WO1996017336A1

WO1996017336A1 - A display device

Info

Publication number: WO1996017336A1
Application number: PCT/GB1995/002765
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kourosh Cyrus Aghassipour; Mark Jones; Peter Emrys-Roberts
Original assignee: Mlc Media Limited
Priority date: 1994-11-29
Filing date: 1995-11-27
Publication date: 1996-06-06
Also published as: GB9424094D0; AU3932795A

Abstract

A display device for advertising comprising a relatively shallow housing (2), a light source (20) located within the housing, a substantially transparent front cover (4) covering a major part of the front of the housing (2) the cover (4) being arranged for the reception of a removable media sheet for location behind the cover (4), and a removable interactive electronic module (10) mounted within the housing (2), the module (10) including user input means for the input of commands from outside the housing in the form of a plurality of keys (12) arranged on a front face of the module (10) in a predetermined array the module being configurable to interpret the activation of any one of several of the keys (12) as a single user input, and an integral display (14) operable to vary its display output in response to user input.

Description

A DISPLAY DEVICE

The present invention relates to a display device.

It has been proposed to provide information in telephone kiosks, train stations, airports and retail outlets using a so-called point of purchase/point of information multimedia kiosk or data kiosk. The proposed devices use a touch- sensitive computer screen to display sound, animation and motion video sequences to provide information in an interactive manner with a user by supplying information requested via the touch-screen. These devices are fragile, and are vulnerable to damage by vandalism, wear and tear, and to the penetration of fluids and dirt particles through gaps in the structure of the kiosk. Furthermore, they are too expensive to install, repeatedly update and maintain in locations having a low throughput of people since in such locations, their value as an advertising medium is reduced. In addition, these devices require a large housing which typically requires a dedicated floor space or wall cavity to be used for installation. Thus the location of such devices is often dictated by the space available rather than by the more relevant considerations of accessibility, practicality and relevance to the location, of information supplied by the device. Moreover, the cathode ray tube (CRT) arrangement used for the touch sensitive screen in these prior devices is in practice only visible over a short distance (typically of the order of one metre) since the display is small, has a limited viewing angle and is of relatively low brightness. It has also been proposed to combine a payphone with a small LCD text display. This device suffers from the fluid and dirt penetration problems described above. Furthermore, although cheaper than the touch-screen devices described above, installation of a payphone of this sophistication is again only economically viable in locations having a high throughput of potential customers and it is thus installed typically only in airports and train stations. This type of payphone is further limited by an inability to display anything other than the limited range of text supported by the display and in particular, it cannot display pictorial images.

The inability to deploy existing devices extensively is a significant problem since most mainstream advertisers insist that a display medium have a minimum coverage of 30% of locations or audience within a particular geographical area. A coverage below 30% of locations or audience hampers the ability of an advertiser to measure the impact of a campaign. If adequate coverage cannot be provided then the devices will not be used for a media campaign. The prior devices as mentioned above, are rarely cheap enough to permit sufficient coverage to be obtained.

According to the present invention, a display device for advertising comprises a relatively shallow housing, a light source located within the housing, a substantially transparent front cover covering a major part of the front of the housing the cover being arranged for the reception of a removable media sheet for location behind the cover, and a removable interactive electronic module mounted within the housing, the module including user input means for the input of commands from outside the housing in the form of a plurality of keys arranged on a front face of the module in a predetermined array the module being configurable to interpret the activation of any one of several of the keys as a single user input, and an integral display operable to vary its display output in response to user input.

By providing a relatively shallow device i.e. a device having a maximum depth to frontal-surface-area ratio greater than 1 to 2000, the device may be fitted into small spaces and above other devices such as telephones or at other eye- level locations.

Other typical locations may include; at the end of an aisle in a supermarket where information about the products in the aisle may be displayed by the device or behind a shop window, the keys being operable by a user from outside the window. That the device can be used in these applications is in part due to the relative shallowness or compactness of the device and to its low weight.

