U.S. patent application number 09/758833 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-11 for electronic communication display system.
Invention is credited to Kenna, Frank III, Lafreniere, Edward.
Application Number | 20020091587 09/758833 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25053285 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020091587 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kenna, Frank III ; et
al. |
July 11, 2002 |
Electronic communication display system
Abstract
An electronic communication display system is at least partially
disposed on a computer readable medium and is configured for
transmitting data corresponding to media to a remote client
location where the media is displayed. The electronic communication
display system comprises an electronic poster display board for
displaying media and a client server that is configured to transmit
the data to the electronic poster display board. A main web server,
which may be configured to communicate with the client server for
transmission of the data thereto, compiles sets of posters in
electronic form which are selected through the client server. A
method of communication is also presented.
Inventors: |
Kenna, Frank III; (Branford,
CT) ; Lafreniere, Edward; (Clinton, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALIX YALE & RISTAS LLP
750 MAIN STREET
SUITE 1400
HARTFORD
CT
06103
US
|
Family ID: |
25053285 |
Appl. No.: |
09/758833 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.5 ;
705/27.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0601 20130101;
G06Q 30/0272 20130101; G06Q 30/0621 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 30/0641 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/27 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of distributing electronic media for display at a
multiplicity of remote locations comprising: (a) creating a
plurality of electronic poster kits each containing a plurality of
posters; (b) posting said electronic poster kits on a web site; (c)
accessing said web site over the Internet to view a poster kit; (d)
selecting from a remote location a set of posters from said web
site; (e) customizing said selected set of posters from said remote
location by transmitting data over the Internet; (f) transmitting
said customized selected set of posters over the Internet to said
remote location; and (g) displaying said customized selected set of
posters on a screen.
2. The media distribution method of claim 1 further comprising
identifying a subscriber for said remote location and limiting
access to a specific poster kit as a function of the identified
subscriber.
3. The media distribution method of claim 1 further comprising
repeating each said step.
4. The media distribution method of claim 3 wherein if step (d) is
not repeated within a pre-established time interval, further
comprising transmitting a default poster kit to a remote location
and displaying said default poster kit.
5. The media distribution method of claim 1 wherein if step (e) is
not repeated within a pre-established time interval relative to
step (d), default customized data is transmitted to generate said
customized selected set of posters.
6. The media distribution method of claim 1 further comprising
periodically changing the posters displayed on said screen.
7. The media distribution method of claim 6 further comprising
continuously displaying contemporaneous information on said
screen.
8. An electronic communication display system that is at least
partially disposed on a computer readable medium and is configured
for transmitting data corresponding to media to a remote subscriber
location where the media is displayed, comprising: an electronic
poster display board for displaying media; a main web server
configured with media defining a plurality of sets of posters in
electronic form and for transmitting selected portions of the
media; and a subscriber server in commemoration with said main web
server and said display board and configured to select portions of
said media; wherein selected media is transmitted to said
subscriber server for display in poster form on said electronic
poster display board.
9. The electronic communication display system of claim 8 wherein:
the subscriber server includes a web browser configured in kiosk
mode for display of the media.
10. The electronic communication display system of claim 9 wherein:
the web browser contains a plurality of channels; and the media
includes to a poster kit composed of a predefined collection of
electronic posters and/or electronic messages; wherein each of the
channels contains an electronic poster or an electronic
message.
11. The electronic communication display system of claim 10
wherein: the subscriber server is configured to display one of the
electronic posters for predetermined period of time and then switch
to another of the electronic posters.
12. The electronic communication display system of claim 11
wherein: the web browser is further configured to query the main
server to determine whether any changes in the media data has
occurred.
13. The electronic communication display system of claim 12
wherein: said main server comprises a data base containing poster
kits associating various electronic posters and the subscriber
server communicates with the data base subscriber input at the
subscriber server formulates a poster kit for transmission to the
subscriber server.
14. The electronic communication display system of claim 10 wherein
the electronic communication display comprises at least one flat
panel gas plasma display.
15. The electronic communication display system of claim 13 further
comprising a work station at which electronic posters are created,
the work station communicating with the main server to formulate
the data base.
