Remotely programmable electro-optic sign

• US 20040174597A1
• Filed: 03/03/2004
• Published: 09/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Iain G. Saul, Rick G. Craig
• Original Assignee: Iain G. Saul, Rick G. Craig
• Inventors: Saul, Iain G., Craig, Rick G.
• Application Number:
  US10/793,551
• Publication Number:
  US 20040174597A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/484
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0273 Determination of fees for advertising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement

Abstract

A remotely changeable electro-optic sign system and method allows for rapid changing and updating of images on the sign from a remote location. The system includes a sign controller and means for remotely communicating with the controller to allow image data to be communicated thereto. Users and operators of the sign can purchase/sell advertising time on the sign, and provide or change images on the sign from any remote location, such as via computer connection to the Internet.

Claims

1. A method for displaying an image on an electro-optic sign, comprising the steps of:

a) contracting with a sign user, via a world-wide web site on a general-access computer network, to provide time-based usage of the sign to display an image prepared by the user;

b) uploading, by the user, data representing the image to the web site; and

c) uploading the image directly from the web site to the sign via the general-access computer network.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of uploading data representing the image further comprises uploading data representing audio information associated with the image, the audio information configured to be broadcast by a radio frequency transmitter associated with the sign while the image is being displayed.

3. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of uploading data representing the image further comprises uploading data representing a video image.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step of periodically updating images on the sign according to time-based usage agreements with a plurality of users.

5. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step of allowing the user to remotely view a real-time image of the display contents of the sign via the general-access computer network.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step of previewing and approving the image, by an operator of the sign, before allowing the user to upload the image to the sign.

7. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step of contracting with the sign user comprises contracting to display the image in selected time slots over a time interval

8. A method in accordance with claim 7, further comprising the step of causing the controller to refresh the sign at least upon the expiration of each time slot.

9. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step of storing in a memory buffer associated with the sign a plurality of images for display over a subsequent time interval.

10. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step of overriding the time-based usage agreement with the user to allow the display of public service information provided via a data link to a public agency or information provider.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the step of overriding the time-based usage agreement with the user further comprises:

d) periodically checking a restricted access portion of the web site for data representing a public service information image from an authorized public agency; and

e) displaying the public service information image in preference to the image from the user.

12. An electro-optic sign system, comprising:

a) an electro-optic sign, in a publicly viewable location, having a controller, controlled by a sign operator, and configured for displaying visual images; and

b) a server, controlled by the sign operator, interconnected to a general-access computer network and to the controller of the electro-optic sign, configured to allow a user not associated with the sign operator to exchange data with the sign operator;

c) a contracting module, associated with the server, configured to allow the user to directly contract with the sign operator for rights to display an image on the sign; and

d) a data transmitting module, associated with the server, configured to allow the user to transmit data representing the visual image directly to the sign for display thereon.

13. An electro-optic sign system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the server is configured to provide a World-Wide Web site for providing contact between the user and the sign operator.

14. An electro-optic sign system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the visual image is selected from the group consisting of still images and moving video images.

15. An electro-optic sign system in accordance with claim 12, further comprising a scheduling module, configured to apportion time slots over a time interval for display of the image according to contract terms with the user.

16. An electro-optic sign system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the controller comprises a memory buffer configured to retain in memory a plurality of images for display over a subsequent time interval.

17. An electro-optic sign system in accordance with claim 12, further comprising a data link to a public agency or information provider having authority to take control of the sign for displaying public service information.

18. An electro-optic sign system in accordance with claim 12, further comprising a monitoring module, configured to allow the user to remotely view a real-time image of the display contents of the sign over the general-access computer network.

19. An electro-optic sign system in accordance with claim 12, further comprising:

a) audio data associated with the visual image data; and

b) a radio frequency transmitter, associated with the sign, configured to broadcast a radio frequency signal containing the audio data while the sign simultaneously displays the visual image.

20. An electro-optic sign system, comprising:

a) an electro-optic sign, configured for displaying visual images;

b) a controller, configured for controlling the display of images on the sign, the controller being remotely interconnected to a general-access computer network;

c) a server, remotely connected to the controller via the general access computer network; and

d) a contracting module, associated with the server, configured to allow a user to purchase rights to display an image on the sign for a discrete time slot, and to transmit data representing the visual image directly to the sign for display thereon, by using the general-access computer network.