WO2014018996A1

WO2014018996A1 - Synchronization of communication

Info

Publication number: WO2014018996A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2013/000056
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Mark Levinsohn
Original assignee: Steven Mark Levinsohn
Priority date: 2012-07-25
Filing date: 2013-07-24
Publication date: 2014-01-30
Also published as: GB201313271D0; GB2506256A

Abstract

A system for synchronizing dynamic communication zones during an interview comprising a backdrop apparatus for use during filming of an interview by way of an image display arrangement, the backdrop apparatus comprising: an at least partly planar surface onto which is disposed an arrangement of communication zones which display communication data, the arrangement of communication zones comprises: at least one dynamic communication zone being operable to display a variable communication, and at least one static communication zone being operable to display a static communication; wherein the dynamic communication zone of the backdrop apparatus comprises a communication means for communicating with at least one other remotely situated dynamic communication zone.

Description

SYNCHRONIZATION OF COMMUNICATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a backdrop apparatus, a sporting apparel and a microphone accessory; the display of at least one electronic communication display on the aforementioned items and the synchronization of a communication between the backdrop apparatus and at least one of the apparel and the microphone accessory as well as a method of recording an interview utilising said synchronized itmes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In stationary or mobile interview arrangements, there is often a planar backdrop apparatus with sponsors' communication data, such as advertising material, displayed thereon. Often the communication data is arranged in a matrix formation on the backdrop apparatus which is then included as a backdrop or background during interviews and/or other events, which interviews are filmed and/or recorded and transmitted to an audience. When viewed by the viewers, the backdrop apparatus, particularly the communication data provided thereon, forms part of the filming and is and is visible to the viewers.

Communication data, typically advertisements, displayed on a backdrop apparatus have commercial value as the broadcaster or transmitter of the interview or event can charge a consideration for the display of the advertisements associated with sponsors to a viewer(s).

The larger the audience viewing the transmitted event, which often comprises an interview or discussion, the higher the price is that can be charged for displaying an advertisement to an audience.

Conventional backdrop apparatuses usually display a plurality of advertisements, where the advertisements are static advertisements of the same or substantially similar composition, usually being printed onto a surface. A problem with this arrangement is that one advertisement or a plurality of advertisements associated with a first sponsor does not stand out from an advertisement or a plurality of advertisements associated with a second sponsor.

In effect, there is a lot of clutter amongst the communication data provided on conventional backdrop apparatuses and it is difficult for one to differentiate between communication data.

The present invention seeks at least to partially address the abovementioned problems and to provide a backdrop apparatus which may seek to provide different opportunities to advertisers and sponsors.

In addition, there is no synchronization of communication between at least two of the items selected from the group comprising a backdrop apparatus, a sporting apparel and a microphone accessory.

This invention relates to the synchronization of communication. More particularly it relates to a synchronised communication and or advertising system, a synchronized method of advertising and or communication, an apparel having a display device, a display device for attachment to an apparel, a system, method and means whereby the display of a communication on an apparel and the filming thereof is synchronized between a backdrop apparatus and at least two apparels which have at least one display device removably or permanently attached thereto.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a system for synchronizing dynamic communication zones during an interview comprising a backdrop apparatus for use during filming of an interview by way of an image display arrangement, the backdrop apparatus comprising:

an at least partly planar surface onto which is disposed an arrangement of communication zones which display communication data, the arrangement of communication zones comprises:

at least one dynamic communication zone being operable to display a variable communication,

and

at least one static communication zone being operable to display a static communication; wherein the dynamic communication zone of the backdrop apparatus comprises a communication means for communicating with at least one other remotely situated dynamic communication zone.

Conveniently the remotely situated dynamic communication zone is securable to a sporting apparel and a microphone.

The communication zone is conveniently a display device comprising an electronically operable display screen which may preferably be flexible, and is also preferably attachable to an outer surface of the apparel.

A driver may be provided for the display screen. The driver may be part of the display device or it may be separate therefrom and be part of an auxiliary unit carried by or attached to the apparel and which is connected to the display device by a cabl<

The apparel may further include a storage module in which the various communications to be displayed may be stored.