By dispensing with a touch-sensitive screen, the device is rendered more robust, versatile and cheaper to manufacture. Preferably also, the keys are touch or proximity sensitive areas which may be protected behind the front cover. Preferably the keys are capacatitive switches which respond to a change in capictance brought about by a user's finger being placed near a conductive patch thus further enhancing the device's robustness. Preferably the front face is removable or is hingedly connected to the housing so that access to the inside of the device may be gained without needing to disconnect and/or avoid any wires. To achieve this, the module may be fixable to a back wall of the housing so that its interconnecting wires do not need to pass through or be attached to the front panel. Preferably also, the device is easily reconfigured to provide varying numbers, sizes and/or locations of keys on the keypad. This configurability permits a different "graphic" to be placed over the key array having pre-printed differently sized and/or differently placed keys for different applications whilst not requiring a differently constructed module to be provided. The key configuration and interpretation may be performed by the module's internal software. The keypad is preferably used to navigate a software-driven menu displayed on the integral display.

Since the module is removable it may be interchanged with an improved module providing, for example, access to on-line information or it may be interchanged with a simpler module which may even be just a blanking plate or an infill component. This permits a purchaser of the device to choose not to install the module in all housings in all sites or to install different types of modules in different sites e.g. a module having access to online information as described below or a module having only built-in information. Since the module may be removable, it is possible to move one or more of the modules around between sites to respond to users' requirements and furthermore to reduce the cost of installing the device in several sites by not necessarily requiring as many modules as housings. Conveniently, the housing may be constructed in the same way whether or not a module is fitted initially. This reduces the manufacturing costs associated with the housing through an increase in manufacturing volume and provides a uniform media format for those sites with and without a module installed. Thus the cost of the device is reduced thereby increasing the likelihood of attaining a desirable 30% minimum audience coverage.

Preferably the module contains a non-volatile storage device for storing data related to that to be displayed on the electronic display. The storage device preferably also stores the information device's operating software as described below.

The data may be online data such as time-dependent data which may, for example, be news, traffic or weather information which requires regular updates to be relevant and/or may be data which changes at a less frequent rate such as telephone numbers and/or details of local facilities and relevant local or national services or products.

The module preferably includes means for updating the data and/or software. The update means may comprise any means for communicating with the storage device. The storage device is preferably a solid-state device and the update means may be a digital communication means and typically comprises means for making a direct connection with the module by connecting a cable from an update device into a plug/socket provided on the module, which communicates with the module and updates the storage device in the module. Indirect communication means using a wireless link may be used.

The connection may be a serial or parallel connection and the update device may be a hand-held device which can be carried from site to site to perform a series of updates on several information devices. As a further alternative, a smart card containing new data and/or a software upgrade may be used for updating the module. The card may be inserted into a slot in the housing temporarily during updating or may be left permanently installed, being replaced each time updating is performed. The indirect connection may use for example, infra-red, ultrasonic, inductive, radio or electrical mains modulation techniques. The device may be permanently connected to a remote computer located nearby, in the same building or further afield, for example. Several of the devices may be connected in this way to share the same computer and be controlled by the computer and regularly updated by it.

The card reader may be operable in addition or instead, to read data encoded in the magnetic strip formed on a plastic card. Furthermore, a card may be inserted by a user during use to permit information to be loaded onto his card and/or to allow the information displayed by the integral display to be personalized. Data may also be gathered about usage of the card reader. Furthermore, by reading a credit or charge card, the user may make purchases of goods advertised by the device, for example. The module may include a proximity sensor such as an infra red sensor or ultrasonic, for sensing the presence of a user proximal the device.

The module may also include sound output means such as a piezoelectric transducer for indicating key activations and the like and/or full audio output means for outputting voice or musical sounds. Furthermore the module may include visual indication means such as one or more suitably located LEDs, for indicating when a key has been activated.

