WO2010040088A1 - Promotional methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for promoting products are disclosed. Aspects are directed towards the distribution of products from within an enclosure shaped like a logo for the product. In one embodiment, promotional content may be displayed with light emitting diodes positioned around an exterior surface of the enclosure. In further embodiments, colored light emitting diodes are displayed to create a pattern that simulates the appearance of a rotating sphere. Further aspects are directed towards displaying a plurality of images on the outer surface in sequential order to render a circular structure having dominant curved features, wherein the dominant curved features of at least one image satisfy the golden ratio.

Description

PROMOTIONAL METHODS

[01] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/102,650, filed on October 3, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[02] This invention relates to promotional systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

[03] Outdoor promotional systems and methods have included items such as two dimensional billboards. Two dimensional billboards are generally located at fixed locations and include content that does not change frequently. For example, it is common to locate billboards along highways. The billboards may be periodically changed to display new content.

[04] Some outdoor billboards incorporate illumination devices such as lamps and light emitting diodes. The use of electronic components facilitates the rapid changing of content. A computer device may be utilized to control the content displayed on the billboard. However, such billboards are still located in fixed locations and have limited viewing angles. For example, a flat billboard may be designed to be viewed within a cone region in front of the billboard.

[05] Some existing electronic billboards do not have flat shapes. Electronic billboards have been created to fit on curved surfaces or around building corners. These custom manufactured billboards may only be installed in limited locations.

[06] There is a need in the art for outdoor promotional systems and methods that may incorporate quickly changing content, have wide viewing angles and may be installed in a plurality of different environments. BRIEF SUMMARY

[07] Various needs in the art are satisfied by the disclosed promotional devices and methods. In various embodiments, a promotional device includes a stationary generally spherical outer surface. A plurality of colored light emitting diodes are positioned on the spherical outer surface. A processing unit is configured to drive the colored light emitting diodes in a pattern to display patterns or promotional messages around the stationary outer surface.

[08] In certain embodiments of the invention, the present invention can be partially or wholly implemented with a computer-readable medium, for example, by storing computer- executable instructions or modules, or by utilizing computer-readable data structures.

[09] Of course, the methods and systems of the above-referenced embodiments may also include other additional elements, steps, computer-executable instructions, or computer- readable data structures.

[10] The details of these and other embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[11] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

[12] Figure 1 illustrates a stationary spherical promotional device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[13] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of components that may be included within and connected to a promotional device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[14] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary LED pixel configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [15] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which LEDs or other light emitting light sources are positioned along a retractable window of a promotional device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[16] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which LEDs or other light sources are positioned along the entire outer surface of a promotional device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[17] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment in which a promotional device generates a moving abstract pattern, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[18] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment in which multiple promotional devices are connected to a computer device via a computer network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[19] Figure 8 illustrates an example of how a promotional device may be used to promote products, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[20] Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of a promotional device in which products are displayed on shelves, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[21] Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of a promotional device in which a spherical object is displayed on a billboard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[22] Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of a promotional device in which a spherical object is provided on an amusement device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[23] Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment in which a spherical object is rendered on an electronic display device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[24] Figure 13 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[25] Figure 14 shows a flowchart of another exemplary method according to one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[26] Figure 1 illustrates a stationary spherical promotional device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Promotional device 100 includes a generally spherical outer shell 102. As will be described below, outer shell 102 may include a plurality of light emitting diodes or other devices used to generate a display. Promotional device 100 may include a plurality of shelves 104 in the interior of the device. Shelves 104 may be used to display products that may be distributed from promotional device 100. In certain embodiments, the interior of the promotional device 100 is generally not accessible. In such embodiments, only the exterior (such as the outer shell 102) of the promotional device 100 is utilized for promotional purposes, such as emitting light from light emitting diodes or other devices (discussed in more detail below, for example as shown in Figure 3). In certain embodiments where only the exterior 102 of the promotional device 100 is utilized for promotional purposes, the interior may include storage, such as for the products being promoted, computer components (such as those described in relation to Figure 2 below), and mechanical and/or electrical mechanisms for facilitating the movement of the promotional device 100 to different locations.

[27] In those embodiments, where the interior of the promotional device 100 is utilized for promotional purposes, a generally flat section 106 may be used as a countertop for exchanging products and currency with customers. In one embodiment of the invention, the shape of promotional device 100 corresponds to a logo. The logo may be may correspond to the products that are distributed from within the promotional device.

