JP7709228B2 - Portable signboard - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to portable media platforms, and more particularly to a system and method for tracking the presentation of media presented on a portable sign.

Market research shows that outdoor billboard marketing space is becoming harder to find and therefore more valuable. At the same time, automobiles are one of the most expensive expenses incurred by the average consumer. Ironically, most automobiles sit idle for a large portion of the day. US 10,796,340, invented by Peter Ta et al. and filed on October 14, 2019, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TARGETING THE DISTRIBUTION OF MEDIA FROM A MOBILE PLATFORM, addresses the problem of finding more outdoor advertising space by adding the additional functionality of a media display subsystem to automobiles and providing a dedicated automobile parking system that may also include wireless local area network (WLAN) IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) access points (hotspots).

While the above systems address the "gig economy" use of cars to provide additional outdoor advertising, the act of parking remains a potential problem. Parking in many desirable advertising locations in metropolitan areas is often limited to one or two hours. Furthermore, the need to frequently change parking locations can be burdensome and make the use of the car as a mobile media center impractical for some owners.

Parent application Ser. No. 17/023,546, entitled "AERIAL BILLBOARD," invented by Peter Ta et al. and filed Sep. 17, 2020, provides for the use of aircraft, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as another type of media platform. However, battery-operated devices can be time-sensitive due to the need to recharge, and there may be potential airspace legal restrictions in some areas.

Beyond the requirement to use only mobile platforms, it would be advantageous to be able to find additional real estate for communications and media presentation.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for portable signage used to provide a media projection subsystem and/or a media subsystem including a publicly accessible access point, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) IEEE 802.11 (e.g., WiFi hotspot) or wireless personal area network (WPAN) (e.g., Bluetooth) access point (AP). Advantageously, the system can be hung from balconies, windows, walls, and roofs, to name a few. Portable signage can be distinguished from traditional signage in its ability to measure the effectiveness of the projected media and/or AP communications. One of the measurements is location, since some locations attract more attention than others. Another measurement is actual effectiveness, meaning the number of times and duration the media was actually viewed by the public. To encourage efficient deployment, the entities that own or manage the portable signage receive compensation based on these effectiveness measurements. The portable billboard may serve as an advertising platform to expand and capture market share within the outdoor advertising market segment by directing the selective deployment of media and WLAN/WPAN services to preferred target locations. The system may transmit the following information: (i) a unique identifier (e.g., radio frequency identification) of the device in use; (ii) time, date, duration, and location (using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) or cellular triangulation systems); (iii) an indication that the media projection subsystem has been deployed; and (iv) an indication that the WLAN/WPAN access point is in use. Graphical Information System (GIS) mapping technology may be used to compensate individuals or business entities associated with the system for operating at the designated locations.

Thus, a portable signage system is presented that includes a portable media projection subsystem for selectively projecting media and providing an enabling signal in response to the media being projected. In general, the media projection subsystem can display an image and/or broadcast an audio message. Some specific examples of the media projection subsystem include an image projector, a retractable screen, a liquid crystal display, a holographic display, a light emitting diode display, a wallscape, a switchable glass display, and combinations thereof. An identifier or identification code is associated with the media projection subsystem and/or an entity associated with the media projection subsystem. A location device provides a geographic location of the media projection subsystem. A verifier receives the enabling signal, the identification code, and the geographic location, and provides verification information corresponding to the enabling signal, the identification code, and the geographic location. The verifier also provides an indication that the media has been projected from the stationary location for a predetermined minimum duration. A communication subsystem receives the verification information and stores the information for subsequent download or transmits the information to a central control server. A targeting subsystem enables an entity to select a target stationary location from the target stationary locations weighted with a plurality of values. Typically, the target stationary location has a weighted value corresponding to factors such as nearby vehicular traffic, line of sight, nearby pedestrian traffic, proximity to cultural events, proximity to cultural facilities, location of the media (visibility or height), type of media being projected, time of day, day of the week, date, length of time the media is projected, and combinations thereof. The targeting application may provide rewards to media projection subsystem-related entities in response to the value of the selected target stationary location.

In one aspect, the communication subsystem receives media uploads from a server to be provided to the media projection subsystem for presentation. In another aspect, a camera provides images of geographic locations proximate to the media projection subsystem. The surveillance subsystem measures public exposure to the projected media, and the handicap subsystem may offset a media value associated with activation of the media projection subsystem calculated in response to the exposure measurements. For example, the surveillance subsystem may include a camera and a face orientation detection subsystem that accepts images from the camera, selects a face from the camera image, and measures the duration that the face is directed toward the media projection subsystem.

The system may further include a publicly accessible access point, such as a WLAN, e.g., a WiFi hotspot, a WPAN, e.g., a Bluetooth AP, or both a WLAN and a WPAN access point, configured to attach to the media projection subsystem. In this case, the system may include a communication gauge for measuring communication subsystem communication statistics, and the handicap subsystem may offset a communication value associated with the access point in response to the communication statistics.