Instead of or in addition to updating the storage device, the connection may be used to download information from the information device such as, a site identification, and/or diagnostic information such as the frequency of key-presses for particular keys_the number of people sensed proximal the device, usage of the card reader, and faults detected with the connection, and faults detected with the device itself. This information can be used to assess the reliability of the device, and to quantify the use of functions by users, to indicate the types of information that have been requested and the frequency of requests within a particular geographical area and time period. The device may also record for downloading, whether and when the media sheet has been replaced.

The connection may be via a telephone network to a remote computer. Typically this will be via a modem which may be built into the module. Connection to the telephone network may be via a mobile telephone network which does not use land-lines. This example is especially advantageous where the device is sited adjacent a public telephone since the same line can be used for the device and the telephone. In addition, since telephone exchanges are increasingly permitting a caller to be identified, the device may sense that it is the remote computer which is calling and may divert the call to its built-in modem before the adjacent telephone rings. As a further possibility the connection to the remote computer may be made with a wireless connection other than via a mobile telephone network. Typically, such a connection may be made via a small satellite receiver connected to the kiosk which allows one-way communication to update the display information in the device. Very small aerials may be used such as those used in global positioning systems. For a device located inside a building or in an area with many tall buildings, a remote aerial mounted on a local building and connected to the device by cable may be used. Alternatively, a paging network may be used to send updates to the device. Additionally, the module may establish a connection with the remote computer to request or download information as required i.e. to obtain information on demand.

The front face of the device preferably forms a cover for the module and the media sheet. This construction results in a cheaper, more tamper-resistant, durable and robust device which is less prone to accidental damage such as beer spillage.

The module may include one or more keys which extend into the area covered by a media sheet when fitted. In this way, the sheet may include an area which may be activated by a user for example by pressing or touching the sheet. This may be accomplished by having a proximity or touch sensitive area extending from the module which is hidden behind an area of the media sheet. This may be an electrically conductive patch inserted behind the sheet and connected to an electrical circuit operating as a switch and switching according to changes in the capacitance of the patch either to ground or to an adjacent patch. Preferably, the user input means includes a capacatitive switch arranged to form a key for inputting a command to the user input means and connected to the module via a flexible connection to permit mounting of the switch within the housing behind an illuminated area of a media sheet.

The housing preferably has an openable front cover including a plurality of resilient flanges fixed to an inner face of the cover and for locating a media sheet on the front panel when open and the housing comprising biasing means for causing the flanges to be biased against the media sheet to grip the sheet when the front panel is closed.

This arrangement has the advantage that the media sheet is loosely located on the front panel before the panel is closed at which time it is more securely held by the biassing of the flanges. Thus there is no need to carefully align the media sheet prior to closing the front panel which in turn makes the changing of the media sheet a quicker and more accurate operation. The same location technique may be used for a graphic sheet for the module which amongst other things, outlines the switching areas of the keypad. According to a second aspect of the invention, a light-box comprises a housing having an openable front cover including a plurality of resilient flanges fixed to an inner face of the cover and for locating a media sheet on the front panel when open and the housing comprising biasing means for causing the flanges to be biased against the media sheet to grip the sheet when the front panel is closed.

A third aspect of the invention is provided by an interactive electronic module as described above, adapted for fitting in, to,or adjacent an illuminated display device which comprises a housing, a light source and an illuminated display area for the display of a backlit media sheet. According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of making an ^"illuminated interactive information device comprises combining an interactive information display with a lit media sheet.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an interactive electronic module includes an illuminated display area for the display of a backlit media sheet, the module forming an integral part of the display area.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, an advertising display includes an illuminated display area for the display of a backlit media sheet and an electronic information display device operable to receive data for display and to transmit data to a remote computing means. According to a further aspect of the invention, a data processor for association with an illuminated advertising display includes data transmission means, data reception means, user input means and integral display means operable to transmit to a remote computing means via the data transmission means, data related to usage of the device, to receive information via the data reception means for display on the integral display and to vary information displayed on the integral display in response to commands input via the user input means.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an interactive information device in accordance with the invention; Figure 2A is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 without an interactive module; Figure 2B is a perspective view of the interactive module of Figure 1;

