CA2522693A1 - Dynamic device and method for dispensing machines - Google Patents
Dynamic device and method for dispensing machines Download PDFInfo
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- CA2522693A1 CA2522693A1 CA002522693A CA2522693A CA2522693A1 CA 2522693 A1 CA2522693 A1 CA 2522693A1 CA 002522693 A CA002522693 A CA 002522693A CA 2522693 A CA2522693 A CA 2522693A CA 2522693 A1 CA2522693 A1 CA 2522693A1
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- machine device
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- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
- G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
- G09F9/37—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being movable elements
- G09F9/372—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being movable elements the positions of the elements being controlled by the application of an electric field
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
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- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F27/00—Combined visual and audible advertising or displaying, e.g. for public address
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
- G06F3/1423—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display
- G06F3/1446—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display display composed of modules, e.g. video walls
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
- G06F3/147—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units using display panels
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Controls And Circuits For Display Device (AREA)
- Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates, in general, to dispensing machines and methods and, more particularly, to dispensing machines capable of dynamic-content presentation and methods of using dispensing machines capable of dynamic-content presentation. The dispensing machine includes a content display unit that communicates with a display controller, visually displaying dynamic-content. The controller may comprise a timing means, altering the visual display as a function of the timing means. The display controller adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content from a plurality of servers, comprising a hierarchical control scheme to select dynamic-content from one server of the plurality of servers for display. The device may comprise a plurality of display controllers, each display controller having a type identifier, wherein each selects dynamic~ content for display on its content display unit as a function of the type identifier.
Description
.~1~'~;;~fi~d!~~.t7E4~ICE ~~~ ~E't°h~d~Cp F(~~ ~9~P'IE6~~91VG~~4~~-9E~IE~.
I~oEL~ PJF ~°F9E iNVEI~'~'~~~1 The present invention relates, in general, to dispensing machines and, more particularly, to dispensing machines capable ofi dynamic-content to presentation and methods ofi using dynamic-content presentation on dispensing machines.
~A~~CC~B~~ttNL7 C)F' 'F'HE INA~E~4T6fJiW
is Dispensing machines are used to display various messages typically consisting of a combination of text and graphics. Traditionally, the message has been provided by way of~-axed sheets that are attached to a backing or molded into structural components. This traditional approach sufiFers firom the inability to quickly change the displayed message, zo because it requires the use ofi a'crew to change the message, or replace an entire machine far upgrading.
Electronic biliboai'ds are known that include the dot matrix Type utilizing many individual bulbs or Light Emitting Diodes (LED's). LNithin as stadiums, arenas and auditoriums there presently are electronic dot matrix dtspfay~~~viees~,~use~l~~b~ unstant replays, advertising and customer information.
Loban et al: disclose a video billboard including a remote computer s control with radio communications to the billboard display in tJS Patent No.
5,612,741 ('741). The '~41 patent discloses that display information is communicated from a master computer to a receiver in the billboard hauling which; in turn, controls the light valve display of fibs '741 invention.
Commands may else be communicated via shared or dedicated landlines.
to The '74'I billboard is capable of providing complex video graphics with high c~ntrast ratios. Bt can provide rnessage changes on command through landline, cellular phone, satel9ite relay or other wireless communication links. V'Jithin the commercial advertising billboard industry it will allow the use of compufier video control to change graphics easily ~s and quickly, as desired. Information displays, public service announcements ar traffic conditions can be displayed in near real time from remote Locations since images can be downloaded via the communication links and displayed at pre-programmed time slats, if desired.
ao Gofman ef al. disclose a system and method for serving local and global media content in PCT publication ~O 00152935 ('52935). The '52935 publication discloses a system and method far combining broadcast media content with additional content at a local site according to 2s at least one locally determined characteristic of the audience to which the c;~rx~P~i'ned o~r~ten~~ ~e~ served. The 'S?935 pui~lication discloses a template containing information concerning the type of data objects to be displayed, their size and location on the display, as well as the timing of display and transitions to the display, such that, the template describes how to process s and display the data.
New display materials are being developed that have the potential to expand advertising display technology, such as, for example, GYI~6GON
a trade name of ~Cerox Corporation, Palo Alto t~esearch Center, Palo /~ito to California. These new materials have the potential to expand the capabilities of dispensing machines. Another new material for displays is E-Pt~JK, a trade name of E Ink Corporation 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, PliiA. GYP~PCO~P technology is disclosed, for example, in US
Patent Number 4,1~C,85~. E-I(~K techno9ogy is disclosed, for example, in 15 U~ Patent Number 6,10,588.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide an improved method of dispensing machine advertising that reduces the effort necessary to manage dynamic dispensing machine displays. Pt v~ould further be ao advantageous to provide methods of controlling dispensing machines that include content-display units. Pt woul~f also be advantageous to provide easily manageable dynamic-content displays on dispensing machines. It would further be advantageous to provide a system capable of time shared display output for dispensing machines from a hierarchical control as structure.
I~oEL~ PJF ~°F9E iNVEI~'~'~~~1 The present invention relates, in general, to dispensing machines and, more particularly, to dispensing machines capable ofi dynamic-content to presentation and methods ofi using dynamic-content presentation on dispensing machines.
~A~~CC~B~~ttNL7 C)F' 'F'HE INA~E~4T6fJiW
is Dispensing machines are used to display various messages typically consisting of a combination of text and graphics. Traditionally, the message has been provided by way of~-axed sheets that are attached to a backing or molded into structural components. This traditional approach sufiFers firom the inability to quickly change the displayed message, zo because it requires the use ofi a'crew to change the message, or replace an entire machine far upgrading.
