Digital Signage System with Virtual Device Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital signage systems are expensive and difficult for local or small businesses to participate in, as they require purchasing specialized equipment and do not allow users to set their own advertising rates, making it hard for them to generate revenue through digital signage.
Innovation Solution
A digital signage system that allows users to create and distribute their own content, set display rates, and automatically process payments, enabling users to display content on multiple devices across various locations without the need for expensive equipment, by using a networked system with user accounts, display devices, and a controller that processes payments and content distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users purchase specialized display devices and equipment to participate in digital signage systems, then they can display content on digital signage devices, but the cost of participation becomes expensive and difficult for local or small businesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a virtual copy of the display device through software emulation. Instead of requiring physical specialized hardware, the system creates a virtual representation of display capabilities that can run on standard computing devices. This allows users to participate in digital signage networks without purchasing expensive specialized equipment, as the virtual device copy replicates the necessary display functions software-based
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware-based display system with a software-based virtual device architecture. Rather than relying on physical specialized display equipment, the system uses software to create and manage virtual display devices that can be controlled and monitored remotely, eliminating the need for users to purchase and maintain expensive specialized hardware
2Ease of operation
If existing digital signage systems provide previously created advertising materials, then users can access content easily, but users cannot set their own advertising rates to generate revenue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rate setting capabilities that allow users to adjust advertising rates based on various factors such as time of day, day of week, location, and demand. This dynamic pricing mechanism enables users to optimize revenue generation while maintaining ease of content access, as the system automatically manages the complex pricing parameters without requiring manual intervention from users
3Reliability
If digital signage systems require specialized equipment, then display quality can be controlled, but the system becomes difficult to manage and expand to multiple locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual device architecture that can run on multiple types of standard computing hardware across different locations. This universal platform maintains display quality control through centralized software management while eliminating the need for location-specific specialized equipment, thereby reducing system management complexity and enabling easy expansion to multiple geographic locations
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a digital signage system. The method includes creating at least one user account, creating or retrieving a display content to be displayed on a display device, searching for a display location and at least one display device associated with the display location, and sending a request to display the content on at least one selected display device. The method further includes automatically downloading the content to be displayed on the selected display device, automatically processing a payment from a first user account to a second user account that is associated with the display device, and displaying the content on the selected display device.