Figure 2C is a perspective view of the components of Figures

2A and 2B fitted together; Figure 3 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the module of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the front face of the device of Figure 1; Figure 5A is an exploded perspective view of the device of

Figure 1 with the front face removed; Figure 5B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of Figure 5A; Figure 5C is a perspective view of a further alternative to

Figure 5A; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an arrangement for mounting a media sheet in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 7 is a cross-section of a device in accordance with the invention and including the mounting arrangement of Figure 6; Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a device in accordance with the invention.

With reference to Figure l, an interactive information device comprises a housing 2 having a rectangular opening into which a transparent front face 4 is fitted. The front face 4 may be considered as two areas.

The first area 6 is lit from behind as described below. The first area 6 is adapted to receive a sheet of pre-printed, light-transmissive material behind the front face 4 forming a media sheet which when backlit, forms a bright, eye¬ catching, static display. The media sheet is typically printed in volume and carries advertising or other information for display in several information devices. One particular arrangement for securing the media sheet behind the area 6 is described below.

The second area 8 covers the front face of an interactive module 10 which as its name suggests, forms a modular part of the device in that it is removable and can be replaced with another identical or similar module or be omitted entirely from the device. This makes for easy maintenance of the device and also allows a device to be sold without a module 10 thus reducing its cost. This second area 8 is arranged to allow a pre-printed graphic for the module 10, to be mounted behind the front face.

The module 10 has a plurality of keys 12 and an electronic display 14. The keys are preferably constructed using touch sensitive switches, light sensors, inductive sensors and/or capacitive switches or any other construction which permits the keys to be protected behind the front face 4 and which preferably does not require electrical connections to be made to the front face 4. The switching areas may be appropriately identified on a module graphic which is a pre- printed sheet overlying the switching areas and which is typically not part of the media sheet. Using the same face 4 for each area allows a device to be enhanced by including a module 10 without altering the external construction of the device. Figure 2A shows the device without the module 10 fitted, Figure 2B shows a module 10 detached from the housing 2 and Figure 2C shows the module and housing combined to form an interactive information device.

The module comprises a micro controller having a small bootstrap program which allows it to be loaded with a main program from an external source. The main program and data are stored in battery-backed RAM (64 Kbytes program and data each respectively) which can be modified by the microcontroller. A real time clock is also connected to the battery so that a time and date display may be provided and also so that the module 10 may contact a remote computer at the correct time as described below.

Power is provided for the module 10, and a light source 20 (described below) from a switched-mode power supply powered by an external unregulated 12V source. The external source is typically the type of power supply used with calculators, portable computer printers and the like. Alternatively the source may be a 12V battery for a mobile or temporary installation.

The module 10 further comprises a serial port to allow a proprietary modem card 16 to be fitted to the module for connection to a remote computer via the public telephone network or similar system. The serial port is also required to communicate with the display 14 and data from the microcontroller is therefore steered as required either to the display or to the modem using a programable array logic (PAL) chip. The PAL also includes logic to permit both program and data memory to be located in one component.

All components except ballast components for a fluorescent light source 20 (which is required for the housing without a module 10) are preferably mounted on a single printed circuit board (PCB) mounted horizontally inside the housing and adjacent the front panel 4. A horizontal mounting allows connections for conductive patches used to implement the switches 12, to extend above, below or both above and below the PCB or even for the patches themselves to extend from the PCB in several rows. The components of the module 10 may if preferred, be mounted on separate PCBs. The bootstrap program is sophisticated enough to communicate with the remote computer via the modem 16 and to obey simple commands such as setting the real-time clock, storing a new telephone number for the remote computer, downloading a new program and/or data and uploading stored data about usage of the kiosk. The sensing software for operating the keypad 12 is preferably also contained in the RAM so that this may be modified to accommodate different hardware.

