AU2018101030A4 - Real estate signage system - Google Patents

Abstract

Signs, sign modules and a real estate signs and signage systems are provided. The real estate signage system includes a physical real estate sign provided in association with a property, a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity to the physical real estate sign, and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and one or more remote servers. The system is configured to provide data associated with the property on the local wireless data interface and from the one or more remote servers. The data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the property. Ua) fzl, LO r wL uHM L <r @n NM ____

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to signs, and in particular, although not exclusively, to real estate signs.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Prior to purchasing a property, it is common for a potential buyer to visit the property, to get a better feel of the area in which the property is located. For busy professionals, this may include simply visiting the area, without any formal tour of the property, to initially get a feel of the area before considering a property further.

[0003] Real estate signs are often placed in vicinity of a property, which include information about the property, which may include an asking price, photos of the property, or details of the property, such as number of bedrooms. These real estate signs may be good at helping people identify that a property is for sale but are generally poor at providing anything more than rudimentary information about a property, as display space is very limited. As such, when a potential buyer visits a property he or she is interested in, information on the sign is generally already known by the buyer, and thus of no use.

[0004] Furthermore, it is generally appreciated that it is easier to sell a property when the seller is able to show details of the property to potential buyers. As such, attempts have been made to either encourage potential buyers to book a tour of a property, or to provide virtual tours of properties from the comfort of a potential buyer’s home.

[0005] A problem is that it is difficult to get a true appreciation of a property from a virtual tour of a property of the prior art, as no context is provided about the area, such as characteristics of a neighbourhood, noise levels, or the like.

[0006] As such, there is clearly a need for an improved real estate signage system.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] The present invention is directed to a signage systems and sign modules, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a real estate signage system including:

a physical real estate sign provided in association with a property;

a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity to the physical real estate sign; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and one or more remote servers;

wherein the system is configured to provide data associated with the property on the local wireless data interface and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the property.

[0010] The identifier may comprise at least part of a URL associated with the one or more remote servers.

[0011] Preferably, the system is configured to obtain one or more details of the user. The one or more details may include a name, an email address and/or a phone number. The details of the user may be provided to the one or more remote servers using the local wireless data interface and the remote wireless data interface.

[0012] The details of the user may be associated with the property at the one or more remote servers.

[0013] The system may be configured to obtain the one or more details of the user when connecting with the remote server, using a portable computing device coupled to the local wireless data interface. The details may be entered by the user in a webpage provided by the remote server.

[0014] The data associated with the property may include a web site describing the property.

[0015] The data associated with the property may include data configured to enable the user to provide a virtual tour of the property.

[0016] The data associated with the property may include contact details of an agent associated with the property.

[0017] Preferably, the local wireless data interface comprises a data interface according to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards. Suitably, the local

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 wireless data interface is WiFi data interface.

[0018] Preferably, the remote wireless data interface comprises a cellular wireless data interface. Suitably, the remote wireless data interface comprises a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) data interface, or fourth generation broadband cellular (4G) data interface.

[0019] Preferably, the local wireless data interface and the remote wireless data interface are provided in a sign module coupled to the physical real estate sign. Suitably, the sign module may be coupled to a rear of the real estate sign.

[0020] The system may comprise a plurality of physical real estate signs provided in association with a plurality of different properties, wherein each physical real estate sign is associated with :a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity thereto; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and the one or more remote servers, wherein the system is configured to provide data associated with each of the properties on the respective local wireless data interfaces and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the property.

[0021] The property may comprise an existing house or apartment. The property may comprise a block of land. A proposed house may be associated with the block of land. The property may comprise an off-the-plan apartment.

[0022] The property may be for sale. The property may be for lease.

[0023] In another form, the invention resides broadly in an interactive real estate sign including:

a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity to the real estate sign; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and one or more remote servers;

wherein the sign module is configured to provide data associated with the sign on the local wireless data interface and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the sign.

[0024] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a sign module, configured to convert a physical real estate sign to an interactive real estate sign, the sign module including: a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 more portable computing devices in proximity to the physical real estate sign; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and one or more remote servers;

wherein the sign module is configured to provide data associated with the sign on the local wireless data interface and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the sign.

[0025] The data associated with the sign may include data associated with a property that is associated with the sign.

[0026] The identifier associated with the sign may comprise an identifier associated with the sign module. The identifier associated with the sign may comprise an identifier associated with a property that is associated with the sign.

[0027] In yet another form, resides broadly in a signage system including:

a physical sign provided in association with an object or location;

a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity to the physical sign; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and one or more remote servers;

wherein the system is configured to provide data associated with the object or location on the local wireless data interface and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the object or location.

