Performing studies of consumer behavior determined using electronically-captured consumer location data

Abstract

In embodiments, methods and systems for performing studies of consumer behavior are provided. The consumer behavior may have been determined using electronically-captured consumer location data for multiple consumers. The gathered data may be analyzed to determine behavior patterns or other characteristics of the multiple consumers. Further, inferences or predictions about consumers may be derived based on the characteristics. The inferences and predictions may be the basis of consumer analytics supplied to a business or other entity as results of a study of the consumer behavior.

1 .- 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method comprising:
 operating at least one programmed processor to carry out a set of acts, the at least one programmed processor being programmed with executable instructions identifying the set of acts, the set of acts comprising:
 for each consumer of a plurality of consumers, obtaining location data for a current location of the consumer and comparing the location data to at least one location for at least one known setting to determine a setting corresponding to the location data; and 
 inferring, for an organization associated with a setting identified as corresponding to the location data, competitors of the organization based at least in part on the location data. 
   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the set of acts further comprises
 determining at least one characteristic of a first set of consumers who visit the organization; 
 determining, for a second set of consumers sharing the at least one characteristic, at least one second organization visited by the second set of consumers, the at least one second organization being of a same type as the organization; and 
   
       the inferring comprises identifying the at least one second organization as a competitor based at least in part on the second set of consumers visits to the at least one second organization. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein determining the at least one characteristic of the first set of consumers comprises determining a first pattern in behavior of the first set of consumers in visiting the organization; and
 wherein determining the at least one second organization comprises determining at least one second pattern in behavior of the second set of consumers in visiting the at least one second organization, the at least one second pattern being similar to the first pattern.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein determining the first pattern comprises determining a set of other organizations visited in close proximity in time with the organization by the first set of consumers and determining the at least one second pattern comprises identifying at least one second organization that the second set of consumers visits in close proximity in time to the set of other organizations.