The bootstrap program also operates to check at power-up that the program and data has not been corrupted and that the data for communication with the remote computer is still valid. If these checks are successful, the main program begins execution. If the checks are unsuccessful depending on the fault, various actions are performed by the software. If the program or data are corrupted, a fresh download is requested from the remote computer. If the data for calling the remote computer are corrupted, the module 10 continues to operate but does not communicate with the remote computer. The remote computer will eventually notice the absence of communication. If all the data are corrupted, the program flashes a warning message on the display 14.

The module program may be used to adapt the operation of the device according to need. For example, a number of keys 12 may be programmed to operate as a single large key or keys and the keys may be programmed to produce different results at different times and/or days. Additionally, complex data may be stored about the use made of the device such as the keys pressed and the route through the menu system used to obtain a particular piece of information. Furthermore, since the operation of the module 10 may be changed simply by uploading new software, a new piece of software may be thoroughly tested in private before it is quickly and easily released into the installed devices accessible to the general public.

The module 10 is able to provide a user of the device with information in response to keypresses. The information may for example, be further data about a product or service advertised in the illuminated advertising space provided by the area 6, and/or other data appropriate to the location of the device such as information about local restaurants, sport and leisure facilities and taxi firms. In a preferred embodiment, the module operates to display information on a menu basis using several of the keys 12 to select options from a menu displayed on the electronic display 14.

Data may also be stored in the module 10 in EEPROM, flash EPROM, and/or ROM and in order to keep the stored information up-to-date, the module is provided with data update means.

With reference to Figure 3, in the preferred embodiment the data update means comprises a modem 16 connected to the public telephone network. Data is received from a remote computer (not shown) to update the information contained in the module 10 and diagnostic information about the module and device in general may be transmitted back to the remote computer. The diagnostic data may include information about how the device has been used and how well users have interacted with it. This information can conveniently be used to prepare market research data following analysis by the remote computer or by another computer using data logged by the remote computer.

The module 10 may be arranged to call the remote computer at a predetermined time or times. The times are arranged among several devices to ensure that the remote computer is not busy communicating with another module when the module 10 attempts to call the remote computer via the modem 16. If the module 10 cannot make contact at its first attempt, it attempts to call the remote computer a predetermined time later. If the module 10 repeatedly fails to establish contact with the remote computer then it stops trying after a predetermined number of attempts. This is to prevent a large number of nuisance calls being made to a wrong number if this has inadvertently been programmed into the module 10. If a fault develops in the modem or telephone network, the remote computer is arranged to detect this by noting that communication has not been established with the device for a predetermined length of time or before a predetermined deadline. In this situation, an error indication may be produced by the remote computer.

In the preferred embodiment, the remote computer initiates a connection with the device by calling the device. In many countries, it is now possible to identify the source of a telephone call from coded information encoded with the call by the company operating the telephone line. Using this type of facility, the module 10 may detect that the remote computer is attempting to make contact and may intercept a call going to a local telephone. This avoids conflicts between modules since the remote computer can call each module in rotation and this also reduces the operating costs of the device since a dedicated telephone line is not required for updating the module 10 and it can thus be shared with an adjacent public telephone.

The remote computer is able to identify each module 10 by requesting the transmission of a unique identification code and is able to store the data downloaded from each module, for later analysis.

The remote computer is also able to instruct the module 10 to adjust the time of a clock built into the module 10. This ensures that the module attempts to call the remote computer at the correct time of day an on the correct day.

As a further enhancement, the remote computer may transmit a series of data updates for storage in the module 10, each one being associated with a code identifying a time period for which it is valid. In this way, the frequency of communication between the module 10 and the remote computer is reduced, at the cost of an increased memory requirement in the module 10.