[0028] In yet another form, the invention resides broadly in a sign module, configured to convert a physical sign to an interactive sign, the sign module including:

a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity to the physical sign; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and one or more remote servers;

wherein the sign module is configured to provide data associated with the sign on the local wireless data interface and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the sign.

[0029] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0030] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0031] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates a real estate signage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot of a landing page of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates a screenshot of a property landing page, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4a illustrates a front view of a sign, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4b illustrates a side view of the sign of Figure 4a.

[0037] Figure 4c illustrates a rear view of the sign of Figure 4a.

[0038] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of a sign module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 illustrates a signage system comprising a plurality of signs, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 illustrates a screenshot of a user alert, providing by a signage system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0042] Figure 1 illustrates a real estate signage system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The signage system 100 functions as both a traditional real estate sign and as a smart (interactive) sign, which provides details of the property, while obtaining details

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 of, and tracking, potential buyers.

[0043] The system 100 includes an interactive real estate sign 105, which is typically placed at the front of a property which is for sale or lease. The sign 105 resembles a traditional real estate sign, with details of the real estate agent with which the property is for sale or lease, as well as any other details of the property or agent that are appropriate, such as contact phone number, price, branding or the like.

[0044] The smart real estate sign 105 may include a graphical indication thereon that the sign 105 is a smart real estate sign, and such indication may be in the form of a message (e.g. “Connect with WIFI to find out more!”) or a symbol, for example.

[0045] The sign 105 functions as a wireless gateway, and includes a wireless access point component, to provide local access to smartphones and other portable computing devices 110 in proximity thereto, and a cellular interface component, to provide wide area network (WAN) access. In particular, the wireless access point component broadcasts a network name in the form of a Service Set Identifier (SSID) to portable computing devices 110 in proximity of the sign 105, which enables a user 115 in proximity to the sign 105 to quickly and easily connect thereto. The cellular interface automatically connects to a wireless base station 120, such as a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) base station, or fourth generation broadband cellular network (4G) base station, to enable data to be provided to the user device 110 therefrom. As further cellular technologies are deployed, these may also be used, such as a fifth generation broadband cellular network (5G) base station [0046] When the user 115 initially connects to the sign 105 using his or her portable computing device 110, a browser of the device 110 is automatically redirected to a user registration landing page. The sign 105 is coupled to a remote server 120 by a cellular base station 125, and retrieves the landing page therefrom.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot 200 of a landing page of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The landing page includes a plurality of fields for obtaining user data including a name field 205, a phone number field 210, and an email address field 215. The landing page enables the system 100 to capture details of the user 115 prior to enabling further access to the system 100.

[0048] After entering details into the fields 205-215, a register button 220 may be selected to complete registration of the user 115, upon which details of the user 115 are provided to a server 120. If the user has already registered, he or she may select a login button 225, upon which a login screen is provided. Similarly, the user may login using a social media account,

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 such as a Facebook, Linkedln or Twitter account.

[0049] The server 120 saves details of the user 115 in a database, as well as an indication that the user 115 has connected with the sign 105 in association with the property. This enables analysis of the user 115 as outlined below.

[0050] The server 120 advantageously mines or otherwise obtains data relating to the user 115 using their login details, their social media details, or both. As an illustrative example, if the user logs in using a Facebook account, the server 120 mines data of the user from Facebook, such as data directly associated with the user (e.g. age, location, hometown, relationship status), as well as data indirectly associated with the user (e.g. data that can be obtained through behaviour of the user, connections, posts, and likes of the user).

[0051] A customer profile is then generated and saved in association with the user. This enables the users details to be used in marketing campaigns, including email campaigns, social media campaigns (e.g. targeted specifically to the user or his or her friends), or by text message to the user’s phone. The marketing campaigns may include any information, and may include properties which are potentially suitable to the user.

[0052] The server 120 then identifies the property associated with the sign 105, e.g. from the URL of the landing page provided by the sign 105, and a property landing page, associated with the sign 105 and thus the property, is provided to the user 115.

[0053] Figure 3 illustrates a screenshot 300 of a property landing page, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The property landing page includes a property overview section 305, which includes details of the property, such as an address, price information (if appropriate) and one or more photos of the property.

[0055] The property landing page further includes a virtual tour button 310, enabling the user to take a virtual tour of the property on their portable computing device 110. The virtual tour of the property may include multi-angle photographs or videos (e.g. 360 degree) which enable the user to interactively view different parts of the property, and thus take a virtual tour. In short, the virtual tour enables the user to feel what it is like inside the property, at any time of day, and without having to organise a viewing with an agent.

[0056] Finally, the property landing page includes a call agent button 315, which activates a telephone application of the portable computing device with a phone number of the agent, and a request callback button 320, which submits a message, to the agent with the contact details

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 of the user 115 requesting the callback.