In one aspect, the system may include multiple portable media projection subsystems such that a combination of the media projection subsystems provides a coordinated mobile media integrated display in which a first portion of the coordinated media is linked to a second portion of the coordinated media. In one variation, at least one of the media projection subsystems is mounted on a land-based, water-based, or airborne mobile platform.

Further details of the above-described system and related method for monitoring media presentations delivered from portable billboards are provided below.

1A-1D show a portable signage system. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a portable access point system. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the server shown in FIGS. 1A and 2 . FIG. 1 is a plan view of a geographical area cross-referenced with weighted values of various stationary positions. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a portable sign method. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a portable access point. FIG. 1 illustrates a portable signage media projection subsystem mounted on a wall of a building and another subsystem installed in the building's forecourt. FIG. 1 illustrates a portable signage media projection subsystem enabled as an imaging projector. FIG. 1 illustrates a portable signage media projection subsystem enabled as a holographic image on the rooftop of a building. FIG. 1 illustrates a portable signage media projection subsystem enabled as an LCD, LED, EL, or still image screen on a sidewalk sandwich board. FIG. 1 illustrates a portable signage media projection subsystem enabled as an imaging projector. FIG. 1 illustrates a "Bird's Nest" drone charging station.

1A-1D are diagrams illustrating a portable signage system. As used herein, the term "portable" is assumed to mean that the system is light enough to be operated by one or two people. It should also be understood that the term means that the system is not necessarily a fixed, permanent fixture wherever it is currently mounted. However, nothing prevents the system from being permanently or semi-permanently mounted. The term "portable" may also be interpreted to mean that the signage is not mounted in a predefined location. The system 100 includes a media projection subsystem 102 that may be selectively activated and, when enabled, provides an enable signal on a bus line 104. In one aspect, the system includes a chassis, and the media projection subsystem may be understood to be embedded in the chassis. The media projection subsystem 102 has an interface, represented by reference designator 106, for projecting a form of media 108. Some examples of the media projection subsystem 102 include image projectors, retractable screens, liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) TV monitor type displays, wallscapes, holographic displays, switchable glass displays (such as those manufactured by Gauzy), and combinations thereof. For example, the screen deployment mechanism may wind and unwind a flexible screen material onto a roller. The media projection subsystem 102 is not limited to a particular type of screen material or deployment means. The media projection subsystem 102 may be selectively engageable to project an image onto a deployed viewing screen. The media projection subsystem 102 may also broadcast audio messages or a combination of audio and visual messages.

The media projection subsystem 102 may be an image projector enabled as a liquid crystal (LC) or LED display similar to a home theater type video projector. Alternatively, it may use high performance (e.g., mercury arc or xenon arc) lamps, cathode ray tubes (CRT), digital light processing (DLP), plasma, silicon x-tal reflective display (SXRD), or red-green-blue (RGB) lasers. The media projection subsystem 102 may also be a permanent image fan or an electroluminescent (EL) display. In other words, the media projection subsystem 102 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, and may or may not be temporary. A temporary image may be a series of still images, a moving image, or a combination thereof.

The media projection subsystem 102 may also include an internal battery and/or a cable for attachment to an external power source. The media projection subsystem 102 typically includes various electronic circuitry necessary to support the major components described below, as is well understood in the art. The media projection subsystem 102, or the media projection subsystem chassis, may include components for mounting to a wall, window, or balcony, or a stand for mounting to a sidewalk or lawn.

The system 100 further comprises a location subsystem 110 having an output on line 104 for providing the geographic location of the media projection subsystem. Examples of the location subsystem 110 include a global positioning satellite (GPS) system receiver, assisted GPS using cell tower data, wireless local area network IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) positioning system, cell site multilateration, satellite multilateration, or a hybrid positioning system. A hybrid positioning system combines multiple different positioning technologies, such as GPS, with cell tower signals, wireless Internet signals, Bluetooth sensors, IP addresses, and network environment data to determine location. Cell tower signals have the advantage of not being blocked by buildings or bad weather, but typically result in less accurate positioning. WiFi positioning systems can provide very accurate positioning in urban areas with high WiFi density, depending on a comprehensive database of WiFi access points. Additionally, LORAN and LoJack type systems may be suitable for positioning purposes. Camera images and location data from nearby smart phones, laptops, and personal communication devices can also be used to determine location, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,796,340, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The verifier or verification subsystem 112 has an interface on line 104. Here, the verifier 112 is enabled as a software application stored in a local non-transitory memory 114 that includes processor-executable instructions for receiving an activation signal, an identification code, a geographic location, and providing verification information corresponding to the activation signal, the identification code, the geographic location, and the media being projected from a stationary position for a predetermined minimum duration. The predetermined minimum duration can be a fixed value, such as five minutes. Alternatively, the predetermined duration can vary for location, time of day, and type of media, to name a few examples. Alternatively, some components of the verifier can be hardware enabled. As another alternative, some software modules of the verifier may be stored in the non-transitory memory 116 of the server 118.