16. A method of providing a customized poster service to a
plurality of remote locations comprising the steps of: generating a
poster kit containing at least one electronic poster and/or
electronic message for each location; providing an electronic
poster display board at each location; and communicating each
poster kit over the Internet to each electronic poster display
board for display of the least one electronic poster and/or
electronic message.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of generating a poster
kit comprising the steps of: providing a server at a primary
location for displaying a collection of electronic posters over the
Internet via an Internet browser; and selecting among the
collection of electronic posters in order to formulate a particular
poster kit and/or modify an existing poster kit via the Internet
browser; correlating the particular poster kit to a particular
location.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of communicating the
poster kit further comprises the steps of: periodically polling the
server from a remote location; downloading updates at the remote
location of a particular poster kit; and displaying each of the
electronic posters of the updated poster kit.
19. The method of claim 18 comprising the step of: sequencing the
display of each one of the electronic posters of the poster kit for
display on the electronic poster display board in a predetermined
manner.
20. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of: entering
text at a remote location for use in conjunction with display of at
least one electronic poster.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to employee
communication programs, and, more particularly, to an electronic
communication display system for publishing employee
communications.
[0002] Conventional business communication programs have typically
included providing a bulletin board upon which printed material,
e.g., posters including photographs, artwork, designs and/or
slogans, and messages which pertain to a client's business are
displayed. Topics which may be the subject of business
communications include employee communications involving safety,
quality, teamwork, morale and self-motivation. For example, since
safety is an important consideration in most working environments,
a poster with a slogan such as using prudence in a potentially
dangerous situation may be displayed for impressing upon employees
an employer's requirement for observing on-the-job safety. Other
examples of representative employee communications include messages
such as news releases made by a client and messages for boosting
employee morale such as those involving employee activities.
[0003] In conventional systems to which the invention relates, the
posters and messages may be developed by graphic designers by hand
or on a computer aided design system. Typically, they are printed
as a large communication display and then sent to a client where
the communication display may be mounted onto a bulletin board. The
bulletin board may be relatively sophisticated and creatively
organized for efficiency and visual attention such as a three-panel
bulletin board on the order of 26 inches (66 centimeters) by 63
inches (160 centimeters). For conventional systems to which the
invention relates, the posters are typically regularly replaced by
manual means depending on corporate goals, news of interest and
employee activities.
[0004] At regular time intervals, such as once a month, clients may
select new posters and messages and/or the new posters and messages
are automatically selected, printed and shipped periodically to
each client. Because of the large number and variety of clients and
the specific requirements for certain users, there are significant
inefficiencies associated with selecting, printing and shipping the
employee communications. Also, achievement of a high degree of
customization and selectivity is economically problematic.
[0005] Accordingly, it is desired to provide an efficient system
which overcomes many of the deficiencies of prior art systems and
services.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly stated, the invention in a preferred form is an
electronic communication display system which is at least partially
disposed on a computer readable medium and is configured for
transmitting data corresponding to media to a remote client
location where the media is displayed. The electronic communication
display system comprises an electronic poster display board for
displaying media, and a client computer server which receives data
corresponding to the media for the electronic poster display board.
A web server capable of communicating with the client server for
transmission of data thereto is also provided. The web server along
with an application server communicating with the web server
formulates the data for the ultimate transmission to the client
server.
[0007] At its most fundamental configuration, the electronic
communication display system comprises two computers. The main
server stores, sorts and keeps track of each client's order. It
also receives the news, weather and sports information and
reformats it for client use. Each remote location of the system has
a "client" computer which is hooked up to the Internet and to a
flat panel display device. This computer checks, via Internet, with
the main server on a regular basis and retrieves the correct
assortment of materials in electronic form. It then displays them
on the flat panel display. The display may also include regularly
updated news, weather and sports information.
[0008] In one particular embodiment of the invention, the client
server has a web browser configured in kiosk mode for display of
the media. The web browser may contain a plurality of channels
wherein each of the channels contains an electronic poster or an
electronic message.
[0009] Another preferred form of the invention involves a method of
providing a customized poster service to a plurality of remote
locations and comprises the steps of: generating a poster kit
containing at least one electronic poster and/or electronic message
for each client or subscriber selecting posters and/or messages by
the client from the remote location; providing an electronic poster
display board at each location; and communicating each selected
poster and/or message over the Internet to each electronic poster
display board for display of the least one electronic poster and/or
electronic message.
