WO2021178445A1

WO2021178445A1 - Targeted content delivery via holographic and transparent displays

Info

Publication number: WO2021178445A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/020533
Authority: WO
Inventors: David VALVERDE VARGAS
Original assignee: Pranos Inc.
Priority date: 2020-03-02
Filing date: 2021-03-02
Publication date: 2021-09-10

Abstract

In an embodiment, a method includes receiving, by one or more computing systems, a request to display a digital content item at a display endpoint communicatively coupled with a local content server. The display endpoint includes an external vehicle-mounted display. The method includes selecting a digital content item from a collection of digital content items hosted by a remote content server. The method includes causing the digital content item to be transferred to the local content server and providing instructions to cause the digital content item to be displayed. The method includes receiving a confirmation that the digital content item was displayed by the display endpoint. The confirmation includes a time and a location associated with the vehicle. The method includes calculating, based on the time and the location associated with the vehicle, a number of content impressions of the digital content item attributable to the display endpoint.

Description

Targeted Content Delivery Via Holographic and Transparent Displays

PRIORITY

[1] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional

Patent Application No. 62/983,996, filed 02 March 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[2] This disclosure generally relates to targeting delivery of media content using highly mobile displays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[3] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example vehicle window display.

[4] FIGs. 2A-2C illustrate an example holographic display.

[5] FIG. 3 illustrates an example vehicle wheel display.

[6] FIGs. 4A-4B illustrate example arrangements of vehicle wheel displays.

[7] FIG. 5 illustrates an example persistence of vision fan display.

[8] FIG. 6 illustrates an example content management user interface.

[9] FIG. 7 illustrates an example computer system.

[10] FIGs. 8A-8B illustrate embodiments of displays on public transportation vehicles.

[11] FIGs. 9A-9F illustrate embodiments of large-format wall and window displays.

[12] FIGs. 10A-10B illustrate example system architecture diagrams of the content delivery service.

[13] FIGs. 11A-11B illustrate aspects of real-time attribution of content consumption or interaction by pedestrians or other content consumers.

[14] FIGs. 12A-12C illustrate embodiments of an ultra short-throw projector embodiment of the vehicle-mounted content delivery system.

[15] FIG. 13 illustrates components of a smart film. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[16] The embodiments disclosed herein are only examples, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to them. Particular embodiments may include all, some, or none of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps of the embodiments disclosed herein. Embodiments according to the invention are in particular disclosed in the attached claims directed to a method, a storage medium, a system and a computer program product, wherein any feature mentioned in one claim category, e.g. method, can be claimed in another claim category, e.g. system, as well. The dependencies or references back in the attached claims are chosen for formal reasons only. However any subject matter resulting from a deliberate reference back to any previous claims (in particular multiple dependencies) can be claimed as well, so that any combination of claims and the features thereof are disclosed and can be claimed regardless of the dependencies chosen in the attached claims. The subject-matter which can be claimed comprises not only the combinations of features as set out in the attached claims but also any other combination of features in the claims, wherein each feature mentioned in the claims can be combined with any other feature or combination of other features in the claims. Furthermore, any of the embodiments and features described or depicted herein can be claimed in a separate claim and/or in any combination with any embodiment or feature described or depicted herein or with any of the features of the attached claims.

[17] This disclosure relates to a system for providing targeted mobile content delivered at a variety of displays, including those integrated into the exterior-facing components of a vehicle such as a bicycle, automobile, etc. Embodiments of the disclosed system incorporate a number of vehicles comprising one or more such mobile displays communicatively coupled to a content server. In particular embodiments, the content server may be made available locally (e.g., incorporated into the display or stored on the vehicle itself). In particular embodiments, the content server may be a network-accessible centralized content server. The content server may provide content according to the preferences of a user, such as the operator of a vehicle, an advertising customer, a government actor, a broadcast partner, etc.

[18] FIGs. 1A-1D illustrate examples of an external-facing display on a consumer vehicle that may be used in accordance with the embodiments described herein. FIGs. 1A-1B illustrates what may be referred to as a window-shelf display. FIGs. 1C- ID, discussed in more detail herein, illustrate what may be referred to as a side-window or window-projection display. The window-shelf display causes the rear window of a vehicle to display content. The window- shelf display may comprise a three-dimensional (3D) holographic (HG) display. A 3D HG display may provide for display of high quality media or other content when viewed from a first perspective. When viewed from another perspective, the content may be substantially invisible. For example, a window-shelf display comprising a 3D HG display may be oriented so that when viewed by passersby outside the vehicle the content is clearly visible, even in daylight. When that same window-shelf display is viewed by the vehicle operator or passengers within the vehicle, the content may not be visible. Thus, the view of vehicle operators and passengers is not obstructed by the window-shelf display, as in traditional screens that may be mounted to a vehicle. The same window-shelf display may be configured to positioned at a variety of points on a given vehicle. In particular embodiments, one or more of the windows of a vehicle (e.g., a rear-facing window, driver windows, front passenger windows, rear passenger windows) may be equipped with a 3D HG display such that each of the windows so-equipped may be capable of displaying content. In particular embodiments, the content may be synchronized so that it creates a relatively cohesive display.

