Remotely programmable electro-optic sign
OwnerRick G. Craig, Iain G. Saulinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A remotely changeable electro-optic sign system and method allows for rapid changing and updating of images on the sign from a remote location. The system includes a sign controller and means for remotely communicating with the controller to allow image data to be communicated thereto. Users and operators of the sign can purchase/sell advertising time on the sign, and provide or change images on the sign from any remote location, such as via computer connection to the Internet.
Claims20
A method for displaying an image on an electro-optic sign, comprising the steps of:
- a) contracting with a sign user, via a world-wide web site on a general-access computer network, to provide time-based usage of the sign to display an image prepared by the user;
- b) uploading, by the user, data representing the image to the web site;
- and
- c) uploading the image directly from the web site to the sign via the general-access computer network.
An electro-optic sign system, comprising:
- a) an electro-optic sign, in a publicly viewable location, having a controller, controlled by a sign operator, and configured for displaying visual images;
- and
- b) a server, controlled by the sign operator, interconnected to a general-access computer network and to the controller of the electro-optic sign, configured to allow a user not associated with the sign operator to exchange data with the sign operator;
- c) a contracting module, associated with the server, configured to allow the user to directly contract with the sign operator for rights to display an image on the sign;
- and
- d) a data transmitting module, associated with the server, configured to allow the user to transmit data representing the visual image directly to the sign for display thereon.
An electro-optic sign system, comprising:
- a) an electro-optic sign, configured for displaying visual images;
- b) a controller, configured for controlling the display of images on the sign, the controller being remotely interconnected to a general-access computer network;
- c) a server, remotely connected to the controller via the general access computer network;
- and
- d) a contracting module, associated with the server, configured to allow a user to purchase rights to display an image on the sign for a discrete time slot, and to transmit data representing the visual image directly to the sign for display thereon, by using the general-access computer network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.