In an alternative embodiment, data is updated using a direct connection (rather than via a communications network) to a hand-held computer which has previously been loaded with the data to be used to update the module 10. This connection is preferably a serial connection such as an RS-232 type connection. Data can also be taken from the module 10 and stored in the hand-held computer for later analysis by the remote computer as described above. Although in this alternative embodiment, it is necessary for each site to be visited in order to update the module 10, the module itself is cheaper to manufacture and operate since a modem is not required and a telephone line need not be provided at each site.

The direct connection may be made using a plug and socket arrangement between the hand-held computer and the module or preferably an indirect connection is made using a short- range wireless communication using infra-red, inductive, ultrasonic or RF techniques. For an infra-red embodiment, the front face 4 is provided with an area transparent to infra-red wavelengths behind which an infra-red transmitter and receiver is located. A wireless or indirect connection has the advantage that the outer surface of the device does not need to be interrupted to allow a cable or plug/socket to be accommodated. This increases the- device's resistance to wear and vandalism.

Since the device will generally be powered from a local mains electricity supply, a further alternative data connection between the hand-held computer and the module 10 may be made by modulating the mains supply with data. Additionally, data may be updated using a one-way communication (from the remote computer) via satellite or a paging system or via a mobile telephone network.

With reference to Figure 4, the area 6 includes a switch 18 which is connected to the module 10 and which causes the module 10 to provide information on the display 14 which relates specifically to the information printed on the media sheet displayed in the area 6.

The switch may operate by sensing a change in the value of capacitance of a conductive patch located beneath the switch area, the change being caused by a finger being brought near the patch. The conductive patch may for example, be constructed from a solid metal sheet, a fine wire mesh, a conductive plastic or a deposited metal oxide. This technique may also be used for constructing at least some of the keys 12.

In the preferred embodiment and with reference also to Figure 2B, an electrically conductive patch 19 is secured to the top of the module 10. The patch 19 may be a metal sheet or a conductively-coated sheet of acetate (coated on one or both sides depending on capacitance sensing method used) bent at 90° and secured to the top face of the module 10 using fastening means such as rivets. The patch 19 is arranged to continue upwards in generally the same plane as the front of the module 10 so that it conveniently extends into the lower region of the area 6. The plate may be connected to an electrical circuit for sensing changes in the capacitance of the plate by securing a cable terminated in an eyelet, beneath one of the rivets. The circuit is arranged to indicate to the module 10 when a finger has been brought near to the patch 19. The media sheet may be pre¬ printed with a switching area 18 which overlies the patch 19 to provide the sheet with a switching area. A patch 21 may also be provided on flexible leads 23 (as shown in Figure 5C) for positioning behind a media sheet at a position remote from the module 10. The patch 21 may include local circuitry such as an oscillator to permit capacitive detection to be used.

Particular activities sensed by the patch 15 may indicate that the media sheet is being replaced. This may be automatically logged by the module 10 thus providing automatic "vouchering" of the site.

When using a vacuum-fluorescent display 14, a fine mesh or other transparent electrical screening material may need to be placed over the display to avoid unintentional switching of the capacitive switches.

Figures 5A and 5B show two alternative arrangements for accommodating the module 10 in the housing 2. The Figures show the device with the front face 4 removed so that a light source 20 (typically a fluorescent tube) is visible. The light source is used to backlight a media sheet fitted behind the front f ce 4. In the construction of Figure 5A, the module 10 (when fitted) fits over the lower end of the tube 20 and its front face substantially follows the contours of the front face 4. By providing the module 10 with a clear rear face, the module 10 is also illuminated by the tube 20.

In the construction of Figure 5B, a dividing wall 22 forms a separate compartment for the module 10. When the module

10 is not fitted, an infill component 23 having similar external dimensions to those of the module 10 is fitted in place of the module. In both cases, the front face 4 fits over the whole front face of the housing 2 and covers the module 10.