[0057] The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the property landing page may include any suitable information about the property, as well as links to services that may be of relevance to the user 115, such as home loan calculators and the like. The property landing page may also comprise a webpage accessible externally, such as a page advertising the property, a page of the real estate agent, or any suitable page.

[0058] When the user 115 interacts with the landing page or the system 100 generally, this information can be logged and provided to an agent 130 using an agent computing device 135. The agent 130 may then enter details of the user into a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, and contact the user 115 in relation to the property or other properties.

[0059] Figure 4a illustrates a front view of a sign 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4b illustrates a side view of the sign 400, and Figure 4c illustrates a rear view of the sign 400. The sign 400 may be similar or identical to the sign 105 of the system of Figure 1.

[0060] The sign 400 includes a substantially planar sign surface 405, which is rectangular in shape and has advertising printed on a front surface thereof. The sign surface 405 is supported by first and second support legs 410, which support the sign surface 405 above the ground. The support legs 410 may be partially driven into the ground on installation, or supported by further legs or supports.

[0061] A sign module 415 is provided in a rear of the planar sign surface 405, which provides interactivity and wireless gateway functionality to the sign. The sign module 415 comprises a weatherproof, stand-alone module, with inbuilt power supply, meaning that it can simply be fastened to the rear of the planar sign surface 405.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of a sign module 500 of a sign, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sign module 500 may be similar or identical to the sign module 415 of Figure 4.

[0063] The sign module 500 includes a processor 505, a memory 510 coupled to the processor 505, a local WIFI interface 515 coupled to the processor 505, and a remote cellular interface 520 coupled to the processor 505.

[0064] The local WIFI interface 515 is for providing a WIFI coupling to a smartphone or other portable computing device 110, and the remote cellular interface 520 is for providing a cellular (e.g. LTE, 4G or 5G) coupling to a remote server 120. The memory 510 includes instruction

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 code, executable by the processor for providing data associated with the property on the local wireless data interface 515 which has been retrieved from the remote server 120 using the remote cellular interface 520. The data may be provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the sign (which may be in turn associated with a property), and such identifier may be provided in a URL stored on the memory 510, each sign module 500 including a different identifier.

[0065] The sign module 500 includes a power supply 525, such as a battery. The power supply enables the sign module to be powered without requiring mains power connection.

[0066] The sign module 500 advantageously comprises a single module, housed in a weatherproof or weather resistant housing. This enables the sign module 500 to be easily installed onto an existing sign.

[0067] The sign module may be configured to function as a wireless gateway, that requires a user to sign up prior to use, and provide details of an associated property or other object, or location, in a similar or identical manner to that illustrated with reference to Figures 2 and 3 above.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the power supply may be replaced by a mains power connection, to receive mains power.

[0069] The systems, signs and sign modules described above are described with reference to a single sign. However, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the systems will generally include many such signs, each sign associated with a different property or other object, or location.

[0070] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic of a system 100’ illustrating a plurality of interactive signs 105’ coupled to a server 120’ using respective base stations 125’. This enables interactive signs 105 to be used across a broad geographic area, such as an entire city, region or country.

[0071] Each interactive sign 105’ may be associated with an identifier, and an administrator may associate the identifier with a property or other object or location as the sign 105’ is installed. This may be achieved using a control panel associated with the server 120’, or any other suitable means.

[0072] Such use of identifiers enables the server 120’ to provide a landing page that is customised to the particular sign 105’, e.g. relating to the property, as outlined above. The landing page may have multiple components, including a registration component, but is context aware.

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 [0073] This enables signs 105 to be reused on different properties by simply replacing the printed sign component of the sign to suit the new property, or my removing the sign module and installing it onto a new sign.

[0074] The system may be configured such that the user’s device 110 automatically connects to the different signs 105’, when in proximity thereto. This may be achieved by making the different signs appear to be identical from a perspective of being a WIFI access point (e.g. using a common SSID and settings), such that the different signs 105’ are perceived as being the same WIFI access point from the perspective of the smartphone 110.

[0075] Furthermore, cookies may be saved on the smartphone, including the details of the user, enabling the user to be subsequently identified, even at a new sign 105’, and without requiring the user to re-enter his or her details.

[0076] As the user visits different properties (and connects with different signs), the system may monitor the behaviour of the user, and in particular the types of properties, objects or things that the user is interested in. The system may then suggest properties, objects or locations based upon the user’s earlier interactions.

[0077] In the context of properties, the server 120’ may extract key features from properties which the user has connected to a sign of, such as size, price, location, and issues alerts when a new property having those (or similar) key features is made available.

