GB2461130A

GB2461130A - Interactive mobile sign with EPOS

Info

Publication number: GB2461130A
Application number: GB0811691A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip James Barnett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-23
Filing date: 2008-06-23
Publication date: 2009-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-23
Also published as: GB0811691D0; GB2461130B

Abstract

A mobile sign system comprises one or more displays, an associated user interface and a local computer for generating a data output and communicating with a central computer. The local computer preferably has the ability to generate coupons, tickets or receipts and the system is preferably provided with a electronic point of sale EPOS device. Further, the system may allow a user to take an order from a customer, send the order to an establishment and provide a receipt to the customer. The system may facilitate commission payments. The displayed images may be dependent upon time and/or location of the system as determined by GPS. Image data can be received wirelessly from a remote server or a user can directly manipulate the images on the screen.

Description

INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an interactive communication system comprising one or more displays, each comprising, or having associated therewith, a user interface for inputting data, and a means (such as a local computer) for: i) generating a data output, in the form of a signal and optionally also in a physical form, such as a coupon, ticket or receipt, and ii) communicating data with a central computer.

Preferably, the display, user interface and means (such as a local computer) are all capable of being worn, or otherwise carried, by an operative.

BACKGROUND TO THE iNVENTION

The system is broadly outlined in the Applicants earlier application, GB0703098.4 in which a display communicates with a central computer such that data displayed is controlled in both a time sensitive and location sensitive manner. Accordingly, the display has associated with it a means for transmitting details of its location, and optionally time, back to the central location, and receiving data or instruction for * ** display based on this information. * .** * . ***.

: *.** The display of the interactive communication apparatus is particularly suitable for, but *** not limited to, wearing and/or being held or manoeuvred by an operative and may incorporate a touch screen display. Alternatively, an operative may input data from a S...

separate hand held control unit, which may, for example, be modified for arm *:. mounting.

In a preferred embodiment, the display includes an electronic or electrical screen e.g. a liquid crystal display and takes the form of a mobile advertising display.

The local computer (which may be a hand held or arm mounted unit) can include a location sensor, e.g. GPS system, and a clock, and can be arranged to alter the information displayed on its associated display, dependent upon the time and location.

Significantly, the displayed information can be varied as a function of time. For example, a database stored within a controlling computer (which can be a local computer or a central computer) can contain an indication of which information has to be displayed at different times. Thus, the controlling computer can control one or more displays independently, such that they display relevant information at different times (and/or on different days), which information may additionally be controlled by the displays given location at any point in time. For example, at lunch times, information relating to food outlets could be displayed. At other times, other information may be displayed.

To facilitate this, the display (or a local computer associated therewith) may be coupled to or incorporate a location device (such as a GPS unit), providing information indicative of the position of the display. The local computer may be incorporated within the display, carried alongside it, or may be a separate hand held control unit (incorporating a user interface), which may, for example, be adapted or housed, for arm mounting. * **

Preferably, the display is a mobile advertising display, with the information displayed *.*.

being controlled based upon the location of the display. * S. * . * **..

*:. 25 For example, as an operative wearing the display walks past different aisles in a supermarket, the advertising information displayed may change, to show information S...

*..: pertinent to the nearest aisle. The local or central computer would determine the * : . information to be displayed by referencing a database stored therein. A range of different adverts for display would be stored in the database, along with position information associated with each advert. The local or central computer will thus select, and control the advert associated with the position determined by the location of the display using the database.

The system may utilise RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology or other transponders, to monitor the position or the location of the one or more displays.

The position and time information can be combined. For example, the local or central computer could control the information displayed on a display such that it is both time and location sensitive. Thus, for example, the information displayed may advertise a local food outlet or restaurant at lunchtimes, and display information relating to local events (or adverts for nearby shops) at other times.

The local or central computer may also contain information indicating the relative positions of nearby establishments, and software allowing the display to indicate directions (e.g. a map,) to the establishment. Such directions could be updated as the operative wearing the display moves.

Preferably, each display is able to communicate with other linked displays via a central computer or server. This would facilitate operative to operative communication. For example, assuming that the displays can communicate using Internet protocol, then they could be arranged with appropriate microphones/speakers and video camera to allow VOIP (voice over IP) and/or MOIP (meeting over IP). * ** * S *

* * Preferably, the central computer or server is programmable to provide a tracking S.. S * * * report, indicating the location of each display at any point in time. Alternatively, or : **.* additionally, it may be programmed to provide an activity report which can be linked I...

* 25 to time and or location.. 5.0

S

*..: The tracking function could be performed in real time e.g. with information relating to * S. the position of the displays continuously being provided to a central computer, or alternatively, the information could be transmitted intermittently, preferably at regular, predetermined intervals. Alternatively, each display (or associated local computer) could keep a record of the location (e.g. as determined from GPS data), and transmit a copy of the record to the central computer or server at predetermined intervals.