[19] FIGs. 2A-2C illustrate different views of a 3D HG display that may be used in an embodiment of a window-shelf display of a vehicle. FIG 2A shows a 3D HG display from a “front” viewing position, defined by being a position where the content served by the display is visible to the viewer. The display includes a screen and/or light projector and a reflective window. In particular embodiments, the reflective window may be treated with a coating that reflects enough of the light from the screen to the viewer so that the image is a high-quality /high-definition image. As the same time, the coating causes little to no light from the screen reflect “backwards” (which is to say, to a person viewing the “back” of the screen). In particular embodiments, as described herein, the window may itself be composed of a material that exhibits the same properties.

[20] The content provided may include still images or video. The screen is capable of producing the content at a suitable brightness, quality, and framerate so that the content is enjoyable to the viewer. In particular embodiments, the angle between the screen and the reflective window is adjustable based on, for example, the desired viewing angle, the installation position (e.g., the rear-facing window or a passenger window), the type of vehicle into which the display is installed, lighting conditions (e.g., ambient light of the display environment), user preference, and a variety of other suitable factors. The angle may be manually adjustable or automatically adjustable. In particular embodiments, the content server, whether local or remote, may be capable of automatically adjusting the angle based on the same parameters and/or detected conditions.

[21] FIG. 2B shows an additional view of the 3D HG display. In particular embodiments the 3D HG display may be provided as separate, aftermarket product to be installed in a vehicle. In particular embodiments, the 3D HG display may be integrated into the design of the vehicle itself. For example, the reflective screen of the 3D HG display may be designed to be retractable into the body of the vehicle when not in use. In, for example, window display units, this may make it more comfortable for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle. Similarly, the light projecting component of the 3D HG display may be integrated into the body of the vehicle. This may help save space while simultaneously allowing for larger images to be displayed.

[22] FIG. 2C shows an additional view of a 3D HG display. FIG. 2C includes labels for the various components of the 3D HG display. For example, as indicated in FIG. 2C, the base of the 3D HG display may comprise a silver and/or copper casing for the screen or digital light source. Other suitable materials may also be used for the casing for the screen. To reduce light bleed from the light source into the vehicle environment, the edges of the casing and the other components of the 3D HG display may be soldered using, for example, lead and/or tin solder. Other soldering material may also be appropriate. The reflective window of the 3D HG display may comprise a glass window. The glass window, in particular embodiments, may be comprised of an acrylic polycarbonate methacrylate hybrid, for clarify and durability. Other materials for the glass may also be appropriate. In one embodiment, the reflective window may be arrangement to have a 45 degree angle between the light source and the reflective window. As described above, in various embodiments, the angle may be fixed or may be manually or automatically adjustable.

[23] FIGs. 8A-8B illustrate embodiments of the described displays installed in public transportation windows.

[24] FIG. 3 illustrates various embodiments of an additional external, vehicle-mounted display. In particular embodiments, the display shown in FIG. 3 may be known as a wheel display. Like the above-described window-shelf display, a wheel display may be communicatively coupled to a local or remote content server. The wheel display may display content selected or provided by a user (such as an advertising customer, broadcast partner, or vehicle operator) via the content server. Power may be supplied to the wheel display from, for example, an on-board rechargeable battery separate from the battery of the vehicle to which it is mounted. In particular embodiments, the wheel display (or batteries) may be removable and the batteries may be recharged using standard charging procedures. In particular embodiments, power may be supplied part from one or more solar panels affixed to the wheel display or to the vehicle. For example, 5V mini solar (e.g., dimensions less than 5cm x 5cm) panels may used. Solar power may be particularly advantageous for the wheel display because the wheel display will be outside of a vehicle and exposed to the sun.

[25] The wheel display may be known as a persistence of vision (“POV”) display. A POV display may refer to a display device comprising a light emitter (e.g., LEDs, OLEDs, etc.) that composes images by displaying one element at a time in rapid succession. For example, a column of LEDs may display one column of pixels comprising an image. A two-dimensional image may be composed by rapidly moving the single row of light emitters along a linear, circular or rotational path. The effect is that the image is perceived as a whole by the viewer as long as the entire path is completed during the visual persistence time of the human eye. A three-dimensional image of a POV display may be constructed using a two-dimensional grid of LEDs swept or rotated through a volume of space. The movement of the wheel display may, in part, be supplied by the movement of the wheel to which the wheel display is mounted.