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an
electronic communication display system capable of electronically
transferring business communications from a primary location to a
plurality of remote locations.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
electronic communication display system which enhances
customization and increases the variety of materials available for
selection.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
electric communication display system which allows for
substantially instantaneous transmission of selected materials to a
remote location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the specification and drawings wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a representative embodiment
of an electronic communication display system in accordance with
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram for an administrative
portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and
[0016] FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram for a subscriber portion of
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic annotated diagram of a representative
electronic poster display board for use with the embodiment of FIG.
1; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a representative screen which a subscriber may use
in connection with the electronic communication system of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] An electronic communication display system in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
generally at 10. The electronic communication display system 10
provides for the transmission of client communications for display
as media such as posters including designs and/or slogans and
messages from a primary location for display at one or more remote
client locations. As discussed above, the subject matter of the
business communications may involve safety, quality, teamwork,
morale, self motivation, client news releases, employee activities
and others.
[0020] The term "media" as used herein is intended to include all
forms of visual communication including graphics, written and
printed text along with photographs, visual works and artistic
material developed for display alone or therewith.
[0021] The electronic communication display system 10 comprises a
primary or administrative server system 12 located at a primary
location and a multiplicity of client or subscriber communication
and display systems 14, 114, 214 located at each remote client
location. The client communication and display system 14
communicates with the main or administrative server system 12 via
the Internet 16.
[0022] The administrative server system 12 is comprises a computer
13 which is configured to function as a first web server 18, a
second web server 20, a data base server 22, and an application
server 26. While the administrative server system 12 is described
in terms of several services and server functions, a single
computer 13 may provide all functions and incorporate all described
services. The computer 13 may be any commercially available server
such as that manufactured and marketed by the Compaq Corporation
and may be connected to the Internet 16 via line 28 in a well known
manner. The first web server 18 is configured to be accessible by
one or more client work stations as more fully described hereafter
for modifying the content of the employee communication.
[0023] The second web server 20 may be similar to web server 18
although modified to communicate via communication line 29 with one
or more client servers discussed in more detail below. It will be
understood that while two web servers 18 and 20 are provided, one
web server performing both functions may be employed instead.
[0024] The data base server 22 stores client information such as
client identification, client routing location and client media
data such as poster kits developed by a work station 24 and as
modified by the application server 26 as discussed below. Numerous
work stations 24 may be employed
[0025] Each work station 24 is configured so that a graphic
designer may develop electronic posters and collect the posters
together into kits which may contain, for example, collections of
electronic posters and messages for a particular client. The media
is created at the workstation 24, using software such as Adobe
Photoshop.TM. or Adobe Illustrator.TM.. The posters are then sent
to work station 18 where they are sorted by edition and client. The
work station 24 communicates with the data base server 22
represented by communication line 30 in order to transmit various
electronic posters, etc., which are developed at the work station
24, to the data base server. The electronic posters are converted
into an appropriate format for transmission over the Internet 16,
such as file transfer protocol (FTP), and then stored before
transfer to a client communication and display system 14, as
discussed in more detail below. FTP is employed to obtain news,
weather and sports data. Otherwise, in house file transmission is
over local networks.
[0026] The coordination and communication with computer 13 is
functionally identical in FIG. 1. The application server 26
communicates with both the first and second web servers 18, 20
represented by communication lines 32 and 34 and with the data base
server 22 via communication line 36. The application server 26
provides coordination between the web servers 18 and 20 and access
to the electronic poster kits contained in data base server 22. The
application server 18 includes application software which tracks
and distributes content according to client order entry procedures
and as modified by subscribers during the subscription period.
[0027] The client communication and display system 14 comprises a
computer 15 which includes a client workstation 38, a client server
42, and an electronic poster display board 40. The client
workstation 38 communicates with the web server 18 via
communication lines 28 and 44 and the Internet 16. The client
workstation 38 preferably comprises a web browser sold under the
trademark EXPLORER by the Microsoft Corporation of Redman, Wash.
Optionally, other web browsers, such as that sold under the
trademark NETSCAPE by the Netscape Communications Corporation of
Mountain View, Calif. may be employed. The client work station 38
interactively communicates with a web server 18 in order to
transmit client or subscriber input, for example to, modify an
electronic poster kit and receive an updated description of the
electronic poster kit. Such interactive communication can be as
frequent as described by the client.
[0028] The electronic poster display board 40 may be any suitably
large display board but is preferably a flat panel gas plasma
display, such as that manufactured and sold by the Sony corporation
of Japan.
