System and method for providing demographically targeted information

#A major problem in gyms, stock brokerage houses, factories, and other places where many people gather is to allow each individual person to listen to or view, a unique audio and/or video program without interference with other people in close proximity. Advertisers are often unable to get an attentive audience, especially if the product or service does not appeal to the particular individual. Moreover, individuals receive generic information that is not geared towards their individual lifestyles and/or personal preference. Therefore, in such facilities, there is a need to provide information on an individual basis to the users.

#The problem discussed above exists in applications other than traditional radio or television. For example, many portable processors store information in a memory and need to communicate that information to a fixed unit, or to a plurality of fixed units, each possibly operating on different bands, or on different channels, within the same band.

#One specific example of such a problem is in a gym environment where there are multiple work stations and many users. Presently, it is common practice to place a video display, such as a television, in a location having common visibility from a number of work stations. This situation does not allow a user to receive targeted data, such as video or audio, communicated only to that user. Consequently, information providers are unable to target their audience based on the needs of the particular individual. Moreover, since the users are not receiving information suitable for their particular purpose, users change the channels, switch off the device or simply ignore the device.

#For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

#FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a preferred embodiment local information network;

#FIG. 2A shows a flowchart for delivering content using analog signals;

#The present invention allows information, such as audio, video and/or the like, to be generated and/or delivered to a user, such as a user of an exercise equipment in a gym or club environment, preferably based on the demographics of the user. The information may be provided to the user using a plurality of channels. A selected plurality of these channels provides the information to the user in analog form and the remaining channels provide the information in digital form. The information generated and/or delivered to the user may include information such as, training videos, educational programs, movies, digital music, advertisements, information provided over cable TV, information provided over satellite TV and/or other like information.

#FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a preferred embodiment local information network 10. Local network 10 is preferably located at an establishment, such as a club or gym providing the desired information to its patrons. In the preferred embodiment, local network 10 comprises a server 11. Server 11 is preferably a local server, i.e. a server located at the club or gym. The local server is preferably a PC based computer. In the preferred embodiment, local server 11 is connected to a remote central server, via a communications network 12, such as a communications network capable of TCP/IP communication. The remote central server is preferably under the control of a network operator and is located at a site selected by the network operator. Local server 11 is also preferably connected to other sources and receives information from such other sources, such as cable TV, satellite TV and/or the like, via communications network 13. Communications network 13 may provide information to the club server from such other sources, either in analog or digital format.

#Local server 11 is preferably connected to one or more monitors 141 through 14n, such as TV monitors, located in the club in which the server is located. Local server 11 is also preferably connected to one or more personal units 15, through 15m via a digital connection, such as an ethernet connection, preferably a 100 MB Ethernet switch. In the preferred embodiment, local server 11 is also connected to one or more personal units 151 through 15n via an analog connection, such as an analog TV connection. In the preferred embodiment each personal unit is connected to or associated with a user work station, such as an exercise equipment, by means of an interface, for example a standard communication interface to cardio-vascular equipment, such as a CSafe interface. In the preferred embodiment, local server 11 is also preferably connected to one or more loudspeakers 161 through 16L.