Single telephonic line input operable stationary variable information exhibitor and audio pager

• US 20020135534A1
• Filed: 01/24/2001
• Published: 09/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Thomas J. Elsten Jr
• Original Assignee: Thomas J. Elsten Jr
• Inventors: Elsten, Thomas J. Jr.
• Application Number:
  US09/767,899
• Publication Number:
  US 20020135534A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/1.1
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 27/00 Combined visual and audible advertising or displaying, e.g. for public address

Abstract

A sign displays information upon a screen in a variable manner including ‘moving messages’ which information, in an appropriate format to operate the display, is provided in digital form from a digital processor or computer. An operator possessing appropriate software installed in a remote digital device may alter the information displayed by input transmitted over wire or radio frequency to a single telephonic line operably connected to a modem through a data fax switch. Alternatively, a voice message received through the same telephonic line is routed by the data fax switch to an amplifier operably connected to at least one loudspeaker which may be incorporated into the construction of the sign along with the data fax switch and the screen. A programmable microprocessor directly controlling the screen may be included in the confines of the sign and receive digital signals directly from the data fax switch. The screen is remotely alterable as regards content of the information displayed with appropriate digital signal input through the same telephonic line as utilized for reception of audio or analog input for announcement through the amplifier and loudspeaker(s). This system primarily enables display of transportation arrival and other information as well as audio paging from a single moving message sign located in a waiting room with supply of a single telephonic line and standard electrical power supply. Remote alteration of the information by transportation personnel remotely, while en route, is enabled together with audio paging by both transportation personnel and the public, if desired, through utilization of a single telephonic line.

Claims

1. A visual message and audio announcement system, primarily intended for location in a waiting room of a public transportation station, said visual message and audio announcement system comprising:

a sign possessing at least one display screen, a digital processor, a signal router, an amplifier, at least one loudspeaker operably connected to said amplifier, and appropriate power supply for;

said amplifier, said display screen, said digital processor, and said signal router;

each said display screen being comprised of an array of display elements digitally controlled by said digital processor in the presentation of a variable message thereupon wherein each said display element possesses a binary state determined by said digital processor and patterns within said array form a sufficient number of characters to convey information concerning transportation arrival and departure;

said digital processor further being capable of receiving digital signals generated by appropriate software in both control and alteration of said variable message presented by said display screen;

said signal router being connectable to a telephonic line possessing connection to a PBX and capable of receiving both voice and data signals and routing voice signals to said amplifier and routing data signals to said digital processor;

whereby a voice message received by said single telephonic line is routed to said amplifier resulting in an audio announcement by at least one said loudspeaker and data signals received over said single telephonic line are routed to said digital processor in variation and control of said variable message presented upon at least one said display screen by said array of display elements.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said sign possesses two display screens.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said sign possesses three display screens.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein two loudspeakers are utilized.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein four loudspeakers are utilized.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said audio announcement is effected by a voice signal transmission by a member of the public utilizing a telephone operably connected to a PBX.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said audio announcement is effected by a voice signal transmission by remote transportation personnel utilizing a telephone operably connected to a PBX.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said audio announcement is effected by a voice signal transmission by remote, en route, transportation personnel utilizing radio frequency transmission operably connected to a PBX.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said audio announcement is effected by a voice signal transmission by remote, en route, transportation personnel upon a train utilizing radio frequency transmission operably connected to a PBX.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said variable message is varied and controlled by data signals generated with appropriate software transmitted by remote transportation personnel utilizing a telephone operably connected to a PBX.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said variable message is varied and controlled by data signals generated with appropriate software transmitted by remote, en route, transportation personnel utilizing radio frequency transmission operably connected to a PBX.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein said variable message is varied and controlled by data signals generated with appropriate software transmitted by remote, en route, transportation personnel upon a train utilizing radio frequency transmission operably connected to a PBX.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein said digital processor is comprised of a PC.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein said digital processor is comprised of a programmable controller.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein said programmable controller is located within said sign.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein said appropriate power supply includes an AC-DC transformer.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein said AC-DC transformer is located within said sign.

18. The system of claim 14 wherein said signal router is located within said sign.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein at least one said loudspeaker is located upon said sign.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein said amplifier is located within said sign.