Electronic biliboai'ds are known that include the dot matrix Type utilizing many individual bulbs or Light Emitting Diodes (LED's). LNithin as stadiums, arenas and auditoriums there presently are electronic dot matrix dtspfay~~~viees~,~use~l~~b~ unstant replays, advertising and customer information.
Loban et al: disclose a video billboard including a remote computer s control with radio communications to the billboard display in tJS Patent No.
5,612,741 ('741). The '~41 patent discloses that display information is communicated from a master computer to a receiver in the billboard hauling which; in turn, controls the light valve display of fibs '741 invention.
Commands may else be communicated via shared or dedicated landlines.
to The '74'I billboard is capable of providing complex video graphics with high c~ntrast ratios. Bt can provide rnessage changes on command through landline, cellular phone, satel9ite relay or other wireless communication links. V'Jithin the commercial advertising billboard industry it will allow the use of compufier video control to change graphics easily ~s and quickly, as desired. Information displays, public service announcements ar traffic conditions can be displayed in near real time from remote Locations since images can be downloaded via the communication links and displayed at pre-programmed time slats, if desired.
ao Gofman ef al. disclose a system and method for serving local and global media content in PCT publication ~O 00152935 ('52935). The '52935 publication discloses a system and method far combining broadcast media content with additional content at a local site according to 2s at least one locally determined characteristic of the audience to which the c;~rx~P~i'ned o~r~ten~~ ~e~ served. The 'S?935 pui~lication discloses a template containing information concerning the type of data objects to be displayed, their size and location on the display, as well as the timing of display and transitions to the display, such that, the template describes how to process s and display the data.
New display materials are being developed that have the potential to expand advertising display technology, such as, for example, GYI~6GON
a trade name of ~Cerox Corporation, Palo Alto t~esearch Center, Palo /~ito to California. These new materials have the potential to expand the capabilities of dispensing machines. Another new material for displays is E-Pt~JK, a trade name of E Ink Corporation 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, PliiA. GYP~PCO~P technology is disclosed, for example, in US
Patent Number 4,1~C,85~. E-I(~K techno9ogy is disclosed, for example, in 15 U~ Patent Number 6,10,588.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide an improved method of dispensing machine advertising that reduces the effort necessary to manage dynamic dispensing machine displays. Pt v~ould further be ao advantageous to provide methods of controlling dispensing machines that include content-display units. Pt woul~f also be advantageous to provide easily manageable dynamic-content displays on dispensing machines. It would further be advantageous to provide a system capable of time shared display output for dispensing machines from a hierarchical control as structure.
~UGlllfl~~4RY t7~ ~'tiE li~'~~~TPCD~1 A dynamic device and methods for dispensing machine displays are s disclosed. A dispensing machine device in accordance with the present invention comprises a display controller adapted to receive and display dynamic-content. At least one content display unit is in communication with the display controller, wherein the content display unit visually displays the information from the dynamic-content. 'fhe dispensing to machine display controller may aiso comprise a timing means, the display controller altering the visual display of the content display unit as a function of a signal from the timing means. The display controller may be adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content from a plurality of servers, wherein the display controller comprises a hierarchical control is scheme, the hierarchical control scheme adapted to select dynamic-content from one server of the plurality of servers for display on the content display unit. The dispensing machine device may also comprise a plurality of display controllers in communication with a plurality of content display unit devices, each display controller from the plurality of display 2o controllers having a type identifier, wherein each of the display controllers selects dynamic-content for display on its content display unit as a function of the type identifier.
A method for dispensing machine advertising in accordance with one 2s embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:
A) p~re~uiding.a.r~i.spensing machine, wherein the dispensing machine comprises:
a display controller, wherein the display contro.ller.is adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content; and s a content-display unit in communication with the display controller, wherein the content-display unit visually displays the infiormation from the dynamic-content;
B) receiving information from a source; and C) displaying the information on the content-display unit.
A method in accordance with the present invention may also include one or more of the steps of:
D) fn step C, the displaying step may be divided into a plurality of time is segments, allowing the step of: displaying a first information display during a first time segment and displaying a second information display during a second time segment.
E) segmenting a plurality of content-display units info a plurality of groups, each group from the plurality of groups identified with a zo characteristic;
F) selecting a group from the plurality of groups to display dynamic-content on the plurality of content-display units having the group characteristic.
2s A method for dispensing machine advertising in accordance with an s aver~~t~a~e~ ~mbc~anm~n~.~f;;ithe present invention may include some or all of the following steps:
A) providing a dispensing machine, wherein the dispensing machine comprises:.
s at least one server;
at least one display controller, wherein the display controller is adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content from the server; .and at least one content display unit in communication with the display to confiroller, wherein the content display unit visually displays the information from the dynamic-content;
B) receiving information from a source;
G) communicating the information as dynamic-content from .the server to the display controller;
~s D) displaying the information on the content display unit. In step D, the displaying step may be divided into a plurality of time segments, allowing the step of: displaying a first information display during a first time segment and displaying a second information display during a second time segment.
20. ~) segmenting a plurality of content display units into a plurality of groups, each .group from the plurality of groups identified with a characteristic;
F) selecting a group from the plurality of groups to display dynamic-content on the plurality of content display units having the group 2s characteristic.
In step A, a plurality of servers may be provided, and the method may further comprise:
G) selecting a hierarchy; the hierarchy defining a prioritization of the plurality of servers to at least one of the display controllers such that.the display controller selects ane server from the plurality of servers.