Preferably a local computer is coupled (including wireless coupling) to each display, so as to control the information displayed thereon. The display area is preferably at least 0.1 metres squared (e.g. greater than 0.33 metres by 0.33 metres). The display is preferably mounted in a manner such that it can be worn by an operative. For example, straps may be attached to the display, allowing the screen to be mounted on the back or front of the operative like a backpack or one portion of a sandwich board.

Alternatively, the display may be mounted in a manner allowing it to be displayed above the head of the operative.

In yet a further embodiment an operative may carry a plurality of displays which may display the same or different information.

For example, a larger display could be used to display information to attract people to the display (e.g. information indicative of a live event such as a concert), with a smaller display arranged to display information regarding the concert e.g. price of concert tickets. * SI * I I

* .* Preferably the local computer associated with each display can receive software * S.I *. and/or information updates by one or more mechanisms, such as from flash memory, CD ROM or via SMS (short message service). * 25 *S.

The display preferably includes a user interface, to enable interaction with local users

ISIS

(e.g. the surrounding public). Preferably, this user interface is arranged to be mounted *: * on the body or worn on the forearm of the operative wearing the display. The user interface is arranged to enable data to be collected by e.g. the operative or an assistant, which data may be communicated from a keyboard, touch screen, or by infrared communication from another device such as a mobile phone.

Further, the user interface could be utilised to act as an input for an electronic point of sale (EPOS) procedure, for instance allowing the sale of tickets to an event.

The display may include a camera device (e.g. in the form of a digital camera) coupled to the local computer and/or display, so as to allow the recording (and the subsequent display, if desired) of still or moving images. Preferably, the camera is coupled (including wirelessly) to the local computer, so as to allow the manipulation of the recorded images.

Wireless communication apparatus may couple the display to a local and /or central computer or server.. Such communication apparatus could include, for example, a Wi-Fi or a GSM telephony link, e.g. using TCP/IP. The central computer or server could thus communicate with any display to which it is wirelessly connected. Thus, the central computer or server can be used to direct the operation and control of each display. Such a central computer or server could be used to send a variety of control signals, including control signals to arrange the shutdown of displays i.e. to stop the operation of the display in the event it is stolen.

For example, the central computer or server can be arranged to send instructions to a local computer, arranging for the database of the local computer controlling a display to be updated. For example, the database could be updated to indicate local events * 4* * * that are ongoing (with information regarding both the type of event, the advert which *11S should be associated with the event, and the relevant position of the event). Thus, the information that is displayed by the display can be dynamically updated. The display *1 * 25 could, for example, be used to broadcast live information or playback pre-recorded information. ** *4

S

* * The central computer or server may also be used to coordinate the information to be displayed on each display to which it is coupled. For example, consider a number of mobile displays worn by operatives at a large event. The central computer or server could coordinate the information provided on each display, taking into account the location of each sign as the operative moves around the event, so as to direct people to a predetermined position. The displays could be utilised to provide way points e.g. a first display directs people to a second display, a second display to a third display, and a third display to a predetermined location or exit. The directions to the next way point would be continuously updated, based upon both the position of each display and the activities or hazards at the event site. This could be particularly useful if an emergency occurs at the event e.g. a fire. The displays could thus be used to coordinate the evacuation of people from the event grounds, to a safe exit, avoiding any areas of danger (e.g. fire).

Preferably, the displays also includes a loudspeaker allowing the display to be used as a public address system. The display may broadcast, via a loudspeaker, pre-stored information, live information streamed from the central computer or server, or the amplified voice of the operative.

PRESENT INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an interactive communication system comprising one or more displays, each comprising or having associated therewith a user interface for inputting data, and a means (such as a local computer) for: i) generating a data output, in the form of a signal and optionally also in a *: * physical form, such as a coupon, ticket or receipt, and *** ii) communicating with a central computer : **, each display having associated therewith, a position locator and a time indicator, the system being controlled such that the information displayed on the screen is controlled from a database based on the time and location of the display. S... I...

* The improvements over the earlier disclosed apparatus relate as much as to it's functionality, which can be achieved by means of programming, as to it's design.

Thus, a field operative can, for example, control the display and all aspects of system operation, such as: * Advertising display on screen; * Bluetooth media; * Internet pages displayed; and * Interaction with server via e.g. a hand held control unit.

This hand held control unit (which may, for example, by arm mounted) comprises a small, e.g. LCD, screen capable of informing the operative of, for example: * System status; and * Display content etc. It will also be capable of providing e.g. drop down menus for inputting key data, such

as, for example:

* Discreet feedback; and * Customer details, e.g. name, sex, age, contact details etc; The taking of, for example, phone or e mail details provides a quick and effective means of being able to transfer data directly to the customer (e.g. a coupon, discount * ::* voucher, ticket or receipt. **. *

The hand held control unit can be used to prompt the operative for customer surveys, * : for example, providing the question to be asked and allowing the operative to quickly *. 25 and accurately enter customer answers. *.**

Thus, for example the system can be used to provide a "virtual waiter" service where on operative takes an order, and may also take payment and a commission on the street sending that order to the venue and providing a receipt to the customer. By taking, for example, the customer's mobile phone number, and transmitting the details to the venue, the venue can then communicate independently with the customers to inform them that their order is ready. Such a system avoids unnecessary queuing and makes operation in e.g. fast food establishments more efficient. The reader will appreciate such methodology is readily transferable to a number of allied situations.