The system 100 includes a communication subsystem 120 having an interface on line 104 for accepting the verification information and an interface for communicating the verification information. As shown, the communication subsystem 120 is a wireless transceiver with an antenna 122. The most typical example of a wireless communication subsystem 116 is a cellular system (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) - Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Fourth Generation (4G), or Fifth Generation (5G)), etc. Less commonly, the communications subsystem 120 may be enabled with a WLAN IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) or even a long-range wireless transceiver. Examples of long-range wireless systems include Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Evolution-data Optimized (EVDO), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), IEEE 802.20 (iBurst), Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), Muni WiFi, commercial satellites, and IEEE 802.16 Worldwide Interoperability for As another alternative, the communication subsystem may store the verification information and other communication messages as data 124 in the system local memory 114, which may be periodically downloaded using a wireless or hardwired connection. The system 100 is not limited to any particular type of communication subsystem. In one aspect, the communication subsystem 120 receives media uploads from the server 118 that it provides to the media projection subsystem 102 over line 104 for presentation.

The targeting subsystem 126 is used to select a media projection subsystem target stationary location from a plurality of potential target stationary locations having corresponding location values. As shown, the targeting subsystem is enabled as a software application stored in the server memory 116 and includes a sequence of processor executable steps for selecting a target location. The target location can be selected from the media projection subsystem or the server. Alternatively, the targeting subsystem can be stored in the media projection subsystem local memory 114, as shown in phantom. In one aspect of the system 100, the reward subsystem 128, which may alternatively be considered a submodule of the targeting subsystem, provides a reward to an entity in response to the selected target stationary location. The entity that receives the reward may include an entity that manages the media projection subsystem, an entity that manages the server, an entity that owns the premises on which the media projection subsystem is located, or a combination of the above entities. Thus, the reward subsystem 128 is typically enabled as a software application stored in the server memory 116 and includes a sequence of processor executable steps. Alternatively, the reward subsystem can be stored in the local memory 114, as shown in phantom.

In another aspect, the system 100 further includes a publicly accessible access point (AP) 130. The AP 130 may be an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN), such as a WiFi hotspot, an IEEE 802.15 wireless personal area network (WPAN), such as a Bluetooth access point, or both a WLAN and a WPAN access point connected to an antenna 132. Alternatively, but less commonly, the access point 130 may be an IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee, a WPAN IEEE 802.15 Li-Fi, or a wireless USB device. Even less likely as an access point are long-range wireless systems. If a WiFi or Bluetooth access point is a component of the communication subsystem 120 (e.g., communicating with the server 118), the items 130 and 120 may be co-located. As used herein, a "publicly accessible" AP is an AP that can be accessed by the general public without a password or similar security measure, or an AP for which the password is publicly distributed. An example of a publicly accessible AP is the WiFi hotspot service provided by a typical Starbucks coffee shop. If a password is required for access, the password is printed on the mobile platform, displayed by the media projection subsystem, or made available through a media projection phone application or website. In one aspect, the communication gauge 134 has an output on line 104 to provide measurements of communication subsystem communication statistics. In one aspect not shown, the components of the communication gauge may be at least partially enabled as a software application stored in either a local memory or a server memory. The handicap subsystem 136 has an interface for offsetting communication values associated with the access point 130 or the communication subsystem 120 in response to the communication statistics. Typically, the handicap subsystem 136 is enabled as a software application stored in either the local memory 114 (shown in phantom) or the server memory 116.

Many methods for measuring the effectiveness of radio frequency (RF) communications are known in the art and can be used to enable measurement, communication statistics. Some examples are measuring bit error rate (BER) and signal strength. Some components of the communication gauge may be enabled in software. The reward application 128 may provide rewards to entities in response to the communication values offset by the communication statistics. Rewards are calculated in combination with the target location, effectiveness, presentation time and duration values.

There are two basic links involved with the AP 130. One link is between the AP-enabled media projection subsystem 102 and the central controller server 118, via the communication subsystem 120. This link, and therefore the communication statistics, should remain relatively consistent as long as the media projection subsystem is stationary in a particular location. The other link is between the AP 130 and user devices 138, such as smartphones, laptops, and personal communication devices. These communication statistics are more variable in that users may only be connected to the AP 130 for short periods of time and may change location while they are connected.

In one aspect, the access point 130 and/or the communication subsystem 120 can be used to collect data from entities passing through or interacting with the access point or using the communication subsystem 120. This data can be stored in the local memory 114 or transmitted to the server 118 for subsequent retrieval.