ERIEF DESCRIPTION GF THE DRAWINGS
to The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended .claims. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference ~fio the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
m Figure 1 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system in accordance with the. present invention;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system including a 2o plurality of content-display units in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine device in accordance with the present invention;
2s Figure 4 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system with a h'i~.#~~,r,~l,~i~ai~ co,n~dro.~ i~r~ccordance with the present invention;
Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of dispensing machine information display in accordance with the present invention;
s Figure 6 illustrates a method in accordance with the present invention where a client selects content-display units for their information via the Internet;
to Figure 7 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with the present invention;
Figure ~ illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to dispensing machines and, more particularly, to dispensing machines capable of dynamic-content presentation and methods of using dynamic-content presentation on dispensing machines.
a5 g "~Idl3t~f~t~c~~l,~;~r ,~,h~~~,;;t~re herein defined to include any msual display or portion of display on a dispensing machine capable of displaying information from dynamic-content such as, for. example, video~billboards, GYRICON, E-Irik, computer monitors, and other forms of electronic paper.
s Content display units are divided into two types, active content-display units and passive content-display units. Active content-display units are displays that only display dynamic-content when they are actively being addressed or written on, such as, for example, computer monitors, movie-theater screens, and L.E.D. displays. Passive content-display units are io displays that, when not being actively written to or addressed, retain a viewable image such as, for example, GYRICON and E-INK.
A suitable material for a passive content-display media would be, for example, SMARTPAPER (Trademark of Gyricon Inc. Palo Alto, Is California) technology using an array of tiny (100 micron diameter or smaller) solid beads with one hemisphere of each bead one color (e.g.
white) and the other a different color (e.g. black). These beads are embedded in a flexible plastic sheet in small cavities surrounded by a liquid. Each bead carries an electrical charge. UVhen an external electric 2o field is~ applied the bead rotates or gyrates. Adhesive forces between each bead and cavity wall require an electrical threshold be exceeded before it will rotate. This makes an image electrically "printed" onto the material stable and unchanging until "erased" by another transmission. Electrical signals can be applied to the SMARTPAPER sheets through fixed surface as electrodes or a moving stylus. A networked programmable sign will run for ypytbll~;;i~~~~s~~bi~"311A~~~~;~~eries, with the power almost completely used by the communications and processing systems. SMARTPAPER itself requires just a capacitance or voltage (about 100 volts), not a power current. Unlike other types of electronic displays, SMARTPAPER has a s wide viewing angle identical to traditional printed signs. This allows SMARTPAPER to be viewed like paper, from al) angles and without added backlighting. Images can currently be displayed an SMARTPAPER with resolution over 100 dpi., Applying electrical fields to the display surface changes the image on SMARTPAPER. For purposes herein, GYRICON
io and SMARTPAPER are synonymous.
Dynamic-content is herein defined as information or data to be visually displayed that is updateable or changeable by electronic control such as, for example, pixel data for an image, analog beam modulation information Zs for a cathode ray tube (CRT), streaming video, and ASCII or other codes.
Display-time is herein defined as the actual display of dynamic-content on a content-display unit.
20 ~ Figure 1 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system 20 in accordance with the present invention. Dispensing machine system 20 comprises a server 40 and a display controller 30 adapted to receive, store, and display a dynamic-content 70 from the server 40. Display controller 30 includes at least one content-display unit 25, a receiver 36, 25 storage means 33, and may include a timing means 31. Dynamic-content to '~0, i's~..t~'~ri~m~~tt~d fram,.se ~~~.;er 40 on a transmission path 45, through transmission media 50, and on receiving path 55 to display controller 30.
Transmission path 45, transmission media 50, and receiving path 55 may be any one or combination of data transfer such as, for example, s telephone wire, Internet link, radio communication, cellular telephony, microwave link, local area network, and satellite broadcast. Receiver 36 receives the dynamic-content 70 where it is either stored in storage means 33, or displayed on content-display unit 25. Storage means 33 may be, for example, dynamic RAM in a computer, videotape, display memory, and to computer hard disk.
The content-display unit 25 visually displays the information from the dynamic-content 7Q. The timing means 31 may be, for example, a clock, a Global Positioning System (GPS), timing trigger; or other means of is detecting a timing event. The display controller 30 alters the visual display of the content-display unit 25 as a function of.the time or position from the timing means 31. For example, if content-display unit 25 is located near a restaurant visible to customers, it .may be .desirable to display a first message on contenfi-display unit 25 during lunch hours; and to display a 2o second different message on content-display unit 25 at other times.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of dispensing machine system 20 including a plurality of content-display units 25 in accordance with the present invention. The dispensing machine system 20 may also comprise a 2s plurality of display controllers 26, 27, 28, 29 in communication with a '~bl~r~~~f!y~~~'~bri"tehf~di~~~~~1~'v~Eunits 25, each one from the pluranty of display controllers 26,27, 28, 29 having a type identifier, wherein each of the display controllers 26, 27, 28, 29 selects dynamic-content 70 for display on its content-display unit 25 as a function of its type identifier. For example, s display controller 26 may have a type identifier of highway rest-area dispensing machine, display controller 27 may have a type identifier of shopping mall dispensing machine, display controller 28 may have a type identifier of the first machine in a series of dispensing machines, and display controller 29 may have a type identifier of a dispensing machine in to Butler County in the state of Ohio in the United States of America.
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a content-display unit 25 in accordance with the present invention. Content-display unit 25 may display dynamic-content 70 that changes over time. such as, for example, video, image is morphing, sequential messages, or discrete time periods of static image.