[28] Promotional device 100 may also include a retractable window that covers region 108 to secure any contents stored within promotional device 100. Promotional device 100 may be used to display promotional content positioned around outer shell 102. The content may be displayed with a plurality of light emitting diodes, other light sources or systems used to generate a display. The spherical structure of promotional device 100 allows for viewing from any point around the device 100. Promotional device 100 may be constructed using light weight materials to facilitate relocating the device.

[29] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of components that may be included within and connected to a promotional device, such as device 100. In one embodiment, the components shown with block 200 are included within a promotional device, such as promotional device 100 (shown in Figure 1). A central processor 202 may be used to control the overall operation of the components shown with block 200. Central processor 202 may be implemented with a conventional computer central processing unit (CPU). A system memory 204 stores instructions used by central processor 202. The structure of system memory 204 is well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in a read only memory (ROM) and one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data stored in random access memory (RAM).

[30] A system bus 206 may be used to couple various system components to central processor 202. System bus 206 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. A variety of interface units and drives may be included for reading and writing data. In particular, a local memory interface 208 and a removable memory interface 210 may respectively couple a local memory module 212 and a removable memory drive 214 to system bus 206. Local memory module 212 may be implemented with a hard disk drive, flash memory or other types of memory devices. Examples of removable memory drives include magnetic disk drives and optical disk drives. The drives and their associated computer-readable media, such as a compact disk 216 provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data. A single local memory module 212 and a single removable memory drive 214 are shown for illustration purposes only and with the understanding that additional memory components may be utilized. The memory components may be coupled to system bus 206 locally or connected to system bus 206 via a local area network or wide area network.

[31] Additional interfaces may be included for connecting devices to system bus 206. Figure 2 shows a universal serial bus (USB) interface 218 is available. One or more additional or alternative interfaces may also be included. For example, IEEE 1394 and serial port interfaces may be included to couple input devices, such a keyboard and pointing device to system bus 206. Exemplary input devices include a mouse, track ball, pen device, satellite dish, scanner, touch sensitive screen and the like. [32] A video adapter 220 may be used to drive an LED array 222. LED array 222 may be positioned on or embedded in outer shell 102. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary LED pixel configuration 302. LED array 222 may consist of numerous pixels. A red LED 304, a green LED 306 and a blue LED 308 are driven by red, green and blue input signals respectively. LEDs 304, 306 and 308 may be positioned on a black background 310. Black background 310 may be part of outer shell 102. The combination of red, green and blue LEDs allows for the generation of a wide variety of colors. In alternative embodiments, other primary color combinations may be used. For example, magenta, cyan and yellow light emitting diodes may be utilized.

[33] LED array 222 may be replaced with or used in combination with other light generation and display components such cathode ray tubes (CRTs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field emission displays (FEDs), plasma displays or any other device that produces an image that is viewable by the user.

[34] Returning to Figure 2, a sound card 224 may be used to couple a speaker system 226 to system bus 206. Speaker system 226 may provide promotional content and other content to people surrounding the promotional device. Audio content may be synchronized with the visual content displayed by LED array 222.

[35] In some embodiments the promotional device is operated in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers or other devices, such as a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. A network interface 228 couples system bus 206 to a local area network (LAN) 230 and/or a wide area network (WAN) 232. An exemplary wide area network is the Internet. Wide area network 232 may be connected to a plurality of servers, such as server 234, and websites. In one embodiment of the invention, a remote device couple to the promotional device via wide area network 232 is used to control the visual and/or audio content generated by the promotional device.

[36] It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between computer devices may also be used. A variety of different program modules may be used to control the promotional device. Examples of program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

[37] A wireless access point 236 may be included to allow computer devices to connect to a wide area network 232, such as the Internet. In one particular implementation, the promotional device may be located in a park or other area where it is common for people to congregate. The availability of wireless Internet access may be used to entice people toward the promotional device. Wireless Internet access may be available free of charge or in exchange for viewing promotional content. In one example, when connecting to wireless access point, promotional content is displayed on a user's web browser at an initial login. After viewing the promotional content, the user is allowed to access other content available on the Internet. In one embodiment, an electronic signal is transmitted to the user's computer device through the local area network (LAN) 230 and/or a wide area network (WAN) 232 that is configured to display several images. In one embodiment, the sequence of images are sequenced to display a circular structure having dominant curved features (as discussed in more detail below, the circular structure displayed on the user's computer device may resemble the outer surface 502 of device 500 and/or comprise a similar color profile). The images may be sequentially arranged in an order that portrays rotation of a sphere. In one embodiment, the dominant curved features of at least one of the images satisfies the golden ratio. In embodiments having a color profile, the color profile of at least one image that includes the dominant curved features that satisfy the golden ratio comprises a different color profile than at least one image that does not include the features that satisfy the golden ratio.