[26] A control unit may be used to manage the operations of the wheel display. In particular embodiments, the control unit may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) selected to manage the appropriate voltage capacity. The PCB may also include a wireless communication module, such as a Bluetooth module, so facilitate communication of the wheel display to the content server or other central controller. The control unit may further comprise a micro controller to monitor the RPM of the horizontal and vertical axes of the display. The micro controller may also be used to control the timing of the refresh rates to create to optimal display. Additionally, the wheel display may comprise encoders to use the Hall effect in order measure the rate that the wheel is spinning. Using these measurements the display may be able to adjusts the refresh rate to ensure optimal display of the image regardless of the speed the vehicle (and the rotational rate of the wheel). [27] In particular embodiments, the wheel display may be operational (e.g., may display content) only when the wheel has a rotational rate high enough for the wheel display to display the desired content. The resolution of the wheel display (e.g., number of LEDs used) may be carefully chosen to ensure that a sufficiently high-quality image is produced. In particular embodiments, the desired resolution may be, or exceed, an array of 124 x 124 pixels. The array of pixels may be supplied by a plurality of rotating LED strips. The resolution of the display may affect the rotational rate of the wheel required to produce a smooth image (including vehicle). The higher the resolution, the lower the movement speed required. Since the purpose is for the wheel display to be used in urban areas (so as to provide the content to a maximum number of viewers), it is desirable to select LEDs with as low an optimal “display speed” (e.g., the speed the bicycle or vehicle required to meet display requirements) of a vehicle as possible. One method to reduce the optimal display speed is to include additional strips of LEDs or powered rotating fans or arms in which the LED strips are embodied (as described below).

[28] In particular embodiments, the wheel display may display video content through the use of LEDs of a suitable refresh rate, additional assistance for the rotational speed, the use of multiple columns of LEDs, and other similar methods. For smooth animation it has been proven that the wheel needs to spin to at least 900 rotations per minute (RPM) (roughly 30 Hz) for smooth animation and at a refresh rate of at least 5 kHz. Particular embodiments may use wheel display capable of displaying animation of at least 30 frames per second.

[29] In particular embodiments the LEDs used for a wheel display may be carefully selected to balance brightness and visibility with durability, power draw, and cost. For example, embodiments of this disclosure contemplate the use of LEDs capable of achieving 1500 lumens or higher, ideally 3000-4500 lumens. LEDs that output this level of brightness may be easily perceived by the viewer, even in direct daylight. Additionally, to provide a wide of content, LEDs with a wide color gamut are preferable. In particular embodiments, 24-bit RGB LEDs with a minimum 5 Hz refresh rate may be used, although a higher refresh rate may be even better suited. In particular embodiments, the power and lighting requirements of a wheel display may differ from those of a window-shelf display. For example, where a wheel display may have a clear plastic cover to protect the display components, many passenger windows of an automobile have a form of tinting. To provide adequate brightness of the image, the brightness of the window-shelf display light emitter may be enhanced.

[30] In embodiments where the wheel display is included on an automobile wheel, only a one-sided display for each of the one or more wheels may be required. In embodiments where the wheel display is included on a wheel where both sides of the wheel are typically visible, such as a bicycle, motorcycle, cart, etc., the wheel display may include two complete wheel displays (including distinct control units, power supplies, and display units), or two display units sharing the other components of the wheel display (e.g., a single control unit may be used to keep the images in sync).

[31] FIGs. 4A-4B illustrate two embodiments of a wheel display incorporated into the rim of an automobile. FIG 4A illustrates an embodiment in which the wheel display comprises one several LED strips mounted to or in a wheel rim cover that may be attached to a variety of wheel rims. The particularly illustrated rim cover includes “spokes” to which the LED strips are mounted. The LED strips may be mounted to any suitable portion of the wheel, so long as adequate coverage of the display can be maintained. In a similar manner, the LED strips may be mounted to the spokes of a wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle wheel.

[32] In particular embodiments, different configurations of the LEDs and embedded LED strips or LED arms are envisioned. In one embodiment, a four-arm embodiment includes at least 415 LEDs with 3528 lamp beads. In another embodiment, a six-arm embodiment includes at least 621 LEDS with 5292 lamp beads. In particular embodiments, each strip of LEDs may comprise multicolored LEDs, increasing the potential fidelity of the overall image and reducing the total number of LED strips that must be mounted. In particular embodiments, each strip of LEDs may be composed of a single color. This may increase the number of overall strips required to be mounted (e.g., at least one of red LEDs, one of green LEDs, one of blue LEDs according to one color spectrum) but may reduce the overall cost of such a wheel rim by using less expensive LED strips.

[33] FIG 4B illustrates an embodiment in which the wheel display comprises one or more LED strips embodied in a fan display that may be attached to suitable wheel rim. The fan display may be preferred because it may be easier to universalize such a display to be used on a variety of vehicles and vehicle types. The fan display may comprise one or more long LED strips that run the length diameter of the wheel so that as the wheel turns, a POV effect may be created. In particular embodiments, the fan display may be powered so that it may rotate freely of, or in addition to, the rotation of the wheel to which it is installed.

[34] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a fan display type of a POV display. The fan display includes an on-board control unit, power supply, and motor to supply power to the fan. The rotational rate of the fan is sufficiently high to allow for smooth motion video to be display using the fan display.

[35] FIG. 6 illustrates an example user interface which a user of the mobile content delivery system may use to control the content to be provided on particular vehicle displays. The user interface may be made available to users who have installed the vehicle displays on their vehicles (e.g., bicycles or automobiles). The user interface may be made available to users who wish to pay to specify content that is provided to certain users or groups of users. Depending on the user’s purposes, the user may be encouraged to upload their own content or select and modify content provided by the content server. In particular embodiments, and described further below, the content server may track the location of vehicles into which the vehicle displays are installed. This may be used to facilitate an more targeted approach to selecting where and to whom content is provided. In particular embodiments, the provision of content through the centralized content server on the basis of geographical location information may be known as geotargeting.