Figure 3 illustrates an example of discrete time periods of static image. An image 87 may be displayed on content-display unit 25 during the overnight period of a day, an image 82 may be displayed on content-display unit 25 during the morning period of a day, an image 83 may be displayed on 2o content-display unit 25 during the afternoon period of a day, and an image 84 may be displayed on content-display unit 25 during the evening period of a day, Figure 4 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system 20 with a 2s hierarchical control in accordance with the present invention. The display llCOl~!t~l~f~~cl~.>rii~ly:,l~.~;l,~Je~~pted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content 70 from a plurality of servers illustrated in Figure 4 as server 40, a second server 41, and a third server 42. Display controller 30 comprises a hierarchical control scheme, the hierarchical control scheme adapted to s select dynamic-content 70 from ane server of the plurality of servers for display on the content-display unit 25. The hierarchical control scheme may be prioritized or heuristic. For example, server 40 may be a national host computer at a highest priority, second server 41 may be a regional hast computer at a middle priority, and third server 42 may be a local host to computer at a low priority. Since any'or all servers may be transmitting dynamic-content 70 at any time or simultaneously, the hierarchical control scheme will select which dynamic-content 70 is displayed on content-display unit 25 at any. time.
is Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 21 of dispensing machine advertising in accordance with the present invention. The method 21 for dispensing machine advertising illustrated in Figure 5 includes the following steps:
A) providing a dispensing machine, wherein the dispensing machine 2o comprises:
at least one display controller, wherein the display controller is adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content; and at least one content-display unit in communication with the display controller, wherein the content-display unit visually displays the 2s information from the dynamic-content;(illustrated as step 61 }
,~;edl~il~ri.r~~' irif,o~~~t~t~n from a source; (illustrated as seep 62), <~:.
C) displaying the information on the content-display unit.(illustrated as step 64) s In step C, the displaying step may be divided into a plurality of time segments, allowing the step of:
D) displaying a first information display during a first time segment and displaying a second information display during a second time segment.
(illustrated as step 65) to E) segmenting a plurality of content-display units into a plurality of groups, each group from the plurality of groups identified with a characteristic;(illustrated as step 66) F) . selecting a group from the plurality of groups to display dynamic-content on the plurality of content-display units having the group is characteristic.(illustrated as step 67) Further, one or more servers may be provided, each in communication with one or more content=display units. A plurality of servers may be provided, and the method may further comprise:
2o G') selecting a hierarchy, the hierarchy defining a prioritization of the plurality of servers to at least one of the display controllers such that the display controller selects one server from the plurality of servers.(illustrated as step 68) 2s Illustrations of method steps, such as, for example, the steps I'I~rvtr~ter~ i~ Ftgure 9 ~,ho:~~v steps sequentially and in a particular order.
There is no need to perform the steps in the order illustrated. Deviating from the illustrated order for some or all of the steps is contemplated by the inventor, and does not depart from the scope of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a method in accordance with the present invention where a client selects content-display units 25 for their information display via the Internet. An order 607 to display dynamic-content on one or more content-display units 25 is placed by a purchaser Io at a, client system 601 and received by a server system 602. The server system 602 receives purchaser information including identification of the purchaser, payment information, and dynamic-content location information from the client system 601. The server system then assigns a client identifier 603 to the client system 601 and associates the assigned client is identifier 603 with the received purchaser information. The server system 602 sends to the client system 601 the assigned client identifier 603 and an HTML document 604 identifying the content-display units 25 and including an order button 605. The client system 601 receives and stores the assigned client identifier 603 and receives and displays the HTML
2o document 604. In response to the selection of the order button 605, the client system 601 sends to the server system 602 a request 606 to purchase display-time on the content-display units 25. The server system 602 receives the request 606 and combines the purchaser information associated with the client identifier 603 of the client system 601 to 2s generate the order 607 to display the dynamic-content on the content-is ~d~i~~tall~!~.~~i~t~ ~v~~h,;~~;~c~;Y;d~,nce with the billing information, whereby.the purchaser orders the display-time by selection of the order button 605.
~Server.system 602 sends dynamic content 608 to content-display unit 25 for display-time according to order 607. Content-display units 25 such as, s for example, a roadside dispensing machine, may have a camera 704 accessible via the Internet for viewing the dispensing machine and its surroundings, to verify display-time or for service and quality control purposes.
to Figure 7 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines 708 in accordance with the present invention. A storefront display 700 includes a first dispensing machine 701, a second dispensing machine 702, a third dispensing machine 703, a fourth dispensing machine 704, a fifth dispensing machine 705 and a sixth dispensing machine 706 positioned at is a storefront 708 having a door 707. Each of dispensing machines 701 through 706 has a display 709 through 7~4 respectively.
First dispensing machine 701 may have a type indicator of first-machine-of-six, second dispensing machine may have a type indicator of 2o second-machine-of-six, through sixth dispensing machine with a type indicator of sixth-machine-of-six. Dynamic content may be created to span all six displays, creating a larger-scale presentation for storefront 708.
Alternately, dynamic content may span 2 or more dispensing machines, and may move across storefront 708 over time, traveling from display 709 2s to display 714 over time.
Figure 8 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. First dispensing machine 701 through sixth dispensing machine 706 have a first image s portion 801 through a sixth image portion 806 respectively, illustrating that a plurality of dispensing machines may. perform as a single display or an advertising billboard 800. It is contemplated by fihe inventor that the dynamic content on the advertising billboard 800 may be totally unrelated to the contents of the dispensing machines, and may be used for to emergency messages or other public service applications as well as commercial uses.