[38] In certain embodiments, the user may be able to interact with the logo. In one embodiment, upon detecting a user has selected the logo, such as by "clicking on" the logo or a link associated with the logo with a user input device, the logo may undergo change. In one such embodiment, another electronic signal may be transmitted to the user's computer device that displays a second plurality of images of the circular structure having dominant curved features, wherein the dominant curved features of at least one image satisfy the golden ratio, wherein the at least image of second plurality of images differs from the at least one image of the first plurality of images. In yet other embodiments, a user input is not required for subsequent display of the second plurality of images. [39] According to another aspect of the invention, one or more users may provide a user input through the local area network (LAN) 230 and/or a wide area network (WAN) 232 that alters the outer surface 502 of the device 500. For example, if a user determines that he or she likes a specific sequence of images displayed on their computer device, they may be able to select that particular sequence of images for displaying on the outer surface 502 of the device 500. In yet another embodiment, the user may be able to select a sequence of images from a plurality of choices. In one embodiment, a network interface, such network interface 228 shown in Figure 2 may be configured to receive a user input selecting a sequence of images for displaying on the outer surface 502 of device 500. Those skilled in the art upon review of this disclosure will readily appreciate that in addition to or independent of selecting a sequence of images, the reception of a user input may allow a user to select a broad array of options relating to the images displayed on the outer surface 502 of device 500, including but not limited to: the longevity that each image is displayed, the color profile, contrast, brightness, and combinations thereof. In yet other embodiments, a user input may further select audio characteristics, such as indicating a music selection to play during the display of a sequence of images. In one embodiment, the selection of a specific promotional song may initiate the display of a specific sequence of images on the outer surface 502 of device.

[40] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which LEDs or other light emitting light sources are positioned along a retractable window 402 of a promotional device 400. The embodiment shown allows retractable window 402 to display content at times that the promotional system is otherwise closed and not providing samples to potential consumers. In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 5, LEDs or other light sources are positioned along the entire outer surface 502 of a promotional device 500. In various embodiments, abstract moving patterns may be displayed with promotional devices 400 and 500. Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment in which a promotional device 600 generates a moving abstract pattern.

[41] One skilled in the art will appreciate that various embodiments of the invention may use wide varieties of audio, audio/visual, and audio content. The content may be used to promote products. In one particular embodiment, LEDs positioned on outer surface 502 of promotional device 500 (shown in Figure 5) may be driven in a manner to simulate the appearance of a rotating sphere. The shape of the window region 504 may also appear to change as the simulated rotating sphere rotates. In one embodiment, the central processor 202 executes computer-readable instructions that when executed perform a method that displays a several images that portray a circular structure having dominant curved features on the outer surface 502 of device 500. The images may be sequentially arranged in an order that portrays rotation of a sphere. In one embodiment, the dominant curved features of at least one of the images satisfies the golden ratio. In embodiments having a color profile, the color profile of at least one image that includes the dominant curved features that satisfy the golden ratio comprises a different color profile than at least one image that does not include the features that satisfy the golden ratio.

[42] In further embodiments, the central processor 202 may executes additional computer- readable instructions that when executed perform a method that displays a second plurality of images of the circular structure having dominant curved features, wherein the dominant curved features of at least one image satisfy the golden ratio, wherein the at least image of second plurality of images differs from the at least one image of the first plurality of images.

[43] In another embodiment, a network interface, such network interface 228 shown in Figure 2 may be configured to transmit an electronic signal to a display device, such as a billboard, that provides a sequence of images for displaying on the billboard. In one embodiment, the sequence of images transmitted to the billboard resembles the sequence of images displayed on the outer surface 502 of device 500. In yet another embodiment, the sequence of images displayed on the billboard are selected by one or more users in proximity to device 500.

[44] A plurality of promotional devices may be arranged to produce a coordinated promotional campaign. Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment in which promotional devices 702, 704 and 706 are connected to a computer device 708 via a computer network 710. Computer network 710 may be implemented with a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN). Computer device 708 may be implemented with a server computer, desktop computer or other device capable of providing display instructions to promotional devices 702, 704 and 706. In one embodiment of the invention, the content displayed on promotional devices 702, 704 and 706 is related, but different. For example, promotional devices 702, 704 and 706 may be located in an amusement park and display content relating to a specific region of the amusement park.