With reference to Figure 6, the media sheet is fixed to the front face 4 by initially locating it behind a plurality of flanges 24 extending behind the face 4. These retain the sheet on the face 4 while the face 4 is fitted to the housing 2. The flanges 24 may be formed in continuous strips which may extend around the whole periphery of the face 4. With reference to Figure 7, foam pads 26 are fitted to a rear reflector 28 of the housing 2. These pads are fitted in registry with the flanges 24 so that when the face 4 is fitted to the housing 2, the flanges are pressed against the media sheet 30 thereby securing it to the face 4. The foam pads may be replaced with other biassing means such as spring steel or helical springs.

Figure 8 shows a slot 32 for receiving a card 34. The card may be a smart card or a conventional credit card-type card with a magnetic strip. The module 10 may read and/or write data to the card 34. The slot 32 may be arranged to allow "swiping" of the card 34. Also shown is a proximity sensor which may, for example, be of the infra red or ultrasonic type. This may be used by the module 10 to sense the presence of a user or passerby.

To summarise, the device provides a display system giving a cost-effective combination of a static poster display which changes infrequently (or never) and which can be used over a large number of locations with a dynamic electronic display operable to display text which is time-sensitive and/or which may be customised for one or a group of locations.

Claims

C AIMS

l. A display device for advertising comprising a relatively shallow housing (2) , a light source (20) located within the housing, a substantially transparent front cover (14)covering a major part of the front of the housing (2) the cover (4)being arranged for the reception of a removable media sheet for location behind the cover (4) , and a removable interactive electronic module (10) mounted within the housing (2) , the module (10) including user input means for the input of commands from outside the housing in the form of a plurality of keys (12) arranged on a front face of the module (10) in a predetermined array the module being configurable to interpret the activation of any one of - several of the keys (12) as a single user input, and an integral display (14) operable to vary

its display output in response to user input.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the module further includes data transmission means (16) for transmitting information related to usage of the device to a remote computing means.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the module includes a card reader for reading information from a card.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the card reader is adapted for writing information to a writeable card such as a smart card.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the module includes a proximity sensor such as an infra red sensor, for sensing the presence of a user proximal the device.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the module includes non-volatile memory means for storing data to be displayed on the integral display and data receiving means (16) for receiving data for use in updating the data held in the non-volatile memory means.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the receiving means is arranged to receive data via infra-red, ultrasonic, inductive, radio and or electrical supply modulation means.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the user input means includes a capacatitive switch arranged to form a key for inputting a command to the user input means and connected to the module via a flexible connection to permit mounting of the switch within the housing behind an illuminated area of a media sheet.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, having an openable front cover (4) including a plurality of resilient flanges (24) fixed to an inner face of the cover and for locating a media sheet (30) on the front panel when open and the housing comprising biasing (26) means for causing the flanges (24) to be biased against the media sheet (30) to grip the sheet when the front panel is closed.

10. A light box comprising a housing having an openable front cover (14) including a plurality of resilient flanges (24) fixed to an inner face of the cover and for locating a media sheet (30) on the front panel when open and the housing comprising biasing means (26) for causing the flanges to be biased against the media sheet (30) to grip the sheet when the front panel is closed.

11. An interactive electronic module (10) according to any preceding claim adapted for fitting in, to, or adjacent an illuminated display device which device comprises a housing, a light source within the housing and an illuminated display area for the display of a backlit media sheet.

12. An interactive electronic module (10) including an illuminated display area (6) for the display of a backlit media sheet, the module forming an integral part of the display area.

13. An advertising display including an illuminated display area (6) for the display of a backlit media sheet and an electronic information display device (10) operable to receive data for display and to transmit data to a remote computing means.

14. A data processor for association with an illuminated advertising display including data transmission means, data reception means, user input means and integral display means operable to transmit to a remote computing means via the data transmission means, data related to usage of the device, to receive information via the data reception means for display on the integral display and to vary information displayed on the integral display in response to commands input via the user input means.

15. A method of making an illuminated interactive information device comprising combining an interactive information display (10) with a lit media sheet.

16. A display device for advertising constructed and arranged as herein described with reference to the drawings.