The system 100 may include a camera 138 that records images of a geographic location proximate to the media projection subsystem 102. The camera images may be stored in the local memory 114 or the communication subsystem 120 may transmit the images to the server 118. In one aspect, the camera may also be used to modify the target location value. For example, traffic volume recorded at a location may be higher than expected and the target value adjusted accordingly. That is, images recording more pedestrian or vehicular traffic may have a higher value. The data may be used to help determine the validity of the media or location. Alternatively or additionally, the camera images may serve to verify that the media projector subsystem is enabled, that the media projection subsystem 102 is stationary, or that the media projection subsystem is positioned at a particular location. In one aspect, simply recording the change in the image and therefore the traffic in the vicinity can be used as a means to prove the validity of the media projector subsystem. Alternatively or in addition to a camera, the system may further include a proximity detector subsystem for sensing nearby motion or measuring the density of nearby vehicular or pedestrian traffic, data which may be transmitted by the communications subsystem or recorded in local memory.

As mentioned above, the system 100 may further comprise a server 118 having an interface represented as an antenna 140 for accepting the verification information from the communication subsystem 120 and having a server memory 116 for storing the verification information. The server 118 may be associated with an entity that manages the server and the media and/or a client entity that benefits from the presentation of the media. If the media projection subsystem is managed by a different entity than the entity associated with the server, this different entity may be the entity that selectively enables and selects the location of the media projection subsystem.

The system may further comprise a surveillance subsystem 142 having an interface represented by reference designator 144 for measuring public exposure to the projected media, and an output on line 104 for providing exposure measurements. The surveillance subsystem 142 may be enabled by using components such as cameras, sonar, LIDAR, photodetector ranging subsystems, and combinations thereof. Typically, these components are mounted on the media projection subsystem 102 or the media projection subsystem chassis.

In one form, the monitoring subsystem 142 measures the actual media projection subsystem viewing angle, as shown in FIG. 1B. The dotted line represents the maximum possible viewing angle that may be limited by the media image that can be realistically perceived by the human eye or a camera. For LED or LCD displays, the maximum (side) viewing angle is limited by the inherent limitations of that technology. The solid line represents the actual viewing angle. Here, a portion of the viewing angle associated with the media projection subsystem 102 is blocked by neighboring houses. Otherwise, as described above, the camera 138 may "measure" the audience in terms of traffic volume and/or pedestrian density, or time of day. In other aspects, the monitoring subsystem 142 may measure reduced exposure due to weather conditions, in which case the monitoring subsystem may include a rain gauge. Other exposure factors may include ambient light, sun angle (making the display difficult to read), or traffic volume. For example, if traffic is stopped with a car blocking the media projection subsystem display, that may be considered reduced exposure. Additionally, if traffic passes faster than a predefined limit, that may also be considered reduced exposure. Weather and traffic related data can also be obtained from external monitoring systems, traditional internet websites, or traditional mobile phone applications.

The handicap subsystem 136 may also be used to offset media values associated with the activation of the media projection subsystem, calculated in response to the exposure measurements. In other words, each type of media presented by the media projection subsystem 102 does not necessarily have to have the same value. For example, in the case of advertising, some clients may be willing to pay more for the presentation of that media than other clients. Thus, the difference in the amount paid represents a difference in nominal media value. Whether the media values have different nominal values, these media values may be adjusted based on the quality of the presentation. For example, the media values may be based on the presentation with the largest viewing angle, and if the monitoring subsystem 142 measures a decrease in the viewing angle, the media values may be adjusted downward. In the case of advertising media, offsetting the media values may result in cost savings for the advertising client and/or reduced compensation for the entity associated with the presentation of the media.

In one aspect, the face orientation detection subsystem 146 has an interface that accepts images from the camera 138 and can select a face from the camera image and measure the duration that the face is directed toward the media projection subsystem. This "face time" measurement is another means of measuring media exposure. The face orientation detection subsystem 146 can be enabled as a software application stored in the server memory 116 having processor executable steps for measuring face orientation duration. Although unlikely due to memory and processor constraints, the face orientation detection application may also be embedded in the local memory 114, as shown in phantom.

Facial recognition systems have become well known in the art. Furthermore, variations of these systems have been used to adjust camera position to optimize facial recognition, as described in US 2021/0034843. Detecting face orientation, which is the direction a person's eyes are pointing, is a much simpler task than recognizing facial features that allow for the identification of an individual.

As mentioned above, the reward subsystem 128 may provide rewards to an entity in response to the media value offset by the exposure measurement. As used herein, an "entity" may be an individual, a company, a corporation, or any type of social organization or business unit that can claim ownership of or an association with an identification code, a media projection subsystem 102, a system 100, a central control server 118, an owner of the land on which the media projection subsystem is located, or a server client. Typically, the reward subsystem 128 will be embedded as a software application in the server memory 116 since the server 118 is likely to have greater storage and processing capabilities, but may alternatively be stored in the local memory 114, as shown virtually.

As understood in the art, the media projection subsystem 102 will include a processor 148 that cooperates with software applications in the non-transitory local memory 114. The non-transitory memory described herein may be any type or form of non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. Examples of memory include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory device. Although not required, in certain embodiments, the systems described herein may include both volatile and non-volatile memory units. The memory may be implemented as shared and/or distributed memory in a network device.

As is common in many computer systems, a processor 148, which may include peripheral interfaces, is connected to the bus lines 104 and derives its operating instructions from an operating system (OS) 150 and software applications in memory 114, and manages communications between the various components of the system 100. Similarly, the server 118 is enabled through the use of the processor 152 and the OS 154. For ease of understanding, the above functions are described as individual components. However, it should be understood that in practice, multiple functions may be performed by a single device, subsystem, or software application.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the system 100 may further comprise a plurality of portable media projection subsystems. Media projection subsystems 102a and 102b are shown, with media projection subsystem 102a mounted from a balcony and media projection subsystem 102b suspended from a window. As described in more detail in parent application Ser. No. 17/179,574, which is incorporated herein by reference, the combination of media projection subsystems provides a coordinated media integration display in which a first portion of coordinated media is linked to a second portion of coordinated media. Alternatively or additionally, the system may further comprise a media projection subsystem 102c mounted on a mobile platform, such as a ground-based (e.g., automobile) or water-based (e.g., boat) mobile platform, or an airborne (e.g., drone) mobile platform 156 as shown. In this example, the media projection subsystems 102a and 102c also form a coordinated media integration display.

2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a portable access point system. The system 200 comprises a publicly accessible access point 130 that can be selectively activated. The AP 130 may be a WLAN (e.g., WiFi hotspot), a WPAN (e.g., Bluetooth), or both a WLAN and a WPAN access point. The AP 130 has an interface on line 104 for providing an activation signal in response to being activated. The location device 120 provides the geographic location of the AP on line 104. The verifier 112 has an interface on line 104 for receiving the activation signal, the identification code, the geographic location, and for providing verification information including the identification code, the activation signal, and the geographic location in response to the AP 112 being activated in a stationary position for a predetermined minimum duration. The communication subsystem 120 has an interface on line 104 for receiving the verification information and an interface connected to an antenna 122 for communicating the verification information. In some aspects, the communication subsystem 120 also transmits and receives AP communications with the central control server 118. The targeting subsystem 126 allows the entity to select a target stationary location from a plurality of weighted target stationary locations. The reward subsystem 128 may provide a reward to the entity in response to the selected stationary location. As shown, the reward subsystem 128 and the targeting subsystem 126 are enabled as software applications in the server memory 116. Alternatively, although not shown, the targeting subsystem and the reward subsystem may be stored in the local memory 114.

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the server shown in Figures 1A and 2. For convenience, all components associated with server 118 are shown embedded as a single schematic block, but it should be understood that these components are not necessarily embedded in a single hardware unit or server, nor in communication with each other. Alternatively, the software applications may be cooperating components of an overall software system. Also, the server may represent a network of servers communicating with each other. As shown, server 118 is connected to antenna 140 via communication device 302 to receive validation information, and in some aspects to send and receive AP communications and other information to the system (100, see Figure 1A). Although shown as a wireless system, it should be understood that the links represented by the communication device may represent Internet and Ethernet links to cell tower base stations and cloud search engines, or any other means of communication, sometimes commonly referred to as portals.

A second interface on line 304, also referred to as a customer portal, receives customer goals such as target market, deployment time, deployment rate, position, to name a few. The customer portal on line 304 may also receive explicit destination and/or media selection instructions from an entity (e.g., client or server provider). Alternatively, a destination application 306 is embedded in memory 126 and includes processor instructions for automatically (without direct human intervention) determining destination instructions in response to client goals. In one aspect, the destination application is a machine learning (ML) model that is trained by sampling multiple manual instructions previously provided by the second entity and infers destinations from the model. The destination instructions may also correspond to the targeting 126 and rewards application 128. Client goals and targeting may correspond to factors such as location, area demographics, traffic, population density, length of deployment, and combinations thereof. The operating system 154 cooperates with the processor 152 to enable software applications in memory 116 and process information to and from the communication device 302.

Considering Figures 1A, 2, and 3, the access point 130 and the communication subsystem 120 can be used to support a kind of data mapping. The access point is publicly accessible from a user device 138, which may include a smartphone, a personal device, or generally any type of computing device. Typically, the user device 138 is capable of WiFi and Bluetooth communication. If left enabled, as is typically the case for many users, the user device can interact with a nearby access point even when a communication data link is not established. As used herein, the term data mapping includes data collection from the user device 138. In one aspect, user data information (such as addresses) is collected voluntarily, with the user explicitly consenting to the data collection in response to a service provided by the access point, such as the provision of an Internet browser, email, Internet, or social media service. For example, if the access point 130 is a WiFi hotspot that accepts Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address requests from user devices (e.g., smartphones), the URL address requests may be sent to a Domain Name System (DNS) service 308 embedded in the server 118. The DNS service 308 performs address lookups via an Internet interface on line 308, if necessary. Similarly, a customer portal may be enabled using the Internet interface on line 310. Otherwise, information may be collected without the user's explicit consent, if legal. Remuneration to the entity may be based on the amount of traffic through the collected WiFi hotspot or access point data. In some aspects, camera images are used for data tracking in conjunction with a facial recognition software application 312 (e.g., DeepFace).

Figure 4 is a plan view of a geographic area cross-referenced with the weighted values of various stationary locations. As shown, the area along Main Street has a value of 1, the highest rating. The area along Broadway has a value of 2. The area along Oak has a value of 3. The area along Elm, closer to Main Street, has a value of 3, decreasing to a value of 4 near Sinclair Street, and the area along Sinclair Street has a value of 5.

The system described above can be adapted for use in a model where advertisers or commercial entities pay for services based on performance. For example, an advertising (server) client may contract with a system provider that specifies a target market and deployment time/rate. The system provider (intermediary organization) determines geofence locations that meet or exceed the advertiser's target market based on location, demographics, traffic, population density, and other variables. The platform deployment time, location, quality code, and user information are recorded by the server. The system provider algorithm determines the platform performance based on the length of deployment, contract rate, maintenance reimbursement, and location quality code.

The system described above supports a target location system that can selectively deploy portable signs or access points. In conjunction with the deployment of displays and/or access points, organizations or associated users are directed to preferred locations. For example, deploying signs along busy urban thoroughfares may be of higher value than deploying them on suburban side streets. Other factors that may be used to calculate target value may include time of day and length of deployment. Thus, some important features of the system are that displays and/or access points are actually deployed and determining the system's location after they are deployed.

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a portable signage method. The method is shown as a series of numbered steps for clarity, however, the numbering does not necessarily dictate the order of the steps. It should be understood that some of these steps may be skipped, performed in parallel, or performed without the requirement of maintaining a strict order. The method steps are supported by the system description above, and generally the method will follow the step numbers shown. The method begins at step 500.

Step 502 provides a portable media projection subsystem that can be statically attached. Typically, an identifier is associated with the media projection subsystem and/or the first entity. In step 504, the entity selects a target stationary location from the target stationary locations weighted with a plurality of values. In one aspect, an entity that manages or attaches the sign selects the location. In step 506, the portable media projection subsystem is attached to the selected stationary location. After attaching the media projection subsystem, step 508 selectively enables the media projection subsystem. In one aspect, step 507 receives a media upload from a server, and in step 508, the media projection subsystem projects the media upload.

Step 510 determines the geographic location of the media projection subsystem. Step 512 verifies the activation of the media projection system, the identifier (if provided), the geographic location, and the maintenance of the stationary position for a predetermined minimum duration. Step 514 communicates the verification information by transmission to a server or by storing it in local memory for subsequent download. In one aspect, in step 516, the server accepts the communicated verification information and in step 518, stores the verification information in the server's non-transitory memory. In another aspect, the server is associated with a second entity, such as a server provider or a server client, and in step 508, the first entity associated with the sign selectively enables the media projection subsystem. In some aspects, either the first or second entity may select the target stationary position, and either the first or second entity may enable the media projection subsystem. Optionally, step 520 provides a reward corresponding to the value of the selected target stationary position.

In one variation, step 502 provides publicly accessible access points, which may be WLAN, WPAN, and both WLAN and WPAN access points. In that case, step 509 may measure communication statistics of the communication subsystem, and step 520 may offset a communication value associated with the access point in response to the communication statistics. In another variation, step 511a records a photographic image of a geographic location proximate to the media projection subsystem. Alternatively, or in addition, step 511b may measure public exposure to the projected media and provide an exposure measurement, and step 520 may offset a media value associated with activation of the media projection subsystem, calculated in response to the exposure measurement. In one variation, measuring public exposure includes in step 511a recording a photographic image of a geographic location proximate to the media projection subsystem, and step 511b1 selecting a face from the photographic image and measuring the duration the face is directed toward the media projection subsystem.