[45] Figure 8 illustrates an example of how a promotional device 800 may be used to promote products, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. An employee 802 is located within promotional device 800 and displays a product 804 to potential customers. The shape of promotional device 800 corresponds to a logo included on product 804. Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment in which products are displayed on shelves 902.

[46] In other embodiments, a promotional spherical object is not a separate spherical promotional device, such as device 100, but rather may be a protrusion on another surface that is configured to display at least a portion of a spherical surface. Figures 10a and 10b show an exemplary embodiment where a portion of a spherical object 1002 is embedded or attached to a substantially planar surface, such as a billboard 1004. Specifically, Figure 10a shows a side view of the spherical object 1002 projecting along a horizontal axis (in the direction of arrow 1006) from billboard 1004 and Figure 10b shows a perspective view of the same billboard 1004 shown in Figure 10b. The spherical object may have an LED array, such as LED array 222 (shown in Figure 2) on a portion of the outer surface of the spherical object 1002. In one embodiment, the spherical object 1002 comprises an inner hollow chamber that houses one or more computer components, such as shown in Figure 2. In yet other embodiments, one or more computer components may be external to the spherical object 1002 and may be in communication with the LED array 222 through wired and/or wireless communication channels. While the spherical object 1002 shown in Figure 10 is presented as a half- circle extending from the billboard 1104, in other embodiments spherical object 1002 may take form a full circle that extends from the backside of billboard 1004, such that the spherical object 1002 is viewable from both sides of the billboard 1004.

[47] In one embodiment, video adapter 220 may be used to drive an LED array 222. LED array 222 may be positioned on or embedded in spherical object 1002. In one embodiment, the LED array may resemble the exemplary LED pixel configuration 302 shown in Figure 3. In one embodiment, central processor 202 processes computer- readable instructions that drive the LED array 222 through the video adapter 220. In one embodiment, the central processor 202 executes computer-readable instructions that when executed perform a method that drives the LED array 202 such that when viewed on the spherical structure 1002, portray a circular structure having dominant curved features on the outer surface of the spherical structure 1002. The driving of the LED array 222 may be configured such that proximate LEDs in the LED array 222 are sequentially lit or turned off such that to portray the rendering of the rotation of the spherical object 1002. In one embodiment, at least one of the images created by the driving of the LED array 222 displays an images having dominant curved features that satisfy the golden ratio. In embodiments having a color profile, the color profile of at least one image that includes the dominant curved features that satisfy the golden ratio comprises a different color profile than at least one image that does not include the features that satisfy the golden ratio.

[48] Figure 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention where an LED array, such as LED array 222 is provided on a rotating object, such as a ferris wheel 1100. As seen, the ferris wheel 1100 has a plurality of capsules 1102 for housing people which rotate upon a rotating support structure 1104. While the rotating support structure 1104 shown in Figure 11 is represented by a plurality of outward extending spokes, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a large number of variations may be utilized to form the rotating support structure 1104. According to various embodiments, an LED array, such as LED array 222, may be securely attached to the support structure. 1104. In one embodiment, LED array 222 is attached to the support structure 1104 within area 1106. In one embodiment, area 1106 comprises a convex shape or structure such that LED array 222 is spherical in shape. In one embodiment, the shape of LED array 222 may resemble spherical object 1002 as shown in Figure 10. In one embodiment, area 1106 comprises one or more computer components, such as shown in Figure 2. In yet other embodiments, one or more computer components may be external to the spherical object 1002 and may be in communication with the LED array 222 through wired and/or wireless communication channels.

[49] In one embodiment, central processor 202 executes computer-readable instructions that when executed perform a method that drives the LED array 222 to portray a circular structure within area 1106 having dominant curved features. While area 1106 is shown in Figure 11 as circular, those skilled in the art will appreciate that area 1106 may be any shape. In fact, according to one embodiment, area 1106 is a square, however, the use of LED array 222 may be used to portray a circular structure within area 1106.

[50] The driving of the LED array 222 may be configured such that proximate LEDs in the LED array 222 are sequentially lit or turned off such that to portray the rendering of the rotation of the spherical object 1002. In one embodiment, at least one of the images created by the driving of the LED array 222 displays an images having dominant curved features that satisfy the golden ratio. In embodiments having a color profile, the color profile of at least one image that includes the dominant curved features that satisfy the golden ratio comprises a different color profile than at least one image that does not include the features that satisfy the golden ratio.