[0029] The client server 38 receives electronic poster kits (or
media) in the form of data in a particular format, as discussed
above, for display on the electronic poster display board 40. The
client server 38 is illustrated as being connected to the
electronic poster display board 40 by a communication line 46. It
will be appreciated that the computer 15 may be located on a
housing supporting the electronic poster display board 40 but is
preferably separated some distance therefrom. In any event, the
client server 38 communicates with the web server 18 via
communication lines 29 and 44 and the Internet 16. The client
server 38 preferably comprises a web browser, such as discussed
above, which is configured, in a kiosk mode whereby the browser
receives the data from the web server 18 and generates a continuous
display. In particular, it will be understood that a number of
channels of the web browser may be used in order to simultaneously
display various elements of the poster kit for varying amounts of
time. An example of the foregoing is discussed below.
[0030] Referring now also to FIG. 4, the client server 38
communicates electronic poster kits to the electronic poster
display board 40 for display thereof. Preferably, the electronic
poster display board may comprise a plurality of sections for
displaying different materials. For example, four separate sections
50, 52, 54 and 56 may be provided--each of which may be functioning
simultaneously and at different update times and periods. Each
section may sequentially display varying messages and/or posters,
slogans, etc. For example, in section 50 an electronic poster 58
may be displayed fifteen (15) minutes and then switch to a custom
executive poster 62. Section 52 may concurrently include an
employee message 64, then switch to a Good Will Motivator.TM. media
66 thereafter switch to a management suggested letter 60 and. The
relative timing may also be selected. For example, messages 64 and
66 may alternate every fifteen (15) minutes and may start seven and
one half (7.5) minutes after the poster 58 is initially displayed
in section 50. Section 54 may display any news and announcements
such as news headlines, sports scores and local 3 or 5 day weather
forecasts. The display may include media such as a client's name or
trademark, etc. as illustrated at 70, which may be permanently
affixed thereto. It will be appreciated that each of the
communications lines 28, 29, 44 and 48 may comprise, for example,
telephone, satellite or wireless hook up.
OPERATION
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, using work station 24 a
graphic artist creates a work which is compiled into a poster kit
including a collection of electronic posters in a data format, as
discussed above, that is suitable for transmission over the
Internet as shown in box 72. The electronic posters are cataloged
electronically via the workstation 24 and stored in the data base
server 18. See box 74.
[0032] The application server 18 and work station 24 function to
group electronic posters. The posters may also be compiled into
posters kits arranged by, for example, a particular client or
client group such as retail clients or manufacturing clients. See
box 76. For example, the subscribers of systems 14 and 114 may have
access only to one set of poster kits while the subscriber of
systems 214 has access only to a different set of posters. The
application server is also configured to indicate the last time and
date that revisions or updates have been made to the poster
kits.
[0033] Each subscriber may modify these kits as will be more fully
described hereafter. Once the kits are established, the client may
select the specific electronic posters for display on the
electronic communication display 40. Thereafter, the client server
38 communicates the electronic posters to the electronic
communication display 40 as described above for display thereof.
See box 80. The subscriber can query through the web browser to
determine the latest times and dates of poster kit changes.
[0034] The client may also modify the client's poster kit as
follows. Using a client workstation 38, the client contacts the web
server 18 (see box 82 and 84) and logs onto the web server 18.
After checking for proper password and client ID, (see 86), the
client views the current kit contents at 88. The client may then
choose between different options. The client may search for posters
by topic, for exmple, posters with themes such as safety, attitude,
cooperation, etc. The client may remove any unwanted electronic
posters or other content at 90. The client may also search, using
the application server 18, to select a particular poster or posters
and add each selected poster to the poster kit at 92, 94 and 96.
The client may have access to various screens such as screen 200
(FIG. 5) to facilitate the search and selection. Optionally, the
client may design its own electronic poster content within the
application or simply provide electronic material for display all
of which may be added to the poster kit at 98 and 100. Once a
client has completed the modification, the electronic poster kit
will be made available by the application server 18. Accordingly,
when the client server 14 polls the web server 18, new media data
is downloaded for display on the electronic communication display
40 which is represented at box 102.
[0035] While the present invention has been described in connection
with what are presently considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather it is
intended to cover all of the various modifications and equivalent
arrangements including within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *