Portable signboard

Abstract

A portable sign is presented that includes a portable media projection subsystem for selectively projecting media and providing a validation signal in response to the media being projected. A location device provides a geographic location of the media projection subsystem. A verifier receives the validation signal and the geographic location and provides validation information corresponding to the media being projected from the stationary location for a predetermined minimum duration. A communication subsystem receives the validation information and stores the information for subsequent download or transmits the information to a central control server. A targeting subsystem enables an entity to select a target stationary location from the target stationary locations weighted with a plurality of values. A targeting application typically provides a reward in response to the value of the selected target stationary location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a portable media platform, and more particularly to a system and method for tracking the presentation of media presented on a portable billboard.

Background Art

[0002] According to market research, the marketing space of outdoor billboards is becoming increasingly difficult to find and is thus increasing in value. At the same time, automobiles are one of the most expensive purchases an average consumer can make. Ironically, most automobiles sit unused for most of the day. US10,796,340, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TARGETING THE DISTRIBUTION OF MEDIA FROM A MOBILE PLATFORM, invented by Peter Ta et al. and filed on Oct. 14, 2019, addresses the problem of finding more outdoor advertising space by adding an additional media display subsystem to an automobile and providing a dedicated parking system for the automobile that may also include a wireless local area network (WLAN) IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) access point (hotspot).

[0003] While the above system caters to the provision of additional outdoor advertising through the "gig economy" use of automobiles, potential problems remain with the act of parking. Parking lots in many desirable advertising locations in metropolitan areas are often limited to only one or two hours. Additionally, the need to frequently change parking locations can be burdensome, and for some owners, it may become unrealistic to use their automobiles as mobile media centers.

[0004] Parent application No. 17 / 023,546, entitled "AERIAL BILLBOARD", invented by Peter Ta et al. and filed on September 17, 2020, provides for the use of an aircraft such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as another type of media platform. However, devices that operate on batteries are subject to time constraints due to the need for charging, and there may be potential legal regulations of airspace in some areas.

[0005] Beyond the requirement of using only mobile platforms, it would be advantageous to be able to find additional real estate for communication and media presentation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This specification discloses a system and method for a portable signboard that is used to provide a media subsystem, and / or a media subsystem that includes a publicly accessible access point such as a media projection subsystem, and / or a wireless local area network (WLAN) IEEE 802.11 (e.g., WiFi hotspot) or a wireless personal area network (WPAN) (e.g., Bluetooth) access point (AP). Advantageously, the system can be suspended from, for example, balconies, windows, walls, and roofs. The portable signboard can be distinguished from conventional signage in its ability to measure the effectiveness of the projected media and / or AP communication. One measurement is location, as some locations attract more attention than others. Another measurement is actual activation, which means the number of times and duration that the media is actually viewed by the public. To encourage efficient deployment, entities that own or manage the portable signboards receive compensation based on these effectiveness measurements. The portable signboard can function as an advertising platform that attempts to expand and acquire market share within the outdoor advertising market segment by directing selective deployment to preferred target locations for media and WLAN / WPAN services. The system can transmit the following information: (i) a unique identifier of the device in use (e.g., radio frequency identification), (ii) time, date, duration, and location (using a global positioning system (GPS) or cellular triangulation system), (iii) an indication that the media projection subsystem is deployed, and (iv) an indication that the WLAN / WPAN access point is in use. Graphic information system (GIS) mapping technology can be used to compensate individual or corporate entities associated with the system operating at a specified location.

[0007] Accordingly, a portable billboard system is presented that includes a portable media projection subsystem for selectively projecting media and providing an activation signal in response to the media being projected. Generally, the media projection subsystem can display images and / or broadcast audio messages. Some specific examples of media projection subsystems include image projectors, retractable screens, liquid crystal displays, holographic displays, light emitting diode displays, wallscapes, switchable glass displays, and combinations thereof. An identifier or identification code is associated with the media projection subsystem and / or an entity associated with the media projection subsystem. A location device provides the geographical location of the media projection subsystem. A verifier receives the activation signal, identification code, and geographical location and provides verification information corresponding to the activation signal, identification code, and geographical location. The verifier also provides an indication that the media was projected from a stationary position for a predefined minimum duration. A communication subsystem receives the verification information and stores the information for subsequent download or transmits the information to a central control server. A targeting subsystem enables an entity to select a target stationary position from a plurality of values weighted target stationary positions. Typically, the target stationary positions have weighted values corresponding to factors such as the traffic volume of nearby vehicles, line of sight, traffic volume of nearby pedestrians, proximity to cultural events, proximity to cultural facilities, location of the media (visibility or height), type of media being projected, time of day, day of the week, date, length of time the media is projected, and combinations thereof. A targeting application may provide a reward to a media projection subsystem-related entity in response to the values of the selected target stationary position.

[0008] In one aspect, the communication subsystem receives from a server a media upload provided to the media projection subsystem for presentation. In another aspect, a camera provides an image of a geographical location proximate to the media projection subsystem. A monitoring subsystem measures the public exposure to the projected media, and a handicap subsystem may offset a media value associated with activation of the media projection subsystem that is calculated in response to the exposure measurement. For example, the monitoring subsystem may include a camera and a face direction detection subsystem that receives images from the camera, selects faces from the camera images, and measures the duration that the faces are directed towards the media projection subsystem.

[0009] The system may further include a publicly accessible access point, such as a WLAN, e.g., a WiFi hotspot, a WPAN, e.g., a Bluetooth AP, or an access point for both a WLAN and a WPAN, configured to be attached to the media projection subsystem. In this case, the system may include a communication gauge for measuring communication subsystem communication statistics, and the handicap subsystem described above may offset a communication value associated with the access point in response to the communication statistics.

[0010] In one aspect, the system may include a plurality of portable media projection subsystems such that a combination of the media projection subsystems provides a coordinated mobile media integrated display in which a first portion of the coordinated media is linked to a second portion of the coordinated media. In one variation, at least one of the media projection subsystems is attached to a ground-based, water-based, or airborne mobile platform.

[0011] Additional details of the above-described system and related methods for monitoring the delivery of media from a portable billboard are shown below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Figures 1A - 1D are diagrams showing a portable billboard system. As used herein, the term "portable" is presumed to mean that the system is lightweight enough to be operated by one or two people. Also, this term is to be understood to mean that the system is not necessarily a fixed, permanent fixture, regardless of its current mounting location. However, nothing prevents the system from being permanently or semi - permanently mounted. The term "portable" can also be interpreted to mean that the billboard is not attached to a predefined location. System 100 includes a media projection subsystem 102 that can be selectively activated and, when enabled, provides an enabling signal on bus line 104. In one aspect, the system includes a chassis and it can be understood that the media projection subsystem is embedded in the chassis. Media projection subsystem 102 has an interface represented by reference indicator 106 for projecting the form of media 108. Some examples of media projection subsystem 102 include image projectors, retractable screens, liquid crystal display (LCD) or light - emitting diode (LED) TV monitor - type displays, wallscapes, holographic displays, switchable glass displays (such as those made by Gauzy), and combinations thereof. For example, the screen deployment mechanism can wind or unwind a flexible screen material around a roller. Media projection subsystem 102 is not limited to a particular type of screen material or deployment means. Media projection subsystem 102 may be selectively engageable to project an image onto a deployed viewing screen. Media projection subsystem 102 can also broadcast an audio message, or a combination of an audio message and a visual message.

[0014] The media projection subsystem 102 may be an image projector enabled as a liquid crystal (LC) or LED display similar to a home theater type video projector. Alternatively, a high-performance (e.g., mercury arc, xenon arc, etc.) lamp, cathode ray tube (CRT), digital light processing (DLP), plasma, silicon X-tal reflector display (SXRD), or red green blue (RGB) laser may be used. The media projection subsystem 102 may also be a persistent image panel or an electroluminescence (EL) display. In other words, the media projection subsystem 102 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, and may or may not be transient. Transient images include a series of still images, videos, or combinations thereof.

[0015] The media projection subsystem 102 may also include an internal battery and / or cables for attachment to an external power source. The media projection subsystem 102 typically includes various electronic circuits necessary to support the main components described below, as is well understood in the art. The media projection subsystem 102, or the media projection subsystem chassis, may include components for attachment to a wall, window, or balcony, or a stand for attachment to a sidewalk or lawn.

[0016] System 100 further includes a location subsystem 110 having an output on line 104 for providing the geographical location of the media projection subsystem. Examples of location subsystems 110 include global positioning system (GPS) receivers, assisted GPS using cell tower data, wireless local area network IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) positioning systems, cell site multilateration, satellite multilateration, or hybrid positioning systems. A hybrid positioning system combines multiple different positioning technologies such as GPS with cell tower signals, wireless Internet signals, Bluetooth sensors, IP addresses, and network environment data to identify a location. Cell tower signals have the advantage of not being blocked by buildings or bad weather, but typically have lower positioning accuracy. WiFi positioning systems can provide very accurate positioning in urban areas with high WiFi density depending on a comprehensive database of WiFi access points. Additionally, LORAN type systems and LoJack (registered trademark) type systems may be suitable for positioning purposes. As described in US10,796,340, which is incorporated herein by reference, camera images, as well as location data from nearby smartphones, laptops, and personal communication devices can also be used to determine a location.

[0017] The verifier or verification subsystem 112 has an interface on line 104. Here, the verifier 112 receives an enabling signal, an identification code, and a geographical location, and is enabled as a software application stored in a local non-transitory memory 114 that includes processor-executable instructions for providing verification information corresponding to the enabling signal, the identification code, the geographical location, and the media being projected from a stationary position for a predefined minimum duration. The predefined minimum duration can be a fixed value such as 5 minutes. Alternatively, the predefined duration can vary, for example, for the location, time, and type of media. Alternatively, some components of the verifier can be enabled in hardware. As another alternative, some software modules of the verifier may be stored in the non-transitory memory 116 of the server 118.

[0018] System 100 includes a communication subsystem 120 having an interface on line 104 for receiving verification information and an interface for communicating the verification information. As shown, communication subsystem 120 is a wireless transceiver with an antenna 122. The most typical examples of wireless communication subsystem 116 are cellular systems (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)-Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Fourth Generation (4G), or Fifth Generation (5G)), etc. Although less common, communication subsystem 120 can be enabled with WLAN IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), or even a long-range wireless transceiver. Examples of long-range wireless systems include Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Evolution-data Optimized (EVDO), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), IEEE 802.20 (iBurst), Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), Muni WiFi, commercial satellites, and IEEE 802.16 Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX (WiBro)), etc. As another alternative, the communication subsystem stores verification information and other communication messages as data 124 in the system local memory 114, and this data 124 can be periodically downloaded using a wireless connection or a hardwired connection. System 100 is not limited to any particular type of communication subsystem. In one aspect, communication subsystem 120 receives a media upload from server 118 for providing to media projection subsystem 102 via line 104 for presentation.

[0019] The targeting subsystem 126 is used to select a media projection subsystem target rest position from a plurality of potential target rest positions having corresponding position values. As shown, the targeting subsystem is enabled as a software application stored in the server memory 116 and includes a sequence of processor-executable steps for selecting a target position. The target position can be selected from the media projection subsystem or the server. Alternatively, the targeting subsystem can be stored in the media projection subsystem local memory 114, as shown virtually. In one aspect of the system 100, a reward subsystem 128, which can alternatively be considered a sub-module of the targeting subsystem, provides a reward to an entity in response to the selected target rest position. The entity receiving the reward can include the entity managing the media projection subsystem, the entity managing the server, the entity owning the site where the media projection subsystem is located, or a combination of the above entities. Thus, the reward subsystem 128 is typically enabled as a software application stored in the server memory 116 and includes a sequence of processor-executable steps. Alternatively, as shown virtually, the reward subsystem can be stored in the local memory 114.

[0020] In another aspect, system 100 further includes a publicly accessible access point (AP) 130. AP 130 may be an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) such as a WiFi hotspot, an IEEE 802.15 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) such as a Bluetooth access point, or an access point for both WLAN and WPAN connected to antenna 132. Alternatively, although less common, access point 130 may be an IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee, WPAN IEEE 802.15 Li-Fi, or a Wireless USB device. Even less likely as an access point is a long-range wireless system. If a WiFi or Bluetooth access point is a component of communication subsystem 120 (e.g., communicating with server 118), items 130 and 120 may be collocated. As used herein, a “publicly accessible” AP is an AP that can be accessed by the general public without a password or similar security measure, or an AP for which the password is publicly distributed. An example of a publicly accessible AP is the WiFi hotspot service provided by a typical Starbucks coffee shop. If a password is required for access, the password may be printed on a mobile platform, displayed by a media projection subsystem, or made available through a media projection phone application or website. In one aspect, communication gauge 134 has an output on line 104 to provide measurements of communication subsystem communication statistics. In one aspect not shown, the components of the communication gauge may be at least partially enabled as a software application stored in either local memory or server memory. Handicap subsystem 136 has an interface for offsetting communication values associated with access point 130 or communication subsystem 120 in response to the communication statistics.Typically, the handicap subsystem 136 is enabled as a software application stored in either the local memory 114 (shown virtually) or the server memory 116.

[0021] Many methods are known in the art for measuring the effectiveness of radio frequency (RF) communication and can be used to enable measurement and communication statistics. Some examples include measuring the bit error rate (BER) and signal strength. Some components of the communication gauge can be enabled by software. The reward application 128 can provide a reward to an entity in response to a communication value offset by communication statistics. The reward is calculated in combination with values for the target location, effectiveness, presentation time, and duration.

[0022] There are two basic links involving the AP 130. One link is between the AP-compatible media projection subsystem 102 and the central controller server 118 via the communication subsystem 120. This link, and thus the communication statistics, should be relatively consistent as long as the media projection subsystem is stationary at a particular location. The other link is between the AP 130 and user devices 138 such as smartphones, laptops, and personal communication devices. These communication statistics are more likely to vary in that the user may be connected to the AP 130 for only a short time and may change locations while connected.

[0023] In one aspect, the access point 130 and / or the communication subsystem 120 can be used to collect data from passing entities, or entities involved with the access point, or entities using the communication subsystem 120. This data can then be stored in the local memory 114 for later retrieval or transmitted to the server 118.

[0024] System 100 may include a camera 138 that records an image of a geographical location proximate to the media projection subsystem 102. The camera image may be stored in the local memory 114, or the communication subsystem 120 may transmit the image to the server 118. In one aspect, the camera may also be used to modify the value of a target location. For example, the traffic volume recorded at a certain location may be more than expected, and accordingly the target value may be adjusted. That is, an image that records a higher traffic volume of pedestrians or vehicles may have a higher value. The data may be used to help determine the validity of the media or location. Alternatively or additionally, the camera image may function to verify that the media projector subsystem is enabled, that the media projection subsystem 102 is stationary, or that the media projection subsystem is located at a specific location. In one aspect, simply recording the change in the image, and thus the proximate traffic, can be used as a means to prove the validity of the media projector subsystem. As an alternative to, or in addition to, the camera, the system may further comprise a proximity detector subsystem for sensing nearby movement or measuring the density of traffic of nearby vehicles or pedestrians, and this data may be transmitted by the communication subsystem or recorded in the local memory.

[0025] As described above, system 100 may further comprise a server 118 having an interface represented as an antenna 140 for receiving verification information from the communication subsystem 120 and having a server memory 116 for storing the verification information. The server 118 may be associated with an entity that manages the server and media, and / or a client entity that benefits from the presentation of the media. If the media projection subsystem is managed by an entity different from the entity associated with the server, this different entity may be an entity that selectively enables the media projection subsystem and selects the location.

[0026] The system may further comprise a monitoring subsystem 142 having an interface represented by a reference designator 144 for measuring public exposure to the projected media, and an output on line 104 for providing an exposure measurement value. The monitoring subsystem 142 may be enabled by using components such as cameras, sonars, LIDAR, optical detector ranging subsystems, and combinations thereof. Typically, these components are attached to the media projection subsystem 102 or the media projection subsystem chassis.

[0027] In one form, the monitoring subsystem 142 measures the field of view angle of the actual media projection subsystem, as shown in Figure 1B. The dotted line represents the possible maximum field of view that may be limited by the media image that can be realistically recognized by the human eye or a camera. In the case of an LED or LCD display, the maximum (lateral) field of view angle is limited due to the technology-specific limitations. The solid line represents the actual field of view angle. Here, a portion of the field of view angle associated with the media projection subsystem 102 is blocked by a neighboring house. Otherwise, as described above, the camera 138 can "measure" the audience in terms of traffic volume and / or pedestrian density, or time of day. In other aspects, the monitoring subsystem 142 can measure the reduction in exposure due to weather conditions, in which case the monitoring subsystem may include a rain gauge. Other exposure factors may include ambient light, the angle of the sun (which makes the display difficult to read), or traffic volume. For example, if a car blocks the display of the media projection subsystem and traffic is stopped, it may be considered a reduction in exposure. Further, if traffic passes by faster than a predefined limit, it may also be considered a reduction in exposure. Weather and traffic-related data can also be obtained from external monitoring systems, conventional Internet websites, or conventional mobile phone applications.

[0028] The handicap subsystem 136 can also be used to offset media values associated with the activation of the media projection subsystem, which are calculated in response to exposure measurements. In other words, each type of media presented by the media projection subsystem 102 does not necessarily have the same value. For example, in the case of advertisements, some clients may be willing to pay more for the presentation of that media than other clients. Therefore, the difference in payment amounts represents the difference in nominal media values. Regardless of whether the media values have different nominal values, these media values can be adjusted based on the quality of the presentation. For example, the media value may be based on a presentation with the maximum viewing angle, and if the monitoring subsystem 142 measures a decrease in the viewing angle, the media value can be adjusted downward. In the case of advertising media, the offset of the media value may lead to cost reduction for the advertising client and / or reduction of the remuneration for the entity associated with the presentation of the media.

[0029] In one aspect, the face direction detection subsystem 146 has an interface for receiving images from the camera 138, can select a face from the camera image, and measure the duration for which the face is directed towards the media projection subsystem. This "face time" measurement is another means of measuring media exposure. The face direction detection subsystem 146 can be enabled as a software application stored in the server memory 116, which has processor-executable steps for measuring the face direction duration. Although less likely due to memory and processor constraints, the face direction detection application may be embedded in the local memory 114 as virtually shown.

[0030] As is well known in the art, face recognition systems have become common. Furthermore, variations of these systems have been used to adjust camera positions to optimize face recognition, as described in US2021 / 0034843. Detecting the orientation of a face, which is the direction in which a person's eyes are facing, is a much simpler task than recognizing the features of a face that enable the identification of an individual.

[0031] As described above, the reward subsystem 128 may provide a reward to an entity in response to a media value offset by an exposure measurement value. As used herein, an "entity" can be an identification code, the media projection subsystem 102, the system 100, the central control server 118, the owner of the land on which the media projection subsystem is located, or an individual, enterprise, corporation, or any type of social organization or business unit that can claim ownership or association with the server client. Typically, the reward subsystem 128 will be embedded as a software application in the server memory 116 because the server 118 is likely to have a larger storage capacity and processing power, but alternatively, it may be stored in the local memory 114 as shown virtually.

[0032] As understood in the art, the media projection subsystem 102 will include a processor 148 that cooperates with a software application in the non-transitory local memory 114. The non-transitory memory described herein may be any type or form of non-volatile memory device or medium capable of storing data and / or other computer-readable instructions. Examples of memory include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory device. Although not essential, in certain embodiments, the systems described herein may include both a volatile memory unit and a non-volatile memory device. The memory may be implemented as shared memory and / or distributed memory in a network device.

[0033] As is common in many computer systems, a processor 148 that may include a peripheral interface is connected to a bus line 104, extracts operating instructions from an operating system (OS) 150 and software applications in a memory 114, and manages communications between various components of the system 100. Similarly, a server 118 is enabled through the use of a processor 152 and an OS 154. For ease of understanding, the above functions are described as individual components. However, it should be understood that in practice, multiple functions may be performed by a single device, subsystem, or software application.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1D, the system 100 may further include a plurality of portable media projection subsystems. Media projection subsystems 102a and 102b are shown, where media projection subsystem 102a is attached from a balcony and media projection subsystem 102b is suspended from a window. As described in more detail in parent application Ser. No. 17 / 179,574, which is incorporated herein by reference, a combination of media projection subsystems provides a coordinated media integrated display in which a first portion of coordinated media is linked to a second portion of coordinated media. Alternatively, or in addition, the system may further include a media projection subsystem 102c attached to a mobile platform such as a ground-based (e.g., automobile) or water-based (e.g., boat) mobile platform, or an aerial (e.g., drone) mobile platform 156 as shown. In this example, media projection subsystems 102a and 102c also form a coordinated media integrated display.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a portable access point system. System 200 includes a publicly accessible access point 130 that can be selectively activated. AP 130 may be an access point for WLAN (e.g., WiFi hotspot), WPAN (e.g., Bluetooth), or both WLAN and WPAN. AP 130 has an interface on line 104 for providing an activation signal in response to being enabled. Location device 120 provides the geographical location of the AP to line 104. Verifier 112 receives the activation signal, identification code, geographical location, and has an interface on line 104 for providing verification information including the identification code, activation signal, and geographical location in response to AP 112 being enabled at a stationary position for a predetermined minimum duration. Communication subsystem 120 has an interface on line 104 for receiving verification information and an interface connected to antenna 122 for communicating the verification information. In some aspects, communication subsystem 120 also communicates AP communication with central control server 118. Targeting subsystem 126 enables an entity to select a target stationary position from a plurality of weighted target stationary positions. Reward subsystem 128 may provide a reward to the entity in response to the selected stationary position. As shown, reward subsystem 128 and targeting subsystem 126 are enabled as software applications within server memory 116. Alternatively, although not shown, the targeting subsystem and reward subsystem may be stored in local memory 114.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the server shown in FIGS. 1A and 2. For convenience, all components associated with server 118 are shown embedded as a single schematic block, but it should be understood that these components are not necessarily embedded in a single hardware unit or server, nor are they necessarily communicating with each other. Alternatively, software applications may be cooperating components of an overall software system. Also, the server may represent a network of servers communicating with each other. As shown, server 118 is connected to antenna 140 via communication device 302, receives authentication information, and in some aspects, transmits and receives AP communication and other information to and from system (100, see FIG. 1A). Although shown as a wireless system, the links represented by the communication devices may represent Internet and Ethernet links to cell tower base stations and cloud search engines, or any other communication means, and may generally be referred to as portals.

[0037] The second interface on line 304, also called the customer portal, receives customer goals such as, by way of example, target market, deployment time, deployment rate, position, etc. Also, the customer portal on line 304 may receive explicit destination and / or media selection instructions from an entity (e.g., a client or server provider). Alternatively, a destination application 306 is embedded in the memory 126 and includes processor instructions for automatically (without direct human intervention) determining destination instructions in response to client goals. In one aspect, the destination application is a machine learning (ML) model trained by sampling a plurality of manual instructions previously provided by a second entity and inferring destinations from the model. The destination instructions may also correspond to the targeting 126 and the reward application 128. The client goals and targeting may correspond to factors such as location, regional demographics, traffic volume, population density, deployment length, and combinations thereof. The operating system 154, in cooperation with the processor 152, enables software applications within the memory 116 and processes information with the communication device 302.