[36] In particular embodiments, content may be delivered through the vehicle display systems in a variety of forms. In some embodiments, the content may be loaded to a local content server (e.g., in the vehicle) by the vehicle operator or a vehicle passenger. In some embodiments, the content may be downloaded from a remote content server to the local content server while the vehicle is in range of a particular network (e.g., while the vehicle is a home or service location in range of a wireless network). In such an embodiment, the system may not use wireless communications (saving power use and bandwidth) during the moment-to-moment operations of the content provision system. In some embodiments, the data may be downloaded from the remote content server to the local content server while the vehicle is in operation (e.g., while the vehicle operator is driving the vehicle or riding the bicycle). In such an embodiment, the system may be capable of updating the content to be display on a live basis. In some embodiments, the content to be displayed on a vehicle display system may be downloaded directly from the remote content server to a memory on the vehicle display system, bypassing a local content server. Such content may be continuously updating or even directly broadcasted from the remote content server. In particular embodiments the remote content server may be a third-party server, e.g., one that is not operated by the primary targeted-content provider.

[37] In particular embodiments, non- vehicle operator customer may desire for particular content to be displayed on the vehicles. For example, a broadcast partner may wish for particular content to be delivered at a particular area through the targeted content delivery service. As another example, a commercial advertiser may seek to run an advertising campaign using the vehicle displays through the targeted content delivery service. The commercial advertiser may select a desired number of vehicles to display its content, an amount of time that each vehicle shown display the content, a duration of the campaign, a targeted location of the campaign (e.g., geotargeting, as described below), the type of vehicle display on which the content should be displayed (e.g., in the case that rear-window displays are more expensive than wheel displays), and other suitable parameters for the campaign. As another example, public (e.g., government) actor or contractor may seek to use the network of vehicle displays to convey important information to the public. The public actor may be provided special privileges to preempt content selected by other users depending on the necessity of the case. For example, in the case of a missing person, the public actor may require some or all vehicles near the believed location of the missing person to display information about the missing person and how to contact the proper authorities. Similarly, if a severe weather event is expected, such as a flash flood, the public actor may require vehicle displays for vehicle traveling into the affected area to display warning information. As another example, vehicles in and around a construction shown may be required to display warnings relating to the construction.

[38] In particular embodiments, a vehicle operator may desire to allow for content to be shown on their vehicle’s displays. The vehicle operator may be awarded compensation in the form of a passive income in exchange for the display such that the vehicle acts as a moving billboard on which the vehicle operator rents out space. The vehicle operator may use a user interface such as the dashboard shown in FIG. 6 to control when and where third-party content may be displayed on their vehicle. For example, a vehicle operator may desire that the displays of their vehicle are turned off when the user is at or near their home. A vehicle operator may desire that the displays of their vehicle are turned off if the vehicle operator is driving during particular hours of the day. In another example, a vehicle operator may desire to pay to opt out of allowing commercial advertisers or broadcasters to show content using their vehicle displays.

[39] In particular embodiments, a vehicle operator may desire to select particular content to be shown on their vehicle’s displays. For example, the wheel displays of a vehicle may be communicatively coupled with a local content server. The vehicle operator may use a user interface only available to their vehicle to load content to and select content from the local content server. As another example, the wheel displays of a vehicle may be communicatively coupled with a remote content server. The operator of the targeted content display system may provide select content to be rented or purchased by vehicle operators who wish to display specific content on the vehicles. For example, a fan of a local sports team may wish to show their support for the time by renting a logo associated with the team to be displayed on their wheel displays. As another example, a vehicle operator may desire to decorate their vehicle for an approaching holiday. The vehicle operator may rent an animated display (e.g., a Christmas scene or Halloween scene) to be shown on the rear-window display of their vehicle. Other content may be made available for a vehicle operator to select to be displayed. In particular embodiments, vehicle operator- selected content may be offered at a discounted rate if the vehicle operator allows for certain advertisements or other broadcast content to be shown alongside the content.

[40] The content server may receive locations of some or all vehicles onto which the vehicle displays have been installed. For example, the vehicles may each be equipped with a GPS transceiver that is in communication with a centralized content server through one or more controllers on the vehicle or display. In some embodiments, these GPS transceivers may be installed by a third-party and the information from the GPS transceiver may be made available to the centralized content server by agreement of the vehicle operator, third party, and content server operator. In some embodiments, the GPS transceivers may be provided by the content server operator and/or may comprise the vehicle display. For example, a window- shelf display or wheel display may further include the GPS transceiver which communicates its location to control unit, which in turn communicates the location to the content server. The content server may track the received locations of vehicles to determine movement patterns, select particular content to show based on preferences of a commercial advertiser, broadcast partner, or vehicle operator, track approximate content impressions, determine a cost or appropriateness of showing particular content, and otherwise control content provision and content campaigns. Content impression may be measured based on approximate vehicle and foot traffic near each vehicle. Content impression may also be measured based on a data exchange with, for example, a phone provider, provider of location-based services, or other data broker.