[51] In one embodiment, the LED array 222 is rigidly attached to the support structure 1104 such that LED array 222 is integral to the support structure 1 104 and thus rotates at the same velocity as structure 1104. In certain embodiments, one or more algorithms may be implemented that consider the velocity of the ferris wheel 1100 and drive the LED array 222 to sequentially display a plurality of LEDs within the array to portray a static image. In one embodiment, computer-executable instructions are executed that may detect the rotational velocity of the ferris wheel 1100. This may be measured during regular time intervals, such as every second, to ensure the velocity has not changed. For example, certain ferris wheels must decrease velocity to allow people to enter or exit the capsules 1102. In one embodiment, the change in velocity is detected and, in response, signals driving the LED array 222 are transmitted to alter the sequential activation of individual LEDs in the LED array 222.

[52] Other aspects of the invention are directed towards the transmission and/or display of a sequence of images in and order that portray a 3-D spherical object. In one embodiment, an electronic signal may be transmitted to a user's computer device through a communications network, such as local area network (LAN) 230 and/or a wide area network (WAN) 232. In one embodiment, the sequence of images are sequenced to display a rotating 3-D spherical object. In one embodiment, the rendered 3-D spherical object is a logo. For example, as shown in Figure 12, display 1200 may presented to a user on WAN 232 that is visiting a website. As seen, the display is within the window of a browser 1202. Typically, browsers may include a toolbar, such as tool bar 1204 that include an address bar and one or more buttons for allowing a user to navigate the WAN 232. The rendition of the spherical object (or logo) 1206 may be configured to be at any location within the display 1200. As discussed above, the plurality of images that render the logo may be sequenced to portray a rotating spherical object, such as rotating along the direction indicated by arrow 1208.

[53] In certain embodiments, the user may be able to interact with the logo 1206. In one embodiment, upon detecting a user has selected the logo, such as by "clicking on" the logo 1206 or a link associated with the logo with a user input device, the logo may undergo change. In one such embodiment, another electronic signal may be transmitted to the user's computer device that displays a second plurality of images. In one embodiment, the second sequence of images portray the same rendered spherical object, however, one or more qualities of the rendered spherical object are altered. Examples of qualities that may be altered may include: color profile, speed of perceived rotation, size, and combinations thereof.

[54] In other embodiments, the spherical object 1206 comprises dominant curved features, wherein the dominant curved features of at least one image satisfy the golden ratio. The images may be sequentially arranged in an order that portrays rotation of a sphere. In embodiments having a color profile, the color profile of at least one image that includes the dominant curved features that satisfy the golden ratio comprises a different color profile than at least one image that does not include the features that satisfy the golden ratio.

[55] Aspects of the invention further relate to promotional methods. Figure 13 is a flowchart of an exemplary method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. At step 1302, products are distributed from within an enclosure shaped like a logo for the product. In one embodiment, the enclosure is a stationary structure having a spherical outer surface, such as for example, promotional structure 100. The distribution of the product may be manually performed, automated, or combinations thereof. Promotional content is also displayed with light emitting diodes positioned around an exterior surface of the enclosure (see step 1304). Figure 3 shows an exemplary display pixel 302 that may implemented, for example, with LED array 220 (shown in Figure 2). [56] According to another method, step 1306 may be implemented to determine if a user input has been received. One or more computer components shown in Figure 2 may be located within or otherwise associated with the enclosure, such ad promotion device 100 to detect and/or execute a user input. If at step 1306 a user input has not been received, step 1304 may continue to display the same pattern, sequence of patterns, or combinations thereof. If a user input was received at step 1306, step 1308 may be implemented to adjust the pattern. In one embodiment, colored light emitting diodes are displayed to create a pattern that simulates the appearance of a rotating sphere. One such method may display a plurality of images on the outer surface in sequential order to render a circular structure having dominant curved features, wherein the dominant curved features of at least one image satisfy the golden ratio. In another embodiment, the images each comprise a color profile and the color profile of the at least one image that includes features that satisfy the golden ratio comprises a different color profile than at least one image that does not include the features that satisfy the golden ratio.