In one aspect, step 502 provides a plurality of portable media projection subsystems, and enabling the media projection subsystems in step 508 includes a combination of the media projection subsystems providing a coordinated media integrated display in which a first portion of the coordinated media is linked to a second portion of the coordinated media. In one variation, at least one of the media projection subsystems is mounted on a land-based, water-based, or airborne mobile platform.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing a portable access point. The method begins at step 600. Step 602 provides a publicly accessible access point (AP) associated with a first entity, which may be a WLAN, WPAN, or both a WLAN and WPAN access point. In step 604, the entity selects a target stationary location from the target stationary locations weighted with a plurality of values. Step 606 provides an enabling signal in response to the AP being enabled. Step 608 provides a geographic location of the AP. Step 610 provides verification information including an identification code, an enabling signal, and a geographic location associated with the AP or the first entity (if provided) in response to the AP being enabled at the stationary location for a predetermined minimum duration. Step 612 communicates the verification information by transmitting the information to a server or storing the information in a local memory for subsequent download. In one aspect, step 614 provides a reward corresponding to the value of the selected stationary location. A first entity may be associated with the AP, or a second entity associated with the server provider or server client may select the target location, and either entity or both may be eligible for rewards.

Figure 7 shows a portable signage media projection subsystem mounted on a building wall and another subsystem installed in the building's front yard. The wall mounted media projection subsystem 102a is powered via an AC cord plugged into the building's power outlet, while the lawn mounted media projection subsystem 102b is powered by an internal battery.

Figure 8 illustrates a portable signage media projection subsystem enabled as an imaging projector. The imaging projector 806 of the media projection subsystem 102a creates a wallscape 800 on the exterior of a building and is powered by an external battery pack 802. The imaging projector (not shown) backlights a window 804 to create an image.

Figure 9 shows a portable signage media projection subsystem enabled as a holographic image on the roof of a building.

Figure 10 illustrates a portable signage media projection subsystem enabled as an LCD, LED, EL, or still image screen on a sidewalk sandwich board. The media projection subsystem is supported by a stand 1000.

Figure 11 illustrates a portable signage media projection subsystem enabled as an imaging projector. In this case, the media projection subsystem 102 is mounted from a balcony of a building, and the imaging projector component 1100 creates a wallscape image 1102 on the side of the building.

Figure 12 illustrates a "Bird's Nest" drone charging station. Charging station 1200a is on top of a sign 1202, and charging station 1200b is on the rooftop 1204 of a building. As shown, the media projection subsystem of drone 1206a is not enabled while charging. Depending on the design shown, one type of drone (1206b) can project media while perched at the charging station, and thus functions as a portable sign, whether or not it is being charged. In other words, the charging station can function as a stationary location for the portable sign.

A system and method for a portable sign and a portable access point are provided. Examples of specific message structures, schematic block connections, and hardware units are provided to illustrate the invention. However, the invention is not limited to these examples. Other variations and embodiments of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims (30)