[0038] Considering FIGS. 1A, 2, and 3, access point 130 and communication subsystem 120 can be used to support a kind of data mapping. The access point is publicly accessible from user device 138, which includes smartphones, personal devices, or generally any type of computing device. Typically, user device 138 is capable of WiFi and Bluetooth communication. As is typical for many users, if left enabled, the user device can interact with nearby access points even when no communication data link is established. As used herein, the term data mapping includes data collection from user device 138. In one aspect, user data information (such as an address) is voluntarily collected by the user explicitly consenting to data collection in response to services provided by the access point, such as the provision of an Internet browser, email, Internet, or social media service. For example, if access point 130 is a WiFi hotspot that receives a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address request from a user device (e.g., a smartphone), the URL address request can be sent to the Domain Name System (DNS) service 308 embedded in server 118. DNS service 308 performs an address search via the Internet interface on line 308 as needed. Similarly, the customer portal can be enabled using the Internet interface on line 310. Otherwise, if legal, information is collected without the explicit consent of the user. The reward to the entity can be based on the amount of traffic via the collected WiFi hotspot or access point data. In some aspects, camera images are used for data tracking in conjunction with a face recognition software application 312 (e.g., DeepFace).

[0039] Figure 4 is a plan view of a geographical area cross-referenced with weighted values for various stationary positions. As shown, the area along Main Street has a value of 1, which is the highest rating. The area along Broadway has a value of 2. The area along Oak has a value of 3. The area along Elm near Main Street has a value of 3, decreasing to a value of 4 near Sinclair Street, and the area along Sinclair Street has a value of 5.

[0040] The system described above can be adapted for use in a model where an advertiser or for-profit entity pays for a service based on performance. For example, an advertising (server) client may contract with a system provider that defines a target market and deployment time / rate. The system provider (intermediary organization) determines geofence locations that meet or exceed the advertiser's target market based on location, demographics, traffic volume, population density, and other variables. The deployment time, location, quality code, and user information of the platform are recorded by the server. The system provider algorithm determines the performance of the platform based on the length of deployment, contract rate, reimbursement of maintenance costs, and location quality code.

[0041] The system described above supports a target location system that can selectively deploy portable billboards or access points. In conjunction with the deployment of displays and / or access points, an organization or associated users are guided to preferred locations. For example, deploying signage along a major street in a busy urban area may be more valuable than deploying it along a side street in the suburbs. Other factors that can be used to calculate a target value may include time of day and length of deployment. Thus, some important features of the system are that the displays and / or access points are actually deployed, and the location of the system is determined after deployment.

[0042] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method of a portable signboard. The method is shown as a series of numbered steps for clarity, but the numbering does not necessarily indicate the order of the steps. It should be understood that some of these steps may be skipped, may be executed in parallel, or may be executed without maintaining a strict order. The method steps are supported by the description of the above system, and generally, the method follows the numbers of the steps shown. This method starts at step 500.

[0043] Step 502 provides a portable media projection subsystem that can be statically attached. Usually, an identifier is associated with the media projection subsystem and / or the first entity. In step 504, the entity selects a target rest position from a plurality of weighted target rest positions. In one aspect, the entity that manages or attaches the signboard selects the position. In step 506, the portable media projection subsystem is attached to the selected rest position. After attaching the media projection subsystem, step 508 selectively enables the media projection subsystem. In one aspect, step 507 receives a media upload from a server, and in step 508, the media projection subsystem projects the media upload.

[0044] Step 510 determines the geographical location of the media projection subsystem. Step 512 verifies the activation of the media projection system, the identifier (if provided), the geographical location, and the maintenance of a stationary position for a predefined minimum duration. Step 514 communicates the verification information either by transmitting it to the server or by storing it in local memory for subsequent download. In one aspect, in step 516, the server receives the communicated verification information and, in step 518, stores the verification information in the server's non-volatile memory. In another aspect, the server is associated with a second entity such as a server provider or a server client, and in step 508, the first entity associated with the sign selectively enables the media projection subsystem. In some aspects, either the first or the second entity may select a target stationary position and either the first or the second entity may enable the media projection subsystem. Optionally, step 520 provides a reward corresponding to the value of the selected target stationary position.

[0045] In one variation, step 502 provides a publicly accessible access point that can be a WLAN, a WPAN, and access points for both WLAN and WPAN. In that case, step 509 may measure the communication statistics of the communication subsystem and step 520 may offset the communication value associated with the access point in response to the communication statistics. In another variation, step 511a records a photographic image of the geographical location proximate to the media projection subsystem. Alternatively, or in addition, step 511b may measure the public exposure to the projected media and provide an exposure measurement value, and step 520 may offset the media value associated with the activation of the media projection subsystem calculated in response to the exposure measurement value. In one variation, measuring the public exposure includes, in step 511a, recording a photographic image of the geographical location proximate to the media projection subsystem, and step 511b1 selects a face from the photographic image and measures the duration that the face is directed towards the media projection subsystem.

[0046] In one aspect, step 502 provides a plurality of portable media projection subsystems, and enabling a media projection subsystem in step 508 involves a combination of media projection subsystems that provide a coordinated media integrated display in which a first portion of the coordinated media is linked to a second portion of the coordinated media. In one variation, at least one of the media projection subsystems is attached to a ground-based, water-based, or airborne mobile platform.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method for providing a portable access point. This method starts at step 600. Step 602 provides a publicly accessible access point (AP) associated with a first entity, which can be an access point for a WLAN, WPAN, or both WLAN and WPAN. In step 604, the entity selects a target stationary position from a plurality of weighted target stationary positions. Step 606 provides an activation signal in response to the AP being enabled. Step 608 provides the geographical location of the AP. Step 610 provides verification information including an identification code, activation signal, and geographical location associated with the AP or the first entity (if provided) in response to the AP being enabled at the stationary position for a predetermined minimum duration. Step 612 communicates the verification information by sending the information to a server or storing the information in local memory for subsequent download. In one aspect, step 614 provides a reward corresponding to the value of the selected stationary position. The first entity may be associated with the AP, or a second entity associated with a server provider or server client may select the target position, and either entity or both may be eligible for the reward.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a portable billboard media projection subsystem attached to a building wall and another subsystem installed in the building's front yard. The media projection subsystem 102a attached to the wall is powered via an AC cord plugged into a building power outlet, and the media projection subsystem 102b installed on the lawn is powered by a built-in battery.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a portable billboard media projection subsystem enabled as an imaging projector. The imaging projector 806 of the media projection subsystem 102a creates a wallscape 800 on the outer surface of the building and is powered by an external battery pack 802. An imaging projector (not shown) backlights the window 804 to create an image.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a portable billboard media projection subsystem enabled as a holographic image on the building roof.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a portable billboard media projection subsystem enabled as an LCD, LED, EL, or still image screen on a sidewalk sandwich board. The media projection subsystem is supported by a stand 1000.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a portable billboard media projection subsystem enabled as an imaging projector. In this case, the media projection subsystem 102 is attached from a building balcony, and the imaging projector component 1100 creates a wallscape image 1102 on the side of the building.

[0053] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a "bird's nest" drone charging station. Charging station 1200a is on signboard 1202, and charging station 1200b is on the rooftop 1204 of the building. As shown, the media projection subsystem of drone 1206a is not enabled during charging. Depending on the design shown, one type of drone (1206b) can project media while stopped at the charging station and thus functions as a portable signboard regardless of whether it is being charged. In other words, the charging station can potentially function as a stationary position for the portable signboard.

[0054] A system and method for portable signboards and portable access points are provided. To explain the present invention, examples of specific message structures, schematic block connections, and hardware units are presented. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples only. Those skilled in the art will come up with other variations and embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable billboard system comprising: A portable media projection subsystem having an interface for selectively projecting media and an interface for providing an activation signal in response to the projection of the media; A location device for providing the geographical location of the media projection subsystem; A communication subsystem having an interface for receiving verification information including the activation signal and the geographical location and an interface for communicating the verification information; A verifier having an interface for receiving the activation signal from the portable media projection subsystem and the geographical location from the location device and an interface for providing the verification information to the communication subsystem in response to the projection of the media from a stationary position for a predefined minimum duration; A targeting subsystem enabling selection of a target stationary position from a plurality of weighted target stationary positions; A portable billboard system.

2. The portable billboard system according to claim 1, wherein the target stationary position has a weighted value corresponding to a factor selected from the group consisting of the traffic volume of nearby vehicles, the line of sight, the traffic volume of nearby pedestrians, height, proximity to cultural events, proximity to cultural facilities, the type of media to be projected, time, day of the week, date, the length of time the media is projected, and combinations thereof.

3. The portable billboard system according to claim 1, wherein the media projection subsystem projects media selected from the group consisting of a displayed image, broadcast audio, or a combination thereof.

4. The portable billboard system according to claim 1, wherein the communication subsystem receives a media upload from a server, and the communication subsystem provides the media upload to the media projection subsystem for projection.

5. A camera having an output for providing an image of the geographical location proximate to the media projection subsystem The portable billboard system according to claim 1, further comprising.

6. The portable billboard system according to claim 1, wherein the targeting subsystem provides a reward in response to the value of the selected target stationary position.

7. A publicly accessible AP configured to be attached to the media projection subsystem, selected from the group consisting of an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP), an IEEE 802.15 wireless personal area network (WPAN) AP, and an AP that is both a WLAN and a WPAN AP The portable sign system according to claim 1, further comprising

8. A communication gauge having an output that provides a measurement of communication subsystem communication statistics, A handicap subsystem having an interface for offsetting a communication value associated with the access point in response to the communication statistics, The portable sign system according to claim 7, further comprising

9. A server having an interface for receiving the verification information from the communication subsystem, A server memory for storing the verification information, The portable sign system according to claim 1, further comprising

10. The portable sign system according to claim 9, wherein the server selectively enables the media projection subsystem.

11. The portable sign system according to claim 1, wherein the media projection subsystem is selected from the group consisting of an image projector, a topper, a retractable screen, a liquid crystal display, a holographic display, a light emitting diode display, a wallscape, an electroluminescent (EL) display, a switchable glass display, a permanent image fan, and combinations thereof.

12. A monitoring subsystem having an interface for measuring public exposure to the projected media and an output for providing an exposure measurement value, A handicap subsystem having an output for offsetting a media value associated with activation of the media projection subsystem, calculated in response to the exposure measurement value, The portable sign system according to claim 1, further comprising

13. The monitoring subsystem, A camera, A face direction detection subsystem that receives an image from the camera, selects a face from the camera image, and measures the duration that the face is directed toward the media projection subsystem, The portable sign system according to claim 12, comprising

14. The portable sign system further comprises a plurality of portable media projection subsystems, The plurality of portable media projection subsystems provide a coordinated media integrated display, and a first portion of the coordinated media is linked to a second portion of the coordinated media, the portable sign system according to claim 1.

15. The portable sign system further comprises a media projection subsystem mounted on a mobile platform selected from the group consisting of a ground-based, water-based, or aerial mobile platform, The combination of the portable media projection subsystem and the mobile platform media projection subsystem provides a coordinated media integrated display, and a first portion of the coordinated media is linked to a second portion of the coordinated media, the portable sign system according to claim 1.

16. A method for monitoring the provision of media delivered from a portable sign, the method comprising: providing a portable media projection subsystem that can be statically attached; selecting a target rest position from a plurality of weighted target rest positions; attaching the media projection subsystem to the selected target rest position; optionally enabling the media projection subsystem after attaching the media projection subsystem; determining the geographical location of the media projection subsystem; verifying the enabling of the media projection subsystem, the geographical location, and the maintenance of the rest position for a predetermined minimum duration; communicating verification information; A method comprising.

17. The server receiving the communicated verification information; storing the verification information in the non-transitory memory of the server; The method according to claim 16, further comprising.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the server selectively enables the media projection subsystem.

19. providing a reward in response to the value of the target rest position The method according to claim 16, further comprising.

20. The method further comprises receiving a media upload from a server, The method of claim 16, wherein enabling the media projection subsystem includes the media projection subsystem projecting the media upload.

21. Providing a publicly accessible AP configured to be attached to the media projection subsystem, the AP being selected from the group consisting of an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP), an IEEE 802.15 wireless personal area network (WPAN) AP, or an AP of both WLAN and WPAN The method of claim 16, further comprising.

22. Measuring communication subsystem communication statistics; Offsetting a communication value associated with the access point in response to the communication statistics; The method of claim 21, further comprising.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein the target stationary position has a weighted value corresponding to factors selected from the group consisting of traffic volume of nearby vehicles, line of sight, traffic volume of nearby pedestrians, proximity to cultural events, proximity to cultural facilities, type of media to be projected, time, day of the week, date, length of time the media is projected, and combinations thereof.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein enabling the media projection subsystem includes projecting media selected from the group consisting of a displayed image, broadcast audio, or a combination thereof.

25. Recording a photographic image of a geographical location proximate to the media projection subsystem The method of claim 16, further comprising.

26. Measuring public exposure to the projected media and providing an exposure measurement value; Offsetting a media value associated with enabling the media projection subsystem, calculated in response to the exposure measurement value; The method of claim 16, further comprising.

27. Said measuring of public exposure is Recording a photographic image of a geographical location proximate to the media projection subsystem; Selecting a face from the photographic image and measuring the duration the face is directed towards the media projection subsystem; The method of claim 26, including measuring public exposure such as.

28. Providing the portable media projection subsystem includes providing a plurality of portable media projection subsystems, Enabling the media projection subsystem includes a plurality of enabled media projection subsystems providing a coordinated media integrated display, wherein a first portion of the coordinated media is linked to a second portion of the coordinated media, the method of claim 16.

29. Providing the plurality of portable media projection subsystems includes providing at least one of the media projection subsystems mounted on a mobile platform selected from the group consisting of ground-based, water-based, or airborne mobile platforms, the method of claim 28.

30. A portable access point system, A publicly accessible AP selected from the group consisting of an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP), an IEEE 802.15 wireless personal area network (WPAN) AP, or an AP of both WLAN and WPAN, wherein the publicly accessible AP has an interface for providing an activation signal in response to the publicly accessible AP being enabled, a publicly accessible AP; A location device for providing the geographical location of the publicly accessible AP; A communication subsystem having an interface for receiving verification information including the activation signal and the geographical location, and an interface for communicating the verification information; An interface for receiving the activation signal from the publicly accessible AP and the geographical location from the location device, and an interface for providing the verification information to the communication subsystem in response to the publicly accessible AP being enabled in a stationary position for a predetermined minimum duration, a verifier; A targeting subsystem that enables selection of a target stationary position from a plurality of weighted target stationary positions; A portable access point system comprising.

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