System and methods for monitoring devices, systems, users, and user activity at remote locations

Abstract

Systems and methods for monitoring remotely located devices, systems, users, and user activities are described. The systems contain a central device where the digital content is stored, a remote device for delivering the digital content to a user, and means for transferring the digital content from the central location to the remote location. Data about the remote devices, users, and the user activities at the remote devices may be monitored. The data includes fault monitoring data, system performance data, system management data, user physical activity data, graphical interface data, demographic data, sales transaction data, survey data, and the like. The data can be monitored on a periodic basis or on a substantial real-time basis. The monitored data can then be used for various purposes, including customizing the advertising and content for an individual user or a group of users, reducing time wasted for diagnostic trips, lessening user frustration, and/or enhancing customer relationship management, as well as facilitating system administration, system maintenance, and/or statistical marketing analyses.