Figure 9 illustrates.a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. A geographical area is 900 is segmented into a first segment 910 and a second segment 920.
Dispensing machines 901 in the first segment 910 may have a type indicator of first segment 910, as well as one or more other type indicators.
Likewise, dispensing machines 902 in,second segment 920 may have a type indicator of second segment 920, as well as one or more other type 2o indicators. Dispensing machines 901 may differ from dispensing machines 902 only by.their geographical location type.indicators, and have . all other type indicators equal, and through a hierarchical control structure, alter their displays based on location.
l~,a~cN denture ~~~sa~ose~d in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features having the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each s feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. In addition, it should be understood that every structure described above has a function and such structure can be referred to as a means for performing that function.
to While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein; it will be obvious to those skilled'in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that is the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
1$
A method for dispensing machine advertising in accordance with one 2s embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:
A) p~re~uiding.a.r~i.spensing machine, wherein the dispensing machine comprises:
a display controller, wherein the display contro.ller.is adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content; and s a content-display unit in communication with the display controller, wherein the content-display unit visually displays the infiormation from the dynamic-content;
B) receiving information from a source; and C) displaying the information on the content-display unit.
A method in accordance with the present invention may also include one or more of the steps of:
D) fn step C, the displaying step may be divided into a plurality of time is segments, allowing the step of: displaying a first information display during a first time segment and displaying a second information display during a second time segment.
E) segmenting a plurality of content-display units info a plurality of groups, each group from the plurality of groups identified with a zo characteristic;
F) selecting a group from the plurality of groups to display dynamic-content on the plurality of content-display units having the group characteristic.
2s A method for dispensing machine advertising in accordance with an s aver~~t~a~e~ ~mbc~anm~n~.~f;;ithe present invention may include some or all of the following steps:
A) providing a dispensing machine, wherein the dispensing machine comprises:.
s at least one server;
at least one display controller, wherein the display controller is adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content from the server; .and at least one content display unit in communication with the display to confiroller, wherein the content display unit visually displays the information from the dynamic-content;
B) receiving information from a source;
G) communicating the information as dynamic-content from .the server to the display controller;
~s D) displaying the information on the content display unit. In step D, the displaying step may be divided into a plurality of time segments, allowing the step of: displaying a first information display during a first time segment and displaying a second information display during a second time segment.
20. ~) segmenting a plurality of content display units into a plurality of groups, each .group from the plurality of groups identified with a characteristic;
F) selecting a group from the plurality of groups to display dynamic-content on the plurality of content display units having the group 2s characteristic.
In step A, a plurality of servers may be provided, and the method may further comprise:
G) selecting a hierarchy; the hierarchy defining a prioritization of the plurality of servers to at least one of the display controllers such that.the display controller selects ane server from the plurality of servers.
ERIEF DESCRIPTION GF THE DRAWINGS
to The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended .claims. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference ~fio the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
m Figure 1 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system in accordance with the. present invention;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system including a 2o plurality of content-display units in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine device in accordance with the present invention;
2s Figure 4 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system with a h'i~.#~~,r,~l,~i~ai~ co,n~dro.~ i~r~ccordance with the present invention;
Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of dispensing machine information display in accordance with the present invention;
s Figure 6 illustrates a method in accordance with the present invention where a client selects content-display units for their information via the Internet;
to Figure 7 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with the present invention;
Figure ~ illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to dispensing machines and, more particularly, to dispensing machines capable of dynamic-content presentation and methods of using dynamic-content presentation on dispensing machines.
a5 g "~Idl3t~f~t~c~~l,~;~r ,~,h~~~,;;t~re herein defined to include any msual display or portion of display on a dispensing machine capable of displaying information from dynamic-content such as, for. example, video~billboards, GYRICON, E-Irik, computer monitors, and other forms of electronic paper.
s Content display units are divided into two types, active content-display units and passive content-display units. Active content-display units are displays that only display dynamic-content when they are actively being addressed or written on, such as, for example, computer monitors, movie-theater screens, and L.E.D. displays. Passive content-display units are io displays that, when not being actively written to or addressed, retain a viewable image such as, for example, GYRICON and E-INK.
A suitable material for a passive content-display media would be, for example, SMARTPAPER (Trademark of Gyricon Inc. Palo Alto, Is California) technology using an array of tiny (100 micron diameter or smaller) solid beads with one hemisphere of each bead one color (e.g.
white) and the other a different color (e.g. black). These beads are embedded in a flexible plastic sheet in small cavities surrounded by a liquid. Each bead carries an electrical charge. UVhen an external electric 2o field is~ applied the bead rotates or gyrates. Adhesive forces between each bead and cavity wall require an electrical threshold be exceeded before it will rotate. This makes an image electrically "printed" onto the material stable and unchanging until "erased" by another transmission. Electrical signals can be applied to the SMARTPAPER sheets through fixed surface as electrodes or a moving stylus. A networked programmable sign will run for ypytbll~;;i~~~~s~~bi~"311A~~~~;~~eries, with the power almost completely used by the communications and processing systems. SMARTPAPER itself requires just a capacitance or voltage (about 100 volts), not a power current. Unlike other types of electronic displays, SMARTPAPER has a s wide viewing angle identical to traditional printed signs. This allows SMARTPAPER to be viewed like paper, from al) angles and without added backlighting. Images can currently be displayed an SMARTPAPER with resolution over 100 dpi., Applying electrical fields to the display surface changes the image on SMARTPAPER. For purposes herein, GYRICON
io and SMARTPAPER are synonymous.