Integrating the system into establishments is also possible, and it is envisaged that the display and or data-input means could, for example be integrated into table tops.

The system can also support visual and audio capture making it particularly suitable as a broadcast media interface.

The fact that the system is mobile, arresting, immediate, and interactive makes it ideal for direct response marketing, broadcasting, promotions and lead capture.

Further details of the invention are set out, by way of example only, below:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The system is able to, for example: * Showcase advertising, websites and promotions in situ, * Support advertising and marketing campaigns, and deliver AIDA (attention, *: ::* 20 interest, desire, action). S...

S It can be used to target demographics by activity and location with full EPOS transaction technology. For example it can be used to, for example: * * * Sell club tickets within a locality, * Sell product promotions in retail outlets, : : * Direct people to an exhibition stand with an incentive, * * Bluetooth an "e-voucher" to a customer's phone.

It can be used to: * Promote and sell products and services in any location, * Gather data, leads, names, contact details including mobile phone numbers allowing immediate data transfer; and * Direct people to presentations, events and locations.

By, for example, using mobile Blue casting it can: * Scan and find mobile phones and send text messages incorporating, for example, special offers; * Play news clips, goals, soap snips, film clips, music tracks etc -on request, in situ; * Blue cast music tracks, ring tones, video clips and offers to people's mobile devices; * Interact through touch screen data input and QWERTY keyboard -e.g., competitions, games.

Live two way links -through a GSM modem or WLAN, can be set up and in conjunction with the use of cameras, people can be put in contact, real time, with a 1'V or radio presenter, personality, or someone in a studio, nightclub or retail outlet.

* * 20 The system is particularly useful in marshalling or directing people at big crowd S. events and can additionally be used to show e.g. golf fans at the third hole what's happening on the seventeenth. It can also incorporate emergency and evacuation : .: communications and procedures.

The display may be arranged to: * :* * 1. Show static adverts and logo's around the periphery of the display screen; 2. Show signage advertising (video, audio, stills) on the display screen; 3. Show internet web pages through an internet browser; and 4. Via specific software applications, switch or combine 2 and 3 above as well as 5. Display multi-media advertising and marketing material (via e.g. Bluetooth or WiFi) through 1-4 above; The system can be used to target individuals. Thus, the operative can control the display to target a potential customer. Based on the information inputted by the operative the display can be reconfigured to match the profile of the customer.

The system facilitates interaction between the customer and operative. The operative can, for example, invite the customer to input data via a touch screen, user interface or other means, such as their own mobile phone.

Data can be logged in a variety of ways, such as, for example: * Automatic, and periodic logging of time and location together with or without the nature of the event.

Data can be gathered directly from interacting customers, and can be stored locally and or transmitted to a central computer. The system will also be able to gather and store visual and audio data in addition to alphanumeric data.

Data logging can be facilitated by prompts offered by the system.

Product delivery can take various forms. For example, it can be through Bluetooth * .. 20 delivery of any multimedia content to e.g. a customer's mobile phone. Services and products can be bought via the system through access to e.g. a promoter's website. **.*

Customers may, for example, use the system to sign up to services. * ** * * . ****

* * The fact that they system is responsive has advantages. It can be used to obtain instant customer feedback. * q* ** S

A local computer, e.g. one worn on the forearm, can be used by the operative in different ways. For example, it can be switched between an "operative mode", where it can be used to prompt the operative and show, for example, system messages, and a "consumer mode" where it can be used to gather data from the consumer.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An interactive communication system comprising one or more displays, each comprising or having associated therewith a user interface for inputting data, and a means (such as a local computer) for: a. generating a data output, in the form of a signal and optionally also in a physical form, such as a coupon, ticket or receipt, and b. communicating with a central computer each display having associated therewith, a position locator and a time indicator, the system being controlled such that the information displayed on the screen is controlled from a database based on the time and location of the display.

0)
2. An interactive communication system as claimed in claim 1 which can facilitate electronic point of sales (epos) procedures. (0
3. An interactive communication system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 which is c\.i programmed such that an operative can take an order from a customer, send the order to an establishment, and provide a receipt to the customer.
4. An interactive communication system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the operative captures and transmits information allowing the establishment to communicate directly with the customer.
5. An interactive communication system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the information captured is a phone number or e mail.
6. An interactive communication system as claimed in any of claims 3 -S which can facilitate commission payments.