[41] The location of vehicles may be compared to known points of interest on a map prior to content being delivered. For example, an advertiser or broadcaster may target a college- aged demographic and the content server may push content to vehicles driving near college campuses. Similarly, an advertiser or broadcast partner may wish to avoid advertising or providing specific content to children, so the content server may bar particular content from being shown on vehicles driving near schools.

[42] The current time and the location of vehicle relative to particular public events may be determined prior to content being delivered. For example, an advertiser may wish to capitalize on a predicted influx of traffic from people going to attend a concert. As another example, a restaurant may desire to show a first set of advertisements during a particular time to coincide with a time where discounted food is available and show a second set of advertisements during other times.

[43] In particular embodiments, motion tracking of display-equipped vehicles may be performed using in-vehicle or in-display sensors. These sensors may include GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc. Based on the motion tracking, the display system may alter displayed content, alter the type of content displayed, or may alter characteristics of the display itself. For example, while a vehicle is stopped, e.g., at a stop sign, traffic light, picking up passengers, in a parking lot, etc., the display may shown moving or animated content. While a vehicle is moving at a speed below a threshold speed, the vehicle may still show moving content, but may lower the intensity (e.g., frame rate, color saturation) of the content to avoid distracting other drivers. While the vehicle is moving at a speed above the threshold speed, the display may only show static images. The static images may, for example, be an alternative version of a advertisement similar to what had been shown while the vehicle was stationary. The static images may be images automatically derived from the moving advertisement. [44] FIGs. 12A-12C illustrates embodiments of an ultra short-throw projector embodiment of the vehicle-mounted content delivery system. The ultra short-throw projector may, for example, be used in accordance with a side-window or window-projection display as illustrated in FIGs. 1C- ID. FIG. 12A illustrates example installation locations of the short-throw embodiment. FIGs. 12B-12C illustrates an example headrest embodiment of the ultra short-throw projector embodiment. The ultra short-throw projectors may be used in vehicles or on wall- or window-based displays. In particular embodiments, the ultra short-throw projectors may have touch display capabilities which may allow individuals to interact with the content and/or software operating on the displays by directly interacting with the displays. In particular embodiments, this may be used for storefront displays. The touch display capabilities may be enabled when an image is projected onto the display. A user may touch the surface of the display covered by an image. The projector may record corresponding input as keystrokes and/or touch, much like a standard touch screen.

[45] It will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the use of vehicle-based displays. While the embodiments discussed can be used with vehicle displays, any number of other suitable displays may be associated or affiliated with the remote centralized content media server. Targeted media content may be provided on those display in accordance with the preceding embodiments. For example, large format commercial displays may be used (e.g., displays mounted to trucks or attached to the side of large buildings). Similarly, the passthrough vision provided by the use of the 3D HG displays may be used to integrate the concepts described herein to the use of building windows. For example, an office building may use the light projector and reflective glass arrangement described above to deliver content through its windows. Occupants of the building may not be disturbed by the provision of content because they will still be able to see through the window, while those viewing the window will see a high-quality 3D display. A homeowner may install a similar 3D HG display to their windows to provide selected content (e.g., holiday decorations) as well. These, and other displays, may be integrated into the content delivery techniques described above. FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate examples of the described displays installed as large format window displays. [46] In particular embodiments, wall- and window-based displays may be enabled by a smart glass or film installed on the surface. This may be paired with rear, or short-throw, projection. The film may be capable of being molded or shaped to any size, shape, or form into which glass may be molded. Thus, the use of the smart film allows for nearly any surface to be used as a display in the described content-delivery system. This new display paradigm may enable seamless broadcasting of content, advertising, emergency information, etc. within an environment without requiring a radical redesign of the environment as traditional displays require. The intent is to provide these revenue generating displays for anyone to own and operate. The optimal unit owner should have a tint-free window with pedestrians traffic walk in front of it within, e.g., a 20- foot radius in order to generate the monthly impressions to break even from the initial hardware and software subscription cost. These requirements will be easy for most locations to justify in be an issue in most metropolitan areas.

[47] FIG. 13 illustrates the components of the smart film described herein. As illustrated, the smart film is powered by an AC transformer. This film when powered with AC current aligns its crystals creating the effect of complete transparency. This effect allows for the people to have the option to have complete clarity of the windows and control when they want to serve content and when they do not. When there isn’t power going through it the liquid crystals are dispersed not allowing light to go through which causes opaqueness. The opaqueness when switch to a certain degree allows for it to capture the image provided by the remaining components of the display. The smart film can be installed on practically any glass. In optimal embodiments, the glass is not tinted to provide ideal presentation of content to be displayed. It is envisioned that the smart film creates three controllable settings of the glass (e.g., doors and windows). The first is the clear and transparent setting, illustrated in FIG. 9A. The second, illustrated in FIG. 9F is the opaque setting, which may be used as a privacy screen or to block out light. The third, illustrated particularly in FIGs. 9B, 9C, and 9D, is the smart display setting described herein.