1. A portable signage system comprising:
a portable media projection subsystem comprising an interface for selectively projecting media and an interface for providing an enablement signal in response to the media being projected;
a location device for providing a geographic location of the media projection subsystem;
a communications subsystem having an interface for receiving the enabling signal and verification information including the geographic location, and an interface for communicating the verification information;
a verifier having an interface for receiving the validation signal from the portable media projection subsystem and the geographic location from the location device , and an interface for providing the validation information to the communications subsystem in response to the media being projected from a stationary position for a predetermined minimum duration ;
a targeting subsystem that enables selection of a target stationary position from a plurality of weighted target stationary positions ;
A portable signage system comprising: 10. The portable signage system of claim 1, wherein the target stationary locations have weighted values corresponding to factors selected from the group consisting of nearby vehicular traffic, line of sight, nearby pedestrian traffic, height, proximity to cultural events, proximity to cultural facilities, type of media being projected, time of day, day of the week, date, length of time the media is being projected, and combinations thereof. The portable signage system of claim 1 , wherein the media projection subsystem projects media selected from the group consisting of displayed images, broadcast audio, or a combination thereof. the communications subsystem receiving a media upload from a server;
The portable signage system of claim 1 , wherein the communications subsystem provides the media upload to the media projection subsystem for projection. The portable signage system of claim 1 , further comprising a camera having an output for providing an image of a geographic location proximate to the media projection subsystem. The portable sign system of claim 1 , wherein the targeting subsystem provides a reward in response to a selected target stationary position value. a publicly accessible AP (AP) configured to attach to the media projection subsystem, selected from the group consisting of an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Access Point (AP), an IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) AP, and both a WLAN and a WPAN AP;
The portable signage system of claim 1 further comprising : a communication gauge having an output for providing a measurement of a communication subsystem communication statistic;
a handicap subsystem having an interface for offsetting a communication value associated with said access point in response to said communication statistics ;
8. The portable signage system of claim 7, further comprising: a server having an interface for accepting the verification information from the communication subsystem;
a server memory for storing the verification information ;
The portable signage system of claim 1 further comprising : The portable signage system of claim 9 , wherein the server selectively enables the media projection subsystem. 10. The portable signage system of claim 1, wherein the media projection subsystem is selected from the group consisting of an image projector, a topper, a retractable screen, a liquid crystal display, a holographic display, a light emitting diode display, a wallscape, an electroluminescent (EL) display, a switchable glass display, a permanent image fan, and combinations thereof. a monitoring subsystem having an interface for measuring public exposure to the projected media and an output for providing an exposure measurement;
a handicap subsystem having an output that offsets a media value associated with enabling the media projection subsystem , the media value being calculated in response to the exposure measurements;
The portable signage system of claim 1 further comprising : The monitoring subsystem:
Camera and
a face orientation detection subsystem that accepts an image from a camera, selects a face from the camera image, and measures the duration that the face is oriented toward the media projection subsystem ;
13. The portable signage system of claim 12, comprising: the portable signage system further comprising a plurality of portable media projection subsystems;
10. The portable signage system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of portable media projection subsystems provide a coordinated media integrated display , a first portion of the coordinated media being linked to a second portion of the coordinated media. the portable signage system further comprising a media projection subsystem mounted on a mobile platform selected from the group consisting of a ground-based, water-based, or airborne mobile platform;
10. The portable signage system of claim 1, wherein the combination of the portable media projection subsystem and the mobile platform media projection subsystem provides a coordinated media integrated display, and a first portion of the coordinated media is linked to a second portion of the coordinated media. 1. A method for monitoring a media presentation delivered from a portable sign, the method comprising:
Providing a portable media projection subsystem that can be statically mounted;
selecting a target rest position from the target rest positions weighted by a plurality of values;
Mounting the media projection subsystem at a selected target stationary location;
selectively enabling the media projection subsystem after installing the media projection subsystem;
determining a geographic location of the media projection subsystem;
verifying activation of the media projection subsystem , the geographic location, and maintaining the stationary position for a predetermined minimum duration;
Communicating verification information ; and
A method comprising : the server accepting the communicated verification information;
storing the verification information in a non-transitory memory of a server ;
20. The method of claim 16 , further comprising: The method of claim 17, wherein the server selectively enables the media projection subsystem. The method of claim 16 , further comprising providing a reward in response to the target stationary position value. The method further includes receiving a media upload from a server;
The method of claim 16 , wherein enabling the media projection subsystem includes causing the media projection subsystem to project the media upload. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a publicly accessible AP configured to attach to the media projection subsystem selected from the group consisting of an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Access Point (AP), an IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) AP , or both WLAN and WPAN APs. Measuring communications subsystem communications statistics;
offsetting a communication value associated with the access point in response to the communication statistics ;
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising : 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the target stationary locations have weighted values corresponding to factors selected from the group consisting of nearby vehicular traffic, line of sight, nearby pedestrian traffic, proximity to a cultural event, proximity to a cultural institution, type of media being projected, time of day, day of the week, date, length of time the media is being projected, and combinations thereof. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein enabling the media projection subsystem includes projecting media selected from the group consisting of a displayed image, a broadcasted sound, or a combination thereof. The method of claim 16 , further comprising recording a photographic image of a geographic location proximate to the media projection subsystem. Measuring public exposure to the projected media and providing exposure measurements;
offsetting a media value associated with enabling the media projection subsystem, the media value being calculated in response to the exposure measurements ;
20. The method of claim 16 further comprising: said measuring public exposure
recording a photographic image of a geographic location proximate to said media projection subsystem;
selecting a face from a photographic image and measuring a duration for which the face is directed towards the media projection subsystem ;
27. The method of claim 26, comprising measuring public exposure such as: providing the portable media projection subsystem includes providing a plurality of portable media projection subsystems;
17. The method of claim 16, wherein enabling the media projection subsystems comprises a plurality of enabled media projection subsystems providing a coordinated media integrated display, a first portion of the coordinated media being linked to a second portion of the coordinated media. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein providing the plurality of portable media projection subsystems includes providing at least one of the media projection subsystems mounted on a mobile platform selected from the group consisting of a land-based, a water-based, or an airborne mobile platform. 1. A portable access point system, comprising:
a publicly-accessible AP selected from the group consisting of an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Access Point (AP), an IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) AP, or both a WLAN and a WPAN AP, the publicly-accessible AP having an interface for providing an enablement signal in response to the publicly-accessible AP being enabled;
a location device for providing a geographic location of the publicly accessible AP;
a communications subsystem having an interface for receiving the enabling signal and verification information including the geographic location, and an interface for communicating the verification information;
a verifier having an interface for receiving the enabling signal from the publicly accessible AP and the geographic location from the location device , and an interface for providing the verification information to the communication subsystem in response to the publicly accessible AP being enabled at a stationary location for a predetermined minimum duration ;
a targeting subsystem that enables selection of a target stationary position from a plurality of weighted target stationary positions ;
A portable access point system comprising :