[57] Step 1310 may also be implemented according to one embodiment of the invention. At step 1310, access to a wide area network with a wireless access point associated with the promotional device 100 may be provided. In one embodiment, the access may be provided to those who received a product at step 1302. In one embodiment, the product comprises a code that the user may enter to access the wide area network. In yet another embodiment, the code may be visually transmitted on the LED array 222 on the outer surface of the promotional device 100. According to one exemplary method, once a user attempts to access the wide area network through the access point, unrequested multimedia content may be displayed to a user before allowing access to the wide area network (step 1312). In further embodiments, promotional audio may be generated at the enclosure.

[58] Figure 14 shows a flowchart of another exemplary method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. At step 1402, a stationary structure having a spherical outer surface with light emitting diodes disposed thereon and an interior comprising a plurality of products is provided in at environment. Once provided, a user may be allowed to select a product located in the interior of the stationary structure (Step 1404). In one embodiment, the selection and/or distribution of the product may be automatic. For example, a user may press a button or touch screen to select the product, yet in other embodiments, the user may enter a code to obtain the product. The selection and/or distribution of the product, however, may be manuals, such as through a human that provides the product. Indeed, in one embodiment utilizing humans to provide the product, promotional material may also be orally provided by the human to the user.

[59] Promotional content may be provided with the light emitting diodes (step 1406). Figure 3 shows an exemplary display pixel 302 that may implemented, for example, with LED array 220 (shown in Figure 2). In one embodiment, the promotional content comprises a pattern that simulates the appearance of a rotating sphere. One such method may display a plurality of images on the outer surface in sequential order to render a circular structure having dominant curved features, wherein the dominant curved features of at least one image satisfy the golden ratio. In another embodiment, the images each comprise a color profile and the color profile of the at least one image that includes features that satisfy the golden ratio comprises a different color profile than at least one image that does not include the features that satisfy the golden ratio.

[60] At step 1408, a user may be allowed to provide a user input that adjusts the promotional content. For example, in one embodiment, a color profile and the color profile of at least one image created by the lighting of the LEDs may be adjusted. Indeed, in other embodiments, any number of inputs may be provided to alter on or more qualities of the LED array. Step 1410 may also be implemented to provide access to a wide area network with a wireless access point associated with the promotional device. In one embodiment, the access may be provided to those who received a product at step 1402.

[61] While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended exemplary emobidments.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of promoting a product, the method comprising: distributing products from within an enclosure shaped like a logo for the product; and displaying promotional content with light emitting diodes positioned around an exterior surface of the enclosure.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is a stationary structure having a spherical outer surface.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the colored light emitting diodes are displayed to create a pattern that simulates the appearance of a rotating sphere.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein displaying promotional content on the spherical outer surface comprises: displaying a plurality of images on the outer surface in sequential order to render a circular structure having dominant curved features, wherein the dominant curved features of at least one image satisfy the golden ratio.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the images each comprise a color profile and the color profile of the at least one image that includes features that satisfy the golden ratio comprises a different color profile than at least one image that does not include the features that satisfy the golden ratio.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the spherical outer surface is black and the colored light emitting diodes comprise primary color light emitting diodes.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the colored light emitting diodes comprise red, green and blue light emitting diodes.

8. The method of claim 9, wherein the colored light emitting diodes comprise magenta, cyan and yellow light emitting diodes.

10. The method of claim 3, wherein the spherical outer surface comprises fiberglass and the colored light emitting diodes are embedded in the fiberglass.

11. The method of claim 3, further comprising: providing access to a wide area network with a wireless access point associated with the promotional device.

12. The method of claim 3, further comprising: delivering unrequested multimedia content to a user before allowing access to the wide area network.

13. The method of claim 3, further including generating promotional audio at the enclosure.

14. A method of promoting a product, the method comprising: providing a stationary structure having a spherical outer surface with light emitting diodes disposed thereon and an interior comprising a plurality of products; allowing a user to select a product located in the interior of the stationary structure; and displaying promotional content with the light emitting diodes.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the colored promotional content comprise a pattern that simulates the appearance of a rotating sphere.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein displaying promotional content on the spherical outer surface comprises: displaying a plurality of images on the outer surface in sequential order to render a circular structure having dominant curved features, wherein the dominant curved features of at least one image satisfy the golden ratio.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: allowing a user to provide a user input that adjusts the promotional content.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: upon receiving the user input, adjusting a color profile and the color profile of at least one image.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: providing access to a wide area network with a wireless access point associated with the promotional device.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the spherical outer surface is black and the colored light emitting diodes comprise primary color light emitting diodes.