[48] In particular embodiments, the smart film may be used in vehicle-mounted displays. This may allow for a driver, operator, or passenger to change the opacity of a window display on- demand. Thus, an operator may set a display to a smart display setting when a passenger enters a vehicle. The passenger, or the operator at the passenger’s request, may increase the transparency of the display so that the passenger may enjoy the scenery around them as the vehicle travels. In some embodiments, the passenger may request that the smart display is turned off and may be asked to pay a small fee to do so, for example, to make up for the loss of revenue earned by the driver or operator while the passenger is in the vehicle.

[49] FIGs. 10A-10B illustrate an example system architecture diagram of the content delivery service. Content may be broadcast live from the Demand Side Platform and Directly to the Supply side platform on the described Content Management system. The system is broken up in to content slots that displays pre-programmed content such as news, music / movie releases, sports and other information. The slots that are reserved for ad space that are not reserved can be sold by a publisher advertising server. The ad slot is then sent to the Supply Side Platform (third party entity) which helps the publisher (e.g. displays) to sell its unsold inventory in a real-time programmatic bidding system. The offer then goes on to the ad exchange and sells to Demand Side Platforms and Ad networks . The Ad Exchange then starts asking for bids and then the exchange selects the winning bid. This all can happen in under 10 milliseconds. Real time bidding allows for the right ad to be displayed based on the demographic of the consumer, such as age, sex, shopping habits and interest, to better cater to their particular needs. Right Ad + Right Person+ Right time , thanks to the data picked up by the tracking system.

[50] In particular embodiments, the targeted content delivery system ecosystem may be constructed with principles of three fundamental actors in the system in mind. These actors may be considered content creators, publishers (e.g., display unit owners), and consumers/viewers. In particular embodiments, the ecosystem may develop and use a cryptocurrency-based token to control use of the system and attribution. As an example, the token may be based on the Ethereum blockchain, or other suitable blockchains-based technologies. In the described system consumers/viewers may opt in to use of the system to monetize their engagement with targeted content delivery. This may allow the system to deliver content more tailored and/or relevant to them. Publishers may engage with a token-backed system to improve their revenue from display of targeted content. A token-backed system may further improve the ability to report display of the content and reduce opportunities for fraud and/or abuse of the system overall. Content creators may, through more accurate attribution of content engagement, see lowered costs associated with ensuring customer attention. [51] In particular embodiments, content creators, which may include by way of example only and not by limitation advertisers, news outlets, records labels, etc., may be able to pay for content that has received certified engagement through the token-backed system. Because such a token-backed system is decentralized and includes transparent and verifiable transactions, it may function as a transparent, blockchain-based digital advertising or content exchange. An accurate ledger is a built-in feature for blockchain systems and the ledger may be used to reward publishers according to engagement (direct or indirect) from consumers/viewers. In particular embodiments, the ledger system may be completely visible to all parties involved.

[52] One particular advantage is that it may allow for content creators to work directly with publishers (e.g., owners of one of the above-described content delivery endpoints) saving time, energy, reducing fraud opportunities. Fundamentally, the content creators may restrict their payment only include what is actually being viewed or interacted with by consumers. This eliminates wasteful interactions with middlemen. Similarly, publishers will be able to receive payment directly from content creators for use of display inventory (targeted content delivery system endpoints). In current systems, a publisher is often paid by monetizing attention through a complex network of intermediary players through advertising and content-delivery networks and other such tools. The publisher isn't paid directly for the attention given by the user. The publisher is actually paid for the indirectly measured attention given by users to ads. Cryptographically- secure smart contracts powered by the token-backed system are stored in the Ethereum blockchain, fully capable of enforcing performance in the ledger. The token is driven by user attention.

[53] Content consumers may also benefit from the use of the system disclosed herein. For example, consumers may be able to retrieve attribute for content with which they have interacted during their regular course of daily life. Gamification of content delivery may be achieved by providing an interface through which consumers may opt in to tracking of certain information for the purposes of providing said attribution. In exchange for sharing information such as aggregated and/or real-time location information users may receive tokens based on the content with which they interacted and a measure of how they interacted with said content. Engagement metrics, such as how long a user watched content, if they interacted or followed through on said interaction (e.g., purchased a product or directly scanned content for a code), may be tracked. The degree of interaction may affect the degree to which the system provides attribution to the consumer. The received tokens may be used by the consumers in the targeted content delivery system or may be converted or otherwise pushed out of the system for other uses by the consumer (e.g., as another cryptocurrency, fiat currency, or other thing of value). For example, a content creator may provide for use of the tokens to purchase certain goods or services or to receive other discounts on advertised goods. This system may empower consumers to directly monetize their exposure to content that is presently only being indirectly monetized. Users that have not opted in to the described system may be indirectly tracked as passive consumers. Data regarding these passive consumers may be aggregated or inferred through other means.

[54] FIGs. 11A-11B illustrate aspects of real-time attribution of content consumption or interaction by pedestrians or other content consumers. For example, a vehicle may be equipped with one or more content-delivery screens. The of the vehicle may be known. As the vehicle is moving, users who have opted into the system may have their location reported as well. The system may detect when the users’ locations are near the vehicles locations and determine whether the user has passively or directly interacted with the content. Additionally, the vehicles or the display systems themselves may be equipped with wifi beacons that allow tracking of passive locations of passersby. The wifi beacons may enable a content management system to generate and display heat map capabilities to a publisher or content creator through an administration panel. For example, the beacons may use unique MAC addresses assigned to devices carried by consumers to detect when individual devices are in proximity to the content as it is being displayed. The wifi beacons, or other wireless access points, may be further able to estimate the distance of the device relative to the beacon based, for example, on time delays between the beacon sending a request and receiving a response. The request, which may be a probe request, may also attempt to register a hidden SSID associated with the content-delivery service, particular publishers, or particular endpoints of the system. The user device may be configured to search for such an SSID as a result of the opt-in procedure. Additionally, opted-in user devices may be configured to communicate, forming a network of user devices to further estimate device locations.

[55] In particular embodiments, the targeted content delivery system may be able to detect when a user is interacting with a user device, which may in turn be used to infer that the user has not directly consumed the content even though they were in the vicinity of the content when presented. For example, certain devices may issue probe requests more or less frequently when the device is being actively used. For example, a phone may issue fewer probe requests when the device is active (e.g., unlocked or screen on). If a beacon detects the phone issuing probe requests at a frequency that corresponds to this kind of predetermined behavior, the user may be determined to have not directly engaged with the delivered content.

[56] FIG. 7 illustrates an example computer system 700. In particular embodiments, one or more computer systems 700 perform one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. In particular embodiments, one or more computer systems 700 provide functionality described or illustrated herein. In particular embodiments, software running on one or more computer systems 700 performs one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein or provides functionality described or illustrated herein. Particular embodiments include one or more portions of one or more computer systems 700. Herein, reference to a computer system may encompass a computing device, and vice versa, where appropriate. Moreover, reference to a computer system may encompass one or more computer systems, where appropriate.

[57] This disclosure contemplates any suitable number of computer systems 700. This disclosure contemplates computer system 700 taking any suitable physical form. As example and not by way of limitation, computer system 700 may be an embedded computer system, a system- on-chip (SOC), a single-board computer system (SBC) (such as, for example, a computer-on- module (COM) or system-on-module (SOM)), a desktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, an interactive kiosk, a mainframe, a mesh of computer systems, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, a tablet computer system, an augmented/virtual reality device, or a combination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, computer system 700 may include one or more computer systems 700; be unitary or distributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; span multiple data centers; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks. Where appropriate, one or more computer systems 700 may perform without substantial spatial or temporal limitation one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. As an example and not by way of limitation, one or more computer systems 700 may perform in real time or in batch mode one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. One or more computer systems 700 may perform at different times or at different locations one or more steps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein, where appropriate.

[58] In particular embodiments, computer system 700 includes a processor 702, memory 704, storage 706, an input/output (I/O) interface 708, a communication interface 710, and a bus 712. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular computer system having a particular number of particular components in a particular arrangement, this disclosure contemplates any suitable computer system having any suitable number of any suitable components in any suitable arrangement.

[59] In particular embodiments, processor 702 includes hardware for executing instructions, such as those making up a computer program. As an example and not by way of limitation, to execute instructions, processor 702 may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, memory 704, or storage 706; decode and execute them; and then write one or more results to an internal register, an internal cache, memory 704, or storage 706. In particular embodiments, processor 702 may include one or more internal caches for data, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplates processor 702 including any suitable number of any suitable internal caches, where appropriate. As an example and not by way of limitation, processor 702 may include one or more instruction caches, one or more data caches, and one or more translation lookaside buffers (TLBs). Instructions in the instruction caches may be copies of instructions in memory 704 or storage 706, and the instruction caches may speed up retrieval of those instructions by processor 702. Data in the data caches may be copies of data in memory 704 or storage 706 for instructions executing at processor 702 to operate on; the results of previous instructions executed at processor 702 for access by subsequent instructions executing at processor 702 or for writing to memory 704 or storage 706; or other suitable data. The data caches may speed up read or write operations by processor 702. The TLBs may speed up virtual- address translation for processor 702. In particular embodiments, processor 702 may include one or more internal registers for data, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplates processor 702 including any suitable number of any suitable internal registers, where appropriate. Where appropriate, processor 702 may include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs); be a multi-core processor; or include one or more processors 702. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular processor, this disclosure contemplates any suitable processor. [60] In particular embodiments, memory 704 includes main memory for storing instructions for processor 702 to execute or data for processor 702 to operate on. As an example and not by way of limitation, computer system 700 may load instructions from storage 706 or another source (such as, for example, another computer system 700) to memory 704. Processor 702 may then load the instructions from memory 704 to an internal register or internal cache. To execute the instructions, processor 702 may retrieve the instructions from the internal register or internal cache and decode them. During or after execution of the instructions, processor 702 may write one or more results (which may be intermediate or final results) to the internal register or internal cache. Processor 702 may then write one or more of those results to memory 704. In particular embodiments, processor 702 executes only instructions in one or more internal registers or internal caches or in memory 704 (as opposed to storage 706 or elsewhere) and operates only on data in one or more internal registers or internal caches or in memory 704 (as opposed to storage 706 or elsewhere). One or more memory buses (which may each include an address bus and a data bus) may couple processor 702 to memory 704. Bus 712 may include one or more memory buses, as described below. In particular embodiments, one or more memory management units (MMUs) reside between processor 702 and memory 704 and facilitate accesses to memory 704 requested by processor 702. In particular embodiments, memory 704 includes random access memory (RAM). This RAM may be volatile memory, where appropriate. Where appropriate, this RAM may be dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM). Moreover, where appropriate, this RAM may be single-ported or multi-ported RAM. This disclosure contemplates any suitable RAM. Memory 704 may include one or more memories 704, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular memory, this disclosure contemplates any suitable memory.

[61] In particular embodiments, storage 706 includes mass storage for data or instructions. As an example and not by way of limitation, storage 706 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flash memory, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive or a combination of two or more of these. Storage 706 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media, where appropriate. Storage 706 may be internal or external to computer system 700, where appropriate. In particular embodiments, storage 706 is non-volatile, solid-state memory. In particular embodiments, storage 706 includes read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, this ROM may be mask-programmed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory or a combination of two or more of these. This disclosure contemplates mass storage 706 taking any suitable physical form. Storage 706 may include one or more storage control units facilitating communication between processor 702 and storage 706, where appropriate. Where appropriate, storage 706 may include one or more storages 706. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular storage, this disclosure contemplates any suitable storage.

[62] In particular embodiments, I/O interface 708 includes hardware, software, or both, providing one or more interfaces for communication between computer system 700 and one or more I/O devices. Computer system 700 may include one or more of these I/O devices, where appropriate. One or more of these I/O devices may enable communication between a person and computer system 700. As an example and not by way of limitation, an I/O device may include a keyboard, keypad, microphone, monitor, mouse, printer, scanner, speaker, still camera, stylus, tablet, touch screen, trackball, video camera, another suitable I/O device or a combination of two or more of these. An I/O device may include one or more sensors. This disclosure contemplates any suitable I/O devices and any suitable I/O interfaces 708 for them. Where appropriate, I/O interface 708 may include one or more device or software drivers enabling processor 702 to drive one or more of these I/O devices. I/O interface 708 may include one or more I/O interfaces 708, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular I/O interface, this disclosure contemplates any suitable I/O interface.

[63] In particular embodiments, communication interface 710 includes hardware, software, or both providing one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) between computer system 700 and one or more other computer systems 700 or one or more networks. As an example and not by way of limitation, communication interface 710 may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as a WI-FI network. This disclosure contemplates any suitable network and any suitable communication interface 710 for it. As an example and not by way of limitation, computer system 700 may communicate with an ad hoc network, a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or one or more portions of the Internet or a combination of two or more of these. One or more portions of one or more of these networks may be wired or wireless. As an example, computer system 700 may communicate with a wireless PAN (WPAN) (such as, for example, a BLUETOOTH WPAN), a WI-FI network, a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephone network (such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network), or other suitable wireless network or a combination of two or more of these. Computer system 700 may include any suitable communication interface 710 for any of these networks, where appropriate. Communication interface 710 may include one or more communication interfaces 710, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular communication interface, this disclosure contemplates any suitable communication interface.

[64] In particular embodiments, bus 712 includes hardware, software, or both coupling components of computer system 700 to each other. As an example and not by way of limitation, bus 712 may include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, a front-side bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT) interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an INFINIBAND interconnect, a low- pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCIe) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, or another suitable bus or a combination of two or more of these. Bus 712 may include one or more buses 712, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular bus, this disclosure contemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

[65] Herein, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium or media may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such, as for example, field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application- specific ICs (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical discs, optical disc drives (ODDs), magneto-optical discs, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM-drives, SECURE DIGITAL cards or drives, any other suitable computer- readable non-transitory storage media, or any suitable combination of two or more of these, where appropriate. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate.

[66] Herein, “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A or B” means “A, B, or both,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover, “and” is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.

[67] The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and illustrates respective embodiments herein as including particular components, elements, feature, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative. Additionally, although this disclosure describes or illustrates particular embodiments as providing particular advantages, particular embodiments may provide none, some, or all of these advantages.

Claims

The Claims What we claim is:

1. A method comprising: receiving, by one or more computing systems, a request to display a digital content item at a first display endpoint of a plurality of display endpoints, wherein each display endpoint is communicatively coupled with a local content server, wherein the first display endpoint comprises an external vehicle-mounted display; accessing, by the one or more computing systems, a remote content server hosting a plurality of digital content items; selecting, by the one or more computing systems from the plurality of digital content items hosted by the remote content server, a first digital content item based on contextual information included with the request, the contextual information comprising a first time, a first location associated with the vehicle, and a location of the external vehicle-mounted display on the vehicle; causing, by the one or more computing systems, the first digital content item to be transferred to the local content server; providing, by the one or more computing systems, instructions to the first display endpoint and local content server to cause the first digital content item to be displayed; receiving, by the one or more computing systems, a confirmation that the first digital content item was displayed by the first display endpoint, the confirmation including a second time and a second location associated with the vehicle; and calculating, by the one or more computing systems and based on the second time and the second location associated with the vehicle, a number of content impressions of the first digital content item attributable to the first display endpoint.