Dynamic-content is herein defined as information or data to be visually displayed that is updateable or changeable by electronic control such as, for example, pixel data for an image, analog beam modulation information Zs for a cathode ray tube (CRT), streaming video, and ASCII or other codes.
Display-time is herein defined as the actual display of dynamic-content on a content-display unit.
20 ~ Figure 1 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system 20 in accordance with the present invention. Dispensing machine system 20 comprises a server 40 and a display controller 30 adapted to receive, store, and display a dynamic-content 70 from the server 40. Display controller 30 includes at least one content-display unit 25, a receiver 36, 25 storage means 33, and may include a timing means 31. Dynamic-content to '~0, i's~..t~'~ri~m~~tt~d fram,.se ~~~.;er 40 on a transmission path 45, through transmission media 50, and on receiving path 55 to display controller 30.
Transmission path 45, transmission media 50, and receiving path 55 may be any one or combination of data transfer such as, for example, s telephone wire, Internet link, radio communication, cellular telephony, microwave link, local area network, and satellite broadcast. Receiver 36 receives the dynamic-content 70 where it is either stored in storage means 33, or displayed on content-display unit 25. Storage means 33 may be, for example, dynamic RAM in a computer, videotape, display memory, and to computer hard disk.
The content-display unit 25 visually displays the information from the dynamic-content 7Q. The timing means 31 may be, for example, a clock, a Global Positioning System (GPS), timing trigger; or other means of is detecting a timing event. The display controller 30 alters the visual display of the content-display unit 25 as a function of.the time or position from the timing means 31. For example, if content-display unit 25 is located near a restaurant visible to customers, it .may be .desirable to display a first message on contenfi-display unit 25 during lunch hours; and to display a 2o second different message on content-display unit 25 at other times.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of dispensing machine system 20 including a plurality of content-display units 25 in accordance with the present invention. The dispensing machine system 20 may also comprise a 2s plurality of display controllers 26, 27, 28, 29 in communication with a '~bl~r~~~f!y~~~'~bri"tehf~di~~~~~1~'v~Eunits 25, each one from the pluranty of display controllers 26,27, 28, 29 having a type identifier, wherein each of the display controllers 26, 27, 28, 29 selects dynamic-content 70 for display on its content-display unit 25 as a function of its type identifier. For example, s display controller 26 may have a type identifier of highway rest-area dispensing machine, display controller 27 may have a type identifier of shopping mall dispensing machine, display controller 28 may have a type identifier of the first machine in a series of dispensing machines, and display controller 29 may have a type identifier of a dispensing machine in to Butler County in the state of Ohio in the United States of America.
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a content-display unit 25 in accordance with the present invention. Content-display unit 25 may display dynamic-content 70 that changes over time. such as, for example, video, image is morphing, sequential messages, or discrete time periods of static image.
Figure 3 illustrates an example of discrete time periods of static image. An image 87 may be displayed on content-display unit 25 during the overnight period of a day, an image 82 may be displayed on content-display unit 25 during the morning period of a day, an image 83 may be displayed on 2o content-display unit 25 during the afternoon period of a day, and an image 84 may be displayed on content-display unit 25 during the evening period of a day, Figure 4 is a block diagram of a dispensing machine system 20 with a 2s hierarchical control in accordance with the present invention. The display llCOl~!t~l~f~~cl~.>rii~ly:,l~.~;l,~Je~~pted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content 70 from a plurality of servers illustrated in Figure 4 as server 40, a second server 41, and a third server 42. Display controller 30 comprises a hierarchical control scheme, the hierarchical control scheme adapted to s select dynamic-content 70 from ane server of the plurality of servers for display on the content-display unit 25. The hierarchical control scheme may be prioritized or heuristic. For example, server 40 may be a national host computer at a highest priority, second server 41 may be a regional hast computer at a middle priority, and third server 42 may be a local host to computer at a low priority. Since any'or all servers may be transmitting dynamic-content 70 at any time or simultaneously, the hierarchical control scheme will select which dynamic-content 70 is displayed on content-display unit 25 at any. time.
is Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 21 of dispensing machine advertising in accordance with the present invention. The method 21 for dispensing machine advertising illustrated in Figure 5 includes the following steps:
A) providing a dispensing machine, wherein the dispensing machine 2o comprises:
at least one display controller, wherein the display controller is adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content; and at least one content-display unit in communication with the display controller, wherein the content-display unit visually displays the 2s information from the dynamic-content;(illustrated as step 61 }
,~;edl~il~ri.r~~' irif,o~~~t~t~n from a source; (illustrated as seep 62), <~:.
C) displaying the information on the content-display unit.(illustrated as step 64) s In step C, the displaying step may be divided into a plurality of time segments, allowing the step of:
D) displaying a first information display during a first time segment and displaying a second information display during a second time segment.
(illustrated as step 65) to E) segmenting a plurality of content-display units into a plurality of groups, each group from the plurality of groups identified with a characteristic;(illustrated as step 66) F) . selecting a group from the plurality of groups to display dynamic-content on the plurality of content-display units having the group is characteristic.(illustrated as step 67) Further, one or more servers may be provided, each in communication with one or more content=display units. A plurality of servers may be provided, and the method may further comprise:
2o G') selecting a hierarchy, the hierarchy defining a prioritization of the plurality of servers to at least one of the display controllers such that the display controller selects one server from the plurality of servers.(illustrated as step 68) 2s Illustrations of method steps, such as, for example, the steps I'I~rvtr~ter~ i~ Ftgure 9 ~,ho:~~v steps sequentially and in a particular order.
There is no need to perform the steps in the order illustrated. Deviating from the illustrated order for some or all of the steps is contemplated by the inventor, and does not depart from the scope of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a method in accordance with the present invention where a client selects content-display units 25 for their information display via the Internet. An order 607 to display dynamic-content on one or more content-display units 25 is placed by a purchaser Io at a, client system 601 and received by a server system 602. The server system 602 receives purchaser information including identification of the purchaser, payment information, and dynamic-content location information from the client system 601. The server system then assigns a client identifier 603 to the client system 601 and associates the assigned client is identifier 603 with the received purchaser information. The server system 602 sends to the client system 601 the assigned client identifier 603 and an HTML document 604 identifying the content-display units 25 and including an order button 605. The client system 601 receives and stores the assigned client identifier 603 and receives and displays the HTML
2o document 604. In response to the selection of the order button 605, the client system 601 sends to the server system 602 a request 606 to purchase display-time on the content-display units 25. The server system 602 receives the request 606 and combines the purchaser information associated with the client identifier 603 of the client system 601 to 2s generate the order 607 to display the dynamic-content on the content-is ~d~i~~tall~!~.~~i~t~ ~v~~h,;~~;~c~;Y;d~,nce with the billing information, whereby.the purchaser orders the display-time by selection of the order button 605.
~Server.system 602 sends dynamic content 608 to content-display unit 25 for display-time according to order 607. Content-display units 25 such as, s for example, a roadside dispensing machine, may have a camera 704 accessible via the Internet for viewing the dispensing machine and its surroundings, to verify display-time or for service and quality control purposes.
to Figure 7 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines 708 in accordance with the present invention. A storefront display 700 includes a first dispensing machine 701, a second dispensing machine 702, a third dispensing machine 703, a fourth dispensing machine 704, a fifth dispensing machine 705 and a sixth dispensing machine 706 positioned at is a storefront 708 having a door 707. Each of dispensing machines 701 through 706 has a display 709 through 7~4 respectively.
First dispensing machine 701 may have a type indicator of first-machine-of-six, second dispensing machine may have a type indicator of 2o second-machine-of-six, through sixth dispensing machine with a type indicator of sixth-machine-of-six. Dynamic content may be created to span all six displays, creating a larger-scale presentation for storefront 708.
Alternately, dynamic content may span 2 or more dispensing machines, and may move across storefront 708 over time, traveling from display 709 2s to display 714 over time.
Figure 8 illustrates a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. First dispensing machine 701 through sixth dispensing machine 706 have a first image s portion 801 through a sixth image portion 806 respectively, illustrating that a plurality of dispensing machines may. perform as a single display or an advertising billboard 800. It is contemplated by fihe inventor that the dynamic content on the advertising billboard 800 may be totally unrelated to the contents of the dispensing machines, and may be used for to emergency messages or other public service applications as well as commercial uses.
Figure 9 illustrates.a plurality of dispensing machines in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. A geographical area is 900 is segmented into a first segment 910 and a second segment 920.
Dispensing machines 901 in the first segment 910 may have a type indicator of first segment 910, as well as one or more other type indicators.
Likewise, dispensing machines 902 in,second segment 920 may have a type indicator of second segment 920, as well as one or more other type 2o indicators. Dispensing machines 901 may differ from dispensing machines 902 only by.their geographical location type.indicators, and have . all other type indicators equal, and through a hierarchical control structure, alter their displays based on location.
l~,a~cN denture ~~~sa~ose~d in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features having the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each s feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. In addition, it should be understood that every structure described above has a function and such structure can be referred to as a means for performing that function.
to While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein; it will be obvious to those skilled'in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that is the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
1$
Claims (37)
1. A dispensing machine device comprising:
a server;
a display controller, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive and display dynamic-content from said server; and at least one passive content display unit in communication with said display controller, wherein said at least one passive content display unit visually displays the information from said dynamic-content.
a server;
a display controller, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive and display dynamic-content from said server; and at least one passive content display unit in communication with said display controller, wherein said at least one passive content display unit visually displays the information from said dynamic-content.
2. The dispensing machine device of claim 1, wherein said passive content-display unit comprises GYRICON.
3. The dispensing machine device of claim 1, wherein said passive content-display unit comprises E-INK.
4. The dispensing machine device of claim 1, wherein said display controller comprises a timing means, said display controller altering the visual display of said at least one passive content display unit as a function of the time from said timing means.
5. The dispensing machine device of claim 1, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content from a plurality of servers; wherein said display controller comprises a hierarchical control scheme, said hierarchical control scheme adapted to select dynamic-content from one server of said plurality of servers for display on said content display unit.
6. The dispensing machine device of claim 4, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content from a plurality of servers, wherein said display controller comprises a hierarchical control scheme, said hierarchical control scheme adapted to select dynamic-content from one server of said plurality of servers for display on said content display unit.
7. The dispensing machine device of claim 4 comprising a plurality of display controllers in communication with a plurality of content display units, each display controller from said plurality of display controllers having a type identifier, wherein each said display controller selects dynamic-content for display on its content display unit as a function of said type identifier.
8. The dispensing machine device of claim 6 comprising a plurality of display controllers in communication with a plurality of content display units, each display controller from said plurality of display controllers having a type identifier, wherein each said display controller selects dynamic-content for display on its content display unit as a function of said type identifier.
9. The dispensing machine device of claim 6, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
10. The dispensing machine device of claim 6, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
11. The dispensing machine device of claim 7, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
12. The dispensing machine device of claim 7, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
13. The dispensing machine device of claim 8, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
14. The dispensing machine device of claim 8, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
15. A dispensing machine device comprising:
a display controller, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive and display dynamic-content; and at least one passive content display unit in communication with said display controller, wherein said at least one passive content display unit visually displays the information from said dynamic-content.
a display controller, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive and display dynamic-content; and at least one passive content display unit in communication with said display controller, wherein said at least one passive content display unit visually displays the information from said dynamic-content.
16. The dispensing machine device of claim 15, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive, store, and display dynamic-content from a plurality of sources, wherein said display controller comprises a hierarchical control scheme, said hierarchical control scheme adapted to select dynamic-content from one source of said plurality of sources for display on said content display unit.
17. The dispensing machine device of claim 15 comprising a plurality of display controllers in communication with a plurality of content display units, each display controller from said plurality of display controllers having a type identifier, wherein each said display controller selects dynamic-content for display on its content display unit as a function of said type identifier.
18. The dispensing machine device of claim 16 comprising a plurality of display controllers in communication with a plurality of content display units, each display controller from said plurality of display controllers having a type identifier, wherein each said display controller selects dynamic-content for display on its content display unit as a function of said type identifier.
19. The dispensing machine device of claim 16, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
20. The dispensing machine device of claim 16, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
21. The dispensing machine device of claim 17, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
22. The dispensing machine device of claim 17, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
23. The dispensing machine device of claim 18, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises GYRICON.
24. The dispensing machine device of claim 18, wherein at least one of said content-display units comprises E-INK.
25. The dispensing machine device of claim 19, wherein said display controller comprises a timing means, said display controller altering the visual display of said at least one passive content display unit as a function of the time from said timing means.
26. The dispensing machine device of claim 20, wherein said display controller comprises a timing means, said display controller altering the visual display of said at least one passive content display unit as a function of the time from said timing means.
27. The dispensing machine device of claim 21, wherein said display controller comprises a timing means, said display controller altering the visual display of said at least one passive content display unit as a function of the time from said timing means.
28. The dispensing machine device of claim 22, wherein said display controller comprises a timing means, said display controller altering the visual display of said at least one passive content display unit as a function of the time from said timing means.
29. The dispensing machine device of claim 23, wherein said display controller comprises a timing means, said display controller altering the visual display of said at least one passive content display unit as a function of the time from said timing means.
30. The dispensing machine device of claim 24, wherein said display controller comprises a timing means, said display controller altering the visual display of said at least one passive content display unit as a function of the time from said timing means.
31. A method for dispensing machine advertising comprising the steps of:
A) providing a dispensing machine comprising a content-display unit;
B) providing a display controller, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive, store, and provide dynamic-content for said content-display unit, C) receiving information from a source; and D) displaying said information on said content-display unit.
A) providing a dispensing machine comprising a content-display unit;
B) providing a display controller, wherein said display controller is adapted to receive, store, and provide dynamic-content for said content-display unit, C) receiving information from a source; and D) displaying said information on said content-display unit.
32. The method of claim 31 further comprising the steps of:
E) providing a plurality of content-display units, each having a display controller;
F) identifying each content-display unit of said plurality of content-display units with at least one type identifier; and G) displaying said information on each of said plurality of content-display units having one of said at least one type identifier.
E) providing a plurality of content-display units, each having a display controller;
F) identifying each content-display unit of said plurality of content-display units with at least one type identifier; and G) displaying said information on each of said plurality of content-display units having one of said at least one type identifier.
33. The method of claim 32 further comprising the steps of:
H) providing a clock indicating a time; and J) changing the dynamic-content-displayed on at least one said content-display units from a first dynamic-content to a second dynamic-content at a first time.
H) providing a clock indicating a time; and J) changing the dynamic-content-displayed on at least one said content-display units from a first dynamic-content to a second dynamic-content at a first time.
34. The method of claim 32 further comprising the steps of:
K) providing a plurality of servers; and L) providing a hierarchy to at least one said display controller, said hierarchy used to select one server from said plurality of servers for dynamic-content to display by said display controller.
K) providing a plurality of servers; and L) providing a hierarchy to at least one said display controller, said hierarchy used to select one server from said plurality of servers for dynamic-content to display by said display controller.
35. The method of claim 32 wherein said type identifier is an area.
36. The method of claim 32 wherein said type identifier is a unique location.
37. The method of claim 32 wherein in step G, information is displayed on each of said plurality of content-display units having a plurality of type identifiers.
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-
2003
- 2003-04-11 US US10/412,539 patent/US7088352B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-04-12 WO PCT/US2004/011186 patent/WO2004093037A2/en active Application Filing
- 2004-04-12 JP JP2006509920A patent/JP2007525688A/en active Pending
- 2004-04-12 CA CA002522693A patent/CA2522693A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-04-12 EP EP04759428A patent/EP1620838A2/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2006
- 2006-07-27 US US11/460,501 patent/US20070018972A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2004093037A3 (en) | 2004-11-25 |
US20030234777A1 (en) | 2003-12-25 |
WO2004093037A2 (en) | 2004-10-28 |
US20070018972A1 (en) | 2007-01-25 |
JP2007525688A (en) | 2007-09-06 |
EP1620838A2 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
US7088352B2 (en) | 2006-08-08 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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EEER | Examination request | ||
FZDE | Discontinued |