METHODS AND SYSTEMS UTILIZING A PROGRAMMABLE SIGN DISPLAY LOCATED IN PROXIMITY TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT
First Claim
1. A method of providing visual information to motorists on a programmable sign display placed in proximity to a traffic light having the ability to signal a plurality of colors, one of which is red, comprising:
- receiving, by a managing entity, advertising content to be displayed on the programmable sign display from one or more customers;
sending, by the managing entity, programming to the programmable sign display, the programming corresponding to the content provided by the plurality of customers; and
displaying the advertising content on the programmable sign display in response to the programming received by the programmable sign display and in coordination with the color signaled by the traffic light, for viewing by motorists as they direct their attention toward the traffic light.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems use a programmable sign display located in proximity to a traffic light to provide information to motorists upon the motorists directing their attention toward the traffic light. The programmable sign display may receive programming for content to be displayed in various ways, such as through an interface to a telephone network accessible by a cell phone that sends programming information to the sign. The programmable sign may be used to inform motorists of a radio frequency upon which relevant information such as advertising or traffic reports is being broadcast. The programmable sign may be used to provide textual or graphical information, such as an instruction to motorists that relates to avoiding an approaching emergency vehicle. Additionally, management of the sign is provided to coordinate programming and control of the content being displayed. The display of content on the programmable sign display may be coordinated with the states of the traffic light to avoid distracting motorists.
32 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of providing visual information to motorists on a programmable sign display placed in proximity to a traffic light having the ability to signal a plurality of colors, one of which is red, comprising:
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receiving, by a managing entity, advertising content to be displayed on the programmable sign display from one or more customers;
sending, by the managing entity, programming to the programmable sign display, the programming corresponding to the content provided by the plurality of customers; and
displaying the advertising content on the programmable sign display in response to the programming received by the programmable sign display and in coordination with the color signaled by the traffic light, for viewing by motorists as they direct their attention toward the traffic light. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of providing visual information to motorists on a programmable sign display placed in proximity to a traffic light having the ability to signal a plurality of colors, one of which is red, comprising:
in coordination with the color signaled by the traffic light, displaying advertising content on the programmable sign display placed in proximity to the traffic light. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method of providing visual information to motorists on a programmable sign display placed in proximity to a traffic light having the ability to signal a plurality of colors, one of which is red, comprising:
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when a traffic light signals a color other than red, displaying content other than advertising content;
when a traffic light signals the color red, displaying advertising content on the programmable sign display placed in proximity to the traffic light. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 19)
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18. A method of providing visual information to motorists on a programmable sign display placed in proximity to a traffic light having the ability to signal a plurality of signal colors, comprising:
when the traffic light changes signal color, in coordination with the signal color change, displaying advertising content on the programmable sign display placed in proximity to the traffic light.
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20. A system for providing information to motorists comprising:
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a programmable sign display capable of displaying content to motorists;
a computer in communication with the programmable sign display, said computer receiving input comprising at least (1) advertising content to be displayed on the programmable sign display, and (2) traffic light state information defining the current state of at least one traffic light. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification