal, in which the audio signal:
 has a frequency that renders the signal inaudible to a human; and 
 corresponds to the commercial location; and 
   in response to receiving the content acquisition cue, obtaining content relevant to the commercial location.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the content includes a coupon for an item sold at the commercial location. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the content includes an advertisement for an item sold at the commercial location. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein receiving the audio signal includes receiving audio signals simultaneously broadcast over three substantially separate audio channels. 
     
     
         13 . A system comprising:
 a controller, and   a loudspeaker in data communication with a controller,   wherein the controller is configured to cause the loudspeaker to broadcast a content acquisition cue that:
 has a frequency that renders the signal inaudible to a human; 
 corresponds to the commercial location; and 
 bears information that causes a device to automatically obtain content relevant to the commercial location. 
   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the content includes a coupon for an item sold at the commercial location. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the content includes an advertisement for an item sold at the commercial location. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , in which the content acquisition cue is broadcast over a plurality of substantially separate audio channels. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , in which the content acquisition cue is broadcast over three substantially separate audio channels. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13 , in which the commercial location is at an entrance of a store. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 13 , in which the controller is further configured to cause the loudspeaker to broadcast a content use cue that causes the content to be used on the device.