System and method for remotely controlling a distributed network of signs
OwnerOrlando J. Lacayo, Helen M. Davis +1inventors
InventorsOrlando J. Lacayo, Helen M. Davis, Bryan Thomas Preas
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Abstract
A system and method for remotely updating messages displayed on a plurality of low power consuming electronic display devices. The system comprises a server computer remotely located from a bistable display device which is in wireless communication with a computer network connected to said server computer. The server computer manages the updating and display of messages on the display device by providing new content and scheduling the display of the content. Except when changing the message display or communicating with the server com
Claims36
A display device comprised of:
- an active sign substrate having a display area with a plurality of display segments located therein;
- a display driver for switching the display segments between a plurality of stable states;
- a communication device for communicating data with a remote location;
- a microcontroller for controlling the display driver and the communication device;
- and
- a power supply sufficient to meet the power requirements of the display driver, the communication device and the microcontroller.
A method of updating a message on a display device comprising:
- powering the display device at pre-determined time intervals, such that the display device can request, receive and display the updated message;
- sending a request for an updated message, such request being sent from the display device to a communications device connected to a remotely located computer remotely located from the display device;
- receiving data from the communications device, such data including the updated message;
- displaying the updated message on the display device;
- and
- reducing power to the display device without effecting the display of the updated message.
A system for controlling the display of information from a remote location comprising:
- a central computer accessible by a user interface to manage the display of information over the system;
- a plurality of communication devices in communication with the central computer;
- a plurality of display devices in communication with said communication devices, said display devices being remotely located from said central computer;
- and
- a software program residing on the central computer, said software program being used to control the periodic updating of information displayed on the display device.
The system of claim 35 which the communications device is a wireless communications device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.