[0078] Figure 7 illustrates an alert in the form of a text message 705 with a link 710 therein relating to a property. The link 720 is selectable and may provide a link to details of the property using a URL, and the URL may include an identifier, identifying the user.

[0079] The text message 705 is advantageously sent to the user when a new listing has been provided that matches features relating to the user’s earlier interactions, such as size, price, and location.

[0080] Any suitable form of matching users to properties, objects or locations may be provided. For example, the matching may be performed based on characteristics of the property, object or location, based upon interactions between similar users and other properties, for example. In one embodiment, machine learning or artificial intelligence may be employed to match users and properties, objects or locations.

[0081] In some embodiments, sign modules may be provided which enables a traditional sign, such as a real estate sign, to be converted to an interactive sign, similar to the real estate sign 105 of the system 100. In such case, the smart sign module may be provided in a housing,

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 which is adapted to be attached to a rear of a sign, as illustrated above with reference to Figures 4a-4c.

[0082] Similarly, the smart sign module may be removed from a sign, and installed on, and reconfigured to be used on another sign, to convert that other sign to a smart sign.

[0083] Furthermore, the sign module may be positioned in proximity to the sign, but not attached to the sign. As an illustrative example, the sign module could be hidden in a garden or placed inside a front room of a house, which could assist with theft prevention.

[0084] While the above is described with reference to existing properties, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that it may be used on blocks of land, off-the-plan apartments, and the like. For example, in relation to a block of land or an off-the-plan apartment, the virtual tour may comprise a tour of a house or apartment that has yet to be built.

[0085] The virtual tour may be customisable according to options available to a purchaser. As an illustrative example, on a block of land, the user may navigate between different house options.

[0086] The wireless gateway functionality of the systems and modules described above may provide internet access to the user. This internet access may be limited (e.g. a 10-minute maximum), or restricted (e.g. only allowing access to a limited number of websites or webpages).

[0087] Further, while the above embodiments primarily relate to a real estate sign, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that other types of signs may be used, including signs for objects or signs associated with a particular location.

[0088] While the above embodiments and examples have been described with reference to a remote server, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that one or more remote servers may be used, including cloud-based servers. In fact, the functionality of the server may be provided through various cloud-based software services, including analytics services and the like, without specific reference to the actual server or servers on which the services are provided.

[0089] Advantageously, the systems, devices and methods described above may enable a potential buyer to have a virtual tour of a property while in proximity to the property (e.g. at a front of the property), without needing to organise a time with an agent or owner. This enables the potential buyer to get a better overview of the property when taking the virtual tour, as noises and characteristics of the neighbourhood can be experienced when taking the virtual tour.

[0090] As such, the systems, devices and methods enable properties to be marketed to

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 individuals, particularly those which are busy, in a manner that was previously unavailable.

[0091] The systems, devices and methods may also enable tracking of potential buyers across multiple properties, and thus enable analysis of buyer behaviour, and further marketing based thereon.

[0092] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0093] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0094] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

2018101030 26 Jul 2018

Claims (5)

1/5

2018101030 26 Jul 2018

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1. A real estate signage system including:

a physical real estate sign provided in association with a property;

a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity to the physical real estate sign; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and one or more remote servers;

wherein the system is configured to provide data associated with the property on the local wireless data interface and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the property.

2/5

2018101030 26 Jul 2018

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2. The system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of physical real estate signs provided in association with a plurality of different properties, wherein each physical real estate sign is associated with :a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity thereto; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and the one or more remote servers, wherein the system is configured to provide data associated with each of the properties on the respective local wireless data interfaces and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the property.

3/5

Figure 4a Figure 4b Figure 4c

2018101030 26 Jul 2018

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the local wireless data interface comprises a data interface according to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, such as a WiFi data interface, and the remote wireless data interface comprises a cellular wireless data interface, such as Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) data interface, or a fourth generation broadband cellular (4G) data interface.

4/5

2018101030 26 Jul 2018

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4. An interactive real estate sign including:

a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity to the real estate sign; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and one or more remote servers;

wherein the sign module is configured to provide data associated with the sign on the local wireless data interface and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in

2018101030 26 Jul 2018 response to receiving an identifier associated with the sign.

5. A sign module, configured to convert a physical sign to an interactive sign, the sign module including:

a local wireless data interface, configured to provide wireless data access to one or more portable computing devices in proximity to the physical sign; and a remote wireless data interface, coupled to the local wireless data interface and one or more remote servers;

wherein the sign module is configured to provide data associated with the sign on the local wireless data interface and from the one or more remote servers, the data provided in response to receiving an identifier associated with the sign.

5/5

2018101030 26 Jul 2018

Figure 6