The apparel may also include a power supply. This may be a rechargeable battery.

The apparel may still further include a transfer unit whereby a communication may be transferred thereto, from a remote source, for display by the display device. This may be effected in a wired or wireless manner. Thus, in a preferred embodiment the transfer unit may include a wireless receiver for receiving a transmitted communication such as the date, time, duration and identity, of advertisements displayed on each display device.

The apparel may, in addition, have a controller, a clock and a timer. Thus, the various communications may be displayed on the display screen at designated times for predetermined durations.

The storage module, the power supply, the transfer unit, the transmitter, the controller, the clock and the timer may each be part of the display device or the auxiliary unit.

Further there is provided a system, means and method of synchronizing at least one communication zone of a backdrop apparatus with the communication zone of a sporting apparel in accordance with the invention, wherein the communication displayed on the communication zones is synchronized with one another.

In particular, if the apparel is a garment, a person wearing the garment may be filmed. The person being filmed may be a player or participant in a sporting event or a spectator. The communication may be a message, an advertisement, a logo, the name of a TV or radio station, or the like. It will be understood that a particular communication may be a combination of different forms. For example, it could be a combination of an advertisement and a station identifier.

The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the following drawings.

DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a backdrop apparatus with static display zones; Figure 2 shows a backdrop apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the invention, with a dynamic advertisement zone in the form of an electronic display device;

Figure 3 shows a backdrop apparatus with a plurality of dynamic advertisement zones and a media player;

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the media player; and

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a backdrop apparatus also in accordance with the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a microphone accessory; and

Figure 7 illustrates a foam microphone cover; and

Figure 8 illustrates a microphone accessory and a foam microphone cover; and

Figure 9 illustrates a backdrop apparatus at a sports event; and Figure 10 illustrates a communication between at least two items. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An "item" or a "device" or an "apparatus" may be selected from the group comprising a backdrop apparatus, an electronic patch, a sporting apparel device, a microphone accessory, and a foam microphone accessory.

An electronic patch may be attached to at least one or to a plurality of apparel items where apparel may be selected from the group comprised of garment and sport garment and protective garment and footwear and eye glasses and shirts and pants and short pants and short sleeved shirt and dress and boxing trunks and athletic wear and caps and hats and tracksuits and headband and wrist band and overalls and outer garment and socks and watch and other garments worn by a person onto which an electronic patch may be attached, where the means of attachment may be permanent or removable.

In this specification a "sporting apparel" means an apparel intended for use with, in or at a sporting event, which is either a garment or a vehicle.

The term "garment" means an apparel which is intended to be used on or with the human body and includes clothing and apparel, whether for normal use or specially for sport or protective purposes, footwear, eye glasses, wrist or head bands, caps, helmets, hats, watches and the like which a person can wear or put on. The clothing may be shirts, pants, trousers, jackets, socks, tracksuits, jerseys, sweaters, gowns, capes, or the like.

"Vehicle" includes a vehicle intended to travel on water, on the ground or in the air. Thus, as examples, the vehicle may be a boat or ship, a car or motorbike, or an aeroplane, glider, balloon or the like.

Due to the lack of advertising space at certain events, specially at high profile sporting events, available advertising space is scarce and at a premium. For these and other reasons, including the desire of an advertiser to be associated with a particular sport or celebrity personality, "patches" have been adhered to garments worn by, for example, a sports star. A good example are the patches that are attached to the outer protective garments that Formula One race drivers wear. These outer protective garments are adorned with the names, logos, brands and other communications of sponsors and advertisers. When the race driver is in front of television cameras, such as at a press conference, and is wearing a protective garment that has patches thereon, the advertiser whose logo, name or brand appears on a patch on the protective garment gains television exposure for their product or service because their brand or logo is broadcast to many households that are watching the press conference.

Traditional patches, due to their nature, can only display a single communication thereon during a set time period.

It is an object of the invention to enable multiple advertisements to be viewed on a single electronic patch during a set time period.

Yet another object of the invention is enable a sponsor who uses an electronic patch to have their communication stand out form among the clutter of many other competing advertisements. These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon noting the claims, illustrations and description of the invention as contained herein.

In Figure 1 reference numeral 90 refers to a backdrop apparatus. In the known prior art the backdrop apparatus 90 is manufactured of a light weight plastic or wooden backing 101 , or of a vinyl material attached to a supporting backdrop apparatus structure or other suitable material.

It will be appreciated that in a preferred example embodiment, the backdrop apparatus may be a backing billboard and in this regard reference will be made thereto.

In any event, an interviewer 102 interviews an interviewee 103 in front of the studio backdrop 90. The interview is often recorded or filmed by an image capturing arrangement (not shown) and broadcasted to an audience. An audio pickup of the conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee is made with the use of a microphone 104.

It will be appreciated that in this specification, the term "interview" includes an interview, a discussion a conversation or any other activity which takes place with a backing billboard as a backdrop to the interview, typically with the backing billboard being provided behind the person or people being interviewed such that it may be visible in the filming or recording of the interview by way of the image capturing arrangement.

When used in this invention, the terms "filmed", "filming" and "recording" includes filming or recording of the interview by the image capturing arrangement which may include any device that is configured to capture an image or a series of images, and a camera comprises a film camera, video camera and/or recorder, whether digital or analogue, a studio camera, a motion capture device or any other device suitable to effect and implement the system and method of the invention as further disclosed herein, and the invention is not limited by the use of any such description. The terms filmed, filming and recording may include the broadcasting and or transmission of the filmed interview to an audience.

As disclosed in this invention, the broadcast or broadcasting of the filmed or filming of the interview includes any means and/or method of delivering the filmed interview to an audience and/or viewer(s) of the filmed interview, by any suitable means and/or method, including the transmission of the filmed interview, in a wired and/or wireless manner, whether terrestrial or non-terrestrial, by known means and/or methods or future means and/or methods, including the use of television stations, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, satellite transmitters and/or receivers, wired and/or wireless networks, terrestrial and/or non-terrestrial data networks, the internet, intranets, cellular transmitters/receivers or any of the preceding means and/or methods, whether used alone or in conjunction with one another and/or in any suitable combination thereof.

A viewer(s) and/or an audience may view the transmitted interview on any of a number of suitable devices, including television monitors, mobile devices, cellular devices, tablet computers, monitors, projections, pads or the like, including the use of ancillary devices and equipment, hardware and software, such as personal video recorders, TiVo, from cable head ends and the like.

In addition, a filmed interview may be broadcast or transmitted to an audience live and/or virtually instantly and/or it may be recorded and/or stored for future transmission at a later date or delayed transmission may occur. Further, a filmed interview may be reformatted to a different medium, such as a video file to be viewed on a device or through a web browser or device or system and/or method that enable a viewer to view the filmed interview. An interviewer 102 interviews an interviewee 103 in front of backing billboard 90. The interview is often recorded by a camera/video arrangement (not shown) and transmitted to an audience as has been described herein.

As mentioned, audio pickup of the conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee is often made with the use of a microphone 104. Alternatively, the interviewer 102 is not present on screen, and only the interviewee(s) 103 is/are viewable.

Backing billboard 90 includes a plurality of communication zones 105, 106, 107, 108 109, 110, from which static communications are displayed. These communication zones are visible to the audience of the transmitted interview and provide exposure of a communication to viewers of the transmitted interview.

A communication may be a message, an advertisement, a logo, a brand, a station identifier or the like.

Referring now to Figure 2, backing billboard 100 in accordance with the invention comprises a plurality of communication zones 105, 107 and 108 which display static communications.

Importantly, backing billboard 100 comprises at least one dynamic communication zone 201.

Dynamic communication zone 210 comprises a display device 202 characterized in that it comprises a face for displaying a variable communication.

Significantly, in a preferred embodiment, display device 202 is an electronic display device configured to display an electronically variable communication or dynamic content. Display device 202 may display at least one or a plurality of electronically variable communications, including photos and/or moving images such as videos.

Meaningfully, due to the differentiation of the face or screen 203 of display device 202 from the face of a static communication zone (105, 106, 107 and 109), a communication 204 displayed on screen 203 of electronic display device 202 will stand out from and be distinguished from a communication displayed on the face of communication zones 105, 06,

107 and 108.

Notably, due to the transmission of light from the face of electronic display device 202, a communication displayed on the face of electronic display device 202 will stand out from and be differentiated from a communication displayed on the face of a static communication zone (105, 106, 107 and 109).

Of substantial importance, when in use, electronic display device 202 is configured to display a plurality of communication and/or images therefrom, whereas a static communication zone can only display a single communication.

In use, an interview is filmed in front of the backing billboard, and broadcast to an audience, electronic display device 201 can be operated to display dynamic content or electronically variable communications to an audience.

Electronic display device 202 may be permanently or removable attached to backing billboard 100. ^λ

The communication zones, including zones 105, 201 , 107,

108 are arranged in a geometrical pattern, which in this instance is a matrix of rows and columns. The geometrical pattern is referenced by numeral 220 and the dashed lines. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that alternative geometrical patterns may be overlaid on backing billboard 100, and that the communication zones will be disposed to fit in the chosen pattern or layout of the communication zones, and that the present invention is not limited to a single geometrical pattern or layout of communication zones.

In Figure 3 a preferred embodiment of backing billboard 300 is shown. The backing billboard 300 includes a plurality of electronic display devices 201, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 and 308 (shaded) as well as a plurality of static display zones such as 309 and 310.

In this embodiment of the invention, the electronic display devices (shaded) are operable to display dynamic or electronically variable content.

In one preferred embodiment, the dynamic content may be controlled by a multi-channel media player 320 and the content or communication(s) on the display device(s) may be displayed in a synchronized or unsynchronized manner.

The dynamic content or electronically variable communication may be streamed from the media player 320 by cable or wireless communication channel to the screens (shaded).

In this embodiment the display devices 201 , 301 , 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 and 308 are fed with content or communications transmitted from media player 320. Media player 320 has a transmitter (not shown) and a matched antenna 321 for transmitting the content. The display devices 201 , 301 , 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 and 308 are thus provided with receivers (not shown) and an antenna 322 for receiving the streamed content. Alternatively the display devices 201 , 301 , 302, 303, 304,

305, 306, 307 and 308 may receive content via a wired interface via at least one cable 330, connected to the media player. If required, multiple cables 331 may be provided to carry the content or communication signals.

The media player 320 may include a configurable computerized system for controlling the content or communications to be displayed on the various display devices 201 , 301 , 302, 303, 304, 305,

306, 307 and 308.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the electronic display devices may contain circuitry and controllers to connect wirelessly to the Internet and to receive and or store the necessary communications and to display the appropriate communication on the display device in accordance with a predefined schedule.

In an alternative embodiment, display devices 201 , 301 , 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 and 308 may include a display face, a storage module, suitable drivers, batteries, electricity power supply units,, associated circuitry, hardware and software such that at least one communication may be stored in an electronic display device and displayed by the electronic display device, at a predetermined time and date for a predetermined duration.

In the block diagram shown in Figure 4 a block diagram of a display controller 50 is shown.

The display controller 50 has a computer based controller 52 with a clock 54 and a timer 56, a receiver 58, a transmitter 59, a storage module 60, a display screen 42, drivers 62 for the screen 42 and a rechargeable battery 64 or power supply source 64. Transmitter 59 may be a wireless transmitter or a cable transmitter. The same communication streams may be displayed simultaneously on all electronic display devices, shown in Figure 3 as 201 , 301 , 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 and 308, or the communication steams may be displayed contemporaneously on the different electronic display devices, using signals transmitted from the controller 50 to the electronic display device.

In another embodiment, shown in Figure 5, the studio backdrop 100 includes an electronic display device 601 that completely or substantially runs the width of the backing billboard 100. At the bottom of the studio backdrop a plurality of smaller electronic display devices 602 are linearly arranged along the width of the studio backdrop 100, such that dynamic media can "scroll" from one end of the electronic display device 602 to the other.

The present invention includes a system and method and means whereby a communication or a plurality of communications from at least one communicator can stand out from the plurality of communications of at least one other communicator and/or from the plurality of communications that are typically displayed on a backing billboard and then transmitted to an audience.

The ability to enable at least one communicator have at least one of their communications stand out from the other communications displayed in the backing billboard is of value to such a communicator.

As further described in the invention disclosed herein, this is achieved without derogating or distracting from the general aesthetic layout of a backing billboard.

In particular, press interviews with sports teams or a sports person(s) and discussions between an interviewer(s) and interviewee(s), and the like are often conducted in front of said backing billboard, which display static communications thereon, which discussion is filmed, transmitted to an audience and then viewed by an audience.

The audience or viewers may view such transmission on a variety of devices including television monitors, computers, mobile devices, tablet computers or any other suitable medium or device.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a first microphone 600 has attached thereto an electronic microphone accessory 601 that displays at least one communication 620, which communication 620 may be electronically variable.

A second microphone 610 has attached thereto a second electronic microphone accessory 611 that displays at least one communication 620, which communication 620 may be electronically variable.

A communication channel (wired or wireless) may be opened between at least the two microphone's 600 and 610 with at least two microphone accessories 601 and 611 attached thereto, whereby the communication displayed 620 on each microphone accessory (601 and 611) is the same communication 620, which is synchronized such that the communication that it displays starts at the same time, displays for the same length of time, and or stops at the same time (or which may run continuously, depending on the user's preference).

In the event that a second or more communication(s) follows a first communication, the second or more communication(s) may also be synchronized with one another. A following and or preceding communication may be synchronized with a prior or following communication, as the case may be. Such synchronization may include the transition between a first and a following communication, the start, stop and duration of a preceding or following communication. I

The communication channel may be between the microphone accessories themselves, using a wired and or wireless transmitter / receivers 660. Alternatively or in conjunction therewith, a transmitter / receiver 650 may transmit at least one synchronizable communication to at least two microphone accessories (601 and 611).

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a first microphone 700 has attached thereto an electronic microphone accessory 701 that displays at least one communication 710a, which communication 710a may be electronically variable.

A second microphone 720 has attached thereto a second electronic microphone accessory 711 that displays at least one communication 710b, which communication 710b may be electronically variable.

A communication channel (wired or wireless) may be opened between at least two microphone accessories (701 and 711). The communication channel 730 may synchronize the communication(s) between accessories 701 and 711 and may transmit and or receive data between microphone accessories 701 and 711. For example, the communication displayed 710a and 710b on each microphone accessory (701 and 711) is the same synchronized communication which starts at the same time, displays for the same length of time, and or stops at the same time (or which may run continuously, depending on the user's preference).

Similarly, the invention described and illustrated in FIG.6 and FIG. 7, may apply to at least two microphones with at least two microphone accessories attached thereto (not illustrated).

A microphone accessory and a transmitter / receiver may comprise the necessary computing components to effect the invention described herein, including, display device, user interface, hardware, input means, software, clock, timer, audit module, transmitter, receiver, storage device / means, battery, power connection, circuitry and so on. Data may be stored in a suitable medium or device therefor and may be displayed upon receipt of a signal instructing the display of a certain set of data.

In addition, in all the embodiments disclosed herein, any display device and or communication zone may display a "blue screen" or "green screen"..

In a preferred embodiment, one or more dynamic communication zone/s may display a "blue screen" while one or more other dynamic communication zone/s may display a communication. Significantly, this allows for the placement of, say, a national or international advertisement (communication) on at least one or on a selected group of dynamic communication zones/s, while allowing for at least one or a selected group of dynamic communication zones to display "blue screens" for virtual insertion of at least one communication by a user of a communication suited to or tailored to a specific group of viewers, such as a local advertisement for viewers viewing the communication in a separate geographic location.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, at least one interviewer 1000 may be interviewing at least one interviewee 1001 in front of at least one backdrop apparatus 1002.

Backdrop apparatus may be comprised of at least one electronic display device 1003 and or a plurality of electronic display devices 1004, 1005, 1006 and 1007 (shaded) which are operable to display dynamic or electronically variable content, as well as at least one communication zone, including zones 1401 , 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406 and 1407.

The interviewee 1001 may be a sports personality. Interviewee 1001 may be wearing an item of apparel 1100 and or may be wearing a sporting apparel 1200 or garment 1200, such as a cricket helmet or a cap. The sporting apparel may include a display device 1201 or a sporting apparel device 1201. As used herein, an item of apparel and or a sporting apparel and or a garment may be referred to as apparel.

The interviewee may have at least one electronic patch 1101 permanently or removably attached to garment 1100. In addition, patch 1102 is a conventional, non-electronic, non-variable patch.

The interviewer 1000 may have a microphone 1010 with an electronic microphone accessory 1011 and or a foam microphone cover 1012 attached thereto.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003), selected from the group comprising at least one or any or all of the electronic display devices used by at least one of the electronic microphone accessory 1011 and or the foam microphone cover 1012 and or the electronic patch 1101 and or the sporting apparel device 1201 and or the electronic display device 1003, are operable to display synchronized dynamic or synchronized electronically variable content.

In one preferred embodiment, the synchronizable dynamic content may be controlled by a multi-channel media player 1500 or similar device, and the synchronizable content or synchronizable communication(s) on the synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003) may be displayed in a synchronized manner.

The synchronizable dynamic content or synchronizable electronically variable communication may be streamed from the media player 1500 by cable or wireless communication channel to at least two synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003).

In this embodiment, at least two display devices of at least two synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003) are fed with content or communications transmitted from media player 1500. Media player 1500 has a transmitter (not shown) and a matched antenna 1501 for transmitting the content. The synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003) are thus provided with receivers (not shown) and with antennae (not shown) for receiving the streamed content.

Alternatively at least two of the synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003) may receive content via a wired interface via at least one cable 1502 connected to the media player. If required, multiple cables 1503 may be provided to carry the content or communication signals.

The media player 1500 may include a configurable computerized system for controlling the content or communications to be displayed on any two of the synchronizable display devices or items or apparatuses (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003).

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 , 1002 and 1003) may contain circuitry and controllers to connect wirelessly to the Internet and to receive and or store the necessary communications and to display and the appropriate communication on the selected synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003) in accordance with a predefined schedule.

In an alternative embodiment, synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003) may include a display face, a storage module, suitable drivers, batteries, electricity power supply units, associated circuitry, hardware and software such that at least one communication may be stored in a synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 and 1003) and transmitted, wirelessly or by wires, to at least one other synchronizable display devices (1011, 1012, 1101 , 1201, 1002 and 1003) in a synchronized manner. Such synchronization may include a communication or content to be displayed at a predetermined time and date for a predetermined duration and or a user may control the transmission of a communication or content using a user interface associated with a synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 , 1002 and 1003), including a start and stop function and a communication or data selector.

In the block diagram shown in FIG. 4, a block diagram of a display controller is shown.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the display controller 50 has a computer based controller 52 with a clock 54 and a timer 56, a receiver 58, a transmitter 59, a storage module 60, a display screen 42, drivers 62 for the screen 42 and a rechargeable battery 64 or power supply source 64. Transmitter 59 may be a wireless transmitter or a cable transmitter.

The same communication streams may be displayed simultaneously on at least two synchronizable display apparatuses (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 , 1002 and 1003) including on at least on one electronic display device associated with a synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 , 1002 and 1003).

A communication stream may include a plurality of communication streams may be displayed simultaneously on at least two synchronizable display apparatuses (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 , 1002 and 1003) including on at least on one electronic display device associated with a synchronizable display devices (1011 , 1012, 1101 , 1201 , 1002 and 1003).

In use, at least one communication displayed on any item(s) selected from the group comprising electronic microphone accessory 1011 and foam microphone cover 1012 and electronic patch 1101 and sporting apparel device 1201 and electronic display device 1003 may be simultaneously displayed on any item(s) selected from the group comprising electronic microphone accessory 1011 and foam microphone cover 1012 and electronic patch 1101 and sporting apparel device 1201 and electronic display device 1003. The summary of invention and claims form an integral aspect of the description of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for synchronizing dynamic communication zones comprising: a backdrop apparatus comprising: an at least partly planar surface onto which is disposed a predetermined arrangement of communication zones which display communication/s, the arrangement of communication zones comprising:

at least one dynamic communication zone comprising at least one electronically variable display means operable to display variable communication/s,

and

at least one static communication zone comprising at least one static display means operable to display a static communication; wherein at least one dynamic communication zone of the backdrop apparatus comprises a communication means for communicating with at least one other remotely situated dynamic communication zone comprising at least one electronically variable display means;

and where such communication means may be configured to synchronize the display of the communication between at least the backdrop apparatus and at least one other remotely situated dynamic communication zone using at least two electronically variable display means.

2. The remotely situated dynamic communication zone as claimed in claim 1 , being securable to at least one of an item of apparel and a microphone.

3. The communication zone as claimed in claim 1 , comprising an electronic display means having an electronically variable display means.

4. The display means as claimed in claim 3, being flexible, and attachable to an outer surface of apparel.

5. The electronic display means as claimed in claim 3, comprising a driver, which is any one of an integral attached driver and a separate driver which separate driver is part of an auxiliary unit carried by or attached to the apparel and which is connected to the display means by a cable and or wirelessly.

6. The electronic display means as claimed in claim 3, including a storage module in which the various communications to be displayed may be stored.

7. The electronic display means as claimed in claim 3, including a power supply.

8. The electronic display means as claimed in claim 3, comprising a transfer unit whereby a communication may be transferred thereto, from a remote source, for display by the electronic display means by at least one of a wired or wireless manner.

9. The electronic display means as claimed in claim 3, having a controller, a clock and a timer for scheduled displays of communications.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1 , whereby at least one dynamic communication zone may display a blue screen or equivalent.

11. A method of synchronizing at least one communication zone of a backdrop apparatus with the communication zone of at least one other remotely situated dynamic communication zone in accordance with the invention, wherein the communications displayed on the communication zones are synchronized with one another.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein at least two remotely situated dynamic communication zones are selected from the group comprising an apparel and a microphone accessory, and the at least two selected remotely situated dynamic communication zones are filmed.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the filmed and or filming and or recording of the at least two remotely situated dynamic communication zones is transmitted to an audience.

14. The method as claimed in claim 11 , whereby at least one dynamic communication zone may display a blue screen or other suitable image.

15. A system for synchronizing dynamic communication zones comprising: a microphone accessory comprising: at least one dynamic communication zone comprising at least one electronically variable display means operable to display variable communication/s, wherein at least one dynamic communication zone of the microphone accessory comprises a communication means for communicating with at least one other remotely situated dynamic communication zone comprising at least one electronically variable display means, excluding a backdrop apparatus; where such communication means may be configured to synchronize the display of the communication of the microphone accessory with the communication of the display selected from the group comprising at least one of a second microphone accessory display means and a garment comprising at least one dynamic communication zone comprising at least one electronically variable display means operable to display variable communication/s, and excluding a backdrop apparatus; using at least two electronically variable display means.

16. A method of synchronizing dynamic communication zones characterized therein by displaying a synchronized variable communication on at least two electronic display devices by means of: a backdrop apparatus comprising: an at least partly planar surface onto which is disposed a predetermined arrangement of communication zones which display communication/s, the arrangement of communication zones comprising:

and at least one static communication zone comprising at least one static display means operable to display a static communication; wherein at least one dynamic communication zone of the backdrop apparatus comprises a communication means which communicates with at least one other remotely situated dynamic communication zone comprising at least one electronically variable display means;

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least two remotely situated dynamic communication zones are selected from the group comprising a backdrop apparatus and a garment and a microphone accessory.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least two selected remotely situated dynamic communication zones are filmed.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the filmed and or filming and or recording of the remotely situated dynamic communication zones is transmitted to an audience.