Display apparatus for outdoor signs and related system of displays and methods of use

• US 20070188483A1
• Filed: 01/30/2007
• Published: 08/16/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: The Samson Group LLC
• Original Assignee: The Samson Group LLC
• Inventors: Bonner, James
• Application Number:
  US11/699,581
• Publication Number:
  US 20070188483A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/204
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 15/0037 supported by a post
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 27/007 Displays with power supply provided by solar cells or photocells
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/30 in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements panels comprising a number of electrodes in a single cell controlling light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. electro-optical or magneto-optical cell, G02F1/00

Abstract

An apparatus, systems and corresponding methods for a network of outdoor modular signs. Each outdoor sign is composed of various modules which combined make the sign fully contained and operable. Modules include paper-like displays, a wireless port, solar panels, battery packs and a frame. A network of such modular signs is placed within an outdoor area. A wireless station is provided with satellite link for receiving data where said data is presented as scheduled on the electronic paper-like display modules. Solar panel and/or battery pack modules power the displays. The outdoor modular sign is suitable for deployment in parking lots and other outdoor areas where a network of signs can be deployed in close proximity to each other providing engaging advertisement and messages to consumers walking through the defined outdoor areas.

Claims

1. A digital signage apparatus, comprising:

an enclosure to protect electronics therein from water damage.

a digital display on said enclosure for displaying, at least one of textual and graphical content;

a first power source for the display connected to said enclosure; and

a connector that mounts said enclosure to an outdoor infrastructure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising

a second power source for the display connected to said enclosure;

a receiver, coupled to said digital signage apparatus, receiving electronic transmissions; and

a controller coupled to said digital display and receiver.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said digital display is at least one of a reflective and an emissive display.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first power source includes a solar power panel.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second power source includes a stored power source.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the stored power source is an electrochemical battery

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first power source includes a fuel cell.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a Network Operations Center that transmits the content to the digital signage apparatus via a satellite transmitter wherein the receiver coupled to said digital signage apparatus includes a satellite receiver.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of the digital signage apparati mounted on existing infrastructure within a predetermined geographic area.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the predetermined geographic area is a parking lot and the existing infrastructure includes light poles.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the predetermined geographic area is a parking garage and the existing infrastructure includes parking garage support columns.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of digital signage apparati display coordinated content.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is divided into two sections, each section connected pivotally to the other, and each section includes an opening such that when combined, the two sections of said enclosure allow the infrastructure to pass therethrough.

14. A method for displaying at least one of textual and graphical content, comprising:

transmitting the content to mounted outdoor display enclosures;

receiving the content to be displayed at each of the mounted outdoor display enclosures; and

displaying the content via each of the mounted outdoor display enclosures.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein transmitting the content occurs from a single location.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein displaying the content occurs at a predetermined interval.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the transmitting of the content occurs at a predetermined interval.

18. A digital signage system, comprising:

a wireless transmitter transmitting at least one of textual and graphical content and a storage unit for storing the content;

a plurality of digital signage apparati, each including;

an enclosure sufficient to protect electronics therein from water damage.

a digital display for displaying the content, said display forming an external wall of said enclosure;

a receiver, coupled to said digital signage apparatus, receiving electronic transmissions;

a first power source for said display connected to said enclosure; and

a connector that mounts said enclosure to an external structure.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said wireless transmitter includes a satellite transmitter for transmitting to said plurality of digital signage apparati the content at a predetermined interval.